JP7594494B2 - Fuel gas filling device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a fuel gas filling device that fills a fuel tank of a vehicle with a fuel gas, such as hydrogen gas.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a fuel gas filling device that fills a fuel tank of a vehicle with a fuel gas such as hydrogen gas. The fuel gas filling device of Patent Document 1 has an arm provided on the top of a dispenser housing, and a filling nozzle is connected to a wire that is unwound from this arm. This makes it possible for the fuel gas filling device of Patent Document 1 to prevent the filling nozzle from colliding with the ground even if it falls from the vehicle or the hand of an operator. In the case of the fuel gas filling device of Patent Document 1, the connection between the arm and the wire is provided with a release mechanism (connector 38A of intermediate connector 38) that releases the connection when excessive external force is applied to the filling nozzle.

JP 2020-133825 A

The release mechanism of Patent Document 1 is composed of a fragile connector made of a synthetic resin material. In contrast to this, as the release mechanism, for example, a separation joint, i.e., a configuration in which a first joint and a second joint that can be separated are connected by a shear pin, can be considered. With this configuration, when an excessive external force is applied to the filling nozzle, the shear pin breaks, and the first joint and the second joint can be separated. However, in the case of such a configuration, for example, when the filling nozzle is dropped from the hand of an operator, the impact accompanying this drop is applied to the shear pin, and the shear pin may become fatigued (for example, metal fatigue). As a result, even if there is no emergency such as a vehicle erroneously starting while filling fuel gas, the shear pin may break due to fatigue (fatigue failure), and the first joint and the second joint may be separated.

The objective of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a fuel gas filling device that can prevent the first and second joints from separating even when there is no emergency.

One embodiment of the present invention is a fuel gas filling device that includes a filling nozzle connected to a gas supply line by a gas supply connection line, and a housing, and fills a fuel tank of a vehicle with fuel gas using the filling nozzle. The device includes a separation means that separates the gas supply connection line and the gas supply line, or the gas supply connection line on the filling nozzle side and the gas supply connection line on the gas supply line side in an emergency, a wire that connects the filling nozzle and the housing, a first joint connected to the filling nozzle or the wire on the filling nozzle side, a second joint connected to the wire on the housing or the wire on the housing side, a fastening member that fastens the first joint and the second joint, an elastic member that is provided between the first joint and the second joint and applies a force in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first joint is separated from the second joint, and a hole that is provided in one of the first joint and the second joint and allows the fastening member to be displaced relative to the one joint when the first joint and the second joint are displaced relative to each other.

In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is a fuel gas filling device that includes a filling nozzle connected to a gas supply line by a gas supply connection line, and a housing, and fills a fuel tank of a vehicle with fuel gas using the filling nozzle, the device comprising: a separation means for separating, in an emergency, the gas supply connection line and the gas supply line, or the gas supply connection line on the filling nozzle side and the gas supply connection line on the gas supply line side; a wire connecting between the filling nozzle and the housing; and a wire connected to the filling nozzle or the wire on the filling nozzle side. The device includes a first joint connected to the housing or the wire on the housing side, a first fastening member that fastens the first joint and the second joint, a recess that is provided in one of the first and second joints and extends in a direction in which the first and second joints are displaced relative to each other at a position removed from the first fastening member, and a second fastening member that is provided in the recess and engages with the recess when the first fastening member breaks, thereby maintaining the first and second joints in a fastened state.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, unnecessary separation between the first joint and the second joint can be suppressed.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a fuel gas filling device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a front view of the dispenser unit in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a dispenser unit in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a left side view of the dispenser unit as seen from the left side of FIG. 2 . 1A to 1C are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing a wire, a first joint, a second joint, a fastening member, etc. according to a first embodiment in three different states. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first joint and the second joint taken along the direction of arrows VI-VI in FIG. 5. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken in the same position as FIG. 6, showing another example of the cross-sectional shape of the first joint and the second joint. FIG. 10A to 10C are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing a wire, a first joint, a second joint, a first fastening member, a second fastening member, etc. according to a second embodiment in three different states. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a wire, a first joint, a second joint, a first fastening member, a second fastening member, etc. according to a first modified example. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a wire, a first joint, a second joint, a first fastening member, a second fastening member, etc. according to a second modified example. FIG.

The following describes an embodiment of a fuel gas filling device, taking as an example a hydrogen gas filling device for a vehicle that fills a vehicle's fuel tank (filling tank) with hydrogen gas, with reference to the attached drawings.

Figures 1 to 6 show a first embodiment. In Figure 1, a hydrogen gas filling device 1 fills a fuel tank 72 (hereinafter referred to as a filling tank 72) of a vehicle 71 such as a fuel cell vehicle with compressed hydrogen gas (fuel gas, filling gas). The hydrogen gas filling device 1 for a vehicle is installed, for example, in a facility (fuel supply station) called a hydrogen gas supply station. The hydrogen gas filling device 1 includes a gas accumulator 2 as a gas storage section (storage tank) that stores hydrogen gas compressed to high pressure, a dispenser unit 3 as a filling mechanism that fills the hydrogen gas from the gas accumulator 2 into the filling tank 72 of the vehicle 71, and a hydrogen gas supply pipe 5 that extends from the gas accumulator 2 to inside a dispenser housing 4 of the dispenser unit 3.

The gas accumulator 2 is a hydrogen gas supply source that stores hydrogen gas compressed to high pressure. That is, hydrogen gas that serves as fuel gas is stored in the gas accumulator 2 as an accumulator. The gas accumulator 2 is connected to the dispenser unit 3. The gas accumulator 2 constitutes a gas storage section that stores hydrogen gas compressed to high pressure on the upstream side of the hydrogen gas supply line 5. The dispenser unit 3 is composed of a dispenser housing 4, a filling hose 6 as a gas supply connection line, a filling nozzle 7, a nozzle hanger 9, a flow rate adjustment valve 12, a shutoff valve 13, a heat exchanger 15, a flow meter 17, a pressure sensor 18, a temperature sensor 19, a filling start switch 20, a filling stop switch 21, a depressurization valve 23, and a control device 24 (control circuit) that serves as a controller (control unit).

The dispenser housing 4 as a housing constitutes the building (box body) that forms the outer shape of the dispenser unit 3, and is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped (box-like) shape that is long in the vertical direction. The dispenser housing 4 contains a hydrogen gas supply pipe 5, a flow rate control valve 12, a shutoff valve 13, a heat exchanger 15, a pressure sensor 18, a temperature sensor 19, a control device 24, etc. A display unit 25 is provided as a display device on the front side of the dispenser housing 4 that faces the worker performing the hydrogen gas filling work and the customer. The display unit 25 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, a liquid crystal touch panel, etc.

A nozzle hanger 9 to which the filling nozzle 7 is removably hung is provided on the side of the dispenser housing 4. The nozzle hanger 9 corresponds to a holder that holds the filling nozzle 7. The filling nozzle 7 is hung on the nozzle hanger 9 when hydrogen gas is not being filled (i.e., when waiting for the filling operation). When filling hydrogen gas, the filling nozzle 7 is removed from the nozzle hanger 9 by the worker performing the filling operation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5 is disposed in the dispenser housing 4 and supplies pressurized hydrogen gas from the gas accumulator 2 toward the filling hose 6. For this purpose, the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5 as a gas supply pipe is connected at its upstream side to the gas accumulator 2. That is, the gas accumulator 2 side of the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5 is the upstream side, and the filling hose 6 side is the downstream side. A filling hose 6 as a fuel hose extending to the outside of the dispenser housing 4 is connected to the downstream end of the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5. A flexible pressure-resistant hose is used as the filling hose 6. The base end of the filling hose 6 is connected to the downstream end of the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5. A filling nozzle 7 is provided at the tip of the filling hose 6, which is connected to the filling port 72A of the filling tank 72.

