Fuel-cell-powered industrial vehicle

Abstract

To provide a fuel-cell-powered industrial vehicle that can prevent a filling nozzle from becoming disconnected from a filling plug during a filling nozzle insertion process.SOLUTION: A forklift detection mechanism 45 includes: a bracket 51 to which a filling plug 36 is attached; a nozzle contact member 61 with which a filling nozzle 41 contacts when the filling nozzle 41 is inserted into the filling plug 36 and which is supported by the bracket 51 movably in a direction of insertion of the filling nozzle 41; a sensor operating member 66 that operates a limit switch 91 along with movement of the nozzle contact member 61 in the direction of insertion; and a plurality of guide members 71 that is integrated with the nozzle contact member 61 and extends in the insertion direction from the nozzle contact member 61 towards the bracket 51. The guide members 71 are inserted through the bracket 51. The bracket 51 supports the guide members 71 in a movable manner in the insertion direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell-powered industrial vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Fuel cell industrial vehicles are equipped with a fuel cell unit. The fuel cell unit includes a fuel tank that stores hydrogen as a fuel gas, and a fill plug that is used to fill the fuel tank with hydrogen. When filling the fuel tank with hydrogen, a fill nozzle that is connected to a hydrogen supply dispenser is connected to the fill plug.

[0003] In addition, since the fuel cell industrial vehicle must be stopped while the fuel tank is being filled with hydrogen, the fuel cell industrial vehicle is designed to detect whether the filling nozzle is connected to the filling plug.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel cell industrial vehicle equipped with a detection mechanism for detecting the connection state of a filling plug and a filling socket serving as a filling nozzle. The fuel cell industrial vehicle of Patent Document 1 is equipped with a push plate that is pushed by the filling socket to move in a predetermined direction when the filling socket is connected to the filling plug. The push plate is disposed so as to surround a portion of the circumferential direction of the filling plug. The push plate is joined to a hinge, and the hinge is attached to a bracket. The bracket is fixed to a plug mounting plate by a bolt. The plug mounting plate is fixed to a housing of the fuel cell unit.

[0005] The fuel cell industrial vehicle also includes a limit switch having a movable element that is pushed in by the movement of the push plate. When the moving element is pushed in by the movement of the push plate accompanying the pushing of the filling socket, the output signal of the limit switch changes. The FC controller of the fuel cell industrial vehicle determines whether the filling socket is connected to the filling plug based on the output signal of the limit switch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-43056 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In Patent Document 1, the movement of the pusher plate is a rotation around the base end of the pusher plate. The more the pushing of the pusher plate by the filling socket increases, the further away the tip of the pusher plate becomes from the tip of the filling socket. For this reason, there is a risk that the tip of the pusher plate will interfere with the plug attachment plate before the connection of the filling socket to the filling plug is completed. This may result in the filling socket not being able to be connected to the filling plug.

[0008] The push plate is joined to a hinge, and the hinge is attached to a bracket. The bracket is fixed to the plug mounting plate by a bolt. For this reason, the position of the base end, which is the center of rotation of the push plate, is likely to vary due to the mounting tolerance of the bracket to the plug mounting plate, the mounting tolerance of the hinge to the bracket, the manufacturing tolerance of the hinge, and the like. In addition, there are cases where multiple types of filling sockets are set and multiple maximum diameters are set. As the maximum diameter of the filling socket becomes smaller, there is a risk that the filling socket will not be able to push the push plate in due to the variation in the position of the pushing plate. This may result in the inability to complete the connection of the filling socket to the filling plug. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A fuel cell industrial vehicle for solving the above problems comprises a fuel cell unit having a fuel cell stack, a fuel tank for storing fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack, and a vehicle body on which the fuel cell unit and the fuel tank are mounted, the fuel cell unit being a filling plug for filling the fuel tank with the fuel gas, the filling plug being connectable to a filling nozzle for supplying fuel gas, and a detection mechanism for detecting a connection state between the filling plug and the filling nozzle, the detection mechanism comprising a sensor whose output signal changes in response to completion of connection of the filling nozzle to the filling plug, and a detection mechanism for detecting a connection state between the filling plug and the filling nozzle, the detection mechanism comprising ... The gist of the sensor includes a bracket installed on a housing of a knit and to which the filling plug is attached, a nozzle contact member with which the filling nozzle comes into contact as the filling nozzle is inserted into the filling plug and which is supported by the bracket so as to be movable in the insertion direction of the filling nozzle, a sensor operating member which operates the sensor as the nozzle contact member moves in the insertion direction, and a plurality of guide members which are integral with the nozzle contact member and extend from the nozzle contact member toward the bracket in the insertion direction, wherein the guide members are inserted into the bracket and the bracket supports the guide members so as to be movable in the insertion direction.

[0010] According to this, for example, in the comparative example in which the base end of the nozzle contact member is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft, when the nozzle contact member is pushed and rotated by the filling nozzle in contact with the nozzle contact member, the tip of the nozzle contact member draws an arc-shaped trajectory. Therefore, in the comparative example, the more the nozzle contact member is pushed by the filling nozzle, the further the tip of the nozzle contact member moves away from the filling nozzle. In contrast, the nozzle contact member moves linearly together with the filling nozzle in the insertion direction due to support by the guide member and the bracket. Therefore, the nozzle contact member moves to draw a linear trajectory, not to move to draw an arc-shaped trajectory. The nozzle contact member does not move away from the filling nozzle by being pushed by the filling nozzle in contact with the nozzle contact member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the nozzle contact member from coming into contact with the bracket during the insertion of the filling nozzle, which prevents the filling nozzle from being inserted any further.

[0011] Furthermore, the position of the nozzle contact member is determined by the position of the guide member supported by the bracket. The guide member is simply inserted into the guide hole. Therefore, it is possible to reduce positional deviation of the nozzle contact member. In addition, as described above, the nozzle contact member moves linearly in the insertion direction of the filling nozzle. Therefore, even if the maximum diameter of the filling nozzle becomes smaller, the nozzle contact member is in a position where it can be pushed in by the filling nozzle, so it is possible to prevent the filling nozzle from being unable to connect to the filling plug midway through insertion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the filling nozzle from being unable to connect to the filling plug midway through insertion of the filling nozzle.

[0012] The fuel cell powered industrial vehicle may further comprise a biasing member interposed between the nozzle contact member and the bracket, for biasing the nozzle contact member in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. According to this, when the filling nozzle is pulled out from the filling plug, the nozzle contact member can be returned to the position it was in before the filling nozzle was connected to the filling plug by the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0013] In a fuel cell industrial vehicle, a stopper may be provided on one of the axial ends of the guide member, the end protruding from the bracket on the opposite side of the bracket to the side on which the nozzle contact member is arranged.

[0014] According to this, the stopper can prevent the guide member from coming out of the bracket. In the fuel cell powered industrial vehicle, the stopper may be installed across a plurality of the guide members.

[0015] According to this, the stopper can further prevent the multiple guide members from coming out of the bracket. In a fuel cell-powered industrial vehicle, the sensor may include a movable element, the movable element being arranged on the opposite side of the bracket to the side on which the nozzle contact member is arranged, and the sensor operating member may be formed by the stopper.

