EP3693652B1 - Filling station for gas bottles and motor vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a filling station for liquid gas in order to be able to fill gas cylinders with gas and/or to fill up motor vehicles with gas.

Filling stations for gas cylinders are from the publications US6394151B1 , EP 1246141 A2 , DE 32 14 629 A1 , EP 2 169 294 A1 as well as from the publication WO 2013/121067 A1 known. The pamphlet U.S. 2013/0153084 A1 discloses an automated gas cylinder filling station to be installed in retail stores. Gas filling systems with test facilities are from the publications FR 2 618 875 A1 and WO 2014/030921 A1 known. An automated filling station for gas cylinders that can also be set up outside of retail stores is disclosed in the publication WO 2016/074924 A1 out. The one from the pamphlet WO 2016/074924 A1 Known filling station thus allows gas cylinders to be refilled without the need for supervision by technically trained personnel. This can be arranged within a frame in order to be able to transport such a filling station.

A gas cylinder is a pressure vessel, usually made of metal, usually steel or glass fiber reinforced composites, or aluminum or a combination of steel or aluminum and glass fiber reinforced composites, for the transport and storage of pressurized gases. Such a bottle can 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.

LPG cylinders are closed with a fitting, which is usually connected to a hose line that is connected to a pressure reducer controlled removal of their gaseous content. In addition, there is a safety valve in the fitting for liquid gas cylinders, which limits the permissible overpressure in the cylinder to around 30 bar, for example, in order to prevent it from 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. Lines are manually screwed or pressed onto these lateral connection pieces, both in the case of removal and in the case of refilling.

LPG cylinders are used, for example, to operate gas stoves, gas cookers, gas grills, gas heaters or gas radiant heaters. If the contents of a liquid gas bottle have been used up, the consumer usually returns the liquid gas bottle to the point of sale for the purpose of refilling it. After such a return of a liquid gas bottle, it is transported from the point of sale to a central filling system or filling station.

In order to facilitate refilling, from the publication DE 43 34 182 A1 known to provide a central filling point in addition to a lateral connection piece. Filling can then take place from above without it being necessary to align a laterally protruding connecting piece. A fitting that enables gas cylinders to be refilled automatically is also disclosed in the publication WO 2016/074923 A1 out.

A filling station for liquid gas within the meaning of the present invention is also a gas station with which motor vehicles can be refueled with liquid gas. Pure gas filling stations are not always staffed. Users then pay, for example, by credit card. Supervision by technically trained personnel is not provided for such filling stations that are used to refuel motor vehicles.

Filling up with gas for motor vehicles is similar to filling up with petrol or diesel. Gas is displayed in liters at the dispenser (volumetric delivery). For refueling, ie for refilling, a fuel nozzle is firmly connected to a filler neck of the motor vehicle, for example screwed. This results in a closed system between the gas tank of the motor vehicle and the filling station.

It is the object of the invention to provide a further developed filling station.

The object of the invention is achieved by a filling station with the features of the main claim. Advantageous configurations emerge from the dependent claims.

A filling station according to the invention basically comprises a filling device for automated filling of a gas cylinder used in the filling station and preferably additionally a filling device for refueling a motor vehicle. The filling device for automated filling of a gas cylinder used in the filling station is basically arranged adjacent to the filling device for refueling a motor vehicle. The filling device for automated filling of a gas cylinder used in the filling station and the filling device for refueling a motor vehicle preferably form a common front side.

The filling device for automated filling of a gas cylinder used in the filling station is arranged adjacent to the filling device for refueling a motor vehicle if the two filling devices are not separated from one another by a gap through which a user of the filling station could walk. In particular, the two filling devices form a common front which ensures that a user cannot get between the two filling devices. The front particularly borders on an opening of a room in which the two Filling devices are housed. The space is delimited by walls. At least one wall generally includes a door to allow technical personnel to enter the room for repair and maintenance purposes. In this embodiment, the two filling devices only partially fill the space.

A gas cylinder is usually too unwieldy and too heavy to be able to transport it to an automated filling station on foot, for example. As a rule, therefore, a motor vehicle is used to transport a gas bottle to a filling station. If a motor vehicle is used, a parking space is required in order to be able to park the motor vehicle. Such a parking space is also required if the motor vehicle is to be refueled with gas. The parking space must then even be in the immediate vicinity of the filling device that enables the motor vehicle to be refueled. This spatial proximity, which must be present between a motor vehicle parked in a parking space and the filling device if the motor vehicle is to be refueled, is used by the present invention. Since the filling device for automated filling of a gas bottle used in the filling station is arranged adjacent to the filling device for refueling a motor vehicle, the distance between the parked motor vehicle and the filling device for a gas bottle is small. The outlay for refilling a gas cylinder is therefore small, since only a small distance between the parked car and the filling device for a gas cylinder has to be bridged. There is no need to reserve a second parking space for a motor vehicle. Instead, a parking space is used, which must already be provided for refueling a motor vehicle.

