Filling nozzle

Abstract

Provided is a filling nozzle capable of preventing a protrusion at a clutch tip from being fixed in a radially outward open position. The filling nozzle according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a pipe joint body which is provided at the tip of a filling hose for filling gaseous fuel and which is connected to a socket on the side to be filled with gaseous fuel; and a clutch extending on an outer side of the pipe joint body in a direction in which the pipe joint body is connected to the socket (hereinafter referred to as a "connection direction") and engaged with the socket, in which the annular spring washer is embedded in an engagement portion in which an end portion of the clutch remote from the socket is engaged with the pipe joint body, a portion of the clutch other than the end portion is offset radially inward of the filling nozzle by an elastic gasket or the like, and the shape of the elastic gasket or the like is complementary to a gap or a part of the gap formed when the end portion of the clutch is engaged with an engagement portion where the end portion and the pipe joint body are engaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling nozzle for filling gaseous fuels such as hydrogen. Background Art

[0002] Regarding the aforementioned filling nozzle, the applicant has proposed a technique disclosed in JP-B-6516207 to prevent deterioration of the sealing structure and reduce the possibility of hydrogen leakage. While this technique is effective, there is a problem that, when the filling nozzle and the socket are connected, the protrusion formed at the tip of the clutch of the filling nozzle and protruding radially outward and inward becomes unable to move radially inward due to freezing or other reasons. Furthermore, if the filling nozzle is fixed in a radially outwardly open position, there is a problem that the filling nozzle cannot be removed from the socket.

[0003] The contents of JP-B-6516207 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a filling nozzle capable of preventing the protruding portion of the clutch end from being fixed in a radially outward open position.

[0005] The filling nozzle 10-1 according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a pipe joint body 1, which is arranged at the end of a filling hose for filling gaseous fuel and is connected to a socket 20 on the side to be filled with gaseous fuel; and a clutch 4, which extends on the outside of the pipe joint body 1 along the direction in which the pipe joint body 1 is connected to the socket 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "connection direction") and engages with the socket 20, wherein an annular elastic gasket (15, 15-1, 15-2, 15-3) is embedded in the engaging portion where the end portion 4E of the clutch 4 away from the socket 20 is engaged with the pipe joint body 1, so that the portion 4R of the clutch 4 other than the end portion 4E is biased toward the radial inside of the filling nozzle 10-1 by the elastic gasket 15, etc., and the shape of the elastic gasket 15, etc. is complementary to the gap or part of the gap formed when the end portion 4E of the clutch 4 is engaged with the engaging portion where the end portion 4E and the pipe joint body 1 are engaged.

[0006] In the filling nozzle 10-1, the engaging portion is constituted by an annular recess 1D formed in the pipe joint body 1 and accommodating the end portion 4E of the clutch 4 that is remote from the socket 20. The annular recess 1D communicates with the outside of the pipe joint body 1 via the drainage channel 7W. Furthermore, the elastic washers (15-1, 15-2) are preferably formed with a through hole 15W, and the through hole 15W is preferably communicated with the drainage channel 7W.

[0007] Here, an extension portion 15A-1 extending toward the socket 20 side is provided on the radial outer side of the elastic gasket (15-1, 15-2), and the radial dimension of the extension portion 15A-1 is preferably set to be the same as or smaller than the radial dimension of the socket 20 side portion of the clutch 4.

[0008] The elastic spacer 15 - 3 may be formed in a shape complementary to the radially outer region of the gap.

[0009] Further, in the gap formed when the end portion 4E of the clutch 4 is engaged with the engaging portion in which the end portion 4E and the pipe joint body 1 are engaged, the elastic gasket 15-3 may not be filled in the radially inner area of ​​the radially inner end surface 4EB of the end portion 4E of the clutch 4; a gap 1DV may be formed, and the gap 1DV may be connected to the drainage channel 7W-3 of the pipe joint body 1; and the through hole 15W may not be formed in the elastic gasket 15-3.

