JP2002255299A - Liquid storage management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve delivery efficiency by enabling a tank lorry to unload while a gas station is closed. SOLUTION: A liquid-level meter display 16 of a gas station management system 10 reads liquid levels of the underground tanks 12a to 12d from corresponding liquid level meters 14a to 14d while the gas station is closed, and stores an amount of stock of each of the underground tanks 12a to 12d into a memory 35. After the gas station is closed, if a power source is turned on in response to communication telegraph from an unloading computer 34 mounted on a tank lorry 28, the liquid-level meter display 16 compares the amount of stock after the gas station was closed with an amount of stock after unloading and determines whether the comparison result is normal or abnormal. If the result is abnormal, the display device 16 informs a management computer 20 of the abnormal state. The management computer 20 compares an amount of stock when the gas station is open with the amount of stock after unloading and determines whether the comparison result is normal or abnormal. If the result is abnormal, the computer 20 informs a host computer 46 of the result.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of unloading an oil liquid loaded on a hatch of a tank truck into an underground tank or the like at a gas station, using liquid level data from a liquid level gauge for measuring the remaining amount in the underground tank. The present invention relates to a liquid storage management system to be managed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An operator of a tank truck loaded with oil liquid at an oil depot moves to a refueling station where an order has been placed, checks the ordered oil type and quantity, and checks the oil type of an underground tank at the refueling station. After confirming the unloading work.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional liquid storage management system. As shown in FIG. 11, in the conventional liquid storage management system, the liquid level gauge display device 1 is connected via a communication cable 4 to a management computer 3 installed in an office 2 of a gas station. The management computer 3 is connected to a liquid level gauge 6 provided in the underground tank 5 via a communication cable 7. Therefore, the liquid level data of the underground tank 5 measured by the liquid level gauge 6 is transmitted to the management computer 3 in the office 2 via the communication cable 7, and is transmitted from the management computer 3 to the outdoor computer via the communication cable 4. It is transferred to the liquid level gauge display device 1. In addition, the liquid level gauge display device 1
It is installed near the underground tank 5 and is supplied with power via a power cable 8 drawn from inside the office 2.

[0004] The driver of the tank truck 9 confirms that the oil type of the underground tank 5 is the same as the oil type to be unloaded, connects the unloading hose 9a to the end of the underground tank 5 with the lubrication port 5a, and connects the tank truck. Unloading computer 9 mounted on car 9
b is connected to the liquid level indicator 1 via the cable 9c. Then, the driver checks the remaining amount of the underground tank 5 displayed on the liquid level gauge display device 1 and determines whether or not the underground tank 5 has a capacity corresponding to the quantity to be unloaded.

When the underground tank 5 can be unloaded, a hatch bottom valve (not shown) is opened. As a result, the oil liquid loaded on the hatch is unloaded to the underground tank 5 of the gas station.

[0006]

However, conventionally, a liquid level gauge 6 provided in an underground tank 5 is connected to a management computer 3 installed in an office 2 remote from the underground tank 5 via a communication cable 7. Level gauge 6
The length of the communication cable 7 becomes longer from
There is a problem that not only extra work is required for the laying work, but also the construction cost becomes expensive.

[0007] In order to prevent delays due to traffic congestion, it has been studied to switch to nighttime delivery with high delivery efficiency to reduce the traveling time of the tank truck 9. However, if the tank lorry 9 arrives during the time when the gas station is closed, the driver of the tank lorry 9 cannot enter the office 2, so that the liquid level indicator 1
Must be kept turned on, and the power consumption increases.

Further, a method of transmitting and receiving liquid level data using a wireless communication device instead of laying the communication cable 7 has been studied. When the tank truck 9 arrives at the gas station after the store closes and unloads it, the management computer 3
Power is off, the liquid level indicator display 1
Is not displayed, and the driver cannot perform the unloading operation.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid storage management system which solves the above-mentioned problem.

