Gas filling container

Abstract

To provide a gas filling device which suppresses an operator's unwanted filling.SOLUTION: A hydrogen gas filling device 1 includes; a plurality of gas supply pipes 5A, 5B; flow meters 14A, 14B; shielding valves 13A, 13B and nozzles 7A, 7B; control devices 22A, 22B; and receivers 27A, 27B. The receivers 27A, 27B obtain the information related to the tank 52. The first control device 22A determines whether the filling is a filling to the same vehicle 51 using the plurality of gas supply pipes 5A, 5B or a filling using a single gas supply pipe 5A(5B) based on the information obtained by the receiver 27A, 27B. The control devices 22A, 22B controls the filling of hydrogen gas according to the determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gas filling device (fuel gas filling device, fuel gas supply device) that fills (supplies) a gas (fuel gas) such as hydrogen gas into a tank (fuel tank, filling tank) of, for example, a vehicle (automobile). [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a fuel gas filling device that includes a gas supply pipe connected to a pressure accumulator and fills the fuel gas in the pressure accumulator into a fuel tank of a vehicle through the gas supply pipe. The fuel gas filling device of Patent Document 1 is provided with a flow meter and a shutoff valve in the gas supply pipe, and a filling nozzle connected to the vehicle (fuel tank) is provided at the downstream end of the gas supply pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-178313 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is conceivable that the fuel gas filling device is configured to have a plurality of filling pipelines (filling systems). That is, it is conceivable that the fuel gas filling device is configured to have a plurality of gas supply pipelines, and each gas supply pipeline is provided with a flow meter, a shutoff valve, and a filling nozzle. With such a configuration, it is possible not only to fill a fuel tank of a vehicle with fuel gas using a single gas supply pipeline among the plurality of gas supply pipelines, but also to fill a fuel tank of the same vehicle (e.g., a fuel tank having a plurality of filling ports) with fuel gas using the plurality of gas supply pipelines. Then, it is conceivable that the operator who fills the fuel tank can select which filling method to use, that is, "filling using a single gas supply pipeline" or "filling using a plurality of gas supply pipelines". However, in this case, if the operator makes an incorrect operation, there is a possibility that the filling will be performed unintentionally by the operator.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gas filling device that can prevent unintended filling by an operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention preferably relates to a gas filling device comprising a plurality of gas supply lines connected to a gas supply source, a flow meter, a shut-off valve and a filling nozzle provided in each of the plurality of gas supply lines, a control means for controlling the filling of gas by controlling the opening and closing operation of the shut-off valve, and an information acquisition unit for acquiring information regarding the filling target, and further comprising a determination means for determining, based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit, whether the same filling target is being filled using the plurality of gas supply lines or whether filling is using a single gas supply line, and the control means controls the filling of gas depending on the determination result by the determination means. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent refilling from being performed unintentionally by an operator. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a gas filling device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a vehicle equipped with a fuel tank having two filling ports, and a dispenser filling the fuel tank of the vehicle with gas. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the first control device (or the second control device) in FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flow chart showing the process following "A" and "B" of FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a gas filling device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings, taking as an example a gas filling device for a vehicle (hydrogen gas filling device) that fills (supplies) a fuel gas (hydrogen gas) into a tank (fuel tank, filling tank) of a vehicle (automobile). Each step in the flow charts shown in Figures 4 and 5 is represented by the letter "S" (for example, step 1 = "S1").

[0010] In FIG. 1, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 is a gas filling device (gas supply device) that fills (supplies) compressed hydrogen gas (gas) into a fuel tank 52 (hereinafter referred to as tank 52) of a vehicle 51 such as a fuel cell vehicle (FCV). The hydrogen gas filling device 1 is installed, for example, in a facility (fuel supply station) called a hydrogen gas supply station (hydrogen station). The hydrogen gas filling device 1 is configured to include a gas accumulator 2 as a gas storage unit (storage tank) that stores hydrogen gas compressed to a high pressure, a hydrogen dispenser 3 (hereinafter referred to as dispenser 3) as a filling mechanism that fills the hydrogen gas from the gas accumulator 2 into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51, and gas supply pipes 5A, 5B that extend from the gas accumulator 2 into a housing 4 of the dispenser 3.

[0011] In the embodiment, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 includes two gas supply lines 5A and 5B, that is, a first gas supply line 5A constituting one gas supply system (system A) and a second gas supply line 5B constituting the other gas supply system (system B). The gas accumulator 2 is connected to both the first gas supply line 5A and the second gas supply line 5B. This allows the gas accumulator 2 to supply hydrogen gas to the system A (first gas supply line 5A) and the system B (second gas supply line 5B) of the dispenser 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the first gas supply line 5A and the second gas supply line 5B are branched off within the dispenser 3.

[0012] The branching of the first gas supply pipeline 5A and the second gas supply pipeline 5B may not be within the dispenser 3. That is, the branching of the first gas supply pipeline 5A and the second gas supply pipeline 5B may be on the gas accumulator 2 side (upstream side) of the dispenser 3. Although not shown, the gas accumulator connected to the first gas supply pipeline and the gas accumulator connected to the second gas supply pipeline may be separately provided. That is, the gas supply pipeline may not be branched midway, and the first gas accumulator may be connected to the first gas supply pipeline, and a second gas accumulator separate from the first gas accumulator may be connected to the second gas supply pipeline separate from the first gas supply pipeline.

[0013] The gas accumulator 2 is a gas supply source (hydrogen gas supply source) that stores fuel gas (hydrogen gas) compressed to a high pressure. The gas accumulator 2 is connected to the upstream side of gas supply pipelines 5A, 5B. The gas supply pipelines 5A, 5B extend from the gas accumulator 2 toward the dispenser 3 and are disposed within the housing 4 of the dispenser 3. The downstream side of the gas supply pipelines 5A, 5B is constituted by hoses 6A, 6B disposed outside the housing 4. Nozzles 7A, 7B are provided at the downstream ends of the hoses 6A, 6B. The gas supply pipelines 5A, 5B are connected to a tank 52 of a vehicle 51 via the nozzles 7A, 7B.

[0014] The gas supply lines 5A and 5B are paths (gas filling paths, gas supply paths) for filling (supplying) gas (hydrogen gas) to a vehicle 51 (more specifically, a tank 52 mounted on the vehicle 51) that runs on gas (hydrogen gas) as fuel. The imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in FIG. 1 shows a state in which the first gas supply line 5A constituting the A system is connected to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 via the first nozzle 7A of the A system. In contrast, FIG. 3 shows a state in which both the first gas supply line 5A constituting the A system and the second gas supply line 5B constituting the B system are connected to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 via the first nozzle 7A of the A system and the second nozzle 7B of the B system. As shown in FIG. 3, in the embodiment, it is also possible to fill a tank 52 having two filling ports 52A and 52B with hydrogen gas through both the A system and the B system.

[0015] The dispenser 3 includes a housing 4. The dispenser 3 also includes a first nozzle hanger 8A, a first flow control valve 12A, a first shutoff valve 13A, a first flow meter 14A, a first heat exchanger 16A, a first pressure sensor 20A, a first temperature sensor 21A, and a first control device 22A. The dispenser 3 also includes a second nozzle hanger 8B, a second flow control valve 12B, a second shutoff valve 13B, a second flow meter 14B, a second heat exchanger 16B, a second pressure sensor 20B, a second temperature sensor 21B, and a second control device 22B.

[0016] The housing 4 constitutes a box that forms the outer shape of the dispenser 3. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the housing 4 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a front surface 4A, a rear surface 4B, a pair of side surfaces 4C, 4D, and a top surface 4E. One side surface 4C of the pair of side surfaces 4C, 4D is the side surface 4C on which the first nozzle hanger 8A and the second nozzle hanger 8B are provided, that is, the nozzle hanger side surface 4C. In addition, the front surface 4A is provided with a first display 23A that displays information to be notified, such as the filling amount, and a first operation button 24A (for example, a first filling start button 24A1, a first filling stop button 24A2) that serves as an operation switch. As shown in FIG. 1, the rear surface 4B is also provided with a second display 23B that displays information to be notified, such as the filling amount, and a second operation button 24B (for example, a second filling start button 24B1, a second filling stop button 24B2) that serves as an operation switch.

[0017] A first nozzle hanger 8A and a second nozzle hanger 8B are provided on the nozzle hanger side surface 4C of the housing 4. The nozzle hangers 8A, 8B correspond to holding portions that hold the nozzles 7A, 7B. The nozzles 7A, 7B are hung on the nozzle hangers 8A, 8B when hydrogen gas is not being filled (i.e., waiting time for filling work). That is, the nozzle hangers 8A, 8B hold the nozzles 7A, 7B except when hydrogen gas is being filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51. When hydrogen gas is being filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51, the nozzles 7A, 7B are removed from the nozzle hangers 8A, 8B by a worker performing the filling work (a worker at a hydrogen station, a worker at a self-service facility, etc.).

