JP2014062646A - Filling nozzle and liquefied gas filling facility including the filling nozzle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an inner surface of a check valve body to be surely gripped and opened without using a dedicated check valve by eliminating attachment/detachment of special equipment for removing the check valve or for opening the check valve.SOLUTION: A filling nozzle (20) comprises: a nozzle body (30); a valve contact body (40); a slide shaft (50) and clamp fittings (160 and 161). The valve contact body (40) is provided movably in a frontward/backward direction with respect to the nozzle body (30). The slide shaft (50) is provided movably in a frontward/backward direction with respect to the valve contact body (40). The second clamp fitting (161) has a grip part (70) for gripping an inner surface of a check valve body (125) by opening radially toward an outer peripheral side by backward movement of the first clamp fitting (160) fixed at a front end part of the slide shaft (50).

Description

  The present invention relates to a filling nozzle and a liquefied gas filling equipment provided with the filling nozzle, in particular, a filling nozzle connected to a valve opening of a cylinder opening / closing valve with a check valve when filling a gas cylinder with liquefied gas, and the filling nozzle It relates to the liquefied gas filling equipment provided with.

  Conventionally, a cylinder opening / closing valve with a check valve is used for a gas cylinder filled with a liquefied gas such as chlorofluorocarbon gas. For this reason, the gas cylinder cannot be filled with liquefied gas unless the check valve provided in the cylinder opening / closing valve is opened. Here, the reason for using the cylinder open / close valve with a check valve is to prevent other fluids from entering the gas cylinder from outside.

  When filling a gas cylinder provided with a cylinder open / close valve with a check valve with liquefied gas, remove the check valve from the cylinder open / close valve and fill with liquefied gas, or open the check valve It is often filled with liquefied gas with special equipment.

  As a special device for opening the check valve, for example, there is an opening device as shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-241847). The opening instrument of patent document 1 is an apparatus attached to the valve port in which the check valve of the cylinder opening / closing valve is provided. The release device is attached to the valve port, and the inner surface of the check valve body of the check valve is formed by projecting a hook member made of a steel ball from the front end of the release device toward the outer peripheral side. The check valve body is gripped by being fitted into an internal groove formed in the above. Then, the check valve is opened by pulling the gripped check valve body away from the check valve seat. The operation of opening the check valve is performed by the operator manually operating the handle of the opening device. In addition, after the check valve is opened, a gas filling jig (filling nozzle) is further connected with the opening device attached to the valve port to fill the liquefied gas.

  In addition, as shown in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-209099), there is one in which a mechanism for opening a check valve is formed integrally with a filling nozzle. The attachment (filling nozzle) of Patent Document 2 has a structure in which a U-packing is provided at the front end portion thereof, and this portion is used as a valve opening piston, and a pressure receiving exclusion cylinder chamber is formed between the inner surface of the check valve body. Have. Then, due to the pressure difference between the pressure receiving cylinder chamber and the outer surface side of the check valve body, the check valve body is pulled away from the check valve seat to open the check valve and fill with liquefied gas. .

  When the check valve is removed from the cylinder opening / closing valve and filled with liquefied gas, the check valve needs to be attached and detached. However, skilled work is required to attach and detach the check valve, and more work is required.

  In addition, when using a special device for opening the check valve, it is not necessary to attach or remove the check valve. However, it is necessary to attach and detach a special device for opening the check valve, and it is necessary to perform a sufficient check to prevent the occurrence of forgetting to remove. Here, when using the opening device of Patent Document 1 as a special device for opening the check valve, on the inner surface of the check valve body so that the check valve body can be securely gripped. It is necessary to use a special check valve with an internal groove. Moreover, in order to open the check valve, manual operation by an operator is necessary, and since it is necessary to connect a filling nozzle after that, the work of opening the check valve and filling the liquefied gas is automated. Is difficult. Furthermore, as a cylinder open / close valve with a check valve provided in the gas cylinder, if a check valve body with an inner groove formed on the inner surface and a valve without an inner groove are mixed, Problems also arise.

  Moreover, when using the filling nozzle which has a mechanism which opens a check valve by the pressure difference inside and outside of the non-return valve body of patent document 2, every time the filling nozzle is attached to the valve port, the U packing at the nozzle front end is It is inserted while sliding on the inner surface of the check valve body. For this reason, the U-packing is likely to be worn and the durability is insufficient. Further, when the U-packing is worn, the sealing performance is deteriorated. As a result, the liquefied gas may flow from the outer surface side of the check valve body into the pressure receiving exclusion cylinder chamber on the inner surface of the check valve body. When the liquefied gas flows into the pressure removal cylinder chamber, the pressure inside and outside of the check valve body balances and the differential pressure decreases, so that sufficient force to drive the valve opening piston cannot be obtained, and the check valve There is a possibility that the valve will not open or the check valve once opened may close. In order to secure the differential pressure inside and outside of the check valve body, if the pressure relief cylinder chamber is opened to the atmosphere by providing a communication path in the filling nozzle, the check valve can be opened if the sealing performance is somewhat poor. Although it becomes possible, there arises a problem that the liquefied gas is released into the atmosphere.

  When filling the liquefied gas by connecting the filling nozzle to the valve opening of the cylinder open / close valve, the filling nozzle is pressed in parallel to the valve opening to ensure the sealing property, and between the filling nozzle and the valve opening. It is necessary to prevent gas leakage from the gap. However, due to a positional error between the filling nozzle and the valve port, a parallel pressing state cannot be maintained, and there is a problem that it is difficult to ensure a sealing property between the filling nozzle and the valve port.

  Further, after the liquefied gas is filled, the liquefied gas remains in the gas supply pipe and the filling nozzle for supplying the liquefied gas, and there is a problem that the amount of gas that needs to be recovered is large.

  In view of the above problems, a filling nozzle connected to a valve opening of a cylinder opening / closing valve with a check valve when filling a gas cylinder with liquefied gas, and a liquefied gas filling facility equipped with a filling nozzle are as follows: There is a problem like this.

  (1) Eliminates the need to remove the check valve and remove special equipment to open the check valve, without using a special check valve such as forming an internal groove on the inner surface of the check valve body. The inner surface of the stop valve body can be securely grasped and opened.

  (2) The check valve can be opened without leaking liquefied gas to the outside.

  (3) To ensure a sealing property between the filling nozzle and the valve port.

  (4) The amount of liquefied gas remaining in the gas supply pipe for supplying the liquefied gas and the filling nozzle can be reduced.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and in particular, eliminates the removal of the check valve and attachment / detachment of special equipment for opening the check valve, and does not use a dedicated check valve. In addition, the inner surface of the check valve body can be reliably grasped and opened.

  A filling nozzle according to a first aspect is a filling nozzle connected to a valve port of a cylinder opening / closing valve with a check valve when filling a gas cylinder with liquefied gas, the nozzle main body, a valve contact body, and a slide shaft. And a first clamp fitting, a second clamp fitting, and a grip ring. The valve contact body is a cylindrical member that is provided in the nozzle body so as to be movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the nozzle body and is pressed against the valve port. The slide shaft is provided so as to penetrate forward through the inside of the valve contact body while being movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the valve contact body, and its front end is the inner surface of the check valve body of the check valve This is a shaft-like member that is extended to the rear and to which a pulling force is applied in a state where the valve contact body is pressed against the valve port. The first clamp fitting is a member that is fixed to the front end of the slide shaft and is movable rearward by applying a pulling force to the slide shaft. The second clamp fitting is a member that is provided on the slide shaft, and has a gripping portion that opens radially toward the outer peripheral side by the backward movement of the first clamp fitting and grips the inner surface of the check valve body.

  That is, in this filling nozzle, there is a mechanism (check valve gripping mechanism) for gripping the inner surface of the check valve body of the check valve provided in the cylinder opening / closing valve by the slide shaft, the first clamp fitting and the second clamp fitting. It is configured. In the check valve gripping mechanism, as described above, the first clamp fitting is moved rearward by the rearward pulling force applied to the slide shaft, and this operation opens the second radially outwardly. The gripping portion of the clamp fitting grips the inner surface of the check valve body. At this time, the grip portion of the second clamp fitting is in contact with the inner surface of the check valve body and grips the inner surface of the check valve body while being pressed against the inner surface of the check valve body. Thereafter, the check valve body that is gripped by the check valve gripping mechanism is pulled back by the rearward pulling force applied to the slide shaft to open the check valve.

  For this reason, in this check valve gripping mechanism, unlike the structure in which a hook member made of a steel ball in Patent Document 1 protrudes to the outer peripheral side, an internal groove is not formed on the inner surface of the check valve body, The inner surface of the stop valve body can be securely gripped. In addition, in this check valve gripping mechanism, unlike the configuration in which the check valve is opened by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the check valve body in Patent Document 2, the check valve does not rely on the sealing performance of the U packing at the front end of the nozzle. The inner surface of the valve body can be securely gripped. In this check valve gripping mechanism, the direction of the operation for moving the first clamp fitting backward is the same as the direction of the operation for pulling the check valve body backward. However, the gripping state of the inner surface of the check valve body is difficult to loosen.

  As a result, this filling nozzle eliminates the check valve removal and attachment / detachment of special equipment for opening the check valve, and uses a dedicated check valve such as forming an internal groove on the inner surface of the check valve body. Therefore, the inner surface of the check valve body can be securely grasped and opened.

  In the filling nozzle according to the second aspect, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the second clamp fitting and the inner peripheral surface of the valve contact body in the filling nozzle according to the first aspect.

  That is, in this filling nozzle, the position of the slide shaft can be shifted by the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the second clamp fitting provided on the slide shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the valve contact body. .

  For this reason, when the valve abutment body is brought close to the valve opening and the clamp metal fitting is inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body, it is positioned between the clamp metal fitting and the inner surface of the check valve body. Even if the displacement occurs, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the second clamp fitting provided on the slide shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the valve contact body is used to correct the position of the clamp fitting, It can be along the inner surface of the check valve body.

