Connection detection device for fuel cell module

Abstract

To provide a connection detection device for a fuel cell module, capable of preventing the movement of a nozzle contact member from being hindered while inserting a filling nozzle.SOLUTION: A connection detection device 45 for a fuel cell module includes: a guide hole 60 provided in a bracket 51; and a guide pin 71 which is integrated with a nozzle contact member 61, extends from the nozzle contact member 61 toward the bracket 51 in an insertion direction, and is inserted into the guide hole 60. The guide pin 71 contacts with a second opening edge 60b of the guide hole 60, and a defining surface 63b of the nozzle contact member 61 simultaneously contacts with an outer surface of a stop ring 362.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection detection device for a fuel cell module. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Furthermore, fuel cell industrial vehicles must be stopped while the fuel tank is being filled with hydrogen. For this reason, fuel cell modules are equipped with a fuel cell module connection detection device that detects whether a fill nozzle is connected to the fill plug. The fuel cell module connection detection device includes a nozzle contact member that moves as the fill nozzle is inserted. The nozzle contact member is supported on a support member, such as a bracket, so that it can move relative to the support member. Whether the fill nozzle is connected to the fill plug is detected by moving the nozzle contact member with the fill nozzle as the fill nozzle is inserted into the fill plug, and by operating a sensor in response to the movement of the nozzle contact member (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-43056 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a fuel cell module connection detection device, if the nozzle contact member does not move simultaneously with the insertion of the filling nozzle, the nozzle contact member cannot activate the sensor. If the sensor cannot be activated, it cannot detect whether the filling nozzle is connected to the filling plug. For this reason, it is always desirable to prevent interference with the movement of the nozzle contact member in a fuel cell module connection detection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problem, a connection detection device for a fuel cell module is provided in a fuel cell module including a fuel cell stack, a fuel tank that stores fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack, a filler plug for filling the fuel tank with the fuel gas, the filler plug having an insertion portion that is inserted into a filler nozzle for supplying fuel gas and having a stop ring that is larger in diameter than the insertion portion and includes a regulating surface that abuts against the filler nozzle to regulate insertion of the filler nozzle, and a housing that accommodates the fuel cell stack and the fuel tank, and the connection detection device for a fuel cell module detects the connection state of the filler plug and the filler nozzle, and includes: a sensor whose output signal changes in response to completion of connection of the filler nozzle to the filler plug; the nozzle contact member is arranged on the radial outer periphery of the filling plug; a sensor operating member that operates the sensor as the nozzle contact member moves in the insertion direction; a guide hole provided in the bracket; and a guide pin that is integral with the nozzle contact member, extends from the nozzle contact member toward the bracket in the insertion direction, and is inserted into the guide hole; and when the guide pin contacts the opening edge of the guide hole that is at the far end in the insertion direction, the surface of the nozzle contact member facing the filling plug contacts the outer surface of the stop ring.

[0007] With this, the nozzle contact member moves in the insertion direction together with the filling nozzle due to support by the guide pin and the bracket. Then, the sensor operating member operates in accordance with the movement of the nozzle contact member in the insertion direction, thereby operating the sensor.

[0008] When the guide pin tilts while the nozzle contact member is moving in the insertion direction, the circumferential surface of the guide pin contacts the innermost edge of the guide hole in the insertion direction, and the surface of the nozzle contact member facing the filling plug contacts the outer surface of the stop ring. This reduces the tilt of the guide pin relative to the insertion direction compared to when the circumferential surface of the guide pin simultaneously contacts both edges of the guide hole. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tilted guide pin from interfering with the bracket and becoming unable to move. This prevents the nozzle contact member from being blocked during insertion of the filling nozzle.

[0009] In the fuel cell module connection detection device, the stop ring may have a chamfered portion that gradually increases the outer diameter of the stop ring from the insertion portion toward the stop ring in the insertion direction.

[0010] With this, when the guide pin is tilted, the chamfered portion makes it easier for the surface of the nozzle contact member facing the filling plug to come into contact with the outer surface of the stop ring. In a connection detection device for a fuel cell module, the guide holes may be arranged at equal intervals on a concentric circle centered on the filling plug, the nozzle contact member may have an annular portion surrounding the filling plug, a through hole for passing the filling plug may be formed inside the annular portion of the nozzle contact member, the defining surface of the through hole in the nozzle contact member may be the opposing surface, and the multiple guide pins inserted into each guide hole may be arranged at equal intervals around the through hole.

[0011] With this, for example, compared to when there is one guide pin and one guide hole, the nozzle contact member can be stably supported in a state where tilting of the nozzle contact member is suppressed by the guide pin and the guide hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present invention can prevent the movement of the nozzle contact member from being hindered during insertion of the filling nozzle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a forklift. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell module and a filling nozzle. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the fuel cell module connection detection device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell module connection detection device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the fuel cell module connection detection device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel cell module connection detection device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the nozzle contact member is tilted. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the guide pin and the nozzle contact member. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state between the filling plug and the filling nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An embodiment of a fuel cell module connection detection device will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. The fuel cell module connection detection device is mounted on, for example, a fuel cell powered forklift. The fuel cell module connection detection device will be referred to simply as a "detection device," and the fuel cell powered forklift will be referred to simply as a "forklift."

