Fuel supply system

Abstract

The invention provides a fuel supply system capable of avoiding breakage of at least one of a hydrogen tank and a hydrogen consumption device. The fuel supply system comprises a detachable hydrogen tank; a hydrogen consumption device which consumes the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank; and a control device, in which the hydrogen consumption device has a proximity sensor provided in the vicinity of a position where a hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank is present when the hydrogen tank is disposed in the hydrogen consumption device, and the proximity sensor detects the relative position between the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consumption device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel supply system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Patent Literature 1, a mobile body equipped with a detachable hydrogen tank is disclosed.

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-056947

[0004] In the related art, in a fuel supply system, when starting installation control of a hydrogen tank to a hydrogen consuming device, whether the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consuming device are disposed at a prescribed position is not detected, and in a case where they are disposed at a position deviated from the prescribed position due to intrusion of a foreign object or the like, if the installation control is directly executed, it can lead to breakage of at least either of the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consuming device. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a fuel supply system capable of avoiding breakage of at least either of a hydrogen tank and a hydrogen consuming device.

[0006] That is, the present disclosure includes the following modes.

[0007] <1>

[0008] A fuel supply system having a detachable hydrogen tank, a hydrogen consuming device that consumes hydrogen of the hydrogen tank, and a control device, wherein the hydrogen consuming device includes a proximity sensor provided in the vicinity of a position where a hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank exists when the hydrogen tank is disposed in the hydrogen consuming device, and the proximity sensor detects a relative position of the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consuming device.

[0009] <2> The fuel supply system according to <1>, wherein

[0010] The control device determines whether the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank is disposed at a prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device, and in a case where the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank is disposed at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device, the control device starts installation control of connecting the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming device in a state where the hydrogen tank can supply hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming device, and in a case where the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank is not disposed at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device, the control device does not start the installation control.

[0011] <3> The fuel supply system according to <2>, wherein the fuel supply system has a plurality of the hydrogen tank, the control device determines whether the hydrogen supply port of the plurality of the hydrogen tank is disposed at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device, and the control device starts the installation control only for the hydrogen tank in which the hydrogen supply port is disposed at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device among the plurality of the hydrogen tank.

[0012] <4> The fuel supply system according to <2> or <3>, wherein the hydrogen tank has a first connection portion provided with the hydrogen supply port, the hydrogen consuming device includes a handler, the handler has a second connection portion, and in the installation control, the control device connects the first connection portion of the hydrogen tank and the second connection portion of the handler.

[0013] <5> The fuel supply system according to <4>, wherein the first connection portion is an open-close valve, and the second connection portion is a push rod.

[0014] The fuel supply system of the present disclosure can avoid breakage of at least either one of the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consuming device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a view that shows an example of the structure of the fuel supply system of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 is a view that shows an example of the state in which the hydrogen tank is disposed at the hydrogen supply standby position W.

[0017] Figure 3 is a view that shows an example of the state in which the hydrogen tank is disposed at the hydrogen supply start position S.

[0018] Figure 4 is a flowchart that shows an example of the control of the fuel supply system of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 is a view that shows an example of the control of the fuel supply system of the present disclosure. Figure 4

[0020] Figure 6 is a view that shows an example of the control of the fuel supply system of the present disclosure. Figure 4

[0021] [EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS]

[0022] ​​1 hydrogen tank; 1a upper tank; 1b lower tank; 2 loader; 3 stepping motor; 4 locking pin; 5 positioning hole; 6 push rod; 7 on-off valve; 8 spring; 9 check valve; 10 pressure sensor; 11 supply flow path; 12 control device; 20 movable portion; 21 fitting portion; 30 proximity sensor; 50 control device; 100 fuel supply system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the present disclosure, a fuel supply system is provided, having a detachable hydrogen tank, a hydrogen consuming device that consumes hydrogen of the hydrogen tank, and a control device, the fuel supply system having a proximity sensor that is provided in the vicinity of a position where a hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank exists when the hydrogen tank is disposed in the hydrogen consuming device, the proximity sensor detecting a relative position of the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consuming device.

