Gas filling device

Abstract

To extend a range to which one charging nozzle and the other charging nozzle can reach (extend a vehicle parking range which enables charging through the multiple nozzles) when the same vehicle having multiple charging ports is charged with a gas through multiple gas supply paths.SOLUTION: A dispenser unit 3 forming a hydrogen gas charging device 1 includes a dispenser housing 4. The dispenser housing 4 includes a first housing 4A and a second housing 4B. The first housing 4A and the second housing 4B are arranged in a state that a side surface 4A3, provided with a first extending port 41 for extending a first hose 6A to the outside of the first housing 4A, and a side surface 4B3, provided with a second extending port 42 for extending a second hose 6B to the outside of the second housing 4B, face each other.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 tank (fuel tank, filling target tank) of a vehicle, for example.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a hydrogen gas filling device that fills hydrogen gas into a tank of a vehicle. This hydrogen gas filling device is provided with a hydrogen gas supply path, a flow meter, etc. inside a housing. A filling hose extending to the outside of the housing is connected to the hydrogen gas supply path, and a filling nozzle is provided at the end of the filling hose. The hydrogen gas filling device fills hydrogen gas into the tank of the vehicle through the hydrogen gas supply path, the filling hose, and the filling nozzle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a gas filling device that fills a fuel gas such as hydrogen gas into a tank of a vehicle, consider the case of "filling using a plurality of gas supply paths for the same vehicle having a plurality of filling ports (for example, two filling ports)". In this case, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of (for example, two) gas filling devices. However, simply providing a plurality of gas filling devices may cause the following inconveniences.

[0005] For example, if the filling nozzles of multiple gas filling devices are located far apart from each other, that is, if the connection ports of the filling hoses to the housings are far apart, the range that each gas filling device's filling hose can reach (the filling range) will be narrowed, or it may even become impossible for each filling hose to reach (the filling range) to be reached. As a result, depending on the vehicle's stopping position, even if the filling nozzle of one gas filling device can reach the vehicle, the filling nozzle of another gas filling device may not be able to reach the same vehicle. In this case, it becomes impossible to fill the same vehicle using multiple gas filling devices.

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a gas filling device that, when filling a vehicle having multiple filling ports using multiple gas supply paths, can widen the range that both one filling nozzle and the other filling nozzle can reach (widen the vehicle parking range in which filling can be performed through multiple nozzles). [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention preferably comprises a first housing having a front, a back and sides; a first gas supply path disposed within the first housing for supplying fuel gas; a first flow meter provided in the middle of the first gas supply path for measuring the flow rate of fuel gas; a first hose connected to the first gas supply path; a first nozzle provided at the end of the first hose; a first nozzle holder provided on the side of the first housing; a first extension outlet provided on the side of the first housing for the first hose to extend outside the housing; a second housing disposed adjacent to the first housing and having a front, a back and sides; and the second A gas filling device comprising: a second gas supply path disposed within a housing for supplying fuel gas; a second flow meter provided in the middle of the second gas supply path for measuring the flow rate of fuel gas; a second hose connected to the second gas supply path; a second nozzle provided at the end of the second hose; a second nozzle holder provided on the side of the second housing; and a second extension outlet provided on the side of the second housing for the second hose to extend outside the housing, wherein the first housing and the second housing are arranged so that the side on which the first extension outlet is provided and the side on which the second extension outlet is provided face each other. The first nozzle holder includes a first nozzle attachment / detachment section from which the first nozzle is attached and detached, and the first nozzle attachment / detachment section is rotatable between the front and rear sides of the first housing; the second nozzle holder includes a second nozzle attachment / detachment section from which the second nozzle is attached and detached, and the second nozzle attachment / detachment section is rotatable between the front and rear sides of the second housing. ru. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when filling a vehicle having multiple filling ports using multiple gas supply paths, the range that both one filling nozzle and the other filling nozzle can reach can be widened (the vehicle parking range in which filling can be performed through multiple nozzles can be widened). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic overall diagram showing a gas filling device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the dispenser unit. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the dispenser unit. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the dispenser unit (a side view from the left in Figure 3). [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing the dispenser unit. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram (perspective view) showing the positional relationships of the first nozzle, first hose, second nozzle, second hose, first nozzle holder, second nozzle holder, etc. [Figure 7] This flowchart illustrates the processing performed by the first or second control unit when both system A and system B are being filled (double filling). [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the processing performed by the first control device when filling system A (single filling) is carried out. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the nozzle mounting according to the first modified example. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram (plan view) showing the positional relationship between the first nozzle holder and the second nozzle holder in the second modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following description will use a vehicle-mounted hydrogen gas filling device as an example of an embodiment, specifically a vehicle-mounted hydrogen gas filling device that fills a tank (fuel tank, tank to be filled) with hydrogen gas, and will be explained with reference to the attached drawings. In the flowcharts shown in Figures 7 and 8, each step will be denoted as "S" (for example, Step 1 = "S1").

[0011] Figures 1 to 8 show embodiments. In Figure 1, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 is a fuel gas filling device (fuel gas supply device) that fills (supplies) compressed hydrogen gas into the fuel tank 52 (hereinafter referred to as tank 52) of a vehicle 51 such as a fuel cell vehicle (FCV). The hydrogen gas filling device 1, which is a gas filling device (gas supply device) for vehicles, is installed in a facility (fuel supply station) called a hydrogen gas supply station (hydrogen station). The hydrogen gas filling device 1 is composed of gas accumulators 2A and 2B as gas storage sections (storage tanks) for storing hydrogen gas compressed to high pressure, a dispenser unit 3 as a filling mechanism for filling the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas from the gas accumulators 2A and 2B, and gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B that extend from the gas accumulators 2A and 2B into the dispenser housing 4 of the dispenser unit 3.

[0012] In this embodiment, the dispenser unit 3 includes two gas supply lines 5A and 5B, namely, a first gas supply line 5A which constitutes one gas supply system (system A), and a second gas supply line 5B which constitutes the other gas supply system (system B). The first gas accumulator 2A, which serves as the gas accumulator for system A, is connected to the first gas supply line 5A, which serves as the first gas supply route. The second gas accumulator 2B, which serves as the gas accumulator for system B, is connected to the second gas supply line 5B, which serves as the second gas supply route. As a result, the first gas accumulator 2A and the second gas accumulator 2B are configured to supply hydrogen gas to system A (first gas supply line 5A) and system B (second gas supply line 5B) of the dispenser unit 3 individually. Although not shown in the figures, the first gas supply line constituting system A and the second gas supply line constituting system B may be connected to a single gas accumulator.

[0013] Gas accumulators 2A and 2B are hydrogen gas supply sources that store hydrogen gas compressed to high pressure. Gas accumulators 2A and 2B constitute a gas storage section that stores hydrogen gas compressed to high pressure on the upstream side of the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B. Gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B extend from gas accumulators 2A and 2B toward the dispenser unit 3 and are also located within the dispenser housing 4 of the dispenser unit 3. Gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B are connected to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 via hoses 6A and 6B and nozzles 7A and 7B of the dispenser unit 3. The dashed line (two-dot line) in Figure 1 shows the state in which the first gas supply pipeline 5A, which constitutes system A, is connected to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 via the first hose 6A and the first nozzle 7A.

[0014] The first gas supply pipeline 5A and the first hose 6A are connected via a first connection, which is located on the upper side of the housing. That is, the first housing 4A, the first gas supply pipeline 5A, and the first hose 6A are connected via this first connection, which is the first extension outlet 41 (Figure 1), which is the extension outlet of the first hose 6A in the first housing 4A. Similarly, the second gas supply pipeline 5B and the second hose 6B are connected via a second connection, which is located on the upper side of the housing. That is, the second housing 4B, the second gas supply pipeline 5B, and the second hose 6B are connected via this second connection, which is the second extension outlet 42 (Figure 1), which is the extension outlet of the second hose 6B in the second housing 4B. Although the connection point is provided on the side of the housing, it is not limited to this location and may be provided inside or outside the housing. In that case, a gas supply pipeline or hose will extend from the extension outlet of the housing.

[0015] The dispenser unit 3 includes a dispenser housing 4, a first hose 6A, a first nozzle 7A, a first nozzle holder 8A, a first flow rate adjustment valve 12A, a first shut-off valve 13A, a first flow meter 14A, a first heat exchanger 16A, a first pressure sensor 20A, a first temperature sensor 21A, and a first control device 22A. The dispenser unit 3 also includes a second hose 6B, a second nozzle 7B, a second nozzle holder 8B, a second flow rate adjustment valve 12B, a second shut-off valve 13B, a second flow meter 14B, a second heat exchanger 16B, a second pressure sensor 20B, a second temperature sensor 21B, and a second control device 22B.

[0016] The dispenser housing 4 forms a housing (box) that constitutes the outer shape of the dispenser unit 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the dispenser housing 4 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (box shape) that is long in the horizontal direction as a whole, and the central portion in the length direction protrudes upward. As a result, the dispenser housing 4 is a box body having a convex character shape as a whole. The dispenser housing 4 includes a first housing 4A located on one side in the length direction, a second housing 4B located on the other side in the length direction, and a connection housing 4C located between the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B. The first housing 4A is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape (box shape) that is long in the vertical direction. The second housing 4B is also formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape (box shape) that is long in the vertical direction, similar to the first housing 4A. In this case, the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B are formed in the same shape, and the front (front surface) and the back (rear surface) are arranged in reverse.

[0017] That is, the first housing 4A has a front surface 4A1, a back surface 4A2 (FIG. 5), a pair of side surfaces 4A3 and 4A4, and an upper surface 4A5. Of the pair of side surfaces 4A3 and 4A4, the side surface 4A3 facing the second housing 4B is the side surface 4A3 provided with the first nozzle mount 8A, that is, the nozzle mount side surface 4A3. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, on the nozzle mount side surface 4A3 of the first housing 4A, in addition to the first nozzle mount 8A being provided, a first hose guide 10A for guiding the first hose 6A is also provided. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, on the front surface 4A1 of the first housing 4A, a first display 23A for displaying information to be notified such as the filling amount is provided.

