Separation joint

Abstract

In the present invention, an emergency separation coupling (11) comprises: a socket unit (16); and a plug member (26) in which is formed an outflow-side path (40) in which hydrogen gas flows. When a at least a prescribed pulling force acts on the emergency separation coupling (11), a junction pin (42) breaks, causing the plug member (26) and the socket unit (16) to separate from each other. The plug member (26) comprises an outflow-side shutoff valve (27) that stops the outflow of hydrogen gas upon separation from the socket unit (16). The plug member (26) comprises a linking path (51) that releases pressure inside a second rod-side path (39).

Description

Separation joint

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a separation fitting used in an emergency breakaway coupling of a gas supply device (fuel gas supply device, fuel gas filling device) that supplies (fills) a high-pressure gas (fuel gas) such as hydrogen gas to a tank (fuel tank, filling tank) of a vehicle (automobile), for example.

[0002] For example, the hydrogen dispenser of Patent Document 1 is provided with an emergency release coupling in the fuel supply path. The emergency release coupling separates the fuel supply path on the main body side (housing side) of the hydrogen dispenser from the fuel supply path on the nozzle side when, for example, the vehicle erroneously starts moving while the nozzle (filling nozzle) is still connected to the vehicle's tank (fuel tank, filling tank). At this time, the emergency release coupling blocks the fuel supply path on both the main body side and the nozzle side, thereby preventing hydrogen gas (high-pressure gas) from leaking out of each flow path (fuel supply path).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-120717

[0004] Incidentally, after the emergency breakaway coupling is separated, it is necessary to release the high-pressure gas in the fuel supply path (flow path) to the outside. In this case, for example, it would be undesirable to attach a dedicated device (mechanism) for releasing hydrogen gas to the separated emergency breakaway coupling to release the hydrogen gas to the outside, or to require a dedicated jig for releasing the high-pressure gas, as this would require a lot of work for workers.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a separation joint that can reduce the effort required to release high-pressure gas to the outside after separation.

[0006] The present invention preferably provides a separation fitting comprising a plug and a socket having a gas supply passage formed therein through which high-pressure gas flows, the plug and the socket being separated when a tensile force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied, and the plug is equipped with a shut-off means for shutting off the outflow of high-pressure gas within the gas supply passage when the plug is separated from the socket, and a pressure relief mechanism for relieving pressure within the gas supply passage.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the labor required for releasing the high-pressure gas to the outside after separation.

[0008] Fig. 1 is an external view showing a hydrogen gas filling device equipped with a separation joint according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a separation joint according to a first embodiment in a normal state. Fig. 3 is a sectional view corresponding to part (A) of Fig. 2, showing a state in which an engaging member of a shutoff means of the plug shuts off the gas supply passage after fracture of a coupling pin. Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing a plug in a state completely separated from a socket. Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken from the same position as Fig. 3, showing a separation joint according to a second embodiment in a normal state. Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing a plug in a state completely separated from a socket.

[0009] Below, the separation joint according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings, taking as an example a case where it is applied to an emergency release coupling of a gas supply device (hydrogen gas supply device, hydrogen gas filling device) that supplies (fills) high-pressure gas (hydrogen gas: flammable gas) to a tank (fuel tank, filling tank) of a vehicle (automobile).

[0010] 1 to 4 show a first embodiment. In Fig. 1, a hydrogen gas filling device 1 is a gas filling device (gas supply device, hydrogen gas supply device) for a vehicle that fills (supplies) compressed hydrogen gas (gas) into a fuel tank (not shown) of a vehicle 2, such as a fuel cell vehicle (FCV). The hydrogen gas filling device 1 is installed, for example, in a facility (fuel supply station) called a hydrogen gas filling station (hydrogen station).

[0011] The hydrogen gas filling device 1 includes a gas accumulator (not shown) that serves as a hydrogen gas supply source, a hydrogen dispenser 3 that serves as a filling mechanism (gas filling mechanism), and a gas supply pipeline (not shown) that extends from the gas accumulator to the hydrogen dispenser 3. The gas accumulator constitutes a gas storage unit (storage tank) that stores highly compressed hydrogen gas. The gas accumulator stores highly compressed hydrogen gas on the upstream side of the gas supply pipeline. The gas supply pipeline extends from the gas accumulator to the hydrogen dispenser 3 and is disposed within a housing 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 3.

[0012] The gas supply pipeline supplies pressurized hydrogen gas from the gas accumulator toward the hose 5 side of the hydrogen dispenser 3. The gas accumulator side of the gas supply pipeline is the upstream side, and the hose 5 side is the downstream side. That is, the downstream end of the gas supply pipeline is connected to a hose 5 that extends outside the housing 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 3. The gas supply pipeline is connected to the fuel tank of the vehicle 2 via the hose 5 and a nozzle 6. The gas supply pipeline, together with the hose 5 of the hydrogen dispenser 3, constitutes a gas supply path that supplies hydrogen gas, which becomes fuel gas, to the fuel tank of the vehicle 2.

[0013] The hydrogen dispenser 3 is a gas filling mechanism (gas supply mechanism) that fills the fuel tank of the vehicle 2 with hydrogen gas from a gas accumulator. The hydrogen dispenser 3 includes a housing 4, a hose 5, a nozzle 6, an emergency breakaway coupling 11 as a separation joint, and a nozzle hanger (not shown). The housing 4 forms the outer shape of the hydrogen dispenser 3. The housing 4 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped (box) that is elongated in the vertical direction. The housing 4 houses a gas supply pipeline, a flow control valve, a shut-off valve, a heat exchanger, a flow meter, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a control device, etc. The hydrogen dispenser 3 can supply (fill) hydrogen gas into the fuel tank of the vehicle 2 through the hose 5 and the nozzle 6 by controlling the opening and closing of a flow control valve and a shut-off valve provided in the gas supply pipeline by the control device.

[0014] The hose 5, which is the filling hose, is flexible, and for example, a pressure-resistant hose is used. The hose 5 is a gas supply connection path that connects the gas supply pipe of the hydrogen dispenser 3 with the nozzle 6. The nozzle 6 is provided at the end of the hose 5, and is connected to the filling port of the fuel tank of the vehicle 2. The hose 5, together with the gas supply pipe disposed within the housing 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 3, constitutes a gas supply path (gas filling path) through which hydrogen gas (gas) flows. The gas supply path (gas filling path) is a path (pipe) that supplies (fills) gas (hydrogen gas) to the vehicle 2 (tank) that runs using gas (hydrogen gas) as fuel.

[0015] As will be described later, an emergency release coupling 11 is provided in the gas supply path of the hydrogen dispenser 3, more specifically, in the hose 5. In this case, the section of the hose 5 from the emergency release coupling 11 to the housing 4 side serves as a housing-side hose 5A, which serves as a housing-side gas supply path. Furthermore, the section of the hose 5 from the emergency release coupling 11 to the nozzle 6 side serves as a nozzle-side hose 5B, which serves as a nozzle-side gas supply path. That is, the base end of the housing-side hose 5A is connected to the gas supply pipeline on the housing 4 side, and the tip end of the housing-side hose 5A is connected to the casing unit 12 (socket side) of the emergency release coupling 11. In contrast, the base end of the nozzle-side hose 5B is connected to the plug member 26 (plug side) of the emergency release coupling 11, and the tip end of the nozzle-side hose 5B is connected to the nozzle 6.

