JP7177402B2 - refueling system - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a refueling system , and relates to a technology for refueling in a safe and time-saving manner.

When fuel oil is supplied to the vehicle's fuel tank, when the level of the fuel oil being supplied reaches a full tank, the automatic valve closing mechanism mounted on the fuel nozzle operates and automatically closes. It has a lubricating control function that stops lubricating. However, if liquid such as droplets or air bubbles generated during refueling adheres to the detection hole, the automatic valve closing mechanism is activated and refueling is stopped before the tank is full.

In view of this, the applicant of the present application has proposed in Patent Document 1 a refueling nozzle that can prevent refueling from being stopped due to splashes, air bubbles, or the like during refueling.

JP 2010-275005 A

Although the above invention is effective, the shape of the connecting pipe that connects the main body of the fuel tank and the fuel filler port differs depending on the vehicle type and model, and liquid such as splashes and bubbles is generated during the fueling process. When refueling a vehicle that is easy to refuel, the automatic valve closing mechanism operates at an unexpected timing and refueling stops.

In addition, in order to avoid stopping lubrication at an unexpected timing as described above, it is possible for the worker or customer to continue lubrication while controlling the discharge amount. There is a problem that it depends on the condition. In addition, by controlling the amount of discharge by the worker or the customer, even if the fuel oil level reaches full, the fuel oil will not stop and the fuel oil will overflow. There is also the danger of being connected. Furthermore, if refueling is stopped frequently at unexpected timing, refueling takes longer until the tank is full, which is inefficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to perform safe and quick refueling.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a fueling device, a camera that captures an image of a vehicle parked near the fueling device, a server that identifies the vehicle type from an image captured by the camera, and the server. and optimum discharge amount derivation means for deriving the optimum discharge amount for the vehicle from the recorded data, and the fuel supply device is controlled based on the optimum discharge amount derived by the optimum discharge amount derivation means. In the fueling system, the data recorded in the optimum discharge amount deriving means for deriving the optimum discharge amount include the name of the gas station where the fueling device is installed, the number of the fueling device, the fueling device The area where refueling is performed using the device, the amount of residual oil in the underground tank installed at the gas station where the refueling device is installed, the shape of the pipe from the refueling device to the underground tank, and the predetermined for each vehicle type , information on a preferable discharge amount for safe and time-saving refueling, and optimal discharge amount information for each refueling, and the optimal discharge amount derivation means is for the vehicle type specified by the server when refueling by the refueling device is completed. and the name of the gas station where the fueling device is installed, the number of the fueling device, the area where fuel is supplied using the fueling device, and the underground tank installed at the fueling station where the fueling device is installed. It is characterized in that the remaining oil amount, the shape of the piping from the oil supply device to the underground tank, and the optimum discharge amount derived by the optimum discharge amount deriving means are recorded in association with each other.

According to the present invention, the optimum discharge amount derivation means can derive the optimum discharge amount for the vehicle from the specified vehicle type and the recorded data. Unexpected refueling stops can be prevented for any vehicle, and serious accidents such as fires caused by overflowing fuel oil can be prevented. It is possible to reduce the burden on the gas station and improve the efficiency of the operation of the gas station. In addition, since it is possible to collect optimum discharge amount data under various conditions from various service stations nationwide, the amount of information to be accumulated is large, and the accuracy of the optimum discharge amount to be derived is high. Furthermore, the learning function can be used to derive the optimum discharge amount with higher accuracy.

The optimum discharge amount deriving means can be provided in any one of the server, the fueling device, or a POS terminal that manages the sales of the fueling device.

As described above, according to the present invention, safe and quick refueling can be performed.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a fueling system according to the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows the shape of piping which connects the oil supply apparatus of the oil supply system shown in FIG. 1, and an underground tank, (a) is straight, (b) is horizontal pulling. It is a figure which shows the residual oil amount of the underground tank shown in FIG. 1, Comprising: (a) is when there is much, and (b) is when there is little. 1. It is the schematic which shows the example of arrangement|positioning of the flow regulating valve of the fuel supply apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the fuel supply system shown in FIG. 1; FIG. It is a whole lineblock diagram showing a 2nd embodiment of a fueling system concerning the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of the fuel supply system shown in FIG. 6; FIG. It is a whole block diagram which shows 3rd Embodiment of the fuel supply system which concerns on this invention. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of the fuel supply system shown in FIG. 8; FIG.