[0010] In addition, a manufacturing method for manufacturing the elastic gasket 15 and the like in the filling nozzle according to the present invention is characterized by including the steps of pouring molten rubber or silicone into the engaging portion where the end portion 4E of the clutch 4 remote from the socket 20 is engaged with the pipe joint body 1, and removing the rubber or silicone after it is hardened.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the filling nozzle of the present invention having the above-described configuration, an annular elastic washer 15 or the like is embedded in the joint portion where the end portion 4E of the clutch 4, which is distal from the socket 20, engages with the pipe fitting body 1. This allows the portion 4R of the clutch 4, excluding the end portion 4E, to be biased radially inward of the filling nozzle 10-1 by the elastic washer 15 or the like. Furthermore, the shape of the elastic washer 15 or the like complements the gap or a portion thereof when the end portion 4E of the clutch 4 engages with the joint portion where the end portion 4E of the clutch 4 engages with the pipe fitting body 1. This allows the elastic washer 15 or the like to fill the joint portion where the end portion 4E of the clutch 4 engages with the pipe fitting body 1, while preventing moisture and foreign matter from entering the joint portion. This prevents moisture from freezing in the joint portion and prevents the clutch 4 from becoming unable to move radially inward.

[0013] Furthermore, the elastic forces (α, β) of the elastic washer 15 and the like constantly act on the end portion 4E of the clutch 4 that is away from the socket 20, and the elastic repulsive forces (α, β) act to radially move the socket-side portion 4R of the clutch 4 (the portion other than the distributor-side end portion of the clutch 4) inward. Therefore, even if the base where the clutch 4 is connected to the body 1 freezes, the elastic repulsive forces (α, β) that bias the clutch 4 radially inward as described above assist in moving the clutch 4 inward inward, and the clutch 4 is reliably disengaged from the socket-side member.

[0014] Furthermore, in the present invention, the engagement portion is configured as an annular recess 1D formed in the pipe joint body 1 and accommodating the end 4E of the clutch 4 away from the socket. This recess 1D communicates with the exterior of the pipe joint body 1 via a drain channel 7W. Thus, even if moisture accumulates in the recess 1D, it can be drained to the exterior of the filling nozzles 10-3 and 10-4 via the drain channel 7W. By also forming through-holes 15W and 15-2W in the elastic washers 15 and 15-2, and connecting these through-holes 15W and 15-2W to the drain channel 7W, even if moisture accumulates in an area closer to the socket (indicated by arrow AR) than the elastic washers 15, the moisture can be drained to the exterior of the filling nozzles 10-3 and 10-4 via the through-holes 15W and the drain channel 7W. Therefore, the radially inward movement of the clutch 4 is not hindered by the freezing of water, and the protrusion 4B of the clutch 4 is disengaged from the fitting groove 20A of the socket 20 , and the filling nozzles 10 - 3 , 10 - 4 are disconnected from the socket 20 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] [ Figure 1 ] shows a cross-sectional view of a pipe fitting body of a conventional filling nozzle.

[0016] [ Figure 2 ] shows a cross-sectional view of the connection state of a conventional pipe joint and a socket.

[0017] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 2 Magnified view of the F3 section.

[0018] [ Figure 4 ] shows a cross-sectional view of a filling nozzle according to a modified example of a conventional filling nozzle.

[0019] [ Figure 5 ] shows Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the spring filling nozzle shown.

[0020] [ Figure 6 ]Enlarged view of the joint between the clutch and the pipe joint of a conventional filling nozzle, without the embedded elastic gasket.

[0021] [ Figure 7 ] shows an enlarged sectional view of the main part of the filling nozzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the state in which the elastic gasket is embedded in the recess serving as the engaging portion between the clutch end portion and the pipe joint.

[0022] [ Figure 8 ] shows Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state in which the elastic repulsive force of the elastic gasket is applied.

[0023] [ Figure 9] shows an enlarged sectional view of the main part of the filling nozzle according to the second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the state in which the elastic gasket is embedded in the recess serving as the engaging portion between the clutch end and the pipe joint.

