Cartridge tank system

Abstract

To provide a cartridge tank system capable of preventing leakage of hydrogen gas by a simple structure.SOLUTION: A cartridge tank system 1 includes: a switching member 3 switching a connection state where a cartridge tank 10 and a hydrogen gas piping 5 are connected by making the cartridge tank 10 mounted on a unit 2 relatively approach to the hydrogen gas piping 5, and a release state where the connection state is released by relatively separating the cartridge tank 10 from the hydrogen gas piping 5; a stopper member 7 capable of moving to an approaching direction and a separating direction of the cartridge tank 10 in accordance with approach and separation of the cartridge tank 10; and a hand valve 4 mounted on the hydrogen gas piping 5. In the releasing state, valve opening of the hand valve 4 is restricted by the stopper member 7. In the connection state, switch of the switching member 3 to the release state is restricted by the hand valve 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge tank system, and more particularly to a cartridge tank system used for filling a cartridge tank with hydrogen gas. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of small and lightweight cartridge tanks has been expected as one idea to make hydrogen more accessible toward the realization of a hydrogen society. When filling such cartridge tanks with hydrogen, for example, the cartridge tank system described in Patent Document 1 below can be used. That is, multiple cartridge tanks are attached to a manifold, and hydrogen is efficiently filled into the multiple cartridge tanks via the manifold. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-157522 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When using the above-mentioned cartridge tank system, the tank connection section equipped with a manifold must be equipped with a valve that blocks or allows hydrogen gas to be filled into the cartridge tank. However, incorrect opening and closing of the valve poses the risk of hydrogen leakage. For example, opening the valve when the cartridge tank and hydrogen gas piping are not connected, or removing the cartridge tank with the valve open, can result in hydrogen gas leaking to the outside. One possible solution to this problem is to install a control device that electrically controls the opening and closing of the valve for each valve. However, electrical control devices are expensive and the control circuit is complex, which not only increases costs but also creates new problems such as a complex structure.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such technical problems, and has an object to provide a cartridge tank system that has a simple structure and can prevent leakage of hydrogen gas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cartridge tank system of the present invention is a cartridge tank system used for filling a cartridge tank with hydrogen gas, and comprises: a unit in which the cartridge tank is detachably housed; a switching member that switches between a connected state in which the cartridge tank and the hydrogen gas piping are connected by bringing the cartridge tank attached to the unit relatively close to the hydrogen gas piping, and a released state in which the connected state is released by moving the cartridge tank relatively away from the hydrogen gas piping; a stopper member that can move in the direction of approaching and moving away from the cartridge tank in accordance with the approach and movement away of the cartridge tank; and a hand valve provided on the hydrogen gas piping, wherein in the released state, opening of the hand valve is restricted by the stopper member, and in the connected state, switching of the switching member to the released state is restricted by the hand valve.

[0007] In the cartridge tank system according to the present invention, when the cartridge tank is disconnected from the hydrogen gas piping (i.e., when the cartridge tank is not connected to the hydrogen gas piping), the opening of the hand valve is restricted by the stopper member, and when the cartridge tank is connected to the hydrogen gas piping, the switching member is restricted from switching to the release state by the hand valve. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to open the hand valve by mistake when the cartridge tank is not connected to the hydrogen gas piping, the opening is restricted (in other words, prohibited) by the stopper member. This makes it possible to prevent hydrogen gas leaks caused by the hand valve being opened incorrectly.

[0008] Furthermore, even if someone accidentally operates the switching member to switch to the release state while the cartridge tank and hydrogen gas piping are connected and the hand valve is open, the switching is restricted by the hand valve. Therefore, hydrogen gas leakage due to erroneous switching can be prevented. Furthermore, the hand valve, switching member, and stopper member form an interlock structure, which is less expensive and has a simpler structure than when using electrical control devices. As a result, hydrogen gas leakage can be prevented with a simple structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, leakage of hydrogen gas can be prevented with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the cartridge tank system according to the embodiment (in a state where the cartridge tank and the hydrogen gas pipe are disconnected from each other). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the cartridge tank system (connection state between the cartridge tank and the hydrogen gas pipe) according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between the hand valve and the stopper member when the hand valve is opened or closed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cartridge tank system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, the up, down, left, and right directions are merely directions for convenience that correspond to the state shown in the drawings, and do not limit the attitude or arrangement of the cartridge tank system.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view showing a cartridge tank system according to an embodiment (a state in which the cartridge tank and hydrogen gas piping are disconnected), and Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view showing a cartridge tank system according to an embodiment (a state in which the cartridge tank and hydrogen gas piping are connected). The cartridge tank system 1 according to this embodiment is used to fill a cartridge tank 10 with hydrogen gas, and includes a unit 2 in which the cartridge tank 10 is detachably housed.

