Flexible support for a fuel dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible support for a fuel dispenser. The invention relates to a fuel dispenser (1) comprising a structure (2) in which a fuel delivery circuit connected to a hose (3) is housed, the structure (2) comprising an upper portion (7) on which a hose support (5) is mounted that comprises connection means (6) intended to keep the hose (3) fixed in position and to release it from the hose support (5) when traction is applied to pull the hose (3). The connection means (6) comprise a fixed part (8) secured to the structure (2) and a movable part (9) that is configured to move in translation with respect to the fixed part (8) along the upper portion (7) from a position fixing the hose (3) in position to a position releasing the latter when a traction force that exceeds a threshold traction force is exerted on the hose (3).

Description

Technical field to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel dispenser and more particularly to a gas dispenser for vehicles of the LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) type. Technological background

[0002] Such a fuel dispenser comprises a structure in which is housed a fuel distribution circuit connected to a hose equipped with a nozzle intended to deliver fuel, such as liquefied gas, diesel or gasoline, into a vehicle tank.

[0003] The hose of an LPG gas dispenser is connected to a gas distribution circuit via a removable (or breakable) connector.

[0004] After dispensing fuel, a driver may forget to unhook the nozzle from the inlet of a vehicle's tank. When the driver drives off inadvertently, they pull the nozzle along with the hose. The detachable connector separates into two parts, each containing a valve that automatically closes upon disconnection to prevent pressurized gas (25 bars) from escaping into the atmosphere. The gas distribution circuit hose is then disconnected from the fuel distribution circuit. This type of accident is commonly referred to as a "drive-off."

[0005] The hose is typically attached to an open top of the fuel dispenser by looping it around. This prevents the hose from resting on the ground in an awkward manner once the refueling operation is complete.

[0006] WO2018 / 097834 describes by way of example a hose holder positioned at an upper portion of a fuel dispenser formed by a canopy panel. The hose holder supports the hose and comprises locking means for easily locking and releasing it when a user pulls on it to obtain a longer hose length during fuel dispensing.

[0007] This solution is particularly interesting when used by a pump attendant who puts the hose back into the locking device after use.

[0008] However, it is not suitable for self-service use, as drivers do not always put the hose back on the locking device.

[0009] Furthermore, this type of solution is not intended to be used as a safety device when a motorist inadvertently drives off with their vehicle while the nozzle is still attached to the vehicle's fuel tank filler neck ("drive-off").

[0010] To solve this safety problem in the event of a "drive-off", there are solutions such as those in document US2016 / 0238177 disclosing a hose retractor comprising an elastic cord connecting the hose to a mast connected to the fuel dispenser.

[0011] The rope is connected to the hose via a disconnecting means which disconnects when the vehicle leaves with the nozzle connected to the tank mouth.

[0012] However, this solution is not ideal because it requires the disconnecting means to release the hose before the detachable connector disconnects to release the hose from the distribution circuit. Otherwise, there is a risk of the end of the hose disconnected from the detachable connector being catapulted, posing safety problems for people around the dispenser.

[0013] Document US5836361 describes another solution in which a loop of hose is connected to a rotating arm via a disconnection means comprising a disc connected to three lugs held in tension against the disc by means of three springs. This solution is also provided so that the hose disconnects from the arm when a vehicle leaves with the nozzle connected to the mouth of the tank.

[0014] However, this solution, which is specifically adapted to this type of mobile arm, is complex because it requires a certain flexibility in space to follow the movement of the arm in all directions and not disconnect too early. The installation of the flexible hose is also delicate and time-consuming because it is necessary to precisely adjust the tension of the three springs.

[0015] FR 2 832 396 A1 describes a device for dispensing fluids. The device comprises a structure supporting one or more rails on which circulate carriages supporting a hose equipped at its end with a dispensing gun or a connector.

[0016] Additionally, all of these solutions are intended for use with the hose outside the fuel dispenser. None of these solutions are suitable for use in a narrow, enclosed compartment such as a hose storage compartment.

