EP0915054B1 - Dispensing device for different grades of fuel at a single dispensing point and method of pricing adapted to such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

On the pressure side of the fuel pumps (4), individual pipelines (5a) from each of the different fuel types are connected to a common pipeline (5b) prior to a fuel measurement device (7), a delivery hose (3) and a delivery valve (2). In addition each of the pumps has a non-return valve (6) to prevent any unwanted return and mixing of fuel types. A further development is a supply line after the meter (7) that can route the fuel according to its type to a separate channel within a multichannel delivery hose. An Independent claim is included for the determination of dispensed fuel cost.

Description

The invention relates to a device for dispensing different Types of fuel at a tap with at least one with a tap provided dispensing hose, starting from which the fuel to be dispensed in each case of at least one storage tank per fuel type by means of each a fuel feed pump is supplied through piping, wherein between the pressure side of each fuel delivery pump and the minimum one nozzle, one for all types of fuel, with one Computer connected measuring device is arranged and each Fuel feed pump is connected to a check valve. The invention also relates to a method for determining the fuel delivery price such a device.

In the usual tapping points known from practice, there is one type of fuel a dispensing hose is provided, starting from a fuel tank by means of a fuel delivery pump to supply the fuel via pipes with one in each pipe for each type of fuel Computer-connected measuring device for determining the amount of fuel delivered and the selling price is arranged.

To reduce the space required within each tap is from the EP-A-0 723 929 discloses a generic device in which one for All types of fuel common measuring device is provided, the over separate pipelines are supplied to the individual types of fuel. Though This known device enables a reduction in the number of measuring devices per dispenser side on one measuring device, however it is at this known device for controlling the measuring device, that a shut-off valve in each pipeline leading from the storage tank to the measuring device is arranged. This arrangement of a shut-off valve the production and maintenance costs increase per fuel type supply line for such a known device.

The invention is based on the problem in a generic apparatus for dispensing different fuels to reduce the technical assembly and maintenance-related costs, so that a thus embodied apparatus is easier and less expensive to manufacture and operate. Another object is to provide a method for determining the selling price for such a device.

In terms of the device, the solution to this problem is characterized according to the invention in that the pressure-side pipelines of the fuel feed pumps are brought together in a common pipeline in the conveying direction of the fuel in front of the measuring device.

By merging the fuel supply lines into a common, The pipeline leading to the measuring device is the assembly effort in the area the measuring device from one pipe per fuel type to one common pipeline reduced.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is also proposed that that the common pipe is connected directly to the measuring device is. Since the entire system is between Fuel feed pump and nozzle valve around a closed and thus with If the system is fuel-filled, it is possible to use a system designed according to the invention Device without any shut-off valves in the area between Check valve and measuring device or measuring device and nozzle valve operate. Due to this valveless design, the assembly and Maintenance effort for a device according to the invention compared to the known State of the art significantly reduced.

To the pumped by the fuel pump and by the measuring device To be able to measure the determined amount of fuel exactly is according to one Another embodiment of the invention proposed that in the A common shut-off valve in front of the measuring device is arranged, which is used to suppress the wake of the Fuel feed pump the common leading to the measuring device Pipe seals.

When using a device according to the invention for taps with each one dispensing hose per dispenser side and one measuring device per Dispenser side is proposed that the pressure-side pipes of the Fuel feed pumps in the direction of delivery of the fuel in front of each Measuring device per dispenser side in a common pipeline per Dispenser side are merged and in the two dispenser sides leading pressure-side pipelines of the fuel feed pumps a shut-off valve is arranged in each case the common pipeline. These shut-off valves provided in the fuel supply lines for each fuel type serve on the one hand to supply the fuel to the desired one Dispenser side and on the other hand to shut off the Fuel supply lines to prevent the after-running of the Fuel feed pumps an exact measurement of the fuel delivery quantity is difficult.

Furthermore, the invention proposes that the design of one dispensing hose per dispenser side as with separate flow channels Multi-chamber hose provided for different types of fuel that from one measuring device per dispenser side to the multi-chamber hose leading common pipeline in the area of the hose connection divided into feed lines leading to the individual flow channels is, with a shut-off valve being arranged in each feed line. This Shut-off valves arranged in the supply lines are used for activation of the individual flow channels in the multi-chamber hose.

