Fueling system

Abstract

This refueling system prevents the inability to determine whether or not the refueling nozzle is inserted into the fuel filler port due to the customer's refueling actions, and provides a refueling permission signal that can be reliably transmitted. [Solution] A refueling system 1 comprising a refueling device 2 that supplies fuel oil to a vehicle, a camera 7 capable of monitoring the refueling actions of a customer using the refueling device 2, a refueling permission determination means 6 that receives output from the camera 7 and determines whether or not refueling is permitted, a refueling control means 4 that receives output from the refueling permission determination means 6 and controls whether or not refueling is permitted by the refueling device 2, and a customer notification device 5 that receives an alarm signal from the refueling permission determination means 6 and notifies the customer of a message encouraging them to improve their refueling actions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fueling system installed at a gas station or the like for supplying fuel oil to vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, at self-service gas stations, workers in an office visually check the behavior of customers who refuel automobiles or the like, or confirm images from surveillance cameras on a monitor, and transmit a fueling permission signal to enable fueling by the fueling device. In recent years, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, development of fueling systems that determine fueling permission by utilizing AI based on a learning model has been advanced for the purpose of reducing the labor of workers (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this fueling system, in order to reduce the labor of workers and perform accurate determination of fueling permission by utilizing AI based on a learning model for images from surveillance cameras, for example, images from the surveillance cameras are analyzed to check whether a fueling nozzle is correctly inserted into a fuel filler port in place of a worker, and the analysis result is used for determination of fueling permission or non-permission. However, there are cases where the fueling nozzle is hidden behind the customer's body, making it impossible to determine whether the fueling nozzle is inserted into the fuel filler port.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems in the conventional art, and an object thereof is to provide a fueling system that can prevent the situation where the determination of whether a fueling nozzle is inserted into a fuel filler port cannot be performed due to the customer's fueling action, and can stably transmit a fueling permission signal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention is a refueling system comprising: a refueling device that supplies fuel oil to a vehicle; a camera capable of monitoring the refueling actions of a customer using the refueling device; a refueling permission determination means that receives output from the camera and determines whether or not refueling is permitted; a refueling control means that receives output from the refueling permission determination means and controls whether or not refueling is permitted by the refueling device; and a customer notification device that receives an alarm signal from the refueling permission determination means and notifies the customer of a message encouraging them to improve their refueling actions.

[0007] According to the present invention, when an inappropriate refueling behavior is detected by a customer notification device, an alarm or message is issued, prompting the customer to perform the correct refueling behavior. This prevents the inability to determine whether or not the refueling nozzle is inserted into the fuel filler opening due to the customer's refueling behavior, and enables the stable transmission of a refueling permission signal.

[0008] Furthermore, in the refueling system, the customer notification device comprises a case body, notification means disposed within the case body, a first bracket on which the notification means is mounted, and a second bracket for fixing the notification means to the first bracket. The first bracket is fixed within the case body and surrounds the four sides of the lower part of the notification means, and the second bracket has a vertically elongated hole, through which the notification means can be fixed to the first bracket. Because the first bracket surrounds the four sides of the lower part of the notification means, the notification means is securely and firmly supported, preventing displacement or damage due to vibration. In addition, because the second bracket has a vertically elongated hole, the notification means can be easily attached and detached simply by loosening the fixing screws or the like.

[0009] Furthermore, the case body is attached to a bracket connected to the lubrication device via an angle adjustment bracket, and the angle adjustment bracket has a plurality of holes that allow the installation angle with respect to the bracket connected to the lubrication device to be changed, and the angle adjustment bracket and the bracket connected to the lubrication device can be mounted so as to be slidable from each other via a surface sliding member. The surface sliding member reduces the contact area between the angle adjustment bracket and the bracket connected to the lubrication device, making it easier for the case body to operate smoothly.