[0016] This allows the structure of the detection mechanism to be simplified compared to a case in which the stopper and the sensor operating member are provided separately. In a fuel cell-powered industrial vehicle, the sensor may be installed so as to be able to move the mover in the insertion direction and in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0017] According to this, for example, if the movable element can reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the opposite direction, when the sensor operating member is brought into contact with the movable element, the sensor operating member is likely to be pressed in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the opposite direction by the movable element, and to be tilted. However, since the sensor is installed so that the movable element can move in the insertion direction and the opposite direction, it is possible to prevent the sensor operating member from being pressed in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the opposite direction and to be tilted.

[0018] In a fuel cell powered industrial vehicle, the plurality of guide members may be three guide members arranged at equal intervals on a concentric circle centered on the filling plug. According to this, the three guide members can suppress tilting of the nozzle contact member and the sensor operating member.

[0019] In a fuel cell-powered industrial vehicle, the sensor operating member may be formed with a plug through hole through which the filling plug passes, and the sensor operating member may have a surrounding portion surrounding the plug through hole, and the three guide members may be fixed to a portion extending from the surrounding portion.

[0020] According to this, the surrounding portion can suppress deformation of the portion where the guide member is fixed. Effect of the Invention

[0021] The present invention can prevent the filling nozzle from being unable to be connected to the filling plug while the filling nozzle is being inserted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a forklift. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the fuel cell unit and the filling nozzle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the detection mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the detection mechanism of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the detection mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the detection mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the detection mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the filling nozzle is connected to the filling plug. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the detection mechanism of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a detection mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a front view showing the detection mechanism of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view showing the detection mechanism of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a detection mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a detection mechanism according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] (First embodiment) A first embodiment in which a fuel cell industrial vehicle is embodied as a fuel cell forklift will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The fuel cell forklift will be simply referred to as a "forklift".

[0024] <Forklift> As shown in Fig. 1, a forklift 10 includes a vehicle body 11, a vehicle load 12, a fuel tank 21, and a fuel cell unit 30. In the following description, an example of the vehicle load 12 is a travel motor 13 and a loading motor 14. The travel motor 13 drives drive wheels 15 of the vehicle body 11. The loading motor 14 drives a loading device 16. The fuel cell unit 30 is a power source for the vehicle load 12. The vehicle body 11 has an accommodation section 11a for the fuel cell unit 30 and the fuel tank 21. The fuel cell unit 30 and the fuel tank 21 are mounted on the vehicle body 11 by being accommodated in the accommodation section 11a.

[0025] The accommodation section 11a, which opens to the side of the vehicle body 11, is covered by a cover 17. Therefore, the fuel cell unit 30 accommodated in the accommodation section 11a is covered by the cover 17. The cover 17 is attached to the side of the vehicle body 11. A door 18 is attached to the cover 17. The door 18 opens and closes an opening 17a formed in the cover 17. When the door 18 is opened, a portion of the fuel cell unit 30 accommodated in the accommodation section 11a is exposed to the outside of the vehicle body 11 through the opening 17a. When the door 18 is closed, a portion of the fuel cell unit 30 accommodated in the accommodation section 11a is covered by the door 18.

[0026] <Fuel cell unit> 2, the fuel cell unit 30 includes a fuel cell stack 33, a filling plug 36, and a detection mechanism 45. The fuel cell stack 33 is connected to a fuel tank 21. The fuel tank 21 stores fuel gas necessary for the fuel cell stack 33 to generate power.

[0027] The fuel cell unit 30 includes a housing 31. The housing 31 is generally rectangular parallelepiped shaped. The fuel cell stack 33 is provided inside the housing 31. One side of the housing 31 is covered with a plate 32. The plate 32 faces the rear surface of the cover 17. The plate 32 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. A window 34 for filling with fuel gas is formed in one corner of the plate 32. The window 34 is formed by cutting out a portion of the plate 32.

[0028] The fill plug 36 is located at the back side of the window portion 34. The fill plug 36 is a plug for filling hydrogen into the fuel tank 21. The door 18 is provided to align with the position of the fill plug 36 of the fuel cell unit 30. Therefore, when the door 18 is opened, the fill plug 36 of the fuel cell unit 30 is exposed to the outside.

[0029] The filling plug 36 is connected to the fuel tank 21 via a fuel gas supply path (not shown). The filling plug 36 is cylindrical. A cap (not shown) is attached to the filling plug 36. The cap is attached to the tip of the filling plug 36 so as to close the socket 38 of the filling plug 36 except when hydrogen is being filled.

[0030] The filling nozzle 41 connected to the filling plug 36 is a nozzle for supplying fuel gas. The filling nozzle 41 can be connected to the filling plug 36. The filling plug 36 is formed so that the filling nozzle 41 can be inserted and removed. The filling nozzle 41 is cylindrical.

[0031] The outer diameter of the filling nozzle 41 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the filling plug 36. The filling nozzle 41 is provided at the tip of a hose 42 for supplying hydrogen. The hose 42 is connected to a dispenser at a hydrogen station (not shown). Hydrogen is sent from the dispenser through the hose 42 to the filling nozzle 41.

[0032] When connecting the filling nozzle 41 to the filling plug 36, the cap is removed from the filling plug 36 to expose the receiving port 38. When the tip of the filling nozzle 41 is inserted into the receiving port 38, a socket (not shown) engages with the filling plug 36, and the filling nozzle 41 and the filling plug 36 are locked together by a locking mechanism (not shown). The distance by which the filling nozzle 41 is moved to insert the filling nozzle 41 into the filling plug 36 until the filling nozzle 41 and the filling plug 36 are locked is defined as the "insertion distance."

[0033] As shown in Figure 8, insertion distance F is the distance that filling nozzle 41 can move from end face 36a of filling plug 36 in order to lock the connection between filling nozzle 41 and filling plug 36. Insertion distance F is also the depth of insertion hole 41a formed in filling nozzle 41. When removing filling nozzle 41 from filling plug 36, the lock is released and filling nozzle 41 is pulled out from filling plug 36. There is a preset specified value for the depth of filling nozzle 41.

[0034] <Detection mechanism> Detection mechanism 45 detects the connection state of filling plug 36 and filling nozzle 41. The connection state of filling plug 36 and filling nozzle 41 is a state in which the connection of filling plug 36 to filling nozzle 41 is complete. In other words, this is a state in which filling plug 36 is inserted into filling nozzle 41 by a predetermined insertion distance F.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the detection mechanism 45 includes a bracket 51, a nozzle contact member 61, a sensor operating member 66, a plurality of guide members 71, a biasing member 81, and a limit switch 91 as a sensor.

[0036] The bracket 51 is attached to a mounting portion 35 that is a part of the housing 31 of the fuel cell unit 30. The door 18 is provided in accordance with the position of the bracket 51. The bracket 51 comprises a rectangular plate-shaped main body 52, a rib 51a protruding from one long edge and one short edge of the main body 52, and a plug mounting member 53 integral with the main body 52. ​​The main body 52 has a first surface 52a and a second surface 52b which are opposite surfaces in the plate thickness direction. The first surface 52a and the second surface 52b are flat surfaces parallel to each other. The rib 51a protrudes toward the first surface 52a of the main body 52 and reinforces the main body 52. ​​The rib 51a may not be present on the main body 52, or may be provided on another edge of the main body 52.