[0016] 1 illustrates an example in which an emergency release coupling 11 is provided midway along the hose 5 of the hydrogen dispenser 3. However, although not shown, an emergency release coupling may also be provided, for example, between the gas supply pipe of the hydrogen dispenser and the hose. In this case, a casing unit (socket) of the emergency release coupling can be connected to the tip end of the gas supply pipe of the hydrogen dispenser, a plug member (plug) of the emergency release coupling can be connected to the base end of the hose, and a nozzle can be connected to the tip end of the hose.

[0017] Nozzle 6, which is a filling nozzle, is airtightly connected to the tip of hose 5, constituting a so-called filling coupling. The tip of nozzle 6 forms a connection coupler 6A, which is detachably connected to the filling port (connection port) of the fuel tank of vehicle 2. That is, when hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel tank of vehicle 2 through hose 5 and nozzle 6, the connection coupler 6A of nozzle 6 is airtightly and detachably connected to the filling port of the fuel tank. High-pressure hydrogen gas in the gas accumulator is filled into the fuel tank of vehicle 2 through the gas supply pipe, hose 5, and nozzle 6, with the nozzle 6 locked to the filling port of the fuel tank of vehicle 2 by a locking mechanism.

[0018] Although not shown, a nozzle hanger to which the nozzle 6 is removably hung is provided on the side of the housing 4. The nozzle hanger corresponds to a holder that holds the nozzle 6. The nozzle 6 is hung on the nozzle hanger of the housing 4 when hydrogen gas is not being filled (i.e., when waiting for the filling operation). When filling the fuel tank of the vehicle 2 with hydrogen gas, the nozzle 6 is removed from the nozzle hanger by the worker performing the filling operation. In addition, a wire 7 that fastens the casing unit 12 of the emergency release coupling 11 is provided on the side of the housing 4. The casing unit 12 of the emergency release coupling 11 is connected to the housing 4 using the wire 7.

[0019] Next, the emergency release coupling 11 serving as a separation joint will be described. The emergency release coupling 11 is attached to the hose 5 of the hydrogen dispenser 3. The emergency release coupling 11 is configured as a fragile part with a tensile strength weaker than that of the hose 5. As a result, when the hose 5 is pulled forcefully, for example, when the vehicle 2 accidentally starts moving with the connection coupler 6A of the nozzle 6 still connected to the filling port of the vehicle 2, the emergency release coupling 11 actively separates. This prevents gas leakage due to damage to the hose 5, etc.

[0020] 2 to 4, the emergency release coupling 11 includes a casing unit 12, a plug member 26 as a plug, and a connecting pin 42. The tip of the housing-side hose 5A is connected to the casing unit 12. The casing unit 12 is also connected to the housing 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 3 via a wire 7. The casing unit 12 includes a casing body 13, an eyebolt 21, an inlet-side joint member 22, an inlet-side shutoff valve 23, a support ball 25, etc.

[0021] The casing main body 13 constitutes the main body of the casing unit 12. The casing main body 13 includes a protruding tubular portion 14, an inlet-side passage 15, a socket portion 16 serving as a socket, a rod insertion hole 17, and an attachment member 20. The protruding tubular portion 14 constitutes the inlet side of the casing unit 12. The protruding tubular portion 14 is provided such that its base end side protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the socket portion 16.

[0022] An inlet-side coupling member 22 is attached to the tip end of the protruding tubular portion 14. The protruding tubular portion 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis O1-O1. An inlet-side passage 15 is provided inside the protruding tubular portion 14 of the casing body 13. The inlet-side passage 15 connects the hose connection port 22A of the inlet-side coupling member 22 to the rod insertion hole 17. The inlet-side passage 15 is provided with its center centered on the axis O1-O1, just like the protruding tubular portion 14.

[0023] The socket portion 16 is provided on the base end side of the protruding tubular portion 14. The socket portion 16 is formed in a cylindrical or stepped cylindrical shape and extends about an axis O2-O2 that intersects at a substantially right angle (is perpendicular) with the axis O1-O1 of the protruding tubular portion 14 and the inlet-side passage 15. The socket portion 16 includes a base end portion 16A that is the base end side of the socket portion 16, and a guide tubular portion 16B that extends from the base end portion 16A about the axis O2-O2.

[0024] The inner periphery of the base end 16A forms a rod insertion hole 17 through which the socket insertion portion 36A of the rod 35 is movably inserted. An attachment member 20 is attached to one end of the base end 16A (the side opposite the guide tube portion 16B). The guide tube portion 16B is formed as a cylindrical body extending from the base end 16A to the other end (the side opposite the attachment member 20). The guide tube portion 16B is formed coaxially with the axis O2-O2 of the rod insertion hole 17. The guide tube portion 16B guides the plug member 26 in the separation direction (the direction of the axis O2-O2) while holding it in a predetermined position. A coupling pin 42 is attached radially to the tip end, which is the end on the opening side of the guide tube portion 16B. For this purpose, a pin insertion hole 16B1 is provided at the tip end of the guide tube portion 16B.

[0025] The rod insertion hole 17 is formed in the base end portion 16A of the socket portion 16. The rod insertion hole 17 communicates with the hose connection port 22A of the inlet-side coupling member 22 via the inlet-side passage 15. The rod insertion hole 17 is formed around an axis O2-O2 that intersects (is perpendicular to) the axis O1-O1 of the protruding tubular portion 14 and the inlet-side passage 15 at a substantially right angle. The rod insertion hole 17 is closed on one axial side by the mounting member 20, and is formed as a stepped, bottomed hole on the other axial side that opens into the guide tubular portion 16B. Furthermore, the rod insertion hole 17 has a tapered, expanded diameter portion 17A at a position corresponding to the inlet-side passage 15. The tapered, expanded diameter portion 17A is intended to reliably accommodate the support ball 25 in the support ball receiving hole 36C of the rod 35. The tapered, expanded diameter portion 17A also serves as a flow path for hydrogen gas from the inlet-side passage 15.

[0026] Here, the inlet-side passage 15 and the rod insertion hole 17 are arranged so that their axes O1-O1 and O2-O2 intersect at approximately right angles. Therefore, the hose connection port 22A of the inlet-side coupling member 22, which communicates with the inlet-side passage 15, and the hose connection port 36F provided on the rod 35 inserted into the rod insertion hole 17 can be arranged so that they intersect at approximately right angles.

[0027] Two seal rings 19A and 19B are provided on either side of the tapered, enlarged diameter portion 17A in the rod insertion hole 17. The seal rings 19A and 19B prevent hydrogen gas flowing in from the inlet-side passage 15 from flowing out from the rod insertion hole 17 side to the outside.

[0028] The mounting member 20 is located on one end of the socket portion 16 (base end portion 16A) and is provided on the axis O-O. The mounting member 20 has a small-diameter, covered cylindrical shape, and a threaded hole 20A for attaching an eyebolt 21 is formed in the cover. In addition, an open passage 20B is formed radially penetrating the mounting member 20, opening the inner part of the rod insertion hole 17 to the atmosphere.

[0029] The eyebolt 21 is attached to the mounting member 20 of the casing body 13. The eyebolt 21 is screwed into a threaded hole 20A of the mounting member 20. The tip of the wire 7 extending from the housing 4 of the hydrogen dispenser 3 is hooked onto the eyebolt 21.

[0030] An inlet-side coupling member 22 is attached to the tip end of the protruding tubular portion 14 of the casing body 13. The inlet-side coupling member 22 is screwed into the opening of the inlet-side passage 15. A hose connection port 22A, which serves as an inlet, is formed in the inlet-side coupling member 22. The tip end of the housing-side hose 5A is connected to the hose connection port 22A. The hose connection port 22A of the inlet-side coupling member 22 is arranged coaxially with the protruding tubular portion 14, i.e., on the axis O1-O1 that intersects the axis O2-O2 of the socket portion 16 at a substantially right angle.