[0010] Furthermore, the case body is attached to a bracket connected to the lubrication device via an angle adjustment bracket, and the angle adjustment bracket has an arc-shaped elongated hole that allows the installation angle with respect to the bracket connected to the lubrication device to be changed, and the angle adjustment bracket and the bracket connected to the lubrication device can be mounted so as to be slidable from each other via a surface sliding member. This makes it possible to adjust the angle of the case body to any position, improving the degree of freedom in installation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As described above, the present invention prevents situations where it becomes impossible to determine whether to permit or deny refueling due to the customer's refueling actions, and enables the stable transmission of a refueling permit signal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram showing one embodiment of the refueling system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a network diagram of the refueling system. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the refueling equipment that makes up the refueling system shown. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the customer alarm system that makes up the refueling system, where (a) shows the case with two customer alarms and (b) shows the case with one customer alarm. [Figure 5]Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the angle adjustment bracket for a customer alarm, where (a) is an overall schematic diagram and (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the joint portion. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is an overall schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the angle adjustment bracket for the customer alarm system. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the angle adjustment bracket. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the means for fixing the notification means, where (a) is the bracket for fixing the notification means, (b) is the state in which the notification means is fixed, (c) is the external appearance of the case body, and (d) is the internal structure of the case body. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the case body. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refueling system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Next, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Figures 1 and 2 show one embodiment of the refueling system according to the present invention, which comprises a plurality of refueling devices 2 (2A to 2C...), a POS terminal (hereinafter referred to as "POS") 3, an SSC (Self-Service Console, Refueling Permission Means) 4, a customer notification device 5 placed on the main body 2a of the refueling device 2, an AI system (Refueling Permission Judgment Means) 6 attached to the SSC 4, and a camera 7 that monitors the refueling device 2 and its surroundings.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the fuel supply device 2 that supplies fuel oil to the vehicle comprises a main unit 2a, a data input / output device 2b that outputs fuel supply setting data to POS3, a fuel supply control device 2c that controls the fuel supply device 2 to a state where fuel supply is possible when a fuel supply permission signal is input, a fuel supply amount indicator 2d, and a fuel supply pump 2f, a fuel supply motor 2g, a fuel supply nozzle 2h, a nozzle switch 2i, a flow meter 2j, a flow pulse transmitter 2k, etc. that constitute the fuel supply system.

[0016] The POS3 performs sales management executed each time a customer refuels, and management of daily reports, monthly reports, and the like, and may be installed in a fueling station or may aggregate information on a cloud server.

[0017] The SSC4 is provided to receive an output from the AI system 6, control whether or not fueling by the fueling device is permitted, and output a fueling permission signal to the fueling control device 2c of the fueling device 2. The customer annunciator 5 receives an alarm signal from the AI system 6 and annunciates a message prompting the customer to improve their fueling behavior. The AI system 6 utilizes AI to receive an output from the camera 7 and determine whether fueling is permitted. The camera 7 monitors the fueling behavior in the vicinity of the fueling device 2.

[0018] Next, the configuration of the customer annunciator 5 will be described with reference to Figure 4.

[0019] Figure 4(a) and Figure 4(b) are diagrams showing the customer annunciator 5, where (a) shows a case with two customer annunciators, and (b) shows a case with one customer annunciator. The reason that there are two customer annunciators 5 is that, in self-service fueling stations, it is common to perform fueling from both sides of the fueling device 2, so that the customer annunciator 5 can annunciate the message prompting improvement of fueling behavior to customers on either side.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4(a) and Figure 4(b), the customer annunciator 5 includes an upper bracket 10, an angle adjustment bracket 11, and a case main body 12. The upper bracket 10 is fixedly attached to the upper portion of the main body 2a, the angle adjustment bracket 11 is provided connected to the upper bracket 10, and the case main body 12 is provided connected to the angle adjustment bracket 11 respectively. Each case main body 12 is provided with a waterproof sheet 13 and a waterproof speaker 14, and an annunciator means 15 such as a tablet is disposed inside the case main body 12.

[0021] Next, the angle adjustment mechanism of the angle adjustment bracket 11 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5(a) shows a side view of the first embodiment of the angle adjustment bracket 11, and Figure 6 shows a side view of the second embodiment.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5(a), the angle adjustment bracket 11A of the first embodiment has a plurality of fixing holes 11Aa (three in the illustrated example) that allow the installation angle with respect to the upper bracket 10 to be changed. These fixing holes 11Aa are arranged so that the mounting angle of the angle adjustment bracket 11A can be adjusted in steps, and in Figure 5(a), the fixing holes 11Aa are arranged so that the mounting angle of the angle adjustment bracket 11A with respect to the upper bracket 10 is 0 degrees, 10 degrees, and 15 degrees. In addition, a notch 11Ac is formed at the lower end of the angle adjustment bracket 11A. The angle adjustment bracket 11A and the upper bracket 10 are slidably coupled by a surface sliding member which will be described later.

