EP0950635B1 - Method and apparatus for dispensing different types of fuel through the same filling nozzle - Google Patents

Abstract

The delivery system has a fuel return system which returns residual fuel to the relevant tank when another fuel type is selected. The multi-fuel system with a single delivery nozzle (14) has separate fuel feeds, from individual pumps (4), fed into a single metering system (9) which connects to the nozzle via control valves (11,12). When another fuel type is selected the fresh fuel displaces the residual fuel in the metering system and returns it to the tank via a return line (18) and control valves (19). When all the residual fuel has been replaced, as monitored by the metering system, the new fuel type is passed to the nozzle. The return feed uses the fuel vapor venting return system. The returned fuel is passed into the tank with the next lower grade.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for dispensing different fuels at a tap with at least one a dispensing hose provided, the one to be dispensed Fuel from the associated storage tank using one each Fuel feed pump is fed through piping, being between the Pressure side of each fuel pump and the at least one Dispensing hose one for all types of fuel, with one computer connected measuring device is arranged and wherein the pressure side Pipelines of each fuel feed pump are provided with a control valve and in front of the measuring device in a common inflow line for the Measuring device are merged.

At the tapping points known from practice, there is one for each fuel type Dispensing hose provided, which the respective fuel from a Fuel tank supplied by means of a fuel feed pump via pipes is, with one in each pipe per fuel type with a computer connected measuring device for determining the amount of fuel delivered and the selling price is arranged.

From EP-A-0 723 929 there is a device for dispensing different ones Fuels known at a tap at which to reduce the Space requirements and costs common to all types of fuel Measuring device is provided, which the individual types of fuel separate pipes are supplied. This known device allows a reduction in the number of measuring devices per Dispenser side on only one measuring device; however, it is with this Known device for controlling the measuring device necessary in each pipeline leading from the fuel tank to the measuring device Shut-off valve to be arranged. Through this arrangement an additional one Shut-off valves per type of fuel in the respective supply line increase again the manufacturing and maintenance costs for the known device.

The decisive disadvantage of those known from EP-A-0 723 929 However, the device can be seen in that when changing the Type of fuel to be dispensed in the common measuring device existing fuel volume necessarily the other Type of fuel is added, so that especially with small Delivered quantities of fuel type mixtures arise that the customer does not have been desired. Apart from the lack of acceptance of the Known device at the customer stand for this reason practical utilization of the known device calibrated and contrary to legal provisions.

The invention has for its object to provide a method of the type defined above for dispensing different fuels at a tap using a common measuring device for all types of fuel and to further develop the associated known device such that despite using a common measuring device for all types of fuel while avoiding unwanted and inadmissible fuel type mixtures only fuel of the type requested by the customer is issued.

The solution to this problem by the method according to the invention is characterized in that at least the fuel volume present in the common measuring device from the last dispensing process is replaced by fuel of the newly selected type when the fuel type is changed, and the fuel volume of the previously output fuel type is conveyed back into one of the storage tanks.

This method according to the invention avoids that in a Changing the customer's fuel type in the common Measuring device from the last fuel dispensing volume receives, because when changing the fuel type this in the common Measuring device from the last fuel dispensing volume is replaced by fuel of the newly selected type. Because that The method according to the invention thus does not result in any fuel mixture which make themselves noticeably noticeable, especially with smaller quantities there are no problems with the acceptance of the invention Procedure, although only one is used to dispense different types of fuel common measuring device is used. For this reason violates the method according to the invention is not against calibration or legal Provisions.

According to a further feature of the invention, the return of the Fuel volume of the previously issued fuel type from the common measuring device in a storage tank through the Fuel feed pump of the newly selected fuel type. Herewith is ensured that the "rinsing" of the measuring device with that Type of fuel takes place, which is then issued to a customer.

The returned fuel can according to the invention the storage tank be supplied to the respective fuel type. Alternatively, it is according to the invention also possible to return the returned fuel to a storage tank to supply lower quality fuel because the low Return quantities do not increase in relation to the total volume of the storage tank a measurable change in fuel quality and definitely it is ensured that no deterioration, but at most one Improvement in fuel quality takes place.