[0013] The cartridge tank 10 is a cylindrical tank with a handle that is applied to, for example, a portable hydrogen cartridge container, and is used for a variety of applications, such as transportation means such as drones, motorcycles, and four-wheeled vehicles, and household power sources. Although not shown, the cartridge tank 10 has a cylindrical tank body, a valve provided at the insertion end of the cartridge tank 10 that can communicate with the tank body, and a handle portion provided on the side of the cartridge tank 10 opposite the insertion end.

[0014] The unit 2 is a frame formed by a plurality of elongated metal members, and has a space for accommodating the cartridge tank 10. For example, there are a plurality of units 2 having such a structure, and they are fixed on a filling cart (not shown) in a state of being arranged side by side in one direction. In this way, it becomes possible to fill a plurality of cartridge tanks 10 simultaneously. Furthermore, it is preferable that the plurality of units 2 arranged side by side be stacked in multiple stages.

[0015] One end of the unit 2 is opened to receive the cartridge tank 10. A user of the cartridge tank 10 can install the cartridge tank 10 in the unit 2 or remove it from the unit 2 through the opening. On the other hand, a switching member 3 and a hand valve 4 are arranged at the other end of the unit 2.

[0016] The switching member 3 is a mechanism supported by the unit 2 that switches between a connected state in which the cartridge tank 10 and the hydrogen gas piping 5 are connected by bringing the cartridge tank 10 attached to the unit 2 relatively close to the hydrogen gas piping 5, and a released state in which the connected state is released by moving the cartridge tank 10 relatively away from the hydrogen gas piping 5.

[0017] Specifically, the switching member 3 includes a rotary handle 31, a drive gear 33 connected to the rotary handle 31 via a mounting plate 32, a drive shaft 34 that can move back and forth in the axial direction of the drive gear 33 as the drive gear 33 rotates, and an end plate 36 fitted into a recessed groove 35 at the tip of the drive shaft 34. The axial direction of the drive gear 33 is the same as the axial direction of the cartridge tank 10. The end plate 36 is designed to be connected to the insertion end of the cartridge tank 10.

[0018] In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of ensuring safe filling of the cartridge tank 10, the cartridge tank 10 is configured to be locked with the unit 2 by rotating the cartridge tank 10 attached to the unit 2, for example, counterclockwise through the opening of the unit 2. Therefore, after a user or the like has completely inserted the cartridge tank 10 into the unit 2, the user can lock the cartridge tank 10 with the unit 2 by gripping the handle of the cartridge tank 10 and twisting it counterclockwise, for example, by 45 degrees. When locked with the unit 2, the cartridge tank 10 is attached to the unit 2. At this time, the insertion end of the cartridge tank 10 is connected to the end plate 36 of the switching member 3.

[0019] On the other hand, when it is desired to remove the cartridge tank 10 from the unit 2 (i.e., when detaching), the user grips the handle and twists the cartridge tank 10 clockwise, for example, by 45 degrees, thereby releasing the locked state between the cartridge tank 10 and the unit 2. At this time, the connection between the insertion end of the cartridge tank 10 and the end plate 36 is also released.

[0020] The switching between the connected state and the released state by the switching member 3 will be described below.

[0021] When the rotary handle 31 of the switching member 3 is turned, for example, clockwise, with the insertion end of the cartridge tank 10 connected to the end plate 36, the drive shaft 34 retracts in the axial direction of the drive gear 33 as the drive gear 33 rotates, causing the end plate 36 to move in the approach direction shown in FIG. 1. At this time, the cartridge tank 10 connected to the end plate 36 also approaches the hydrogen gas pipe 5 in the approach direction. As a result, the cartridge tank 10 and the hydrogen gas pipe 5 are connected. In other words, the switching member 3 is in a connected state. In this connected state, the valve provided at the insertion end of the cartridge tank 10 and the filling nozzle provided at the tip of the hydrogen gas pipe 5 are connected.

