Use of a method and a system for spill-free refilling of liquids, gun for spill-free refilling of liquids, connection for a tank, method and system for control and communication in a spill-free liquid refilling system, method and system for media provision in a spill-free refilling system, spill-free and liquid-tight refill

Abstract

Method for spill-free refilling for a liquid solution selective catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after-treatment technology for diesel engines. The method includes the steps of establishing a liquid-tight connection between a coupling part of a tank ( 37 ), and a coupling part of a dispensing nozzle of a gun ( 9 ) for spill-free refilling. A system for spill-free refilling of liquids and a gun for spill-free refilling of liquids, a connection for a vehicle tank, a method and a system for control and communication in a spill-free liquid re-filling system, a method and a system for media provision in a spill-free refilling system, a spill-free and liquid-tight refilling connection and computer programme products are disclosed.

1 . Method for spill-free refilling for a liquid solution for selective catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after-treatment technology for diesel engines, said method comprising the steps of establishing a liquid-tight connection between a coupling part ( 5 ) of a tank ( 37 ), and a coupling part ( 6 ) of a dispensing nozzle ( 9 ′) of a gun ( 9 ) for spill-free refilling.  
     
     
         2 . Method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said solution constitutes a liquid solution of urea in water, said solution preferably comprising 32.5% by weight urea in water and preferably being of the kind provided under the name.  
     
     
         3 . Method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of 
 providing a mechanical selectivity in the spill-free connection ( 5 , 6 ), and    providing an refilling authorisation system ( 35 , 36 ).    
     
     
         4 . A system for spill-free refilling for a liquid solution for selective catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after treatment technology for diesel engines, the system comprising means ( 5 , 6 ) for establishing a liquid-tight connection between a coupling part ( 5 ) of a tank ( 37 ) and a coupling part ( 6 ) of a dispensing nozzle ( 9 ′) of a gun ( 9 ) for spill-free refilling.  
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 4 , characterized in that said solution constitutes a liquid solution of urea in water, said solution preferably comprising 32.5% by weight urea in water and preferably being of the kind provided under the name of AdBlue®.  
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 4 , characterized in that the system comprises a mechanical selectivity system in the spill-free connection ( 5 , 6 ) and an electric/electronic refilling authorisation system ( 35 , 36 ).  
     
     
         7 . Gun for spill-free refilling of liquids comprising a dispensing nozzle, a handle part, a trigger with a trigger handle, a valve arrangement to be activated by the trigger, and a liquid input connection for connecting the gun to a liquid provision pipe, the nozzle comprising a nozzle coupling part arranged to be releasably connected to a tank coupling part to form a liquid-tight connection for spill-free transfer of liquid from the gun to the tank, characterized in a release sleeve ( 14 ) arranged substantially outside of the nozzle ( 9 ′) coupling part ( 6 ), the sleeve being axially movable by means of a link element ( 15 ) from a coupling position to a release position and comprising flange means ( 13 ) arranged to co-act with flange means ( 12 ) of a coupling collar ( 11 ) of said nozzle coupling part to move said coupling collar axially into a release position.  
     
     
         8 . Gun according to  claim 7 , characterized in a trigger device ( 20 ) for transferring a trigger handle ( 20 ′) movement performed by an operator of the gun to valve means the trigger device, providing a sealed, liquid-tight mechanical movement transfer between the trigger handle ( 20 ′) and the valve means, comprising a lever rod ( 24 ) carrying a centrally located substantially spherical sealing and journalling body ( 25 ) arranged between an upper ( 26 ) and a lower ( 27 ) sealing and lever rod guiding seat, the trigger handle being arranged for applying a force to the lower end ( 28 ) of the lever rod, said force being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the lever rod, for turning the lever rod in the journalling arrangement in a plane substantially parallel to the axial direction of the lever rod, the upper end part ( 29 ) of the lever rod being arranged for applying an axial force to a valve rod to open the gun valve ( 30 ′) when said lever rod is turned.  
     
     
         9 . Gun according to  claim 7 , characterized in that the link element ( 15 ) is arranged to provide a releasble locking function to prevent movement of the release sleeve to the release position if the trigger handle ( 20 ′) is out of a non-refilling position.  
     