According to a practical embodiment of the invention, the shut-off valves are of the device according to the invention designed as solenoid valves.

a) Überwachung der Betätigung der Wähleinrichtung,

b) Berechnen des Abgabepreises zumindest für das bekannte Volumen der gemeinsamen Rohrleitung und der Meßeinrichtung nach dem Preis der Kraftstoffsorte vor der Betätigung der Wähleinrichtung gemäß a),

c) automatisches Umschalten der Preisberechnung auf den Preis des unter a) gewählten Kraftstoffes, sobald die Meßeinrichtung eine Kraftstoffabgabemenge ermittelt hat, die zumindest dem Volumen der gemeinsamen Rohrleitung und der Meßeinrichtung entspricht und

d) Addition der unter b) und c) ermittelten Preise.

The procedural solution for determining the fuel delivery price in a device according to the invention with a selection device for selecting the type of fuel to be dispensed is characterized by the process office:

a) monitoring the operation of the selection device,

b) calculating the delivery price at least for the known volume of the common pipeline and the measuring device according to the price of the fuel type before actuating the selection device according to a),

c) automatic switching of the price calculation to the price of the fuel selected under a) as soon as the measuring device has determined a fuel delivery quantity which corresponds at least to the volume of the common pipeline and the measuring device and

d) addition of the prices determined under b) and c).

This pricing process ensures that the user the device according to the invention exactly paid the price that delivered fuel type and fuel quantity corresponds.

b) Berechnen des Abgabepreises für das bekannte Volumen der gemeinsamen Rohrleitung, der Meßeinrichtung sowie des Zapfschlauches nach dem Preis der Kraftstoffsorte vor der Betätigung der Wähleinrichtung gemäß a) und

c) automatisches Umschalten der Preisberechnung auf den Preis des unter a) gewählten Kraftstsoffes, sobald die Meßeinrichtung eine Kraftstoffabgabemenge ermittelt hat, die dem Volumen der gemeinsamen Rohrleitung, der Meßeinrichtung sowie dem Zapfschlauch entspricht.

When using a single-chamber hose, process steps b) and c) are varied as follows:

b) Calculating the delivery price for the known volume of the common pipeline, the measuring device and the dispensing hose according to the price of the fuel type before the selection device according to a) and

c) automatic switching of the price calculation to the price of the fuel selected under a) as soon as the measuring device has determined a fuel delivery quantity which corresponds to the volume of the common pipeline, the measuring device and the dispensing hose.

Through this method according to the invention is also when using a Single chamber tubing ensures that the user pays a price that corresponds exactly to the price for the type and quantity of fuel received.

According to a practical embodiment of the invention, it is further proposed that that for the calculation of the price according to the procedural steps b) the price of the fuel selected under a) is used, if the price of this fuel is lower than that of the previous one Fuel. In this way it is ensured that the user through the the remaining volume of the previous refueling process only the price the type of fuel he pays when operating the invention Device has chosen.

Fig.1

eine schematische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Einkammer-Zapfschlauch;

Fig.2

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Einkammer-Zapfschlauch;

Fig.3

eine dritte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Einkammer-Zapfschlauch, die Verwendung mit jeweils einem Zapfschlauch pro Zapfsäulenseite darstellend;

Fig.4

eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Mehrkammer-Zapfschlauch;

Fig.5

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Mehrkammer-Zapfschlauch und

Fig.6

eine dritte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Mehrkammer-Zapfschlauch, die Verwendung an einer Zapfstelle mit jeweils einem Zapfschlauch pro Zapfsäulenseite darstellend.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description of the associated drawing, in which six exemplary embodiments of a device according to the invention are shown. The drawing shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention with a single-chamber dispensing hose;

Fig. 2

a second embodiment of a device according to the invention with a single-chamber dispensing hose;

Fig. 3

a third embodiment of a device according to the invention with a single-chamber dispensing hose, illustrating the use with one dispensing hose per dispenser side;

Fig. 4

a first embodiment of a device according to the invention with a multi-chamber dispensing hose;

Fig. 5

a second embodiment of a device according to the invention with a multi-chamber dispensing hose and

Fig. 6

a third embodiment of a device according to the invention with a multi-chamber dispensing hose, illustrating the use at a dispensing point with one dispensing hose per dispenser side.