[0022] On the other hand, when the rotary handle 31 of the switching member 3 is turned counterclockwise, for example, the drive shaft 34 moves forward in the axial direction of the drive gear 33 as the drive gear 33 rotates, causing the end plate 36 to move in the separation direction shown in Figure 1. At this time, the cartridge tank 10 connected to the end plate 36 also moves away from the hydrogen gas pipe 5 in the separation direction. As a result, the connection between the cartridge tank 10 and the hydrogen gas pipe 5 is released, and the switching member 3 enters the released state. In the released state, the valve provided at the insertion end of the cartridge tank 10 moves away from the filling nozzle provided at the tip of the hydrogen gas pipe 5, and the cartridge tank 10 and the hydrogen gas pipe 5 are no longer connected.

[0023] It should be noted that the approaching direction and the separating direction described above are both parallel to the axial direction of the cartridge tank 10, but the moving directions are opposite to each other.

[0024] Additionally, an extension frame 6 is fixed to the end plate 36, extending from the unit 2 in the axial direction of the cartridge tank 10. The extension frame 6 is made of a stepped metal plate, and one end (fixed end) thereof is fixed to the end plate 36 by welding or the like. A stopper member 7 is fixed to the extension end opposite the fixed end. The extension frame 6 is adapted to move back and forth along the axial direction of the cartridge tank 10 as the end plate 36 moves.

[0025] The stopper member 7 is formed in a block shape and protrudes from the extension frame 6 toward the hand valve 4. The stopper member 7 may be formed integrally with the extension frame 6, or may be formed by welding or adhering a separate member to the extension frame 6.

[0026] The stopper member 7 is movable in the approaching or moving away direction of the cartridge tank 10 in accordance with the approaching or moving away direction of the cartridge tank 10 to or from the hydrogen gas piping 5. More specifically, as described above, when the end plate 36 moves in the approaching or moving away direction shown in Figure 1 by rotating the rotary handle 31 of the switching member 3, the extension frame 6 fixed to the end plate 36 also moves in the approaching or moving away direction. As a result, the stopper member 7 fixed to the extension frame 6 also moves in the approaching or moving away direction.

[0027] The hydrogen gas pipe 5 is connected to a hydrogen gas storage tank at the hydrogen station, and hydrogen gas is supplied into the cartridge tank 10 via a filling nozzle attached to the tip of the hydrogen gas pipe 5.

[0028] The hand valve 4 is provided on the hydrogen gas piping 5 and is a valve that blocks or allows the filling of hydrogen gas into the cartridge tank 10. This hand valve 4 has a valve body 41 attached midway along the hydrogen gas piping 5, a valve stem 42 connected to a valve element arranged inside the valve body 41, a bearing 43 provided outside the valve body 41 and supporting the valve stem 42, a rod-shaped manual operating lever 45 fixed to the protruding end of the valve stem 42 that protrudes from the bearing 43, and an abutment jig 44 that receives the protruding end of the valve stem 42 and clamps the base of the manual operating lever 45.

[0029] The valve body 41 has a box shape, is fixed to the frame member 8 of the unit 2, and is supported by the frame member 8. A valve element (not shown) that opens and closes the flow path of the hydrogen gas pipe 5 is housed inside the valve body 41.

[0030] The abutment jig 44 has a roughly C-shaped cross section, and is fixed to the manual operation lever 45 with a screw, with the protruding end of the valve shaft 42 positioned inside the C-shape. When the manual operation lever 45 is turned, the valve shaft 42 fixed to the manual operation lever 45 rotates, thereby opening and closing the valve element connected to the valve shaft 42. At the same time, the abutment jig 44 fixed to the manual operation lever 45 rotates around the valve shaft 42.

[0031] In this embodiment, when the cartridge tank 10 and the hydrogen gas pipe 5 are in a disconnected state (in other words, when the cartridge tank 10 and the hydrogen gas pipe 5 are not connected), the opening of the hand valve 4 is restricted by the stopper member 7, while when the cartridge tank 10 and the hydrogen gas pipe 5 are in a connected state, the switching member 3 is restricted from switching to the disconnected state by the hand valve 4. A detailed explanation will be given below with reference to Figures 1 and 2, as well as Figures 3(a) to (c).