[0018] On the other hand, the second housing 4B has a front surface 4B1 (FIGS. 4 and 5), a back surface 4B2, a pair of side surfaces 4B3 and 4B4, and an upper surface 4B5. Of the pair of side surfaces 4B3 and 4B4, the side surface 4B3 facing the first housing 4A is the side surface 4B3 provided with the second nozzle mount 8B, that is, the nozzle mount side surface 4B3. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, on the nozzle mount side surface 4B3 of the second housing 4B, in addition to the second nozzle mount 8B being provided, a second hose guide 10B for guiding the second hose 6B is also provided. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, on the front surface 4B1 of the second housing 4B, a second display 23B for displaying information to be notified such as the filling amount is provided. The front surface 4B1 and the back surface 4B2 of the second housing 4B are arranged in reverse (opposite) to the front surface 4A1 and the back surface 4A2 of the first housing 4A.

[0019] Furthermore, the nozzle-hanging side 4A3 of the first housing 4A and the nozzle-hanging side 4B3 of the second housing 4B face each other with the connecting housing 4C in between. The connecting housing 4C is elongated in the vertical direction and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape (box shape) with a greater height dimension than the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B. The connecting housing 4C connects the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B so that they form a continuous box body. The connecting housing 4C has a first front surface 4C1 which is the front surface 4A1 side of the first housing 4A (in other words, the rear surface 4B2 side of the second housing 4B), and a second front surface 4C2 (Figures 4 and 5) which is the front surface 4B1 side of the second housing 4B (in other words, the rear surface 4A2 side of the first housing 4A).

[0020] The first front surface 4C1 is provided with an opening 4C3 to expose the nozzle-hanging side surface 4A3 of the first housing 4A and the nozzle-hanging side surface 4B3 of the second housing 4B. This opening 4C3 is provided with a shutter 4C4 that can be opened and closed to close the opening 4C3. By opening the shutter 4C4, the operator performing hydrogen gas filling can access the first nozzle hanger 8A (nozzle-hanging side surface 4A3) of the first housing 4A and the second nozzle hanger 8B (nozzle-hanging side surface 4B3) of the second housing 4B from the first front surface 4C1 side, which is the front surface 4A1 side of the first housing 4A.

[0021] Furthermore, the first front panel 4C1 is provided with operation buttons 24 (for example, a single / double switching button 24A, a filling start button 24B, and a filling stop button 24C) positioned above the opening 4C3, which serve as operation switches. Although not shown in the illustration, the second front panel 4C2 is also provided with an opening to expose the nozzle hanging side 4A3 of the first housing 4A and the nozzle hanging side 4B3 of the second housing 4B. This opening is also provided with a shutter that can be opened and closed. The second front panel 4C2 is also provided with operation buttons (for example, a single / double switching button, a filling start button, and a filling stop button).

[0022] A first nozzle hanger 8A is provided on the nozzle hanging side 4A3 of the first housing 4A. A second nozzle hanger 8B is provided on the nozzle hanging side 4B3 of the second housing 4B. The nozzle hangers 8A and 8B correspond to the holding parts that hold the nozzles 7A and 7B. The nozzles 7A and 7B are hooked onto the nozzle hangers 8A and 8B when hydrogen gas is not being filled (i.e., during the waiting time for filling work). In other words, the nozzle hangers 8A and 8B hold the nozzles 7A and 7B except when hydrogen gas is being filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51.

[0023] When filling the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas, the nozzles 7A and 7B are removed from the nozzle holders 8A and 8B by the operator performing the filling work. In this embodiment, the second nozzle 7B is removably housed in the first nozzle holder 8A. The first nozzle 7A is removably housed in the second nozzle holder 8B. That is, in this embodiment, the second nozzle 7B is housed in the first nozzle holder 8A of the first housing 4A, and the first nozzle 7A is housed in the second nozzle holder 8B of the second housing 4B. However, this is not the only option; the first nozzle 7A may be housed in the first nozzle holder 8A, and the second nozzle 7B may be housed in the second nozzle holder 8B.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the first housing 4A houses the first gas supply pipeline 5A, the first inlet valve 11A, the first flow control valve 12A, the first shut-off valve 13A, the first flow meter 14A, the first heat exchanger 16A, the first depressurization pipeline 18A, the first depressurization valve 19A, the first pressure sensor 20A, the first temperature sensor 21A, the first control device 22A, and the like. The second housing 4B houses the second gas supply pipeline 5B, the second inlet valve 11B, the second flow control valve 12B, the second shut-off valve 13B, the second flow meter 14B, the second heat exchanger 16B, the second depressurization pipeline 18B, the second depressurization valve 19B, the second pressure sensor 20B, the second temperature sensor 21B, the second control device 22B, and the like.

[0025] The first gas supply pipeline 5A is located inside the first enclosure 4A of the dispenser enclosure 4 and supplies pressurized hydrogen gas from the first gas accumulator 2A towards the first hose 6A. The second gas supply pipeline 5B is located inside the second enclosure 4B of the dispenser enclosure 4 and supplies pressurized hydrogen gas from the second gas accumulator 2B towards the second hose 6B. In the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B, the gas accumulators 2A and 2B are on the upstream side, and the hoses 6A and 6B are on the downstream side. The first hose 6A, which serves as a gas supply connection route, extends from the nozzle-hanging side 4A3 of the first enclosure 4A to the outside, and is connected to the downstream end of the first gas supply pipeline 5A. The second hose 6B, which serves as a gas supply connection route, extends from the nozzle-hanging side 4B3 of the second enclosure 4B to the outside, and is connected to the downstream end of the second gas supply pipeline 5B.

[0026] The hoses 6A and 6B are flexible hydrogen gas filling hoses, and for example, pressure-resistant hoses are used. The base ends of the filling hoses 6A and 6B are connected to the downstream ends of the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B. In this case, as shown in Figures 1 and 6, a first emergency release coupling 9A is provided at the upstream end of the first hose 6A. A second emergency release coupling 9B is provided at the upstream end of the second hose 6B. The emergency release couplings 9A and 9B connect, for example, the hoses 6A and 6B to the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B and are safety devices that separate in an emergency. The emergency release couplings 9A and 9B separate when the hoses 6A and 6B are pulled with strong force, for example, when the vehicle 51 accidentally starts moving during or after hydrogen gas filling.

[0027] The emergency release couplings 9A and 9B are equipped with valve bodies (shut-off valves) inside to prevent hydrogen gas from being released from the hoses 6A and 6B when they are separated. Meanwhile, nozzles 7A and 7B are provided at the ends of the hoses 6A and 6B, which are connected to the filling port 52A of the tank 52. The hoses 6A and 6B, together with the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B, constitute a gas filling path (gas supply path). The gas filling path (gas supply path) is a path (pipeline) for filling (supplying) gas (hydrogen gas) to the tank 52 mounted on the vehicle 51, which runs on gas (hydrogen gas) as fuel.

[0028] The filling nozzles 7A and 7B are airtightly connected to the ends of hoses 6A and 6B, forming a so-called filling coupling. The nozzles 7A and 7B are connected to the gas supply lines 5A and 5B by hoses 6A and 6B. The nozzles 7A and 7B have built-in shut-off valves (not shown). The shut-off valves 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. Alternatively, the nozzles 7A and 7B may be equipped with check valves instead of, or in conjunction with, the shut-off valves. The check valves allow the flow of hydrogen gas from the nozzles 7A and 7B to the tank 52, and prevent the flow of hydrogen gas from the tank 52 to the nozzles 7A and 7B.

[0029] The tip ends of nozzles 7A and 7B are equipped with connecting couplers 7A1 and 7B1, respectively, which are detachably connected to the filling port 52A, which is the connection port for the tank 52. In other words, the connecting couplers 7A1 and 7B1 of nozzles 7A and 7B are detachably connected in an airtight manner to the filling port 52A of the tank 52 when supplying hydrogen gas to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through a pipeline (not shown) inside the nozzles 7A and 7B. Furthermore, nozzles 7A and 7B are equipped with a locking mechanism (not shown) that is detachably locked to the filling port 52A of the tank 52. This prevents nozzles 7A and 7B from unintentionally detaching from the filling port 52A when filling with hydrogen gas.

[0030] The high-pressure hydrogen gas in the gas accumulators 2A and 2B is filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through the gas supply lines 5A and 5B, hoses 6A and 6B, and nozzles 7A and 7B, with the nozzles 7A and 7B locked to the filling port 52A of the tank 52 by a locking mechanism. In other words, the hydrogen gas filling device 1 is equipped with nozzles 7A and 7B, and uses these nozzles 7A and 7B to fill the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, in the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B, for example, inlet valves 11A and 11B, flow control valves 12A and 12B, and shut-off valves 13A and 13B are provided. The inlet valves 11A and 11B are located upstream of the flow control valves 12A and 12B. The inlet valves 11A and 11B are opened and closed manually. Note that the inlet valves 11A and 11B are installed as needed and may be omitted if not required.

[0032] The flow control valves 12A and 12B are located downstream of the inlet valves 11A and 11B. The flow control valves 12A and 12B are opened and closed by the control devices 22A and 22B, thereby controlling the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B. In other words, the flow control valves 12A and 12B control the flow of hydrogen gas to the tank 52 of the vehicle 51. The flow control valves 12A and 12B are, for example, electromagnetic valve devices, and their opening is controlled based on signals from the control devices 22A and 22B. In this case, the flow control valves 12A and 12B are controlled to an arbitrary valve opening degree by commands based on the control program of the control devices 22A and 22B, thereby variably controlling the flow rate and hydrogen gas pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B. In other words, the flow control valves 12A and 12B are adjusted to the required opening degree by the control of the valve opening degree by the control signals from the control devices 22A and 22B.

[0033] The shut-off valves 13A and 13B are located downstream of the flow control valves 12A and 12B. The shut-off valves 13A and 13B are opened and closed by the control devices 22A and 22B, thereby allowing or blocking the flow of hydrogen gas in the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B. In other words, the shut-off valves 13A and 13B are electromagnetic or pneumatically operated valve devices installed at intermediate points in the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B (for example, between the heat exchangers 16A and 16B and the temperature sensors 21A and 21B). The shut-off valves 13A and 13B are opened and closed based on control signals from the control devices 22A and 22B, thereby allowing or blocking the flow of hydrogen gas in the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B.