[0024] [ Figure 10 ] shows an enlarged sectional view of the main part of the filling nozzle according to the third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which the elastic gasket is embedded in a recess serving as the engaging portion between the clutch end and the pipe joint.

[0025] [ Figure 11 ] shows an enlarged sectional view of the main part of the filling nozzle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the state in which the elastic gasket is embedded in the recess serving as the engaging portion between the clutch end and the pipe joint.

[0026] [ Figure 12 ] shows an enlarged sectional view of the main part of the filling nozzle according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the state in which the elastic gasket is embedded in the recess serving as the engaging portion between the clutch end and the pipe joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 3 The prior art described in JP-B-6516207 is described.

[0028] exist Figure 1 and 2 For example, a filling nozzle 11 is provided at the end of a filling hose in a fuel filling system for filling hydrogen tanks in fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). This filling nozzle 11 includes a fitting body 1, which is connected to a socket 20 during filling. A fitting flow path 1A is formed within the fitting body 1. A rod 2 is slidably disposed within this flow path 1A, along with a valve seat 1H. A valve body 2A is disposed at the end of the rod 2, which seats on the valve seat 1H. An elastic member 3 is disposed within the fitting flow path 1A to urge the valve body 2A toward the valve seat 1H. The filling nozzle 11 is provided with a clutch mechanism 12 that maintains the connection between the filling nozzle 11 and the socket 20. The clutch mechanism 12 includes a clutch 4 that engages with the socket 20. The clutch 4 extends in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle and has a groove formed at or near the center of the clutch 4 in the longitudinal direction. An elastic member (e.g., a spring) is disposed within this groove, biasing the clutch 4 radially inward of the filling nozzle 11.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, when the pipe joint body 1 is connected to the socket 20, hydrogen flows through the pipe joint flow path 1A, the rod flow path 2B, or through the gap δ1 between the outer circumference of the rod large diameter portion 2D and the inner circumference of the pipe joint flow path 1A, reaches the bottom 20C of the socket fitting recess, and then flows through the socket flow path 20B. Hydrogen gas flowing from the bottom 20C of the socket fitting recess through the gap ε1 between the inner wall surface 20D of the socket fitting recess and the outer circumference of the pipe joint central protrusion 1E is sealed by the O-ring 21 provided on the inner circumference 20D.

[0030] exist Figure 2 The clutch mechanism 12 has the function of holding the socket-side end portion of the rod 5 at the radially outer position of the clutch 4 and preventing the protrusion 4B of the clutch 4 from being disengaged from the insertion groove 20A of the socket 20. The clutch mechanism 12 includes a socket-side ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The right side in the middle) end portion is provided with a protrusion 5B protruding radially inward, and a side ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The annular elastic member 6 (for example, an O-ring) is embedded in the elastic groove 5C formed near the socket-side end of the rod 5.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the pipe joint body 1 is connected to the socket 20, the valve body 2A at the end of the rod 2 separates from the valve seat 1H, and hydrogen flows into the pipe joint flow path 1A and flows through the rod flow path 2B and the socket flow path 20B. At this time, the pressure of the hydrogen gas is very high (e.g., 70 MPa), and this pressure generates a tensile force F1 ( ) that attempts to separate the pipe joint body 1 from the socket 20. Figure 2 Since the pulling force F1 acts on the pipe joint body 1, the protrusion 4B of the clutch 4 is located away from the socket 20 ( Figure 2 The inclined surface 4BA (on the left side in the figure) contacts the inclined surface 20AA of the socket embedding groove 20A away from the socket 20, so that the radially outward force RO as the component of the pulling force F1 acts on the clutch 4, and the force RO causes the clutch 4 to move radially outward.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 yes Figure 2 In the enlarged view of the F3 portion, when the clutch 4 moves radially outward due to the radially outward force RO, the annular elastic body 6 collapses in the radial direction. As a result, the end face 4BB of the protrusion 4B of the clutch 4 engages with the end face 5BA of the protrusion 5B of the rod 5 in the area FT. In this way, the rod 5 cannot be moved from the Figure 3 The status shown ( Figure 2 and 34B of the clutch 4 is not disengaged from the engagement groove 20A of the socket 20, and the connection between the pipe joint body 1 and the socket 20 is prevented from being disconnected.

