JP4126111B2 - Weighing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement of a weighing machine configured to cope with self-service refueling.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, at a gas station, when a customer's car arrives for refueling, the driver himself inserts a fuel nozzle of the oil type according to the engine specifications himself into the fuel tank filler and stores it in the underground tank. So-called self-service refueling can be performed in which the oil is supplied to the fuel tank.
[0003]
In a service station that performs self-service refueling, the driver who enters the service station moves to the refueling area of the weighing machine without guidance from the workers, stops the car in front of the weighing machine, and the driver himself performs the refueling work. Do. Each metering machine is managed by a POS system. When oiling data such as the type of oil to be refueled, the amount of oil to be refueled, and the payment method is input, a refueling permission signal is output from the POS terminal and the refueling is performed. Refueling at points is possible. Thereafter, when the oil supply nozzle of the oil type to be supplied is removed from the nozzle hook, the pump of the oil type is started, and when the oil supply is completed and the oil supply nozzle is returned to the nozzle hook, the pump is stopped.
[0004]
In addition, in the POS system, when refueling data is transmitted from the measuring machine to the POS terminal after refueling, the refueling amount, refueling oil type, refueling fee, etc. are refilled from the POS terminal installed in the office of the refueling station. A slip with data is issued for refueling fee settlement.
Then, the customer who has finished self-service refueling pays the refueling fee described in the slip at the checkout office of the office and leaves the gas station.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the gas station management system, when the refueling data is input from the setting device of each measuring machine, the refueling permission data is transmitted from the POS terminal to the measuring machine, and the refueling data is transmitted from the POS terminal that is refueling. When a transmission request is transmitted, refueling data such as the refueling amount at that time is returned from the weighing machine side.
[0006]
However, if the cable connecting the POS terminal and each weighing machine is broken or the communication device built into the POS terminal or each weighing machine breaks down, a transmission request from the POS terminal or weighing It becomes impossible to send and receive refueling data from the machine. In such a case, the POS terminal cannot communicate with the weighing machine and cannot send a refueling permission signal to the weighing machine, and cannot issue a slip to a customer who has finished refueling. .
[0007]
Therefore, in a gas station where self-service refueling is not performed, if communication between the POS terminal and the weighing machine becomes impossible, a gas station operator can manually perform a refueling operation by issuing a slip. I was trying. However, if a refueling station that performs self-service refueling is operated with a metering machine that has become unable to communicate, it must go to the metering machine to check the amount of refueling. However, there is a problem that it cannot be dealt with.
[0008]
In addition, when carrying out self-service refueling, it is obliged to allow the refueling station controller to refuel the weighing machine after confirming safety by the refueling station staff and to stop the refueling of the measuring machine for dangerous actions by customers during refueling. In addition, a cable is connected between the measuring machine and the gas station control device in the same manner as the POS terminal, and commands from the gas station control device to the measuring machine are communicated via communication. Sometimes the inconvenience that it is impossible to stop refueling from the filling station controller.
[0009]
In addition, in a self-service fueling meter, a driver who is not familiar with the fueling operation may operate the meter. Therefore, if the POS terminal cannot manage the meter, the fueling operation is performed without permission. Even if there is some operation mistake on the weighing machine side, the situation cannot be confirmed on the POS terminal side, and the countermeasure method cannot be suggested.
[0010]
Then, this invention solves the said subject and aims at providing the measuring machine which raises the safety | security in the gas station which introduces self-service oil supply.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following features.
  The present inventionAt the start of refuelingRefueling work start detection means for detecting the start of refueling work based on the operation of the refueling nozzle;
  Refueling work end detection means for detecting the end of refueling work based on the operation of the refueling nozzle at the end of refueling;
  A communication means for receiving a refueling permission transmitted from an external device and responding to the external device based on a transmission request repeatedly transmitted from the external device;
  When the refueling permission coming through the communication means and the start of the refueling work by the refueling work start detecting means are detected, liquid feeding to the refueling nozzle is started.When the end of the refueling operation is detected by the refueling operation end detection means, the liquid feeding to the refueling nozzle is ended.Liquid feeding means;
  In a weighing machine having
  Determining means for determining whether or not communication with the external device by the communication means is disabled by determining whether or not a transmission request transmitted from the external device has been received during a predetermined time;
  The start of refueling work is detected by the refueling work start detection means.Until the end of refueling is detected by the refueling end detection means.When it is determined that communication is impossible by the determination meansDespite the fact that the liquid feeding means is refuelingLiquid feeding meansBy liquid feedingA liquid feed stopping means for stopping
  It is characterized by comprising.