  A filling nozzle according to a third aspect is a filling nozzle connected to a valve port of a cylinder opening / closing valve with a check valve when filling a gas cylinder with liquefied gas, the nozzle main body, a valve contact body, and a slide shaft. And a first clamp fitting, a second clamp fitting, and a grip ring. The valve contact body is a cylindrical member that is provided in the nozzle body so as to be movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the nozzle body and is pressed against the valve port. The slide shaft is provided so as to penetrate forward through the inside of the valve contact body while being movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the valve contact body, and its front end is the inner surface of the check valve body of the check valve This is a shaft-like member that is extended to the rear and to which a pulling force is applied in a state where the valve contact body is pressed against the valve port. The first clamp fitting is a member fixed to the front end portion of the slide shaft. The 2nd clamp metal fitting is provided in the back position rather than the 1st clamp metal fitting of a slide axis, and the gap between the front and rear directions with the 1st clamp metal fitting is made small by applying the force pulled out back to a slide axis. This is a possible member. The grip ring is provided between the first clamp fitting and the second clamp fitting in the front-rear direction, and is elastic toward the outer peripheral side by reducing the gap between the first clamp fitting and the second clamp fitting. An annular member that deforms and grips the inner surface of the check valve body.

  That is, in this filling nozzle, a mechanism (check valve) that grips the inner surface of the check valve body of the check valve provided in the cylinder opening / closing valve by the slide shaft, the first clamp fitting, the second clamp fitting, and the grip ring. A gripping mechanism). In this check valve gripping mechanism, the gap between the first clamp fitting and the second clamp fitting is reduced by the rearward pulling force applied to the slide shaft, as described above, and this operation moves the outer periphery side. The grip ring elastically deformed toward the grip grips the inner surface of the check valve body. At this time, the gripping ring grips the inner surface of the check valve body while being in contact with the entire inner surface of the check valve body and pressed against the inner surface of the check valve body. Thereafter, the check valve body that is gripped by the check valve gripping mechanism is pulled back by the rearward pulling force applied to the slide shaft to open the check valve.

  For this reason, in this check valve gripping mechanism, unlike the structure in which a hook member made of a steel ball in Patent Document 1 protrudes to the outer peripheral side, an internal groove is not formed on the inner surface of the check valve body, The inner surface of the stop valve body can be securely gripped. In addition, in this check valve gripping mechanism, unlike the configuration in which the check valve is opened by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the check valve body in Patent Document 2, the check valve does not rely on the sealing performance of the U packing at the front end of the nozzle. The inner surface of the valve body can be securely gripped. In this check valve gripping mechanism, the direction of the operation for reducing the gap between the first clamp fitting and the second clamp fitting is the same as the direction of the operation for pulling the check valve body backward. Even when the valve body is pulled out backward, the gripping state of the inner surface of the check valve body is difficult to loosen.

  As a result, this filling nozzle eliminates the check valve removal and attachment / detachment of special equipment for opening the check valve, and uses a dedicated check valve such as forming an internal groove on the inner surface of the check valve body. Therefore, the inner surface of the check valve body can be securely grasped and opened.

  The filling nozzle according to the fourth aspect is a clamp that is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction between the second clamp fitting and the valve contact body in the filling nozzle according to any one of the first to third aspects. Provide a front spring.

  That is, in this filling nozzle, the state in which the second clamp fitting is urged toward the front first clamp fitting by the pre-clamp spring is obtained.

  For this reason, in this check valve gripping mechanism, when gripping the inner surface of the check valve body and when pulling the check valve body backward thereafter, the check valve gripping mechanism is provided between the first clamp metal fitting and the second clamp metal fitting. It is possible to maintain a state in which the gap is reduced. When inserting the valve abutment body close to the valve opening and inserting the front end portion of the slide shaft, that is, the clamp fitting (a general term for the first clamp fitting and the second clamp fitting) into the inner surface of the check valve body, Even if the one clamp fitting interferes with the inner surface of the check valve body, the first clamp fitting can be moved slightly rearward via the second clamp fitting due to the elastic deformation of the pre-clamp spring.

  Thus, in this filling nozzle, when gripping the inner surface of the check valve body or pulling the check valve body backward, the gripping ring reliably maintains the state of gripping the inner surface of the check valve body. be able to. In addition, when the clamp fitting is inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body, the interference between the first clamp fitting and the inner surface of the check valve body can be alleviated, and the clamp fitting can be smoothly applied to the inner surface of the check valve body. Can be inserted into.

  A filling nozzle according to a fifth aspect is the filling nozzle according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a flat packing is provided on a surface of the valve contact body facing the valve port.

  That is, in this filling nozzle, the space between the valve contact body and the valve port is sealed by the flat packing while the valve contact body is pressed against the valve port. The flat packing has a flat end surface facing the valve port.

  For this reason, the surface which contacts a valve opening can be enlarged compared with the case where an O ring is provided in the surface facing the valve opening of a valve contact body.

  Thus, in this filling nozzle, even if a positional error or the like between the filling nozzle and the valve port occurs in a state where the valve contact body is pressed against the valve port, the filling nozzle and the valve port It is possible to ensure a sealing property between the two.

  A filling nozzle according to a sixth aspect is the filling nozzle according to the fifth aspect, wherein the end face of the flat packing has a size that allows the entire end face of the valve port to abut.

  For this reason, in this filling nozzle, the entire end face of the valve port comes into contact with the end face of the flat packing.

  Thereby, in this filling nozzle, the sealing performance between a filling nozzle and a valve port can be ensured reliably.

  A filling nozzle according to a seventh aspect is the filling nozzle according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein a small diameter portion having a reduced diameter is provided on a part of the slide shaft.

  That is, in this filling nozzle, the slide shaft can be easily bent by the small diameter portion.

  For this reason, when the valve abutment body is brought close to the valve opening and the clamp metal fitting is inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body, it is positioned between the clamp metal fitting and the inner surface of the check valve body. Even if a deviation occurs, the position of the clamp fitting can be corrected using the deflection of the slide shaft, and the clamp fitting can be made to follow the inner surface of the check valve body.

  Thus, in this filling nozzle, even when a displacement occurs between the clamp fitting and the inner surface of the check valve body when the clamp fitting is inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body, It can be guided and inserted into the inner surface of the body.

  A filling nozzle according to an eighth aspect is the filling nozzle according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the slide shaft is supported by the valve abutment body so as to be movable in the front-rear direction via the front bearing, and is slid A gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the front bearing.

  That is, in this filling nozzle, the position of the slide shaft can be shifted by the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the front bearing.

  For this reason, when the valve abutment body is brought close to the valve opening and the clamp metal fitting is inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body, it is positioned between the clamp metal fitting and the inner surface of the check valve body. Even if a deviation occurs, correct the position of the clamp fitting using the clearance between the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the front bearing, and keep the clamp fitting along the inner surface of the check valve body. Can do.

  A filling nozzle according to a ninth aspect is the filling nozzle according to any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the nozzle body is provided with a fixed rack, the valve contact body is provided with a gear meshing with the fixed rack, and the slide shaft is provided. A movable rack that meshes with the gears is provided. Then, the gear is rotated by a force that pushes the nozzle body toward the valve port side and moves forward, the movable rack is moved rearward by the rotation of the gear, and a force that pulls the slide shaft backward is obtained by moving the movable rack rearward. ing.

  That is, in this filling nozzle, a mechanism (slide shaft drive mechanism) that obtains a force for pulling the slide shaft backward is constituted by the fixed rack, the gear, and the movable rack. Here, the force that pushes the nozzle body toward the valve port side and moves forward is a force applied by a nozzle driving mechanism such as a cylinder for driving the filling nozzle. Such a nozzle drive mechanism is a drive source provided in a liquefied gas filling facility having a filling nozzle.

  For this reason, in this slide shaft drive mechanism, it is possible to obtain a force for pulling the slide shaft rearward by using a force that pushes the nozzle body applied by the nozzle drive mechanism toward the valve port side to advance. In addition, this slide shaft drive mechanism employs a mechanical mechanism composed of a fixed rack, gears, and movable rack, so that a force for pulling the slide shaft backward can be obtained regardless of the pressure conditions in the filling nozzle or gas cylinder. be able to.

  Thereby, in this filling nozzle, a force for pulling the slide shaft backward can be obtained without using a special drive source as the slide shaft drive mechanism, and the inner surface of the check valve body can be grasped and opened. In addition, since the inner surface of the check valve body can be grasped and opened by a mechanical mechanism, unlike the mechanism in which the check valve is opened by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the check valve body in Patent Document 2, the liquefied gas is externally supplied. The check valve body can be opened without leaking, and can be used not only when filling the liquefied gas but also when evacuating the gas cylinder.

  A filling nozzle according to a tenth aspect is the filling nozzle according to the ninth aspect, wherein a post-clamp spring that is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction is provided between the movable rack and the slide shaft in the front-rear direction.

  That is, in this filling nozzle, the movable rack is provided on the slide shaft via the post-clamp spring.

  For this reason, in the state where the movable rack is moved most backward (stroke end), there is an error (stroke error) between the pull-out distance of the slide shaft and the backward movement distance of the movable rack due to various positional errors. ), Such a stroke error can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the post-clamp spring in the front-rear direction.

  Thereby, in this filling nozzle, the inner surface of the check valve body can be reliably opened while absorbing stroke errors caused by various positional errors and the like.

  A filling nozzle according to an eleventh aspect is the filling nozzle according to any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the high pressure space and the low pressure space behind the high pressure space are between the nozzle body and the valve contact body. In addition, the piston is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, and the piston is fixed to the slide shaft. The piston is moved backward by applying the pressure of the liquefied gas to the high-pressure space, and a force for pulling the slide shaft backward is obtained by moving the piston backward.

  That is, in this filling nozzle, a mechanism (slide shaft drive mechanism) that obtains a force for pulling the slide shaft backward is configured by the high pressure space, the low pressure space, and the piston.

  For this reason, in this slide shaft drive mechanism, a force for pulling the slide shaft backward can be obtained by the differential pressure of the liquefied gas. In this slide shaft driving mechanism, a differential pressure is generated between the high pressure space and the low pressure space formed between the nozzle body and the valve contact body. That is, in this slide shaft drive mechanism, unlike the mechanism in which the check valve is opened by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the check valve body in Patent Document 2, when the clamp fitting is inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body, It does not have a U packing at the front end of the nozzle that is inserted while sliding on the inner surface of the valve body.

