Gas filling equipment

Abstract

To provide a gas filling device that can restrain increase in consumption of compressed air.SOLUTION: A hydrogen gas filling device 1 comprises: a hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 for filling a filled tank 52 with a hydrogen gas; a flowmeter 14 for measuring a situation of the hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5; a shut-off valve 13 to be driven by using compressed air supplied from a compressor 34 that is a compressed air supply source, as a driving source, and for controlling a flow of the hydrogen gas in the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5; a filling nozzle 7 connected to a filling port 52A of the filled tank 52; and a closed container 35 housing a control device 21, an indicator 22, and a POS terminal 23 that are not explosion-proof devices, with constant airtightness. The hydrogen gas filling device 1 supplies the compressed air from the compressor 34 into the closed container 35, and sends the compressed air in the closed container 35 toward a side of the filling nozzle 7 from the closed container 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a fuel gas filling device that fills a gas (fuel gas) such as hydrogen gas under high pressure into a fuel tank (filling tank) mounted on a vehicle such as a fuel cell automobile. With this type of conventional fuel gas filling device, hydrogen gas can be filled into the fuel tank from the dispenser housing side through the hose, with a filling nozzle provided at the tip of the hose connected to the vehicle's fuel tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-133825 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, when non-explosion-proof equipment such as a display or POS terminal is installed inside the dispenser housing, it is necessary to provide an area for accommodating non-explosion-proof equipment (hereinafter referred to as non-explosion-proof area) to accommodate them. In this case, to prevent flammable gas from entering the non-explosion-proof area, it is possible to purge (purify) the non-explosion-proof area using compressed air (dry air) and maintain the concentration of flammable gas below the non-explosion-proof threshold (below the lower explosion limit).

[0005] However, in a dispenser, compressed air is consumed for a wide range of purposes, such as driving a shutoff valve, etc., as well as being used as dry air to blow onto a filling nozzle to melt ice, prevent condensation, and prevent freezing, etc. Therefore, for example, if a configuration is adopted in which compressed air is constantly supplied into a non-explosion-proof area and this compressed air is constantly discharged from the non-explosion-proof area to the atmosphere, the amount of compressed air consumed will increase.

[0006] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a gas filling device that can suppress an increase in the amount of compressed air consumed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention comprises a gas filling path for filling gas into a tank to be filled, a measuring instrument for measuring the condition of the gas flowing through the gas filling path, a control instrument powered by compressed air supplied from a compressed air supply source and controlling the flow of gas in the gas filling path, a filling nozzle provided at the tip of the gas filling path and connected to the filling port of the tank to be filled, and a sealed container for housing non-explosion-proof equipment with a certain degree of airtightness, wherein compressed air from the compressed air supply source is supplied into the sealed container and the compressed air in the sealed container is sent from the sealed container toward the filling nozzle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an increase in the amount of compressed air consumed can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram schematically illustrating a hydrogen gas filling device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the dispenser unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a sealed container that houses non-explosion-proof equipment together with the non-explosion-proof equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a gas filling device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking as an example a hydrogen gas filling device for a vehicle that fills a filling tank (fuel tank) mounted on a vehicle with hydrogen gas (gas).

[0011] In Fig. 1, hydrogen gas filling device 1 is a gas filling device (gas supply device) that fills (supplies) compressed hydrogen gas (filling gas) into a fuel tank 52 (hereinafter referred to as filling tank 52) of a vehicle 51, such as a fuel cell vehicle. Hydrogen gas filling device 1 for a vehicle is installed, for example, in a facility (fuel supply station) called a hydrogen gas supply station. Hydrogen gas filling device 1 is configured to include a gas accumulator 2 as a gas storage section (storage tank) that stores highly compressed hydrogen gas, a dispenser unit 3 as a filling mechanism that fills the hydrogen gas from gas accumulator 2 into filling tank 52 of vehicle 51, and a hydrogen gas supply pipe 5 that extends from gas accumulator 2 into a dispenser housing 4 of dispenser unit 3.

[0012] The gas accumulator 2 is a hydrogen gas supply source that stores highly compressed hydrogen gas. The gas accumulator 2 is connected to a dispenser unit 3. The gas accumulator 2 constitutes a gas storage section that stores highly compressed hydrogen gas on the upstream side of a hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5. The dispenser unit 3 includes a dispenser housing 4, a filling hose 6, a filling nozzle 7, a nozzle hanger 8, a flow control valve 12, a shutoff valve 13, a flow meter 14, a heat exchanger 16, a pressure sensor 19, a temperature sensor 20, a filling start switch 24, a filling stop switch 25, a control device 21, etc.

[0013] The dispenser housing 4 constitutes the housing (box) that forms the outer shape of the dispenser unit 3, and is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped (box) that is long in the vertical direction. The dispenser housing 4 houses a hydrogen gas supply pipe 5, a flow rate adjustment valve 12, a shutoff valve 13, a heat exchanger 16, a pressure sensor 19, a temperature sensor 20, a control device 21, etc. The dispenser housing 4 is provided with a display 22 on the front side facing the worker performing the hydrogen gas filling work and the customer, for displaying information that should be notified, such as the filling amount.