[0031] The inlet-side shutoff valve 23 is housed within the inlet-side passage 15. The inlet-side shutoff valve 23 is arranged on the same axis (axis O1-O1) as the inlet-side passage 15. In an emergency, when the connection between the casing unit 12 and the plug member 26 by the connecting pin 42 is released and the socket portion 16 of the casing body 13 and the rod 35 move relative to each other in the directions of arrows A and B, the inlet-side shutoff valve 23 shuts off the inlet-side passage 15 from the outside. The inlet-side shutoff valve 23 is configured as a poppet valve. The inlet-side shutoff valve 23 is inserted into the inlet-side passage 15 and includes a valve seat 23A that is screwed to the inlet-side passage 15, a ball valve element 23B that seats and lifts off the valve seat 23A, and a valve spring 23C that biases the ball valve element 23B in a direction that seats it against the valve seat 23A.

[0032] When the socket portion 16 (guide tube portion 16B) of the casing main body 13 and the plug member 26 (rod 35) are connected by the connecting pin 42 (normal state), the ball valve element 23B is held in an open position by the support ball 25, etc. On the other hand, when the connection by the connecting pin 42 is released and the socket portion 16 of the casing main body 13 and the plug member 26 (rod 35) move relative to each other and the support ball 25 moves toward the rod insertion hole 17, the ball valve element 23B is seated on the valve seat 23A due to the biasing force of the valve spring 23C and the pressure of the hydrogen gas. This closes the inlet-side shutoff valve 23, blocking the outflow of hydrogen gas.

[0033] The relay pipe 24 is located in the inlet-side passage 15 and is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction within the valve seat 23A. A slit 24A for allowing hydrogen gas to flow is formed over substantially the entire length of the relay pipe 24. The relay pipe 24 opens the ball valve element 23B of the inlet-side shutoff valve 23 by means of a support ball 25.

[0034] The support ball 25 is provided in the inlet-side passage 15. The support ball 25 is disposed between the rod 35 (socket insertion portion 36A) of the plug member 26 and the relay pipe 24. In a normal state in which the socket portion 16 (guide tube portion 16B) of the casing body 13 and the plug member 26 (rod 35) are coupled by the coupling pin 42, the support ball 25 abuts against the outer surface (outer periphery) of the rod 35 (socket insertion portion 36A) of the plug member 26, thereby supporting the ball valve element 23B of the inlet-side shutoff valve 23 in an open state via the relay pipe 24. On the other hand, when the coupling by the coupling pin 42 is released and the socket portion 16 of the casing body 13 and the plug member 26 (rod 35) move relative to each other, the support ball 25 is accommodated in the support ball accommodation hole 36C of the rod 35.

[0035] The plug member 26 is attached to the socket portion 16 of the casing body 13. That is, the plug member 26 is attached to the socket portion 16 while inserted into the base end portion 16A and the guide tube portion 16B of the socket portion 16 and positioned by the connecting pin 42 (a state in which axial displacement is prevented). The plug member 26 includes an outlet-side shutoff valve 27 that shuts off the outlet-side passage 40 in an emergency when the connecting pin 42 breaks and the plug member 26 moves in the separation direction relative to the casing unit 12. The outlet-side shutoff valve 27 serving as shutoff means is configured as a spool valve. The outlet-side shutoff valve 27 includes a valve tube 28, a rod 35, the outlet-side passage 40 serving as a gas supply passage, a valve spring 41, etc.

[0036] The valve cylinder 28 is disposed coaxially with the axis O2-O2 of the rod insertion hole 17 within the guide cylinder portion 16B of the socket portion 16. The valve cylinder 28 is provided separably with respect to the casing unit 12 (more specifically, the socket portion 16 of the casing body 13). That is, when the connecting pin 42 breaks, the valve cylinder 28 can move in the direction of the axis O2-O2 together with the rod 35 and valve spring 41. The valve cylinder 28 also constitutes a sleeve of a spool valve that moves relative to the rod 35 to block the outflow-side passage 40.

[0037] In this case, the valve cylinder 28 includes a stepped cylindrical sleeve 29 that moves relative to the rod 35 to block the outflow passage 40, and a cylindrical stopper 34 that is fixed to the sleeve 29 and regulates the relative movement distance between the rod 35 and the sleeve 29. The sleeve 29 is integrally formed with a communicating cylinder 30 and a blocking cylinder 31. The communicating cylinder 30 is disposed at the rear of the guide cylinder portion 16B and has a male thread 30A on its outer periphery. The blocking cylinder 31 has a female thread 31A that threadably engages with the male thread 30A of the communicating cylinder 30. The communicating cylinder 30 is fixed to the blocking cylinder 31 by threading the male thread 30A into the female thread 31A of the blocking cylinder 31.

[0038] The inner circumferential side of the sleeve 29 forms a rod insertion hole 32 through which the valve cylinder insertion portion 36B of the rod 35 is movably inserted. A communication passage 32A that partially expands the diameter of the rod insertion hole 32 is provided near the other side of the rod insertion hole 32. That is, the communication passage 32A that expands radially outward is provided on the inner circumferential side of the communicating cylinder 30 of the sleeve 29. In the normal state shown in FIG. 2 , the communication passage 32A communicates between a port 38A of the first rod-side passage 38 and a port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39. Meanwhile, in the normal state shown in FIG. 2 , the inner circumferential side of the shutoff cylinder 31 of the sleeve 29 faces a communication passage 51 (described below). This blocks the communication passage 51. 3, when the rod 35 and the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29) move relative to each other due to the fracture of the connecting pin 42, the inner periphery of the shutoff cylinder body 31 of the sleeve 29 faces the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39. This blocks (shuts off) the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39.

[0039] Three seal rings 33A, 33B, and 33C are provided in the rod insertion hole 32. Of the three seal rings 33A, 33B, and 33C, the seal rings 33A and 33B prevent hydrogen gas from leaking to the outside from the communicating passage 32A side. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the rod 35 and the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29) move relative to each other due to the fracture of the connecting pin 42 and the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39 is positioned on the inner periphery of the shutoff cylinder 31, the seal rings 33B and 33C prevent hydrogen gas from leaking to the outside from the port 39A side.

[0040] The stopper 34 is formed as a cylindrical body and is fixed to the blocking cylinder 31 of the sleeve 29. That is, the other end side of the blocking cylinder 31 (the side opposite the communicating cylinder 30) is provided with a small-diameter stopper attachment portion 31B that has an outer diameter dimension smaller than the other portions. The outer periphery of the stopper attachment portion 31B is formed with male threads 31C. In contrast, the stopper 34 is provided with female threads 34A that threadably engage with the male threads 31C of the stopper attachment portion 31B. The stopper 34 is fixed to the sleeve 29 (blocking cylinder 31) by threading the female threads 34A into the male threads 31C of the stopper attachment portion 31B.

[0041] The other end of the stopper 34 (the end opposite the sleeve 29) is provided with a flange 34B that protrudes radially inward. The flange 34B of the stopper 34 faces, in the axial direction, a flange 37B of the stopper 37 of the rod 35. When the connecting pin 42 breaks and the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35 move relative to each other based on the biasing force (reaction force) of the valve spring 41, the flange 34B of the stopper 34 comes into contact with the flange 37B of the stopper 37 of the rod 35.