  Thereby, in this filling nozzle, a force for pulling the slide shaft backward can be obtained without using a special drive source as the slide shaft drive mechanism, and the inner surface of the check valve body can be grasped and opened. Further, since a mechanism for generating a differential pressure between the high pressure space and the low pressure space formed between the nozzle body and the valve contact body is adopted, the difference between the inside and outside of the check valve body of Patent Document 2 is adopted. Unlike the mechanism that opens the check valve by pressure, the differential pressure can be reliably ensured without relying on the sealing performance of the U packing at the front end of the nozzle.

  A filling nozzle according to a twelfth aspect is the filling nozzle according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the cylinder shaft is driven by a drive source different from the drive source that pushes and advances the nozzle body toward the valve port side. Has the ability to pull backwards.

  That is, in this filling nozzle, the slide shaft is pulled out backward by a drive source (slide shaft drive mechanism) different from the drive source (nozzle drive mechanism) that applies a force to push the nozzle body toward the valve port side and advance. Gaining power. Here, the nozzle drive mechanism is a drive source provided in a liquefied gas filling facility having a filling nozzle.

  For this reason, in this slide shaft drive mechanism, a structure for obtaining a force for pulling the slide shaft backward by using a force that pushes the nozzle body toward the valve port side and advances in the filling nozzle and a differential pressure of the liquefied gas Thus, a force for pulling the slide shaft backward can be obtained without providing a structure for obtaining the force for pulling the slide shaft backward.

  As a result, in this filling nozzle, a slide shaft drive mechanism that is a drive source different from the nozzle drive mechanism is required, but a complicated structure for obtaining a force for pulling the slide shaft backward is provided in the filling nozzle. However, it is possible to obtain a force for pulling the slide shaft backward and to grip and open the inner surface of the check valve body. Further, unlike the mechanism in which the check valve is opened by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the check valve body in Patent Document 2, the check valve body can be opened without leaking the liquefied gas to the outside. It can be used not only when evacuating gas cylinders.

  The liquefied gas filling equipment according to the thirteenth aspect is a liquefied gas filling equipment provided with the filling nozzle according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects.

  In this liquefied gas filling equipment, the above-mentioned filling nozzle eliminates the removal of the check valve and the attachment / detachment of a special device for opening the check valve, and forms a dedicated groove on the inner surface of the check valve body. Without using the check valve, the inner surface of the check valve body can be securely grasped and opened to be filled with liquefied gas.

  A liquefied gas filling facility according to a fourteenth aspect is the liquefied gas filling facility according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein a gas supply pipe that supplies liquefied gas to the filling nozzle, and an opening / closing valve of the gas supply pipe and the filling nozzle A heating device for heating the liquefied gas existing in the gas supply pipe is provided immediately before the filling of the liquefied gas.

  For this reason, in this liquefied gas filling facility, the gas supply is performed by heating the liquefied gas present in the gas supply pipe by the heating device with the open / close valve of the gas supply pipe closed immediately before the liquefied gas filling is completed. The liquefied gas existing in the pipe can be pushed into the gas cylinder.

  Thereby, in this liquefied gas filling equipment, the quantity of the liquefied gas remaining in the gas supply pipe and the filling nozzle for filling the liquefied gas can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the filling nozzle according to the first and third aspects, there is no need to remove the check valve or attach / detach a special device for opening the check valve, and to form an internal groove on the inner surface of the check valve body. Without using the check valve, the inner surface of the check valve body can be securely grasped and opened.

  In the filling nozzle according to the fourth aspect, when the inner surface of the check valve body is gripped or when the check valve body is pulled backward, the gripping ring securely holds the inner surface of the check valve body. Can be maintained. In addition, when the clamp fitting is inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body, the interference between the first clamp fitting and the inner surface of the check valve body can be alleviated, and the clamp fitting can be smoothly applied to the inner surface of the check valve body. Can be inserted into.

  In the filling nozzle according to the fifth and sixth aspects, even if a positional error or the like between the filling nozzle and the valve port occurs in a state where the valve contact body is pressed against the valve port, the filling nozzle The sealing property between the nozzle and the valve port can be ensured.

  In the filling nozzle according to the second, seventh, and eighth viewpoints, when the clamp fitting is inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body, a displacement occurs between the clamp fitting and the inner surface of the check valve body. Alternatively, the clamp fitting can be guided and inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body.

  In the filling nozzle according to the ninth aspect, a force for pulling the slide shaft backward can be obtained without using a special drive source as the slide shaft drive mechanism, and the inner surface of the check valve body can be grasped and opened. . In addition, since the inner surface of the check valve body can be grasped and opened by a mechanical mechanism, unlike the mechanism in which the check valve is opened by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the check valve body in Patent Document 2, the liquefied gas is externally supplied. The check valve body can be opened without leaking, and can be used not only when filling the liquefied gas but also when evacuating the gas cylinder.

  In the filling nozzle according to the tenth aspect, the inner surface of the check valve body can be reliably opened while absorbing a stroke error caused by various positional errors.

  In the filling nozzle according to the eleventh aspect, without using a special drive source as the slide shaft drive mechanism, a force for pulling the slide shaft backward can be obtained and the inner surface of the check valve body can be gripped and opened. . Further, since a mechanism for generating a differential pressure between the high pressure space and the low pressure space formed between the nozzle body and the valve contact body is adopted, the difference between the inside and outside of the check valve body of Patent Document 2 is adopted. Unlike the mechanism that opens the check valve by pressure, the differential pressure can be reliably ensured without relying on the sealing performance of the U packing at the front end of the nozzle.

  In the filling nozzle according to the twelfth aspect, a slide shaft drive mechanism that is a drive source different from the nozzle drive mechanism is required, but a complicated structure for obtaining a force for pulling the slide shaft backward in the filling nozzle is provided. Without providing, a force for pulling the slide shaft backward can be obtained, and the inner surface of the check valve body can be grasped and opened. Further, unlike the mechanism in which the check valve is opened by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the check valve body in Patent Document 2, the check valve body can be opened without leaking the liquefied gas to the outside. It can be used not only when evacuating gas cylinders.

  In the liquefied gas filling facility according to the thirteenth aspect, the above filling nozzle eliminates the removal of the check valve and attachment / detachment of a special device for opening the check valve, and forms an internal groove on the inner surface of the check valve body. Without using a dedicated check valve such as, the inner surface of the check valve body can be securely grasped and opened to be filled with liquefied gas.

  In the liquefied gas filling facility according to the fourteenth aspect, the amount of liquefied gas remaining in the gas supply pipe and the filling nozzle for filling the liquefied gas can be reduced.

It is a general view of the liquefied gas filling equipment concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the liquefied gas system | strain and control system of a liquefied gas filling equipment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a cylinder opening / closing valve. It is whole sectional drawing of a filling nozzle. It is a figure which expands and shows the front end part of the slide shaft of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of a grip ring, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the filling nozzle at the time of liquefied gas filling (state which advanced the nozzle main body until a valve contact body contact | abuts to a valve opening). It is a figure which shows the state which the position shift of the filling nozzle and the valve port generate | occur | produced when a valve contact body is advanced until it contact | abuts to a valve port. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement (state which hold | gripped the inner surface of the non-return valve body) of the filling nozzle at the time of liquefied gas filling. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement (state which opened the non-return valve body) of the filling nozzle at the time of liquefied gas filling. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement (state which advanced the nozzle main body to the stroke end) at the time of liquefied gas filling. 10 is an overall cross-sectional view of a filling nozzle according to Modification 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows operation | movement (The state which hold | gripped the inner surface of the non-return valve body and open | released the non-return valve body) of the filling nozzle at the time of the liquefied gas filling in the modification 1. It is a whole sectional view of a filling nozzle concerning modification 2. It is a whole sectional view of a filling nozzle concerning modification 3. It is a figure which expands and shows the front-end part of the slide shaft of FIG. 15, and clamp metal vicinity. It is a figure which shows the 2nd clamp metal fitting of the filling nozzle concerning the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the filling nozzle at the time of the liquefied gas filling in the modification 3 (state which advanced the nozzle main body until the valve contact body contact | abutted the valve opening). It is a figure which shows operation | movement (The state which hold | gripped the inner surface of the non-return valve body) of the filling nozzle at the time of liquefied gas filling in the modification 3. It is a figure which shows operation | movement (state which opened the non-return valve body) of the filling nozzle at the time of liquefied gas filling in the modification 3.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a filling nozzle concerning the present invention, a liquefied gas filling equipment provided with the filling nozzle, and its modification are described based on a drawing. In addition, the specific structure of the filling nozzle concerning this invention and the liquefied gas filling equipment provided with this filling nozzle is not restricted to the following embodiment and its modification, It changes in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention. Is possible.

(1) Overall Configuration of Liquefied Gas Filling Equipment FIG. 1 is an overall view of a liquefied gas filling equipment 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a liquefied gas system and a control system of the liquefied gas filling facility 1. In the following description, it is assumed that the liquefied gas filling facility 1 is a facility that fills an unfilled gas cylinder 100 with a refrigerant (liquefied gas) such as R407C or R410A. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, “front” and “forward” mean the right direction of the drawing in each figure, and “back” means the left direction of the drawing in each figure. To do.

  The liquefied gas filling equipment 1 mainly includes a base 2, a transport table 3, a positioning unit 4, a rail 5, and a column 6. The transport table 3 is disposed on the upper surface of the base 2. A gas cylinder 100 is placed on the transfer table 3. The positioning unit 4 holds the outer surface of the gas cylinder 100 by the arm 4a in a state where the gas cylinder 100 is positioned so as to face a predetermined direction. The rail 5 and the column 6 are erected on the base 2.

