Filling nozzle

Abstract

To provide a filling nozzle capable of preventing a protrusion at the front end of a clutch from being fixed in the state of being opened radially outward.SOLUTION: A filling nozzle (10) according to this invention is provided at the front end of a filling hose of a fuel filling system, and a clutch mechanism (12) for maintaining the state of connecting the filling nozzle and a vehicle filling port (20: a receptacle) includes a clutch (4) for engaging with a member on the receptacle side. At a central part in the nozzle longitudinal direction of the clutch or in its vicinity, an elastic body (14: for example, a spring) is arranged. The elastic body (14) energizes the clutch radially inward of the nozzle. Or, to an engagement part where the dispenser side end of the clutch engages with a pipe joint body (1), an elastic body spacer (15) having an approximate U-shape in cross section and a ring shape as a whole is fitted. A portion other than the end of the clutch is energized radially inward of the nozzle by the elastic body spacer (15).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling nozzle for filling a gaseous fuel, such as hydrogen gas. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to prevent deterioration of the sealing structure of such filling nozzles and reduce the possibility of hydrogen gas leakage, the applicant has proposed the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. Although this technology is useful, there was a problem in that when the filling nozzle and receptacle were coupled, the protrusions (with large radial dimensions) formed at the tip of the clutch of the filling nozzle that protruded radially outward and inward could not move radially inward due to freezing or the like, and the filling nozzle became fixed in an open position radially outward, making it impossible to uncouple (remove) the filling nozzle from the receptacle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6516207 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention was proposed in consideration of the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a filling nozzle that can prevent the protrusion at the tip of the clutch from becoming fixed in an open position radially outward. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The filling nozzle (10) of the present invention is The fuel filling system includes a pipe joint body (1) that is provided at the tip of a filling hose of a fuel filling system that fills hydrogen from a storage tank that stores hydrogen fuel to an on-board hydrogen filling tank mounted on a vehicle, and that is connected to a receptacle (20); A pipe fitting internal flow path (1A) is formed inside a pipe fitting body (1) of the filling nozzle (10), a rod (2) having a valve element (2A) at one end is slidably disposed in the pipe fitting internal flow path (1A), a valve seat (1H) on which the valve element (2A) sits is formed, and an elastic member (3) is disposed to bias the valve element (2A) against the valve seat (1H), a clutch mechanism (12) for maintaining a connection between the filling nozzle (10) and the vehicle filling port (20: receptacle), the clutch mechanism (12) including a clutch (4) that engages with a member on the receptacle (20) side; The clutch (4) extends in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and an elastic body (14: e.g., a spring) is disposed in the center of the clutch (4) in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle or in its vicinity, and the elastic body (14) biases the clutch (4) radially inward of the nozzle (10).

[0006] The filling nozzle (10-1) of the present invention is The fuel filling system includes a pipe joint body (1) that is provided at the tip of a filling hose of a fuel filling system that fills hydrogen from a storage tank that stores hydrogen fuel to an on-board hydrogen filling tank mounted on a vehicle, and that is connected to a receptacle (20); A pipe fitting internal flow path (1A) is formed inside a pipe fitting body (1) of the filling nozzle (10-1), a rod (2) having a valve element (2A) at one end is slidably disposed in the pipe fitting internal flow path (1A), a valve seat (1H) on which the valve element (2A) sits is formed, and an elastic member (3) is disposed to bias the valve element (2A) against the valve seat (1H), a clutch mechanism (12) for maintaining a connection between the filling nozzle (10) and the vehicle filling port (20: receptacle), the clutch mechanism (12) including a clutch (4) that engages with a member on the receptacle (20) side; The clutch (4) extends in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and an end of the clutch (4) away from the receptacle (20) engages with the pipe fitting body (1), and an elastic spacer (15, 15-1, 15-2, 15-3) having a generally U-shaped cross section and a ring shape as a whole is fitted into the engagement portion so that the elastic spacer (15, 15-1, 15-2, 15-3) biases the portion (4R) of the clutch (4) other than the end toward the radial inward direction of the nozzle (10), The shape of the elastic spacers (15, 15-1, 15-2, 15-3) is characterized in that it is roughly complementary to the gap or a part thereof when the end of the clutch (4) (the end facing away from the receptacle 20 of the clutch 4) engages with the engagement portion where the end engages with the pipe fitting body (1).

[0007] In the present invention, the engaging portion is configured as a (roughly) annular recess (1D) formed in the pipe fitting body (1) to accommodate the dispenser side end (4E: clutch base, clutch end) of the clutch (4), and a drainage channel (7W) can be provided to connect the annular recess (1D) to the outside of the pipe fitting body (1). Preferably, the elastic spacers (15-1, 15-2) are formed with through holes (15W), and the through holes (15W) communicate with the drainage channels (7W).