In addition, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the filling station comprises only one tank in which gas for refueling a motor vehicle and gas for refilling the gas cylinder is stored. In this configuration, both filling devices are connected to the tank in a gas-conducting manner, so that both a gas cylinder and a motor vehicle can be filled or refueled with gas stored in the tank. This will make the Effort further reduced, since two tanks do not have to be present. This not only saves space, but also maintenance effort and reduces the effort that has to be made to fill such a tank.

The filling station is a transportable unit. The filling station is therefore built so compactly and so stably that it can be lifted, for example, using a crane or using a pallet truck or forklift and loaded onto a transport vehicle for transport.

In particular, the filling station includes a payment device in order to be able to pay for the amount of gas received. A payment device means a device that enables payment without the need for an additional supervisor such as a cashier. In particular, the payment device enables cashless payment, for example using a credit card, an EC card, a customer card or a mobile phone. However, the payment device can also alternatively or additionally enable payment using cash. In this configuration, the filling station therefore requires no staff to be able to receive and pay for gas.

According to independent claim 1, the filling station comprises an accessible platform in front of the two filling devices. The accessible platform ensures that a motor vehicle cannot be parked in such a way that a user cannot reach the filling device for automated filling of a gas cylinder used in the filling station, for example. The accessible platform reliably prevents a car from parking. Since the platform can be walked on, it is so wide that a normally tall adult man can step onto it unhindered, even if a motor vehicle is parked directly adjacent to the platform. This distinguishes this accessible platform from elevations that are usually present around a filling device of a gas station. Such elevations are only intended to prevent a motor vehicle from being able to reach a filling device. These surveys are therefore fundamental built so narrow that it is not wide enough for easy access. So if a motor vehicle is parked directly adjacent to such an elevation, it can no longer be easily entered by a normally tall adult man. Such elevations are also basically located on all sides of a filling device of a gas station. In contrast to this, the walk-on platform is basically only on one side of the filling station in order to be able to keep the installation area for the filling station as small as possible.

In one embodiment, the platform that can be walked on is at least 60 cm, preferably at least 80 cm, wide. A distance between the two filling devices and the motor vehicle of at least 60 cm or 80 cm is thus ensured. This distance is sufficient for an adult man of normal height to be able to reach the filling device for the gas bottle with a gas bottle without any problems. In order not to have to provide an excessively large storage area for the filling station, the walk-on platform is preferably no more than 150 cm, particularly preferably no more than 120 cm, wide.

For example, the walk-on platform can be semi-circular or triangular. The walk-on platform is preferably rectangular. It is therefore basically a rectangular plate which is preferably at least 60 cm wide and/or preferably not wider than 150 cm. The length of the rectangular panel generally exceeds the width in order to be able to see or reach elements present on the front of the filling station. In one embodiment of the invention, the accessible platform is at least 100 cm long, particularly preferably at least 120 cm or preferably at least 150 cm. So that the installation area for the filling station does not become too large and the filling station can be transported easily, the walk-on platform is no more than 300 cm, particularly preferably no more than 250 cm, long. The front of the filling station means the side where the one or two filling devices are located. In addition to the one or two filling devices, there are basically one or more screens, for example to display the amount of gas that has been filled in or instructions for operating the filling station can. The front also preferably has a payment device in order to be able to pay for the amount of gas received. If the rectangular plate is 60 cm wide, this will ensure that there is at least 60 cm clearance between a parked vehicle and the front.

In order to better ensure that a motor vehicle does not accidentally drive onto the walk-on platform, there are one or more supports that project upwards from the platform, preferably vertically. The one or more supports are located at the outer edge of the platform. In particular, two supports are provided at the outer corners of the walk-on platform. The outer edge or the outer corners of the accessible platform mean the edge or the corners that are at a distance from the aforementioned front side.

For reasons of stability, two supports are preferably part of a rectangular or square frame. The frame is preferably made entirely of steel. In addition, the lower, horizontally running support of the frame when the filling station is set up ensures that a motor vehicle cannot inadvertently drive onto the accessible platform. The platform that can be walked on is then advantageously located on or above the aforementioned lower horizontal beam of the frame.

Preferably, the filling station comprises a cage formed by beams for supporting the filling station and the like. to protect during transport. The aforementioned frame is then part of the cage. The one or two filling stations are located inside the cage.

The one or more beams preferably consist of hollow profiles with a rectangular or square cross-section, so that suitably stable beams with a low weight can be provided. For reasons of stability, the one or more carriers are preferably made of steel.