  The rail 5 is provided with an upper unit 7 and a positioning unit 4 that can be raised and lowered according to the size of the gas cylinder 100. The upper unit 7 mainly includes a valve gripping mechanism 7a, a valve rear support mechanism 7b, a nozzle driving mechanism 7c, and a handle driving mechanism 7d. The valve gripping mechanism 7 a is a claw portion that grips the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 in a state where the valve opening 104 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 provided in the gas cylinder 100 and the direction of the filling nozzle 20 are aligned. The valve rear portion support mechanism 7b is a lever portion that presses and supports the rear portion of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 (the portion on the right side in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). The nozzle drive mechanism 7c is a cylinder portion that applies a force to push forward the filling nozzle 20 connected to the gas supply pipe 8 for supplying the liquefied gas toward the valve opening 104 side of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101. is there. In the middle of the gas supply pipe 8, a gas supply pipe 8 for filling the liquefied gas and a gas recovery pipe 9 for sending the liquefied gas remaining in the filling nozzle 20 to a gas recovery device (not shown) are connected. Yes. The gas recovery pipe 9 is provided with an on-off valve 9a composed of an electromagnetic valve or the like. Further, here, the gas supply pipe 8 includes a first gas supply pipe 10 for sending a large flow rate of liquefied gas to the filling nozzle 20 and a second gas supply pipe for sending a small flow rate of liquefied gas to the filling nozzle 20. 11 and branching. The first gas supply pipe 10 is provided with an on-off valve 10a made of an electromagnetic valve or the like and a heating device 10b (not shown in FIG. 1) made of a high-frequency heater or the like. The heating device 10b is provided at a position between the on-off valve 10a of the first gas supply pipe 10 and the filling nozzle 20 (here, in the vicinity of the outlet of the on-off valve 10a of the first gas supply pipe 10). The second gas supply pipe 11 is provided with an on-off valve 11a made of an electromagnetic valve or the like and a heating device 11b (not shown in FIG. 1) made of a high-frequency heater or the like. The heating device 11b is provided at a position between the opening / closing valve 11a of the second gas supply pipe 11 and the filling nozzle 20 (here, in the vicinity of the outlet of the opening / closing valve 11a of the second gas supply pipe 11). The handle drive mechanism 7d is a motor unit that rotates the valve handle 115 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 by rotationally driving the valve gripping mechanism 7a.

  A control box 12 for controlling the operation of each of the above-described parts 4, 7 a to 7 d, 9 a, 10 a, 10 b, 11 a, 11 b is provided on the upper part of the column 6.

(2) Configuration of cylinder open / close valve FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cylinder open / close valve 101.

  The cylinder opening / closing valve 101 mainly has a valve body 102. A leg screw 103 is formed in the lower part of the valve body 102. The valve body 102 is fixed to the gas cylinder 101 by screwing leg screws 103 into the upper part of the gas cylinder 101. In the middle of the valve body 102 in the up-down direction, a nozzle-shaped valve port 104 protrudes sideways (to the left in FIG. 3). A cylinder-side opening 105 opened on the lower surface of the leg screw 103 passes through the liquefied gas passage 106, the cylindrical hole of the closing valve seat 107, and the closing valve chamber 108 in this order, and the inside of the nozzle opened on the side wall of the closing valve chamber 108. It communicates with the channel 109. A check valve 110 is provided in the in-nozzle passage 109. For this reason, the nozzle opening 104 a which is the outlet of the valve port 104 is an outlet of the check valve 110. A nozzle screw 104b used for connection to an external device is formed on the outer surface of the valve port 104.

  The closing valve chamber 108 communicates with the outside of the valve body 102 through the screw hole 111. A gland nut 112 is screwed into the screw hole 111. A spindle hole 113 is formed in the ground nut 112. A spindle 114 is screwed into the spindle hole 113. A valve handle 115 is provided at the upper end of the spindle 114. Further, a closing member 116, a diaphragm 117, and a pressing spring 118 are accommodated in the closing valve chamber 108. The upper surface of the diaphragm 117 faces the spindle 114. The lower surface of the diaphragm 117 is fixed to the closing member 116. The pressing spring 118 urges the closing member 116 upward via the diaphragm 117.

  A siphon pipe 120 is connected to the cylinder side opening 105 via a siphon pipe joint 119. The siphon tube 120 extends downward in the gas cylinder 100. Further, a safety valve 121 is provided in the middle of the valve body 102 in the vertical direction. Here, the safety valve 121 is provided on the side opposite to the side from which the valve port 104 protrudes. The safety valve 121 is made of, for example, a fusible plug, and communicates with a safety valve opening 122 and a safety valve channel 123 formed in the valve body 102 separately from the cylinder side opening 105 and the liquefied gas channel 106.

  With such a configuration on the valve body 102 side, when the valve handle 115 is rotated to advance the spindle 114 in a direction approaching the lower closing valve chamber 108, the lower end portion of the spindle 114 pushes down the diaphragm 117. At this time, the diaphragm 117 presses the closing member 116 while compressing the pressing spring 118, so that the closing member 116 contacts the closing valve seat 107. As a result, the communication between the in-nozzle passage 109 communicating with the outside of the gas cylinder 100 and the liquefied gas passage 106 communicating with the inside of the gas cylinder 100 is blocked (the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 is closed). On the other hand, if the valve handle 115 is rotated to retract the spindle 114 away from the lower closing valve chamber 108, the lower end of the spindle 114 is separated from the diaphragm 117 and there is no force to push down the closing member 116. At this time, the pressing spring 118 urges the closing member 116 upward through the diaphragm 117 and pushes it upward, so that the closing member 116 is separated from the closing valve seat 107. As a result, the in-nozzle passage 109 communicating with the outside of the gas cylinder 100 and the liquefied gas passage 106 communicating with the inside of the gas cylinder 100 communicate with each other (the opened state of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101).

  The check valve 110 mainly includes a cassette cylinder 124, a check valve body 125, and a pressing spring 126. A substantially cylindrical cassette cylinder 124 is screwed into the nozzle flow path 109, and a substantially cylindrical check valve body 125 with the front end opening closed in the cylinder hole of the cassette cylinder 124. A pressing spring 126 made of a coil spring is accommodated.

  A folded portion 124a having a small diameter is formed at the rear end portion (end portion on the nozzle opening 104a side) of the cassette cylinder 124 by being folded back toward the inner peripheral side. The folded portion 124 a supports the rear end portion of the pressing spring 126. The front end portion (end portion on the valve body 102 side) of the folded portion 124 a faces the check valve body 125.

  The check valve body 125 is disposed so as to be movable in the front-rear direction in the cassette cylinder 124, and mainly includes a cylindrical portion 125a, a protruding portion 125b extending rearward from the rear end portion of the cylindrical portion 125a, and a cylindrical shape. And a valve face portion 125c that closes the opening at the front end of the portion 125a. The cylindrical portion 125a has a substantially cylindrical shape, and here, the inner surface thereof is a smooth surface without irregularities such as an internal groove. In addition, flow channel grooves 125d and guide ribs 125e are alternately formed in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 125a. The rear end portion of the cylindrical portion 125a supports the front end portion of the pressing spring 126. That is, the pressing spring 126 is provided between the check valve body 125 and the cassette cylinder 124 in the front-rear direction. For this reason, the check valve body 125 is urged forward (valve body 102 side) by the pressing spring 126. The check valve body 125 can move backward (nozzle opening 104a side) while compressing the pressing spring 126 by overcoming the forward biasing force of the pressing spring 126. However, since the protruding portion 125b of the check valve body 125 faces the front end portion of the folded portion 124a of the cassette cylinder 124, the movement of the check valve body 125 causes the protruding portion 125b to contact the front end portion of the folded portion 124a. It is limited to the range. The valve face portion 125c is a check valve seat 109a formed at the front end portion of the nozzle inner passage 109 (a portion in which the passage diameter of the front end portion of the nozzle inner passage 109 is reduced) by the forward biasing force of the pressing spring 126. ). For this reason, when the valve surface portion 125c of the check valve body 125 abuts against the check valve seat 109a by the forward biasing force of the pressing spring 126, the check valve 110 is closed. However, the check valve 110 overcomes the forward biasing force of the pressing spring 126 and compresses the pressing spring 126, so that the check valve body 125 moves rearward and the valve face 125c separates from the check valve seat 109a. In this case, the check valve 110 is opened.

  An annular protective plate 127 is provided between the rear end portion of the cassette cylinder 124 of the in-nozzle flow path 109 and the nozzle opening 104a. The protection plate 127 is fitted in a protection plate receiving groove 109 b formed on the inner surface of the nozzle inner passage 109. When the cassette cylinder 124, that is, the check valve 110 is forcibly removed, the protective plate 127 interferes with the rear end portion of the cassette cylinder 124 and comes off. For this reason, by visually observing the attachment state of the protective plate 127 through the nozzle opening 104a of the valve port 104, it can be confirmed whether or not the check function of the check valve 110 is not impaired.

(3) Configuration of Filling Nozzle FIG. 4 is an overall cross-sectional view of the filling nozzle 20. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the front end portion of the slide shaft 50, the clamp fittings 60 and 61, and the gripping ring 70 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a view showing a modified example of the gripping ring 70 and corresponds to FIG.

  The filling nozzle 20 is a filling nozzle connected to the valve port 104 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 with the check valve 110 when the gas cylinder 100 is filled with liquefied gas. The filling nozzle 20 mainly includes a nozzle body 30, a valve contact body 40, a slide shaft 50, a first clamp fitting 60, a second clamp fitting 61, and a gripping ring 70.