[0014] A nozzle hanger 8 to which the filling nozzle 7 is removably hung is provided on the side of the dispenser housing 4. The nozzle hanger 8 corresponds to a holder that holds the filling nozzle 7. The filling nozzle 7 is hung on the nozzle hanger 8 when hydrogen gas is not being filled (i.e., when waiting for the filling operation). When filling hydrogen gas, the filling nozzle 7 is removed from the nozzle hanger 8 by the worker performing the filling operation. As will be described later, the nozzle hanger 8 is provided with a compressed air blowing device 41 that blows compressed air (dry air) onto the tip side of the filling nozzle 7. The compressed air blowing device 41 prevents the filling nozzle 7 from freezing due to condensation by blowing compressed air (dry air) onto the tip side of the filling nozzle 7.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, hydrogen gas supply pipe 5 is disposed within dispenser housing 4, and supplies pressurized hydrogen gas from gas pressure accumulator 2 toward filling hose 6. The gas pressure accumulator 2 side of hydrogen gas supply pipe 5 is the upstream side, and the filling hose 6 side is the downstream side. A filling hose 6 serving as a gas supply connection path extending to the outside of dispenser housing 4 is connected to the downstream end of hydrogen gas supply pipe 5. Filling hose 6 is a flexible hose, and for example, a pressure-resistant hose is used.

[0016] The base end of filling hose 6 is connected to the downstream end of hydrogen gas supply pipe 5. A filling nozzle 7 that is connected to filling port 52A of tank 52 to be filled is provided at the tip of filling hose 6. Filling hose 6, together with hydrogen gas supply pipe 5, constitutes a gas filling path (gas supply path). The gas filling path (gas supply path) is a path (pipe) for filling (supplying) gas (hydrogen gas) into tank 52 to be filled that is mounted on vehicle 51 that runs using gas (hydrogen gas) as fuel.

[0017] The filling nozzle 7 is airtightly connected to the tip of the filling hose 6, forming a so-called filling coupling. The filling nozzle 7 is connected to the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5) by the filling hose 6. The filling nozzle 7 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 the filling nozzle 7 may be provided with a check valve instead of or in addition to the on-off valve. The check valve allows the flow of hydrogen gas from the filling nozzle 7 to the tank 52 to be filled and prevents the flow of hydrogen gas from the tank 52 to the filling nozzle 7.

[0018] The tip side of the filling nozzle 7 is a connection coupler 7A, which is detachably connected to the filling port 52A, which is the connection port of the tank 52 to be filled. In other words, the connection coupler 7A of the filling nozzle 7 is detachably connected in an airtight manner to the filling port 52A of the tank 52 to be filled when hydrogen gas is supplied to the tank 52 to be filled in the vehicle 51 through a pipe (not shown) inside the filling nozzle 7. The filling nozzle 7 also has a locking mechanism (not shown) that detachably locks to the filling port 52A of the tank 52 to be filled. This prevents the filling nozzle 7 from accidentally coming off the filling port 52A when filling hydrogen gas.

[0019] The high-pressure hydrogen gas in the gas accumulator 2 is filled into the tank 52 to be filled of the vehicle 51 through the hydrogen gas supply line 5, the filling hose 6 and the filling nozzle 7, with the filling nozzle 7 locked to the filling port 52A of the tank 52 by a locking mechanism. That is, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 is equipped with the filling nozzle 7, and uses this filling nozzle 7 to fill the tank 52 to be filled of the vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas.

[0020] 1, the dispenser unit 3 is provided with an inlet valve 11 that is located midway along the hydrogen gas supply line 5 and that is opened and closed, for example, by manual operation, a flow rate adjustment valve 12 that is connected downstream of the inlet valve 11 and serves as a control valve that is opened and closed by a control device 21 to adjustably control the flow rate of fuel flowing through the hydrogen gas supply line 5, and a shutoff valve 13 that is a valve device connected downstream of the flow rate adjustment valve 12. Note that the arrangement (installation order) of the flow meter 14, flow rate adjustment valve 12, and shutoff valve 13 that are provided from the upstream side to the downstream side of the hydrogen gas supply line 5 is not limited to the order shown in FIG.

[0021] The inlet valve 11 is located inside the dispenser housing 4 and is provided midway through the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5. The inlet valve 11 is attached as needed and may be omitted if not required. The flow rate adjustment valve 12, the shutoff valve 13, and the depressurization valve 18 constitute control devices that control the flow (i.e., flow rate, pressure) of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5. The flow meter 14, the pressure sensor 19, and the temperature sensor 20 constitute measurement devices that measure the status (i.e., flow rate, pressure, temperature) of the hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5.

[0022] A flow rate control valve 12 is provided within the dispenser housing 4, located at a midpoint of the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5 (for example, between the flow meter 14 and the heat exchanger 16). The flow rate control valve 12 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve device, and its opening is controlled based on a signal from the control device 21. In this case, the flow rate control valve 12 is controlled to an arbitrary valve opening degree by a command based on a control program of the control device 21, and variably controls the flow rate and hydrogen gas pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing within the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5. In other words, the flow rate control valve 12 is adjusted to a required opening degree by having its valve opening degree controlled by a control signal from the control device 21.

[0023] The shutoff valve 13 is provided at a location along the hydrogen gas supply line 5 (for example, downstream of the flow control valve 12 and the heat exchanger 16). The shutoff valve 13 is a pneumatically operated valve device that opens when compressed air is supplied. That is, the shutoff valve 13 opens when compressed air (including gases other than air, such as compressed nitrogen gas) is supplied via a compressed air supply line 31, which serves as a drive gas supply line. For this purpose, a compressed air supply line 31 for supplying compressed air is connected to the shutoff valve 13. The shutoff valve 13 is a normally closed valve that remains closed unless compressed air of a predetermined pressure or higher is supplied. The compressed air supplied to the shutoff valve 13 is controlled by a solenoid valve 32 provided along the compressed air supply line 31.

[0024] The solenoid valve 32 is, for example, a normally closed solenoid valve that is normally in a closed position, and is connected to the control device 21. The solenoid valve 32 opens when a control current is supplied from the control device 21. The shutoff valve 13 opens when compressed air is supplied through the solenoid valve 32, the opening and closing of which is controlled by the control current of the control device 21. At this time, the shutoff valve 13 is kept open by the compressed air supplied when the compressed air is at a predetermined pressure (or higher than the predetermined pressure).