[0033] exist Figure 2 and 3 When the hydrogen filling is completed and the predetermined decompression work is completed, the pulling force F1 generated by the high pressure of hydrogen disappears. At the same time, the radially outward force RO acting on the clutch 4 also disappears, and the annular elastic member 6 is released from the clutch 4. Figure 3 The collapsed state shown returns to a state having a circular cross section. As a result, the clutch 4 returns to its radially inward position (the position before hydrogen filling), and the end face 4BB and the end face 5BA have different relative positions in the radial direction ( Figure 3 vertical position in the image) and is not in the Figure 3 The state of the region FT in . Therefore, with Figure 3 In the different states shown, the rod 5 can be moved in a direction away from the socket 20 ( Figure 2 and 3 If the rod 5 is moved away from the socket 20 ( Figure 2 and 3 If the rod 5 is moved to the left in the center, the rod 5 will not be located in the radial direction outside the clutch 4, and the protrusion 4B will deviate from the embedding groove 20A of the socket 20. Then, the connection between the pipe joint body 1 and the socket 20 can be released.

[0034] Reference in JP-B-6516207 Figures 1 to 3 The invention described is a useful technique. However, if for some reason the connection between the end face 4BB of the protrusion 4B of the clutch 4 and the end face 5BA of the protrusion 5B of the rod 5 is not released, the rod 5 cannot be moved in a direction away from the socket 20 ( Figure 2 and 3 and the nozzle 11 cannot be removed from the socket 20.

[0035] In contrast, Figure 4 In the filling nozzle 10 of the modified example shown, once the hydrogen filling is completed and the radially outward force RO disappears, the nozzle 10 can be reliably removed from the socket 20. Figure 4 In the embodiment, a spring (elastic body) 14 is provided at or near the center of the clutch 4 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and the spring 14 pushes the clutch 4 inwardly in the radial direction of the nozzle 10. Figure 4 In the modified example shown, the structure of the portion where the clutch base portion 4E engages with the distal end portion 1C of the pipe joint body 1 is the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 3 The structure in is different. Figure 4 、 6 9 does not show the socket 20, but the structure on the socket side is the same as Figures 1 to 3 The structure is the same as in . Figure 4 、 6 and 9, the left side is the socket side. Figure 4 When explaining, Figures 1 to 3 Parts similar to those in Figures 1 to 3 The same reference numerals are used and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Figures 1 to 3 Different points are explained.

[0036] exist Figure 4 In the longitudinal direction of the filling nozzle, a protrusion 4C is formed near the center of the clutch 4. A groove 4D is formed radially outside the protrusion 4C. The spring 14 is an elastic body and is arranged in the groove 4D. The spring 14 is formed by connecting the extension coil spring / tension coil spring in a ring shape, for example, Figure 5 As shown. When the spring 14 is set in the groove 4D (see Figure 4 ), spring 14 contracts radially inward due to its elastic force. This contracting force acts on the bottom of groove 4D from spring 14 in the direction indicated by arrow F5. The clutch 4 is pushed inward in the radial direction of nozzle 10 by the elastic repulsive force of spring 14 (arrow F5).