     
         10 . Gun according to  claim 9 , characterized in that the link element is provided with two link arms ( 15 ′), one on each side of the release sleeve ( 14 ) and pivotally fastened preferably together with the trigger handle, the link element being provided with at least one but preferably two elongated holes ( 15 ″), one on each side, in which holes two locking pins ( 20 ″) of the trigger handle are fitted, so that the link element is pivotable to move the release sleeve to the release position when the trigger handle is in a non-refilling position and so that the link element is locked by means of the holes and pins and not pivotable to move the release sleeve to the re-lease position when the trigger handle is out of the non-refilling position, e.g. in a refilling position.  
     
     
         11 . Gun according to  claim 7 , characterized in that a locking arm ( 20   a ) is provided for releasably holding the trigger handle ( 20 ′) in a refilling position.  
     
     
         12 . Gun according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the locking arm at one end, this end being turned from the trigger handle, being provided with a fastening piece ( 20   a ′) and in the other end, this end being free, being provided with a push piece, and between the ends being provided with a support piece ( 20   a ′″) turned to the trigger handle, the locking arm being resilient and arranged to be pushed against a spring force by an operator of the gun from a non-holding position to a holding position, in which a free end ( 20 ′″) of the trigger handle rests upon the support piece, the locking arm being arranged by its resilience to return to the non-locking position when the trigger handle is lifted to release the support piece and thus permitting the trigger handle to return to the non-refilling position.  
     
     
         13 . Gun according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the resilient locking arm is made of a polymeric material in one piece.  
     
     
         14 . Connection for a tank for a liquid, the connection being for spill-free refilling and comprises a tank coupling part arranged to be connected to a refilling gun coupling part for spill-free refilling, characterized by inlet ( 1 , 1 ′) in the form of a preferably cylindrical pipe part ( 2 ) protruding from a tank wall piece ( 3 ), and an adapter ( 4 , 4 ′) to be fitted axially into the tank inlet and carrying the tank coupling part ( 5 ).  
     
     
         15 . Connection according to  claim 14 , characterized in that the adapter ( 4 ′) carries i.a. electronic means for communication, control of the refilling process etc.  
     
     
         16 . Connection according to  claim 14 , characterized in that the adapter ( 4 ′), apart from a spill-free refilling tank coupling part ( 5 ), comprises a non-spill-free inlet.  
     
     
         17 . Connection according to  claim 14 , characterized in that the tank inlet ( 1 ) has standard dimensions so that a standard adapter/coupling part designed for a specific liquid may be fitted into it, a mechanical selectivity system being provided.  
     
     
         18 . Connection according to  claim 14 , characterized in that the adapter ( 4 ) carries an antenna ( 7 ) arranged to communicate with a transponder ( 8 ) carried by the refilling gun.  
     
     
         19 . Connection according to  claim 14 , characterized in that the adapter part turned from the tank is adapted to receive a cap ( 10 , 10 ′) covering the adapter and, thus, the tank coupling part.  
     
     
         20 . Connection according to  claim 14 , characterized in that it is sealed, refilling being possible only through the tank coupling part ( 5 ) by the refilling gun coupling part ( 6 ).  
     
     
         21 . Method for control and communication in a spill-free refilling system, characterized in that refilling of at least one tank ( 37 ) is controlled by means of wireless two-way communication between a control and communication module (VCM) associated with the tank, and a pump equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM).  
     
     
         22 . Method according to  claim 21 , characterized in that said tank ( 37 ) and said control and communication module (VCM) are vehicle-mounted.  
     
     
         23 . Method according to  claim 21 , characterized by the steps of 
 establishing a wireless communication connection between the control and communication module (VCM) and the pump equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM),    transmitting a tank identifying signal identifying the tank from the control and communication module (VCM) to the pump equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM),    determining in the pump equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM) to the control and communication module (VCM) whether to start refilling the tank in dependence of said tank identifying signal.    
     
     
         24 . Method according to  claim 23 , wherein said tank identifying signal comprises information of the type of liquid to be held by said tank.  
     
     
         25 . Method according to  claim 21 , further comprising the step of 
 transmitting a pump identifying signal identifying the pump from the pump equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM) to the control and communication module (VCM).    
     
     
         26 . Method according to  claim 21 , characterized by the steps of 
 checking the level of liquid in the tank by means of a level sensor ( 38 ) or level meter and starting refilling only if the level is below a predetermined threshold level,    when the level exceeds a predefined threshold level, sending a stop signal from the control and communication module (VCM) to the pump equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM),    stopping the refilling by the pump equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM) when said stop signal is received in the pump equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM).    
     