[0042] The distance between the flanges 34B, 37B of these stoppers 34, 37 corresponds to the distance over which the sleeve 29 and the rod 35 can move relative to each other when the sleeve 29 and the rod 35 move relative to each other based on the biasing force of the valve spring 41 due to the fracture of the connecting pin 42. This distance is set so that the port 38A of the first rod-side passage 38 and the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39 communicate with the communication passage 32A in the state before the connecting pin 42 breaks (normal state), and so that the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39 is closed (blocked) by the inner periphery of the shutoff cylinder 31 when the sleeve 29 and the rod 35 move relative to each other due to the fracture of the connecting pin 42.

[0043] The rod 35 extends in the axial direction O2-O2 of the rod insertion hole 17 of the socket portion 16 and the rod insertion hole 32 of the valve cylinder 28. The rod 35 includes a rod member 36 that serves as a spool of the outflow-side cutoff valve 27, and a stopper 37 that is fixed to the rod member 36 and restricts the relative movement distance between the rod 35 and the sleeve 29. One axial side of the rod member 36 is inserted into the rod insertion hole 17 of the socket portion 16 (base end 16A) and the rod insertion hole 32 of the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29). That is, one axial side of the rod member 36 forms a small-diameter socket insertion portion 36A that is separably inserted into the rod insertion hole 17 of the socket portion 16 (base end 16A), and a small-diameter valve cylinder insertion portion 36B that is movably inserted into the rod insertion hole 32 of the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29). In contrast, the other axial side of the rod member 36 is formed into a stepped cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the socket insertion portion 36A and the valve cylinder insertion portion 36B, and forms a stopper mounting portion 36D and an outlet-side joint portion 36E. Furthermore, a through passage 36K that is coaxial with the first rod-side passage 38 and communicates with the outside is provided within one end of the rod 35 (a portion located on one side of the support ball receiving hole 36C). The through passage 36K is closed by a cap member 36L connected to one end face of the rod 35. An O-ring (not shown) is provided between the cap member 36L and the through passage 36K. This prevents hydrogen gas from being released from the support ball receiving hole 36C to the outside via the through passage 36K.

[0044] Here, a support ball accommodating hole 36C opening in the radial direction is provided at a position near one side of the socket insertion portion 36A. The support ball accommodating hole 36C constitutes part of the first rod-side passage 38. The support ball accommodating hole 36C is formed as a bottomed elongated hole at the same circumferential position as the inlet-side passage 15. The depth of the support ball accommodating hole 36C is set larger than the diameter of the support ball 25. As a result, the support ball accommodating hole 36C accommodates the support ball 25 when the socket insertion portion 36A of the rod 35 moves a predetermined distance in the direction of arrow B within the rod insertion hole 17 of the socket portion 16 (base end portion 16A). By accommodating the support ball 25, the support ball accommodating hole 36C closes the ball valve element 23B of the inlet-side shutoff valve 23.

[0045] Furthermore, the outlet-side joint 36E is formed with a hose connection port 36F serving as an outlet. The base end of the nozzle-side hose 5B is connected to the hose connection port 36F. The outlet-side joint 36E is provided with an enlarged diameter portion 36G that protrudes radially outward along its entire circumference. The enlarged diameter portion 36G serves as a spring bearing that supports a valve spring 41. A pin hole 36H that engages with a connecting pin 42 is formed on the outer periphery of the enlarged diameter portion 36G. As shown in FIG. 2 , with the connecting pin 42 attached to the pin hole 36H of the rod 35 and the pin insertion hole 16B1 of the guide tube portion 16B, the rod 35 is positioned with one end face of the stopper attachment portion 36D (the end face opposite the enlarged diameter portion 36G) abutting against the end face of the shutoff tube body 31 of the valve tube 28 (sleeve 29).

[0046] The stopper 37 is formed as a cylindrical body. The stopper 37 is fixed to the stopper mounting portion 36D of the rod member 36. That is, the rod member 36 is provided with the stopper mounting portion 36D located between the outlet-side joint portion 36E and the valve cylinder insertion portion 36B. The outer periphery of the stopper mounting portion 36D is formed with a male thread 36J. On the other hand, the inner periphery of the stopper 37 is formed with a female thread 37A that screws into the male thread 36J of the stopper mounting portion 36D. The stopper 37 is fixed to the rod member 36 by screwing the female thread 37A into the male thread 36J of the stopper mounting portion 36D.

[0047] A flange 37B protruding radially outward is provided at one end of the stopper 37 (the end opposite the outlet-side joint 36E). The flange 37B of the stopper 37 faces the flange 34B of the stopper 34 of the valve cylinder 28 in the axial direction. When the connecting pin 42 breaks and the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35 move relative to each other due to the biasing force of the valve spring 41, the flange 34B of the stopper 37 comes into contact with the flange 34B of the stopper 34 of the valve cylinder 28.

[0048] The first rod-side passage 38 is located near one side of the rod 35 (rod member 36) and extends in the axial direction. One end of the first rod-side passage 38 is connected to the support ball receiving hole 36C, and the other end forms a port 38A that opens in the diameter direction at a position that allows communication with the communication passage 32A of the valve cylinder 28 (communicating cylinder 30). The second rod-side passage 39 is located near the other side of the rod 35 (rod member 36) and extends in the axial direction. The second rod-side passage 39 is formed as a passage independent of the first rod-side passage 38. One end of the second rod-side passage 39 forms a port 39A that opens in the diameter direction at a position that allows communication with the communication passage 32A of the valve cylinder 28 (communicating cylinder 30), and the other end forms communication with the hose connection port 36F.

[0049] 2, in a normal state before the connecting pin 42 breaks, the port 38A of the first rod-side passage 38 and the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39 communicate with each other via the communicating passage 32A of the valve cylinder 28 (communicating cylinder 30). On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the connecting pin 42 breaks and the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35 move relative to each other based on the biasing force (reaction force) of the valve spring 41, the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39 is airtightly closed by the valve cylinder 28 (shutoff cylinder 31).

[0050] The outlet-side passage 40 of the outlet-side shutoff valve 27 is provided so as to extend in the axial direction of the rod 35. The outlet-side passage 40 communicates between the inlet-side passage 15 and the hose connection port 36F of the rod 35. The outlet-side passage 40 is made up of the communication passage 32A of the valve cylinder 28 and the first rod-side passage 38 and second rod-side passage 39 of the rod 35 (rod member 36).

[0051] The valve spring 41 is provided between the valve cylinder 28 and the expanded diameter portion 36G of the rod 35 (rod member 36). The valve spring 41 urges the valve cylinder 28 relative to the rod 35 in the direction of arrow A. Conversely, the valve spring 41 urges the rod 35 relative to the valve cylinder 28 in the direction of arrow B. In other words, the valve spring 41 urges the rod 35 in a direction that blocks the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39. As a result, the valve spring 41 can move the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35 relative to each other to block the outflow-side passage 40 and can maintain this blocked state.

[0052] The connecting pin 42 is provided between the casing unit 12 and the plug member 26. The connecting pin 42 is inserted into the pin insertion hole 16B1 of the guide tube portion 16B of the casing body 13 so as to engage with a pin hole 36H, which is a slit of approximately the same diameter provided on the circumference of the expanded diameter portion 36G of the rod 35 (rod member 36). The connecting pin 42 connects the socket portion 16 of the casing body 13 and the rod 35 so as to position them in the direction of the axis O2-O2. The connecting pin 42 breaks when an external force of a certain level or greater is applied in a direction separating the casing body 13 and the rod 35 (direction of arrows A and B), allowing the rod 35 of the plug member 26 (outlet-side shutoff valve 27) to move relative to the casing body 13 of the casing unit 12.

