Adapter and human-powered vehicle

Abstract

To provide an adaptor that can supply fuel to a man-power drive vehicle using a fuel supply system for a vehicle, and to provide a method for storing an adaptor, a man-power drive vehicle and a fuel cell.SOLUTION: An adaptor for connecting a fuel supply system to a fuel storage part for a fuel cell installed to a man-power drive vehicle includes: a first connection port connected to a supply port of the fuel supply system; and a second connection port connected to a charging port of the fuel storage part. The second connection port has an opening area that is smaller than an opening area of the first connection port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adapter, a method for storing the adapter, a human-powered vehicle, and a fuel cell.

Background Art

[0002] For example, the human-powered vehicle of Patent Document 1 includes a fuel cell having a fuel storage section.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a supply device for supplying fuel to a fuel storage section for a human-powered vehicle is not in circulation on the market, or the number of installed supply devices is small. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an adapter capable of supplying fuel to a human-powered vehicle by a fuel supply device for an automobile, a method for storing the adapter, a human-powered vehicle, and a fuel cell.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An adapter according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an adapter that connects a fuel supply device and a fuel storage section of a fuel cell mounted on a human-powered vehicle, and includes a first connection port connected to a supply port of the fuel supply device and a second connection port connected to a filling port of the fuel storage section, and an opening area of the second connection port is smaller than an opening area of the first connection port. According to the adapter of the first aspect, fuel can be supplied to the human-powered vehicle by a fuel supply device for an automobile.

[0006] In the adapter of the second side surface according to the first side surface, the fuel supply device has a first communication unit, the fuel cell has a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit, the second communication unit is configured to transmit predetermined information regarding the fuel cell to the first communication unit, and further includes a relay unit that relays communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit. According to the adapter of the second side surface, the fuel supply device and the fuel cell can be made to communicate with each other via the relay unit.

[0007] In the adapter of the third side surface according to the second side surface, the relay unit is configured to perform wired communication with the first communication unit and is configured to perform wired communication with the second communication unit. According to the adapter of the third side surface, the fuel supply device and the fuel cell can be made to communicate with each other via the relay unit while suppressing leakage of information to the outside.

[0008] In the adapter of the fourth side surface according to the second side surface, the relay unit is configured to perform wireless communication with the first communication unit and is configured to perform wired communication with the second communication unit. According to the adapter of the fourth side surface, since it is not necessary to perform an operation of connecting the relay unit and the first communication unit, the fuel supply device and the fuel cell can be made to communicate with each other via the relay unit by a simple operation.

[0009] In the adapter of the fifth side surface according to the second side surface, the relay unit is configured to perform wired communication with the first communication unit and is configured to perform wireless communication with the second communication unit. According to the adapter of the fifth side surface, since it is not necessary to perform an operation of connecting the relay unit and the second communication unit, the fuel supply device and the fuel cell can be made to communicate with each other via the relay unit by a simple operation.

[0010] In the adapter of the sixth side surface according to the second side surface, the relay unit is configured to perform wireless communication with the first communication unit and is configured to perform wireless communication with the second communication unit. According to the adapter on the sixth side, since the operations of connecting the relay unit to the first communication unit and connecting the relay unit to the second communication unit are not required, the fuel supply device and the fuel cell can be communicated with each other via the relay unit by a simple operation.

[0011] In the adapter on the seventh side according to any one of the second to sixth sides, the adapter further includes an adapter body including the first connection port and the second connection port, and the relay unit is provided integrally with the adapter body. According to the adapter on the seventh side, since it is not necessary to manage the adapter body and the relay unit individually, the adapter is easy to store.

[0012] In the adapter on the eighth side according to any one of the second to sixth sides, the adapter further includes an adapter body including the first connection port and the second connection port, and the relay unit is configured as a separate body from the adapter body. According to the adapter on the eighth side, since the relay unit can be configured in various forms, the degree of freedom in arranging the first communication unit in the fuel supply device and the degree of freedom in arranging the second communication unit in the fuel cell can be increased.

[0013] In the adapter on the ninth side according to any one of the second to eighth sides, the fuel cell includes a power generation unit, and the predetermined information includes information related to at least one of the power generation unit and the fuel storage unit. According to the adapter on the ninth side, information related to at least one of the power generation unit and the fuel storage unit can be transmitted to the fuel supply device via the adapter.

[0014] In the adapter on the tenth side according to the ninth side, the predetermined information includes, as information related to the fuel storage unit, at least one of the pressure of the fuel storage unit, the mass of the fuel in the fuel storage unit, the rated value of the fuel storage unit, and the maintenance information of the fuel storage unit. According to the adapter of the 10th aspect, at least one of the pressure of the fuel storage unit, the mass of the fuel in the fuel storage unit, the rated value of the fuel storage unit, and the maintenance information of the fuel storage unit can be transmitted to the fuel supply device via the adapter.

