EP3218638A1

EP3218638A1 - Filling station for gas bottles and filling method

Info

Publication number: EP3218638A1
Application number: EP15787562.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eckhard Tilhof
Original assignee: Lpg Suisse AG
Current assignee: Cleantech Swiss AG
Priority date: 2014-11-12
Filing date: 2015-10-28
Publication date: 2017-09-20
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-28
Also published as: KR20170085549A; HUE040243T2; AU2015345388A1; HK1224356A1; CA2964443A1; CY1121050T1; DK3218638T3; EP3021033A1; MA40931B1; EP3021033B1; SI3218638T1; AU2015345388B2; EA033326B1; KR102440278B1; CA2964443C; EA201790954A1; JP6675398B2; JP2017534035A; HRP20190916T1; PT3218638T

Abstract

The filling station according to the invention allows an automated re-filling of a gas bottle by an end-user. The station comprises an insertion device which allows the end-user to insert an empty gas bottle into the filling station. The filling station comprises a closure device for closing the filling station after the gas bottle has been inserted, such that it is not possible to remove the gas bottle after the station has been closed. In said closed state the end-user cannot remove the gas bottle. The filling station further comprises a filling device for the automated filling, after the station has been closed, of an empty gas bottle that has been inserted into the filling station. The filling process can therefore only be carried out when the filling station is closed and when consequently the gas bottle cannot be removed. The station is provided with a gas-testing device for an automated gas leakage test subsequent to the re-filling of an inserted gas bottle. This device checks the gas-tightness of a re-filled gas bottle. A release device is also provided, which only releases a previously filled or filled gas bottle after a successful gas leakage test, thus allowing the removal of a re-filled gas bottle. The removal of a gas bottle that has been filled with gas or liquefied gas is thus only possible if the gas leakage test shows that no gas is escaping from the filled bottle. The invention further relates to a re-filling method.

Description

Filling station for gas cylinders and filling process

The invention relates to a filling station for gas cylinders, in particular LPG cylinders. The invention further relates to a method for refilling gas cylinders.

A filling station for gas cylinders is known from the document DE 32 14 629 A1, EP 2 169 294 A1 and from the document WO 2013/121067 A1. The publication US 2013/0153084 A1 discloses an automated filling station for gas cylinders to be installed in retail outlets. Gas filling plants with testing equipment are known from the documents FR 2 618 875 A1 and WO 2014/030921 A1.

A gas cylinder is usually a metal, regular steel, existing pressure vessel for the transport and storage of pressurized gases. A gas bottle can also consist of aluminum or composite materials. Such a bottle may have a volume of more than 100 liters. The nominal pressure can be several hundred bar. LPG cylinders contain gases such as LPG in liquefied form. Common gases are ethane, propane, butane and mixtures thereof. These gases can be liquefied at room temperature by comparatively low pressure.

Liquefied gas cylinders are closed with a fitting to which, usually in conjunction with a pressure reducer, a suitable hose line for the controlled removal of their contents can be screwed. Furthermore, there is a safety valve for LPG cylinders in the sampling fitting, which limits the permissible overpressure in the bottle to, for example, about 30 bar in order to prevent bursting. Typically, a fitting of such a liquid gas cylinder has a lateral connecting piece, which is used on the one hand for filling and on the other hand for removal. On these lateral connection pipes, pipes are manually screwed both in the case of removal and in the case of refilling.

LPG cylinders are used to operate gas stoves, gas stoves, gas grills, gas stoves or gas radiators. Is the content of a liquefied gas cylinder consumed, LPG cylinders shall be returned by the consumer to the point of sale of LPG cylinders for refilling. After such a return of a liquefied gas cylinder it is transported from the point of sale to a central bottling plant or filling station.

To facilitate refilling, it is known from the publication DE 43 34 182 A1 to provide a centric filling point in addition to a lateral connecting piece. A filling can then be done from above, without an alignment of a laterally projecting Anschlusstutzens would be required.

It is an object of the invention to reduce the technical complexity of refilling gas cylinders.

