U.S. patent application number 13/502329 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-25 for fuel dispensing unit with hinged door.
Invention is credited to Annika Birkler, Kevin Burnett, Paul De La Port, Hanna Helgesson, Bengt I. Larsson, Scott Negley, Neil Thomas.
Application Number | 20120267370 13/502329 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42319992 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120267370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Birkler; Annika ; et
al. |
October 25, 2012 |
FUEL DISPENSING UNIT WITH HINGED DOOR
Abstract
The present invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit (1) for
refuelling vehicles, comprising a base module (2) comprising a
housing having a front side (10), a rear side (12) and end sides
(11, 13) connecting said front and rear sides (10, 12), said
housing being enclosed by wall sections. At least a first of said
wall sections forms a first door (20), wherein said first door (20)
is extending along at least a portion of the front side (10) or the
rear side (12) and at least a first portion of one of the end sides
(11, 13), said first door (20) being pivotable towards a second
portion of said one of the end sides.
Inventors: |
Birkler; Annika; (Malmo,
SE) ; Helgesson; Hanna; (Malmo, SE) ; Larsson;
Bengt I.; (Malmo, SE) ; Burnett; Kevin;
(Austin, TX) ; De La Port; Paul; (Austin, TX)
; Negley; Scott; (Austin, TX) ; Thomas; Neil;
(Austin, TX) |
Family ID: |
42319992 |
Appl. No.: |
13/502329 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
October 16, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2009/063622 |
371 Date: |
July 13, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.6 ;
220/810; 220/831 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 7/84 20130101; B67D
7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.6 ;
220/810; 220/831 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/04 20060101
B65D051/04; B65D 43/24 20060101 B65D043/24 |
Claims
1. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') for refuelling vehicles,
comprising a base module (2) comprising a housing (2a) having a
front side (10), a rear side (12) and end sides (11, 13) connecting
said front and rear sides (10, 12), said housing (2a) being
enclosed by wall sections, at least a first of said wall sections
forming a first door (20, 40, 60, 80), wherein said first door (20,
40, 60, 80) is extending along at least a portion of the front side
(10) or the rear side (12) and at least a first portion of one of
the end sides (11, 13), said first door (20, 40, 60, 80) being
pivotable towards a second portion of said one of the end sides
(11, 13).
2. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') according to claim 1, wherein at
least a second of said wall sections forms a second door (30, 50,
70, 90), said second door (30, 50, 70, 90) extending along at least
a portion of the front side (10) or the rear side (12) and at least
a first portion of one of the end sides (11, 13), said second door
(30, 50, 70, 90) being pivotable towards a second portion of said
one of the end sides (11, 13).
3. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') according to claim 2, wherein
said first and said second doors (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90)
are both arranged to extend along at least a portion of either the
front side (10) or the rear side (12).
4. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') according to claim 2, wherein
said first door (20, 40, 60, 70) is arranged to extend along at
least a portion of the front side (10) and said second door (30,
50, 80, 90) is arranged to extend along at least a portion of the
rear side (12).
5. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') according to any one of claims
2-4, wherein said first and second doors (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,
80, 90) are pivotable towards the same or towards opposing end
sides (11, 13) of said housing (2a).
6. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') according to any one of claims
1-5, wherein at least one of said doors (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,
80, 90) is extending along at least a portion of both end sides
(11, 13).
7. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') according to any of claims 2-6,
wherein said first and second doors (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80,
90) each are pivotable about a first axis of rotation (14)
extending in a vertical direction and arranged along the end side
(11, 13) of the housing (2a).
8. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') according to claim 7, wherein
said first axis of rotation (14), in view of a vertical centre
plane (P) intersecting said opposing end sides (11, 13), is
horizontally offset in the longitudinal extension of the end sides
in relation to said vertical centre plane (P).
9. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') according to any one of claims
1-8, wherein the first portion of the end side (11, 13) forming
part of a door (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) has a larger
horizontal extension than the second portion of said end side (11,
13).
10. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') according to any one of claims
1-9, wherein at least one of said doors (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,
80, 90) is pivotable about at least a second axis of rotation (15)
extending in a vertical direction located on each door.
11. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') according to any one of claims
1-10, further comprising a locking means (110) for locking each
door in an open position.
