EP3790836A1 - A motorised device for handling one or more hoses in a fuel dispensing unit - Google Patents

A motorised device for handling one or more hoses in a fuel dispensing unit

Info

Publication number
EP3790836A1
EP3790836A1 EP19722878.6A EP19722878A EP3790836A1 EP 3790836 A1 EP3790836 A1 EP 3790836A1 EP 19722878 A EP19722878 A EP 19722878A EP 3790836 A1 EP3790836 A1 EP 3790836A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cable element
guiding means
motor
hose
tension
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP19722878.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3790836B1 (en
Inventor
Bengt Larsson
Marlene Wemmert
Hanna Helgesson
Gustaf GUSTAFSSON
Jonas Folkell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB
Original Assignee
Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB filed Critical Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB
Publication of EP3790836A1 publication Critical patent/EP3790836A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3790836B1 publication Critical patent/EP3790836B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/38—Arrangements of hoses, e.g. operative connection with pump motor
    • B67D7/40—Suspending, reeling or storing devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/04—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/38—Arrangements of hoses, e.g. operative connection with pump motor
    • B67D7/40—Suspending, reeling or storing devices
    • B67D7/403—Suspending, reeling or storing devices the hose carrier comprising a sliding unit

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of fuel dispensing units and in particular to a device for handling at least one hose in such a fuel dispensing unit, the device allowing the hose to be pulled out from a hose storage space and return the hose to the hose storage space.
  • a fuel dispensing unit such as a petrol pump typically comprises a pump part standing on the ground, a display part positioned above the pump part and showing the chosen type of petrol, cash readout, volume readout etc., and a column or frame to which one or more petrol hoses are connected.
  • the driver parks the vehicle beside the petrol pump and opens the cover or cap of the petrol tank. The driver then selects the desired type of petrol and places the pump nozzle in the inlet of the vehicle’s petrol tank and puts in the desired volume of petrol.
  • a difficulty that may arise in connection with filling-up is that the hose does not reach to the vehicle if parked a distance from the petrol pump.
  • the reason why the vehicle has not been parked sufficiently close to the pump may be difficulty in maneuvering owing to a limited space round the petrol pump.
  • To allow the hose to reach the vehicle it is usually necessary for the driver to park his vehicle so that the side of the vehicle where the filler cap is positioned faces the petrol pump. It is not always known to a driver of an unfamiliar vehicle whether the filler cap is positioned on the left or right side. This may result in the driver by mistake parking the vehicle on the wrong side of the pump and thus not being able to fill up the tank without moving the vehicle to the other side of the petrol pump since the hose does not reach all the way round the vehicle.
  • One way of facilitating access to the petrol pump is to provide it with a longer hose. This may, however, cause problems since a longer hose may tend to land on the ground when not used and thus get stuck in or be damaged by passing cars or other vehicles. To prevent this, the fuel dispensing unit may be provided with some kind of returning mechanism for the hose.
  • US 6 328 060 discloses a gasoline dispensing unit and method according to which one end of a cord is attached to a dispensing hose to support the hose relative to a dispenser unit during non-use.
  • the other end of the cord is attached to a drum having a tapered outer surface and a continuous spiral groove.
  • the cord is wound on the drum from the largest-diameter drum portion to the smallest-diameter portion. The cord thus unwinds from the drum from its smallest-diameter portion to the largest-diameter portion when the hose is pulled from the housing to provide a mechanical advantage and reduce the required pulling force.
  • GB 782 882 discloses a swinging arm hose retriever for fluid
  • the hose of the fluid dispensing apparatus is retracted by a spring drum which, together with a spring-biased swinging arm, is mounted on a cover replacing the normal cover for the usual aperture in the top of the dispensing cabinet.
  • the cover carries a support from which a spindle and a frame carrying the arm are supported by bearings.
  • a spring connected to a fork pivoted to the spindle biases the arm to its normal position.
  • a problem common for the hose returning devices described above is their size, or their extension within the fuel dispensing unit, which results in bulky and complicated structures.
  • a device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit the device allowing the hose to be pulled out from a hose storage space and return the hose to the hose storage space, the device comprising
  • a cable element connected to a motor for feeding and retracting the cable element, wherein when the cable element is being retracted, the hose will be returned to the hose storage space, wherein when the cable element is being fed, the hose will be allowed to be pulled out from the hose storage space,
  • control unit for controlling the motor based on input from the device for measuring the tension of the cable elements
  • control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding the cable element when the tension of the cable element is below a first threshold.
  • “cable element” is generally meant any type of line, rope, wire, etc. which may be flexible or not.
  • the present invention is based on the realization that by letting the motor feed the cable element only when a tension (strain, etc.) in the cable element is below a first threshold, tangling of the cable element may be avoided. Moreover, the tension of the cable element may be based on whether the hose is being pulled or not, and if the hose is not being pulled, there is no need to feed more cable from the motor. Consequently, power may be saved, and wear of the motor may be reduced.
  • control unit is adapted to stop the motor from retracting the cable element when the tension in the cable element is above a second threshold, the second threshold being larger than the first threshold.
  • this may allow for a reduction of wear of the motor.
  • the device comprises:
  • the first guiding means being spring suspended such that the first guiding means having a first and a second position, wherein the first guiding means is in the first position when a tension in the cable element is above the first threshold, and in the second position when the tension in the cable element is below the first threshold
  • the device for measuring the tension of the cable element comprises a first sensor for sensing the position of the first guiding means, the first sensor being connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding of the cablee element when the guiding means is in the second position.
  • guiding means is generally meant any type of means which may direct or guide the cable element in a particular direction.
  • This embodiment provides a low complexity solution for measuring when the tension of the cable element is low (below the first threshold). Since a cable element not being tense may slack a bit, a spring suspended guiding means for the cable element may change position when this occur. Such change pf position may be easily measured with a sensor, which may output a signal relating to this change in positon to the control unit, to control the motor correspondingly.
  • the first guiding means is spring suspended using two springs, wherein the first and the second spring is providing a force to the first guiding means in a similar direction, wherein the first spring provides the force to the guiding means during a first range of positions of the first guiding means, wherein the second spring provides the force to the first guiding means during a second range of positions of the first guiding means, wherein the first range is different from the second range, such that the guiding means having a third position, wherein the first guiding means is in the third position when the tension in the cable element is above the second threshold,
  • the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from retracting the cable element when the guiding means is in the third position.
  • a tension above the second threshold will cause a change in the position of the first guiding means, since a very tense cable element will have a different path/extent compared to a not so tense cable element or a slacking cable element.
