JP7712178B2 - Adapter and human-powered vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an adapter, a method for storing the adapter, a human-powered vehicle, and a fuel cell.

For example, the human-powered vehicle in Patent Document 1 includes a fuel cell with a fuel storage section.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-119180

However, there are no supply devices on the market that supply fuel to a fuel storage unit for a human-powered vehicle, and the number of supply devices installed is small. The object of this disclosure is to provide an adapter that can supply fuel to a human-powered vehicle using a fuel supply device for an automobile, a method for storing the adapter, a human-powered vehicle, and a fuel cell.

An adapter according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an adapter that connects a fuel supply device and a fuel storage unit of a fuel cell mounted on a human-powered vehicle, and includes a first connection port connected to a supply port of the fuel supply device and a second connection port connected to a filling port of the fuel storage unit, wherein the opening area of the second connection port is smaller than the opening area of the first connection port.
The adapter of the first aspect allows fuel to be supplied to a human-powered vehicle by a fuel supply system for an automobile.

In a second side adapter according to the first side, the fuel supply device has a first communication unit, the fuel cell has a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit, the second communication unit is configured to transmit specific information regarding the fuel cell to the first communication unit, and further includes a relay unit that relays communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.
According to the adapter of the second aspect, communication between the fuel supply device and the fuel cell can be achieved via the relay section.

In a third aspect of the adapter according to the second aspect, the relay unit is configured to communicate with the first communication unit via a wired connection and is configured to communicate with the second communication unit via a wired connection.
According to the adapter of the third aspect, it is possible to enable communication between the fuel supply device and the fuel cell via the relay section while preventing information from leaking to the outside.

In a fourth aspect of the adapter according to the second aspect, the relay unit is configured to wirelessly communicate with the first communication unit and to wired communicate with the second communication unit.
According to the adapter of the fourth aspect, since the work of connecting the relay unit and the first communication unit is not required, communication between the fuel supply device and the fuel cell can be achieved via the relay unit with a simple process.

In the adapter of the fifth aspect according to the second aspect, the relay unit is configured for wired communication with the first communication unit and for wireless communication with the second communication unit.
According to the adapter of the fifth aspect, since the work of connecting the relay unit and the second communication unit is not required, communication between the fuel supply device and the fuel cell can be achieved via the relay unit with a simple process.

In the adapter of a sixth aspect according to the second aspect, the relay unit is configured to wirelessly communicate with the first communication unit and is configured to wirelessly communicate with the second communication unit.
According to the adapter of the sixth aspect, the work of connecting the relay unit to the first communication unit and the work of connecting the relay unit to the second communication unit are not required, so that communication between the fuel supply device and the fuel cell can be achieved via the relay unit with a simple process.

In an adapter of a seventh side conforming to any one of the second to sixth sides, the adapter further includes an adapter body including the first connection port and the second connection port, and the relay portion is integrally formed with the adapter body.
According to the adapter of the seventh aspect, since it is not necessary to manage the adapter body and the relay section separately, the adapter is easy to store.

In an adapter of an eighth side conforming to any one of the second to sixth sides, the adapter further includes an adapter main body including the first connection port and the second connection port, and the relay portion is configured as a separate body from the adapter main body.
According to the adapter of the eighth aspect, the relay section can be configured in various shapes, thereby increasing the freedom of arrangement of the first communication section in the fuel supply device and the freedom of arrangement of the second communication section in the fuel cell.

In the adapter of a ninth aspect according to any one of the second to eighth aspects, the fuel cell includes a power generation unit, and the predetermined information includes information relating to at least one of the power generation unit and the fuel storage unit.
According to the adapter of the ninth aspect, information regarding at least one of the power generation unit and the fuel storage unit can be transmitted to the fuel supply device via the adapter.

In an adapter of a tenth aspect according to the ninth aspect, the specified information includes at least one of the following information regarding the fuel storage unit: the pressure of the fuel storage unit, the mass of fuel in the fuel storage unit, the rated value of the fuel storage unit, and maintenance information of the fuel storage unit.
According to the adapter of the tenth aspect, at least one of the pressure of the fuel storage unit, the mass of fuel in the fuel storage unit, the rated value of the fuel storage unit, and maintenance information of the fuel storage unit can be transmitted to the fuel supply device via the adapter.

In the adapter of an eleventh aspect according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the adapter further comprises a memory unit for holding identification information of the fuel storage unit.
According to the adapter of the eleventh aspect, the identification information can be recorded in the adapter.