[0037] The main body 52 is integrally provided with a plate-shaped plug mounting member 53. The thickness of the plug mounting member 53 is greater than the thickness of the main body 52. ​​The plug mounting member 53 has a first end face 53a and a second end face 53b which are opposite faces in the thickness direction. The first end face 53a and the second end face 53b are flat faces parallel to each other.

[0038] A first end surface 53a of the plug mounting member 53 is flush with the first surface 52a of the main body 52. ​​A second end surface 53b of the plug mounting member 53 is located outwardly away from the second surface 52b of the main body 52.

[0039] The filling plug 36 is screwed into the plug mounting member 53. Therefore, the filling plug 36 is attached to the bracket 51 that includes the plug mounting member 53. The end face 36a of the filling plug 36, where the socket 38 opens, is located in a position that protrudes outward beyond the rib 51a.

[0040] 6 and 7, the plug mounting member 53 includes an inner circumferential surface 53c facing the outer circumferential surface of the filler plug 36 in the radial direction of the filler plug 36, a bottom surface 53d perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface 53c, and an annular protrusion 55 protruding from the bottom surface 53d. The plug mounting member 53 also defines a plurality of guide holes 56. Thus, the bracket 51 is provided with the guide holes 56.

[0041] The inner peripheral surface 53c and the bottom surface 53d of the plug mounting member 53 are annular and surround the fill plug 36. The plug mounting member 53 has an annular recess 54 defined by the inner peripheral surface 53c and the bottom surface 53d. The annular recess 54 and the annular ridge 55 surround the fill plug 36 on the radial outside of the fill plug 36. The outer peripheral surface of the annular ridge 55 is radially spaced from the inner peripheral surface 53c of the plug mounting member 53.

[0042] The multiple guide holes 56 are arranged radially outward of the annular recess 54 of the fill plug 36. Each guide hole 56 penetrates the plug mounting member 53 in the plate thickness direction. The multiple guide holes 56 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the central axis L1 of the fill plug 36. The central axis L2 of each guide hole 56 is parallel to the central axis L1 of the fill plug 36.

[0043] The multiple guide members 71 are inserted one by one into the guide holes 56. Each guide member 71 is supported by the plug mounting member 53 so as to be reciprocatable in the plate thickness direction of the plug mounting member 53. Therefore, the guide members 71 are inserted into the bracket 51 provided with the plug mounting member 53, and the bracket 51 supports the guide members 71 so as to be movably supported.

[0044] There is only a small gap between the inner peripheral surface that defines the guide hole 56 and the peripheral surface of the guide member 71. Even if the tolerance of the hole diameter of the guide hole 56 and the tolerance of the diameter of the guide member 71 are accumulated to a maximum, the value is very small. In addition, the guide hole 56 penetrates the plug mounting member 53 in the plate thickness direction. Since the plug mounting member 53 is thicker than the main body 52, the guide member 71 is supported by the plug mounting member 53 in a state in which tilt is suppressed. The guide member 71 is supported by the plug mounting member 53 and thus the bracket 51 so that the guide member 71 moves linearly in the direction of extension of the central axis L2 of the guide hole 56 by being inserted into the guide hole 56.

[0045] 5 and 6, a first axial end 71a of each guide member 71 is connected to the nozzle contact member 61. Therefore, the multiple guide members 71 are integral with the nozzle contact member 61. Also, a second axial end 71b side of each guide member 71 is inserted into the guide hole 56. Therefore, the multiple guide members 71 extend from the nozzle contact member 61 toward the bracket 51 in the insertion direction of the filling nozzle 41.

[0046] A portion of each guide member 71 on the side of the second end 71b in the axial direction is supported by the inner circumferential surface of the guide hole 56. Of the three guide members 71, the second end portions 71b of two guide members 71 protrude from the second end surface 53b of the plug mounting member 53.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 4, a stopper 72 is attached to the second end 71b of the guide member 71 protruding from the second end surface 53b. Thus, the stopper 72 is provided on the second end 71b protruding from the bracket 51 on the opposite side of the bracket 51 from the arrangement side of the nozzle contact member 61 among the axial ends of the guide member 71. The stopper 72 is in the shape of a long plate. The stopper 72 is fastened to the second end 71b of the two guide members 71 by bolts 73.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, nozzle contact member 61 is a member that comes into contact with the tip of stuffing nozzle 41 when stuffing nozzle 41 is inserted into stuffing plug 36, and is actuated by contact with stuffing nozzle 41.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the nozzle contact member 61 is disk-shaped and defines a through hole 62 through which the filling plug 36 passes. The nozzle contact member 61 surrounds the filling plug 36. The nozzle contact member 61 has a nozzle contact surface 61a and a non-contact surface 61b that are opposite to each other in the plate thickness direction. The tip of the filling nozzle 41 contacts the nozzle contact surface 61a. The nozzle contact surface 61a and the non-contact surface 61b are parallel planes. The axial end surface at the first end 71a of each guide member 71 is located on the same plane as the nozzle contact surface 61a. The axial end surface at the first end 71a of the guide member 71 may be located at a position recessed from the nozzle contact surface 61a.

[0050] The nozzle contact member 61 has an engagement ridge 63 that protrudes from the non-contact surface 61b toward the plug mounting member 53. The engagement ridge 63 protrudes cylindrically from the inner peripheral edge of the nozzle contact member 61. The engagement ridge 63 has a guide surface 63a at its tip. The outer diameter of the guide surface 63a gradually increases from the tip of the engagement ridge 63 toward the base end.

[0051] The biasing member 81 is made of a coil spring. The biasing member 81 is disposed so as to surround the filling plug 36. A first end 81a of the biasing member 81 contacts the guide surface 63a of the engagement protrusion 63, and a second end 81b of the biasing member 81 contacts the bottom surface 53d of the plug mounting member 53. The biasing member 81 is interposed between the nozzle contact member 61 and the plug mounting member 53 of the bracket 51. The biasing member 81 biases the nozzle contact member 61 in a direction away from the plug mounting member 53 of the bracket 51. In other words, the biasing member 81 biases the nozzle contact member 61 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the filling nozzle 41.

[0052] When the nozzle contact member 61 is biased by the biasing member 81, the stopper 72 is in contact with the second end surface 53b of the plug mounting member 53. The contact of the stopper 72 with the second end surface 53b prevents the guide member 71 from coming out of the plug mounting member 53 and restricts the movement of the nozzle contact member 61. When the movement of the nozzle contact member 61 is restricted by the stopper 72, the nozzle contact surface 61a is at approximately the same position as the tip of the rib 51a.

[0053] The nozzle contact member 61 is integrally provided with a sensor operation member 66. The sensor operation member 66 is thin plate-shaped. The sensor operation member 66 is joined to the non-contact surface 61b of the nozzle contact member 61. The sensor operation member 66 protrudes outward from the outer circumferential edge of the nozzle contact member 61 and protrudes forward from the nozzle contact surface 61a. The sensor operation member 66 is crank-shaped when viewed in the plate thickness direction.

