Inspection device for gas dispenser

Abstract

To provide an inspection device for a gas dispenser capable of inspecting a plurality of types of gas dispensers with different types of nozzles with a single device.SOLUTION: An inspection device 21 comprises a plurality of inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, 22C, a plurality of inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C, a plurality of inspection device pipe conduits 24A, 24B, 24C, and inspection device hoses 29A, 29B, 29C, a plurality of flow rate measurement devices 25A, 25B, 25C, a control unit 26, and a display unit 27. The plurality of inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, 22C are provided for each type of a nozzle 4 of a hydrogen dispenser 1. For example, the first inspection device receptacle 22A and the second inspection device receptacle 22B are the same type of receptacle, and the third inspection device receptacle 22C is a different type of receptacle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an inspection device for a hydrogen gas dispenser that includes a gas receiving side flow section that includes a receptacle that can be connected to the nozzle of the hydrogen gas dispenser, a pressure rise rate inspection section that inspects the pressure rise rate of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas dispenser, and a filling amount inspection section that inspects the filling amount of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas dispenser. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6600430 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Currently, fuel cells that use hydrogen gas as fuel are becoming more widespread in heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), such as buses, trucks, and trailers. Accordingly, vehicle tanks to which hydrogen gas is filled (supplied) from hydrogen dispensers are likely to include not only tanks with standard receptacles (filling ports), but also tanks with receptacles larger than standard receptacles, tanks with multiple receptacles, and so on. Furthermore, hydrogen dispensers are likely to include not only hydrogen dispensers with standard nozzles that can be connected to standard receptacles, but also hydrogen dispensers with large nozzles that can be connected to large receptacles, and hydrogen dispensers that can connect multiple nozzles to a tank with multiple receptacles for filling (multiple filling).

[0005] On the other hand, in order to maintain the accuracy of measurement of the filling amount by the hydrogen dispenser, an inspection device for the hydrogen dispenser is used. In this case, it is uneconomical and inefficient to prepare separate inspection devices for hydrogen dispensers with standard nozzles, hydrogen dispensers with large nozzles, and hydrogen dispensers with multiple nozzles that allow multiple fillings, for example. In other words, it is uneconomical and inefficient to prepare an inspection device for each different type of hydrogen dispenser.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a gas dispenser inspection device that can inspect a plurality of types of gas dispensers with different types of nozzles using a single device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is preferably an inspection device for a gas dispenser, comprising: a plurality of inspection device receptacles, one for each type of nozzle of a gas dispenser, to which the nozzles are connected; an inspection device nozzle connected to a receptacle to which gas from the gas dispenser is supplied; a plurality of gas flow paths, one end of which is connected to each of the plurality of inspection device receptacles and the other end of which is connected to the inspection device nozzle; a flow measuring device, provided in each of the plurality of gas flow paths, for measuring the flow rate of gas supplied from the inspection device receptacle to the inspection device nozzle; an integrated flow rate calculation unit, which calculates the integrated flow rate of gas flowing through the gas flow path from the flow rate measured by the flow measuring device; and an alarm means for notifying the integrated flow rate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a single inspection device can inspect a plurality of types of gas dispensers having different types of nozzles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing an inspection device, a gas dispenser, and a gas supply target (vehicle) according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the inspection device in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an inspection procedure (calibration procedure) by the inspection device. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart showing processing by a control unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing the process following "B" in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing the process following "D" in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart showing the process following "G" in FIG. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing the process following "C" in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing processing by a control unit according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, as an example of a gas dispenser inspection device according to an embodiment and a modified example, an inspection device for a gas dispenser (hydrogen dispenser) that supplies (fills) gas (hydrogen gas) to a tank (fuel tank) of a vehicle (automobile) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that each step in the flow charts shown in Figures 4 to 9 is represented by the letter "S" (for example, step 1 = "S1").

[0011] 1 to 8 show an embodiment. In Fig. 1, a hydrogen dispenser 1 as a gas dispenser is a gas filling mechanism (gas supply mechanism) 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 dispenser 1, which is a fuel gas filling mechanism (fuel gas supply mechanism) for a vehicle, is installed, for example, in a facility (fuel supply station) called a hydrogen gas supply station (hydrogen station).

[0012] The hydrogen dispenser 1 is a hydrogen gas filling mechanism that fills hydrogen gas from a hydrogen supply source (not shown) into a tank 52 of a vehicle 51. The hydrogen supply source corresponds to, for example, a compressor that compresses hydrogen gas, a gas accumulator that stores hydrogen gas compressed to a high pressure by a compressor or hydrogen gas that is originally compressed to a high pressure, a curdle that is an assembly of gas containers (cylinders) filled with hydrogen gas, a large-capacity intermediate accumulator that stores hydrogen gas, a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas, and / or a hydrogen trailer that fills and delivers hydrogen.

[0013] The hydrogen dispenser 1 comprises a housing 2, a hose 3, a nozzle 4, and a nozzle hanger 5. The housing 2 forms the box-like outer shape of the hydrogen dispenser 1. The housing 2 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped (box) that is long in the vertical direction. The housing 2 houses a gas supply pipeline, a flow meter, a flow control valve, a shut-off valve, a depressurization valve, a heat exchanger, a control device, etc. (not shown). A display 6 is provided on the front side of the housing 2, which faces the worker or customer performing the hydrogen gas filling work, to display information that should be notified, such as the filling amount.

[0014] A nozzle hanger 5 on which the nozzle 4 is removably hung is provided on the side of the housing 2. The nozzle hanger 5 corresponds to a holder that holds the nozzle 4. The nozzle 4 is hung on the nozzle hanger 5 when hydrogen gas is not being filled (i.e., when waiting for the filling operation). When filling the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas, the nozzle 4 is removed from the nozzle hanger 5 by the worker performing the filling operation (a hydrogen station attendant, a self-service worker, etc.).

[0015] The hose 3, which is the filling hose, is flexible. For example, a pressure-resistant hose is used as the hose 3. At the tip of the hose 3, a nozzle 4 is provided which is connected to a receptacle 53 which serves as the filling port of the tank 52. Note that FIG. 1 shows the hydrogen dispenser 1 connected to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 via an inspection device 21, which will be described later, in order to inspect (measure) the hydrogen dispenser 1 using the inspection device 21. In normal filling, the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is directly connected to the receptacle 53 of the tank 52 of the vehicle 51.

[0016] The hose 3, together with a gas supply pipe disposed within the housing 2, constitutes a gas supply path (gas filling path). The nozzle 4 and the hose 3 are connected to a hydrogen supply source via the gas supply pipe within the housing 2. That is, the base end of the hose 3 is connected to the downstream end of the gas supply pipe. In this case, a separation joint 7, also called an emergency release coupling or a release coupling, is provided between the downstream end of the gas supply pipe and the upstream end of the hose 3. The separation joint 7 connects, for example, the hose 3 and the gas supply pipe. The separation joint 7 is a safety device that separates them in an emergency.

[0017] Nozzle 4, which is a filling nozzle, is airtightly connected to the tip end of hose 3. Nozzle 4 constitutes a so-called filling coupling. Nozzle 4 is connected to a gas supply pipe in housing 2 by hose 3. Nozzle 4 has a built-in on-off valve (not shown). The on-off valve can be 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 nozzle 4 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 nozzle 4 to tank 52 and prevents the flow of hydrogen gas from tank 52 to nozzle 4.

[0018] When filling the vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas, the connection portion provided on the tip side of the nozzle 4 is detachably connected to a receptacle 53, which serves as a connection port for the tank 52 of the vehicle 51. That is, when supplying hydrogen gas to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through a pipe (not shown) inside the nozzle 4, the connection portion of the nozzle 4 is detachably connected to the receptacle 53 of the tank 52 in an airtight manner. The nozzle 4 also includes a locking mechanism (not shown) that detachably locks the nozzle 4 to the receptacle 53 of the tank 52. This prevents the nozzle 4 from accidentally coming off the receptacle 53 when filling the vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas.

[0019] The gas supply pipeline inside the housing 2 is provided with a shutoff valve, a flow rate control valve, a heat exchanger, a depressurization valve, and a flow meter (none of which are shown). The shutoff valve allows or blocks the flow of hydrogen gas through the gas supply pipeline. The flow rate control valve adjusts the flow rate and pressure of hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipeline. The heat exchanger cools the hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipeline. The depressurization valve opens when the hydrogen gas filling operation is complete, thereby releasing hydrogen gas downstream of the shutoff valve in the gas supply pipeline (on the hose 3 side) to the outside. This allows the pressure in the nozzle 4 to be reduced to atmospheric pressure, and the nozzle 4 can be removed from the receptacle 53 of the tank 52.

[0020] The flow meter measures the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipeline, i.e., the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas supplied (filled) to tank 52 of vehicle 51 through the gas supply pipeline. The flow meter outputs the measurement result, i.e., a signal (detection signal) corresponding to the detected flow rate, to a control device (not shown) of hydrogen dispenser 1. The control device calculates the amount of hydrogen gas filled into tank 52 of vehicle 51 and displays the amount of hydrogen gas fuel dispensed on display 6 or the like. This notifies, for example, customers of the displayed content. As will be described later, inspection device 21 inspects the measurement accuracy of hydrogen dispenser 1 by comparing the measurement result (filled amount) by the flow meter of hydrogen dispenser 1 with the measurement result (filled amount) by flow measuring devices 25A, 25B, 25C of inspection device 21.

[0021] The display 6 is provided on the front side of the housing 2. The display 6 is positioned at a height that makes it easily visible to the worker performing the hydrogen gas filling work. The display 6 displays information necessary for the hydrogen gas filling work. In FIG. 1, the display 6 displays the mass (filled amount) of hydrogen gas filled in the tank 52 of the vehicle 51. In addition to the display 6, operation units such as a filling start switch 8 and a filling stop switch 9 are provided on the front side of the housing 2. A POS terminal (not shown) that displays and manages sales information is provided adjacent to the display 6 on the front side of the housing 2.