In the adapter of a twelfth aspect according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the adapter has a readable identification mark or tag.
According to the adapter of the twelfth aspect, the information attached to the adapter can be easily read by a reader.

A method for storing an adapter according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for storing an adapter according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the adapter is stored in a station where the fuel supply device is installed.
According to the adapter storage method of the thirteenth aspect, even if an adapter is not mounted on the human-powered vehicle, fuel can be supplied to the fuel cell using an adapter stored at the station.

A method for storing an adapter according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for storing an adapter according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the adapter is attached to a human-powered vehicle in which the fuel cell is provided.
According to the adapter storage method of the fourteenth aspect, even if an adapter is not stored at the station, fuel can be supplied to the fuel cell using an adapter installed in the human-powered vehicle.

A human-powered vehicle according to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes an adapter according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects and the fuel cell.
According to the human-powered vehicle of the fifteenth aspect, even if an adapter is not stored at the station, fuel can be supplied to the fuel cell using an adapter installed in the human-powered vehicle.

A fuel cell according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a fuel cell for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a power generation unit, a fuel storage unit, and a communication unit, the communication unit being configured to be able to transmit specific information regarding the fuel cell to an external device.
According to the fuel cell of the sixteenth aspect, predetermined information relating to the fuel cell can be transmitted to an external device.

The adapter, adapter storage method, human-powered vehicle, and fuel cell disclosed herein allow fuel to be supplied to the human-powered vehicle by a fuel supply device for automobiles.

FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a human-powered vehicle when an adapter according to an embodiment is used. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a fuel supply system and a control system. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the fuel filling section. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a nozzle of the fuel supply device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first example of an adapter. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a second example of an adapter. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a third example of an adapter. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fourth example of an adapter. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first modified example of the adapter of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second modified example of the adapter of FIG. 1 . FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a third modified example of the adapter of FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fourth modified example of the adapter of FIG.

<Embodiment>
The adapter 1, a method for storing the adapter 1, a human-powered vehicle 10, and a fuel cell 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 1, a human-powered vehicle 10 including a fuel cell 80 will be described.
The human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven at least by human driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbents. The number of wheels that the human-powered vehicle 10 has is not limited. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes, for example, one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles with three or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes not only human driving force but also e-bikes that use the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. In the following embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as an electrically assisted bicycle.

As shown in FIG. 1, the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a crank 12 to which a human-powered driving force is input. The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes at least one wheel 14 and a vehicle body 16. The at least one wheel 14 includes a rear wheel 14A and a front wheel 14B. The vehicle body 16 includes a frame 18. The crank 12 includes an input rotating shaft 12A that can rotate with respect to the frame 18, and a pair of crank arms 12B that are respectively provided at the axial ends of the input rotating shaft 12A. In this embodiment, the input rotating shaft 12A is a crank shaft. A pair of pedals 20 are respectively connected to each crank arm 12B. The rear wheel 14A is driven by the rotation of the crank 12. The rear wheel 14A is supported by the frame 18. The crank 12 and the rear wheel 14A are connected by a drive mechanism 22.

The drive mechanism 22 includes a first rotating body 24 connected to the input rotating shaft 12A. The input rotating shaft 12A and the first rotating body 24 may be connected to rotate together, or may be connected via a first one-way clutch. The first one-way clutch is configured to rotate the first rotating body 24 forward when the crank 12 rotates forward, and to allow relative rotation between the crank 12 and the first rotating body 24 when the crank 12 rotates backward. The first rotating body 24 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. The drive mechanism 22 further includes a second rotating body 26 and a connecting member 28. The connecting member 28 transmits the rotational force of the first rotating body 24 to the second rotating body 26. The connecting member 28 includes, for example, a chain, a belt, or a shaft.

The second rotating body 26 is connected to the rear wheel 14A. The second rotating body 26 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. A second one-way clutch is preferably provided between the second rotating body 26 and the rear wheel 14A. The second one-way clutch is configured to rotate the rear wheel 14A forward when the second rotating body 26 rotates forward, and to allow relative rotation between the second rotating body 26 and the rear wheel 14A when the second rotating body 26 rotates backward. The human-powered vehicle 10 may include a transmission. The transmission includes at least one of an external transmission and an internal transmission. The external transmission includes, for example, a derailleur, a first rotating body 24, and a second rotating body 26. The derailleur includes at least one of a front derailleur and a rear derailleur. The first rotating body 24 may include a plurality of sprockets. The second rotating body 26 may include a plurality of sprockets. The internal transmission may be provided, for example, in the hub of the rear wheel 14A, or in the power transmission path from the input rotating shaft 12A to the first rotating body 24.