When the filling station is set up, a lower, horizontally running support comprises two openings for a fork of a forklift truck or a lift truck. The lower horizontal beam is part of a frame formed by beams. The fork of a forklift or pallet truck can be pushed through the openings so that the filling station can finally be lifted and transported using the forklift or pallet truck.

The walk-on platform is preferably arranged on or above the lower horizontal beam. The accessible platform is then raised in steps above the area on which the filling station is parked. As a result, it is avoided in an improved manner that a motor vehicle does not accidentally drive onto the walk-on platform. A desired distance between a motor vehicle parked in front of the filling station and the filling devices is thus maintained particularly reliably. A user can access all controls and filling devices at any time.

The accessible platform can be formed by a steel plate, for example. A steel plate is sufficiently stable to be able to withstand the mechanical loads permanently and reliably. However, the accessible platform can also be provided by a panel made of wood. Preferably, the walk-on platform is covered to protect a user from rain.

The filling station according to claim 1 preferably comprises a plurality of structural units which can be pulled out of the filling station separately from one another. This filling station can be serviced particularly quickly. If a unit is defective, it can first be replaced so that the filling station can be used again as soon as possible. It is also possible to equip a filling station with freely selectable components. In this way, there can be a filling station with a filling device for automated filling of an inserted gas cylinder, which is also set up in such a way that it can be retrofitted with a filling device for refueling a motor vehicle by adding a corresponding structural unit by pushing it in . Such a filling station therefore has a corresponding free space, or a corresponding free space can be created, for example, by removing a wall, in order to be able to add another structural unit later.

Each assembly preferably includes rollers that allow each assembly to be rolled out of the filling station. The outlay for assembly and replacement is thus kept particularly low.

The one or more assemblies can preferably be pulled out of a room with a lockable door. This contributes to the fact that the structural units can be protected against unauthorized access.

Preferably, the structural units can be pulled out in the direction from which the one or more filling devices can be operated by a user. A particularly simple and compact design of the filling device is thus possible.

The structural units can preferably be connected to one another on one side, for example by one or more bars. A bolt can be detached from at least one structural unit without being destroyed. A bolt can be permanently connected to a structural unit. The bolt is then arranged in such a way that it can be releasably connected to another structural unit and/or a frame part of the filling station. However, it is preferably possible for the bolt not to be permanently connected to the structural unit mentioned, ie it can be released non-destructively using a tool, for example. Instead of a bolt, another means of connection can also be used be provided, through which two units can be connected to each other and / or a unit with a frame part of the filling station. This other connecting means is then also designed in such a way that it can be detached from at least one structural unit, preferably from two structural units, in order to then be able to exchange one structural unit. This contributes to the fact that the structural units can be protected against unauthorized access.

The detachable connection of a bar or another connection means to a structural unit or a frame part is done, for example, with one or more screws and/or a bayonet connection and/or a snap-in connection.

A connection means such as a latch is preferably arranged on the back of structural units in order to be able to protect such connection means from unauthorized access. Operating elements for filling with gas are then present on the side and/or on the front of the structural units. The back is then located in particular within a lockable room in order to be protected from unauthorized access.

One structural unit is preferably the filling device for automated filling of a gas bottle used in the filling station. A structural unit is preferably the filling device for refueling with gas. A structural unit preferably comprises an operating and/or payment device. This subdivision makes it possible to put together a filling station flexibly. A filling station can thus be put together which, in addition to an operating and/or payment device, includes a filling device for automated filling of a gas cylinder used in the filling station and/or a filling device for filling up with gas. If an operator initially purchased a filling station from, for example, which, in addition to an operating and/or payment device, includes a filling device for automated filling of a gas cylinder used in the filling station, he can add a filling device for filling up motor vehicles with gas at a later point in time .

The structural units are in particular part of a closed front. Gas can be obtained from this front page by a user. Otherwise, the structural units can be shielded in such a way that they are protected against unauthorized access. This is done in particular by accommodating the structural units in a room which can be entered from a rear side through a preferably lockable door. This space comprises an opening at the front in order to be able to add or remove the structural units through this opening.

A unit may include one or more lockable flaps on its front. This makes it possible for authorized persons to carry out maintenance work from the front. On the one hand, in an advantageous embodiment, the aforementioned room can be entered through a lockable door in order to be able to carry out maintenance work from the room, for example. On the other hand, maintenance work can be carried out by authorized persons by opening a first lockable flap. Authorized persons can also carry out maintenance work by opening a second lockable flap. This makes it possible to provide different authorized persons. An authorized group of people can only open a first flap, for example to replace printer paper. Another authorized group of people can open a second flap, for example to be able to carry out electrical maintenance work. A next authorized group of people can, for example, open the door in order to be able to exchange structural units, for example.

The filling device for refueling a motor vehicle basically includes a fuel nozzle that can be firmly connected to a filler neck of a motor vehicle.

