JPH0447623Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed explanation of the idea]

This invention relates to an improvement of a liquid level gauge used at a gas station. As is well known, a fuel station is provided with a liquid storage tank for storing oil to be supplied from a metering machine. The remaining amount of oil in this liquid storage tank is measured by a level gauge equipped with a liquid level sensor, and when the remaining amount becomes low, it is replenished by a tank truck from an oil depot. It's summery. When unloading oil from the tank lorry to the liquid storage tank, remove the locking cap provided on the oil filler port of this liquid storage tank, and use the oil filler port to load the oil into the tank truck. The tank can be filled with oil immediately. However, since gas stations handle multiple types of oil such as gasoline and diesel oil, not only are liquid storage tanks provided for each type of oil, but some gas stations handle multiple oil types for the same type of oil. It has a storage liquid tank. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of safety and efficiency, the tank mounted on the tank lorry is divided into a plurality of tank chambers by partition walls. Each tank room is loaded with oil for each delivery destination (fueling station) at the oil depot, or even for each tank of the delivery destination, in accordance with the ordered quantity. The tank truck transports various ordered oils to the filling station, and refills the liquid storage tank at the filling station according to each type of oil. For this reason, when replenishing the liquid storage tank, there was a risk that the wrong type of liquid would be refilled, leading to contamination. Additionally, there was a risk that the amount of replenishment could be set too high, causing overflow from the oil filler port. These disadvantages will be explained in more detail. For example, at an oil depot, 5 kiloliters of gasoline for replenishing the first tank of filling station A is loaded in tank room 1 of a tank truck, which has four tank rooms, and similarly, 5 kiloliters of gasoline for refilling the first tank of filling station A is loaded in tank room 2. There are 3 kiloliters of gasoline for replenishing the tank, 2 kiloliters of diesel oil for refilling the No. 3 tank at filling station A in tank room 3, and 1 kiloliter of diesel oil for refilling the first tank of filling station B in tank room 4. Let us take as an example the case where the cargo is loaded according to the order. This tank truck goes to the A refueling station and enters the tank room 1.
Transfer the entire amount of loaded oil in the tank to the first tank of A filling station.
Transfer the entire amount of loaded oil in tank chamber 3 to tank No. 3,
Replenish each. At this time, if the remaining amount of gasoline in the first tank (oil type: gasoline, volume: 9 kiloliters) is 3 kiloliters, replenishment from tank chamber 1 (oil type: gasoline, oil amount: 5 kiloliters) is as follows: Since the oil is of the same type and the total amount of oil after replenishment is 8 kiloliters, no problem will occur. In addition, if the remaining amount of diesel oil in the No. 3 tank (oil type: diesel oil, volume: 5 kiloliters) is 2 kiloliters, refill from tank chamber 3 (oil type:
Since the light oil (oil amount: 2 kiloliters) is the same type of oil and liquid and the total oil amount after replenishment is 4 kiloliters, no problem occurs in this case either. However, suppose that the entire amount of the loaded oil in the tank chamber 1 is replenished into the second tank (oil type: gasoline, volume: 9 kiloliters) with a remaining amount of 6 kiloliters. In this case, although the oil is of the same type, the total oil after replenishment is 11 kiloliters, so an overflow equivalent to 2 kiloliters of gasoline occurs. Further, assume that the entire amount of the loaded oil in the tank chamber 4 is accidentally replenished into the No. 3 tank, which has a remaining amount of 2 kiloliters. In this case, although it is the same type of oil, the total oil after replenishment is only 3 kiloliters, so insufficient unloading occurs at filling station A, and furthermore, at filling station B,
The entire amount of the loaded oil in the tank room 3 may be replenished into the first tank of the B filling station, leading to excessive unloading. Furthermore, if the entire amount of the loaded oil in tank chamber 2 (oil type: gasoline) were to be refilled into the No. 3 tank (oil type: diesel oil) at filling station A, it would lead to contamination. Become. This invention provides a liquid level gauge that can eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks. Based on the output of the liquid level sensor installed in each tank, the amount of remaining oil stored in each tank is determined. The liquid level meter for measuring the amount includes a storage means for storing capacity data and liquid type data for each tank in advance, and a storage means for specifying the tank to be refilled and specifying the liquid type before replenishing the tank with liquid. and a replenishment data input means for setting a replenishment amount, and an allowable replenishment amount obtained by subtracting the remaining amount measured based on the output of the liquid level sensor of the specified tank from the capacity data of the tank stored in the storage means. a replenishment allowance calculation means for calculating the replenishment allowance; and a first apparatus for determining whether or not the replenishment allowance calculated by the replenishment allowance calculation means is larger than the replenishment amount set by the replenishment data input means.