[0022] The filling start switch 8 and filling stop switch 9 are switches that can be manually operated, for example, by an operator (attendant) at a fuel supply station (hydrogen station) or a self-service operator. The filling start switch 8 is a push-button switch that is operated to start filling hydrogen gas. The filling stop switch 9 is a push-button switch that is operated to stop filling hydrogen gas while it is being filled. The filling start switch 8 and filling stop switch 9 each output a signal according to their operating status to the control device of the hydrogen dispenser 1. In response to these signals, the control device opens or closes the shut-off valve in the gas supply line.

[0023] A vehicle 51 that runs on hydrogen gas as fuel is configured, for example, as a four-wheeled automobile (passenger car) as shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle 51 is equipped with a drive unit (not shown) that includes, for example, a fuel cell and an electric motor, a tank 52 shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1, and the like. The tank 52 is configured as a pressure-resistant container that is filled with hydrogen gas. The tank 52 is mounted, for example, on the rear side of the vehicle 51. Note that the tank 52 is not limited to being located on the rear side of the vehicle 51, and may also be configured to be located on the front side or center side. Furthermore, the tank 52 may be configured as a single tank, or multiple tanks may be connected by piping or the like to form a single tank.

[0024] Tank 52 is provided with receptacle 53 to which the connection portion (tip) of nozzle 4 is detachably attached. Hydrogen gas is filled into tank 52 of vehicle 51 with nozzle 4 airtightly coupled (connected) to receptacle 53. At this time, nozzle 4 is locked to receptacle 53 by a locking mechanism to prevent it from accidentally coming off.

[0025] Incidentally, in order to expand the use of hydrogen, the spread of fuel cells to large vehicles (HDV: Heavy-Duty Vehicles) such as buses, trucks, and trailers is being promoted. The spread of hydrogen infrastructure that can also accommodate railways, ships, etc. is also being considered. Therefore, as a hydrogen infrastructure technology, there is a need for a wide-range, high-precision, and high-response multi-flow compatible hydrogen metering system that can accommodate various types of hydrogen filling, including filling of large vehicles.

[0026] More specifically, hydrogen dispensers currently installed at hydrogen stations are designed to fill tanks mounted on light-duty vehicles (LDVs) such as passenger cars at a standard flow rate (NF: Normal Flow). In contrast, in the future, various types of hydrogen dispensers are expected to become more widespread, including hydrogen dispensers for medium-duty vehicles (MDVs) such as medium-duty trucks and medium-duty buses that have tanks with larger capacities than those mounted on light-duty vehicles, and hydrogen dispensers for large vehicles such as large trucks, large buses, and trailers that have tanks with larger capacities than those mounted on medium-duty vehicles. In this case, if the tanks of medium- and large-sized vehicles, i.e., tanks (medium-sized tanks and large tanks) with larger capacities than those of light-sized vehicles (small tanks), are filled at the standard flow rate, the time required for filling will be long, which is undesirable.

[0027] For this reason, hydrogen dispensers compatible with medium- and large-sized vehicles may be capable of filling at a higher flow rate than the current standard flow rate. For example, hydrogen dispensers capable of filling at a medium flow rate (MF) higher than the current standard flow rate (NF) are conceivable, as are hydrogen dispensers capable of filling at a high flow rate (HF) higher than the medium flow rate (MF). Accordingly, there is a possibility that the number of nozzles available for filling will increase. For example, in addition to hydrogen dispensers equipped with standard nozzles that can be connected to current standard receptacles, hydrogen dispensers equipped with large nozzles that can be connected to receptacles with larger diameters than standard receptacles are conceivable, in order to accommodate high flow rate filling.

[0028] Furthermore, in terms of filling methods, in contrast to single filling, in which one tank is filled with hydrogen gas using one nozzle (i.e., one distribution channel), double filling (twin filling), in which one tank is filled with hydrogen gas using two nozzles (i.e., two distribution channels), is being considered to shorten the time required for filling. In other words, multiple filling, in which one tank is filled with hydrogen gas using multiple nozzles (multiple distribution channels), is being considered. For this reason, in the future, various types of hydrogen dispensers may be installed at hydrogen stations, including hydrogen dispensers with standard nozzles, hydrogen dispensers with large nozzles that can fill hydrogen gas at a higher flow rate, and hydrogen dispensers with multiple nozzles that can fill multiple tanks.

[0029] On the other hand, in order to maintain the accuracy of measurement of the filling amount by the hydrogen dispenser, an inspection device for the hydrogen dispenser is used. In this case, it is uneconomical and inefficient to separately prepare, for example, an inspection device for a hydrogen dispenser with a standard nozzle, an inspection device for a hydrogen dispenser with a large nozzle, and an inspection device for a hydrogen dispenser with multiple nozzles capable of multiple fillings. In other words, it is uneconomical and inefficient to prepare an inspection device for each different type of hydrogen dispenser. Therefore, in the embodiment, it is possible to inspect multiple types of hydrogen dispensers (gas dispensers) with different types of nozzles using a single inspection device. This point will be explained in detail below.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, inspection device 21 for hydrogen dispenser 1 is disposed between hydrogen dispenser 1 and tank 52 of vehicle 51. Inspection device 21 measures the amount of hydrogen gas filled (accumulated hydrogen flow rate) filled (supplied) from hydrogen dispenser 1 to tank 52 of vehicle 51 using flow meters 25A, 25B, and 25C between hydrogen dispenser 1 and tank 52 of vehicle 51. Inspection device 21 is a master meter unit calibrated with a reference gas flow standard. In other words, flow meters 25A, 25B, and 25C of inspection device 21 are Coriolis-type flow meters and are master meters (standard flow meters) calibrated with a reference gas flow standard. Such master meters (standard flow meters) are used when inspecting the measurement accuracy of other flow meters.

[0031] For example, an operator inspecting (measuring) the hydrogen dispenser 1 can evaluate the measurement accuracy of the hydrogen dispenser 1 by comparing the integrated value of the hydrogen flow measured by the inspection device 21 (e.g., "3.01 kg" displayed on the display unit 27) with the filling amount measured by the hydrogen dispenser 1 (e.g., "3.01 kg" displayed on the display unit 6). In the above example, the minimum unit of the integrated value is 0.01 kg, but to perform a more accurate evaluation, the minimum unit of the integrated value may be 0.001 kg or even smaller units. Furthermore, for example, the hydrogen dispenser 1 and the inspection device 21 may be connected by a signal line (not shown), and the integrated value of the hydrogen dispenser 1, which is output to the inspection device 21 via this signal line, may be compared by the control unit 26 of the inspection device 21 with the integrated value measured by the inspection device 21, thereby automatically evaluating the measurement accuracy of the hydrogen dispenser 1.

[0032] In this way, inspection device 21 measures the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied (filled) from hydrogen dispenser 1 to vehicle 51 (tank 52) using flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C, which serve as master meters (standard flow meters). Control unit 26 of inspection device 21 calculates the mass (kg: filled amount) of hydrogen gas supplied (filled) from hydrogen dispenser 1 to vehicle 51 (tank 52) based on the flow rates measured by flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C. Meanwhile, hydrogen dispenser 1 itself measures the amount (kg) of hydrogen filled into vehicle 51 (tank 52) using measuring devices such as a flow meter built into hydrogen dispenser 1. The filled amount measured by hydrogen dispenser 1 is then compared with the filled amount measured by inspection device 21 (flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C), and if the difference is within ±5%, for example, it can be determined that the filled amount measured by hydrogen dispenser 1 is accurate (passed the inspection). In addition, the measurement accuracy of the hydrogen dispenser 1 (whether the measurement is accurate or not) may be evaluated by comparing the instantaneous flow rate measured by the hydrogen dispenser 1 with the instantaneous flow rate measured by the inspection device 21 (flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, 25C).

[0033] 2, inspection device 21 includes multiple inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C, multiple inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C, multiple inspection device lines 24A, 24B, and 24C and inspection device hoses 29A, 29B, and 29C that form multiple gas flow paths, multiple flow rate meters 25A, 25B, and 25C, a control unit 26 that functions as an integrated flow rate calculator, and a display unit 27 that functions as an informing unit. Inspection device 21 also includes inspection device housing 28, multiple depressurization lines 30A, 30B, and 30C that form multiple depressurization paths, multiple depressurization valves 31A, 31B, and 31C, multiple pressure sensors 32A, 32B, and 32C, and multiple temperature sensors 33A, 33B, and 33C. Each of the multiple depressurization valves 31A, 31B, and 31C is a manual on-off valve.

[0034] Inspection device 21 also includes a plurality of connection pipelines 34A, 34B, 34C, and 34D that serve as connection paths for multiple systems, and a plurality of switching valves 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E, and 35F. The plurality of switching valves 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E, and 35F are all manually operated on-off valves. Inspection device 21 also includes an inclination sensor 36, an acceleration sensor 37 also known as a G sensor, a start switch 38, a reset switch 39, a plurality of receptacle connection switches 40A, 40B, and 40C that serve as a plurality of receptacle connection detectors, and a plurality of nozzle connection switches 41A, 41B, and 41C that serve as a plurality of nozzle connection detectors.

[0035] The inspection device housing 28 forms a box-like shape that defines the outer shape of the inspection device 21. The inspection device housing 28 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped (box) that is long in the vertical direction. The inspection device housing 28 accommodates three inspection device lines 24A, 24B, and 24C, three flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C, a control unit 26, three depressurization lines 30A, 30B, and 30C, three depressurization valves 31A, 31B, and 31C, three pressure sensors 32A, 32B, and 32C, three temperature sensors 33A, 33B, and 33C, four connection lines 34A, 34B, 34C, and 34D, and six switching valves 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E, and 35F.

