EP1544159A1

EP1544159A1 - Information device for a fuel installation

Info

Publication number: EP1544159A1
Application number: EP04106692A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lucas Christiaan Fretz
Original assignee: Fretz Beheer Bv
Current assignee: Fretz Beheer Bv
Priority date: 2003-12-18
Filing date: 2004-12-17
Publication date: 2005-06-22
Also published as: NL1025051C2

Abstract

The invention relates to an information device (4) for a fuel installation (2) for vehicles (V) provided with at least one fuel inlet for supplying fuel and a windscreen (W), which information device (4) comprises one or more information fields (24,25) that provide at least information relating to the fuel supply. The information fields (24,25) are positioned in front of and at a distance (D) from the windscreen (W) of the vehicle (V), such that a user of the fuel installation (2) can easily read the information.

Description

The invention relates to an information device for a fuel installation for vehicles provided with at least one fuel inlet for supplying fuel and a windscreen, which information device comprises one or more information fields that provide at least information relating to the fuel supply.
Modern society is characterized by, among other things, a high degree of mobility. Consequently, great demands are made on the infrastructure, which must be suitable for handling large numbers of vehicles. Said infrastructure includes not only roads but also different forms of service along said roads. The most important service is the provision of fuel at filling stations.
Usually such filling stations are suitable for self-service, with the user supplying the fuel himself and subsequently paying for said fuel. While filling his tank, the user of the fuel installation often stands with his back turned towards the pump installation. Since the pump installation often comprises one or more counters or displays that provide information relating to the fuel supplying process, this information is difficult to read for the user without assuming an uncomfortable position.
It is an object of the invention to provide an information device, which makes it easier for the user to read the information relating to the fuel supplying process.
This object is accomplished by providing an information device wherein the information fields are positioned in front of and at a distance from the windscreen of a vehicle. At this position, the user can view the information fields, and thus the information on said fields, without any difficulty. The user of the fuel installation is accustomed to looking in the direction of movement of its vehicles and thus to a point in front of the windscreen of his vehicle while the fuel is being supplied. The information in the information fields may relate to, for example, the price of the fuel and/or the amount of fuel that is being supplied or that has been supplied. The information fields may take up a static position wherein the information device does not form an obstacle for vehicles passing by. The information fields may also take up a dynamic position, in such a manner that the information device or part thereof moves so as to be able to position the information fields optimally with respect to the vehicle. Said positioning can take place upon use of the fuel installation, for example when the fuel gun is taken from the fuel installation or when the supply of fuel is started.
The information fields may be positioned substantially parallel to and at a distance from the windscreen. Alternatively, the information fields may be positioned or become oriented at an angle with respect to the windscreen, such that the information fields face towards a user of the fuel installation.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information device comprises at least a movable arm with a head comprising the information fields, and the information device is arranged for controlling the arm in such a manner that the head comprising the information fields is automatically positioned with respect to the windscreen. Such an arm creates a high degree of flexibility for the information device, so that the device can be used for vehicles of widely varying dimensions.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information device comprises several information fields, wherein at least one of the information fields provides space for commercial information. By designing the information fields to display information with regard to the fuel supplying process as well as commercial information, it is ensured that the commercial information will receive a great deal of attention.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information device comprises one or more sensors for positioning the information fields with respect to the windscreen of a vehicle. The arrangement and operation of such sensors will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will not be explained in more detail herein. The sensors position the information fields at a suitable distance from the windscreen of the vehicle, so that the user will be able to read the information without any difficulty. A suitable distance is a distance of, for example, 0.3 - 2.0 m, such as 50 cm.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information device comprises sensors and a movable arm, which are arranged in such a manner that the head will follow movement of the vehicle. This prevents a dynamic information device from causing damage or being damaged upon movement of the vehicle. This functionality is furthermore of importance if the information device further comprises means for delivering a fluid in the direction of the windscreen, as will be described below in more detail.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arm of the information device is mounted to a roof construction or beside the fuel installation. The first option may be advantageous in that the roof construction is already used for the wiring of other units or functions of a service station. An attachment to the roof construction may furthermore be advantageous in that the floor surface of a filling station need not be tampered with. The floor surface of a filling station is usually of complicated and costly construction, e.g. because fuel residue must be prevented from finding its way into the ground, so that it is preferable not to modify the floor surface. If a roof construction is not available, the arm of the information device may also be disposed beside or near the service unit.
The arm preferably comprises segments, one or more of which are capable of translating and/or pivoting movement relative to each other. Such a construction helps to make the information device more flexible, e.g. as regards the positioning of information fields.