Next, a mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a fueling system according to the present invention. This fueling system 1 photographs a plurality of fueling devices 2 provided at each gas station SS to SS and a vehicle V. A server 4 that identifies the vehicle type of the vehicle V from the images taken by the camera 3 and the camera 3 of each gas station SS to SS, and derives the optimum discharge amount for the vehicle V from the identified vehicle type and recorded data. and an underground tank 5 having an oil level gauge 5a. Since each gas station ●● SS to ▪■ SS have the same configuration, the gas station ▪■ SS and ▲▲SS are shown in a simplified manner.

The fueling device 2 is equipped with a display 2a that displays fueling data, etc., and a fueling system that is provided in a normal fueling device. An automatic valve closing mechanism that stops is mounted on the refueling nozzle.

The camera 3 is provided to photograph the vehicle V when detecting the vehicle V stopped near the fuel supply device 2 and to transmit the photographed image to the server 4 . The captured image may be a still image or a moving image. One camera 3 may be installed at a gas station instead of being installed for each fueling device 2 as long as the camera 3 can photograph the vehicle V in the vicinity of each fueling device 2 . In addition, one that already exists at a gas station may be used, or a new one may be installed. The photographed data of the camera 3 includes the gas station name, stop position, and appearance of the vehicle V.

A server 4 constituting a cloud identifies the vehicle type of the vehicle V from the image captured by the camera 3, derives the optimum discharge amount for the vehicle V from the data recorded in the database in the server 4, and refuels with the refueling device 2. do.

Next, the procedure for deriving the optimum discharge amount in the server 4 will be described.

Table 1 shows good ejection amount information for each vehicle type that is recorded in the database in the server 4 in advance. For example, in the case of vehicle type A, refueling can be performed relatively favorably by initially controlling at 3.5 L/min, then controlling at 32 L/min, then controlling at 10 L/min, and finally controlling at 3 L/min. . The same applies to vehicle types B to D . . .

However, even if the vehicle-specific discharge amount is used for refueling, it may take time to refuel due to the operation of the automatic valve closing mechanism depending on the facility conditions of each refueling system. This is because, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the actual discharge amount varies depending on the shape of the pipe 6 connecting the fuel supply device 2 and the underground tank 5 . Even if similar oil supply control is performed, the straight pipe 6a shown in FIG. 2(a) actually discharges more than the horizontal pipe 6b shown in FIG. 2(b).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the actual discharge amount varies depending on the amount of residual oil in the underground tank 5 as well. Even if similar oil supply control is performed, when the residual oil amount is large as shown in FIG. 3(a), the actual discharge amount is larger than when the residual oil amount is small as shown in FIG. 3(b). The timing and frequency of updating the remaining oil amount may be every time refueling is completed or once a day (the higher the frequency, the higher the accuracy of calculating the optimum discharge amount).

Table 2 summarizes the above lubricating device information. In addition to the items listed in Table 2, the lubricating device information includes, for example, the amount of dust in the strainer.

Table 2 shows the fueling device information of each filling station recorded in the database in the server 4. Each gas station ●● SS to SS lubricating device numbers, refueling areas A and B (areas for refueling on either side of one lubricating device), remaining oil amount in underground tanks, It shows the shape of the piping that connects the refueling system and the underground tank. For example, in the A area of the fueling device number ▴ SS1, the amount of residual oil in the underground tank is 10 kL, and the piping shape to the underground tank is straight.

Table 3 shows the optimum discharge amount information for each refueling recorded in the database in the server 4. The server 4 accumulates the information of the refueling device of each gas station shown in Table 2 and the information of the optimum discharge amount for each refueling shown in Table 3, and stores the information of the refueling device of each gas station and the optimum discharge amount The optimum discharge amount is derived from the amount information and the good discharge amount information for each vehicle type shown in Table 1, and the fueling device 2 is controlled so as to supply fuel at this optimum discharge amount.

As shown in FIG. 4(a), the adjustment of the discharge amount in the lubricating device 2 is performed by adjusting the opening degree of a flow control valve 2b provided inside the lubricating device 2, or by adjusting the motor (not shown) of the lubricating pump (not shown). (illustration) is performed by adjusting the number of revolutions. As shown in FIG. 4(b), a flow control valve 2b may be provided in the fuel nozzle 2c to adjust the discharge amount.

Next, the operation of the fuel supply system 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. It should be noted that in the step in which the route branches in the figure, the downward direction corresponds to Yes, and the horizontal direction corresponds to No.

In step S1 of the camera 3, when a customer comes to a gas station and detects a vehicle V stopped near the fueling device 2 (step S1; Yes), the vehicle V is photographed and output as photographed data to the server 4 ( step S2).