According to a further feature of the invention, an existing one Gas return line from a nozzle to a storage tank for the Fuel return can be used. Furthermore it is possible according to the invention to measure the returned fuel volume, to it according to a preferred development of the invention Procedure for determining the respective content of the with the take the returned fuel volume into the storage tanks to be able to. In this context it is finally according to the invention possible due to the back-fed into a storage tank Determine fuel volume changes in fuel quality.

The inventive device for dispensing different Fuel at a tap is characterized in that at the between the measuring device and the at least one dispensing hose running pipeline leading to at least one storage tank, at least one return line containing a control valve is connected. Through this inventive development of the known, initially defined device, it is possible to use the method according to the invention to carry out little constructional and apparatus expenditure.

According to one feature of the invention, the return line can each have branch lines provided with a control valve to each of the storage tanks be connected. Alternatively, it is possible to use the return line in each case branch lines provided with a control valve with the storage tanks of the to connect inferior types of fuel. Finally, the Return line according to the invention only with the storage tank lowest grade fuel.

If the device with at least one, the nozzle with at least a storage tank connecting gas return line is provided with the Invention proposed the gas return line as a return line train and by means of a control valve with associated Check valve either a connection between the nozzle and Storage tank or between the delivery side of the measuring device and the Manufacture storage tank.

Provided the device is connected with each fuel pump Gas separator is provided, the return line according to another Feature of the invention also each provided with a control valve Branch lines with the suction chamber of the respective gas separator Fuel type. In this case it is an advantage if according to the suction chamber of each gas separator by a Float valve can be controlled in such a way that the chamber contents are returned to the Circuit of the associated fuel delivery pump arrives.

Finally, the invention proposes the nozzle in itself known way to form a multi-chamber hose, the chambers in each case via a control valve in the flow direction of the fuel behind the Connection of the return line to the one coming from the measuring device Pipeline is connected.

Fig. 1

ein Schaltbild einer ersten Ausführungsform mit jedem Lagertank zugeordneten Rückförderleitungen,

Fig. 2

ein Schaltbild einer zweiten Ausführungsform mit lediglich einem Lagertank zugeordneter Rückförderleitung,

Fig. 3

ein Schaltbild einer weiteren Ausführungsform, bei der die Rückförderleitung an die Gasrückführung angeschlossen ist,

Fig. 4

ein Schaltbild einer vierten Ausführungsform mit Rückführung des in der Meßeinrichtung vorhandenen Kraftstoffvolumens über die jeweiligen Gasabscheider und

Fig. 5

eine weitere Ausführungsform mit Rückführung über den Gasabscheider der geringstwertigen Kraftstoffsorte.

The drawing shows five exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention in the form of circuit diagrams, on the basis of which the method according to the invention will also be explained. Show it:

Fig. 1

2 shows a circuit diagram of a first embodiment with return lines associated with each storage tank,

Fig. 2

2 shows a circuit diagram of a second embodiment with a return line assigned to only one storage tank,

Fig. 3

2 shows a circuit diagram of a further embodiment in which the return line is connected to the gas return line,

Fig. 4

a circuit diagram of a fourth embodiment with feedback of the fuel volume present in the measuring device via the respective gas separators and

Fig. 5

a further embodiment with recirculation via the gas separator of the lowest grade fuel.

All five exemplary embodiments are a device for dispensing different fuels at a tap, each of which has three storage tanks 1. The storage tank 1 ₁ is filled with unleaded petrol in the exemplary embodiments, whereas the storage tank 1 _{2 contains} the fuel type Super unleaded and the storage tank 1 _{3 contains} the fuel type Super Plus. In the following description, indices ₁ , ₂ and ₃ each denote components which are assigned to the fuel type petrol or super or super plus.

The fuel in the storage tank 1 is fed via a suction line 2, in which a check valve 3 is arranged, by means of a Fuel feed pump 4 sucked in and via a gas separator 5 in a Pressure line 6 promoted, in which a control valve 7 is arranged. Around unwanted backflows or an undesired idling of the To avoid pressure line 6, this is with a check valve 6a Mistake. In addition, the illustrations show that the fuel feed pump 4th is provided with a bypass line 4a, in which also a check valve 4b is arranged.