The object of the invention is achieved by a filling station with the features of the main claim and by a method having the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims. The claimed filling station allows an automated refilling of a gas cylinder by an end user. This includes an inserter that allows an end user to place an emptied gas bottle in the filling station. The filling station comprises a closing device for closing the filling station following the insertion of the gas cylinder in such a way that removal of the gas cylinder following closure is not possible. The end user can not remove the gas bottle in the closed state. Furthermore, the filling station comprises a filling device for an automated filling of an emptied gas cylinder inserted into the filling station following the closing. A filling can therefore only take place when the filling station is closed and the gas cylinder can not therefore be removed. A gas testing device for an automated gas-tightness test following a refilling of a gas cylinder is present. With this, the tightness of a refilled gas cylinder is checked. There is a release device that releases a previously filled or filled gas cylinder only after a successful gas leak test and thus allows removal of a refilled gas cylinder. A removal of a filled with gas or LPG gas cylinder is therefore only possible if the gas-tightness test has shown that no gas escapes from the filled bottle. The filling station is thus designed so that an end user can fill a gas bottle used by him again with gas for further use, without having to deliver a gas cylinder at a responsible delivery point such as a point of sale. It eliminates a usual onward transport from a delivery point to a central bottling plant. As a result, the transport cost and associated personnel expenses can be reduced. A consumer can receive a refilled bottle regardless of charge opening times.

Since a consumer only recovers a filled bottle when it is actually gas-tight, there is no risk that a gas bottle defect will go unnoticed and thus increase the safety risks for an end consumer.

In one embodiment, a gas tightness test also takes place before refilling. If this Gastdichtigkeitsprüfung that an inserted, largely emptied gas cylinder is already leaking, so this is not refilled. Preferably, instead of the remaining contents is emptied and then released completely empty bottle to the consumer.

A transport effort can be further improved thereby reduced, by claiming filling stations are placed in places where gas cylinders are usually used or to which liquefied gas is usually transported. Therefore, for example, campsites and / or gas stations are preferably equipped with demanding bottling stations. An achieved further reduction of transport costs contributes further u. a. to protect the environment.

In one embodiment, the filling station has an identification device with which a gas cylinder can be identified. It can thus be determined whether a gas cylinder is suitable for automatic filling. By means of a corresponding control device, the filling can be controlled as a function of the result of an identification. It is therefore only filled if it has previously been determined by the identification device that the gas cylinder used is suitable. The identification can also determine which volume and which size the gas cylinder used has. As a result, the refilling can be controlled and accelerated. Deviations from the expected result, for example with regard to the filling quantity, can be used to identify faults. For example, by the identification device determined that a maximum of 5 kg of gas may be added to a gas cylinder. By measuring the weight of the gas cylinder used and not yet refilled, the filling station determines that there is still a residual gas quantity of 1 kg in the gas cylinder. The filling station can then be set up in such a way that it is automatically determined, even before the beginning of the filling process, that no more than 4 kg is filled into the gas cylinder.

To reduce problems due to abuse and vandalism, the filling station is set up so that it is always locked. When closed, no gas cylinder can be inserted into the filling station and no gas cylinder can be removed from the filling station. If a gas cylinder is to be used, it must first be identified as suitable by the identification device. Only if this test proves that a gas cylinder is suitable, the filling station opens and allows insertion of the gas cylinder. Inserting the gas cylinder in the filling station is therefore only possible following a successful identification test.

In one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, an identification of the gas cylinder used by the identification device takes place, preferably following a closing of the filling station. There is thus a final check whether in fact a suitable gas cylinder has been used to avoid malfunctions so further improved.

Preferably, in the inserted state, the gas cylinder is in a completely closed space when the filling station is closed, so as to shield an inserted gas cylinder in the maximum possible way to the outside when it is refilled. The safety is further improved.

In one embodiment, the filling station comprises a scale with which the weight of an inserted gas cylinder is determined before refilling and / or after refilling. By determining the weight of the gas cylinder before refilling, the filling station can determine how much gas can be filled into the bottle. By determining the weight of the gas cylinder after refilling, the filling station can check that the gas cylinder has been completely and properly filled. Deviations from the expected result signal a fault and thus contribute to improved safety. By the weight of the gas cylinder both before the refilling and after refilling, it can be determined how much gas has been filled into the bottle. This can be used to control the filling and / or bill against the consumer. Alternatively or additionally, a gas flow meter in a supply line of the filling station can be used to determine how much gas has been filled into a gas cylinder used, for example, to settle accounts with the consumer or to detect faults.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filling station comprises an emptying device with which an inserted gas cylinder can be emptied. By the emptying device, the contents of a gas cylinder used in particular emptied when a fault has been detected. If, for example, a gas-tightness test shows that the filled gas cylinder is not tight, the gas bottle is emptied by the emptying device. Risks are reduced so further improved.