The filling station according to the claims basically enables an automated refilling of a gas cylinder by an end user and also preferably refueling a motor vehicle with gas. In particular, a liquid gas is provided as the gas, ie a gas which is liquefied at room temperature by compression. In particular, LPG is provided as the gas, which is also called LPG.

The filling device for an automated filling of a gas cylinder used in the filling station basically comprises an insertion device that enables an end user to insert an empty gas cylinder into this filling device. The filling device for automated filling of a gas bottle used in the filling station basically comprises a closing device for closing after the gas bottle has been inserted in such a way that it is not possible to remove the gas bottle after the closing. The end user cannot remove the gas cylinder when it is closed. The filling device for an automated filling of a gas bottle used in the filling station basically comprises a filling device for an automated filling of an emptied gas bottle used following the closing. Filling can therefore only take place if the filling device is closed accordingly and the gas bottle cannot be removed as a result. The filling device for automated filling of a gas cylinder used in the filling station basically comprises a gas testing device for an automated gas tightness test following refilling of a gas cylinder used. This is used to check the tightness of a refilled gas cylinder. The filling device for automated filling of a gas bottle used in the filling station basically comprises a release device which only releases a previously filled gas bottle after a successful gas tightness test and thus enables a refilled gas bottle to be removed. A gas bottle filled with gas or liquid gas can only be removed if the gas tightness test has shown that no gas is escaping from the filled bottle.

The filling device for automated filling of a gas cylinder used in the filling station is thus designed in such a way that an end consumer can refill a gas cylinder he has used with gas for further use without having to hand over a gas cylinder to a responsible delivery point, such as a point of sale . This eliminates the usual onward transport from a delivery point to a central bottling plant. As a result, the transport costs along with the associated personnel costs can be reduced. A consumer can get back a refilled bottle regardless of load opening times.

Since a consumer only receives a filled cylinder back if it is actually gas-tight, there is no risk that a defect in a gas cylinder will go unnoticed, which would result in increased safety risks for the end consumer.

In one embodiment, controlled by a control device, a gas tightness test also takes place before refilling. If this gas leak test shows that a gas cylinder that has been used and has been largely emptied is already leaking, it will not be refilled. Instead, the remaining content is preferably emptied and the bottle, which is then completely emptied, is released in particular to the consumer.

In one embodiment, a gas tightness test takes place during refilling, controlled by a control device. If it is determined during the refilling that gas is escaping from the gas cylinder, the refilling is stopped under the control of the control device. The gas cylinder used is then released by the release device. A user is prompted acoustically and/or visually via an output device that includes a loudspeaker and/or a screen to check the condition of the gas bottle and/or to close the gas tap on the bottle in order to then reinsert the bottle. Is determined, controlled by the control device following a renewed insertion of the gas cylinder into the filling station, that the gas cylinder is not is tight, it will not be refilled. Instead, the remaining content is preferably emptied and the bottle, which is then completely emptied, is released in particular to the consumer.

In one embodiment, the filling device has an identification device for automated filling of a gas bottle used in the filling station, with which a gas bottle can be identified. It can thus be determined whether a gas cylinder is suitable for automatic filling. The filling can be controlled by a corresponding control device depending on the result of an identification. It is only filled if the identification device has previously determined that the gas cylinder used is suitable. The identification can also be used to determine the volume and size of the gas cylinder used. This allows the refilling to 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, the identification device establishes that a maximum of 5 kg of gas may be filled into a gas cylinder that is used. By measuring the weight of the gas bottle used and not yet refilled, the filling station determines that there is still 1 kg of residual gas in the gas bottle. The filling device for automated filling of a gas cylinder used in the filling station can then be set up in such a way that it is then automatically determined before the start of the filling process that no more than 4 kg is filled into the gas cylinder.

In order to reduce problems due to misuse and vandalism, the filling device for automated filling of a gas bottle used in the filling station is set up in such a way that it is basically closed. In the closed state, no gas bottle can be inserted into the filling station and no gas bottle can be removed from the filling station. If a gas cylinder is to be used, it must these are initially identified as suitable by the identification device.

In one embodiment, the gas bottle used is identified alternatively or additionally by the identification device, preferably after the filling device has been closed for automated filling of a gas bottle used in the filling station. A final check is carried out as to whether a suitable gas bottle has actually been used in order to further prevent malfunctions.

In the inserted state, the gas cylinder is preferably in a completely closed space when the filling device for automated filling of a gas cylinder inserted in the filling station is closed, in order to shield an inserted gas cylinder from the outside as much as possible when it is being refilled. This further improves security.

