GB2256858A

GB2256858A - A device for filling a road tanker

Info

Publication number: GB2256858A
Application number: GB9117926A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Helmut Jahndorf; Uwe Gruning
Original assignee: JAHNDORF GmbH
Current assignee: JAHNDORF GmbH
Priority date: 1991-06-22
Filing date: 1991-08-20
Publication date: 1992-12-23
Also published as: FR2677970A1; NL9101529A; GB9117926D0

Abstract

A device for filling a road tanker (1, Figure 8) with liquid media, the road tanker comprising a plurality of filling chambers (2, Figure 8), near its base, of at least one multi part filling pipe and each filling pipe includes, between a third rotation bearing 14 and an element (19) for connecting the pipe to a fixed fuel supply column (20, Fig 8), a third section of pipe 15 connected by means of a fourth rotation bearing 18 to the connecting element 19. The bearing 18 comprises an axis of rotation directed parallel to the axis of the third rotation bearing 14 and the third section of pipe 15 comprises pipe bends (16, 17, Figure 5) bending in opposite directions. A first section of pipe adjacent a connection 4 for coupling the device to a filling chamber may consist of a hose 7 extending from a first rotation bearing 8 or may be a rigid section of pipe and a ball joint (7', 21 Figure 5). A balancing device 22 may be fixed to a fourth pipe bend, connected to the third rotation bearing 14, and also be connected to a second section of pipe 10. Pipe section 10 is connected via a third pipe bend to a second rotation bearing 12. A scissors like movement between the second and third sections of pipe is possible such that the first section of pipe or hose can extend substantially vertically on coupling to the road tanker chamber even when sections of pipe of adjacent filling pipes cross over one another (Figure 3). <IMAGE>

Description

A DEVICE FOR FILLING A ROAD TANKER The invention relates to a device for filling with liquid media, in particular fuels, a vehicular road tanker of the type comprising, on or near a bottom side of its tank, a plurality of filling chambers, with connecting elements spaced side by side at a distance from one another along the vehicle, the device comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality of, multi-part filling pipe constructed to be pivotably and rotationally movable and connected at one end to a stationary tank installation and comprising at the other end a coupling connection for coupling to a connecting element on the vehicle, wherein, in addition, the filling pipe comprises at least one first pipe bend connected to the coupling connection, the first pipe bend being connected to a coupling hose or a first straight section of pipe via a first rotation bearing having an axis of rotation coaxial with the coupling hose or section of pipe, and wherein, in addition, the coupling hose or the straight section of pipe is connected, through another, second pipe bend, to another, second straight section of pipe to which a third pipe bend is connected, to the outlet of which, by means of a second rotation bearing, another, fourth pipe bend is connected, to the outlet of which, by means of another, third rotation bearing, a connector for a pendant or standing column of the stationary tank installation is attached, which column is connected to the appropriate storage tank, and wherein in an arrangement having several filling pipes at a filling station the height or length of the column, of the sections of pipe and, if applicable, of the coupling hose are so determined in- relation to one another that in the case of sections of pipe, columns and coupling hoses which are directed extending parallel to one another there is a free path for swinging or pivoting about a mid-axis of the bore in the column.

Devices of this kind are known in the state of the art. They are usually supplied under the description "BOTTOM-LOADING SYSTEM". In the state of the art two alternative types of embodiment of this are known.

In a first alternative e;* odiment a filling pipe is connected, by means of a rotation bearing having a vertical axis of rotation which is coaxial with the coupling connection, to the coupling element of a standing or pendant column, which is connected in an appropriate manner to a storage reservoir for liquid combustible material, for example fuel, which filling pipe consists of a first component element extending vertically from the coupling connection or the rotation bearing and which is continued by means of a right angled pipe bend, a rotation bearing having a horizontal axis of rotation and another pipe bend, in a relatively long further section of pipe at the end of which another right angled pipe bend having an outlet directed relatively downwards is attached, to which section a flexible tube of considerable length is flange mounted, to the lower free end of which in turn a rotation bearing, a right angled pipe bend having a horizontal outlet and a coupling connection are attached.