[0017] The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a fuel dispenser comprising a hose holder allowing the hose to be safely released from a fuel dispenser when a vehicle leaves with the nozzle connected to the tank mouth and which can be housed in a hose storage compartment. Subject of the invention

[0018] The invention is defined in the claims. The invention relates to a fuel dispenser comprising a structure in which is housed a fuel dispensing circuit connected to a hose equipped with a nozzle for delivering fuel into a vehicle tank. The structure comprises an upper portion on which is mounted a hose holder comprising connection means for holding the hose blocked and for releasing it from the hose holder when traction is exerted on the hose.

[0019] According to the invention, the connection means comprise a fixed part secured to the upper portion of the structure and a movable part configured to translate relative to the fixed part along the upper portion in a direction of deployment A of the hose from a position for locking the hose to a position for releasing the hose when a tensile force exceeding a threshold tensile force is exerted on the hose.

[0020] The invention thus provides a fuel dispenser comprising a hose holder allowing the hose to be safely released from a fuel dispenser when a vehicle sets off again with the nozzle connected to the tank mouth.

[0021] The hose is thus disconnected from the distributor structure before the removable connector disconnects, in a perfectly reproducible manner.

[0022] The invention also provides a simple solution suitable for use in a self-service gas station.

[0023] The hose comprises a fastening element. The fixed part and the movable part of the connection means are arranged so as to form at least one holding housing in which at least a part of the fastening element is housed. The movable part is able to translate in the deployment direction A between the locking position of the hose in which the holding housing is closed to lock the fastening element and the release position of the hose in which the holding housing is open to release the fastening element.

[0024] According to a possible embodiment, the connection means comprise two holding housings. The flexible hose attachment element is a rod inserted into a connecting element connected to a nut fixed to the flexible hose. The attachment element has two opposite fixing ends, each intended to be housed in one of the two holding housings.

[0025] Advantageously, the fixed and mobile parts have an elongated shape and extend along the upper portion of the structure in the deployment direction A. The fixed and mobile parts each comprise two parallel side walls. The connection means comprise sliding means, allowing the mobile part to slide along the fixed part.

[0026] According to a possible embodiment, the side walls of the fixed part each comprise a groove extending longitudinally along the side walls. Each groove has a closed end and an opening opposite the closed end. Each side wall of the movable part comprises an opening cooperating with a groove of the fixed part to form one of the two holding housings in which one of the fixing ends of the fixing element is locked in the flexible hose locking position. The openings of the movable part are aligned with the openings of the fixed part in the flexible hose release position.

[0027] Advantageously, the connection means comprise elastic means intended to return the movable part of the connection means towards a direction opposite to the deployment direction A to maintain the hose in the locking position.

[0028] According to a possible embodiment, the elastic means comprise a spring having a first end fixed to the upper portion of the structure and a second end fixed to a rear part of the movable part of the connection means.

[0029] Preferably, the hose support comprises tensioning means for tensioning the elastic means for moving the movable part in the deployment direction A in order to align the openings of the movable part with the grooves of the fixed part to allow the insertion of the fixing element into the two holding housings when mounting the hose on the connection means of the hose support.

[0030] According to one possible embodiment, the tensioning means comprise a rotatable screw having one end connected to the upper portion of the structure and a threaded element fixed to the front portion of the movable part. Rotation of the screw in the threaded element causes the movable part to move relative to the fixed part.

[0031] After unhooking the hose or during initial installation, the hose can be quickly and easily connected to the hose holder using the tensioning devices. Installation is completed in just two steps.

[0032] All you have to do is screw in the threaded element and then insert the fixing element into the two holding housings of the connection means and the connecting element of the hose nut.

[0033] There is no need to adjust the tension of the tensioning means which is predefined.

[0034] Preferably, the structure comprises a hose storage compartment for at least partially housing the hose after a fuel dispensing operation. The upper portion of the structure is formed by an upper panel delimiting the hose storage compartment and on which at least one hose support is mounted.

[0035] The invention provides a compact solution, perfectly suited for use in a narrow hose storage compartment of an LPG type fuel dispenser.