[0037] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, spring 14 has a locking portion 14T at one end that protrudes radially inward of clutch 4, and a hole (not shown) is formed at the bottom of groove 4D. Locking portion 14T in the hole at the bottom of groove 4D prevents circumferential rotation of spring 14. Furthermore, a gap 14S is formed between the end having locking portion 14T and the other end 14E2. This gap 14S prevents damage to spring 14 even if it is unexpectedly pushed radially inward by external force. Although not shown, spring 14 may be a tension coil spring connected in a ring shape.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the pipe joint body 1 includes a base 1B and an end 1C, a clutch base portion 4E (distributor side end of the clutch 4: Figure 4 The details of the engagement portion between the annular recess 1D of the pipe joint body 1 and the clutch base portion 4E are shown in FIG. Figure 6 In Figure 6 In FIG. 4 , the socket side is indicated by arrow AR, and the distributor side is indicated by arrow AD. The clutch base portion 4E of the clutch 4 is radially inward ( Figure 6 The clutch base portion 4E has an AR-side portion as the engagement portion 4EE, which engages with the pipe joint body 1. The end portion 4EA, which is located closest to the AD side, is located radially outward ( Figure 6 In the clutch base portion 4E, the radially inner end surface 4EB is formed to face the radially outer side ( Figure 6 The radially outer end surface of the clutch base portion 4E has an inclined surface 4EC and a flat surface 4ED.

[0039] At the clutch base portion 4E, the plane 4ED can move by the length indicated by the arrow A, the outermost end 4EA can move by the length indicated by the arrow B, and the radially inner end surface 4EB can move by the length indicated by the arrow C relative to the pipe joint body 1. Figure 4 As described above, the clutch 4 is biased radially inward by the elastic repulsive force of the spring 14, and the clutch 4 is on the socket side ( Figure 6 Therefore, at the joint point where the clutch base portion 4E is engaged with the pipe joint body end 1C (recess 1D: see Figure 4 ) at which the clutch 4 is pushed radially inwardly along the nozzle 10 without hindrance by the elastic repulsive force of the spring 14.

[0040] When hydrogen filling is complete and the radially outward force RO ( Figure 2 and 3 ) disappears, the end of the clutch 4 moves radially inward due to the elastic repulsive force of the spring 14, and the connection between the end face 4BB of the protrusion 4B of the clutch 4 and the end face 5BA of the protrusion 5B of the rod 5 is released, and the rod 5 can move in a direction away from the socket 20 ( Figure 2 and 3 As a result, in Figure 4 In the filling nozzle 10 of the modified example shown, even if the end surface 4BB (see Figure 2 and 3 ) and the end surface 5BA of the protrusion 5B (see Figure 2 and 3 ) becomes difficult to release, the protrusion 4B of the clutch 4 can also be removed from the embedding groove 20A of the socket 20, and the filling nozzle 10 can be disconnected from the socket 20. Figure 4 In the illustrated modification, the configuration in which the clutch base portion 4E engages with the recess 1D of the pipe joint body 1 is not limited to Figure 6 For example, it is also possible to use Figure 1 and 2 The configuration shown (the configuration described in JP-B-6516207).

[0041] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated modification, for example, when moisture contained in the air entering the filling nozzle 10 is cooled by the low-temperature hydrogen gas, it may freeze and connect the clutch 4 and the nozzle portion surrounding it, or the spring 14 may freeze and bond to the radially outer member of the clutch 4. For example, when the pipe joint body 1 of the filling nozzle 10 is connected to the socket 20, if the water accumulated in the annular groove 1D freezes, the elastic repulsive force of the spring 14 will prevent the clutch 4 from moving inward in the radial direction, thereby connecting the filling nozzle 10 to the socket 20 and making it impossible to release it. Figure 4 In the shown modification, it is difficult to prevent such inconvenience due to freezing.

[0042] The first to fifth embodiments of the present invention overcome this shortcoming. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first embodiment is described. Figure 7 In the filling nozzle 10-1 according to the first embodiment, an elastic gasket 15 having a generally U-shaped cross-section and an annular shape is installed in the area of ​​the recess 1D where the clutch base portion 4E is not present. This elastic gasket 15 has a shape that complements the gap in the recess 1D (i.e., the area where the clutch base portion 4E is not present). In other words, the elastic gasket 15 fills the gap. If the elastic gasket 15 is provided, there will be no gap in the recess 1D, and moisture or foreign matter will not penetrate. If there is no moisture, even if the low temperature of the hydrogen being filled takes effect, the area near the clutch base portion 4E will not freeze, and the radial inward movement of the clutch 4 will not be hindered.