The emptying device comprises in one embodiment a particular movable suction head. The suction head can preferably be moved horizontally and / or vertically in order to be able to suitably connect it to a fitting of a gas cylinder. The suction head preferably has a valve opening device, in particular a spike or socket projecting in such a way that with the valve opening device, that is to say in particular with the mandrel or socket, by connecting to the fitting, a corresponding valve of the gas fals is opened or a valve body of the gas cylinder through the valve Mandrel or nozzle is moved against a spring force such that the corresponding valve is opened. After opening the valve, it is possible to aspirate and empty the gas cylinder. In the connected state, the valve is permanently open.

In one embodiment, the release device releases the gas cylinder following such emptying, so that the defective gas cylinder can be removed by the consumer in the completely empty state. Preferably, there is a signaling device which then indicates the defect or malfunction to the consumer and informs him that the gas cylinder can not be used further and / or should be delivered to a dispensing station provided for this purpose. Preferably, in addition to the suction head, there is a filling head which does not have a spike or socket projecting in such a way that the aforesaid valve can be opened by it. Even in the connected state between the filling head and fitting then the corresponding valve of the gas cylinder is closed and is only opened when gas is pumped into the bottle and thereby the valve is opened. This avoids safety risks as the valve is only opened when needed.

The filling head is preferably also movable, in particular horizontally and / or vertically, in order to be able to be suitably connected to the fitting. In one embodiment, the suction head and / or filling head comprise one or more gripping elements, which can wholly or partly grip the fitting of an inserted and centered gas cylinder in such a way that a positive connection between the fitting and the suction head can be produced. This can be improved to ensure that a connection between a head and the fitting does not solve unplanned during filling or during emptying.

In order to keep the technical effort low, filling head and suction head are fastened together in one embodiment on a movable carriage. A slide is sufficient to be able to move both the filling head and the suction head together.

Preferably, a test head of the gas testing device is also attached to the carriage, which can thus also be moved through the carriage so as to be able to carry out a gas tightness test at the given time. This also helps to keep the technical effort low.

Preferably, there are one or more horizontally and / or vertically extending rails, which serve to be able to move or move the carriage horizontally and / or vertically.

The release device basically comprises a controller which controls the release. The controller is thus set up so that it is released for removal only after completion of a successful gas-tightness test or following complete emptying of a gas cylinder. In one embodiment, a gas cylinder comprises a writable memory and the filling station an associated writing unit, with which information can be stored in the memory. In the event of a fault, it is then stored in the memory that the gas cylinder is defective and thus unsuitable for refilling in order to avoid having to insert this defective gas cylinder again into a filling station. Security risks and disruptions are thus further improved.

In one embodiment, the filling station comprises a centering device with which an inserted gas cylinder is centered and thus positioned for refilling. This embodiment helps to be able to refill a gas cylinder with little technical effort.

In one embodiment, the centering device comprises a centering gripper, which is capable of embracing an inserted gas cylinder with arms and thus centering it. Preferably, at least one arm is movable by motor to center by moving and thereby effected clasping an inserted gas cylinder. The centering gripper preferably comprises one or more rollers which rest or rest against an inserted gas cylinder so as to further facilitate centering. In one embodiment, one or more of the rollers are provided with one or more motor drives to properly align this filler neck for refilling in the presence of a side gaseous filler neck. In one embodiment, the filling station comprises a rotatable plate, on which an inserted gas cylinder is placed. The rotatable plate or turntable contributes to the fact that an inserted gas cylinder can be reliably and quickly centered and / or aligned. In one embodiment, the rotatable plate can be rotated by a motor drive to contribute by centering and / or orientation by rotating the plate. The plate can also be freely rotatable so that, for example, an alignment can be carried out by the aforementioned roles.

