Gas supply system

Abstract

This gas supply system is provided with: a gas tank provided with an automatic shut-off valve; the gas supply pipe is connected with the gas tank and gas utilization equipment; a seal; and a check valve provided to the air supply pipe. A push rod is arranged at the front end of the gas supply pipe, and when the gas tank gets close, the push rod pushes the automatic closing valve open. When the distance between the automatic shut-off valve and the push rod is equal to or less than a threshold distance, the sealing member seals a connection space including the automatic shut-off valve and the front end of the air supply pipe. The controller advances the gas tank until the automatic closing valve is pushed open, and then retreats the gas tank to a position at which the automatic closing valve is closed while maintaining the sealing of the connection space. When the pressure in the gas supply pipe upstream of the check valve is lower than the pressure in the downstream of the check valve, the controller determines that a gas leak has occurred.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a gas supply system for supplying gas from a gas tank to a gas-using device. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-89965 discloses a gas supply system comprising multiple gas cylinders that supplies gas from the cylinders to gas-consuming equipment. In this system, if the remaining gas level in all cylinders decreases, a gas leak check is performed before replacing the cylinders. If the remaining gas level in all cylinders decreases, the system controller closes the on / off valves of all cylinders, consumes the gas in the supply line, and then stops the gas-consuming equipment. Then, after confirming that the gas pressure in the supply line has not increased, the controller removes the cylinders from the system. If the gas pressure in the supply line increases, a gas leak occurs from the on / off valves. In this case, if the cylinders are removed from the system, the gas in the cylinders leaks into the surrounding environment. If the gas pressure in the supply line increases, the controller stops the removal of the cylinders. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the gas supply system described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-89965, gas leaks are detected by assessing whether the gas pressure in the supply pipe increases. Therefore, to perform a gas leak check, it is necessary to temporarily stop the gas supply to the gas-consuming equipment. This specification provides a technique for performing gas leak checks without interrupting the gas supply to the gas-consuming equipment.

[0004] The gas supply system disclosed in this specification includes: a gas tank, a gas supply pipe, an actuator, a seal, a check valve, a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a controller. The gas tank has an automatic shut-off valve that opens when a push rod is pushed in and closes when the push rod is pulled out. The gas supply pipe is connected to the gas tank. A push rod is provided at the front end of the gas supply pipe to guide the gas from the gas tank to the gas-consuming equipment. The actuator causes the gas tank to move forward and backward relative to the gas supply pipe. The seal seals the opening of the automatic shut-off valve and the connection space at the front end of the gas supply pipe when the distance between the automatic shut-off valve and the push rod is less than a specified threshold distance. The check valve is located within the gas supply pipe and prevents backflow of gas. The first pressure sensor measures the pressure within the gas supply pipe upstream of the check valve. The second pressure sensor measures the pressure within the gas supply pipe downstream of the check valve.

[0005] The controller controls the actuator to advance the gas cylinder until the automatic shut-off valve is opened. Then, while maintaining the seal of the connection space, the gas cylinder is retracted to the closed position of the automatic shut-off valve. Furthermore, after a predetermined time, if the measurement value of the first pressure sensor is higher than the measurement value of the second pressure sensor, the controller advances the gas cylinder again to open the automatic shut-off valve. If the measurement value of the first pressure sensor is lower than the measurement value of the second pressure sensor, a signal indicating a gas leak is output.

[0006] If the automatic shut-off valve of the gas cylinder is opened, gas supply to the gas-consuming equipment begins. In the gas supply system disclosed in this specification, with the gas supply line downstream of the check valve filled with gas, a gas leak check is performed upstream of the check valve. While the gas cylinder is retracted to close the automatic shut-off valve and a gas leak check is performed, the high-pressure gas accumulated in the gas supply line downstream of the check valve is continuously supplied to the gas-consuming equipment. The gas supply system disclosed in this specification enables gas leak checks to be performed without interrupting the gas supply to the gas-consuming equipment.

[0007] In the gas supply system disclosed in this specification, the gas supply line can be divided into multiple branches, each branch equipped with a first pressure sensor, a check valve, and a push rod. Gas cylinders are connected to each branch. An actuator can move the gas cylinder relative to the push rod along each branch. It is possible to replace one gas cylinder while supplying gas to the gas-consuming equipment.