[0008] Here, when the end (4E: the end of the clutch 4 on the side away from the receptacle 20) of the clutch (4) is engaged with the engagement portion where the end (4E) is engaged with the pipe joint body (1), a gap or Or a part of it An extension portion (15A-1) is formed radially outward of the elastic spacers (15-1, 15-2) having a shape complementary to the above, which extends toward the receptacle side (arrow AR side) (compared to the radially inward direction of the elastic spacers 15-1, 15-2), and it is preferable that the radial dimension of the extension portion (15A-1) is set to be the same as or slightly smaller than the radial dimension of the receptacle side portion of the clutch (4) (the portion other than the dispenser side end of the clutch 4).

[0009] In the present invention, when the end (4E: the end of the clutch 4 on the side away from the receptacle 20) of the clutch (4) is engaged with the engagement portion where the end (4E) is engaged with the pipe joint body (1), a gap or Or a part of it The elastic spacer (15-3), which has a shape roughly complementary to the elastic spacer (15-3), can be configured to have a shape roughly complementary to the radially outer region of the gap (the region radially outward of the inclined surface 4EC and flat surface 4ED of the end 4E). In this case, when the end (4E: the end of the clutch 4 away from the receptacle 20) of the clutch (4) is engaged with the engagement portion where the end (4E) is engaged with the pipe fitting main body (1), the elastic spacer (15-3) is not filled in the region radially inward of the radially inner end face (4EB) of the end (4E) of the clutch (4) to form a gap (1DV), and the gap (1DV) is connected to the drainage channel (7W-3) of the pipe fitting main body (1), The elastic spacer (15-3) may be configured so that no through-hole (15W) is formed therein.

[0010] In a manufacturing method of the elastic spacer (15, 15-1) in the filling nozzle (the filling nozzle of any one of claims 2 to 7), This method is characterized by the step of pouring molten rubber or silicon into the engaging portion where the end of the clutch (4) away from the receptacle (20) engages with the pipe fitting body (1), and then removing the rubber or silicon after it has hardened. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, an elastic body (14, e.g., a spring) is disposed at or near the center of the clutch (4) in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle. The elastic body (14) biases the clutch (4) radially inward of the nozzle (10). Therefore, even if the clutch (4) becomes difficult to disengage for some reason, the tip of the clutch (4) moves radially inward, disengaging the end face (4BB) of the protrusion (4B) of the clutch (4) from the end face (5BA) of the protrusion (5B) of the lever (5). This allows the lever (5) to move in a direction away from the receptacle (20) (leftward in FIGS. 2 and 3). As a result, the protrusion (4B) of the clutch (4) can be disengaged from the fitting groove (20A) of the receptacle (20), thereby disconnecting the filling nozzle (10) from the receptacle (20).

[0012] Here, for example, when moisture contained in the air that has entered the filling nozzle is cooled by the low temperature of the hydrogen gas, it freezes (frozen), and may bind the clutch 4 to the nozzle parts around it, or may bind the elastic body 14 (spring) to the nozzle parts radially outward of the clutch 4. When the moisture accumulated in the approximately annular recess 1D of the pipe fitting body 1 freezes, the protrusion 4B of the clutch 4 cannot be disengaged from the fitting groove 20A of the receptacle 20, and the filling nozzle 10 cannot be disconnected from the receptacle 20.

[0013] According to the present invention (of any one of claims 2 to 7), the clutch (4) extends in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and an elastic spacer (15) having a generally U-shaped cross section and a ring shape as a whole is fitted into an engaging portion of the end of the clutch (4) remote from the receptacle (20) that engages with the pipe fitting body (1) so that the portion of the clutch (4) other than the end is urged radially inward of the nozzle (10-1) by the elastic spacer (15). The shape of the elastic spacer (15) is generally complementary to a gap or a part thereof when the end of the clutch (4) (the end of the clutch (4) remote from the receptacle 20) engages with the engaging portion where the end engages with the pipe fitting body (1). Therefore, the elastic spacer (15) fulfills the function of filling the engaging portion where the end of the clutch (4) engages with the pipe fitting body (1), preventing moisture and foreign matter from entering the engaging portion. This prevents the water in the engagement portion from freezing, and prevents the clutch (4) from being unable to move radially inward.

