A fuel dispenser and fuel dispensing system

Abstract

The present specification provides a refueling gun and a refueling system, the refueling gun is configured to be electrically connected with a control system, the refueling gun comprises: a gun nozzle and a gun body with a main oil supply path; a sensing device for sensing liquid level information; a control valve for controlling the on-off between the main oil supply path and the gun nozzle in the oil inlet direction; a communication link is established between the control valve, the sensing device and the control system, the communication link can transmit a preset signal based on the liquid level information, and the control valve is configured to be controlled to be opened or closed by the control system based on the preset signal. The design of the refueling gun can simplify the structure of the end of the mechanical arm, so that the mechanical arm end does not need to be provided with a special mechanical transmission structure, and the operation of the refueling gun can be completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel refueling equipment technology, specifically to a fuel nozzle and a refueling system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, automated robots are gradually being applied to various industries, including the automated refueling industry at gas stations. Refueling robots have already been piloted at some gas stations with good results.

[0003] Currently, refueling robots are equipped with refueling nozzles during the refueling process. When the refueling robot needs to refuel a car, its robotic arm moves the nozzle to a designated position and operates the nozzle's switch handle to open the nozzle and begin refueling. The nozzle's switching mechanism is a relatively complex mechanical structure, requiring a specialized mechanical transmission structure at the end of the robotic arm to operate the nozzle's switch handle, and placing high demands on the positioning accuracy of the robotic arm's end effector. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve at least one technical problem existing in the prior art, one object of this application is to provide a refueling nozzle and a refueling system. The design of the refueling nozzle can simplify the structure of the end effector of the robotic arm, so that the end effector of the robotic arm does not need to be equipped with a special mechanical transmission structure to complete the operation of the refueling nozzle.

[0005] To achieve at least one of the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A fuel nozzle is configured to be electrically connected to a control system, the fuel nozzle comprising: a nozzle and a nozzle body having a main fuel supply line; a sensing device for sensing and indicating liquid level information; and a control valve for controlling the on / off connection between the main fuel supply line and the nozzle in the fuel inlet direction.

[0007] A communication link is established between the control valve, the sensing device, and the control system. The communication link can transmit a preset signal based on the liquid level information. The control valve is configured to be controlled to open or close by the control system based on the preset signal.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the sensing device includes: a pressure chamber disposed within the gun body; a pressure sensing unit for sensing the pressure inside the pressure chamber; a sensing pipeline disposed within the nozzle, the sensing pipeline being connected to the pressure chamber; and a sensing through hole connected to the sensing pipeline being disposed on the side wall of the nozzle.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle has a chamber, and an oil and gas recovery gas path is provided in the chamber. An oil and gas recovery through hole connected to the oil and gas recovery gas path is provided on the side wall of the nozzle. The oil and gas recovery gas path is connected to the sensing pipeline through a branch pipe. In the oil inlet direction, the branch pipe is located upstream of the oil and gas recovery through hole. The oil and gas recovery gas path is connected to a vacuum pump.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the oil and gas recovery gas path is located at the lower part of the chamber relative to the sensing pipeline, and the oil and gas recovery through hole is located upstream of the sensing through hole in the oil inlet direction.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the refueling nozzle further includes a recovery cover, which is connected to the nozzle and located upstream of the oil and gas recovery through hole, and the outer contour dimension of the recovery cover is larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the sensing device further includes: an optical fiber liquid level switch disposed on the side wall of the nozzle or inside the nozzle, the optical fiber liquid level switch being used to sense liquid and being cut off after sensing liquid.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensing unit is a pressure switch configured to be in a cut-off state after sensing that the pressure has reached a threshold; the control system controls the control valve to close when at least one of the pressure switch and the fiber optic level switch is in a cut-off state.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the gun body is provided with a cable interface, and the control system is connected to the pressure switch, the fiber optic level switch and the control valve through the cable interface.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the refueling nozzle includes: an explosion-proof junction box; multiple cable interfaces are provided on the explosion-proof junction box; the control valve is connected to the explosion-proof junction box via a first connecting device; the pressure switch is connected to the explosion-proof junction box via a second connecting device; and the fiber optic level switch is connected to the explosion-proof junction box via a third connecting device.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the control valve is a solenoid valve, and the control system is configured to supply power to the solenoid valve.

