WO2009030183A2

WO2009030183A2 - Fluid filling system for technological non-fuel fluids and mixtures

Info

Publication number: WO2009030183A2
Application number: PCT/CZ2008/000099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bohuslav Lupecka; Jirí MOTYCKA
Original assignee: Easy Tank A.S.
Priority date: 2007-09-06
Filing date: 2008-09-05
Publication date: 2009-03-12
Also published as: WO2009030183A3; CZ18051U1; EP2185467A2

Abstract

The fluid filling system according to the present invention consists of a supporting structure containing at least one container, equipped with at least one socket (2) with at least one single branch pipeline (11) and terminated by a stop valve (4). The fluid filling system van be further equipped with at least one hollow drive-up element (5) from elastic material filled with fluid and equipped with at least one safety valve (7) leading into the pressure tank whose at least one inlet with back pressure valve preferably equipped with a reduction valve, leads into a container whose filling socket (2) is equipped with a lid or a back pressure valve.

Description

Fluid filling system for technological non-fuel fluids and mixtures

Technical field

The technical field of the invention is from the area of maintenance of vehicles and it covers an automatic fluid filling system designed for refilling of fluids, fluid mixtures or admixtures needed for the operation of the vehicle such as glass and headlights washer, refrigerator circuit fluid or fuel admixtures and others .

Background Art

For a proper operation of motor, mainly road, vehicles regular refilling of fuel and lubricants together with regular refilling of non-fuel fluids for various devices being a part of such a vehicle, e.g. windshield washers, rear or even side window washers, headlights washer, refrigerator circuit fluid are a necessity. In addition to this when seasons change it is also necessary to exchange these fluids for the ones appropriate for the occurring or expected climate changes. Especially during winter time, or a period with zero or sub-zero temperatures it is necessary to exchange the refrigerator circuit fluid for frost-proofing admixture. The similar applies to washing and cleaning equipment. Refilling or exchange of these fluids is usually carried out by the users of motor vehicles by buying a low-volume container with the needed fluid. Companies dealing with transport or logistics have a different approach. With these companies at least a seasonal exchange or refilling is carried out using higher-volume containers Disclosure of the invention

The above mentioned method of refilling or exchange of technological non-fuel fluids for motor vehicle operation carries certain disadvantages, such as costs related to the production of low-volume containers for individual users of these liquids, rather costly distribution of these low-volume containers and subsequent problems with empty ones which are rarely gathered for reuse or professional disposal but are more often disposed into household waste. Once located in household waste these plastic containers and the remaining liquid can contribute to the pollution (e.g. remains of ethylene glycol as a part of frost-proofing refrigerator liquid) . To offset some of these disadvantages at least some fluids are delivered as concentrates to be dissolved in water. This solution not only removes the above mentioned drawbacks but it can bring more disadvantages, e.g. to dissolve the concentrate a regular tap water is being used and this is not suitable for technological solutions as it is not chemically conditioned.

The above identified disadvantages are to a large extent removed by a fluid filling system of technological non-fuel fluids and fluid mixtures for motor, mainly road vehicles according to the present invention. According to the present invention the technological fluids and mixtures are refilled where needed from the filling system which is a part of the petrol station.

The filling system according to the present invention consists of a supporting structure with at least one container and at least one socket with at least one single-branched pipeline equipped with a stop valve. The filling system can be further equipped with at least one hollow drive-up body of elastic material filled with a fluid and equipped with at least one outlet with safety-valve leading into a pressure container where at least one outlet with back-pressure valve equipped with a reducer leads into the container whose feeding socket is equipped with a lid or back-pressure valve.

Another option of the present invention is at least one single-branch pipeline connected with the container where there is a submersible pump whose delivery side is connected with at least one branch of the filling pipeline equipped with a stop valve, where at least one branch of the filling pipeline is connected to the container by a reverse branch, where between the container and the stop-valve there is at least one magnetic- induction flow meter where at least one display unit is electrically connected to the sensor of this flow meter.