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 4 accommodates a first gas supply pipeline 5A, a first inlet valve 11A, a first flow control valve 12A, a first shutoff valve 13A, a first flow meter 14A, a first heat exchanger 16A, a first depressurization pipeline 18A, a first depressurization valve 19A, a first pressure sensor 20A, a first temperature sensor 21A, a second gas supply pipeline 5B, a second inlet valve 11B, a second flow control valve 12B, a second shutoff valve 13B, a second flow meter 14B, a second heat exchanger 16B, a second depressurization pipeline 18B, a second depressurization valve 19B, a second pressure sensor 20B, a second temperature sensor 21B, a first control device 22A, a second control device 22B, and the like.

[0019] The gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B are disposed within the housing 4, and supply pressurized hydrogen gas from the gas accumulator 2 to the vehicle 51 (more specifically, the tank 52) to be filled. The gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B are arranged such that the gas accumulator 2 side is the upstream side, and the vehicle 51 (more specifically, the tank 52) side is the downstream side. The downstream side of the first gas supply pipeline 5A is constituted by a first hose 6A extending outside the housing 4 to the outside of the housing 4. The downstream side of the second gas supply pipeline 5B is constituted by a second hose 6B extending outside the housing 4 to the outside of the housing 4.

[0020] The hoses 6A and 6B are flexible hydrogen gas filling hoses, and for example, pressure-resistant hoses are used. The filling hoses 6A and 6B form the downstream side of the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B. In this case, although not shown, an emergency release coupling is provided midway through the hoses 6A and 6B or at the upstream end of the hoses 6A and 6B. The emergency release coupling is a safety device that separates in an emergency. For example, when the vehicle 51 erroneously starts during or after hydrogen gas filling, the hoses 6A and 6B are pulled with a strong force, and the hoses 6A and 6B are separated. The emergency release coupling is provided with a valve body (shutoff valve) inside that prevents hydrogen gas from being released from the hoses 6A and 6B when the emergency release coupling is separated.

[0021] On the other hand, nozzles 7A and 7B are provided at the ends of the hoses 6A and 6B, which are connected to the filling port 52A (52B) of the tank 52. The nozzles 7A and 7B, which are filling nozzles, are airtightly connected to the ends of the hoses 6A and 6B, constituting a so-called filling coupling. The first nozzle 7A is connected to the first hose 6A (first gas supply pipe 5A). The second nozzle 7B is connected to the second hose 6B (second gas supply pipe 5B). An on-off valve (not shown) is built into the nozzles 7A and 7B. The on-off valve is switched between an "open position" that allows the flow of hydrogen gas and a "closed position" that blocks the flow of hydrogen gas. Note that the nozzles 7A and 7B may be provided with a check valve instead of or in addition to the on-off valve. The check valve allows the flow of hydrogen gas from the nozzles 7A and 7B to the tank 52, and prevents the flow of hydrogen gas from the tank 52 to the nozzles 7A and 7B.

[0022] The tip side of the nozzles 7A, 7B is a connection coupler 7A1, 7B1, which is detachably connected to the filling port 52A (52B) which is a connection port (receptacle) of the tank 52. That is, the connection couplers 7A1, 7B1 of the nozzles 7A, 7B are detachably connected to the filling port 52A (52B) of the tank 52 in an airtight state when hydrogen gas is supplied to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through a pipe (not shown) in the nozzles 7A, 7B. In addition, the nozzles 7A, 7B are provided with a locking mechanism (not shown) which is detachably locked to the filling port 52A (52B) of the tank 52. This makes it possible to prevent the nozzles 7A, 7B from accidentally coming off the filling port 52A (52B) when hydrogen gas is filled.

[0023] The high-pressure hydrogen gas in the gas accumulator 2 is filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through the gas supply pipes 5A, 5B in a state in which the nozzles 7A, 7B are locked to the filling port 52A (52B) of the tank 52 by a locking mechanism. That is, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 is provided with the nozzles 7A, 7B, and fills the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas using the nozzles 7A, 7B. As will be described later, the nozzles 7A, 7B are provided with wireless communication receivers 27A, 27B that receive information about the vehicle 51 (more specifically, information about the tank 52) via a transmitter 53 provided in the vehicle 51 (tank 52).

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, for example, inlet valves 11A, 11B, flow rate control valves 12A, 12B, and shutoff valves 13A, 13B are provided in the gas supply pipelines 5A, 5B. The inlet valves 11A, 11B are located upstream of the flow rate control valves 12A, 12B. The inlet valves 11A, 11B are manually opened and closed. The inlet valves 11A, 11B are installed as necessary, and may be omitted if not required.

[0025] The flow rate control valves 12A, 12B are located downstream of the inlet valves 11A, 11B. The flow rate control valves 12A, 12B adjust the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipes 5A, 5B by adjusting the valve opening degree by the control devices 22A, 22B. That is, the flow rate control valves 12A, 12B control the flow of hydrogen gas to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51. The flow rate control valves 12A, 12B are, for example, electromagnetic valve devices, and are controlled to open based on control signals Cf1, Cf2 from the control devices 22A, 22B. In this case, the flow rate control valves 12A, 12B are controlled to an arbitrary valve opening degree by commands based on the control programs of the control devices 22A, 22B, and variably control the flow rate and hydrogen gas pressure of hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipes 5A, 5B. That is, the flow rate regulating valves 12A, 12B are adjusted to a required degree of opening by controlling the valve opening degree by control signals Cf1, Cf2 from the control devices 22A, 22B.

[0026] The shutoff valves 13A, 13B are located downstream of the flow rate control valves 12A, 12B. The shutoff valves 13A, 13B are opened and closed by the control devices 22A, 22B to allow or block the flow of hydrogen gas in the gas supply pipes 5A, 5B. That is, the shutoff valves 13A, 13B are electromagnetic or pneumatically operated valve devices provided at intermediate locations in the gas supply pipes 5A, 5B (for example, between the heat exchangers 16A, 16B and the temperature sensors 21A, 21B). The shutoff valves 13A, 13B are opened and closed based on control signals Cs1, Cs2 from the control devices 22A, 22B to allow or block the flow of hydrogen gas in the gas supply pipes 5A, 5B.

[0027] The flowmeters 14A, 14B are located upstream of the flow control valves 12A, 12B. The flowmeters 14A, 14B are, for example, Coriolis-type flowmeters that measure the mass flow rate of the measured fluid. The flowmeters 14A, 14B measure the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipes 5A, 5B between the inlet valves 11A, 11B and the flow control valves 12A, 12B, and output the measurement results (detection signals F1, F2) to the control devices 22A, 22B. The control devices 22A, 22B calculate the amount of hydrogen gas filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51, and display the amount of hydrogen gas fuel dispensed on the displays 23A, 23B, etc. This allows, for example, a customer to be notified of the displayed content.

[0028] The cooler 15 is a cooling device for cooling the hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipes 5A and 5B. The cooler 15 cools the hydrogen gas at an intermediate position in the gas supply pipes 5A and 5B in order to suppress a rise in temperature of the hydrogen gas filled in the tank 52. That is, the cooler 15 cools the hydrogen gas supplied to the vehicle 51 (tank 52) through the gas supply pipes 5A and 5B. The cooler 15 includes heat exchangers 16A and 16B provided at intermediate positions (between the flow control valves 12A and 12B and the shutoff valves 13A and 13B) of the gas supply pipes 5A and 5B, and a chiller unit (not shown) connected to the heat exchangers 16A and 16B through a refrigerant pipe and equipped with a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a compressor or a pump.

[0029] The chiller unit circulates a refrigerant between the heat exchangers 16A and 16B through the refrigerant pipes. The heat exchangers 16A and 16B exchange heat between the refrigerant and the hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipes 5A and 5B. As a result, the cooler 15 lowers the temperature of the hydrogen gas supplied toward the hoses 6A and 6B to a specified temperature (for example, -33 to -40°C).

[0030] Depressurization pipelines 18A, 18B for depressurizing gas pressure from, for example, the hoses 6A, 6B are branched off from the gas supply pipelines 5A, 5B downstream of the shutoff valves 13A, 13B. Depressurization valves 19A, 19B, which are, for example, electromagnetic or pneumatically operated valve devices, are provided midway along the depressurization pipelines 18A, 18B. The depressurization valves 19A, 19B are opened and closed based on control signals Cd1, Cd2 from the control devices 22A, 22B when the hydrogen gas filling operation using the hoses 6A, 6B (nozzles 7A, 7B) is completed and the shutoff valves 13A, 13B are closed.