[0036] In fact, the hose support only allows translation in a direction of deployment A of the hose, i.e. parallel to the side trim panels of the distributor. This prevents movements in other directions which could contribute to friction of the hose against the structure of the distributor when the hose is unhooked and the risk of blocking the hose nut in the edges of the trim panels delimiting the passage of the hose. The unhooking of the hose is thus guided safely in a confined space which may include several hose supports. Description of figures

[0037] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1] schematically represents an LPG gas distributor equipped with a hose support in the hose locking position; [ Fig. 2 ] schematically represents a hose support supporting a hose nut in the locking position; [ Fig. 3 ] schematically represents the nut and the hose when disconnected from the hose support; [ Fig. 4 ] schematically represents a detailed cross-section of a fixing element engaged in connection means of the hose support; [ Fig. 5 ] schematically represents an exploded view of the hose support; [ Fig. 6 ] schematically represents the hose support when the connection means are tensioned during an operation of installing the hose on the support; [ Fig. 7 ] schematically represents this flexible support after the connection means have been tensioned. Detailed description of the invention

[0038] There figure 1represents a fuel dispenser 1 and more precisely an LPG gas dispenser comprising a structure 2 in which is housed a fuel and more particularly gas distribution circuit (not shown).

[0039] In this example, the structure 2 of the fuel dispenser 1 comprises a hydraulic compartment 32 integrating the fuel distribution circuit and a hose storage compartment 33 in which the hose 3 is at least partially housed after a fuel distribution operation, as shown in the figure 1 .

[0040] The hose 3 comprises a first end 34 connected to a gun 4 intended to deliver fuel into a vehicle tank.

[0041] A second end 35 of the hose 3 is connected to a gas distribution circuit via a detachable (or breakable) connector 36. The detachable connector 36 includes a valve which closes automatically upon disconnection of the detachable connector 36 in the event of a “drive-off” to prevent pressurized gas (25 bars) from escaping into the atmosphere.

[0042] The fuel dispenser 1 comprises a hose holder 5 positioned at an upper portion 7 of the structure 2. In this example, the upper portion 7 corresponds to an upper panel 7 of the hose storage compartment 33.

[0043] The hose storage compartment 33 is also delimited by two side panels 37 (only one side panel is shown for simplification). The hose storage compartment 33 comprises two edges 38 delimiting a passage 39 for the hose 3.

[0044] The hose support 5 comprises connection (or connection / disconnection) means 6 intended to keep the hose 3 blocked on the hose support 5 in normal use condition and to release it from the hose support 5 when significant traction is exerted on the hose 3, i.e. when a threshold traction force is reached, exceeding a traction force provided for normal use of the hose 3, i.e. traction carried out by a user.

[0045] Such a threshold traction force is reached accidentally when a vehicle drives off with the nozzle still connected to the tank mouth ("drive-off") after a fuel distribution operation.

[0046] According to the invention as illustrated in the figures 2 to 7, the connection means 6 comprise a fixed part 8 secured to the upper portion 7 of the structure 2 and a mobile part 9 configured to translate relative to the fixed part 8 along the upper portion 7 in a deployment direction A of the hose 3 from a position of blocking of the hose 3 to a position of release of the hose 3 when the threshold traction force is reached.

[0047] The deployment direction A corresponds to the direction in which the hose 3 is deployed by a user to carry out fuel dispensing.

[0048] The deployment direction A is substantially parallel to the side panels 37 of the hose storage compartment 33.

[0049] THE figures 2 , 3 And 5 à 7 represent an upper portion 7 comprising two flexible supports 5, only one of which is shown completely for simplification.

[0050] As illustrated on the figure 3 , a nut 25 is fixed to the hose 3 by surrounding the latter. The nut 25 has an oblong or oval shape so as to slide along the structure 2 in the event of the nut 25 becoming unhooked to prevent it from becoming blocked. The nut 25 comprises two parts 25a, 25b fixed against each other by tightening the hose 3. The nut 25 is made of polymer.

[0051] A connecting element 24 is fixed to the nut 25 by means of a screw 40 and more precisely to an upper part 25a of the nut 25. The connecting element 24 has a cylindrical shape of a dimension adapted to engage in the movable part 9. Other shapes are possible.