[0010]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following features.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data communication means for directly transmitting the liquid level data output from the liquid level gauge to the liquid level gauge display device, and the liquid level data received by the liquid level gauge display device. A transfer means for transferring to a management computer installed in the office, and a power-on means for turning on the power of the liquid level gauge display device by an external operation. However, when the power of the liquid level gauge display device is turned on, the stored amount of the liquid remaining in the tank can be confirmed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a liquid level gauge and a level gauge display device are connected to each other, and the level data output from the level gauge is transmitted to the level gauge display device. A communication cable, a second communication cable for connecting the level gauge display device and the management computer, and transferring the liquid level data received by the level gauge display device to the management computer, and a second level cable provided on the level gauge display device And a power-on means for turning on the power by an external operation, so that even when the gas station is closed at night, the level gauge display device is turned on and the liquid remaining in the tank is removed. The stored amount can be confirmed, and night delivery of the tank truck can be realized.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the power supply of the liquid level gauge display device is turned on by a signal transmitted from the unloading computer mounted on the tank lorry vehicle. This eliminates the need for manual operation of the power supply, thereby simplifying nighttime unloading work.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the liquid level data measured by the liquid level gauge when the store is closed is stored and output from the liquid level gauge when the liquid loaded on each hatch of the tank truck is unloaded. The liquid level data read at the time of unloading is compared with the liquid level data read at the time of unloading and the liquid level data at the time of closing the store stored in the storage means, and if there is a difference between both liquid level data, an abnormality is notified. In addition, it is possible to confirm from the abnormality notification that the liquid level in the underground tank fluctuates during the unloading of the liquid from the tank truck after the filling station is closed.

The invention described in claim 5 stores the liquid level data output from the liquid level gauge when the oil liquid loaded on each hatch of the tank truck is unloaded, and outputs the data from the liquid level meter when the store is opened. The liquid level data read at the time of opening the store is compared with the liquid level data at the time of unloading stored in the storage means, and when there is a difference between the two liquid level data, an abnormality is notified. Then, it is possible to confirm whether or not the liquid level of the underground tank fluctuates during the opening of the liquid supply station by the abnormality notification after unloading the oil liquid of the tank truck.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a gas station management system to which an embodiment of a liquid storage management system according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a layout diagram showing a layout of each device installed in a gas station. 1 and 2
As shown in FIG. 1, in the gas station management system 10, liquid level meters (level sensors) 14a to 14d for measuring the liquid levels in the underground tanks 12a to 12d of the gas station, and the underground tank 12a
Thermometer (temperature sensor) 15a for measuring the temperature of ~ 12d
15d, an outdoor level gauge display device 16 for displaying the liquid level (remaining amount) of the underground tanks 12a to 12d measured by the level gauges 14a to 15d, and installed in an office 18 of a gas station. And a management computer 20.

The management computer 20 includes an operation panel 19 provided with a plurality of operation keys, and underground tanks 12a to 12d.
Display device 21 for displaying the liquid level of the underground tanks 12a to
And a printer 23 for printing a 12d inventory amount.
The display device 21 includes a CRT display or the like, and displays information on unloading and refueling other than the liquid levels of the underground tanks 12a to 12d as needed.

The liquid level gauge display device 16 includes liquid level gauges 14a to 14d and thermometers 15a to 15 provided in the underground tank 12.
d and communication cables (data communication means, first communication cables) 24a to 24d and 25a to 25d, and are connected to the management computer 2 installed in the office 18.
0 is a communication cable (second communication cable) with the liquid level indicator display device 16 provided near the underground tanks 12a to 12d.
22.

As described above, the liquid level data output from the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d and the temperature data output from the thermometers 15a to 15d are stored in the communication cables 24a to 24d, 2
The communication cables 24a to 24d and 25a to 25d are transmitted directly to the liquid level gauge display device 16 via the communication cables 5a to 25d.
The entire length of d can be shorter than in the case of extending the inside of the office 18 as in the conventional case, and the labor required for the cable laying work can be reduced correspondingly, so that the time required for the work can be shortened and the construction cost can be reduced.

Further, the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d and the thermometer 1
The liquid level data and temperature data of the underground tanks 12a to 12d measured at 5a to 15d are stored in communication cables 24a to 24d.
d, 25a to 25d, are transmitted to the liquid level gauge display device 16, and are transferred from the liquid level gauge display device 16 to the management computer 20 via the communication cable 23. In addition, the management computer 20 checks the remaining amount of each oil type based on the liquid level data of the underground tanks 12a to 12d transferred from the liquid level gauge display device 16 and outputs a refueling permission as described later, Alternatively, after unloading at night by the tank truck 28 at the time of opening the store, it is checked whether or not the remaining amount of the tank has fluctuated, and it is determined whether or not the oil liquid theft has occurred during closing.