[0008] The detailed description of the technology disclosed in this specification and further improvements will be described in the following "Specific Implementation". Attached Figure Description

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the gas supply system of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view (sealed position) of the gas tank and gas supply pipe.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the gas tank and gas supply pipe (valve open position).

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart for gas leak inspection and handling.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the gas supply system of the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of gas leak inspection and handling (Example 2). Detailed Implementation

[0016] Example 1

[0017] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The gas supply system 2 of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 A block diagram of the gas supply system 2 is shown. In this embodiment, a fuel cell 90 is connected to the gas supply system 2, and the gas supply system 2 supplies hydrogen from the gas tank 10 to the fuel cell 90. The fuel cell 90 is an example of a gas-consuming device to which the gas supply system 2 supplies gas.

[0018] The gas supply system 2 includes a gas tank 10, a gas supply pipe 30, a push rod 35, an actuator 19, a first pressure sensor 41, a second pressure sensor 42, a check valve 31, a controller 50, and a display device 51.

[0019] In this embodiment, the gas tank 10 is filled with high-pressure hydrogen. The gas tank 10 and the fuel cell 90 are connected via a gas supply pipe 30. The gas supply pipe 30 guides the hydrogen from the gas tank 10 to the fuel cell 90. A check valve 31 and a pressure reducing valve 32 are connected to the gas supply pipe 30. The pressure reducing valve 32 is located downstream of the check valve 31. Here, "downstream" refers to the side of the gas supply pipe 30 closer to the fuel cell 90 (the gas-consuming device), and "upstream" refers to the side closer to the gas tank 10.

[0020] Pressure reducing valve 32 reduces the pressure of hydrogen supplied from gas tank 10 to a pressure suitable for the operation of fuel cell 90. That is, the pressure of the gas suitable for fuel cell 90 is lower than the pressure of the gas supplied from gas tank 10.

[0021] Check valve 31 allows gas to flow from upstream to downstream and prevents gas from flowing from downstream to upstream. Check valve 31 prevents hydrogen from leaking to the outside from a point further downstream of check valve 31 in the event of a gas leak at the connection between gas tank 10 and gas supply pipe 30.

[0022] The first pressure sensor 41 measures the pressure in the gas supply pipe 30 upstream of the check valve 31. If the gas tank 10 is connected to the gas supply pipe 30, the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 41 is approximately equal to the internal pressure of the gas tank 10 (the measurement value is lower than the internal pressure of the tank only due to pressure loss of the automatic shut-off valve 20, etc., which will be described later).

[0023] The second pressure sensor 42 measures the pressure in the gas supply line 30 downstream of the check valve 31. During the period when gas is supplied from the gas tank 10, the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 42 is approximately equal to the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 41 (the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 42 is lower than the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 41 only due to pressure loss from the check valve 31, etc.).

[0024] exist Figure 1 The lower side shows a cross-sectional view of the threaded opening 11 of the gas cylinder 10 and the front end of the gas supply pipe 30. An automatic shut-off valve 20 is provided on the threaded opening 11 of the gas cylinder 10. The automatic shut-off valve 20 includes a sleeve 21, a valve body 22, and a spring 23. The sleeve 21 is mounted inside the threaded opening 11. The valve body 22 is disposed adjacent to the sleeve 21 inside the cylinder. The spring 23 presses the valve body 22 from the inside of the cylinder into the opening of the sleeve 21 (the opening that opens into the cylinder). The opposite end of the spring 23 is supported by the inner wall of the cylinder.

[0025] The valve body 22 is sealed to the opening of the sleeve 21 by the force of the spring 23. During this sealing period, the automatic shut-off valve 20 closes. If the valve body 22 is pushed inward from the outside of the tank, the automatic shut-off valve 20 opens. If the load on the valve body 22 disappears, the valve body 22 re-seales to the opening of the sleeve 21 by the force of the spring 23, and the automatic shut-off valve 20 closes.

[0026] A push rod 35 is provided at the front end of the gas supply pipe 30. The push rod 35 is fixed to the front end of the gas supply pipe 30 by a rod support 36. A hole is provided on the rod support 36, through which gas can flow from the gas tank 10 into the gas supply pipe 30.