In one embodiment, the filling device for automated filling of a gas bottle used in the filling station comprises scales, with which the weight of a gas bottle used 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 cylinder. By determining the weight of the gas cylinder after refilling, the filling station can check whether the gas cylinder has been filled completely and properly. Deviations from the expected result indicate a fault and thus contribute to improved safety. By determining the weight of the gas cylinder both before refilling and after refilling, it is possible to determine how much gas has been put into the cylinder. This can be used to control the filling and/or to bill the consumer. Alternatively or in addition, 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 bottle that has been used, for example to to be billed to the consumer or to determine disruptions. Partially filled gas cylinders can then also be completely filled. A consumer can therefore completely refill his gas bottle ahead of time, in order to have gas available all the more reliably at all times.

A gas flow meter is preferably used to determine how much gas has been filled into a gas cylinder that is used. An optionally available scale is then preferably used exclusively for safety-related checking of the filling level of the bottle. In one embodiment, a control device checks whether the increase in weight determined by the scales corresponds to the gas volume that has been measured by the gas flow meter. In the event of an excessively high deviation, a fault is thus determined and signaled, for example, acoustically and/or optically. A gas cylinder that is then used can then, for example, be returned to the user completely empty and/or technical personnel can be informed of the fault, for example automatically, for the purpose of rectifying the fault. If an additional leak test carried out reveals that the gas cylinder is leakproof, then in particular technical personnel can then be automatically informed that the filling station could be faulty and/or the filling station could be taken out of operation automatically.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filling device for automated filling of a gas bottle used in the filling station comprises an emptying device with which a gas bottle used can be emptied. The contents of an inserted gas cylinder are emptied by the emptying device, in particular when a fault has been detected. If, for example, a gas leak test reveals that the filled gas bottle is not leakproof, the gas bottle is emptied by the emptying device. Risks are thus further improved and reduced.

The filling station is preferably set up in such a way that it automatically determines whether the gas cylinder assembly with cylinder valve or fitting is holding the pressure and/or gas-tight. One or more pressure sensors are used to maintain the pressure in a gas cylinder. One or more gas detection sensors are used to determine whether gas is leaking from the gas cylinder into the environment. For safety reasons, one or more pressure sensors and one or more gas detection sensors are preferably present in order to automatically determine gas tightness problems

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

In one embodiment of the invention, the filling station has its own gas tank. This configuration is suitable for installation at campsites and the like.

In one embodiment, the filling station has the dimensions of a standard-sized container, preferably a 10-foot (3.05 m) container, 20-foot (6.1 m) container or 40-foot (12.2 m) container. This makes it easier to transport a filling station.

In one embodiment, the filling station has quick-release fasteners in order to attach the filling station to a semi-trailer truck, for example, using the quick-release fasteners. Transportation is thus further improved facilitated.

In one embodiment, the filling station, including its own gas tank, is part of an articulated lorry, a trailer or part of a truck, in order to create a mobile filling station. As a result, it is possible to react quickly to the respective need, for example depending on the season, in order to set up filling stations, for example, only for a limited time at desired locations such as campsites.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filling station includes a payment device, which can be used to pay for refilling, for example using an EC card, credit card, in cash, using a mobile phone and/or in some other electronic way.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filling station includes a piston pump with which gas is conveyed. The piston pump includes at least one piston that can be moved up and down in a cylinder. At one end of the cylinder there is a valved inlet into the cylinder and a valved outlet out of the cylinder. A piston pump is preferable because it can suitably convey gas in both the liquid state and the gaseous state. The piston includes one or more sealing rings in order to be able to establish a gas-tight connection between the piston and an inner wall of the cylinder. If the piston is moved in the direction of the outlet, the gas in the cylinder is pumped out of the outlet. Moving the piston away from the inlet causes gas to be drawn in through the inlet.

The piston of the piston pump is driven in particular with the help of an electric motor, so that gas can be pumped reliably even at extreme temperatures without having to operate at an excessively high level of effort. In order to be able to move the piston, it is attached to a piston rod. The piston rod is preferably in two parts and has a joint. The joint makes it possible for the part of the piston rod that is connected to the piston not to pivot. This part of the piston rod, which does not perform any pivoting movements, is preferably sealed by a sealing element in such a way that the sealing element prevents gas from getting out of the cylinder into the space in which the part of the piston rod is located, which during operation of the piston pump performs pivoting movements. This particularly reliably prevents gas from escaping unplanned, which is particularly problematic in the case of an electric motor because of the risk of explosion can be. The part of the piston rod that does not perform any pivoting movements is preferably guided by a guide. This ensures in a particularly reliable manner that this part of the piston does not perform any pivoting movements.

There is preferably only one piston pump, with which gas is sucked out of a gas cylinder and gas is pumped out of a tank, in order to be able to fill a gas cylinder or to be able to refuel a motor vehicle. In order to be able to manage with only one piston pump, there is preferably a device equipped with control valves, with which gas flows can be guided in a suitable manner. This device means that either gas is pumped out of a gas bottle or gas is taken from a tank.