  Further, in the present invention, when the liquid feeding stop unit determines that communication is not disabled by the determination unit after the liquid feeding stop unit stops the liquid feeding unit, The suspension of the liquid feeding means is canceled without waiting for an input of permission.
[0012]
  Therefore, according to the present invention, the start of the refueling work is detected by the refueling work start detecting means.Until the end of refueling is detected by the end of refueling,When it is determined that communication is impossible by the determination meansDespite the fact that the liquid delivery means is refuelingLiquid feeding meansBy liquid feedingTherefore, it is possible to prohibit the refueling operation in a state where an abnormality occurs in the communication system and communication with the control device provided outside is not possible. For this reason, at a gas station where a self-service refueling system is introduced, even if a driver unfamiliar with the refueling operation has an abnormality in the communication system during refueling, refueling is prohibited to ensure the safety of self-service refueling be able to.
  In addition, according to the present invention, after the liquid feeding means is stopped by the liquid feeding stop means, if it is judged by the judging means that communication is not disabled, the feeding without waiting for the input of the refueling permission. Since the stop of the liquid means is released, it becomes possible to resume the refueling when the communication with the external device is restored, and the time until the refueling can be resumed can be shortened.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a gas station management system to which an embodiment of a weighing machine according to the present invention is applied.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gas station management system generally includes an indoor device 11 installed indoors, such as an office of a gas station, and an outdoor device 12 that supplies oil. As the indoor equipment 11, a gas station control device 13, a monitoring monitor 14, a POS terminal 15, an interphone 16, and the like are provided.
[0014]
The outdoor equipment 2 includes a plurality of measuring machines 17 for self-service refueling.₁~ 17_n, Each weighing machine 17₁~ 17_nSelf-service unit (setting device) 18 for setting the refueling process₁~ 18_n, Each weighing machine 17₁~ 17_nCamera 19 for monitoring₁~ 19_nIs provided.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the connection between the indoor device 11 and the outdoor device 12.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 2, the gas station control device 13 includes a POS terminal 15 and a meter 17.₁~ 17_nSelf-service unit 18₁~ 18_nAnd SS-LANs (Local Area Networks) 20 and 21. Therefore, the filling station control device 13 is connected to the weighing machine 17.₁~ 17_nSelf-service unit 18₁~ 18_nIn addition to monitoring the state of the engine, data relating to refueling is transmitted and received and a settlement process is performed.
[0016]
Further, the gas station control device 13 is connected to the monitoring monitor 14 via the serial communication line 22 via the RS232C interface, and controls the division of the monitoring monitor 14 and the switching of the display position.
Each weighing machine 17₁~ 17_nThe message (transmission data) transmitted from the to the gas station control device 13 includes, for example, the state where the fuel nozzle is disconnected and returned, the number of the fuel nozzle, the amount of oil during fueling, and the like. Conversely, from the gas station control device 13 to each meter 17₁~ 17_nAs a message (signal) transmitted to, there is a refueling permission signal or the like.
[0017]
Self-service unit 18₁~ 18_nThe message (transmission data) transmitted from the to the gas station control device 13 includes information such as the oil type, the amount of oil supply, and the payment method set by the customer. And as a message | telegram (transmission data) transmitted to the POS terminal 15 from the filling station control apparatus 13, there exists a signal of the end of refueling, for example. When the POS terminal 15 receives a refueling end signal from the filling station control device 13, the POS terminal 15 can perform a settlement process.
[0018]
The monitoring monitor 14 is provided with each weighing machine 17 imaged by a monitoring camera 19 installed outdoors.₁~ 17_nOnly four images of the images of the refueling points are copied. Surveillance camera 19₁~ 19_nThe self-service unit 18₁~ 18_nSetting operation and each weighing machine 17₁~ 17_nIt is a video camera for taking pictures of customers such as refueling operations. The gas station control device 13 includes a surveillance camera 19₁~ 19_nThe refueling point at which the refueling operation is performed is selected from the images picked up by the above, and only the place where the refueling operation is being performed is displayed on the monitor 14.