[0014] In addition, the elastic forces (α, β) of the elastic spacer (15) always act on the dispenser side end of the clutch (4), and the elastic repulsive forces (α, β) act to move the receptacle side portion of the clutch (4) (the portion other than the dispenser side end of the clutch) radially inward. Therefore, even if the base where the clutch (4) is connected to the main body (1) freezes, the elastic repulsive forces (α, β) that urge the clutch (4) radially inward assist the clutch (4) in moving radially inward, and the clutch (4) is reliably disengaged from the member on the receptacle side.

[0015] Furthermore, in the present invention, if a drainage channel (7W) is provided that connects a (roughly) annular recess (1D) that accommodates the dispenser side end (4E: clutch base, clutch end) of the clutch (4) formed in the pipe fitting body (1) to the outside of the pipe fitting body (1), even if moisture accumulates in the recess (1D), it will be discharged to the outside of the filling nozzles (10-3, 10-4) via the drainage channel (7W). Furthermore, through holes (15W, 15-2W) are also formed in the elastic spacers (15, 15-2), and if the through holes (15W, 15-2W) are connected to the drainage channel (7W), even if moisture accumulates in the area closer to the receptacle (arrow AR side) than the elastic spacer (15), the moisture can be discharged to the outside of the filling nozzles (10-3, 10-4) through the through holes (15W) and the drainage channel (7W). Therefore, the radially inward movement of the clutch (4) is not hindered by freezing of water, and the protrusion (4B) of the clutch (4) disengages from the mating groove (20A) of the receptacle (20), disconnecting the filling nozzles (10-3, 10-4) from the receptacle (20). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint body of a filling nozzle. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pipe fitting and a receptacle are coupled together. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged explanatory view of a portion indicated by the reference symbol F3 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of a filling nozzle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a spring in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory enlarged view showing the engagement portion between the clutch of the filling nozzle and the pipe joint when the elastic spacer is not fitted. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of a second embodiment, illustrating a state in which an elastic spacer is fitted into a recess that is an engagement portion between an end of the clutch and a pipe joint. [Figure 8] 8 is an explanatory enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which an elastic repulsive force of the elastic spacer shown in FIG. 7 acts. FIG. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of a third embodiment, illustrating a state in which an elastic spacer is fitted into a recess that is an engagement portion between an end of the clutch and a pipe joint. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of a fourth embodiment, illustrating a state in which an elastic spacer is fitted into a recess that is an engagement portion between an end of the clutch and a pipe joint. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of a fifth embodiment, illustrating a state in which an elastic spacer is fitted into a recess that is an engagement portion between an end of the clutch and a pipe joint. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of a sixth embodiment, illustrating a state in which an elastic spacer is fitted into a recess that is an engagement portion between an end of the clutch and a pipe joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, in order to understand the present invention, the prior art described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 6516207) will be described with reference to FIGS. In Figures 1 and 2, the filling nozzle 10 is provided at the tip of a filling hose of a fuel filling system that fills hydrogen into the hydrogen filling tank of an FCV, for example, and has a pipe fitting body 1, which is connected to a receptacle 20 during filling. A pipe fitting internal flow path 1A is formed inside the pipe fitting main body 1, and a rod 2 is slidably disposed in the pipe fitting internal flow path 1A, and a valve seat 1H is formed in the pipe fitting internal flow path 1A. A valve disc 2A is provided at one end of the rod 2, and the valve disc 2A is seated on the valve seat 1H. An elastic member 3 is disposed in the pipe fitting internal flow path 1A to bias the valve disc 2A toward the valve seat 1H. The filling nozzle (10) includes a clutch mechanism (12) that maintains the connection between the filling nozzle (10) and the receptacle (20) (vehicle filling port), and the clutch mechanism (12) includes a clutch (4) that engages with the receptacle (20). The clutch (4) extends in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and a groove is formed in the center of the clutch (4) in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle or in the vicinity thereof, with an elastic body (e.g., a spring) disposed in the groove, and the elastic body biases the clutch (4) radially inward of the filling nozzle (10).

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, when the pipe fitting main body 1 and receptacle 20 are connected, hydrogen gas flows through the pipe fitting internal flow path 1A and the rod internal flow path 2B, or flows through the gap δ1 between the outer surface of the rod large diameter portion 2D and the inner surface of the pipe fitting internal flow path 1A, reaches the bottom 20C of the receptacle fitting recess, and flows through the receptacle internal flow path 20B. Hydrogen gas flowing from the bottom 20C of the receptacle fitting recess through the gap ε1 between the inner wall surface 20D of the receptacle fitting recess and the outer circumferential surface of the pipe joint central projection 1E is sealed by an O-ring 21 provided on the inner wall surface 20D of the receptacle fitting recess.