[0024] The present disclosure detects, using the proximity sensor, when the hydrogen tank is inserted and fixed to a prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device at the time of mounting the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming device. In addition, in the case where a plurality of hydrogen tanks are mounted, only the hydrogen tank that is detected as being inserted and fixed to the prescribed position is subjected to mounting control. By the proximity sensor, the fitting state of the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consuming device can be grasped, mounting control in a state where the hydrogen tank is not completely fixed to the hydrogen consuming device can be prevented, and disconnection of the hydrogen tank in hydrogen supply, and damage of at least either of the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consuming device can be avoided. In addition, the user can be relieved of the trouble of selecting and setting, on the system, which of the plurality of hydrogen tanks is to be mounted, and the convenience is improved.

[0025] The fuel supply system of the present disclosure has a detachable hydrogen tank, a hydrogen consuming device that consumes hydrogen of the hydrogen tank, and a control device.

[0026] The fuel supply system of the present disclosure can also be used for a mobile body such as a vehicle, a railway, a ship, an airplane, and the like, a stationary power generation system such as a fuel cell power generator, and the like. The vehicle can be exemplified by a fuel cell vehicle, a hydrogen engine vehicle, and the like.

[0027] [Hydrogen tank]

[0028] The hydrogen tank (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a tank) is a container that stores hydrogen as a fuel, and supplies hydrogen from the hydrogen tank to a hydrogen consuming device. The fuel supply system can also be provided with a plurality of (n) hydrogen tanks. n is an integer of 2 or more, and the upper limit is not particularly limited.

[0029] The hydrogen tank can be of a structure that is detachable, and a publicly known hydrogen tank that can be used as a hydrogen tank can be applied.

[0030] The hydrogen tank is provided with a hydrogen tank main body that is a site that stores hydrogen, and a hydrogen supply port that becomes an entrance and exit of hydrogen of the hydrogen tank main body.

[0031] The hydrogen tank can also have a first connection portion (connection portion on the hydrogen tank side) that connects with the hydrogen consuming device.

[0032] The first connection portion has a hydrogen supply port.

[0033] The first connection portion can also be a shutoff valve (sometimes referred to as a tank cutoff valve) or the like.

[0034] The shutoff valve can also have a valve core and a hydrogen supply port.

[0035] The valve core is a switching valve that allows and restricts communication between the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank. The valve core is forced to restrict the communication when the valve is closed, and the valve core moves to allow the communication by pressing the valve core against the force. In order to allow and restrict the communication by pressing and releasing the valve core, the hydrogen consuming device can also have a push rod as a mechanism for pressing the valve core.

[0036] The push rod is inserted into the hydrogen supply port.

[0037] The hydrogen tank can also be provided with a handle that is gripped when the hydrogen tank is attached to and detached from the hydrogen consuming device.

[0038] [Hydrogen consuming device]

[0039] The hydrogen consuming device is a supply destination of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, and is a device that receives and consumes hydrogen.

[0040] The hydrogen consuming device can also have an attachment and detachment mechanism that attaches and detaches the hydrogen tank with respect to the hydrogen consuming device.

[0041] The attachment and detachment mechanism can have at least one motor. The motor controls the attachment and detachment of the hydrogen tank with respect to the hydrogen consuming device. The hydrogen consuming device can also have a plurality (n) of motors corresponding to the attachment and detachment of a plurality (n) of hydrogen tanks, respectively.

[0042] The motor can directly transmit the driving force of the motor to the hydrogen tank, or can transmit the driving force to a movable portion of the attachment and detachment mechanism.

[0043] The motor can also be a stepping motor.

[0044] The stepping motor is a power source that moves the movable portion via a gear. The specific manner of the stepping motor is not particularly limited, and a publicly known stepping motor can be used.

[0045] The stepping motor is electrically connected to a control device, and controls the rotation angle and the rotation speed based on a signal from the control device, thereby controlling the movement of the movable portion with high precision.

[0046] The stepping motor can also have a position sensor, a motor torque sensor, a motor temperature sensor, or the like.

