Fuel nozzle and filler tube system adapted for robotic refueling systems

摘要

A liquid fuel docking nozzle structure and associated fuel filler tube adapter are used to implement a robotic refueling system. A front surface of the docking nozzle tip is formed to have an outwardly spherical presentation while a mouth of the filler tube adapter is formed of a metallic material shaped as an inwardly tapering truncated conical section. The spherical nozzle tip is readily guided into position by the conical mouth of the filler tube adapter and maintains a seal therebetween appropriate to accommodate refueling even with slight movement of the vehicle being refueled such as might be caused by passengers exiting or entering the vehicle. Sensors spaced about a periphery of a boot surrounding the docking nozzle tip detect proper engagement of the docking nozzle into the mouth of the filler tube adapter. The sensors may be in the form of discrete pressure or proximity activated electrical switches. Alternatively, the sensors may be formed by three or more electrical contact terminals formed in the docking nozzle tip so as to create low current electrical contacts through the conical mouth section of the filler tube adapter. Refueling is commenced only after all nozzle sensor locations are detected to be properly positioned relative to the mouth of the filler tube adapter, while refueling operations are immediately terminated upon detecting a misalignment of any one of the sensors.