[0031] That is, when the connecting couplers 7A1, 7B1 of the nozzles 7A, 7B are removed from the filling port 52A (52B) of the tank 52, it is necessary to reduce the pressure in the hoses 6A, 6B to the atmospheric pressure level. For this reason, when the gas filling work is completed, the depressurization valves 19A, 19B are temporarily opened to open the tip side of the depressurization pipes 18A, 18B to the atmosphere. As a result, the hydrogen gas on the hoses 6A, 6B side is released to the outside, and the pressure in the hoses 6A, 6B is reduced to the atmospheric pressure level. As a result, the connecting couplers 7A1, 7B1 of the nozzles 7A, 7B can be removed from the filling port 52A (52B) of the tank 52.

[0032] The pressure sensors 20A, 20B are provided in the gas supply pipes 5A, 5B downstream of the shutoff valves 13A, 13B (i.e., on the nozzles 7A, 7B side). The pressure sensors 20A, 20B detect the pressure of the hydrogen gas (pressure midway through the pipes) supplied from the gas accumulator 2. The pressure sensors 20A, 20B measure the pressure in the gas supply pipes 5A, 5B near the nozzles 7A, 7B, and output detection signals P1, P2 corresponding to the measured pressure to the control devices 22A, 22B.

[0033] The temperature sensors 21A, 21B are provided in the gas supply pipes 5A, 5B, located between the shutoff valves 13A, 13B and the pressure sensors 20A, 20B. The temperature sensors 21A, 21B detect the temperature of the hydrogen gas flowing in the gas supply pipes 5A, 5B, and output the detection results (detection signals T1, T2) to the control devices 22A, 22B. The positional relationship between the temperature sensors 21A, 21B and the pressure sensors 20A, 20B is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 1, and may be reversed, for example.

[0034] The flow rate control valves 12A, 12B, the shutoff valves 13A, 13B, and the depressurization valves 19A, 19B constitute control devices that control the flow (flow rate, pressure) of hydrogen gas in the gas supply pipelines 5A, 5B. Meanwhile, the flow meters 14A, 14B, the pressure sensors 20A, 20B, and the temperature sensors 21A, 21B constitute measurement devices that measure the state (flow rate, pressure, temperature) of hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipelines 5A, 5B. The arrangement (order) of the flow meters 14A, 14B, the flow rate control valves 12A, 12B, and the shutoff valves 13A, 13B, which are provided from the upstream side to the downstream side of the gas supply pipelines 5A, 5B, is not limited to the order shown in FIG.

[0035] The control devices 22A and 22B constitute controllers (control units) that control the flow rate adjustment valves 12A and 12B, the shutoff valves 13A and 13B, the depressurization valves 19A and 19B, the displays 23A and 23B, etc. The control devices 22A and 22B control the supply of fuel to the tank 52 to be filled by controlling the flow rate adjustment valves 12A and 12B and the shutoff valves 13A and 13B. The control devices 22A and 22B are control circuits, and are constituted by, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (arithmetic unit), memories 22A1 and 22B1 (storage devices), a timer, etc. The memories 22A1 and 22B1 store (store) processing programs for executing, for example, processing flows shown in Figs. 4 and 5 described below.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the input side of the first control device 22A is connected to the first flow meter 14A, the first pressure sensor 20A, the first temperature sensor 21A, the first operation button 24A, the first nozzle detector 25A, the receiver 27A described later, and the like. The input side of the second control device 22B is connected to the second flow meter 14B, the second pressure sensor 20B, the second temperature sensor 21B, the second operation button 24B, the second nozzle detector 25B, the receiver 27B described later, and the like. On the other hand, the output side of the first control device 22A is connected to the first flow control valve 12A, the first shutoff valve 13A, the first depressurization valve 19A, the first display 23A, and the like. The output side of the second control device 22B is connected to the second flow control valve 12B, the second shutoff valve 13B, the second depressurization valve 19B, the second display 23B, and the like. Furthermore, the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B are connected by a communication line 26 so that they can transmit and receive necessary signals (control signals, command signals, detection signals, information signals, etc.) to and from each other.

[0037] The first control device 22A mainly controls the filling of hydrogen gas by system A. The second control device 22B mainly controls the filling of hydrogen gas by system B. The first control device 22A, which is one of the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B, is a higher-level control device of the other control device, the second control device 22B. In other words, the first control device 22A is a main control device that performs integrated control of both systems when hydrogen gas is filled into the same vehicle 51 (tank 52) by both systems A and B.

[0038] In the embodiment, the first control device 22A is the upper control device (main control device), but the second control device 22B may be the upper control device (main control device). In addition to the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B, another control device that integrally manages the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B, for example, a control device for management (upper control device, main control device), may be provided. In this case, the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B are connected to the control device for management by a communication line. In addition, FIG. 1 shows a case where two control devices 22A and 22B, the first control device 22A for the A system and the second control device 22B for the B system, are configured, but a single control device common to the A system and the B system may be configured.

[0039] The displays 23A and 23B are provided in the housing 4. In this case, the first display 23A is provided on the front 4A side of the housing 4, and the second display 23B is provided on the rear 4B side of the housing 4. The displays 23A and 23B are disposed at a height position that is easily visible to an operator who performs the hydrogen gas filling operation, and display information necessary for the hydrogen gas filling operation. The displays 23A and 23B are, for example, display devices (displays) such as monitors and touch panels. The displays 23A and 23B are connected to the control devices 22A and 22B. The displays 23A and 23B display necessary information based on a signal (display command) from the control devices 22A and 22B.

[0040] The operation buttons 24A, 24B are provided on the housing 4. In this case, the first operation button 24A is provided on the front surface 4A of the housing 4, and the second operation button 24B is provided on the rear surface 4B of the housing 4. The operation buttons 24A, 24B are switches (button switches) that can be manually operated by an operator who performs filling. The operation buttons 24A, 24B include, for example, filling start buttons 24A1, 24B1 and filling stop buttons 24A2, 24B2. The filling start buttons 24A1, 24B1 are operated when starting to fill hydrogen gas. The filling stop buttons 24A2, 24B2 are operated when stopping filling during filling of hydrogen gas.

[0041] Although the operation buttons 24A and 24B are provided on the front 4A and rear 4B of the housing 4, the present invention is not limited to this and they may be provided on either the front 4A or rear 4B. The operation buttons 24A and 24B (filling start buttons 24A1 and 24B1, filling stop buttons 24A2 and 24B2) are connected to the control devices 22A and 22B and output signals corresponding to button operations to the control devices 22A and 22B. As a result, the control devices 22A and 22B open or close the shutoff valves 13A and 13B in response to these signals.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 1, the nozzle detectors 25A, 25B are provided on the nozzle hangers 8A, 8B. The nozzle detectors 25A, 25B detect whether the nozzles 7A, 7B are hung or not. In other words, the nozzle detectors 25A, 25B are nozzle detection means that detect the presence or absence of the nozzles 7A, 7B. The nozzle detectors 25A, 25B are configured with a switch (nozzle switch), for example, a two-position switch, and are connected to the control devices 22A, 22B.

[0043] For example, when the nozzles 7A, 7B are hung on the nozzle hangers 8A, 8B, the nozzle detectors 25A, 25B are pushed by the nozzles 7A, 7B and switch from OFF to ON. When the nozzles 7A, 7B are taken out (or removed) from the nozzle hangers 8A, 8B, the nozzle detectors 25A, 25B switch from ON to OFF. The nozzle detectors 25A, 25B output detection signals N1, N2 (ON signal or OFF signal) corresponding to whether the nozzles 7A, 7B are hung on the nozzle hangers 8A, 8B to the control devices 22A, 22B.

[0044] The relationship between ON and OFF may be reversed. That is, when the nozzles 7A and 7B are removed, the state may change from OFF to ON. Also, the nozzle detectors 25A and 25B are not limited to those provided on the nozzle hangers 8A and 8B on the housing 4 side, but may be provided on the nozzle 7A and 7B side. In either case, when hydrogen gas is not being filled (i.e., during standby time for filling), the nozzles 7A and 7B are held on the nozzle hangers 8A and 8B of the dispenser 3. That is, when the filling operation of filling the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas is completed, the nozzles 7A and 7B are returned to the nozzle hangers 8A and 8B and held in a stored state.

[0045] The vehicle 51, which is driven by using hydrogen gas as fuel, is, for example, a four-wheeled automobile (passenger car) as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. The vehicle 51 includes a drive unit (not shown) including, for example, a fuel cell and an electric motor, a tank 52 shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, and the like. The tank 52 is configured as a container having a pressure-resistant structure in which hydrogen gas is filled, and is mounted, for example, on the rear side of the vehicle 51. The tank 52 may be provided not only on the rear side of the vehicle 51, but also on the front side or center side. The tank 52 is provided with filling ports 52A, 52B (receptacles) to which a connection coupler 7A1 (or a connection coupler 7B1) of the nozzle 7A (or the nozzle 7B) is detachably attached. As will be described later, the vehicle 51 (tank 52) is provided with a wireless communication transmitter 53 for transmitting information of the vehicle 51 (more specifically, information of the tank 52) to the receiver 27A of the nozzle 7A (or the receiver 27B of the nozzle 7B).