[0019] 2, clutch mechanism 12 has the function of holding the receptacle side end of lever 5 at a radially outer position of clutch 4, preventing protrusion 4B of clutch 4 from coming out of fitting groove 20A of receptacle 20. Clutch mechanism 12 has protrusion 5B (lever protrusion) provided at the end of lever 5 on the receptacle side (right side in FIGS. 1 and 2) so as to protrude radially inward, and ring-shaped elastic member 6 (e.g., an O-ring) arranged on the side farther from receptacle 20 than lever protrusion 5B (left side in FIGS. 1 and 2). The ring-shaped elastic member 6 is fitted into an elastic body groove 5C formed in the vicinity of the receptacle side end of the lever 5.

[0020] When the pipe fitting main body 1 and the receptacle 20 are connected as shown in Figure 2, the valve body 2A at the tip of the rod 2 moves away from the valve seat 1H, and hydrogen gas flows into the pipe fitting internal flow path 1A and passes through the rod internal flow path 2B and the receptacle internal flow path 20B. At this time, the hydrogen gas is at a very high pressure (for example, 70 MPa), and this pressure causes a tensile force F1 (FIG. 2) to act, which tries to peel the pipe fitting main body 1 away from the receptacle 20. The tensile force F1 causes inclined surface 4BA of protrusion 4B of clutch 4 on the side away from receptacle 20 (left side in FIG. 2) to come into contact with inclined surface 20AA of receptacle fitting groove 20A on the side away from receptacle 20 (left side in FIG. 2). As a result, a radially outward force RO acts on clutch 4 as a component of the tensile force F1, causing clutch 4 to move radially outward.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, which is an enlarged view of portion F3 in Figure 2, when the clutch 4 moves radially outward due to the radially outward force RO, the ring-shaped elastic body 6 is crushed in the radial direction. As a result, the end face 4BB of the projection 4B of the clutch 4 and the end face 5BA of the projection 5B of the lever 5 come into contact with each other in the region FT. This prevents the lever 5 from moving in a direction away from the receptacle 20 (to the left in Figures 2 and 3) from the state shown in Figure 3. Because lever 5 remains positioned radially outward of protrusion 4B of clutch 4, clutch 4 cannot move radially outward. As a result, protrusion 4B of clutch 4 does not come out of fitting groove 20A of receptacle 20, and the connection between pipe fitting main body 1 and receptacle 20 is prevented from being released.

[0022] 2 and 3, once the filling of hydrogen gas is completed and the predetermined depressurization operation is completed, the tensile force F1 caused by the high pressure of hydrogen gas disappears. Accordingly, the radially outward force RO acting on the clutch 4 also disappears, and the ring-shaped elastic member 6 returns to its circular cross-sectional state from the crushed state shown in Fig. 3. As a result, the clutch 4 returns to its radially inner position (the position before hydrogen gas filling), and the end faces 4BB and 5BA are no longer in relative radial positions (vertical positions in Fig. 3) (are not joined), and do not reach the state shown in region FT in Fig. 3. Therefore, unlike the state shown in Figure 3, lever 5 can be moved in a direction away from receptacle 20 (leftward in Figures 2 and 3). If lever 5 is moved in a direction away from receptacle 20 (leftward in Figures 2 and 3), lever 5 is not positioned radially outward from clutch 4, and protrusion 4B can be disengaged from fitting groove 20A of receptacle 20. Then, the connection between pipe fitting body 1 and receptacle 20 can be released.

[0023] The invention of Patent Document 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 is a useful technique. However, if for some reason the end face 4BB of the protrusion 4B of the clutch 4 and the end face 5BA of the protrusion 5B of the lever 5 are not released from the engagement, even if hydrogen filling is completed and the radially outward force RO disappears, the lever 5 cannot be moved in a direction away from the receptacle 20 (leftward in Figures 2 and 3), and the filling nozzle 10 cannot be removed from the receptacle 20.

[0024] In contrast, in the filling nozzle 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, once hydrogen filling is completed and the radially outward force RO disappears, the nozzle 11 can be reliably removed from the receptacle 20. 4, a spring 14 (elastic body) is disposed at or near the center of the clutch 4 in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and the spring 14 urges the clutch 4 radially inward of the nozzle 10. The structure of the portion where the clutch base 4E (the dispenser side end of the clutch) engages with the tip end 1C of the pipe fitting main body 1 differs in the first embodiment of FIG. 4 from that of FIGS. 1 to 3. Although receptacle 20 is not shown in Figures 4, 7, and 9, the structure on the receptacle side is the same as that in Figures 1 to 3. In Figures 4, 6, and 9, the left side is the receptacle side. In the description with reference to Fig. 4, parts similar to those in the configurations of Figs. 1 to 3 are assigned the same reference numerals as those in Figs. 1 to 3 and will not be described again. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from Figs. 1 to 3.