  • the second spring which starts providing a force to the first guiding means when the first guiding means is at a certain position (which is different from where the first spring starts affecting the first guiding means), may start affecting the first guiding means, thus moving the first guiding means further. Consequently, the first guiding means may have a third position when the tension of the cable element is high, and this position may be sensed by the first sensor, provided as input to the control unit to stop retraction of the cable element.
  • the first sensor comprises a first sub- sensor for sensing when the guiding means is in the second position, and a second sub-sensor for sensing when the guiding means is in the third position.
  • the device comprises a second guiding means for the cable element, the second guiding means being spring suspended such that the second guiding means having a first and a second position, wherein the second guiding means is in the first position when the tension in the cable element is above the second threshold, and in the second position when the tension in the cable element is below the second threshold, wherein the device for measuring the tension of the cable element further comprises a second sensor for sensing the position of the first guiding means, the second sensor being connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from retracting the cable element when the second guiding means is in the first position.
  • a second spring suspended guiding means is thus used to (via a second sensor and the control unit) stop the motor from retracting the cable element when the when the tension of the cable element is high, i.e. above the second threshold.
  • the motor is suspended pivotally, such that the motor having a first position and a second position, wherein the motor is in the first position when the tension of the cable element is below the first threshold, and in the second position when the tension of the cable element is above the second threshold,
  • the device for measuring the tension of the cable element comprises:
  • a first sensor connected to the control unit for sensing when the motor is in the first position
  • a second sensor connected to the control unit for sensing when the motor is in the second position
  • control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding of the cable element when the motor is in the first position, and from retracting the cable element when the motor is in the second position.
  • control unit is further receiving input when the fuel dispensing unit is dispensing fuel, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from retracting the cable element when the fuel dispensing unit is dispensing fuel. This will increase security when operating the fuel dispensing unit and stop unnecessary use of the motor.
  • control unit is further receiving input relating to if a nozzle connected to the hose is in an operating condition or not, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding of the cable element when the nozzle is not in an operating condition. For example, if the nozzle is suspended on the fuel dispensing unit, the nozzle is not in an operating condition for dispensing fuel. The nozzle may also be dysfunctional; in which case the hose may not be allowed to be pulled out. This will increase security when operating the fuel dispensing unit and stop unnecessary use of the motor.
  • the fuel dispensing unit is connected to a pump for pumping fuel, wherein the control unit is further receiving input relating to the pump being involved in an ongoing transaction, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding of the cable element when the pump is involved in an ongoing transaction.
  • the motor is adapted to be declutched. Consequently, the feeding of the cable element may be provided without the assistance of the motor. This may reduce wear of the motor.
  • Fig. 1 shows a device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit according to a first embodiment
  • Fig. 2 shows a device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit according to a second embodiment
  • Fig. 3 shows a device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit according to a third embodiment
  • Fig. 4 shows a fuel dispensing unit according to one embodiment including the device of fig. 1.
  • Fig. 5 shows a fuel dispensing unit according to another embodiment.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a fuel dispensing unit 400 having a device 100 for handling three hoses 404.
  • the fuel dispensing unit 400 has an electrical cabinet (not shown) containing all the electronics for the fuel dispensing unit 400, a hydraulic cabinet (not shown) containing fuel dispensing means (not shown), e.g. fuel metering means, valves, vapor recovery system etc.
  • the fuel dispensing unit 400 is connected to an underground reservoir (not shown) containing fuel.
  • a pump not shown
  • the fuel is pumped from the underground reservoir by means of a pump (not shown) which is located in the hydraulic cabinet, and from there to a hose connection (not shown) and out to a nozzle 406 via the hose 404.
  • Each hose 404 are passed down around a deflecting roll 402. From the roll 402, the fuel hose 404 is passed upwards in the hose storage space (not shown).
  • the deflecting roll 402 is adapted to be moved in the vertical direction, and will thus allow for the hose 404 to be returned to the hose storage space when moved down, and allow for the hose to be pulled out from the hose storage space when moved up.
  • the position of the deflecting roll 402 is controlled by the device 100, and this will now be explained using figure 4 in conjunction with figure 1.
  • the device 100 thus allow the hose 404 to be pulled out from the hose storage space and return the hose 404 to the hose storage space.
  • the device comprises a cable element 104 connected to a motor 102 (in figures 1 -2 and 4-5, only a storage wheel 102 for the cable element 104 is show, which houses the cable when not fed to its fullest length, the storage wheel 102 being connected to the motor, shown in figure 3) for feeding and retracting the cable element.
  • both ends of the cable element is connected to the motor 102, meaning that the cable element will be fed/retracted from both ends, thus increasing the efficiency of the device as will be described further below.
  • a position of a first guiding means 112 When the cable element 104 is fed, a position of a first guiding means 112 will be changed, the first guiding element being spring suspended such that feeding of the cable element 104 will make the first guiding means 112 move in an upwards direction and retraction of the cable element will cause the first guiding element 112 to be moved in a downwards direction. Since the position of the first guiding element 112 control the position of the deflecting wheel 402, when the cable element 104 is being retracted, the hose 404 will be returned to the hose storage space, and when the cable element 104 is being fed, the hose 402 will be allowed to be pulled out from the hose storage.
  • the device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit comprises a device for measuring a tension of the cable element, and a control unit (not shown in the figures) for controlling the motor 102 (i.e. retraction and/or feeding of the cable element 104) based on input from the device for measuring the tension of the cable elements.
  • the device 100 comprises a first guiding means 106 for the cable element 104, the first guiding means 106 being spring suspended using e.g. an extension spring 108 (other types of springs may be used, depending on the design of the device 100) fastened to a frame element 120 of the device. Consequently, the tension in the cable element 104 will exert a downwards force on the first guiding means 106 (moving the spring suspended guiding means 106 downwards), and the lack of tension will thus not exert a downwards force on the guiding means 106, leading to that the first guiding means 106 will be moved upwards due to the retracting force exerted on the guiding means 106 by the spring 108.
  • an extension spring 108 other types of springs may be used, depending on the design of the device 100
  • the first guiding means 106 will move based on the tension of the cable element 104, such that the first guiding means 106 has a first and a second position, wherein the first guiding means 106 is in the first position when a tension in the cable element 104 is above a first threshold tension, and in the second position when the tension in the cable element 104 is below the first threshold tension.
  • This change in position may be sensed by a first sensor 110.
  • Any type of sensor 110 may be applied, e.g. a proximity sensor for sensing the first guiding means 106, an infra-red sensor etc.