3 and 4, the filling hose 6 includes a first hose 6A that is the hose on the filling nozzle 7 side and a second hose 6B that is the hose on the dispenser housing 4 side (in other words, the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5 side). The first hose 6A and the second hose 6B are connected via an emergency release coupling 8. The first hose 6A on the filling nozzle 7 side is connected to the filling nozzle 7 at its tip end. The base end of the first hose 6A is connected to the nozzle side joint 8A of the emergency release coupling 8. The second hose 6B on the dispenser housing 4 side is connected to the housing side joint 8B of the emergency release coupling 8 at its tip end. The base end of the second hose 6B is connected to the downstream end of the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5. The filling hose 6, together with the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5, constitutes a hydrogen gas filling path (fuel gas filling path). The hydrogen gas filling path is a path (pipe) for filling gas into a filling tank 72 mounted on a vehicle 71 that runs on hydrogen gas as fuel.

The emergency release coupling 8 is provided at a midpoint of the filling hose 6, which serves as the gas supply connection path, that is, between the first hose 6A on the filling nozzle 7 side and the second hose 6B on the dispenser housing 4 side (in other words, the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 side). The emergency release coupling 8 connects the first hose 6A and the second hose 6B, and is a safety device that separates them in an emergency. The emergency release coupling 8 separates when the filling hose 6 is pulled with a strong force, for example, when the vehicle 71 erroneously starts during or after filling with hydrogen gas. The emergency release coupling 8 has a valve body (shutoff valve) provided inside to prevent hydrogen gas from being released from the filling hose 6 when it is separated. The second hose 6B may be the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 extended from inside the dispenser housing 4, which serves as the housing.

The emergency release coupling 8 includes a nozzle-side joint 8A connected to the first hose 6A on the filling nozzle 7 side, a housing-side joint 8B connected to the second hose 6B on the dispenser housing 4 side (in other words, the hydrogen gas supply line 5 side), and a shear pin (not shown) that serves as a temporary connection member provided between the nozzle-side joint 8A and the housing-side joint 8B. The shear pin breaks in an emergency, i.e., when a large force is applied between the nozzle-side joint 8A and the housing-side joint 8B, thereby allowing the nozzle-side joint 8A and the housing-side joint 8B to separate. In this way, the emergency release coupling 8 is a separation means that separates the first hose 6A on the filling nozzle 7 side from the second hose 6B on the hydrogen gas supply line 5 side in an emergency.

The filling nozzle 7 is airtightly connected to the tip of the filling hose 6 (first hose 6A), forming a so-called filling coupling. The filling nozzle 7 is connected to the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, the hydrogen gas supply line 5) by the filling hose 6 (hoses 6A, 6B). An on-off valve (not shown) is built into the filling nozzle 7. The on-off valve can be switched between an "open position" that allows the flow of hydrogen gas and a "closed position" that blocks the flow of hydrogen gas.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tip side of the filling nozzle 7 is a connection coupler 7A, which is detachably connected to the filling port 72A, which is the connection port of the tank 72 to be filled. That is, the connection coupler 7A of the filling nozzle 7 is detachably connected in an airtight state to the filling port 72A of the tank 72 to be filled when hydrogen gas is supplied to the tank 72 to be filled in the vehicle 71 through the pipeline inside the filling nozzle 7. The filling nozzle 7 also has a locking mechanism (not shown) that can be detachably locked to the filling port 72A of the tank 72 to be filled. This prevents the filling nozzle 7 from accidentally coming off the filling port 72A when filling hydrogen gas.

High-pressure hydrogen gas in the gas accumulator 2 is filled into the tank 72 of the vehicle 71 through the hydrogen gas supply line 5, the filling hose 6, and the filling nozzle 7, with the filling nozzle 7 locked to the filling port 72A of the tank 72 by a locking mechanism. That is, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 includes the filling nozzle 7 and the dispenser housing 4, and fills the tank 72 of the vehicle 71 with hydrogen gas using the filling nozzle 7. The filling nozzle 7 is held by the nozzle hanger 9 when the filling operation is not being performed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser unit 3 is provided with an inlet valve 11 located in the hydrogen gas supply line 5 and opened and closed, for example, manually, a flow rate adjustment valve 12 connected downstream of the inlet valve 11 and opened and closed by a control device 24 to adjustably control the flow rate of fuel flowing through the hydrogen gas supply line 5, and a shutoff valve 13 connected downstream of the flow rate adjustment valve 12. Note that the arrangement (attachment order) of the flow meter 17, flow rate adjustment valve 12, and shutoff valve 13, which are provided from the upstream side to the downstream side of the hydrogen gas supply line 5, is not limited to the order shown in FIG. 1.

The inlet valve 11 is located inside the dispenser housing 4 and is provided midway through the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5. The inlet valve 11 is attached as necessary and may be omitted if not required. The flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13 constitute a control device that controls the flow (i.e., flow rate, pressure) of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5. The flow meter 17, the pressure sensor 18, and the temperature sensor 19 constitute measuring devices that measure the condition (i.e., flow rate, pressure, temperature) of the hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5.

The flow rate control valve 12 provided in the dispenser unit 3 is, for example, a pneumatically operated valve device that opens when air is supplied and adjusts the valve opening degree by controlling the control pressure (air pressure) with a control signal (control current). The flow rate control valve 12 is controlled to an arbitrary valve opening degree by commands based on the control program of the control device 24, and variably controls the flow rate and hydrogen gas pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing in the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5.

Shut-off valve 13 is an electromagnetic or pneumatically operated valve device provided at a midpoint in hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 (for example, between flow control valve 12 and cooler 14). Shut-off valve 13 opens and closes based on a control signal from control device 24, thereby allowing or blocking the flow of hydrogen gas (fuel gas, filler gas) in hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5.

That is, the control device 24 controls the opening and closing of the flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13 when hydrogen gas is filled into the filling tank 72 of the vehicle 71 through the filling nozzle 7, or when filling of hydrogen gas is stopped (ended). The flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13 are provided midway through the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5, and correspond to supply control valves that supply hydrogen gas in the gas accumulator 2 to the filling nozzle 7 by opening them.

The cooler 14 is a cooling device for cooling the hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas supply line 5. The cooler 14 cools the hydrogen gas at an intermediate position in the hydrogen gas supply line 5 to suppress a rise in temperature of the hydrogen gas being filled into the filling tank 72. That is, the cooler 14 cools the hydrogen gas being supplied to the vehicle 71 (filling tank 72) through the hydrogen gas supply line 5. The cooler 14 includes a heat exchanger 15 located between the shutoff valve 13 and the temperature sensor 19 and provided at an intermediate position in the hydrogen gas supply line 5, and a chiller unit 16 connected to the heat exchanger 15 through refrigerant lines 14A and 14B and equipped with a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a compressor or a pump.

The cooler 14 is provided with a supply-side refrigerant pipe 14A that supplies a refrigerant (e.g., a liquid containing ethylene glycol) from the chiller unit 16 toward the heat exchanger 15, and a return-side refrigerant pipe 14B that returns the refrigerant after heat exchange from the heat exchanger 15 toward the chiller unit 16. The chiller unit 16 circulates the refrigerant between the heat exchanger 15 via the refrigerant pipes 14A and 14B. As a result, the heat exchanger 15 of the cooler 14 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the hydrogen gas flowing in the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5, and reduces the temperature of the hydrogen gas supplied toward the filling hose 6 to a specified temperature (e.g., -33 to -40°C).

A Coriolis-type flowmeter 17 is provided within the dispenser housing 4, located midway through the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5 and measuring the mass flow rate of the measured fluid. The flowmeter 17 measures the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5, for example, between the inlet valve 11 and the flow rate control valve 12, and outputs the measurement result (detection signal) to the control device 24. The control device 24 calculates the amount of hydrogen gas filled into the filling tank 72 of the vehicle 71, and displays the amount of hydrogen gas fuel dispensed (corresponding to the amount of fuel refueled) on the display unit 25 or the like. This allows the displayed content to be notified to, for example, a customer.

The pressure sensor 18 is provided in the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 downstream of the shutoff valve 13 (i.e., on the filling nozzle 7 side). The pressure sensor 18 detects the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the gas accumulator 2 (i.e., the pressure of the filled tank 72, or the pressure midway through the pipeline that is approximately equivalent to the pressure in the filled tank 72). The pressure sensor 18 measures the pressure in the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 near the filling nozzle 7, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the measured pressure to the control device 24.