Figures 1 to 6 each show a schematic view of a Tap for dispensing three types of fuel. To promote the individual Fuel types located in storage tanks 1 to one with a Nozzle 2 provided nozzle 3 is each storage tank 1 for each Type of fuel assigned a fuel pump 4. The Fuel feed pump 4 and the dispensing hose 3 are via pipes 5 connected with each other.

In order to empty the pipes 5 and the nozzle 3 in To prevent the direction of the storage tank 1, each fuel feed pump 4 is on Check valve 6 downstream. To determine the of the Fuel delivery pump 4 promoted and on the nozzle 3 or that Fuel valve 2 dispensed amount of fuel is in the pipeline 5 before Dispensing hose 3 arranged a measuring device 7, which consists of a Piston knife 7a and a pulse generator 7b. From the one of that Pulses 7b generated pulses are calculated using the measuring device 7 connected computer 8 the amount of fuel delivered and the associated fuel delivery price. The values determined by the computer 8 are on the one hand on the one or the two displays 9 of each Displayed on the tap and on the other hand to a - not shown - Central computer of the tank system transmitted.

Furthermore, those shown in Figures 1 to 6 Embodiments common that the of the storage tanks 1 for the individual fuel types outgoing fuel lines 5a before Measuring device 7 merge into a common pipe 5b, so that only a pipe, namely the common pipe 5b, to the Measuring device 7 is connected.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is characterized in that no further between the check valves 6 and the nozzle 2 Shut-off valve is present. This check valve-free design will thereby allowing the pipelines to run empty due to the 5th and the dispensing hose 3 preventing check valves 6 the entire System is completely filled with fuel. To operate this device all that is required is to select the type of fuel to be dispensed using one Dialing device, not shown, via which the corresponding Fuel feed pump 4 is put into operation. Without an additional one Having to operate the shut-off valve flows from the one selected Fuel delivery pump delivered fuel via the pipeline 5a in the common pipe 5b to the piston knife 7a. After leaving The piston knife 7a passes the fuel through the common pipe 5b in the nozzle 3, which in the illustrated embodiment as Single-chamber dispensing hose is formed.

The second embodiment shown in Fig. 2 with a single-chamber dispensing hose 3 provided device differs from that in Fig. 1st shown device in that in the common pipe 5b A shut-off valve 10 is arranged in front of the measuring device 7. This Optional check valve 10 is used to the common Seal pipe 5b abruptly when the nozzle 2 is back again is hung back into the receptacle (not shown) on the petrol pump. The by the wake of the fuel pump 4 after switching off the Fuel delivery pump 4 delivered amount of fuel is closed Shut-off valve 10 via a bypass (not shown) back into the Storage tank 1 out.

Finally, the third embodiment shown in Figure 3 shows a tap with a single-chamber nozzle 3 per Dispenser side. As can be seen from the illustration, the branches Pipelines 5a of the individual types of fuel seen in the flow direction behind the check valves 6 such that one pipe 5a each every type of fuel leads to every dispenser side. The single ones Pipelines 5a of each dispenser side are in front of the Measuring device 7 merged into a common pipe 5b. To selectively fuel via one of the fuel delivery pumps 4 to one of the To promote both or even both sides of the dispenser are in to the individual Dispenser sides leading pipelines 5a of the individual types of fuel Shut-off valves 11 are arranged. These shut-off valves 11 are used in addition to Alignment of the fuel delivery direction to the respective dispenser side to that the shutoff valves 11, the pipes 5a are closed can to by the wake of the fuel pumps 4 Do not falsify the measurement result of the measuring device 7.

The embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6 show finally devices for dispensing different fuels which the dispensing hose 3 as with separate flow channels for multi-chamber dispensing hose provided with different fuels 3 is trained. As can be seen from the pictures, it is with this Embodiment necessary, starting from the measuring device 7 common pipeline 5b in the area of the hose connection to the to divide feed lines 5c leading individual flow channels. For Control of the fuel type that is being pumped Flow channel in the multi-chamber nozzle 3 is in each Inlet line 5c arranged a shut-off valve 12, which the associated Inlet line 5c either releases the flow of fuel, or but closes.