[0054] The nozzle contact member 61 having the above-mentioned configuration can linearly reciprocate in the direction in which the central axis L2 of the guide hole 56 through which the guide member 71 is inserted extends, and the nozzle contact member 61 can move between the initial position P1 and the pushed-in position P2. Specifically, when the nozzle contact member 61 is located at the initial position P1, when the stuffing nozzle 41 is inserted into the stuffing plug 36, the tip of the stuffing nozzle 41 comes into contact with the periphery of the through hole 62 of the nozzle contact surface 61a of the nozzle contact member 61. Furthermore, when the stuffing nozzle 41 that has come into contact with the nozzle contact member 61 is pushed in, the nozzle contact member 61 moves from the initial position P1 toward the pushed-in position P2, and when the connection of the stuffing nozzle 41 to the stuffing plug 36 is completed, the nozzle contact member 61 is located at the pushed-in position P2. On the other hand, when the stuffing nozzle 41 is pulled out from the stuffing plug 36, the nozzle contact member 61 receives the biasing force of the biasing member 81 and moves from the pushed-in position P2 toward the initial position P1.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5, the initial position P1 is a state in which the movement of the nozzle contact member 61 is restricted by the stopper 72, and is also a position in which the nozzle contact member 61 is moved furthest from the plug mounting member 53 by the biasing force of the biasing member 81.

[0056] 8, the pushed-in position P2 is a position where the nozzle contact member 61 is brought closer to the plug mounting member 53 by the filling nozzle 41 in contact with the nozzle contact member 61 pushing the nozzle contact member 61. At the pushed-in position P2, the biasing member 81 is compressed compared to the initial position P1, and therefore the nozzle contact member 61 is biased toward the initial position P1 by the force of the biasing member 81 returning to its original shape.

[0057] The distance K that the nozzle contact member 61 can move from the initial position P1 to the pushed-in position P2 is equal to or greater than the insertion distance F of the filling nozzle 41. Fig. 8 shows the case where the insertion distance F and the distance K are the same.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the limit switch 91 is fixed to the main body 52 of the bracket 51. The limit switch 91 is a sensor whose output signal changes depending on the completion of the connection of the filling nozzle 41 to the filling plug 36. The output signal of the limit switch 91 is turned on when the connection of the filling nozzle 41 to the filling plug 36 is completed, and turned off when the filling nozzle 41 is pulled out from the filling plug 36. Therefore, when the connection of the filling nozzle 41 is completed, the output signal of the limit switch 91 is turned on, and when the filling nozzle 41 is not connected to the filling plug 36, the output signal of the limit switch 91 is turned off. The forklift 10 detects whether the filling nozzle 41 is connected to the filling plug 36 based on the output signal of the limit switch 91.

[0059] The limit switch 91 is attached to the first surface 52a of the main body 52 by a mounting bracket 90. The limit switch 91 is disposed to the side of the sensor operating member 66.

[0060] The limit switch 91 includes a mover 92. The mover 92 is disk-shaped. The mover 92 is supported so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the first surface 52a of the main body 52. ​​The mover 92 is biased in a direction approaching the sensor operating member 66 by a return spring (not shown) built into the limit switch 91.

[0061] When the nozzle contact member 61 is located at the initial position P1, the movable element 92 is located in the vicinity of the sensor operating member 66 at a position away from the sensor operating member 66. When the nozzle contact member 61 moves from the initial position P1 toward the pushed-in position P2, the sensor operating member 66 also moves toward the pushed-in position P2 in conjunction with the nozzle contact member 61. The movable element 92 is pushed in by the sensor operating member 66 moving toward the pushed-in position P2. When the connection of the filling nozzle 41 to the filling plug 36 is completed and a connection completion state is reached, the movable element 92 is pushed in, and the output signal of the limit switch 91 changes from an OFF state to an ON state. Therefore, the limit switch 91 is a sensor whose output signal changes depending on the completion of the connection of the filling nozzle 41 to the filling plug 36.

[0062] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of the forklift 10 will now be described together with the operation of the detection mechanism 45. First, when the filling nozzle 41 is not connected to the filling plug 36, the nozzle contact member 61 is positioned at the initial position P1 by the biasing force of the biasing member 81. When the nozzle contact member 61 is positioned at the initial position P1, the sensor operating member 66 is not in contact with the movable element 92, so the movable element 92 of the limit switch 91 is held in a state in which it protrudes by a predetermined amount by the biasing force of a return spring (not shown). Therefore, the output signal of the limit switch 91 is in the OFF state.

[0063] When the filling nozzle 41 is inserted into the filling plug 36 to fill the fuel tank 21 with hydrogen, the tip of the filling nozzle 41 comes into contact with the nozzle contact surface 61a of the nozzle contact member 61 during the insertion. When the filling nozzle 41 is then inserted further, the nozzle contact member 61 is pushed in by the filling nozzle 41 which is in contact with the nozzle contact member 61. At this time, the engagement protrusion 63 enters the inside of the first end 81a side of the biasing member 81. Even if the nozzle contact member 61 is slightly tilted, the guide surface 63a allows the engagement protrusion 63 to enter the inside of the first end 81a of the biasing member 81.

[0064] The nozzle contact member 61 moves linearly in the insertion direction of the stuffing nozzle 41 by the three guide members 71 and the guide hole 56 of the plug mounting member 53. Specifically, the nozzle contact member 61 moves while maintaining the central axis L1 of the stuffing plug 36 and the central axis L2 of the guide hole 56 parallel to each other. The nozzle contact member 61 does not rotate, but slides in the insertion direction of the stuffing nozzle 41. In other words, the nozzle contact member 61 moves so that the entire non-contact surface 61b approaches the first end surface 53a of the plug mounting member 53 as it is pushed by the stuffing nozzle 41. Therefore, the nozzle contact member 61 moves toward the push-in position P2 while maintaining the same distance from the first end surface 53a regardless of the position of the non-contact surface 61b.

[0065] The biasing member 81 is pressed by the nozzle contact member 61 and compressed. Then, as shown in Fig. 8, when the nozzle contact member 61 moves from the initial position P1 toward the pressed-in position P2, the movable element 92 is pressed in by the sensor operating member 66. That is, the operation of the nozzle contact member 61 operates the limit switch 91. When the nozzle contact member 61 is located at the pressed-in position P2 and reaches the connection completion state, the output signal of the limit switch 91 changes from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0066] On the other hand, when the filling nozzle 41 is pulled out from the filling plug 36, the nozzle contact member 61 receives the biasing force of the biasing member 81 and moves from the pushed-in position P2 toward the initial position P1. At this time, the nozzle contact member 61 moves linearly in the direction in which the filling nozzle 41 is pulled out, due to the three guide members 71 and the guide holes 56. As the nozzle contact member 61 moves, the sensor operating member 66 moves away from the mover 92 of the limit switch 91. This releases the sensor operating member 66 from pushing the mover 92. As a result, the output signal of the limit switch 91 changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0067] By monitoring the output signal of the limit switch 91, it is possible to detect whether the filling nozzle 41 is connected to the filling plug 36. <Advantages of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0068] (1-1) Supported by guide member 71 and guide hole 56 of bracket 51, the entire nozzle contact member 61 moves linearly in the insertion direction together with the stuffing nozzle 41. For this reason, as the nozzle contact member 61 is pushed in by the stuffing nozzle 41 that has come into contact with the nozzle contact member 61, the nozzle contact member 61 does not move away from the stuffing nozzle 41. This prevents the nozzle contact member 61 from coming into contact with the bracket 51 midway through the insertion of the stuffing nozzle 41, preventing the stuffing nozzle 41 from being inserted any further.