[0017] A refueling system includes any of the described refueling nozzles and a control system.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment, the system also includes a refueling robot, to which the refueling nozzle is attached.

[0019] Beneficial effects:

[0020] The refueling nozzle and refueling system provided in this application replace the traditional refueling nozzle's switch handle with a control valve. By establishing a communication link between the control valve and the sensing device and the control system, the control system can directly control the opening or closing of the control valve. This refueling nozzle reduces the complexity of the refueling robot's robotic arm, eliminating the need for a dedicated mechanical transmission structure at the end of the arm. The end of the arm only needs to hold the refueling nozzle, simplifying the structure of the refueling robot, reducing the weight of the robotic arm, and improving its stability.

[0021] Specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, indicating how the principles of the invention can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in scope as a result.

[0022] Features described and / or illustrated for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments.

[0023] It should be emphasized that the term "including / comprises" as used herein refers to the presence of a feature, whole, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, or components. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the refueling nozzle structure in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1. Control valve; 2. Explosion-proof junction box; 3. Pressure chamber; 4. Pressure sensing unit; 5. Fiber optic level switch; 6. Nozzle; 7. Recovery cover; 21. First connecting device; 22. Second connecting device; 23. Third connecting device; 24. Fourth connecting device; 61. Oil and gas recovery gas path; 62. Oil and gas recovery through hole; 63. Sensing pipeline; 64. Sensing through hole; 65. Branch pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0029] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or may be interposed with another element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or may be interposed with another element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementations.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this specification provides a refueling nozzle configured to be electrically connected to a control system (not shown). The refueling nozzle includes: a nozzle 6 and a nozzle body having a main oil supply line; a sensing device for sensing and indicating liquid level information; a control valve 1 for controlling the on / off connection between the main oil supply line and the nozzle 6 in the oil inlet direction; a communication link is established between the control valve 1, the sensing device and the control system, the communication link being able to transmit a preset signal based on the liquid level information, and the control valve 1 being configured to be controlled by the control system to open or close based on the preset signal.

[0032] The refueling nozzle described in this manual uses a control valve instead of the traditional refueling nozzle's switch handle. By establishing a communication link between the control valve and the sensing device and the control system, the control system can directly control the opening or closing of the control valve. This refueling nozzle reduces the complexity of the refueling robot's robotic arm, eliminating the need for a dedicated mechanical transmission structure at the end of the robotic arm.

[0033] The fuel supply line of the refueling nozzle is connected to the fuel pump. When the fuel pump starts and the control valve is open, fuel is pumped out by the fuel pump and flows sequentially through the fuel supply line, the control valve, and the nozzle to the fuel tank. When refueling a fixed quantity, the control system starts refueling and controls the start and stop of the refueling system based on the accumulated flow from the flow meter. At this time, the fuel nozzle control valve is completely controlled by the refueling robot control system. When the flow meter accumulates to the specified flow, the control system issues a stop command, and both the control valve and the fuel pump close, ending the refueling process.

[0034] In this specification, the control valve 1 has an open state and a closed state. In the open state, oil can reach the nozzle 6 via the main oil supply line; in the closed state, oil can be blocked and thus not supplied to the nozzle 9. To enable the control system to electrically control the control valve 1, the control valve 1 is preferably a solenoid valve. When the control valve 1 is a solenoid valve, the control system is also configured to provide electrical energy to the solenoid valve, thereby controlling the solenoid valve to engage or disengage after being powered, realizing the connection and disconnection between the main oil supply line and the nozzle 6.

[0035] When a fuel dispenser is filling a fuel tank, it often needs to determine if the tank is full. Traditional fuel dispensers are equipped with an automatic shut-off mechanism that closes the valve once the tank is full, stopping further fuel supply. In this manual, the fuel dispenser is equipped with a sensor to determine if the tank is full.

[0036] In some embodiments, the sensing device includes: a pressure chamber 3 disposed in the gun body; a pressure sensing unit 4 for sensing the pressure inside the pressure chamber 3; a sensing line 63 disposed in the nozzle 6, the sensing line 63 being connected to the pressure chamber 3, and a sensing through hole 64 connected to the sensing line 63 being disposed on the side wall of the nozzle 6.

