Fuel distribution column with angled split coupling

Abstract

A fuel dispensing unit (1) for refueling a vehicle comprises a separation device (3) comprising a first shut-off valve unit (4) connected to a fuel supply line of the fuel dispensing unit (1) and a second shut-off valve unit (5) connected to a first end (6) of a fuel hose (7) comprising a fuel nozzle (2) at a second end of the fuel hose (7). The first shut-off valve unit (4) and the second shut-off valve unit (5) are intended to be disconnected to separate the fuel hose (7) from the fuel dispensing unit (1) when the traction force from the fuel hose (7) exceeds a predetermined traction force. The fuel dispensing unit (1) comprises tilting means (8) which are fixed to the outer portion (9) of the fuel dispensing unit (1) and support the separating means (3) such that the separating means (3) is tilted at a predetermined angle (alpha) with respect to the outer portion (9) of the fuel dispensing unit (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to fuel filling stations and, more particularly, to a fuel dispensing unit including a disconnect device for shutting off the fuel dispensing unit when a vehicle is driven away with its dispensing hose attached to the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Both alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and liquid natural gas (LNG), and more conventional fuels, such as gasoline or diesel, are dispensed to vehicles via fueling stations. A fueling station typically includes a storage tank connected to at least a fuel dispensing unit, which includes a fuel hose having a coupling or nozzle that can be removably connected to a vehicle fueling port. The fuel dispensing unit includes a pump, a storage tank, and a fuel hose for transferring fuel from the storage tank to a vehicle tank.

[0003] In the case of hydrogen or other cryogenic fuels such as LNG, a fuel filling station typically comprises a regulating device so that the fuel (in this case gas) can be heated and / or pressurized before being delivered to the vehicle at high pressure (typically 350 bar or 700 bar). The regulating device is connected to at least a fuel dispensing unit. The regulating device supplies the gas in a liquid state to the fuel dispensing unit, which delivers the gas in a gaseous state to the vehicle.

[0004] Today, the safety aspect in and around areas containing fuel or oil and gas distribution units is a highly controversial area, and new technologies are constantly being developed with the aim of increasing safety in such areas. It is well known that fuels (such as gasoline, diesel or hydrogen) are highly flammable substances and must be handled with extreme care. An inherent characteristic of fuels is their high volatility, which increases the risks of their handling. For the reasons mentioned above, safety standards (such as the North American UL safety standards, the European Union ATEX directive, or the international standard ISO 19880-1 related to hydrogen filling stations) have been developed to reduce the risks caused thereby.

[0005] A particular safety concern in and around areas containing fuel dispensing units is the problem of a customer driving away with the nozzle still in a vehicle that has been refueled. This problem is usually solved by arranging a disconnect device between the fuel supply line of the fuel dispensing unit and the fuel hose. The disconnect device comprises two parts that are intended to be disconnected when the vehicle is driven away from the refueling station with the dispensing hose nozzle or coupling still connected to the vehicle. The disconnect device is usually mounted so that one part is connected to the fuel dispensing unit and the other part is connected to the end of the fuel hose opposite to the end equipped with the coupling or nozzle.

[0006] EP 1306347 B1 discloses an example of a separation device for a fuel filling station. The separation device comprises a pair of leg members, which are connected to the dispensing hose portion by their proximal ends. The distal ends of these leg members are connected at an angle to a frangible member, which comprises a pair of inner sections, which are connected in an abutting manner by a surrounding frangible sleeve. When driving away occurs, these leg members are pulled apart and a bending moment is exerted on the frangible member. As a result, the frangible member breaks, which prevents significant damage to the station.

[0007] The problem with existing fixed breakaway solutions is that in the event of a drive-off situation, the fuel hose will come directly against the post of the fuel dispensing unit. This will cause great forces to the post and the nozzle still present in the vehicle. As a direct consequence, severe damage to the fuel dispensing unit and the vehicle in question. Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above mentioned deficiencies and disadvantages in the art, singly or in any combination, and to solve at least the above mentioned problems.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, these and other objects are achieved in whole or at least in part by a fuel dispensing unit for refueling a vehicle, the fuel dispensing unit comprising a separation device, the separation device comprising a first shut-off valve unit connected to a fuel supply line of the fuel dispensing unit, and a second shut-off valve unit connected to a first end of a fuel hose, the fuel hose comprising a fuel nozzle at a second end of the fuel hose. The first shut-off valve unit and the second shut-off valve unit are intended to be disconnected when a traction force from the fuel hose exceeds a predetermined traction force to separate the fuel hose from the fuel dispensing unit. The fuel dispensing unit comprises a tilting device fixed to an outer portion of the fuel dispensing unit and supporting the separation device so that the separation device is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the outer portion of the fuel dispensing unit.