[0069] Furthermore, the position of nozzle contact member 61 is determined by the position of guide member 71 supported by bracket 51. Guide member 71 is simply inserted through guide hole 56. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the positional deviation of nozzle contact member 61. In addition, as described above, nozzle contact member 61 moves linearly in the insertion direction of stuffing nozzle 41. Therefore, even if the diameter of the stuffing nozzle 41 used becomes smaller, nozzle contact member 61 is in a position where it can be pushed in by stuffing nozzle 41, so that the stuffing nozzle 41 will not become unable to be inserted in the middle of inserting the stuffing nozzle 41 into the stuffing plug 36. As a result, it is possible to prevent the stuffing nozzle 41 from becoming unable to connect to the stuffing plug 36 in the middle of inserting the stuffing nozzle 41.

[0070] (1-2) The nozzle contact member 61 has an engaging protrusion 63 with which the first end 81a of the biasing member 81 engages. The engaging protrusion 63 is formed with a guide surface 63a. Therefore, when the nozzle contact member 61 is pushed in by the filling nozzle 41, even if the nozzle contact member 61 is slightly tilted, the guide surface 63a can cause the engaging protrusion 63 to enter inside the first end 81a of the biasing member 81. This makes it possible to maintain the state in which the nozzle contact member 61 is biased by the biasing member 81.

[0071] (1-3) The biasing member 81 is a coil spring provided to surround the filling plug 36. For this reason, the inclination of the biasing member 81 can be suppressed by the filling plug 36. Therefore, the nozzle contact member 61 can be biased in a state in which the inclination of the nozzle contact member 61 is suppressed.

[0072] (1-4) The nozzle contact member 61 is guided so as to move linearly by the three guide members 71 and the guide holes 56 of the bracket 51. The guide members 71 and the guide holes 56 arranged at equal intervals enable the nozzle contact member 61 to be stably supported in a state in which tilt of the nozzle contact member 61 is suppressed.

[0073] (1-5) Even if the nozzle contact member 61 is urged in the direction opposite to the insertion direction by the urging force of the urging member 81, the stopper 72 can prevent the guide member 71 from coming out of the plug mounting member 53. In particular, since the stopper 72 is mounted on the two guide members 71, the stopper 72 can prevent the guide member 71 from coming out of the plug mounting member 53.

[0074] (1-6) The insertion distance F for filling nozzle 41 to complete connection to filling plug 36 is predefined, but some types of filling nozzle 41 have insertion distance F that is greater than the defined insertion distance F. Even with such a filling nozzle 41, the connection to filling plug 36 can be completed by setting the distance K over which nozzle contact member 61 can move to be greater than or equal to the insertion distance F of the filling nozzle 41 and moving the entire nozzle contact member 61 linearly together with the filling nozzle 41 in the insertion direction.

[0075] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment in which a fuel cell industrial vehicle is embodied as a fuel cell forklift will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 14. Note that in the second embodiment, detailed descriptions of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0076] <Detection mechanism> As shown in FIG. 9, the detection mechanism 100 includes a bracket 111, a nozzle contact member 121, a sensor operating member 131 that functions as a stopper, three guide members 141, three biasing members 151, and a limit switch 161 as a sensor.

[0077] <bracket> The bracket 111 is attached to a mounting portion 35 which is a part of the housing 31 of the fuel cell unit 30 .

[0078] The bracket 111 comprises a rectangular plate-shaped main body 112 , a U-shaped side wall 113 protruding from a side edge of the main body 112 , and a support member 114 integral with the main body 112 . The main body 112 has a first surface 112a and a second surface 112b which are opposite surfaces in the plate thickness direction. The first surface 112a and the second surface 112b are planes parallel to each other. A through hole 112c is formed in the main body 112. The through hole 112c penetrates the main body 112 in the plate thickness direction. The filling plug 36, the three guide members 141, and the three biasing members 151 pass through the through hole 112c.

[0079] The sidewall 113 is provided along three side edges of the main body 112 and extends toward the first surface 112a. The sidewall 113 includes a first wall portion 113a protruding in a rectangular plate shape from one side edge of the main body 112 along the mounting portion 35, a second wall portion 113b protruding in a rectangular plate shape from a first end in the longitudinal direction of the first wall portion 113a, and a third wall portion 113c protruding in a rectangular plate shape from a second end in the longitudinal direction of the first wall portion 113a. The second wall portion 113b and the third wall portion 113c face each other in the longitudinal direction of the first wall portion 113a and extend from the facing side edges of the main body 112 toward the first surface 112a. As long as the bracket 111 can be attached to the mounting portion 35, the sidewall 113 may not be provided, and the shape of the sidewall 113 may be changed as appropriate.

[0080] <Supporting parts> As shown in Figures 10, 12 and 13, the support member 114 comprises a support body 116 facing the second surface 112b of the main body 112, a plug mounting member 115 joined to the support body 116 and the main body 112, and a switch mounting portion 117 extending from the support body 116 toward the main body 112.

[0081] The support body 116 has a first contact surface 116a and a second contact surface 116b which are opposite to each other in the plate thickness direction. The first contact surface 116a and the second contact surface 116b are flat surfaces parallel to each other.

[0082] The plug mounting member 115 is cylindrical. A first axial end of the plug mounting member 115 is joined to the second surface 112b of the main body 112, and a second axial end of the plug mounting member 115 is joined to the first abutment surface 116a of the support body 116. Therefore, the plug mounting member 115 integrates the main body 112 and the support body 116 together.

[0083] The filling plug 36 is inserted into the plug mounting member 115, and the filling plug 36 is screwed into the plug mounting member 115 and the support body 116. The filling plug 36 has a male threaded portion 37 protruding from the second abutment surface 116b of the support body 116, and a nut 39 is screwed into the male threaded portion 37. The filling plug 36 is fixed to the bracket 111 by screwing the nut 39 into the male threaded portion 37 and screwing the filling plug 36 into the plug mounting member 115 and the support body 116. Therefore, the filling plug 36 is attached to the bracket 111 having the plug mounting member 115. The filling plug 36 screwed into the plug mounting member 115 penetrates the through hole 112c and protrudes outward from the first surface 112a of the body 112.

[0084] As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 11, three guide holes 116c are formed in the support body 116. The three guide holes 116c are arranged radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the plug mounting member 115. Each guide hole 116c penetrates the support body 116 in the plate thickness direction. The three guide holes 116c are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis L1 of the filling plug 36. The central axis L2 of each guide hole 116c is parallel to the central axis L1 of the filling plug 36. The three guide holes 116c are located on concentric circles centered on the central axis L1 of the filling plug 36.

[0085] <Nozzle contact member> 9, the nozzle contact member 121 includes an annular portion 122 and three fixing projections 123 extending from the annular portion 122. A through hole 122a is formed in the annular portion 122 to allow the filling plug 36 to pass therethrough. Thus, the annular portion 122 defines the through hole 122a. The three fixing projections 123 are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 122. The annular portion 122, and therefore the nozzle contact member 121, surround the filling plug 36.