[0052] The connecting element 24 comprises an orifice 41 allowing the insertion of a fixing element 10. In this example, the fixing element 10 is a removable rod 10, protruding from the two flat faces 24a, 24b of the connecting element 24.

[0053] Generally, the fixed part 8 and the movable part 9 of the connection means 6 are arranged so as to form at least one holding housing 11 in which at least part of the fixing element 10 is housed. The holding housing 11 is in the form of an orifice.

[0054] The movable part 9 is able to translate in the deployment direction A between the position for locking the hose 3 in which the holding housing 11 is closed at its periphery to lock the fixing element 10 and the position for releasing the hose 3 in which the holding housing 11 is open at its periphery to release the fixing element 10.

[0055] In the examples of the figures 1 to 7 , the connection means 6 of the flexible support 5 comprise two holding housings 11.

[0056] The fixing element 10 has two opposite fixing ends 26a, 26b, each intended to be inserted into one of the two holding housings 11.

[0057] The fixed 8 and mobile 9 parts are formed of two respective rails 8, 9 extending along the upper portion 7 of the structure 2 in the deployment direction A. The rails 8, 9 are metallic or made of polymer.

[0058] The fixed part 8 comprises two parallel side walls 12. The movable part 9 comprises two parallel side walls 13 connected by a central wall 42.

[0059] The fixed part 8 is formed directly in the upper portion or panel 7 of the structure 2 by cutting into the panel and folding two portions to form the two parallel side walls 12.

[0060] The movable part 9 is housed in the fixed part 8 so that the side walls 13 of the movable part 9 slide along the parallel side walls 12 of the fixed part 8.

[0061] The two flat faces 24a, 24b of the connecting element 24 are positioned opposite the side walls 13 of the movable part 9.

[0062] The length of the connecting element 24, that is to say the distance between the two flat faces 24a, 24b, is less than the distance between the two side walls 13 of the movable part 9.

[0063] The connection means 6 comprise sliding means 14, 15 allowing the movable part 9 to translate and more precisely to slide along and inside the fixed part 8.

[0064] The side walls 13 of the movable part 9 slide along the side walls 12 of the fixed part 8.

[0065] The side walls 12 of the fixed part 8 each comprise a groove 16 extending longitudinally along the side walls 12 substantially along the direction of deployment A. The two grooves 16 are opposite each other.

[0066] Each groove 16 has a closed end 17, positioned on the side opposite the gun 4, and an opening 18 opposite the closed end 17.

[0067] Each side wall 13 of the movable part 9 comprises an opening 19 cooperating with a groove 16 of the fixed part 8 to form one of the two holding housings 11 in which one of the fixing ends 26a, 26b of the fixing element 10 is blocked when the hose 3 is in the position for blocking the hose 3.

[0068] In the release position of the flexible hose 3, the openings 19 of the movable part 9 are aligned with the openings 18 of the fixed part 8 to allow the fixing element 10 to be released. The two holding housings 11 are then open at their periphery.

[0069] There figure 4 schematically represents a detailed cross-section of the fixing element 10 engaged in the connection means 6 of the hose support 5.

[0070] The two fixing ends 26a, 26b of the fixing element 10 each have a groove 43, delimited by two walls 47 forming a stop allowing the side walls 12 of the fixed part 8 to be locked in the two grooves 16.

[0071] The two fixing ends 26a, 26b of the fixing element 10 are gripped against an edge 44 delimiting the openings 19 of the movable part 9 and a front edge 45 of the closed end 17 of the fixed part 8, as illustrated in the Figure 5 .

[0072] More precisely, the edge 44 delimiting the openings 19 of the movable part 9 comes to bear against a central and cylindrical part 46 of the fixing element 10.

[0073] The connection means 6 comprise elastic means 20 intended to return the movable part 9 towards a direction opposite to the deployment direction A, thanks to a restoring force opposite to this deployment direction A, to maintain the flexible hose 3 in the locking position.

[0074] The elastic means 20 are positioned on the side opposite the gun 4.