<Nozzle body>
The nozzle body 30 mainly has a substantially prismatic case 31 in which a body space 30a is formed. The front end portion of the case 31 is open, and the rear end portion of the valve contact body 40 is inserted from the front end portion side of the case 31 into the main body space 30a. The rear end portion of the case 31 can be pressed forward by a nozzle drive mechanism 7c (not shown in FIG. 4, see FIGS. 1 and 2), and the upper unit 7 (not shown in FIG. 4). 1 and 2). A socket 32 protrudes upward from the outer periphery of the case 31. The socket 32 is formed with a screw hole 32a communicating with the main body space 30a, and by screwing a joint portion of the gas supply pipe 8 (not shown in FIG. 4, see FIGS. 1 and 2), A gas supply pipe 8 is connected. A nozzle spring 33 made of a coil spring is provided in the main body space 30a. Here, the nozzle spring 33 is arrange | positioned at the outermost periphery part of the main body space 30a. A substantially cylindrical spring holding portion 31 a protruding forward along the inner surface of the rear end portion of the nozzle spring 33 is formed at a position facing the main body space 30 a at the rear end portion of the case 31. The end portion supports the rear end portion of the nozzle spring 33. The main body space 30a is provided with a fixed rack 34 having teeth formed in the front-rear direction. Here, the fixed rack 34 is arrange | positioned rather than the spring holding | maintenance part 31a at the inner peripheral side. An engagement hole 31b recessed rearward is formed at a position facing the main body space 30a at the rear end portion of the case 31, and an engagement protrusion 34a formed at the rear end portion of the fixed rack 34 is an engagement hole. It is fitted and fixed to 31b. In this way, the fixed rack 34 is provided in the case 31 (that is, the nozzle body 30).

<Valve contact body>
The valve contact body 40 is a cylindrical member that is provided in the nozzle body 30 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the nozzle body 30 and is pressed against the valve port 104 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101. The valve contact body 40 mainly has a nozzle 41, a nozzle fitting 42, and a nozzle guide 46.

  The nozzle 41 is a portion provided in the nozzle body 30 in a state in which the nozzle contact body 40 can move in the front-rear direction with respect to the nozzle body 30. The nozzle 41 is a substantially cylindrical member in which a through hole 41 a penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed, and a portion on the rear end side is inserted into the main body space 30 a from the front end side of the case 31. Near the middle of the nozzle 41 in the front-rear direction, a communication hole 41b is formed for allowing the portion of the body space 30a of the case 31 on the outer peripheral side of the nozzle 41 to communicate with the through hole 41a. Further, an annular spring receiving portion 41 c protrudes toward the outer peripheral side at a position on the rear end side of the nozzle 41. The rear surface of the spring receiving portion 41 c supports the front end portion of the nozzle spring 33. That is, the nozzle spring 33 is provided between the nozzle 41 (that is, the valve contact body 40) and the case 31 (that is, the nozzle body 30) in the front-rear direction. Further, the front surface of the spring receiving portion 41 c is in contact with the rear surface of the bush 36 via the annular packing 35. The bush 36 is a substantially cylindrical member disposed on the inner peripheral side of the front end portion of the case 31. The bush 36 is fixed to the case 31 (that is, the nozzle body 30) by screwing a nut 37 into the front end portion of the case 31. Here, a backup ring 38 a and an O-ring 38 b are interposed between the nut 37 and the bush 36, and an O-ring 38 c is interposed between the front end portion of the case 31 and the nut 37. Therefore, the case 31 (that is, the nozzle body 30) is urged rearward by the nozzle spring 33 with respect to the nozzle 41 (that is, the valve contact body 40). Note that the case 31 (that is, the nozzle body 30) moves forward relative to the nozzle 41 (that is, the valve contact body 40) while compressing the nozzle spring 33 by overcoming the rearward biasing force of the nozzle spring 33. be able to. However, since the rear end portion of the case 31 faces the rear end portion of the nozzle 41, the rear end portion of the case 31 is in contact with the rear end portion of the nozzle 41. It is limited to the range. Cylindrical packings 39 a and 39 b are provided between the radial direction of the spring holding portion 31 a and the nozzle 41 and between the bush 36 and the nozzle 41. Further, a gear 43 that meshes with the fixed rack 34 is provided at a position on the rear end side of the nozzle 41 (that is, the valve contact body 40). The gear 43 is pivotally supported by a gear shaft 43 a provided in the nozzle 41. For this reason, when the case 31 (that is, the nozzle body 30) moves forward with respect to the nozzle 41 (that is, the valve contact body 40) while compressing the nozzle spring 33, the gear 43 rotates. Since the reaction force due to the pressure of the liquefied gas acts on the nozzle body 30 when the refrigerant is filled, the diameter of the nozzle 41 is made as small as possible in order to reduce the reaction force due to the pressure of the liquefied gas. It is preferable to do.

  The nozzle fitting 42 is a portion of the valve contact body 40 that is pressed against the valve opening 104 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101. The nozzle fitting 42 is a substantially cylindrical member in which a through hole 42 a penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed, and a portion on the rear end side is screwed into the front end portion of the nozzle 41, thereby being fixed to the nozzle 41. Yes. Here, an O-ring 44 is interposed between the nozzle fitting 42 and the nozzle 41. A flat packing 45 is provided on the surface of the nozzle fitting 42 (that is, the valve contact body 40) facing the valve port 104. Here, the flat packing 45 has a flat end surface facing the valve port 104. In addition, the end surface of the flat packing 45 has a size that allows the entire end surface of the valve port 104 (that is, the portion on the outer peripheral side of the nozzle opening 104a of the valve port 104) to abut.

  The nozzle guide 46 is a part that guides the valve contact body 40 to the valve opening 104 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101. The nozzle guide 46 is a substantially cylindrical member in which a through hole 46a having an inner diameter into which the valve port 104 can be inserted is formed. The nozzle guide 46 is fixed to the nozzle fitting 42 by screwing a portion on the rear end side thereof into the nozzle fitting 42 and screwing a set screw 47 from the outer peripheral side.

<Slide axis>
The slide shaft 50 is provided so as to pass through the inside of the valve contact body 40 while being movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the valve contact body 40, and its front end is a check valve of the check valve 110. This is a shaft-like member that extends to the inner surface of the valve body 125 and is applied with a pulling force to the rear while the valve contact body 40 is pressed against the valve port 104.

  At a position on the rear end side of the slide shaft 50, a movable rack 51 that has teeth formed in the front-rear direction and meshes with the gear 43 is provided. Here, a connecting portion 51a is provided at the front end of the movable rack 51, and the slide shaft 50 penetrates the connecting portion 51a. And the annular collar part 50a protrudes toward the outer peripheral side in the position of the front end part side rather than the position which penetrated the movable rack 51 of the slide shaft 50. As shown in FIG. The flange portion 50a comes into contact with the rear surface of the step portion 41d connecting the large diameter portion on the rear end side of the through hole 41a of the nozzle 41 and the small diameter portion on the front end portion side. The forward movement range with respect to the valve contact body 40 is limited. Here, a wave washer 52 is provided on the surface of the connecting portion 51a facing the flange portion 50a. Further, an O-ring 48 is provided on the surface of the flange 50a of the slide shaft 50 that faces the stepped portion 41d. The O-ring 48 has a function of sealing between the nozzle 41 and the slide shaft 50 in a state where the O-ring 48 is in contact with the wall surface of the nozzle 41 (here, the step portion 41d).

  Further, a post-clamp spring 53 made of a coil spring that can be elastically deformed in the front-rear direction is provided between the movable rack 51 and the slide shaft 50 in the front-rear direction. That is, the movable rack 51 is provided on the slide shaft 50 via the post-clamp spring 53. Here, an annular rear spring seat 54 is fitted and fixed at a position on the rear end side of the connecting portion 51 a of the slide shaft 50, and the rear spring seat 54 supports the rear end portion of the post-clamp spring 53. Yes. The rear surface of the connecting portion 51 a of the movable rack 51 supports the front end portion of the post-clamp spring 53. Therefore, the movable rack 51 is urged forward by the post-clamp spring 53 with respect to the nozzle 41 (that is, the valve contact body 40). In addition, the front surface of the connecting portion 51 a of the movable rack 51 faces the rear surface of the flange portion 50 a of the slide shaft 50. For this reason, the movable rack 51 basically moves in the front-rear direction integrally with the flange portion 50a of the slide shaft 50. As the post-clamp spring 53, a coil spring formed by winding a wire having a circular cross section in a coil shape, a coil spring (square spring) formed by winding a wire having a square cross section in a coil shape, or the like can be used.

  When the nozzle main body 30 moves forward with respect to the valve contact body 40, the gear 43 that meshes with the fixed rack 34 rotates, and the movable rack 51 moves rearward by the rotation of the gear 43. When the movable rack 51 moves rearward, the slide shaft 50 also moves rearward. However, since the rear end of the movable rack 51 faces the rear end of the nozzle body 30, the rearward movement of the movable rack 51 is limited to the range until it contacts the rear end of the nozzle body 30. Has been. Further, when the movable rack 51 reaches the most rearwardly moved state (stroke end), it overcomes the forward biasing force of the post-clamping spring 53, thereby compressing the post-clamping spring 53 and compressing the slide shaft 50. It can move in a direction away from the portion 50a (that is, backward with respect to the slide shaft 50).

  Thus, here, the gear 43 is applied by the force that pushes the nozzle body 30 applied from the nozzle drive mechanism 7c (not shown in FIG. 4, see FIGS. 1 and 2) toward the valve port 104 and advances. , The movable rack 51 is moved rearward by the rotation of the gear 43, and the rearward movement of the movable rack 51 obtains a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 rearward. That is, here, the fixed rack 34, the gear 43, and the movable rack 51 constitute a mechanism (slide shaft drive mechanism) that obtains a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward.

  Further, the vicinity of the center of the slide shaft 50 in the front-rear direction is supported via the front bearing 55 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the nozzle 41 (that is, the valve contact body 40). Here, a gap 55 a is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the front bearing 55. That is, the position of the slide shaft 50 can be shifted by the gap 55a.

  Further, a part of the slide shaft 50 is provided with a small diameter portion 50b having a reduced diameter. That is, the slide shaft 50 can be easily bent by the small diameter portion 50b. Here, the small diameter portion 50 b is provided at a position closer to the front end portion than the front bearing 55 of the slide shaft 50. The portion of the slide shaft 50 closer to the front end than the small diameter portion 50b reaches the inner surface of the check valve body 125 of the check valve 110 in a state where the filling nozzle 20 is pressed against the valve port 104 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101. To reach.

<Clamp hardware>
The clamp fitting is composed of a first clamp fitting 60 and a second clamp fitting 61.