12. A fuel dispensing unit (1, 1') according to any one of claims
1-11, further comprising a sealing arranged between each door and
adjacent wall sections.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit for
refuelling vehicles having a pivotable door.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A fuel dispensing unit for refuelling the fuel tank of a
motor vehicle with fuel is a complex device containing a vast
number of components connected to each other. The components of a
fuel dispensing unit can be divided into two categories, inner
components which are not visual to a user and outer components
surrounding the inner components. The inner components typically
comprise hydraulics and a tube arrangement for dispensing fuel from
an underground fuel reservoir, together with electronic components
controlling the fuel dispensing unit. The outer components, such as
a base module, a top module, pillars, a nozzle module etc,
represent the fundamental structure of the fuel dispensing unit
protecting and supporting the inner components.
[0003] In order to ensure correct function of, and to allow
maintenance of the inner components, the inner components must be
accessible when the fuel dispensing unit is assembled and is in
use. Especially, the hydraulics arranged inside the base module
must be easily accessible.
[0004] For facilitating the maintenance of the hydraulics, it is
important that access is obtained to all components arranged in the
base module. Further, it is desirable that an ergonomic working
position is provided for the person carrying out the required
maintenance work. Additionally, it is important that no object
arranged on the fuel dispensing unit is hindering cars from passing
by in a driving lane along the fuel dispensing unit, or that any
object risks being damaged during maintenance.
[0005] In prior-art solutions, a simple removable panel or door
arranged on one side of the base module is provided to acquire
access to the components arranged inside the base module. However,
it has been experienced that these solutions do not fulfil the
requirements discussed above, since full access is not provided to
the inside of the base module and the working and safety conditions
are not optimal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improvement of the prior art. More particularly, it is an object of
the present invention to improve the accessibility to inner
components arranged inside a fuel dispensing unit and facilitate
maintenance of such inner components.
[0007] These and other objects as well as advantages that will be
apparent from the following description are achieved by a fuel
dispensing unit according to the present invention.
[0008] First of all a number of terms will be described to enhance
the understanding of the invention. The invention will be described
based on the far most common design of a fuel dispensing unit, i.e.
a generally rectangular/quadrangular unit having a front side, a
rear side and two opposing end sides connecting said front and rear
sides. Provided that the fuel dispensing unit is arranged to serve
vehicles on two driving lanes, the front and rear sides are each
facing a driving lane. The longitudinal extension of said sides
essentially corresponds to the extension of said driving lanes. If
only intended to serve vehicles on one driving lane, said front
side is intended to face said lane.
[0009] For ease of understanding, each end side is strictly
geometrically divided into a first and a second portion
respectively, said portions extending across the wall section
forming said end side, from the front side to the rear side.
[0010] In case the fuel dispensing unit has another horizontal
cross section than essentially rectangular/quadrangular, such as
circular or elliptic, the term "side" used in connection with
front, rear or end is meant to be understood as a curve section
forming the circumference of such cross section. Thus, the term
"side" when used to describe a base module of the fuel dispensing
unit is not to be interpreted as a physical section but rather as a
geometrical section.
[0011] Thus, a fuel dispensing unit for refuelling vehicles is
provided, comprising a base module comprising a housing having a
front side, a rear side and end sides connecting said front and
rear sides, said housing being enclosed by wall sections. At least
a first of said wall sections forms a first door, wherein said
first door is extending along at least a portion of the front side
or the rear side and at least a first portion of one of the end
sides, said first door being pivotable towards a second portion of
said one of the end sides.
[0012] An advantage of the present invention is that the
accessibility to the inner components located inside the base
module, such as hydraulics, is improved. Since the first door is
extending along at least a portion of the front or rear side, and
along at least a portion of one of the end sides, access to the
inside of the base module is provided from at least two sides
simultaneously, i.e. front or rear side and the end side.
[0013] As a consequence of the improved accessibility, the working
position for a person performing for example maintenance of the
fuel dispensing unit is improved and a more ergonomic working
position is provided.
[0014] Furthermore, as the first door is pivotable towards a second
portion of said one of the end sides, the first door is openable to
an open position wherein the first door can extend in a direction
that can be essentially parallel to the longitudinal horizontal
direction of the front or rear side of the housing and extend at a
distance from the front or rear side of the housing. Thereby, the
first door is in its open position kept away from a driving lane
normally passing by the fuel dispensing unit along the front or
rear side of its housing. Consequently, the risk is reduced that
the first door is damaged or that any car risks colliding with the
first door.