[0032] 1 and 3(a), when the cartridge tank 10 and the hydrogen gas pipe 5 are not connected, the hand valve 4 is closed. At this time, the upper surface of the stopper member 7 abuts against the lower surface of the abutment jig 44, and the opening of the hand valve 4 is restricted (in other words, prohibited) by the stopper member 7. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to turn the manual operation lever 45 in the direction in which the hand valve 4 opens, the manual operation lever 45 will not move.

[0033] Next, as shown in Figure 3(b), when, for example, cartridge tank 10 is attached to unit 2 and switching member 3 is switched to the connected state, cartridge tank 10 approaches hydrogen gas pipe 5 and connects to hydrogen gas pipe 5. At this time, stopper member 7 moves in the approaching direction shown in Figure 1 in conjunction with the movement of extension frame 6, and the abutment state with abutment jig 44 is released. This allows manual operation lever 45 of hand valve 4 to rotate. In other words, hand valve 4 can be opened.

[0034] 2 and 3(c), when the manual operation lever 45 is rotated in the valve opening direction, the hand valve 4 opens and hydrogen gas flows through the hydrogen gas pipe 5 into the cartridge tank 10 connected to the hydrogen gas pipe 5. Then, as the manual operation lever 45 rotates, the abutment jig 44 rotates about the valve shaft 42 and abuts against the stopper member 7 again. More specifically, at this time, the right side surface of the abutment jig 44 abuts against the left side surface of the stopper member 7.

[0035] At this time, even if an attempt is made to rotate the rotary handle 31 to release the connection between the cartridge tank 10 and the hydrogen gas pipe 5 (i.e., to switch the switching member 3 to the release state), the stopper member 7 abuts against the abutment jig 44, restricting the movement of the stopper member 7, making it impossible to rotate the rotary handle 31. As a result, the cartridge tank 10 cannot be removed from the unit 2.

[0036] In the cartridge tank system 1 according to this embodiment, when the cartridge tank 10 is disconnected from the hydrogen gas pipe 5, the opening of the hand valve 4 is restricted by the stopper member 7, and when the cartridge tank 10 is connected to the hydrogen gas pipe 5, the switching member 3 is restricted from switching to the released state by the hand valve 4. For this reason, even if an attempt is made to open the hand valve 4 by mistake when the cartridge tank 10 is not connected to the hydrogen gas pipe 5, the opening is restricted (in other words, prohibited) by the stopper member 7, and the hand valve 4 cannot be opened. This prevents hydrogen gas leakage due to the hand valve 4 being opened by mistake.

[0037] Furthermore, even if someone erroneously operates the switching member 3 to switch to the release state while the cartridge tank 10 and the hydrogen gas pipe 5 are connected and the hand valve 4 is open, the switching is restricted by the hand valve 4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent hydrogen gas leakage due to erroneous switching.

[0038] Furthermore, the hand valve 4, the switching member 3, and the stopper member 7 have an interlock structure, which is cheaper and simpler than using electrical control devices. As a result, hydrogen gas leakage can be prevented with a simple structure.

[0039] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1: Cartridge tank system, 2: Unit, 3: Switching member, 4: Hand valve, 5: Hydrogen gas piping, 6: Extension frame, 7: Stopper member, 8: Frame member, 10: Cartridge tank, 31: Rotating handle, 32: Mounting plate, 33: Drive gear, 34: Drive shaft, 35: Groove, 36: End plate, 41: Valve body, 42: Valve stem, 43: Bearing, 44: Contact jig, 45: Manual operation lever

Claims

[Claim 1] A cartridge tank system used for filling a cartridge tank with hydrogen gas, a unit in which the cartridge tank is detachably housed; a switching member that switches between a connected state in which the cartridge tank and the hydrogen gas piping are connected by bringing the cartridge tank attached to the unit relatively close to the hydrogen gas piping, and a released state in which the connected state is released by moving the cartridge tank relatively away from the hydrogen gas piping; a stopper member that is movable in the direction of approaching and moving away from the cartridge tank in accordance with the approach and moving away of the cartridge tank; a hand valve provided in the hydrogen gas piping; Equipped with In the released state, the opening of the hand valve is restricted by the stopper member, a hand valve that restricts the switching member from switching to the released state in the connected state;

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