In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the head may also comprise at least one means for delivering a fluid in the direction of the windscreen, such that a removable, vision obstructing layer is formed on at least part of the windscreen when the vehicle undergoes a movement with respect to the service unit before a release signal for the fuel installation has been received. The vision obstructing layer is a non-transparent layer or an image-distorting layer, for example, such as a paint or a gel, respectively. Said layer makes it impossible or at least difficult for the driver to drive the vehicle because of the lack of visibility, so that it is made considerably more difficult for drivers to drive off without paying. Preferably, the applied layer exhibits some degree of resistance or viscosity, so that it cannot easily be removed with a windscreen wiper, for example. It will be possible eventually to remove the layer.
The invention furthermore relates to a method for providing information to a user of a fuel installation for vehicles provided with at least one fuel inlet for supplying fuel and a windscreen, said method comprising the step of automatically positioning a head comprising one or more information fields with respect to the vehicle upon use of the fuel installation. The information fields can be positioned either substantially parallel to and at a distance from the windscreen or at an angle with respect to the windscreen. Such a method provides a reliable and customer-friendly way of providing information to the user.
The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the appended figures, which show preferred embodiments of the invention. It stands to reason that the invention is by no means limited by these specific, preferred embodiments.
In the figures:
Fig. 1 shows a filling station provided with an information device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 shows a head provided with information fields according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3 shows a head provided with information fields according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 4-8 show the operation of the information device according to the embodiment that is shown in Fig. 1;
Figs. 9 and 10 show a second embodiment of an information device according to the invention; and
Figs. 11-13 show a third embodiment of an information device according to the invention.
Fig. 1 shows a filling station 1 comprising a fuel installation 2 disposed under a covering or roof construction 3. The filling station 1 is provided with an information device 4 comprising a rail 5, from which an arm 6 is suspended in such manner as to be movable along the rail 5, to the end of which arm 6 a head 7 is mounted. The arm 6 is pivotable about the pivot point 8. The information device 4 is preferably made of a light material, such as aluminium or a plastic, so that the arm 6, and in particular the head 7, is easy to manipulate.
Figs. 2 and 3 show embodiments of the head 7. The head 7 may comprise means 20 for delivering a fluid, said means comprising a spray nozzle 21 and a reservoir 22 for the fluid. The means 20 is preferably detachable from the head 7, so that it can be replaced or be filled up. It is noted that the means 20 does not necessarily comprise the reservoir 22; the fluid may also be supplied to the spray nozzle 21 from outside, for example via a supply pipe extending along or inside the arm 6. The spray nozzle 21 is suitably configured and may comprise one or more outlet openings for spraying the fluid on a vehicle. The width of the spray nozzle 21 may extend the entire width of a vehicle, or be smaller than said width, and the spray nozzle 21 may be arranged for applying the fluid in, for example, a fan-shaped pattern.
The head 7 furthermore comprises sensors 23 and information fields 24, 25 in the form of, for example, a counter, a display, or a surface or a construction for providing information, e.g. by means of cards or stickers. The display may comprise a TFT screen, for example. The information fields 24 may comprise a counter, for example, which indicates the amount of fuel taken from the fuel installation 2, whilst the information field 25 contains commercial information. The head 7 may furthermore comprise means 26 and 27 for producing a light signal and an acoustic signal, for example, and a camera 28. Said light signal and/or acoustic signal can be activated when the fluid is delivered to the vehicle, for example. Said means 27 may furthermore serve to produce sound when information is displayed in the information fields 24 or 25, such as an accompanying sound or a comment relating to a commercial message that is being displayed.
Figs. 4-8 show an example of the operation of the information device 4 as shown in Fig. 1, which is provided with a head 7 as shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 4 shows the situation in which a vehicle V comprising a windscreen W drives into the filling station for taking in fuel from the fuel installation 2. The information device 4 is in a position of rest at that point in time. In this situation the vehicle V can preferably pass under the information device 4, so that the information device 4 does not form an obstacle for vehicles that do not make use of the fuel installation 2. When a user of the fuel installation 2 supplies fuel to the vehicle V, he can easily view the information on the information field 24. The user does not have to manoeuvre himself into an uncomfortable position in order to read a counter on the fuel installation 2 itself. The head 7 may be positioned lower when the fuel installation 2 is intended for passenger cars only. Since the user of the fuel installation the 2 will generally be looking at the head 7 while fuel is being supplied, the attention value of this commercial information on or in the information field 25 will be high.
The information on the information fields 24, 25 may also be dynamically positioned with respect to the vehicle V. When the driver of the vehicle V takes the tank gun (not shown) from the fuel installation 2, the information device 4 is activated, as is shown in side elevation in Fig. 5 and in front elevation in Fig. 6. To that end, the arm 6 moves along the rail 5 in the direction of the vehicle V. Furthermore, the segments 6A, 6B, 6C of the arm 6 are telescoped out in such a manner that the head 7 and in particular the information fields 24, 25 are positioned a predetermined distance D from the windscreen W of the vehicle V. Said distance D is e.g. 70 cm.
When the head 7 also comprises the means 20 for delivering a fluid, further considerations may play a role in determining the distance D with respect to the windscreen W. In this connection the range of the spray nozzle 21, the surface area of the windscreen W that is to be covered by the spray nozzle 21 so as to apply a layer that obstructs the driver's view, which layer functions to prevent the vehicle driving off, and the safety aspect may be considered. Safety considerations may make it necessary to position the spray nozzle 21 for the fluid preferably above the hood H of the vehicle V, so that no persons who may come into contact with the fluid upon activation of the device can be present between the spray nozzle 21 and the windscreen W.