[0027] If the gas canister 10 is installed in the gas supply system 2, the push rod 35 at the front end of the gas supply pipe 30 is aligned with the threaded port 11. The actuator 19 moves the gas canister 10. The actuator 19 moves the gas canister 10 closer to or further away from the gas supply pipe 30. More specifically, the actuator 19 moves the automatic shut-off valve 20 closer to or further away from the front end of the gas supply pipe 30 (i.e., the push rod 35). Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shows the state where the push rod 35 is away from the automatic shut-off valve 20.

[0028] Actuator 19 moves gas canister 10 forward and backward relative to the front end of gas supply pipe 30. Moving gas canister 10 closer to gas supply pipe 30 is called "forward," and moving gas canister 10 away from gas supply pipe 30 is called "backward." The actuator can also move gas supply pipe 30 forward and backward relative to gas canister 10.

[0029] A seal 12 is disposed inside the threaded opening 11. When the front end of the gas supply pipe 30 (push rod 35) approaches the automatic shut-off valve 20, the outer periphery of the gas supply pipe 30 contacts the seal 12, sealing the opening of the automatic shut-off valve 20 (the opening that opens to the outside of the gas tank 10) and the space including the front end of the gas supply pipe 30. For convenience, the space including the opening of the automatic shut-off valve 20 and the front end of the gas supply pipe 30 is referred to as the connection space S. More precisely, the connection space S refers to the space inside the threaded opening 11 that includes the opening of the automatic shut-off valve 20 and the front end of the gas supply pipe 30. Figure 1 In the cross-sectional view, push rod 35 is away from automatic shut-off valve 20, ensuring a gap G between the front end of air supply pipe 30 and seal 12. In this state, connection space S is not sealed relative to the outside.

[0030] Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-section of the air supply pipe 30 when it contacts the seal 12. If the distance between the push rod 35 and the automatic shut-off valve 20 reaches L1, the seal 12 contacts the outer periphery of the air supply pipe 30, and the connection space S is sealed. In other words, if the distance between the push rod 35 and the valve body 22 of the automatic shut-off valve 20 is less than L1, the connection space S is isolated from the outside. When the distance between the push rod 35 and the valve body 22 is L1, the automatic shut-off valve 20 remains closed. The distance L1 can be called the threshold distance.

[0031] Figure 2 The dashed line indicates the state where the gas cylinder 10 advances until the valve body 22 contacts the front end of the push rod 35. If the gas cylinder 10 advances further beyond the dashed line, the push rod 35 pushes open the automatic shut-off valve 20. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the gas tank 10 as it advances until the automatic shut-off valve 20 opens. The large arrow A indicates the flow of gas. During the period when the automatic shut-off valve 20 is open, hydrogen in the gas tank 10 flows to the gas supply pipe 30 through the connecting space S. Because the connecting space S is sealed by the seal 12, hydrogen will not leak to the outside.

[0032] Gas in gas cylinder 10 flows through the hole in rod support 36 via the open automatic shut-off valve 20 to the gas supply pipe 30. For ease of explanation, the position of gas cylinder 10 when the connection space S is sealed and the automatic shut-off valve 20 is closed is called the sealed position, and the position of gas cylinder 10 when the connection space S is sealed and the automatic shut-off valve 20 is open is called the open valve position. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing location. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view at the open valve position. The sealing position is when the distance between the push rod 35 and the valve body 22 of the automatic shut-off valve 20 is less than L1 and greater than zero. In the open valve position, the seal 12 also contacts the outer periphery of the air supply pipe 30, and the connection space S remains sealed.

[0033] Controller 50 (Reference) Figure 1Control actuator 19 to check for gas leaks in seal 12. Figure 4 The flowchart of the gas leak detection and handling process is shown. If the gas tank 10 is installed in the gas supply system 2 (actuator 19), the controller 50 starts the gas leak detection and handling process.

[0034] Next, according to Figure 4 The flowchart illustrates the gas leak detection and handling process. If gas tank 10 is installed in gas supply system 2, the gas leak detection and handling process begins. Controller 50 moves gas tank 10 to the open valve position (step S12). Automatic shut-off valve 20 opens, and hydrogen in gas tank 10 flows to gas supply pipe 30. Hydrogen is supplied to fuel cell 90 through gas supply pipe 30. Due to the supply of hydrogen, fuel cell 90 becomes operational. Fuel cell 90 can begin operation.