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 51 having one filling port 52A. In FIG. 1, the state in which the first nozzle 7A is connected to this one filling port 52A is shown by a two-dot chain line. In contrast, FIG. 3 illustrates a vehicle 51 having two filling ports 52A and 52B. In the case of a vehicle 51 having two filling ports 52A and 52B, the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B can be connected to the two filling ports 52A and 52B to perform filling. That is, the vehicle 51 in FIG. 3 is equipped with a large-capacity tank 52, and the tank 52 has two filling ports 52A and 52B to increase the filling efficiency.

[0047] In either case, hydrogen gas is filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with the nozzle 7A and / or nozzle 7B airtightly connected (connected) to the filling port 52A and / or filling port 52B. At this time, the nozzle 7A and / or nozzle 7B is locked by a locking mechanism to prevent it from being inadvertently removed from the filling port 52A and / or filling port 52B. The dispenser 3 fills the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with cooled hydrogen gas by utilizing a pressure difference. The filling ports 52A and 52B are provided with check valves inside. The check valves allow the flow of hydrogen gas from the nozzles 7A and 7B to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 and prevent the flow of hydrogen gas from the tank 52 to the nozzles 7A and 7B.

[0048] Incidentally, a gas filling device equipped with two gas supply lines can fill a fuel tank of a vehicle with fuel gas using one gas supply line, and can also fill a fuel tank of the same vehicle with fuel gas using both gas supply lines. Then, which filling is to be performed, i.e., "perform individual filling using one gas supply line" or "perform uniform filling using both gas supply lines", can be selected by an operator who fills the tank. More specifically, when starting filling, the operator can operate a switch (e.g., an individual / uniform switching button) that switches between one-line filling (individual filling) and two-line filling (uniform filling). However, in this case, if the operator makes an incorrect operation, there is a possibility that the filling will be performed unintentionally by the operator. In addition to the troublesome switching operation, there is also a possibility that an incorrect measurement (misdisplay of the filling amount, miscalculation) will occur if the operator makes an incorrect operation.

[0049] Therefore, in the embodiment, a configuration is provided with a receiver that receives tank information of the tank to be filled. Then, when filling is started, the control device (control means) judges whether or not both filling systems are connected to the same vehicle based on the tank information from the receiver. If it is judged that both filling systems are connected to the same vehicle, filling is performed using both filling systems (same filling) and the filling amounts of each system are added together. On the other hand, if it is judged that both filling systems are not connected to the same vehicle, filling is performed using a single filling system (individual filling) and the filling amount for each system is recorded (the filling amounts are not added together).

[0050] Therefore, according to the embodiment, the operator does not need to select whether to perform same filling or individual filling, and when it is determined that same filling is performed, the filling amounts are automatically added up. In addition, when filling is started, whether to perform same filling or individual filling is automatically selected by the control device (control means), so that erroneous operation by the operator can be prevented. Furthermore, when one nozzle is connected to a filling port of a vehicle to start filling, and then the other nozzle is connected to another filling port of the same vehicle to start filling, it becomes possible to automatically switch from individual filling (individual display of filling amount, individual settlement) to same filling (combined display of filling amount, combined settlement). In this case, the filling time can be shortened compared to the case where both nozzles are connected to the filling port before starting same filling. These points will be described in detail below.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 includes a plurality of gas supply lines 5A, 5B, flow meters 14A, 14B, shutoff valves 13A, 13B, and nozzles 7A, 7B, control devices 22A, 22B corresponding to a control means (control unit) and a determination means (determination unit), and receivers 27A, 27B as information acquisition units. The plurality of gas supply lines 5A, 5B are connected to a gas pressure accumulator 2 as a gas supply source. The flow meters 14A, 14B, the shutoff valves 13A, 13B, and the nozzles 7A, 7B are provided in the plurality of gas supply lines 5A, 5B, respectively. In this case, the plurality of gas supply lines 5A, 5B are two gas supply lines 5A, 5B, that is, a first gas supply line 5A corresponding to one gas supply system (system A) and a second gas supply line 5B corresponding to the other gas supply system (system B). The first gas supply pipeline 5A is provided with a first flow meter 14A, a first shutoff valve 13A, and a first nozzle 7A. The second gas supply pipeline 5B is provided with a second flow meter 14B, a second shutoff valve 13B, and a second nozzle 7B.

[0052] The control devices 22A and 22B have a control section (control means) that controls the filling of gas (fuel gas, hydrogen gas). The control section controls the opening and closing of the shutoff valves 13A and 13B to control the filling of gas. That is, the control devices 22A and 22B fill the vehicle 51 (tank 52) to be filled with hydrogen gas through one or both of the multiple gas supply pipes 5A and 5B. In this case, the control devices 22A and 22B open the shutoff valves 13A and 13B when filling is started, and close the shutoff valves 13A and 13B when filling is completed (stopped). In addition, the first control device 22A adjusts the opening degree of the first flow rate adjustment valve 12A and the like by a preset control method (constant pressure rise control method, constant flow rate control method, etc.) while monitoring the measurement results of the first flow meter 14A, the first pressure sensor 20A, and the first temperature sensor 21A, for example. In addition, the second control device 22B adjusts the opening degree of the second flow control valve 12B, etc., using a preset control method (constant pressure increase control method, constant flow control method, etc.) while monitoring the measurement results of the second flow meter 14B, the second pressure sensor 20B, and the second temperature sensor 21B, for example.

[0053] The receivers 27A and 27B acquire information about the vehicle 51 (tank 52). The information acquired by the receivers 27A and 27B (signals D1 and D2 corresponding to the information) is input to the control devices 22A and 22B. The receivers 27A and 27B are provided in the nozzles 7A and 7B, respectively. That is, the first receiver 27A is provided in the first nozzle 7A, and the second receiver 27B is provided in the second nozzle 7B. The receivers 27A and 27B acquire information from the vehicle 51 (tank 52) by connecting the nozzles 7A and 7B to the vehicle 51 (tank 52). For this purpose, the vehicle 51 (tank 52) is provided with a transmitter 53 that transmits information about the vehicle 51 (tank 52) to the receiver 27A of the nozzle 7A and / or the receiver 27B of the nozzle 7B. The transmitter 53 and the receivers 27A, 27B transmit and receive information about the vehicle 51 (tank 52) by wireless communication such as IR communication (infrared communication).

[0054] When the first nozzle 7A is connected to the filling port 52A (or the filling port 52B) of the vehicle 51 (tank 52), the first receiver 27A acquires information about the vehicle 51 (tank 52) via the transmitter 53 of the vehicle 51. When the second nozzle 7B is connected to the filling port 52B (or the filling port 52A) of the vehicle 51 (tank 52), the second receiver 27B acquires information about the vehicle 51 (tank 52) via the transmitter 53 of the vehicle 51. The information acquired by the receivers 27A and 27B is information about the tank 52 of the vehicle 51. As the information about the tank 52, for example, at least one of the tank capacity, tank pressure, tank temperature, and tank identification information can be used. As the information, information about the vehicle 51, for example, vehicle type information, vehicle model number information, vehicle identification information, and automobile registration information can also be used.

[0055] A pressure sensor 54 is provided in the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 so that such information can be transmitted from the vehicle 51. The pressure sensor 54 measures the pressure inside the tank 52 (the pressure of the hydrogen gas) and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the measured pressure to a vehicle control device 56 which serves as a control unit of the vehicle 51. In addition, a temperature sensor 55 is provided in the tank 52 of the vehicle 51. The temperature sensor 55 measures the temperature inside the tank 52 (the temperature of the hydrogen gas) and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the measured temperature to the vehicle control device 56 of the vehicle 51.

[0056] The input side of the vehicle control device 56 is connected to the pressure sensor 54 and the temperature sensor 55. The output side of the vehicle control device 56 is connected to the transmitter 53. The vehicle control device 56 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer having a CPU (arithmetic unit), memory, etc. The memory stores, for example, tank capacity, tank identification information, etc. as information on the tank 52. The memory also stores, for example, vehicle type information, vehicle model number information, vehicle identification information, automobile registration information, etc. as information on the vehicle 51. The memory also stores, in an updateable manner, the pressure (tank pressure) detected by the pressure sensor 54 and the temperature (tank temperature) detected by the temperature sensor 55.