The second embodiment of a device with a Multi-chamber dispensing hose 3 corresponds to that shown in FIG. 2 Embodiment when using the single-chamber dispensing hose 3. Also in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 is in the common A shutoff valve 10 is arranged in the pipeline 5b in front of the measuring device 7, by which is prevented that by the wake of the Fuel delivery pump 4 falsifies the measurement result of the measuring device 7 could be.

Figure 6 finally shows a third embodiment of one with a multi-chamber dispensing hose designed device, in which pro A multi-chamber dispensing hose 3 is provided on the dispenser side. As well as in the embodiment described in FIG. 3 for the single-chamber dispensing hose 3 also share the pipes in this embodiment 5a for each type of fuel before uniting to the common one Pipeline 5b in pipelines 5a for each dispenser side. In turn shut-off valves 11 are arranged in the individual pipes 5a, via the on the one hand the supply of the fuel delivered to the corresponding one Dispenser side is guaranteed and on the other hand, the shutdown of the Pipelines 5a is enabled to the during the wake of the Fuel delivery pump 4 delivered amount of fuel via the bypass back in to lead the storage tank 1.

The mode of operation will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 a device for dispensing different types of fuel and the corresponding Methods for determining the fuel delivery price are explained:

Before the refueling process, the user selects one that is not shown Select the type of fuel you want. Once the User removes the nozzle 2 from its rest position, the runs selected fuel type corresponding fuel delivery pump 4. By the driven fuel pump 4 is based on the associated storage tank 1, the selected fuel type via the pipes 5a and the common pipe 5b to the piston knife 7a Measuring device 7 promoted. When flowing through the piston knife 7a generates the pulse generator 7b corresponding pulses, from which the with Measuring device 7 connected computer 8 from the fuel delivery pump 4th amount of fuel delivered by the piston meter 7a determined and from this determined fuel quantity and the one stored in the computer Base price per fuel quantity of the selected fuel type that of the amount of fuel delivered corresponds to the fuel delivery price calculated and this on the display 9, which either on or is arranged on both sides of the petrol pump.

Since the entire piping and hose system including the Piston knife 7a is completely filled with fuel, the user gets when the device is actuated, the remaining fuel quantity delivered, which differ from the previous refueling process in the Pipelines 5b, the piston knife 7a and the nozzle 3 is located. To ensure that the user pays only for the fuel that was actually issued to him, the determination of the Fuel delivery price in the illustrated embodiment of a Single-chamber dispensing hose 3 as follows:

The content, that is, the volume V1 of the dispensing hose 3 is known and in the computer 8 stored in a table or as master data. It is the same Volume V2 of the common pipeline 5b and the measuring device 7 known and also in the computer 8 as a table or in the form of Master data filed. When the device is actuated, the Computer 8 actuates the selection device and first calculates for that known volumes V1 and V2 of the nozzle 3 and the common Pipeline 5b and the measuring device 7 the selling price after Fuel price that corresponds to the type of fuel in the previous one Refueling process was promoted. As soon as the computer 8 via the measuring device 7 determined that a fuel amount was delivered, the volume V1 + V2 corresponds, the price calculation in the computer 8 is automatic and without interrupting the refueling process on the price of the fuel type switched, which corresponds to the fuel selected by the user. To At the end of the refueling process, the selling price is calculated then with that price. To determine the total selling price, the the two prices added in the calculator 8 and together or separately on one Cash receipt specified. In addition to the exact amount of each Fuel types in liters, it is also possible for the individual Specify fuel types in percentages on the receipt.

In the embodiment of a device with a Multi-chamber nozzle 3 it is in the calculation of the Fuel delivery price, however, is not necessary to increase the hose volume take into account, since it is ensured that the shut-off valves 12 always the same flow channel of the multi-chamber nozzle 3 for the same Type of fuel is used. So it is with this embodiment only necessary for the calculation of the selling price according to the price of the fuel type previously delivered, the volume V2 of the common Pipeline 5b and the measuring device 7 must be taken into account. Furthermore the selling price is calculated as above for FIG. 1 described.

Since it can happen that an expensive type of fuel is refueled first, while a cheaper type of fuel is subsequently issued should, a comparison of the two for calculation can also be made in the computer 8 using basic fuel prices take place in such a way that also for Calculation of the remaining volume (volume V1 + V2 or only V2) the price of the fuel type selected for the current refueling process is used if this is lower than that of the previously submitted Type of fuel.