In step S11 of the server 4, when photographed data is input from the camera 3 (step S11; Yes), the server 4 compares the photographed data with the database in the server 4 to identify the vehicle type of the vehicle V (step S12). ). At this time, the position of the vehicle V is also identified, the fueling device 2 to which the vehicle V is about to refuel and its refueling area are also identified, and further, the shape of the piping 6 (see FIG. 2) and the remaining amount of the underground tank are determined. (See FIG. 3), etc., is also specified.

The server 4 derives the optimum discharge amount from the vehicle-specific good discharge amount information in the database, the refueling device information of each gas station, and the optimum discharge amount information for each refueling (step S13), and outputs it to the refueling device 2 (step S14). An AI function or the like can be used to derive the optimum discharge amount.

As Example 1, a case where a vehicle V enters the refueling area A of the No. 1 refueling device of SS, the camera 3 photographs the vehicle V, and the server 4 identifies the vehicle V as "vehicle type A". explain.

In this case, according to Table 2, the fueling area A of the No. 1 fueling device at the filling station ●● SS has a residual oil amount of 10 kL in the underground tank and a straight pipe shape. On the other hand, according to Table 3, the oil supply area B of the No. 1 oil supply device of the top ●● SS also has a residual oil amount of 10 kL in the underground tank and a straight pipe shape. The optimum discharge amount for vehicle type A is derived as "3→30→10→3 L/min". Therefore, this time also control in this way, that is, control at 3 L / min at first, then control at 30 L / min, then control at 10 L / min, and finally control at 3 L / min for safe and time-saving refueling It can be carried out.

Next, as Example 2, a vehicle V enters the refueling area B of the No. 1 refueling device at a refueling station SS, and the camera 3 photographs the vehicle V. A case will be described.

In this case, according to Table 2, the fueling area B of the No. 1 fueling device at the fueling station ▪ SS has a residual oil amount of 20 kL in the underground tank and a horizontal pipe shape. On the other hand, looking at the optimum discharge amount information, which is close to this lubricating device information, in Table 3, the second gas station from the top, No. 20 kL, piping shape is horizontal. However, the car model is B instead of D. Therefore, in Table 1, the good discharge amount of vehicle type B "4 → 37 → 12 → 4 L / min", the good discharge amount of vehicle type D "5 → 40 → 15.2 → 5.2 L / min", and Table 3 With reference to the second optimum discharge amount from the top "4.5 → 35 → 12 → 4 L/min", the optimum discharge amount this time is "5.5 → 38 → 15.2 → 5.2 L / min". derive

In step S21 of the lubricating device 2, when the optimum discharge amount is input from the server 4 (step S21; Yes), the flow control valve 2b (see FIG. 4) is opened so that the optimum discharge amount can be supplied. degree is adjusted (step S22).

In step S23, when the customer removes the refueling nozzle from the nozzle hook and the nozzle SW (switch) is turned on (step S23; Yes), information about the last refueling is performed by transmitting a reset signal to the display (not shown). is reset to zero, and the fuel pump is driven (step S24).

In step S25, when the fuel pump is turned on, the fuel oil is discharged from the fuel nozzle, and a flow rate pulse signal is output to the display (step S25; Yes). (step S26). It should be noted that the timer activation flag is 0 at the start of refueling.

In step S26, when it is determined that the timer start flag is 0 because it is the time to start refueling (step S26; Yes), the timer is started, the timer start flag is set (step S27), and the refueling amount is displayed on the display. (count display) is performed (step S28).

Returning to step S25, when the flow rate pulse signal is no longer output to the display (step S25; No), in step S29, whether or not the measurement time T of the timer has exceeded the predetermined time t1, that is, a certain time from the first pulse input. It is determined whether or not the time has elapsed, and if the predetermined time has elapsed (step S29; Yes), it is determined that the automatic valve closing mechanism has not operated and the oil supply at the optimum discharge amount has been completed, and step S30. , when the nozzle SW is turned off by the customer returning the refueling nozzle to the nozzle hook (step S30; Yes), the refueling pump is stopped (step S31), and the server 4 is supplied with refueling without the automatic valve closing mechanism operating. (Step S32), and the operation of the lubricating device 2 is completed.

In step S15 of the server 4, when the fueling status is input from the fueling device 2 (step S15; Yes), the server 4 saves the fueling status for use when deriving the optimum discharge amount (step S16). , to end the operation.

On the other hand, in step S29, if the automatic valve closing mechanism is activated and the lubrication is unexpectedly interrupted, the elapsed time T from the first pulse input does not exceed the fixed time t1 and the flow rate pulse signal is no longer output. (Step S29; No), it is determined that the optimum discharge amount is not appropriate, the discharge amount is adjusted, the timer start flag is set to 0, the process returns to step S25, and refueling is resumed (step S33).