A front wheel 14B is attached to the frame 18 via a front fork 30. A handlebar 34 is connected to the front fork 30 via a stem 32. In this embodiment, the rear wheel 14A is connected to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 22, but at least one of the rear wheel 14A and the front wheel 14B may be connected to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 22.

The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a motor 40 that provides propulsive force to the human-powered vehicle 10, a control unit 66 configured to control the motor 40, and a communication unit 68 connected to the control unit 66.

The motor 40 includes one or more electric motors. The electric motor is, for example, a brushless motor. The motor 40 is configured to transmit rotational force to the power transmission path of the human-powered driving force from the pedal 20 to the rear wheel 14A and at least one of the front wheels 14B. The power transmission path of the human-powered driving force from the pedal 20 to the rear wheel 14A also includes the rear wheel 14A. In this embodiment, the motor 40 is provided on the frame 18 of the human-powered vehicle 10 and is configured to transmit rotational force to the first rotating body 24.

The motor 40 is provided in a housing 42A. The housing 42A is provided in the frame 18. The housing 42A is, for example, detachably attached to the frame 18. The drive unit 42 is configured including the motor 40 and the housing 42A in which the motor 40 is provided. In this embodiment, the power transmission path between the motor 40 and the input rotating shaft 12A is preferably provided with a third one-way clutch that suppresses the transmission of the rotational force of the crank 12 to the motor 40 when the input rotating shaft 12A rotates in the direction in which the human-powered vehicle 10 moves forward. When the motor 40 is provided in at least one of the rear wheel 14A and the front wheel 14B, the motor 40 may be provided in a hub and, together with the hub, form a hub motor.

As shown in FIG. 2, the adapter 1 connects the fuel supply device 102 and the fuel storage unit 82 of the fuel cell 80 mounted on the human-powered vehicle 10. The fuel supply device 102 has a first communication unit 112. The fuel cell 80 has a second communication unit 64 that communicates with the first communication unit 112. In one example, the adapter 1 is configured to relay communication between the fuel supply device 102 and the fuel cell 80.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 66 includes a calculation unit 66A that executes a predetermined control program. The control program includes a first program and a second program. The first program is configured to operate the drive circuit 70 so that the motor 40 operates based on driving information related to the operation of the human-powered vehicle 10. The driving information includes at least one of the human-powered driving force, the vehicle speed of the human-powered vehicle 10, the acceleration of the human-powered vehicle 10, and the remaining capacity of the power storage unit 86. The second program is configured to operate the communication unit 68 so that communication is established between the control unit 66 and the power storage unit 86. The second program may be configured to operate the communication unit 68 so that communication is established between the control unit 66 and the electronic device.

The calculation unit 66A included in the control unit 66 includes, for example, a CPU or MPU. The calculation units 66A included in the control unit 66 may be provided in multiple locations that are separate from each other. The control unit 66 may include one or multiple microcomputers. Preferably, the control unit 66 further includes a memory unit 66B. The memory unit 66B stores various control programs and information used for various control processes. The memory unit 66B includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

The control unit 66 may further include a drive circuit 70 for the motor 40. In one example, the control unit 66 is provided in the housing 42A of the drive unit 42. The drive circuit 70 may be provided on a circuit board of the control unit 66. The drive circuit 70 includes an inverter circuit. The drive circuit 70 controls the power supplied to the motor 40 from the power storage unit 86. The drive circuit 70 drives the motor 40 in response to a control signal from the control unit 66.

The communication unit 68 is configured to allow the control unit 66 and the power storage unit 86 to communicate with each other. The control unit 66 is connected to the power storage unit 86 via a network N through the communication unit 68. Examples of the network N include power line communication (PLC), a controller area network (CAN), or a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART). The communication unit 68 may also be configured to allow the control unit 66 to communicate with an electronic device. The control unit 66 may be connected to the electronic device via the communication unit 68 by wire or wirelessly. The electronic device includes at least one of a cycle computer and a smartphone. For example, the control unit 66 is connected to the cycle computer by wire. The control unit 66 is connected to the smartphone by wireless. The wireless communication method includes at least one of Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), ANT (registered trademark), ANT+ (registered trademark), and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a power storage unit 86. The power storage unit 86 is configured to supply power to the control device 60. The power storage unit 86 is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 66 via the network N.