[0043] refer to Figure 8 , will describe Figure 7 The various sizes and functions of the elastic gaskets 15 are shown. Figure 8 The thickness C1 of the radially inwardly protruding portion of the elastic gasket 15 is set to be greater than Figure 6 The length indicated by the arrow C is the length by which the radially inner end surface 4EE of the clutch base portion 4E can move radially in the recess 1D. The longitudinal thickness B1 of the elastic gasket 15 ( Figure 8 ) is set to be greater than Figure 6 The length indicated by the arrow B is the length by which the end portion 4E can move longitudinally in the recess 1D. The thickness A1 of the radially outward protruding portion of the elastic gasket 15 ( Figure 8 ) is set to be greater than Figure 6 The length indicated by the arrow A is the length by which the radially outer end surface 4ED of the end portion 4E can move radially in the recess 1D. By setting the thicknesses A1 to C1 of each portion of the elastic gasket 15 as described above ( Figure 8), the rubber elastic gasket 15 can be tightly fitted into the recess 1D (engaging portion) that engages with the end 4E (distributor side end) of the clutch 4. Figure 8 The elastic forces indicated by the arrows α and β always act on the distributor-side end portion 4E of the clutch 4 .

[0044] Here, the spring force α acts radially inward, displacing the receptacle portion 4R of the clutch 4 (the portion of the clutch 4 excluding the distributor-side end 4E) radially inward. On the other hand, the spring force β acts radially outward. Here, the clutch base portion 4E abuts the joint body 1 at the abutment portion 4EE, with the engagement portion of the abutment portion 4EE located radially inward. Therefore, when the spring force β acts, it acts to displace the receptacle portion 4R of the clutch 4 (the portion of the clutch 4 excluding the distributor-side end 4E) radially inward, with the abutment portion 4EE as the rotational center.

[0045] As mentioned above Figure 8 As described above, the elastic forces α and β of the elastic gasket 15 always push the portion other than the clutch base portion 4E radially inward, so that Figure 7 and 8 In the filling nozzle 10-1 of the first embodiment shown, the Figure 4 and 5 However, although not shown, the spring 14 may also be provided in the filling nozzle 10-1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 and 8 Other configurations and effects of the first embodiment are similar to those of Figures 4 to 6 The configuration and effects are the same as in the modified example.

[0046] Next, we will refer to Figure 9 A second embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 9 In the filling nozzle 10-2 according to the second embodiment, the elastic gasket 15-1 used is provided with an extension portion 15A-1 extending radially outward toward the socket side, and the longitudinal dimension of the radially outer portion of the elastic gasket 15-1 of the second embodiment ( Figure 9 The left and right dimensions) are longer than the radially outer portion of the elastic gasket 15 of the first embodiment. Figure 9 In the embodiment, the inner diameter of the extension portion 15A-1 is set to be the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the socket-side portion 4R of the clutch 4. Therefore, the extension portion 15A-1 of the elastic gasket 15-1 always applies a radially inward elastic force γ to the clutch 4. Furthermore, the extension portion 15A-1 more reliably prevents water from entering the recessed portion 1D and preventing that portion from freezing. Figure 9 The second embodiment can also be set Figure 4 and 5 The spring 14 shown, with Figure 7 and8 The same as in the first embodiment. Figure 9 The other configurations, functions and effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of Figure 7 and 8 The first embodiment is similar.

[0047] Will refer to Figure 10 A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 The third embodiment has Figure 7 and 8 Similar configuration to the first embodiment, but in Figure 10 In the embodiment, a drainage channel 7W is formed in the body 1 by a pipe, and the drainage channel 7W is communicated with the recess 1D. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Different. Although Figure 10 Although not clearly shown in the figure, the drain channel 7W penetrates the pipe joint body 1 and communicates with a drain port (not shown) provided at the boundary between the handle of the filling nozzle 10-3 and the filling hose, and the water flowing through the drain channel 7W is discharged from the drain port (not shown) to the outside of the filling nozzle 10-3. However, the drain port may be provided at a position other than the boundary between the handle of the filling nozzle 10-3 and the filling hose.