The temperature sensor 19 is located between the shutoff valve 13 and the pressure sensor 18 and is provided in the hydrogen gas supply line 5. The temperature sensor 19 detects the temperature of the hydrogen gas flowing in the hydrogen gas supply line 5 and outputs the detection result (detection signal) to the control device 24. The positional relationship between the temperature sensor 19 and the pressure sensor 18 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 1, and may be reversed, for example.

The filling start switch 20 and the filling stop switch 21 are provided, for example, on the front side of the dispenser housing 4. The filling start switch 20 and the filling stop switch 21 are switches that can be manually operated, for example, by an operator at a fuel supply station (hydrogen station). The filling start switch 20 is operated when starting to fill hydrogen gas. The filling stop switch 21 is operated when stopping filling of gas during hydrogen gas filling. The filling start switch 20 and the filling stop switch 21 each output a signal according to their operating state to the control device 24. As a result, the control device 24 opens or closes the shutoff valve 13 in response to these signals.

Downstream of the shutoff valve 13 in the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5, a depressurization pipeline 22 is provided, for example, from the filling hose 6 side to release gas pressure. A depressurization valve 23, which is, for example, an electromagnetic or pneumatically operated valve device, is provided midway in the depressurization pipeline 22. The depressurization valve 23 is controlled to open based on a signal from the control device 24 when the hydrogen gas filling operation using the filling hose 6 (filling nozzle 7) is completed and the shutoff valve 13 is closed. The depressurization valve 23 is a normally closed valve.

When removing the connection coupler 7A of the filling nozzle 7 from the filling port 72A of the tank 72 to be filled, it is necessary to reduce the pressure inside the filling hose 6 to atmospheric pressure. For this reason, when the gas filling operation is completed, the depressurization valve 23 is temporarily opened to open the tip side of the depressurization line 22 to the atmosphere. This releases the hydrogen gas on the filling hose 6 side to the outside and reduces the pressure inside the filling hose 6 to atmospheric pressure. As a result, the connection coupler 7A of the filling nozzle 7 can be removed from the filling port 72A of the tank 72 to be filled.

The control device 24 is a controller (control unit) that controls the flow rate adjustment valve 12, the shutoff valve 13, the depressurization valve 23, the display unit 25, etc. The control device 24 controls the supply of fuel to the filling tank 72 to be filled by controlling the flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13. In other words, the control device 24 constitutes a filling control means that controls the supply of hydrogen gas to the filling tank 72 of the vehicle 71 by controlling the opening and closing of the flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13, which serve as supply control valves. The control device 24 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (arithmetic device), a memory 24A (storage device), a timer, etc.

The input side of the control device 24 is connected to the flow meter 17, pressure sensor 18, temperature sensor 19, humidity sensor (not shown), filling start switch 20, filling stop switch 21, nozzle detector 26, etc. On the other hand, the output side of the control device 24 is connected to the flow control valve 12, shutoff valve 13, depressurization valve 23, display unit 25, etc.

The display unit 25 is provided on the front side of the dispenser housing 4. The display unit 25 is positioned at a height that is easily visible to the worker performing the hydrogen gas filling operation, and displays information necessary for the hydrogen gas filling operation. In addition to the display unit 25, operation units such as a filling start switch 20 and a filling stop switch 21 are provided on the front side of the dispenser housing 4.

The nozzle hanger 9 is provided with a nozzle detector 26. The nozzle detector 26 detects whether the filling nozzle 7 is hung or not. The nozzle detector 26 is connected to the control device 24. For example, when the filling nozzle 7 is hung on the nozzle hanger 9, the nozzle detector 26 is pushed by the filling nozzle 7 and switches to the ON state. When the filling nozzle 7 is removed (or detached) from the nozzle hanger 9, the nozzle detector 26 switches to the OFF state.

The nozzle detector 26 outputs a detection signal (ON signal or OFF signal) corresponding to whether the filling nozzle 7 is hooked to the nozzle hanger 9 to the control device 24. The nozzle detector 26 is not limited to being provided on the nozzle hanger 9 on the dispenser housing 4 side, but may be provided on the filling nozzle 7 side. In either case, when hydrogen gas is not being filled (i.e., waiting time for filling operation), the filling nozzle 7 is held on the nozzle hanger 9 of the dispenser unit 3. That is, when the filling operation of filling the filling tank 72 of the vehicle 71 with hydrogen gas is completed, the filling nozzle 7 is returned to the nozzle hanger 9 and held in a stored state.

The vehicle 71, which runs on hydrogen gas as fuel, is, for example, a four-wheeled automobile (passenger car) as shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle 71 is equipped with a drive unit (not shown) including, for example, a fuel cell and an electric motor, a filling tank 72 shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1, and the like. The filling tank 72 is configured as a pressure-resistant container filled with hydrogen gas, and is mounted, for example, on the rear side of the vehicle 71. Note that the filling tank 72 is not limited to being provided on the rear side of the vehicle 71, and may also be provided on the front side or center side.

The tank 72 is provided with a receptacle 72A to which the coupler 7A of the filling nozzle 7 is detachably attached. Hydrogen gas is filled into the tank 72 of the vehicle 71 with the filling nozzle 7 airtightly connected to the receptacle 72A. At this time, the filling nozzle 7 is locked by a locking mechanism to prevent it from being accidentally removed from the receptacle 72A. The dispenser unit 3 fills the tank 72 of the vehicle 71 with cooled hydrogen gas by using a pressure difference. The receptacle 72A is provided with a check valve inside, which allows hydrogen gas to flow from the filling nozzle 7 to the tank 72 of the vehicle 71 and prevents hydrogen gas from flowing from the tank 72 to the filling nozzle 7.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the dispenser housing 4 is provided with a nozzle suspending device 31. The nozzle suspending device 31 suspends the filling nozzle 7 via a wire 34 that serves as a rigging device. The nozzle suspending device 31 is a device that prevents or reduces collision between the filling nozzle 7 and the ground by suspending the filling nozzle 7 via the wire 34. The nozzle suspending device 31 is provided on the upper part of the dispenser housing 4. The nozzle suspending device 31 is arranged at a position above the dispenser housing 4 so as to be rotatable (i.e., rotatable) around a vertical axis (for example, center O-O shown in Figures 2 and 4). As shown in Figure 4, the nozzle suspending device 31 is extendable and retractable between the stored position and the payout position depending on the position of the filling nozzle 7.

For this reason, the nozzle hanging device 31 is configured to include an arm body 32 that is rotatably mounted on the upper part of the dispenser housing 4, a payout arm 33 that has one lengthwise side (base end side) stored in the arm body 32 and the other lengthwise side (tip side) that is extendable and retractable from the arm body 32, and a wire 34 that extends downward from the payout arm 27 and is connected to the filling nozzle 7. As shown in FIG. 4, the wire 34 is hung downward from the tip of the payout arm 33, and is formed to a predetermined wire length so that the filling nozzle 7 does not come into contact (crash) with the ground of the gas filling station in this state.

However, if the strength of the wire 34 is greater than the separation force of the emergency breakaway coupling 8, there is a possibility that the emergency breakaway coupling 8 will not be able to be separated in an emergency such as an erroneous start of the vehicle 71. In other words, it is preferable that when the emergency breakaway coupling 8 is separated due to an erroneous start of the vehicle 71, the wire 34 can also be separated in the same way as the filling hose 6. For this reason, it is preferable that the wire 34 is provided with a release mechanism that can withstand the impact load caused by the dropping of the filling nozzle 7 but does not prevent the separation (operation) of the emergency breakaway coupling 8.

As a release mechanism for such a wire 34, for example, a separation joint (separation connector), i.e., a configuration in which a separable first joint and second joint are connected by a shear pin (e.g., metal, heat-treated material) can be considered. With this configuration, when excessive external force (shear force) is applied to the filling nozzle, the shear pin breaks (shear fracture), and the first joint and second joint can be separated.