While filling up, the user who is supplying fuel can read the information that is being displayed in the information fields 24, 25, which fields are present at a position from which they can easily be viewed by said person. In this way there is a greater chance that the user will not experience the spray nozzle 21 as threatening. The information fields 24, 25 are preferably positioned a distance D from the windscreen W, substantially parallel thereto, if the head 7 also comprises a spray nozzle 21, so as to make it easier to deposit a fluid on the windscreen W.
The information fields 24, 25 may be positioned or get oriented at an angle with respect to the windscreen W, in such a manner that the information fields 24, 25 are directed towards the user of the fuel installation 2. Such an angle can be effected, for example, in that segment 6C of the arm 6 pivots with respect to segment 6B, so that the plane of the head 7, which originally extends parallel to the windscreen W, is turned towards the fuel installation 2. It will be understood that other manners of pivoting are possible, all of which manners fall within the scope of the invention.
When the user subsequently pays for the fuel he has put in, the information device 4 is returned to the position of rest as shown in Fig. 4. This deactivation takes place, for example, in that a release signal is generated upon payment, which release signal is received by the information device 4 and which contains the instruction that the information device 4 may be returned to its position of rest. In this case the fluid will not be deposited on the windscreen W of the vehicle V in this case, therefore, when the head 7 is fitted with the means 20.
If fuel has been supplied, but the information device 4 does not receive a release signal, the fuel has not been paid for. This situation is shown in Fig. 7. The sensors 23 cause the head 7 to move along with the vehicle V in that the arm 6 pivots about the pivot point 8. At the same time a fluid F is delivered from the spray nozzle 21 in the direction of the windscreen W of the vehicle V, in such a manner that a vision obstructing layer is formed on at least part of the windscreen W.
The fluid F may comprise any conceivable substance or gas that will form a vision obstructing layer on the windscreen W, or provide this effect in any other way. On the one hand said layer is not easy to remove, so that the mere activation of, for example, the windscreen wipers will not directly result in the layer being removed, but on the other hand it will eventually be removable, so that the vehicle V will not be permanently affected. An example of such a fluid is paint, which renders the windscreen W or part thereof non-transparent, or a gel that distorts the driver's view. It is also possible to provide the means 20 with two or more different substances or gases, or with a substance and a gas. These different substances can be deposited on the windscreen W either simultaneously or in succession from the spray nozzle 21, wherein the condition of the layer that is applied first is modified by the substance or the gas that is subsequently applied. It is also possible to use complicated substances, whose crystal structure undergoes a change upon coming into contact with a windscreen W having a specific temperature, thus forming a vision obstructing layer.
It will be understood that the delivery of the fluid F in the direction of the windscreen W should preferably not take place upon (very) slight movement of the vehicle V with respect to the fuel installation 2. Preferably, a substantial movement is required. For example, when the vehicle V vibrates as a result of a truck moving past or moves slightly because the handbrake is not engaged, fluid must not be delivered. The sensitivity of the spray nozzle 21 can be determined by, for example, the setting of the sensors 23 and control of the means 20 by said sensors. It is also possible for the spray nozzle 21 to be set so that a small volume of fluid is deposited on the windscreen W first as a warning.
On the other hand, movement of the vehicle V in a direction away from the head 7, as indicated by the arrow A in Fig. 8, must not frustrate the operation of the spray nozzle 21. The arm 6 is capable of following a rearward movement of the vehicle V as a result of the sensors 23 detecting said movement, so that the correct spacing between the spray nozzle 21 and the windscreen W can be maintained and the fluid F can be delivered.
Figs. 9 and 10 show a second embodiment of the information device 4, in which the arm 6 is a pivot-mounted robot arm comprising segments 6A and 6B, which can also pivot with respect to each other. This makes it possible to leave out the rail 5 that is used in the first embodiment as shown in Fig. 1, so that a very flexible device is provided. The length of the various segments 6A, 6B and any further segments can be determined such that the range of the information device 4 is suitable for the filling station 1. The head 7 comprises the information fields 24, 25, so that the information intended for the user of the fuel installation 2 is displayed at a suitable position. The arm 6 is also capable of suitably positioning the head 7 fitted with the spray nozzle 21 with respect to the windscreen W of the vehicle V for delivering the fluid F, and of following the vehicle V when said vehicle undergoes a movement with respect to the fuel installation 2. The operation of this embodiment is further identical to the operation of the embodiment as shown and described with reference to Figs. 4-8.
Figs. 11-13 show a third embodiment of the information device 4 according to the invention, in which the filling station 1 does not have a roof construction 3. In this embodiment, the information device 4 is disposed beside the fuel installation 2, with the arm 6, to which the head 7 is attached, consisting of segments 6A, 6B, 6C, which are capable of translating or pivoting movement relative to each other. This achieves that the information fields 24, 25 of the head 7 can be displayed at a suitable position for the user of the fuel installation 2. Furthermore, the nozzle 21 can be suitably positioned with respect to the windscreen W of the vehicle V, and the nozzle 21 is capable of following a movement of the vehicle V within the limits defined by the movable segments.
The operation of this embodiment is further identical to the operation of the embodiment as shown and described with reference to Figs. 4-8.