The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a fuel cell 80. The fuel cell 80 is a fuel cell 80 for a human-powered vehicle. The fuel cell 80 includes a power generation unit 84. In one example, the fuel cell 80 may include the power generation unit 84, a fuel storage unit 82, and a communication unit 92. The communication unit 92 is configured to be able to transmit predetermined information related to the fuel cell 80 to the external device 100. In this embodiment, the communication unit 92 is the second communication unit 64. In this embodiment, the external device 100 includes a fuel supply device 102. The external device 100 may be an electronic device. The electronic device includes at least one of a cycle computer and a smartphone. The fuel cell 80 may include a power storage unit 86. The fuel cell 80 may include a control device 60. The control device 60 may be provided separately from the fuel cell 80.

The fuel storage unit 82 stores fuel for power generation. The fuel storage unit 82 is attached to the frame 18. The fuel storage unit 82 is made of resin or metal. The fuel storage unit 82 may be reinforced with carbon fiber reinforced plastic. An example of the fuel is hydrogen. The power generation unit 84 generates power by reacting the fuel with oxygen or air. The power generated by the power generation unit 84 is supplied to at least one of the motor 40 and the power storage unit 86.

For example, the power generation unit 84 includes a stack. The stack is formed by stacking a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells are electrically connected in series to each other. For example, each cell includes a sheet-shaped membrane electrode gas-diffusion assembly (MEGA), a resin plate joined to the peripheral portion of the membrane electrode gas-diffusion assembly, and a pair of plate-shaped separators having electrical conductivity. The separators sandwich the membrane electrode gas-diffusion assembly and the resin plate in the thickness direction. The type and material of the stack can be changed as appropriate. The shape and number of the stack, and the stacking direction of the cells can be changed as appropriate according to the external shape of the power generation unit 84.

The power generation unit 84 may include a compressor that supplies air containing oxygen to the stack. Electric energy is generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen supplied from the fuel storage unit 82 and oxygen supplied from the compressor in the stack. The compressor may be configured to be driven by the electric energy generated by the power generation unit 84. For example, the power generation unit 84 is configured so that the compressor is provided in front of the human-powered vehicle 10 relative to the stack. A solenoid valve for adjusting the amount of hydrogen supplied may be provided in the fuel supply path from the fuel storage unit 82 to the stack. The power generation unit 84 may include a cooling unit that cools the stack. For example, the cooling unit includes a flow path for circulating a refrigerant or water. The power generation unit 84 may be provided with an exhaust path for discharging exhaust gas from the stack. For example, the stack is electrically connected to the power storage unit 86 via a DC/DC converter. The DC/DC converter may be provided in the power generation unit 84 or in the power storage unit 86. The DC power generated by the stack is stepped down to a predetermined voltage by the DC/DC converter and then supplied to the power storage unit 86.

The control device 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The control device 60 includes a second communication unit 64 configured to be able to communicate with the fuel supply device 102, and a control unit 62 that controls the second communication unit 64. The second communication unit 64 is configured to transmit predetermined information related to the fuel cell 80 to the first communication unit 112. The second communication unit 64 transmits the predetermined information to the first communication unit 112 of the fuel supply device 102 based on a command from the control unit 62. The control unit 62 controls the second communication unit 64 to transmit the predetermined information related to the fuel cell 80 to the fuel supply device 102.

The specified information includes information about at least one of the power generation unit 84 and the fuel storage unit 82. The specified information includes, as information about the fuel storage unit 82, at least one of the pressure of the fuel storage unit 82, the mass of fuel in the fuel storage unit 82, the rated value of the fuel storage unit 82, and maintenance information of the fuel storage unit 82. The rated value of the fuel storage unit 82 includes the capacity of the fuel storage unit 82 and the mass of the fuel storage unit 82 in an empty state. The maintenance information of the fuel storage unit 82 includes information about the refillable period of the fuel storage unit 82.