[0019]
The interphone 16 is a self-service unit 18 provided by a customer performing self-service refueling work.₁~ 18_nSetting method or weighing machine 17₁~ 17_nUsed when trying to communicate questions, answers, etc. Each weighing machine 17₁~ 17_nIs a device that pumps up oil stored in an underground tank (not shown) with a built-in pump (not shown), supplies the oil, and measures and outputs the amount of oil supplied. Each weighing machine 17₁~ 17_nThe oil supply points are provided on both sides, and four oil supply nozzles 27a to 27d and oil supply hoses 28a to 28d are provided for each oil type corresponding to each oil supply point.
[0020]
Each of the oil supply nozzles 27a to 27d is connected to the weighing machine 17.₁~ 17_nThe nozzle hooks 29 a to 29 d provided on the side surfaces of the nozzle hooks 29 a to 29 d are hooked, and when refueling, the nozzle hooks 29 a to 29 d are detached and inserted into the fuel filler opening of the vehicle. Further, the nozzle hooks 29a to 29d are provided with nozzle attachment / detachment detection switches (fuel supply work start detection means) 30a to 30d for detecting whether the fuel nozzles 27a to 27d are detached. The nozzle attachment / detachment detection switches 30a to 30d are provided inside the nozzle hooks 29a to 29d so as to be switched on by being pressed by the fuel supply nozzles 27a to 27d. When hung on, it is hidden and invisible.
[0021]
Each weighing machine 17₁~ 17_nWhen the built-in pump receives a refueling permission signal transmitted from the filling station control device 13, the built-in pump of the permitted oil type operates to pump up the oil liquid in the underground tank, so that the vehicle can be refueled. .
Self-service unit 18₁~ 18_nIncludes an interphone handset 23, a speaker 24 for sound output, a setting unit 25, and a printer 26. The intercom handset 23 is mutually connected to the interphone 16 through a communication cable, and can exchange a conversation with a staff member at a gas station located indoors.
[0022]
Each self-service unit 18₁~ 18_nThe interphone handset 23, the audio output speaker 24, the setting unit 25, and the printer 26 are provided in pairs.₁~ 17_nIt is the structure corresponding to the oiling point provided in the both sides of.
For example, when the oil supply nozzle 27 of an oil type different from the oil type set by the setting unit 25 is removed from the nozzle hook 29, the audio output speaker 24 outputs an audio message "Nozzle is different" to the customer. Notify that refueling is not possible.
[0023]
The setter unit 25 is a device for setting an oil supply condition including data such as an oil type and an oil supply amount to be supplied by the customer himself / herself for each oil supply point. Then, the fueling conditions set by the setting unit 25 are transmitted to the gas station control device 13.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gas station control device 13.
As shown in FIG. 3, the gas station control device 13 is connected to each measuring machine 17.₁~ 17_nAnd self-service unit 18₁~ 18_nArithmetic device 35 for managing the oil supply data from the display, a display device 36 comprising a CRT or LCD display, an input device 37 comprising a touch panel provided on the screen of the display device 36, and a storage device comprising a magnetic disk device etc. 38 and a serial communication interface 39. The storage device 38 stores various control programs.
[0024]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an image displayed on the display device 36.
As shown in FIG. 4, an image 45 displayed on the screen of the display device 36 has an icon A1 that resembles the configuration of the entire gas station, that is, the shape of the weighing machine 17 as viewed from above, where the weighing machine 17 is actually arranged. The display example is arranged according to the layout.
Further, in the image 45 displayed on the display device 36, the actual weighing machine 17 is displayed.₁~ 17_nIt is displayed in a layout that matches the layout pattern. Further, each weighing machine 17 displayed on the display device 36.₁~ 17_nThe icon A <b> 1 is displayed in a shape when the actual weighing machine is viewed from above. And each measuring machine 17₁~ 17_nTwo refueling point display areas A5 are provided on both sides of the vehicle so that the vehicle can stop and refuel. Accordingly, each weighing machine 17₁~ 17_nOil supply points No. 1 to No. 6 are set on both sides of the icon A1, and numbers 1 to 6 corresponding to the respective oil supply points No. 1 to No. 6 are also displayed.