Another device is known from the state of the art which, starting from a coupling element on the column side, again comprises a rotation bearing having a vertical axis a section of pipe and a right angled pipe bend having a horizontal opening axis, and to this is connected another rotation bearing having a horizontal axis, to which is connected a pipe bend (right angled) having both openings situated in a horizontal plane, to which is connected another long section of pipe, to which in turn is connected another right angled pipe bend having a horizontal opening axis, to which is connected another rotation bearing having a horizontal axis of rotation to which a pipe bend (right angled) having an outlet directed downwards is attached, but, instead of a flexible hose, another relatively long rigid section of pipe which comprises the coupling connection at one end is connected onto this pipe bend, where the coupling connection is arranged with the intermediate connection of two further sections of pipe and two further rotation bearings having crossing axes. All the connections are constructed with liquid-tight seals and are suitable for conducting the appropriate fluid medium. It is customary to arrange such devices in multiple arrangements, for example six-fold, side by side in the form of a filling battery because the normal tanker vehicles comprise different compartments for the different types of fuel or the like which can be filled simultaneously or successively.For example there are compartments for unleaded normal petrol, unleaded super petrol, special high octane unleaded super petrol, leaded super petrol, and diesel fuel. The connecting elements arranged on the road tanker for the coupling connections are located in the bottom region of the tank of the road tanker spaced apart side by side at the same level, and it must be possible for the appropriate coupling connections of the filling device to reach all these coupling positions.

It is impossible when making the connections to avoid the occurrence of crossing of the filling pipes over one another. With the devices in accordance with the above-described state of the art it is necessary in the case of the type of embodiment comprising a coupling hose, to move this coupling hose to the corresponding connecting element obliquely within a solid angle, crossing the paths of the other coupling hoses. An arrangement of the section of pipe in a solid angle can also not be avoided in the case of the embodiment known in the state of the art which comprises a section of pipe instead of the coupling hose. This leads to complicated manipulation and operation is also complex and expensive.In the case of the arrangement in accordance with the state of the art it is therefore already provided in the case of these multiple batteries that the connecting elements of the pendant or standing columns have different heights so that the pivoting of a filling pipe is not impeded by the adjacent filling pipes. In this connection it is also customary for the lengths of the individual pipe sections of the filling pipe to be made longer or shorter so that they are adapted to the corresponding path of pivoting.

Starting from this state of the art, the aim of the invention is to provide a device of this general type with which, even when the sections of pipe starting from the columns cross over one another, it is possible to obtain an at least substantially vertical arrangement of the sections of pipe which continue into the coupling connections.

In order to achieve this objective it is proposed that between the third rotation bearing and the element for connecting to the column, a third section of pipe is inserted which comprises further pipe bends bent in opposite directions and which is connected by means of a fourth rotation bearing to the element for connecting to the column, which bearing has an axis of rotation directed parallel to the axis of the third rotation bearing.

Because of this arrangement an almost scissors like movement between the second and third section of pipe is made possible whereby, in particular in the case where the paths of sections of pipe associated with adjacent columns cross over one another, the required balancing of lengths is made possible, as a result of which the first section of pipe or the hose leading to the coupling connection extends directed substantially vertically on coupling onto the connecting position of the road tanker. As a result of this construction not only is the operation made easier but the coupling system as a whole is arranged in a less complex manner. The angular positioning (solid angle) of the first section of pipe required previously in the state of the art in order to reach an appropriate coupling position of the road tanker is no longer necessary.

However the device has not become more complicated in its overall structure, and in addition the further advantage is obtained that when the filling operation is completed, the filling pipes of each individual train of filling pipes can be packed relatively close together in the filling device as a result of the pivoting together of the third and second section of pipe.

Preferably it is arranged that all the pipe bends form the same angle, in particular 900.

This construction is customary in the state of the art.

Furthemore it is preferably arranged that a weight balancing device is arranged fixed on the fourth pipe bend and acting on the second pipe bend.

Such a weight balancing device is also known in the state of the art, where, however, it is then tensioned between the second section of pipe and the pipe bend adjacent to the column.

An advantageous construction, which is preferred in particular when there is a rigid first section of pipe instead of a hose, is obtained by arranging that the first section of pipe is connected to the second pipe bend by means of a ball joint through which fluid can flow.

By means of this ball joint it is arranged as it were that a rotational joint and a pivoting link having a limited pivoting angle is formed which makes it possible to obtain a small, optionally appropriate inclined positioning of the section of pipe. This inclined position is necessary in so far as the coupling connection is not exactly coaxial with the corresponding coupling position on the road tanker but must be aligned thereto. In the state of the art an arrangement comprising two pipe bends and two rotation bearings having intersecting axes of rotation was previously necessary for this purpose.

Furthermore it is advantageously provided that the first rotation bearing is located between the first section of pipe and the second pipe bend.

If instead of a rigid first section of pipe a hose-like element is inserted, instead of a ball joint only a first rotation bearing is provided which is located between the hose outlet and the pipe bend leading to the coupling connection. The flexible structure of the hose makes possible an appropriate coaxial alignment of the coupling connection relative to the coupling position.

An embodiment derived from this envisages that the third section of pipe is only pivotable, relative to the connecting element on the same side as the column, about a vertical axis, the second section of pipe is similarly pivotable about a vertical axis relative to the third section of pipe and about a horizontal axis directed at right angles to this, and the first section of pipe, which is firmly fixed to the second section of pipe with the inclusion of a right angle, is optionally fastened so that it can be rotated about an axis directed coaxially to the first section of pipe and can be pivoted to a limited extent about an axis directed perpendicularly to this.