[0048] exist Figure 10 In the third embodiment, a through hole 15W is further formed in the elastic gasket 15, and the through hole 15W is connected to the drainage channel 7W. As a result, even if moisture accumulates in the area on the arrow AR side (socket side) of the elastic gasket 15, the moisture can be discharged to the outside of the filling nozzle 10-3. Figure 10 In the third embodiment, even if moisture accumulates in the annular recess 1D, the accumulated moisture is discharged to the outside of the filling nozzle 10-3 through the drainage channel 7W, thereby preventing the annular recess 1D from freezing. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic gasket 15 (and the elastic force of the spring 14) causes the clutch 4 to move radially inward, and the protrusion 4B of the clutch 4 is aligned with the fitting groove 20A of the socket 20 ( Figure 2 and 3 ) is disengaged, and the filling nozzle 10-1 is disconnected from the socket 20.

[0049] Next, we will refer to Figure 11 A fourth embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 11 In the fourth embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of the radially outer portion of the elastic gasket 15-2 is longer than the longitudinal dimension of the radially inner portion, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As in the second embodiment. Figure 10As in the third embodiment, a drain channel 7W is formed through the pipe joint body 1. A through hole 15-2W is also formed in the elastic gasket 15-2, and the through hole 15-2W communicates with the drain channel 7W. The drain channel 7W communicates with a drain port (not shown) provided at the boundary between the handle and the filling hose of the filling nozzle 10-4 according to the fourth embodiment, and discharges the liquid from this drain port to the exterior of the filling nozzle 10-3. However, the drain port may also be provided at a location other than the boundary between the handle and the filling hose of the filling nozzle 10-3. Figure 11 Other configurations and effects of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of Figure 9 and 10 The same as the embodiment.

[0050] Will refer to Figure 12 A fifth embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 12 In the embodiment, the clutch end portion 4E is also engaged with the recess 1D of the pipe joint body 1. The elastic gasket 15-3 fills the gap in the recess 1D. However, Figure 12 The elastic gasket 15-3 shown is filled only on the inclined surface 4EC and the flat surface 4ED of the clutch base portion 4E (see FIG. Figure 6 ) in the radially outer region, and the elastic gasket 15-3 is not filled in the radially inner end surface 4EB (see Figure 6 ) in the radially inner region, thereby forming a gap 1DV. The drainage channel 7W-3 of the pipe joint body 1 is connected to the gap 1DV. Therefore, Figure 12 Drainage channel 7W-3 and Figure 10 and Figure 11 The drainage channel 7W shown is located radially inward of the pipe joint body 1 ( Figure 7 、 10 and 12 below). Figure 12 In the fifth embodiment, if water accumulates in the recess 1D, it is because it is a radially inner region (gap portion) that is not filled with the elastic gasket 15-3.

[0051] Figure 12 The elastic gasket 15-3 shown is only present in Figures 7 to 11 The radially outer area of ​​the elastic gasket shown ( Figures 7 to 12 Drain channel 7W-3 is connected to Figure 12 The radial inner clearance in the elastic gasket 15-3 has no through hole. Figure 12 The elastic force indicated by the arrow α is Figure 8 The elastic force indicated by the arrow α is the same and biases the clutch 4 radially inward. Figure 12 The fifth embodiment may also include Figure 4 and 5 The spring 14 shown, as Figures 4 to 11 As in the example in . Figure 12 The other configurations and effects of the fifth embodiment are the same as those of Figures 4 to 11 The same as the embodiment in.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the material of the elastic gasket 15, 15-1 is preferably an elastomer such as rubber or resin. When using foam, closed-cell rubber is preferred. In addition, open-cell structures are not suitable as the material for the elastic gasket 15, 15-1 because water may penetrate into the open-cell structure. However, if the clutch only needs to be biased radially inward, open-cell rubber can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, silicone can be used instead of closed-cell rubber or open-cell rubber. When manufacturing such an elastic gasket, it can be replaced by pouring molten rubber or silicone into the space where the end 4 (distributor-side end) of the clutch 4 joins the pipe joint body 1. After the poured rubber or silicone hardens, the hardened rubber or silicone is removed to manufacture the elastic gasket 15, 15-1. However, when the rubber or silicone in the space of the cast joint hardens, it will function as the elastic gasket 15, 15-1, so it can be filled as the elastic gasket 15, 15-1 without being removed.