In one embodiment, the filling station is designed such that a refilling of a gas cylinder via a central filling point of the gas cylinder takes place from above. An automated refilling can be carried out with very little technical effort. In one embodiment, the filling station preferably has on its underside one or more openings through which gas can be directed to the outside. Preferably, there are fans with which gas from the gas filling station can be pumped out beyond these openings. Overall, such an explosion hazard can be avoided.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filling station is such that it can already be connected to an existing gas tank. This embodiment is particularly suitable for installation at gas stations.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filling station has its own gas tank. This embodiment is suitable for installation on campsites and the like. In one embodiment, the filling station has the dimensions of a container of standard size, preferably a 10-foot container, 20-foot container or 40-foot container. The transport of a filling station is thus facilitated.

In one embodiment, the filling station has quick-acting closures in order to fasten the filling station by means of the quick-release fasteners, for example, on a semitrailer. A transport is facilitated so further improved.

In one embodiment, the filling station is preferably including a gas tank own part of a semitrailer, a trailer or part of a truck so as to provide a mobile filling station. As a result, it is possible to react quickly to the respective requirement, for example as a function of seasons, in order, for example, to place bottling stations only for a limited time at desired locations such as, for example, campsites. In one embodiment of the invention, the filling station comprises a payment device, via which, for example, by means of debit card, credit card, in cash, by mobile phone and / or other electronic means for refilling can be paid.

By the following embodiments, the facilities of the filling station can be realized in a technically simple manner. The release device may comprise gripping arms which clasp an inserted gas cylinder in such a way that it can not be removed from the filling station in the clasped state. The release device can also alternatively or additionally control the opening of a door which must be opened for a removal of a gas cylinder from the filling station.

The gas testing device may comprise a test head with a gas sensor therein. The test head can preferably be slipped over the fitting of the gas cylinder, thereby providing an interior in which the fitting of the gas cylinder is located. The gas sensor may then detect the occurrence of the gas in this interior space. As a result, a gas leak can be detected particularly quickly and in a technically particularly simple manner.

The centering device may comprise a centering gripper with gripping arms. By clasping a gas cylinder through the arms, the gas cylinder can be centered. The arms may be provided with rollers to further facilitate the centering or positioning of an inserted gas cylinder. The centering device may comprise a turntable, on which an inserted gas cylinder is turned off. By turning the turntable, the inserted gas cylinder can be centered and / or aligned. By rotating the turntable, further, information stored on the inserted bottle can be supplied to a reading unit of the reading-out identifying means.

The filling device may comprise a movable filling head, which can be connected to the fitting of the gas cylinder used for filling.

The emptying device may comprise a movable suction head, which can be connected to the fitting of the gas cylinder used for emptying. In one embodiment, the movable filling head and / or the movable suction head are elastically movably supported, for example by an elastically extensible material such as rubber, which is attached to an outer holder. This reduces the requirement for accurate positioning of an inserted gas cylinder. It can be dispensed with in this embodiment regularly comparatively technically complex positioning components such as turntables with which an accurate positioning of a gas cylinder to be achieved in the filling station. The filling device or filling station may comprise identification means such as RFID writing and / or reading device in order to identify gas cylinders or to be able to store information in connection with the gas cylinder. The identification device may identify service intervals or TUV inspection intervals and, depending thereon, prompt a user to deliver a deflated bottle to a dispensing station.

In addition, the filling device can have a transport device which automatically transports a gas cylinder used by the consumer into the interior or an interior of the filling device, which is inaccessible from the outside, for filling. It can thus be created a spatial distance between this interior area and the area that may be accessible to a user. This further improves safety.

The filling station is preferably dimensioned and designed such that gas cylinders can be filled whose maximum permissible filling contents are between 5 kg and 35 kg of gas. As a rule, a gas bottle may only be filled for safety reasons up to 80% of the actual maximum possible content.

Basically, sensors such as a proximity sensor for gas cylinders are available. With such a proximity sensor can be detected early that a gas cylinder is to be used or is to control depending on a refilling the filling station. Such a proximity sensor is alternatively or additionally detected an inserted bottle and controlled, for example, the height. There may be one or more vibration sensors with which, for example, impermissibly high vibrations of the filling station can be registered, in order then to trigger an alarm, for example, and thus to protect against vandalism. There may be one or more pressure sensors. For example, with such a pressure sensor, the gas pressure in a nitrogen-filled container may be monitored to signal the need to refill or replace a container.