[0035] Next, the controller 50 moves the gas tank 10 to the sealed position (step S13). The controller 50 then waits for a predetermined time (step S14). If the gas tank 10 moves to the sealed position, the automatic shut-off valve 20 closes, but because the fuel cell 90 is filled with high-pressure hydrogen further downstream than the check valve 31, hydrogen continues to be supplied to the fuel cell 90 for a period of time. That is, the fuel cell 90 can continue to operate.

[0036] If the specified waiting time is reached, the controller 50 acquires the measured values ​​from the first pressure sensor 41 and the second pressure sensor 42, and compares them (steps S15, S16). Figure 4 In this process, the measured value of the first pressure sensor 41 is marked as "the first measured value", and the measured value of the second pressure sensor 42 is marked as "the second measured value".

[0037] In step S15, the first measurement (the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 41) represents the pressure in the connection space S. The second measurement (the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 42) represents the pressure in the gas supply pipe 30, which is further downstream of the check valve 31. If there is no gas leakage from the connection space S, the first measurement value is maintained. If there is gas leakage from the connection space S, the first measurement value continues to decrease within a specified time.

[0038] If the first measured value is equal to or higher than the second measured value, the controller 50 moves the gas tank 10 back to the open valve position (step S16: Yes, S17). If, even after a predetermined time, the first measured value is still higher than the second measured value, it can be determined that no gas leakage has occurred in the connection space S sealed by the seal 12. In this case, the controller 50 moves the gas tank 10 to the open valve position, opens the automatic shut-off valve 20, and continues to supply gas from the gas tank 10 to the fuel cell 90.

[0039] If the first measured value is less than the second measured value, the controller 50 outputs a sealing abnormality signal to the display device 51, stopping the gas supply system 2 and the fuel cell 90 (step S16: No, S18, S19). The sealing abnormality signal indicates that a gas leak has occurred in the seal 12. Upon receiving the sealing abnormality signal, the display device 51 illuminates a warning light indicating a gas leak in the seal 12 (or, the display device 51 emits a warning sound).

[0040] If, after a predetermined time, the first measured value is less than the second measured value, it can be determined that gas in the connection space S is leaking to the outside through the seal 12. That is, a sealing abnormality can be determined. In this case, the controller 50 outputs a sealing abnormality signal indicating that gas leakage has occurred in the seal 12. At this time, the controller 50 keeps the gas tank 10 in the sealed position. In the sealed position, since the automatic shut-off valve 20 is closed, gas in the connection space S will not leak to the outside. Furthermore, since the gas supply pipe 30 is equipped with a check valve 31, gas filling the gas supply pipe 30, which is downstream of the check valve 31, will not leak into the connection space S.

[0041] As explained above, the gas supply system 2 can perform gas leak checks on the seal 12 without interrupting the gas supply to the fuel cell 90 (gas-consuming device).

[0042] Further explanation is given regarding actuator 19. In the gas supply system 2 of this embodiment, actuator 19 moves the gas tank 10 (automatic shut-off valve 20) closer to or further away from the gas supply pipe 30 (push rod 35). The actuator can also move the gas supply pipe 30 (push rod 35) closer to or further away from the automatic shut-off valve 20. That is, the actuator need only be a device that moves the gas tank 10 forward and backward relative to the gas supply pipe 30.

[0043] In the gas supply system 2 of the embodiment, after the gas canister 10 is installed, the controller 50 performs the following process as a gas leak check: (1) The controller 50 controls the actuator 19 to advance the gas canister 10 until the automatic shut-off valve 20 is pushed open, and then, while maintaining the seal of the connection space S, the controller 50 retracts the gas canister 10 to the position where the automatic shut-off valve 20 is closed. In other words, the controller 50 controls the actuator 19 to bring the gas canister 10 relatively close to the gas supply pipe 30 until the automatic shut-off valve 20 is pushed open, and then, while maintaining the seal of the connection space S, the controller 50 moves the gas canister 10 relatively away from the gas supply pipe 30 to the position where the automatic shut-off valve 20 is closed.

[0044] (2) After a predetermined time, if the measured value of the first pressure sensor 41 is greater than or equal to the measured value of the second pressure sensor 42, the controller 50 moves the gas cylinder 10 forward to reopen the automatic shut-off valve 20. In other words, after a predetermined time, if the measured value of the first pressure sensor 41 is greater than or equal to the measured value of the second pressure sensor 42, the controller 50 moves the gas cylinder 10 relative to the gas supply pipe to reopen the automatic shut-off valve 20. On the other hand, when the measured value of the first pressure sensor 41 is less than the measured value of the second pressure sensor 42, the controller 50 outputs a sealing abnormality signal indicating that a gas leak has occurred.