[0047] The position sensor detects the position of the hydrogen tank, particularly the position of the on-off valve. The position sensor can detect the position of the on-off valve based on the rotation angle of the stepping motor detected by the motor torque sensor, or based on the temperature of the stepping motor detected by the motor temperature sensor.

[0048] The specific manner of the sensor is not particularly limited, and a publicly known sensor can be used. The sensor is electrically connected to the control device, and is configured to transmit the measured position of the hydrogen tank to the control device by a signal.

[0049] The attachment / detachment mechanism can also have a hydrogen tank force application mechanism.

[0050] The hydrogen tank force application mechanism refers to a mechanism that has a force that moves the hydrogen tank from a position where the hydrogen tank is connected to the second connection portion of the hydrogen consuming device (hydrogen supply start position) to a prescribed position in a direction where the first connection portion of the hydrogen tank is separated from the second connection portion of the hydrogen consuming device (hydrogen supply standby position) in a free state where the hydrogen tank is not affected by other external forces.

[0051] The hydrogen tank force application mechanism can directly transmit the force of the force application mechanism to the hydrogen tank, or can be a spring or the like. The hydrogen tank force application mechanism can be a structure in which a spring is attached to the hydrogen tank, or can be a structure in which it is attached to the movable portion.

[0052] The attachment / detachment mechanism can also have an attachment / detachment machine (attachment portion) that can attach / detach the hydrogen tank.

[0053] The attachment / detachment machine can also have a fitting portion and a movable portion.

[0054] The fitting portion is fitted to the hydrogen tank. The fitting portion can be fitted to the entire hydrogen tank, or can be fitted to the end portion of the side opposite to the fitting portion of the movable portion, as long as it is fitted to at least the end portion of the hydrogen supply port side of the hydrogen tank in a state where the hydrogen tank is attached to the attachment / detachment machine.

[0055] The first connection portion of the hydrogen tank is connected to the second connection portion of the fitting portion when the fitting portion of the hydrogen tank is fitted.

[0056] The hydrogen consuming device can also have a second connection portion (connection portion on the hydrogen consuming device side).

[0057] The second connection portion is a portion that is connected to the first connection portion of the hydrogen tank and forms a flow path (communication) with the hydrogen tank. The second connection portion can also be provided to the fitting portion of the attachment / detachment machine. The second connection portion can also be a push rod or the like.

[0058] The push rod is a member that can press the valve core of the on-off valve of the hydrogen tank, and can be a rod shape, or can press the valve core with the front end thereof. The push rod can also be configured to be inserted into the hydrogen supply port of the on-off valve.

[0059] Further, the push rod can be configured to form a flow path that allows hydrogen to flow from the inside of the hydrogen tank to the supply flow path when the valve element is pressed to bring the on-off valve to the open state.

[0060] The attachment / detachment mechanism can also have a lock portion that locks (locks) the hydrogen tank at a prescribed position when movement of the hydrogen tank is restricted.

[0061] The prescribed position can be a hydrogen supply start position or a hydrogen supply standby position.

[0062] The lock portion locks the hydrogen tank at the prescribed position in the lock control to become a locked state that restricts movement of the hydrogen tank, and releases the lock in the unlock control to form an unlocked state that allows movement of the hydrogen tank.

[0063] The lock portion is electrically connected to the control device, and the control device switches the drive of the lock portion based on an input signal to switch between the locked state that restricts movement of the hydrogen tank and the unlocked state that allows movement of the hydrogen tank.

[0064] The lock portion can be a lock pin or the like.

[0065] The lock pin can be disposed in the fitting portion.

[0066] The lock pin is a pin that is disposed so as to be able to protrude into or be withdrawn from the engagement recess of the movable portion, and when protruding, enters the inside of the engagement recess and is able to engage with the engagement recess. On the other hand, the lock pin is disposed so as not to engage with the engagement recess when being withdrawn.

[0067] The lock pin is electrically connected to the control device, and is controlled based on a signal from the control device.

[0068] The movable portion moves the hydrogen tank by control of the motor. The movable portion moves in a direction in which the first connection portion of the hydrogen tank approaches and separates from the second connection portion of the hydrogen-consuming device. The hydrogen tank is moved by the movable portion between the hydrogen supply stop position, the hydrogen supply standby position, and the hydrogen supply start position.