Preferably, the piston pump comprises two or four pistons for gas pumping and sucking, respectively, located in cylinders and preferably driven by an electric motor. Cylinders are connected to each other via a pressure relief valve in such a way that if an excessively high overpressure occurs in one cylinder, gas can be pumped from this cylinder into another cylinder. The development of an excessively high overpressure is thus avoided in a particularly reliable manner. Nevertheless, no gas escapes into the environment. In this embodiment in particular, one piston is at a lower end of its cylinder and thus remote from the inlet and outlet, while another piston is at an upper end of its cylinder and thus close to the inlet and outlet of the piston pump.

Figur 1:

Abfüllstation mit Zahlenautomat;

Figur 2:

Käfig der Abfüllstation;

Figur 3:

Rückseite der Abfüllstation;

Figur 4:

Baueinheiten der Abfüllstation;

Figur 5:

Frontseite einer weiteren Abfüllstation;

Figur 6:

Innenraum von der Rückseite aus gesehen.

Show it:

Figure 1:

Filling station with payment machine;

Figure 2:

filling station cage;

Figure 3:

back of the filling station;

Figure 4:

units of the filling station;

Figure 5:

front of another filling station;

Figure 6:

Interior seen from the back.

The figure 1 shows a filling station 1 comprising a filling device 2 for automated filling of a gas bottle 3 used in the filling station, and a filling device 4 for refueling a motor vehicle. The filling device 2 for automated filling of a gas bottle 3 used in the filling station 1 is arranged adjacent to the filling device 4 for refueling a motor vehicle. In front of the two filling devices 3 and 4 there is a walk-on platform 5 provided by a plate made of steel. The accessible platform 5 is 80 cm to 140 cm wide and 150 cm to 250 cm long.

Two carriers 6, shown only in outline, protrude vertically upwards from the platform. The two supports 6 are at the outer edge of the platform 5 at the two corners of the outer edge. The two carriers 6 are part of a frame formed from carriers. From the frame is in the figure 1 nor the lower horizontal beam 7 shown. This has two continuous openings 8 for a fork of a forklift.

At the back 9 there is a frame built in the same way. The corners of the two frames are connected to one another by a total of four longitudinal beams 10 . Overall, there is a cage made up of beams that protects the filling station. All carriers 6, 7, 10 are made of steel and have a square or rectangular hollow profile in cross section. Ends of the carriers 6, 7, 10 are correspondingly welded and/or screwed together and thus connected to one another.

The walk-on platform 5 is located above the lower horizontal beam 7 and rests on it. In addition, the accessible platform 5 rests on the lateral lower longitudinal beams 10 . The platform 5 is fixed to these supports 7 and 10, for example by a screw connection or a riveted connection.

The two filling devices 2 and 4 are structural units which can be pulled out separately from one another forward as indicated by arrows, specifically in the direction from which the filling devices 2 and 4 can be reached by a user. In order to facilitate this, the filling devices 2 and 4 have rollers on the underside and stand on a base 11 which forms a common flat surface with the accessible platform 5 . In order to provide the subsoil 11 and the platform 5 that can be walked on, a common plate made of steel, for example, can be provided. However, there can also be a plurality of plates which are put together accordingly. The base 11 also rests on the lower supports 10 and is attached to them, for example screwed or riveted. There is another structural unit 12 that can be pulled out to the front and is mounted on rollers so that it can be rolled, which includes an operating and payment device 13 and one or more displays 14 . The structural unit 12 is also located on the base 11.

All structural units 2, 4 and 12 are located in a walk-in room that includes two side walls 15 and a ceiling 16. The walk-in space is delimited by the subsurface 11 at the bottom. The walk-in room also includes a rear wall on the back 9, which is provided with a lockable door. All structural units 2, 4, 12 that can be rolled out forwards from the walk-in space are less deep than the walk-in space. The walk-in room can therefore be entered through the door on the back side. Assembly work on the back of the structural units is thus possible. In addition, the backs of the roll-out units 2, 4, 12 are protected from unauthorized access when the door is locked.

The structural units 2, 4, 12 that can be rolled out are connected to one another on their rear sides by bolts. The latches can be detached from the structural units without being destroyed using tools.

The units 2, 4, 12 that can be rolled out have closed front sides, in which locks 17 can be present. The locks 17 can be locked using keys, for example. The locks 17 can be used for locking. A structural unit 2, 4, 12 can only be pulled forward when the associated lock 17 has been unlocked. This further improves the protection of the filling station against unauthorized operating errors.

Each structural unit can have one or more closable flaps 18 on its front side, for example to be able to exchange printing paper. Such flaps 18 basically include locks 19 with which a respective flap 18 can be closed. Appropriate keys are then required in order to be able to open a flap 18 . This also serves to protect against unauthorized access.