[0023] Figure 5(b) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the joint between the upper bracket 10 and the angle adjustment bracket 11A. A surface sliding member is used to connect the upper bracket 10 and the angle adjustment bracket 11A. The surface sliding member consists of a blind nut 11Ad, which has a female thread inside the upper part 11Ad3 and is positioned at the bottom so as to sandwich the upper bracket 10 between two protrusions 11Ad1 and 11Ad2, a washer 11Ae, a spring washer 11Af, and a bolt 11Ab that screws into the blind nut 11Ad. This surface sliding member connects the two brackets 10 and 11A via the washer 11Ae and spring washer 11Af while maintaining a predetermined gap between the upper bracket 10 and the angle adjustment bracket 11A. By ensuring that the two brackets 10 and 11A contact only around the bolt hole, the sliding between the two brackets 10 and 11A becomes smooth, and the set angle can be reliably maintained by ensuring an appropriate tightening force. Furthermore, the spring washer 11Af prevents the bolt 11Ab from loosening, and the washer 11Ae prevents damage to the angle adjustment bracket 11A. This coupling structure is also applied to the angle adjustment bracket 11B, which has an arc-shaped elongated hole 11Ba as shown in Figure 6.

[0024] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 6, an arc-shaped elongated hole 11Ba is provided in the angle adjustment bracket 11B, and the angle adjustment bracket 11B and the upper bracket 10 are connected by the same configuration as the surface sliding member described above. As a result, the angle adjustment bracket 11B and the upper bracket 10 are connected by a bolt 11Bb at the lower notch 11Bc, and with the bolt 11Bb inserted into the arc-shaped elongated hole 11Ba, the angle adjustment bracket 11B can be rotated relative to the upper bracket 10, making it possible to freely set the mounting angle of the angle adjustment bracket 11B at any position.

[0025] In both of the above embodiments, the case body 12 is attached to the upper bracket 10 via angle adjustment brackets 11A and 11B.

[0026] This configuration allows for the selection of the optimal installation angle for the customer alarm 5 according to the installation environment and usage conditions. In the first embodiment, secure fixing at fixed angle intervals is possible, while in the second embodiment, finer angle adjustments are possible. Furthermore, notches 11Ac and 11Bc are formed at the lower ends of the angle adjustment brackets 11A and 11B, making it easy to attach and detach the angle adjustment brackets 11A and 11B.

[0027] Figure 7 shows the detailed structure of the angle adjustment bracket 11A. The angle adjustment bracket 11A has a heat dissipation hole 11e on its side, which is positioned to correspond to the heat dissipation hole 12a (see Figure 9) of the case body 12. This enables efficient heat dissipation for the entire case. The case body 12 is fixed to the angle adjustment bracket 11A by bolts and nuts, etc., with the fixing holes 11f and 12c (see Figure 9) on the side 11g of the angle adjustment bracket 11A overlapping.

[0028] Figures 8(a) to 8(d) show the fixing structure of the notification device 15. As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the notification device 15 is fixed by a first bracket 16 and a second bracket 17. The second bracket 17 has an elongated hole 17a formed in the vertical direction, and the notification device 15 is fixed to the first bracket 16 by fixing screws (M4 screws, etc.) 17b through this elongated hole 17a.

[0029] Figure 8(b) shows the notification device 15 in its installed state. The first bracket 16 is formed to surround the lower four sides of the notification device 15, securely supporting it. As shown in Figure 8(a), the first bracket 16 is formed in an inverted T shape with notches on the left and right to make the notification device 15 easier to hold, and the vertical elongated hole 17a of the second bracket 17 allows the notification device 15 to be easily moved up and down simply by loosening the fixing screws 17b, thus enabling efficient installation and removal of the notification device 15. Furthermore, by making the second bracket 17 detachable from the first bracket 16, it is possible to easily accommodate changes in the model of the notification device 15 or changes in specifications such as size and thickness.

[0030] Figures 8(c) and 8(d) show the external appearance and internal structure of the case body 12. As shown in Figure 8(d), the first bracket 16 is fixed inside the case body 12, and the second bracket 17 can be easily removed by loosening the fixing screw 17b (see Figure 8(b)) and sliding the notification means 15 upward. This structure ensures secure fixing of the notification means 15 and easy maintenance.