[0036] An inclination sensor 36 and an acceleration sensor 37 are fixed to the inspection device housing 28. A display unit 27 is provided on the front surface of the inspection device housing 28 to display information to be reported, such as the integrated value of the hydrogen flow rate measured by the inspection device 21. A start switch 38 and a reset switch 39 are also provided on the front surface of the inspection device housing 28 to be operated by the operator performing the inspection.

[0037] The inspection device 21 is transported by a vehicle (transport vehicle) such as a truck to a hydrogen station where the hydrogen dispenser 1 to be inspected is installed. As shown in Fig. 1, the underside of the inspection device casing 28 may be provided with wheels that are used when moving the inspection device 21 within the hydrogen station. The inspection device 21 may also be configured to be mounted on a vehicle (transport vehicle) such as a truck.

[0038] 2, three inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C, i.e., a first inspection device receptacle 22A, a second inspection device receptacle 22B, and a third inspection device receptacle 22C, are provided on one side of the inspection device housing 28. In this case, for example, the first inspection device receptacle 22A and the second inspection device receptacle 22B are standard (small) receptacles (normal receptacles N1 and N2), and the third inspection device receptacle 22C is a receptacle (high receptacle H1) larger than the standard (small) receptacles. In contrast, three inspection device hoses 29A, 29B, and 29C, i.e., a first inspection device hose 29A, a second inspection device hose 29B, and a third inspection device hose 29C, extend from the other side of the inspection device housing 28. The three inspection device hoses 29A, 29B, and 29C are each made of a flexible pressure-resistant hose. The inspection device hoses 29A, 29B, and 29C, together with the inspection device pipes 24A, 24B, and 24C arranged inside the inspection device housing 28, form a gas distribution path.

[0039] Inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C are provided at the tips of the three inspection device hoses 29A, 29B, and 29C, respectively. That is, first inspection device nozzle 23A is provided at the tip of first inspection device hose 29A. Second inspection device nozzle 23B is provided at the tip of second inspection device hose 29B. Third inspection device nozzle 23C is provided at the tip of third inspection device hose 29C. Thus, inspection device 21 has three inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C corresponding to the three inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C.

[0040] The first inspection device receptacle 22A is connected to the first inspection device nozzle 23A via a first inspection device line 24A and a first inspection device hose 29A, which constitute a first gas flow path. The second inspection device receptacle 22B is connected to the second inspection device nozzle 23B via a second inspection device line 24B and a second inspection device hose 29B, which constitute a second gas flow path. The third inspection device receptacle 22C is connected to the third inspection device nozzle 23C via a third inspection device line 24C and a third inspection device hose 29C, which constitute a third gas flow path. Thus, the inspection device 21 has three gas flow paths, i.e., three inspection device lines 24A, 24B, and 24C and inspection device hoses 29A, 29B, and 29C.

[0041] For example, first inspection device nozzle 23A and second inspection device nozzle 23B are standard (small) nozzles (normal nozzles N1, N2), and third inspection device nozzle 23C is a nozzle (high nozzle H1) larger than the standard (small) nozzles. Also, the inner diameters of third inspection device pipe 24C and third inspection device hose 29C constituting the third gas flow path are larger than the inner diameters of first inspection device pipe 24A and first inspection device hose 29A constituting the first gas flow path and the inner diameters of second inspection device pipe 24B and second inspection device hose 29B constituting the second gas flow path.

[0042] A first flow rate measuring device 25A is provided in the first inspection device pipe 24A. The first flow rate measuring device 25A measures the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas flowing in the first inspection device pipe 24A, i.e., the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas supplied (filled) from the hydrogen dispenser 1 to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through the first inspection device pipe 24A. A second flow rate measuring device 25B is provided in the second inspection device pipe 24B. The second flow rate measuring device 25B measures the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas flowing in the second inspection device pipe 24B, i.e., the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas supplied (filled) from the hydrogen dispenser 1 to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through the second inspection device pipe 24B. A third flow rate measuring device 25C is provided in the third inspection device pipe 24C. The third flow meter 25C measures the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas flowing within the third inspection device pipeline 24C, i.e., the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas supplied (filled) from the hydrogen dispenser 1 to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through the third inspection device pipeline 24C.

[0043] Of the three flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C, two of the flow rate measuring instruments 25A and 25B, i.e., the first flow rate measuring instrument 25A and the second flow rate measuring instrument 25B, can be flow meters with a measurement range capable of measuring, for example, the current standard flow rate (NF). In contrast, the third flow rate measuring instrument 25C can be a flow meter with a measurement range capable of measuring higher flow rates (MF, HF) than the first flow rate measuring instrument 25A and the second flow rate measuring instrument 25B. In the embodiment, for example, the first flow rate measuring instrument 25A and the second flow rate measuring instrument 25B are flow meters with a measurement range capable of measuring the standard flow rate (NF) and the medium flow rate (MF), and the third flow rate measuring instrument 25C is a flow meter with a measurement range capable of measuring the high flow rate (HF). The flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C are connected to the control unit 26 of the inspection device 21.

[0044] Flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C output the measurement results, i.e., signals (detection signals) corresponding to the detected flow rates, to control unit 26 of inspection device 21. Control unit 26 calculates the supply amount (filling amount) of hydrogen gas supplied from hydrogen dispenser 1 to tank 52 of vehicle 51. That is, control unit 26 calculates the filling amount (supply amount) of hydrogen gas filled (supplied) from hydrogen dispenser 1 to tank 52 of vehicle 51 by integrating the flow rates of hydrogen gas measured by flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C.

[0045] The control unit 26 is connected to the display unit 27. The control unit 26 displays the calculated filling amount (supply amount) of hydrogen gas on the display unit 27. The control unit 26 is a control circuit, and is configured by, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (arithmetic unit), a memory 26A (storage device), etc. The memory 26A stores, for example, a processing program for executing the processing flows shown in Figures 4 to 9 described below.

[0046] A first depressurization line 30A is connected to the first inspection device line 24A downstream of the first flow rate measuring instrument 25A. A first depressurization valve 31A is provided in the first depressurization line 30A. A second depressurization line 30B is connected to the second inspection device line 24B downstream of the second flow rate measuring instrument 25B. A second depressurization valve 31B is provided in the second depressurization line 30B. A third depressurization line 30C is connected to the third inspection device line 24C downstream of the third flow rate measuring instrument 25C. A third depressurization valve 31C is provided in the third depressurization line 30C.

[0047] The depressurization valves 31A, 31B, and 31C are opened by an operator when filling by the hydrogen dispenser 1 and inspection by the inspection device 21 are completed. This causes the hydrogen gas in the inspection device lines 24A, 24B, and 24C and the inspection device hoses 29A, 29B, and 29C to be released to the outside through the depressurization lines 30A, 30B, and 30C. In other words, by opening the depressurization valves 31A, 31B, and 31C, the pressure in the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C can be reduced to atmospheric pressure, and the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C can be removed from the receptacle 53 of the tank 52.

[0048] Additionally, a first pressure sensor 32A and a first temperature sensor 33A are provided in the first inspection device pipe 24A downstream of the first flow rate measuring instrument 25A. A second pressure sensor 32B and a second temperature sensor 33B are provided in the second inspection device pipe 24B downstream of the second flow rate measuring instrument 25B. A third pressure sensor 32C and a third temperature sensor 33C are provided in the third inspection device pipe 24C downstream of the third flow rate measuring instrument 25C.

[0049] The temperature sensors 33A, 33B, and 33C detect the temperatures of the hydrogen gas flowing in the inspection device pipes 24A, 24B, and 24C. The temperature sensors 33A, 33B, and 33C are connected to the control unit 26 of the inspection device 21. The temperature sensors 33A, 33B, and 33C output detection results, i.e., signals (detection signals) corresponding to the detected temperatures, to the control unit 26 of the inspection device 21. The pressure sensors 32A, 32B, and 32C measure the pressures of the inspection device pipes 24A, 24B, and 24C, i.e., the pressures of the hydrogen gas flowing in the inspection device pipes 24A, 24B, and 24C. The pressure sensors 32A, 32B, and 32C are connected to the control unit 26 of the inspection device 21. The pressure sensors 32A, 32B, and 32C output detection results, i.e., signals (detection signals) corresponding to the detected pressures, to the control unit 26 of the inspection device 21.

[0050] A first connecting pipe 34A and a second connecting pipe 34B are provided between the first inspection device pipe 24A and the third inspection device pipe 24C. The first connecting pipe 34A is located upstream of the first flow rate measuring instrument 25A and the third flow rate measuring instrument 25C and connects the first inspection device pipe 24A and the third inspection device pipe 24C. The second connecting pipe 34B is located downstream of the first flow rate measuring instrument 25A and the third flow rate measuring instrument 25C and connects the first inspection device pipe 24A and the third inspection device pipe 24C. A third connecting pipe 34C and a fourth connecting pipe 34D are provided between the second inspection device pipe 24B and the third inspection device pipe 24C. The third connecting pipe 34C is located upstream of the second flow rate measuring instrument 25B and the third flow rate measuring instrument 25C and connects the second inspection device pipe 24B and the third inspection device pipe 24C. The fourth connecting pipe 34D is located downstream of the second flow rate measuring instrument 25B and the third flow rate measuring instrument 25C and connects the second inspection device pipe 24B and the third inspection device pipe 24C.

[0051] A first switching valve 35A is provided in the first connecting pipe 34A. A second switching valve 35B is provided in the second connecting pipe 34B. A third switching valve 35C is provided in the third connecting pipe 34C. A fourth switching valve 35D is provided in the fourth connecting pipe 34D. A fifth switching valve 35E is provided in the third inspection device pipe 24C between the first connecting pipe 34A and the third connecting pipe 34C and the third flow meter 25C. A sixth switching valve 35F is provided in the third inspection device pipe 24C between the third flow meter 25C and the second connecting pipe 34B and the fourth connecting pipe 34D.