[0010] This is advantageous since, when driving off occurs, the forces exerted from the fuel hose on the rest of the fuel dispensing unit, primarily on the outer part where the disconnect device is arranged, and on the vehicle in question, will be significantly smaller.

[0011] In order to avoid having a large top module in order to be able to allow for providing space between the separating device and the outer part of the fuel dispensing unit, the separating device is instead arranged at an angle relative to the outer part.

[0012] The present invention is particularly applicable to hydrogen dispensers.

[0013] The fuel dispensing unit may further comprise a hose guiding device having a first portion connected to the second shut-off valve unit of the separation device and a second portion comprising a hose outlet, wherein the hose guiding device is arranged in connection with the tilting device such that the second portion of the guiding device is positioned at a predetermined distance D from an outer portion of the fuel dispensing unit.

[0014] As mentioned above, without the tilting means, a larger top box would have to be used to maintain the predetermined distance D between the outer portion of the fuel dispensing unit and the second portion of the hose guiding means.

[0015] Furthermore, during driving off, the second shut-off valve unit passes through the hose guide means and is thus guided by the hose guide means and deflected in the opposite direction to the column.

[0016] The hose guiding means may comprise a tube element.

[0017] The tube element makes it possible to protect and guide the hose in a simple manner.

[0018] A fuel dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting means comprises a triangular support element having a triangular cross section and to which the separating device is arranged.

[0019] The triangular supports provide a simple and inexpensive way for tilting the separator.

[0020] The triangular support element may include a first section having a first outermost width located near the first shut-off valve unit, and a second section having a second outermost width located near the second portion of the guide means, the first outermost width being smaller than the second outermost width.

[0021] The first section and the second section may be spaced apart in a vertical direction.

[0022] The pipe elements may be fixed to the triangular support elements by fixing means.

[0023] The predetermined angle between the inclined separating device and the outer side portion of the fuel dispensing unit may preferably be in the range of 10 to 40 degrees.

[0024] The predetermined distance between the second portion of the hose guiding means and the outer side portion of the fuel dispensing unit may preferably be in the range of 70 mm to 100 mm.

[0025] It has been investigated that if the distance between the second portion of the hose guiding means and the outer part of the fuel dispensing unit is 80 mm or more, the forces acting on the outer part are significantly smaller.

[0026] The outer portion of the fuel dispensing unit may be constituted by a column extending vertically between a top module and a nozzle boot module of the fuel dispensing unit.

[0027] The inclined separating device can be arranged on the outer part such that the second shut-off valve unit of the separating device is oriented toward the nozzle guard module of the fuel dispensing unit.

[0028] This configuration is preferred as it provides a simpler arrangement for connecting the separator to the fuel supply line outlet typically located in the top box.

[0029] Alternatively, the inclined separating device may be arranged on the outer part such that the second shut-off valve unit of the separating device is oriented towards the top module of the fuel dispensing unit.

[0030] This configuration is more complex but makes it possible to reduce the length of the fuel supply line and therefore reduce costs.

[0031] The elastic element may be connected to the fuel hose at one end and to the fuel dispensing unit at another end, the elastic element being adapted to pull the fuel hose towards the fuel dispensing unit.

[0032] The tilting means, and at least a portion of the guiding means, may be protected by a cover.

[0033] The cover protects the tilting means, at least a portion of the guiding means, and a portion of the separator, and also improves the aesthetics.

[0034] The effects and features of the second aspect of the invention are largely similar to those described above in conjunction with the first aspect of the inventive concept.The embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the invention are largely compatible with the other aspects of the invention.

[0035] Other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached claims as well as from the drawings.It is noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features.