[0015] <Forklift> As shown in FIG. 1, the forklift 10 includes a vehicle body 11, a vehicle load 12, and a fuel cell module 30. In the following description, an example of the vehicle load 12 is a travel motor 13 and a load handling motor 14. The travel motor 13 drives drive wheels 15 of the vehicle body 11. The load handling motor 14 drives a load handling device 16. The fuel cell module 30 is a power source for the vehicle load 12. The vehicle body 11 has a housing section 11a for the fuel cell module 30. The fuel cell module 30 is mounted on the vehicle body 11 by being housed in the housing section 11a.

[0016] The accommodation section 11a, which opens to the side of the vehicle body 11, is covered by a cover 17. Therefore, the fuel cell module 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 module 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 module 30 accommodated in the accommodation section 11a is covered by the door 18.

[0017] <Fuel cell module> 2, the fuel cell module 30 includes a fuel tank 21, a fuel cell stack 33, a fill plug 36, and a detection device 45. The fuel cell stack 33 is connected to the fuel tank 21. The fuel tank 21 stores fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack 33.

[0018] The fuel cell module 30 includes a housing 31. The housing 31 is generally rectangular parallelepiped in shape. The housing 31 houses a fuel cell stack 33 and a fuel tank 21. One side of the housing 31 is covered with a plate 32. The plate 32 faces the back 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.

[0019] The filler plug 36 is located at the back of the window portion 34. The filler plug 36 is a plug for filling the fuel tank 21 with fuel gas. The door 18 is positioned to match the position of the filler plug 36 of the fuel cell module 30. Therefore, when the door 18 is opened, the filler plug 36 of the fuel cell module 30 is exposed to the outside. The filler plug 36 is connected to the fuel tank 21 via a fuel gas supply path (not shown). The filler plug 36 is cylindrical.

[0020] 3 and 6, the filler plug 36 includes a cylindrical insertion portion 361, a cylindrical stop ring 362 having a larger diameter than the insertion portion 361, and a male thread portion 37 extending from the stop ring 362 toward the opposite side of the insertion portion 361. A cap (not shown) is attached to the insertion portion 361. This cap is attached to the tip of the filler plug 36 so as to close the socket 38 of the insertion portion 361 in the filler plug 36 except when fuel gas is being filled. The insertion portion 361 and the stop ring 362 are inserted into a filler nozzle 41 for supplying fuel gas.

[0021] The filling plug 36 has a restriction surface 362a on the end face of the stop ring 362 closer to the insertion portion 361. The restriction surface 362a is an annular surface that continues on the radial outer periphery of the insertion portion 361. The restriction surface 362a is formed at the boundary between the insertion portion 361 and the stop ring 362. The stop ring 362 has a chamfered portion 363 on the radial outer periphery of the restriction surface 362a. The chamfered portion 363 is formed by gradually increasing the outer diameter of the stop ring 362 at the restriction surface 362a as it moves from the insertion portion 361 toward the stop ring 362 in the insertion direction of the filling nozzle 41. The chamfered portion 363 is formed by a C-chamfer.

[0022] Of both axial end surfaces of the stop ring 362, a thread 362b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the end opposite the end surface on the insertion portion 361 side. The male thread portion 37 extends from one of both axial end surfaces of the stop ring 362 opposite the end surface on the insertion portion 361 side. The male thread portion 37 has a smaller diameter than the thread 362b of the stop ring 362. The filling plug 36 is assembled integrally with a bracket 51 of the detection device 45, which will be described later. The assembly of the filling plug 36 to the detection device 45 will be described later.

[0023] The filling nozzle 41 is connected to the filling plug 36 for supplying fuel gas. An insertion portion 361 of the filling plug 36 and a part of the stop ring 362 are inserted into the filling nozzle 41. The stuffing nozzle 41 has a first inner diameter portion 411 having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 361, and a second inner diameter portion 412 having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the stop ring 362. The stuffing nozzle 41 also has an abutment surface 413 at the boundary between the first inner diameter portion 411 and the second inner diameter portion 412. The abutment surface 413 is an annular surface.

[0024] 2, the filling nozzle 41 is provided at the tip of a hose 42 for supplying fuel gas. The hose 42 is connected to a dispenser at a fuel gas station (not shown). The fuel gas is sent from the dispenser through the hose 42 to the filling nozzle 41.

[0025] When connecting the filling nozzle 41 to the filling plug 36, the cap is removed from the filling plug 36 to expose the receptacle 38. When the filling nozzle 41 is then moved toward the filling plug 36, the insertion portion 361 passes through the inside of the second inner diameter portion 412 and is inserted into the inside of the first inner diameter portion 411. The stop ring 362 is then inserted into the inside of the second inner diameter portion 412. When the abutment surface 413 abuts against the restricting surface 362a, further insertion of the filling nozzle 41 is restricted. Therefore, the filling plug 36 is provided with the stop ring 362, which includes the restricting surface 362a that abuts against the filling nozzle 41 and restricts insertion of the filling nozzle 41. 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."