The liquid level gauge display device 16 is provided with an underground tank 12a.
The power is supplied through a power cable 26 drawn out of the office 18.
The liquid level gauge display device 16 is provided with a power switch 27 for manual operation for turning on or off the power cable 26. A power switch (not shown) that is turned on or off by a command (communication message) from an unloading computer 34 mounted on the tank truck 28 is provided inside the liquid level indicator display device 16. In addition, the level gauge display device 16 displays the underground tank 1 when the store is closed as described later.
Means for storing the remaining amount of 2a to 12d in the memory 35;
A printer 39 for printing the stock amount of the underground tanks 12a to 12d, and a level meter 17 for displaying the remaining amount of the tank obtained from the liquid level data transmitted from the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d.
Having.

The driver of the tank truck 28 confirms that the type of oil in the underground tanks 12a to 12d is the same as the type of oil to be unloaded, and connects the end of the unloading hose 30 to the underground tank 12a.
To the lubrication ports 32a to 32d provided near to 12d. The lubrication ports 32a to 32d are exposed on the ground,
Lubrication pipeline 33 inserted into underground tanks 12a to 12d
a to 33d.

When the unloading computer 34 mounted on the tank truck 28 is connected to the level gauge display device 16 via the cable 36, the level gauge display device 16 is instructed to turn on the power (communication message), A command (communication message) for displaying the remaining amount of the tanks 12a to 12d is output. Then, the driver operates the underground tank 1 displayed on the liquid level gauge display device 16.
Check the remaining amount of the underground tanks 12a to 12d.
It is determined whether the capacity corresponding to the quantity to be unloaded is free in 12d.

When the underground tanks 12a to 12d are ready for unloading, the hatch bottom valve (not shown) is opened. Thus, the oil liquid loaded on the hatch is unloaded to the underground tanks 12a to 12d at the gas station.

The management computer 20 of the office 18
Is connected to a public line 42 via a modem 40, and an upper computer 46 of a management center 44 for managing a gas station is also connected to the public line 42 via a modem 48. Therefore, the gas station management computer 20 is communicably connected to the host computer 46 via the public line 42. For example, the quantity of the oil liquid sold on that day, the delivery request of the tank truck 28, or the When the oil liquid in the tanks 12a to 12d fluctuates, an abnormality such as theft of the oil liquid can be notified.

As shown in FIG. 2, underground tanks 12a to 12d storing four kinds of oil liquids (high-octane gasoline, regular gasoline, kerosene and light oil), and underground tanks 12a And measuring devices 38a to 38d for supplying oil liquids of up to 12d. The oil liquid in the underground tanks 12a to 12d
The liquid is supplied to the weighing machines 38a to 38d via the liquids a to 40d.

The weighing machines 38a to 38d are arranged in the vicinity of the office 18, so that when a customer's vehicle arrives, a worker at a gas station can immediately perform a refueling operation.
Alternatively, the underground tanks 12a to 12d are tank trucks 2
8 is installed at a position away from the weighing machines 38a to 38d and the office 18 so as not to disturb the refueling work by the weighing machines 38a to 38d when it arrives at the gas station.

The level gauges 14a to 14d for measuring the liquid levels in the underground tanks 12a to 12d are provided with communication cables 24a.
24d is connected to a liquid level gauge display device 16 for outdoor use. The liquid level data measured by the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d is transferred from the liquid level gauge display device 16 to the management computer 20. Therefore, the underground tanks 12a-1
The liquid level of 2d is measured by the level meter 17 of the liquid level indicator display device 16.
And is displayed on the display device 21 of the management computer 20.

Before unloading, the driver of the tank truck 28 turns on the power of the liquid level gauge display device 16 and connects the cable 36 from the management computer 20 to the liquid level gauge display device 16. Then, the management computer 20 reads the liquid level data measured by the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d into the liquid level gauge display device 16, and displays the liquid levels of the underground tanks 12a to 12d. Thereby, the driver can use the underground tank 1
The liquid level (remaining amount) of 2a to 12d is checked, and the free level (remaining hatch capacity) of the liquid level (remaining amount) of the underground tanks 12a to 12d corresponding to the type of unloading oil is unloaded. (The space inside the underground tank).