[0052] For example, first through fourth switching valves 35A through 35D are normally closed, and fifth and sixth switching valves 35E and 35F are open. Then, for example, when third flow rate measuring device 25C fails, first through fourth switching valves 35A through 35D are opened, and fifth and sixth switching valves 35E and 35F are closed. This allows first and second flow rate measuring devices 25A and 25B to measure the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas supplied (filled) into tank 52 of vehicle 51 from third inspection device receptacle 22C through third inspection device nozzle 23C.

[0053] The tilt sensor 36 provided in the inspection device housing 28 is an angle sensor that detects the tilt of the inspection device 21, more specifically, the tilt of the flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C. The tilt sensor 36 is connected to the control unit 26 of the inspection device 21. The tilt sensor 36 outputs a signal (detection signal) corresponding to the detected tilt to the control unit 26 of the inspection device 21. For example, when the control unit 26 detects a tilt greater than a predetermined tilt angle, the control unit 26 stops the inspection by the inspection device 21 or prevents the inspection from starting.

[0054] Acceleration sensor 37 provided in inspection device housing 28 detects the acceleration (vibration) of inspection device 21, more specifically, the acceleration (vibration) of flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C. Acceleration sensor 37 is connected to control unit 26 of inspection device 21. Acceleration sensor 37 outputs a signal (detection signal) corresponding to the detected acceleration (vibration) to control unit 26 of inspection device 21. For example, when control unit 26 detects acceleration (vibration) greater than a predetermined acceleration (vibration), it stops the inspection by inspection device 21.

[0055] Start switch 38 provided on inspection device housing 28 is operated by the operator performing the inspection when starting an inspection using inspection device 21. Start switch 38 is a push-button switch connected to control unit 26 of inspection device 21. When operated by the operator, start switch 38 outputs a signal (ON signal) corresponding to this operation to control unit 26 of inspection device 21. For example, the operator turns ON start switch 38 and then turns ON filling start switch 8 of hydrogen dispenser 1. This starts inspection using inspection device 21, i.e., starts measurement of the flow rate of hydrogen gas using flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C.

[0056] Reset switch 39 provided on inspection device housing 28 is operated by an operator when inspection by inspection device 21 has finished or when inspection is interrupted. Reset switch 39 is a push-button switch, and is connected to control unit 26 of inspection device 21. When operated by an operator, reset switch 39 outputs a signal corresponding to this operation (reset signal) to control unit 26 of inspection device 21. For example, an operator operates this switch when resetting the integrated value of the hydrogen flow rate displayed on display unit 27 of inspection device 21, i.e., when setting the integrated value to zero.

[0057] The first inspection device receptacle 22A is provided with a first receptacle connection switch 40A. The second inspection device receptacle 22B is provided with a second receptacle connection switch 40B. The third inspection device receptacle 22C is provided with a third receptacle connection switch 40C. Thus, the inspection device 21 is provided with three receptacle connection switches 40A, 40B, and 40C.

[0058] Receptacle connection switches 40A, 40B, 40C detect that nozzle 4 of hydrogen dispenser 1 is connected to inspection device receptacle 22A, 22B, 22C. Receptacle connection switches 40A, 40B, 40C are connected to control unit 26 of inspection device 21. When nozzle 4 of hydrogen dispenser 1 is connected to inspection device receptacle 22A, 22B, 22C, receptacle connection switches 40A, 40B, 40C output a signal (ON signal) to control unit 26 of inspection device 21.

[0059] The first inspection device nozzle 23A is provided with a first nozzle connection switch 41A. The second inspection device nozzle 23B is provided with a second nozzle connection switch 41B. The third inspection device nozzle 23C is provided with a third nozzle connection switch 41C. Thus, the inspection device 21 is provided with three nozzle connection switches 41A, 41B, and 41C.

[0060] Nozzle connection switches 41A, 41B, 41C detect that inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C are connected to tank 52 (receptacle 53) of vehicle 51. Nozzle connection switches 41A, 41B, 41C are connected to control unit 26 of inspection device 21. When inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C are connected to tank 52 (receptacle 53) of vehicle 51, nozzle connection switches 41A, 41B, 41C output a signal (ON signal) to control unit 26 of inspection device 21.

[0061] Control unit 26 determines whether or not inspection by inspection device 21 (measurement by flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, 25C) is possible based on signals from receptacle connection switches 40A, 40B, 40C and nozzle connection switches 41A, 41B, 41C. For example, when start switch 38 is operated, if control unit 26 determines that inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, 22C and nozzles 4 of hydrogen dispenser 1 are not properly connected, control unit 26 issues a notification (warning) by displaying that fact on display unit 27. Furthermore, if inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C and tank 52 (receptacle 53) of vehicle 51 are not properly connected, control unit 26 issues a notification (warning) by displaying that fact on display unit 27.

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 26 determines whether or not inspection by the inspection device 21 (measurement by the flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C) is possible based on a signal from the tilt sensor 36. For example, when the start switch 38 is operated and an inclination greater than a predetermined inclination angle is detected, the control unit 26 issues a notification (warning) by displaying that fact on the display unit 27. For example, when the start switch 38 is operated and an acceleration (vibration) greater than a predetermined acceleration (vibration) is detected, the control unit 26 issues a notification (warning) by displaying that fact on the display unit 27. Furthermore, even while the inspection by the inspection device 21 (measurement by the flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C) is being performed, if an acceleration (vibration) greater than a predetermined acceleration (vibration) is detected, the control unit 26 issues a notification (warning) by displaying that fact on the display unit 27.

[0063] In this embodiment, the receptacle connection switches 40A, 40B, and 40C are configured to physically detect whether the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 has been mated with the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C. In this case, the receptacle connection switches 40A, 40B, and 40C may be configured, for example, as an ON-OFF switch or as a pressure sensor that detects the connection (mating) pressure. In either case, the control unit 26 can determine that the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 and the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C have been connected based on the detection results of the receptacle connection switches 40A, 40B, and 40C.

[0064] Furthermore, the connection between the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 and the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C may be detected by a proximity sensor using infrared rays or the like. That is, a proximity sensor may be provided in the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C, and this proximity sensor may detect that the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 has approached. In this case, the control unit 26 can determine that the nozzle 4 has been connected to the inspection device receptacle 22A, 22B, or 22C when the proximity sensor detects that the nozzle 4 has approached. Furthermore, for example, the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 and the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C may each be provided with a transmitter and a receiver for wireless communication such as IR communication (infrared communication). In this case, the control unit 26 can determine that the nozzle 4 has been connected to the inspection device receptacle 22A, 22B, or 22C based on the presence or absence of wireless communication.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, the inspection device 21 may be configured to include a setting button for setting the connection when the operator connects the nozzle 4 to the inspection device receptacle 22A, 22B, or 22C. That is, the control unit 26 may determine that the nozzle 4 is connected to the inspection device receptacle 22A, 22B, or 22C when the setting button is operated. The same applies to the connection between the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, or 23C and the tank 52 (receptacle 53) of the vehicle 51. Furthermore, the connection between the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, or 23C and the tank 52 (receptacle 53) of the vehicle 51 may be determined based on a signal from a nozzle switch (nozzle hook-up switch) provided in the inspection device 21 that detects when the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, or 23C are removed from the inspection device 21.

[0066] That is, a nozzle switch (placement detector) for detecting the presence (presence or absence) of each inspection device nozzle 23A, 23B, 23C is provided in a nozzle hanging portion (nozzle placement portion) that holds (places) the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C on the inspection device 21 when the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C are not in use. The control unit 26 may determine that the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C are connected to the tank 52 (receptacle 53) of the vehicle 51 based on a signal from the nozzle switch (placement detector), i.e., a signal that the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C have been removed.

[0067] To summarize, according to the embodiment, inspection device 21 includes inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C, inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C, inspection device pipes 24A, 24B, and 24C and inspection device hoses 29A, 29B, and 29C that constitute a gas distribution path, flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C, a control unit 26 that serves as an integrated flow rate calculation unit, and a display unit 27 that serves as an informing means. Nozzles 4 of hydrogen dispenser 1 are connected to inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C. Inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C are connected to receptacle 53 of vehicle 51 (tank 52). Vehicle 51 (tank 52) is a supply target (gas supply target) to which hydrogen gas is supplied from hydrogen dispenser 1.

[0068] The gas flow paths formed by the inspection device pipes 24A, 24B, and 24C and the inspection device hoses 29A, 29B, and 29C are connected at one end to the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C, respectively, and at the other end to the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C. Flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C are provided on each of the inspection device pipes 24A, 24B, and 24C. The flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C measure the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied from the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C toward the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C. The control unit 26 calculates the cumulative flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the inspection device pipes 24A, 24B, and 24C from the flow rates measured by the flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C. The display unit 27 displays the integrated flow rate calculated by the control unit 26. That is, the display unit 27 notifies the integrated flow rate.

[0069] Here, the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C are provided for each type of nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1. In the embodiment, the multiple inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C are two inspection device receptacles 22A and 22B of the same type and one inspection device receptacle 22C of a type different from these two inspection device receptacles, for a total of three inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C.

[0070] In this case, the first inspection device receptacle 22A and the second inspection device receptacle 22B correspond to standard (small) receptacles (normal receptacles N1, N2) of the same type. The third inspection device receptacle 22C corresponds to a different type of receptacle from the standard (small) receptacle, i.e., a receptacle (high receptacle H1) that is larger than the standard (small) receptacle. The first inspection device receptacle 22A and the second inspection device receptacle 22B are connectable to the standard (small) nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1.

[0071] In Figure 1, for example, the standard (small) nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is connected to the first inspection device receptacle 22A (receptacle N1), and the first inspection device nozzle 23A (normal nozzle N1) is connected to the receptacle 53 of the tank 52 of the vehicle 51. This allows the inspection device 21 to inspect (measure) the hydrogen dispenser 1, which is capable of single filling using the standard (small) nozzle 4, using the first flow rate meter 25A.