The filling device 2 , which is provided for filling an inserted gas cylinder 3 , has an interior space 20 for inserting a gas cylinder 3 . A gas bottle 3 with a maximum permissible filling quantity of 35 kg is shown. The interior 20 can be closed completely, preferably in a gas-tight manner, by a door (not shown), for example a sliding door or a roller shutter. The sliding door or the roller shutter are preferably opened and closed automatically and controlled by a control device. In the interior 20 there is a plate 21 on which the gas bottle 3 can be placed. There is a centering device 22 with gripper arms, with which the gas bottle 3 can be centered. In the interior 2 there is a movable filling head 23, via which the gas bottle 3 can be filled with gas. Next to the filling head 23 there is a movable suction head 24, via which a gas bottle 3 that has been used can be emptied. Also located in the interior 20 is a moveable leak test head 25 of a gas test device, which can be used to test whether the gas cylinder 3 is gas-tight.

In the case of figure 1 the filling head 23 is connected to the gas bottle 3 for filling. The gas cylinder 3 has a fitting with a central filling point 26 in order to be able to fill and empty the gas cylinder 3 from above.

The possibility of moving is used to suitably connect the filling head 23, the suction head 24 and the leak test head 25 to the fitting of the gas bottle 3 if required. The movement of filling head 23, suction head 24 and leak test head 25 is automated by a motor drive, not shown, together with a control device, not shown.

The plate 21 is located on a scale 27 in order to be able to determine the total weight of a gas cylinder 3 used.

A gas detection sensor is located in the leak test head 25 . If the leak test head 25 is placed on the gas cylinder 3 from above as intended, the leak test head 25 provides an interior space in which the fitting of the gas cylinder with the central filling point 26 is located. The gas detection sensor can thus be used to determine particularly quickly and reliably whether the fitting or the connection between the fitting and the gas bottle 3 is leaking.

The filling device 4 provided for refueling a motor vehicle comprises on the front side a fuel nozzle 29 which can be stored in a bearing 28. The fuel nozzle 29 can be removed from the bearing 28 in order to be able to refuel a motor vehicle. The nozzle is connected to a hose 30 through which gas is conducted during refueling. In addition, a suspension 31 for the hose can be provided on the front side.

An external tank for gas can be provided. Both filling devices 2 and 4 are then connected to the tank in a gas-conducting manner, so that both a gas cylinder 3 and a motor vehicle can be filled or refueled with gas stored in the tank. The external tank can be located underground. The Filling station 1 then includes coupling devices, for example on the back or on the side, in order to be able to connect the tank to the filling station 1 accordingly.

The filling station 1 covers such a small area that it can be easily transported by truck. The base area corresponds, for example, to the size of a passenger car, so that a normal parking space for a passenger car is sufficient to set up the filling station 1 .

The order of the structural units 2, 4 and 12 can also be different. Thus, the structural unit 12 can also be located between the structural units 2 and 4. The structural unit 4 can be provided between the structural units 2 and 12.

The figure 2 shows the cage formed from steel beams 6, 7, 10, 32 to 35 for the filling station 1. The steel beams 6, 7 together with the front steel beam 32 form a frame. Carriers 33 and 34 are also in the figure 1 hinted at to see.

The figure 3 shows the rear wall 36 of the filling station with a door 37 that can be closed with a lock 39. Behind the door 37 is the walk-in room.

The figure 4 sketches two structural units 2 and 4 as an example, which are connected to one another with a bolt 39 on the back. The bolt 39 can be screwed to the rear of the assemblies 2 and 4 using screws 40 . The bolt 39 can therefore be released again using a screwdriver, ie using a tool. Alternatively or additionally, the bolt 39 can be hooked into hooks that are present on the back of the structural units 2 and 4, for example. Each bar 39 can also be positively connected to the backs of the structural units 2 and 4 in some other way. With the help of such bolts 39 units 2, 4 or 12 can also Walls of the interior can be releasably attached, for example, using screws or using form-fitting connections.

On the underside of the structural units 2, 4 there are rollers 41 in order to be able to roll the structural units 2, 4 into or out of the aforementioned walk-in space of the filling station 1.

The filling station 1 has an emergency power supply, a mobile phone connection and/or an alarm system, as is the case with cars.

The figure 5 shows a front side with a further embodiment of a filling station. The filling station differs from that in the figure 1 filling station shown above all by the provision of an inner frame 42. The inner frame is mounted immovably and is intended as a permanent part of the filling station. The inner frame 42 is such that the structural units 2, 4, 12 can be fastened to the inner frame 42 using latches.

There are two sliding doors 43 that can be opened and closed by a motor. The interior 20, which is provided for inserting a gas cylinder 3, can be automatically opened and closed by the two sliding doors 43.