[0045] In this embodiment, a sealing failure signal is sent to the display device 51. Upon receiving the sealing failure signal, the display device 51 outputs a notification (message, warning light, warning sound, etc.) indicating that a gas leak has occurred in the seal 12.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] refer to Figure 5 , 6 The gas supply system 2a of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 5 A block diagram of a gas supply system 2a is shown. The gas supply system 2a includes two gas tanks 10a and 10b. The two gas tanks 10a and 10b each have the same structure as the gas tank 10 of the gas supply system 2 of the first embodiment, and have... Figures 2-4 The structure of the two gas cylinders 10a and 10b includes a threaded port 11 with a seal 12 and an automatic shut-off valve 20.

[0048] The gas supply pipe 30 of the gas supply system 2a branches into multiple branch lines 30a and 30b midway. A check valve 31a and a first pressure sensor 41a are provided on branch line 30a, and a check valve 31b and a first pressure sensor 41b are provided on branch line 30b. Furthermore, branch lines 30a and 30b are part of the gas supply pipe 30. The first pressure sensor 41a (41b) is located upstream of the check valve 31a (31b) and measures the pressure in the branch line 30a (30b) upstream of the check valve 31a (31b). The check valves 31a and 31b function the same as the check valve 31 in the gas supply system 2 of the first embodiment.

[0049] Gas tanks 10a (10b) are disposed on actuators 19a (19b). Actuators 19a and 19b are also the same as actuator 19 in the first embodiment.

[0050] A gas tank 10a is connected to a branch line 30a of the gas supply pipe 30, and a gas tank 10b is connected to a branch line 30b. In the gas supply system 2a, hydrogen is alternately supplied to the fuel cell 90 from the two gas tanks 10a and 10b through the gas supply pipe 30. That is, if the remaining gas level in one gas tank 10a is less than a predetermined lower limit, the gas supply system 2a stops supplying gas from gas tank 10a and supplies gas to the fuel cell 90 from the other gas tank 10b. During the supply of hydrogen from gas tank 10b to the fuel cell 90, gas tank 10a can be replaced with a new gas tank. Furthermore, if the remaining gas level in gas tank 10b is less than a predetermined lower limit, the supply of gas from gas tank 10b stops, and gas is supplied to the fuel cell 90 from the other gas tank 10a. During the supply of hydrogen from gas tank 10a to the fuel cell 90, gas tank 10b can be replaced with a new gas tank.

[0051] Gas supply system 2a performs a gas leak check before replacing the gas tank. Figure 6 The diagram shows a flowchart of the gas leak check process performed by the controller of the gas supply system 2a.

[0052] according to Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates the gas leak detection in the gas supply system 2a of the second embodiment. Additionally, in Figure 6 In the example, gas tank 10a is referred to as the first gas tank, and gas tank 10b is referred to as the second gas tank. Figure 6 In this example, the second gas tank 10b is replaced during the supply of hydrogen from the first gas tank 10a to the fuel cell 90. If the new second gas tank 10b is installed in the actuator 19b, then... Figure 6 Gas leak inspection and handling.

[0053] The controller 50 moves the second gas tank 10b to the sealed position (step S22). In the sealed position, the connection space S of the second gas tank 10b is sealed, but the automatic shut-off valve 20 remains closed.

[0054] Controller 50 waits until the pressure of the first gas tank 10a reaches a predetermined lower limit (step S23). The measured value of the first pressure sensor 41a, located on branch line 30a, is equal to the pressure of the first gas tank 10a. There is a positive correlation between the remaining amount of gas in the tank and the pressure; when the pressure of the gas tank reaches the lower limit, the remaining amount of gas in the tank reaches the lower limit. That is, the process in step S23 is equivalent to "waiting until the remaining amount of the first gas tank 10a reaches the lower limit".

[0055] If the pressure of the first gas tank 10a reaches the lower limit, the controller 50 moves the first gas tank 10a to the sealed position (step S24). The automatic shut-off valve of the first gas tank 10a closes. Next, the controller 50 applies control to the second gas tank 10b. Figure 4 Gas leak inspection and handling (step S25).