[0034] The flow control valves 12A and 12B, the shut-off valves 13A and 13B, and the depressurization valves 19A and 19B constitute control equipment that controls the flow (flow rate, pressure) of hydrogen gas in the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B. On the other hand, the flow meters 14A and 14B, the pressure sensors 20A and 20B, and the temperature sensors 21A and 21B constitute measuring equipment that measures the conditions (flow rate, pressure, temperature) of hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B. Note that the arrangement (order) of the flow meters 14A and 14B, the flow control valves 12A and 12B, and the shut-off valves 13A and 13B, which are installed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B, is not limited to the order shown in Figure 1.

[0035] The flow meters 14A and 14B are located upstream of the flow control valves 12A and 12B. The flow meters 14A and 14B are, for example, Coriolis flow meters that measure the mass flow rate of the fluid being measured. The flow meters 14A and 14B measure the flow rate (mass flow rate) of hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B between the inlet valves 11A and 11B and the flow control valves 12A and 12B, and output the measurement result (detection signal) to the control devices 22A and 22B. The control devices 22A and 22B calculate the amount of hydrogen gas to be filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 and display the amount of hydrogen gas fuel discharged on the displays 23A and 23B, etc. This allows the displayed information to be communicated to, for example, customers.

[0036] Coolers 15A and 15B are cooling devices for cooling hydrogen gas flowing through gas supply lines 5A and 5B. Coolers 15A and 15B cool the hydrogen gas at intermediate points in the gas supply lines 5A and 5B in order to suppress the temperature rise of the hydrogen gas filling the tank 52. That is, coolers 15A and 15B cool the hydrogen gas supplied to the vehicle 51 (tank 52) via the gas supply lines 5A and 5B. Coolers 15A and 15B consist of heat exchangers 16A and 16B installed at intermediate points in the gas supply lines 5A and 5B (between flow control valves 12A and 12B and shut-off valves 13A and 13B), and chiller units 17A and 17B connected to the heat exchangers 16A and 16B via refrigerant lines and equipped with drive mechanisms (not shown), such as a compressor or pump.

[0037] Chiller units 17A and 17B circulate refrigerant between themselves and heat exchangers 16A and 16B via refrigerant lines. Heat exchangers 16A and 16B perform heat exchange between the hydrogen gas flowing through gas supply lines 5A and 5B and the refrigerant. As a result, coolers 15A and 15B lower the temperature of the hydrogen gas supplied to hoses 6A and 6B to a specified temperature (e.g., -33 to -40°C).

[0038] Downstream of the shut-off valves 13A and 13B in the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B, depressurization pipelines 18A and 18B are branched off for depressurizing the gas pressure from, for example, the hoses 6A and 6B. Depressurization valves 19A and 19B, which are, for example, electromagnetic or pneumatically operated valve devices, are installed along the depressurization pipelines 18A and 18B. Depressurization valves 19A and 19B are opened and closed based on control signals from control devices 22A and 22B when the hydrogen gas filling operation using hoses 6A and 6B (nozzles 7A and 7B) is completed and the shut-off valves 13A and 13B are closed.

[0039] In other words, when removing the connecting couplers 7A1 and 7B1 of nozzles 7A and 7B from the filling port 52A of tank 52, it is necessary to reduce the pressure inside hoses 6A and 6B to atmospheric pressure. For this reason, when the gas filling operation is completed, the depressurization valves 19A and 19B are temporarily opened to open the ends of the depressurization lines 18A and 18B to the atmosphere. As a result, the hydrogen gas on the hoses 6A and 6B is released to the outside, and the pressure inside hoses 6A and 6B is reduced to atmospheric pressure. As a result, the connecting couplers 7A1 and 7B1 of nozzles 7A and 7B can be removed from the filling port 52A of tank 52.

[0040] Pressure sensors 20A and 20B are installed in the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B downstream of the shut-off valves 13A and 13B (i.e., on the nozzle side 7A and 7B). Pressure sensors 20A and 20B detect the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the gas accumulators 2A and 2B (pressure along the pipeline). Pressure sensors 20A and 20B measure the pressure in the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B near the nozzles 7A and 7B and output a detection signal corresponding to the measured pressure to the control devices 22A and 22B.

[0041] The temperature sensors 21A and 21B are located between the shut-off valves 13A and 13B and the pressure sensors 20A and 20B, and are installed in the middle of the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B. The temperature sensors 21A and 21B detect the temperature of the hydrogen gas flowing through the gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B and output the detection result (detection signal) to the control devices 22A and 22B. Note that the arrangement of the temperature sensors 21A and 21B and the pressure sensors 20A and 20B is not limited to the arrangement shown in Figure 1; for example, they may be arranged in the opposite order.

[0042] The control devices 22A and 22B constitute a controller (control unit) that controls the flow control valves 12A and 12B, shut-off valves 13A and 13B, depressurization valves 19A and 19B, indicators 23A and 23B, etc. The control devices 22A and 22B control the fuel supply to the tank 52 to be filled by controlling the flow control valves 12A and 12B and the shut-off valves 13A and 13B. The control devices 22A and 22B are control circuits and are composed of a microcomputer having, for example, a CPU (processing unit), memory 22A1 and 22B1 (storage devices), timers, etc. The memory 22A1 and 22B1 store (store) a processing program for executing the processing flow shown in Figures 7 and 8, which will be described later.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the input side of the control devices 22A and 22B is connected to flow meters 14A and 14B, pressure sensors 20A and 20B, temperature sensors 21A and 21B, humidity sensor (not shown), operation buttons 24 (e.g., single / double switching button 24A, filling start button 24B, filling stop button 24C), nozzle detectors 25A and 25B as nozzle detection means, etc. On the other hand, the output side of the control devices 22A and 22B is connected to flow control valves 12A and 12B, shut-off valves 13A and 13B, depressurization valves 19A and 19B, indicators 23A and 23B, etc. Although not shown in the figure, the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B are connected to each other so that they can transmit and receive necessary signals (control signals, command signals, detection signals, etc.). Although Figure 1 shows a configuration with two control devices 22A and 22B, a first control device 22A for system A and a second control device 22B for system B, it is also possible to have a configuration with one control device common to both system A and system B. In other words, the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B may be configured as a single control device.

[0044] The indicators 23A and 23B are installed in the dispenser housing 4. In this case, the first indicator 23A is installed on the front 4A1 side of the first housing 4A, and the second indicator 23B is installed on the front 4B1 side of the second housing 4B. The indicators 23A and 23B are positioned at a height that is easily visible to the operator performing the hydrogen gas filling operation and display information necessary for the hydrogen gas filling operation.

[0045] The operation buttons 24 are located on the dispenser housing 4. In this case, the operation buttons 24 are located on the first front 4C1 and the second front 4C2 of the connecting housing 4C, respectively. The operation buttons 24 are switches (button switches) that can be manually operated, for example, by an operator at a fuel supply station (hydrogen station). As shown in Figure 1, the operation buttons 24 include, for example, a single / double switching button 24A, a filling start button 24B, and a filling stop button 24C. The single / double switching button 24A is a button (switch) that selects whether to perform single filling or double filling. Single filling is selected when filling hydrogen gas through one of the supply lines, the first gas supply line 5A or the second gas supply line 5B. Double filling is selected when filling hydrogen gas through both the first gas supply line 5A and the second gas supply line 5B. The filling start button 24B is operated when starting the filling of hydrogen gas. The filling stop button 24C is operated when filling with hydrogen gas is to be stopped. In this configuration, the operation button 24 is provided on the first front 4C1 and the second front 4C2 of the housing 4C, but it is not limited to this configuration, and may be provided on either the first front 4C1 or the second front 4C2.

[0046] For example, single filling is selected using the single / double switching button 24A on the first front 4C1 side of the connecting housing 4C (i.e., the front 4A1 side of the first housing 4A). In this case, operating the filling start button 24B on the first front 4C1 side allows hydrogen gas to be filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 parked on the first front 4C1 side via system A (first gas supply pipeline 5A, first hose 6A, and first nozzle 7A). On the other hand, single filling is selected using the single / double switching button (not shown) on the second front 4C2 side of the connecting housing 4C (i.e., the front 4B1 side of the second housing 4B). In this case, operating the filling start button (not shown) on the second front 4C2 side allows hydrogen gas to be filled into the tank of the vehicle parked on the second front 4C2 side via system B (second gas supply pipeline 5B, second hose 6B, and second nozzle 7B).

[0047] Furthermore, double filling is selected using the single / double switching button 24A on the first front 4C1 side. In this case, operating the filling start button 24B on the first front 4C1 side allows hydrogen gas to be filled into the tank of a vehicle with two filling ports parked on the first front 4C1 side through both the A system and the B system. On the other hand, double filling is selected using the single / double switching button on the second front 4C2 side. In this case, operating the filling start button on the second front 4C2 side allows hydrogen gas to be filled into the tank of a vehicle with two filling ports parked on the second front 4C2 side through both the A system and the B system. The operation buttons 24 (single / double switching button 24A, filling start button 24B, filling stop button 24C) output signals corresponding to the operating status to the control devices 22A and 22B, respectively. As a result, the control devices 22A and 22B open or close the shut-off valves 13A and 13B according to these signals.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, nozzle detectors 25A and 25B are provided on nozzle hangers 8A and 8B. Nozzle detectors 25A and 25B detect whether nozzles 7A and 7B are locked or not. Nozzle detectors 25A and 25B are composed of switches (nozzle switches), for example, two-position switches, and are connected to control devices 22A and 22B. For example, when nozzles 7A and 7B are locked onto nozzle hangers 8A and 8B, the nozzle detectors 25A and 25B are pushed by the nozzles 7A and 7B and switch from the OFF state to the ON state. When nozzles 7A and 7B are removed from nozzle hangers 8A and 8B, the nozzle detectors 25A and 25B switch from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0049] The nozzle detectors 25A and 25B output a detection signal (OFF signal or ON signal) to the control devices 22A and 22B that corresponds to whether or not the nozzles 7A and 7B are secured to the nozzle holders 8A and 8B. Note that the nozzle detectors 25A and 25B are not limited to being installed on the nozzle holders 8A and 8B on the dispenser housing 4 side, but may also be installed on the nozzles 7A and 7B side. In either case, when hydrogen gas is not being filled (i.e., during the waiting time for filling operations), the nozzles 7A and 7B are held in place by the nozzle holders 8A and 8B of the dispenser unit 3. That is, when the filling operation of filling the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas is completed, the nozzles 7A and 7B are returned to the nozzle holders 8A and 8B and held in the stored state.