[0025] In this way, the shutoff valve 13 is opened or closed based on a control signal from the control device 21, thereby allowing or blocking the flow of hydrogen gas (fuel gas, filling gas) within the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5. In this case, the control device 21 controls the opening and closing of the flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13 when filling hydrogen gas into the filling tank 52 of the vehicle 51 via the filling nozzle 7, or when stopping (terminating) the filling of hydrogen gas.

[0026] A Coriolis flow meter 14 is provided within the dispenser housing 4, positioned midway along the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 (for example, upstream of the flow rate control valve 12) to measure the mass flow rate of the fluid being measured. The flow meter 14 measures the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5, for example, between the inlet valve 11 and the flow rate control valve 12, and outputs the measurement result (detection signal) to the control device 21. The control device 21 calculates the amount of hydrogen gas to be filled into the filling tank 52 of the vehicle 51, and displays the amount of hydrogen gas fuel dispensed (corresponding to the amount of fuel refueled) on a display 22 or the like. This notifies the displayed content to, for example, a customer or the like.

[0027] The cooler 15 is a cooling device for cooling the hydrogen gas flowing inside the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5. The cooler 15 cools the hydrogen gas at an intermediate position in the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 in order to suppress a rise in temperature of the hydrogen gas being filled into the filling tank 52. In other words, the cooler 15 cools the hydrogen gas being supplied to the vehicle 51 (filling tank 52) via the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5. The cooler 15 is configured to include a heat exchanger 16 provided at an intermediate position in the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 (for example, between the flow control valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13), and a chiller unit (not shown) connected to the heat exchanger 16 via a refrigerant pipeline and equipped with drive mechanisms for a compressor, pump, etc.

[0028] Although not shown, the cooler 15 is equipped with a supply-side refrigerant pipe that supplies a refrigerant (for example, a liquid containing ethylene glycol) from the chiller unit toward the heat exchanger 16, and a return-side refrigerant pipe that returns the refrigerant after heat exchange from the heat exchanger 16 toward the chiller unit. The chiller unit circulates a refrigerant between it and the heat exchanger 16 via the refrigerant pipe. As a result, the heat exchanger 16 of the cooler 15 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the hydrogen gas flowing inside the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5, and reduces the temperature of the hydrogen gas supplied toward the filling hose 6 to a specified temperature (for example, −33 to −40°C).

[0029] A depressurization pipeline 17 for releasing gas pressure from, for example, the filling hose 6 side is branched off from the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 downstream of the shutoff valve 13. A depressurization valve 18 is provided midway along the depressurization pipeline 17. The depressurization valve 18 is controlled to open based on a signal from the control device 21 when the hydrogen gas filling operation using the filling hose 6 (filling nozzle 7) is completed and the shutoff valve 13 is closed.

[0030] That is, when the connection coupler 7A of the filling nozzle 7 is removed from the filling port 52A of the tank 52 to be filled, it is necessary to reduce the pressure inside the filling hose 6 to atmospheric pressure. For this reason, when the gas filling operation is completed, the depressurization valve 18 is temporarily opened to open the tip side of the depressurization pipe 17 to the atmosphere. As a result, the hydrogen gas on the filling hose 6 side is released to the outside and the pressure inside the filling hose 6 is reduced to atmospheric pressure. As a result, the connection coupler 7A of the filling nozzle 7 can be removed from the filling port 52A of the tank 52 to be filled.

[0031] The depressurization valve 18 is a pneumatically operated valve device that opens when air is supplied to it. That is, the depressurization valve 18 opens when compressed air is supplied to it via a compressed air supply line 31. For this purpose, the depressurization valve 18 is connected to a compressed air supply line 31 through which compressed air is supplied. The depressurization valve 18 is, for example, a normally closed valve that remains closed unless compressed air of a predetermined pressure or higher is supplied. The compressed air supplied to the depressurization valve 18 is controlled by a solenoid valve 33 provided in the compressed air supply line 31. Note that, as described above, the depressurization valve 18 in this embodiment is a normally closed valve (a valve that closes when compressed air is not supplied), but a normally open valve (a valve that opens when compressed air is not supplied) may also be used. When a normally open valve is used, the opening and closing control of the depressurization valve 18 by the solenoid valve 33 is the opposite of the opening and closing control when a normally closed valve is used.

[0032] The solenoid valve 33 is, for example, a normally closed solenoid valve that is normally in a closed position, and is connected to the control device 21. The solenoid valve 33 opens when a control current is supplied from the control device 21. The depressurization valve 18 opens when compressed air is supplied through the solenoid valve 33, whose opening and closing is controlled by the control current of the control device 21. At this time, the depressurization valve 18 is kept open by the compressed air supplied when the compressed air is at a predetermined pressure (or higher than the predetermined pressure). In this way, the depressurization valve 18 opens and closes based on a control signal from the control device 21, thereby allowing or blocking the flow of hydrogen gas (fuel gas, filler gas) within the depressurization pipe 17. In this case, the control device 21 controls the opening and closing of the depressurization valve 18 when the hydrogen gas filling operation is completed.

[0033] Pressure sensor 19 is provided in hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 downstream of shut-off valve 13 (i.e., on the filling nozzle 7 side). Pressure sensor 19 detects the pressure of hydrogen gas supplied from gas accumulator 2 (i.e., the pressure in tank 52 to be filled, or the pressure midway through the pipeline that roughly corresponds to the pressure in tank 52 to be filled). Pressure sensor 19 measures the pressure in hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 near filling nozzle 7, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the measured pressure to control device 21.