[0026] The insertion distance is the distance that the filling nozzle 41 can move from the tip surface of the insertion portion 361 to lock the connection between the filling nozzle 41 and the filling plug 36. The insertion distance is the distance that the filling nozzle 41 must be moved until the abutment surface 413 abuts against the regulating surface 362a. To remove the filling nozzle 41 from the filling plug 36, the lock is released and the filling nozzle 41 is pulled out from the filling plug 36. There is a preset specified value for the depth of the filling nozzle 41.

[0027] <Detection device> The detector 45 detects the connection state between the filling plug 36 and the filling nozzle 41. The connection state between the filling plug 36 and the filling nozzle 41 is a state in which the connection of the filling plug 36 to the filling nozzle 41 is complete. In other words, the abutment surface 413 abuts against the regulating surface 362a, and the filling plug 36 is inserted into the filling nozzle 41 by a predetermined insertion distance.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the detection device 45 includes a bracket 51, a nozzle contact member 61, a sensor operating member 66, three guide pins 71, three biasing members 81, and a limit switch 91 as a sensor.

[0029] <bracket> The bracket 51 is attached to a mounting portion 35 that is part of the housing 31 of the fuel cell module 30, and is thereby installed in the housing 31.

[0030] The bracket 51 comprises a rectangular plate-shaped main body 52 , a U-shaped side wall 53 protruding from the side edge of the main body 52 , and a support member 54 integral with the main body 52 . The main body 52 has a first surface 52a and a second surface 52b that are opposite surfaces in the thickness direction. The first surface 52a and the second surface 52b are parallel planes. A through hole 52c is formed in the main body 52. ​​The through hole 52c penetrates the main body 52 in the thickness direction. The filling plug 36, three guide pins 71, and three biasing members 81 pass through the through hole 52c.

[0031] The sidewalls 53 are provided along three side edges of the main body 52 and extend toward the first surface 52a. The sidewalls 53 include a first wall portion 53a protruding in a rectangular plate shape from one side edge of the main body 52 that is aligned with the mounting portion 35, a second wall portion 53b protruding in a rectangular plate shape from a first longitudinal end of the first wall portion 53a, and a third wall portion 53c protruding in a rectangular plate shape from a second longitudinal end of the first wall portion 53a. The second wall portion 53b and the third wall portion 53c face each other in the longitudinal direction of the first wall portion 53a and extend toward the first surface 52a from the opposing side edges of the main body 52. ​​Note that as long as the bracket 51 can be attached to the mounting portion 35, the sidewalls 53 may be omitted, and the shape of the sidewalls 53 may be changed as appropriate.

[0032] <Supporting components> The support member 54 comprises a support body 56 facing the second surface 52b of the main body 52, a connecting portion 55 joined to the support body 56 and the main body 52, and a switch mounting portion 57 extending from the support body 56 toward the main body 52.

[0033] The support body 56 has a first surface 56a and a second surface 56b that are opposite to each other in the thickness direction. The first surface 56a and the second surface 56b are flat surfaces that are parallel to each other. The connecting portion 55 is cylindrical. A first axial end of the connecting portion 55 is joined to the second surface 52b of the main body 52, and a second axial end of the connecting portion 55 is joined to the first surface 56a of the support body 56. Therefore, the connecting portion 55 integrates the main body 52 and the support body 56 together.

[0034] Now, the installation of the aforementioned filler plug 36 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6 , the filler plug 36 is connected to the support body 56 by threading the threads 362b of the stop ring 362 into the support body 56. In this connected state, the male threaded portion 37 of the filler plug 36 protrudes from the second surface 56b of the support body 56, and a nut 39 is threadedly engaged with the male threaded portion 37. The filler plug 36 is attached to the bracket 51 by threading the nut 39 onto the male threaded portion 37 and the thread 362b into the support body 56. Therefore, the filler plug 36 is attached to the bracket 51. The stop ring 362 and the insertion portion 361 of the filler plug 36 protrude outward from the first surface 56a of the support body 56 and pass through the through hole 52c of the body 52, protruding outward from the first surface 52a of the body 52.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, three guide holes 60 are formed in the support body 56. In other words, three guide holes 60 are provided in the bracket 51 including the support body 56. The three guide holes 60 are arranged radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the filler plug 36. Each guide hole 60 penetrates the support body 56 in the plate thickness direction. The three guide holes 60 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the central axis L1 of the filler plug 36. In other words, multiple guide holes 60 are provided at equal intervals on a circle centered on the filler plug 36.

[0036] The central axis L2 of each guide hole 60 is parallel to the central axis L1 of the filling plug 36. The central axes L2 of the three guide holes 60 are located on concentric circles centered on the central axis L1 of the filling plug 36.

[0037] <Nozzle contact member> As shown in Figure 6, the nozzle contact member 61 is a member that comes into contact with the tip of the stuffing nozzle 41 as the stuffing nozzle 41 is inserted into the stuffing plug 36, and is supported by the bracket 51 so as to be movable in the insertion direction of the stuffing nozzle 41.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3 , the nozzle contact member 61 includes an annular portion 63 that surrounds the filler plug 36 and three fixing projections 64 extending from the annular portion 63. A through hole 63a is formed inside the annular portion 63, allowing the filler plug 36 to pass therethrough. The annular portion 63 includes a demarcating surface 63b that defines the through hole 63a. The demarcating surface 63b is a circumferential surface. The three fixing projections 64 are arranged at equal intervals around the circumferential direction of the through hole 63a. The annular portion 63, and thus the nozzle contact member 61, are arranged on the radial outer periphery of the filler plug 36, and the demarcating surface 63b faces the outer circumferential surface of the filler plug 36. Therefore, the demarcating surface 63b is the surface of the nozzle contact member 61 that faces the filler plug 36. The demarcating surface 63b is spaced from the outer circumferential surface of the filler plug 36 toward the radial outer periphery of the filler plug 36.