[0025] 4, a protrusion 4C is formed near the center of the filling nozzle in the longitudinal direction of the clutch 4, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the filling nozzle. A groove 4D is formed radially outward from the protrusion 4C. A spring 14, which is an elastic body, is disposed within the groove 4D. The spring 14 is formed by connecting tension coil springs in a circular ring shape, as shown in FIG. 5, for example. When the spring 14 is disposed in the groove 4D (see FIG. 4), it contracts radially inward due to its elastic force. This contraction force acts from the spring 14 on the bottom of the groove 4D in the direction indicated by arrow F5. The elastic force of the spring 14 (arrow F5) urges the clutch 4 radially inward of the nozzle 10. 5, one end of the spring 14 is provided with a locking portion 14T that protrudes radially inward of the clutch 4, and a hole (not shown) is formed in the bottom of the groove 4D. By locking the locking portion 14T in the hole (not shown) in the bottom of the groove 4D, the spring 14 can be prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction. In addition, a gap 14S is formed between the end where the locking portion 14T is provided and the other end 14E2, and even if the spring 14 is forced radially inward by an unexpected external force, for example, the gap 14S prevents damage. Although not shown, the spring 14 can also be configured as a tension coil spring connected in an annular shape.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the pipe fitting body 1 has a pipe fitting body base portion 1B and a pipe fitting body tip portion 1C, and the clutch base portion 4E (the dispenser side end portion of the clutch 4: the right end portion in Figure 4) engages with the pipe fitting body tip portion 1C in a roughly annular recess portion 1D. FIG. 6 shows details of the engagement portion between the generally annular recess 1D of the pipe joint body 1 and the clutch base portion 4E. In Figure 6, the receptacle side is indicated by arrow AR, and the dispenser side is indicated by arrow AD. Clutch base 4E is offset radially inward (downward in Figure 6) compared to other parts of clutch 4. The part of clutch base 4E on the AR side is a contact portion 4EE, which abuts against the pipe fitting main body 1. Furthermore, the outermost end 4EA, which is positioned furthest to the AD side, is radially outward (upward in Figure 6) compared to the abutment portion 4EE. In clutch base 4E, the radially inner end face 4EB forms an inclined surface that slopes radially outward (upward in Figure 6) toward the AD side. The radially outer end surface of the clutch base portion 4E has an inclined surface 4EC and a flat surface 4ED.

[0027] In the clutch base 4E, the flat surface 4ED can move by the length indicated by arrow A, the extreme end 4EA by the length indicated by arrow B, and the radially inner end surface 4EB by the length indicated by arrow C relative to the pipe joint body 1. As described above with reference to Figure 4, the clutch 4 is biased radially inward of the nozzle 10 by the elastic force of the spring 14, and the receptacle side (the side indicated by the arrow AR in Figure 7) is not supported anywhere. Therefore, at the engagement point (recess 1D: see Figure 4) where the clutch base 4E engages with the pipe fitting main body tip portion 1C, the elastic force of the spring 14 does not hinder the clutch 4 from being biased radially inward of the nozzle 10.

[0028] When hydrogen filling is complete and the radially outward force RO (FIGS. 2 and 3) disappears, the elastic force of spring 14 moves the tip of clutch 4 radially inward, disengaging end face 4BB of protrusion 4B of clutch 4 from end face 5BA of protrusion 5B of lever 5, and lever 5 can move in a direction away from receptacle 20 (leftward in FIGS. 2 and 3). As a result, in filling nozzle 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, even if it becomes difficult to disengage end face 4BB of protrusion 4B of clutch 4 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) from end face 5BA of protrusion 5B of lever 5 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) for some reason, protrusion 4B of clutch 4 can be removed from fitting groove 20A of receptacle 20, and filling nozzle 10 can be disconnected from receptacle 20. In the first embodiment of Fig. 4, the configuration in which the clutch base 4E engages with the recess 1D of the pipe fitting main body 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 6. For example, the configuration shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 (the configuration described in Patent Document 1) may also be used.

[0029] In the first embodiment of Figure 4, for example, when moisture contained in the air that has entered the filling nozzle 10 is cooled by the low temperature of the hydrogen gas, it may freeze (freeze), binding the clutch 4 to the nozzle components around it. Alternatively, the spring 14 may freeze and bind to a member radially outward of the clutch 4. For example, when the pipe fitting body 1 of the filling nozzle 10 is connected to the receptacle 20, if moisture accumulated in the annular recess 1D freezes, the elastic force of the spring 14 will no longer be enough to move the clutch 4 radially inward, and the filling nozzle 10 will no longer be able to be disconnected from the receptacle 20. In the first embodiment of FIG. 4, it is difficult to prevent such problems caused by freezing.