  The first clamp fitting 60 is a member fixed to the front end portion of the slide shaft 50. Here, the first clamp fitting 60 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is fitted into a position in front of the narrow diameter portion 50b of the slide shaft 50, and a set screw 67 is screwed from the outer peripheral side. Thus, the front end of the slide shaft 50 is fixed. Here, the maximum outer diameter of the first clamp fitting 60 is smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the check valve body 125. Further, a tapered surface portion 62 whose diameter increases toward the front is formed at the rear end portion of the first clamp fitting 60.

  The second clamp fitting 61 is provided at a position rearward of the first clamp fitting 60 of the slide shaft 50, and applies a pulling force to the slide shaft 50 between the first clamp fitting 60 and the front-rear direction. It is a member that can reduce the gap. Here, the second clamp fitting 61 has a substantially cylindrical shape, is located behind the first clamp fitting 60 of the slide shaft 50 via the sleeve 63, and the small diameter portion 50b of the slide shaft 50. It is provided in the position ahead. The sleeve 63 is a substantially cylindrical member into which the slide shaft 50 can be inserted while being movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the slide shaft 50, and is located at a position rearward of the first clamp fitting 60 of the slide shaft 50, and The slide shaft 50 is provided at a position ahead of the narrow diameter portion 50b. The second clamp fitting 61 is fixed to the sleeve 63 by being fitted into the sleeve 63 and by screwing a set screw 64 from the outer peripheral side. Accordingly, the second clamp fitting 61 is movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the slide shaft 50. Here, the maximum outer diameter of the second clamp fitting 61 is smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the check valve body 125. Further, a tapered surface portion 65 whose diameter decreases toward the front is formed at the front end portion of the second clamp fitting 61.

  An annular flange 63a protrudes toward the outer peripheral side at the rear end of the sleeve 63. The flange portion 63a comes into contact with the rear surface of the stepped portion 42b protruding toward the inner peripheral side in the vicinity of the front end portion of the through hole 42a of the nozzle fitting 42, and the nozzle 41 (that is, the valve contact body 40). The range of forward movement with respect to is limited. Here, the surface of the flange portion 63a facing the step portion 42b has a tapered surface whose diameter decreases toward the front, and the surface of the step portion 42b facing the flange portion 63a is the step portion of the flange portion 63a. It forms a tapered surface along the surface facing 42b. As a result, the front portion of the slide shaft 50 with respect to the small diameter portion 50 b is supported by the nozzle fitting 42.

  Further, between the front and rear directions of the second clamp fitting 61 and the front end portion of the nozzle fitting 42 (that is, the valve contact body 40), a pre-clamp spring 66 made of a coil spring that can be elastically deformed in the front and rear direction is provided. . That is, a state in which the second clamp fitting 61 is biased toward the front first clamp fitting 60 by the pre-clamp spring 66 is obtained. Here, as the pre-clamp spring 66, a spring having a weaker spring force than the post-clamp spring 53 is used, and when a force in the front-rear direction is applied to the clamp fittings 60 and 61, the pre-clamp spring 66 preferentially elastically deforms in the front-rear direction. Further, the inner peripheral portion of the front end portion of the nozzle fitting 42 with respect to the flat packing 45 supports the rear end portion of the pre-clamp spring 66. Further, the rear end portion of the second clamp fitting 61 supports the front end portion of the pre-clamp spring 66. As the post-clamp spring 53, a coil spring formed by winding a wire having a circular cross section in a coil shape, a coil spring (square spring) formed by winding a wire having a square cross section in a coil shape, or the like can be used. Further, if the pre-clamp spring 66 is formed of a conical spring, the longitudinal elasticity and the centering action can be obtained, so that the sleeve 63 can be stably supported without the step portion 42b and the flange 63a of the sleeve 63. can do.

<Grip ring>
The grip ring 70 is provided between the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61 in the front-rear direction, and the outer periphery is reduced by reducing the gap between the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61. It is an annular member that elastically deforms toward the side and grips the inner surface of the check valve body 125. Here, the grip ring 70 is formed of a coil spring (see FIGS. 4 and 5). That is, the grip ring 70 is not used in a mode in which the coil spring is elastically expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction in a linear state, but is used in a mode in which the coil spring is elastically expanded and contracted in the circumferential direction in an annular state. It is. The gripping ring 70 is sandwiched between the taper surface portion 62 of the first clamp fitting 60 and the taper surface portion 65 of the second clamp fitting 61. Here, in a state where the gap between the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61 is large, the outer diameter of the gripping ring 70 is equal to or less than the maximum outer diameter of the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61. It has become. The grip ring 70 is not limited to a coil spring, and may be any ring that can be elastically expanded and contracted in the circumferential direction in an annular state, for example, a rubber O-ring (see FIG. 6). It may be.

  When a slide pulling force is applied to the slide shaft 50 from the slide shaft driving mechanism including the fixed rack 34, the gear 43, and the movable rack 51, the pulling force applied to the slide shaft 50 pulls backward. As shown in FIG. 6, the first clamp fitting 60 moves rearward with respect to the second clamp fitting 61. When the first clamp fitting 60 moves rearward, the gap between the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61 becomes small. Then, a force pushed to the outer peripheral side by the tapered surface portions 62 and 65 is applied to the gripping ring 70, and the gripping ring 70 is elastically deformed toward the outer peripheral side. As a result, the outer diameter of the gripping ring 70 is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61 and reaches the inner surface of the check valve body 125, thereby gripping the inner surface of the check valve body 125. It is supposed to be. At this time, the gripping ring 70 grips the inner surface of the check valve body 125 while being in contact with the entire inner surface of the check valve body 125 and being pressed against the inner surface of the check valve body 125. That is, here, a mechanism (check valve gripping) for gripping the inner surface of the check valve body 125 of the check valve 110 provided in the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 by the slide shaft 50, the clamp fittings 60 and 61 and the gripping ring 70. Mechanism) is configured. Thereafter, when a rearward pulling force applied to the slide shaft 50 is further applied, the check valve body 125 is pulled back and the check valve body 125 of the check valve 110 is opened (FIGS. 10 and 10). 11).

  Further, since the second clamp fitting 61 is biased toward the front first clamp fitting 60 side by the pre-clamp spring 66, when the inner surface of the check valve body 125 is gripped, and thereafter In addition, when the check valve body 125 is pulled out rearward, the state where the gap between the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61 is reduced can be maintained.

(4) Filling operation and characteristics of liquefied gas including operation of filling nozzle <Operation and characteristics of entire liquefied gas filling equipment at the time of liquefied gas filling>
The operation of the entire facility during liquefied gas filling in the liquefied gas filling facility 1 having the above-described configuration will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The operation of the liquefied gas filling equipment 1 including the filling nozzle 20 is automatically performed by the control box 12.

  First, the positioning unit 4 positions the unfilled gas cylinder 100 mounted on the transport table 3 so as to face a predetermined direction.

  Next, the upper unit 7 provided with the filling nozzle 20 descends and stops at a position near the upper portion of the gas cylinder 100.

  Next, the valve gripping mechanism 7a of the upper unit 7 grips the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 provided in the gas cylinder 100 so that the valve opening 104 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 and the direction of the filling nozzle 20 are aligned.

  Next, the valve rear portion support mechanism 7b of the upper unit 7 presses and supports the rear portion of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 (the portion on the right side in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).

  Next, the nozzle drive mechanism 7 c of the upper unit 7 advances the filling nozzle 20 toward the valve port 104 side of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101. When the filling nozzle 20 is pressed against the valve port 104, the check valve of the check valve 110 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 is driven by a slide shaft driving mechanism and a check valve gripping mechanism provided in the filling nozzle 20 as will be described later. The body 125 is released.

  Next, the handle driving mechanism 7d of the upper unit 7 rotates the valve gripping mechanism 7a and rotates the valve handle 115 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 to secure a flow path for filling the gas cylinder 100 with liquefied gas. . Then, the gas cylinder 100 is filled with the liquefied gas through the filling nozzle 20 from the gas supply pipe 8 (here, the two gas supply pipes 10 and 11). Here, the on-off valves 10a and 11a of the gas supply pipe 8 are opened and the liquefied gas is charged in a state where the on-off valve 9a of the gas recovery pipe 9 is closed.

  Next, immediately before the filling of the liquefied gas is completed, the on-off valves 10a and 11a of the gas supply pipe 8 are closed, and in this state, the heating devices 10b and 11b are operated. Then, the liquefied gas present in the gas supply pipe 8 is heated and rapidly vaporized by the heating devices 10 b and 11 b, and the liquefied gas present in the gas supply pipe 8 is pushed into the gas cylinder 100.

  Next, the handle driving mechanism 7d of the upper unit 7 rotates the valve gripping mechanism 7a to rotate the valve handle 115 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 to close the flow path for filling the gas cylinder 100 with liquefied gas. . Then, the on-off valve 9a of the gas recovery pipe 9 is opened to recover the liquefied gas remaining in the gas supply pipe 8 and the filling nozzle 20 for filling the liquefied gas. At this time, as described above, the liquefied gas present in the gas supply pipe 8 is pushed into the gas cylinder 100 by the heating devices 10b and 11b, and thereby the gas supply pipe 8 and the filling nozzle 20 for filling the liquefied gas are filled. The amount of remaining liquefied gas has been reduced.

<Operation and characteristics of filling nozzle during liquefied gas filling>
Next, operation | movement of the filling nozzle 20 at the time of liquefied gas filling is demonstrated mainly using FIGS. Here, FIG. 7 and FIGS. 9 to 11 are views showing the operation of the filling nozzle 20 at the time of filling the liquefied gas. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a displacement between the filling nozzle 20 and the valve port 104 has occurred when the valve contact body 40 is advanced until it contacts the valve port 104.