[0025]
In addition, the display device 36 includes each weighing machine 17 for each oiling point No. 1 to No. 6.₁~ 17_nThe state display A2 for informing the state (fueling, waiting, stopping, etc.) and the oiling status A3 for informing the type of oil supplied to the vehicle, the amount of oil supplied, etc. are displayed. Thus, the state of each oil supply point No. 1 to No. 6 can be grasped at a glance by the display of the display device 36.
[0026]
In the display example of the display device 36, the kerosene-only metering machine icon A4 is displayed so that the oil supply point No. 7 can be supplied with kerosene. Further, each weighing machine 17₁~ 17_nBy changing the display color according to the state of the display, it becomes easier to understand and the display content is less likely to be mistaken.
In the present embodiment, the filling station control device 13 is set so that it can be managed to display up to three data at the same filling point. For example, even if it moves to a touch-up area after refueling and some work is performed and the settlement is delayed, the next customer can refuel at that refueling point. In this system, the next third person can be refueled in the same manner.
[0027]
Further, under the image 45, icons of a menu button 46, a camera button 47, a pump button 48, a permission button 49, and a checkout button 50 are displayed. The menu button 46 is used for switching the function of a button to be described later. Since the screen of the display device 36 is provided with a touch panel, when the menu button 46 is pressed once, a closing button (not shown) is displayed at the right end of the screen. When the menu button 46 is pressed again, the image of FIG. 4 is displayed.
[0028]
When the camera button 47 is pressed, the display on the monitoring monitor 14 is switched. For example, when the user presses the camera button 47 after touching any of the fueling points 1 to 7 to be monitored on the screen, an image of the fueling point to be monitored is displayed on the monitoring monitor 14.
The pump button 48 is an operation button for stopping or restarting fueling at each fueling point. The function of the permission button 49 is an operation button for instructing refueling permission as will be described later.
[0029]
The settlement button 50 is an operation button for transmitting refueling data to the POS terminal 15 after refueling.
Here, an operation procedure of self-service refueling in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a refueling procedure between devices when performing self-service refueling.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 5, the customer who has arrived at the gas station moves to an empty fueling point among the fueling points No. 1 to No. 6 in (operation 10). Then, the vehicle is stopped at an empty fueling point. In the next (operation 11), the oil supply conditions such as the type of oil to be supplied, the amount of oil supplied, and the payment method are set using the setting unit 25 of the self-service unit 18 installed at the oil supply point. 27 is removed.
[0031]
In the next (operation 12), the customer himself / herself inserts the discharge pipe of the fuel filler nozzle 27 into the fuel filler port of the vehicle and operates the fuel filler nozzle 27 to start fueling. In (Operation 13), the refueling is finished and the refueling nozzle 27 is returned to the weighing machine 17.
In addition, the customer takes the provisional slip issued from the printer 26 in (operation 14), goes to the checkout office, and pays the fuel charge. In (operation 15), the customer leaves the gas station.
[0032]
The self-service unit 18 executes the following processing in conjunction with the above-mentioned customers (operations 10 to 15).
That is, when the customer enters the refueling point, the self-service unit 18 enters a standby mode waiting for setting start in step S11 (hereinafter, “step” is omitted). This may be provided with a certain vehicle detection device in the weighing machine 17 and the self-service unit 18 may receive the signal, but may wait for setting when the previously refueled vehicle leaves the refueling point.
[0033]
When the customer finishes setting and removing the fueling nozzle 27, the set value is transmitted to the control device in S12. The printer 26 receives a print command from the control device in S13, and issues a temporary slip printed with a slip number and the like according to the set format.
Moreover, the gas station control apparatus 13 performs the following processes in conjunction with the operations (operations 10 to 15) of the customer. In other words, when various settings are transmitted from the setting unit 25 of the self-service unit 18 in S14, the filling station control device 13 performs a refueling permission waiting display for the metering device for which the setting has been made and notifies the supervisor. . When the permit button 49 is operated by the supervisor, the meter 17 is given a refueling permission.
[0034]
In the next S15, when the end of refueling and the amount of refueling are transmitted from the meter 17, the total amount is calculated. In S16, the money amount, slip number, etc. are transmitted to the printer, and printing is instructed.
On the other hand, when the refueling permission is lowered from the filling station control device 13 in S17, the weighing machine enters a waiting time from the start of refueling. In S18, when the customer starts refueling, the pump is operated and fuel is refueled from the fuel nozzle 27 to the fuel tank of the vehicle. In the next S19, when the customer finishes refueling, the pump is stopped and the end of refueling and the amount of refueling are transmitted to the filling station control device 13.