In the vicinity of the liquid level gauge display device 16, each of the lubrication ports 32a through 32d communicated with the underground tanks 12a through 12d.
32d are provided in a concentrated manner. Therefore, the driver of the tank lorry 28 stops the tank lorry 28 in the vicinity of the liquid level gauge display device 16 and the underground tanks 12a to 12d
After confirming the remaining amount, start unloading work.

Further, since the plurality of lubrication ports 32a to 32d are provided at one location, the lubrication pipeline is shortened, and the level gauges 14a to 14d are buried at the stage of burying the underground tanks 12a to 12d. By performing the wiring work at the same time, the time and cost required for the work can be reduced.

Here, various control processes executed by the gas station management system configured as described above will be described. First, a store closing process performed by the liquid level gauge display device 16 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the store closing process executed by the liquid level gauge display device 16.

As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid level gauge display device 1
In S11, when the store closing switch of the management computer 20 is turned on at S11 when the store is closed, the control circuit of S1 executes S1.
2 and read the liquid level data measured by the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d, sample the temperature of the underground tanks 12a to 12d from the thermometers 15a to 15d, and convert the oil to a reference temperature (for example, 15 ° C.). The liquid stock amount is calculated (liquid level data reading means). Thus, the underground tank 12
By converting the temperatures a to 12d into reference temperatures, a volume change (specific gravity change) accompanying a temperature change can be corrected.

In the next step S13, a slip 37 is printed in which the stock amount of the oil liquid remaining in the underground tanks 12a to 12d at present (when the store is closed) is printed, and the slips of the underground tanks 12a to 12d are stored in the memory 35 (storage means). Stores inventory data. And
In S14, the internal power switch (not shown) of the liquid level gauge display device 16 is opened to turn off the power.

Here, the unloading process executed by the liquid level gauge display device 16 will be described. 4 to 8 are flowcharts of the unloading process executed by the liquid level gauge display device 16. As shown in FIG. 4, when the control circuit of the liquid level gauge display device 16 is connected to the unloading computer 34 mounted on the tank truck 28 and the cable 36 in S21, the process proceeds to S22, where the unloading computer 34 and the cable are connected. 3
It is checked whether communication has become possible via 6.
If communication with the unloading computer 34 is not possible in S22, the process proceeds to S23, where an error is output to the unloading computer 34 as a communication error, and in S24 the management computer 2
Notify to 0 that repair is required.

If it is determined in step S22 that communication with the unloading computer 34 is possible, the process proceeds to step S25, in which the power of the liquid level gauge display device 16 is transmitted from the unloading computer 34 based on a command (communication message). A power switch (not shown) is turned on (power supply means).

In the next S26, the underground tanks 12a to 12a
The underground tank information (level gauges 14a to 14a) is sent to the unloading computer 34 in response to a command (communication message) for displaying the remaining amount of d.
d, underground tank 12 measured by thermometers 15a to 15d
a to 12d) (transfer means).

Then, the process proceeds to S27, in which the thermometers 15a to 15a-1
Underground tank 1 obtained by sampling temperature data of underground tanks 12a to 12d measured at 5d and converting it to a reference temperature
Calculate the stock amount (oil liquid remaining amount) of 2a to 12d.

In the next S28, the memory 35 at the time of the store closing process is used.
Is read from the underground tanks 12a to 12d (the remaining amount of the oil liquid) and compared with the stock amount at the time of unloading. Subsequently, in S29, the stock amount at the time of closing the store and the stock amount immediately before unloading are compared, and a reference value (threshold value) predetermined for both the stock amounts is determined.
Check if there is a difference. The reference value (threshold) is a value in which an allowable range of a difference between the stock amount at the time of closing the store and the stock amount immediately before unloading is set in advance.

In S29, if there is a difference between the values of the two stock amounts by a predetermined reference value (threshold value) or more, the flow shifts to S30 to notify that an abnormality such as theft of the oil liquid has occurred,
Print the details of the error. Then, unloading is not permitted (or unloading is prohibited), and the management computer 20 is not allowed.
Then, it notifies the host computer 46 of the occurrence of the abnormality (notification means). Then, the current unloading process is stopped.

If it is determined in step S29 that there is no difference between the values of the two stock amounts by more than a predetermined reference value (threshold), the process proceeds to step S29.
Proceeding to 31, the underground tanks 12a to 12d at the time of unloading start
Is stored in the memory 35.