[0015] In the adapter of the 11th aspect according to any one of the 1st to 10th aspects, the adapter further includes a storage unit that holds the identification information of the fuel storage unit. According to the adapter of the 11th aspect, the identification information can be recorded in the adapter.

[0016] In the adapter of the 12th aspect according to any one of the 1st to 11th aspects, the adapter has a readable identification information mark or identification information tag. According to the adapter of the 12th aspect, the information with information attached to the adapter can be easily read by a reader.

[0017] The method for storing the adapter according to the 13th aspect of the present disclosure is a method for storing the adapter according to any one of the 1st to 12th aspects, and the adapter is stored at a station where the fuel supply device is installed. According to the method for storing the adapter of the 13th aspect, even when the adapter is not mounted on the human-powered vehicle, the fuel supply to the fuel cell can be supplied using the adapter stored at the station.

[0018] The method for storing the adapter according to the 14th aspect of the present disclosure is a method for storing the adapter according to any one of the 1st to 12th aspects, and the adapter is provided in a human-powered vehicle provided with the fuel cell. According to the method for storing the adapter of the 14th aspect, even when the adapter is not stored at the station, the fuel supply to the fuel cell can be supplied using the adapter mounted on the human-powered vehicle.

[0019] The human-powered vehicle according to the 15th aspect of the present disclosure includes an adapter according to any one of the 1st to 12th aspects and the fuel cell. According to the human-powered vehicle of the 15th aspect, even when the adapter is not stored at the station, the fuel cell can be supplied with fuel using the adapter mounted on the human-powered vehicle.

[0020] The fuel cell according to the 16th aspect of the present disclosure is a fuel cell for a human-powered vehicle, and includes a power generation unit, a fuel storage unit, and a communication unit. The communication unit is configured to be able to transmit predetermined information regarding the fuel cell to an external device. According to the fuel cell of the 16th aspect, predetermined information regarding the fuel cell can be transmitted to an external device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the adapter, the method of storing the adapter, the human-powered vehicle, and the fuel cell of the present disclosure, the human-powered vehicle can be supplied with fuel by a fuel supply device for an automobile.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] <Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the adapter 1, the storage method of the adapter 1, the human-powered vehicle 10, and the fuel cell 80 will be described.

[0024] With reference to FIG. 1, the human-powered vehicle 10 including the fuel cell 80 will be described. The human-powered vehicle 10 is a vehicle having at least one wheel and capable of being driven by at least human driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes various types of bicycles such as, for example, mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, and hand bikes, recumbents, etc. The number of wheels of the human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes vehicles having, for example, a single wheel and three or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes an e-bike (electric bike) that uses the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion in addition to human driving force. The e-bike includes an electric assist bicycle whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. Hereinafter, in the embodiment, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as an electric assist bicycle.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a crank 12 to which a human driving force is input. The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes at least one wheel 14 and a vehicle body 16. The at least one wheel 14 includes a rear wheel 14A and a front wheel 14B. The vehicle body 16 includes a frame 18. The crank 12 includes an input rotation shaft 12A rotatable with respect to the frame 18 and a pair of crank arms 12B respectively provided at axial ends of the input rotation shaft 12A. In the present embodiment, the input rotation shaft 12A is a crankshaft. A pair of pedals 20 are respectively connected to each crank arm 12B. The rear wheel 14A is driven by the rotation of the crank 12. The rear wheel 14A is supported by the frame 18. The crank 12 and the rear wheel 14A are connected by a drive mechanism 22.

[0026] The drive mechanism 22 includes a first rotating body 24 connected to the input rotation shaft 12A. The input rotation shaft 12A and the first rotating body 24 may be connected so as to rotate integrally, or may be connected via a first one-way clutch. The first one-way clutch is configured to rotate the first rotating body 24 when the crank 12 rotates forward and to allow relative rotation between the crank 12 and the first rotating body 24 when the crank 12 rotates backward. The first rotating body 24 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. The drive mechanism 22 further includes a second rotating body 26 and a connecting member 28. The connecting member 28 transmits the rotational force of the first rotating body 24 to the second rotating body 26. The connecting member 28 includes, for example, a chain, a belt, or a shaft.

