EP3919435B1 - Assembly, marking tab and use of a marking tab for marking a nozzle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an arrangement comprising a nozzle for dispensing a liquid and a product label connected to the nozzle. The invention further relates to an identification tab for nozzles and the use of an identification tab for identifying a nozzle.

Nozzles are used to fill liquids into a container, for example to fill a fuel into the tank of a car. Nozzles usually have a label so that the user of the nozzle can identify which liquid is being dispensed through the nozzle. For example, it is known to provide the nozzle with an attachable product label on which the respective fuel is clearly visible to the user, for example diesel, E10, etc. Other information can also be printed on the product label, such as the logo of a petrol station chain or other advertisements. DE 20 2015 103 502 U1 Furthermore, an indication device is known which has an annular section which can be pushed around a filler neck of a vehicle tank in order to prevent incorrect refueling. In addition, it is known from the WO97/02554 A1 known to have a nozzle with a to provide a closable compartment for inserting a card.

Based on this prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a possibility for marking a nozzle which enables cost-effective and user-friendly marking. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

First, some terms used in the context of the invention will be explained. In the context of the invention, the term product label refers to an element that can be connected to the nozzle and has a display surface that is visible to a user of the nozzle.

Nozzles such as ZVA ^® nozzles from Elaflex usually have a valve housing with a substantially circular top or front side. A product pallet that substantially covers the circular front side can be attached to this top side. The attachment can be carried out in particular by means of a clamp connection, for example a number, usually four, locking projections can engage in corresponding recesses on the front surface of the valve housing. The two surfaces facing each other of the product pallet on the one hand and the nozzle on the other are referred to in the context of the invention as the clamping surface and counter-clamping surface.

The display surface of the product label is usually oriented away from the nozzle when the product label is connected to the nozzle. The display surface can therefore be nozzle can be perceived by a user. The display area can show any information.

The core of the present invention is to insert an additional identification tab between the nozzle and the product range and to fasten it through the mechanical connection between the product range and the nozzle. This identification tab has, on the one hand, a connecting section that is preferably approximately congruent with the clamping surface of the product label and the counter-clamping surface of the nozzle, which is clamped between the two mentioned surfaces and can also be fixed by the mechanical connecting elements such as the aforementioned locking projections. In addition, a marking section that protrudes beyond the circumference of the connecting section is provided, which can serve as an additional identification carrier and thus enables the visual display of further information without visual information on other parts of the nozzle, such as the product label in particular, having to be reduced in size or otherwise changed.

In the future, European regulations will require petrol station operators to attach an additional label to the pump nozzle to clearly identify the fuel to be dispensed. The details of this labeling requirement and the labels to be used are laid down in the planned European standard EN 16942.

The provision of an additional marking area offers clear advantages in view of the above-mentioned standard EN 16942, since the markings prescribed by the standard Labels are unknown to the average consumer. For example, normal diesel fuel is labelled "B7 EN 590" or "B7" according to the standard.

Petrol station operators will therefore have to label the fuel types twice, at least for a longer transitional period, firstly with the names familiar to consumers such as "Diesel", "Super E10" etc. and secondly with the prescribed standard labels that consumers are not familiar with. The invention makes it possible to easily create a permanent, additional labeling area for the new, standard-compliant labels, which can also be easily retrofitted to existing fuel pump nozzles.

In contrast to the application of additional markings, for example with the help of stickers, the arrangement according to the invention is also characterized by good durability and a long service life. Stickers have the disadvantage that they come off over time in the area around a fuel nozzle, which is exposed to the influence of fuel drops and vapors, and are also easily scratched.

In the arrangement according to the invention, the connecting section of the identification tab is clamped between the clamping surface of the product label and the counter-clamping surface of the nozzle. The terms clamping surface and counter-clamping surface are to be interpreted broadly in this context. This includes the connecting section being clamped only along one or more clamping lines and/or at one or more clamping points. It is not necessary that the connecting section is clamped over its entire circumference. A corresponding fixation over only one section or several sections of the circumference may be sufficient.

According to the invention, the connecting section can have a marking, for example in the form of a pictogram, which facilitates correct, correct-side-up and correctly angled mounting of the marking tab. This marking may no longer be visible when mounted, for example it may be covered by the product range.

The labeling tab according to the invention has a labeling section for displaying information. The term information is to be interpreted broadly here. The term basically includes any type of information, such as text, symbols, images, logos, motifs, holograms, etc. In particular, the labeling section can be printed with information, for example a fuel name can be printed on the labeling section. The labeling section and/or the information applied to it, preferably printed on it, can be colored, for example in the colors white and gray mentioned in the standard mentioned.