[0036] Generally, unless otherwise explicitly defined herein, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, all references to "a / an / the [element, device, part, means, step, etc.]" are open to interpretation as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, part, means, step, etc.

[0037] As used herein, the term "comprises" and variations of this term are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The above and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals may be used for similar elements, wherein:

[0039] Figure 1a is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fuel dispensing unit according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 1b According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1a An enlarged view of a portion of a fuel dispensing unit in FIG.

[0041] Figure 1c yes Figure 1a Front view of the fuel dispensing unit in.

[0042] Figure 1d is an enlarged view of a portion of a fuel dispensing unit according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2a is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a fuel dispensing unit according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2b According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 2a An enlarged view of a portion of a fuel dispensing unit in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit 1 for refueling a vehicle. Both alternative fuels, such as hydrogen or liquid natural gas (LNG), and more conventional fuels, such as gasoline or diesel, are dispensed to the vehicle via the fuel dispensing unit 1 .

[0046] The fuel dispensing unit 1 for dispensing conventional fuels usually has a pumping system (not shown) for supplying fuel from an underground storage tank (not shown) to one or more fuel nozzles 2 to refuel the vehicle. Each tank in two or more fuel storage tanks can store different types of fuels, such as gasoline, diesel and biodiesel. In the case of two or more fuel storage tanks, the fuel dispensing unit 1 can include two or more pumping systems, each fuel storage tank having a pumping system. In addition, two or more fuel dispensing units can be connected to the same fuel storage tank.

[0047] In the case of hydrogen or other cryogenic fuels such as LNG, the refueling station typically comprises a regulating device so that the fuel (in this case, oil gas) can be heated and / or pressurized before being delivered to the vehicle at high pressure (typically 350 bar or 700 bar). The regulating device is connected to at least the fuel dispensing unit 1. The regulating device supplies the oil gas in a liquid state to the fuel dispensing unit 1, which delivers the oil gas in a gaseous state to the vehicle.

[0048] Figure 1a to Figure 1c An exemplary embodiment of a fuel dispensing unit 1 for delivering hydrogen according to the present invention is shown. The fuel dispensing unit 1 has a separation device 3, which includes a first shut-off valve unit 4 connected to a fuel supply line (not shown) of the fuel dispensing unit 1 and a second shut-off valve unit 5 connected to a first end 6 of a fuel hose 7. The first shut-off valve unit 4 and the second shut-off valve unit 5 are intended to be disconnected when the traction force from the fuel hose 7 exceeds a predetermined traction force, so as to separate the fuel hose 7 from the fuel dispensing unit 1 in the event of a vehicle driving away.

[0049] The tilting means 8 is fixed to the outer part 9 of the fuel dispensing unit 1. The purpose of the tilting means 8 is to support the separating device 3 in such a way that the separating device is tilted at a predetermined angle α relative to the outer part 9 of the fuel dispensing unit 1. In this particular embodiment, the tilting means 8 comprises a triangular support element 10, which has a triangular cross-section and to which the separating device 3 is arranged. In this way, the separating device 3 is tilted relative to the surface of the fuel dispensing unit 1, to which the tilting means 8 is attached or fixed by the fixing means 11. In other words, the outer part 9 extends along a vertical axis X, and the separating device 3 extends along an axis Y which is tilted at an angle α relative to the vertical axis X.

[0050] The fuel dispensing unit 1 has a hose guiding device 12, preferably consisting of a tube element, having a first portion 13 connected to the second shut-off valve unit 5 of the separating device 3, and a second portion 14 comprising a hose outlet 15. In this particular embodiment, the hose guiding device 12 is arranged in connection with the tilting device 8 such that the second portion 14 of the guiding device 12 is positioned at a predetermined distance D from the outer portion 9 of the fuel dispensing unit 1. The distance D is preferably in the range of 70 mm to 100 mm, and even more preferably is about 80 mm.

[0051] In other words, the tilting means 8 serves to tilt both the separating device 3 and the hose guiding means 12 simultaneously and at the same angle α relative to the outer part 9 of the fuel dispensing unit 1. The angle α is preferably in the range of 10 to 40 degrees and even more preferably about 15 degrees.