  • the control unit (not shown) of the fuel dispensing unit is in this embodiment adapted to receive input from the sensor 110, to be informed of when the first guiding means 106 is in the second position, i.e. when the tension in the cable element 104 is below the first threshold tension, and to stop the motor 102 from feeding of the cable element 104. Since the tension of the cable element 104 is relative low in this case, the motor 102 can stop the feeding of the cable element 104.
  • the feeding of the cable element 104 may according to some embodiments be provided by declutching the motor 102. Declutching may be handled by the control unit, e.g. based on the tension of the cable element 104. In other embodiments, the motor helps the feeding my spinning the storage wheel 102 in a feeding direction.
  • the first guiding means 106 in this embodiment is an elongated hollow structure, housing the cable element 104. This is just by way of example, and any type of suitable design of the guiding means 106 may be applied.
  • the fuel dispensing unit may be adapted to handle a plurality of hoses.
  • the device handles 2 hoses.
  • Each hose is handled (i.e. allowing each hose of the plurality of hoses to be pulled out from a hose storage space and return the hose to the hose storage space) using further guiding means 112,
  • the second guiding means 112 for the cable element (e.g. pulleys, discs, rollers, etc.) wherein the second guiding means 112 is connected to a deflecting roll 402 as described above.
  • the movement of the second guiding means 112 in a vertical direction thus allow for the respective hose to be pulled out or returned to the hose storage space in an easy to use way for the customer using the fuel dispensing unit.
  • the movement of the second guiding means 112 is used for measuring tension in the cable element 104, and to stop retraction of the cable element 104 by the motor 102.
  • the second guiding means e.g. a pulley or roller
  • the second guiding means being spring suspended (not shown) such that the second guiding means having a first and a second position, wherein the second guiding means 112 is in the first position when the tension in the cable element 104 is above the second threshold, and in the second position when the tension in the cable element 104 is below the second threshold.
  • the second guiding means 112 when the tension in the cable element 104 is high (above the second threshold), the second guiding means 112 will be in a lower position (first position), since the cable element 104 will exert a downwards pulling force on the second guiding means 112. When the tension is lower (below the second threshold), the retracting force of the spring of the second guiding means 112 will pull the second guiding means upwards to a higher (second) position.
  • the device comprises a second sensor 118 (similar to the first sensor 110) which is connected to the control unit and adapted to input a signal when the second guiding means 112 is in the lower (first) position.
  • the control unit will then stop the motor 102 from retracting the cable element 104. This will reduce the wear of the cable element 104, as well as on the motor 102.
  • Figure 2 shows a second embodiment for how to stop the motor 102 from retracting the cable element 104 when the tension of the cable element 104 is high.
  • the embodiment of figure 2 is similar to the one of figure 1 , but the second sensor 118 for sensing the position of the second guiding means 112 is replaced by the first guiding means 106 being spring suspended using two springs 108, 202.
  • the two springs 108, 202 provides force in a similar direction, i.e. the first spring 108 providing a force to the guiding means in a first directions (upwards in figure 2), and the second spring 202 providing a force to the guiding means in a similar direction (upwards in figure 2).
  • the second spring 202 of figure 2 may thus be a compression spring.
  • the second spring is placed differently in the device, and may thus be an extension spring.
  • a more stretched cable element 104 will cause the second spring 202 to start affecting the first guiding means 106 to further push up the first guiding means 106, such that the guiding means having a third position, wherein the first guiding means 106 is in a third (highest) position when the tension in the cable element 104 is above the second threshold.
  • the first spring 108 provides the force to the first guiding means 106 during a first range of positions of the first guiding means 106
  • the second spring 202 provides the force to the first guiding means 106 during a second range of positions of the first guiding means 106, wherein the first range is different from the second range.
  • the control unit may be adapted to stop the motor from retracting the cable element 104 when the first guiding means 106 is in the third position.
  • the sensing of the first, second and third position of the first guiding means 106 is handled by a single sensor.
  • a first sub-sensor 204 is used for sensing when the first guiding means 106 is in the second position
  • a second sub-sensor 206 is used for sensing when the first guiding means 106 is in the third position.
  • Figure 3 shows a further design of how to sense tension in the cable element 104.
  • the motor 102, 302 is suspended 310 pivotally using a spring 308 (fastened in a frame 312 of the device), such that it can move in a horizontal direction based on the tension of the cable element 104.
  • the motor 102, 302 (in this embodiment surrounded by a housing 314) thus has a first position (to the left in figure 3) and a second position (to the right in figure 3) which depends on the tension of the cable element 104.
  • the tension is low, the pulling force of the spring 308 will move the housing 314 to the left, such that it touches, or otherwise interact with, a first sensor 306.
  • the control unit may use input from the two sensors 304, 306 to stop the motor 102, 302 from feeding of the cable element 104 when the motor 102, 302 is in the first position (to the left), and from retracting the cable element 104 when the motor 102, 302 is in the second position (to the right).
  • the fuel dispensing unit is for dispending fuel using a pump (not shown) pumping fuel through the hose 404 and the nozzle 406 into e.g. a vehicle.
  • a pump not shown
  • the hose 404 is not retracted while the fuel dispensing unit is dispensing fuel.
  • control unit is further receiving input when the fuel dispensing unit is dispensing fuel, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor 102 from retracting the cable element 104 when the fuel dispensing unit is dispensing fuel.
  • control unit may further receive input relating to if a nozzle 406 connected to the hose 404 is in an operating condition or not, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor 102 from feeding of the cable element 104 when the nozzle is not in an operating condition.
  • the pump for pumping fuel may be activated or not for a certain hose 404 and connected nozzle 406.
  • the control unit is further receiving input relating to the pump being involved in an ongoing transaction, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding of the cable element when the pump is involved in an ongoing transaction.
  • FIG. 112, 116 may be a problem for the motor 102 to handle. It is advantageous if a weaker motor 102 can be used, both for cost reasons and for reducing power needed to run the fuel dispensing unit.
  • Figure 4 and 5 shows different solution to this problem.
  • the cable element is guided via a plurality of guiding means 112, 116.
  • upper guiding mean 112 of the plurality of guiding means 112, 116 is spring suspended such that this guiding means 116 having a first and a second position (depending on the tension of the cable element 104). The position of the remaining guiding means 116 is fixed.
  • At least one of the first and the second position of the movable guiding means 112 is located at a different altitude compared to an altitude of the fixed position of the remaining guiding means 116.
  • Such positions of the guiding means 112, 116 will increase friction when the cable element 104 is retracted by the motor 102.
  • the cable element 104 is connected to the motor 102 in both ends of the cable element 104 such that when the cable element 104 is being retracted or fed, the cable element 104 is retracted or fed from both ends of the cable element 104.
  • feeding/retracting from both ends of the cable element 104 increase the speed of the feeding/retraction operation, and reduce wear of the motor 102 since less rotations of the storage wheel is needed.
  • the plurality of guiding means 116, 112 consists of three guiding means, wherein the spring suspended guiding means 112 is positioned in between the other two guiding means 116 in a horizontal direction, wherein the cable element is guided via the three guiding means in a horizontal order.
  • This is a low complexity design for moving the deflecting roller 402 as described above.
  • the number of hoses 404 handled by the device (and motor 102) may be three or more.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)