However, in such a configuration, for example, if the filling nozzle falls from the hand of an operator, the impact of the fall may be applied to the shear pin, which may cause fatigue (e.g., metal fatigue). As a result, even if there is no emergency such as an erroneous start of the vehicle, the shear pin may break due to fatigue, causing the first joint and the second joint to separate. In other words, even if the shear strength of the shear pin is not exceeded, the repeated load applied to the shear pin due to the filling nozzle being dropped may cause the shear pin to break, causing the first joint and the second joint to separate. In order to prevent such separation, regular inspection and part replacement are required, which is tedious work and leads to increased costs.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the separation mechanism for the filling nozzle drop prevention wire is configured to absorb the impact caused by the filling nozzle falling using a tension coil spring. This makes it possible to reduce maintenance costs and labor.

That is, in the first embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2 to 6, the wire 34 for preventing the filling nozzle 7 from falling is provided with a wire separating device 35 for separating the wire 34. The wire 34 connects between the filling nozzle 7 and the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, the payout arm 33). The wire 34 includes a first wire 34A which is the wire on the filling nozzle 7 side, and a second wire 34B which is the wire on the dispenser housing 4 side (in other words, the payout arm 33 side). The first wire 34A and the second wire 34B are connected via the wire separating device 35.

The first wire 34A on the filling nozzle 7 side is connected to the filling nozzle 7 at its tip end. The base end of the first wire 34A is connected to the first joint 36 of the wire separating device 35. The second wire 34B on the dispenser housing 4 side is connected to the second joint 37 of the wire separating device 35 at its tip end. The base end of the second wire 34B is connected to the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, the payout arm 33).

As shown in FIG. 5, the wire separation device 35 includes a first joint 36 that serves as an insertion shaft, a second joint 37 that serves as a shaft receiving member, a shear pin 38 that serves as a fastening member, and a tension coil spring 39 that serves as an elastic member. (1) and (2) of FIG. 5 show the wire separation device 35 in a normal state (before separation) and when the filling nozzle 7 falls. In this case, the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 of the wire separation device 35 are connected in a state in which they are prevented from coming off by the tension coil spring 39 and the shear pin 38. In contrast, (3) of FIG. 5 shows the wire separation device 35 when it is separated. In this case, that is, in an emergency such as when the emergency release coupling 8 is separated due to an erroneous start of the vehicle 71, the shear pin 38 breaks, and the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 are separated.

The first joint 36 is connected to the first wire 34A, which is the wire on the filling nozzle 7 side. The first joint 36 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The first joint 36 has an insertion section 36A that is detachably inserted into the mounting hole 37A of the second joint 37, and a wire mounting section 36B that is located on the base end side of the insertion section 36A and to which the first wire 34A is fixedly connected. A tension coil spring 39 is connected to the tip side of the insertion section 36A. The insertion section 36A is pulled by the tension coil spring 39 toward the back side of the mounting hole 37A of the second joint 37 (biased toward the housing 4). In this case, the tip of the insertion section 36A abuts against the bottom of the mounting hole 37A of the second joint 37.

The wire attachment portion 36B is exposed from the attachment hole 37A of the second joint 37. The wire attachment portion 36B is provided with a wire attachment hole 36C into which the first wire 34A is inserted. The first wire 34A is connected so that it cannot be separated from the first joint 36, for example, by being wound around the wire attachment hole 36C of the wire attachment portion 36B.

The insertion portion 36A of the first joint 36 is provided with a shear pin mounting hole 36D into which a shear pin 38 is attached. In the first embodiment, two shear pin mounting holes 36D are provided in the insertion portion 36A, spaced 180° apart in the circumferential direction. A shear pin 38 is attached to each of the two shear pin mounting holes 36D. However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, a through hole that penetrates the insertion portion 36A in the diametrical direction may be provided as the shear pin mounting hole, and one shear pin may be inserted into this through hole.

The insertion portion 36A of the first joint 36 is provided with a pressing member mounting hole 36E, which is located further forward than the shear pin mounting hole 36D (i.e., toward the back of the mounting hole 37A) and into which a pressing member 40 is attached. The pressing member 40 is a member that holds down the shear pin 38 attached to the shear pin mounting hole 36D, and is formed, for example, as a plate member. The pressing member 40 is a member that prevents the shear pin 38 from directly interfering with the second joint 37.

The second joint 37 is connected to the second wire 34B, which is the wire on the dispenser housing 4 side. The second joint 37 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and opens toward the first joint 36. That is, the second joint 37 has a mounting hole 37A into which the insertion portion 36A of the first joint 36 is detachably inserted. A storage hole 37B is provided at the back side of the mounting hole 37A, in which the tension coil spring 39 is stored. The tension coil spring 39 is connected to the bottom of the storage hole 37B. The side of the second joint 37 opposite the mounting hole 37A from the storage hole 37B is a wire mounting portion to which the second wire 34B is fixedly attached. The second wire 34B is connected so as not to be separated from the second joint 37.

The second joint 37 is provided with an elongated hole 37C into which the shear pin 38 attached to the first joint 36 is inserted. The elongated hole 37C is provided corresponding to the shear pin attachment hole 36D into which the shear pin 38 is attached. The elongated hole 37C is a through hole that penetrates radially between the outer peripheral surface of the second joint 37 and the inner peripheral surface of the attachment hole 37A. In this case, the elongated hole 37C is formed in the second joint 37 as a through hole that extends in the axial direction of the second joint 37, that is, a through hole whose width in the axial direction of the second joint 37 is longer than its width in the circumferential direction. The elongated hole 37C is a hole that allows the shear pin 38 to be displaced relative to the second joint 37 when the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 are displaced relative to each other.

That is, in this embodiment, the shear pin 38 is capable of being displaced relative to the second joint 37 within the long hole 37C. In other words, even if the first joint 36 is displaced relative to the second joint 37 in the separation direction (axial direction) together with the shear pin 38, as long as the relative displacement of the shear pin 38 is within the range of the long hole 37C, the shear pin 38 will not come into contact with the periphery of the long hole 37C (more specifically, the portion of the periphery of the long hole 37C that is located on the opening side of the second joint 37).

In this case, no shear force is applied to the shear pin 38 due to contact with the periphery of the long hole 37C (the part of the periphery located on the opening side of the second joint 37). Therefore, by adjusting the elastic force of the tension coil spring 39, it is possible to restrict the shear pin 38 from contacting the periphery of the long hole 37C (the part of the periphery located on the opening side of the second joint 37) unless a force equal to or greater than a predetermined force is applied between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37.

As shown in FIG. 6, the "cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion 36A of the first joint 36" and the "cross-sectional shape of the mounting hole 37A of the second joint 37" are shaped so that the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 do not rotate relative to each other. That is, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the insertion portion 36A and the mounting hole 37A are semicircular with a portion of the circular hole being a straight line. Note that the "cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion 36A of the first joint 36" and the "cross-sectional shape of the mounting hole 37A of the second joint 37" are not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 6, and may be, for example, the shapes shown in FIG. 7 (1) and (2).

That is, as shown in FIG. 7(1), the "cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion 36A of the first joint 36" and the "cross-sectional shape of the mounting hole 37A of the second joint 37" may be polygonal (more specifically, rectangular). As shown in FIG. 7(2), a key member 41 may be provided between the insertion portion 36A of the first joint 36 and the mounting hole 37A of the second joint 37 to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

The shear pin 38 fastens the first joint 36 and the second joint 37. When a large force is applied between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 in a direction that causes them to separate, the shear pin 38 breaks, thereby allowing the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 to separate. In other words, when a large load in the pulling direction is applied to the wire 34 as a result of the separation of the emergency release coupling 8, a large force is applied between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 in a direction that causes them to separate.

As a result, the shear pin 38 comes into contact with the periphery of the long hole 37C of the second joint 37 (more specifically, the portion of the periphery that is located on the opening side of the second joint 37) and is subjected to a large shear force, causing it to break. When the shear pin 38 breaks, the insertion portion 36A of the first joint 36 can come out of the mounting hole 37A of the second joint 37, and the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 are separated.