[0030] Such inconveniences are resolved by the second to sixth embodiments of the present invention. A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In Figure 7, in the filling nozzle 10-1 of the second embodiment, an elastic spacer 15 having an approximately U-shaped cross section and a ring shape as a whole is fitted into (or filled into) the area within the recess 1D where the clutch base 4E is not present. The elastic spacer 15 has a shape that is generally complementary to the gap of the recess 1D, that is, the area where the clutch base 4E is not present. In other words, the elastic spacer 15 fills the gap. By providing the elastic spacer 15, there is no gap in the recess 1D, and moisture and foreign matter cannot get in. Furthermore, if there is no moisture, the vicinity of the clutch base 4E will not freeze even if the low temperature of the filled hydrogen acts, and the radially inward movement of the clutch 4 will not be hindered.

[0031] With reference to FIG. 8, various dimensions and functions of the elastic spacer 15 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. In Figure 8, the thickness dimension C1 of the radially inward protrusion of the elastic spacer 15 is set to be larger than the length indicated by arrow C in Figure 6 (the length over which the radially inner end face 4EE of the clutch base 4E can move radially within the recess 1D). The longitudinal thickness dimension B1 (FIG. 8) of the elastic spacer 15 is set to be larger than the length indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 6 (the length over which the end 4E can move longitudinally within the recess 1D). The thickness dimension A1 (Figure 8) of the radially outward protrusion of the elastic spacer 15 is set to be larger than the length indicated by arrow A in Figure 6 (the length over which the radially outer end face 4ED of the end 4E can move radially within the recess 1D). By setting the thickness dimensions A1 to C1 (FIG. 8) of each portion of the elastic spacer 15 as described above, the rubber elastic spacer 15 fits tightly into the recess 1D (engagement portion) that engages with the end 4E (dispenser side end) of the clutch 4. Therefore, elastic forces as shown by arrows α and β in FIG. 8 always act on the dispenser side end 4E of the clutch 4.

[0032] Here, the elastic force α is a force directed radially inward, and acts to move the receptacle side portion 4R of the clutch 4 (the portion other than the dispenser side end 4E of the clutch 4) radially inward. On the other hand, the elastic force β acts radially outward. However, because the clutch base 4E abuts against the pipe fitting main body 1 at abutment portion 4EE, which is the radially innermost engaging portion, when the elastic force β acts, a force acts that moves the receptacle side portion 4R of the clutch 4 (the portion other than the dispenser side end 4E of the clutch 4) radially inward, with the abutment portion 4EE as the center of rotation.

[0033] As described above with reference to Figure 8, the elastic forces α and β of the elastic spacer 15 always urge the portions other than the clutch base 4E radially inward, so the spring 14 shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the first embodiment can be omitted in the stuffing nozzle 10-1 of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8. However, although not shown, it is also possible to provide a spring 14 in the stuffing nozzle 10-1 of the second embodiment. Other configurations and effects of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0034] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In Fig. 9, the elastic spacer 15-1 used in the filling nozzle 10-2 according to the third embodiment is provided with an extension 15A-1 that extends radially outward toward the receptacle, and the longitudinal dimension (left-right dimension in Fig. 9) of the radially outer portion of the elastic spacer 15-1 of the third embodiment is longer than the radially outer portion of the elastic spacer 15 of the second embodiment. Alternatively, the longitudinal dimension of the radially outer portion of the elastic spacer 15-1 is longer than the longitudinal dimension of the radially inner portion. 9, the inner diameter of the extension 15A-1 is set to be the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the receptacle side portion 4R of the clutch 4. Therefore, the extension 15A-1 of the elastic spacer 15-1 constantly applies a radially inward elastic force γ to the clutch 4. In addition, the extension 15A-1 more reliably prevents water from entering the recess 1D, and prevents the recess 1D from freezing or icing up. The third embodiment of FIG. 9 can also be provided with the spring 14 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, similarly to the second embodiment of FIGS. Other configurations and effects of the third embodiment in FIG. 9 are the same as those of the second embodiment in FIGS.

[0035] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The fourth embodiment in Fig. 10 has a similar configuration to the second embodiment in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, but in Fig. 10, a drainage channel 7W is formed in the main body 1 with a pipe, and the drainage channel 7W communicates with the recess 1D. In this respect, it differs from Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Although not clearly shown in Figure 10, drainage channel 7W passes through the pipe fitting body 1 and is connected to a drainage port (not shown) provided at the boundary between the grip of the filling nozzle 10-3 and the filling hose, and water flowing through drainage channel 7W is drained to the outside of the filling nozzle 10-3 through the drainage port (not shown). However, it is possible to provide the drainage port at a location other than the boundary between the grip of the filling nozzle 10-3 and the filling hose.