[0050] The vehicle 51, which is driven using hydrogen gas as fuel, is composed of a four-wheeled automobile (passenger car) as shown in Figure 1, for example. The vehicle 51 includes a drive unit (not shown) which includes, for example, a fuel cell and an electric motor, and a tank 52 shown by a dotted line in Figure 1. The tank 52 is configured as a pressure-resistant container filled with hydrogen gas and is mounted, for example, on the rear side of the vehicle 51. Note that the tank 52 is not limited to the rear side of the vehicle 51, but may also be provided on the front side or the central side. The tank 52 is provided with a filling port 52A (receptacle) to which a connecting coupler 7A1 (or connecting coupler 7B1) of a nozzle 7A (or nozzle 7B) is detachably attached.

[0051] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 51 having one filling port 52A. In Figure 1, the state in which the first nozzle 7A is connected to this one filling port 52A is shown by a dashed line. In contrast, although not shown in the figure, in the case of a vehicle having two filling ports, the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B can be connected to the two filling ports for filling. In either case, hydrogen gas is filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with the nozzles 7A and / or nozzle 7B airtightly connected to the filling port 52A. At this time, the nozzles 7A and / or nozzle 7B are locked by a locking mechanism to prevent them from being unintentionally detached from the filling port 52A. The dispenser unit 3 fills the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with cooled hydrogen gas using differential pressure. A check valve is provided inside the filling port 52A. This check valve allows hydrogen gas to flow from nozzles 7A and 7B to the tank 52 side of the vehicle 51, and prevents hydrogen gas from flowing from the tank 52 to the nozzles 7A and 7B side.

[0052] Incidentally, conventional dispenser units have hoses and nozzles installed on both sides or one side of the dispenser housing. On the other hand, for example, MF-type tanks installed in large trucks configured as fuel cell vehicles (FC-dedicated large trucks) have two filling ports located close together. When filling such a tank with two filling ports, the time required for filling can be shortened by connecting a nozzle to each of the two filling ports and using two gas supply paths. However, whether the hoses and nozzles are installed on both sides of the dispenser housing or on one side, connecting two nozzles to two filling ports requires, for example, "increasing the length of the hose" and / or "adjusting the length of the hose." Moreover, if the vehicle's parking position (location of the filling port) is far from the nozzle holder and operation button, the distance the operator must travel when performing the filling operation increases.

[0053] Therefore, in this embodiment, the hoses 6A and 6B, nozzles 7A and 7B, and nozzle holders 8A and 8B are installed in the center of the dispenser housing 4. This allows for filling with the optimal length of hoses 6A and 6B without increasing the length of the hoses. Furthermore, since the lengths of the paired hoses 6A and 6B can be made the same, filling can be easily performed from both the front and back sides of the dispenser housing 4. Moreover, the equipment necessary for filling, namely the nozzles 7A and 7B, nozzle holders 8A and 8B, and the operation buttons 24 (single / double switching button 24A, filling start button 24B, filling stop button 24C), etc., are all installed together in the center of the dispenser housing 4. This prevents the hoses 6A and 6B from being stepped on or snagged. These points will be explained in detail below.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the dispenser unit 3 constituting the hydrogen gas filling apparatus 1 includes a dispenser housing 4, a first gas supply pipeline 5A which is the first gas supply path, a first flow meter 14A, a first hose 6A, a first nozzle 7A, a first nozzle holder 8A, a first extension outlet 41, a second gas supply pipeline 5B which is the second gas supply path, a second flow meter 14B, a second hose 6B, a second nozzle 7B, a second nozzle holder 8B, and a second extension outlet 42. The dispenser housing 4 includes a first housing 4A and a second housing 4B. The first housing 4A and the second housing 4B are spaced apart, and they are connected by a connecting housing 4C.

[0055] The first housing 4A has a front 4A1, a rear 4A2, and a nozzle-hanging side 4A3 on which the first nozzle hanger 8A is provided. The first gas supply pipeline 5A is located inside the first housing 4A. The first gas supply pipeline 5A supplies hydrogen gas, which is the fuel gas. The first flow meter 14A is located in the middle of the first gas supply pipeline 5A. The first flow meter 14A measures the flow rate of the hydrogen gas, which is the fuel gas. The first hose 6A is connected to the first gas supply pipeline 5A. The first nozzle 7A is located at the end of the first hose 6A. The first nozzle hanger 8A is located on the nozzle-hanging side 4A3, which is the side of the first housing 4A. The first extension outlet 41 is located on the side of the first housing 4A, more specifically on the nozzle-hanging side 4A3. The first extension outlet 41 corresponds to the extension outlet for the first hose 6A to extend outside the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, outside the first housing 4A). In other words, the first extension outlet 41 corresponds to the outlet (first outlet) where the first gas supply pipeline 5A or the first hose 6A exits the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, the first housing 4A) to the outside.

[0056] The second housing 4B is located adjacent to the first housing 4A. The second housing 4B also has a front 4B1, a rear 4B2, and a nozzle-hanging side 4B3 on which the second nozzle hanger 8B is provided. The second gas supply pipeline 5B is located inside the second housing 4B. The second gas supply pipeline 5B supplies hydrogen gas, which is the fuel gas. The second flow meter 14B is located in the middle of the second gas supply pipeline 5B. The second flow meter 14B measures the flow rate of the hydrogen gas, which is the fuel gas. The second hose 6B is connected to the second gas supply pipeline 5B. The second nozzle 7B is located at the end of the second hose 6B. The second nozzle hanger 8B is located on the nozzle-hanging side 4B3, which is the side of the second housing 4B. The second extension outlet 42 is located on the side of the second housing 4B, more specifically on the nozzle-hanging side 4B3. The second extension outlet 42 corresponds to the extension outlet for the second hose 6B to extend outside the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, outside the second housing 4B). In other words, the second extension outlet 42 corresponds to the outlet (second outlet) where the second gas supply pipeline 5B or the second hose 6B exits the dispenser housing 4 (more specifically, the second housing 4B) to the outside.

[0057] In this configuration, the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B are arranged with their nozzle-hanging sides 4A3 (corresponding to the side on which the first extension outlet 41 is provided) and 4B3 (corresponding to the side on which the second extension outlet 42 is provided) facing each other. That is, the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B are arranged with their nozzle-hanging sides 4A3 (corresponding to the side on which the first nozzle hanger 8A is provided) and 4B3 (corresponding to the side on which the second nozzle hanger 8B is provided) facing each other. In this case, the nozzle-hanging side 4B3 of the first housing 4A is provided with the first extension outlet 41 and the first nozzle hanger 8A, and the nozzle-hanging side 4B3 of the second housing 4B is provided with the second extension outlet 42 and the second nozzle hanger 8B. In addition, the first front 4C1 and the second front 4C2 of the connecting housing 4C are each provided with openings 4C3. As a result, the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B can be removed from both the front 4A1 side and the rear 4A2 side of the first housing 4A, and also from both the front 4B1 side and the rear 4B2 side of the second housing 4B. The distance between the first extension outlet 41 (first connection port) and the second extension outlet 42 (second connection port), that is, the distance between the opposing sides 4A3 and 4B3 of the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B, should be as small as possible. In this case, even when this distance is minimized, it is preferable that the operator performing the filling work can reach both nozzle holders 8A and 8B from both the front 4A1 and 4B1 sides and the rear 4A2 and 4B2 sides of the housings 4A and 4B, and that both nozzles 7A and 7B can be removed from both nozzle holders 8A and 8B with ample clearance.

[0058] Furthermore, the first nozzle 7A is housed in the second nozzle holder 8B on the second housing 4B side (that is, the second nozzle holder 8B of the second housing 4B facing the first housing 4A which houses its own gas supply path (first gas supply pipeline 5A)). Furthermore, the second nozzle 7B is housed in the first nozzle holder 8A on the first housing 4A side (that is, the first nozzle holder 8A of the first housing 4A facing the second housing 4B which houses its own gas supply path (second gas supply pipeline 5B)). In addition, operation buttons 24 are provided between the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B, in other words, on the first front 4C1 and the second front 4C2 of the connecting housing 4C, respectively. In this case, the operation button 24 has a "single filling start button" to start filling with hydrogen gas from either the first gas supply pipeline 5A or the second gas supply pipeline 5B, and a "double filling start button" to start filling with hydrogen gas from both the first gas supply pipeline 5A and the second gas supply pipeline 5B. The "single filling start button" corresponds to the filling start button 24B when single filling is selected by the single / double switching button 24A. The "double filling start button" corresponds to the filling start button 24B when double filling is selected by the single / double switching button 24A.

[0059] Furthermore, the first nozzle hanger 8A and the second nozzle hanger 8B are equipped with nozzle detectors 25A and 25B, respectively, which serve as nozzle detection means for detecting the presence or absence of nozzles 7A and 7B. The nozzle detectors 25A and 25B are connected to the control devices 22A and 22B. The control devices 22A and 22B start filling with hydrogen gas from both the first gas supply pipeline 5A and the second gas supply pipeline 5B when the "double filling start button" is operated and the nozzle detectors 25A and 25B detect that there are no nozzles on both the first nozzle hanger 8A and the second nozzle hanger 8B. In other words, the control devices 22A and 22B determine that the "double filling start button" has been operated when the filling start button 24B is operated while double filling is selected by the single / double switching button 24A. At this time, if the control devices 22A and 22B determine that both nozzles have been removed based on signals from the nozzle detectors 25A and 25B, they start filling the first gas supply pipeline 5A and the second gas supply pipeline 5B with hydrogen gas.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the first nozzle holder 8A is composed of a first bracket 8A1, a first nozzle attachment / detachment part 8A2, and a first closing part 8A3. The second nozzle holder 8B is composed of a second bracket 8B1, a second nozzle attachment / detachment part 8B2, and a second closing part 8B3. Brackets 8A1 and 8B1 constitute a base for attaching the nozzle attachment / detachment parts 8A2 and 8B2 of the nozzle holders 8A and 8B to housings 4A and 4B. The nozzle attachment / detachment parts 8A2 and 8B2 attach and hold the nozzles 7A and 7B in a removable manner. That is, the nozzle attachment / detachment parts 8A2 and 8B2 are used to attach and detach the nozzles 7A and 7B. The closing parts 8A3 and 8B3 openly close the connecting couplers 7A1 and 7B1, which are the connection ports for the nozzles 7A and 7B. In other words, the blocking sections 8A3 and 8B3 cover the nozzles 7A and 7B (connecting couplers 7A1 and 7B1) to prevent foreign matter such as dust and rainwater from entering from the upward-facing tip of the nozzles 7A and 7B while the nozzles 7A and 7B are held in place by the nozzle attachment / detachment sections 8A2 and 8B2.