The arrangement according to the invention provides a nozzle which advantageously has an additional marking surface.

In an advantageous embodiment, the product label has a fastening element which is used for the production the connection is introduced into a corresponding recess in the nozzle, whereby the fastening element is guided through one of the fixing openings. In this way, the fastening element increases the security of the connection between the product label and the nozzle. On the other hand, the fastening element also leads to a better connection of the two parts with the connecting section of the labeling tab. In addition to the clamping effect, the connecting section is also held in place by the interaction between the edge of the fixing opening in the connecting section and the fastening element.

It may be provided that the connecting section is pierced by the fastening element when establishing the connection between the nozzle and the product label.

The fastening element can protrude from the clamping surface and the corresponding recess can be arranged in the counter-clamping surface. In this case, a clamping effect takes place in the area immediately adjacent to the fixing opening, so that the risk of the connecting section tearing when a force acts on it is reduced.

The connection between the fastening element and the corresponding recess can be made, for example, by means of a frictional connection. It is also possible that a form connection between the fastening element and the corresponding recess, for example, a snap connection can be provided in which a part of the fastening element engages behind a corresponding part of the recess.

Preferably, the connecting section of the label tab is covered in cross-section by the product label. This means that the connecting section does not protrude beyond the edge of the product label, thus saving superfluous material that does not contribute to the clamping effect. Alternatively, the connecting section can protrude beyond the edge of the product pallet; it can then be provided with additional markings or decorations such as a colored ring.

The label section is preferably arranged in front of the product label. The term "in front of" is to be understood here relative to the orientation of the nozzle, which has an inlet opening at its rear end and an outlet opening at its front end for the liquid to be dispensed. "In front of the product label" therefore means "towards the front end of the nozzle". In this case, the label section offers an additional, easily readable label area. However, a different arrangement of the label section relative to the product label is also possible, for example to the right or left of or behind the product label. A free orientation in any direction would also be conceivable.

The plane of the marking section can be angled relative to the plane of the connecting section, for example to make the marking section easier to see/read. For example, the marking tab can be thermally bent in the area of the transition from the connecting section to the marking section. become.

The marking tab can be exposed to a range of environmental influences, such as heat, cold, (UV) light radiation. In addition, the marking tab can be subjected to force or come into contact with liquids, in particular fuels. The connecting section and/or the marking section therefore preferably comprises a tear-resistant and/or cold-resistant and/or heat-resistant and/or ozone-resistant and/or solvent-resistant and/or scratch-resistant and/or light-resistant and/or UV-resistant material.

The marking section and the connecting section are made of a flat plastic material, for example a film. Plastic films that are sufficiently resistant to weathering, fuels and possible mechanical influences are particularly suitable within the scope of the invention. The film preferably has sufficient rigidity so that the marking section remains in the plane of the connecting section when the film is mounted and is not bent, for example, by gravity or mechanical influences. The connecting section is particularly preferably connected in one piece to the marking section.

The thickness of such a film is preferably a maximum of 2 mm, more preferably a maximum of 1 mm, more preferably a maximum of 0.5 mm, more preferably a maximum of 0.2 mm. In particular in the case of thin films, the outward-facing edge can be sharp-edged, particularly in the area of the marking section. It can therefore be It may be preferable to round off the edges of the film pointing outwards or, if necessary, to provide them with a slightly reinforced edge in order to reduce any risk of injury.

The invention further relates to an arrangement according to claim 5.

This further arrangement according to the invention can be further developed by the features mentioned in connection with the arrangement described above. The arrangement makes it possible to easily retrofit a nozzle that is connected to a product label. The old product label can be removed for this purpose. The further arrangement according to the invention can then be connected to the nozzle by clamping the identification tab.

The invention also relates to an identification tab for nozzles, according to claim 1. The identification tab according to the invention can be developed using the features that were described in connection with the arrangement according to the invention. The arrangement according to the invention can also be developed using the features that are described in connection with the identification tab according to the invention.

A circular arc section of the essentially circular connecting section is a part of the edge of the connecting section, which can essentially be represented by a circular arc. In the case of a one-piece design of the connecting section and the marking section made of the same material, the circular arc section can be regarded as an imaginary circular arc which separates the connecting section from the marking section.

The labelling tab according to the invention is particularly suitable for retrofitting an existing nozzle which is connected to a product label in order to provide an additional labelling surface. To do this, the product label can be removed from the nozzle and then clamped onto the connecting section of the The fastening elements of the product label are then inserted through the fixing holes of the In addition to the clamp fastening, the marking tab is also fixed by the interaction between the edge of the fixing openings and the fastening elements.