     
         27 . Method according to  claim 21 , characterized in that said refilling relates to a liquid solution for selective catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after-treatment technology for diesel engines.  
     
     
         28 . Method according to  claim 21 , characterized in that the control relates to at least one of the following supervision features: 
 refilling a certain medium into the correct tank ( 37 );    starting refilling at a level below a predetermined upper limit level;    stopping the refilling at a predetermined upper limit level;    transferring static and dynamic vehicle specific information carried by a vehicle, when applicable, and refilling information to a superior compiling and storing management system.    
     
     
         29 . Method according to  claim 21 , characterized by the steps of wireless transfer of pump identity of the refilling gun ( 9 ) nozzle ( 9 ′) from an identity carrier transponder ( 8 ) applied to the nozzle to the control and communication module (VCM) by means of an antenna ( 7 ) connected to said unit, the antenna being positioned adjacent to the corresponding tank inlet ( 1 ).  
     
     
         30 . Method according to  claim 21 , characterized in that a refilling procedure comprises the steps of 
 activating the pump control and wireless communication unit e.g. by removing the gun ( 9 ) from a gun storing position at the pump ( 23 ′),    establishing a spill-free connection ( 5 , 6 ) between the gun nozzle and the tank inlet,    registering, checking and storing the pump identity of the gun nozzle and verifying by the VCM the correctness of the combination of tank, gun and pump, i.e. liquid provided,    performing the communication between the PCM and the correct VCM, using the pump identity information and transferring, when applicable, further vehicle information to the PCM, for storing.    
     
     
         31 . A method according to  claim 30  wherein the verifying step comprises 
 checking against authorisation information in a superior system.    
     
     
         32 . A method according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of 
 automatically stopping the refilling when a predetermined level detected by said sensor/meter is communicated to the PCM via the VCM or if the dispensing nozzle is disconnected of if the wireless communication between the VCM and the PCM is broken.    
     
     
         33 . A method according to  claim 21 , further comprising the step of 
 registering refilling information, e.g. in a superior compiling storing management system.    
     
     
         34 . Method according to  claim 21 , characterized in that parameter initiation and other configuration of the VCM and the PCM are in both cases performed via direct connection to a serial port, via radio communication or via a superior system, e.g. with Internet access, communicating with the VCM/PCM, respectively, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         35 . System for control and communication in a spill-free refilling system, characterized by a wireless two-way communication system for communication between a control and communication module (VCM) associated with at least one tank that is to be refilled and a pump equipment-mounted communication module (PCM) for controlling refilling of at least one vehicle-mounted tank ( 37 ).  
     
     
         36 . System according to  claim 35 , characterized in that said control and communication module (VCM) and said tank ( 37 ) are vehicle-mounted.  
     
     
         37 . System according to  claim 35 , characterized in that said refilling relates to a liquid solution for selective catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after treatment technology for diesel engines.  
     
     
         38 . System according to  claim 35 , characterized by an identity carrier, transponder, ( 8 ) applied to the refilling gun nozzle ( 9 ′) for wireless transfer of pump identity of the refilling gun nozzle to the (VCM) by means of an antenna ( 7 ) connected to said unit, the antenna being positioned adjacent the corresponding tank inlet ( 1 ).  
     
     
         39 . System according to any one of the claims  claim 35 , characterized in that parameter initiation and other configuration of the VCM and the PCM are in both cases arranged to be performed via direct connection to a serial port, radio communication or a superior system, e.g. with Internet access, communicating with the respectively, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         40 . Spill-free and liquid-tight refilling connection comprising a first coupling part carried by a refilling gun for spill-free refilling and a second coupling part carried by a tank inlet, the coupling parts being arranged to co-act in order to open a refilling connection in at least two steps, the first coupling part opening the second coupling part, which thereafter opens the first coupling part, and to close the refilling connection in at least two steps, the first coupling part first being closed and thereafter closes the second coupling part when the connection is released, characterized in that the first coupling part ( 5 ) comprises a coupling collar ( 11 ) movable between a coupling position and a release position and comprising flange means ( 12 ) arranged to co-act with flange means ( 13 ) of a release sleeve ( 14 ) of the gun arranged to be moved axially from a coupling position to a release position for moving the coupling collar to the release position of the coupling collar.  
     