[0036] 10, a through hole 15W is also formed in the elastic spacer 15, and the through hole 15W communicates with the drainage channel 7W. As a result, even if moisture accumulates in the area on the arrow AR side (receptacle side) of the elastic spacer 15, the moisture can be discharged to the outside of the filling nozzle 10-3. 10, even if moisture accumulates in the annular recess 1D, the accumulated moisture is discharged to the outside of the filling nozzle 10-3 via the drainage channel 7W, preventing the annular recess 1D from freezing. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic spacer 15 (and the elastic force of the spring 14) causes the clutch 4 to move radially inward, and the protrusion 4B of the clutch 4 disengages from the fitting groove 20A (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the receptacle 20, thereby disconnecting the filling nozzle 10-1 from the receptacle 20.

[0037] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the fifth embodiment of Fig. 11, the longitudinal dimension of the radially outer portion of the elastic spacer 15-2 is longer than the longitudinal dimension of the radially inner portion, similar to the third embodiment of Fig. 9. Also, similar to the fourth embodiment of Fig. 10, a drainage channel 7W is formed that penetrates the pipe fitting body 1, and a through hole 15-2W is also formed in the elastic spacer 15-2, and the through hole 15-2W communicates with the drainage channel 7W. Drainage channel 7W communicates with a drainage port (not shown) provided at the boundary between the grip (not shown) of filling nozzle 10-4 according to the fifth embodiment and the filling hose, and drains water from the drainage port (not shown) to the outside of filling nozzle 10-3. However, the drainage port can be provided at a location other than the boundary between the grip of filling nozzle 10-3 and the filling hose.

[0038] The other configurations and effects of the fifth embodiment in FIG. 11 are the same as those of the embodiments in FIGS.

[0039] A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12, the clutch end portion 4E is engaged with the recessed portion 1D of the pipe joint body 1. An elastic spacer 15-3 is filled (fitted) into the gap of the recessed portion 1D. However, the elastic spacer 15-3 shown in Figure 12 is filled only in the area radially outward from the inclined surface 4EC and flat surface 4ED (see Figure 6) of the clutch base 4E, and the elastic spacer 15-3 is not filled in the area radially inward from the radially inner end surface 4EB (see Figure 6), forming a gap portion 1DV. The drainage channel 7W-3 of the pipe fitting main body 1 is connected to the gap 1DV. Therefore, the drainage channel 7W-3 in Fig. 12 is located radially inward (lower in Figs. 7, 10, and 12) of the pipe fitting main body 1 compared to the drainage channel 7W shown in Figs. 10 and 11. In the sixth embodiment of Fig. 12, if water accumulates in the recess 1D, it is because it is the radially inward region (gap) that is not filled with the elastic spacer 15-3.

[0040] The elastic spacer 15-3 shown in Fig. 12 exists only in the radially outer region (upper region in Figs. 7 to 12) of the elastic spacer shown in Figs. 7 to 11. A drainage channel 7W-3 communicates with the radially inner gap in Fig. 12. No through-holes are formed in the elastic spacer 15-3. The elastic force indicated by the arrow α in Fig. 12 is the same as the elastic force indicated by the arrow α in Fig. 8, and biases the clutch 4 radially inward. However, the sixth embodiment in Fig. 12 can also be provided with the spring 14 shown in Figs. 4 and 5, as in the embodiments in Figs. 4 to 11. Other configurations and effects of the fourth embodiment in FIG. 12 are the same as those of the embodiments in FIGS.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic spacers 15 and 15-1 are preferably made of an elastic material such as rubber or resin. When using foam, closed-cell foam rubber is preferred. Furthermore, open-cell structure is prone to water infiltration, making it unsuitable as a material for constructing the elastic spacers 15, 15-1. However, if the only function required is to bias the clutch radially inward, open-cell structure rubber can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, silicone may be used instead of the closed-cell rubber or open-cell rubber. When manufacturing such an elastic spacer, it is possible to substitute it by pouring molten rubber or silicone into the space in the engagement part where the end 4 (dispenser side end) of the clutch 4 engages with the pipe fitting body 1. After the poured rubber or silicone hardens, the hardened rubber or silicone is removed to produce the elastic spacer 15, 15-1. However, since the rubber or silicone poured into the space in the engagement part acts as the elastic spacer 15, 15-1 once it hardens, it is also possible to fill it as is as the elastic spacer 15, 15-1 without removing it.