The control unit 62 includes a calculation unit 62A that executes a predetermined control program. The calculation unit 62A included in the control unit 62 includes, for example, a CPU or MPU. The calculation units 62A included in the control unit 62 may be provided in multiple locations that are separate from each other. The control unit 62 may include one or multiple microcomputers. Preferably, the control unit 62 further includes a memory unit 62B. The memory unit 62B stores various control programs and information used for various control processes. The memory unit 62B includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

The control device 60 may include an air pressure sensor 74. The air pressure sensor 74 measures the pressure of the internal passage 90 that connects the main body 82A of the fuel storage unit 82 and the filling port 96A. The air pressure sensor 74 outputs the pressure measured based on a command from the control unit 62 as pressure data. For example, when the fuel storage unit 82 and the fuel supply device 102 are connected, the control unit 62 commands the air pressure sensor 74 to measure the pressure of the internal passage 90 and acquires the pressure of the internal passage 90 from the air pressure sensor 74. The pressure of the internal passage 90 when the fuel storage unit 82 and the fuel supply device 102 are connected can be considered to be substantially the pressure of the fuel storage unit 82. The control unit 62 periodically acquires pressure data from the air pressure sensor 74 over a period during which fuel is continuously supplied from the fuel supply device 102 to the fuel storage unit 82. The pressure data is stored in the memory unit 62B.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the fuel supply 102 is described. The fuel supply 102 is configured to supply fuel to a fuel cell in a vehicle. The nozzle 124 of the fuel supply 102 is configured to fit into the fill port of the fuel cell for the vehicle.

The fuel supply device 102 includes a control unit 110 configured to execute fuel supply control. Furthermore, the fuel supply device 102 includes a first communication unit 112. The first communication unit 112 is configured to be capable of communicating with a fuel cell for an automobile or a fuel cell 80 for a human-powered vehicle.

The fuel supply device 102 further includes a fuel supply unit 120 that controls the fuel supply, a pipe 122, and a nozzle 124 provided at the tip of the pipe 122. The fuel supply unit 120 adjusts the supply of fuel according to commands from the control unit 110.

Furthermore, the fuel supply device 102 includes an air pressure sensor 126. The air pressure sensor 126 is provided in the fuel supply passage 118. The fuel supply passage 118 is a passage configured between the fuel supply device 102 and the fuel storage unit 82. Specifically, the fuel supply passage 118 is a passage between the outlet of the fuel tank 128 and the nozzle 124.

The fuel storage unit 82 of the human-powered vehicle 10 has a fuel filling unit 96. The fuel filling unit 96 may be provided at the tip of a pipe. The pipe may be configured to be detachable from the main body 82A of the fuel storage unit 82.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel filling unit 96 includes a filling port 96A through which fuel passes, a first connection terminal 96B, and a second connection terminal 96C. The fuel filling unit 96 is connected to the nozzle 124 of the fuel supply device 102 via the adapter 1. The filling port 96A is configured to be circular. The inner diameter of the filling port 96A is smaller than the inner diameter of the supply port 124A of the nozzle 124. The filling port 96A of the fuel filling unit 96 is configured to fit into the second connection port 140 of the adapter 1. The first connection terminal 96B and the second connection terminal 96C are connected to the second communication unit 64 via wiring.

As shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle 124 includes a supply port 124A from which fuel is discharged, a third connection terminal 124B, and a fourth connection terminal 124C. The supply port 124A is configured in a circular shape. The nozzle 124 is connected to the fuel filling section 96 of the fuel storage section 82 via the adapter 1. The supply port 124A of the nozzle 124 is configured to fit into the first connection port 138 of the adapter 1. The third connection terminal 124B and the fourth connection terminal 124C are connected to the first communication section 112 via wiring.

In fuel supply control, the control unit 110 controls the fuel supply unit 120 of the fuel supply device 102 to supply fuel to the fuel storage unit 82 based on specific information about the fuel cell 80.

The control unit 110 controls the first communication unit 112 to communicate with the control device 60 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The control unit 110 is configured to obtain predetermined information from the control device 60 for the human-powered vehicle provided in the human-powered vehicle 10.

For example, the control unit 110 operates as follows upon receiving predetermined information from the control device 60 for the human-powered vehicle.
The control unit 110 adjusts the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel storage unit 82 based on the pressure of the fuel storage unit 82 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The control unit 110 adjusts the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel storage unit 82 based on the mass of fuel in the fuel storage unit 82 of the human-powered vehicle 10. The control unit 110 limits the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel storage unit 82 based on the capacity of the fuel storage unit 82. The control unit 110 determines whether or not to supply fuel to the fuel storage unit 82 based on the refillable period of the fuel storage unit 82.