[0052] In this embodiment, the triangular support element 10 of the tilting device 8 comprises a first section 16 having a first outermost width located near the first shut-off valve unit 4, and a second section 17 having a second outermost width located near the second portion 14 of the guide device 12. The first outermost width is smaller than the second outermost width, so that a triangular shape is achieved.

[0053] Figure 1a The embodiment of the fuel dispensing unit 1 in the embodiment has a hydraulic device compartment 18 placed on the ground, an electronic device compartment 19 placed on the top of the hydraulic device compartment 18, and two nozzle protection cover modules 20 (one nozzle protection cover module on each side of the electronic device compartment 19). A column 21 extends from each nozzle protection cover module 20 to a top module 22 carried by the two columns 21. Here, the outer part 9 on each side of the fuel dispensing unit 1 is composed of a column 21 extending between the nozzle protection cover module 20 and the top module 22. Therefore, the tilting device 8 is arranged directly on the column 21, on its outermost side. The hose guiding device 12 (in which the second shut-off valve unit 5 of the separation device 3 is connected to the first part 13 of the hose guiding device) is placed directly on the tilting device 8 and fixed by the fixing device 11. The tilted separation device 3 is arranged on the column 21 so that the second shut-off valve unit 4 of the separation device 3 is oriented toward the nozzle protection cover module 20 of the fuel dispensing unit 1. In other words, the fuel hose 7 extends from the separation device 3 downward toward the ground where the fuel dispensing unit 1 is placed. A cover 23 is provided to protect the tilting means 8 , and at least a part of the guiding means 12 .

[0054] The fixing means 11 comprises two semi-annular clamps 11 which surround the hose guiding means 12 and fix the hose guiding means 12 to the triangular support element 10. In this example, the clamps 11 are respectively composed of a U-shaped rod and a sheet metal portion which clamp the hose guiding means 12 to the triangular support element 10, fixing them with two nuts.

[0055] An opening 25 is provided on the lower face 26 of the top box 22, which enables at least the first shut-off valve unit 4 to be inserted into the top box 22. Figure 1d , another exemplary embodiment of the tilting device 8 is shown. In this embodiment, the first section 16 and the second section 17 of the triangular support element 10 of the tilting device 8 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The first section 16 has a first outermost width located near the first shut-off valve unit 4, and the second section 17 has a second outermost width located near the second portion 14 of the guide device 12, wherein the first outermost width is smaller than the second outermost width.

[0056] Figure 2a and Figure 2bAnother exemplary embodiment of a fuel dispensing unit 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the inclined separating device 3 is arranged on a column 21 so that the second shut-off valve unit 4 of the separating device 3 is oriented toward the top module 22 of the fuel dispensing unit 1. In other words, the fuel hose 7 extends upward from the separating device 3 in a direction opposite to the ground on which the fuel dispensing unit 1 is placed. An elastic element 24 provided on each side of the fuel dispensing unit 1 is connected to the fuel hose 7 at one end and to the fuel dispensing unit 1 at the other end. The elastic element 24 is adapted to pull the fuel hose toward the fuel dispensing unit 1.

[0057] When the customer is about to refuel the vehicle, the nozzle 2 is removed from its nozzle protection cover in the nozzle protection cover module 20 and placed in the vehicle tank inlet. The refueling process can be completed from the vehicle tank inlet. If the user forgets to remove the nozzle 2 from the vehicle tank inlet before driving off, once the traction force applied from the fuel hose 7 exceeds the predetermined traction force, the first shut-off valve unit 4 and the second shut-off valve unit 5 will separate from each other to separate the fuel hose 7 from the fuel dispensing unit 1. The hose guide device 12 is not disconnected during the driving off process and remains fixed to the tilting device 8. The second shut-off valve unit 5 passes through the hose guide device 12. In this way, any damage to the fuel dispensing unit 1 and to the vehicle can be avoided. Since the separation device 3 is arranged in an inclined manner, as described above, the force applied to the column 21 of the fuel dispensing unit 1 (and the vehicle tank inlet) will be significantly reduced. When the second shut-off valve unit 5 passes through the hose guide device 12, it is therefore guided by the hose guide device 12 and deviates from the column 21 far away.