[0086] The nozzle contact member 121 has a nozzle contact surface 121a and a back surface 121b which are opposite surfaces in the plate thickness direction. The tip of the filling nozzle 41 contacts the nozzle contact surface 121a. The nozzle contact surface 121a and the back surface 121b are flat surfaces parallel to each other. A part of the outer edge of the back surface 121b can contact a portion of the first surface 112a of the main body 112 that is aligned with the through hole 112c.

[0087] <Guide parts> 11, the three guide members 141 are inserted one by one into the guide holes 116c while passing through the through holes 112c. Each guide member 141 is supported by the support body 116 so as to be reciprocatable in the plate thickness direction of the support body 116. Therefore, the guide members 141 are inserted into the bracket 111 provided with the support body 116, and the bracket 111 supports the guide members 141 so as to be movably movable.

[0088] There is only a small gap between the inner peripheral surface that defines the guide hole 116c and the peripheral surface of the guide member 141. Even if the tolerance of the hole diameter of the guide hole 116c and the tolerance of the diameter of the guide member 141 are accumulated to a maximum, the value is very small. Also, the guide hole 116c penetrates the support body 116 in the plate thickness direction. The plate thickness of the support body 116 is thicker than the plate thickness of the main body 112. Therefore, the guide member 141 is supported by the support body 116 in a state where tilt is suppressed. The guide member 141 is supported by the bracket 111 so as to move linearly in the direction of extension of the central axis L2 of the guide hole 116c by being inserted into the guide hole 116c.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a first axial end of each guide member 141 is inserted into the fixing protrusion 123 of the nozzle contact member 121 and fixed to the fixing protrusion 123. Therefore, the guide members 141 are integral with the nozzle contact member 121. A second axial end of each guide member 141 is inserted into the guide hole 116c. Therefore, the guide members 141 extend from the nozzle contact member 121 toward the bracket 111 in the insertion direction of the filling nozzle 41. Among the axial ends of each guide member 141, a second end, which is an end opposite to the arrangement side of the nozzle contact member 121 across the bracket 111, protrudes from the bracket 111.

[0090] <Sensor operating parts> 9, 10 and 13, a sensor operating member 131 functioning as a stopper is fixed to a second end of the guide member 141 protruding from the support body 116 of the bracket 111. The second end of the guide member 141 is formed with a female screw 141c recessed in the axial direction of the guide member 141.

[0091] The sensor operating member 131 is in the shape of a long plate. The sensor operating member 131 has a first contact surface 131b and a second contact surface 131c that are opposite to each other in the plate thickness direction. The first contact surface 131b and the second contact surface 131c are flat surfaces parallel to each other.

[0092] The sensor operating member 131 is formed with a plug through hole 131a through which the filling plug 36 passes. The hole diameter of the plug through hole 131a is larger than the outer diameter of the nut 39 screwed onto the male thread portion 37.

[0093] The sensor operating member 131 includes a surrounding portion 132 surrounding the plug through hole 131a, two extension portions 133 extending from the surrounding portion 132, and one sensor contact piece 134 extending from the surrounding portion 132. The plug through hole 131a is a hole surrounded by the surrounding portion 132. The direction in which the sensor contact piece 134 extends from the surrounding portion 132 is different from the direction in which each extension portion 133 extends from the surrounding portion 132.

[0094] A bolt through hole 133a is formed in each of the two extensions 133 and the sensor contact piece 134. The diameter of the bolt through hole 133a is smaller than the diameter of the guide member 141. The bolt through holes 133a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the plug through hole 131a. The bolt through holes 133a surround the filling plug 36. The three bolt through holes 133a are positioned on concentric circles centered on the central axis L1 of the filling plug 36.

[0095] The second ends of two of the three guide members 141 contact the first abutment surface 131b of the extension portion 133, and the second end of one of the guide members 141 contacts the first abutment surface 131b of the sensor contact piece 134. A bolt 142 inserted through the bolt through hole 133a is screwed into the female screw 141c of each guide member 141. Thus, the sensor operating member 131 has a surrounding portion 132 surrounding the plug through hole 131a, and the three guide members 141 are fixed to the portion extending from the surrounding portion 132. Thus, the three guide members 141 and the sensor operating member 131 are integrated. The three guide members 141 are integrated with the nozzle contact member 121 and the sensor operating member 131 so as to be arranged at equal intervals on a concentric circle centered on the central axis L1 of the filling plug 36.

[0096] The sensor contact piece 134 extends from the surrounding portion 132 toward the third wall portion 113c and extends beyond the third wall portion 113c. <Using member> The urging member 151 is made of a coil spring. The urging member 151 is attached to the guide member 141. Since the three guide members 141 are arranged to surround the filling plug 36, the three urging members 151 are installed to surround the filling plug 36. The three urging members 151 are arranged on concentric circles centered on the central axis L1 of the filling plug 36.

[0097] A first end of the urging member 151 contacts the back surface 121b of the fixing protrusion 123 of the nozzle contact member 121. A second end of the urging member 151 contacts a portion of the first abutment surface 116a of the support portion main body 116 that surrounds the guide hole 116c. The urging member 151 is interposed between the nozzle contact member 121 and the support portion main body 116 of the bracket 111. The urging member 151 urges the nozzle contact member 121 in a direction away from the bracket 111. In other words, the urging member 151 urges the nozzle contact member 121 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the filling nozzle 41.

[0098] 10 and 12, in a state in which the nozzle contact member 121 is biased by the biasing member 151, the first contact surface 131b of the sensor operating member 131 is in surface contact with the second contact surface 116b of the support body 116. The surface contact of the sensor operating member 131 with the support body 116 restricts the movement and inclination of the nozzle contact member 121. In a state in which the movement of the nozzle contact member 121 is restricted by the sensor operating member 131, the nozzle contact surface 121a is located away from the first surface 112a of the body 112.

[0099] Furthermore, the surface contact of the sensor operating member 131 with the support portion main body 116 prevents each guide member 141 from coming off the bracket 111. Therefore, the sensor operating member 131 functions as a stopper that prevents the guide members 141 from coming off the bracket 111. Therefore, the sensor operating member 131 as a stopper is provided at a second end of the axial end of the guide member 141 that protrudes from the bracket 111 on the side opposite to the side where the nozzle contact member 121 is arranged, with the bracket 111 in between.

[0100] <Limit switch> As shown in FIG. 12, the limit switch 161 is attached to the outer surface of the switch mounting portion 117, that is, to one of the two surfaces of the switch mounting portion 117 in the plate thickness direction opposite to the surface facing the filling plug 36. The limit switch 161 is disposed facing the sensor contact piece 134 of the sensor operating member 131. The movable piece 162 of the limit switch 161 is disposed so as to be movable in the insertion direction and in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. Therefore, the movable piece 162 is disposed on the opposite side of the bracket 111 to the side where the nozzle contact member 121 is disposed, and is disposed so as to be movable in the insertion direction and in the opposite direction. In addition, the movable piece 162 is biased in a direction approaching the sensor contact piece 134 by a return spring (not shown) built into the limit switch 161.

[0101] <Detection mechanism operation> The nozzle contact member 121 configured as described above can move linearly back and forth in the direction along which the central axis L2 of the guide hole 116c through which the guide member 141 is inserted, and the nozzle contact member 121 can move between an initial position P1 and a pushed-in position P2.