The socket of the container used for filling can further be equipped with at least one inlet with a stop-valve, used mainly for connection to the water main network, eventually to a central high-volume container containing mainly water needed for a preparation of fluid mixtures. Between the stop-valve of the filling socket and the container there is a mixer or a dispenser connected at the other inlet with at least one fluid container containing usually a fluid added to the fluid mixture in a Loir amount, such as for example a degreasing agent and/or detergent into the washer fluids, corrosive inhibitor for the refrigerator fluid circuit. The inlet, usually connected to the water mains, is equipped with a filter device capturing mainly mechanical contamination and/or an ion exchanger device for water conditioning.

Another feature, improving the body of the filling system according to the present invention, is a location of a UV lamp into the inlet, filling socket or container mainly in cases hen the container is made of translucent or transparent polymerized plastic and contains a fluid where water is the main element. The filling system according to the present invention can be also made so as to be connected to the fuel dispenser being a part of the petrol station. This connection can be made in the mechanical part when the fuel dispenser is located on the same supporting structure as the filling system according to the present invention and when the supporting structure can be made of various elements of site layout, e.g. a sub frame, portal structure etc. Another option is a connection of the fuel dispenser with the filling system according to the present invention into an integral device also in the electric and signaling area. This can be done in a way that a single display shows individual volumes of fuel and fluids used by the customer (e.g. water with corrosion inhibitor into the refrigerator circuit, water with detergent for washers) , the value of frost resistance of the mixture and the total price of the fluid and fuel and ebeny as well as lubricants. Other advantages are brought by organizing the system according to the present invention into a set together with a card or coin-operated dispenser.

The filling system according to the present invention can also be equipped with a device enabling displacing, such as wheels allowing the system to be moved in the given area, e.g. garages or shops.

Advantages of the filling system are mainly its simplicity, convenience and fast refill or exchange of technological fluids contained in the motor vehicle circuits, ability to alter the ration of individual components of the technological fluid by according to current climate conditions or other local particularities (e.g. increasing the amount of detergent in windshield washers when the cars travel off-road mainly in muddy areas) . A device according to the present invention can be also joined into larger complexes, e.g. when one dispenser contains several containers with technological fluids of various content, such as windshield washers, or frost-proofing solution into refrigerator circuit with various levels of frost protection or a combination of both or even a combination with a fuel dispenser so when the car is parked by the dispenser all fluids can be refilled without the need of moving to another filling dispenser. The ecological burden is also lot lower because rather high number of low-volume containers with the above mentioned fluids or their concentrates is being eliminated thus not allowing these containers to be disposed into household waste. When attempting to change this practice there is no more a need for collecting of empty containers thus creating further expenses related to the elimination of these containers as well as a need for a professional disposal.

List of drawings

The disclosure of the technical invention for a refilling of non-fuel technological liquids and mixtures is further explained in the following description of examples of use, demonstrated on the flow diagrams on the attached drawings. Figure 1 shows a flow diagram of the dispenser with a drive-up element. Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of a dispenser with a pump and control electronics. Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of a sample design of a filling system with a magnetic-induction flow meter and customer displaying unit including a unit for the staff.

Examples

Example 1

Flow diagram of the filling system according to the present invention, shown on figure 1, consists of a container 1, containing a mixture of water, detergents and aromatic substance for windshield and headlights washer of motor vehicles. A pipeline .3 is connected to the socket 1_ of the container, where this pipeline is ended by a stop-valve 4_ which in the described example is designed as an ordinary delivery nozzle not connected to an electronic scanning and controlling unit. A filling socket 11 that is in non-operating conditions equipped with a lid 2_0 with a safety valve 1_ is located in the container 1_. A drive-up element _5 is located in the lower part of the container _1 at the same level as the road. The drive-up element _5 is designed as a hollow element from an elastic material filled with a fluid, the drive-up element 5_^ is partially above the horizon of the road so as when the vehicle or ebeny or other similar weight (for example a person stepping on the element) is placed over its upper part the fluid located inside the element _5 is compressed. The drive-up element is further equipped with at least one socket to which a pipeline _6 is connected and where a safety valve 1_ is located which then leads into the pressure tank _8. Pressure tank 8_ is further equipped with a pipeline outlet _9 where a reduction valve H) is located and which is terminated by a back-pressure valve leading into the socket 2_8 of the container _1.