[0027] The second rotating body 26 is connected to the rear wheel 14A. The second rotating body 26 includes a sprocket, a pulley, or a bevel gear. Preferably, a second one-way clutch is provided between the second rotating body 26 and the rear wheel 14A. The second one-way clutch is configured to rotate the rear wheel 14A forward when the second rotating body 26 rotates forward and to allow relative rotation between the second rotating body 26 and the rear wheel 14A when the second rotating body 26 rotates backward. The human-powered vehicle 10 may include a transmission. The transmission includes at least one of an external transmission and an internal transmission. The external transmission includes, for example, a derailleur, a first rotating body 24, and a second rotating body 26. The derailleur includes at least one of a front derailleur and a rear derailleur. The first rotating body 24 may include a plurality of sprockets. The second rotating body 26 may include a plurality of sprockets. The internal transmission may be provided, for example, on the hub of the rear wheel 14A or in the power transmission path from the input rotating shaft 12A to the first rotating body 24.

[0028] The front wheel 14B is attached to the frame 18 via a front fork 30. A handlebar 34 is connected to the front fork 30 via a stem 32. In the present embodiment, the rear wheel 14A is connected to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 22, but at least one of the rear wheel 14A and the front wheel 14B may be connected to the crank 12 by the drive mechanism 22.

[0029] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a motor 40 that applies a driving force to the human-powered vehicle 10, a control unit 66 configured to control the motor 40, and a communication unit 68 connected to the control unit 66.

[0030] The motor 40 includes one or more electric motors. The electric motor is, for example, a brushless motor. The motor 40 is configured to transmit the driving force of the human power from the pedal 20 to the rear wheel 14A and to transmit the rotational force to at least one of the front wheels 14B. The power transmission path of the human power driving force from the pedal 20 to the rear wheel 14A also includes the rear wheel 14A. In the present embodiment, the motor 40 is provided on the frame 18 of the human-powered vehicle 10 and is configured to transmit the rotational force to the first rotating body 24.

[0031] The motor 40 is provided in the housing 42A. The housing 42A is provided on the frame 18. The housing 42A is detachably attached to the frame 18, for example. The drive unit 42 is composed of the motor 40 and the housing 42A in which the motor 40 is provided. In the present embodiment, in the power transmission path between the motor 40 and the input rotating shaft 12A, preferably, a third one-way clutch is provided to suppress the transmission of the rotational force of the crank 12 to the motor 40 when the input rotating shaft 12A rotates in the forward direction of the human-powered vehicle 10. When the motor 40 is provided on at least one of the rear wheel 14A and the front wheel 14B, the motor 40 may be provided on the hub to constitute a hub motor together with the hub.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the adapter 1 connects the fuel supply device 102 and the fuel storage unit 82 of the fuel cell 80 mounted on the human-powered vehicle 10. The fuel supply device 102 has a first communication unit 112. The fuel cell 80 has a second communication unit 64 that communicates with the first communication unit 112. In one example, the adapter 1 is configured to relay the communication between the fuel supply device 102 and the fuel cell 80.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 66 includes an arithmetic unit 66A that executes a predetermined control program. The control program includes a first program and a second program. The first program is configured to operate the drive circuit 70 so that the motor 40 operates based on driving information related to the operation of the human - powered vehicle 10. The driving information includes at least one of human - driving force, the vehicle speed of the human - powered vehicle 10, the acceleration of the human - powered vehicle 10, and the remaining amount of the power storage unit 86. The second program is configured to operate the communication unit 68 so that communication is established between the control unit 66 and the power storage unit 86. The second program may be configured to operate the communication unit 68 so that communication is established between the control unit 66 and an electronic device.

[0034] The arithmetic unit 66A included in the control unit 66 includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The arithmetic unit 66A included in the control unit 66 may be provided at a plurality of mutually separated locations. The control unit 66 may include one or more microcomputers. Preferably, the control unit 66 further includes a storage unit 66B. Various control programs and information used for various control processes are stored in the storage unit 66B. The storage unit 66B includes, for example, a non - volatile memory and a volatile memory.

[0035] The control unit 66 may further include a drive circuit 70 for the motor 40. In one example, the control unit 66 is provided in the housing 42A of the drive unit 42. The drive circuit 70 may be provided on the circuit board of the control unit 66. The drive circuit 70 includes an inverter circuit. The drive circuit 70 controls the power supplied from the power storage unit 86 to the motor 40. The drive circuit 70 drives the motor 40 in response to a control signal from the control unit 66.