[0058] It should be understood that other variations of the invention are contemplated and that, in some cases, some features of the invention may be employed without the corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be interpreted broadly in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

[0059] For example, the separating device 3, the tilting means 8, and the hose guiding means 12 may vary and may have any suitable size and shape without departing from the scope of protection of the present application.

[0060] The tilting means 8 may have only one or several elements suitable for tilting the separating device 3, such as two separate elements protruding horizontally at different distances from the part of the fuel dispensing unit 1 where the separating device 3 is to be arranged. A first element with a smaller length may be fixed to the column near the first portion 13 of the hose guiding device 12, and a second element with a longer length may be fixed to the column near the second portion 14 of the hose guiding device 12.

Claims

1. A fuel dispensing unit (1) for refueling a vehicle, comprising: A separation device (3) comprising a first shut-off valve unit (4) connected to a fuel supply line of the fuel dispensing unit (1), and a second shut-off valve unit (5) connected to a first end (6) of a fuel hose (7), the fuel hose (7) comprising a fuel nozzle (2) at a second end of the fuel hose (7), wherein the first shut-off valve unit (4) and the second shut-off valve unit (5) are intended to be disconnected when the pulling force from the fuel hose (7) exceeds a predetermined pulling force, so as to separate the fuel hose (7) from the fuel dispensing unit (1), It is characterized in that The fuel dispensing unit (1) comprises a tilting device (8) which is fixed to an outer part (9) of the fuel dispensing unit (1) and supports the separation device (3) so that the separation device (3) is tilted at a predetermined angle (α) relative to the outer part (9) of the fuel dispensing unit (1).

2. The fuel dispensing unit (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a hose guiding device (12) having a first part (13) connected to the second shut-off valve unit (5) of the separating device (3) and a second part (14) comprising a hose outlet (15), wherein: The hose guiding device (12) is arranged in connection with the tilting device (8) such that the second portion (14) of the hose guiding device (12) is positioned at a predetermined distance (d) from the outer portion (9) of the fuel dispensing unit (1).

3. The fuel dispensing unit (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The hose guiding device (12) comprises a tube element.

4. A fuel dispensing unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The tilting means (8) comprises a triangular support element (10) having a triangular cross section and the separating device (3) is arranged on the triangular support element.

5. The fuel dispensing unit (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The triangular support element (10) comprises a first section (16) having a first outermost width located near the first shut-off valve unit (4), and a second section (17) having a second outermost width located near the second portion (14) of the guide device (12), the first outermost width being smaller than the second outermost width.

6. The fuel dispensing unit (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The first section (16) and the second section (17) are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

7. A fuel dispensing unit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The pipe element is fixed to the triangular support element (10) by means of fixing means (11).

8. A fuel dispensing unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The predetermined angle (α) between the inclined separating device (3) and the outer portion (9) of the fuel dispensing unit (1) is preferably in the range of 10 to 40 degrees.

9. A fuel dispensing unit (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: The predetermined distance (D) between the second portion (14) of the hose guiding means (12) and the outer portion (9) of the fuel dispensing unit (1) is preferably in the range of 70 mm to 100 mm.

10. A fuel dispensing unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The outer part (9) of the fuel dispensing unit (1) is formed by a column (21) extending vertically between a top module (22) and a nozzle protection cover module (20) of the fuel dispensing unit (1).

11. A fuel dispensing unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inclined separating device (3) is arranged on the outer part (9) such that the second shut-off valve unit (5) of the separating device (3) is oriented toward the nozzle guard module (20) of the fuel dispensing unit (1).

12. A fuel dispensing unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The inclined separating device (3) is arranged on the outer part (9) such that the second shut-off valve unit (5) of the separating device (3) is oriented toward the top module (22) of the fuel dispensing unit (1).

13. A fuel dispensing unit (1) according to claim 12, wherein: An elastic element (24) is connected to the fuel hose (7) at one end and to the fuel dispensing unit (1) at the other end, the elastic element (24) being adapted to pull the fuel hose (7) toward the fuel dispensing unit (1).

14. A fuel dispensing unit (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein: The tilting means (8), and at least a portion of the guiding means (12), are protected by a cover (23).

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