[0053] In the event of an emergency, such as an erroneous start of the vehicle, the emergency release coupling used in the hydrogen dispenser is separated from the dispenser side via a hose to the vehicle side. The separated emergency release coupling then uses a built-in shutoff valve to isolate the hydrogen gas passage from the outside, preventing the hydrogen gas from being released into the atmosphere. When the emergency release coupling is separated, the hydrogen gas in the unit that was isolated on the dispenser side can be depressurized using the shutoff valve or manual valve in the dispenser.

[0054] In response to this, it is necessary to depressurize the hydrogen gas from within the vehicle unit, which is made up of a "nozzle fitted into the vehicle's filling port (receptacle)," a "hose connected at its tip to this nozzle," and a "vehicle-side emergency release coupling connected at its base end to this hose." In this case, the need for a dedicated device (mechanism) or dedicated jig for depressurization is undesirable, as it requires a lot of work for the worker.

[0055] That is, when the emergency breakaway coupling is separated, the release of hydrogen gas is blocked by the vehicle's emergency breakaway coupling while the nozzle remains connected to the vehicle's filling port (receptacle). Meanwhile, the vehicle's filling port (receptacle) and the nozzle are designed so that their connection cannot be released unless the internal pressure is released. Therefore, in order to remove the nozzle from the vehicle's filling port (receptacle), the internal pressure must be released. In this case, for example, if a dedicated device (mechanism) or dedicated tool is required to open the built-in shutoff valve of the emergency breakaway coupling, it would take time and effort for the workers to release the internal pressure (depressurize) at hydrogen stations that do not have this equipment.

[0056] Therefore, in the first embodiment, a minute hole (communication passage 51) is provided in the rod portion, and airtightness is ensured with a sealant before separation, and the seal portion moves after separation, allowing the pressure on the hose side to be automatically released. Therefore, in the first embodiment, hydrogen gas can be released by an internal mechanism (minute hole) at the same time as separation, reducing the effort required by workers. This point will be explained in detail below.

[0057] The separation joint (emergency release coupling 11) includes a plug (plug member 26) and a socket (socket portion 16) having a gas supply passage (outlet side passage 40) formed therein through which high-pressure gas (hydrogen gas) flows. That is, the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16) and the plug member 26 constitute the emergency release coupling 11 as a separation joint. When a tensile force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the emergency release coupling 11, the connecting pin 42 breaks, causing the plug member 26 and the socket portion 16 to separate.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, the emergency release coupling 11 (socket portion 16 and plug member 26) is provided midway along the hose 5, which is the gas supply path of the hydrogen dispenser 3. The emergency release coupling 11 connects in series a housing-side hose 5A, which serves as the housing-side gas supply path and is located on the housing 4 side of the hydrogen dispenser 3, and a nozzle-side hose 5B, which serves as the nozzle-side gas supply path and is located on the nozzle 6 side. The casing unit 12 (socket portion 16) of the emergency release coupling 11 is provided on the housing-side hose 5A. The plug member 26 of the emergency release coupling 11 is provided on the nozzle-side hose 5B.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the emergency release coupling 11 includes a casing unit 12, a plug member 26, and a coupling pin 42 serving as a coupling member. The emergency release coupling 11 also includes an inlet-side shutoff valve 23 and an outlet-side shutoff valve 27. The casing unit 12 is provided with an inlet-side passage 15 and a rod insertion hole 17 that intersect with each other along their axes O1-O1 and O2-O2. The casing unit 12 houses therein an inlet-side shutoff valve 23 that shuts off the inlet-side passage 15 in an emergency.

[0060] The plug member 26 is configured to include an outflow-side shutoff valve 27. The outflow-side shutoff valve 27 is separably provided in the direction of the axis O2-O2 of the rod insertion hole 17 with respect to the socket portion 16 of the casing unit 12. The outflow-side shutoff valve 27 has an outflow-side passage 40 (a communication passage 32A of the rod insertion hole 32, a first rod-side passage 38, and a second rod-side passage 39) that communicates with the inflow-side passage 15. The outflow-side shutoff valve 27 shuts off the outflow-side passage 40 (the second rod-side passage 39) in an emergency.

[0061] The connecting pin 42 is provided to connect the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16) and the plug member 26 (outlet-side shut-off valve 27). The connecting pin 42 breaks in an emergency when an external force of a certain level or more is applied between the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16) and the plug member 26 (outlet-side shut-off valve 27) in a direction that causes them to separate. By breaking, the connecting pin 42 separates the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16) and the plug member 26 (outlet-side shut-off valve 27).

[0062] The plug member 26 (outlet-side cutoff valve 27) has a valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29) and a rod 35 (rod member 36). The valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29) is located on the axis O2-O2 of the rod insertion hole 17 and is provided so as to be movable in the axis O2-O2 direction relative to the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16). The rod 35 (rod member 36) is inserted into the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29) and the rod insertion hole 17 so as to be movable in the axis O2-O2 direction.

[0063] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the connecting pin 42 breaks, the plug member 26 (outlet-side shutoff valve 27) shuts off the outlet-side passage 40 (second rod-side passage 39) as the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29) and the rod 35 (rod member 36) move relative to each other based on the biasing force of the valve spring 41. That is, the plug member 26 is provided with the outlet-side shutoff valve 27 as shutoff means that shuts off the outflow of high-pressure gas (hydrogen gas) when separated from the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16). The outlet-side shutoff valve 27 shuts off the outflow of high-pressure gas (hydrogen gas) in the outlet-side passage 40, which is a gas supply passage. More specifically, the outlet-side shutoff valve 27 shuts off the second rod-side passage 39 of the outlet-side passage 40, thereby shutting off the outflow of hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side hose 5B.

[0064] Furthermore, the plug member 26 is provided with a communication passage 51 as a pressure relief mechanism that relieves pressure in the outflow-side passage 40 (second rod-side passage 39). The communication passage 51 relieves the pressure of hydrogen gas in the outflow-side passage 40 (second rod-side passage 39) from which the outflow of hydrogen gas has been blocked by the outflow-side shutoff valve 27. In this way, the communication passage 51 relieves the pressure of hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side hose 5B. In this way, in the first embodiment, the pressure relief mechanism is constituted by the communication passage 51.

[0065] One end of the communication passage 51 communicates (opens) with the second rod-side passage 39, and the other end communicates (opens) with the outside of the rod 35 (rod member 36), which is the outside. The flow path area of ​​the communication passage 51 is smaller than the flow path area of ​​the second rod-side passage 39. The communication passage 51 is isolated from the outside when the plug member 26 is connected to the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16). That is, before the connecting pin 42 shown in FIG. 2 breaks, the communication passage 51 is blocked by the inner periphery of the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29). In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , when the plug member 26 separates from the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16), the communication passage 51 communicates with the outside. That is, after the connecting pin 42 breaks, the communication passage 51 protrudes from the other end face of the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29) and is exposed to the cylindrical space formed between the outer periphery of the valve cylinder insertion portion 36B and the inner periphery of the stopper 34. As a result, the communication passage 51 communicates with the outside (atmosphere) outside the plug member 26 via the opening hole 34C formed in the stopper 34 .