[0034] The temperature sensor 20 is provided in the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5, located between the shutoff valve 13 and the pressure sensor 19. The temperature sensor 20 detects the temperature of the hydrogen gas flowing in the hydrogen gas supply pipe 5, and outputs the detection result (detection signal) to the control device 21. The positional relationship between the temperature sensor 20 and the pressure sensor 19 is not limited to the position shown in Fig. 1, and they may be reversed, for example.

[0035] The control device 21 constitutes a controller (control unit) that controls the flow rate adjustment valve 12, the shutoff valve 13 (solenoid valve 32), the depressurization valve 18 (solenoid valve 33), the display 22, etc. The control device 21 controls the supply of fuel to the filling tank 52 that is the object of filling by controlling the flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13 (solenoid valve 32). The control device 21 is a control circuit, and is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (arithmetic unit), a memory 21A (storage device), a timer, etc.

[0036] 1, the input side of the control device 21 is connected to the flow meter 14, pressure sensor 19, temperature sensor 20, humidity sensor (not shown), filling start switch 24, filling stop switch 25, nozzle detector 26, gas detector 27, etc. On the other hand, the output side of the control device 21 is connected to the flow rate adjustment valve 12, shutoff valve 13 (solenoid valve 32), depressurization valve 18 (solenoid valve 33), display 22, supply valve 42, etc.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, display 22 is provided on the front side of dispenser housing 4. Display 22 is positioned at a height that is easily visible to an operator performing the hydrogen gas filling operation, and displays information necessary for the hydrogen gas filling operation. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, POS terminal 23 that displays and manages sales information is provided adjacent to display 22 on the front side of dispenser housing 4. As will be described later, display 22, POS terminal 23, and control device 21, which are non-explosion-proof devices, are housed in sealed container 35, which is an airtight box. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, in addition to display 22 and POS terminal 23, operation units such as filling start switch 24 and filling stop switch 25 are provided on the front side of dispenser housing 4.

[0038] The filling start switch 24 and the filling stop switch 25 are switches that can be manually operated, for example, by an operator at a fuel supply station (hydrogen station). The filling start switch 24 is operated when starting to fill hydrogen gas. The filling stop switch 25 is operated when stopping to fill hydrogen gas while it is being filled. The filling start switch 24 and the filling stop switch 25 each output a signal to the control device 21 according to their operating status. In response to these signals, the control device 21 opens or closes the shutoff valve 13.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, nozzle detector 26 is provided on nozzle hanger 8. Nozzle detector 26 detects whether or not filling nozzle 7 is hung. Nozzle detector 26 is configured as a switch (nozzle switch), for example, a two-position switch, and is connected to control device 21. For example, when the filling nozzle 7 is hung on nozzle hanger 8, nozzle detector 26 is pushed by the filling nozzle 7 and switches to the ON state. When the filling nozzle 7 is removed (or detached) from nozzle hanger 8, nozzle detector 26 switches to the OFF state.

[0040] Nozzle detector 26 outputs a detection signal (ON signal or OFF signal) to control device 21 corresponding to whether or not filling nozzle 7 is hooked on nozzle hanger 8. Note that nozzle detector 26 is not limited to being provided on nozzle hanger 8 on the dispenser housing 4 side, but may also be provided on the filling nozzle 7 side. In either case, when hydrogen gas is not being filled (i.e., during standby time for the filling operation), filling nozzle 7 is held in nozzle hanger 8 of dispenser unit 3. That is, when the filling operation of filling hydrogen gas into tank 52 to be filled of vehicle 51 is completed, filling nozzle 7 is returned to nozzle hanger 8 and held in a housed state.

[0041] A vehicle 51 that runs on hydrogen gas as fuel is configured, for example, as a four-wheeled automobile (passenger car) as shown in Figure 1. The vehicle 51 is equipped with a drive unit (not shown) that includes, for example, a fuel cell and an electric motor, a filling tank 52 shown by a dotted line in Figure 1, and the like. The filling tank 52 is configured as a container with a pressure-resistant structure that is filled with hydrogen gas, and is mounted, for example, on the rear side of the vehicle 51. Note that the filling tank 52 is not limited to being located on the rear side of the vehicle 51, and may also be located on the front side or center side.

[0042] The tank to be filled 52 is provided with a filling port 52A (receptacle) to which a connection coupler 7A of the filling nozzle 7 is detachably attached. Hydrogen gas is filled into the tank to be filled 52 of the vehicle 51 with the filling nozzle 7 airtightly coupled (connected) to the filling port 52A. At this time, the filling nozzle 7 is locked to the filling port 52A by a locking mechanism to prevent it from accidentally coming off.

[0043] Incidentally, when non-explosion-proof devices such as the control device 21, the display device 22, and the POS terminal 23 are mounted inside the dispenser housing 4, it is necessary to provide a non-explosion-proof area (an area capable of accommodating non-explosion-proof devices) to accommodate these devices. In this case, it is conceivable to purge (purify) the non-explosion-proof area using compressed air (dry air) to prevent hydrogen gas from entering the non-explosion-proof area, thereby maintaining the hydrogen gas concentration below the non-explosion-proof threshold (below the lower explosion limit).

[0044] However, in the dispenser unit 3, compressed air is consumed in a wide range of ways, such as being used to drive the shutoff valve 13, etc., and also being used as dry air to be blown onto the filling nozzle 7 to melt ice, prevent condensation, and prevent freezing. For this reason, for example, if a configuration is adopted in which compressed air is constantly supplied into the non-explosion-proof area and this compressed air is constantly discharged from the non-explosion-proof area to the atmosphere, the amount of compressed air consumed will increase.