[0035]
When refueling is completed, the customer displays refueling data such as a refueling point number or weighing machine number, additional number (slip number), date, oil type, refueling amount, refueling amount, etc. from the printer 26 of the self-service unit 18. Take a temporary voucher and move it to the checkout in the office. This completes the operation procedure when performing self-service refueling.
The setting contents input by the setting unit 26 of the self-service unit 18 are simultaneously displayed on the display device 36 of the gas station control device 13. For this reason, the staff at the gas station uses the display device 36 of the gas station control device 13 installed at the office of the gas station, so that each meter 17₁~ 17_nThe presence or absence of the setting and the setting contents can be confirmed.
[0036]
The gas station staff receives a provisional slip from the gas customer, selects data corresponding to the contents from the screen displayed on the display device 36 of the gas station control device 13, and performs an adjustment operation with the input device 37. Do. Thus, the refueling data is transmitted from the filling station control device 13 to the POS terminal 15. As a result, a slip is issued from a printer (not shown) of the POS terminal 15, and the slip is handed over to the customer in exchange for a fueling fee.
[0037]
When the refueling operation and the refueling fee are settled in this way, the display device 36 of the filling station control device 13 actually has each meter 17 as shown in FIG.₁~ 17_FourEach weighing machine 17 has almost the same layout as the arrangement pattern of₁~ 17_FourThe icon A1 is displayed, and the status display A2 and the fueling status A3 to the vehicle are displayed for each fueling point, so the fueling data (oil type, fueling amount, etc.) of the fueling point described in the simple slip Can be easily confirmed. Further, the state of each metering point 17 in the gas station can be monitored by the layout image 25 displayed on the display device 36 of the gas station controller 13.
[0038]
Here, the control process which the gas station control apparatus 13 performs is demonstrated.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing for controlling the display of the screen of the display device 36 executed by the gas station control device 13.
As shown in FIG. 6, in S21, the image (display area A5) of the fueling point displayed on the screen of the display device 36 is set to “standby display”.
[0039]
In the next S22, the process waits until a message is sent from the self-service unit 18. In S22, when a message is transmitted from the self-service unit 18, the process proceeds to S23, where a message related to the setting content sent from the self-service unit 18 is read and displayed on the screen of the display device 36 based on the information. An image of the fueling point (display area A5) is represented as “setting display”.
[0040]
In the next S24, it waits until a message is sent from the weighing machine 17. In S24, when a message is transmitted from the weighing machine 17, the process proceeds to S25, and the “nozzle number information” transmitted from the weighing machine 17 is read.
In S <b> 26, the “set oil type information” transmitted from the self-service unit 18 is compared with the “nozzle number information” transmitted from the weighing machine 17. If the refueling nozzle 27 picked up by the customer is the refueling nozzle 27 of the same oil type as that set by the setting unit 26 of the self-service unit 18 based on the comparison result of S26, the process proceeds to S27 and the display device 36 The image (display area A5) of the fueling point displayed on the screen is set to “Wait for fueling permission” and the buzzer is sounded briefly. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S29.
[0041]
However, in S26, if the comparison result shows that the oil supply nozzle 27 picked up by the customer is an oil type 27 different from the oil type set by the setting unit 26 of the self-service unit 18, the process proceeds to S28, and the display is made. The image of the fueling point (display area A5) displayed on the screen of the device 36 is set to “nozzle error display”, and the buzzer is intermittently sounded. Then, it returns to S24 and performs the process after S24.
[0042]
In S29, the process waits until the permission button 46 displayed on the screen of the display device 36 is pressed. In next S30, a refueling permission message is output to the weighing machine 17, and an image (display area A5) of the refueling point displayed on the screen of the display device 36 is set to “refueling start display”.
Then, in S31, it waits until a message is sent from the weighing machine 17. In S31, when a message of refueling data transmitted from the weighing machine 17 is received, the process proceeds to S32, and a message regarding the amount of refueling transmitted from the weighing machine 17 or the nozzle return is read. An image (display area A5) of the refueling point displayed on the screen of the display device 36 based on the refueling amount transmitted from the weighing machine 17 is represented as a “refueling display screen”.