Once the container _1 is filled with a technological fluid and the filling socket _11. is closed by a lid 2_0 a stop-valve _1_9 is opened thus allowing the fluid located under pressure in the drive-up element _5, pipeline outlet 6_ and pressure tank 8_, to enter through a pipeline outlet 9_ a container 1_ from where it pushes the technological fluid once the stop-valve 4_ is open.

The safety valves 1_ and reduction valve _T0 ensure not only the protection of the entire pressure system against overloading, for example a drive up of an overweight vehicle onto a drive-up element _5, but in connection with the pressure tank 8_ it allows to take a sample amount of the technological fluid without the need to simultaneously apply a desired pressure on the drive-up elements 5. Example 2

Flow diagram of the filling system according to the present invention, shown on figure 2, consists of a container _1. A pipeline _3 is located in the socket 2_ of the container 1_ and the other end of the pipeline _3 leads into the suction of the pump 1_3. Displacement of the pump L3 is connected to the serving pipeline 3^4 containing a safety valve 1_ and a mouth of reverse branch 21 which ends in a container 1_. A stop valve 4_ designed as a delivery nozzle with a device to prevent leakage and pressure flow rate regulator preceded by a magnetic-induction flow meter L5 is further mounted on the free end of the serving pipeline _14_. The Flow meter JL5 is further equipped with electronic sensor, which are neither included in the drawings nor further described. These sensors transmit obtained information though conducting electric connection into the displaying units 16, 17 as indicated by a dash line. The filling socket 3J₁ of the container _1 is permanently connected to the inlet 3J3 whose other side leads into the water mains which is not demonstrated in the picture, but where the filter 2_4 with a sediment separator 26_ equipped at the outlet with an ion exchanger 2_7 whose outlet leads into one of the inlets of the mixer 2_2_ and whose other inlet leads into a container 23 is located in it in the direction of the flow. The inlet socket of the mixer is connected with a single-way stop valve 19_, whose inlet leads into the filling socket _1_1 of the container _1.

The technological fluid is prepared in the following way: After opening of the stop valve 3J9 the water from the water mains supplied through an inlet _18_ into the flow filter 7Λ_ with a sediment separator 2_6 where all impurities are removed; water then flows into an ion exchanger 2_7 where further conditioning takes place the extent and quality of which depends on the quality of the water from the mains. Conditioned water then enters the mixer 22 where it is mixed with another fluid such as a detergent or corrosion inhibitor in a given ratio and the mixture then enters a container JL. While filling an UV emitter 25 located in the supporting structure not shown on the figure destroying all micro flora in entering water is also in operation; thus disabling the growth of algae in the container 1_ made of translucent or transparent plastic and exposed to daylight or lit by artificial lighting in evening and night hours. Once the desired level in the container 1_ is reached a stop valve _19_. is closed.

Once the desired level in the container is reached the stop valve 1_9 is closed. The subsequent supply of the technological fluid is carried out once the user lifts the delivery nozzle containing a stop valve 4_ from the compartment a submersible pump _13_ is started. Once the stop valve £ is opened the pump draws the technological fluid from a container \_ into the serving pipeline ΛA_, the technological fluid flows through the inserted magnetic-induction flow meter lb_, whose integrated electronic sensors record the flow data in the form of electric signal, processed through an electronic device which is not described here in detail. The data are then displayed on displaying units 16, 17. The displaying unit 1_6 is made for the customer and displays only the data on the amount, quality and price of the technological fluid consumed by the particular customer. Display unit Y]_ is designed for the staff of the dispenser or the petrol station employing the filling system according to the present invention and besides the above mentioned information displayed on customer displaying unit it contains also total amount of the technological fluid supplied or the remaining amount of the technological fluid in the container 1_.