a second determining means for determining whether or not the liquid type set by the replenishment data input means matches the liquid type of the tank stored in the storage means; and permission signal output means for outputting a signal to the oil replenishment mechanism to permit replenishment of the tank when a positive result is obtained by the determination means and a positive result is obtained by the second determination means. It is characterized by Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a fueling station to which a liquid level gauge according to the present invention is applied. In the figure, 1 is an underground tank (hereinafter referred to as a tank), and an oil liquid 2 is stored in the tank 1. The level of this oil liquid 2 is detected by a liquid level sensor 3, and a converter 4
After the signal is converted into an electrical signal, it is sent to the liquid level gauge 5. Here, the liquid level sensor 3 has a pair of concentric cylindrical electrodes, and an oil liquid 2 that moves up and down between the two electrodes.
The level of is detected as a change in capacitance. Further, the liquid level gauge 5 will be described later. Next, 6 is an oil supply pipe, one end of which is connected to tank 1.
It opens inward, and a solenoid valve 7 is provided at the other end (lubrication port). This solenoid valve 7 is opened when the liquid level gauge 5 permits oil replenishment. In addition, in the figure, 8 is a weighing machine, and 9 is a ventilation pipe. In addition, components 1 to 4, 6 to 6 other than the liquid level gauge 5
There are a plurality of each of 9, so when distinguishing between them, tank 1-n, liquid level sensor 3-n, and solenoid valve 7
-n (n=1, 2...) (see Figure 3). Next, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external structure of the liquid level gauge 5. As shown in FIG. In the figure, 10... represents each tank 1...
Each indicator 10 consists of a bar graph 11, a tank number display board 12, and an oil type display board 13 (with a built-in lamp). Here, the bar graph 11 is made up of LEDs (light emitting diodes) arranged in a row in the vertical direction, and displays the level of the oil liquid 2. In addition, the tank number display board 12 indicates the tank number n.
(n=1, 2...8), and the oil type display board 13 displays the oil type (for example, gasoline, diesel oil, kerosene, etc.). Further, a numerical display 15 is provided below the display 10, which is used to display the type of stored liquid (water/oil), tank number, and liquid level or time. The display contents are indicated by a display pattern guide plate 16 provided below the numeric display 15. Furthermore, the liquid type (oil/
A data input means 17 is provided which includes an item key 17a for specifying water, gasoline/high octane/diesel oil/kerosene, etc., and a numeric keypad 17b for specifying tank number n, replenishment amount, etc. A printer 19 for printing out various forms is provided to the right of the numeric display 15. Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control thread of the liquid level gauge 5. As shown in FIG. In the figure, 17 is the data input means mentioned above, and the tank 1-n (n
This is for key-inputting the tank number n, liquid type Ln, and replenishment amount Sn of the tank 1-n to be replenished prior to replenishing the liquid to the tanks 1-n (=1, 2...8). Further, 20 is a storage means, and capacity data indicating the maximum capacity of each tank 1-n is stored.