[0061] As described above, in the embodiment, the dispenser unit 3 has the A system equipment in the first housing 4A on the right side when viewed from the front as shown in Figure 3, and the B system equipment in the second housing 4B on the left side. The emergency release couplings 9A, 9B, hoses 6A, 6B, nozzles 7A, 7B, and nozzle holders 8A, 8B are arranged in the central part of the dispenser housing 4, that is, between the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B. As shown in Figure 6, hose guides 10A, 10B are also provided between the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B to guide the hoses 6A, 6B. The hoses 6A, 6B, nozzles 7A, 7B, nozzle holders 8A, 8B, and hose guides 10A, 10B are housed in shutters 4C4 provided on the front and rear sides of the dispenser housing 4 (in other words, the first front 4C1 and the second front 4C2 of the connecting housing 4C).

[0062] As described above, hoses 6A and 6B are located in the central part of the device, that is, in the central part of the dispenser unit 3 (dispenser housing 4). Therefore, it is possible to fill with the optimal length of hoses 6A and 6B on both the front and rear sides of the dispenser unit 3 (dispenser housing 4). In addition, an operation button 24 (single / double switching button 24A) for switching between single and double filling is provided above the shutter 4C4. In this case, the front of the dispenser housing 4 (i.e., the first front 4C1 of the connecting housing 4C which is the front 4A1 side of the first housing 4A) is provided with the operation button 24 for system A (single / double switching button 24A, filling start button 24B, filling stop button 24C). On the other hand, although not shown in the diagram, the rear of the dispenser housing 4 (i.e., the second front 4C2 of the connecting housing 4C which is the front 4B1 side of the second housing 4B) is provided with the operation button for system B (single / double switching button, filling start button, filling stop button).

[0063] The first display unit 23A, which serves as the display for system A, is located on the front 4A1 of the first housing 4A, and the second display unit 23B, which serves as the display for system B, is located on the front 4B1 of the second housing 4B. In other words, the first display unit 23A for system A is located on the front side of the dispenser unit 3 (dispenser housing 4), and the second display unit 23B for system B is located on the rear side. For example, when double filling is performed, the combined value of hydrogen gas supplied through both system A (first gas supply pipeline 5A) and system B (second gas supply pipeline 5B) is displayed on both the first display unit 23A and the second display unit 23B.

[0064] Figure 6 shows the equipment installed in the central part (center of the device) of the dispenser unit 3 (dispenser housing 4). The nozzle-hanging side 4A3 of the first housing 4A, which is the housing for system A, is provided with the first emergency release coupling 9A and the first hose guide 10A for system A. The nozzle-hanging side 4A3 of the first housing 4A is also provided with the first nozzle hook 8A, which holds the second nozzle 7B for system B. On the other hand, the nozzle-hanging side 4B3 of the second housing 4B, which is the housing for system B, is provided with the second emergency release coupling 9B and the second hose guide 10B for system B. The nozzle-hanging side 4B3 of the second housing 4B is also provided with the second nozzle hook 8B, which holds the first nozzle 7A for system A.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the first nozzle 7A is housed in the second nozzle holder 8B on the second housing 4B side. The second nozzle 7B is housed in the first nozzle holder 8A on the first housing 4A side. In this case, the first nozzle 7A on the A system side and the second nozzle holder 8B that holds this first nozzle 7A are marked with an "A" label to indicate that they are on the A system side. The second nozzle 7B on the B system side and the first nozzle holder 8A that holds this second nozzle 7B are marked with a "B" label to indicate that they are on the B system side. This allows the operator performing the filling to identify which nozzle holder 8A or 8B to place the nozzles 7A and 7B they are holding into.

[0066] Furthermore, the first emergency release coupling 9A and the first hose guide 10A are located on the second housing 4B side of the first nozzle hanger 8A. The second emergency release coupling 9B and the second hose guide 10B are also located on the first housing 4A side of the second nozzle hanger 8B. This prevents the hoses 6A and 6B from interfering with the nozzle hangers 8A and 8B when detaching the nozzles 7A and 7B from the nozzle hangers 8A and 8B and connecting them to the vehicle 51. In addition, the direction of removal (separation direction) of the emergency release couplings 9A and 9B is set to the front side toward the nozzle hanger sides 4A3 and 4B3 in order to enable filling from either the front or back side. The emergency release couplings 9A and 9B separate from the hoses 6A and 6B when the hoses 6A and 6B are pulled, that is, when the vehicle 51 starts moving while the nozzles 7A and 7B are still connected to the vehicle 51. The emergency release couplings 9A and 9B are installed in a position where the hoses 6A and 6B, separated from the emergency release couplings 9A and 9B, do not interfere with the nozzle holders 8A and 8B.

[0067] Next, we will explain the flowcharts shown in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control process in the case of double filling performed by the first control device 22A, which is the control device of system A, or the second control device 22B, which is the control device of system B. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the control process in the case of single filling performed by the first control device 22A, which is the control device of system A. Note that the control process in the case of single filling performed by the second control device 22B, which is the control device of system B, is the same as that of system A except for the system being different, so the explanation will be omitted. The processes in Figures 7 and 8 are executed repeatedly at a predetermined control cycle.

[0068] First, the processing performed by control devices 22A and 22B during double filling will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Double filling is started when the filling start button 24B is operated, provided that double filling is selected by the single / double switching button 24A, and both the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B are detached from the first nozzle holder 8A and the second nozzle holder 8B. The fact that both the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B are detached from the first nozzle holder 8A and the second nozzle holder 8B can be detected by the first nozzle detector 25A and the second nozzle detector 25B. Control devices 22A and 22B can determine that both the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B are detached from the first nozzle holder 8A and the second nozzle holder 8B when both the first nozzle detector 25A and the second nozzle detector 25B, which are nozzle switches, are activated. During double refueling, the combined amount of hydrogen gas supplied through both system A (first gas supply pipeline 5A) and system B (second gas supply pipeline 5B) is displayed on both the first display unit 23A and the second display unit 23B. This allows the operator to determine the total amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the vehicle undergoing double refueling by checking either the first display unit 23A or the second display unit 23B.

[0069] For example, when power is supplied to control devices 22A and 22B, the control process shown in Figure 7 begins when the control devices 22A and 22B are activated. In S1, control devices 22A and 22B determine whether the changeover switch is set to double filling. That is, in S1, they determine whether double filling is selected by the single / double changeover button 24A. If the result in S1 is "NO", that is, if double filling is not selected by the single / double changeover button 24A, they return. For example, via the return shown in Figure 7, they proceed to the start shown in Figure 8 and begin the process shown in Figure 8.

[0070] If the answer in S1 is "YES," meaning that double filling has been selected by the single / double switching button 24A, the process proceeds to S2. In S2, it is determined whether both the first nozzle 7A, which is the filling nozzle for system A, and the second nozzle 7B, which is the filling nozzle for system B, have been removed. This determination can be made based on the detection signals (ON signal, OFF signal) from the first nozzle detector 25A and the second nozzle detector 25B. If the answer in S2 is "NO," meaning that both the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B have not been removed, the process in S2 is repeated. However, if the answer in S2 is "YES," meaning that both the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B have been removed, the process proceeds to S3. In S3, filling is started and filling control processing is performed. Specifically, in S3, when the filling start button 24B is operated, double filling is started and double filling control processing is performed. Specifically, the first flow control valve 12A, the second flow control valve 12B, the first shut-off valve 13A, and the second shut-off valve 13B are opened, and hydrogen gas is filled in.

[0071] In S4, following S3, it is determined whether or not filling is complete. Specifically, in S4, it is determined whether or not the set pressure (filling completion pressure) has been reached, and whether or not the filling stop button 24C has been operated. The pressure is detected by pressure sensors 20A and 20B. If "NO" is determined in S4, i.e., filling is not complete, the process of S4 is repeated while continuing the double filling control. If the pressure detected by pressure sensors 20A and 20B has not reached the set pressure (filling completion pressure) and the filling stop button 24C has not been operated, double filling is continued.

[0072] On the other hand, if "YES" is determined in S4, meaning that filling is complete, the process proceeds to S5. This corresponds to the case where the pressure detected by pressure sensors 20A and 20B reaches the set pressure (filling completion pressure), or when the filling stop button 24C is operated. In S5, the process of controlling the end of double filling is performed. Specifically, the first flow control valve 12A, the second flow control valve 12B, the first shut-off valve 13A, and the second shut-off valve 13B are closed, and the first depressurization valve 19A and the second depressurization valve 19B are opened, reducing the pressure in the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B to atmospheric pressure level.

[0073] In S6, following S5, it is determined whether the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B have been returned to the first nozzle holder 8A and the second nozzle holder 8B. If S6 determines "NO," that is, neither the first nozzle 7A nor the second nozzle 7B have been returned to the first nozzle holder 8A and the second nozzle holder 8B, the process in S6 is repeated. On the other hand, if S6 determines "YES," that is, neither the first nozzle 7A nor the second nozzle 7B have been returned to the first nozzle holder 8A and the second nozzle holder 8B, the process returns (for example, proceeding to the start in Figure 8).

[0074] Next, the processing performed by the first control device 22A during single filling will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Single filling is started when the filling start button 24B is operated, after single filling has been selected by the single / double switching button 24A and the first nozzle 7A has been detached from the second nozzle holder 8B. In this case, for example, consider the case where single filling is selected by the single / double switching button 24A of system A, and the second nozzle 7B, which is a nozzle of system B, is removed (the first nozzle detector 25A is activated). In this case, there is a possibility that "the second nozzle 7B, which is a nozzle of system B, has been mistakenly removed from the first nozzle holder 8A", or that "the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B are stored interchangeably in the nozzle holders 8A and 8B". In such cases, an error message is displayed on the indicators 23A and 23B, prompting the operator to check the storage status of the nozzles 7A and 7B.