[0045] Therefore, in the embodiment, the compressed air supplied to the non-explosion-proof area (sealed container 35) is used as dry air to be blown onto the filling nozzle 7, thereby suppressing an increase in the amount of compressed air consumed. That is, in the embodiment, the compressed air supplied to the non-explosion-proof area (sealed container 35) is used as dry air to be blown onto the filling nozzle 7 to melt the ice, prevent condensation, and prevent freezing of the filling nozzle 7, in order to maintain the explosion-proof function of the non-explosion-proof area (sealed container 35), thereby reducing the amount of compressed air consumed. In this case, the temperature of the compressed air increases due to heat generated by the electronic devices (control device 21, display 22, POS terminal 23, etc.) housed (contained) in the non-explosion-proof area (sealed container 35), and this is expected to increase the temperature of the compressed air (dry air) blown onto the filling nozzle 7. This improves the effects of melting ice, preventing condensation, and preventing freezing. These points are explained in detail below.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 includes a compressor 34 and a compressed air supply line 31. The compressor 34 is a compressed air supply source (compressed air supply source, instrument air supply source, compressed gas supply source, dry air supply source) that supplies compressed air. Compressed air from the compressor 34 flows through the compressed air supply line 31. The compressor 34 and the compressed air supply line 31 supply compressed air to control devices such as the shutoff valve 13 and the depressurization valve 18 that are driven by compressed air, and also supply compressed air to a sealed container 35 that constitutes a non-explosion-proof area. The compressed air supplied by the compressor 34 may be compressed air or a non-flammable gas such as nitrogen gas.

[0047] The compressor 34 generates compressed air (compressed air, instrument air, drive gas) for driving pneumatically operated valve devices such as the shutoff valve 13 and the depressurization valve 18. The compressor 34 is a compressor driven by a drive source such as an electric motor, and supplies compressed air to the shutoff valve 13, the depressurization valve 18, etc. via a compressed air supply line 31. In addition, the compressor 34 also supplies compressed air to the sealed container 35, and further to the filling nozzle 7 via the sealed container 35.

[0048] Compressed air supply pipe 31 is disposed within dispenser housing 4. Compressed air supply pipe 31 connects compressor 34 with shutoff valve 13 and depressurization valve 18, which are pneumatically operated valve devices. Compressed air supply pipe 31 also connects compressor 34 with sealed container 35. Sealed container 35 constitutes a non-explosion-proof area. That is, sealed container 35 is a container that houses, with a certain degree of airtightness, control device 21, display 22, POS terminal 23, and the like, which are non-explosion-proof devices.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 3, the sealed container 35 includes a main body case 36, a bottom plate 37, a back plate 38, and a top plate 39. The main body case 36, the bottom plate 37, the back plate 38, and the top plate 39 are connected via seals (packings) not shown, thereby ensuring the airtightness required for the sealed container 35. In this case, the sealed container 35 does not form a completely sealed space (sealed space). For this reason, compressed air is constantly supplied to the sealed container 35 to prevent hydrogen gas from entering the sealed container 35. This prevents gas from entering the sealed container 35 from outside (such as leaked hydrogen gas, which is not normally present).

[0050] The main body case 36 has a front surface 36A, a bottom surface 36B, and a pair of side surfaces 36C. The front surface 36A has openings 36A1 at positions facing the display 22 and the POS terminal 23, respectively. This allows the display 22 and the POS terminal 23 to be viewed and operated. Although not shown, a seal (packing) can be provided around (on the edge of) the opening 36A1 in the front surface 36A to ensure the necessary airtightness between the display 22 and the POS terminal 23 and the front surface 36A.

[0051] The bottom surface 36B of the main body case 36 is placed on the bottom plate 37. The bottom surface 36B of the main body case 36 is provided with an inlet hole 36B1 serving as a compressed air supply port. The compressed air supply pipe 31 extending from the compressor 34 is connected to the inlet hole 36B1 via an air joint (not shown). On the other hand, the top plate 39 is provided with an outlet hole 39A serving as an exhaust port at a position diagonal to the inlet hole 36B1 of the bottom surface 36B of the main body case 36. A nozzle-side supply pipe 40 extending from the sealed container 35 toward the filling nozzle 7 is connected to the outlet hole 39A via an air joint (not shown). The nozzle-side supply pipe 40 is connected to a blowing port 43 of a compressed air blowing device 41.

[0052] That is, compressed air is supplied to the sealed container 35 from the inlet hole 36B1 via a compressed air supply pipe 31, which serves as an air tube. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1 , the compressed air supply pipe 31 includes a main pipe 31A that supplies compressed air to the shutoff valve 13 and the depressurization valve 18, and a branch pipe 31B that branches off from the main pipe 31A, and compressed air is constantly supplied to the sealed container 35 via the branch pipe 31B. Meanwhile, a nozzle-side supply pipe 40, which serves as an air tube, is connected to the outlet hole 39A. The compressed air supplied into the sealed container 35 is supplied toward the filling nozzle 7 via the nozzle-side supply pipe 40. More specifically, the compressed air is supplied to a compressed air spraying device 41 via the nozzle-side supply pipe 40.

[0053] A gas detector 27 (see FIG. 1) is also provided inside the sealed container 35. The gas detector 27 is connected to the control device 21. When the gas detector 27 detects hydrogen gas, the control device 21 stops supplying power to the control device 21, the display device 22, and the POS terminal 23, which are non-explosion-proof devices inside the sealed container 35.