Cn and liquid type data Dn indicating the liquid type of the stored liquid are written in advance. Further, 21 is a replenishment allowable amount calculating means, which calculates the replenishment allowable amount An by subtracting the remaining amount Rn of the oil 2 remaining in the tank 1-n from the capacity data Cn of the tank 1-n to be refilled. It is. That is, the allowable replenishment amount An is determined by the formula An=Cn−Rn (1). In this case, the remaining amount Rn is determined by the measuring means 23 based on the output signal of the liquid level sensor 3-n of the tank 1-n. This replenishment allowance An is supplied to the first determination means 24, where the data input means 1
It is compared with the supply amount Sn entered by key from 7.
And if it is AnSn, it is possible to supply it, so the first
A permission signal E ₁ is supplied from the determination means 24 to the permission signal output means 25 . On the other hand, when An<Sn, replenishment is impossible, and an alarm circuit (not shown) issues an alarm. On the other hand, the liquid type Ln designated by the data input means 17 is compared with the liquid type data Dn in the second discrimination means 26, and when they match, a permission signal E ₂ is sent.
is supplied to the permissible signal output means 25, and when there is a discrepancy, an alarm is issued from the alarm circuit to notify the worker. Note that 27 in the figure is a data bus. In such a configuration, the worker checks the remaining amount in each tank 1 using the bar graph 11 of the liquid level gauge 5, the numerical display 15, etc., and when replenishment is necessary, orders the required amount of each liquid oil. . After receiving the order, the oil company fills a lorry with each type of oil and comes to the service station. Here, it is assumed that the liquid type and remaining amount of each tank 1-n are shown in Table 1, and the maximum capacity of each tank is 9000.

[Table] Also, the order form is gasoline 9000, diesel oil 5000,
Suppose the kerosene is 6000 yen. In such a setting, first, tank 1-1
If you are trying to replenish gasoline at 9000, the second
The data input means 17 (item keys 17a and numeric keys 17b) shown in the figure are operated in the following order. Arrival → 1 → Gasoline → 9000 → Setting With this, tank number 1 of tank 1-1 to be refilled, liquid type L ₁ = gasoline and replenishment amount S ₁
=9000 pieces of data are input. Further, the capacity data C ₁ =9000 is stored in the storage means 20 in advance. And when the "Settings" key is pressed,
The replenishment allowance calculating means 21 calculates the remaining amount from the measuring means 23.
While reading R ₁ , capacity data C ₁ is read from the storage means 20, and the allowable replenishment amount A ₁ is determined by equation (1). That is, A ₁ =C ₁ -R ₁ =9000-5000=4000...(2). This allowable replenishment amount A ₁ is then compared with the replenishment amount S ₁ in the first determining means 24 . Since the current supply amount S ₁ = 9000, S ₁ >A ₁ , and it is clearly impossible to replenish. Therefore, the solenoid valve 7-1 is not opened and an alarm is issued to the operator. The operator depresses the "*" key to stop the alarm, and then uses the data input means 17 to reset the following: Arrival → 1 → Gasoline → 4000 → Setting. In this case as well, the same processing as above is performed, and since A ₁ = 4000 and S ₁ = 4000, A ₁ = S ₁ , and the permission signal E ₁ is supplied from the first determination means 24 to the permission signal output means 25. Ru. Further, the second determining means 26 compares the liquid type data D ₁ =gasoline stored in advance in the storage means 20 with the liquid type L ₁ =gasoline currently keyed in, and since they match, the permission signal E ₂ is sent. is supplied to the permission signal output means 25. As a result, the allowable signal output means 25 opens the electromagnetic valve 7-1, making it possible to replenish the tank 1-1. Next, when the operator presses the "confirm" key on the data input means 17 and the tank number "1" after refueling, the oil type display board 13 (gasoline) lights up and the tank number "1" is displayed on the numerical display 15. ” and the replenishment amount “4000” are displayed, and the solenoid valve 7-1 is closed. Note that even if you forget to press the "confirm" key, the solenoid valve 7 will automatically close within several minutes after refueling is finished. Next, when the worker tries to replenish diesel oil and presses down the data input means 17 in the order of arrival → 5 → diesel oil → 5000 → setting, the second discrimination means 26 displays the liquid type data D ₅ = kerosene. Since the liquid type L ₅ = light oil is supplied, the permission signal E ₂ is not output. For this reason,
Solenoid valve 7-5 remains closed and an alarm is issued. Here, the worker presses the "*" key to stop the alarm, and then presses the keys Arrival → 4 → Light oil → 5000 → Setting, tanks 1-4, liquid type L ₄ = light oil, replenishment amount S ₄ =5000 is specified. in this case,
From Table 1, liquid type data D ₄ = light oil, remaining amount R ₄ = 4000
Therefore, liquid type L ₄ = liquid type data D ₄ (=light oil)
, and the supply allowance A ₄ =9000−4000=
5000 (=S ₄ ), and the first and second discrimination means 2
Permit signals E ₁ and E ₂ are supplied from 4 and 26 to the permissible signal output means 25, and the solenoid valve 7-4 is opened.