Claims

An information device (4) for a fuel installation (2) for vehicles (V) provided with at least one fuel inlet for supplying fuel and a windscreen (W), which information device (4) comprises one or more information fields (24,25) that provide at least information relating to the fuel supply
characterized in that
the information fields (24,25) are positioned in front of and at a distance (D) from the windscreen (W) of a vehicle (V).
An information device (4) according to claim 1, wherein the information fields (24,25) are positioned substantially parallel to and at a distance from the windscreen (W).
An information device (4) according to claim 1, wherein the information fields (24,25) are positioned or oriented at an angle with respect to the windscreen (W), such that the information fields (24,25) face towards a user of the fuel installation (2).
An information device (4) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the information device (4) comprises at least a movable arm (6) with a head (7) comprising the information fields (24,25), and wherein the information device (4) is arranged for controlling the arm (6) such that the head (7) comprising the information fields (24,25) is automatically positioned with respect to the windscreen (W).
An information device (4) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the information device (4) is arranged for being positioned upon use of the fuel installation.
An information device (4) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the information device (4) comprises several information fields (24,25), and wherein at least one of the information fields (25) provides space for commercial information.
An information device (4) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the information device (4) comprises one or more sensors for positioning the information fields (24,25) with respect to the windscreen (W) of the vehicle (V).
An information device (4) according to claim 7, wherein the sensors position the information fields (24,25) at a distance of 0.3 - 2.0 metres from the windscreen (W) of the vehicle (V).
An information device (4) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the information device (4) comprises sensors and a movable arm (6), which are arranged such that the head (7) will follow movement of the vehicle (V).
An information device (4) according to one or more of the claims 4-9, wherein the arm (6) of the information device (4) is mounted on a roof construction (3) or beside the fuel installation (2).
An information device (4) according to one or more of the claims 4-10, wherein the arm (6) comprises segments (6A,6B,6C), one or more of which are capable of translating and/or pivoting movement relative to each other.
An information device (4) according to one or more of the claims 4-11, wherein the head (7) also comprises at least one means (20) for delivering a fluid in the direction of the windscreen (W), in such a manner that a removable vision obstructing layer is formed on at least part of the windscreen (W) when the vehicle (V) undergoes a movement with respect to the service unit (2) before a release signal for the fuel installation (2) has been received.
An information device (4) according to claim 12, wherein said fluid (F) comprises a paint or a gel.
A method for providing information to a user of a fuel installation (2) for vehicles (V) provided with at least one fuel inlet for supplying fuel and a windscreen (W), said method comprising the step of automatically positioning a head (7) comprising one or more information fields (24,25) with respect to the vehicle (V) upon use of the fuel installation (2).