Abstract

Device (100) for handling at least one hose (404) in a fuel dispensing unit (400), the device allowing the hose (404) to be pulled out from a hose storage space and return the hose (404) to the hose storage space, the device (100) comprising a cable element (104) connected to a motor (102) for feeding and retracting the cable element (104), wherein when the cable element (104) is being retracted, the hose (404) will be returned to the hose storage space, wherein when the cable element (104) is being fed, the hose (404) will be allowed to be pulled out from the hose storage space, a device for measuring a tension of the cable element (104), and a control unit for controlling the motor (102) based on input from the device for measuring the tension of the cable element (104), wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor (102) from feeding the cable element (104) when the tension of the cable element (104) is below a first threshold.

Description

A MOTORISED DEVICE FOR HANDLING ONE OR MORE HOSES IN A FUEL
DISPENSING UNIT
Technical field
The present invention relates to the field of fuel dispensing units and in particular to a device for handling at least one hose in such a fuel dispensing unit, the device allowing the hose to be pulled out from a hose storage space and return the hose to the hose storage space.
Background art
A fuel dispensing unit, such as a petrol pump typically comprises a pump part standing on the ground, a display part positioned above the pump part and showing the chosen type of petrol, cash readout, volume readout etc., and a column or frame to which one or more petrol hoses are connected.
When the tank of a vehicle is to be filled up, the driver parks the vehicle beside the petrol pump and opens the cover or cap of the petrol tank. The driver then selects the desired type of petrol and places the pump nozzle in the inlet of the vehicle’s petrol tank and puts in the desired volume of petrol.
A difficulty that may arise in connection with filling-up is that the hose does not reach to the vehicle if parked a distance from the petrol pump. The reason why the vehicle has not been parked sufficiently close to the pump may be difficulty in maneuvering owing to a limited space round the petrol pump. To allow the hose to reach the vehicle, it is usually necessary for the driver to park his vehicle so that the side of the vehicle where the filler cap is positioned faces the petrol pump. It is not always known to a driver of an unfamiliar vehicle whether the filler cap is positioned on the left or right side. This may result in the driver by mistake parking the vehicle on the wrong side of the pump and thus not being able to fill up the tank without moving the vehicle to the other side of the petrol pump since the hose does not reach all the way round the vehicle.
One way of facilitating access to the petrol pump is to provide it with a longer hose. This may, however, cause problems since a longer hose may tend to land on the ground when not used and thus get stuck in or be damaged by passing cars or other vehicles. To prevent this, the fuel dispensing unit may be provided with some kind of returning mechanism for the hose.
US 6 328 060 discloses a gasoline dispensing unit and method according to which one end of a cord is attached to a dispensing hose to support the hose relative to a dispenser unit during non-use. The other end of the cord is attached to a drum having a tapered outer surface and a continuous spiral groove. When the hose is not in use, the cord is wound on the drum from the largest-diameter drum portion to the smallest-diameter portion. The cord thus unwinds from the drum from its smallest-diameter portion to the largest-diameter portion when the hose is pulled from the housing to provide a mechanical advantage and reduce the required pulling force.
GB 782 882 discloses a swinging arm hose retriever for fluid
dispensing apparatus. The hose of the fluid dispensing apparatus is retracted by a spring drum which, together with a spring-biased swinging arm, is mounted on a cover replacing the normal cover for the usual aperture in the top of the dispensing cabinet. The cover carries a support from which a spindle and a frame carrying the arm are supported by bearings. A spring connected to a fork pivoted to the spindle biases the arm to its normal position.
A problem common for the hose returning devices described above is their size, or their extension within the fuel dispensing unit, which results in bulky and complicated structures.
Another problem with the hose returning devices existing of the market today is that the force required for extracting the hose from the hose housing is quite extensive.
There is thus a need for improvements within this context.
Summary of the invention
In view of the above, it is thus an object of the present invention to overcome or at least mitigate the problems discussed above. In particular, it is an object to provide a device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit, wherein a motor is provided for allowing the hose to be pulled out without requiring extensive manual force, and which also may provide for retraction of the hose.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit, the device allowing the hose to be pulled out from a hose storage space and return the hose to the hose storage space, the device comprising
a cable element connected to a motor for feeding and retracting the cable element, wherein when the cable element is being retracted, the hose will be returned to the hose storage space, wherein when the cable element is being fed, the hose will be allowed to be pulled out from the hose storage space,
a device for measuring a tension of the cable element,
a control unit for controlling the motor based on input from the device for measuring the tension of the cable elements,
wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding the cable element when the tension of the cable element is below a first threshold.
As used herein, by“cable element” is generally meant any type of line, rope, wire, etc. which may be flexible or not.
The present invention is based on the realization that by letting the motor feed the cable element only when a tension (strain, etc.) in the cable element is below a first threshold, tangling of the cable element may be avoided. Moreover, the tension of the cable element may be based on whether the hose is being pulled or not, and if the hose is not being pulled, there is no need to feed more cable from the motor. Consequently, power may be saved, and wear of the motor may be reduced.
According to some embodiments, the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from retracting the cable element when the tension in the cable element is above a second threshold, the second threshold being larger than the first threshold. Advantageously, this may allow for a reduction of wear of the motor. According to some embodiments, the device comprises:
a first guiding means for the cable element, the first guiding means being spring suspended such that the first guiding means having a first and a second position, wherein the first guiding means is in the first position when a tension in the cable element is above the first threshold, and in the second position when the tension in the cable element is below the first threshold, wherein the device for measuring the tension of the cable element comprises a first sensor for sensing the position of the first guiding means, the first sensor being connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding of the cablee element when the guiding means is in the second position.
As used herein, by“guiding means” is generally meant any type of means which may direct or guide the cable element in a particular direction.
This embodiment provides a low complexity solution for measuring when the tension of the cable element is low (below the first threshold). Since a cable element not being tense may slack a bit, a spring suspended guiding means for the cable element may change position when this occur. Such change pf position may be easily measured with a sensor, which may output a signal relating to this change in positon to the control unit, to control the motor correspondingly.
According to some embodiments, wherein the first guiding means is spring suspended using two springs, wherein the first and the second spring is providing a force to the first guiding means in a similar direction, wherein the first spring provides the force to the guiding means during a first range of positions of the first guiding means, wherein the second spring provides the force to the first guiding means during a second range of positions of the first guiding means, wherein the first range is different from the second range, such that the guiding means having a third position, wherein the first guiding means is in the third position when the tension in the cable element is above the second threshold,
wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from retracting the cable element when the guiding means is in the third position. In this embodiment, also a tension above the second threshold will cause a change in the position of the first guiding means, since a very tense cable element will have a different path/extent compared to a not so tense cable element or a slacking cable element. In this position of the first guiding means, the second spring, which starts providing a force to the first guiding means when the first guiding means is at a certain position (which is different from where the first spring starts affecting the first guiding means), may start affecting the first guiding means, thus moving the first guiding means further. Consequently, the first guiding means may have a third position when the tension of the cable element is high, and this position may be sensed by the first sensor, provided as input to the control unit to stop retraction of the cable element.