Sample implementation of the system according to the present invention can also be carried out so that the stop valve 19 is operated automatically through an electronic device connected to a level float located in container 1_, or even in container 23. The displaying using the connected electronics is updated either in steps (once the level is reached the stop-valve 1_9 is closed by the float) or continuously (as a value measured in discrete) .

Example 3

Flow diagram of the filling system according to the present invention, shown on figure _3, consists of an inflow pipeline LA. of the technological fluid, container ZA from which leads a pipeline _5A leading by its other end into the suction of the submersible pump _6A. Displacement of the pump ^A is connected to the serving pipeline ^A which contains spherical valve _7A and manostat 8A. Manostat J3A is used to eliminate vapor appearing in the serving pipeline J)A, as well as to keep the entire system under the prescribed pressure. The serving pipeline j>A leads into the flow pressure regulator HA. Magnetic-induction flow meter IQA is connected to the outlet of the flow pressure regulator HA which ensures the pressure balance on the outlet from the delivery nozzle 12A.

Flow meter 1OA is equipped with electronic sensors which are not described here in detail. These sensors transmit obtained information though conducting electric connection into the displaying units 13A, 14A as indicated by a dash line. The delivery nozzle 12A is designed as a stop-valve to prevent leakage. The level of the technological fluid in the container 2A is monitored by a level indicator 4A with a sensor _3A for a minimum fluid level. Information about the minimum technological fluid level is transmitted into the displaying unit 14A.

The subsequent supply of the technological fluid is carried out once the user lifts the delivery nozzle 12A from the compartment a submersible pump J5A is started. Once the stop valve in the delivery nozzle 12A is opened the pump draws the technological fluid from a container 2_A into the serving pipeline ^A. The supplied technological fluid flows through the inserted magnetic-induction flow meter IQA, whose integrated electronic sensors record the flow data in the form of electric signal, processed through an electronic device which is not described here in detail. The data are then displayed on displaying units 13A, 14A. The displaying unit 13A is made for the customer and displays only the data on the amount, quality and price of the technological fluid consumed by the particular customer. Display unit 14A is designed for the staff of the dispenser or the petrol station employing the filling system according to the present invention and besides the above mentioned information displayed on customer displaying unit 13A it contains also total amount of the technological fluid supplied or the remaining amount of the technological fluid in the container 2A. Once the level of the technological fluid in the container 2A drops below the minimal level the sensor ^A for monitoring the minimal fluid level turns off the pump 6A.

Industrial utilization

The system according to the present invention is usable as a part of petrol stations. It can also be used as a part of car maintenance and repair shops either as a stationary or mobile device as well as for the use in the garages or parking lots of mass transportation and/or transportation vehicles, public parking lots, private or company owned garages etc. There are also other areas of utilization apart from road transport, e.g. in locomotive or tram depots, garages or maintenance centers of agricultural technique.

Claims

1. Fluid filling system for non-fuel technological fluids and mixtures characterized by that it consists of a inflow pipeline (IA) of the technological fluid, supporting structure containing at least one container (1) or container (2A) , equipped with at least one socket (2) connected to at least a single-branch pipeline (3) or a pipeline (5A) connected to a suction of a pump (6A) , stop- valve (4) or a delivery nozzle (12A) and or a spherical valve (7A), manostat (8A), serving pipeline (9A), inserted magnetic-induction flow meter (10A) , displaying units (13A, 14A) , sensor (3A) and level indicator (4A) .