The one in the figure 5 The embodiment shown includes a removable module 45 which includes a computer and one or two displays. The module 45 can preferably be pulled forward like the modules 2, 4, 12 in order to remove the module 45. It is preferably attached like the modules 2, 4, 12. It can therefore be detached from the walk-in room in order to then be able to remove the module 45. Since a module with a computer can be comparatively small and light, this is preferably arranged above another module, for example as in FIG figure 5 shown above the module 4, i.e. above the filling device 4. Using the The filling device is controlled by the computer of the module 45. The module 45 preferably comprises one or two displays 14. In one embodiment, a user of the filling station controls the filling of a gas bottle and/or the refueling of a motor vehicle via such a display 14, which can be a touch-sensitive display. Another display 14 can be used for advertising, for example.

The figure 6 shows a view into the walk-in room 44. The representation of the door 37 and the rear wall 36 is therefore missing. To the right of this there is an enlarged representation Z, which makes it clear that the structural units are fastened to the inner frame 42 on their rear sides with the aid of bolts 39. The lower horizontal beam 35 also has two through openings 8 for a fork of a forklift. Therefore, the filling station can also be lifted and transported from the rear using a forklift.

In one embodiment, a measuring module (not shown) is accommodated in the walk-in room. The measuring module measures a quantity of gas given off by refueling a motor vehicle or by filling a gas cylinder. This is preferably done by measuring the volume of gas released, for example using a Coriolis mass flow meter. If a gas cylinder is filled, the measured gas volume is preferably converted into a unit of weight such as kg in order to be able to state the amount of gas received in a unit of weight, e.g. in kg.

Claims (13)

1. Filling station (1) comprising a filling device (2) for an automated filling of a gas bottle (3) inserted in the filling station (1) and a filling device (4) for refueling a motor vehicle, wherein the filling device (2) for an automated filling of a gas bottle (3) inserted in the filling station (1) is arranged adjacent to the filling device (4) for refueling a motor vehicle, wherein the filling station (1) comprises a walkable platform (5) in front of the two filling devices (2, 4), one or more beams (6) protrude upwards from the walkable platform (5) and the one or more beams (6) are arranged at the outer edge of the walkable platform (5), namely at the two corners of the outer edge, characterized in that the beams (6) are part of a frame or the filling station (1) formed of beams (6, 7, 32), wherein the lower horizontally extending beam (7) of the frame has two openings (8) for a fork of a forklift.
2. Filling station (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a tank for gas is provided and both filling devices are connected to the tank in a gas-conducting manner, so that both a gas bottle (3) and a motor vehicle can be filled or refueled with gas stored in the tank.
3. Filling station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the walkable platform (5) is at least 60 cm, preferably at least 80 cm, wide and/or wherein the walkable platform (5) is not more than 150 cm, preferably not more than 120 cm, wide and/or wherein the walkable platform (5) is at least 100 cm, particularly preferably at least 120 cm, long and/or wherein the walkable platform (5) is not more than 300 cm, particularly preferably not more than 250 cm, long.
4. Filling station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the walkable platform (5) is arranged on or above the lower horizontally extending beam (7) of the frame.
5. Filling station according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling station (1) comprises a plurality of assembly units (2, 4, 12) which can be pulled out of the filling station (1) separately from one another.
6. Filling station (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each assembly unit (2, 4, 12) comprises rollers (41) which allow each assembly unit (2, 4, 12) to be rolled out of the filling station (1).
7. Filling station (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly units (2, 4, 12) can be pulled out of a walkable space (44) with a lockable door (37).
8. Filling station (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly units (2, 4, 12) can be pulled out in the direction from which the filling devices (2, 4) are operable by a user.
9. Filling station (1) according to one of the four preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly units (2, 4, 12) are connected to each other by bars (39) on one side and/or that the assembly units (2, 4, 12) are fastened to an inner frame (42) by means of bars (39) and the bars (39) can be non-destructively detached from the assembly units (2, 4, 12) and/or the inner frame (42).
10. Filling station (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the bars (39) are arranged at the back side of the assembly units (2, 4, 12) and operating elements (13) for filling with gas are present at the front side of the assembly units (2, 4, 12).
11. Filling station (1) according to one of the six preceding claims, characterized in that one assembly unit is the filling device (2) for an automated filling of a gas bottle (3) inserted in the filling station (1) and/or one assembly unit is the filling device (4) for a refueling with gas and/or one assembly unit (12) comprises an operating and/or payment device (13).
12. Filling station (1) according to one of the seven preceding claims, characterized in that one or more, preferably all assembly units (2, 4, 12) comprise closed front sides.
13. Filling station (1) according to one of the eight preceding claims, characterized in that an assembly unit (2, 4, 12) comprises a lockable flap (18) on the front side.

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