[0039] The nozzle contact member 61 has a nozzle contact surface 61a and a back surface 61b that are opposite surfaces 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 back surface 61b are flat surfaces that are parallel to each other. A part of the outer edge of the back surface 61b can contact a portion of the first surface 52a of the main body 52 that is aligned with the passage hole 52c.

[0040] <Guide pin> Each guide pin 71 is cylindrical. A first axial end of each of the three guide pins 71 is inserted into and fixed to the fixing protrusion 64 of the nozzle contact member 61. Therefore, the multiple guide pins 71 are integral with the nozzle contact member 61. The fixing protrusions 64 to which the three guide pins 71 are fixed are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the through hole 63a of the nozzle contact member 61. Therefore, the three guide pins 71 are arranged at equal intervals around the through hole 63a.

[0041] A second axial end of each guide pin 71 is inserted into the guide hole 60. Therefore, the multiple guide pins 71 extend from the nozzle contact member 61 toward the bracket 51 in the insertion direction of the filling nozzle 41. Furthermore, of the axial ends of each guide pin 71, the second end, which is the end opposite the arrangement side of the nozzle contact member 61 across the bracket 51, protrudes from the bracket 51.

[0042] 5, the three guide pins 71 are inserted one by one into the guide holes 60 while passing through the through holes 52c. Each guide pin 71 is supported by the support body 56 so as to be reciprocatable in the thickness direction of the support body 56. Therefore, the guide pin 71 is inserted into the bracket 51 that includes the support body 56, and the bracket 51 movably supports the guide pin 71. By being inserted into the guide hole 60, the guide pin 71 is supported by the bracket 51 so as to be movable in the thickness direction of the body 52.

[0043] <Sensor operating component> 3, 4, and 6, a sensor operating member 66, which functions as a stopper, is fixed to the second end of the guide pin 71 protruding from the support body 56 of the bracket 51. The second end of the guide pin 71 is formed with a female screw 71c that is recessed in the axial direction of the guide pin 71.

[0044] The sensor operating member 66 has a long plate shape. The sensor operating member 66 has a first contact surface 66b and a second contact surface 66c that are opposite to each other in the plate thickness direction. The first contact surface 66b and the second contact surface 66c are flat surfaces that are parallel to each other.

[0045] The sensor operating member 66 is formed with a plug through hole 66a through which the male thread portion 37 and the nut 39 of the filling plug 36 pass. The diameter of the plug through hole 66a is larger than the outer diameter of the nut 39 screwed onto the male thread portion 37.

[0046] The sensor operating member 66 includes a surrounding portion 67 surrounding the plug through hole 66a, two extension portions 68 extending from the surrounding portion 67, and one sensor contact piece 69 extending from the surrounding portion 67. The plug through hole 66a is a hole surrounded by the surrounding portion 67. The direction in which the sensor contact piece 69 extends from the surrounding portion 67 is different from the direction in which each extension portion 68 extends from the surrounding portion 67.

[0047] A bolt through hole 65 is formed in each of the two extension portions 68 and the sensor contact piece 69. The diameter of the bolt through holes 65 is smaller than the diameter of the guide pin 71. The bolt through holes 65 are arranged at equal intervals around the circumferential direction of the plug through hole 66a. The bolt through holes 65 surround the filler plug 36. The three bolt through holes 65 are located on concentric circles centered on the central axis L1 of the filler plug 36.

[0048] Of the three guide pins 71, second ends of two guide pins 71 contact the first abutment surface 66b of the extension portion 68, and the second end of one guide pin 71 contacts the first abutment surface 66b of the sensor contact piece 69. Furthermore, a bolt 90 inserted into the bolt through-hole 65 is screwed into the female thread 71c of each guide pin 71. This integrates the three guide pins 71 and the sensor operating member 66. Because the three guide pins 71 are integrated with the nozzle contact member 61, the three guide pins 71, the nozzle contact member 61, and the sensor operating member 66 are also integrated. The three guide pins 71, the nozzle contact member 61, and the sensor operating member 66 form an operating body T that operates integrally. The three guide pins 71 are integrated with the nozzle contact member 61 and the sensor operating member 66 so as to be arranged at equal intervals on a concentric circle centered on the central axis L1 of the filling plug .

[0049] The sensor contact piece 69 extends from the surrounding portion 67 toward the third wall portion 53c and extends beyond the third wall portion 53c. <Using member> The biasing member 81 is made of a coil spring. The biasing member 81 is attached to the guide pin 71. The three guide pins 71 are arranged at equal intervals to surround the filling plug 36, and therefore the three biasing members 81 are installed at equal intervals to surround the filling plug 36. The three biasing members 81 are arranged on concentric circles centered on the central axis L1 of the filling plug 36.