[0036] The communication unit 68 is configured such that the control unit 66 and the power storage unit 86 communicate with each other. The control unit 66 is connected to the power storage unit 86 via the network N through the communication unit 68. Examples of the network N include power line communication (PLC), CAN (Controller Area Network), or UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter). Further, the communication unit 68 may be configured such that the control unit 66 and an electronic device communicate with each other. The control unit 66 may be connected to the electronic device by wire or wirelessly via the communication unit 68. The electronic device includes at least one of a cycle computer and a smartphone. For example, the control unit 66 is connected to the cycle computer by wire. The control unit 66 is connected to the smartphone wirelessly. The wireless communication method includes at least one of, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), ANT (registered trademark), ANT+ (registered trademark), and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

[0037] The human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a power storage unit 86. The power storage unit 86 is configured to supply power to the control device 60. The power storage unit 86 is configured to be communicable with the control unit 66 via the network N.

[0038] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a fuel cell 80. The fuel cell 80 is a fuel cell for a human-powered vehicle. The fuel cell 80 includes a power generation unit 84. In one example, the fuel cell 80 may include a power generation unit 84, a fuel storage unit 82, and a communication unit 92. The communication unit 92 is configured to be able to transmit predetermined information regarding the fuel cell 80 to an external device 100. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 92 is the second communication unit 64. In the present embodiment, the external device 100 includes a fuel supply device 102. The external device 100 may be an electronic device. The electronic device includes at least one of a cycle computer and a smartphone. The fuel cell 80 may include a power storage unit 86. The fuel cell 80 may include a control device 60. The control device 60 may be provided separately from the fuel cell 80.

[0039] The fuel storage unit 82 stores fuel for power generation. The fuel storage unit 82 is attached to the frame 18. The fuel storage unit 82 is made of resin or metal. The fuel storage unit 82 may be reinforced with carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Examples of the fuel include hydrogen and the like. The power generation unit 84 generates power by reacting fuel with oxygen or air. The power generated by the power generation unit 84 is supplied to at least one of the motor 40 and the power storage unit 86.

[0040] For example, the power generation unit 84 includes a stack. The stack is configured by stacking a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells are electrically connected in series with each other. For example, each cell includes a sheet-like membrane electrode gas-diffusion assembly (MEGA), a resin plate joined to the peripheral portion of the membrane electrode gas-diffusion assembly, and a pair of plate-shaped separators having conductivity. The separators sandwich the membrane electrode gas-diffusion assembly and the resin plate in the thickness direction. The type and material of the stack can be changed as appropriate. The shape, number, and stacking direction of the cells of the stack can be changed as appropriate according to the outer shape of the power generation unit 84.

[0041] The power generation unit 84 may include a compressor that supplies air containing oxygen to the stack. Electric energy is generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen supplied from the fuel storage unit 82 and oxygen supplied from the compressor within the stack. The compressor may be configured to be driven by the electric energy generated by the power generation unit 84. For example, the power generation unit 84 is configured such that the compressor is provided in front of the human-powered vehicle 10 relative to the stack. An electromagnetic valve for adjusting the supply amount of hydrogen may be provided in the fuel supply path from the fuel storage unit 82 to the stack. The power generation unit 84 may include a cooling unit that cools the stack. For example, the cooling unit includes a flow path for circulating a refrigerant or water. The power generation unit 84 may be provided with an exhaust path for discharging the exhaust gas of the stack. For example, the stack is electrically connected to the power storage unit 86 via a DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter may be provided in the power generation unit 84 or may be provided in the power storage unit 86. The DC power generated by the stack is stepped down to a predetermined voltage by the DC / DC converter and then supplied to the power storage unit 86.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, the control device 60 will be described. The control device 60 includes a second communication unit 64 configured to be communicable with the fuel supply device 102, and a control unit 62 that controls the second communication unit 64. The second communication unit 64 is configured to transmit predetermined information regarding the fuel cell 80 to the first communication unit 112. The second communication unit 64 transmits the predetermined information to the first communication unit 112 of the fuel supply device 102 based on a command from the control unit 62. The control unit 62 controls the second communication unit 64 to transmit predetermined information regarding the fuel cell 80 to the fuel supply device 102.

[0043] The predetermined information includes information regarding at least one of the power generation unit 84 and the fuel storage unit 82. The predetermined information includes, as information regarding the fuel storage unit 82, at least one of the pressure of the fuel storage unit 82, the mass of the fuel within the fuel storage unit 82, the rated value of the fuel storage unit 82, and the maintenance information of the fuel storage unit 82. The rated value of the fuel storage unit 82 includes the capacity of the fuel storage unit 82 and the mass of the fuel storage unit 82 in an empty state. The maintenance information of the fuel storage unit 82 includes information on the fill expiration date of the fuel storage unit 82.