The identification tab according to the invention is particularly advantageous if the product label can be removed from the nozzle without causing any damage and then reconnected to the nozzle. In this case, the product label can continue to be used, thus saving material and costs. In addition, a label already on the product label, for example the specification of a fuel, can remain unchanged, and an additional standard-compliant label can be applied to the identification tab.

Preferably, the substantially circular connecting section has a diameter of between 30 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 35 mm and 55 mm and even more preferably between 35 mm and 45 mm. The marking section can have an area of between 1 cm ² and 20 cm ² , preferably between 1 cm ² and 15 cm ² , more preferably between 1 cm ² and 10 cm ² , more preferably between 1 cm ² and 5 cm ² . The values mentioned enable a good fastening of the connecting section and the attachment of a clearly legible marking on the marking section.

In a preferred embodiment, the circular arc section extends over an opening angle between 10° and 200°, preferably between 30° and 120°, more preferably between 80° and 100°. From the circular arc section, the marking section extends radially outwards between 0.5 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 1 cm and 5 cm, more preferably between 2 cm and 4 cm. This configuration also ensures good fastening of the connecting section and enables the attachment of a clearly legible marking.

The connecting section has a plurality of fixing openings. The fixing openings can be distributed evenly over the connecting section in the circumferential direction. The fixing openings can have a distance from the edge of the connecting section that is between 2 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 4 mm and 7 mm. It has been shown that this leads to a particularly good fastening of the identification tab.

The marking tab has a longitudinal axis which can be aligned along the longitudinal axis of a nozzle when the marking tab is connected to the nozzle. According to the invention, the connecting section has four fixing openings, the four fixing openings being arranged at circumferential angles of X°, 180-X°, 180+X° and 360-X° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the marking tab, where X° stands for an angle value in the range between 10° and 80°, preferably between 30° and 70°. The circumferential angle refers to the angle which is enclosed by a straight line running in the radial direction, intersecting the center of a fixing opening, and the longitudinal axis of the marking tab. The term "radial direction" refers to The front end of the nozzle is in this case at a Circumferential angle of 0° when the marking tab is connected to a nozzle. It has been shown that the above-mentioned arrangement of the fixing openings leads to a stable fastening of the marking tab.

It can be provided that the center of the circular arc section is arranged at a circumferential angle of essentially 0°. This means that a circular arc section with an opening angle of Y° extends essentially over the circumferential angle range from (0 - Y/2)° to (0 + Y/2)°. In this case, a marking tab designed in this way, which is connected to a nozzle, has a marking section which is preferably aligned in the longitudinal direction and points towards the front end of the nozzle. As described above, the marking section can also point in other spatial directions. The marking section is therefore easy to read when using the nozzle.

1. a. Bereitstellen eines Zapfventils, das zur Abgabe einer Flüssigkeit ausgestaltet ist, und einer Produktplakette, wobei das Zapfventil zur Herstellung einer Verbindung mit der Produktplakette ausgestaltet ist und wobei die Produktplakette eine Klemmfläche und das Zapfventil eine korrespondierende Gegenklemmfläche aufweist;
2. b. Platzieren einer erfindungsgemäßen Kennzeichnungslasche zwischen der Klemmfläche und der Gegenklemmfläche;
3. c. Herstellen einer Verbindung zwischen dem Zapfventil und der Produktplakette, so dass der Verbindungsabschnitt zwischen der Klemmfläche und der Gegenklemmfläche eingeklemmt wird.

Finally, the subject of the invention is the use of an identification tab for identifying a nozzle, wherein the following steps are carried out:

1. a. Providing a dispensing valve configured to dispense a liquid and a product label, wherein the dispensing valve is configured to establish a connection with the product label and wherein the product label has a clamping surface and the dispensing valve has a corresponding counter-clamping surface;
2. b. Placing an identification tab according to the invention between the clamping surface and the counter-clamping surface;
3. c. Establish a connection between the nozzle and the product plate so that the connecting section is clamped between the clamping surface and the counter clamping surface.

The use according to the invention enables the production of an arrangement according to the invention or the retrofitting of an existing nozzle with an identification tab according to the invention. The advantages described in connection with the arrangement according to the invention and the identification tab according to the invention also benefit the use according to the invention.