[0043]
In the next S33, it is determined whether or not the message transmitted from the weighing machine 17 is “nozzle return”. In S33, when the message transmitted from the weighing machine 17 is “nozzle return”, the process proceeds to S34, and an image (display area A5) of the refueling point displayed on the screen of the display device 36 is displayed as “refueling end display”. " If the message transmitted from the weighing machine 17 is not “nozzle return”, the process returns to S31, and the processes after S31 are repeated.
[0044]
After S34, the gas station control device 13 waits for the settlement button 47 to be pressed and transmits a refueling end message to the POS terminal 15. Then, the process returns to S21.
In this way, the filling station control device 13 manages the refueling process while communicating with each measuring machine 17.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the weighing machine 17.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 7, the weighing machine 17 has an oil supply conduit 51 having one end inserted into an underground tank (not shown) and the other end extended into the apparatus. The oil pump 52 pumps up the oil stored in the underground tank, the pump motor 53 that drives the oil pump 52, and the oil flow meter 54 that measures the flow rate of the oil sent by the oil pump 52. It is installed. The refueling flow meter 54 has a flow rate pulse oscillator 55 that outputs a flow rate pulse proportional to the flow rate of the oil flowing through the refueling conduit 51.
[0046]
An oil supply hose 28 connected to the other end of the oil supply pipe 51 is drawn out on the side surface of the apparatus main body 56. An oil supply nozzle 27 is attached to the tip of the oil supply hose 28. The fuel supply nozzle 27 has a valve mechanism that is opened in the nozzle body 58a by turning the nozzle lever 58b. A discharge pipe 59 that is inserted into the fuel supply port (not shown) of the fuel tank is provided at the tip side. Have.
[0047]
When refueling the vehicle, oil type determination described later is performed in a state where the discharge pipe 59 of the refueling nozzle 27 is inserted into the refueling port (not shown) of the fuel tank. When the oil type matches, the oil supply pump 52 is driven and the oil supply by the oil supply nozzle 27 becomes possible.
Further, on the side surface of the apparatus main body 56, there are provided a nozzle hook 29 for detachably supporting the oil supply nozzle 27 and a nozzle switch 30 for detecting whether or not the oil supply operation is being performed by attaching / detaching the oil supply nozzle 27 to / from the nozzle hook 29. It has been. In addition, a display 62 that displays the amount of oil supply or the like is provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body 56.
[0048]
Reference numeral 70 denotes a control device that drives and controls the oil supply pump 52 and the display 62 based on various signals output from the oil supply flow meter 54 and the nozzle switch 30.
The memory 71 of the control device 70 stores various control programs executed by the control device 70. For example, whether or not communication with the gas station control device 13 or the POS terminal 15 has become impossible. Liquid supply stop control for stopping the oil supply pump 52 (liquid supply means) when it is determined that communication between the determination control program (determination means) and the gas station control device 13 or the POS terminal 15 is impossible. A program (liquid feeding stop means) is stored.
[0049]
Further, the weighing machine 17 is provided with a communication control unit 72, and the communication control unit 72 communicates with the gas station control device 13 and the POS terminal 15 via the SS-LAN 21. That is, when the communication control unit 72 of each weighing machine 17 receives a communication request from the filling station control device 13, it transmits a telegram such as refueling data at that time to the filling station control device 13.
[0050]
FIG. 8 shows a filling station control device 13 and each measuring machine 17.₁~ 17_nIt is a figure which shows the communication method with.
As shown in FIG. 8, the gas station control device 13 includes the weighing machines 17.₁~ 17_nAre sequentially transmitted at predetermined time intervals. That is, the first measuring machine 17 from the gas station control device 13 is used.₁When a communication request is transmitted to the weighing machine 17₁The communication control unit 72 transmits a refueling permission request or refueling data (such as the current refueling amount) to the filling station control device 13 as response data.
[0051]
The gas station control device 13 is connected to the weighing machine 17.₁When the response data is received from the second weighing machine 17₂Send a communication request to Weighing machine 17₂When receiving a communication request from the filling station control device 13, the filling station control device 13 sends a filling permission request or filling data (such as the current filling amount) as response data.