[0054] Next, the compressed air blowing device 41 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the compressed air blowing device 41 includes a supply valve 42 provided midway through the nozzle-side supply pipe 40 and a blowing port 43 that serves as a blowing port for compressed air. Although not shown, a dryer (dryer, desiccant) for drying the compressed air may be provided midway through the nozzle-side supply pipe 40, if necessary. The nozzle-side supply pipe 40 is connected to the blowing port 43 that serves as a discharge port (second discharge port) for the compressed air. The supply valve 42 is, for example, a valve device formed of an electromagnetic three-way valve, and is switchably controlled based on a control signal from the control device 21 to either supply the compressed air supplied from the nozzle-side supply pipe 40 to the blowing port 43 or discharge it out of the nozzle-side supply pipe 40. The supply valve 42 is a three-way valve that is normally (when a control signal instructing that the compressed air supplied from the nozzle-side supply pipe 40 be supplied to the spray port 43 is not input from the control device 21) in a switching position in which the compressed air supplied from the nozzle-side supply pipe 40 is dispersed outside the nozzle-side supply pipe 40, and is connected to the control device 21. In this embodiment, when an ON signal output from the nozzle detector 26 is input because the filling nozzle 7 is hooked to the nozzle hanger 8, the control device 21 outputs a control signal to the compressed air spraying device 41 (supply valve 42) instructing that the compressed air supplied from the nozzle-side supply pipe 40 be supplied to the spray port 43. In addition, when an OFF signal output from the nozzle detector 26 is input because the filling nozzle 7 is not hooked to the nozzle hanger 8, the control device 21 outputs a control signal to the compressed air spraying device 41 (supply valve 42) instructing that the air be dispersed outside the nozzle-side supply pipe 40.

[0055] When the compressed air blowing device 41 receives an input of a "control signal instructing that the compressed air supplied from the nozzle-side supply pipe 40 be supplied to the blowing port 43" from the control device 21, the supply valve 42 switches the supply destination of the compressed air to the blowing port 43, and the compressed air flows through the nozzle-side supply pipe 40 toward the blowing port 43. As a result, the compressed air that becomes dry air is blown from the blowing port 43 toward the tip side of the filling nozzle 7. On the other hand, when the control device 21 no longer inputs a "control signal instructing that the compressed air supplied from the nozzle-side supply pipe 40 be supplied to the blowing port 43" (i.e., the control device 21 outputs a "control signal instructing that the compressed air be dispersed outside the nozzle-side supply pipe 40"), the supply valve 42 switches so that the compressed air supplied from the nozzle-side supply pipe 40 be dispersed outside the nozzle-side supply pipe 40, and the spraying of compressed gas from the blowing port 43 stops. At this time, the compressed air is released through the open conduit 44 connected to the supply valve 42. A throttle 45 can be provided in the open conduit 44. The throttle 45 may also be provided in the nozzle-side supply conduit 40. Alternatively, the throttle effect may be achieved by narrowing the diameter of the nozzle-side supply conduit 40 itself without providing the throttle 45. The reason for this is that the pressure inside the sealed container 35 needs to be maintained higher than that outside the sealed container 35 to prevent hydrogen gas from entering the sealed container 35 from outside. That is, to maintain high pressure inside the sealed container 35, the nozzle-side supply conduit 40 is given a throttle function to some extent. However, this high pressure does not need to be very high. For example, it is sufficient if the pressure inside the sealed container 35 is slightly higher than the ambient air pressure. If the pressure inside the sealed container 35 does not need to be high enough to open the shutoff valve 13, the depressurization valve 18, etc., a throttle may be provided in the branch conduit 31B, or the diameter of the branch conduit 31B itself may be narrowed.

[0056] Note that, although the control device 21 of the present embodiment is configured to always supply compressed air to the blowing port 43 when the filling nozzle 7 is hung on the nozzle hanger 8, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the control device 21 determines that the humidity detected by a humidity sensor (not shown) is equal to or higher than a humidity threshold value (the ambient humidity is high and condensation is likely to occur), it may drive the compressed air blowing device 41 (i.e., open the supply valve 42) and blow compressed air from the blowing port 43 for a predetermined time, and when it determines that the humidity is lower than the humidity threshold value (the ambient air is dry and condensation is unlikely to occur), it may not drive the compressed air blowing device 41 (i.e., keep the supply valve 42 closed).

[0057] As described above, in the embodiment, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 includes a hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 and / or a filling hose 6 corresponding to a gas filling path, a flow meter 14, a pressure sensor 19, and / or a temperature sensor 20 corresponding to measuring instruments, a shutoff valve 13 and / or a depressurization valve 18 corresponding to control instruments, a filling nozzle 7, and a sealed container 35. The hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 and / or the filling hose 6 are a path (gas supply path) for filling the tank 52 with hydrogen gas. The flow meter 14, the pressure sensor 19, and / or the temperature sensor 20 are devices that measure the status of the hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5. The shutoff valve 13 and / or the depressurization valve 18 are driven by compressed air supplied from a compressor 34, which serves as a compressed air supply source, and control the flow of hydrogen gas through the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5. The filling nozzle 7 is provided at the tip side of the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 (more specifically, at the tip side of the filling hose 6) and is connected to a filling port 52A of the tank 52 to be filled. The airtight container 35 accommodates the control device 21, the display device 22, and the POS terminal 23, which are non-explosion-proof devices, with a certain degree of airtightness.

[0058] Furthermore, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 supplies compressed air from the compressor 34 into the sealed container 35, and sends (directs, guides) the compressed air in the sealed container 35 from the sealed container 35 toward the filling nozzle 7. For this purpose, according to the embodiment, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 has a compressed air supply line 31 as a first compressed air supply path connecting the compressor 34 and the sealed container 35, and a nozzle-side supply line 40 as a second compressed air supply path that sends compressed air from the sealed container 35 toward the filling nozzle 7.

[0059] Here, nozzle hanger 8, to which filling nozzle 7 is removably attached, is provided with a spray port 43 as a second outlet for discharging compressed air, facing filling nozzle 7. Sealed container 35 and spray port 43 are connected by nozzle-side supply pipe 40, which is a second compressed air supply path. Furthermore, sealed container 35 is provided with gas detector 27 that detects hydrogen gas within sealed container 35. Gas detector 27 is connected to control device 21, and when gas detector 27 detects hydrogen gas, it stops supplying power to control device 21, display 22, and POS terminal 23 within sealed container 35.