[0069] The movable portion can also have a tank insertion hole.

[0070] The tank insertion hole is a space that accommodates the hydrogen tank, has an opening through which the hydrogen tank can enter and exit, and can also be a space surrounded by an inner wall.

[0071] The movable portion can also have an engagement recess (positioning hole) that is able to engage with the lock portion.

[0072] The engagement recess can be provided on the lower surface side of the movable portion. The engagement recess can be configured to be able to engage and disengage with the lock pin, and the specific form thereof is not particularly limited, and can be a recess or a groove.

[0073] The width of the engagement recess (the size in the direction in which the movable portion moves) can also be larger than the width of the locking pin. Thus, even in a state in which the locking pin protrudes into the inside of the engagement recess, the movable portion can move within the range of the width of the engagement recess.

[0074] The movable portion can also be a movable placement table.

[0075] The movable placement table is a component that can place the hydrogen tank on the upper surface side, and in the case in which the upper surface side has a tank insertion hole, is a component that can insert and fix the hydrogen tank to the tank insertion hole. The movable placement table refers to a table having mobility, and in a state in which the hydrogen tank is placed, can move in the direction in which the first connection portion of the hydrogen tank and the second connection portion of the hydrogen consuming device are connected and in the direction in which the first connection portion of the hydrogen tank is separated from the second connection portion of the hydrogen consuming device. The means for moving is not particularly limited, and a combination of a track and a wheel or the like can be cited.

[0076] The movable placement table can also be a base (box placement table).

[0077] The hydrogen consuming device has a proximity sensor. The hydrogen consuming device can also be provided with a plurality (n) of proximity sensors corresponding to a plurality (n) of hydrogen tanks.

[0078] The proximity sensor is disposed in the vicinity of a position at which the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank exists when the hydrogen tank is disposed within the hydrogen consuming device, specifically, within the tank insertion hole of the movable portion of the loader.

[0079] The proximity sensor can also be disposed in the movable portion.

[0080] The proximity sensor is a sensor that detects the approach of a detection object in a non-contact manner, and detects the relative position of the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consuming device.

[0081] The proximity sensor is electrically connected to the control device, and is configured to be able to transmit the detected result to the control device by a signal.

[0082] The hydrogen consuming device can also be provided with a hydrogen consuming apparatus.

[0083] As the hydrogen consuming apparatus, a fuel cell, a hydrogen engine, and a combustion portion of a hydrogen combustor, or the like can be cited.

[0084] The hydrogen consuming device can also be provided with a supply flow path (hydrogen piping).

[0085] The supply flow path is a path that guides hydrogen from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming apparatus, and is composed of piping. It can also be that each supply flow path extending from each hydrogen tank merges to become one supply flow path and is connected to the hydrogen consuming apparatus.

[0086] The hydrogen consuming device can also be provided with an injector.

[0087] An injector is arranged in the supply flow path between the second connection portion and the hydrogen-consuming device, and controls the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming device. The injector can be a check valve, a flow rate adjustment valve, or the like.

[0088] The hydrogen-consuming device can also be provided with a pressure gauge.

[0089] The pressure gauge can be arranged in each supply flow path in a manner corresponding to the internal pressure of each hydrogen tank, and can measure the flow path internal pressure (pressure in the pipe) of each supply flow path.

[0090] The pressure gauge is configured to be able to transmit the obtained pressure value data to the control device.

[0091] In the hydrogen-consuming device, insertion and fixation of the hydrogen tank, installation of the hydrogen tank, detachment of the hydrogen tank, and the like are performed.

[0092] Insertion and fixation (setting) of the hydrogen tank refers to an operation of arranging the hydrogen tank at a position at which installation of the hydrogen tank is started (hydrogen supply stop position). Specifically, it can also be an operation of inserting and fixing the hydrogen tank into a hydrogen insertion hole of a movable portion of an attachment / detachment mechanism of the hydrogen-consuming device from the outside of the fuel supply system by manual work of a person or the like.