[0072] Furthermore, although not shown, the standard (small) nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 may be connected to the second inspection device receptacle 22B (receptacle N2), and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (normal nozzle N2) may be connected to the receptacle 53 of the tank 52 of the vehicle 51. In this case, the inspection device 21 can also use the second flow meter 25B to inspect (measure) the hydrogen dispenser 1, which is capable of single filling using the standard (small) nozzle 4. Furthermore, two standard (small) nozzles of the hydrogen dispenser may be connected to both the first inspection device receptacle 22A (receptacle N1) and the second inspection device receptacle 22B (receptacle N2), and the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) may be connected to the receptacle of the vehicle (tank). In this case, the inspection device 21 can use the first flow meter 25A and the second flow meter 25B to inspect (measure) a hydrogen dispenser capable of double filling (twin filling) using two standard (small) nozzles.

[0073] Meanwhile, a nozzle (not shown) larger (larger diameter) than the standard (small) nozzle 4 can be connected to the third inspection device receptacle 22C (receptacle H1). That is, a large nozzle of a hydrogen dispenser may be connected to the third inspection device receptacle 22C (receptacle H1), and the third inspection device nozzle 23C (high nozzle H1) may be connected to the vehicle (tank). In this way, by connecting the large nozzle of a hydrogen dispenser to the third inspection device receptacle 22C, the inspection device 21 can inspect (measure) a hydrogen dispenser capable of single filling using this large nozzle using the third flow meter 25C.

[0074] Next, the inspection procedure by the inspection device 21 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, an inspector performs the inspection using the inspection device 21 at the inspection site in the following order: "1. Installation," "2. Preparation," "3. Start of inspection," "4. End of inspection," "5. Depressurization," "6. Removal," and "7. Withdrawal." First, prior to the inspection, the inspection device 21 is positioned near the hydrogen dispenser 1 to be inspected. Next, pre-inspection preparation work is performed. Specifically, the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is connected to the corresponding inspection device receptacle 22A, 22B, 22C, e.g., the first inspection device receptacle 22A. Furthermore, the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C, e.g., the first inspection device nozzle 23A, corresponding to the receptacle 53, are connected to the receptacle 53 of the vehicle 51 (tank 52) to be filled (supplied) with hydrogen gas. The order of connections may be reversed. Next, the switching valves 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E, and 35F are opened or closed as necessary. For example, if the first switching valve 35A and the second switching valve 35B are open, they are closed.

[0076] Once the pre-inspection preparations are complete, the inspection begins. That is, the start switch 38 of the inspection device 21 is operated. After operating the start switch 38, the operator performing the inspection checks to make sure that no alarms are displayed on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21, and then begins filling using the hydrogen dispenser 1. That is, the operator operates the filling start switch 8 of the hydrogen dispenser 1. This starts filling using the hydrogen dispenser 1. While hydrogen gas is being filled using the hydrogen dispenser 1, the amount filled is measured by both the hydrogen dispenser 1 and the inspection device 21.

[0077] When the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 is fully filled, or when the fill stop switch 9 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is operated, the filling of hydrogen gas by the hydrogen dispenser 1 is terminated. This terminates the measurement of the fill amount by the hydrogen dispenser 1 and the measurement of the fill amount by the inspection device 21. The operator performing the inspection can evaluate the measurement accuracy of the hydrogen dispenser 1 based on the integrated hydrogen flow rate value (e.g., "3.01 kg") displayed on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21 and the integrated hydrogen flow rate value (e.g., "3.01 kg") displayed on the display 6 of the hydrogen dispenser 1. In addition, the operator can operate the reset switch 39 of the inspection device 21 to reset the display on the display unit 27 (e.g., the integrated hydrogen flow rate value) as needed. Note that in this embodiment, the minimum unit for comparing integrated values ​​is described as 0.01 kg, but as mentioned above, in order to perform a more accurate evaluation, the minimum unit for comparing integrated values ​​may be 0.001 kg or even smaller.

[0078] When filling using the hydrogen dispenser 1 is complete, the depressurization process is performed. That is, the worker opens the depressurization valves 31A, 31B, and 31C. For example, if the first inspection device nozzle 23A is connected to the receptacle 53 of the vehicle 51 (tank 52), the worker opens the first depressurization valve 31A. This reduces the pressure in the first inspection device nozzle 23A to atmospheric pressure, making it possible to remove the first inspection device nozzle 23A from the receptacle 53 of the tank 52 of the vehicle 51. Furthermore, by opening the depressurization valve within the hydrogen dispenser 1, the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 can be removed from the first inspection device receptacle 22A. The worker removes the first inspection device nozzle 23A from the receptacle 53 of the tank 52 of the vehicle 51, and also removes the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 from the first inspection device receptacle 22A. The order in which they are removed does not matter. Once removal is complete, the inspection device 21 is moved from the vicinity of the hydrogen dispenser 1. For example, the inspection device 21 is moved to the vicinity of another hydrogen dispenser 1 that will be the next object of inspection. Before this movement, if necessary, the reset switch 39 of the inspection device 21 can be operated to reset the inspection device 21.

[0079] Next, a description will be given of the flow charts shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 8. Fig. 4 to Fig. 8 show control processing performed by the control unit 26 of the inspection device 21. The processing in Fig. 4 to Fig. 8 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined control cycle.

[0080] The control processing of Figures 4 to 8 is initiated, for example, by energizing the inspection device 21 (control unit 26). In S1, the control unit 26 determines whether the start switch 38 has been operated. If the result of S1 is "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the start switch 38 has not been operated, the processing of S1 is repeated. On the other hand, if the result of S1 is "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the start switch 38 has been operated, the processing proceeds to S2. This corresponds to a state in which the operator performing the inspection has completed preparations for inspection by the inspection device 21. That is, this corresponds to a state in which installation of the inspection device 21, connection of the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 to the corresponding inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C, and connection of the receptacle 53 of the filling target (tank 52 of vehicle 51) to the corresponding inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C have been completed.

[0081] Therefore, in S2, it is determined whether the tilt angle of the inspection device 21 is equal to or less than a predetermined angle. The tilt angle is detected by the tilt sensor 36. The predetermined angle can be set as a boundary value of an allowable range within which inspection by the inspection device 21 (measurement by the flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C) can be performed accurately. If the result of S2 is "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the tilt angle of the inspection device 21 is not equal to or less than the predetermined angle, the process proceeds to S3. In this case, it is not desirable to perform inspection by the inspection device 21 (measurement by the flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C). Therefore, in S3, an alarm regarding the tilt is issued. That is, the operator is notified that the tilt angle of the inspection device 21 is outside the allowable range within which inspection is possible. This notification can be performed, for example, by displaying a message on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21.

[0082] If an alarm is issued in S3, the process proceeds to S4 via "A" in FIG. 4. In S4, it is determined whether the reset switch 39 has been operated. If it is determined "NO" in S4, that is, if it is determined that the reset switch 39 has not been operated, the process of S4 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined "YES" in S4, that is, if it is determined that the reset switch 39 has been operated, the process returns via S5. That is, in S5, the inspection device 21 is reset. For example, the control unit 26 resets the integrated value of the hydrogen flow rate displayed on the display unit 27. Also, if necessary, the alarm displayed on the display unit 27 is hidden. If the inspection device 21 is reset in S5, the process returns to the start via return, and the processes from S1 onwards are repeated.

[0083] On the other hand, if S2 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the tilt angle of the inspection device 21 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined angle, the process proceeds to S6. In this case, the tilt angle of the inspection device 21 corresponds to an angle at which inspection is possible, i.e., an angle at which measurements can be accurately performed by the flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C. In S6, it is determined whether the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is connected to both the first inspection device receptacle 22A (receptacle N1) and the second inspection device receptacle 22B (receptacle N2). This determination can be made based on the signals of the first receptacle connection switch 40A and the second receptacle connection switch 40B. If S6 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is connected to both the first inspection device receptacle 22A (receptacle N1) and the second inspection device receptacle 22B (receptacle N2), the process proceeds to S7. In this case, double filling (twin filling) is performed using two standard (small) nozzles 4 .

[0084] Therefore, in S7, it is determined whether the incorrect inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C have been removed from the inspection device 21. That is, in S7, it is determined whether or not it has been detected that the third inspection device nozzle 23C (nozzle H1) has been removed from the inspection device 21. This determination can be made, for example, by a signal from a nozzle switch (placement detector) provided on the nozzle hanging portion (nozzle placement portion) of the inspection device 21. If the result in S7 is "NO," that is, if it is determined that the third inspection device nozzle 23C (nozzle H1) has been removed from the inspection device 21, the process proceeds to S8. In S8, an alarm is issued to indicate that the incorrect inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C have been removed from the inspection device 21. For example, the operator is notified (instructed) to return the third inspection device nozzle 23C (nozzle H1) to the nozzle hanger of the inspection device 21 and to connect the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) to the receptacle to be filled. This notification can be made, for example, by displaying the message on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21. If an alarm is issued in S8, the process proceeds to S4 via "A" in FIG. 4.

[0085] On the other hand, if S7 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the third inspection device nozzle 23C (nozzle H1) has not been removed from the inspection device 21, the process proceeds to S9. In S9, it is determined that the correct inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C have been removed from the inspection device 21. That is, in S9, it is determined whether it has been detected that the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) have been removed from the inspection device 21. This determination can also be made, for example, by a signal from a nozzle switch (mounting detector) provided on the nozzle hanging portion (nozzle mounting portion) of the inspection device 21. If S9 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) have been removed from the inspection device 21, the process proceeds to S10. This case corresponds to the case where the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) are connected to the receptacle to be filled.