[0057] When the nozzle 7A (7B) is filled into the filling port 52A (52B) of the tank 52, the vehicle control device 56 transmits information about the tank 52 to the control devices 22A and 22B of the dispenser 3 via the transmitter 53 and the receiver 27A (27B) of the vehicle 51 (tank 52). The vehicle control device 56 can also transmit information about the vehicle 51 to the control devices 22A and 22B of the dispenser 3. In this way, the control devices 22A and 22B can obtain information about the tank 52 and / or information about the vehicle 51 via the transmitter 53 of the vehicle 51 (tank 52) and the receiver 27A (27B) of the nozzle 7A (7B). Although not shown, the filling ports 52A and 52B of the tank 52 are provided with a nozzle connection detection sensor that detects that the nozzles 7A and 7B are connected. When the nozzles 7A and 7B are connected, the nozzle connection detection sensor outputs a detection signal to the vehicle control device 56.

[0058] At least one of the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B, for example, the first control device 22A, is provided with a determination unit (determination means) that determines whether the same vehicle 51 (tank 52) is filled using a plurality of gas supply pipes 5A, 5B (same filling) or whether a single gas supply pipe 5A (5B) is used (individual filling) based on information acquired by the receivers 27A, 27B. The determination unit corresponds to the processes of S3 and S4 in FIG. 4 described later. Then, the control devices 22A, 22B control the filling of hydrogen gas (gas) according to the determination result by the determination unit. That is, the control units of the control devices 22A, 22B perform the processes of S5 to S7 or the processes of S8 to S12 according to the results of the processes of S3 and S4 in FIG. 4.

[0059] The determination unit may be provided in the second control device 22B. For example, when the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B are configured as a single control device, the single control device may be configured to include the determination unit. For example, when a control device other than the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B is provided, such as a management control device that collectively manages the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B, the management control device may be configured to include the determination unit.

[0060] In either case, the determination unit determines whether the same vehicle 51 (tank 52) is filled using multiple gas supply lines 5A and 5B (same filling) or whether a single gas supply line 5A (5B) is used for filling (individual filling) based on information from the receivers 27A and 27B provided in the nozzles 7A and 7B. Furthermore, when the acquired tank information matches, the determination unit determines that the same vehicle 51 (tank 52) is filled using multiple gas supply lines 5A and 5B (same filling). For example, when the tank capacity, tank pressure, tank temperature, and / or tank identification information acquired by the first receiver 27A of the first nozzle 7A matches the tank capacity, tank pressure, tank temperature, and / or tank identification information acquired by the second receiver 27B of the second nozzle 7B, it can determine that the same filling is performed. In addition, for example, if the vehicle type, vehicle model number, vehicle identification number and / or vehicle registration number acquired by the first receiver 27A of the first nozzle 7A matches the vehicle type, vehicle model number, vehicle identification number and / or vehicle registration number acquired by the second receiver 27B of the second nozzle 7B, it can be determined that the same filling is occurring.

[0061] In this manner, in the embodiment, the nozzles 7A, 7B are provided with the receivers 27A, 27B as communication means (receiving units). The receivers 27A, 27B communicate with the transmitter 53 provided in the vehicle 51. In this case, the nozzle 7A (7B) is connected to the filling port 52A (52B) of the vehicle 51, so that communication is performed between the receiver 27A (27B) on the nozzle 7A (7B) side and the transmitter 53 on the vehicle 51 side. The communication information includes information on the tank 52. The information on the tank 52 received by the transmitter 53 is sent to the control devices 22A, 22B. As a result, the determination unit determines whether or not the same filling target is being filled.

[0062] As another method of determination, for example, vehicle information (e.g., vehicle type, vehicle model number, vehicle identification number, vehicle registration number, etc.) can be used as information transmitted from the transmitter 53 of the vehicle 51. That is, if the vehicle type, vehicle model number, vehicle identification number, or vehicle registration number acquired by the first receiver 27A of the first nozzle 7A matches the vehicle type, vehicle model number, vehicle identification number, or vehicle registration number acquired by the second receiver 27B of the second nozzle 7B, it may be determined that the same filling is being performed. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit is not limited to the receivers 27A and 27B of the nozzles 7A and 7B, and may perform image analysis and video analysis using a camera (image acquisition device, video acquisition device) such as a surveillance camera (not shown) provided in the hydrogen gas filling device 1 (dispenser 3) to determine whether or not the same filling target is being filled. In this case, for example, it may be determined whether or not the same filling target is being filled based on vehicle information (e.g., vehicle model, vehicle identification number, vehicle registration number, etc.) as the analysis result and information in a database (DB) (e.g., information in which vehicle information and tank information (large capacity or not) are associated). Furthermore, without obtaining vehicle information from the receivers of each nozzle, it may be determined by reading the filling method (individual filling or uniform filling) corresponding to the obtained vehicle information from a memory unit in which data in which vehicle information and filling method (individual filling or uniform filling) are previously stored in association with each other based on the vehicle information obtained by the receiver of one of the nozzles.

[0063] Next, the flow charts shown in Figs. 4 and 5 will be described. Figs. 4 and 5 are flow charts showing the control processing performed by the first control device 22A. The processing of Figs. 4 and 5 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined control period. The first control device 22A and the second control device 22B are connected by a communication line 26. Therefore, the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B can transmit and receive necessary signals (control signals, command signals, detection signals, information signals, etc.) to each other. The control processing of Figs. 4 and 5 may be performed by the second control device 22B, or may be performed by a control device for management other than the control devices 22A and 22B.

[0064] The control process of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is started, for example, by energizing the control devices 22A and 22B. The first control device 22A judges in S1 whether the filling start button 24A1, 24B1 of the A system or the B system has been operated. That is, the first control device 22A judges whether the first filling start button 24A1 of the A system or the second filling start button 24B1 of the B system has been operated. If "NO" is returned in S1, that is, if it is judged that the first filling start button 24A1 and the second filling start button 24B1 have not been operated, the process returns to the start and repeats the process from S1 onwards.

[0065] On the other hand, if S1 returns "YES", that is, if it is determined that the first filling start button 24A1 or the second filling start button 24B1 has been operated, the process proceeds to S2. Note that if both the first filling start button 24A1 and the second filling start button 24B1 are operated simultaneously, the process also returns "YES" and proceeds to S2. In S2, vehicle information is acquired. That is, the first control device 22A acquires vehicle information, more specifically, tank information (tank capacity, tank pressure, tank temperature, tank identification information, etc.) from the vehicle 51 (tank 52) through the first receiver 27A and the second receiver 27B.

[0066] In S3 following S2, it is determined whether vehicle information has been acquired from both the A system and the B system. That is, in S3, it is determined whether vehicle information has been acquired through the first receiver 27A and vehicle information has been acquired through the second receiver 27B. If it is determined that "YES" is returned in S3, that is, vehicle information has been acquired from both the first receiver 27A and the second receiver 27B, the process proceeds to S4. In S4, it is determined whether both sets of tank information are the same. That is, in S4, it is determined whether the tank information acquired through the first receiver 27A and the tank information acquired through the second receiver 27B match.

[0067] If S4 returns "YES", that is, if it is determined that both tank information pieces are the same, the process proceeds to S8. In this case, it corresponds to the case where both the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B are connected to the same vehicle 51 (tank 52). In contrast, if S4 returns "NO", that is, it corresponds to the case where both tank information pieces are different, the process proceeds to S5. In this case, it corresponds to the case where the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B are connected to different vehicles 51 (tank 52).

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle information has not been acquired from both the first receiver 27A and the second receiver 27B as "NO" in S3, the process proceeds to S5. In this case, the process corresponds to any of the following: "(A) the vehicle information was acquired through the first receiver 27A, but not through the second receiver 27B", "(B) the vehicle information was not acquired through the first receiver 27A, but was acquired through the second receiver 27B", or "(C) the vehicle information was not acquired from either the first receiver 27A or the second receiver 27B". In the case of (C), the process returns to the state before S2, or the filling is stopped. In contrast, in the case of (A) or (B), the process proceeds to S5.

[0069] In S5, the individual control mode is performed. That is, in S5, the flow rate control valve 12A (12B) and the shutoff valve 13A (13B) of the system of the filling start button 24A1 (24B1) operated in S1 and the system for which the vehicle information was acquired in S2 are opened. In this case, the filling amount is calculated using the flow meter 14A (14B) of the opened system, and the calculated filling amount is displayed on the display 23A (23B) of the system. In this case, the filling amount on the display 23A (23B) is reset to 0, and then the filling amount filled into the vehicle 51 (tank 52) is displayed.