In a preferred embodiment, refilling takes place as follows. A serial number is attached to each approved gas cylinder, and in particular a serial number of at least 6 digits. The serial number can usually be glued on a gas cylinder or punched into the bottle surface. A user enters this serial number in an embodiment for legitimizing and / or identification in the filling station. The filling station checks the serial number and, for a permissible serial number, allows insertion into the filling station for refilling. The filling station recognizes the bottle type, the filling amount and weighs the bottle, so that a difference between the known weight of the bottle and the measured weight can be determined by the filling station, so as to determine the residual amount of gas in the bottle.

A proximity sensor is preferably installed in the vicinity of the filling valve of an inserted gas cylinder. This preferably recognizes whether the bottle is properly high and / or whether the appropriate filling valve is mounted and / or suitably positioned.

Preferably there is a control device which takes over the checking and control of the filling process and / or the checking and control of a preferably electronic payment process (eg with debit card, credit card or by means of mobile telephone and the like). At the same time, the control device monitors at least one gas sensor to detect leaks.

A release for filling takes place in particular only when one or more of the following steps have been successfully carried out by a control program: · an inserted bottle is identified

• the measured weight of the identified bottle is compared with stored data;

• A small amount up to, for example, a maximum of 10% of the volume of the bottle is filled up in order to reliably carry out a gas-tightness test afterwards; a gas sensor then checks for any leaks on the bottle;

• A gas sensor checks whether sufficient nitrogen is available in one or more bottles or containers provided for this purpose, with the example of a pneumatic and thus particularly safe operation is made possible and in particular for pumping gas from an inserted gas cylinder;

• a credit check is made. If a leak is detected that is directly related to the bottle, then in particular an automatic bottle suction takes place in order to empty the bottle. The user then preferably receives a printout indicating that he is going to the next bottle dispensing point to replace the bottle. In addition, preferably a telephone hotline number is printed, which can name the user, for example, the next bottle exchange partner.

For a particularly safe emptying of the bottle is in one embodiment, a pump available, which is driven in the suction operation by a regulated nitrogen supply. The operation of a compressed air compressor and a risk of ignition associated with gas leakage are thus advantageously avoided. The withdrawn and secured gas is returned to the filling station, for example, in a gas tank. Alternatively, a small storage can be used, which serves only the purpose of storing extracted gas. The extracted gas can be weighed in one embodiment via a load cell and be identified on one or the aforementioned expression. For example, a subsequent refund of this amount of gas is made in one embodiment, so that the user gets his gas back. Laws one or more nitrogen bottles or containers preferably have a pressure monitoring, which is preferably periodically retrieved by a controller. It can be monitored so the existing amount of nitrogen and refilled if necessary or replaced bottles or containers. In one embodiment of the invention, the filling station has an exchange device for an exchange of a gas cylinder. This replacement device is provided for the case that an inserted bottle can not be filled again due to a fault or a defect in particular because of a leakage problem. After the filling station has determined that a gas cylinder used can not be refilled with gas and especially after the filling station then through this Suction has emptied completely, the filling station allows replacement of the defective gas cylinder against a new gas cylinder. The replacement device advantageously ensures that a consumer can immediately take back a gas cylinder filled with gas and indeed completely independent of whether his previously brought gas cylinder could not be filled with gas again due to a defect or a fault with gas or not. Also, a consumer in this embodiment does not have to transport himself to transport the defective gas cylinder to a designated repair point. Advantageously, it can be waited until a plurality of defective gas cylinders are present, so that then either at the filling station a repair of these bottles can be made or these are transported to a repair station. Overall, the transport costs can be reduced in comparison to a single transport of defective gas cylinders. In one embodiment, this new gas cylinder is already completely filled with gas. This embodiment has the advantage that time is saved and the filling station can be used very quickly for further refilling. But it is also possible that only a functional empty gas cylinder is provided by the exchange device, which must be filled by the user of the filling station only with gas.