[0037] Specifically, the pressure chamber 63 is connected to the sensing line 63, which is connected to the sensing through-hole 64 on the side wall of the nozzle 6. The sensing through-hole 64 is generally located upstream of the nozzle 6 outlet. As gasoline is added to the tank, air in the tank continuously enters the sensing line 63 through the sensing through-hole 64 and then enters the pressure chamber 3 along the sensing line 63. However, when the tank is almost full, or even when the fuel blocks the sensing through-hole 64, no more gas will enter the pressure chamber 3 along the sensing line 63, causing a change in pressure within the pressure chamber 3. After sensing this change, the pressure sensing unit 4 transmits a preset signal to the control system via a communication link. The control system then controls the control valve 1 to close, cutting off the main fuel supply line to the nozzle 6.

[0038] The pressure sensing unit 4 is preferably a pressure switch, which disconnects when a threshold is reached. The control system responds to the signal of disconnection on the communication link and controls the control valve 1 to close. The threshold can be an empirical value.

[0039] In order to ensure that air in the fuel tank can enter the pressure chamber 3 during the fuel filling process, a negative pressure needs to be formed upstream of the sensing line 63 to draw air into the sensing line 63 and into the pressure chamber 3.

[0040] In some embodiments, the nozzle 6 has a chamber, and an oil and gas recovery passage 61 is provided in the chamber. An oil and gas recovery through hole 62 connected to the oil and gas recovery passage 61 is provided on the side wall of the nozzle 6. The oil and gas recovery passage 61 is connected to the sensing pipeline 63 through a branch pipe 65. In the oil inlet direction, the branch pipe 65 is located upstream of the oil and gas recovery through hole 62. The oil and gas recovery passage 61 is connected to a vacuum pump (not shown).

[0041] During refueling, the control system activates the vacuum pump. Since the vacuum pump is connected to the vapor recovery gas path 61, gas enters the vacuum pump through the vapor recovery through-hole 62 and the vapor recovery gas path 61. Simultaneously, a small portion of the gas enters the vacuum pump through the sensing line 63 and the branch pipe 65. At this time, the pressure chamber 3 connected to the sensing line 63 is under a slight negative pressure. Under this slight negative pressure, air from the fuel tank will enter the pressure chamber 3 through the vapor recovery through-hole 62 and the sensing line 63 during refueling. The branch pipe is a pipe with a smaller diameter.

[0042] In this embodiment, the vacuum pump not only provides a negative pressure state for the pressure chamber 3, but also performs oil and gas recovery during the refueling process. Furthermore, the oil and gas recovery gas path 61 is located below the induction line 63 in the nozzle 6 chamber, and the oil and gas recovery through-hole 62 is located upstream of the induction through-hole 64 in the oil inlet direction, so as to more effectively draw in the volatile oil and gas.

[0043] In this specification, the refueling nozzle further includes a recovery cover 7, which is connected to the nozzle 6 and positioned upstream of the vapor recovery through-hole 62. The outer contour dimension of the recovery cover 7 is larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle 6. In this embodiment, providing the recovery cover 7 on the nozzle 6 allows for more efficient collection of vapors, maximizing the recovery of more vapors through the vapor recovery through-hole 62. The outer contour dimension of the recovery cover 7 is also larger than the outer diameter of the vehicle's fuel tank opening.

[0044] In some embodiments, the sensing device further includes a fiber optic liquid level switch 5 disposed on the side wall of the nozzle 6 or inside the nozzle 6. The fiber optic liquid level switch 5 is used to sense liquid and is in a cut-off state after sensing liquid. Specifically, when the fiber optic liquid level switch 5 is disposed on the side wall of the nozzle 6, the side wall has a groove for mounting the fiber optic liquid level switch 5. The fiber optic liquid level switch 5 is normally closed; when the fiber optic probe contacts the liquid surface, the liquid level switch automatically disconnects.

[0045] In this embodiment, to improve the reliability of the fuel nozzle shut-off, two shut-off methods are employed, and shut-off can be completed if either method is satisfied. When the gasoline level reaches the sensing orifice 64, the gasoline blocks the sensing orifice 64. Since no gas enters the pressure chamber 3 along the sensing line 63, the pressure in the pressure chamber 3 will further decrease, meaning the negative pressure in the pressure chamber 3 will increase and reach the threshold. Additionally, when the gasoline level contacts the fiber optic level switch 5, the fiber optic deflection rate changes. If either of these two conditions is met, the control system closes the control valve 1, and refueling stops.