[0015] At least a second of said wall sections may form a second
door, said second door extending along at least a portion of the
front side or the rear side and at least a first portion of one of
the end sides, said second door being pivotable towards a second
portion of said one of the end sides. Arranging a second door
further improves the accessibility to the inside of the base
module. As the second door is extending along a portion of a front
or rear side of the housing and along a portion of one of the end
sides, the advantages discussed above are applicable also for the
second door.
[0016] The first and second doors may both be arranged to extend
along at least a portion of either the front side or the rear side.
In one embodiment, wherein the first and second doors in addition
are extending along different end sides, access is provided to both
end sides of the housing.
[0017] The first door may be arranged to extend along at least a
portion of the front side and the second door may be arranged to
extend along at least a portion of the rear side. In this
embodiment, access to the inner components of the base module is
provided both from the front side and the rear side, thereby
further improving the accessibility of components located inside
the base module.
[0018] The first and second doors may be pivotable towards the same
or towards opposing end sides of said housing. If the first and
second doors are pivotable towards the same end side, it is
possible to reach components arranged along said end side. Further,
if the first and second doors are pivotable towards opposing end
sides, it is possible to reach components arranged along both end
sides.
[0019] At least one of said doors may be extending along at least a
portion of both end sides. In this embodiment, such door has a
U-shaped shape as seen from above. The U-shaped shape further
improves the accessibility to the inside of the base module, since
when the door is opened, access is provided from both end sides of
the housing.
[0020] The first and second doors may each be pivotable about a
first axis of rotation extending in a vertical direction and
arranged along the end side of the housing. Such first axis of
rotation is arranged in the transition between the first and second
portions of said end sides.
[0021] The first axis of rotation may, in view of a vertical centre
plane intersecting said opposing end sides, be horizontally offset
in the longitudinal extension of the end sides, in relation to said
vertical centre plane. By adjusting the offset distance, the
portion of the end side being opened can be adapted. Or in other
words, the ratio between the first and second portions of an end
side may be adapted. The larger ratio, the larger opening is
provided along the end side.
[0022] The first portion of the end side forming part of a door may
have a larger horizontal extension than the second portion of said
end side. When the first portion of the end side has a larger
horizontal extension than the second portion of the end side, a
larger portion of the end side can be opened and the accessibility
to the inner components is further improved.
[0023] At least one of said doors may be pivotable about at least a
second axis of rotation extending in a vertical direction located
on each door. Thereby, the door is pivotable both towards one of
the side ends and about an axis located on the door leaf, thus
making handling of the open door easier and requiring less space
around the fuel dispensing unit when opening the door. Thus, such a
second axis of rotation means that the door leaf is foldable.
[0024] The fuel dispensing unit may further comprise a locking
means for locking each door in an open position. Thereby, the risk
is reduced that the door is unintentionally closed during work.
[0025] The fuel dispensing unit may further comprise a sealing
arranged between each door and adjacent wall sections. Thereby, the
base module is sealed such that no moist or harmful substances
reach the inside of the base module.
[0026] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be
interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical
field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references
to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, etc]" are to be
interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said
element, device, component, means, etc., unless explicitly stated
otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to
be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly
stated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The above, as well as additional objects, features and
advantages of the present invention, will be better understood
through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed
description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference
to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be
used for similar elements, wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a fuel
dispensing unit according to a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the fuel
dispensing unit of FIG. 1 in an opened position.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the fuel dispensing unit of
FIG. 2 as seen from above.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the fuel dispensing unit of
FIG. 2 as seen from above and wherein a second door is opened.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a door leaf
before being assembled to the fuel dispensing unit of FIGS.
1-4.
[0033] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a fuel
dispensing unit according to a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of the fuel
dispensing unit of FIG. 6 in an opened position.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a door leaf
before being assembled to the fuel dispensing unit of FIGS.
6-7.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a fuel
dispensing unit according to a third embodiment of the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of the fuel
dispensing unit of FIG. 9 in an opened position.
[0038] FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of the fuel dispensing unit
as seen from above having a pivotable door leaf.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a first embodiment of a fuel
dispensing unit 1 for refuelling vehicles will be described. The
fuel dispensing unit 1 comprises a base module 2, an electronics
module (not visible), two nozzle modules 3, two column modules 4, a
top module 5 and an user interface module 6. The base module 2
contains hydraulics 100 of the fuel dispensing unit 1, such as fuel
metering means, valves, pumps, vapour recovery system, etc.
[0040] In the shown embodiment, the basic shape of the base module
2 is rectangular, but any shape is possible. Also, in the shown
embodiment, the base module is symmetrical around a vertical centre
plane P intersecting the two end sides 11, 13, see FIG. 3. Thereby,
the fuel dispensing unit 1 can serve vehicles passing driving lanes
on two opposite sides of the unit.