The gas station control device 13 is connected to the weighing machine 17.₂When the response data from is received, the third weighing machine 17_ThreeSend a communication request to The last weighing machine 17_nWhen the response data from is received, the first weighing machine 17₁Send a communication request to
[0052]
Thus, the gas station control device 13 is connected to each measuring machine 17.₁~ 17_nSequentially transmit communication requests to each weighing machine 17.₁~ 17_nThe response message from is received. Therefore, the gas station control device 13 and each measuring machine 17₁~ 17_nAnd the communication system is determined to be in a normal state by repeating the transmission and reception as described above.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing executed by the control device 70 of the weighing machine 17.
[0053]
When the gas station control device 13 receives various setting (oil type, oil amount, etc.) data from the setting unit 25 of the self-service unit 18 as described above, the gas station control device 13 transmits a fueling permission signal to the meter 17.
The control device 70 of the weighing machine 17 checks whether or not the nozzle switch 30 is turned off in S41 shown in FIG. That is, when the oil supply nozzle 27 is removed from the nozzle hook 29, the nozzle switch 30 is switched off.
[0054]
Accordingly, when the nozzle switch 30 is turned off in S41, the process proceeds to S42, and it is checked whether or not a fueling permission signal is output from the filling station control device 13. And if the oil supply permission signal from the gas station control apparatus 13 is received, it will progress to S43 and will drive the pump motor 53 and will start the oil supply pump 52. FIG. This makes it possible to refuel. Subsequently, in S44, the timer starts counting.
[0055]
In next S45, it is checked whether or not there is a transmission request from the POS terminal 15 via the gas station control device 13. In S45, when there is a transmission request, the process proceeds to S46, and response data to the POS terminal 15 is transmitted. In step S47, the timer is reset. After that, it progresses to S49 mentioned later.
However, in S45, when there is no transmission request, it is determined that communication with the gas station control device 13 is impossible due to some failure (for example, communication device failure or communication cable disconnection). In step S48, it is determined whether the timer count value is within a predetermined time.
[0056]
If the timer count value is within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to S49 to check whether the nozzle switch 30 is turned off. If the nozzle switch 30 remains off in S49, the fueling nozzle 27 has not been returned to the nozzle hook 29, so the process returns to S45, and the processes after S45 are repeated.
However, when the nozzle switch 30 is on in S49, the fueling nozzle 27 has been returned to the nozzle hook 29, so the process proceeds to S50, where it is determined that the fueling has ended, the fueling pump 52 is stopped, and this processing is performed. End.
[0057]
If the timer count value is equal to or longer than the predetermined time in S48, the process proceeds to S51 and the fuel pump 52 is stopped. As a result, in the unlikely event that the communication system becomes abnormal for some reason between the measuring machine 17 and the filling station control device 13 and communication becomes impossible, the oil supply pump 52 as the liquid feeding means is stopped. Refueling is prohibited.
[0058]
In the next S52, a voice message such as “Refueling has been stopped. Please wait for a while until an attendant comes” is notified from the speaker 24 to the refueling driver.
In S53, it is checked whether communication with the gas station control device 13 has been restored. That is, in S53, when a transmission request from the gas station control device 13 is received, it is determined that the communication has been restored, the process returns to S43, and refueling is resumed.
[0059]
However, in S53, when the transmission request from the gas station control device 13 is not received, it is determined that the communication is not recovered, and the process proceeds to S54. In S54, it is checked whether the nozzle switch 30 is turned off.
If the nozzle switch 30 remains off in S54, the fueling nozzle 27 has not been returned to the nozzle hook 29, so the process returns to S53, and the processing from S53 onward is repeated.
[0060]
However, if the nozzle switch 30 is on in S54, the fueling nozzle 27 has been returned to the nozzle hook 29, so the process proceeds to S55, where the fueling prohibition mode is set and the current process is terminated. When this refueling prohibition mode is set, the refueling permission cannot be obtained from the filling station control device 13, so the refueling disabled state is continued until the refueling prohibition mode is canceled.
[0061]
In this way, in the unlikely event that the communication system becomes abnormal due to some reason between the meter 17 and the gas station control device 13 and communication becomes impossible, the POS terminal is set to the POS terminal by stopping the fuel pump 52. The refueling operation in a state where the machine 15 cannot manage the refueling state can be prohibited.
In addition, when performing self-service refueling, a driver who is not accustomed to refueling operation may make an operation mistake. Therefore, when the state of the measuring machine 17 cannot be monitored by the filling station control device 13 or the POS terminal 15, Thus, the oil pump 52 can be stopped to prohibit the oil supply, and the safety of the meter 17 that cannot communicate can be ensured.