[0044] The control unit 62 includes an arithmetic unit 62A that executes a predetermined control program. The arithmetic unit 62A included in the control unit 62 includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The arithmetic unit 62A included in the control unit 62 may be provided at a plurality of mutually separated locations. The control unit 62 may include one or more microcomputers. Preferably, the control unit 62 further includes a storage unit 62B. Various control programs and information used for various control processes are stored in the storage unit 62B. The storage unit 62B includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

[0045] The control device 60 may include an air pressure sensor 74. The air pressure sensor 74 measures the pressure in the internal passage 90 that connects the main body 82A of the fuel storage unit 82 and the filling port 96A. The air pressure sensor 74 outputs the measured pressure as pressure data based on a command from the control unit 62. For example, when the fuel storage unit 82 and the fuel supply device 102 are connected, the control unit 62 commands the air pressure sensor 74 to measure the pressure in the internal passage 90 and acquires the pressure in the internal passage 90 from the air pressure sensor 74. The pressure in the internal passage 90 when the fuel storage unit 82 and the fuel supply device 102 are connected can be substantially regarded as the pressure of the fuel storage unit 82. The control unit 62 periodically acquires pressure data from the air pressure sensor 74 over a period during which fuel is continuously supplied from the fuel supply device 102 to the fuel storage unit 82. The pressure data is stored in the storage unit 62B.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, the fuel supply device 102 will be described. The fuel supply device 102 is configured to supply fuel to a fuel cell of an automobile. The nozzle 124 of the fuel supply device 102 is configured to fit the filling port of a fuel cell for an automobile.

[0047] The fuel supply device 102 includes a control unit 110 configured to execute fuel supply control. Further, the fuel supply device 102 includes a first communication unit 112. The first communication unit 112 is configured to be communicable with a fuel cell for an automobile or a fuel cell 80 for a human-powered vehicle.

[0048] The fuel supply device 102 further includes a fuel supply unit 120 that controls fuel supply, a pipe 122, and a nozzle 124 provided at the tip of the pipe 122. The fuel supply unit 120 adjusts the fuel supply according to a command from the control unit 110.

[0049] Furthermore, the fuel supply device 102 includes an atmospheric pressure sensor 126. The atmospheric pressure sensor 126 is provided in the fuel supply passage 118. The fuel supply passage 118 is a passage configured between the fuel supply device 102 and the fuel storage unit 82. Specifically, the fuel supply passage 118 is a passage between the outlet of the fuel tank 128 and the nozzle 124.

[0050] The fuel storage unit 82 of the human - powered vehicle 10 has a fuel filling part 96. The fuel filling part 96 may be provided at the tip of a pipe. The pipe may be configured to be detachable from the main body part 82A of the fuel storage unit 82.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel filling part 96 includes a filling port 96A through which fuel passes, a first connection terminal 96B, and a second connection terminal 96C. The fuel filling part 96 is connected to the nozzle 124 of the fuel supply device 102 via an adapter 1. The filling port 96A is circularly configured. The inner diameter of the filling port 96A is smaller than the inner diameter of the supply port 124A of the nozzle 124. The filling port 96A of the fuel filling part 96 is configured to fit into the second connection port 140 of the adapter 1. The first connection terminal 96B and the second connection terminal 96C are connected to the second communication unit 64 via wiring.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle 124 includes a supply port 124A through which fuel is discharged, a third connection terminal 124B, and a fourth connection terminal 124C. The supply port 124A is circularly configured. The nozzle 124 is connected to the fuel filling part 96 of the fuel storage unit 82 via an adapter 1. The supply port 124A of the nozzle 124 is configured to fit into the first connection port 138 of the adapter 1. The third connection terminal 124B and the fourth connection terminal 124C are connected to the first communication unit 112 via wiring.

[0053] In fuel supply control, the control unit 110 controls the fuel supply unit 120 of the fuel supply device 102 to supply fuel to the fuel storage unit 82 based on predetermined information regarding the fuel cell 80.

[0054] The control unit 110 controls the first communication unit 112 to communicate with the control device 60 of the human - powered vehicle 10. The control unit 110 is configured to acquire predetermined information from the control device 60 for the human - powered vehicle provided in the human - powered vehicle 10.

[0055] For example, the control unit 110 operates as follows by receiving predetermined information from the control device 60 for the human - powered vehicle. The control unit 110 adjusts the amount of fuel to be supplied to the fuel storage unit 82 based on the pressure of the fuel storage unit 82 of the human - powered vehicle 10. The control unit 110 adjusts the amount of fuel to be supplied to the fuel storage unit 82 based on the mass of the fuel in the fuel storage unit 82 of the human - powered vehicle 10. The control unit 110 limits the amount of fuel to be supplied to the fuel storage unit 82 based on the capacity of the fuel storage unit 82. The control unit 110 determines whether fuel supply to the fuel storage unit 82 is possible based on the fill - by deadline of the fuel storage unit 82.