After adjusting the discharge amount and resuming refueling, the timer activation flag becomes 0. Therefore, after the operations of S25 to S28, the automatic valve closing mechanism does not operate and the refueling is completed. S26 and S28 are repeated, and the operation of the fueling device 2 is finished after the above-described operations S29 to S32.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the discharge amount is automatically adjusted in consideration of the equipment conditions of the fuel supply system based on the good discharge amount information predetermined for each vehicle type, so that the automatic valve closing mechanism operates. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of supplying oil with an inappropriate discharge amount, such as when the automatic valve closing mechanism is operated. It should be noted that, as a result of considering the facility conditions of the oil supply system, the good discharge amount itself, which is predetermined for each vehicle type, may be used as the optimum discharge amount.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a fueling system according to the present invention. In this fueling system 11, a server 13 identifies the vehicle type of a vehicle V from an image captured by a camera 3, and a controller 12a of a fueling device 12 An optimum discharge amount for the vehicle V is derived, and the oil supply device 12 refuels according to this.

As shown in FIG. 7, among the operations of this fueling system 11, the difference from the fueling system 1 is the gray portion. , the optimum discharge amount is derived from the inputted vehicle type information (step S42) (step S43), and the vehicle type, facility conditions, and optimum discharge amount are saved as the fuel supply status (step S44).

In this embodiment, in addition to the same effect as the first embodiment, since data is stored in each fueling device 2, only data processing for that fueling device 2 can be performed, and data processing speed is increased. improves. In addition, the server 13 can be used as a backup of the data, and even if the data in the fueling device 2 is lost, the data can be recovered by accessing the server 13, thereby hindering the operation of the gas station. do not have. Furthermore, since the exchange of data is completed within the refueling device 2, the possibility of communication failure is low, and smooth refueling becomes possible.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a fueling system according to the present invention. In this fueling system 21, a server 24 specifies the vehicle type of a vehicle V from an image captured by a camera 3, and a fueling device 22 (22A, 22B) A POS terminal (hereinafter referred to as "POS") 23, which manages sales, derives the optimum discharge amount for the vehicle V, and the fueling device 22 refuels according to this.

As shown in FIG. 9, among the operations of this fueling system 21, the portion in gray is different from that of the fueling system 1. The server 24 outputs the vehicle type information to the POS 23 (step S51). is input (step S52; Yes), instead of the server 4, the POS 23 performs operation steps S53 to S56 corresponding to steps S13 to S16 to output the optimum discharge amount to the lubricating device 22, or save the situation.

In this embodiment, in addition to the same effect as the first embodiment, the POS 23 in the gas station manages the information on the gas station's fueling device, and the information unique to the gas station can be accumulated. It is possible to improve the speed and increase the accuracy of the optimum discharge amount.

1 Refueling system 2 Refueling device 2a Indicator 2b Flow control valve 2c Refueling nozzle 3 Camera 4 Server 5 Underground tank 5a Oil level gauge 6 Pipe 6a Straight pipe 6b Horizontal pipe V Vehicle 11 Refueling system 12 Refueling device 12a Control unit 13 Server 21 Refueling system 22 Refueling device 23 POS
24 servers

Claims (2)

a lubrication device;
a camera for photographing a vehicle stopped near the fuel supply device;
a server that identifies the vehicle model from the image captured by the camera;
The vehicle type specified by the server and an optimum discharge amount derivation means for deriving the optimum discharge amount for the vehicle from the recorded data,
A refueling system that controls refueling of the refueling device with the optimal discharge amount derived by the optimal discharge amount deriving means,
The data recorded in the optimum discharge amount derivation means for deriving the optimum discharge amount includes the name of the gas station where the fuel supply device is installed, the number of the fuel supply device, and the fuel supply using the fuel supply device. area, the amount of residual oil in an underground tank installed at a gas station where the refueling device is installed, the shape of the piping from the refueling device to the underground tank, and the safe and time-saving refueling predetermined for each vehicle type. Information on the amount of discharge that is preferable to perform, information on the optimum amount of discharge for each lubrication,
The optimum discharge amount derivation means uses the vehicle type identified by the server, the name of the gas station where the fueling device is installed, the number of the fueling device, and the fueling device when fueling by the fueling device is completed. area where refueling is performed, the amount of residual oil in an underground tank installed at a gas station where the refueling device is installed, the shape of a pipe from the refueling device to the underground tank, the optimum discharge amount deriving means derived A lubricating system characterized by recording in association with an optimum discharge amount . 2. The fueling system according to claim 1 , wherein said optimum discharge amount deriving means is provided in any one of said server, said fueling device, and a POS terminal for managing sales of said fueling device.

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