[0041] The base module 2 is formed of a housing 2a having a front
side 10, a rear side 12 and two end sides 11, 13 connecting the
front and the rear sides 10, 12. By the front side 10 is meant the
side of the housing 2a normally facing a driving lane where
vehicles are passing along the fuel dispensing unit 1 in the
longitudinal direction of the base module 2. Since the disclosed
unit 1 is symmetrical, the front side 10 may be facing one driving
lane, and the rear side 12 may be facing another driving lane. It
is to be understood that the unit 1 must not be symmetrical.
[0042] The housing 2a of the base module 2 is formed by wall
sections forming an enclosure. In the shown embodiment, the wall
sections are roughly formed by a hydraulic frame 7, two side panels
8, a vapour barrier 9 (which is visible in FIG. 2), a first door 20
and a second door 30. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the
base module 2 comprises both a first and a second door 20, 30, but
a person skilled in the art easily understands that the invention
in its most simple embodiment may only comprise a first door 20. In
such a simple embodiment, the second door 30 may be replaced by a
wall panel.
[0043] The wall section forming an end side 11 can in its
longitudinal horizontal direction, extending between the front and
rear sides 10, 12, be divided into a first and a second portion
11a, 11b. Likewise, the wall section forming the opposite end side
13 can in its longitudinal, horizontal direction be divided into a
first and a second portion 13a, 13b. In the enclosed embodiment the
first portions 11a and 13a forms part of the door 20.
[0044] More precisely, in the disclosed embodiment, the first door
20 comprises a first door leaf 21 extending along the front side 10
of the housing 2a, along a first portion 11a of a first end side 11
and along a first portion 13a of a second end side 13.
[0045] The first door leaf 21 is pivotable about a first axis of
rotation 14 extending in a vertical direction and arranged along
one of the end sides 11, 13. In the disclosed embodiment it is
arranged on the second end side 13. Accordingly, in the disclosed
embodiment the first door leaf 21 is pivotable towards a second
portion 13b of said second end side 13, such that the first door
leaf 21 is openable. The first door leaf 21 may for example be
hingedly suspended.
[0046] As best seen in FIG. 3, the first axis of rotation 14 is
horizontally offset in the longitudinal extension of the end side
13 in view of the vertical centre plane P intersecting the opposite
end sides 11, 13. In the shown embodiment, the first portion 11a of
the end side 11 has a smaller horizontal extension than the second
portion 11b of the end side 11. The corresponding applies to the
opposite, second end side 13. However, this offset distance may be
adjusted, and in another embodiment (not shown), the first axis of
rotation 14 may be centrically located on the end side, i.e.
coinciding with the vertical centre plane P. In a further
embodiment (not shown), the first portion 11a, 13a of the end side
11, 13 may have a larger horizontal extension than the second
portion 11b, 13b. Thereby, an even larger opening is formed when
the door 20 is opened. Thus, the ratio between the horizontal
extension of the first and second portions 11a, 11b; 13a, 13b
determines the opening formed on the end side 11, 13 when the door
20 is opened. The larger ratio, the larger opening is formed.
[0047] Now especially referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, showing the fuel
dispensing unit 1 when the first door 20 is opened. In FIG. 2, the
components such as hydraulics 100 arranged inside the base module 2
are visible. The basic structure of the base module 2 comprising
the hydraulic frame 7, the side panels 8 and the vapour barrier 9
is also visible.
[0048] The first door leaf 21 has been turned about the first axis
of rotation 14 in order to open the door 20. Consequently, access
is provided to the inside of the base module 2. As may be seen in
the FIGS. 2 and 3, the first door 20 is extending in a direction
being essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the
front side 10 of the housing 2a in its open position.
[0049] In the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1-3, the first door 20
is pivotable towards the end side 13. Since the fuel dispensing
unit in the shown embodiment is symmetrical around the vertical
centre plane P, it is to be understood that the first axis of
rotation, with the remained function, can be arranged on the first
end side 11.
[0050] The first door 20 is extending along a portion of a first
end side 11, along the front side 10 and along a portion of a
second end side 13. Thereby, the first door has a door leaf 21
having an essentially U-shaped shape. The U-shaped shape of the
first door leaf 21 further facilitates access to the components 100
arranged inside the base module 2.