[0075] For example, if the process in Figure 7 proceeds to return, the control process in Figure 8 begins. In S11, the first control device 22A determines whether the changeover switch is set to A-system filling (single filling of A-system). That is, in S11, it determines whether single filling (single filling of A-system) is selected by the single / double changeover button 24A. If the result in S11 is "NO", that is, if single filling is not selected by the single / double changeover button 24A, it returns. For example, by returning in Figure 8, the process proceeds to start in Figure 7, and the process in Figure 7 begins.

[0076] In response to this, if "YES" is determined in S11, that is, if single filling (single filling of system A) is selected by the single / double switching button 24A, the process proceeds to S12. In S12, it is determined whether the first nozzle 7A, which is the filling nozzle for system A, has been removed from the second nozzle holder 8B. This determination can be made based on the detection signal (ON signal, OFF signal) of the second nozzle detector 25B. If "YES" is determined in S12, that is, if the first nozzle 7A has been removed from the second nozzle holder 8B, the process proceeds to S13. In S13, filling of system A (single filling) is started and filling control processing is performed. Specifically, in S13, filling of system A is started and filling control processing for system A is performed when the system A filling start button 24B is operated. Specifically, the first flow control valve 12A and the first shut-off valve 13A are opened and hydrogen gas is filled.

[0077] In S14, following S13, it is determined whether or not filling is complete. Specifically, in S14, it is determined whether or not the set pressure (filling completion pressure) set as the pressure to end filling has been reached, and whether or not the filling stop button 24C for system A has been operated. The pressure is detected by the first pressure sensor 20A. If "NO" is determined in S14, that is, if filling for system A is not complete, the process of S14 is repeated while continuing the filling control for system A. If the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 20A has not reached the set pressure (filling completion pressure) and the filling stop button 24C has not been operated, single filling for system A continues.

[0078] On the other hand, if "YES" is determined in S14, meaning that filling has been completed, the process proceeds to S15. This corresponds to the case where the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 20A reaches the set pressure (filling completion pressure), or when the A system filling stop button 24C is operated. In S15, the process for controlling the end of single filling is performed. Specifically, the first flow control valve 12A and the first shut-off valve 13A are closed, and the first depressurization valve 19A is opened, reducing the pressure at the first nozzle 7A to atmospheric pressure level.

[0079] In S16, following S15, it is determined whether the first nozzle 7A has been returned to the second nozzle holder 8B. If S16 determines "NO," that is, the first nozzle 7A has not been returned to the second nozzle holder 8B, the process in S16 is repeated. On the other hand, if S16 determines "YES," that is, the first nozzle 7A has been returned to the second nozzle holder 8B, the process returns. For example, the process proceeds to the start in Figure 7 via the return in Figure 8, and the process in Figure 7 begins.

[0080] On the other hand, if the result in S12 is "NO," meaning that the first nozzle 7A has not been detached from the second nozzle holder 8B, the process proceeds to S17. In S17, it is determined whether or not the second nozzle 7B, which is a filling nozzle for system B, has been detached from the first nozzle holder 8A. This determination can be made based on the detection signals (ON signal, OFF signal) of the first nozzle detector 25A. If the result in S17 is "NO," meaning that the second nozzle 7B has not been detached from the first nozzle holder 8A, the process returns to before S12 and repeats the process from S12 onward. Conversely, if the result in S17 is "YES," meaning that the second nozzle 7B has been detached from the first nozzle holder 8A, the process proceeds to S18. In S18, an error is displayed on the first display unit 23A.

[0081] In other words, in this case, there is a possibility that "the second nozzle 7B, which is a nozzle of system B, has been mistakenly removed from the first nozzle holder 8A," or that "the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B are stored in the wrong places on nozzle holders 8A and 8B." Therefore, in S18, a message is displayed indicating that "the second nozzle 7B of system B has been mistakenly removed, or the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B are stored in the wrong places on nozzle holders 8A and 8B." If an error is displayed in S18, the system returns.

[0082] The hydrogen gas filling apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has the configuration described above, and next, the hydrogen gas filling operation using the hydrogen gas filling apparatus 1 will be explained.

[0083] First, let's explain the single-fill operation. For example, a vehicle 51 having one filling port 52A is parked on the front side of the dispenser unit 3 (dispenser housing 4), that is, on the front 4A1 side of the first housing 4A. The operator performing the filling operation removes the first nozzle 7A of system A from the second nozzle holder 8B on the second housing 4B side. Then, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, the first nozzle 7A is connected to the filling port 52A of the tank 52 and the connection is locked. In this state, the operator performing the filling operation selects single-fill by operating the single / double switching button 24A on the first front 4C1 side of the connecting housing 4C, and then turns on the filling start button 24B, at which point the first control device 22A outputs an open signal to the first flow control valve 12A and the first shut-off valve 13A. That is, the first control device 22A opens the first flow control valve 12A and the shut-off valve 13A.

[0084] As a result, the hydrogen gas in the first gas accumulator 2A is filled into the tank 52 of the vehicle 51 through system A, namely the first gas supply pipeline 5A, the first hose 6A, and the nozzle 7A. The first control device 22A monitors the measurement results of, for example, the first flow meter 14A, the first pressure sensor 20A, and the first temperature sensor 21A, and adjusts the opening degree of the first flow control valve 12A, etc., using a preset control method (constant pressure rise control method or constant flow rate control method), etc. This makes it possible to control the pressure and flow rate of the hydrogen gas supplied to the first gas supply pipeline 5A to an appropriate flow state.

[0085] At this time, the first control device 22A calculates the amount (mass) of hydrogen gas to be filled by integrating the flow pulses from the first flow meter 14A, and determines whether the amount of hydrogen gas to be filled has reached a preset target amount, or whether the hydrogen gas pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 20A has reached a preset target filling pressure. When it is determined that the target amount (pressure) has been reached, the first flow control valve 12A and the first shut-off valve 13A are closed by a signal from the first control device 22A, and the filling of hydrogen gas into the tank 52 is terminated. The filling operation is also terminated when the operator operates the filling stop button 24C.

[0086] When the filling operation is completed, the first control device 22A executes a filling completion control process. In this filling completion control process, the first depressurization valve 19A is controlled by a signal from the first control device 22A to open from the closed state. When the first depressurization valve 19A is opened, the first depressurization pipeline 18A is opened to the atmosphere, releasing the gas on the first nozzle 7A side to the outside and reducing the pressure of the first nozzle 7A to atmospheric pressure level. In this state, the operator can remove the connecting coupler 7A1 of the first nozzle 7A from the filling port 52A of the tank 52.

[0087] The first nozzle 7A, removed from the filling port 52A of the tank 52, is returned by the operator to the second nozzle holder 8B on the second housing 4B and secured by manual operation. The second nozzle detector 25B, provided on the second nozzle holder 8B, detects whether or not the first nozzle 7A has been returned to the second nozzle holder 8B. When the first nozzle 7A is returned to the second nozzle holder 8B and secured, a detection signal from the second nozzle detector 25B is output to the first control device 22A via the second control device 22B. As a result, the first control device 22A determines that the filling operation with the first nozzle 7A is complete and enters a standby state for the next filling operation.

[0088] Furthermore, this type of single-filling can be performed not only on vehicles 51 parked in front of the dispenser unit 3 (dispenser housing 4), but also on vehicles parked behind the dispenser unit 3. In this case, single-filling can be performed on vehicles parked behind the dispenser unit 3, i.e., on the front 4B1 side of the second housing 4B, through the second gas supply pipeline 5B, second hose 6B, and second nozzle 7B, which constitute the B system. Single-filling can be performed simultaneously on vehicles 51 parked on both the front and rear sides of the dispenser unit 3.

[0089] Next, we will explain the double filling operation. For example, a vehicle with two filling ports is parked on the front side of the dispenser unit 3 (dispenser housing 4), that is, on the front 4A1 side of the first housing 4A. The operator performing the filling operation removes the first nozzle 7A from the second nozzle holder 8B on the second housing 4B side. Also, removes the second nozzle 7B from the first nozzle holder 8A on the first housing 4A side. Then, connect the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B to the two filling ports of the vehicle and lock the connection points. In this state, the operator performing the filling operation selects double filling by operating the single / double switching button 24A on the first front 4C1 side of the connecting housing 4C, and further turns on the filling start button 24B. At this point, the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B output open signals to the first flow control valve 12A, the second flow control valve 12B, the first shut-off valve 13A, and the second shut-off valve 13B. In other words, the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B open the first flow control valve 12A, the second flow control valve 12B, the first shut-off valve 13A, and the second shut-off valve 13B.

[0090] As a result, hydrogen gas in the first gas accumulator 2A is supplied to the vehicle's tank through system A, i.e., the first gas supply pipeline 5A, the first hose 6A, and the nozzle 7A, and hydrogen gas in the second gas accumulator 2B is supplied to the vehicle's tank through system B, i.e., the second gas supply pipeline 5B, the second hose 6B, and the nozzle 7B. The first control device 22A monitors the measurement results of, for example, the first flow meter 14A, the first pressure sensor 20A, and the first temperature sensor 21A, and adjusts the opening degree of the first flow control valve 12A, etc., using a preset control method (constant pressure rise control method or constant flow rate control method), etc. At the same time, the second control device 22B monitors the measurement results of, for example, the second flow meter 14B, the second pressure sensor 20B, and the second temperature sensor 21B, and adjusts the opening degree of the second flow control valve 12B, etc., using a preset control method (constant pressure rise control method or constant flow rate control method), etc. This makes it possible to control the pressure and flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the first gas supply pipeline 5A and the second gas supply pipeline 5B to an appropriate flow state.

[0091] At this time, the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B calculate the amount (mass) of hydrogen gas to be filled by integrating the flow pulses from the first flow meter 14A and the second flow meter 14B, and determine whether the amount of hydrogen gas to be filled has reached a preset target amount, or whether the hydrogen gas pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 20A and the second pressure sensor 20B has reached a preset target filling pressure. When it is determined that the target amount (pressure) has been reached, the first flow control valve 12A, the second flow control valve 12B, the first shut-off valve 13A, and the second shut-off valve 13B are closed by signals from the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B, and the filling of hydrogen gas into the tank is completed. The filling operation is also completed when the operator operates the filling stop button 24C.