[0060] The hydrogen gas filling device 1 according to the embodiment has the configuration as described above, and next, the hydrogen gas filling operation using the hydrogen gas filling device 1 will be described.

[0061] When filling hydrogen gas into tank 52 of vehicle 51, the worker performing the filling operation removes filling nozzle 7 from nozzle hanger 8. Then, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 1, he connects filling nozzle 7 to filling port 52A of tank 52 to be filled and locks this connection. In this state, when the worker performing the filling operation turns on filling start switch 24, control device 21 outputs a valve open signal to flow rate adjustment valve 12 and shutoff valve 13 (solenoid valve 32), causing flow rate adjustment valve 12 and shutoff valve 13 to open.

[0062] As a result, the hydrogen gas in the gas accumulator 2 is filled into the filling tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5, filling hose 6, and filling nozzle 7. The control device 21 adjusts the opening of the flow control valve 12 and the like using a preset control method (constant pressure rise control method or constant flow control method) while monitoring the measurement results of, for example, the flow meter 14, pressure sensor 19, and temperature sensor 20. This makes it possible to control the pressure and flow rate of the hydrogen gas supplied into the hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 to an appropriate flow state.

[0063] At this time, the control device 21 integrates the flow rate pulses from the flow meter 14 to calculate the amount (mass) of hydrogen gas to be filled, and determines whether the amount of hydrogen gas to be filled has reached a preset target amount, or whether the pressure of the hydrogen gas detected by the pressure sensor 19 has reached a preset target filling pressure. When it is determined that the target filling amount (pressure) has been reached, the flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the shutoff valve 13 (solenoid valve 32) are closed by a signal from the control device 21, and the filling of hydrogen gas into the tank 52 to be filled is terminated. The filling operation is also terminated when the operator operates the filling stop switch 25.

[0064] Next, in this state, controller 21 executes a filling completion control process. In this filling completion control process, a signal from controller 21 controls depressurization valve 18 (solenoid valve 33) to open from a closed state. When depressurization valve 18 opens, depressurization line 17 is opened to the atmosphere, thereby releasing gas on the filling nozzle 7 side to the outside and reducing the pressure in filling nozzle 7 to atmospheric pressure level. In this state, the operator can remove connection coupler 7A of filling nozzle 7 from filling port 52A of tank 52 to be filled.

[0065] Filling nozzle 7, which has been removed from filling port 52A of tank 52 to be filled, is returned by the operator to nozzle hanger 8 on dispenser housing 4 and manually latched. Nozzle detector 26 provided on nozzle hanger 8 detects whether filling nozzle 7 has been returned to nozzle hanger 8. When filling nozzle 7 is returned to nozzle hanger 8 and latched, a detection signal from nozzle detector 26 is output to control device 21. This causes control device 21 to determine that the filling operation using filling nozzle 7 has ended, and the device enters a standby state for the next filling operation.

[0066] According to the embodiment, compressed air from compressor 34 is supplied into sealed container 35, and the compressed air in sealed container 35 is then sent from sealed container 35 toward filling nozzle 7. This allows the compressed air supplied into sealed container 35 to be used on the filling nozzle 7 side. That is, the compressed air supplied into sealed container 35 can be used as compressed air (dry air) to melt ice, prevent condensation, and prevent freezing of filling nozzle 7. This prevents an increase in the amount of compressed air consumed. Furthermore, the temperature of the compressed air in sealed container 35 rises due to heat generation by electronic devices such as control device 21, display 22, and POS terminal 23. As a result, the temperature of the compressed air (dry air) blown toward filling nozzle 7 also rises, improving the effectiveness of melting ice, preventing condensation, and preventing freezing.

[0067] According to the embodiment, when hydrogen gas is detected by the gas detector 27 provided in the sealed container 35, the supply of power to the control device 21, the display 22, and the POS terminal 23 inside the sealed container 35 is stopped. Therefore, even if hydrogen gas gets into the sealed container 35, it is possible to prevent the hydrogen gas from igniting.

[0068] According to the embodiment, there is provided a compressed air supply line 31 that connects the compressor 34 and the sealed container 35, and a nozzle-side supply line 40 that sends compressed air from the sealed container 35 toward the filling nozzle 7. Therefore, the compressed air sent from the sealed container 35 to the filling nozzle 7 through the nozzle-side supply line 40 can be used as compressed air (dry air) for melting ice, preventing condensation, and preventing freezing of the filling nozzle 7.

[0069] According to the embodiment, the sealed container 35 and the blowing port 43 of the nozzle hanger 8 are connected by the nozzle-side supply pipe 40. Therefore, the compressed air released from the blowing port 43 of the nozzle hanger 8 can be used as dry air (blow air) for melting the ice of the filling nozzle 7, preventing condensation, and preventing freezing.

[0070] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the "spray port 43 provided opposite the filling nozzle 7" and the "sealed container 35" are connected by the nozzle-side supply pipe 40. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the filling nozzle may be provided with a discharge port (first discharge port) that discharges compressed air, and this discharge port and the sealed container may be connected by the nozzle-side supply pipe. That is, although not shown, the filling nozzle may be provided with a first discharge port that discharges compressed air. Then, the sealed container and the first discharge port are connected by a second compressed air supply path (nozzle-side supply pipe).

[0071] In this case, the filling nozzle is provided with a communication hole (first discharge port) that passes through the filling nozzle and communicates with the tip of the filling nozzle, and a second compressed air supply path (nozzle-side supply pipe) can be connected to this communication hole (first discharge port). Furthermore, for example, the second compressed air supply path can be arranged so as to run from the dispenser housing along the filling hose. However, this is not limited to this, and the second compressed air supply path may be separated from the filling hose, and the second compressed air supply path and the filling hose may be arranged separately. In either case, the sealed container and the first discharge port of the filling nozzle are connected by the second compressed air supply path. Therefore, the compressed air discharged from the first discharge port of the filling nozzle can be used as dry air (blowing air) to melt the ice on the filling nozzle, prevent condensation, and prevent freezing.