[0093] Installation of the hydrogen tank refers to an operation of connecting the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen-consuming device in a state in which the hydrogen tank is able to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming device, and specifically refers to an operation of moving the hydrogen tank from the hydrogen supply stop position to a position at which accurate alignment for connecting the first connection portion of the hydrogen tank to the second connection portion of the hydrogen-consuming device is started (hydrogen supply standby position), and further moving the hydrogen tank from the hydrogen supply standby position to a position at which the first connection portion of the hydrogen tank is connected to the second connection portion of the hydrogen-consuming device (hydrogen supply start position), thereby connecting the pair of connection portions to each other.

[0094] Detachment of the hydrogen tank refers to an operation of releasing the connection of the first connection portion of the hydrogen tank to the second connection portion of the hydrogen-consuming device, moving the hydrogen tank from the hydrogen supply start position to the hydrogen supply standby position, and moving the hydrogen tank from the hydrogen supply standby position to the hydrogen supply stop position in order to be able to take out the hydrogen tank.

[0095] The hydrogen supply stop position is a position at which installation of the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming device is started, and is a position from which the hydrogen tank can be removed. Specifically, it is a position at which the hydrogen tank is inserted into and fixed to a hydrogen insertion hole of a movable portion of an attachment / detachment mechanism of the attachment / detachment machine of the hydrogen consuming device from the outside of the fuel supply system by manual work of a person or the like. The hydrogen supply stop position can be a position further away from the fitting portion of the attachment / detachment machine than the hydrogen supply standby position. Specifically, it can be a position at which the first connecting portion of the hydrogen tank is not connected to the second connecting portion of the hydrogen consuming device and the movable portion is not in contact with the fitting portion so that locking of the locking pin cannot be performed. The position at which the locking of the locking pin cannot be performed is a position at which, in the movable direction of the movable portion of the attachment / detachment machine, the distance from the push rod to the engagement recess portion of the movable portion is farther than the distance from the push rod to the locking pin.

[0096] The hydrogen supply standby position is a position at which the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consuming device are not connected in a state in which the hydrogen tank can supply hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming device and waits for supply of hydrogen, and can be a position at which the first connecting portion of the hydrogen tank and the second connecting portion of the hydrogen consuming device are not connected. For example, it can be a position at which accurate alignment for connecting the first connecting portion of the hydrogen tank to the second connecting portion of the hydrogen consuming device is started by control of the motor. Specifically, it can be a position at which the first connecting portion of the hydrogen tank and the second connecting portion of the hydrogen consuming device are not connected and the movable portion is in contact with the fitting portion so that locking of the locking pin can be performed.

[0097] The hydrogen supply start position is a position at which the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consuming device are connected in a state in which the hydrogen tank can supply hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming device. Specifically, it can be a position at which the first connecting portion of the hydrogen tank and the second connecting portion of the hydrogen consuming device are connected by control of the motor.

[0098] [Control device]

[0099] The control device is a device that performs control and the like for connecting the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming device. The control device is a device that performs control and the like for connecting the first connecting portion (an open / close valve or the like) of the hydrogen tank to the second connecting portion (a push rod or the like) of the hydrogen consuming device. The control device can also be configured to be able to communicate with the locking pin, the stepping motor, various sensors, the ejector, and the pressure gauge.

[0100] The control device can also have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs computation as a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a work area, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) that functions as a recording medium, a reception portion that is an interface that receives information to the control device regardless of wired or wireless, and a transmission portion that is an interface that transmits information from the control device to the outside regardless of wired or wireless.

[0101] Therefore, the control device can also be configured such that various sensors, pressure gauges are connected to the receiving portion to receive information, and a locking pin, a stepping motor, and an injector are connected to the sending portion, and signals for their operation can be sent to them.

[0102] The control device can also be an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or the like.

[0103] The control device can also determine whether the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank is disposed at a prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device based on the relative position of the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming device detected by the proximity sensor.

[0104] In a case where the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank is disposed at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device, the control device starts the attachment control in which the hydrogen tank is connected to the hydrogen consuming device in a state in which the hydrogen tank can supply hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming device.