According to some embodiments, the first sensor comprises a first sub- sensor for sensing when the guiding means is in the second position, and a second sub-sensor for sensing when the guiding means is in the third position. This is a low complexity solution for sensing two different positions of the guiding means, and providing input thereof to the control unit.
According to some embodiments, the device comprises a second guiding means for the cable element, the second guiding means being spring suspended such that the second guiding means having a first and a second position, wherein the second guiding means is in the first position when the tension in the cable element is above the second threshold, and in the second position when the tension in the cable element is below the second threshold, wherein the device for measuring the tension of the cable element further comprises a second sensor for sensing the position of the first guiding means, the second sensor being connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from retracting the cable element when the second guiding means is in the first position.
In this embodiment, a second spring suspended guiding means is thus used to (via a second sensor and the control unit) stop the motor from retracting the cable element when the when the tension of the cable element is high, i.e. above the second threshold. This provides a low complexity solution to the problem of stopping reduction of the cable element at the correct time, to for example reduce wear of the motor and the cable element. In such a device as described herein, often a plurality of guiding means are needed for the cable element, as will be described further below. This may thus be taken advantage of for measuring tension in the cable element to stop and start reduction of the cable element.
According to some embodiments, the motor is suspended pivotally, such that the motor having a first position and a second position, wherein the motor is in the first position when the tension of the cable element is below the first threshold, and in the second position when the tension of the cable element is above the second threshold,
wherein the device for measuring the tension of the cable element comprises:
a first sensor connected to the control unit for sensing when the motor is in the first position, and a second sensor connected to the control unit for sensing when the motor is in the second position,
wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding of the cable element when the motor is in the first position, and from retracting the cable element when the motor is in the second position.
Since the motor is the part of the device which provides
feeding/retraction of the cable element, a different tension in the cable element will affect the pulling force exerted by the cable element on the motor. Consequently, a motor being suspended pivotally will change position based on the tension of the cable element, which may be taken advantage of for controlling when to stop/start feeding and retraction of the cable element.
According to some embodiments, the control unit is further receiving input when the fuel dispensing unit is dispensing fuel, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from retracting the cable element when the fuel dispensing unit is dispensing fuel. This will increase security when operating the fuel dispensing unit and stop unnecessary use of the motor.
According to some embodiments, the control unit is further receiving input relating to if a nozzle connected to the hose is in an operating condition or not, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding of the cable element when the nozzle is not in an operating condition. For example, if the nozzle is suspended on the fuel dispensing unit, the nozzle is not in an operating condition for dispensing fuel. The nozzle may also be dysfunctional; in which case the hose may not be allowed to be pulled out. This will increase security when operating the fuel dispensing unit and stop unnecessary use of the motor.
According to some embodiments, the fuel dispensing unit is connected to a pump for pumping fuel, wherein the control unit is further receiving input relating to the pump being involved in an ongoing transaction, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding of the cable element when the pump is involved in an ongoing transaction. This will increase security when operating the fuel dispensing unit, since the hose may not be pulled out from the storage when the fuel dispensing unit anyway will not provide any fuel due to the ongoing transaction of the pump. Further, it may stop unnecessary use of the motor.
According to some embodiments, the motor is adapted to be declutched. Consequently, the feeding of the cable element may be provided without the assistance of the motor. This may reduce wear of the motor.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:
Fig. 1 shows a device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit according to a first embodiment,
Fig. 2 shows a device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit according to a second embodiment,
Fig. 3 shows a device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit according to a third embodiment,
Fig. 4 shows a fuel dispensing unit according to one embodiment including the device of fig. 1. Fig. 5 shows a fuel dispensing unit according to another embodiment.
Detailed description of embodiments
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. The systems and devices disclosed herein will be described during operation.
Fig. 4 illustrates a fuel dispensing unit 400 having a device 100 for handling three hoses 404. The fuel dispensing unit 400 has an electrical cabinet (not shown) containing all the electronics for the fuel dispensing unit 400, a hydraulic cabinet (not shown) containing fuel dispensing means (not shown), e.g. fuel metering means, valves, vapor recovery system etc. The fuel dispensing unit 400 is connected to an underground reservoir (not shown) containing fuel. When filling up the tank of a motor vehicle, the fuel is pumped from the underground reservoir by means of a pump (not shown) which is located in the hydraulic cabinet, and from there to a hose connection (not shown) and out to a nozzle 406 via the hose 404. Each hose 404 are passed down around a deflecting roll 402. From the roll 402, the fuel hose 404 is passed upwards in the hose storage space (not shown). The deflecting roll 402 is adapted to be moved in the vertical direction, and will thus allow for the hose 404 to be returned to the hose storage space when moved down, and allow for the hose to be pulled out from the hose storage space when moved up. The position of the deflecting roll 402 is controlled by the device 100, and this will now be explained using figure 4 in conjunction with figure 1.
The device 100 thus allow the hose 404 to be pulled out from the hose storage space and return the hose 404 to the hose storage space. The device comprises a cable element 104 connected to a motor 102 (in figures 1 -2 and 4-5, only a storage wheel 102 for the cable element 104 is show, which houses the cable when not fed to its fullest length, the storage wheel 102 being connected to the motor, shown in figure 3) for feeding and retracting the cable element. In the embodiment of figure 1 and 4, both ends of the cable element is connected to the motor 102, meaning that the cable element will be fed/retracted from both ends, thus increasing the efficiency of the device as will be described further below. When the cable element 104 is fed, a position of a first guiding means 112 will be changed, the first guiding element being spring suspended such that feeding of the cable element 104 will make the first guiding means 112 move in an upwards direction and retraction of the cable element will cause the first guiding element 112 to be moved in a downwards direction. Since the position of the first guiding element 112 control the position of the deflecting wheel 402, when the cable element 104 is being retracted, the hose 404 will be returned to the hose storage space, and when the cable element 104 is being fed, the hose 402 will be allowed to be pulled out from the hose storage.
According to the inventive concept described herein, feeding and/or retraction of the cable element is controlled based on a tension of the cable element. This may be accomplished in different ways, as will be described below in conjunction with figures 1-3. In all embodiments, the device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit comprises a device for measuring a tension of the cable element, and a control unit (not shown in the figures) for controlling the motor 102 (i.e. retraction and/or feeding of the cable element 104) based on input from the device for measuring the tension of the cable elements.