[0066] Here, the distance over which the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29) of the plug member 26 and the rod 35 (rod member 36) move relative to each other due to the valve spring 41 is regulated by the distance between the flange 34B of the stopper 34 and the flange 37B of the stopper 37. For this reason, the positional relationships (respective distances) of the flange 34B of the stopper 34, the flange 37B of the stopper 37, the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39, the communicating passage 32A of the rod insertion hole 32, the shutoff cylinder 31 of the sleeve 29, and the communicating passage 51 are set so as to satisfy the following conditions before and after the coupling pin 42 breaks. That is, before the coupling pin 42 breaks, the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39 communicates with the communicating passage 32A of the rod insertion hole 32, and the communicating passage 51 is set so as to be closed by the inner circumferential surface of the shutoff cylinder 31 of the sleeve 29. In addition, after the connecting pin 42 breaks, the port 39A of the second rod side passage 39 is blocked by the inner surface of the blocking cylinder 31 of the sleeve 29, and the communicating passage 51 is exposed from the blocking cylinder 31.

[0067] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the plug member 26 includes a pipe-shaped rod 35. The rod member 36 of the rod 35 is provided with a first rod-side passage 38 and a second rod-side passage 39, as well as a communicating passage 51 with a minute hole diameter of about φ0.2 that serves as a hydrogen gas release port (orifice). A stopper 37 is screwed to the rod member 36.

[0068] The plug member 26 also includes a valve cylinder 28. The sleeve 29 of the valve cylinder 28 is formed by screwing together a communication cylinder 30 and a shutoff cylinder 31. The sleeve 29 is slidable relative to a rod 35 (rod member 36). A stopper 34 is screwed to the shutoff cylinder 31. The rod 35 (rod member 36) and the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29) are movable relative to each other in the axial direction due to the reaction force of a valve spring 41, which is a coil spring, until a flange 34B, which is a protrusion of the stopper 34, and a flange 37B, which is a protrusion of the stopper 37, come into contact with each other.

[0069] 2, in a normal state before the connecting pin 42 breaks, hydrogen gas branches from the first rod-side passage 38 at the communication passage 32A of the rod insertion hole 32, converges at the second rod-side passage 39, and flows to the nozzle-side hose 5B. At this time, the hydrogen gas passing through the communication passage 32A of the rod insertion hole 32 is sealed by seal rings 33A and 33B, preventing leakage to the outside. In addition, the communication passage 51 of the rod 35 (rod member 36) is sealed by seal rings 33B and 33C.

[0070] 3 and 4, in a separated state in which the connecting pin 42 is broken, the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29) into which the rod 35 (rod member 36) is inserted moves due to the reaction force of the valve spring 41 until the flange 34B of the stopper 34 abuts against the flange 37B of the stopper 37. As a result, the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39 is sealed by the seal rings 33B and 33C.

[0071] At this time, the communication passage 51, which is normally sealed by the seal rings 33B, 33C, moves to the outside of the sleeve 29 (shutoff cylinder 31). As a result, the hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side hose 5B can be released (depressurized) through the communication passage 51. In this case, the hydrogen gas is prevented from directly blowing out from the communication passage 51. That is, the hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side hose 5B is released to the outside from the communication passage 51 through the opening 34C formed in the stopper 34 of the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29). This opening 34C can also be used as a tool insertion hole used when assembling the plug member 26 (for example, when assembling the stopper 34 to the sleeve 29).

[0072] The hydrogen dispenser 3 and emergency release coupling 11 according to the first embodiment have the configurations described above. Next, the operation of the emergency release coupling 11 will be described.

[0073] For example, if the driver accidentally starts the vehicle 2 with the nozzle 6 connected to the filler port of the fuel tank of the vehicle 2, a pulling force is applied between the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16) and the plug member 26 (outlet-side shut-off valve 27) in a direction that separates them, i.e., a pulling force in the directions of arrows A and B. If this pulling force exceeds a certain level and the connecting pin 42 breaks, the rod 35 moves in the direction of arrow B relative to the socket portion 16 and the valve cylinder 28 of the casing unit 12.

[0074] Accordingly, the support ball 25 of the casing unit 12 is accommodated in the support ball accommodating hole 36C provided in the socket insertion portion 36A of the rod 35. As a result, the ball valve body 23B of the inlet-side shutoff valve 23 is seated on the valve seat 23A, the inlet-side shutoff valve 23 is closed, and the inlet-side passage 15 is shut off.

[0075] Furthermore, the outlet-side shutoff valve 27 is displaced relative to the rod 35 in a direction separating the rod 35 from the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29) until the flanges 34B, 37B of the stoppers 34, 37 abut against each other due to the biasing force of the valve spring 41. As a result, the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39 of the rod 35 moves between the seal rings 33B, 33C of the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29), closing the outlet-side shutoff valve 27 and shutting off the outlet-side passage 40. At this time, the communication passage 51 moves to a position exposed from the valve cylinder 28 (sleeve 29). This allows hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side hose 5B to be gradually released to the outside through the communication passage 51. As a result, there is no need to release pressure in the nozzle-side hose 5B to the outside after the emergency breakaway coupling 11 is separated.

[0076] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the plug member 26 of the emergency release coupling 11 is provided with the outflow-side shutoff valve 27 as shutoff means for shutting off the outflow of hydrogen gas in the outflow-side passage 40, and the communicating passage 51 as a pressure relief mechanism for relieving the pressure of hydrogen gas in the outflow-side passage 40. Therefore, after the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16) and the plug member 26 are separated, the hydrogen gas in the outflow-side passage 40 can be released to the outside through the communicating passage 51. In this case, the communicating passage 51 is isolated from the outside when the plug member 26 is connected to the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16), and is connected to the outside when the plug member 26 is separated from the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16).

[0077] For this reason, when the plug member 26 is separated from the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16), the hydrogen gas in the outflow-side passage 40 can be automatically released to the outside through the communication passage 51. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to attach a dedicated device (mechanism) to the plug member 26 for releasing hydrogen gas to the outside after separation. Also, a dedicated jig for releasing hydrogen gas is no longer required. Moreover, it is no longer necessary for an operator to perform work to release the pressure in the outflow-side passage 40 to the outside. As a result, the effort required for releasing hydrogen gas to the outside after separation of the emergency release coupling 11 can be reduced.

[0078] According to the first embodiment, the flow path area of ​​the communicating passage 51 is smaller than the flow path area of ​​the outlet-side passage 40 (second rod-side passage 39). Therefore, the hydrogen gas in the outlet-side passage 40, and therefore in the nozzle-side hose 5B, can be gradually released through the communicating passage 51. That is, the hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side hose 5B is gradually discharged to the outside through the communicating passage 51. This makes it possible to prevent a large amount of hydrogen gas from being discharged to the outside from the communicating passage 51 in a short period of time.

[0079] According to the first embodiment, the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16) is provided in the housing-side hose 5A, which serves as the housing-side gas supply path, and the plug member 26 is provided in the nozzle-side hose 5B, which serves as the nozzle-side gas supply path. Furthermore, when the connecting pin 42 breaks, the outlet-side shutoff valve 27 of the plug member 26 shuts off the outlet-side passage 40 (the second rod-side passage 39). As a result, the outlet-side shutoff valve 27 shuts off the outflow of hydrogen gas from the nozzle-side hose 5B. Meanwhile, when the connecting pin 42 breaks, the communicating passage 51 releases the pressure of hydrogen gas in the outlet-side passage 40 (the second rod-side passage 39), from which the outflow of hydrogen gas has been blocked by the outlet-side shutoff valve 27. As a result, the communicating passage 51 releases the pressure of hydrogen gas from the nozzle-side hose 5B. This reduces the effort required to release hydrogen gas from the nozzle-side hose 5B to the outside after the emergency breakaway coupling 11 is separated.