[0086] On the other hand, if S9 returns "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) have not been removed from the inspection device 21, the process proceeds to S51 via "C" in FIG. 4 and "C" in FIG. 8. In S51, it is determined whether the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) has been removed from the inspection device 21. If S51 returns "YES," the process proceeds to S52. This corresponds to a case where the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) is connected to the receptacle to be filled, and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) is not connected to the receptacle to be filled. Therefore, in S52, an alarm is issued to indicate that the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) is not connected to the receptacle to be filled. For example, a notification (instruction) is given to a worker to connect the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) to the receptacle to be filled. This notification can be made, for example, by displaying the message on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21. Once an alarm is issued in S52, the process proceeds to S4 via "A" in Fig. 8 and "A" in Fig. 4.

[0087] On the other hand, if the determination in S51 is "NO," the process proceeds to S53. In S53, it is determined whether the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) is detached from the inspection device 21. If the determination in S53 is "YES," the process proceeds to S54. This corresponds to a case where the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) is connected to the receptacle to be filled, and the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) is not connected to the receptacle to be filled. Therefore, in S54, an alarm is issued to the effect that the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) is not connected to the receptacle to be filled. For example, a notification (instruction) is given to the operator to connect the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) to the receptacle to be filled. This notification can be made, for example, by displaying a message on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21. If an alarm is issued in S54, the process proceeds to S4 via "A" in FIG. 8 and "A" in FIG. 4.

[0088] On the other hand, if S53 returns "NO," the process proceeds to S55. This corresponds to a case where the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) are not connected to the receptacle to be filled. Therefore, in S55, an alarm is issued to indicate that the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) are not connected to the receptacle to be filled. For example, a notification (instruction) is given to the operator to connect the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) to the receptacle to be filled. This notification can be made, for example, by displaying a message on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21. If an alarm is issued in S55, the process proceeds to S4 via "A" in FIG. 8 and "A" in FIG. 4.

[0089] The processes of S7, S9, S51, and S53 may be determined based on signals from the nozzle connection switches 41A, 41B, and 41C, for example. That is, if the determination in S6 is "YES," it may be determined based on signals from the first nozzle connection switch 41A and the second nozzle connection switch 41B whether or not the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) are connected to the receptacle to be filled.

[0090] In either case, if S6 returns "YES" and it is determined that the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) and the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) are connected to the receptacle to be filled, the process proceeds to S10. In S10, flow rate measurement, summation, integration, and display are performed. That is, in S10, the flow rate of hydrogen gas is measured using the first flow rate meter 25A (flow rate meter N1) and the second flow rate meter 25B (flow rate meter N2). The flow rate (N1) measured by the first flow rate meter 25A (flow rate meter N1) and the flow rate (N2) measured by the second flow rate meter 25B (flow rate meter N2) are summed. The summed flow rate (N1 + N2) is integrated (Σ(N1 + N2)) to calculate the amount (total integrated amount) of hydrogen gas supplied (filled) from the hydrogen dispenser 1 to the filling target (tank 52 of vehicle 51). The calculated filling amount (total accumulated amount) is displayed on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21.

[0091] In S11 following S10, it is determined whether the magnitude of vibration of the inspection device 21 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor 37. The predetermined vibration value can be set as a boundary value of an allowable range in which inspection by the inspection device 21 (measurement by the flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C) can be performed accurately. If the result of S11 is "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the magnitude of vibration of the inspection device 21 is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S12. In S12, it is determined whether the reset switch 39 has been operated. If the result of S12 is "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the reset switch 39 has not been operated, the process returns to before S10, and the processes of S10 and S11 are repeated. On the other hand, if the result of S12 is "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the reset switch 39 has been operated, the process returns via S5.

[0092] On the other hand, if S11 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that the magnitude of the vibration of the inspection device 21 is not equal to or less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S13. This corresponds to a case where it is not desirable to continue the inspection by the inspection device 21 (measurement by the flow rate measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C). Therefore, in S13, an alarm regarding the vibration is issued. That is, the operator is notified that the vibration of the inspection device 21 is outside the allowable range for inspection (that is, an error has occurred). The operator is also notified (instructed) to redo the inspection. These notifications can be made, for example, by displaying the relevant message on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21. If an alarm is issued in S13, the process proceeds to S4.

[0093] On the other hand, if S6 returns "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is not connected to both the first inspection device receptacle 22A (receptacle N1) and the second inspection device receptacle 22B (receptacle N2), the process proceeds to S21 via "B" in FIG. 4 and "B" in FIG. 5. In S21, it is determined whether the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is connected to the first inspection device receptacle 22A (receptacle N1). This determination can be made by a signal from the first receptacle connection switch 40A. If S21 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is connected to the first inspection device receptacle 22A (receptacle N1), the process proceeds to S22. This corresponds to a single filling using one standard (small) nozzle 4.

[0094] Therefore, in S22, it is determined whether or not the incorrect inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C have been removed from the inspection device 21. That is, in S22, it is determined whether or not the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) and / or the third inspection device nozzle 23C (nozzle H1) has been detected as being removed from the inspection device 21. This determination can be made, for example, by a signal from a nozzle switch (placement detector) provided on the nozzle hanging portion (nozzle placement portion) of the inspection device 21. If the result in S22 is "NO," that is, if it is determined that the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) and / or the third inspection device nozzle 23C (nozzle H1) has been removed from the inspection device 21, the process proceeds to S23. In S23, an alarm is issued to indicate that the incorrect inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C have been removed from the inspection device 21. For example, the operator is notified (instructed) to return the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) and / or the third inspection device nozzle 23C (nozzle H1) to the nozzle hanger of the inspection device 21 and to connect the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) to the receptacle to be filled. This notification can be made, for example, by displaying the message on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21. If an alarm is issued in S23, the process proceeds to S4 via "A" in FIG. 5 and "A" in FIG. 4.

[0095] On the other hand, if S22 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2) and / or the third inspection device nozzle 23C (nozzle H1) have not been removed from the inspection device 21, the process proceeds to S24. In S24, it is determined that the correct inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C have been removed from the inspection device 21. That is, in S24, it is determined whether it has been detected that the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) has been removed from the inspection device 21. This determination can also be made, for example, by a signal from a nozzle switch (placement detector) provided on the nozzle hanging portion (nozzle placement portion) of the inspection device 21. If S24 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) has been removed from the inspection device 21, the process proceeds to S26. This case corresponds to the case where the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) is connected to the receptacle to be filled.

[0096] On the other hand, if S24 returns "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) has not been removed from the inspection device 21, the process proceeds to S25. This corresponds to a case where the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) is not connected to the receptacle to be filled. Therefore, in S25, an alarm is issued to the effect that the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) is not connected to the receptacle to be filled. For example, a notification (instruction) is given to the operator to connect the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) to the receptacle to be filled. This notification can be made, for example, by displaying a message on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21. If an alarm is issued in S25, the process proceeds to S4 via "A" in FIG. 5 and "A" in FIG. 4.

[0097] The processes of S22 and S24 may be determined based on, for example, signals from the nozzle connection switches 41A, 41B, and 41C. That is, if the determination in S21 is "YES," it may be determined based on a signal from the first nozzle connection switch 41A whether or not the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) is connected to the receptacle to be filled.

[0098] In either case, if S21 returns "YES" and it is determined that the first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1) is connected to the receptacle to be filled, the process proceeds to S26. In S26, flow rate measurement, integration, and display processes are performed. That is, in S26, the flow rate of hydrogen gas is measured by the first flow rate meter 25A (flow meter N1). The flow rate (N1) measured by the first flow rate meter 25A (flow meter N1) is integrated (Σ(N1)) to calculate the filling amount (total integrated amount) of hydrogen gas supplied (filled) from the hydrogen dispenser 1 to the filling target (tank 52 of vehicle 51). The calculated filling amount (total integrated amount) is displayed on the display unit 27 of the inspection device 21.

[0099] In S27 following S26, it is determined whether the magnitude of vibration of the inspection device 21 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The process of S26 is the same as the process of S11 in FIG. 4. If the result of S27 is "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the magnitude of vibration of the inspection device 21 is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S28. The process of S28 is the same as the process of S12 in FIG. 4. If the result of S28 is "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the reset switch 39 has not been operated, the process returns to before S26 and repeats the processes of S26 and S27. On the other hand, if the result of S28 is "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the reset switch 39 has been operated, the process proceeds to S5 via "F" in FIG. 5 and "F" in FIG. 4. On the other hand, if the result of S27 is "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the magnitude of vibration of the inspection device 21 is not equal to or less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S13 via "E" in FIG. 5 and "E" in FIG. 4.

[0100] On the other hand, if S21 returns "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is not connected to the first inspection device receptacle 22A (receptacle N1), the process proceeds to S31 via "D" in FIG. 5 and "D" in FIG. 6. In S31, it is determined whether the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is connected to the second inspection device receptacle 22B (receptacle N2). This determination can be made by a signal from the second receptacle connection switch 40B. If S31 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is connected to the second inspection device receptacle 22B (receptacle N2), the process proceeds to S32. This case also corresponds to a single filling using one standard (small) nozzle 4.

[0101] The processing of S32 to S38 in Fig. 6 is similar to the processing of S22 to S28 in Fig. 5, more specifically, the processing in Fig. 5 is related to measurement of the filling amount using first inspection device receptacle 22A (receptacle N1), first flow rate measuring instrument 25A (flow meter N1), and first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1), whereas the processing in Fig. 6 is related to measurement of the filling amount using second inspection device receptacle 22B (receptacle N2), second flow rate measuring instrument 25B (flow meter N2), and second inspection device nozzle 23B (nozzle N2). Therefore, a description of S32 to S38 in Fig. 6 will be omitted.

[0102] If S31 in FIG. 6 returns "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 is not connected to the second inspection device receptacle 22B (receptacle N2), the process proceeds to S41 via "G" in FIG. 6 and "G" in FIG. 7. In S41, it is determined whether or not the nozzle of the hydrogen dispenser is connected to the third inspection device receptacle 22C (receptacle H1). This determination can be made by a signal from the third receptacle connection switch 40C. If S41 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the nozzle of the hydrogen dispenser is connected to the third inspection device receptacle 22C (receptacle H1), the process proceeds to S42. This corresponds to a single filling using one large nozzle. On the other hand, if S41 returns "NO", i.e., if it is determined that the nozzle of the hydrogen dispenser is not connected to the third testing device receptacle 22C (receptacle H1), the process proceeds to S6 via "H" in Figure 7 and "H" in Figure 4, and the processing from S6 onwards is repeated.