[0070] For example, if the first filling start button 24A1 of the A system is operated and vehicle information is acquired through the first receiver 27A, the first flow rate adjustment valve 12A and the first shutoff valve 13A of the A system are opened. Also, the filling amount is calculated using the first flow meter 14A of the A system, and the calculated filling amount is displayed on the first display 23A of the A system. On the other hand, if the second filling start button 24B1 of the B system is operated and vehicle information is acquired through the second receiver 27B, the second flow rate adjustment valve 12B and the second shutoff valve 13B of the B system are opened. Also, the filling amount is calculated using the second flow meter 14B of the B system, and the calculated filling amount is displayed on the second display 23B of the B system. Note that if the system of the filling start button 24A1 (24B1) operated in S1 is different from the system from which vehicle information was acquired in S2, filling is stopped. Also, if the determination in S3 is "NO" and the process proceeds to S5, and individual filling has started in one of the A and B systems, this corresponds to a case where the other system is on standby. In this case, while individual filling is being performed in one system (i.e., while processing in S5 and subsequent steps is being performed), processing in S1 and subsequent steps is started separately from this processing so that filling in the other system can also be performed, and processing in S5 and subsequent steps is performed in parallel with processing in S1 and subsequent steps.

[0071] After the flow rate control valve 12A (12B) and the shutoff valve 13A (13B) are opened in S5, the process proceeds to S6 in FIG. 5 via "A" in FIG. 4 and "A" in FIG. 5. In S6, it is determined whether the target pressure set as the pressure at which filling is to be ended has been reached. The pressure can be detected by the pressure sensor 20A (20B). If the result in S6 is "NO", that is, if it is determined that the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 20A (20B) has not reached the target pressure (filling end pressure), the process returns to before S6 and the process in S6 is repeated. If the result in S6 is "YES", that is, if it is determined that the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 20A (20B) has reached the target pressure (filling end pressure), the process proceeds to S7.

[0072] It should be noted that if the filling stop button 24A2 (24B2) is operated while the process of S6 is being repeated, the process also proceeds to S7. In S7, the flow rate control valve 12A (12B) and the shutoff valve 13A (13B) that were opened in S5 are closed, and filling is terminated. In addition, the depressurization valve 19A (19B) of the system where filling has been completed is opened, and the pressure of the nozzle 7A (7B) is reduced to atmospheric pressure level. After the flow rate control valve 12A (12B) and the shutoff valve 13A (13B) are closed in S7, the process returns to the start of FIG. 4 via the return of FIG. 5, and the processes from S1 onwards are repeated.

[0073] On the other hand, in S8, it is determined whether one of the systems is being filled. That is, in the process before S8, it is determined that both tank information are the same, that is, both the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B are connected to the same vehicle 51 (tank 52), so in S8, it is determined whether filling has already started in system A or system B. This determination can be made, for example, from the flow rate detected by the first flow meter 14A and the flow rate detected by the second flow meter 14B. That is, if there is a flow meter 14A (14B) whose flow rate exceeds 0, it can be determined that the system of that flow meter 14A (14B) is being filled. Note that whether or not filling is being performed can be determined not only by the flow rate detected by the flow meter 14A (14B), but also by the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 20A, 20B.

[0074] If the result of S8 is "NO", that is, if it is determined that neither the A system nor the B system is being filled, the process proceeds to S9. This corresponds to a case where hydrogen gas filling is about to start through both the A system and the B system into the same vehicle 51 (tank 52). Therefore, in S9, the flow rate control valves 12A, 12B and the shutoff valves 13A, 13B of both the A system and the B system are opened. In this case, the flow meters 14A, 14B of both systems are used to calculate the filling amount of the A system and the filling amount of the B system, and the calculated filling amount of the A system and the filling amount of the B system are added together, and the added value (total value) is displayed on both the displays 23A, 23B. In this case, it is desirable that the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B perform cooperative control with the first control device 22A as the upper (parent side) and the second control device 22B as the lower (child side) so that filling through both the A system and the B system can be performed appropriately. When the flow rate control valves 12A, 12B and the shutoff valves 13A, 13B of both systems are opened in S9, the process proceeds to S11 in FIG. 5 via "B" in FIG. 4 and "B" in FIG.

[0075] On the other hand, if S8 returns "YES", that is, if it is determined that one of the systems is being filled, the process proceeds to S10. In this case, hydrogen gas is filled into the same vehicle 51 (tank 52) through both the A and B systems by starting filling into the vehicle 51 (tank 52) through one system (e.g., the A system) and then starting filling into the other system (e.g., the B system). For this reason, in S10, the flow rate control valve 12B (or 12A) and the shutoff valve 13B (or 13A) of the other system are opened. In this case, the filling amount calculated using the flow meter 14A (or 14B) of one system is added to the filling amount calculated using the flow meter 14B (or 14A) of the other system, and the added value (added value) is displayed on both displays 23A and 23B. In this case, it is desirable that the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B perform cooperative control with the first control device 22A as the upper (parent side) and the second control device 22B as the lower (child side) so that the filling can be performed appropriately through both the A system and the B system. When the flow rate control valve 12B (or 12A) and the shutoff valve 13B (or 13A) of the other system are opened in S10, the process proceeds to S11 in FIG. 5 via "B" in FIG. 4 and "B" in FIG. 5. In S11, it is determined whether or not the target pressure set as the pressure at which filling is to be ended has been reached. The pressure can be detected by the pressure sensors 20A and 20B.

[0076] If the result of S11 is "NO", that is, if it is determined that the pressure detected by the pressure sensors 20A and 20B has not reached the target pressure (filling end pressure), the process returns to before S11 and repeats the process of S11. If the result of S11 is "YES", that is, if it is determined that the pressure detected by the pressure sensors 20A and 20B has reached the target pressure (filling end pressure), the process proceeds to S12. Note that if the filling stop button 24A2 or 24B2 is operated while the process of S12 is being repeated, the process also proceeds to S12. In S12, the flow rate control valves 12A and 12B and the shutoff valves 13A and 13B of both the A and B systems are closed to end filling. In addition, the depressurization valves 19A and 19B of both systems are opened to reduce the pressure of the nozzles 7A and 7B to the atmospheric pressure level. When the flow rate adjustment valves 12A, 12B and the shutoff valves 13A, 13B of both the A and B systems are closed in S12, the process returns to the start of FIG. 4 via the return of FIG. 5, and the processes from S1 onwards are repeated.

[0077] The hydrogen gas filling device 1 according to the embodiment has the configuration as described above. Next, the hydrogen gas filling operation using the hydrogen gas filling device 1 will be described.

[0078] First, a case where a vehicle 51 having one filling port 52A is parked on the front 4A side of the dispenser 3 (casing 4) will be described. In this case, the worker performing the filling work, for example, removes the first nozzle 7A of the A system from the first nozzle hanger 8A. Then, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the first nozzle 7A is connected to the filling port 52A of the tank 52 and the connection part is locked. In this state, when the worker performing the filling work operates the filling start button 24A1 on the front 4A side of the casing 4 to ON, the first control device 22A determines that the A system is being filled individually based on the processes of S2, S3, and S5 in FIG. 4, and outputs a valve open signal to the first flow rate adjustment valve 12A and the first shutoff valve 13A. That is, the first control device 22A opens the first flow rate adjustment valve 12A and the shutoff valve 13A.

[0079] As a result, the hydrogen gas in the gas accumulator 2 is filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through the A system, i.e., the first gas supply pipe 5A, the first hose 6A, and the nozzle 7A. The first control device 22A adjusts the opening degree of the first flow control valve 12A and the like using a preset control method (constant pressure rise control method, constant flow control method, etc.) while monitoring the measurement results of, for example, the first flow meter 14A, the first pressure sensor 20A, and the first temperature sensor 21A. As a result, the pressure and flow rate of the hydrogen gas supplied into the first gas supply pipe 5A can be controlled to an appropriate flow state.

[0080] At this time, the first control device 22A calculates the hydrogen gas filling amount (flow rate) by integrating the flow rate pulses from the first flowmeter 14A. The first control device 22A displays the calculated filling amount on the first display 23A. The first control device 22A also judges whether the hydrogen gas filling amount has reached a preset target filling amount. At the same time, the first control device 22A judges whether the hydrogen gas pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 20A has reached a preset target filling pressure (target filling pressure). When the target filling amount (pressure) is reached, the first flow rate adjustment valve 12A and the first shutoff valve 13A are closed by a signal from the first control device 22A, and the filling of the hydrogen gas into the tank 52 is terminated. Note that the filling is also terminated when the operator operates the filling stop buttons 24A2 and 24B2.

[0081] When filling is completed, the first control device 22A executes a filling completion control process. In this filling completion control process, the first control device 22A controls the first depressurization valve 19A to open from a closed state in response to a signal from the first control device 22A. When the first depressurization valve 19A opens, the first depressurization pipe 18A is opened to the atmosphere, whereby the gas on the first nozzle 7A side is discharged to the outside and the pressure of the first nozzle 7A is reduced to atmospheric pressure. In this state, the operator can remove the connection coupler 7A1 of the first nozzle 7A from the filling port 52A of the tank 52.