[0051] The U-shaped shape of the first door leaf 21 is better
disclosed in FIG. 3, which shows the fuel dispensing unit 1 as seen
from above. In this figure, it is seen that the first door leaf 21
is formed of a first part 22 adapted to extend along a first
portion 11a of the first end side 11, a second part 23 adapted to
extend along the front 10, and a third part 24 adapted to extend
along a first portion 13b of the second end side 13.
[0052] Further, as seen in FIG. 3, the door leaf 21 does not
protrude outside an imaginary boundary line extending in the
longitudinal direction of the front side 10 of the housing 2a.
Thereby, the opened door leaf 21 does not hinder passage by
vehicles in front of the fuel dispensing unit 1.
[0053] FIG. 3 also discloses that any components 100 arranged
inside the base module 2 (not visible in FIG. 3) may be reached
from the front side 10 and from a portion of both end sides 11, 13
of the housing 2a.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the fuel dispensing unit 1
comprising a first door 20 having a first door leaf 21 and a second
door 30 having a second door leaf 31. The first door 20, which has
the same design as the first door 20 previously described, extends
in its closed position along a portion of the first end side 11,
along the front side 10 and along a portion of the second end side
13. The first door leaf 21 is hingedly suspended to the second end
side 13 of the housing 2a and is thus pivotable towards a second
portion 13b of the second end side 13.
[0055] The second door 30 has the same essentially U-shaped shape
as the first door 20. The second door 30, comprising a second door
leaf 31, extends in its closed position along a portion of the
second end side 13, along the rear side 12 and along a portion of
the first end side 11. The second door leaf 31 is formed of a first
part 32 adapted to extend along a portion of the second end side
13, a second part 33 adapted to extend along the rear side 12, and
a third part 34 adapted to extend along a portion of the first end
side 11. The second door leaf 31 is hingedly suspended to the first
end side 11 of the housing 2a, and is thus pivotable towards a
second portion of the first end side 11.
[0056] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, wherein both the first
and second doors 20, 30 are opened, the inner components 100 may be
reached both from the front and rear sides 10,12 and from a large
part of the end sides 11, 13.
[0057] FIG. 5 discloses the first door leaf 21 before being
assembled to the base module 2. It is to be understood that a
second door leaf 31 can have the same overall design.
[0058] In the disclosed embodiment the door leaf 21 comprises a
chamfered portion 25 in its upper and lower part. This chamfering,
mainly being a design feature also contributes to the strength of
the door. The chamfering can be omitted. The door leaf 21 may also
comprise a flanged portion (not disclosed) along its free edges 26,
also contributing to the strength. In order to obtain a sealing
between the door leaf 21 and adjacent portions of the base module
2, a sealing (not shown) may be arranged along the edges of the
door leaf 21 or on the base module 2.
[0059] Now referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, which show a second
embodiment of a fuel dispensing unit 1'. The fuel dispensing unit
1' comprises a base module 2, an electronics module (not visible),
a nozzle module 3, a top module 5 and a user interface module 6.
The base module 2 contains the hydraulics 100 of the fuel
dispensing unit, such as fuel metering means, valves, pumps, vapour
recovery system, etc.
[0060] The base module 2 is formed of a housing 2a having a front
side 10, a rear side 12 and end sides 11, 13 connecting the front
and the rear sides 10, 12. The housing 2a of the base module 2 is
formed by wall sections. In the shown embodiment, the wall sections
are formed by a hydraulic frame 7, two side panels 8, a vapour
barrier 9 (visible in FIG. 7), a first door 40 and a second door
50.
[0061] Like previous embodiments, the fuel dispensing unit is
symmetrical around a vertical centre plane P extending between the
first and second end sides 11, 13. However, it is to be understood,
that for example in case of the fuel dispensing unit not being
symmetrical, the rear door, i.e. the second door 50 is optional,
and may be replaced with a wall panel.
[0062] The first door 40 comprises a door leaf 41. A first portion
of the door leaf 41 is extending along a first portion 11a of a
first end side 11 of the housing 2a and along the front side 10 of
the housing 2a. The door leaf 41 is pivotable towards a second
portion 11b of the first end side 11 about a first axis of rotation
14 extending in a vertical direction and arranged along the first
end side 11. The door leaf 41 is hingedly suspended to the first
end side 11. The first axis of rotation 14 is horizontally offset
in the longitudinal extension of the first end side 11 in view of
the vertical centre plane P intersecting the opposite end sides 11,
13.
[0063] The second door 50, if provided, may have a design
corresponding to the first door 40.