The control unit 110 includes a calculation unit 114 that executes a predetermined control program. The control program is configured to operate the first communication unit 112 to receive specified information. The calculation unit 114 included in the control unit 110 includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The calculation units 114 included in the control unit 110 may be provided in multiple locations that are separate from each other. The control unit 110 may include one or multiple microcomputers. Preferably, the control unit 110 further includes a memory unit 116. The memory unit 116 stores various control programs and information used in various control processes. The memory unit 116 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

The control unit 110 may be configured to transmit supply information regarding the supply of fuel to a control device 60 for the human-powered vehicle provided in the human-powered vehicle 10 via the first communication unit 112. The supply information includes at least one of the amount of fuel supplied and the pressure of the fuel supply passage 118.

The configuration of the adapter 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The adapter 1 includes a first connection port 138 connected to the supply port 124A of the fuel supply device 102 and a second connection port 140 connected to the filling port 96A of the fuel storage unit 82. The opening area of the second connection port 140 is smaller than the opening area of the first connection port 138.

The adapter 1 further includes a relay unit 150 that relays communication between the first communication unit 112 and the second communication unit 64. In one example, the relay unit 150 is configured to perform wired communication with the first communication unit 112 and to perform wired communication with the second communication unit 64.

The adapter 1 further includes an adapter body 130 including a first connection port 138 and a second connection port 140. The relay unit 150 is provided integrally with the adapter body 130. Specifically, the relay unit 150 is provided on the adapter body 130 so as to move together with the adapter body 130. The relay unit 150 may be provided on the adapter body 130 in a detachable manner. The relay unit 150 may be fixed to the adapter body 130 via a heat insulating material.

An example of the adapter 1 is described below. The adapter body 130 has a first end face 132, a second end face 134, and a side face 136 connecting the first end face 132 and the second end face 134.

The first end surface 132 is configured to be able to be positioned opposite the supply port 124A of the fuel supply device 102. A first connection port 138 is provided on the first end surface 132. The second end surface 134 is configured to be able to be positioned opposite the filling port 96A of the fuel storage unit 82. A second connection port 140 is provided on the second end surface 134. The second connection port 140 is connected to the first connection port 138 via a fuel passage 142 through which fuel passes. The fuel passage 142 is provided in the adapter body 130.

The relay section 150 has a fifth connection terminal 152, a sixth connection terminal 154, a seventh connection terminal 156, and an eighth connection terminal 158. The fifth connection terminal 152 is connected to the seventh connection terminal 156 by a first wiring 160. The sixth connection terminal 154 is connected to the eighth connection terminal 158 by a second wiring 162. The second wiring 162 is electrically insulated from the first wiring 160.

The fifth connection terminal 152 is configured to be connectable to the first connection terminal 96B of the fuel filling section 96. The sixth connection terminal 154 is configured to be connectable to the second connection terminal 96C of the fuel filling section 96. The fifth connection terminal 152 and the sixth connection terminal 154 are provided on the second end surface 134 of the adapter body 130. The fifth connection terminal 152 and the sixth connection terminal 154 are configured to be connected to the first connection terminal 96B and the second connection terminal 96C when the second connection port 140 of the adapter 1 is connected to the filling port 96A of the fuel filling section 96.

The seventh connection terminal 156 is configured to be connectable to the third connection terminal 124B of the nozzle 124. The eighth connection terminal 158 is configured to be connectable to the fourth connection terminal 124C of the nozzle 124. The seventh connection terminal 156 and the eighth connection terminal 158 are provided on the first end surface 132 of the adapter body 130. The seventh connection terminal 156 and the eighth connection terminal 158 are configured to be connected to the third connection terminal 124B and the fourth connection terminal 124C when the first connection port 138 of the adapter 1 is connected to the supply port 124A of the fuel supply device 102.

The adapter 1 is configured to fit a given type of fuel storage unit 82. The fuel storage units 82 are classified by characteristics. The characteristics include at least one of fuel filling pressure, capacity, structure, and dimensions of the filling port 96A. The adapter 1 holds identification information of the fuel storage unit 82 to which the adapter 1 can be applied. The identification information is information associated with the type of the fuel storage unit 82 classified by the characteristics. In one example, the identification information is composed of numbers and letters. The identification information is referenced by the fuel supply device 102 when supplying fuel.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 7, the adapter 1 may further include a memory unit 164 that holds identification information of the fuel storage unit 82.