  First, when the nozzle body 30 is pressed forward by the nozzle drive mechanism 7c (not shown in FIGS. 4 to 11, see FIGS. 1 and 2), the valve abutment body 40 is moved to the nozzle body 30 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the front end portion of the slide shaft 50, that is, the clamp fittings 60 and 61 and the grip ring 70 are moved by the guide of the nozzle guide 46. While being inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body 125, the nozzle fitting 42 contacts the rear end portion of the valve port 104 of the cylinder opening / closing valve 101. Accordingly, the forward movement of the valve contact body 40 and the front end portion of the slide shaft 50, that is, the clamp fittings 60 and 61 and the gripping ring 70 is stopped.

  Here, when the valve contact body 40 is brought close to the valve port 104 and the front end portion of the slide shaft 50, that is, when the clamp fittings 60 and 61 and the gripping ring 70 are inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body 125, One clamp fitting 60 may interfere with the inner surface of the check valve body 125. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), misalignment occurs when the axial center of the filling nozzle 20 and the axial center of the check valve 110 are parallel, or as shown in FIG. 8 (b), There is a possibility that the first clamp fitting 60 may interfere with the inner surface of the check valve body 125 due to the occurrence of displacement in a state where the axis of the filling nozzle 20 and the axis of the check valve 110 are inclined. However, here, the position of the first clamp fitting 60 is corrected using the bending of the slide shaft 50 by the small diameter portion 50b of the slide shaft 50, and the clamp fittings 60 and 61 are aligned with the inner surface of the check valve body 125. Can be made. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7 and the like, a gap 55a is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the front bearing 55, so that the slide shaft 50 is bent by the small diameter portion 50b. In addition, the position of the first clamp fitting 60 can be corrected using the gap 55a, and the clamp fittings 60 and 61 can be placed along the inner surface of the check valve body 125. Here, the slide shaft 50 is provided with a small diameter portion 50b and a gap 55a is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the front bearing 55. However, the slide shaft 50 has a small diameter. The portion 50 b may be provided only, or the gap 55 a may be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the front bearing 55. Even if the first clamp fitting 60 interferes with the inner surface of the check valve body 125, the first clamp fitting 60 is slightly rearward through the sleeve 63 and the second clamp fitting 61 due to the elastic deformation of the pre-clamp spring 66. It becomes possible to move, and interference between the first clamp fitting 60 and the inner surface of the check valve body 125 can be mitigated. Accordingly, here, when the clamp fittings 60 and 61 and the gripping ring 70 are inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body 125, there is a displacement between the first clamp fitting 60 and the inner surface of the check valve body 125. Even if it occurs, the clamp fittings 60 and 61 can be guided and inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body 125.

  Next, when the nozzle body 30 is pressed further forward by the nozzle drive mechanism 7c, the nozzle body 30 compresses the nozzle spring 33 as shown in FIG. 9 (the state in which the inner surface of the check valve body 125 is gripped). To go further. Then, the fixed rack 34 rotates the gear 43, the rotation of the gear 43 moves the movable rack 51 backward, and the rearward movement of the movable rack 51 gives a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward. Then, the first clamp fitting 60 moves rearward with respect to the second clamp fitting 61 due to the backward pulling force applied to the slide shaft 50. When the first clamp fitting 60 moves rearward, the gap between the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61 becomes small. Then, a force pushed to the outer peripheral side by the tapered surface portions 62 and 65 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is applied to the gripping ring 70, and the gripping ring 70 is elastically deformed toward the outer peripheral side. As a result, the outer diameter of the gripping ring 70 is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61 and reaches the inner surface of the check valve body 125, thereby gripping the inner surface of the check valve body 125. To do. At this time, the gripping ring 70 grips the inner surface of the check valve body 125 while being in contact with the entire inner surface of the check valve body 125 and being pressed against the inner surface of the check valve body 125. When the grip ring 70 is made of a coil spring, the deformation is easy. Further, when the gripping ring 70 is made of a rubber O-ring, unlike the steel ball disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is no possibility of damaging the inner surface of the check valve body 125 due to elasticity. Thereafter, when the nozzle body 30 is further pressed forward, as shown in FIG. 10 (in the state where the check valve body 125 is opened), a force to pull back is further applied to the slide shaft 50, and the pre-clamp spring 66 is compressed. However, the check valve body 125 is pulled out rearward, and the check valve body 125 of the check valve 110 is opened.

  For this reason, here, unlike the configuration in which the hook member made of a steel ball of Patent Document 1 is protruded to the outer peripheral side, the check valve body 125 is formed without forming an internal groove on the inner surface of the check valve body 125. The inner surface of the can be securely gripped. In addition, here, unlike the configuration in which the check valve is opened by the pressure difference inside and outside of the check valve body in Patent Document 2, the inner surface of the check valve body 125 without depending on the sealing performance of the U packing at the front end of the nozzle. Can be securely gripped. Here, since the direction of the operation for reducing the gap between the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61 is the same as the direction of the operation for pulling the check valve body 125 backward, the check valve body Even when pulling 125 backward, the gripping state of the inner surface of the check valve body 125 is difficult to loosen. As a result, there is no need to remove the check valve 110 or attach / detach a special device for opening the check valve 110, and to use a dedicated check valve such as forming an internal groove on the inner surface of the check valve body 125. Without using it, the inner surface of the check valve body 125 can be reliably grasped and opened.

  In addition, here, since the second clamp fitting 61 is biased toward the front first clamp fitting 60 by the pre-clamp spring 66, the inner surface of the check valve body 125 is gripped. When the check valve body 125 is pulled out rearward and thereafter, the state in which the gap between the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61 is reduced can be maintained. Thereby, here, when gripping the inner surface of the check valve body 125 or when pulling out the check valve body 125 backward, the gripping ring 70 securely holds the inner surface of the check valve body 125. Can be maintained. Here, if a square spring or the like having a large spring force is used as the pre-clamp spring 66 or the post-clamp spring 53, the state in which the gap between the first clamp fitting 60 and the second clamp fitting 61 is further reduced. It becomes easy to maintain, and the force with which the gripping ring 70 grips the inner surface of the check valve body 125 can be increased.

  Further, here, the refrigerant does not flow into the nozzle 41 until the inner surface of the check valve body 125 is gripped by the O-ring 48 provided between the nozzle 41 and the slide shaft 50 (see FIG. 9). After the check valve body 125 is opened (see FIG. 10), there is a gap between the nozzle 41 and the slide shaft 50 so that the refrigerant flows into the nozzle 41 side. It has become. Thus, the outflow of the liquefied gas from the filling nozzle 20 to the outside can be suppressed until the check valve body 125 is opened (see FIG. 10).

  Further, here, as described above, the force for pressing and moving the nozzle body 30 toward the valve port 104 is applied by the nozzle driving mechanism 7 c such as a cylinder for driving the filling nozzle 20. And such a nozzle drive mechanism 7c is a drive source provided in the liquefied gas filling equipment which has a filling nozzle. For this reason, the force which pulls out the slide shaft 50 back can be obtained using the force which presses and advances the nozzle body 30 applied by the nozzle drive mechanism 7c toward the valve port 104 side. Here, since a mechanical mechanism including the fixed rack 34, the gear 43, and the movable rack 51 is employed as the slide shaft driving mechanism, the slide shaft is independent of the pressure conditions in the filling nozzle 20 and the gas cylinder 100. The force which pulls out 50 back can be acquired. Thereby, without using a special drive source as the slide shaft drive mechanism, a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward can be obtained and the inner surface of the check valve body 125 can be grasped and opened. Further, since the inner surface of the check valve body 125 can be grasped and opened by a mechanical mechanism, unlike the mechanism in which the check valve is opened by the pressure difference inside and outside of the check valve body of Patent Document 2, the liquefied gas is discharged The check valve body 125 can be opened without leaking outside, and can be used not only when filling the liquefied gas but also when evacuating the gas cylinder 100 (not shown in FIGS. 4 to 11). .

  Next, when the nozzle main body 30 is further pushed forward by the nozzle drive mechanism 7c and the nozzle main body 30 advances to the stroke end, the movable rack 51 is moved to the rearmost position as shown in FIG. The front spring 66 is compressed and exceeds the spring load of the post-clamp spring 53. For this reason, the post-clamp spring 53 is compressed. Here, in the state where the movable rack 51 has moved most backward (stroke end), an error is caused between the pull-out distance of the slide shaft 50 to the rear and the movement distance of the movable rack 51 to the rear due to various positional errors or the like. (Stroke error) may occur. However, here, as described above, such a stroke error can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the post-clamp spring 53 in the front-rear direction. Thereby, here, the inner surface of the check valve body 125 can be reliably opened while absorbing stroke errors caused by various positional errors and the like.

  Further, here, when filling the liquefied gas, the valve contact body 40 and the valve port 104 are sealed by the flat packing 45 while the valve contact body 40 is pressed against the valve port 104. For this reason, the surface which contacts the valve opening 104 can be enlarged compared with the case where an O-ring is provided in the surface facing the valve opening 104 of the valve contact body 40. In particular, here, the entire end face of the valve port 104 is in contact with the end face of the flat packing 45. Thereby, even when a positional error or the like between the filling nozzle 20 and the valve port 104 occurs in a state where the valve contact body 40 is pressed against the valve port 104, the filling nozzle 20 and The sealing property between the valve port 104 can be ensured, and leakage of the liquefied gas from between the filling nozzle 20 and the valve port 104 at the time of liquefied gas filling can be prevented. The flat packing 45 can be further improved in sealing performance by providing irregularities in an annular shape as well as a flat surface. Of course, the sealing material used as the flat packing 45 should have a hardness that allows appropriate elastic deformation.

(5) Filling nozzle according to modification 1 In the above embodiment, a mechanical mechanism including the fixed rack 34, the gear 43, and the movable rack 51 is employed as a drive source for obtaining a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward. However, it is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a high-pressure space S1 and a low-pressure space S2 behind the high-pressure space S1 are formed between the nozzle body 30 and the valve contact body 40 and moved in the front-rear direction. The piston 80 is provided in a possible state, and the piston 80 is fixed to the slide shaft 50. The piston 80 may be moved backward by applying the pressure of the liquefied gas to the high-pressure space S1, and a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward may be obtained by moving the piston 80 backward. Here, the low pressure space S2 communicates with the gas recovery pipe 9 (not shown in FIGS. 12 and 13; see FIGS. 1 and 2) through a gas recovery hole 81 formed in the rear end portion of the nozzle body 30. ing. Here, FIG. 12 is an overall cross-sectional view of the filling nozzle 20 according to this modification, and FIG. 13 shows the operation of the filling nozzle 20 during liquefied gas filling in this modification (gripping the inner surface of the check valve body 125). And a state where the check valve body 125 is opened).