[0056] The control unit 110 includes an arithmetic unit 114 that executes a predetermined control program. The control program is configured to operate the first communication unit 112 to receive predetermined information. The arithmetic unit 114 included in the control unit 110 includes, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The arithmetic unit 114 included in the control unit 110 may be provided at a plurality of mutually separated locations. The control unit 110 may include one or more microcomputers. Preferably, the control unit 110 further includes a storage unit 116. Various control programs and information used for various control processes are stored in the storage unit 116. The storage unit 116 includes, for example, a non - volatile memory and a volatile memory.

[0057] The control unit 110 may be configured to transmit supply information regarding fuel supply to a control device 60 for a human-powered vehicle 10 provided in the human-powered vehicle 10 via the first communication unit 112. The supply information includes at least one of the fuel supply amount and the pressure in the fuel supply passage 118.

[0058] With reference to FIG. 6, the configuration of the adapter 1 will be described. The adapter 1 includes a first connection port 138 connected to the supply port 124A of the fuel supply device 102 and a second connection port 140 connected to the filling port 96A of the fuel storage unit 82. The opening area of the second connection port 140 is smaller than the opening area of the first connection port 138.

[0059] The adapter 1 further includes a relay unit 150 that relays communication between the first communication unit 112 and the second communication unit 64. In one example, the relay unit 150 is configured to communicate with the first communication unit 112 by wire and is configured to communicate with the second communication unit 64 by wire.

[0060] The adapter 1 further includes an adapter body 130 including the first connection port 138 and the second connection port 140. The relay unit 150 is provided integrally with the adapter body 130. Specifically, the relay unit 150 is provided on the adapter body 130 so as to move together with the adapter body 130. The relay unit 150 may be detachably provided on the adapter body 130. The relay unit 150 may be fixed to the adapter body 130 via a heat insulating material.

[0061] An example of the adapter 1 will be described below. The adapter body 130 has a first end face 132, a second end face 134, and a side face 136 connecting the first end face 132 and the second end face 134.

[0062] The first end face 132 is configured to be disposed at a position facing the supply port 124A of the fuel supply device 102. A first connection port 138 is provided on the first end face 132. The second end face 134 is configured to be disposed at a position facing the filling port 96A of the fuel storage unit 82. A second connection port 140 is provided on the second end face 134. The second connection port 140 is connected to the first connection port 138 via a fuel passage 142 through which fuel passes. The fuel passage 142 is provided in the adapter body 130.

[0063] The relay unit 150 has a fifth connection terminal 152, a sixth connection terminal 154, a seventh connection terminal 156, and an eighth connection terminal 158. The fifth connection terminal 152 is connected to the seventh connection terminal 156 by a first wiring 160. The sixth connection terminal 154 is connected to the eighth connection terminal 158 by a second wiring 162. The second wiring 162 is electrically insulated from the first wiring 160.

[0064] The fifth connection terminal 152 is configured to be connectable to the first connection terminal 96B of the fuel filling unit 96. The sixth connection terminal 154 is configured to be connectable to the second connection terminal 96C of the fuel filling unit 96. The fifth connection terminal 152 and the sixth connection terminal 154 are provided on the second end face 134 of the adapter body 130. The fifth connection terminal 152 and the sixth connection terminal 154 are configured to be connected to the first connection terminal 96B and the second connection terminal 96C when the second connection port 140 of the adapter 1 is connected to the filling port 96A of the fuel filling unit 96.

[0065] The seventh connection terminal 156 is configured to be connectable to the third connection terminal 124B of the nozzle 124. The eighth connection terminal 158 is configured to be connectable to the fourth connection terminal 124C of the nozzle 124. The seventh connection terminal 156 and the eighth connection terminal 158 are provided on the first end face 132 of the adapter body 130. The seventh connection terminal 156 and the eighth connection terminal 158 are configured to be connected to the third connection terminal 124B and the fourth connection terminal 124C when the first connection port 138 of the adapter 1 is connected to the supply port 124A of the fuel supply device 102.

[0066] The adapter 1 is configured to fit a fuel storage unit 82 of a predetermined type. The fuel storage unit 82 is classified by characteristics. The characteristics include at least one of fuel filling pressure, capacity, structure, and dimensions of the filling port 96A. The adapter 1 holds identification information of the fuel storage unit 82 to which the adapter 1 can be applied. The identification information is information associated with the type of the fuel storage unit 82 classified by characteristics. In one example, the identification information is composed of numbers and characters. The identification information is referred to by the fuel supply device 102 during fuel supply.

[0067] In one example, as shown in FIG. 7, the adapter 1 may further include a storage unit 164 that holds identification information of the fuel storage unit 82.