[0046] In some embodiments, the pressure sensing unit 4 is a pressure switch configured to be in a cut-off state after sensing that the pressure has reached a threshold; the control system controls the control valve 1 to close when at least one of the pressure switch and the fiber optic level switch 5 is in a cut-off state.

[0047] Furthermore, the control valve 1 is preferably a solenoid valve, and the control system is configured to supply power to the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve, pressure switch, and fiber optic level switch are connected in series. Since a series control loop is formed, if either the pressure switch or the fiber optic level switch is disconnected, the entire series control loop is broken, and the control system can cut off the power supply to the solenoid valve coil. During the refueling process, when the refueling machine control system detects that the refueling flow is zero, the control system shuts down the refueling pump and stops the power supply to the refueling nozzle, thus ending the refueling process.

[0048] In this embodiment, when either the pressure switch or the fiber optic level switch is disconnected, the control system cuts off the power supply circuit of the solenoid valve, the solenoid valve is electrically closed, and the communication link sends a preset signal to the control system. Even after the fiber optic level switch and the pressure switch are reconnected, the control valve 1 will not be reopened.

[0049] In this embodiment, the control system includes a detection module that detects the current value of the communication link. When an open circuit occurs in the communication link, the current value decreases rapidly or drops to 0A. Based on the detected current value, the solenoid valve is controlled to be in a closed state. The pressure switch, fiber optic level switch, control system, and solenoid valve form a series control loop, and the control system supplies power to the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is either normally open or normally closed; preferably, it is a direct-acting normally closed type with a working voltage of 24VDC. The control system applies a 24V DC voltage to the solenoid valve and detects the current of the entire control loop. When the control system issues a refueling command, it provides a 24V DC voltage to the refueling nozzle while starting the refueling pump. When the control system detects that the current in the control loop is less than a threshold, it determines that the refueling operation is complete and cuts off the 24V power supply.

[0050] To form a series circuit, a cable interface is provided on the nozzle body in this specification. The control system is connected to the pressure switch, the fiber optic level switch 5, and the control valve 1 through the cable interface. By forming a series circuit between the pressure switch, the fiber optic level switch, the control system, and the solenoid valve, the communication link can respond quickly. When at least one of the pressure switch and the fiber optic level switch is in the off state, the solenoid valve automatically loses power and disconnects. At this time, the control system detects the current value of the series control circuit and cancels the power supply to the solenoid valve, that is, the solenoid valve is in the closed state. Subsequently, the nozzle is pulled out and will not be triggered again to refill the nozzle.

[0051] Specifically, the refueling nozzle includes: an explosion-proof junction box 2; multiple cable interfaces are provided on the explosion-proof junction box 2; the control valve 1 is connected to the explosion-proof junction box 2 via a first connecting device 21; the pressure switch is connected to the explosion-proof junction box 2 via a second connecting device 22; and the fiber optic level switch 5 is connected to the explosion-proof junction box 2 via a third connecting device 23. Therefore, a communication link is formed between the first connecting device 21, the second connecting device 22, and the third connecting device 23. The control system is also connected to the explosion-proof junction box 2 via a fourth connecting device 24. The first connecting device 21, the second connecting device 22, the third connecting device 23, and the fourth connecting device are specifically cables.

[0052] This specification also provides a refueling system, including any of the refueling nozzles and a control system described above. The refueling system provided in this specification can solve the technical problems addressed by the above embodiments and achieve the corresponding technical effects of the above implementation methods; specific details will not be elaborated further here.

[0053] In this specification, the refueling system also includes a refueling robot, to which the refueling nozzle is attached. When the refueling nozzle is used in conjunction with the refueling robot, it can be connected to the refueling machine using a conventional hose to reliably secure the robotic arm of the refueling robot to the refueling nozzle.

[0054] In one application scenario, when a refueling robot needs to refuel a car, its robotic arm moves the fuel nozzle to a designated position, opens the car's fuel tank cap, and the nozzle remains in standby mode with the control valve closed. The control system provides DC voltage to the nozzle to open the solenoid valve. When the control system issues a refueling command, the refueling pump is activated, and fuel flows through the solenoid valve into the nozzle, refueling the car's fuel tank.