[0092] When the filling operation is completed, the first control device 22A and the second control device 22B execute a filling completion control process. In this filling completion control process, a signal from the first control device 22A controls the first depressurization valve 19A to open from the closed state. At the same time, a signal from the second control device 22B controls the second depressurization valve 19B to open from the closed state. When the first depressurization valve 19A opens, the first depressurization pipeline 18A is opened to the atmosphere, releasing the gas on the first nozzle 7A side to the outside and reducing the pressure of the first nozzle 7A to atmospheric pressure level. Similarly, when the second depressurization valve 19B opens, the second depressurization pipeline 18B is opened to the atmosphere, releasing the gas on the second nozzle 7B side to the outside and reducing the pressure of the second nozzle 7B to atmospheric pressure level. In this state, the operator can remove the connecting coupler 7A1 of the first nozzle 7A and the connecting coupler 7B1 of the second nozzle 7B from the tank's filling port.

[0093] The first nozzle 7A, removed from the tank's filling port, is returned by the operator to the second nozzle holder 8B on the second housing 4B side and secured by manual operation. Similarly, the second nozzle 7B, removed from the tank's filling port, is returned by the operator to the first nozzle holder 8A on the first housing 4A side and secured by manual operation. Nozzle detectors 25A and 25B detect whether the nozzles 7A and 7B have been returned to the nozzle holders 8A and 8B. When the nozzles 7A and 7B are returned to the nozzle holders 8A and 8B and secured, detection signals from the nozzle detectors 25A and 25B are output to the control devices 22A and 22B. As a result, the control devices 22A and 22B determine that the double filling operation using nozzles 7A and 7B is complete and enter a standby state for the next filling operation. This type of double filling can also be performed on a vehicle parked behind the dispenser unit 3 (dispenser housing 4).

[0094] As described above, according to the embodiment, the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B are arranged with their sides facing each other: the side 4A3 on which the first extension outlet 41 is provided and the side 4B3 on which the second extension outlet 42 is provided. Therefore, the first extension outlet 41 and the second extension outlet 42 can be placed close together. This makes it possible to widen the range that both the "first nozzle 7A" which leads to the first extension outlet 41 via the first hose 6A and the "second nozzle 7B" which leads to the second extension outlet 42 via the second hose 6B can reach. In other words, the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B are arranged with their nozzle-hanging side 4A3 on which the first extension outlet 41 and the first nozzle hanger 8A are provided and their nozzle-hanging side 4B3 on which the second extension outlet 42 and the second nozzle hanger 8B are provided. Therefore, hydrogen gas can be filled into the same vehicle having two filling ports using the first gas supply pipeline 5A and the second gas supply pipeline 5B through the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B, which are detached from the two nozzle holders 8A and 8B that are positioned opposite each other. As a result, the time required for filling can be shortened compared to when filling a vehicle having two filling ports through a single filling port. In this case, the range that both the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B can reach can be widened, thus widening the parking range (double-fillable vehicle parking range) in which a vehicle having two filling ports can be filled using both the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle 7B.

[0095] According to the embodiment, the first nozzle 7A is housed in the second nozzle holder 8B, and the second nozzle 7B is housed in the first nozzle holder 8A. Therefore, when in an unfilled state (standby state), each nozzle 7A and 7B is housed in the nozzle holders 8A and 8B of the opposite housing 4A and 4B that face the housing 4A and 4B having the gas supply lines 5A and 5B for the nozzles 7A and 7B. In other words, when in an unfilled state (standby state), the first nozzle 7A is housed in the second nozzle holder 8B of the second housing 4B that faces the first housing 4A having the first gas supply line 5A.

[0096] Furthermore, the second nozzle 7B is housed in the first nozzle holder 8A of the first housing 4A, which faces the second housing 4B having the second gas supply pipeline 5B route. This allows for a larger bending angle of the hoses 6A and 6B (a gentler bend in the hoses 6A and 6B) compared to the case where each nozzle 7A and 7B is housed in the nozzle holders 8A and 8B of the housings 4A and 4B having their own gas supply pipelines 5A and 5B. As a result, the reduction in strength of the hoses 6A and 6B due to bending can be suppressed.

[0097] According to the embodiment, a "single filling start button" and a "double filling start button" are provided between the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B. More specifically, a single / double switching button 24A and a filling start button 24B are provided as buttons corresponding to the "single filling start button" and the "double filling start button". Therefore, when a worker filling a vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas, whether starting single filling for a vehicle 51 having one filling port 52A or double filling for the same vehicle having two filling ports, the single / double switching button 24A and the filling start button 24B can be operated from near the center between the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B. This improves the work efficiency of the worker.

[0098] According to the embodiment, double filling is started when the "double filling start button" is operated and the nozzle detectors 25A and 25B detect that there are no nozzles 7A and 7B on both the first nozzle hanger 8A and the second nozzle hanger 8B. That is, if double filling is selected by the single / double switching button 24A, and the nozzle detectors 25A and 25B detect that there are no nozzles 7A and 7B on the nozzle hangers 8A and 8B, then the filling start button 24B is operated and double filling is started. For this reason, even if the filling start button 24B is operated while double filling is selected by the single / double switching button 24A, double filling will not be started if there are nozzles 7A and 7B on at least one of the first nozzle hanger 8A and the second nozzle hanger 8B. Therefore, it is possible to prevent double filling from being started if the filling start button 24B is accidentally operated while double filling is selected by the single / double switching button 24A.

[0099] In this embodiment, the nozzle hangers 8A and 8B were described using an example where the nozzle attachment / detachment parts 8A2 and 8B2 and the brackets 8A1 and 8B1 do not rotate relative to the nozzle hanger sides 4A3 and 4B3. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in the first modified example in Figure 9, the brackets 8A1 and 8B1 of the nozzle hangers 8A and 8B may be configured to rotate relative to the nozzle hanger sides 4A3 and 4B3. That is, in the first modified example, the brackets 8A1 and 8B1 are rotatably attached to a rotating support member 31 fixed to the nozzle hanger sides 4A3 and 4B3 via a rotating shaft 32. As a result, in the first modified example, the first nozzle holder 8A has a (first) nozzle attachment / detachment part 8A2 that can rotate between the front 4A1 side and the rear 4A2 side of the first housing 4A, and the second nozzle holder 8B has a (second) nozzle attachment / detachment part 8B2 that can rotate between the front 4B1 side and the rear 4B2 side of the second housing 4B.

[0100] Specifically, the first nozzle holder 8A includes a first nozzle attachment / detachment section 8A2 into which the first nozzle 7A is attached and detached. The first nozzle attachment / detachment section 8A2 is rotatable between the front 4A1 side and the rear 4A2 side of the first housing 4A. The second nozzle holder 8B includes a second nozzle attachment / detachment section 8B2 into which the second nozzle 7B is attached and detached. The second nozzle attachment / detachment section 8B2 is rotatable between the front 4B1 side and the rear 4B2 side of the second housing 4B. In such a configuration, for example, a latch mechanism (not shown) can be provided between the brackets 8A1, 8B1 and the rotating support member 31 for temporarily fixing the nozzle attachment / detachment sections 8A2, 8B2 and the brackets 8A1, 8B1 in a predetermined position. This latch mechanism can consist of a curved convex protrusion (not shown) provided on the brackets 8A1, 8B1 and a curved concave recess (not shown) provided on the rotating support member 31.

[0101] For example, the upper surface 33 of the brackets 8A1 and 8B1 is provided with a protrusion that is biased upward by a spring (not shown) on the portion facing the lower surface 34 of the rotating support member 31. On the other hand, the lower surface 34 of the rotating support member 31 is provided with recesses (not shown) that engage with the protrusions on the brackets 8A1 and 8B1 at three locations: "the position corresponding to the protrusion when the nozzle attachment / detachment parts 8A2 and 8B2 are rotated to the front side", "the position corresponding to the protrusion when the nozzle attachment / detachment parts 8A2 and 8B2 are rotated to the rear side", and "the position corresponding to the protrusion when the nozzle attachment / detachment parts 8A2 and 8B2 are rotated to the center between the front and rear sides".

[0102] When the nozzle attachment / detachment parts 8A2 and 8B2 rotate together with the brackets 8A1 and 8B1, the protrusions on the upper surfaces 33 of the brackets 8A1 and 8B1 engage with one of the recesses on the lower surface 34 of the rotation support member 31. As a result, the nozzle attachment / detachment parts 8A2 and 8B2 are temporarily fixed to the rotation support member 31 with the protrusions and recesses engaged. The nozzle attachment / detachment parts 8A2 and 8B2 and the brackets 8A1 and 8B1 can be rotated from their temporarily fixed position to another position by rotating them with a force that releases the engagement between the protrusions and recesses. According to this first modification, when filling a vehicle with hydrogen gas, the nozzles 7A and 7B can be easily removed from the nozzle holders 8A and 8B (nozzle attachment / detachment parts 8A2 and 8B2) from both the front and rear sides of the dispenser housing 4 (first housing 4A and second housing 4B).

[0103] In this embodiment, the example described was one in which the emergency release couplings 9A, 9B, hose guides 10A, 10A, and nozzle hangers 8A, 8B are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and for example, as shown in the second modified example in Figure 10, the emergency release couplings 9A, 9B and hose guides 10A, 10A may be offset from the nozzle hangers 8A, 8B. Figure 10 corresponds to an explanatory diagram (plan view) of the space between the first housing 4A and the second housing 4B viewed from above. In this second modified example, the emergency release couplings 9A, 9B and hose guides 10A, 10A are positioned in an offset position so as not to interfere with the nozzle hangers 8A, 8B in the vertical direction.

[0104] In this embodiment, the example described was one in which the first nozzle 7A is housed in the second nozzle holder 8B and the second nozzle 7B is housed in the first nozzle holder 8A. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the first nozzle 7A may be housed in the first nozzle holder 8A and the second nozzle 7B may be housed in the second nozzle holder 8B.