[0080] 5 and 6 show a second embodiment. The second embodiment is characterized in that the pressure relief mechanism is configured with an adjustment member that adjusts the axial distance between the first member (valve cylinder) and the second member (rod). In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0081] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the emergency release coupling 11 includes a plug member 26 serving as a plug and a casing unit 12 (socket portion 16) serving as a socket. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the plug member 26 includes a valve cylinder 28 as a first member that is axially slidable and a rod 35 as a second member. Also, as in the first embodiment, the outlet-side shutoff valve 27 serving as shutoff means includes a shutoff cylinder 31 as an engaging member that shuts off a second rod-side passage 39 (port 39A) serving as a gas supply passage. As the plug member 26 separates from the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16), the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35 slide in the axial direction, and the shutoff cylinder 31 shuts off the second rod-side passage 39 (port 39A) provided in the rod 35.

[0082] On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the plug member 26 (rod 35) is not provided with the communicating passage 51 that serves as the pressure relief mechanism of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the plug member 26 is provided with an adjusting member 61 that serves as the pressure relief mechanism, instead of the communicating passage 51 of the first embodiment. That is, in the second embodiment, the pressure relief mechanism is constituted by the adjusting member 61 that adjusts the axial distance between the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35.

[0083] The adjustment member 61 has a threaded rod 62 serving as a rod, and a nut 63 that is threaded onto the threaded rod 62. In this case, the stopper 34 of the valve cylinder 28 is provided with a female thread 64 that secures the threaded rod 62 by threading. The threaded rod 62 is fixed to the stopper 34 of the valve cylinder 28. In addition, the enlarged diameter portion 36G that serves as a spring seat for the valve spring 41 is provided with an insertion hole 65 through which the threaded rod 62 is inserted. The nut 63 is threaded onto the tip side of the threaded rod 62 (the side away from the stopper 34).

[0084] Before the coupling pin 42 shown in FIG. 5 breaks, the nut 63 is spaced from the side surface of the enlarged diameter portion 36G. The axial distance between the side surface of the enlarged diameter portion 36G and the nut 63 can be the same as or greater than the distance between the flanges 34B and 37B of the stoppers 34 and 37. The adjustment member 61 is covered by a cover 66. FIG. 6 shows the state after the coupling pin 42 breaks. When the coupling pin 42 breaks, the biasing force (reaction force) of the valve spring 41 causes the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35 to slide axially until the flanges 34B and 37B of the stoppers 34 and 37 abut against each other.

[0085] As a result, the second rod-side passage 39 (port 39A) is blocked by the inner circumferential surface of the shutoff cylinder 31. At this time, the expanded diameter portion 36G of the rod 35 is displaced to the position of the nut 63 threaded onto the threaded rod 62. The attendant removes the cover 66 and rotates the nut 63 using a general tool (a wrench). At this time, the attendant rotates the nut 63 in a direction in which the expanded diameter portion 36G of the rod 35 approaches the stopper 34 of the valve cylinder 28. As a result, the rod 35 and the valve cylinder 28 slide axially, i.e., in a direction in which the flange 34B of the stopper 34 and the flange 37B of the stopper 37 move away from each other.

[0086] Accordingly, the second rod-side passage 39 (port 39A) moves toward the communicating cylinder body 30 of the valve cylinder 28. When the staff member rotates the nut 63 to move the second rod-side passage 39 (port 39A) to the communicating passage 32A of the rod insertion hole 32, hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side hose 5B can be released to the outside from the second rod-side passage 39 through the communicating passage 32A and the first rod-side passage 38.

[0087] As described above, in the second embodiment, after the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35 slide as the plug member 26 separates from the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16), the adjustment member 61 adjusts the sliding distance between the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35. In this way, the adjustment member 61 releases the blocked state of the second rod-side passage 39 (port 39A) of the rod 35 that was blocked by the inner circumferential surface of the blocking cylinder body 31, and releases the pressure in the second rod-side passage 39, and consequently the pressure in the nozzle-side hose 5B, to the outside.

[0088] That is, in the second embodiment, a threaded rod 62 serving as a rod is fastened by screwing to the stopper 34 of the valve cylinder 28. The threaded rod 62 is inserted into an insertion hole 65 provided in the enlarged diameter portion 36G of the rod 35 (rod member 36), and a nut 63 is threadedly engaged with the tip end of the threaded rod 62. When the plug member 26 and the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16) are separated due to the fracture of the connecting pin 42, the nut 63 is tightened using a general tool such as a wrench to compress the valve spring 41.

[0089] This positions the port 39A of the second rod-side passage 39 opposite the communicating passage 32A, and allows hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side hose 5B to escape to the outside through the support ball accommodating hole 36C of the first rod-side passage 38. In order to reduce the amount of hydrogen gas released, for example, a fine thread with a narrow pitch is used for the thread diameter of the threaded rod 62. In the normal state before the connecting pin 42 breaks, the threaded rod 62 protrudes from the side surface of the enlarged diameter portion 36G. For this reason, a cover 66 is provided on the enlarged diameter portion 36G to cover the threaded rod 62 so that it cannot be easily accessed.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the pressure in the nozzle-side hose 5B is released using the adjusting member 61 as described above, and its basic operation is not particularly different from that of the first embodiment. That is, like the first embodiment, the second embodiment can also reduce the effort required to release the high-pressure gas to the outside after separation.

[0091] That is, according to the second embodiment, the pressure relief mechanism is constituted by the adjustment member 61. This adjustment member 61 can release the blocked state of the second rod-side passage 39 (port 39A) of the rod 35, which is blocked by the inner circumferential surface of the blocking cylinder 31, by adjusting the sliding distance between the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35. This allows the pressure in the second rod-side passage 39 (port 39A), and therefore the nozzle-side hose 5B, to be released to the outside.

[0092] Therefore, as the plug member 26 separates from the casing unit 12 (socket portion 16), the valve cylinder 28 of the plug member 26 and the rod 35 slide, and then the adjustment member 61 adjusts the sliding distance between the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35. This allows hydrogen gas in the second rod-side passage 39 (port 39A), and ultimately in the nozzle-side hose 5B, to be released to the outside.

[0093] Therefore, it is no longer necessary to attach a dedicated device (mechanism) to the plug member 26 side to release hydrogen gas after the emergency release coupling 11 is separated, and to release the hydrogen gas to the outside. Also, the adjustment member 61 can be used to adjust the sliding distance between the valve cylinder 28 and the rod 35 using a general tool (spanner). Therefore, a dedicated jig for releasing hydrogen gas is no longer required. These features reduce the effort required for releasing hydrogen gas to the outside after the emergency release coupling 11 is separated.

[0094] In the first and second embodiments, the shutoff cylinder 31 is used as an engaging member that shuts off the second rod-side passage 39 (port 39A). However, this is not limiting. Any type of engaging member can be used as the engaging member that shuts off the gas supply passage as the first member (valve cylinder) and the second member (rod) slide in the axial direction as the plug (plug member) separates from the socket (socket member). Furthermore, any type of shutoff means can be used as the shutoff means as long as the shutoff means shuts off the outflow of high-pressure gas (hydrogen gas) from the gas supply passage as the plug (plug member) separates from the socket (socket member).

[0095] In the first and second embodiments, an automobile is used as an example of the vehicle 2 equipped with a tank. However, the vehicle is not limited to this, and may be a work vehicle such as a forklift. Furthermore, the automobile may be, for example, a passenger vehicle such as a bus, or a freight vehicle such as a truck.