A particular advantage of the invention is that it allows the retrofitting of existing nozzles, so that on the one hand the additional marking required by EN 16942 can be applied and on the other hand existing marking areas do not have to be given up or reduced in size. The use of a marking tab according to the invention for retrofitting existing nozzles is therefore an important aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the marking section is placed before the connection between the nozzle and the product label is established so that the marking section is arranged in front of the product label.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the product label has a fastening element, wherein the Connecting section has a fixing opening corresponding to the fastening element, wherein the fastening element is passed through the fixing opening when the connection is made.

The method according to the invention can be further developed by the features already described in connection with the arrangement according to the invention.

Figur 1:

eine Schrägansicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Anordnung umfassend ein Zapfventil, eine Produktplakette und eine Kennzeichnungslasche;

Figur 2:

eine Vergrößerung eines Teilbereichs der Figur 1, wobei die Produktplakette von dem Zapfventil gelöst und die Kennzeichnungslasche entfernt ist;

Figur 3A:

eine Aufsicht auf den in Figur 2 gezeigten Teilbereich, wobei die Produktplakette entfernt und eine Kennzeichnungslasche hinzugefügt ist;

Figur 3B:

eine Aufsicht auf den in Figur 2 gezeigten Teilbereich, wobei eine Kennzeichnungslasche hinzugefügt ist und die Produktplakette mit dem Zapfventil verbunden ist;

Figur 4:

eine Aufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Kennzeichnungslasche.

An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawing, in which:

Figure 1:

an oblique view of an arrangement according to the invention comprising a dispensing valve, a product label and an identification tab;

Figure 2:

an enlargement of a part of the Figure 1 with the product label detached from the nozzle and the identification tab removed;

Figure 3A:

supervision of the Figure 2 portion shown with the product label removed and an identification tab added;

Figure 3B:

supervision of the Figure 2 shown portion, with an identification tab added and the product label connected to the dispensing valve;

Figure 4:

a plan view of a marking tab according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional oblique view of an arrangement according to the invention. The arrangement comprises a nozzle 1, with a front end 2 for dispensing a fuel and with a rear end 3, which is connected to a hose 4 for supplying the fuel. A product label 5 is connected to the nozzle 1. The product label 5 is arranged on the top of the nozzle 1 in front of the handle 16. An identification tab 6 according to the invention is clamped between the nozzle 1 and the product label 5. The identification tab 6 is made in one piece from a film and comprises an identification section 9 and a Figure 1 invisible connecting section which is covered by the product label 5. In addition to the upward-facing display area of the product label 5, the marking section 9 represents a further display area on which, for example, a label compliant with EU directives can be applied.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged section of the arrangement shown in Figure 1, wherein the product label 5 is detached from the nozzle 1 and the identification tab 6 has been removed for a better overview. In this view, it can be seen that the product label 5 has a circular clamping surface 12 on its underside and four fastening legs 8 projecting downwards from the clamping surface. The nozzle 1 has a circular counter-clamping surface 13 corresponding to the clamping surface 12 and four recesses 7 which are arranged in the counter-clamping surface 13. When making a connection between the product label 5 and the dispensing valve 1, the fastening legs 8 are inserted into the recesses 7, whereby a frictional connection is created between each of the fastening legs 8 and the respective corresponding recess 7.

Figure 3A shows a view of the Figure 2 shown section of the arrangement according to the invention, whereby the product label 5 is not shown for the sake of clarity. In contrast to Figure 2 However, the marking tab 6 has been added again and is indicated as a dashed line. In this view, it can be seen that the marking tab 6 has a connecting section 14. The connecting section 14 is circular and has a diameter of 40 mm. The connecting section 14 is aligned concentrically to the counter-clamping surface 13, so that the clamping effect acts on as large an area of the connecting section 14 as possible.

According to the invention, the connecting section 14 has four fixing openings 15, which are arranged above the recesses 7 after the correct positioning of the connecting section 14. When the product label 5 is placed on the nozzle 1, the fastening legs 8 are in this case guided through the fixing openings 15.

Figure 3B shows as well as Figure 3A supervision of the Figure 2 shown section of the arrangement according to the invention, wherein the product label 5 has now been placed on the nozzle 1. From the figure it can be seen that in addition to the display area of the product label 5, a further display area is provided by the marking section 9, which in the present case is provided with the diesel marking "B7" in accordance with the European directive.

In Figure 4 a plan view of an inventive marking tab 6 is shown. The marking tab is made of a film. The longitudinal axis of the marking tab 6 is indicated by a dot-dash line 20. When a connection is made between the marking tab 6 and a nozzle, the longitudinal axis 20 is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The marking tab 6 has a circular connecting section 14. At a circular arc section 17 of the connecting section 14, this is connected in one piece to a marking section 9. The circular arc section 17 has an opening angle 18 of 95°. The opening angle 18 is in Figure 4 illustrated by the dashed lines 23, 24. The center 21 of the circular arc section 17 is arranged at a circumferential angle of 0° with respect to the longitudinal axis 20.