[0055] The refueling robot control system issues a command, simultaneously opening the fuel pump and the fuel nozzle solenoid valve, thus connecting the fuel nozzle's fuel line and allowing gasoline to be dispensed into the vehicle. During the refueling process, when the fuel tank is full, gasoline contacts the fiber optic level switch. When the fiber optic level switch detects a change in deflection rate reaching a threshold, it disconnects and cuts off the power supply to the solenoid valve, causing it to close. At this point, the control system detects that the refueling flow rate has reached zero, and the refueling robot stops refueling. Alternatively, when the fuel tank is full, the liquid may not cover the sensing orifice, which may be blocked by gasoline. The vapor recovery vacuum pump remains operational, further reducing the pressure in the sensing line and pressure chamber. Once the pressure reaches a threshold, the pressure switch disconnects and cuts off the power supply to the solenoid valve, causing it to close. At this point, the control system detects that the refueling flow rate has reached zero, and the refueling robot stops refueling.

[0056] All articles and references disclosed herein, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for various purposes. The term “substantially constitutes…” used to describe a combination should include the identified elements, components, parts, or steps, as well as other elements, components, parts, or steps that do not substantially affect the essential novelty of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, components, parts, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments substantially constituted by such elements, components, parts, or steps. The use of the term “may” herein is intended to indicate that any described attribute included by “may” is optional.

[0057] It should be understood that the above description is for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Many embodiments and applications beyond the provided examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of this teaching should not be determined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. For purposes of completeness, all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the preceding claims is not intended as a waiver of that subject matter, nor should it be construed as an indication that the inventors have not considered that subject matter as part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

1. A refueling nozzle, characterized in that, Configured to be electrically connected to a control system, the fuel nozzle includes: a nozzle and a nozzle body having a main fuel supply line; a sensing device for sensing and indicating liquid level information; and a control valve for controlling the on / off connection between the main fuel supply line and the nozzle in the fuel inlet direction. The sensing device includes: a pressure chamber disposed in the gun body; a pressure sensing unit for sensing the pressure inside the pressure chamber; a sensing pipeline disposed in the nozzle, the sensing pipeline being connected to the pressure chamber, and a sensing through hole connected to the sensing pipeline being disposed on the side wall of the nozzle. The nozzle has a chamber, and an oil and gas recovery gas path is provided in the chamber. An oil and gas recovery through hole connected to the oil and gas recovery gas path is provided on the side wall of the nozzle. The oil and gas recovery gas path is connected to the sensing pipeline through a branch pipe. In the oil inlet direction, the branch pipe is located upstream of the oil and gas recovery through hole. The oil and gas recovery gas path is connected to a vacuum pump. A communication link is established between the control valve, the sensing device, and the control system. The communication link can transmit a preset signal based on the liquid level information. The control valve is configured to be controlled to open or close by the control system based on the preset signal.

2. The refueling nozzle as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The oil and gas recovery gas path is located at the lower part of the chamber relative to the sensing pipeline, and the oil and gas recovery through hole is located upstream of the sensing through hole in the oil inlet direction.

3. The refueling nozzle as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refueling nozzle further includes a recovery cover, which is connected to the nozzle and located upstream of the oil and gas recovery through hole. The outer contour dimension of the recovery cover is larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle.

4. The refueling nozzle as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing device further includes: an optical fiber liquid level switch disposed on the side wall of the nozzle or inside the nozzle, the optical fiber liquid level switch being used to sense liquid and to cut off the state after sensing liquid.

5. The refueling nozzle as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure sensing unit is a pressure switch, configured to be in a cut-off state after sensing that the pressure has reached a threshold; the control system controls the control valve to close when at least one of the pressure switch and the fiber optic level switch is in a cut-off state.

6. The refueling nozzle as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The gun body is provided with a cable interface, and the control system is connected to the pressure switch, the fiber optic level switch and the control valve through the cable interface.

7. The refueling nozzle as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The refueling nozzle includes: an explosion-proof junction box; multiple cable interfaces are provided on the explosion-proof junction box; the control valve is connected to the explosion-proof junction box via a first connecting device; the pressure switch is connected to the explosion-proof junction box via a second connecting device; and the fiber optic level switch is connected to the explosion-proof junction box via a third connecting device.

8. The refueling nozzle as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The control valve is a solenoid valve, and the control system is configured to supply power to the solenoid valve.

9. A refueling system, characterized in that, Includes the refueling nozzle and control system as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The refueling system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a refueling robot, to which the refueling nozzle is attached.

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