The tension coil spring 39 is provided between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37. The tension coil spring 39 applies a force in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first joint 36 separates from the second joint 37. That is, the tension coil spring 39 applies a force to the first joint 36 in the direction in which it approaches the second joint 37, in other words, a pulling force in the direction in which the insertion portion 36A of the first joint 36 approaches the mounting hole 37A of the second joint 37. When a small force is applied between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37, enough to cause the filling nozzle 7 to fall, the tension coil spring 39 absorbs this force.

For this reason, the elastic force of the tension coil spring 39 is regulated so that the shear pin 38 does not come into contact with the periphery of one end of the long hole 37C of the second joint 37 (the part of the periphery located on the opening side of the second joint 37) when a small force is applied that causes the filling nozzle 7 to fall. Note that the elastic force of the tension coil spring 39 may be regulated so that the force is such that fatigue of the shear pin 38 does not progress even if the shear pin 38 comes into contact with the periphery of one end of the long hole 37C of the second joint 37 when a small force is applied that causes the filling nozzle 7 to fall.

In any case, when a small force is applied, such as to cause the filling nozzle 7 to fall, the tension coil spring 39 does not come off the first joint 36 and the second joint 37. That is, in this case, the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 are maintained in a connected state by the tension coil spring 39. In contrast, when a large force is applied in association with the separation of the emergency release coupling 8, the tension coil spring 39 comes off at least one of the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 (for example, the first joint 36).

In this embodiment, the long hole 37C is provided on the side of the second joint 37. Therefore, the first joint 36 and the shear pin 38 are allowed to displace within the range of the long hole 37C due to the tensile force (elastic force) of the tension coil spring 39. When a small force that causes the filling nozzle 7 to fall is applied between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37, i.e., to the tension coil spring 39, the tensile force (elastic force) of the tension coil spring 39 prevents the shear pin 38 from contacting the periphery on one end side of the long hole 37C of the second joint 37 (the part of the periphery located on the opening side of the second joint 37).

On the other hand, when a large force is applied between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 (i.e., the tension coil spring 39) as the emergency release coupling 8 is separated, the shear pin 38 is pinched between the retaining member 40 and the periphery on one end side of the long hole 37C (the part of the periphery located on the opening side of the second joint 37), and the shear force breaks the shear pin 38. This causes the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 to separate. The tension (elastic force) of the tension coil spring 39 and the length of the long hole 37C can be set so that the shear pin 38 does not come into contact with the periphery on one end side of the long hole 37C (the part of the periphery located on the opening side of the second joint 37) with a small force that would cause the filling nozzle 7 to fall.

That is, the tension (elastic force) of the tension coil spring 39, the size and position of the long hole 37C, and the cross-sectional area and number of the shear pins 38 can be adjusted according to the required separation force. Also, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 have a cross-sectional shape (a shape that does not twist) that does not allow the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 to rotate relative to each other. In the embodiment, even if a small force that causes the filling nozzle 7 to fall is applied between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37, it can be absorbed by the tension coil spring 39. Therefore, even if the filling nozzle 7 falls multiple times, it is possible to prevent the shear pins 38 from breaking unnecessarily.

Moreover, in the embodiment, when the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 are fastened together, the shear pin 38 can be attached to the shear pin mounting hole 36D of the first joint 36 through the long hole 37C with the tension coil spring 39 set. At this time, since the axial degree of freedom of the shear pin mounting hole 36D relative to the long hole 37C is high, it is not necessary to perform strict axial alignment between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37, and the shear pin 38 can be easily attached to the shear pin mounting hole 36D through the long hole 37C. Therefore, the work of fastening the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 can be easily performed. In addition, since the shear pin 38 is provided to extend from the opening of the second joint 37, the worker can easily determine whether the shear pin 38 is broken or not.

The hydrogen gas filling device 1 according to the embodiment has the configuration described above. Next, the hydrogen gas filling operation using the hydrogen gas filling device 1 will be described.

When filling hydrogen gas into the tank 72 of the vehicle 71, the worker performing the filling operation removes the filling nozzle 7 from the nozzle hanger 9. Then, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the filling nozzle 7 is connected to the filling port 72A of the tank 72 and the connection is locked. In this state, when the worker performing the filling operation turns on the filling start switch 20, the control device 24 outputs an open signal to the flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13, causing the flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13 to open.

As a result, the hydrogen gas in the gas accumulator 2 is filled into the filled tank 72 of the vehicle 71 through the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5, the filling hose 6, and the filling nozzle 7. The control device 24 adjusts the opening degree of the flow control valve 12, etc., using a preset control method (constant pressure rise control method or constant flow control method), while monitoring the measurement results of, for example, the flow meter 17, the pressure sensor 18, and the temperature sensor 19. This makes it possible to control the pressure and flow rate of the hydrogen gas supplied into the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 to an appropriate flow state.

At this time, the control device 24 calculates the amount (mass) of hydrogen gas filled by integrating the flow pulses from the flowmeter 17, and determines whether the amount of hydrogen gas filled has reached a preset target amount, or whether the hydrogen gas pressure detected by the pressure sensor 18 has reached a preset target filling pressure. When it is determined that the target amount (pressure) has been reached, the flow control valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13 are closed by a signal from the control device 24, and the filling of hydrogen gas into the filled tank 72 is terminated. The filling operation is also terminated when the operator operates the filling stop switch 21.

Next, in this state, the control device 24 executes a filling end control process. In this filling end control process, the depressurization valve 23 is controlled to open from a closed state in response to a signal from the control device 24. Then, when the depressurization valve 23 opens, the depressurization line 22 is opened to the atmosphere, and the gas on the filling nozzle 7 side is released to the outside and the pressure of the filling nozzle 7 is reduced to atmospheric pressure. In this state, the operator can remove the connection coupler 7A of the filling nozzle 7 from the filling port 72A of the tank 72 to be filled.

The filling nozzle 7 removed from the filling port 72A of the tank 72 to be filled is returned by the operator to the nozzle hanger 9 on the dispenser housing 4 and manually latched. The nozzle detector 26 attached to the nozzle hanger 9 detects whether the filling nozzle 7 has been returned to the nozzle hanger 9. When the filling nozzle 7 is returned to the nozzle hanger 9 and latched, a detection signal from the nozzle detector 26 is output to the control device 24. This causes the control device 24 to determine that the filling operation using the filling nozzle 7 has been completed, and the device goes into a standby state for the next filling operation.

For example, if the filling nozzle 7 falls from the vehicle 71 or the hand of a worker during filling work, the wire 34 of the nozzle hanging device 31 prevents the filling nozzle 7 from contacting (colliding) with the ground. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5 (2), a force caused by the filling nozzle 7 falling is applied between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 of the wire separating device 35, but the impact based on this force is absorbed by the tension coil spring 39. In other words, even if a force caused by the filling nozzle 7 falling is applied between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37, the tension of the tension coil spring 39 prevents the shear pin 38 from contacting the periphery of the long hole 37C of the second joint 37 (the part of the periphery located on the opening side of the second joint 37).

On the other hand, if the filling hose 6 is pulled with a large force due to an erroneous start of the vehicle, etc., the nozzle side joint 8A and the housing side joint 8B of the emergency release coupling 8 are separated. At this time, a large force is also applied between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 of the wire separation device 35 as the emergency release coupling 8 is separated. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5 (3), the shear pin 38 contacts the periphery of the long hole 37C of the second joint 37 (the part of the periphery located on the opening side of the second joint 37) against the tensile force of the tension coil spring 39. As a result, a large shear force is applied to the shear pin 38, and the shear pin 38 breaks, causing the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 to separate.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, a tension coil spring 39 is provided between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37, which applies a force in the opposite direction to the direction in which they separate. In addition, the second joint 37, which is one of the first joint 36 and the second joint 37, is provided with an elongated hole 37C that allows the shear pin 38 to be displaced relative to the second joint 37 when the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 are displaced relative to each other. Therefore, even if the filling nozzle 7 falls from the hand of an operator, the shear pin 38 moves inside the elongated hole 37C. That is, even if a small force is applied between the first joint 36 and the second joint 37, enough to cause the filling nozzle 7 to fall, and the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 are displaced relative to each other in a direction that separates them, the tension coil spring 39 can restrict the shear pin 38 from contacting the periphery of the long hole 37C (the portion of the periphery that is located on the opening side of the second joint 37).