In the next step S32, when a communication message indicating the completion of unloading is received from the unloading computer 34 mounted on the tank truck 28, the flow advances to S33 to print the stock amount of the underground tanks 12a to 12d at the start of unloading and at the time of unloading. Invoice 3
Issue 7. Thus, the unloading process of the liquid level gauge display device 16 ends.

The unloading process executed by the unloading computer 34 mounted on the tank truck 28 will now be described.

FIGS. 5 to 8 are flowcharts of the unloading process executed by the unloading computer 34 mounted on the tank truck 28. As shown in FIG. 5, when the power is turned on in S41, the unloading computer 34 operates in S41.
Proceeding to 42, it is checked whether communication with the level gauge display device 16 is possible. In S42, the level gauge display device 16 is connected to the level gauge display device 16 via the cable 36.
When communication with the device 6 becomes possible, the process proceeds to S43, and a communication message instructing the power level to be turned on is transmitted to the liquid level gauge display device 16.

In the next step S44, it is checked whether or not the power of the liquid level gauge display device 16 is turned on. When the power of the liquid level gauge display device 16 is turned on, the program proceeds to S45, where 3
5 shows the underground tank 12a received from the level gauge display device 16.
12d is stored. This underground tank 12a-1
The information of 2d includes the number of underground tanks, each underground tank 12
a-12d oil type, measurement status of the liquid level gauges 14a-14d of each underground tank 12a-12d, each underground tank 12a-1
There is a total capacity of 2d, an empty capacity of each of the underground tanks 12a to 12d, and the like.

Then, in S46, the information of each of the underground tanks 12a to 12d is displayed on the display device 21, and a message such as "Press the confirmation key."

In the next step S47, it is checked whether or not a confirmation key (not shown) provided on the operation panel 19 of the management computer 20 has been turned on. And operation panel 1
When the confirmation key (not shown) provided on the display 9 is turned on, the oil type and quantity of each hatch (not shown) are displayed on the display device 21 in S48 of FIG.

Further, in S49, it is checked whether the unloading key (not shown) of the discharge port corresponding to the hatch to be unloaded has been turned on. Subsequently, in S50, it is confirmed whether or not the hatch oil type to be unloaded matches the hatch specified as the delivery destination.

In the next S50, if the oil types match, the flow advances to S51 to check whether or not the hatch is designated as the delivery destination. If it is not the delivery destination hatch in S51, the process proceeds to S52, and it is checked whether or not the delivery destination hatch is designated. In S52, when the delivery hatch is designated, the process returns to S49, and the processes after S49 are executed again.

If it is determined in S51 that the hatch to be unloaded is the hatch of the delivery destination, the process proceeds to S53 in FIG. 7, and the oil type of the hatch to be unloaded and the underground tank 12 to be unloaded.
It is checked whether the oil types a to 12d match. In S54, if the oil type does not match, the process proceeds to S55, and the underground tanks 12a to 12C that match the oil type to be unloaded are read.
It is checked whether or not a change has been made to connect the unloading hose 34 to the lubrication ports 32a to 32d of d.

If the change has been completed in S55, the flow returns to S49, and the processing after S49 is executed again. However, S5
In S4, if the oil type matches, the process proceeds to S56, where the unloading capacity of the hatch for unloading and the free capacity of the underground tanks 12a to 12d are compared.

At S57, the unloading capacity is changed to the underground tank 12a.
Confirm that it is less than the free space of ~ 12d. This S
At 57, the unloading capacity is changed from the underground tank to the underground tank 12a.
If it is larger than the free space of ~ 12d, the process proceeds to S58, where an abnormality is displayed (notified) and unloading is prohibited. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S59, and it is confirmed that the unloading hose 34 has been connected to the underground tanks 12a to 12d having more empty capacity than the unloading capacity. Thereafter, the flow returns to S49, and the processing after S49 is executed again.

If the unloading capacity is smaller than the free capacity of the underground tanks 12a to 12d in S57, the control goes to S6.
The process proceeds to 0, and the bottom valve (not shown) of the designated hatch is opened, and the status display column of the hatch is changed to “unloading” on the display device 21. When the driver opens a discharge valve (not shown) connected to the hatch,
Unloading starts.