The memory unit 164 is provided in the adapter body 130. The memory unit 164 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), and a flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM). An opening 164A is provided on the side surface 136 of the adapter 1 into which the terminal of the reader is inserted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the adapter 1 may have a readable identification information mark 166 or an identification information tag 168. For example, the identification information mark 166 is affixed to the side surface 136 of the adapter body 130. The identification information mark 166 is configured as an image mark associated with the identification information. The identification information mark 166 includes a barcode and a two-dimensional code. The identification information mark 166 is read by optical means such as a camera. The optical means is, for example, provided in the fuel supply device 102 and connected to the control unit 110.

As shown in FIG. 9, the identification information tag 168 is attached to the adapter body 130 via a string. The identification information tag 168 has an integrated circuit (IC) that stores identification information. The information on the identification information tag 168 is read, for example, by a non-contact reader that uses an electromagnetic induction method or a radio wave method. The non-contact reader is, for example, attached to the fuel supply device 102 and connected to the control unit 110. Note that an identification information mark 166 may be attached to the identification information tag 168, which makes it easier to read the identification information compared to when the identification information mark 166 is attached to the adapter body 130.

The method for storing the adapter 1 is a method for storing the adapter 1. In one example of the method for storing the adapter 1, the adapter 1 is stored in a station 170 in which a fuel supply device 102 is installed. Various types of adapters 1 are stored in the station 170 so that fuel can be supplied to multiple fuel storage units 82 of different types.

The method for storing the adapter 1 is a method for storing the adapter 1. In another method for storing the adapter 1, the adapter 1 is attached to a human-powered vehicle 10 that is provided with a fuel cell 80. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes the adapter 1 and the fuel cell 80.

The method of using the adapter 1 includes a procedure for confirming the identification information. When using the fuel supply device 102 for automobiles to supply fuel to the fuel storage unit 82 of the human-powered vehicle 10, it is preferable to use an adapter 1 that is suitable for the fuel storage unit 82. For this reason, a confirmation procedure is performed when supplying fuel to the fuel storage unit 82 of the human-powered vehicle 10. In the confirmation procedure, the identification information attached to the adapter 1 is read by a reader. The type of fuel storage unit 82 to which the adapter 1 is applicable is confirmed based on the identification information. It is confirmed whether the type of the fuel storage unit 82 of the human-powered vehicle 10 is included in the list of types of fuel storage units 82 to which the adapter 1 is applicable.

<Modification>
The explanations of the embodiments are examples of forms that the adapter, adapter storage method, human-powered vehicle, and fuel cell according to the present disclosure can take, and are not intended to limit the forms. The adapter, adapter storage method, human-powered vehicle, and fuel cell according to the present disclosure can take forms that are, for example, modified versions of the embodiments shown below, or a combination of at least two mutually non-contradictory modified versions. In the following modified versions, parts that are common to the embodiments are given the same reference numerals as the embodiments, and their explanations are omitted.

- As shown in FIG. 10, the relay unit 150 may be configured to perform wireless communication with the first communication unit 112 and to perform wired communication with the second communication unit 64.

The relay unit 150 has a fifth connection terminal 152, a sixth connection terminal 154, and a first transmission/reception unit 172. The fifth connection terminal 152 is configured to be connectable to the first connection terminal 96B of the fuel filling unit 96. The sixth connection terminal 154 is configured to be connectable to the second connection terminal 96C of the fuel filling unit 96. The first transmission/reception unit 172 is configured to be able to exchange wireless signals with the second transmission/reception unit 174 provided in the nozzle 124. The first transmission/reception unit 172 and the second transmission/reception unit 174 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via optical communication or radio wave communication.

The relay unit 150 has a signal conversion unit 180. The signal conversion unit 180 converts a signal formed by the first transceiver unit 172 receiving a wireless signal into an electrical signal of a predetermined format. The signal conversion unit 180 converts the electrical signal of the predetermined format into a signal of a format that the first transceiver unit 172 can output as a wireless signal.

- As shown in FIG. 11, the relay unit 150 may be configured to communicate with the first communication unit 112 via a wired connection, and the relay unit 150 may be configured to communicate with the second communication unit 64 wirelessly.

The relay unit 150 has a third transceiver 176, a seventh connection terminal 156, and an eighth connection terminal 158. The third transceiver 176 is configured to be able to exchange wireless signals with a fourth transceiver 178 provided in the fuel filling unit 96. The third transceiver 176 and the fourth transceiver 178 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via optical communication or radio wave communication. The seventh connection terminal 156 is configured to be connectable to the third connection terminal 124B of the nozzle 124. The eighth connection terminal 158 is configured to be connectable to the fourth connection terminal 124C of the nozzle 124.