This prevents the shear pin 38 from breaking due to fatigue, and prevents the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 from separating unnecessarily. On the other hand, in an emergency, such as when the vehicle 71 erroneously starts while hydrogen gas is being filled, the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 are displaced relative to each other in a direction to separate against the elastic force of the tension coil spring 39, and the shear pin 38 comes into contact with the periphery of the long hole 37C (the portion of the periphery located on the opening side of the second joint 37) with a large force. This causes the shear pin 38 to break, and the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 are separated. This allows the first joint 36 and the second joint 37 to be separated when they should be separated.

In the first embodiment, the columnar first joint 36 is connected to the first wire 34A on the filling nozzle 7 side, and the cylindrical second joint 37 is connected to the second wire 34B on the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, the payout arm 33). However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, the columnar first joint 36 may be connected to the second wire 34B on the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, the payout arm 33), and the cylindrical second joint 37 may be connected to the first wire 34A on the filling nozzle 7 side. In this case, the second joint 37 corresponds to the "first joint connected to the first wire 34A on the filling nozzle 7 side," and the first joint 36 corresponds to the "second joint connected to the second wire 34B on the dispenser housing 4 side."

Next, FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment. The second embodiment is characterized in that a first fastening member and a second fastening member are provided between the first joint and the second joint. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the wire separation device 51, which is a separation joint (separation connector), is provided with a shear pin replacement display function to prevent the wire separation device 51 from being separated due to the drop of the filling nozzle 7. That is, in the second embodiment, two types of fastening members (first shear pin 54, second shear pin 55) are provided, and a notification unit 57 is provided to notify the first shear pin 54 if it is broken due to repeated load caused by the drop of the filling nozzle 7. The notification unit 57 corresponds to the shear pin replacement display function. Therefore, the first shear pin 54 can be replaced based on the notification of the notification unit 57. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary separation of the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 caused by the drop of the filling nozzle 7, and to reduce damage to the filling nozzle 7. The wire separation device 51 of the second embodiment will be described below.

The wire separation device 51 includes a first joint 52, a second joint 53, a first shear pin 54 as a first fastening member, and a second shear pin 55 as a second fastening member. The wire separation device 51 also includes a compression coil spring 56 as an elastic member, and an alarm unit 57. The first joint 52 is connected to the first wire 34A, which is the wire on the filling nozzle 7 side. The first joint 52 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The first joint 52 includes an insertion portion 52A that is detachably inserted into the mounting hole 53A of the second joint 53, and a wire mounting portion 52B that is located on the base end side of the insertion portion 52A and to which the first wire 34A is fixedly connected.

A compression coil spring 56 is in a compressed state in contact with the tip side of the insertion part 52A. Therefore, the insertion part 52A is pressed by the compression coil spring 56 toward the opening side (the filling nozzle 7 side) of the mounting hole 53A of the second joint 53. In this case, the first joint 52 (insertion part 52A) is prevented from coming off the second joint 53 by the first shear pin 54.

The wire attachment portion 52B is exposed from the attachment hole 53A of the second joint 53. The wire attachment portion 52B is provided with a wire attachment hole 52C into which the first wire 34A is inserted. The first wire 34A is connected so that it cannot be separated from the first joint 52, for example, by being wound around the wire attachment hole 52C of the wire attachment portion 52B.

The insertion portion 52A of the first joint 52 is provided with a shear pin mounting hole 52D into which the first shear pin 54 is attached. In the second embodiment, two shear pin mounting holes 52D are provided in the insertion portion 52A, spaced 180° apart in the circumferential direction. A first shear pin 54 is attached to each of the two shear pin mounting holes 52D. However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a through hole that penetrates the insertion portion 52A in the diameter direction is provided as the shear pin mounting hole, and one first shear pin is inserted into this through hole.

The insertion portion 52A of the first joint 52 is provided with a recess 52E located further toward the tip side than the shear pin mounting hole 52D (i.e., toward the back side of the mounting hole 53A) and into which the second shear pin 55 is attached. The recess 52E is provided at a position corresponding to the shear pin mounting hole 52D in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 52A. That is, the insertion portion 52A has two recesses 52E spaced 180° apart in the circumferential direction. The recesses 52E extend in a direction in which the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 are displaced relative to each other at a position away from the first shear pin 54.

That is, the recessed portion 52E is located on the tip side of the insertion portion 52A relative to the first shear pin 54. The recessed portion 52E extends in the axial direction, which is the direction in which the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 are displaced relative to each other, that is, the direction in which the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 are separated. The recessed portion 52E is formed in the insertion portion 52A of the first joint 52 as a recessed groove (long groove) whose width in the axial direction of the first joint 52 is longer than its width in the circumferential direction. Note that the recessed portion 52E may be a constricted portion that is recessed in the radial direction over the entire circumference of the insertion portion 52A.

When the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 are displaced relative to each other due to the breakage of the first shear pin 54, the recess 52E allows the first joint 52 to be displaced relative to the second joint 53 until the second shear pin 55 abuts against the periphery of the recess 52E (more specifically, the portion of the periphery of the recess 52E located on the tip side of the insertion part 52A). That is, when the first shear pin 54 breaks, the first joint 52 can be displaced in a direction to come out of the second joint 53 until the second shear pin 55 abuts against the periphery of the recess 52E (more specifically, the portion of the periphery located on the tip side of the insertion part 52A). A cushioning material 58 is provided in the recess 52E at the tip side of the insertion part 52A. The cushioning material 58 is made of a shock-absorbing material such as rubber or sponge, and cushions the impact when the second shear pin 55 abuts against the periphery of the recessed portion 52E (the portion of the periphery that is located on the tip side of the insertion portion 52A).

The second joint 53 is connected to the second wire 34B, which is the wire on the dispenser housing 4 side. The second joint 53 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and opens toward the first joint 52. That is, the second joint 53 has an attachment hole 53A into which the insertion portion 52A of the first joint 52 is detachably inserted. At the back side of the attachment hole 53A, a storage hole 53B is provided in which a compression coil spring 56 is stored. At the bottom of the storage hole 53B, a wire attachment hole 53C is provided. The end of the second wire 34B is attached to the wire attachment hole 53C in a state in which it is prevented from coming loose.

The second joint 53 is provided with a first shear pin insertion hole 53D into which the first shear pin 54 is inserted. The first shear pin insertion hole 53D is provided to correspond to the shear pin mounting hole 52D of the first joint 52 (insertion portion 52A). The first shear pin insertion hole 53D is a through hole that penetrates radially between the outer peripheral surface of the second joint 53 and the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 53A. The first shear pin 54 is inserted into the first shear pin insertion hole 53D without rattling.

The second joint 53 is provided with a second shear pin insertion hole 53E into which the second shear pin 55 is inserted. The second shear pin insertion hole 53E is provided in correspondence with the recessed portion 52E of the first joint 52 (insertion portion 52A). In this case, the second shear pin insertion hole 53E corresponds to a portion of the recessed portion 52E that is the base end side of the insertion portion 52A (the opening side of the mounting hole 53A). The second shear pin insertion hole 53E is a through hole that penetrates radially between the outer peripheral surface of the second joint 53 and the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 53A. The second shear pin 55 is inserted into the second shear pin insertion hole 53E without rattling.

The first shear pin 54 fastens the first joint 52 and the second joint 53. The second shear pin 55 also fastens the first joint 52 and the second joint 53. When a large force is applied between the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 in a direction that causes them to separate, the first shear pin 54 and the second shear pin 55 break themselves, thereby allowing the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 to separate. Here, the second shear pin 55 is provided in the recess 52E. When the first shear pin 54 breaks, the second shear pin 55 engages with the recess 52E to maintain the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 in a fastened state.