In the embodiment disclosed in figure 1 , the device 100 comprises a first guiding means 106 for the cable element 104, the first guiding means 106 being spring suspended using e.g. an extension spring 108 (other types of springs may be used, depending on the design of the device 100) fastened to a frame element 120 of the device. Consequently, the tension in the cable element 104 will exert a downwards force on the first guiding means 106 (moving the spring suspended guiding means 106 downwards), and the lack of tension will thus not exert a downwards force on the guiding means 106, leading to that the first guiding means 106 will be moved upwards due to the retracting force exerted on the guiding means 106 by the spring 108.
Consequently, the first guiding means 106 will move based on the tension of the cable element 104, such that the first guiding means 106 has a first and a second position, wherein the first guiding means 106 is in the first position when a tension in the cable element 104 is above a first threshold tension, and in the second position when the tension in the cable element 104 is below the first threshold tension. This change in position may be sensed by a first sensor 110. Any type of sensor 110 may be applied, e.g. a proximity sensor for sensing the first guiding means 106, an infra-red sensor etc.
The control unit (not shown) of the fuel dispensing unit is in this embodiment adapted to receive input from the sensor 110, to be informed of when the first guiding means 106 is in the second position, i.e. when the tension in the cable element 104 is below the first threshold tension, and to stop the motor 102 from feeding of the cable element 104. Since the tension of the cable element 104 is relative low in this case, the motor 102 can stop the feeding of the cable element 104.
The feeding of the cable element 104 may according to some embodiments be provided by declutching the motor 102. Declutching may be handled by the control unit, e.g. based on the tension of the cable element 104. In other embodiments, the motor helps the feeding my spinning the storage wheel 102 in a feeding direction.
The first guiding means 106 in this embodiment is an elongated hollow structure, housing the cable element 104. This is just by way of example, and any type of suitable design of the guiding means 106 may be applied.
As described above in conjunction with figure 4, the fuel dispensing unit may be adapted to handle a plurality of hoses. In the embodiment of figure 1 , the device handles 2 hoses. Each hose is handled (i.e. allowing each hose of the plurality of hoses to be pulled out from a hose storage space and return the hose to the hose storage space) using further guiding means 112,
116 for the cable element (e.g. pulleys, discs, rollers, etc.) wherein the second guiding means 112 is connected to a deflecting roll 402 as described above. The movement of the second guiding means 112 in a vertical direction thus allow for the respective hose to be pulled out or returned to the hose storage space in an easy to use way for the customer using the fuel dispensing unit.
In the embodiment of figure 1 , the movement of the second guiding means 112 is used for measuring tension in the cable element 104, and to stop retraction of the cable element 104 by the motor 102. In this embodiment, the second guiding means (e.g. a pulley or roller) being spring suspended (not shown) such that the second guiding means having a first and a second position, wherein the second guiding means 112 is in the first position when the tension in the cable element 104 is above the second threshold, and in the second position when the tension in the cable element 104 is below the second threshold. In other words, when the tension in the cable element 104 is high (above the second threshold), the second guiding means 112 will be in a lower position (first position), since the cable element 104 will exert a downwards pulling force on the second guiding means 112. When the tension is lower (below the second threshold), the retracting force of the spring of the second guiding means 112 will pull the second guiding means upwards to a higher (second) position.
In this embodiment, the device comprises a second sensor 118 (similar to the first sensor 110) which is connected to the control unit and adapted to input a signal when the second guiding means 112 is in the lower (first) position. The control unit will then stop the motor 102 from retracting the cable element 104. This will reduce the wear of the cable element 104, as well as on the motor 102.
Figure 2 shows a second embodiment for how to stop the motor 102 from retracting the cable element 104 when the tension of the cable element 104 is high. The embodiment of figure 2 is similar to the one of figure 1 , but the second sensor 118 for sensing the position of the second guiding means 112 is replaced by the first guiding means 106 being spring suspended using two springs 108, 202. The two springs 108, 202 provides force in a similar direction, i.e. the first spring 108 providing a force to the guiding means in a first directions (upwards in figure 2), and the second spring 202 providing a force to the guiding means in a similar direction (upwards in figure 2). The second spring 202 of figure 2 may thus be a compression spring. In another embodiment, the second spring is placed differently in the device, and may thus be an extension spring.
In the embodiment of figure 2, a more stretched cable element 104 will cause the second spring 202 to start affecting the first guiding means 106 to further push up the first guiding means 106, such that the guiding means having a third position, wherein the first guiding means 106 is in a third (highest) position when the tension in the cable element 104 is above the second threshold. This is because the first spring 108 provides the force to the first guiding means 106 during a first range of positions of the first guiding means 106, and the second spring 202 provides the force to the first guiding means 106 during a second range of positions of the first guiding means 106, wherein the first range is different from the second range. In this embodiment, the control unit may be adapted to stop the motor from retracting the cable element 104 when the first guiding means 106 is in the third position.
In some embodiments, the sensing of the first, second and third position of the first guiding means 106 is handled by a single sensor.
However, in a low complexity embodiment, a first sub-sensor 204 is used for sensing when the first guiding means 106 is in the second position, and a second sub-sensor 206 is used for sensing when the first guiding means 106 is in the third position.
Figure 3 shows a further design of how to sense tension in the cable element 104. In this embodiment, the motor 102, 302 is suspended 310 pivotally using a spring 308 (fastened in a frame 312 of the device), such that it can move in a horizontal direction based on the tension of the cable element 104. The motor 102, 302 (in this embodiment surrounded by a housing 314) thus has a first position (to the left in figure 3) and a second position (to the right in figure 3) which depends on the tension of the cable element 104. When the tension is low, the pulling force of the spring 308 will move the housing 314 to the left, such that it touches, or otherwise interact with, a first sensor 306. When the tension is high, the pulling force of the cable element 104 will move the housing 314 to the right, such that it touches, or otherwise interact with, a second sensor 304. Consequently, the control unit may use input from the two sensors 304, 306 to stop the motor 102, 302 from feeding of the cable element 104 when the motor 102, 302 is in the first position (to the left), and from retracting the cable element 104 when the motor 102, 302 is in the second position (to the right).
Returning now to figure 4. As described above, the fuel dispensing unit is for dispending fuel using a pump (not shown) pumping fuel through the hose 404 and the nozzle 406 into e.g. a vehicle. Advantageously, the hose 404 is not retracted while the fuel dispensing unit is dispensing fuel.
Consequently, in some embodiments, the control unit is further receiving input when the fuel dispensing unit is dispensing fuel, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor 102 from retracting the cable element 104 when the fuel dispensing unit is dispensing fuel.
Similarly, when the nozzle 406 is suspended on the fuel dispensing unit, there is no need for the motor to allow pulling of the hose. Consequently, in some embodiments, the control unit may further receive input relating to if a nozzle 406 connected to the hose 404 is in an operating condition or not, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor 102 from feeding of the cable element 104 when the nozzle is not in an operating condition.
Furthermore, the pump for pumping fuel may be activated or not for a certain hose 404 and connected nozzle 406. Advantageously, the control unit is further receiving input relating to the pump being involved in an ongoing transaction, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from feeding of the cable element when the pump is involved in an ongoing transaction.
When the device 100 is handling more than one hoses 404, friction between the cable element 104 and the plurality of guiding elements 106,