In this connection it is preferably arranged that the length of the third section of pipe is approximately equal to, and preferably slightly smaller than, the length of the second section of pipe.

Furthermore it is provided in a known manner that the relative heights of the adjacent connecting elements of the columns of a device, in the case where this a plurality of columns, are reduced in steps so that the regions in which the coupled filling pipes pivot extend relative to one another without intersecting.

Two embodiments of the invention are described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment in side view.

Figure 2 shows the same seen from above.

Figure 3 is a side view of a set of four individual units in the non-operational position.

Figure 4 shows the same in the operational position.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment in the view shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows the alternative embodiment in the view shown in Figure 2.

Figure 7 shows a set of six individual units in the non-operational position.

Figure 8 shows the set of six individual units in a schematic representation of an operational position.

The device for filling a road tanker 1, for example with petrol and diesel fuel, is shown diagrammatically in the Figures. The road tanker 1 comprises, on or near the bottom side of its tank comprising a plurality of filling chambers, connecting elements 2 spaced side by side at a distance from one another along the vehicle. In the embodiment example the device consists of a plurality of multi-part pivotably and rotationally movable filling pipes 3. Each filling pipe 3 is connected at one end to a stationary tank installation, whereas its other end comprises a coupling connection 4 optionally with a device for preventing backflow 5.The filling pipe 3 consists of a pipe or hose system wherein a first pipe bend 6 (right angled) starts from the coupling connection 4, the axis of one of the openings of the first pipe bend being horizontal in the operational position in alignment with the mid-axis of the coupling piece 4, whereas the middle axis at its other end is vertical.

This end of the first pipe bend 6 is continued by a coupling hose 7 which is connected to the pipe bend 6 by means of a first rotation bearing 8 having an axis of rotation coaxial with the coupling hose 7 or end of a section of pipe. The coupling piece 4 can thus be rotated about this vertical axis of the coupling hose 7. The coupling hose 7 is continued, through another, second pipe bend 9 by a second straight section of pipe 10. This section of pipe 10 is as a rule directed such that its middle axis extends horizontally. A third pipe bend 11, both openings of which are located horizontally, is connected to the straight section of pipe 10. To the outlet of this bend, by means of a second rotation bearing 12, another, fourth pipe bend 13 is connected the outlet of which, in Figure 1, opens vertically upwards. To the outlet of the fourth pipe bend another, third rotation bearing 14 having, according to Figure 1, a vertical axis of rotation is connected. A third section of pipe 15 which comprises pipe bends 16, 17 bent in opposite directions is connected to the third rotation bearing 14, and it is connected by means of a fourth rotation bearing 18 to the connecting element 19 of a pendant or standing column 20. The fourth rotation bearing 18, like the third rotation bearing 14, has a vertical axis of rotation. The column 20 is a component of a permanently sited tank installation which is connected to the appropriate storage tank.As can be seen in particular from Figures 3 and 4, and in the case of the other embodiment example from Figures 7 and 8, an arrangement of a plurality of filling pipes 3 in a filling station is provided wherein the height and length of the columns 20 and also the sections of pipe 10 and 15 and of the hose 7 are determined in relation to one another in such a manner that when the sections of pipe, columns and coupling hoses extend parallel to one another, there is a free path for swinging on pivoting about the middle vertical axis of the column 20.

This can be seen in particular from Figures 3 and 4. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8, instead of the coupling hose 7 there is a rigid section of pipe 7'. In this embodiment there is no first rotation bearing 8 and instead of this a ball joint 21 is located between the section of pipe 7' and the second pipe bend 9. The ball joint 21 makes possible the rotation of the section of pipe 7' about its vertical axis and also the pivoting (within a limited angle of about l5 ) about the joint formed by the ball 21.

In all the embodinents a weight balancing device 22 is provided on the second section of pipe 10 and on the fourth pipe bend 15, which in principle can be designed in any chosen manner. For example it may be a simple balancing weight. It is also possible to provide hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders as weight balancing devices.

In order to provide the appropriate free swinging space between adjacent filling pipe systems, the lengths Ll, L2 and L3, which are shown for example in Figure 5, must be coordinated with one another. As a rule the length Ll (length of the third section of pipe 15 between the rotation bearings) is slightly smaller than the length L2 (length of the second section of pipe 10 between the rotation bearings) whereas the length L3 (length of the first section of pipe 7' or of the hose shaped element 7 between the axes of the parallel pipe sections, measured from the second section of pipe 10 and the coupling connection 4) is considerably greater and depends on the corresponding coupling height of the connecting element 19 on the column 20. The step in height between these elements is usually ca. 500 mm.The lateral spacing between the columns 20, as can be seen in particular from Figure 7, is also usually about 500 mm. The spacing between the coupling elements on the road tanker is usually ca. 350 mm.