In the next S61, the unloaded underground tank 1
Liquid level gauges 14a to 14 for measuring the liquid level rise of 2a to 12d
It is checked whether or not the full alarm has been output based on the measured value of d. If the full tank warning is output in S61, the process proceeds to S62 in FIG. 8, and displays an abnormality and prohibits unloading. After that, returning to S49 described above,
The processing after S49 is executed again.

In S63, the unloaded underground tank 12a
It is checked whether an overflow has occurred in .about.12d. In S63, the unloaded underground tanks 12a-
If an overflow has occurred in 12d, the process proceeds to S62,
The bottom valve (not shown) of the tank truck 28 is closed to prohibit unloading.

If it is determined in S63 that no overflow has occurred in the unloaded underground tanks 12a to 12d, the process proceeds to S64 to check whether the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d are abnormal. In S64, the liquid level meters 12a to
If 12d is abnormal, the process proceeds to S62, where the bottom valve (not shown) of the tank truck 28 is closed to prohibit unloading.

In S64, the liquid level gauges 14a to 14a-1
If 4d is normal, the flow advances to S66 to check whether unloading is completed. If the unloading has not been completed in S66, the process returns to S49, and the processes after S49 are executed again.

When the unloading of the hatch is completed in S65, the process proceeds to S66, and the level gauge display device 16
Unload completion data is transmitted to In the next step S67, a message such as "Do you want to finish unloading or continue unloading?" Is displayed on the monitor (not shown) of the unloading computer 34 mounted on the tank truck 28. And S
If the driver selects "continue" in 67, the process returns to S49 described above, and unloading from another hatch is performed. In addition, when the driver selects “end”, the current unloading process ends.

Here, the processing when the gas station is opened will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the store opening process executed by the management computer 20. As shown in FIG.
When the worker at the gas station turns on the store opening switch at the store opening time of the day at S7, the management computer 20 proceeds to S7.
In step 1, the liquid level data measured by the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d is read, and the temperature of the underground tanks 12a to 12d is sampled from the thermometers 15a to 15d and converted to a reference temperature (for example, 15 ° C.). The liquid stock amount is calculated (liquid level data reading means).

In the next S72, the current (at the time of opening the store) liquid level data is read from the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d to calculate the stock amount of the oil liquid in the underground tanks 12a to 12d.
5 (storage means) and reads the stock amount at the time of unloading completion. And the current (under opening) underground tanks 12a-1
Voucher 5 that prints 2d inventory amount and inventory amount when unloading is completed
Issue 0.

In the next S73, the inventory amount of the underground tanks 12a to 12d stored in the memory 35 at the time of unloading completion is compared with the inventory amount of the underground tanks 12a to 12d at the time of opening the store.
Then, in S74, by comparing the stock amount at the time of unloading completion and the stock amount at the time of opening the store, it is checked whether or not there is a difference between the two stock amounts by a predetermined reference value (threshold) or more. still,
The reference value (threshold) sets an allowable range of a difference between the stock amount at the time of opening the store and the stock amount at the time of unloading completion.

In S74, when there is a difference between the values of the two stock amounts by a predetermined reference value (threshold value) or more, the flow goes to S75 to notify that an abnormality such as theft of the oil liquid has occurred and to unload the cargo. Is not permitted (or unloading is prohibited), and an abnormality occurrence is notified to the host computer 46 of the management center 44 (notification means). Then, the current store opening process is stopped.

If it is determined in step S74 that there is no difference between the values of the stock amounts and the predetermined reference value (threshold), the process proceeds to step S74.
Proceeding to 76, the stock amount of the underground tanks 12a to 12d at the time of opening the store is stored in the memory 35. Then, the current store opening process ends.

As described above, the driver of the tank truck 28 connects the unloading computer 34 and the liquid level gauge display device 16 with the cable 36 to move during the night when the gas station is closed, and Since the power of the display device 16 can be turned on, the oil liquid can be supplied from the underground tanks 12a to
Since the cargo can be unloaded to 12d, the delivery efficiency can be improved. Also, for example, even if a person other than the driver of the tank truck 28 attempts to unload or steal the oil liquid, the power supply of the liquid level gauge display device 16 is turned off unless a command (communication message) is transmitted from the unloading computer 34. Since it is not switched on, no person other than the concerned person can operate the level gauge display device 16.