[0031] Furthermore, in Figure 8(c), there is glass 12d on the front of the case body 12, but due to diffuse reflection from the glass, the visibility of the notification means 15 screen is significantly reduced, especially during the daytime, due to reflections of the background. Therefore, by attaching a reflective film to the glass 12d and suppressing the reflection of the glass 12d, the visibility of the notification means 15 screen can be improved.

[0032] Figure 9 shows the detailed structure of the side and bottom surfaces of the case body 12. Multiple heat dissipation holes 12a are formed on the side surfaces of the case body 12, and similar heat dissipation holes 12b are provided on the bottom surface. Furthermore, fixing holes 12c are positioned on the side surfaces to correspond to the fixing holes 11f of the angle adjustment bracket 11. The case body 12 is fixed to the angle adjustment bracket 11 by bolts and nuts or the like at the fixing holes 12c.

[0033] The heat dissipation holes 12a and 12b allow for efficient heat dissipation from the internal electronic equipment. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a waterproof sheet 13 is attached to the area where the heat dissipation holes 12b are provided to protect the electronic equipment from moisture, and the sound-producing part of the waterproof speaker 14 is placed in some of the heat dissipation holes 12b. This ensures waterproofing and audio output functionality, and is also economical as it eliminates the need to apply the waterproof sheet 13 to the entire surface.

[0034] Next, the operation of the refueling system 1 having the above configuration will be explained, mainly with reference to Figure 10. In the flowchart of Figure 10, at the steps where the route branches, the downward direction corresponds to Yes and the horizontal direction corresponds to No.

[0035] In step S1 of the data input / output device 2b, when the customer has finished setting the fuel supply (step S1; Yes), the fuel supply setting data is output to POS3 (step S2).

[0036] In step S11 of POS3, when fuel setting data is input from data input / output device 2b (step S11; Yes), POS3 outputs the fuel setting data to SSC4 (step S12).

[0037] In step S21 of the refueling device 2, when the customer removes the refueling nozzle 2h from the nozzle holder and the nozzle SW (switch) 2i turns ON (step S21; Yes), a refueling request signal is output to SSC4 (step S22).

[0038] In step S41 of SSC4, when refueling setting data is input from POS3 (step S41; Yes), and in step S42, when a refueling request signal is input from refueling device 2 (step S42; Yes), SSC4 outputs a refueling request signal to AI system 6 (step S43).

[0039] On the other hand, when the gas station opens, in step S51 of camera 7, if the power of camera 7 is turned ON (step S51; Yes), camera 7 outputs the captured data to the AI ​​system 6 (step S52), and when the gas station closes, the power of camera 7 is turned OFF (step S53).

[0040] In step S61 of the AI ​​system 6, when captured data is input from camera 7 (step S61; Yes), and in step S62, when a refueling request signal is input from SSC4 (step S62; Yes), the AI ​​system 6 starts refueling monitoring (step S63).

[0041] The AI ​​system 6 determines whether the fuel nozzle 2h is properly inserted (step S64), and if it is not properly inserted, it outputs a notification signal to the customer notification device 5 (step S65). When the customer notification device 5 receives a notification signal from the AI ​​system 6 (step S81; Yes), it notifies the customer of a message such as "Fuel nozzle not properly inserted" or "Fuel nozzle not visible" (step S82). Upon receiving this message, the customer corrects their fueling procedure.

[0042] In step S64, the AI ​​system 6 determines whether the refueling nozzle 2h is correctly inserted. If it is correctly inserted (step S64; Yes), it outputs a refueling permission signal to the SSC4 (step S66). After step S66 (during refueling), the AI ​​system 6 also determines whether the refueling nozzle 2h is correctly inserted (step S67). If it is not correctly inserted (step S67, No), or if the refueling nozzle 2h is not visible (step S68, No), it outputs an alert signal to the customer alerter 5 (step S71). On the other hand, if the refueling nozzle 2h is correctly inserted (step S67, Yes), or if the refueling nozzle 2h is visible (step S68, Yes), it waits for a refueling completion signal from the SSC4 (step S69). If the refueling completion signal is received (step S69, Yes), it terminates refueling monitoring (step S70).

[0043] Meanwhile, when SSC4 receives a refueling permission signal from AI system 6 (step S44; Yes), it outputs refueling setting data and a refueling permission signal to refueling device 2 (step S45).