[0105] In this embodiment, we have described an example in which the system is configured to include a single / double switching button 24A and a filling start button 24B, which are designated as a "single filling start button" and a "double filling start button." That is, in this embodiment, the operation button 24 is configured to include a "single / double switching button 24A," a "filling start button 24B," and a "filling stop button 24C." However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and the operation button may, for example, omit the single / double switching button and be configured to include a "single filling start button," a "double filling start button," and a "filling stop button."

[0106] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, a label marked "A" indicating that the first nozzle 7A and the second nozzle holder 8B are on the A system side, and a label marked "B" indicating that the second nozzle 7B and the first nozzle holder 8A are on the B system side was used as an example. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and different colored tapes, such as "white" or "blue," may be used as indicators to distinguish between the A system and the B system. Furthermore, methods for distinguishing between the A system and the B system may include displaying a lamp corresponding to the system being filled, or providing voice guidance. In addition, labels and color coding corresponding to the identification of the nozzles and nozzle holders may be displayed on the base of the housing or on the hose protection cover.

[0107] In this embodiment, the display units 23A and 23B are provided on both the front and rear sides of the dispenser housing 4, and the combined value is displayed on both display units 23A and 23B in the case of double filling. With this configuration, an operator (filler) located on the side where filling is not taking place can understand that double filling is occurring (that filling is not possible). On the other hand, the display units may be dedicated display units provided for each supply system, for example. In this case, regardless of the supply system, the filling direction (front side or rear side) may be determined from the rotation direction of the nozzle holder when the nozzle is removed, for example, and the flow rate may be displayed on the display unit in that direction.

[0108] In this embodiment, an automobile was used as an example to describe the vehicle 51 on which the 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 cargo vehicle such as a truck.

[0109] In this embodiment, the example of filling a tank 52 of a vehicle 51 with hydrogen gas was used for the explanation. However, it is not limited to this, and can also be used, for example, when filling a tank to be filled (tank, container, etc.) other than a vehicle with hydrogen gas. Furthermore, the dispenser unit 3 of the hydrogen gas filling device 1 may be installed in the middle of a pipeline (hydrogen supply pipeline) for supplying hydrogen gas to another location. In addition, although hydrogen gas was used as an example of the gas (fuel gas) in the explanation, the configuration (gas filling device) may also use a gas other than hydrogen gas (fuel gas), such as natural gas (NG) or propane gas (LPG).

[0110] In this embodiment, we have described an example in which the gas supply system has two systems (paths), namely the first gas supply pipeline 5A and the second gas supply pipeline 5B. However, the system is not limited to this, and for example, it may have three or more gas supply paths.

[0111] According to the embodiments and / or modifications described above (hereinafter simply referred to as "embodiments"), the first housing and the second housing are arranged so that the side on which the first extension outlet is provided and the side on which the second extension outlet is provided face each other. Therefore, the first extension outlet and the second extension outlet can be placed close together. This makes it possible to widen the range that can be reached by both the "first nozzle leading to the first extension outlet via the first hose" and the "second nozzle leading to the second extension outlet via the second hose". In other words, it is possible to widen the vehicle parking range in which filling can be performed through both the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the first nozzle is housed in the second nozzle holder, and the second nozzle is housed in the first nozzle holder. Therefore, when the device is not filled (standby), each nozzle is housed in the nozzle holder of the housing on the opposite side that faces the housing having the gas supply path for the nozzle. That is, when the device is not filled (standby), the first nozzle is housed in the second nozzle holder of the second housing facing the first housing having the first gas supply path. The second nozzle is housed in the first nozzle holder of the first housing facing the second housing having the second gas supply path. This allows for a larger bending angle of the hose (a gentler bend in the hose) when the nozzles are housed in the nozzle holders, compared to the case where each nozzle is housed in the nozzle holder of the housing having its own gas supply path. As a result, the reduction in hose strength due to bending can be suppressed.

[0113] According to the embodiment, the first nozzle attachment / detachment part of the first nozzle holder is rotatable between the front and rear sides of the first housing. Similarly, the second nozzle attachment / detachment part of the second nozzle holder is rotatable between the front and rear sides of the second housing. Therefore, when filling a vehicle with fuel gas, the nozzle can be easily removed from the nozzle holder from both the front and rear sides of the housing.

[0114] According to the embodiment, a "single filling start button" and a "double filling start button" are provided between the first and second housings. Therefore, when a worker is filling a vehicle with fuel gas, whether starting a single filling for a vehicle with one filling port or a double filling for the same vehicle with two filling ports, the worker can operate the "single filling start button" or the "double filling start button" from near the center between the first and second housings. This improves the work efficiency of the worker.

[0115] According to this embodiment, double filling is initiated when the "double filling start button" is operated and the nozzle detection means detects that there are no nozzles on both the first nozzle holder and the second nozzle holder. Therefore, even if the "double filling start button" is operated, double filling will not be initiated if there is a nozzle on at least one of the first nozzle holder and the second nozzle holder. This prevents double filling from being initiated unintentionally if the "double filling start button" is operated by mistake. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Hydrogen gas filling device (gas filling device) 3. Dispenser unit (filling mechanism) 4A First enclosure 4A1 Front 4A2 Back 4A3 Nozzle mounting side (side) 4B Second cabinet 4B1 Front 4B2 Back 4B3 Nozzle mounting side (side) 5A First gas supply pipeline (first gas supply route) 5B Second gas supply pipeline (first gas supply route) 6A Hose 1 6B Second Hose 7A Nozzle No. 1 7B Nozzle No. 2 8A First nozzle hanging 8A2 First nozzle attachment / detachment section 8B2 Second nozzle attachment / detachment section 8B Second nozzle attachment 14A 1st flow meter 14B 2nd flow meter 24A Single / Double Switch Button 24B Filling Start Button (Single Filling Start Button, Double Filling Start Button) 25A First nozzle detector (nozzle detection means) 25B Second nozzle detector (nozzle detection means) 41 1st extension exit 42 2nd extension exit

Claims

1. A first housing having a front, back and sides, A first gas supply path is provided within the first enclosure for supplying fuel gas, A first flow meter is installed in the middle of the first gas supply path to measure the flow rate of fuel gas, A first hose connected to the first gas supply path, A first nozzle provided at the tip of the first hose, A first nozzle holder provided on the side of the first housing, A first extension outlet is provided on the side of the first housing for the first hose to extend outside the housing, A second housing is positioned adjacent to the first housing and has a front, back, and side. A second gas supply path is provided within the second enclosure for supplying fuel gas, A second flow meter is installed in the middle of the second gas supply path to measure the flow rate of the fuel gas, A second hose connected to the second gas supply path, A second nozzle is provided at the tip of the second hose, A second nozzle holder is provided on the side of the second housing, A gas filling device comprising a second extension outlet provided on the side of the second housing for the second hose to extend outside the housing, The first housing and the second housing are arranged so that the side on which the first extension is provided and the side on which the second extension is provided face each other. The first nozzle holder includes a first nozzle attachment / detachment section into which the first nozzle is attached and detached, and the first nozzle attachment / detachment section is rotatable between the front and rear sides of the first housing. The gas filling apparatus is characterized in that the second nozzle holder includes a second nozzle attachment / detachment section into which the second nozzle is attached and detached, and the second nozzle attachment / detachment section is rotatable between the front and rear sides of the second housing.

2. A first housing having a front, a back and sides, A first gas supply path is provided within the first enclosure for supplying fuel gas, A first flow meter is installed in the middle of the first gas supply path to measure the flow rate of fuel gas, A first hose connected to the first gas supply path, A first nozzle provided at the tip of the first hose, A first nozzle holder provided on the side of the first housing, A first extension outlet is provided on the side of the first housing for the first hose to extend outside the housing, A second housing is positioned adjacent to the first housing and has a front, back, and side. A second gas supply path is provided within the second enclosure for supplying fuel gas, A second flow meter is installed in the middle of the second gas supply path to measure the flow rate of the fuel gas, A second hose connected to the second gas supply path, A second nozzle is provided at the tip of the second hose, A second nozzle holder is provided on the side of the second housing, A gas filling device comprising a second extension outlet provided on the side of the second housing for the second hose to extend outside the housing, The first housing and the second housing are arranged so that the side on which the first extension is provided and the side on which the second extension is provided face each other. A gas filling apparatus characterized in that the first nozzle is housed in the second nozzle holder, and the second nozzle is housed in the first nozzle holder.

3. The first nozzle holder includes a first nozzle attachment / detachment section from which the second nozzle is attached and detached, and the first nozzle attachment / detachment section is rotatable between the front and rear sides of the first housing. The gas filling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second nozzle holder includes a second nozzle attachment / detachment section to which the first nozzle is attached and detached, and the second nozzle attachment / detachment section is rotatable between the front and rear sides of the second housing.

4. A first housing having a front, a back and sides, A first gas supply path is provided within the first enclosure for supplying fuel gas, A first flow meter is installed in the middle of the first gas supply path to measure the flow rate of fuel gas, A first hose connected to the first gas supply path, A first nozzle provided at the tip of the first hose, A first nozzle holder provided on the side of the first housing, A first extension outlet is provided on the side of the first housing for the first hose to extend outside the housing, A second housing is positioned adjacent to the first housing and has a front, back, and side. A second gas supply path is provided within the second enclosure for supplying fuel gas, A second flow meter is installed in the middle of the second gas supply path to measure the flow rate of the fuel gas, A second hose connected to the second gas supply path, A second nozzle is provided at the tip of the second hose, A second nozzle holder is provided on the side of the second housing, A gas filling device comprising a second extension outlet provided on the side of the second housing for the second hose to extend outside the housing, The first housing and the second housing are arranged so that the side on which the first extension is provided and the side on which the second extension is provided face each other. A gas filling device is characterized in that a single filling start button is provided between the first housing and the second housing to start filling fuel gas from one of the first gas supply path and the second gas supply path, and a double filling start button is provided to start filling fuel gas from both the first gas supply path and the second gas supply path.

5. The first nozzle holder and the second nozzle holder are provided with nozzle detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a nozzle. The gas filling apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that when the double filling start button is operated and the nozzle detection means detects that there are no nozzles in both the first nozzle holder and the second nozzle holder, filling of fuel gas from both the first gas supply path and the second gas supply path is started.

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