[0102] 10 and 12, the initial position P1 is a state in which the movement of the nozzle contact member 121 is restricted by the sensor operating member 131 functioning as a stopper, and is a position in which the nozzle contact member 121 is moved furthest from the filling plug 36 by the biasing force of the biasing member 151. When the nozzle contact member 121 is located at the initial position P1, the movable element 162 is biased toward the sensor contact piece 134 and is in contact with the sensor contact piece 134.

[0103] 13 and 14, by pushing in the stuffing nozzle 41 in contact with the nozzle contact member 121, the nozzle contact member 121 moves from the initial position P1 toward the pushed-in position P2, and is positioned at the pushed-in position P2 when the stuffing nozzle 41 is completely connected to the filling plug 36. On the other hand, when the stuffing nozzle 41 is pulled out of the filling plug 36, the nozzle contact member 121 receives the biasing force of the biasing member 151 and moves from the pushed-in position P2 toward the initial position P1.

[0104] When nozzle contact member 121 moves from initial position P1 toward pushed-in position P2, sensor operating member 131 also moves toward pushed-in position P2 in conjunction with nozzle contact member 121. Sensor contact piece 134 moving toward pushed-in position P2 moves away from movable element 162. Then, when the connection of filling nozzle 41 to filling plug 36 is completed and a connection complete state is reached, sensor contact piece 134 moves away from movable element 162, causing the output signal of limit switch 161 to change from an OFF state to an ON state. Therefore, limit switch 161 is a sensor whose output signal changes in response to the completion of connection of filling nozzle 41 to filling plug 36.

[0105] The pushed-in position P2 is a position where the nozzle contact member 121 is brought closer to the plug mounting member 115 by the filling nozzle 41 in contact with the nozzle contact member 121 pushing the nozzle contact member 121. At the pushed-in position P2, the biasing member 151 is compressed more than at the initial position P1. Therefore, the biasing member 151 biases the nozzle contact member 121 toward the initial position P1 by the force of the biasing member 151 returning to its original shape.

[0106] The distance K that the nozzle contact member 121 can move from the initial position P1 to the pushed-in position P2 is equal to or greater than the insertion distance F of the filling nozzle 41. <Operation of the second embodiment> 10 and 12, when the filling nozzle 41 is not connected to the filling plug 36, the nozzle contact member 121 is located at the initial position P1 by receiving the biasing force of the biasing member 151. When the nozzle contact member 121 is located at the initial position P1, the sensor contact piece 134 of the sensor operating member 131 is in contact with the movable element 162, and the output signal of the limit switch 161 is in the OFF state.

[0107] When the filling nozzle 41 is inserted into the filling plug 36 to fill the fuel tank 21 with fuel gas, the tip of the filling nozzle 41 comes into contact with the nozzle contact surface 121a of the nozzle contact member 121 during the insertion. Then, as the filling nozzle 41 is further inserted, the nozzle contact member 121 is pushed in by the filling nozzle 41 in contact with the nozzle contact member 121, as shown in Figures 13 and 14 .

[0108] Nozzle contact member 121 moves linearly in the insertion direction of stuffing nozzle 41 by three guide members 141 and guide holes 116c. Moreover, nozzle contact member 121 does not rotate but slides in the insertion direction of stuffing nozzle 41. In other words, when pushed by stuffing nozzle 41, nozzle contact member 121 moves so that the entire surface of back surface 121b approaches first surface 112a of main body 112.

[0109] The biasing member 151 is pressed and compressed by the nozzle contact member 121. Then, when the nozzle contact member 121 moves from the initial position P1 toward the pressed-in position P2, the sensor contact piece 134 moves away from the movable element 162. That is, the operation of the nozzle contact member 121 operates the limit switch 161 via the sensor operating member 131. When the nozzle contact member 121 is located at the pressed-in position P2 and reaches the connection completion state, the output signal of the limit switch 161 changes from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0110] On the other hand, when the filling nozzle 41 is pulled out from the filling plug 36, the nozzle contact member 121 receives the urging force of the urging member 151 and moves from the pushed-in position P2 toward the initial position P1. At this time, the nozzle contact member 121 moves linearly in the direction in which the filling nozzle 41 is pulled out, that is, in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, by the three guide members 71 and the guide hole 116c. In addition, the sensor operating member 131 also receives the urging force of the urging member 151 and moves from the pushed-in position P2 toward the initial position P1. Then, the sensor contact piece 134 comes into contact with the movable element 162 of the limit switch 161 and pushes the movable element 162. As a result, the output signal of the limit switch 161 changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0111] <Effects of the second embodiment> According to the second embodiment, in addition to the advantages (1-1), (1-4), (1-5), and (1-6) described in the first embodiment, the following advantages can be obtained.

[0112] (2-1) The sensor operating member 131 is supported by the bracket 111 so as to move linearly by the three guide members 141 and the guide hole 116c. In other words, the base end of the sensor operating member 131 is not supported rotatably by a rotation shaft such as a hinge. When the sensor operating member 131 is made rotatable by a rotation shaft, a stopper is often used to restrict the rotation caused by the spring or the like at a predetermined position while biasing the sensor operating member 131 by a spring or the like. In this embodiment, a rotation shaft and a spring are not used, and a stopper is not used to restrict the rotation. Therefore, there is no rattling of the sensor operating member 131 at the rotation shaft, no inclination of the sensor operating member 131 due to tolerance at the rotation shaft, and no inclination of the sensor operating member 131 due to one-sided contact of the stopper. This makes it possible to prevent the sensor operating member 131 and the movable element 162 from being less likely to come into contact with each other at the initial position P1 due to the inclination of the sensor operating member 131. As a result, it becomes unnecessary to adjust the position of the movable element 162 in the limit switch 161 in order to ensure accurate contact between the sensor operating member 131 and the movable element 162.

[0113] (2-2) A first end of each guide member 141 is fixed to the nozzle contact member 121, and a second end of each guide member 141 is fixed to the sensor operating member 131 by a bolt 142. The three guide members 141 are arranged on a concentric circle centered on the central axis L1 of the filling plug 36, and are supported by the bracket 111. This makes it possible to prevent the sensor operating member 131 from tilting. Therefore, at the initial position P1, contact between the sensor contact piece 134 and the movable element 162 can be accurately performed.

[0114] (2-3) The sensor operating member 131 functions as a stopper that prevents the guide member 141 from slipping out of the bracket 111 by contacting the support body 116 of the bracket 111. For example, the configuration of the detection mechanism 100 can be simplified compared to when the sensor operating member 131 and the stopper are provided separately.

[0115] (2-4) Even if the nozzle contact member 121 is urged in the direction opposite to the insertion direction by the urging force of the urging member 151, the stopper function of the sensor operating member 131 can prevent the guide member 141 from coming off the bracket 111.

[0116] (2-5) For example, the limit switch 161 is installed so that the movable element 162 can reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the opposite direction. In this case, when the sensor operating member 131 is brought into contact with the movable element 162, the sensor operating member 131 is easily pressed in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the opposite direction by the force of the movable element 162 and tilted. However, in this embodiment, the limit switch 161 is installed so that the movable element 162 moves in the insertion direction and the opposite direction, so that tilt of the sensor operating member 131 due to contact with the movable element 162 can be suppressed.