[0050] A first end of the urging member 81 contacts the back surface 61b of the fixing protrusion 64 of the nozzle contact member 61. A second end of the urging member 81 contacts a portion of the first surface 56a of the support body 56 that surrounds the guide hole 60. The urging member 81 is interposed between the nozzle contact member 61 and the support body 56 of the bracket 51. The urging member 81 urges the nozzle contact member 61 in a direction away from the bracket 51. In other words, the urging member 81 urges the nozzle contact member 61 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the filling nozzle 41.

[0051] When the nozzle contact member 61 is biased by the biasing member 81, the first abutment surface 66b of the sensor operating member 66 is in surface contact with the second surface 56b of the support body 56. The surface contact of the sensor operating member 66 with the support body 56 restricts the movement and tilt of the nozzle contact member 61. When the movement of the nozzle contact member 61 is restricted by the sensor operating member 66, the nozzle contact surface 61a is located away from the first surface 52a of the body 52. ​​Furthermore, when the movement of the nozzle contact member 61 is restricted by the sensor operating member 66, the demarcation surface 63b of the annular portion 63 is located immediately adjacent to the restriction surface 362a.

[0052] Furthermore, the surface contact of the sensor operating member 66 with the support portion main body 56 prevents each guide pin 71 from coming out of the bracket 51. Therefore, the sensor operating member 66 functions as a stopper that prevents the guide pins 71 from coming out of the bracket 51. Therefore, the sensor operating member 66 as a stopper is provided at a second end of the axial end of the guide pin 71 that protrudes from the bracket 51 on the side opposite to the side where the nozzle contact member 61 is arranged, with the bracket 51 in between.

[0053] <Limit switch> The limit switch 91 is attached to the outer surface of the switch mounting portion 57, on one of the two surfaces of the switch mounting portion 57 in the thickness direction opposite the surface facing the filler plug 36. The limit switch 91 is disposed opposite the sensor contact piece 69 of the sensor operating member 66. The mover 92 of the limit switch 91 is installed so as to be movable in the insertion direction and in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. Therefore, the mover 92 is disposed on the opposite side of the bracket 51 from the side where the nozzle contact member 61 is disposed, and is installed so as to be movable in the insertion direction and in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. In addition, the mover 92 is urged in a direction approaching the sensor contact piece 69 by a return spring (not shown) built into the limit switch 91.

[0054] <Initial position and push position> 6, the initial position P1 is a state in which the movement of the nozzle contact member 61 is restricted by the sensor operating member 66, which functions as a stopper. The pushed-in position P2 is a position in which the nozzle contact member 61 is brought close to the main body 52 by being pushed in by the filling nozzle 41 that has come into contact with the nozzle contact member 61.

[0055] At the initial position P1, the demarcation surface 63b of the nozzle contact member 61 is located immediately adjacent to the restriction surface 362a. Therefore, immediately after the nozzle contact member 61 starts to move from the initial position P1 toward the pushed-in position P2, the demarcation surface 63b of the nozzle contact member 61 is located radially outer than the restriction surface 362a.

[0056] When the nozzle contact member 61 is located at the initial position P1, the movable element 92 is biased toward the sensor contact piece 69 and is in contact with the sensor contact piece 69. 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. As the sensor contact piece 69 moves toward the pushed-in position P2, it moves away from the movable element 92. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 , when the contact surface 413 of the filler nozzle 41 abuts against the restricting surface 362a of the filler plug 36, and a connection completion state is reached in which hydrogen can be filled, the sensor contact piece 69 moves away from the movable element 92, causing the output signal of the limit switch 91 to change 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 connection of the filler nozzle 41 to the filler plug 36.

[0057] At the pushed-in position P2, the biasing member 81 is compressed more than at the initial position P1. Therefore, the biasing member 81 biases the nozzle contact member 61 toward the initial position P1 by a force that returns the biasing member 81 to its original shape.

[0058] <Detection work using detection devices> First, when the filling nozzle 41 is not connected to the filling plug 36, the nozzle contact member 61 is biased by the biasing member 81 and is located at the initial position P1, as shown in Figure 4. When the nozzle contact member 61 is located at the initial position P1, the sensor operating member 66 is in contact with the movable element 92, and therefore the movable element 92 of the limit switch 91 is held in a protruding state 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.

[0059] When the insertion portion 361 of the filling plug 36 is inserted into the filling nozzle 41 to fill fuel gas into the fuel tank 21, the tip of the filling nozzle 41 comes into contact with the nozzle contact surface 61a of the nozzle contact member 61, as shown in Figure 6. When the filling nozzle 41 is further inserted, the nozzle contact member 61 is pushed in by the filling nozzle 41 that is in contact with the nozzle contact member 61.

[0060] The nozzle contact member 61 moves in the insertion direction of the stuffing nozzle 41 by means of three guide pins 71 and guide holes 60. The nozzle contact member 61 does not rotate, but slides in the insertion direction of the stuffing nozzle 41. In other words, when pushed by the stuffing nozzle 41, the nozzle contact member 61 moves so that the entire back surface 61b approaches the first surface 52a of the main body 52. ​​Therefore, regardless of the position of the back surface 61b, the nozzle contact member 61 moves toward the pushed-in position P2 while maintaining the same distance from the first surface 52a.