[0105] In a case where the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank is not disposed at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device, the control device does not start the attachment control.

[0106] The prescribed position refers to a position in which the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank can exist in a state in which the hydrogen tank is inserted and fixed in a normal position in the hydrogen consuming device when the hydrogen tank is disposed in the hydrogen consuming device (specifically, a tank insertion hole of a loader).

[0107] In a case where the fuel supply system has a plurality of hydrogen tanks, the control device determines whether the hydrogen supply ports of the plurality of hydrogen tanks are disposed at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device, and the control device starts the attachment control only for a hydrogen tank whose hydrogen supply port is disposed at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device among the plurality of hydrogen tanks.

[0108] The control device performs the attachment and detachment control of the hydrogen tank with respect to the hydrogen consuming device.

[0109] The attachment and detachment control includes the detachment control and the attachment control.

[0110] The detachment control includes a connection release process and an isolation process.

[0111] The connection release process is a process of moving the hydrogen tank with respect to the hydrogen consuming device from a hydrogen supply start position to a hydrogen supply standby position. By the connection release process, the connection of the hydrogen consuming device and the hydrogen tank is released.

[0112] The isolation process is a process of moving the hydrogen tank with respect to the hydrogen consuming device from the hydrogen supply standby position to a hydrogen supply stop position. By the isolation process, the hydrogen tank can be removed from the hydrogen consuming device.

[0113] The attachment control includes an approach process and a connection process.

[0114] The approach process is a process of moving the hydrogen tank relative to the hydrogen consuming device from the hydrogen supply stop position to the hydrogen supply standby position. By the approach process, the hydrogen tank is disposed at a position waiting for supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming device.

[0115] The connection process is a process of moving the hydrogen tank relative to the hydrogen consuming device from the hydrogen supply standby position to the hydrogen supply start position. By the connection process, the hydrogen tank is connected to the hydrogen consuming device in a state in which the hydrogen tank can supply hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming device.

[0116] Figure 1 is a view showing an example of the structure of the fuel supply system of the present disclosure.

[0117] Figure 1 The fuel supply system 100 shown in the drawing is provided with a hydrogen tank 1 (upper tank la, lower tank lb), a handler 2, a stepping motor 3, a locking pin 4, a positioning hole 5, a push rod 6, an on-off valve 7, a spring 8, a check valve 9, a pressure sensor 10, a supply flow path 11, a movable portion 20, a fitting portion 21, a proximity sensor 30, a control device 50. F indicates a positioning direction, and the dotted arrow indicates the flow of hydrogen. Hydrogen is supplied to a hydrogen consuming device not shown in the drawing through the supply flow path 11.

[0118] As shown in the drawing, Figure 1 the hydrogen tank 1 is disposed at the hydrogen supply stop position T in a state in which the on-off valve 7 of the hydrogen tank 1 is not connected to the push rod 6 within the fitting portion 21 of the handler 2 and the movable portion 20 is not in contact with the fitting portion 21 and the positioning hole 5 of the movable portion 20 is not locked by the locking pin 4. The proximity sensor 30 detects the relative position of the on-off valve 7 including the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank 1 and the hydrogen consuming device.

[0119] The hydrogen tank 1 disposed at the hydrogen supply stop position T is in a state in which the hydrogen tank 1 is inserted into and fixed to the tank insertion hole of the movable portion 20 of the handler 2 at a position at which fitting of the hydrogen tank 1 into the fitting portion 21 of the handler 2 (attachment of the hydrogen tank 1 to the handler 2) is started.

[0120] The hydrogen supply stop position T is a position at which the distance from the push rod 6 is farther than the distance from the push rod 6 to the locking pin 4 in the movable direction of the movable portion 20 of the handler 2.

[0121] As shown in the drawing, Figure 1 the hydrogen tank 1 is disposed at the hydrogen supply stop position T in a state in which the on-off valve 7 of the hydrogen tank 1 is not connected to the push rod 6 of the handler 2 and the locking of the locking pin 4 in the positioning hole 5 is not performed.

[0122] Figure 1 The position of the hydrogen tank 1 shown in the drawing is also one of the positions at which installation control of the present disclosure is started.