Here, a modified example of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a modification of the present invention.
The same parts as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 10, in the gas station management system 60, the management computer 20, the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d, and the thermometers 15a to 15d are displayed on the liquid level gauge display device 16.
A first wireless communication device 62 for performing data communication with 15d is attached. In addition, the management computer 20
It is connected to a second wireless communication device 64 for performing data communication with the liquid level gauge display device 16.

Further, the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d, the thermometer 1
5a to 15d are connected to second and third wireless communication devices 66 and 68 for transmitting measurement data to the first wireless communication device 62 in response to a data request from the liquid level gauge display device 16. .

When the driver of the tank truck 28 arrives at the gas station, the unloading computer 34 and the liquid level indicator 1
6 is connected by a cable 36. Liquid level gauge display device 1
6 is activated when the internal power is turned on by a command from the unloading computer 34, and is activated from the first wireless communication device 62 to the second and third wireless communication devices of the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d and the thermometers 15a to 15d. A data request signal is transmitted to 66 and 68.

Thus, the liquid level gauges 14a to 14d and the thermometers 15a to 15d transmit the liquid level data and temperature data of the underground tanks 12a to 12d to the second and third wireless communication devices 66, respectively.
From 68, the signal is transmitted to the first wireless communication device 62 of the liquid level gauge display device 16. The liquid level gauge display device 16 stores the received liquid level data and temperature data in the memory 35 and displays them on the display 17 as in the above embodiment. When the store is opened, the liquid level gauge display device 16 displays the second level of the management computer 20.
Upon receiving the data request signal from the wireless communication device 64,
The liquid level data and the temperature data stored in the memory 35 are transferred to the management computer 20 via the wireless communication device 62.

As described above, in the refueling station management system 60, since it is not necessary to lay communication cables, it is possible to reduce the construction cost and the time required for the construction, and it is also possible to reduce the nighttime when the refueling station is closed. Tank truck 28
When the vehicle arrives, the power of the liquid level gauge display device 16 can be turned on, and the driver can use the liquid level gauge display device 17 to check the liquid level data and the temperature data of each of the underground tanks 12a to 12d. Can be.

Note that the wireless communication devices 62, 64, 66,
68 may be a communication means for transmitting and receiving using infrared rays or radio waves, or a PH capable of performing data communication.
A communication method using a LAN (Local Area Network) in a gas station using an S (Personal Handyphone System) type transceiver may be used.

In the above embodiment, the case where the tank lorry 28 unloads the oil liquid to the underground tanks 12a to 12d of the gas station is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Liquids other than liquids (for example, liquid fuel necessary for generating energy of a vehicle delivered by a tank lorry or liquid necessary for a chemical reaction such as a fuel cell) can be applied to unloading to underground tanks 12a to 12d. Of course.