[0061] 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 biasing member 81 is pressed by the nozzle contact member 61 and is compressed.

[0062] 9, when the nozzle contact member 61 moves from the initial position P1 toward the pushed-in position P2, the sensor contact piece 69 moves away from the movable element 92. In other words, the movement of the nozzle contact member 61 operates the limit switch 91 via the sensor operating member 66. When the nozzle contact member 61 is positioned at the pushed-in position P2 and reaches the connection complete state, the output signal of the limit switch 91 changes from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0063] 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 pins 71 and the guide hole 60. As a result, the sensor contact piece 69 comes into contact with the movable element 92 of the limit switch 91 and pushes the movable element 92 in. As a result, the output signal of the limit switch 91 changes from an ON state to an OFF state.

[0064] 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. <Relationship between guide hole and through hole> When the filling plug 36 is inserted into the filling nozzle 41, the nozzle contact member 61 may be pushed in a direction intersecting the insertion direction as the filling nozzle 41 is inserted, causing the nozzle contact member 61 to tilt. This causes the guide pin 71 integrated with the nozzle contact member 61 to also tilt. In other words, the operating body T tilts.

[0065] 7 and 8, the peripheral surface of the second end of the guide pin 71 contacts the opening edge of the guide hole 60 on the rear side in the insertion direction of the filling nozzle 41. Of the opening edges of the guide hole 60, the opening edge on the front side in the insertion direction is referred to as the first opening edge 60a, and the opening edge on the rear side in the insertion direction is referred to as the second opening edge 60b. Therefore, when the guide pin 71 tilts, the peripheral surface of the second end of the guide pin 71 contacts the second opening edge 60b.

[0066] At this time, the diameter of the through hole 63a and the axial length of the guide pin 71 are adjusted so that the circumferential surface of the guide pin 71 does not come into contact with the first opening edge 60a of the guide hole 60. The diameter of the through hole 63a and the axial length of the guide pin 71 are adjusted so that the circumferential surface on the second end side of the guide pin 71 comes into contact with the second opening edge 60b, and at the same time, as shown in FIG. 8, a part of the demarcation surface 63b of the through hole 63a comes into contact with the outer surface of the stop ring 362.

[0067] The diameter of the guide hole 60 and the diameter of the guide pin 71 are adjusted to values ​​that minimize rattle and tilt when the guide pin 71 moves. The diameter of the guide hole 60 and the diameter of the guide pin 71 are set so that the guide pin 71 can move through the guide hole 60 even when the tolerance for the diameter of the guide hole 60 is minimum and the tolerance for the diameter of the guide pin 71 is maximum. In other words, the diameter of the guide hole 60 and the diameter of the guide pin 71 are set to appropriate values ​​that allow the guide pin 71 to move in the insertion direction.

[0068] On the other hand, if the diameter of the through hole 63a is too large, when the circumferential surface of the second end side of the guide pin 71 contacts the second opening edge 60b, the circumferential surface of the guide pin 71 will contact the first opening edge 60a before a portion of the demarcation surface 63b contacts the outer surface of the stop ring 362. Also, if the axial length of the guide pin 71 is too long, when the circumferential surface of the second end side of the guide pin 71 contacts the second opening edge 60b, the portion of the demarcation surface 63b will contact the first opening edge 60a before contacting the outer peripheral surface of the stop ring 362. Below, a comparative example will be given in which the circumferential surface of the guide pin 71 contacts the first opening edge 60a at the same time that the circumferential surface of the second end side of the guide pin 71 contacts the second opening edge 60b.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the angle between the first surface 56a of the support body 56 and the central axis L3 of the guide pin 71 is defined as the guide pin angle θ. When the guide pin angle θ is 90 degrees, that is, when the guide pin 71 is not tilted, the guide pin 71 moves parallel to the central axis L2 of the guide hole 60. However, as the guide pin angle θ becomes smaller than 90 degrees, the inclination of the guide pin 71 increases, and the guide pin 71 is unable to move parallel to the central axis L2 of the guide hole 60. When the guide pin 71 is tilted until its circumferential surface contacts the first opening edge 60a and the second opening edge 60b of the guide hole 60, that is, in the comparative example, the central axis L3 of the guide pin 71 tilts to the position indicated by the imaginary line M in FIG. 8, and the guide pin angle θ becomes minimum. At this time, the circumferential surface of the guide pin 71 comes into contact with the support portion main body 56 at two points, and movement of the guide pin 71 in the guide hole 60 is hindered.

[0070] As described above, the closer the guide pin angle θ is to 90 degrees, the smoother the movement of the guide pin 71 along the central axis L2. Therefore, even if the guide pin 71 is slightly tilted, the movement of the guide pin 71 is less likely to be hindered as long as the guide pin angle θ is close to 90 degrees. Therefore, in order to bring the guide pin angle θ closer to 90 degrees, the diameter of the through hole 63a and the axial length of the guide pin 71 are adjusted so that when the circumferential surface on the second end side of the guide pin 71 contacts the second opening edge 60b, a portion of the demarcation surface 63b of the nozzle contact member 61 contacts the outer surface of the stop ring 362 on the first end side of the guide pin 71. As a result, the guide pin angle θ can be made closer to 90 degrees while being larger than in the comparative example.