[0044] When the refueling device 2 receives refueling setting data and a refueling permission signal from the SSC4 (step S23, Yes), it compares the type of fuel specified in the refueling setting data with the type of fuel oil to be supplied by the detached refueling nozzle 2h and determines whether they match (step S24). If they match (step S24; Yes), it sends a reset signal to the refueling amount indicator 2d to reset the information regarding the previous refueling, turns on the refueling motor 2g and drives the refueling pump 2f (step S26).

[0045] When the fuel pump 2f is turned ON, fuel oil is discharged from the fuel nozzle 2h, and refueling is performed based on the refueling setting information. When a flow rate pulse signal is output to the fuel amount indicator 2d (step S27; Yes), the fuel amount indicator 2d displays the refueling amount (counting display) (step S28). When the customer returns the fuel nozzle 2h to the nozzle holder and the nozzle switch (SW) 2i is turned OFF (step S29; Yes), the fuel motor 2g is stopped (step S30), and a refueling completion signal is output to the SSC4 (step S31).

[0046] On the other hand, in step S24, the type of fuel specified in the refueling setting data is compared with the type of fuel oil supplied by the detached refueling nozzle 2h. If they do not match (step S24; No), step S25 notifies that the fuel types are different.

[0047] When the refueling completion signal is received from the refueling device 2 (step S46; Yes), the SSC4 outputs a refueling completion signal to the AI ​​system 6 and the POS3. When the AI ​​system 6 receives the refueling completion signal from the SSC4 (step S69; Yes), it terminates refueling monitoring (step S70). Also, when the POS3 receives the refueling completion signal from the SSC4 (step S13; Yes), it stores the refueling data (step S14).

[0048] Furthermore, the illustrated embodiments are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1. Fueling system 2 (2A, 2B, 2C...) Fueling device 2a Main unit 2b Data Input / Output Device 2c Fueling control device 2d Oil supply level indicator 2F Fuel pump 2g lubrication motor 2h Fuel nozzle 2i Nozzle Switch 2j flow meter 2k flow pulse generator 3 POS 4. SSC (Self-Service Console, fuel dispensing authorization method) 5. Customer notification device 6. AI system (means for determining whether refueling is permitted) 7 Cameras 10 Upper bracket 11 (11A, 11B) Angle adjustment bracket 11Aa fixing hole 11Ab bolt 11Ac Notch 11Ad Blind Nut 11Ae Washer 11Af Spring Washer 11Ba Arc-shaped elongated hole 11Bb Bolt 11Bc Notch 11e Heat dissipation holes 11f Fixing hole 11g side 12 Case body 12a Heat dissipation holes (side) 12b Heat dissipation holes (bottom) 12c fixing hole 12d glass 13 Waterproof sheet 14 Waterproof Speakers 15. Notification methods 16. First bracket 17. Second bracket 17a long hole 17b Fixing screws

Claims

1. A refueling device that supplies fuel oil to the vehicle, Customers who refuel using the refueling device are provided with a camera capable of monitoring the refueling process, A fueling permit determination means that determines whether or not fueling is permitted based on the output from the camera, A fuel supply control means that receives an output from the fuel supply permission determination means and controls whether or not fuel can be supplied by the fuel supply device, A refueling system characterized by comprising a customer notification device that receives an alarm signal from the refueling permission determination means and broadcasts a message encouraging the customer to improve their refueling behavior.

2. The aforementioned customer notification device is, The case body and An notification means is provided inside the case body, A first bracket on which the notification means is mounted, The first bracket is further equipped with a second bracket for fixing the notification means, The refueling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first bracket is fixed inside the case body and surrounds the four sides of the lower part of the notification means, and the second bracket has an elongated hole in the vertical direction, through which the notification means is fixed to the first bracket.

3. The lubrication system according to claim 2, characterized in that the case body is attached to a bracket connected to the lubrication device via an angle adjustment bracket, the angle adjustment bracket has a plurality of holes that allow the installation angle with respect to the bracket connected to the lubrication device to be changed, and the angle adjustment bracket and the bracket connected to the lubrication device are slidably mounted to each other via a surface sliding member.

4. The lubrication system according to claim 2, characterized in that the case body is attached to a bracket connected to the lubrication device via an angle adjustment bracket, the angle adjustment bracket has an arc-shaped elongated hole that allows the installation angle with respect to the bracket connected to the lubrication device to be changed, and the angle adjustment bracket and the bracket connected to the lubrication device are slidably mounted to each other via a surface sliding member.

Images