[0056] If the second gas tank 10b is executed Figure 4 By checking and handling gas leaks, it can be determined whether a gas leak has occurred in the seal 12 of the second gas tank 10b. If the seal of the second gas tank 10b is normal, the controller 50 moves the second gas tank 10b to the open valve position. Figure 4 Step S16: Yes, S17). The automatic shut-off valve of the second gas tank 10b opens, and hydrogen is supplied from the second gas tank 10b to the fuel cell 90. If hydrogen begins to be supplied from the second gas tank 10b to the fuel cell 90, the user replaces the first gas tank 10a. If a new first gas tank 10a is provided, the process of replacing the new first gas tank 10a begins. Figure 6 Gas leak inspection and handling.

[0057] If the seal of the second gas tank 10b is faulty, the controller 50 outputs a sealing fault signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the seal 12 of the second gas tank 10b. Figure 4 Step S16: No, S18). Upon receiving the sealing malfunction signal, the display device 51 outputs a message indicating a gas leak has occurred in the seal 12 of the second gas tank 10b (the display device 51 illuminates a warning light or emits a warning sound). Furthermore, the controller 50 stops the system. Figure 4 Step S19).

[0058] Furthermore, during the gas leak check of the second gas tank 10b, hydrogen gas, which is filled in the gas supply pipe 30 downstream of the check valves 31a and 31b, is continuously supplied to the fuel cell 90. That is, the hydrogen supply to the fuel cell 90 continues during the gas leak check process. It is not necessary to stop the fuel cell 90 during the gas leak check process.

[0059] By having multiple gas tanks, the gas supply system 2a can switch to another gas tank while supplying hydrogen from one gas tank to the fuel cell 90.

[0060] Notes related to the techniques described in the embodiments are explained. In the second embodiment, the gas supply system 2a has two gas tanks. The gas supply system disclosed in this specification can have three or more gas tanks. The controller 50, which detects a gas leak in the seal 12, outputs a sealing abnormality signal indicating that a gas leak has occurred. The sealing abnormality signal can be output to a host computer that manages the gas supply system or to a terminal of the personnel managing the gas supply system.

[0061] In this embodiment, the gas supply system 2 (2a) supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell 90. The fuel cell 90 is an example of a gas-using device. The gas-using device supplied by the gas supply system 2 (2a) can be any device other than the fuel cell 90. The pressure of the gas suitable for operating the gas-using device is lower than the internal pressure of the gas tank 10. Therefore, during gas leak inspection and handling, the gas-using device can continue to operate using the gas accumulated in the gas supply pipe 30 downstream of the check valve 31.

[0062] The specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes technologies obtained by various modifications and alterations to the specific examples described above. The technical elements illustrated in this specification or drawings exert their technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application. Furthermore, the technology illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, wherein achieving one objective is itself technically useful.

Claims

1. A gas supply system, characterized in that, have: A gas cylinder having an automatic shut-off valve that opens when a push rod is pushed in and closes when the push rod is pulled out; A gas supply pipe is connected to the gas tank and has a push rod at its front end to guide the gas from the gas tank to the gas-using equipment. An actuator that causes the gas tank to move forward and backward relative to the gas supply pipe; A sealing element that, when the distance between the automatic shut-off valve and the push rod is less than a predetermined threshold distance, seals the connection space including the opening of the automatic shut-off valve and the front end of the air supply pipe; A check valve is installed inside the gas supply pipe to prevent backflow of gas; The first pressure sensor measures the pressure in the air supply pipe upstream of the check valve; A second pressure sensor measures the pressure in the air supply line downstream of the check valve; and Controller The controller performs the following processing: The actuator is controlled to advance the gas canister until the automatic shut-off valve is opened, and then, while maintaining the seal of the connection space, the gas canister is retracted to the position where the automatic shut-off valve is closed; and After a specified time, if the measured value of the first pressure sensor is higher than the measured value of the second pressure sensor, the gas cylinder is advanced again to open the automatic shut-off valve. If the measured value of the first pressure sensor is lower than the measured value of the second pressure sensor, a signal indicating that a gas leak has occurred is output.

2. The gas supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas supply pipe is divided into multiple branches. The first pressure sensor, the check valve, and the push rod are installed on each of the aforementioned branch lines. The gas cylinders are connected to each of the branch roads.

Images