The exchange device basically comprises a control device which allows an exchange and allows access to a new gas cylinder as soon as an inserted gas bottle proves to be defective and this particular has been pumped out. In a technically simple embodiment, the user removes a box that opens controlled, after an inserted gas cylinder proves to be defective and especially after it has been emptied by suction. The user inserts the defective gas cylinder into the box, which then always closes again. The box preferably comprises one or more identification means such as proximity sensor, scale or reader for a barcode or an RFID chip, so as to detect the onset of a defective gas fish and close the box with inserted defective gas cylinder. In particular online, the operator or a designated by the operator headquarters informed about the onset of a defective gas cylinder and so on the existing repair needs. In particular, the exchange device has a plurality of such boxes, preferably over at least four, more preferably over at least eight. Alternatively, there may be a transport device that will transport new gas cylinders to a removal port or replacement port as soon as an exchange is to be made. A transport device can be present, which transports an inserted gas cylinder into the filling station after the filling station has detected a defect, and in particular even after the filling station has emptied this gas bottle by suction. In this embodiment, therefore, a user no longer has to remove the defective gas cylinder. Instead, the user receives information, for example via a display and / or via loudspeaker, that he can remove a new gas cylinder from the replacement device.

In particular, the exchange device has an information device which visually and / or acoustically informs the user that a defect has been detected and informs the user how he receives a new gas bottle by the replacement device.

A bottle filling (gas cylinder) is always made from a designated gas tank. The gas usually consists of min. 95% propane. The gas is conveyed, for example, via a submersible pump, which may be installed in the gas tank, or a side channel pump, which may be arranged outside the gas tank, in the desired manner. A suction operation is possible or alternatively a natural inlet via a removal tube, which is then advantageously arranged below the gas tank. In one embodiment, the filling station is equipped with a mobile radio transmission module, such as a GSM module, in order to simplify a mobile installation. In this embodiment, for example, data for electronic payment and / or data on the state of the filling station can be transmitted wirelessly to dedicated receiving stations.

Power failures can be bridged in one embodiment via an existing battery buffer, so that the system state, transactions and, for example, an emergency telephone continue to function. In the work area lighting is installed in one embodiment. An interior can be entered in one embodiment via a fire door.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. Show it:

FIG. 1: filling station with automatic numbering machine;

FIG. 2: interior of a filling station;

Figure 3: filling station with tank;

FIG. 4: filling head with centric filling point of a gas cylinder;

FIG. 5: suction head with centric filling point of a gas cylinder;

Figure 6: Sketch of an arrangement of a filling station with tank seen in supervision;

Figure 7: elastically mounted suction or Befüllkopf. FIG. 1 shows a filling station 1 with an interior space 2 into which a gas cylinder 3 is inserted. Shown is a gas cylinder 3 with a maximum allowable capacity of 35 kg. The interior 2 can be completely closed by a door, not shown, for example, a sliding door, and preferably gas-tight. The filling station comprises a payment device 4 in order to be able to pay immediately for refilling. The device 4 serves as an alternative or in addition to an operation of the filling station. In the interior 2 is a turntable 5, on which the gas cylinder 3 is turned off. There is a centering device with gripper arms 6, with which the gas cylinder 3 can be centered. In the interior 2 is a movable filling head 7, via which the gas cylinder 3 can be filled with gas. By means of a traversing device comprising two vertically extending rails 8, the filling head 7 can be moved vertically in order to connect the filling head 7 to the gas cylinder 3 for filling by a vertical process. In addition to the filling head 7 is a movable suction head 9, via which the gas cylinder 3 can be emptied. There is a horizontally extending rail 10 for a horizontal movement of the filling head 7 and the suction head 9. Next is located in the interior 2, a movable Dichtigkeitsprüfkopf 1 1 a gas testing device with which it can be checked whether the gas cylinder 3 is gas-tight. The Dichtigkeitsprüfkopf 1 1 can also be moved along these rails 8 and 10 both horizontally and vertically. In the case of Figure 1, the filling head 7 is connected to the gas cylinder 3 for filling. The gas cylinder 3 has a valve with centric filling point 12 in order to be able to fill and empty the gas cylinder 3 from above. The possibility of the method serves to connect the filling head 7, the suction head 9 and the Dichtigkeitsprüfkopf 1 1 suitable if necessary with the fitting of the gas cylinder 3. The method of filling head 7, suction head 9 and Dichtigkeitsprüfkopf 1 1 is carried out automatically by a motor drive, not shown, together with a control device, not shown.

The turntable 5 is located on a scale 13 in order to determine the weight of an inserted gas cylinder 3.