[0103] The processing of S42 to S48 in Fig. 7 is similar to the processing of S22 to S28 in Fig. 5, more specifically, while in Fig. 5 it is processing related to measurement of the filling amount using first inspection device receptacle 22A (receptacle N1), first flow rate measuring instrument 25A (flow meter N1), and first inspection device nozzle 23A (nozzle N1), in Fig. 7 it is processing related to measurement of the filling amount using third inspection device receptacle 22C (receptacle H1), third flow rate measuring instrument 25C (flow meter N3), and third inspection device nozzle 23C (nozzle H1), except for the difference that it is similar. For this reason, description of S42 to S48 in Fig. 7 will be omitted.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 , in this embodiment, the inspection device 21 detects the connection between the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C and the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1, and also detects the connection between the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C and the receptacle 53 of the vehicle 51 (tank 52), thereby performing measurements using the flow meters 25A, 25B, and 25C. Furthermore, if the inspection device 21 detects one of the connections between the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C and the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 and the connections between the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C and the receptacle 53 of the vehicle 51 (tank 52), but does not detect the other connection, it notifies the user of an abnormality. For example, the control unit 26 of the inspection device 21 displays the abnormality on the display unit 27. The abnormality may be notified by an audible alarm or voice.

[0105] The inspection device 21 also includes an inclination sensor 36 as an inclination detector that detects the inclination of the flow measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C, and a control unit 26 as an inclination signal output unit that outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of inclination when the inclination sensor 36 detects a predetermined inclination. The control unit 26 outputs the signal indicating the occurrence of inclination to a display unit 27 as a notification means. Based on this signal, the display unit 27 displays an abnormality, i.e., that the inclination angle of the inspection device 21 is outside the allowable range. This allows the inspection device 21 to notify an operator of the abnormality. The inspection device 21 may also be configured to stop metering by the flow measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C based on the signal indicating the occurrence of inclination.

[0106] The inspection device 21 also includes an acceleration sensor 37 as a vibration detector that detects vibrations of the flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C, and a control unit 26 as a vibration signal output unit that outputs a signal indicating that vibrations are occurring when the acceleration sensor 37 detects a predetermined vibration. The control unit 26 outputs the signal indicating that vibrations are occurring to the display unit 27 as a notification means. Based on this signal, the display unit 27 displays an abnormality, i.e., that the vibrations of the inspection device 21 are outside the allowable range. This allows the inspection device 21 to notify an operator of the abnormality. The inspection device 21 may also be configured to stop metering by the flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, and 25C based on the signal indicating that vibrations are occurring.

[0107] As described above, in the embodiment, the inspection device 21 is provided with a plurality of inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, 22C and a plurality of inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C corresponding to different types of nozzles 4. The plurality of inspection device lines 24A, 24B, 24C connecting the plurality of inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, 22C and the plurality of inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C are provided with flow meters 25A, 25B, 25C, respectively. Therefore, the hydrogen dispenser 1 can be inspected (measured) using the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, 22C and the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C corresponding to the types of nozzles 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 and the flow meters 25A, 25B, 25C provided in the inspection device lines 24A, 24B, 24C connecting these. Furthermore, for hydrogen dispensers equipped with a nozzle of a different type from the nozzle 4 of this hydrogen dispenser 1, inspection (measurement) of this hydrogen dispenser equipped with a nozzle of a different type can be performed using inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, 22C and inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C corresponding to this nozzle, and flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, 25C provided in inspection device pipelines 24A, 24B, 24C connecting these. This allows inspection (measurement) of multiple types of hydrogen dispensers 1 to be performed with a single inspection device 21.

[0108] In the embodiment, inspection device 21 performs measurement using flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, 25C by detecting the connection between inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, 22C and nozzle 4 of hydrogen dispenser 1, and by detecting the connection between inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C and receptacle 53 of vehicle 51 (tank 52). This prevents measurement (inspection of hydrogen dispenser 1) using flow rate measuring devices 25A, 25B, 25C from being performed in a state where the connection between inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, 22C and the connection between inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, 23C have not been detected. This allows inspection (measurement) by inspection device 21 to be performed in an appropriate state.

[0109] In the embodiment, the inspection device 21 notifies the user of an abnormality when it detects one of the connections between the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C and the nozzle 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 1 and the connection between the inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C and the receptacle 53 of the vehicle 51 (tank 52) but does not detect the other connection. Therefore, based on this abnormality notification, it is possible to prompt the user to make the other connection. This prevents the flow meters 25A, 25B, and 25C from performing measurements (inspection of the hydrogen dispenser 1) when the other connection has not been detected, allowing the inspection (measurement) by the inspection device 21 to be performed under appropriate conditions. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent time from passing without the other connection being made, thereby shortening the time required to start the inspection (measurement).

[0110] In the embodiment, the inspection device 21 includes a tilt sensor 36 and a control unit 26 that outputs a signal indicating the occurrence of tilt when the tilt sensor 36 detects a predetermined tilt. Therefore, based on the signal (signal indicating the occurrence of tilt) output by the control unit 26, it is possible to notify of an abnormality and / or stop measurement by the flow measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C. This makes it possible to prevent measurement from being performed when the tilt of the flow measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C is greater than the predetermined tilt, thereby improving the accuracy of measurement. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent inspection by the inspection device 21 (measurement by the flow measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C) from being performed in an unstable state.

[0111] In the embodiment, inspection device 21 includes acceleration sensor 37 and control unit 26 that, when acceleration sensor 37 detects a predetermined vibration, outputs a signal indicating that vibration is occurring. Therefore, based on the signal (signal indicating that vibration is occurring) output by control unit 26, it is possible to notify of an abnormality and / or stop metering by flow measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C. This makes it possible to prevent metering from being performed when the vibration of flow measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C is greater than the predetermined vibration, thereby improving metering accuracy. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent inspection by inspection device 21 (measurement by flow measuring instruments 25A, 25B, and 25C) from being performed in an unstable state.

[0112] According to the embodiment, the multiple inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, 22C are a total of three inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, 22C: two inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B of the same type and one inspection device receptacle 22C of a type different from the two inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B. Therefore, the inspection device 21 can perform a total of three types of inspection (measurement): double filling, which is performed by connecting two corresponding nozzles 4 to both of the two inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B of the same type; single filling (first single filling), which is performed by connecting one corresponding nozzle 4 to one of the two inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B of the same type; and single filling (second single filling), which is performed by connecting one corresponding nozzle to one inspection device receptacle 22C of a different type.

[0113] Therefore, one inspection device 21 can handle the inspection (measurement) of the next hydrogen dispenser, for example. (1) Inspection of a hydrogen dispenser that has one small (standard) nozzle 4 and is capable of filling one tank with hydrogen gas (single filling) using this one small nozzle 4. (2) Inspection of a hydrogen dispenser equipped with two small nozzles 4, each capable of filling one tank with hydrogen gas (double filling). (3) Testing of a hydrogen dispenser capable of single and double filling using a small nozzle 4. (4) Inspection of a hydrogen dispenser that has one large nozzle that can fill hydrogen gas at a higher flow rate than the small nozzle 4, and that can fill one tank with hydrogen gas using this large nozzle 1 (high-flow single fill). (5) Inspection of a hydrogen dispenser capable of single filling using a small nozzle 4 and high-flow single filling using a large nozzle. (6) Testing of a hydrogen dispenser capable of single and double filling using a small nozzle 4 and high-flow single filling using a large nozzle.

[0114] According to the embodiment, the inspection device 21 has three receptacles that can be connected to the nozzle of the hydrogen gas dispenser. The third flow meter 25C is a flow meter with a measurement range that can measure a higher flow rate than the first flow meter 25A and the second flow meter 25B. For example, the first flow meter 25A and the second flow meter 25B have a measurement range that can measure a standard flow rate (NF) and a higher medium flow rate (MF), while the third flow meter 25C is a flow meter with a measurement range that can measure a higher flow rate (HF). Therefore, various combinations of these flow meters can be used to inspect (measure) various hydrogen gas dispensers. For example, it is possible to inspect a single fill at the standard flow rate (NF), a single fill at a medium flow rate (MF) higher than the standard flow rate (NF), a single fill at a high flow rate (HF) higher than the medium flow rate (MF), a double fill (twin fill) at the standard flow rate (NF), and a double fill (twin fill) at the medium flow rate (MF). In this case, the standard flow rate (NF) corresponds to a maximum flow rate of, for example, about 3.6 kg / min, the medium flow rate (MF) corresponds to a maximum flow rate of, for example, about 5.4 kg / min, the high flow rate (HF) corresponds to a maximum flow rate of, for example, about 18 kg / min, double filling (twin filling) with the standard flow rate (NF) corresponds to a maximum flow rate of, for example, about 7.2 kg / min, and double filling (twin filling) with the medium flow rate (MF) corresponds to a maximum flow rate of, for example, about 10.8 kg / min. These flow rates are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0115] As described above, according to the embodiment, inspection (measurement) of hydrogen gas dispensers for various filling targets (LDV, MDV, HDV) and various flow rate categories (NF×1, MF×1, HF×1, NF×2, MF×2) can be performed with a single inspection device 21. Furthermore, the inspection device 21 is equipped with multiple switching valves 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E, and 35F. Therefore, if the piping system within the inspection device 21 is considered to be three systems, the other two systems can be considered as spares when a measurement test is performed on one system. In other words, when one of the piping systems (e.g., the third flow rate measuring device 25C) breaks down, another piping system (e.g., the first flow rate measuring device 25A and the second flow rate measuring device 25B) can be used as a substitute for the failed system.