[0117] (2-6) The three guide members 141 and the three biasing members 151 are disposed at equal intervals on a concentric circle centered on the filling plug 36, and are fixed to the nozzle contact member 121 and the sensor operation member 131. Therefore, tilting of the nozzle contact member 121 and the sensor operation member 131 can be suppressed.

[0118] (2-7) The sensor operating member 131 is formed with a plug through hole 131a. The sensor operating member 131 also includes a surrounding portion 132 surrounding the plug through hole 131a, and a guide member 141 is fixed to two extension portions 133 and a sensor contact piece 134 extending from the surrounding portion 132. Each of the two extension portions 133 and the sensor contact piece 134 extends from the surrounding portion 132. The surrounding portion 132 surrounds the entire plug through hole 131a. In the sensor operating member 131, for example, compared to a case where there is a gap between the two extension portions 133, the surrounding portion 132 can suppress deformation at the fixed portion of the guide member 141 in the sensor operating member 131.

[0119] (2-8) In a state in which the nozzle contact member 121 is biased by the biasing member 151, the first abutment surface 131b of the sensor operating member 131 is in surface contact with the second abutment surface 116b of the support body 116. Due to the surface contact of the sensor operating member 131 with the support body 116, the movement and inclination of the nozzle contact member 121 can be regulated.

[0120] (2-9) The sensor operating member 131 is in surface contact with the support body 116 of the bracket 111. This allows the sensor operating member 131 to efficiently function as a stopper.

[0121] <Example of change> The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: Each embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0122] In the first embodiment, the stopper 72 may be omitted. In the first embodiment, the stopper 72 may be disposed on the second ends 71b of all three guide members 71, or one stopper 72 may be provided on each of the three guide members 71. In short, as long as the guide members 71 are prevented from coming out of the bracket 51, the mode and shape of the stopper 72 may be changed as appropriate.

[0123] In the first embodiment, the urging member 81 may be omitted, and in the second embodiment, the urging member 151 may be omitted. In the first embodiment, three biasing members 81 may be provided so as to surround each guide member 71 .

[0124] In each embodiment, the guide member does not have to be a rod-shaped member as in the embodiment. For example, in the first embodiment, a guide tube portion extending in a cylindrical shape with a portion cut out from the outer periphery of the nozzle contact member 61 penetrates the bracket 51. This guide tube portion is supported by the bracket 51 as a guide member.

[0125] In each embodiment, the number of guide members 71, 141 may be any number other than three as long as it is more than one. In the first embodiment, the movable element 92 of the limit switch 91 may be pressed in by the sensor operating member 66 at the initial position P1. Then, as the nozzle contact member 61 moves from the initial position P1 to the pressed position P2, the sensor operating member 66 separates from the movable element 92, and the pressing of the movable element 92 is released. With the release of the pressing of the movable element 92, the output signal of the limit switch 91 may change from an OFF state to an ON state.

[0126] In the first embodiment, the movable element 92 of the limit switch 91 may be operated via a link mechanism or a cam mechanism rather than being directly operated by the sensor operating member 66. In the second embodiment, the surrounding portion 132 and the plug through hole 131a of the sensor operating member 131 do not have to be formed. In this case, the male thread portion 37 and the nut 39 of the filling plug 36 are omitted.

[0127] In the second embodiment, the surrounding portion 132 does not have to be annular so as to surround the plug through hole 131a, and may be partially cut out around the plug through hole 131a. In the second embodiment, the limit switch 161 may be installed so that the movable element 162 of the limit switch 161 can reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the opposite direction.

[0128] In the first embodiment, the sensor may be a photoelectric sensor. For example, a sensor operating member 66 is disposed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element at the initial position P1, and the sensor operating member 66 moves with the movement of the nozzle contact member 61 to the pushed-in position P2, so that the light emitted from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element. This may cause the output signal of the photoelectric sensor to change to an ON state.

[0129] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the sensor may be a distance sensor that measures the distance between the nozzle contact members 61, 121. In short, the type of sensor may be changed as appropriate as long as the output signal of the sensor changes in response to completion of connection of the filling nozzle 41 to the filling plug 36.

[0130] In the first embodiment, the guide hole 56 may be provided in the main body 52 and the guide member 71 may be supported by the main body 52 of the bracket 51 . In each embodiment, the biasing member 81 may be a rubber member other than the coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like.

[0131] The fuel cell powered industrial vehicle may be a towing vehicle used for transporting cargo, an order picker used for picking work, or the like. The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described.

[0132] (i) The biasing member is provided to surround the filling plug. (b) The nozzle contact member includes an engaging protrusion with which the biasing member engages. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10...forklift as fuel cell industrial vehicle, 11...vehicle body, 21...fuel tank, 30...fuel cell unit, 31...housing, 33...fuel cell stack, 36...filling plug, 41...filling nozzle, 45,100...detection mechanism, 51,111...bracket, 61,121...nozzle contact member, 66,131...sensor operating member, 71,141...guide member, 72...stopper, 81,151...biasing member, 91,161...limit switch as sensor, 131a...through hole for plug, 132...enclosing portion, 162...movable member.

Claims

1. a fuel cell unit including a fuel cell stack; a fuel tank for storing a fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack; a vehicle body on which the fuel cell unit and the fuel tank are mounted, The fuel cell unit includes: a filling plug for filling the fuel tank with the fuel gas, the filling plug being connectable to a filling nozzle for supplying the fuel gas; A fuel cell industrial vehicle including a detection mechanism for detecting a connection state between the filling plug and the filling nozzle, The detection mechanism includes: a sensor whose output signal changes in response to completion of connection of the filling nozzle to the filling plug; a bracket installed on a housing of the fuel cell unit and having the filler plug attached thereto; a nozzle contact member with which the stuffing nozzle comes into contact as the stuffing nozzle is inserted into the stuffing plug, and which is supported by the bracket so as to be movable in the insertion direction of the stuffing nozzle; a sensor operating member that operates the sensor in association with the movement of the nozzle contact member in the insertion direction; a plurality of guide members that are integral with the nozzle contact member and extend from the nozzle contact member toward the bracket in the insertion direction; A fuel cell-powered industrial vehicle, characterized in that the guide member is inserted into the bracket, and the bracket supports the guide member so as to be movable in the insertion direction.

2. 2. The fuel cell-powered industrial vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing member interposed between the nozzle contact member and the bracket, for biasing the nozzle contact member in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

3. 3. A fuel cell-powered industrial vehicle as described in claim 2, wherein a stopper is provided on one of the axial ends of the guide member that protrudes from the bracket on the side opposite the side on which the nozzle contact member is arranged, across the bracket.

4. 4. The fuel cell industrial vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the stopper is mounted across a plurality of the guide members.

5. 5. The fuel cell industrial vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the sensor includes a movable element, the movable element being arranged on the opposite side of the bracket to the side on which the nozzle contact member is arranged, and the sensor operating member is formed by the stopper.

6. 6. The fuel cell industrial vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the sensor is disposed so as to be capable of moving the movable element in the insertion direction and in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

7. 7. The fuel cell industrial vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of guide members are three guide members arranged at equal intervals on a concentric circle centered on the filling plug.

8. 8. A fuel cell industrial vehicle as described in claim 7, wherein the sensor operating member has a plug through hole through which the filling plug passes, the sensor operating member has a surrounding portion surrounding the plug through hole, and the three guide members are fixed to a portion extending from the surrounding portion.

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