[0075] The elastic means 20 make it possible to keep the fixing element 10 blocked against the edge 44 delimiting the openings 19 of the movable part 9 on the one hand and the front edge 45 of the closed end 17 of the fixed part 8 on the other hand.

[0076] The restoring force of the elastic means 20 determines the threshold traction force to be exceeded for the movable part 9 to move in the deployment direction A. This threshold is reached when a vehicle drives the nozzle and pulls on the hose. This restoring force is defined so that a user pulling on the hose 3 to fill up with fuel does not reach it.

[0077] Depending on the method of implementation of the figures 2 to 7, the elastic means 20 comprise a spring 20 comprising a first end 21 fixed to the upper portion 7 of the structure 2 and a second end 22 fixed to a rear part 23 of the movable part 9 of the connection means 6 and more precisely on the central wall 42. The rear part 23 is positioned on the side opposite the gun 4.

[0078] Other elastic means 20 are possible. Means equivalent to the elastic means 20 are also possible, such as magnetic retaining means.

[0079] The sliding means 14, 15 allow the movable part 9 to slide and slide in the fixed part 8 and also to limit the travel of the movable part 9. They also allow the movable part 9 to be kept integral with the fixed part 8.

[0080] The sliding means 14, 15 comprise a first sliding means 14 comprising a slot 48 in the central wall 42 of the movable part 9, as shown in the figure 6 A washer 49 is fixed to a threaded rod 50 itself fixed to the upper portion 7 of the structure 2, as shown in the Figure 5 The washer 49 is retained by a nut 51. The threaded rod 50 passes through the slot 48 of the central wall 42 of the movable part 9. The central wall 42 of the movable part 9 can slide between the upper portion 7 of the structure 2 and the washer 49.

[0081] The sliding means 14, 15 comprise a second sliding means 15, distant from the first sliding means 14, comprising a transverse rod 52 fixed to the two side walls 12 of the fixed part 8, as shown in the figure 7 .

[0082] The second sliding means 15 comprises two recesses 53 formed in the two side walls 13 of the movable part 9.

[0083] The transverse rod 52 passes through the two recesses 53 so that the transverse rod 52 slides inside the two recesses 53.

[0084] Other variants of sliding means are also possible such as two first sliding means 14 which are distant from each other.

[0085] The hose support 5 comprises tensioning means 27 making it possible to tension the elastic means 20 to move the movable part 9 in the deployment direction A in order to align the openings 19 of the movable part 9 with the grooves 16 of the fixed part 8 to allow the insertion of the fixing element 10 into the two holding housings 11 when mounting the hose 3 on the connection means 6 of the hose support 5.

[0086] The tensioning means 27 are positioned at a front part 28 of the movable part 9, on the side of the gun 4. The tensioning means 27 comprise a screw 29 movable in rotation and having one end 30 connected to the upper portion 7 of the structure 2 by a tab 54, and a threaded element 31 fixed to the front part 28 of the movable part 9 by another tab 55.

[0087] The two legs 54, 55 are opposite each other and include an orifice for the passage of the screw 29.

[0088] The rotation of the screw 29 in the threaded element 31 causes the moving part 9 to move relative to the fixed part 8.

[0089] Other alternatives are possible such as a fixed screw cooperating with a movable threaded rod (not shown).

[0090] A cover 56 is provided to mask the tensioning means 27, as illustrated in the figures 3 And 5The cover 56 comprises a front end 57 folded to be easily fixed to the transverse rod 52 of the sliding means 14, 15. A rear wall 58 of the cover 56 is fixed to the tab 54 of the upper portion 7 of the structure 2 by a plastic clip 59 or a screw.

[0091] The following describes a method of installing the hose 3 onto the hose holder 5.

[0092] In the operating condition of fuel dispenser 1, as illustrated in the figure 2 , the screw 29 of the tensioning means 27 is not present. It is screwed into the threaded element 31 for mounting the hose 3 on the hose support 5, during the first installation or after accidental detachment of the hose still attached to a vehicle to replace a new hose on the hose support 5.