In this way, it becomes possible to replenish the tank 1-4. In the above embodiment, the liquid level gauge 5 is applied to a tank at a gas station, but it is of course applicable to other tanks. Further, in the above embodiment, the data input means 17 is provided on the panel surface of the liquid level gauge 5, but it may be provided at a location where it is easier to operate, for example, near the fuel filler port of the tank. As explained above, in this invention, before refilling a tank with liquid, the tank to be refilled, the type of liquid, and the amount to be refilled are entered, and the tank's filling port is opened only when the type of liquid and the amount to be refilled are appropriate. Since it is possible to replenish the liquid at the same time, it is possible to prevent mistakes in the type of liquid and overflow of the liquid.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the outline of a gas service station to which the level gauge according to the present invention is applied, Fig. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of one embodiment of the level gauge according to the present invention, and Fig. 3 is the same. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system according to an embodiment. 1...Tank, 3...Liquid level sensor, 5...Liquid level gauge, 7...Solenoid valve, 17...Data input means, 2
0...Storage means, 21...Replenishment allowance calculation means,
24...First discrimination means, 25...Permissible signal output means, 26...Second discrimination means, An...Allowable supply amount, Cn...Capacity data, Dn...Liquid type data,
E ₁ ...first permission signal, E ₂ ...second permission signal,
Ln...liquid type, Rn...remaining amount, Sn...supply amount.

Claims (1)

[Claims for Utility Model Registration] (1) In a tank oil liquid monitoring device having a liquid level sensor provided in each tank, a storage means for storing capacity data and liquid type data for each tank in advance; Prior to replenishing the liquid, a replenishment data input means for specifying the tank to be refilled and setting the liquid type and replenishment amount, and the remaining amount measured based on the output of the liquid level sensor of the specified tank. replenishment allowance calculation means for calculating the replenishment allowance by subtracting the replenishment allowance from the capacity data of the tank stored in the storage means; and the replenishment allowance calculated by the replenishment allowance calculation means is set by the replenishment data input means. a first determining means for determining whether or not the replenishment amount is larger than the replenishment amount; a second determining means for determining whether or not the tank is present, and when a positive result is obtained by the first determining means and a positive result is obtained by the second determining means, permission is given to replenish the tank. A tank oil liquid monitoring device having a liquid level sensor comprising a permissible signal output means for outputting a signal to an oil liquid replenishment mechanism. (2) A claim characterized in that the oil replenishment mechanism is a solenoid valve provided at an oil filler port of the tank that opens when receiving the signal from the allowable signal output means and allows the oil to pass through. 1. A tank oil liquid monitoring device comprising the liquid level sensor according to 1. (3) The tank oil monitoring device having a liquid level sensor according to claim 1, wherein the oil replenishment mechanism is an alarm that issues an alarm when receiving the signal from the allowable signal output means.