Furthermore, the connecting section 14 comprises four fixing openings 15, which are arranged at circumferential angles of 55°, 125°, 235° and 305° relative to the longitudinal axis 20. The 55° circumferential angle 19 is in Figure 4 As an example, the first fixing opening 15 is drawn between the longitudinal axis 20 and the dotted line 22.

Claims (15)

1. Marking tab for nozzles, characterized in that it has a substantially circular connecting portion (14) and a marking portion (9) for the display of information, wherein the connecting portion (14) has a portion in the arc of a circle (17) at which the connecting portion (14) is connected to the marking portion (9) as a single piece, wherein the marking portion (9) faces radially outwards, viewed from the centre of the connecting portion (14), wherein at least one fixing opening (15) is arranged in the connecting portion (14), characterized in that the marking portion (9) and the connecting portion (14) are produced from a flat plastic material, wherein the connecting portion (14) has four fixing openings (15), and wherein the four fixing openings (15) are arranged at angles at the circumference, with respect to a longitudinal axis (20) of the marking tab, of X°, 180-X°, 180+X° and 360-X°, wherein X° stands for a value of the angle in the range between 10° and 80°.
2. Marking tab according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connecting portion (14) has a diameter in the range between 30 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 35 mm and 55 mm and more preferably between 35 mm and 45 mm.
3. Marking tab according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the marking portion (9) has a surface area of between 1 cm² and 20 cm², preferably between 1 cm² and 15 cm², more preferably between 1 cm² and 10 cm², more preferably between 1 cm² and 5 cm²; and/or in that the portion in an arc of a circle (17) extends over an opening angle of between 10° and 200°, preferably between 30° and 120°, more preferably between 80° and 100°; and/or in that the fixing opening (15) has a spacing from the edge of the connecting portion (14) which is between 2 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 4 mm and 7 mm.
4. Marking tab according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that X° stands for a value of the angle in the range between 30° and 70°.
5. Assembly which has a nozzle (1) for the output of a liquid and a product badge (5) connected to the nozzle (1), characterized in that the assembly has a marking tab (6) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting portion (14) is clamped between a clamping surface (12) of the product badge (5) and a mating clamping surface (13) of the nozzle (1).
6. Assembly according to Claim 5, characterized in that the product badge (5) has a fastening element (8) which, to establish the connection to the nozzle (1), is inserted into a corresponding recess (7) of the nozzle (1), wherein the fastening element (8) is passed through one of the fixing openings (15).
7. Assembly according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the cross-section of the connecting portion (14) of the marking tab (6) is covered by the product badge (5).
8. Assembly according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the marking portion (9) is arranged in front of the product badge (5).
9. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connecting portion (14) and/or the marking portion (9) has a material which is resistant to tearing and/or cold and/or heat and/or scratching and/or light and/or UV and/or ozone.
10. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the marking portion (9) and the connecting portion (14) are produced from the same material, in particular from a film.
11. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the marking tab (6) is produced as a single piece.
12. Assembly comprising a product badge (5) with a fastening element (8) for connection to a nozzle (1), characterized in that the product badge has a clamping surface (12) which, in the connected state, is situated opposite a mating clamping surface (13) of the nozzle (1), wherein the assembly furthermore comprises a marking tab (6) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the fastening element (8) is passed through the fixing opening (15).
13. Use of a marking tab for marking a nozzle, characterized in that the following steps are performed:

    a. Supplying a nozzle (1) which is configured to output a liquid, and a product badge (5), wherein the nozzle (1) and the product badge (5) are configured to establish a connection to each other, and wherein the product badge (5) has a clamping surface (12) and the nozzle (1) has a corresponding mating clamping surface (13);

    b. Placing a marking tab (6) according to one of Claims 1 to 4 between the clamping surface (12) and the mating clamping surface (13);

    c. Establishing a connection between the nozzle (1) and the product badge (5) such that the connecting portion (14) is clamped between the clamping surface (12) and the mating clamping surface (13).
14. Use according to Claim 13, characterized in that, before establishing the connection between the nozzle (1) and the product badge (5), the marking tab (14) is placed such that the marking portion (14) is arranged in front of the product badge (5).
15. Use according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the product badge (5) has a fastening element (8), wherein the connecting portion (14) has a fixing opening (15) corresponding to the fastening element (8), wherein the fastening element (8) is passed through the fixing opening (15) when the connection is established.

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