2. Fluid filling system for non-fuel technological fluids and mixtures characterized by that it consists of a inflow pipeline (IA) of the technological fluid, supporting structure containing at least one container (1) or container (2A) equipped with at least one socket (2) connected to at least a single branch pipeline (3) or a pipeline (5A) connected to a suction of a pump (6A) , stop- valve (4) or a delivery nozzle (12A) and or spherical valve

(7A), manostat (8A), serving pipeline (9A), inserted magnetic-induction flow meter (10A) , displaying units (13A, 14A) , sensor (3A) and level indicator (4A) and it further consists of at least one drive-up element (5) from an elastic material filled with the fluid and equipped with at least one pipeline (6) with a safety valve (7) leading into the container (1) or a container (2A) where at least one outlet with a back pressure valve (12) and eventually reduction valve (10) leads into the container (1) whose socket (11) is equipped with a lid (20) or a back pressure valve .

3. Fluid filling system according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by that the pipeline (3) is connected to a container (1) or a container (2A) and leads into the suction of a pump (13) whose displacement is connected with at least one branch of the serving pipeline (14) terminated by a stop valve (4) where at least one branch of the serving pipeline (14) is preferably connected with a container (1) with a reverse branch (21).

4. Fluid filling system according to claims 1 to 3 characterized by that it consists of at least one integrated electronic sensor inserted in magnetic-induction flow meter (10A) recording data on the flow rate in the form of electric signals processed by an electronic device connected with at least one displaying unit (13A, 14A) , which display data on the consumed amount, quality and price of the technological fluid by a particular used and or for the benefit of the staff of the dispenser.

5. Fluid filling system according to any of the claims 1 to 4 characterized by that there is at least one flow meter (15) one sensor (3A) is inserted between a container (1) or a container (2A) and a stop valve (4) or a valve (7A) .

6. Fluid filling system according to any of the claims 1 to 5 characterized by that it contains at least one displaying unit (16,17,13A, 14A) connected to a flow meter (15) sensor and or manostat (8A) and or sensor (3A) and or flow meter (10A) .

7. Fluid filling system according to claims 1 and 2 characterized by that the filling socket (11) of the container (1) is equipped with at least one inlet (18) with a stop valve (19)

8. Fluid filling system according to claim 7 characterized by that there is a mixer (22) or a doser connected at the other end with at least one fluid container (23) is placed between the stop valve (19) of the filling socket (11) and the container (1) .

9. Fluid filling system according to claim 7 characterized by that the inlet (18) is equipped with a filter (24) and or ion exchanger (25) for water conditioning.

10. Fluid filling system according to claim 7 characterized by that the inlet (18), filling socket (11) or the container (1) are equipped with a UV emitter (25) .

11. Fluid filling system according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by that the container (1) is made of a transparent polymerized plastic.

12. Fluid filling system according to claims 1 or 2 characterized by that it consists of a manostat (8a) to disable the vapor in the serving pipeline (9A) , where the serving pipeline (9A) leads into a flow pressure regulator

(HA)

List of items on the drawings 22 - Mixer

23 - Container

1 - Container 24 - Filter

2 - Socket 25 - UV emitter

3 - Pipeline 26 - Sediment separator

4 - stop-valve 27 - Ion exchanger

5 - Drive-up element 28 - Socket

6 - Pipeline outlet IA - inflow pipeline

7 - Safety valve 2A - container

8 - Pressure tank 3A - sensor

9 - Pipeline outlet 4A - level indicator

10 - Reduction valve 5A - pipeline

11 - Filling socket 6A - submersible pump

12 - back-pressure valve 7A - spherical valve

13 - Pump 8A - manostat

14 - Serving pipeline 9A - serving pipeline

15 - Flow meter 1OA - magnetic-induction flow

16 - Customer displaying unit meter

17 - Displaying unit for the HA - pressure regulator staff 12A - delivery nozzle

18 - Inlet 13A - customer displaying unit

19 - Stop valve 14A - displaying unit for the

20 - Lid staff

21 - Reverse branch