[0123] Figure 2 is a view showing an example of the state in which the hydrogen tank is disposed at the hydrogen supply standby position W.

[0124] As shown in Figure 2 , the hydrogen tank 1 is disposed in the hydrogen gas supply standby position W in a state where the push rod 6 in the fitting portion 21 of the loader 2 is not connected to the opening / closing valve 7 of the hydrogen tank 1, and the movable portion 20 is in contact with the fitting portion 21, and the locking pin 4 is in abutment with the positioning hole 5 of the movable portion 20 by the spring force of the spring 8. The opening / closing valve 7 of the hydrogen tank 1 is not connected to the push rod 6 in the fitting portion 21 of the loader 2, and is in a closed state.

[0125] The hydrogen tank 1 disposed in the hydrogen gas supply standby position W is in a state where it is not fitted (mounted) in the fitting portion 21 of the loader 2, and is in a state where it is detached from the loader 2.

[0126] Figure 3 is a schematic view showing an example of a state where the hydrogen tank is disposed in the hydrogen gas supply start position S.

[0127] As shown in Figure 3 , the hydrogen tank 1 is disposed in the hydrogen gas supply start position S in a state where the push rod 6 in the fitting portion 21 of the loader 2 is connected to the opening / closing valve 7 of the hydrogen tank 1, and the locking pin 4 is in abutment with the positioning hole 5 of the movable portion 20. The opening / closing valve 7 of the hydrogen tank 1 is connected to the push rod 6 in the fitting portion 21 of the loader 2, and is in an open state.

[0128] The hydrogen tank 1 disposed in the hydrogen gas supply start position S is fitted to the fitting portion 21 of the loader 2, and is in a state of being mounted to the loader 2.

[0129] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the fuel supply system of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The flowchart shown in Figure 1 shows an example of control in the case of the fuel supply system having two

[0130] Step 1: The person inserts and fixes two hydrogen tanks in the loader:

[0131] dcm1 = dstp, dcm2 = dstp

[0132] Step 2: Detect whether the tanks are inserted and fixed in the prescribed position of the loader by the proximity sensor:

[0133] ON / OFF detection of x_pxs1, x_pxs2

[0134] Step 3: Start the mounting control of the two hydrogen tanks by the button operation of the person:

[0135] xh2sply = ON

[0136] • When both hydrogen tanks are inserted and fixed in the prescribed positions of the handler (x_pxs1 = ON, x_pxs2 = ON), automatic operation of both hydrogen tanks is automatically performed (Step 4 to Step 7)

[0137] • When only the upper tank is inserted and fixed in the prescribed position of the handler (x_pxs1 = ON, x_pxs2 = OFF), automatic operation of one upper hydrogen tank is automatically performed (Step 4 to Step 7)

[0138] • When only the lower tank is inserted and fixed in the prescribed position of the handler (x_pxs1 = OFF, x_pxs2 = ON), automatic operation of one lower hydrogen tank is automatically performed (Step 4 to Step 7)

[0139] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a subsequent example of control of the fuel supply system of the present disclosure. Figure 4

[0140] Step 4: In Step 2, for the hydrogen tank for which insertion and fixation of the hydrogen tank in the prescribed position of the handler is detected, the following installation control is performed.

[0141] • Start of stepper motor control:

[0142] xmot1 = ON, xmot2 = ON

[0143] • Lock release of the locking pin:

[0144] xlck1 = ON, xlck2 = ON

[0145] • Movement of the hydrogen tank from the hydrogen supply stop position to the hydrogen supply standby position by the stepper motor:

[0146] dcm1 = dstb, dcm2 = dstb

[0147] • Locking of the locking pin:

[0148] xlck1 = OFF, xlck2 = OFF

[0149] • Stop of the stepper motor control, and abutment (locking confirmation) of the movable portion of the handler and the locking pin by the spring force:

[0150] xmot1 = OFF, xmot2 = OFF

[0151] • Movement of the hydrogen tank from the hydrogen supply standby position to the hydrogen supply start position by the stepper motor (at this time, the open-close valve is opened by the pressing force applied to the open-close valve from the contact push rod by the push rod), and start of hydrogen supply:

[0152] ​xmotl = ON, xmot2 = ON, dcmi = dsply, dcm2 = dsply Step 5: After hydrogen supply, start disengagement control of hydrogen tank by manual button operation

[0153] Step 6: After hydrogen supply, start disengagement control of hydrogen tank by manual button operation

[0154] xh2sply = OFF

[0155] Step 7: In Step 4, the hydrogen tank subjected to installation control is subjected to the following disengagement control.