[0064] In FIG. 7, the door leaf 41 has been turned about its first
axis of rotation 14 and brought to its open position, thereby
forming an opening of the housing 2a. In the open position, the
components 100 such as hydraulics being arranged inside the base
module 2 are visible and accessible. As the first axis of rotation
14 is horizontally offset in the longitudinal direction of the
first end side 11 in view of the vertical centre plane P
intersecting the opposite end sides 11, 13, a part of the first end
side 11 becomes open when the door 40 is in its open position.
[0065] In FIG. 8, the door leaf 41 is shown before being assembled
to the fuel dispensing module. The door leaf 41 is formed of a
first part 42 adapted to extend along a first portion 11a of the
first end side 11 of the housing 2a and a second part 43 adapted to
extend along a front or rear side 10, 12 of the housing 2a.
[0066] The disclosed door leaf 41 comprises a chamfered portion 44
in its upper and lower part. This chamfering, mainly being a design
feature, contributes to the strength of the door but can be
omitted. The door leaf 41 may also comprise a flanged portion (not
disclosed) at its edge portions 45, also contributing to the
strength. In order to obtain a sealing between the door leaf 41 and
adjacent portions of the base module 2, a sealing (not shown) may
be arranged along the free edges of the door leaf 41 or on the base
module 2.
[0067] In case a second door 50 is used, such door can have the
same general design.
[0068] Now referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, which show a third
embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fuel
dispensing unit 1 comprises a base module 2, an electronics module
(not visible), two nozzle modules 3, two column modules 4, a top
module 5 and a user interface module 6 in a similar configuration
as described in conjunction to FIG. 1.
[0069] The base module 2 is formed of a housing 2a having a front
side 10, a rear side 12 and end sides 11, 13 connecting the front
and the rear sides 10, 12. The housing 2a of the base module 2 is
formed of wall sections. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,
the wall sections are formed by a hydraulic frame 7, two side
panels 8, a vapour barrier 9 (visible in FIG. 10), a first door 60
and a second door 70. A third and fourth door 80, 90 having a
design corresponding to the first and second doors 60, 70 may be
provided, but may also be substituted by a wall panel.
[0070] Like previous embodiments, the fuel dispensing unit is
symmetrical around a vertical centre plane P extending between the
first and second end sides. However, it is to be understood, that
for example in case of the fuel dispensing unit not being
symmetrical, the rear doors 80, 90 are optional, and may be
replaced with a wall panel.
[0071] The first door 60 comprising a door leaf 61 is extending
along a portion 11a of a first end side 11 of the housing 2a and
along a first portion of the front side 10 of the housing 2a. The
second door 70 comprising a door leaf 71 is extending along a first
portion (not visible) of a second end side 13 of the housing 2a and
along a second portion of the front side 10 of the housing 2a. The
first door 60 is pivotable towards a second portion 11b of the
first end side 11. The second door 71 is pivotable towards a second
portion (not visible) of the second end side 13.
[0072] When the first and second doors 60, 70 are turned about
their axis of rotation 14, the first and second doors 60, 70 are
moved to their open positions. In this position, the components 100
such as hydraulics arranged inside the base module 2 are accessible
from the front side 10 and portions of the end sides 11, 13 of the
housing 2a.
[0073] If third and fourth doors 80, 90 are provided, such doors
are arranged in a corresponding manner as the first and second
doors 60, 70, but are extending along portions of the rear side 12
of the housing and portions of the first and second end sides 11,
13.
[0074] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10, a first door leaf
being pivotable about a first axis of rotation is disclosed.
However, in an embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a door leaf of the type
described above, may in addition be pivotable about a second axis
of rotation 15 extending in a vertical direction located on the
door leaf 21. Such second axis of rotation 15 makes the door leaf
foldable.
[0075] It is contemplated that there are numerous modifications of
the embodiments described herein, which are still within the scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims. This especially
relates to the number of doors and their positions.
[0076] For example, it is contemplated that a combination of the
embodiments described above is possible, such as arranging a door
extending along the entire front side of the base module and
arranging two doors each extending along a portion of the rear side
of the base module. Also, a number of doors may be arranged in the
vertical direction on one and the same side.
[0077] Further, it is contemplated that the first and/or second
doors may be provided with a locking means 110 locking the door in
its open position. Such locking means 110 are highly schematically
disclosed in FIG. 11. The first and/or second doors may also be
provided with a locking means for locking the door in its closed
position.
* * * * *