[0082] The first nozzle 7A removed from the filling port 52A of the tank 52 is returned to the first nozzle hanger 8A by the operator and manually latched. The first nozzle detector 25A provided on the first nozzle hanger 8A detects whether the first nozzle 7A has been returned to the first nozzle hanger 8A. When the first nozzle 7A is returned to the first nozzle hanger 8A and latched, a detection signal from the first nozzle detector 25A is output to the first control device 22A. This causes the first control device 22A to determine that the filling operation using the first nozzle 7A has ended, and the device is in a standby state for the next filling operation.

[0083] During such filling, that is, when individual filling is being performed on the vehicle 51 on the front 4A side of the dispenser 3, if another vehicle stops on the rear 4B side of the dispenser 3, individual filling can also be performed on this other vehicle. In this case, when the operator of the filling operation turns on the filling start button 24B1 on the rear 4B side of the housing 4, the first control device 22A determines that it is individual filling of the B system based on the processing of S2, S3 and S5 in FIG. 4, and outputs this determination result to the second control device 22B. As a result, the second control device 22B starts individual filling of the vehicle stopped on the rear 4B side of the dispenser 3 through the second gas supply pipe 5B, the second hose 6B and the second nozzle 7B, which are the B system. In this way, individual filling can be performed simultaneously on the vehicles 51 stopped on both the front 4A side and the rear 4B side of the dispenser 3.

[0084] Next, a case where a vehicle 51 having two filling ports 52A is parked on the front 4A side of the dispenser 3 (housing 4) will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, a vehicle 51 having two filling ports 52A, 52B is parked on the front 4A side of the dispenser 3 (housing 4). An operator performing a filling operation removes the first nozzle 7A from the first nozzle hanger 8A. Also, the second nozzle 7B is removed from the second nozzle hanger 8B. Then, the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B are connected to the two filling ports 52A, 52B of the vehicle 51, and the connection part is locked. In this state, when an operator performing a filling operation turns on the filling start button 24A1, the first control device 22A judges that the simultaneous and simultaneous filling is started simultaneously for the A system and the B system based on the processing of S2, S3, S4, S8, and S9 in FIG. 4. This judgment result is output from the first control device 22A to the second control device 22B. As a result, the controllers 22A and 22B output valve open signals to the first flow rate adjustment valve 12A, the second flow rate adjustment valve 12B, the first shutoff valve 13A, and the second shutoff valve 13B. That is, the controllers 22A and 22B open the first flow rate adjustment valve 12A, the second flow rate adjustment valve 12B, the first shutoff valve 13A, and the second shutoff valve 13B.

[0085] As a result, the hydrogen gas in the gas accumulator 2 is filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through the A system, i.e., the first gas supply pipe 5A, the first hose 6A, the nozzle 7A, and the filling port 52A, and is filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through the B system, i.e., the second gas supply pipe 5B, the second hose 6B, the nozzle 7B, and the filling port 52B. At this time, the first control device 22A adjusts the opening degree of the first flow control valve 12A, etc., by a preset control method (constant pressure rise control method or constant flow control method) while monitoring the measurement results of the first flow meter 14A, the first pressure sensor 20A, and the first temperature sensor 21A, for example. At the same time, the second control device 22B adjusts the opening degree of the second flow control valve 12B, etc., by a preset control method (constant pressure rise control method or constant flow control method) while monitoring the measurement results of the second flow meter 14B, the second pressure sensor 20B, and the second temperature sensor 21B, for example. In this case, the controllers 22A and 22B use the same control method to fill the A and B systems. The first controller 22A and the second controller 22B also perform coordinated control with the first controller 22A acting as a higher level so that filling can be performed appropriately through both the A and B systems. This makes it possible to control the pressure and flow rate of the hydrogen gas supplied to the first gas supply pipe 5A and the second gas supply pipe 5B to an appropriate flow state.

[0086] At this time, the first control device 22A calculates the hydrogen gas filling amount (flow rate) of the A system by integrating the flow rate pulses from the first flow meter 14A. The second control device 22B calculates the hydrogen gas filling amount (flow rate) of the B system by integrating the flow rate pulses from the second flow meter 14B. The first control device 22A sums up the filling amount of the A system and the filling amount of the B system, and displays this summed filling amount on the displays 23A and 23B. The first control device 22A also judges whether the summed filling amount of the hydrogen gas has reached a preset target filling amount. At the same time, the first control device 22A judges whether the pressure of the hydrogen gas detected by the first pressure sensor 20A and / or the second pressure sensor 20B has reached a preset target filling pressure (target filling pressure). When the target filling amount or pressure is reached, the first flow rate adjustment valve 12A, the second flow rate adjustment valve 12B, the first shutoff valve 13A and the second shutoff valve 13B are closed by signals from the control devices 22A, 22B, and the filling of hydrogen gas into the tank 52 is terminated. Note that filling is also terminated when the operator operates the filling stop buttons 24A2, 24B2. In addition, in the case of simultaneous filling using the A and B systems, for example, filling using either one of the A and B systems may be stopped (the shutoff valve of one system is closed) before filling is completed, and full filling may be completed using the other system.

[0087] When the filling is completed, the first control device 22A executes a filling completion control process. In this filling completion control process, the first depressurization valve 19A and the second depressurization valve 19B are controlled to open from the closed state by signals from the control devices 22A and 22B. Then, the first depressurization pipe 18A is opened to the atmosphere with the opening of the first depressurization valve 19A, so that the gas on the first nozzle 7A side is discharged to the outside and the pressure of the first nozzle 7A is reduced to the atmospheric pressure level. Also, the second depressurization pipe 18B is opened to the atmosphere with the opening of the second depressurization valve 19B, so that the gas on the second nozzle 7B side is discharged to the outside and the pressure of the second nozzle 7B is reduced to the atmospheric pressure level. In this state, the operator can remove the connection coupler 7A1 of the first nozzle 7A and the connection coupler 7B1 of the second nozzle 7B from the filling ports 52A and 52B of the tank 52.

[0088] The first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B removed from the filling port 52A, 52B of the tank 52 are returned to the first nozzle hanger 8A and the second nozzle hanger 8B by the worker and are manually latched. The nozzle detectors 25A, 25B detect whether the nozzles 7A, 7B are returned to the nozzle hangers 8A, 8B. When the nozzles 7A, 7B are returned to the nozzle hangers 8A, 8B and latched, a detection signal from the nozzle detectors 25A, 25B is output to the control devices 22A, 22B. As a result, the control devices 22A, 22B determine that the same filling operation using the nozzles 7A, 7B has ended, and are in a standby state for the next filling operation. Note that such same filling can also be performed on a vehicle (vehicle having two filling ports) parked on the rear 4B side of the dispenser 3 (casing 4).

[0089] When filling a vehicle 51 having two filling ports 52A, filling may be started through one system before filling through the other system. That is, the worker performing the filling operation removes the first nozzle 7A from the first nozzle hanger 8A and connects the first nozzle 7A to one of the two filling ports 52A, 52B of the vehicle 51. In this state, when the worker performing the filling operation turns on the filling start button 24A1, the first control device 22A starts individual filling of the A system based on the processing of S2, S3, and S5 in FIG. 4. That is, the first control device 22A opens the first flow rate adjustment valve 12A and the shutoff valve 13A.

[0090] Next, the worker performing the filling operation removes the second nozzle 7B from the second nozzle holder 8B and connects the second nozzle 7B to the other of the two filling ports 52A, 52B of the vehicle 51. In this state, when the worker performing the filling operation turns on the filling start button 24B1, the first control device 22A determines that the filling is time-delayed identical filling in which the identical filling of the A system and the B system is started with a time difference based on the processing of S2, S3, S4, S8, and S10 in FIG. 4, and switches from individual filling of the A system to identical filling of the A system and the B system. That is, the first control device 22A opens the second flow rate adjustment valve 12B and the second shutoff valve 13B via the second control device 22B. In this case, the first control device 22A adds up the filling amount (flow rate) of the A system and the filling amount (flow rate) of the B system, and displays this combined filling amount on the displays 23A, 23B. The flow after switching to simultaneous filling of the A and B systems is the same as that of the simultaneous simultaneous filling described above.

[0091] As described above, according to the embodiment, the first control device 22A performs the processes of S2, S3, and S4 in FIG. 4. As a result, the first control device 22A determines whether the same vehicle 51 (tank 52) is filled using the first gas supply pipe 5A of the A system and the second gas supply pipe 5B of the B system (same filling) or whether the same vehicle 51 (tank 52) is filled using a single gas supply pipe 5A (5B) (individual filling) based on the information of the vehicle 51 (tank 52). Then, the first control device 22A controls the processes of S5, S9, and S10 in FIG. 4, that is, the filling of gas, according to the determination results of S2, S3, and S4 in FIG. 4. Therefore, the operator of the filling does not need to select between "same filling" and "individual filling", and it is possible to prevent erroneous operations. As a result, it is possible to prevent filling unintentionally by the operator.