112, 116 may be a problem for the motor 102 to handle. It is advantageous if a weaker motor 102 can be used, both for cost reasons and for reducing power needed to run the fuel dispensing unit. Figure 4 and 5 shows different solution to this problem. In figure 4, for each hose 404 of the plurality of hoses 404, the cable element is guided via a plurality of guiding means 112, 116. As described above, upper guiding mean 112 of the plurality of guiding means 112, 116 is spring suspended such that this guiding means 116 having a first and a second position (depending on the tension of the cable element 104). The position of the remaining guiding means 116 is fixed. In this embodiment, at least one of the first and the second position of the movable guiding means 112 is located at a different altitude compared to an altitude of the fixed position of the remaining guiding means 116. Such positions of the guiding means 112, 116 will increase friction when the cable element 104 is retracted by the motor 102. To reduce the required retracting force of the motor 102, the cable element 104 is connected to the motor 102 in both ends of the cable element 104 such that when the cable element 104 is being retracted or fed, the cable element 104 is retracted or fed from both ends of the cable element 104. Moreover, feeding/retracting from both ends of the cable element 104 increase the speed of the feeding/retraction operation, and reduce wear of the motor 102 since less rotations of the storage wheel is needed.
According to some embodiment, for each hose, the plurality of guiding means 116, 112 consists of three guiding means, wherein the spring suspended guiding means 112 is positioned in between the other two guiding means 116 in a horizontal direction, wherein the cable element is guided via the three guiding means in a horizontal order. This is a low complexity design for moving the deflecting roller 402 as described above. The number of hoses 404 handled by the device (and motor 102) may be three or more.
According to some embodiments, when the cable element 104 is retracted and the movable guiding means 112 moved down towards the other guiding means 116, when the tension of the cable element 104 is above a first threshold, wherein the position of the movable guiding means 112 is at the same altitude as the altitude of the fixed position of the remaining guiding means 116. This will further reduce friction between the cable element 104 and the guiding means 112, 116 and thus the required force of the motor 104. It should be noted that with this embodiment, the friction between the cable element 104 and the guiding means 112, 116 may be reduced to such extent that the cable element 104 may not need to be connected to the motor 102 in both ends. Such embodiment is shows in figure 5, wherein the end part 502 of the cable element 104 is fastened to e.g. a frame element 504 of the fuel dispensing unit instead.
In the above the inventive concept has mainly been described with reference to a limited number of examples. However, as is readily
appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other examples than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (100) for handling at least one hose (404) in a fuel dispensing unit (400), the device allowing the hose (404) to be pulled out from a hose storage space and return the hose (404) to the hose storage space, the device (100) comprising
a cable element (104) connected to a motor (102) for feeding and retracting the cable element (104), wherein when the cable element (104) is being retracted, the hose (404) will be returned to the hose storage space, wherein when the cable element (104) is being fed, the hose (404) will be allowed to be pulled out from the hose storage space,
a device for measuring a tension of the cable element (104), and a control unit for controlling the motor (102) based on input from the device for measuring the tension of the cable element (104),
wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor (102) from feeding the cable element (104) when the tension of the cable element (104) is below a first threshold.
2. The device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor (102) from retracting the cable element (104) when the tension in the cable element (104) is above a second threshold, the second threshold being larger than the first threshold.
3. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 -2, wherein the device comprising:
a first guiding means (106) for the cable element (104), the first guiding means (106) being spring suspended such that the first guiding means (106) has a first and a second position, wherein the first guiding means (106) is in the first position when a tension in the cable element (104) is above the first threshold, and in the second position when the tension in the cable element (104) is below the first threshold,
wherein the device for measuring the tension of the cable element (104) comprises a first sensor (110) for sensing the position of the first guiding means (106), the first sensor (110) being connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor (102) from feeding of the cable element (104) when the first guiding means (106) is in the second position.
4. The device of claim 3 when being dependent on claim 2, wherein the first guiding means (106) is spring suspended using two springs (108, 202), wherein the first (108) and the second (202) spring is providing a respective force to the first guiding means (106) in a similar direction, wherein the first spring (108) provides the force to the first guiding means (106) during a first range of positions of the first guiding means (106), wherein the second spring (202) provides the force to the first guiding means (106) during a second range of positions of the first guiding means (106), wherein the first range is different from the second range, such that the first guiding means (106) having a third position, wherein the first guiding means (106) is in the third position when the tension in the cable element (104) is above the second threshold,
wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor (102) from retracting the cable element (104) when the first guiding means (106) is in the third position.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first sensor (100) comprises a first sub-sensor (204) for sensing when the first guiding means is in the second position, and a second sub-sensor (206) for sensing when the first guiding means is in the third position.
6. The device (100) of claim 3 when being dependent on claim 2, wherein the device (100) comprises:
a second guiding means (112) for the cable element (104), the second guiding means (112) being spring suspended such that the second guiding means (112) has a first position and a second position, wherein the second guiding means (112) is in the first position when the tension in the cable element (104) is above the second threshold, and in the second position when the tension in the cable element (104) is below the second threshold, wherein the device for measuring the tension of the cable element (104) further comprises a second sensor (118) for sensing the position of the second guiding means (112), the second sensor (118) being connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor (102) from retracting the cable element (104) when the second guiding means (112) is in the first position.
7. The device (100) of claim 2, wherein the motor (102) is suspended pivotally, such that the motor (102) has a first position and a second position, wherein the motor (102) is in the first position when the tension of the cable element (104) is below the first threshold, and in the second position when the tension of the cable element (104) is above the second threshold,
wherein the device for measuring the tension of the cable element (104) comprises:
a first sensor connected to the control unit for sensing when the motor (102) is in the first position, and a second sensor connected to the control unit for sensing when the motor (102) is in the second position,
wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor (102) from feeding the cable element (104) when the motor (102) is in the first position, and from retracting the cable element (104) when the motor (102) is in the second position.
8. The device (100) of any one of claims 1 -7, wherein the control unit is further receiving input when the fuel dispensing unit (400) is dispensing fuel, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor from retracting the cable element (104) when the fuel dispensing unit (400) is dispensing fuel.
9. The device (100) of any one of claims 1 -8, wherein the control unit is further receiving input relating to if a nozzle (406) connected to the hose (404) is in an operating condition or not, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor (102) from feeding the cable element (104) when the nozzle (406) is not in an operating condition.
10. The device (100) of any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the fuel dispensing unit (400) is connected to a pump for pumping fuel, wherein the control unit is further receiving input relating to the pump being involved in an ongoing transaction, wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the motor (102) from feeding the cable element (104) when the pump is involved in an ongoing transaction.
11. The device (100) of any one of claims 1 -10, wherein the motor (102) is adapted to be declutched.
EP19722878.6A 2018-05-08 2019-05-07 A motorised device for handling one or more hoses in a fuel dispensing unit Active EP3790836B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1850545A SE542951C2 (en) 2018-05-08 2018-05-08 A device for handling at least one hose in a fuel dispensing unit
PCT/EP2019/061688 WO2019215155A1 (en) 2018-05-08 2019-05-07 A motorised device for handling one or more hoses in a fuel dispensing unit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3790836A1 true EP3790836A1 (en) 2021-03-17
EP3790836B1 EP3790836B1 (en) 2022-04-27