[0068] The storage unit 164 is provided inside the adapter body 130. The storage unit 164 includes, for example, non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The non-volatile memory includes, for example, at least one of ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and flash memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). An opening 164A into which the terminals of the reader enter is provided on the side surface 136 of the adapter 1.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the adapter 1 may have a readable identification information mark 166 or an identification information tag 168. For example, the identification information mark 166 is attached to the side surface 136 of the adapter body 130. The identification information mark 166 is configured as an image mark associated with the identification information. The identification information mark 166 includes barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The identification information mark 166 is read by optical means such as a camera, for example. The optical means is provided in the fuel supply device 102 and connected to the control unit 110, for example.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 9, the identification information tag 168 is attached to the adapter body 130 via a string. The identification information tag 168 has an IC (integrated circuit) that stores identification information. The information of the identification information tag 168 is read by a non-contact reader using, for example, an electromagnetic induction method or a radio wave method. The non-contact reader is provided, for example, in the fuel supply device 102 and connected to the control unit 110. Note that an identification information mark 166 may be attached to the identification information tag 168, which makes it easier to read the identification information compared to the case where the identification information mark 166 is attached to the adapter body 130.

[0071] The storage method of the adapter 1 is a method for storing the adapter 1. In one example of the storage method of the adapter 1, the adapter 1 is stored at the station 170 where the fuel supply device 102 is installed. Various adapters 1 are stored at the station 170 so that fuel can be supplied to a plurality of fuel storage units 82 of different types.

[0072] The storage method of the adapter 1 is a method for storing the adapter 1. In another storage method of the adapter 1, the adapter 1 is provided in the human-powered vehicle 10 provided with the fuel cell 80. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes the adapter 1 and the fuel cell 80.

[0073] The usage method of the adapter 1 includes a procedure for confirming identification information. When fuel is supplied to the fuel storage unit 82 of the human-powered vehicle 10 using the fuel supply device 102 for automobiles, it is preferable to use the adapter 1 suitable for the fuel storage unit 82. For this reason, when fuel is supplied to the fuel storage unit 82 of the human-powered vehicle 10, a confirmation procedure is performed. In the confirmation procedure, the identification information attached to the adapter 1 is read by a reader. Based on the identification information, the type of the fuel storage unit 82 to which the adapter 1 can be applied is confirmed. It is confirmed whether the type of the fuel storage unit 82 of the human-powered vehicle 10 is included in the type list of the fuel storage unit 82 to which the adapter 1 can be applied.

[0074] <Modification Example> The description of the embodiments is an exemplification of forms that an adapter, a method for storing the adapter, a human-powered vehicle, and a fuel cell according to the present disclosure can take, and is not intended to limit the forms. The adapter, the method for storing the adapter, the human-powered vehicle, and the fuel cell according to the present disclosure can take forms such as modifications of each of the embodiments shown below, and forms in which at least two non-conflicting modifications are combined. In the following modifications, parts common to the forms of the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0075] · As shown in FIG. 10, the relay unit 150 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the first communication unit 112 and to wiredly communicate with the second communication unit 64.

[0076] The relay unit 150 includes a fifth connection terminal 152, a sixth connection terminal 154, and a first transceiver 172. The fifth connection terminal 152 is configured to be connectable to the first connection terminal 96B of the fuel filling unit 96. The sixth connection terminal 154 is configured to be connectable to the second connection terminal 96C of the fuel filling unit 96. The first transceiver 172 is configured to be able to exchange wireless signals with the second transceiver 174 provided in the nozzle 124. The first transceiver 172 and the second transceiver 174 are configured to be able to communicate with each other by optical communication or radio wave communication.

[0077] The relay unit 150 includes a signal conversion unit 180. The signal conversion unit 180 converts a signal formed by the first transceiver 172 receiving a wireless signal into an electrical signal of a predetermined format. The signal conversion unit 180 converts an electrical signal of a predetermined format into a signal in a format that the first transceiver 172 can output as a wireless signal.

[0078] · As shown in FIG. 11, the relay unit 150 may be configured to wiredly communicate with the first communication unit 112, and the relay unit 150 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the second communication unit 64.

[0079] The relay unit 150 includes a third transceiver 176, a seventh connection terminal 156, and an eighth connection terminal 158. The third transceiver 176 is configured to be able to communicate wireless signals with a fourth transceiver 178 provided in the fuel filling unit 96. The third transceiver 176 and the fourth transceiver 178 are configured to be able to communicate with each other by optical communication or radio wave communication. The seventh connection terminal 156 is configured to be connectable to a third connection terminal 124B of the nozzle 124. The eighth connection terminal 158 is configured to be connectable to a fourth connection terminal 124C of the nozzle 124.