There is a gas sensor in the leak test head. If the test head 1 1 is placed on the gas cylinder 3 as intended from above, an interior is provided by the test head, in which the fitting of the gas cylinder with the centric filling point 12 is located. It can be determined so particularly fast and reliable by the gas sensor, whether the fitting or the connection between the valve and gas cylinder 3 is leaking.

FIG. 2 shows the interior 2 in an enlarged view. Here, in contrast to Figure 1, a gas cylinder 3 is shown with centric filling point 12, the maximum allowable filling amount is 5 kg. Again, the filling head 7 is connected to the centric filling point 12 of the gas cylinder 3 for filling. In comparison with FIG. 1, the horizontally running rail 10 has been moved downwards along the two rails 8 in order to connect the filling head 7 with the centric filling point 12 for filling. It is thus shown that a filling station 1 is suitable for gas cylinders of different sizes, specifically for gas cylinders whose maximum permissible filling quantity is between 5 kg and 35 kg.

FIG. 2 shows that the arms 6 of the centering gripper of the centering device are provided with rollers 14, which facilitate positioning and holding of the bottle 3 by clasping. Turning the turntable 5 also contributes to a positioning of the gas cylinder 3 at. FIG. 2 illustrates that the filling head 7, the suction head 9 and the test head 1 1 are fastened together on a carriage 15, which can be moved horizontally along the rail 10. FIG. 3 illustrates that the filling station can be provided with an integrated gas tank 16. The gas tank 16 may be located within a rack and / or housing 17 together with the filling station so as to provide a portable unit. The transportable unit is particularly dimensioned so that it can be transported by conventional trucks. The unit may be part of a truck, such as part of a truck semitrailer.

FIG. 4 shows a detail of a filling head 7, which is connected to a centric filling point 12 of a gas cylinder. The centric filling point 12 has an upwardly projecting connection 18, which comprises peripheral projections 19 on the outside. The upwardly facing end of the nozzle 18 is designed as a funnel 20.

The filling head 7 has two movable gripping elements 21 with internal circumferential grooves 22. The gripping elements 21 can be folded so that between the peripheral projections 19 and the circumferential grooves 22 a positive connection is created. A cone-shaped end 23 of the filling head 7 is then in the hopper 20 and is pressed against a located in the hopper 20 sealing ring 24 which may be held by a groove. Via a tubular conduit 26 can then be pumped under pressure liquefied gas into the gas cylinder. The pumping pressure causes a corresponding valve body 27 moves at the central filling point 12 against a spring force and the valve is opened.

The suction head 9 shown in Figure 5 differs from the filling head shown in Figure 4 by an elongated tubular end 28. If the suction head 9 as shown in Figure 5 connected to the centric filling point 12, the tubular end 27 extends so far into the nozzle 18 in that thereby the valve body 27 is pressed against a spring force down and thereby the valve is opened to allow suction and thus emptying the gas cylinder. Due to the tubular shape, gas can be sucked off via the extended end, so that this nozzle-shaped end 27 advantageously fulfills a dual function. FIG. 6 outlines a plan view of a particularly suitable arrangement of the components of a filling station 1. Within the frame and / or housing 17 is located behind the control and / or payment device 4 of the gas tank 16. Side next to an end face of the gas tank 16 and the control and / or payment unit 4, the interior 2 is arranged or a portion thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a partition wall 29, which is seen in plan view, separates the area with the gas tank 16 from the area in which the operating and / or payment device 4 and the interior space 2 are arranged in order to increase operational safety. In addition to the gas tank 16 remains a free space in which further suitable for the operation of the filling station 1 facilities and components 30 such as control devices, lines, etc. are arranged. The arrangement shown in Figure 6 avoids an elongated footprint and is therefore particularly suitable for installation in retail stores, campsites and petrol stations. The filling station is thus in particular the size of a 10 foot container.

In the free space, for example, one or more containers are provided for nitrogen so as to provide nitrogen in gas leaks for a pneumatic drive, can be pumped through the gas from leaking gas cylinders. The devices and components 30 may be an exchanger, a pumped off reserve tank, and / or one or more pumps. A control device and an emergency power supply can be provided as means 30. The area with the facilities and components 30 can be entered in particular via a fire door, for example, to exchange nitrogen containers as needed or to remove here stored defective gas cylinders.