Family

ID=66448560

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19722878.6A Active EP3790836B1 (en) 2018-05-08 2019-05-07 A motorised device for handling one or more hoses in a fuel dispensing unit

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3790836B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2019266500B2 (en)
PT (1) PT3790836T (en)
SE (1) SE542951C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2019215155A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB782882A (en) 1956-01-16 1957-09-11 Gilbert & Barker Mfg Co Swinging arm hose retriever for fluid dispensing apparatus
DE59302206D1 (en) * 1993-10-06 1996-05-15 Scheidt & Bachmann Gmbh Fuel delivery device
US6199579B1 (en) * 1999-04-14 2001-03-13 Dresser Equipment Group, Inc. Hose handling system and method
US6328060B1 (en) 2000-01-26 2001-12-11 Dresser, Inc. Gasoline dispensing unit and method with improved hose handling
SE525757C2 (en) * 2002-09-16 2005-04-19 Dresser Wayne Ab Device, method for handling a hose and fuel pump assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR112020022097A2 (en) 2021-02-02
PT3790836T (en) 2022-07-18
SE542951C2 (en) 2020-09-22
EP3790836B1 (en) 2022-04-27
WO2019215155A1 (en) 2019-11-14
AU2019266500B2 (en) 2022-05-19
AU2019266500A1 (en) 2020-12-10
SE1850545A1 (en) 2019-11-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3286132B1 (en) Device for handling at least one hose and a fuel dispensing unit having such a device
EP1845057B1 (en) Hose carrier for fuel dispenser
US6334457B1 (en) Collapsing hose management system and method for gasoline dispensing unit
US6199579B1 (en) Hose handling system and method
EP2006245A1 (en) Device and method for handling a hose
EP2147892B1 (en) Device and method for handling a hose, and a fuel dispensing unit comprising such device
AU2019266500B2 (en) A motorised device for handling one or more hoses in a fuel dispensing unit
AU2019264805B2 (en) A motor-driven device for handling a plurality of hoses in a fuel dispensing unit
EP2163511B1 (en) Device for handling a hose, and a fuel dispensing unit comprising such device
EP3790835B1 (en) Fuel hose handling device with servo-motor
US10308498B2 (en) Methods and devices for handling a fuel dispenser hose
EP1331200B1 (en) Device for hose handling at a fuel delivery unit
EP1398294B1 (en) Device and method for handling a fuel-hose
BR112020022100B1 (en) DEVICE FOR DEALING WITH A PLURALITY OF HOSES IN A FUEL DISTRIBUTION UNIT
EP3790834A1 (en) Fuel dispenser with angled nozzle boot
EP2949619B1 (en) Device for handling a hose and fuel dispensing unit having such a device
BR112020022097B1 (en) DEVICE FOR HANDLING AT LEAST ONE HOSE
SE2050357A1 (en) Intelligent hose handling

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20201124

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20220110

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1486831

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602019014186

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Ref document number: 3790836

Country of ref document: PT

Date of ref document: 20220718

Kind code of ref document: T

Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

Effective date: 20220713

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20220427

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1486831

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220427

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 602019014186

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: DOVER FUELING SOLUTIONS UK LTD., GB

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: WAYNE FUELING SYSTEMS SWEDEN AB, MALMOE, SE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20220901 AND 20220907

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220727

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220728

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220727

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220827

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20220531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602019014186

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220507

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220531

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220531

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20230130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220507

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220531

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230529

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20230424

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230530

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: CZ

Payment date: 20230509

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220427

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20190507