That is, when the first shear pin 54 breaks, the compression coil spring 56 (and its own weight) displaces the first joint 52 in a direction that causes it to come out of the second joint 53. At this time, the second shear pin 55 displaces relative to the recess 52E toward the tip side of the insertion part 52A, and the second shear pin 55 abuts against the periphery of the recess 52E (specifically, the part of the periphery located on the tip side of the insertion part 52A). As a result, the second shear pin 55 maintains the fastened state between the first joint 52 and the second joint 53. The first shear pin 54 and the second shear pin 55 may be the same or different (for example, the first shear pin 54 and the second shear pin 55 may have different rigidities, radial dimensions, materials, etc.).

The compression coil spring 56 is provided between the first joint 52 and the second joint 53. The compression coil spring 56 applies a force in a direction in which the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 are separated. That is, the compression coil spring 56 is provided in a compressed state in the accommodation hole 53B of the second joint 53. The compression coil spring 56 applies an elastic force between the bottom of the accommodation hole 53B and the tip surface of the insertion part 52A of the first joint 52 in a direction in which they move away from each other. Therefore, when the first shear pin 54 breaks, the first joint 52 is displaced in a direction in which it comes out of the second joint 53, that is, in a direction in which it separates. In this case, the first joint 52 is displaced relative to the second joint 53 by the compression coil spring 56 (and its own weight) until the second shear pin 55 abuts against the periphery of the recessed part 52E (specifically, the part of the periphery located on the tip side of the insertion part 52A). The compression coil spring 56 may be omitted.

The first joint 52 is provided with an alarm unit 57 located at the base end side of the insertion part 52A. When the first shear pin 54 breaks, the alarm unit 57 is exposed from the second joint 53 to notify that the first shear pin 54 has broken. The alarm unit 57 is located at the base end of the insertion part 52A, more specifically, in the mounting hole 53A of the second joint 53 before the first shear pin 54 breaks, and is located at a portion that is exposed from the mounting hole 53A due to the relative displacement of the first joint 52 with respect to the second joint 53 when the first shear pin 54 breaks. The alarm unit 57 is configured by writing "Warning" on the base end of the insertion part 52A.

The notification unit 57 may be configured by coloring the base end of the insertion portion 52A in red or other color. That is, the notification unit 57 may be configured by coloring or attaching a text message to the portion exposed from the second joint 53 when the first shear pin 54 breaks. The notification unit 57 only needs to be able to notify the operator that the first shear pin 54 has broken. For this reason, in addition to coloring or text marking, various configurations that can notify the operator that the first shear pin 54 has broken can be adopted.

In this way, in the second embodiment, even if the first shear pin 54 breaks due to repeated application of low loads other than those due to an erroneous start of the vehicle to the wire separation device 51, which serves as a separation connector, the notification unit 57 can display a warning. Then, based on this warning display, the first shear pin 54 can be replaced. In other words, when the first shear pin 54 breaks due to multiple drops of the filling nozzle 7, the notification unit 57 displays a "warning" to indicate that it is time to replace the first shear pin 54.

At this time, the first joint 52 is displaced relative to the second joint 53 by the length (gap) of the recessed portion 52E, exposing the notification portion 57, and the second shear pin 55, which has not received the impact of the filling nozzle 7 falling, can prevent the filling nozzle 7 from falling. This prevents the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 from being completely separated due to the filling nozzle 7 falling due to carelessness, and prevents damage to the filling nozzle 7. In addition, if a "warning" from the notification portion 57 is confirmed, the first shear pin 54 and the second shear pin 55 are replaced promptly. This prevents the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 from being completely separated due to the filling nozzle 7 falling, even after replacement.

Furthermore, in the recess 52E, a buffer material 58 is provided on the side to which the second shear pin 55 moves when the first shear pin 54 breaks. That is, depending on the mass of the filling nozzle 7, after the first shear pin 54 breaks, the second shear pin 55 may break due to the impact load when the second shear pin 55 comes into contact with the inner surface of the recess 52E. In order to mitigate such impact, the buffer material 58 is provided in the recess 52E.

On the other hand, in the event of an emergency such as an erroneous start of the vehicle, the first shear pin 54 and the second shear pin 55 break, completely separating the first joint 52 and the second joint 53. This prevents the wire separation device 51 from interfering with the separation of the emergency release coupling 8.

The second embodiment performs the above-mentioned filling, and its basic action is not particularly different from that of the first embodiment described above. That is, like the first embodiment, the second embodiment can also prevent the first and second joints from being unnecessarily separated.

That is, according to the second embodiment, the first joint 52, which is one of the first joint 52 and the second joint 53, is provided with a recess 52E extending in a direction in which the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 are displaced relative to each other at a position away from the first shear pin 54. In addition, a second shear pin 55 is provided in the recess 52E to engage with the recess 52E when the first shear pin 54 breaks, thereby maintaining the fastened state of the first joint 52 and the second joint 53.

Therefore, even if the first shear pin 54 breaks due to fatigue, the second shear pin 55 engages with the recessed portion 52E, and the engagement between the second shear pin 55 and the recessed portion 52E allows the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 to be maintained in a fastened state. This prevents the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 from being separated unnecessarily. On the other hand, in an emergency such as when the vehicle 71 erroneously starts while filling with hydrogen gas, after the first shear pin 54 breaks, the second shear pin 55 breaks, and the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 are separated. This allows the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 to be separated when they should be separated.

According to the second embodiment, the first joint 52, which is one of the first joint 52 and the second joint 53, is provided with a notification unit 57 that notifies that the first shear pin 54 has broken. Therefore, the notification unit 57 can notify that the first shear pin 54 has broken. In this case, the initial state can be restored by replacing the first shear pin 54.

According to the second embodiment, a compression coil spring 56 is provided between the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 to apply a force in a direction in which the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 separate. Therefore, when the first shear pin 54 breaks, the compression coil spring 56 can press the second shear pin 55 against the inner surface of the recessed portion 52E. This makes it possible to prevent the first joint 52 and the second joint 53 from rattling even if the first shear pin 54 breaks.

In the second embodiment, the recess 52E (first shear pin 54) is disposed on the tip side of the insertion portion 52A of the first joint 52, and the shear pin mounting hole 52D (first shear pin 54) is disposed on the base end side of the insertion portion 52A from the recess 52E (second shear pin 55). However, this is not limited to this, and for example, as in the first modified example shown in FIG. 9, the shear pin mounting hole 52D (first shear pin 54) may be disposed on the tip side of the insertion portion 52A of the first joint 52, and the recess 52E (first shear pin 54) may be disposed on the base end side of the insertion portion 52A from the shear pin mounting hole 52D (first shear pin 54).

In the second embodiment, the columnar first joint 52 is connected to the first wire 34A on the filling nozzle 7 side, and the cylindrical second joint 53 is connected to the second wire 34B on the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, the payout arm 33) side. However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, as in the second modified example shown in FIG. 10, the columnar first joint 52 may be connected to the second wire 34B on the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, the payout arm 33) side, and the cylindrical second joint 53 may be connected to the first wire 34A on the filling nozzle 7 side.

In each embodiment and each modified example, the nozzle hanger 9 (a storage unit that stores the filling nozzle 7) on which the filling nozzle 7 is hung is provided on the left side of the dispenser housing 4. However, this is not limited to the above, and the nozzle hanger (storage unit) may be provided on the right side of the dispenser housing, or in another position (for example, the front). Also, the nozzle hanger (storage unit) may be provided separately in a position adjacent to the dispenser housing.

In each embodiment and each modified example, the case where hydrogen gas is filled into the filling tank 72 of a vehicle 71 has been described as an example. However, this is not limited to the above, and the device can also be used, for example, when filling a filling tank (tank, container, etc.) other than a vehicle with hydrogen gas. The dispenser unit 3 of the hydrogen gas filling device 1 may also be installed midway through a pipeline (hydrogen delivery pipeline) for supplying hydrogen gas to another location. Furthermore, although hydrogen gas has been described as an example of fuel gas, the device (fuel gas filling device) may also be configured to use a fuel gas other than hydrogen gas, such as natural gas (NG) or propane gas (LPG).