[0093] When mounting the hose 3 on the hose holder 5, during the first installation, the screw 29 is inserted into the threaded element 31, as shown in the figure 6 The movable part 9 has been moved towards the spring 20 because it is pulled by the latter. The first sliding means 14 blocks the travel of the movable part 9.

[0094] As illustrated in the figure 7 , screwing the screw 29 into the threaded element 31 causes the moving part 9 to move in a direction opposite to the spring 20, i.e. in the direction of deployment A, by tensioning the latter, until the openings 19 of the moving part 9 are aligned with the grooves 16 of the fixed part 8.

[0095] The transverse rod 52 of the sliding means 14, 15 is introduced into the two recesses 53 of the movable part 9.

[0096] The following steps are performed when first installing hose 3 on hose support 5 or when repairing after a detachment.

[0097] The connecting element 24 which is connected to the flexible hose 3 is then inserted into the movable part 9 so as to align its orifice 41 with the openings 19 of the movable part 9 and the grooves 16 of the fixed part 8.

[0098] The fixing element 10 is then inserted, by its first end 26a, into the openings 19 of the movable part 9, the grooves 16 of the fixed part 8 and the orifice 41 of the connecting element 24.

[0099] The fixing element 10 has a first fixing end 26a and a second fixing end 26b of larger diameter than the first fixing end 26a. Thus, the first fixing end 26a has a diameter small enough to allow its insertion into the openings 19 of the movable part 9, the grooves 16 of the fixed part 8 and the orifice 41 of the connecting element 24 when mounting the hose 3 on the hose support 5.

[0100] The second fixing end 26b has a larger diameter so that it has a head 60 forming a stop against the external side of one of the side walls 12 of the fixed part 8, as illustrated in the figure 4 This prevents the fixing element 10 from coming out of the openings 19 of the movable part 9, the grooves 16 of the fixed part 8 and the orifice 41 of the connecting element 24.

[0101] Due to gravity and the weight of the flexible hose 3, the grooves 43 of the fixing element 10 become blocked in the respective grooves 16 of the fixed part 8, the fixing element 10 no longer being able to escape.

[0102] The hose 3 is thus fixed to the hose support 5.

[0103] The screw 29 of the tensioning means 27 is then unscrewed and removed. The spring 20 exerts a return force on the movable part 9, causing the fixing element 10 to be locked between the front edge 45 of the closed end 17 of the groove 16 and the edge 44 delimiting the openings 19 of the movable part 9.

[0104] A vehicle moves relative to the fuel dispenser 1 generally in a direction B ( Fig. 1 ), secant to the deployment direction A.

[0105] When the vehicle carries a nozzle 4 still attached to the mouth of its tank, a strong tension is applied to the nut 25 of the hose 3 in the direction of deployment A of the hose 3. When a threshold traction force is exceeded, that is to say when the traction force is greater than the return force of the spring 20, the fixing element 10 secured to the nut 25 moves and causes the movable part 9 to slide in the direction of deployment A relative to the fixed part 8.

[0106] When the openings 19 of the movable part 9 are aligned with the openings 18 of the fixed part 8, the movable part 9 is in the position for releasing the hose 3 and the fixing element 10 escapes from these openings 18, 19, releasing the hose 3 from the hose support 5.

[0107] If the vehicle continues to move away from the fuel dispenser 1, the pulling force on the hose 3 increases and the detachable connector 36 disconnects to safely release the hose 3 from the fuel dispenser circuit.

[0108] In the example of the figures 1 to 7 , the fuel dispenser 1 is an LPG gas dispenser comprising a hose storage compartment 33 housing two hoses 3 connected to two separate nozzles 4 so as to be able to refuel two vehicles on each side of the fuel dispenser 1.

[0109] The upper portion 7 of the hose storage compartment 33 then comprises two hose supports 5 arranged close to each other but offset to prevent the hoses 3 from touching each other.

[0110] The movable parts 9 of the two hose supports 5 are arranged to translate in two opposite directions relative to each other in the event that the hose 3 is carried by a vehicle, their deployment direction A being opposite. These translations following opposite but parallel deployment directions A make it possible to optimize the space in the hose storage compartment 33 and to avoid friction between the hoses 3.