[0072] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which non-explosion-proof equipment, that is, control device 21, display device 22, and POS terminal 23, are housed in sealed container 35. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the control device may be installed in a different location outside the dispenser housing. Furthermore, the non-explosion-proof equipment is not limited to control device 21, display device 22, and POS terminal 23, but may be other non-explosion-proof equipment. At least one non-explosion-proof equipment can be housed in the sealed container.

[0073] In the embodiment, an automobile has been described as an example of the vehicle 51 on which the filling tank 52 is mounted. However, the vehicle is not limited to this, and may be a work vehicle such as a forklift. Furthermore, the automobile may be, for example, a passenger vehicle such as a bus, or a freight vehicle such as a truck.

[0074] In the embodiment, the case where hydrogen gas is filled into the filling tank 52 of a vehicle 51 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 filling tank (tank, container, etc.) other than a vehicle with hydrogen gas. The dispenser unit 3 of the hydrogen gas filling device 1 may also be installed midway along a pipeline (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 filling device) may also use gases (fuel gases) other than hydrogen gas, such as natural gas (NG) or propane gas (LPG).

[0075] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which one dispenser unit 3 is configured to fill one vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas through one system of hydrogen gas supply pipeline 5 and filling hose 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, one dispenser unit may be configured to be able to fill multiple vehicles with fuel gas through multiple systems of gas supply pipelines and gas supply connection paths.

[0076] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the compressed air supply source is constituted by the compressor 34. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the compressed air supply source may be a compressed air supply source other than a compressor, such as a gas container (high-pressure gas container, gas cylinder), for example.

[0077] According to the embodiment described above, compressed air is supplied from a compressed air supply source into a sealed container, and the compressed air in the sealed container is then sent from the sealed container toward the filling nozzle. Therefore, the compressed air supplied into the sealed container can be used on the filling nozzle side. For example, the compressed air supplied into the sealed container can be used as compressed air (dry air) to melt ice, prevent condensation, and prevent freezing of the filling nozzle. This can prevent an increase in the amount of compressed air consumed.

[0078] According to the embodiment, when a gas is detected by a gas detector installed in the sealed container, the supply of power to non-explosion-proof equipment inside the sealed container is stopped, so that even if flammable gas gets into the sealed container, the gas can be prevented from igniting.

[0079] According to an embodiment, there is provided a first compressed air supply path connecting the compressed air supply source and the sealed container, and a second compressed air supply path that sends compressed air from the sealed container toward the filling nozzle. Therefore, the compressed air sent from the sealed container to the filling nozzle through the second compressed air supply path can be used as compressed air (dry air) for, for example, melting ice in the filling nozzle, preventing condensation, and preventing freezing.

[0080] According to the embodiment, the sealed container and the first outlet of the filling nozzle are connected by a second compressed air supply path, so that the compressed air discharged from the first outlet of the filling nozzle can be used as dry air (blowing air) to melt ice on the filling nozzle, prevent condensation, and prevent freezing.

[0081] According to the embodiment, the sealed container and the second outlet of the nozzle hanger are connected by a second compressed air supply path, so that the compressed air discharged from the second outlet of the nozzle hanger can be used as dry air (blowing air) to melt ice on the filling nozzle, prevent condensation, and prevent freezing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Hydrogen gas filling device (gas filling device) 5 Hydrogen gas supply line (gas filling route) 6 Filling hose (gas filling path) 7 Filling Nozzle 8 Nozzle Hanger 13 Shut-off valve (control equipment) 14 Flow meter (measuring instrument) 18 Pressure release valve (control equipment) 19 Pressure sensor (measuring equipment) 20 Temperature sensor (measuring equipment) 21 Control equipment (non-explosion-proof equipment) 22 Display (non-explosion-proof equipment) 23 POS terminal (non-explosion-proof equipment) 27 Gas detector 31 Compressed air supply line (first compressed air supply path) 34 Compressor (compressed air supply source) 35 Airtight containers 40 Nozzle side supply pipe (second compressed air supply path) 43 Spraying port (second discharge port) 52 Filling tank 52A filling port

Claims

1. a gas filling path for filling the tank with gas; a measuring device for measuring the state of the gas flowing through the gas filling path; a control device that is driven by compressed air supplied from a compressed air supply source as a power source and controls the flow of gas through the gas filling path; a filling nozzle provided at the tip end of the gas filling path and connected to the filling port of the tank to be filled; and a sealed container that accommodates non-explosion-proof equipment with a certain degree of airtightness; A gas filling device that supplies compressed air from the compressed air supply source into the sealed container and sends the compressed air in the sealed container out from the sealed container toward the filling nozzle.

2. The sealed container is provided with a gas detector that detects gas inside the sealed container, 2. The gas filling device according to claim 1, wherein when gas is detected by the gas detector, the supply of power to the non-explosion-proof equipment in the sealed container is stopped.

3. 3. The gas filling device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first compressed air supply path connecting the compressed air supply source and the sealed container; and a second compressed air supply path for sending the compressed air from the sealed container toward the filling nozzle.

4. The filling nozzle is provided with a first outlet for discharging the compressed air, 4. The gas filling device according to claim 3, wherein the sealed container and the first outlet are connected by the second compressed air supply path.

5. a nozzle hanger to which the filling nozzle is removably attached, the nozzle hanger having a second outlet for discharging the compressed air, the second outlet being provided opposite the filling nozzle; The gas filling device according to claim 3, wherein the sealed container and the second outlet are connected by the second compressed air supply path.

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