In all four embodiments, the pressure lines 6 open behind the Control valves 7 in a common inflow line 8 leading to a Measuring device 9 leads, which is designed for example as a piston knife. The outlet-side pipe 10 of the measuring device 9 branches into Branch lines 11 for each of the types of fuel. In each branch line 11 a control valve 12 is in turn arranged. Behind these control valves 12 The branch lines 11 open in one in all exemplary embodiments common dispensing hose 13, which as a multi-chamber hose with one of the Number of types of fuel to be dispensed corresponding number of Executed chambers and provided with a nozzle 14 at its end is. Depending on the position of the control valves 12 can thus through the multi-chamber nozzle 13 with the help of the nozzle 14 the desired one Type of fuel are issued.

If no multi-chamber dispensing hose 13 is used, each opens Branch line 11 in its own nozzle, each with a Spigot valve is provided.

To the quantity and the associated price of each issued According to the type of fuel selected by the customer Determine, report to the customer and bill, is for everyone A pulse generator 15 is assigned to exemplary embodiments of the measuring device 9, which is followed by a computer 16. The result of the 16 performed arithmetic operations is in the embodiments in two displays 17 shown to the customer. It is about this for example, the respective type of fuel selected, the associated one Price per liter, the amount of fuel spent and the associated price. The two displays 17 are each arranged on one side of the tap, so that this can be used on both sides.

Regarding the basic structure described above, all four are Embodiments identical. The process described below for Output of a fuel thus applies to all of the exemplary embodiments.

If the customer wants to fill up with petrol, he selects this type of fuel at the tap. As a result, the control valves 7 ₁ and 12 _{1 are switched} from their blocking position shown in the drawings into the flow position and the fuel feed pump 4 _{1 is} put into operation. Overcoming the closing pressure of the check valves 3 and ₁ 6a comes thus fuel from the storage tank 1 ₁ via the measuring device 9 in the branch line 11 ₁ and in the associated chamber of the dispensing tube 13, when the dispensing valve is opened fourteenth The extracted by this dispensing operation, the storage tank 1 ₁ quantity of fuel is determined by the measuring device 9, calculated in the computer 16 and displayed on the displays 17th After the tapping process, the control valves 7 ₁ and 12 ₁ return to their blocking position shown in the drawings. The fuel pump 4 ₁ is only switched off after the nozzle 14 is closed; this still funded fuel is circulated via the gas separator 5 _1, the check valve 4b and the bypass line 4a in the closed circuit, the check valve 4b is adjustable to regulate the flow rate to the nozzle fourteenth

If, in the next dispensing process, fuel of the petrol type is used should be output, the above described is repeated Process. However, the next customer wants a different type of fuel than Petrol, this is in the common measuring device 9 from the last Tapping process existing fuel volume by fuel of the newly selected Grade replaced and the fuel volume of the previously issued Fuel type conveyed back into one of the storage tanks 11. Regarding this The four exemplary embodiments differ.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a return line 18 is connected to the pipe 10 running between the measuring device 9 and the nozzle 13, which is divided into the return branch lines 18 ₁ , 18 ₂ and 18 ₃ , each in the storage tank 1 ₁ or 1 ₂ or 1 ₃ ends. A control valve 19 ₁ or 19 ₂ or 19 _{3 is} arranged in each of these return branch lines 18 ₁ and 18 ₂ and 18 ₃ .

If, for example, the customer now selects the Super Plus fuel type after the previous edition of the gasoline fuel type, the control valve 7 _{3 is} switched to the open position and the fuel delivery pump 4 _{3 is} switched on; the control valve 12 ₃ remains closed for the time being. Instead, the control valve 19 ₁ is opened in the return flow conduit 18 downstream of recirculation branch line 18 _1, so that is conveyed back 9 existing fuel volume of the fuel grade gasoline via the return line 19 and the recirculation branch line 18 ₁ in the storage tank 1 ₁ of the last dispensing operation in the common measuring device , with the help of fuel that is drawn from the storage tank 1 ₃ by the fuel pump 4 ₃ . This return flow is carried out until the measuring device 9 is filled with the Super Plus fuel. The fuel volume required for this "flushing process" is determined with the aid of the pulse generator 15 and the computer 16. After the flushing process is complete, the control valve 19 _{1 is} closed and the control valve 12 _{3 is} opened, so that the Super Plus fuel type can now be dispensed from the dispensing hose 13 with the aid of the dispensing valve 14.