In each embodiment and each modified example, an emergency release coupling 8 serving as a separation means is provided midway along the filling hose 6. That is, an emergency release coupling 8 is provided between the first hose 6A on the filling nozzle 7 side and the second hose 6B on the hydrogen gas supply line 5 side, and the first hose 6A and the second hose 6B are separated from each other. However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, a separation means may be provided between the hose (gas supply connection line) on the filling nozzle side and the gas supply line, and the hose (gas supply connection line) and the gas supply line may be separated from each other.

In each embodiment and each modified example, the wire separating device 35, 51 is provided in the middle of the wire 34. That is, the wire separating device 35, 51 is provided between the first wire 34A on the filling nozzle 7 side and the second wire 34B on the dispenser housing 4 side, and the first wire 34A and the second wire 34B are separated from each other. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the wire separating device may be provided between the filling nozzle and the wire to separate the filling nozzle and the wire. That is, the first joint of the wire separating device may be connected to the filling nozzle, and the second joint of the wire separating device may be connected to the wire connected to the housing. Also, for example, the wire separating device may be provided between the wire and the housing to separate the wire and the housing. That is, the first joint of the wire separating device may be connected to the wire connected to the filling nozzle, and the second joint of the wire separating device may be connected to the housing.

In the first embodiment, the case where the second joint 37 is provided with a long hole 37C has been described as an example. However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, a long groove that serves as a long hole may be provided in the first joint. That is, a long groove (long hole) extending in the axial direction may be provided in the mounting portion of the first joint, and a shear pin mounting hole that mounts the fastening member without rattle may be provided in the second joint. In this case, the long groove corresponds to a hole that allows the fastening member to be displaced relative to the first joint when the first joint and the second joint are displaced relative to each other.

In the second embodiment, the case where the first joint 52 is provided with a recess 52E has been described as an example. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, a recess may be provided in the second joint. That is, the configuration of the second modified example shown in FIG. 10 described above may be adopted. In this second modified example, the second joint 53 in FIG. 10 corresponds to the "first joint connected to the first wire 34A on the filling nozzle 7 side," and the first joint 52 in FIG. 10 corresponds to the "second joint connected to the second wire 34B on the dispenser housing 4 side." Furthermore, in the second modified example in FIG. 10, the notification unit (notification unit 57 in FIG. 10) is provided in the second joint (first joint 52 in FIG. 10) and is exposed from the first joint (second joint 53 in FIG. 10) when the first fastening member (first shear pin 54 in FIG. 10) breaks.

In each embodiment and each modified example, a single dispenser unit 3 is used to fill one vehicle 71 with hydrogen gas through one hydrogen gas supply line 5 and filling hose 6. However, this is not limiting, and for example, a single dispenser unit may be used to fill multiple vehicles with fuel gas through multiple gas supply lines and gas supply connection lines. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modified example is merely an example, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible.

According to the embodiment described above, an elastic member is provided between the first joint and the second joint, which applies a force in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first joint and the second joint are separated. In addition, one of the first joint and the second joint is provided with a hole that allows the fastening member to be displaced relative to one of the joints when the first joint and the second joint are displaced relative to each other. Therefore, even if the filling nozzle falls from the hand of the worker, the fastening member moves inside the hole. That is, even if a small force that causes the filling nozzle to fall is applied between the first joint and the second joint, and the first joint and the second joint are displaced relative to each other in the direction in which they are separated, the elastic member can regulate the fastening member so that it does not come into contact with the periphery of the hole, or the fastening member comes into contact with the periphery of the hole with a small force. This can prevent the fastening member from breaking due to fatigue, and can prevent the first joint and the second joint from being separated unnecessarily. On the other hand, in the event of an emergency, such as when the vehicle erroneously starts while filling with fuel gas, the first and second joints are displaced relative to each other in a direction that separates them against the elastic force of the elastic member, and the fastening member contacts the periphery of the hole with a large force. This breaks the fastening member, and the first and second joints separate. This allows the first and second joints to be separated when they should be separated.

According to the embodiment, one of the first and second joints has a recess extending in a direction in which the first and second joints are displaced relative to each other at a position away from the first fastening member. In addition, a second fastening member is provided in the recess, which engages with the recess when the first fastening member breaks, thereby maintaining the fastened state of the first and second joints. Therefore, even if the first fastening member breaks due to fatigue, the second fastening member engages with the recess, and the first and second joints can be maintained in a fastened state by the engagement between the second fastening member and the recess. This makes it possible to prevent the first and second joints from being separated unnecessarily. On the other hand, in an emergency, such as when the vehicle erroneously starts while filling the fuel gas, both the first and second fastening members break, and the first and second joints are separated. This allows the first and second joints to be separated when they need to be separated.

According to the embodiment, one of the first joint and the second joint is provided with a notification unit that notifies that the first fastening member has broken. Therefore, the notification unit can notify that the first fastening member has broken. In this case, the initial state can be restored by replacing the first fastening member.

According to the embodiment, an elastic member is provided between the first joint and the second joint, which applies a force in a direction that separates the first joint and the second joint. Therefore, when the first fastening member breaks, the elastic force of the elastic member can press the second fastening member against the inner surface of the recessed portion. This makes it possible to prevent the first joint and the second joint from rattling even if the first fastening member breaks.

1. Hydrogen gas filling device (fuel gas filling device)
4 Dispenser housing (housing)
5 Hydrogen gas supply pipeline (gas supply pipeline)
6 Filling hose (gas supply connection line)
7 Filling nozzle 8 Emergency release coupling (separation means)
34 Wire 34A First wire (filling nozzle side wire)
34B Second wire (wire on the housing side)
36, 52 First joint 37, 53 Second joint 37C Long hole (hole)
38 Shear pin (fastening member)
39 Tension coil spring (elastic member)
52E recessed portion 54 first shear pin (first fastening member)
55 Second shear pin (second fastening member)
56 Compression coil spring (elastic member)
57 Notification unit 71 Vehicle 72 Filling tank (fuel tank)

Claims (4)

A fuel gas filling device comprising: a filling nozzle connected to a gas supply line by a gas supply connection line; and a housing, the fuel gas filling device filling a fuel tank of a vehicle with fuel gas using the filling nozzle,
a separation means for separating, in an emergency, the gas supply connection path and the gas supply pipe line, or the gas supply connection path on the filling nozzle side and the gas supply connection path on the gas supply pipe line side;
a wire connecting the filling nozzle and the housing;
a first joint connected to the stuffing nozzle or the wire on the stuffing nozzle side;
a second joint connected to the housing or the wire on the housing side;
a fastening member that fastens the first joint and the second joint;
an elastic member provided between the first joint and the second joint and configured to apply a force in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first joint is separated from the second joint;
a hole provided in one of the first joint and the second joint, the hole allowing the fastening member to be displaced with respect to the one joint when the first joint and the second joint are displaced relative to each other;
A fuel gas filling device comprising: A fuel gas filling device comprising: a filling nozzle connected to a gas supply line by a gas supply connection line; and a housing, the fuel gas filling device filling a fuel tank of a vehicle with fuel gas using the filling nozzle,
a separation means for separating, in an emergency, the gas supply connection path and the gas supply pipe line, or the gas supply connection path on the filling nozzle side and the gas supply connection path on the gas supply pipe line side;
a wire connecting the filling nozzle and the housing;
a first joint connected to the stuffing nozzle or the wire on the stuffing nozzle side;
a second joint connected to the housing or the wire on the housing side;
a first fastening member that fastens the first joint and the second joint;
a recessed portion provided in one of the first joint and the second joint and extending in a direction in which the first joint and the second joint are relatively displaced at a position away from the first fastening member;
a second fastening member provided in the recessed portion and configured to engage with the recessed portion when the first fastening member breaks, thereby maintaining a fastened state between the first joint and the second joint;
A fuel gas filling device comprising: The fuel gas filling device according to claim 2, characterized in that one of the first joint and the second joint is provided with an alarm unit that, when the first fastening member breaks, is exposed from the other of the first joint and the second joint, thereby notifying that the first fastening member has broken. The fuel gas filling device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that an elastic member is provided between the first joint and the second joint, which applies a force in a direction in which the first joint and the second joint are separated.

Images