[0156] • Move the hydrogen tank from the hydrogen supply start position to the hydrogen supply standby position by the stepping motor (open / close valve: closed), hydrogen supply is stopped

[0157] dcmi = dstb, dcm2 = dstb

[0158] • Perform degassing treatment of the hydrogen piping

[0159] • Lock release of the lock pin:

[0160] xlckl = ON, xlck2 = ON

[0161] • Move the hydrogen tank from the hydrogen standby position to the hydrogen supply stop position by the stepping motor:

[0162] dcmi = dstp, dcm2 = dstp

[0163] • Lock implementation of the lock pin:

[0164] xlckl = OFF, xlck2 = OFF

[0165] • Stepping motor control is stopped:

[0166] xmotl = OFF, xmot2 = OFF

[0167] x_pxs 1 : proximity sensor (upper tank) ON: tank insertion and fixation detected, OFF: tank insertion and fixation not detected

[0168] x_pxs 2 : proximity sensor (lower tank) ON: tank insertion and fixation detected, OFF: tank insertion and fixation not detected

[0169] dcmi : hydrogen tank position (upper tank)

[0170] dcm2: hydrogen tank position (lower tank)

[0171] dstp: hydrogen supply stop position

[0172] dstb: hydrogen supply standby position

[0173] dsply: hydrogen supply start position

[0174] xh2sply: hydrogen tank attachment / detachment control instruction

[0175] xmotl: motor control state (upper tank) ON: control start, OFF: control stop

[0176] xmot2: motor control state (lower tank) ON: control start, OFF: control stop

[0177] xlckl: lock pin state (upper tank) ON: lock release, OFF: lock implementation

[0178] xlck2: lock pin state (lower tank) ON: lock release, OFF: lock implementation

[0179] Figure 6 is a time chart indicating a case where only the upper tank is inserted into and fixed to a prescribed position of the attachment / detachment machine in the fuel supply system of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is an example of a time chart in a case where only the upper tank is inserted into and fixed to a prescribed position of the attachment / detachment machine in the fuel supply system of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A fuel supply system having: a detachable hydrogen tank, a hydrogen consuming device that consumes hydrogen of the hydrogen tank, and a control device, wherein, the hydrogen consuming device includes a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor is disposed in the vicinity of a position where a hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank exists when the hydrogen tank is arranged in the hydrogen consuming device, the proximity sensor detects a relative position of the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consuming device.

2. The fuel supply system according to claim 1, wherein, the control device determines whether the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank is arranged at a prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device, in a case where the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank is arranged at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device, the control device starts attachment control of connecting the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming device in a state where the hydrogen tank can supply hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming device, in a case where the hydrogen supply port of the hydrogen tank is not arranged at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device, the control device does not start the attachment control.

3. The fuel supply system according to claim 2, wherein, the fuel supply system has a plurality of the hydrogen tanks, the control device determines whether the hydrogen supply ports of the plurality of the hydrogen tanks are arranged at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device, the control device starts the attachment control only for the hydrogen tank in which the hydrogen supply port is arranged at the prescribed position of the hydrogen consuming device among the plurality of the hydrogen tanks.

4. The fuel supply system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, the hydrogen tank has a first connection portion that has the hydrogen supply port, the hydrogen consuming device includes an attachment / detachment machine, the attachment / detachment machine has a second connection portion, in the attachment control, the control device connects the first connection portion of the hydrogen tank and the second connection portion of the attachment / detachment machine.

5. The fuel supply system according to claim 4, wherein, the first connection portion is an on / off valve, and the second connection portion is a push rod.

Images