The determination of the remaining volumes is in addition to the determination of the exact The selling price also for the error-free operation of the totalizer Dispensers necessary, the total dispensing amount per fuel type and Register the fuel pump.

Draw the devices shown in Figures 1 to 6 is characterized in that by bringing together the individual Pipes 5a to a common pipe 5b in the area in front of Measuring device 7 on individual shut-off valves per fuel type supply line can be dispensed with, as they are known from the prior art.

Reference list

1

Storage tank

2nd

Nozzle

3rd

Dispensing hose

4th

Fuel delivery pump

5a

Pipeline

5b

common pipeline

5c

Inlet pipe

6

check valve

7

Measuring device

7a

Piston knife

7b

Impulse generator

8th

computer

9

display

10th

Shut-off valve

11

Shut-off valve

12th

Shut-off valve

V1

= Volume (hose)

V2

= Volume (pipeline + measuring device)

Claims (9)

1. Device for dispensing different fuels at a filling station, with at least one filling hose (3) which is provided with a filling valve (2) and to which the fuel in each case to be dispensed, coming in each case from at least one storage tank (1) for each type of fuel, is supplied through pipelines (5) in each case by means of a fuel feed pump (4), a measuring means (7), which is common to all the types of fuel and is connected to a computer (8), being arranged between the delivery side of each fuel feed pump (4) and the at least one filling hose (3), and each fuel feed pump (4) being followed by a non-return valve (6), characterized in that the delivery-side pipelines (5a) of the fuel feed pumps (4) are combined into a common pipeline (5) upstream of the measuring means (7) in the feed direction of the fuel.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the common pipeline (5b) is connected directly to the measuring means (7).
3. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that a shut-off valve (10) is arranged in the common pipeline (5b).
4. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, in each case with a filling hose (3) for each side of a filling station pump and in each case with a measuring means (7) for each side of a filling station pump, characterized in that the delivery-side pipelines (5a) of the fuel feed pumps (4) are combined into a common pipeline (5b) for each side of a filling station pump in each case upstream of the measuring means (7) for each side of a filling station pump in the feed direction of the fuel and a shut-off element (11) is arranged in each case in the delivery-side pipelines (5a) of the fuel feed pumps (4), the said pipelines leading to the two sides of a filling station pump.
5. Device according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4, the filling hose (3) for each side of a filling station pump being a multi-chamber hose provided with separate flow ducts for different fuels, characterized in that the common pipeline (5b) leading from the measuring means (7) for each side of a filling station pump to the multi-chamber filling hose (3) is divided, in the region of the hose connection, into inlet lines (5c) leading to the individual flow ducts, a shut-off valve (12) being arranged in each inlet line (5c).
6. Device according to at least one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the shut-off valves (10, 11, 12) are designed as solenoid valves.
7. Method for determining the fuel dispensing price in a device for dispensing different types of fuel, operating according to at least one of Claims 1 to 6 and having a selector means for selecting the fuel to be dispensed, characterized by the method steps:

   a) Monitoring the actuation of the selector means,

   b) Calculating the dispensing price at least for the known volume V2 of the common pipeline (5b) and of the measuring means (7) according to the price of the fuel prior to the actuation of the selector means according to a),

   c) Automatically changing over the price calculation to the price of the type of fuel selected under a), as soon as the measuring means (7) has determined a fuel dispensing quantity which corresponds at least to the volume V2 of the common pipeline (5b) together with the volume of the measuring means (7), and

   d) Adding the prices determined under b) and c).
8. Method according to Claim 7, the filling hose (3) being a single-chamber filling hose (3), characterized by the method steps:

   a) Monitoring the actuation of the selector means,

   b) Calculating the dispensing price for the known volume V2 of the common pipeline (5b) and of the measuring means (7), as well as the volume V1 of the filling hose (3), according to the price of the type of fuel prior to the actuation of the selector means according to a),

   c) Automatically changing over the price calculation to the price of the type of fuel selected under a), as soon as the measuring means (7) has determined a fuel dispensing quantity which corresponds to the volume V2 of the common pipeline (5b) and the volume of the measuring means (7) as well as to the volume V1 of the filling hose (3), and

   d) Adding the prices determined under b) and c).
9. Method according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, in order to calculate the price according to method step b), the price of the type of fuel selected under a) is used when this is lower than that of the type of fuel previously dispensed.

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