[0062]
In the above embodiment, when a plurality of refueling nozzles 27 are provided in one weighing machine 17, when communication with the weighing machine 17 becomes impossible, all refueling corresponding to each refueling nozzle 27 is performed. It is also possible to stop the pump 52.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, when communication became impossible between the measuring machine 17 and the gas station control apparatus 13, the structure which stops the liquid feeding by stopping the oil pump 52 was mentioned as an example. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a solenoid valve is disposed in the oil supply line, the solenoid valve may be closed.
[0063]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the ground installation type oil supply apparatus was mentioned as an example, it is not restricted to this, For example, it is needless to say that it can apply also to the suspension type oil supply apparatus which raises / lowers an oil supply nozzle.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, the start of the refueling operation is detected by the refueling operation start detecting means.Until the end of refueling is detected by the end of refueling,When it is determined that communication is impossible by the determination meansDespite the fact that the liquid delivery means is refuelingLiquid feeding meansBy liquid feedingTherefore, the refueling operation can be prohibited in a state in which an abnormality occurs in the communication system for some reason and communication with the control device provided outside is not possible. For this reason, at a gas station where a self-service refueling system is introduced, even if a driver unfamiliar with the refueling operation has an abnormality in the communication system during refueling, refueling is prohibited to ensure the safety of self-service refueling be able to.
  In addition, according to the present invention, after the liquid feeding means is stopped by the liquid feeding stop means, if it is judged by the judging means that communication is not disabled, the feeding without waiting for the input of the refueling permission. Since the stop of the liquid means is released, it becomes possible to resume the refueling when the communication with the external device is restored, and the time until the refueling can be resumed can be shortened.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a gas station management system to which an embodiment of a weighing machine according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a connection between an indoor device 11 and an outdoor device 12;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gas station control device 13;
4 is a diagram showing a display example of an image displayed on the display device 36. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for illustrating a refueling procedure between devices when performing self-service refueling.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for controlling display on the screen of the display device 36, which is executed by the gas station control device 13.
7 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a weighing machine 17. FIG.
FIG. 8: Gas station control device 13 and each measuring machine 17₁~ 17_nIt is a figure which shows the communication method with.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing executed by the control device 70 of the weighing machine 17;
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Indoor equipment
12 Outdoor equipment
13 Gas station control device
14 Monitoring monitor
15 POS terminal
17₁~ 17_n  Weighing machine
18₁~ 18_n  Self-service unit
19₁~ 19_n  Surveillance camera
23 Interphone cordless handset
24 Speaker for audio output
25 Setting unit
26 Printer
27a-27d Oiling nozzle
28a-28d Refueling hose
29a-29d Nozzle hook
30a-30d Nozzle attachment / detachment detection switch
36 Display device
37 Input device
38 storage devices
39 Serial communication interface
52 Refueling pump
53 Pump Moyu
54 Flow meter for refueling
56 Main unit
70 Controller
72 Communication control unit

Claims (2)

Refueling work start detecting means for detecting the start of refueling work based on the operation of the refueling nozzle at the start of refueling;
Refueling work end detection means for detecting the end of refueling work based on the operation of the refueling nozzle at the end of refueling;
A communication means for receiving a refueling permission transmitted from an external device and responding to the external device based on a transmission request repeatedly transmitted from the external device;
When the refueling permission coming through the communication means and the start of the refueling work by the refueling work start detecting means are detected, liquid feeding to the refueling nozzle is started and refueling is in progress, and the refueling work end detecting means A liquid feeding means for terminating liquid feeding to the fuel nozzle when the end of the fueling operation is detected ;
In a weighing machine having
A determination unit that determines whether or not communication with the external device by the communication unit is disabled by determining whether or not a transmission request transmitted from the external device is received during a predetermined time;
When the determination means determines that communication is impossible during the period from when the refueling work start detection means detects the start of the refueling work until the refueling end detection means detects the end of the refueling work, the liquid supply means supplies the oil. A liquid feed stop means for stopping the liquid feed by the liquid feed means despite being in ,
Weighing machine characterized by comprising.   The liquid feeding stop means waits for an input of the refueling permission when the judging means judges that communication is not disabled after the liquid feeding stopping means stops the liquid feeding means. 2. The weighing machine according to claim 1, wherein the stop of the liquid feeding means is released.

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