As a result of the construction in accordance with the invention it is arranged that the third section of pipe 15 can be pivoted relative to the coupling element 19 of the column 20 exclusively about a vertical axis formed by the fourth rotation bearing 18. The second section of pipe 10 can likewise be pivoted relative to the third section of pipe 15 about a vertical axis (formed by the third rotation bearing 14) and about a horizontal axis directed at right angles to this (second rotation bearing 12).The first section of pipe 7' or the coupling hose 7 is either rigidly fixed to the second section of pipe 10, with the inclusion of a right angle, leading vertically downwards or else is connected so that it can rotate about an axis coaxial with the first section of pipe 7' (by means of the ball joint 21) and simultaneously can pivot to a limited extent about an axis directed at right angles to this (likewise by means of the ball joint 21). In Figures 3 and 4 the first embodiment example is shown in a swung inwards position (Figure 3) and in the swung out position (Figure 4). In the folded together position shown in Figure 3 the complete device requires only a relatively small space and so a space saving arrangement is obtained despite the large boom arm reach.

It can be seen from Figure 4 how the arrangement is aligned with the extended filling pipes projecting to the maximal extent. A similar comparison for the second embodiment example can be found in Figures 7 and 8. The particular advantage is that even when the second and third sections of pipe 10 and 15 of a device are arranged crossing the sections of pipe 10 and 15 of another adjacent device, a substantially right-angled configuration of the sections of pipe, in particular even of the first section of pipe 7' or coupling hose 7, is made possible so that complicated three-dimensional angles of supply pipes which cross over each other and are difficult to manipulate are avoided.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown but can be varied in many ways within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for filling with liquid media, in particular fuels, a vehicular road tanker of the type comprising, on or near a bottom side of its tank, a plurality of filling chambers, with connecting elements spaced side by side at a distance from one another along the vehicle, the device comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality of, multi-part filling pipe constructed to be pivotably and rotationally movable and connected at one end to a stationary tank installation and comprising at the other end a coupling connection for coupling to a connecting element on the vehicle, wherein, in addition, the filling pipe comprises at least one first pipe bend connected to the coupling connection, the first pipe bend being connected to a coupling hose or a first straight section of pipe via a first rotation bearing having an axis of rotation coaxial with the coupling hose or section of pipe, and wherein, in addition, the coupling hose or the straight section of pipe is connected, through another, second pipe bend, to another, second straight section of pipe to which a third pipe bend is connected, to the outlet of which, by means of a second rotation bearing, another, fourth pipe bend is connected, to the outlet of which, by means of another, third rotation bearing, a connector for a pendant or standing column of the stationary tank installation is attached, which column is connected to the appropriate storage tank, and wherein in an arrangement having several filling pipes at a filling station the height or length of the column, of the sections of pipe and, if applicable, of the coupling hose are so determined in relation to one another that in the case of sections of pipe, columns and coupling hoses which are directed extending parallel to one another there is a free path for swinging or pivoting about a mid-axis of the bore in the column, and wherein, between the third rotation bearing (14) and the connecting element (19) of the column (20), a third section of pipe (15) is inserted which comprises further pipe bends (16, 17) bent in opposite directions and which is connected by means of a fourth rotation bearing (18) to the connecting element (19) of the column (20), which bearing has an axis of rotation directed parallel to the axis of the third rotation bearing (14).

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein all the pipe bends (6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17) are formed with the same angle, in particular 900.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a weight balancing device (22) fixed on the fourth pipe bend (13) is arranged engaged on the second section of pipe (10).

4. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first section of pipe (7') is connected to the second pipe bend (9) by means of a ball joint (21) through which fluid can flow.

5. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, therein the first rotation bearing (8) is disposed between the first section of pipe (7) and the second pipe bend (9).

6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 5, wherein the third section of pipe (15) is only pivotable relative to the columnar connecting element (19) about a vertical axis, the second section of pipe (10) is similarly pivotable about a vertical axis relative to the third section of pipe (15) and about a horizontal axis directed at right angles to this, and the first section of pipe (7'), which is firmly fixed to the second section of pipe (10) with the inclusion of a right angle, is optionally fastened so that it can be rotated about an axis directed coaxially to the first section of pipe (7') and can be pivoted to a limited extent about an axis directed perpendicularly to this.

7. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the length (L1) of the third section of pipe (15) is approximately equal to, and preferably slightly smaller than, the length (L2) of the second section of pipe (10).

8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the relative heights of the adjacent connecting elements (19) of the columns (20) of a device, in the case where there are a plurality of columns (20), are reduced in steps so that the regions in which the coupled filling pipes pivot extend relative to one another without intersecting.

9. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, or 5 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.