[0053] Considering the size conditions of the elastic gaskets 15 and 15-1 (for example, Figure 8 While considering the dimensions A1 to C1, etc., the composition and properties of the rubber or silicone to be cast must also be considered. When using this method to manufacture the elastic gaskets 15 and 15-1, a mold release agent must be used to remove the elastic gasket 15 made by casting silicone when disassembling the filling nozzle 10-1 for maintenance, etc.

[0054] It should be noted that the illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0055] [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 Pipe joint body

[0057] 1A pipe fitting flow path

[0058] 1H valve seat

[0059] 2 sticks

[0060] 2A valve body

[0061] 3 Elastic components

[0062] 4 Clutch

[0063] 5 strokes

[0064] 7W, 7W-3 (pipe joint body 1) drainage channel

[0065] 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 filling nozzles

[0066] 12 Clutch mechanism

[0067] 14 Spring (elastic body)

[0068] 15, 15-1, 15-3 elastic gaskets

[0069] 15A-1 Extension of elastic gasket

[0070] 15W, 15-2W through-hole

[0071] 20 sockets (vehicle filling port).

Claims

1. A filling nozzle, comprising: a pipe joint body provided at a distal end of a filling hose for filling gaseous fuel and connected to a socket on a side to be filled with gaseous fuel; and a clutch extending outside the pipe joint body in a direction in which the pipe joint body is connected to the socket (hereinafter referred to as "connection direction") and engaging with the socket, wherein an annular elastic gasket is fitted in an engaging portion where an end portion of the clutch remote from the socket engages with the pipe joint body, so that a portion of the clutch other than the end portion is biased radially inward of the filling nozzle by the elastic gasket, and The elastic washer has a shape complementary to a gap or a portion of the gap when the end portion of the clutch engages with the engaging portion where the end portion and the pipe joint body engage.

2. The filling nozzle according to claim 1, wherein The engaging portion is constituted by an annular recess formed in the pipe joint body and accommodating the end portion of the clutch remote from the socket, and the annular recess communicates with the outside of the pipe joint body through a drainage channel.

3. The filling nozzle according to claim 2, wherein A through hole is formed in the elastic gasket, and the through hole is communicated with the drainage channel.

4. The filling nozzle according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein An extension portion extending toward the socket side is provided on the radial outer side of the elastic gasket, and a radial dimension of the extension portion is set to be the same as or smaller than the radial dimension of the socket side portion of the clutch.

5. The filling nozzle according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein The elastic spacer is formed in a shape complementary to a radially outer region of the gap. The filling nozzle according to claim 5 , wherein: When the end portion of the clutch is engaged with the engaging portion in which the end portion and the pipe joint body are engaged, a gap is formed in an area radially inward of the radially inner end surface of the end portion of the clutch that is not filled with an elastic gasket, the gap being communicated with the drainage channel of the pipe joint body, and no through-hole is formed in the elastic gasket.

7. A method for manufacturing the elastic gasket in the filling nozzle according to claim 1, the method comprising the following steps: Molten rubber or silicone is poured into an engaging portion where the end portion of the clutch remote from the socket engages with the pipe joint body, and is removed after the rubber or silicone is hardened.

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