The relay unit 150 has a signal conversion unit 182. The signal conversion unit 182 converts a signal formed by the third transceiver unit 176 receiving a wireless signal into an electrical signal of a predetermined format. The signal conversion unit 182 converts the electrical signal of the predetermined format into a signal of a format that can be output by the third transceiver unit 176 as a wireless signal.

- As shown in FIG. 12, the relay unit 150 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the first communication unit 112, and the relay unit 150 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the second communication unit 64.

The relay unit 150 has a first transceiver unit 172 and a third transceiver unit 176. The first transceiver unit 172 is configured to be able to exchange wireless signals with a second transceiver unit 174 provided in the nozzle 124. The third transceiver unit 176 is configured to be able to exchange wireless signals with a fourth transceiver unit 178 provided in the fuel filling unit 96.

The relay unit 150 has a signal amplifier 184. The signal amplifier 184 amplifies a signal formed by the third transceiver unit 176 receiving a wireless signal so that the first transceiver unit 172 can output the signal as a wireless signal. The signal amplifier 184 amplifies a signal formed by the first transceiver unit 172 receiving a wireless signal so that the third transceiver unit 176 can output the signal as a wireless signal.
When the relay unit 150 performs wireless communication, it is preferable to provide the relay unit 150 with a power source such as a battery.

- As shown in FIG. 13, the adapter 1 includes an adapter body 130 that includes a first connection port 138 and a second connection port 140. The relay unit 150 may be configured as a separate unit from the adapter body 130.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, in the fuel cell 80, the first connection terminal 96B and the second connection terminal 96C are provided far away from the fill port 96A. In the fuel supply device 102, the third connection terminal 124B and the fourth connection terminal 124C are provided far away from the supply port 124A. In such a case, the relay unit 150 is configured as a separate unit from the adapter main body 130 so that the first communication unit 112 and the second communication unit 64 can communicate with each other. The relay unit 150 is used away from the adapter main body 130. The length of the relay unit 150 is configured to have various lengths.

The term "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the term "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the term "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more.

1...adapter, 10...human-powered vehicle, 62B...storage unit, 64...second communication unit, 66B...storage unit, 68...communication unit, 80...fuel cell, 82...fuel storage unit, 84...power generation unit, 92...communication unit, 96A...filling port, 100...external device, 102...fuel supply device, 112...first communication unit, 116...storage unit, 124A...supply port, 130...adapter body, 138...first connection port, 140...second connection port, 150...relay unit, 164...storage unit, 166...identification information mark, 168...identification information tag, 170...station.

Claims (13)

An adapter for connecting a fuel supply device to a fuel storage unit of a fuel cell mounted on a human-powered vehicle, comprising:
a first connection port connected to a supply port of the fuel supply device;
a second connection port connected to a filling port of the fuel storage unit,
An adapter, wherein an opening area of the second connection port is smaller than an opening area of the first connection port. The fuel supply device has a first communication unit,
the fuel cell has a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit,
the second communication unit is configured to transmit predetermined information related to the fuel cell to the first communication unit;
The adapter according to claim 1 , further comprising a relay unit that relays communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit. The relay unit includes:
configured to communicate with the first communication unit via wired communication;
The adapter of claim 2 configured for wired communication with the second communication unit. The relay unit includes:
configured to wirelessly communicate with the first communication unit;
The adapter of claim 2 configured for wired communication with the second communication unit. The relay unit includes:
configured to communicate with the first communication unit via wired communication;
The adapter of claim 2 , configured to wirelessly communicate with the second communication unit. The relay unit includes:
configured to wirelessly communicate with the first communication unit;
The adapter of claim 2 , configured to wirelessly communicate with the second communication unit. The adapter further includes an adapter body including the first connection port and the second connection port,
The adapter according to claim 2 , wherein the relay portion is provided integrally with the adapter body. The adapter further includes an adapter body including the first connection port and the second connection port,
The adapter according to claim 2 , wherein the relay portion is configured as a separate body from the adapter body. The fuel cell includes a power generation unit,
The adapter according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined information includes information relating to at least one of the power generation unit and the fuel storage unit. The adapter according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined information includes at least one of the following information about the fuel storage unit: the pressure of the fuel storage unit, the mass of fuel in the fuel storage unit, the rated value of the fuel storage unit, and maintenance information about the fuel storage unit. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a memory unit that holds identification information of the fuel storage unit. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the adapter has a readable identification mark or identification tag. A human-powered vehicle comprising the adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and the fuel cell.