[0096] In the first and second embodiments, the case where hydrogen gas (high-pressure gas) is supplied (filled) into a tank of a vehicle 2 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be used, for example, when supplying (filling) hydrogen gas into a tank (cylinder, container, etc.) other than a vehicle. The hydrogen dispenser 3 may also be installed midway along a pipeline (hydrogen supply pipeline) for supplying hydrogen gas to another location. Furthermore, although hydrogen gas has been described as an example of gas, the configuration (gas filling device, gas supply device) may also use gases (high-pressure gases) other than hydrogen gas, such as natural gas (NG) or propane gas (LPG).

[0097] In the first and second embodiments, a configuration in which one hydrogen dispenser 3 fills one vehicle 2 with hydrogen gas through one system of gas supply pipelines and hoses 5, i.e., a single-type hydrogen dispenser (single-type filling device), has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and configurations may also be used in which one hydrogen dispenser fills one vehicle or multiple vehicles with fuel gas through multiple systems (two or more systems) of gas supply pipelines and hoses (gas supply connection paths), such as a double-type hydrogen dispenser (double-type filling device).

[0098] In the first and second embodiments, the emergency breakaway coupling 11 of the hydrogen dispenser 3 has been described as an example of a separation joint. However, the separation joint is not limited to this, and can be widely used as a separation joint incorporated into various mechanical devices (i.e., a separation joint that has a gas supply passage therein through which high-pressure gas flows, and in which the plug and socket are separated when a tensile force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied).

[0099] Furthermore, the first and second embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in the first and second embodiments is possible.

[0100] According to the embodiment described above, the plug includes a shutoff mechanism that shuts off the outflow of high-pressure gas from the gas supply passage when the plug is separated from the socket, and a pressure relief mechanism that releases pressure from the gas supply passage. Therefore, after the socket and plug are separated, the high-pressure gas in the gas supply passage can be released through the pressure relief mechanism. This eliminates the need to attach a dedicated device (mechanism) to the plug side to release high-pressure gas to the outside after separation. It also makes it possible to eliminate a dedicated jig for releasing high-pressure gas. These features reduce the effort required to release high-pressure gas to the outside after separation.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the socket is provided in the housing-side gas supply path, and the plug is provided in the nozzle-side gas supply path. The shutoff means blocks the outflow of hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side gas supply path. The pressure relief mechanism releases the pressure of hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side gas supply path from which the outflow of hydrogen gas has been blocked by the shutoff means. This reduces the effort required to release hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side gas supply path to the outside after separation.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the socket is provided on the housing-side hose and the plug is provided on the nozzle-side hose, which reduces the effort required to release hydrogen gas from the nozzle-side hose to the outside after separation.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the pressure relief mechanism is configured with a communication passage. This communication passage is isolated from the outside when the plug is connected to the socket and is connected to the outside when the plug is separated from the socket. Therefore, when the plug is separated from the socket, high-pressure gas in the gas supply passage can be released to the outside through the communication passage. That is, when the plug is separated from the socket, the pressure in the gas supply passage can be automatically released to the outside through the communication passage. Therefore, there is no need to attach a dedicated device (mechanism) to the plug side to release high-pressure gas to the outside after separation. Furthermore, there is no need for a dedicated jig for releasing high-pressure gas. Moreover, there is no need for an operator to perform the work of releasing the pressure in the gas supply passage to the outside. These features reduce the effort required for releasing high-pressure gas to the outside after separation.

[0104] According to the embodiment, the flow path area of ​​the communication passage is smaller than the flow path area of ​​the gas supply passage. Therefore, the high-pressure gas in the gas supply passage can be gradually released through the communication passage. That is, the high-pressure gas in the gas supply passage is gradually discharged to the outside through the communication passage. This makes it possible to prevent a large amount of high-pressure gas from being discharged to the outside from the communication passage in a short period of time.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the pressure relief mechanism is configured with an adjustment member. The adjustment member adjusts the sliding distance between the first and second members to release the gas supply passage of the second member, which has been blocked by the engaging member, and releases the pressure in the gas supply passage to the outside. Therefore, after the first and second members of the plug slide as the plug separates from the socket, the adjustment member can adjust the sliding distance between the first and second members to release the high-pressure gas in the gas supply passage to the outside. This eliminates the need for a dedicated device (mechanism) to release the high-pressure gas to the outside after separation. Furthermore, since the adjustment member can be used to adjust the sliding distance between the first and second members using a general tool, a dedicated jig for releasing the high-pressure gas is not required. These features reduce the effort required to release the high-pressure gas to the outside after separation.

[0106] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0107] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-040779, filed March 15, 2023. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-040779, filed March 15, 2023, including the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0108] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Hydrogen gas filling device (fuel gas supply device) 3 Hydrogen dispenser 4 Housing 5 Hose 5A Housing side hose (gas supply path, housing side gas supply path) 5B Nozzle side hose (gas supply path, nozzle side gas supply path) 6 Nozzle 11 Emergency release coupling (separation joint) 16 Socket member (socket) 26 Plug member (plug) 27 Outlet side shutoff valve (shutoff means) 28 Valve cylinder (first member) 31 Shutoff cylinder body (engaging member) 35 Rod (second member) 39 Second rod side passage (gas supply path) 40 Outlet side passage (gas supply path) 51 Communication path (pressure relief mechanism) 61 Adjustment member (pressure relief mechanism)

Claims

1. A separation joint comprising a plug and a socket, each having a gas supply passage formed therein through which high-pressure gas flows, wherein the plug and the socket are separated when a tensile force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied, The plug is a shutoff means for shutting off the outflow of high-pressure gas in the gas supply passage when the socket is separated from the shutoff means; a pressure relief mechanism that relieves pressure in the gas supply passage; Equipped with the socket and the plug are provided midway along a gas supply path of the hydrogen dispenser, and constitute an emergency release coupling that connects in series a housing-side gas supply path that is disposed on the housing side of the hydrogen dispenser and a nozzle-side gas supply path that is disposed on the nozzle side, the socket is provided in the housing-side gas supply path, the plug is provided in the nozzle-side gas supply path, the blocking means blocks the outflow of hydrogen gas from within the nozzle-side gas supply path, The pressure relief mechanism relieves the pressure of hydrogen gas in the nozzle-side gas supply path from which the outflow of hydrogen gas has been blocked by the blocking means.

2. the socket is provided on a housing-side hose that serves as the housing-side gas supply path, 2. The separation joint according to claim 1, wherein the plug is provided in a nozzle-side hose that serves as the nozzle-side gas supply path.

3. The pressure relief mechanism includes: one end of the communication passage communicates with the gas supply passage and the other end communicates with the outside, 2. The separation joint according to claim 1, wherein the communication passage is isolated from the outside when the plug is connected to the socket, and communicates with the outside when the plug is separated from the socket.

4. 4. The separation joint according to claim 3, wherein a flow passage area of ​​the communication passage is smaller than a flow passage area of ​​the gas supply passage.

5. The plug has a first member and a second member that are axially slidable, the shutoff means includes an engaging member that shuts off the gas supply passage provided in the second member by causing the first member and the second member to slide in the axial direction as the plug is separated from the socket, the pressure relief mechanism is configured with an adjustment member that adjusts the axial distance between the first member and the second member, 2. The separation joint according to claim 1, wherein after the first member and the second member slide as the plug is separated from the socket, the adjustment member adjusts the sliding distance between the first member and the second member to release the blocked state of the gas supply passage of the second member that has been blocked by the engaging member and release pressure in the gas supply passage to the outside.