[0042] It is necessary to consider the composition and properties of the rubber or silicone to be poured while taking into account the above-mentioned conditions regarding the dimensions of the elastic spacers 15, 15-1 (for example, dimensions A1 to C1 in FIG. 8). When the elastic spacers 15, 15-1 are manufactured using this method, when the filling nozzle 10-1 is disassembled for maintenance, etc., a release agent must be used to remove the elastic spacers 15 manufactured by pouring silicone.

[0043] It should be noted that the illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1. Pipe fitting body 1A···Pipe fitting internal flow path 1H...Valve seat 2 Rod 2A... Valve body 3. Elastic material 4. Clutch 5 Lever 7W, 7W-3... (Pipe fitting body 1) drainage channel 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3... Filling nozzle 12. Clutch mechanism 14. Spring (elastic body) 15, 15-1, 15-3... Elastic spacer 15A-1 Elastic spacer extension 15W, 15-2W...through hole 20···Receptacle (vehicle filling port)

Claims

1. The fuel filling system includes a pipe fitting body that is provided at the tip of a filling hose of a fuel filling system that fills hydrogen from a storage tank that stores hydrogen fuel to an on-board hydrogen filling tank that is mounted on a vehicle, and that is connected to a receptacle; A flow path within the pipe fitting is formed inside the pipe fitting body of the filling nozzle, a rod having a valve body at one end is slidably disposed within the flow path within the pipe fitting, a valve seat is formed on which the valve body sits, and an elastic material is disposed to bias the valve body against the valve seat, a clutch mechanism for maintaining a connection between the filling nozzle and the vehicle filling port, the clutch mechanism including a clutch that engages with a member on the receptacle side; A filling nozzle characterized in that the clutch extends in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and an elastic body is arranged at or near the center of the clutch in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and the elastic body biases the clutch radially inward of the nozzle.

2. The fuel filling system includes a pipe fitting body that is provided at the tip of a filling hose of a fuel filling system that fills hydrogen from a storage tank that stores hydrogen fuel to an on-board hydrogen filling tank that is mounted on a vehicle, and that is connected to a receptacle; A flow path within the pipe fitting is formed inside the pipe fitting body of the filling nozzle, a rod having a valve body at one end is slidably disposed within the flow path within the pipe fitting, a valve seat is formed on which the valve body sits, and an elastic material is disposed to bias the valve body against the valve seat, a clutch mechanism for maintaining a connection between the filling nozzle and the vehicle filling port, the clutch mechanism including a clutch that engages with a member on the receptacle side; the clutch extends in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle, and an elastic spacer having a generally U-shaped cross section and a ring shape as a whole is fitted into an engaging portion where an end of the clutch away from the receptacle engages with the pipe fitting body, so that the portion of the clutch other than the end is urged radially inward of the nozzle by the elastic spacer; A filling nozzle characterized in that the shape of the elastic spacer is complementary to the gap or part thereof when the end of the clutch (the end away from the receptacle 20 of the clutch 4) is engaged with the engagement portion where the end engages with the pipe fitting body.

3. A filling nozzle according to claim 2, wherein the engagement portion is composed of an annular recess formed in the pipe fitting body to accommodate the dispenser side end of the clutch, and a drainage channel is provided to connect the annular recess to the outside of the pipe fitting body.

4. 4. The filling nozzle according to claim 3, wherein said elastic spacer has a through hole formed therein, said through hole communicating with said drainage channel.

5. A filling nozzle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein an extension portion extending toward the receptacle side is configured radially outward of the elastic spacer, which has a shape complementary to the gap or part thereof when the end of the clutch is engaged with the engagement portion where the end engages with the pipe fitting body, and the radial dimension of the extension portion is set to be the same as or smaller than the radial dimension of the receptacle side portion of the clutch.

6. A filling nozzle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the elastic spacer, which has a shape complementary to the gap or a part thereof when the end of the clutch is engaged with the engagement portion where the end engages with the pipe fitting body, is configured with a shape complementary to the radially outward region of the gap.

7. When the end of the clutch is engaged with the engagement portion where the end is engaged with the pipe joint body, a gap is formed in a region radially inward of the radially inward end face of the end of the clutch, where no elastic spacer is filled, and the gap communicates with a drainage channel of the pipe joint body, 7. A filling nozzle according to claim 6, wherein said elastic spacer has no through-holes formed therein.

8. 3. The method for manufacturing the elastic spacer in the filling nozzle according to claim 2, A manufacturing method characterized by including a step of pouring molten rubber or silicone into the engaging portion where the end of the clutch away from the receptacle engages with the pipe fitting body, and removing the rubber or silicone after it has hardened.

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