[0072]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the data communication means for directly transmitting the liquid level data output from the liquid level gauge to the liquid level gauge display device, and the liquid level gauge display device Transfer means for transferring the liquid level data received at the office to the management computer installed at the office side, and power supply means for turning on the liquid level display device by an external operation. In addition, even at night when the gas station is closed, the power of the liquid level gauge display device is turned on, and the storage amount of the liquid remaining in the tank can be confirmed. Then, night delivery of the tank truck can be realized, and the delivery efficiency of the tank truck can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the level gauge and the level gauge display device are connected to each other, and the level data output from the level gauge is transmitted to the level gauge display device. A first communication cable, a second communication cable for connecting the level gauge display device to the management computer, and transferring the liquid level data received by the level gauge display device to the management computer, and a level gauge display device And a power-on means for turning on the power by an external operation, so that the level gauge display device is turned on even in the night when the gas station is closed and remains in the tank. The amount of liquid stored can be confirmed, and night delivery of the tank truck can be realized.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the power supply of the liquid level gauge display device is turned on by a signal transmitted from the unloading computer mounted on the tank lorry vehicle. There is no need to manually operate the power supply of the display device, and the labor of unloading at night can be simplified.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the liquid level data measured by the liquid level gauge at the time of closing the store is stored, and when the liquid loaded on each hatch of the tank truck is unloaded, the liquid level is measured from the liquid level meter. To read the output liquid level data, compare the liquid level data read at the time of unloading with the liquid level data at the time of closing stored in the storage means, and notify an abnormality when there is a difference between the two liquid level data. In addition, it is possible to confirm from the abnormality notification that the liquid level in the tank fluctuates during the unloading of the liquid from the tank truck after the filling station is closed. Therefore, it is possible to detect occurrence of an abnormality in the tank (theft of liquid, etc.) before the tank lorry truck is delivered and unloaded at night, and prohibit unloading.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the oil liquid loaded on each hatch of the tank truck is unloaded, the liquid level data output from the liquid level gauge is stored, and when the store is opened, the liquid level data is stored. To read the output liquid level data, compare the liquid level data read at the time of opening the store with the liquid level data at the time of unloading stored in the storage means, and notify an abnormality when there is a difference between the two liquid level data. Then, it is possible to confirm whether or not the liquid level in the tank fluctuates during the opening of the liquid supply station by the abnormality notification after unloading the oil liquid of the tank truck. Therefore, after the tank lorry vehicle has been delivered and unloaded at night, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the tank (such as liquid theft) and prohibit unloading.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a gas station management system to which an embodiment of a liquid storage management system according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a layout diagram showing a layout of each device installed in a gas station.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a store closing process executed by the liquid level gauge display device 16;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an unloading process performed by an unloading computer 34 mounted on the tank truck 28;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an unloading process executed after the process of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an unloading process executed after the process of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an unloading process executed after the process of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an unloading process executed after the process of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a store opening process executed by the management computer 20.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a modified example of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a conventional liquid storage management system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10,60 Gas station management system 12a-12d Underground tank 14a-14d Level gauge 15a-15d Thermometer 16 Level gauge display 17 Level meter 18 Office 20 Management computer 22,24a-24d, 25a-25d Communication cable 28 Tank lorry 26 Power cable 27 Power switch 28 Tank lorry 30 Unloading hose 32 32a-32d 33a-33d Lubrication pipeline 34 Unloading computer 35 Memory 38a-38d Weighing machine 40a-40d Liquid supply pipeline 42 Public line 44 Management center 46 Host computer 62, 64, 66, 68 wireless communication device

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A liquid level meter provided in a tank from which a liquid loaded on each hatch of a tank truck is unloaded, and a liquid level in the tank based on liquid level data measured by the liquid level meter. A liquid storage management system comprising: a management computer for managing; and a liquid level display device for displaying a liquid level in the tank based on liquid level data measured by the liquid level gauge. Data communication means for directly transmitting the measured liquid level data to the liquid level gauge display device, and transfer means for transferring the liquid level data received by the liquid level gauge display device to the management computer installed at the office side And a power-on means for turning on the power of the level gauge display device from an external operation. 2. A liquid level meter provided in a tank where liquid loaded on each hatch of a tank truck is unloaded, and a liquid level in the tank based on liquid level data measured by the liquid level meter. A management computer for managing, based on the liquid level data measured by the liquid level gauge, in a liquid storage management system comprising a liquid level gauge display device for displaying the liquid amount in the tank, A first communication cable for connecting the level gauge display device and transmitting the level data output from the level gauge to the level gauge display device, the level gauge display device and the management computer; And a second communication cable for transferring the liquid level data received by the level gauge display device to the management computer; and a power supply provided on the level gauge display device, which is turned on by an external operation. Power supply means to be Ete reservoir management system characterized by comprising. 3. The liquid storage device according to claim 1, wherein the power-on means turns on the power of the liquid level gauge display device according to a signal transmitted from the unloading computer mounted on the tank truck. Management system. 4. A storage means for storing liquid level data measured by a liquid level gauge when the store is closed, and output from the liquid level gauge when the oil liquid loaded on each hatch of the tank truck is unloaded. Liquid level data reading means for reading liquid level data; and comparing the liquid level data read at the time of unloading with the liquid level data at the time of closing stored in the storage means, and when there is a difference between the two liquid level data. The storage management system according to claim 1, further comprising: notification means for notifying an abnormality. 5. A storage means for storing liquid level data output from the liquid level gauge when the oil liquid loaded on each hatch of the tank truck is unloaded, and output from the liquid level gauge when the store is opened. Liquid level data reading means for reading liquid level data; comparing the liquid level data read at the time of opening the store with the liquid level data at the time of unloading stored in the storage means, when there is a difference between the two liquid level data. The storage management system according to claim 1, further comprising: notification means for notifying an abnormality.