Claims

1. Fuel dispenser (1) comprising a structure (2) housing a fuel dispensing circuit connected to a hose (3) equipped with a nozzle (4) intended to deliver fuel into a vehicle tank, the structure (2) comprising an upper portion (7) on which a hose support (5), which comprises connecting means (6) intended to keep the hose (3) locked and to release it from the hose support (5) when a pulling force is applied to the hose (3), is mounted, the connecting means (6) comprising a fixed part (8) integral with the upper portion (7) of the structure (2) and a movable part (9) configured to move in translation with respect to the fixed part (8) along the upper portion (7) in a direction of deployment (A) of the hose (3) from a locked position of the hose (3) to a released position of the hose (3), in which the hose (3) is released from the hose support (5) when a pulling force exceeding a threshold pulling force is applied to the hose (3), characterized in that the hose (3) comprises a fixing element (10), the fixed part (8) and the movable part (9) of the connecting means (6) being arranged so as to form at least one retaining housing (11) in which at least part of the fixing element (10) is housed, the movable part (9) being able to move in translation in the direction of deployment (A) between the locked position of the hose (3), in which the retaining housing (11) is closed in order to lock the fixing element (10), and the released position of the hose (3), in which the retaining housing (11) is open in order to release the fixing element (10).

2. Fuel dispenser (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (6) comprise two retaining housings (11), the fixing element (10) of the hose (3) being a rod (10) inserted into a joining element (24) connected to a clamp (25) fixed to the hose (3), the fixing element (10) having two opposite fixing ends (26a, 26b), each intended to be housed in one of the two retaining housings (11).

3. Fuel dispenser (1) according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the fixed (8) and movable (9) parts have an elongate shape and extend along the upper portion (7) of the structure (2) in the direction of deployment (A), the fixed (8) and movable (9) parts each having two parallel side walls (12, 13), the connecting means (6) comprising sliding means (14, 15) enabling the movable part (9) to slide along the fixed part (8).

4. Fuel dispenser (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the side walls (12) of the fixed part (8) each comprise a groove (16) extending longitudinally along the side walls (12), each groove (16) having a closed end (17) and an opening (18) opposite the closed end (17), each side wall (13) of the movable part (9) comprising an opening (19) interacting with a groove (16) in the fixed part (8) to form one of the two retaining housings (11) in which one of the fixing ends (26a, 26b) of the fixing element (10) is locked in the locked position of the hose (3), the openings (19) in the movable part (9) being aligned with the openings (18) in the fixed part (8) in the released position of the hose (3).

5. Fuel dispenser (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting means (6) comprise elastic means (20) intended to return the movable part (9) of the connecting means (6) in a direction counter to the direction of deployment (A) in order to keep the hose (3) in the locked position.

6. Fuel dispenser (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the elastic means (20) comprise a spring (20) having a first end (21) fixed to the upper portion (7) of the structure (2) and a second end (22) fixed to a rear part (23) of the movable part (9) of the connecting means (6).

7. Fuel dispenser (1) according to either one of Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the hose support (5) comprises tensioning means (27) enabling the elastic means (20) to be tensioned in order to move the movable part (9) in the direction of deployment (A) so as to align the openings (19) in the movable part (9) with the grooves (16) in the fixed part (8) in order to enable the fixing element (10) to be inserted into the two retaining housings (11) when the hose (3) is mounted on the connecting means (6) of the hose support (5).

8. Fuel dispenser (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the tensioning means (27) comprise a rotatable screw (29) having one end (30) connected to the upper portion (7) of the structure (2) and a threaded element (31) fixed to the front part (28) of the movable part (9), rotation of the screw (29) in the threaded element (31) causing the movable part (9) to move with respect to the fixed part (8).

9. Fuel dispenser (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the structure (2) comprises a hose storage compartment (33) intended to at least partially house the hose (3) after a fuel dispensing operation, the upper portion (7) of the structure (2) being formed by an upper panel (7) delimiting the hose storage compartment (33) and on which at least one hose support (5) is mounted.

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