Since the volumes of the between the common measuring device 9 and the Control valves 7 or 12 or 19 extending pipelines are very small, in particular in relation to that in the measuring device 9 Fuel volume, play minor blends of different Types of fuel in these pipes do not matter.

In the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the fuel volume present in the common measuring device 9 is changed via the return branch lines 18 ₁ , 18 ₂ and 18 ₃ by means of the control valves 19 ₁ , 19 ₂ or 19 ₃ always returned to storage tank 1, which contains the respective type of fuel.

In the second embodiment of FIG. 2, only a single return line 18 is used instead, in which also a control valve 19 is disposed and which opens out in the storage tank 1 ₁ for the least significant fuel type. Unless 9 fuel varieties Super or Super Plus is conveyed back through the return line 18 into the storage tank 1 ₁ of the common measuring device is obtained in this storage tank 1 _1, a fuel locations mixture. However, since the returned fuel is always of higher quality than the fuel of the petrol type in the storage tank 1 ₁ , this does not result in any deterioration for the customer, especially since the returned fuel volumes are extremely low in relation to the total volume of the storage tank 1 ₁ .

In the third exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, the tap is provided with a device for returning the gas released during the refueling of a vehicle tank into a storage tank 1. In the diagram of Fig. 3 is illustrated that is provided parallel to the dispensing hose 13 inside thereof a gas return line 20 which opens out in the storage tank 1 ₁ and is provided with a check valve 21. The return line 18 connected by the pipe 10 between the measuring device 9 and the branch lines 11 is connected to the gas return line 20 via a control valve 22. In this way, it is possible to return the attributable when changing the fuel type from the measuring device 9 to a storage tank 1 volume of fuel through the gas return line 20 into the storage tank 1. ₁

The fourth exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 finally shows that the fuel volume present in the measuring device 9 can also be returned to the respective storage tank 1 via the gas separators 5 when the fuel type is changed. The circuit diagram in FIG. 4 shows that the return line 18 branches into return branch lines 18 ₁ , 18 ₂ and 18 ₃ , each of which is connected to the return chamber 5a of the gas separator 5 of the respective fuel type. Also in these return branch lines 18 ₁ , 18 ₂ and 18 ₃ there are control valves 19 _1, 19 ₂ and 19 ₃ , respectively, by their control it is achieved that the fuel volume returned from the common measuring device 9 is always via the respective return chamber 5a in the associated storage tank 1 ₁ or 1 ₂ or 1 ₃ arrives. As can be seen from the illustration, the suction chamber 5a of each gas separator 5 can be controlled by a float valve 5b in such a way that the chamber contents get into the circuit of the associated fuel delivery pump 4 again.

In the fifth embodiment according to FIG. 5, which corresponds in its basic structure to the designs of the other four examples, the return line 18 is in turn connected via a control valve 19 to the return chamber 5a of the gas separator 5 ₁ , this return chamber 5a limiting the maximum fill level Float valve 23 is connected to the storage tank 1 _{1 of} the lowest grade fuel. Also in this embodiment the back delivered from the common measuring device 9 with a change of fuel type fuel volume is thus supplied to only a storage tank 1, namely the storage tank 1 ₁ with the least significant of fuel.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

storage tank

2

suction

3

check valve

4

Fuel Supply

4a

bypass line

4b

check valve

5

gas separator

5a

Rücksaugkammer

5b

float valve

6

pressure line

6a

check valve

7

control valve

8th

inflow

9

measuring device

10

pipeline

11

branch line

12

control valve

13

filling hose

14

nozzle

15

pulse

16

computer

17

display

18

Return line

18 ₁

Recirculating branch

18 ₂

Recirculating branch

18 ₃

Recirculating branch

19

control valve

19 ₁

control valve

19 ₂

control valve

19 ₃

control valve

20

Gas recirculation line

21

check valve

22

control valve

23

float valve

Claims (17)