[0071] The guide pin 71 and the nozzle contact member 61 form a moving body T that moves together. When the guide pin 71 tilts, the moving body T also tilts. In the comparative example, two contact points occur on the guide pin 71 of the moving body T. In the comparative example, the contact points are a first contact point G1 between the circumferential surface of the guide pin 71 and the second opening edge 60b, and a second contact point G2 between the circumferential surface of the guide pin 71 and the first opening edge 60a.

[0072] On the other hand, in this embodiment as well, two contact points occur, but the contact points are a first contact point G1 between the circumferential surface of the guide pin 71 and the second opening edge 60b, and a second contact point G2 between a part of the demarcation surface 63b and the outer surface of the stop ring 362. In other words, the contact points in this embodiment are the same as in the comparative example in terms of the first contact point G1, but unlike the comparative example, the second contact point G2 is the second contact point G2 between the demarcation surface 63b and the stop ring 362, which is located away from the first opening edge 60a of the guide hole 60.

[0073] The length of the line connecting the first contact point G1 and the second contact point G2 is the distance between the contact points. The distance K1 between the contact points in this embodiment is indicated by a dashed line, and the distance K2 between the contact points in the comparative example is indicated by a two-dot chain line. As shown in FIG. 8, the distance K1 between the contact points in this embodiment is longer than the distance K2 between the contact points in the comparative example. The longer the distance between the contact points on the operating body T, the more the tilt of the operating body T is suppressed, and therefore the more the movement of the guide pin 71 is prevented from being impeded.

[0074] Furthermore, after the demarcation surface 63b comes into contact with the outer surface of the stop ring 362, the nozzle contact member 61 can be moved until connection is complete while maintaining contact with the outer surface of the stop ring 362. In other words, the guide pin 71 can be moved until connection is complete while maintaining the guide pin angle θ at approximately 90 degrees. In other words, the outer surface of the stop ring 362 can be used as a guide surface. This allows the nozzle contact member 61 to move smoothly.

[0075] <Effects of the embodiment> According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The guide pin 71 is tilted so that the peripheral surface of the guide pin 71 contacts the second opening edge 60b of the guide hole 60, and at the same time, the demarcation surface 63b of the nozzle contact member 61 contacts the outer surface of the stop ring 362. This allows the guide pin angle θ of the guide pin 71 to approach 90 degrees and increases the distance between the contact points, compared to when the peripheral surface of the guide pin 71 contacts the first opening edge 60a and the second opening edge 60b simultaneously. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tilted guide pin 71 from interfering with the support body 56 and becoming unable to move. This prevents the nozzle contact member 61 from being hindered from moving while the filling nozzle 41 is being inserted.

[0076] (2) The nozzle contact member 61 is supported by the bracket 51 via the guide pin 71 and the guide hole 60 so as to move in the insertion direction. Therefore, the base end of the nozzle contact member 61 is not supported rotatably by a pivot such as a hinge. Furthermore, when the nozzle contact member 61 is made rotatable by a pivot, a spring or the like is often used to bias the nozzle contact member 61, and a stopper is often used to restrict the rotation associated with the bias of the spring or the like at a predetermined position. In this embodiment, a pivot, a spring, or the like is not used, and no stopper is used to restrict the rotation. Therefore, there is no rattle of the nozzle contact member 61 at the pivot, no tilt of the nozzle contact member 61 due to tolerances at the pivot, and no tilt of the nozzle contact member 61 due to partial contact with the stopper. This prevents the sensor operating member 66, which is integral with the nozzle contact member 61, from making it difficult for the movable element 92 to come into contact with the nozzle contact member 61 at the initial position P1, which would be caused by the tilt of the nozzle contact member 61. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need for position adjustment of the mover 92 in the limit switch 91, which is performed to ensure accurate contact between the sensor operating member 66 and the mover 92.

[0077] Therefore, it is possible to eliminate rattling of the nozzle contact member 61 on the rotating shaft, tilting of the nozzle contact member 61 due to tolerances on the rotating shaft, and tilting of the nozzle contact member 61 due to uneven contact with the stopper, while suppressing obstruction to the movement of the nozzle contact member 61.

[0078] (3) The stop ring 362 includes a chamfered portion 363. Therefore, when the guide pin 71 is tilted and contacts the chamfered portion 363, the chamfered portion 363 makes it easier for the demarcating surface 63b to contact the outer surface of the stop ring 362. Therefore, the movement of the guide pin 71 is prevented from being impeded.

[0079] (4) When the guide pin 71 tilts, the demarcation surface 63b comes into contact with the outer surface of the stop ring 362. Thereafter, the moving body T moves while remaining in contact with the second opening edge 60b of the guide hole 60 and the outer surface of the stop ring 362. In other words, the outer surface of the stop ring 362 can be used as a guide surface for the movement of the moving body T. Therefore, the nozzle contact member 61 can be smoothly moved in the insertion direction using the existing filling plug 36.