[0116] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the inspection (weighing) of the inspection device 21 is started by operating the start switch 38. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 9, the inspection (weighing) may be started automatically without operating the start switch. The modified example shown in FIG. 9 includes processes S61 to S64 instead of the process S1 in FIG. 4. The control process of FIG. 9 is also started, for example, by energizing the inspection device 21 (control unit 26). In S61, the control unit 26 determines whether a hydrogen dispenser nozzle is connected to any of the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C. This determination can be made based on the signals of the receptacle connection switches 40A, 40B, and 40C. If S61 returns "NO," i.e., if it is determined that a hydrogen dispenser nozzle is not connected to any of the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C, the process of S61 is repeated.

[0117] On the other hand, if S61 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the nozzle of the hydrogen dispenser has been connected to any of the testing device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C, the process proceeds to S62 and subsequent steps. In S62, time measurement begins, and in the following S63, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time can be set, for example, to the time (e.g., 10 seconds) that is considered to be required from the time the nozzle of the hydrogen dispenser is connected to the first testing device receptacle 22A until the time the nozzle of the hydrogen dispenser is connected to the second testing device receptacle 22B.

[0118] If S63 returns "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of time measurement in S62, the process of S63 is repeated. If S63 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of time measurement in S62, the process proceeds to S64. In S64, it is again detected which of the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C the hydrogen dispenser nozzle is connected to. This determines which of the inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C was used for filling. If a connection is detected again in S64, the process proceeds to S2. The processes from S2 onwards are the same as those in Figures 4 to 8.

[0119] According to this modification, it is possible to eliminate the need to operate an operation switch when starting an inspection by inspection device 21. In the modification, an example has been described in which the condition for starting an inspection is the detection of a connection between inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B, and 22C and the nozzles of a hydrogen dispenser. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the condition for starting an inspection may be the detection of a connection between inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C and receptacle 53 to be filled.

[0120] In the embodiment and the modified example, the inspection device 21 has been described as having two inspection device receptacles 22A, 22B (N1, N2) of the same type and one inspection device receptacle 22C (H1) of a different type. However, this is not limiting, and the inspection device may have, for example, one inspection device receptacle (N1) and one inspection device receptacle (H1) of a different type. Furthermore, for example, the inspection device may have two inspection device receptacles (N1, N2) of the same type and two inspection device receptacles (H1, H2) of a different type. Furthermore, for example, the inspection device may have three types of inspection device receptacles. In other words, the number of types of inspection device receptacles and the number of inspection device receptacles are not limited. The inspection device may also include an inspection device nozzle, a gas flow path, and a flow rate measuring device in accordance with the type and number of inspection device receptacles.

[0121] In the embodiment and the modified example, the inspection device 21 is described as having a configuration including multiple (three) inspection device nozzles 23A, 23B, and 23C, i.e., a configuration including multiple hydrogen gas outlets. However, this is not limiting, and the inspection device may be configured, for example, as having a single (one) inspection device nozzle, i.e., as having one hydrogen gas outlet.

[0122] In the embodiment and the modified example, an automobile has been described 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. The automobile may also be, for example, a passenger vehicle such as a bus, or a freight vehicle such as a truck. In other words, the vehicle to be filled with the hydrogen dispenser 1 may be a light-duty vehicle (LDV), a medium-duty vehicle (MDV), or a heavy-duty vehicle (HDV).

[0123] In the embodiment and modified examples, the case of filling the tank 52 of a vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be used, for example, when filling a tank (a cylinder, a container, etc.) other than a vehicle with hydrogen gas. The hydrogen dispenser may also be installed, for example, in the middle of a pipeline (a hydrogen supply pipeline) for supplying hydrogen gas to another location. Furthermore, although hydrogen gas has been described as an example of gas, the configuration (gas dispenser) may also use a gas (fuel gas) other than hydrogen gas, such as natural gas (NG) or propane gas (LPG).

[0124] According to the above-described embodiment, the inspection device includes a plurality of inspection device receptacles and a plurality of inspection device nozzles corresponding to different types of nozzles. A flow meter is provided in each of a plurality of gas flow paths connecting the plurality of inspection device receptacles and the plurality of inspection device nozzles. Therefore, inspection (measurement) of a gas dispenser can be performed using an inspection device receptacle and an inspection device nozzle corresponding to a type of nozzle of the gas dispenser and a flow meter provided in the gas flow path connecting them. Furthermore, for a gas dispenser equipped with a nozzle of a type different from that of the gas dispenser, inspection (measurement) of the gas dispenser equipped with the nozzle of the other type can also be performed using an inspection device receptacle and an inspection device nozzle corresponding to the nozzle of the other type and a flow meter provided in the gas flow path connecting them. This allows inspection (measurement) of a plurality of types of gas dispensers to be performed with a single inspection device.

[0125] According to the embodiment, the connection between the inspection device receptacle and the nozzle is detected, and the connection between the inspection device nozzle and the receptacle is detected, thereby performing measurement by the flow meter. Therefore, it is possible to prevent measurement by the flow meter (inspection of the gas dispenser) from being performed in a state where the connection of the inspection device receptacle and the connection of the inspection device nozzle are not detected. This allows inspection (measurement) by the inspection device to be performed in an appropriate state.

[0126] According to the embodiment, if one of the connections between the inspection device receptacle and the nozzle and the inspection device nozzle and the receptacle is detected but the other connection is not detected, an abnormality is reported. Therefore, based on this abnormality report, it is possible to prompt the other connection. This makes it possible to prevent metering (gas dispenser inspection) by the flow meter from being performed in a state where the other connection is not detected, and inspection (metering) by the inspection device can be performed in an appropriate state. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent time from passing without the other connection being made, and it is possible to shorten the time required to start inspection (metering).

[0127] According to an embodiment, the flow measuring device includes a tilt detector that detects the tilt of the flow measuring device, and a tilt signal output unit that outputs a signal indicating that tilt is occurring when the tilt detector detects a predetermined tilt. Therefore, based on the signal (signal indicating that tilt is occurring) output by the tilt signal output unit, it is possible to notify of an abnormality and / or stop metering by the flow measuring device. This makes it possible to prevent metering from being performed when the tilt of the flow measuring device is greater than the predetermined tilt, thereby improving metering accuracy. It also makes it possible to prevent inspection by an inspection device (measurement by the flow measuring device) from being performed in an unstable state.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the flow measuring device includes a vibration detector that detects vibrations of the flow measuring device, and a vibration signal output unit that outputs a signal indicating that vibrations are occurring when the vibration detector detects a predetermined vibration. Therefore, based on the signal (signal indicating that vibrations are occurring) output by the vibration signal output unit, it is possible to notify of an abnormality and / or stop metering by the flow measuring device. This makes it possible to prevent metering from being performed when the vibrations of the flow measuring device are greater than the predetermined vibration, thereby improving metering accuracy. It also makes it possible to prevent inspection by an inspection device (measurement by the flow measuring device) from being performed in an unstable state.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the multiple inspection device receptacles are three in total: two inspection device receptacles of the same type and one inspection device receptacle of a type different from the two inspection device receptacles. Therefore, the inspection device can perform three types of inspection (measurement): double filling, which is performed by connecting two corresponding nozzles to both of two inspection device receptacles of the same type; single filling (first single filling), which is performed by connecting one corresponding nozzle to one of two inspection device receptacles of the same type; and single filling (second single filling), which is performed by connecting one corresponding nozzle to one inspection device receptacle of a different type. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1 Hydrogen dispenser (gas dispenser) 4 nozzles 21 Inspection equipment 22A, 22B, 22C Test equipment receptacle 23A, 23B, 23C Inspection device nozzle 24A, 24B, 24C Inspection equipment pipeline (gas distribution route) 25A, 25B, 25C flow meter 26 Control unit (integrated flow rate calculation unit, tilt signal output unit, vibration signal output unit) 27 Display unit (notification means) 29A, 29B, 29C Inspection device hose (gas distribution path) 36 Tilt sensor (tilt detector) 37 Acceleration sensor (vibration detector) 51 Vehicles (supplied) 52 Tank (supply target) 53 Receptacle

Claims

1. a plurality of inspection device receptacles provided for each type of nozzle of the gas dispenser, to which the nozzles are connected; an inspection device nozzle connected to a receptacle to which gas is supplied from the gas dispenser; a plurality of gas flow paths, one end of which is connected to each of the plurality of inspection device receptacles and the other end of which is connected to the inspection device nozzle; a flow rate measuring device provided in each of the plurality of gas flow paths, the flow rate measuring device configured to measure a flow rate of the gas supplied from the inspection device receptacle toward the inspection device nozzle; an integrated flow rate calculation unit that calculates an integrated flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas flow path from the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring device; a notification means for notifying the integrated flow rate; A gas dispenser inspection device comprising:

2. 2. The gas dispenser inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the connection between the inspection device receptacle and the nozzle is detected, and measurement by the flow meter is performed by detecting the connection between the inspection device nozzle and the receptacle.

3. 2. The gas dispenser inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, when one of the connection between the inspection device receptacle and the nozzle and the connection between the inspection device nozzle and the receptacle is detected but the other connection is not detected, an abnormality is reported.

4. a tilt detector that detects the tilt of the flow rate measuring device; 2. The gas dispenser inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a tilt signal output unit that outputs a signal indicating that tilt has occurred when the tilt detector detects a predetermined tilt.

5. a vibration detector that detects vibrations of the flow rate measuring device; 2. The gas dispenser inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a vibration signal output unit that outputs a signal indicating that vibration is occurring when the vibration detector detects a predetermined vibration.

6. The gas dispenser inspection device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inspection device receptacles are a total of three inspection device receptacles, including two inspection device receptacles of the same type and one inspection device receptacle of a different type from the two inspection device receptacles.

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