1. Method for dispensing different fuels at a filling station, having at least one filling hose (13) which is provided with a filling valve (14) and to which the fuel to be dispensed in each case from the associated storage tank (1) is supplied through pipelines by means of a fuel feed pump (4) in each case, a measuring device (9), which is common to all of the fuel types and is connected to a computer (16), being arranged between the delivery side of each fuel feed pump (4) and the at least one filling hose (13), and the delivery-side pipelines of each fuel feed pump (4) being provided with a control valve (7) and being combined into a common supply line (8) for the measuring device (9) upstream of the measuring device (9), characterized in that at least the volume of fuel present in the common measuring device (9) from the last filling process is replaced, when there is a change in the fuel type, by fuel of the newly selected type, and the volume of fuel of the previously dispensed fuel type being returned into one of the storage tanks (1).
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the volume of fuel of the previously dispensed fuel type is recycled by the fuel feed pump (4) of the newly selected fuel type.
3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the returned fuel is supplied to the storage tank (1) of the particular fuel type.
4. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the returned fuel is supplied to a storage tank (1) of a lower-grade fuel type.
5. Method according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an existing gas-return line (20) from a filling valve (14) to a storage tank (1) is used for returning the fuel.
6. Method according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the recycled volume of fuel is measured.
7. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the measured, recycled volume of fuel is taken into consideration when determining the particular contents of the storage tank (1) charged with the recycled volume of fuel.
8. Method according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the quality of the fuel, which is changed on account of the volume of fuel recycled into a storage tank (1), is determined.
9. Apparatus for dispensing different fuels at a filling station, having at least one filling hose (13) which is provided with a filling valve (14) and to which the fuel to be dispensed in each case from the associated storage tank (1) is supplied through pipelines by means of a fuel feed pump (4) in each case, a measuring device (9), which is common to all of the fuel types and is connected to a computer (16), being arranged between the delivery side of each fuel feed pump (4) and the at least one filling hose (13), and the delivery-side pipelines of each fuel feed pump (4) being provided with a control valve (7) and being combined into a common supply line (8) for the measuring device (9) upstream of the measuring device (9), characterized in that a recycling line (18), which leads at least to one storage tank (1) and contains at least one control valve (19,22), is connected to the pipeline (10) running between the measuring device (9) and the at least one filling hose (13).
10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, characterized in that the recycling line (18) is connected to each of the storage tanks (1₁,1₂,1₃) via recycling branch lines (18₁,18₂,18₃), which are in each case provided with a control valve (19₁,19₂,19₃).
11. Apparatus according to Claim 9, characterized in that the recycling line (18) is connected to the storage tanks (1) of the lower-grade fuel types in each case via branch lines, which are in each case provided with a control valve (19).
12. Apparatus according to Claim 9, characterized in that the recycling line (18) is connected merely to the storage tank (1₁) of the lowest-grade fuel type.
13. Apparatus according to Claim 9 having at least one gas-return line (20) connecting the filling valve (14) to at least one storage tank (1₁), characterized in that the gas-return line (20) is designed as a recycling line and produces, by means of a control valve (22) having an assigned non-return valve (21), either a connection between the filling valve (14) and storage tank (1₁) or between the dispensing side of the measuring device (9) and the storage tank (1₁).
14. Apparatus according to Claim 9 having a gas separator (5) connected downstream of each fuel feed pump (4), characterized in that the recycling line (18) is connected to the recirculating chamber (5a) of the gas separator (5) of the respective fuel types via recycling branch lines (18₁,18₂,18₃), which are provided in each case with a control valve (19).
15. Apparatus according to Claim 14, characterized in that the recirculating chamber (5a) of each gas separator (5) can be controlled by a float valve (5b) in such a manner that the chamber contents pass again into the circuit of the associated fuel feed pump (4).
16. Apparatus according to Claim 9 having a gas separator (5) connected downstream of each fuel feed pump (4), characterized in that the recycling line (18) is connected via a control valve (19) to the gas separator (5₁) of the lowest-value fuel types, the recirculating chamber (5a) of which gas separator is connected to the storage tank (1₁) via a float valve (23) which limits the maximum filling level.
17. Apparatus according to at least one of Claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the filling hose (13) is designed as a multi-chamber hose, the chambers of which are connected, in each case via a control valve (12), downstream of the connection of the recycling line (18) in the direction of flow of the fuel, to the pipeline (10) coming from the measuring device (9).

Images