The filling or suction head 7, 9 is connected by an elastic material such as rubber 32 with an outer holder 31 and therefore can be moved elastically relative to the outer holder.

Claims

claims

1 . A filling station (1) for an automated refilling of a gas cylinder (3) by an end user comprising an inserting device for inserting a depleted gas cylinder (3) into the filling station (1), a closing device for closing the filling station following the insertion of the gas cylinder ( 3) in such a way that removal of the gas cylinder (3) following closure is not possible; a filling device (7) for automatically filling a gas cylinder (3) inserted into the filling station (1) following closure, a gas testing device (1 1) for an automated gas tightness test following a refilling of a gas cylinder (3), a release device that releases a refilled gas cylinder (3) only after a successful gas leak test and thereby a removal of a refilled gas cylinder (3) is possible ,

2. Filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an identification device with which a gas cylinder (3) can be identified, preferably before insertion and / or after insertion of the gas cylinder (3) in the filling station (1).

3. filling station according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is set up such that an insertion of a gas cylinder (3) in the filling station (1) is only possible if the filling station (1) has previously identified by identification that the Gas bottle (3) is suitable for refilling.

4. Filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a balance (13) is provided, with which the weight of an inserted gas cylinder (3) can be determined before refilling and / or after refilling.

5. filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an emptying device is provided, with which the content of an inserted gas cylinder (3) can be sucked.

6. filling station according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the emptying device comprises a suction head (9), with which a valve (27) of an inserted gas cylinder (3) by connecting to the valve of the gas cylinder (3) can be opened.

7. filling station according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the suction head (9) has a preferably tubular projecting nozzle (28) or a protruding mandrel, with which the valve (27) can be opened by the connection.

8. filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filling head (7) is present, in particular in addition to a suction head (9) through which an inserted gas cylinder (3) can be filled with gas.

9. filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filling head (7), a suction head (9) and / or a Dichtigkeitsprüfkopf (1 1) are mounted together on a movable carriage (15).

10. filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a centering device is provided, with which the position of an inserted gas cylinder can be centered.

1 1. Filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centering device comprises a turntable (5) and / or one or more Zentriergreiferarme (6).

12. Filling station according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the one or more gripper arms (6) are provided with one or more rollers (14) which can rest against an inserted gas cylinder (3).

Filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is set up so that refilling of an inserted gas cylinder (3) from above via a centric filling point (12) of the gas cylinder (3).

Filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a payment device (4).

Filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is placed on a campsite or at a gas station.

Filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filling head (7) and / or suction head (9) are mounted elastically movable.

Filling station according to one of the preceding claims with a gas tank (16), which is seen in supervision behind a control and / or payment device (4).

Filling station according to one of the preceding claims with a gas tank (16), wherein viewed in plan an intended for stopping a gas cylinder (3) provided inside space (2) at least partially adjacent to an end face of a gas tank (16).

Filling station according to one of the preceding claims with one or more containers filled with nitrogen and a suction device drivable by the nitrogen for suctioning gas from an inserted gas counterfeit.

Filling station according to one of the preceding claims with a control device which controls a refilling such that first a first amount of gas is introduced into a gas cylinder inserted (3), then a gas tightness test is performed, and the bottle is completely refilled, after the gas-tightness test has been determined that the gas cylinder (3) is gas-tight.

21. Filling station according to one of the preceding claims with an exchange device (30) which provides a new gas cylinder after the filling station has detected a defect of an inserted gas cylinder.

22. A method for refilling a gas cylinder in a filling station with the features according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps:

• an emptied gas bottle (3) with centric filling point (12) is inserted into the filling station (1) by an end user,

The filling station (1) centers the position of the gas cylinder (3) by a centering device (5, 6, 14),

The filling station (1) then automatically fills the centered gas bottle (3) with gas from above,

• after filling, the filling station uses the gas testing device (1 1) to automatically check for gas escaping from the gas bottle (3),

• if the check shows that no gas escapes from the gas bottle (3), the filling station (1) allows the refilled gas bottle to be removed from the filling station,

• If the check shows that gas escapes from the bottle, the filling station (1) empties the gas cylinder and then allows the emptied gas cylinder (3) to be removed from the filling station (1).