     
         41 . Connection according to  claim 40 , characterized in that the release sleeve is movable by means of a link element ( 15 ) of the gun, the link element being intended to be operated by a refilling operator.  
     
     
         42 . Connection according to  claim 41 , characterized in that the link element is intended to serve also as a signalling means indicating when connection is established and released, respectively.  
     
     
         43 . Connection according to  claim 40 , characterized in that the second coupling part ( 5 ) is arranged in a liquid-tight sealed manner in the tank inlet ( 1 ), refilling being possible only through the second coupling part as opened by the first coupling part ( 6 ).  
     
     
         44 . Connection according to  claim 40 , characterized in that the second coupling part ( 5 ) is arranged in the tank inlet ( 1 ) so that the tank ( 37 ) is ventilated both for over-pressure in the tank due to refilling and for under-pressure in the tank due to consumption of the tank content.  
     
     
         45 . Connection according to  claim 44 , characterized by a membrane ( 16 ), e.g. a rubber membrane arrangement associated with the second coupling part ( 5 ) at the tank inlet ( 1 ) for ventilating the tank at over-pressure in the tank.  
     
     
         46 . Connection according to  claim 44 , characterized in that the second coupling part, which is opened against a spring force, is arranged with a spring ( 17 ) sufficiently soft to open for ventilating the tank at under-pressure in the tank.  
     
     
         47 . Connection according to  claim 44 , characterized in that threads ( 4 ″) or the corresponding for mounting a cap ( 10 ) to the tank inlet are provided with at least one channel for ventilating the tank.  
     
     
         48 . Method for media provision in a spill-free refilling system comprising a storage tank for a refilling liquid medium, characterized in that said medium is a liquid solution for selective catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after-treatment technology for diesel engines and in that the storage tank ( 43 ) content is measured to keep re-cord of input and output of said liquid solution and in that the temperature of the liquid solution preferably is measured.  
     
     
         49 . Method according to  claim 48 , characterized in that the input medium is safety identified in order to secure correct output medium.  
     
     
         50 . System for media provision in a spill-free refilling system comprising a storage tank for a refilling liquid medium, characterized in that said medium is a liquid solution for selective catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after-treatment technology for diesel engines and in that means are provided for measuring the storage tank ( 43 ) content to keep record of input and output of said liquid solution and in that means preferably are provided for measuring the liquid solution temperature.  
     
     
         51 . System according to  claim 50 , characterized in that it comprises a stand-alone unit ( 44 ), a mobile unit ( 45 ) or a unit integrated in a service and refilling depot ( 46 ).  
     
     
         52 . Computer programme product comprising a programme code for performing the method steps of  claim 21 , when said computer programme is run on a computer.  
     
     
         53 . Computer program product for controlling the refilling of at least one liquid tank, said computer program product being arranged, when run in a refilling control unit associated with a tank for spill-free refilling of said tank, perform the following steps: 
 when a nozzle is received in the tank, receive pump identification information on a wireless connection from a pump control and communications unit (PCM),    transmit a tank signal to the pump control and communications unit (PCM), said signal related to the status of the tank.    
     
     
         54 . Computer program product according to  claim 53 , further arranged to receive level information from a level sensor arranged in said tank and, when the level in-formation indicates that the level exceeds a threshold level, send a stop signal to the pump control and communications unit (PCM) indicating that the refilling should be stopped.  
     
     
         55 . Computer program product according to  claim 53 , wherein the tank signal comprises an identification of the liquid that should be refilled in the tank.  
     
     
         56 . Computer program product for controlling the refilling of at least one liquid tank, said computer program product being arranged, when run in a pump control unit in a system for spill-free refilling, to perform the following steps: 
 transmit information regarding the pump identity on a wireless connection to a refilling control unit associated with said at least one liquid tank,    receive a tank signal from the refilling control unit, said signal providing tank related information,    starting the refilling in dependence of the tank signal.    
     
     
         57 . Computer program product according to  claim 56 , wherein the step of transmitting information regarding the pump identity is initiated when a nozzle for refilling the tank is removed from the pump.  
     
     
         58 . Computer program product according to  claim 56 , further arranged to receive a stop signal from the refilling control unit and to stop refilling the tank when said stop signal is received.  
     
     
         59 . Computer program product according to  claim 56 , further arranged to receive a tank signal comprising information about the liquid that should be refilled in the tank and start the refilling only if the pump provides said liquid.