[0080] The relay unit 150 includes a signal conversion unit 182. The signal conversion unit 182 converts a signal formed by the third transceiver 176 receiving a wireless signal into an electrical signal of a predetermined format. The signal conversion unit 182 converts an electrical signal of a predetermined format into a signal in a format that the third transceiver 176 can output as a wireless signal.

[0081] · As shown in FIG. 12, the relay unit 150 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the first communication unit 112, and the relay unit 150 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the second communication unit 64.

[0082] The relay unit 150 includes a first transceiver 172 and a third transceiver 176. The first transceiver 172 is configured to be able to communicate wireless signals with a second transceiver 174 provided in the nozzle 124. The third transceiver 176 is configured to be able to communicate wireless signals with a fourth transceiver 178 provided in the fuel filling unit 96.

[0083] The relay unit 150 includes a signal amplification unit 184. The signal amplification unit 184 amplifies a signal formed by the third transceiver 176 receiving a wireless signal so that the first transceiver 172 can output the signal as a wireless signal. The signal amplification unit 184 amplifies a signal formed by the first transceiver 172 receiving a wireless signal so that the third transceiver 176 can output the signal as a wireless signal. When the relay unit 150 performs wireless communication, it is preferable to provide a power source such as a battery in the relay unit 150.

[0084] · As shown in FIG. 13, the adapter 1 includes an adapter body 130 having a first connection port 138 and a second connection port 140. The relay unit 150 may be configured as a separate body from the adapter body 130.

[0085] In the example shown in FIG. 13, in the fuel cell 80, the first connection terminal 96B and the second connection terminal 96C are provided at a position far from the filling port 96A. In the fuel supply device 102, the third connection terminal 124B and the fourth connection terminal 124C are provided at a position far from the supply port 124A. In such a case, the relay unit 150 is configured as a separate body from the adapter body 130 so that the first communication unit 112 and the second communication unit 64 can communicate with each other. The relay unit 150 is used separately from the adapter body 130. The length of the relay unit 150 is configured in various lengths.

[0086] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, as used herein, the expression "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, as used herein, the expression "at least one" means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1... Adapter, 10... Human-powered vehicle, 62B... Storage unit, 64... Second communication unit, 66B... Storage unit, 68... Communication unit, 80... Fuel cell, 82... Fuel storage unit, 84... Power generation unit, 92... Communication unit, 96A... Filling port, 100... External device, 102... Fuel supply device, 112... First communication unit, 116... Storage unit, 124A... Supply port, 130... Adapter body, 138... First connection port, 140... Second connection port, 150... Relay unit, 164... Storage unit, 166... Identification information mark, 168... Identification information tag, 170... Station.

Claims

1. An adapter that connects a fuel supply device and a fuel storage unit of a fuel cell mounted on a human-powered vehicle, comprising a first connection port connected to a supply port of the fuel supply device, and a second connection port connected to a filling port of the fuel storage unit, wherein an opening area of the second connection port is smaller than an opening area of the first connection port.

2. The fuel supply device has a first communication unit, the fuel cell has a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit, the second communication unit is configured to transmit predetermined information regarding the fuel cell to the first communication unit, and the adapter according to claim 1 further comprises a relay unit that relays communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

3. The relay unit is configured to communicate with the first communication unit by wire, and is configured to communicate with the second communication unit by wire. The adapter according to claim 2.

4. The relay unit is configured to communicate with the first communication unit wirelessly, and is configured to communicate with the second communication unit by wire. The adapter according to claim 2.

5. The relay unit is configured to communicate with the first communication unit by wire, and is configured to communicate with the second communication unit wirelessly. The adapter according to claim 2.

6. The relay unit is configured to communicate with the first communication unit wirelessly, and is configured to communicate with the second communication unit wirelessly. The adapter according to claim 2.

7. The adapter further comprises an adapter body including the first connection port and the second connection port, and the relay unit is provided integrally with the adapter body. The adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The adapter further comprises an adapter body including the first connection port and the second connection port, and the relay unit is configured as a separate body from the adapter body. The adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

9. The fuel cell includes a power generation unit, and the predetermined information includes information regarding at least one of the power generation unit and the fuel storage unit. The adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 8.

10. The predetermined information, as information regarding the fuel storage unit, includes at least one of a pressure of the fuel storage unit, a mass of fuel in the fuel storage unit, a rated value of the fuel storage unit, and maintenance information of the fuel storage unit. The adapter according to claim 9.

11. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a storage unit that holds identification information of the fuel storage unit.

12. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 11, having a readable identification information mark or identification information tag.

13. A human-powered vehicle comprising the adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and the fuel cell.

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