[0080] (5) Because the stop ring 362 of the filling plug 36 protrudes from the first surface 56a of the support body 56, after the demarcation surface 63b contacts the outer surface of the stop ring 362, the demarcation surface 63b continues to contact the outer surface of the stop ring 362 until the filling nozzle 41 is fully connected. Therefore, until the filling nozzle 41 is fully connected, the contact points of the operating body T are limited to two points, the first contact point G1 and the second contact point G2, and not three points. This prevents the movement of the nozzle contact member 61 from being obstructed while the filling nozzle 41 is being inserted.

[0081] (6) In order to bring the guide pin angle θ of the guide pin 71 closer to 90 degrees, it is conceivable to increase the plate thickness of the support body 56 and lengthen the axial length of the guide hole 60. However, this is not preferable because the increased plate thickness of the support body 56 increases the manufacturing cost of the detection device 45. In contrast, in this embodiment, the existing filling plug 36 is used to bring the guide pin angle θ of the guide pin 71 closer to 90 degrees. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the movement of the nozzle contact member 61 from being impeded without increasing manufacturing costs.

[0082] (7) The nozzle contact member 61 is guided by three equally spaced guide pins 71 and three guide holes 60. Therefore, compared to when the nozzle contact member 61 is supported by, for example, one guide pin 71 and one guide hole 60, the nozzle contact member 61 can be stably supported with reduced tilt.

[0083] <Example of change> The embodiment can be modified as follows: The embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0084] The number of guide pins 71 and guide holes 60 may be two or four or more. The nozzle contact member 61 does not have to have a shape that surrounds the through hole 63a, and may have a semicircular shape or a C-shape with a portion of the annular shape cut out. In this case, the surface facing the filler plug 36 will be a semicircular arc surface or a C-shape.

[0085] The chamfered portion 363 may be rounded. The guide holes 60 may be elongated holes arranged radially around the central axis L1 of the filler plug 36.

[0086] The biasing member 81 may be omitted. The movable element 92 of the limit switch 91 may not be directly operated by the sensor operating member 66, but may be operated via a link mechanism or a cam mechanism.

[0087] 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. As the nozzle contact member 61 moves to the pushed-in position P2, the sensor operating member 66 moves, causing the light emitted from the light-emitting element to be received by the light-receiving element. This may cause the output signal of the photoelectric sensor to change to an ON state.

[0088] The sensor may also be a distance sensor that measures the distance to the nozzle contact member 61. In short, the type of sensor can be changed as appropriate as long as the output signal changes in response to the completion of connection of the filling nozzle 41 to the filling plug 36.

[0089] The biasing member 81 may be a rubber member other than a coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like. The fuel cell powered industrial vehicle may be a towing vehicle used to transport cargo, an order picker used for picking work, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 21...fuel tank, 30...fuel cell module, 31...housing, 33...fuel cell stack, 36...filling plug, 41...filling nozzle, 45...connection detection device for fuel cell module, 51...bracket, 60...guide hole, 60a...first opening edge, 60b...second opening edge, 61...nozzle contact member, 63...annular portion, 63a...through hole, 63b...defining surface as opposing surface, 66...sensor operating member, 71...guide pin, 91...limit switch as sensor, 361...insertion portion, 362...stop ring, 362a...regulating surface, 363...chamfered portion.

Claims

1. a fuel cell stack; a fuel tank that stores fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack; a filler plug for filling the fuel tank with the fuel gas, the filler plug having an insertion portion to be inserted into a filler nozzle for supplying fuel gas, the filler plug having a diameter larger than that of the insertion portion and including a stop ring including a restricting surface that abuts against the filler nozzle to restrict insertion of the filler nozzle; a housing that houses the fuel cell stack and the fuel tank, a fuel cell module connection detection device for detecting a connection state between the filling plug and the filling nozzle, a sensor whose output signal changes in response to completion of connection of the filling nozzle to the filling plug; a bracket mounted on the housing and attached to the filler plug; a nozzle contact member that comes into contact with the filling nozzle as the filling nozzle is inserted into the filling plug, and that is supported by the bracket so as to be movable in the insertion direction of the filling nozzle, the nozzle contact member being disposed on the radial outer periphery of the filling plug; a sensor operating member that operates the sensor in accordance with movement of the nozzle contact member in the insertion direction; a guide hole provided in the bracket; a guide pin that is integral with the nozzle contact member, extends from the nozzle contact member toward the bracket in the insertion direction, and is inserted into the guide hole; Equipped with A connection detection device for a fuel cell module, characterized in that the guide pin contacts the rear edge of the opening edge of the guide hole in the insertion direction, and at the same time, the surface of the nozzle contact member facing the filling plug contacts the outer surface of the stop ring.

2. 2. The fuel cell module connection detection device according to claim 1, wherein the stop ring has a chamfered portion that gradually increases the outer diameter of the stop ring from the insertion portion toward the stop ring in the insertion direction.

3. a plurality of guide holes are provided at equal intervals on a concentric circle centered on the filling plug, the nozzle contact member has an annular portion surrounding the filling plug, a through hole is formed inside the annular portion of the nozzle contact member to allow the filling plug to pass therethrough, and a defining surface of the through hole in the nozzle contact member is the opposing surface; 3. The fuel cell module connection detection device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide pins inserted into the respective guide holes are arranged at equal intervals around the through hole.

Images