[0092] According to the embodiment, the nozzles 7A and 7B are provided with the receivers 27A and 27B, respectively. The receivers 27A and 27B acquire information from the vehicle 51 (tank 52) by connecting the nozzle 7A (7B) to the vehicle 51 (tank 52). Therefore, when the nozzle 7A (7B) is connected to the vehicle 51 (tank 52), the receivers 27A and 27B can stably acquire information related to the vehicle 51 (tank 52).

[0093] According to the embodiment, the first control device 22A determines, when the tank information acquired by the receivers 27A and 27B matches, that the same vehicle 51 (tank 52) is being refilled (same refill) using the first gas supply pipeline 5A of system A and the second gas supply pipeline 5B of system B, by the process of S4 in Fig. 4. For this reason, the determination of "same refill" can be made with high accuracy using the tank information.

[0094] In the embodiment, the case where the gas supply pipelines (gas supply paths) are configured to include two systems (paths), a first gas supply pipeline 5A and a second gas supply pipeline 5B, has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the gas supply pipelines (gas supply paths) may be configured to include, for example, three or more gas supply pipelines (gas supply paths). In this case, the dispenser control device is also configured to include, for example, a determination means (determination unit) that determines whether the gas supply is "same filling" or "individual filling" based on information (tank information, vehicle information) acquired by the information acquisition unit. The dispenser control device (control means, control unit) then controls the gas filling according to the determination result by the determination means (determination unit).

[0095] In the embodiment, the receivers 27A and 27B are used as the information acquisition unit for acquiring information (tank information, vehicle information) on the object to be filled (tank, vehicle). However, the information acquisition unit is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an A-system sensor (first pressure sensor 20A and / or first temperature sensor 21A) and a B-system sensor (first pressure sensor 20B and / or second temperature sensor 21B). In this case, for example, whether the filling is "same filling" or "individual filling" may be determined based on tank information (pressure, temperature) when a small amount of gas is filled into the tank and pre-filling is performed to detect the pressure and / or temperature of the tank before the main filling. In this case, whether the filling is "same filling" or "individual filling" can be determined based on whether the tank information (pressure, temperature) matches. As described above, the information acquisition unit may use a camera (image acquisition device, video acquisition device) that acquires image information and video information on the object to be filled (vehicle, tank), such as a surveillance camera in a hydrogen station or a surveillance camera installed in a dispenser.

[0096] In the embodiment, the case where the information acquisition by the information acquisition unit (receivers 27A, 27B), that is, the communication between the dispenser side and the vehicle side, is performed by wireless communication has been described as an example. However, the communication between the dispenser side and the vehicle side may be, for example, wired communication by connecting connectors provided on the nozzle side and the tank side (vehicle side). In this case, the connector that enables communication by connection, and further the control device on the vehicle side, the pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, etc. on the vehicle side that are connected to the dispenser side by connecting the connector correspond to the information acquisition unit.

[0097] In the embodiment, a vehicle 51 equipped with one tank 52 having two filling ports 52A, 52B has been described as an example of a vehicle having two filling ports. That is, in the embodiment, a vehicle equipped with one tank having multiple filling ports has been described as an example of a vehicle having multiple filling ports. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the vehicle may be equipped with multiple tanks having one filling port. Also, the vehicle may be equipped with multiple tanks having multiple filling ports.

[0098] In the embodiment, the dispenser 3 is described as having a filling start button 24A1 for the A system and a filling start button 24B1 for the B system. However, the dispenser is not limited to this, and may have, for example, one filling start button and a plurality of gas supply lines. In this case, when one filling start button is operated, it is determined whether the filling is the same filling or the individual filling based on the information on the filling target, and gas filling is performed according to the result of this determination.

[0099] In the embodiment, the first control device 22A is configured to determine whether the filling is the same or individual filling. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the second control device 22B may be configured to determine whether the filling is the same or individual filling. Also, for example, a control device other than the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B may be configured to determine whether the filling is the same or individual filling. For example, a control device that serves as a management unit and is communicatively connected to each control device (first control device, second control device), that is, a control device for management, may be provided in the dispenser (filling mechanism), and the control device for management may determine whether the filling is the same or individual filling.

[0100] In this case, the management control device acquires information about each filling system (such as the flow rates measured by the flow meters and the pressures measured by the pressure gauges, and vehicle information acquired by the communication means that serves as the information acquisition unit) via each control device (first control device, second control device). The management control device also includes a determination unit (determination means) that determines whether filling is the same or individual filling based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit. When the determination unit (determination means) determines that filling is the same (combined filling), the management control device adds up the flow rates measured by the flow meters of each filling system and displays this combined value (combined value) on each display (display unit). In this case as well, filling unintentionally by the operator can be prevented.

[0101] In the embodiment, the display devices 23A and 23B are provided on both the front 4A side and the back 4B side of the housing 4, and in the case of the same refill (combined refill), the combined value of the refill amount is displayed on both the display devices 23A and 23B. With this configuration, the worker (refiller) on the side where refill is not being performed can understand that the same refill is being performed (refill is not possible). However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the display device may be configured to display the refill amount of the corresponding system instead of the combined value. In this case, for example, in the case of the same refill, the settlement can be made with the combined value obtained by adding up the refill amounts displayed on each display device.

[0102] In the embodiment, an automobile is used as an example of the vehicle 51 equipped with the tank 52. However, the vehicle is not limited to this, and may be a work vehicle such as a forklift. In addition, the automobile may be, for example, a passenger car such as a bus, or a freight vehicle such as a truck.

[0103] In the embodiment, the case where hydrogen gas is filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be used when filling various filling targets, such as tanks of machines and equipment other than vehicles, and gas containers other than tanks, with hydrogen gas. The dispenser 3 of the hydrogen gas filling device 1 may be installed in the middle of a pipeline (hydrogen supply pipeline) for supplying hydrogen gas to other locations. Furthermore, although hydrogen gas has been described as an example of gas (fuel gas), the gas filling device may be configured to use gas (fuel gas) other than hydrogen gas, such as natural gas (NG) or propane gas (LPG).

[0104] According to the embodiment described above, the determination means determines, based on information about the filling target, whether the same filling target is being filled using multiple gas supply lines (same filling) or whether a single gas supply line is being used (individual filling). The control means then controls the filling of gas according to the determination result of the determination means. This eliminates the need for the filling operator to select between "same filling" and "individual filling," thereby preventing erroneous operations. As a result, filling unintentionally by the operator can be prevented.

[0105] According to an embodiment, an information acquisition unit is provided in each filling nozzle. Then, the information acquisition unit acquires information from the filling target by connecting the filling nozzle to the filling target. Therefore, when the filling nozzle is connected to the filling target, the information acquisition unit can stably acquire information about the filling target.

[0106] According to the embodiment, when the tank information acquired by the information acquisition unit matches, the determination unit determines that the same filling target is being filled using multiple gas supply lines (same filling). Therefore, the determination of "same filling" can be made with high accuracy using the tank information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1 Hydrogen gas filling equipment (gas filling equipment) 2 Gas accumulator (gas supply source) 3 Dispenser (filling mechanism) 5A First gas supply line (gas supply line) 5B Second gas supply line (gas supply line) 6A First hose (gas supply line) 6B Second hose (gas supply line) 7A No. 1 nozzle (filling nozzle) 7B No. 2 nozzle (filling nozzle) 13A First shutoff valve (shutoff valve) 13B Second shutoff valve (shutoff valve) 14A 1st flow meter (flow meter) 14B 2nd flow meter (flow meter) 22A First control device (control means, determination means) 22B Second control device (control means) 27A First receiver (information acquisition unit) 27B Second receiver (information acquisition unit) 51 Vehicle (refill target) 52 Tank (to be filled)

Claims

1. a plurality of gas supply lines connected to a gas supply source; a flow meter, a shutoff valve, and a filling nozzle provided in each of the plurality of gas supply lines; A control means for controlling the opening and closing of the shutoff valve to thereby control the filling of the gas; An information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a filling target; In a gas filling device comprising: a determination means for determining, based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit, whether the gas is being filled into the same filling target using the multiple gas supply pipes or whether the gas is being filled into the same filling target using a single gas supply pipe; The control means controls the filling of gas in accordance with the result of the determination by the determination means. A gas filling device characterized by the above.

2. The information acquisition unit is provided in each of the filling nozzles, The information acquisition unit acquires information from the filling target when the filling nozzle is connected to the filling target, The determining means determines, based on information from the information acquiring unit provided in each of the filling nozzles, whether the filling is performed using the multiple gas supply pipes to the same filling target, or whether the filling is performed using a single gas supply pipe.

2. The gas filling device according to claim 1.

3. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit is information regarding a tank to be filled, The determination means determines that the plurality of gas supply lines are used to fill the same filling target when the acquired tank information matches.

3. The gas filling device according to claim 2.

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