  That is, here, the high pressure space S1, the low pressure space S2, and the piston 80 constitute a mechanism (slide shaft drive mechanism) that obtains a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward.

  For this reason, here, a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward can be obtained by the differential pressure of the liquefied gas. Here, a differential pressure is generated between the high pressure space S1 and the low pressure space S2 formed between the nozzle body 30 and the valve contact body 40. That is, here, unlike the mechanism in which the check valve is opened by the pressure difference inside and outside of the check valve body in Patent Document 2, when the clamp fittings 60 and 61 are inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body 125, the check valve There is no U packing at the front end of the nozzle inserted while sliding on the inner surface of the valve body 125.

  As a result, here, as in the above-described embodiment, a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward is obtained without using a special drive source as the slide shaft drive mechanism, and the inner surface of the check valve body 125 is gripped. Can be opened. Further, since a mechanism for generating a differential pressure between the high pressure space S1 and the low pressure space S2 formed between the nozzle body 30 and the valve contact body 40 is employed, the check valve body of Patent Document 2 is used. Unlike the mechanism in which the check valve is opened by the internal and external differential pressure, the differential pressure can be reliably ensured without depending on the sealing performance of the U packing at the front end of the nozzle. Furthermore, since the low pressure space S2 communicates with the gas recovery pipe 9, the liquefied gas is not released into the atmosphere.

(6) Filling nozzle according to modified example 2 In the above embodiment and modified example 1, as a drive source for obtaining a force for pulling out the slide shaft 50 backward, a mechanism comprising the fixed rack 34, the gear 43 and the movable rack 51, Although a mechanism including the high-pressure space S1, the low-pressure space S2, and the piston 80 is employed, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the cylinder shaft 50 is moved rearward by a slide shaft drive mechanism 90 that is a drive source different from the nozzle drive mechanism 7c that is a drive source that pushes the nozzle body 30 toward the valve port 104 and advances. You may make it acquire the force drawn out. Here, the slide shaft drive mechanism 90 is supported by a substantially U-shaped support member 91 fixed to the valve contact body 40. Here, FIG. 14 is an overall cross-sectional view of the filling nozzle 20 according to this modification.

  In other words, here, a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward is obtained by a slide shaft drive mechanism 90 different from the nozzle drive mechanism 7c that applies a force to push the nozzle body 30 toward the valve port 104 and advance. .

  For this reason, here, a structure for obtaining a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward by using a force that pushes the nozzle body 30 toward the valve port 104 and moves forward in the filling nozzle 20 (FIGS. 4 to 11). The force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward can be obtained without providing a structure (see FIGS. 12 and 13) for obtaining the slide shaft 50 pulling backward by the differential pressure of the liquefied gas.

  Thereby, although a slide shaft drive mechanism 90 which is a drive source different from the nozzle drive mechanism 7c is required here, a complicated structure for obtaining a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward in the filling nozzle 20 is provided. Without providing, the force which pulls out the slide shaft 50 back can be obtained, and the inner surface of the check valve body 125 (not shown in FIG. 14) can be grasped and opened. Further, unlike the mechanism of opening the check valve by the pressure difference inside and outside of the check valve body of Patent Document 2, the check valve body 125 can be opened without leaking liquefied gas to the outside, and the above embodiment is further described. Similarly to the above, it can be used not only when filling the liquefied gas but also when evacuating the gas cylinder 100 (not shown in FIG. 14).

(7) Filling nozzle according to modified example 3 In the above embodiment and modified examples 1 and 2, a mechanism (check valve) for gripping the inner surface of the check valve body 125 of the check valve 110 provided in the cylinder opening / closing valve 101. As the gripping mechanism), a mechanism including the slide shaft 50, the first clamp fitting 60, the second clamp fitting 61, and the gripping ring 70 is employed, but is not limited thereto.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 20, a check valve of the check valve 110 provided in the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 by a collet chuck mechanism including a slide shaft 50, a first clamp fitting 160, and a second clamp fitting 161. The inner surface of the body 125 may be gripped.

  FIG. 15 is an overall cross-sectional view of the filling nozzle 20 according to this modification. 16 is an enlarged view of the front end portion of the slide shaft 50 and the vicinity of the clamp fittings 160 and 161 in FIG. FIGS. 17A and 17B are views showing the second clamp fitting 161 of the filling nozzle according to this modification, where FIG. 17A is a side view of the second clamp fitting 161 and FIG. 17B is a front view of the second clamp fitting 161. 18-20 is a figure which shows operation | movement of the filling nozzle 20 at the time of liquefied gas filling in this modification.

  As described above, the filling nozzle 20 mainly includes the nozzle body 30, the valve contact body 40, the slide shaft 50, the first clamp fitting 160, and the second clamp fitting 161. Here, as in the above embodiment, the slide shaft drive mechanism including the gear 43 and the racks 34 and 51 is used to obtain a force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward. A force for pulling the slide shaft 50 backward may be obtained by the shaft driving mechanism. In the following, the description will be focused on the configuration different from the above embodiment, and the description of the same configuration as the above embodiment will be omitted.

  The slide shaft 50 is substantially the same as in the above embodiment. However, when the valve contact body 40 is brought close to the valve port 104 and the front end portion of the slide shaft 50 is inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body 125, the clamp fittings 160 and 161 are placed along the inner surface of the check valve body 125. As a structure for this, the point which does not provide the thin diameter part in the slide shaft 50 differs from the said embodiment. That is, in this modification, when the valve contact body 40 is brought close to the valve port 104 and the front end portion of the slide shaft 50 is inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body 125, the clamp fittings 160 and 161 are connected to the check valve body 125. A gap 55 a is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the front bearing 55. In the present modification as well, a narrow diameter portion may be provided on the slide shaft 50 as in the above embodiment.

  The first clamp fitting 160 is a member that is fixed to the front end of the slide shaft 50 and is movable rearward by applying a pulling force to the slide shaft 50. Here, the first clamp fitting 60 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is fixed to the front end portion of the slide shaft 50 by being screwed into the front end portion of the slide shaft 50. Here, the maximum outer diameter of the first clamp fitting 160 is smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the check valve body 125. In addition, a tapered surface portion 162 whose diameter increases toward the front is formed on the outer surface of the first clamp fitting 160.

  The second clamp fitting 161 is provided on the slide shaft 50, and a gripping portion 170 that opens radially toward the outer peripheral side by the rearward movement of the first clamp fitting 160 and grips the inner surface of the check valve body 125. It is a member having. Here, the second clamp fitting 161 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The second clamp fitting 161 constitutes a sleeve portion 163 into which the slide shaft 50 can be inserted with its rear end portion being movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the slide shaft 50. At the rear end portion of the sleeve portion 163, an annular flange portion 163a protrudes toward the outer peripheral side. The flange portion 163a comes into contact with the rear surface of the step portion 42b protruding toward the inner peripheral side in the vicinity of the front end portion of the through hole 42a of the nozzle fitting 42, and the nozzle 41 (that is, the valve contact body 40). The range of forward movement with respect to is limited. Accordingly, the front portion of the slide shaft 50 is supported by the nozzle fitting 42 via the second clamp fitting 161 (here, the sleeve portion 163). Here, a gap 40a is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the second clamp fitting 161 (here, the sleeve portion 163) and the inner peripheral surface of the valve contact body 40 (here, the step portion 42b of the nozzle fitting 42). Is formed. That is, the position of the slide shaft 50 can be shifted by the gap 40a. Thus, when the clamp fittings 160 and 161 are inserted into the inner surface of the check valve body 125 together with the gap 55a formed between the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the front bearing 55, the clamp Even if a positional shift occurs between the metal fittings 160 and 161 and the inner surface of the check valve body 125, the positions of the clamp metal fittings 160 and 161 are corrected, and the clamp metal fittings 160 and 161 are aligned with the inner surface of the check valve body 125. Can be made.

  Between the rear end portion of the second clamp fitting 161 and the front bearing 55 constituting the nozzle fitting 42 (that is, the valve contact body 40), the clamp is made of a coil spring that is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction. A spring 66 is provided. That is, a state in which the second clamp fitting 161 is biased toward the front first clamp fitting 160 by the pre-clamp spring 66 is obtained.

  Further, the second clamp fitting 161 can be opened radially toward the outer peripheral side by forming a plurality of (in this case, four) slits 164 on the front side of the sleeve portion 163 in a radial manner. A radial portion 165 is formed. The front end portion of the radial portion 165 constitutes the grip portion 170. The gripping portion 170 is disposed so as to face the outer peripheral side of the tapered surface portion 162 of the first clamp fitting 160. A tapered surface portion 171 whose diameter increases toward the front is formed on the inner surface of the gripping portion 170 and is in contact with the tapered surface portion 162 of the first clamp fitting 160.

  Further, the second clamp fitting 161 is provided with a substantially cylindrical collar 166 ahead of the radial portion 165 at a portion on the inner peripheral side. The front end portion of the collar 166 faces the rear end portion of the first clamp fitting 160 with a predetermined gap. As a result, the backward movement range of the first clamp fitting 160 relative to the second clamp fitting 161 can be limited, and damage to the second clamp fitting 161 can be prevented.

  When a rearward pulling force applied to the slide shaft 50 is applied, the first clamp fitting 160 moves rearward with respect to the second clamp fitting 161 as shown in FIG. When the first clamp fitting 160 moves rearward, the tapered surface portion 162 of the first clamp fitting 160 presses the tapered surface portion 171 of the gripping portion 170 of the second clamp fitting 161 toward the outer peripheral side. Then, by this operation, the gripping portion 170 of the second clamp fitting 161 opens radially toward the outer peripheral side. As a result, the outer surface of the gripping portion 170 that opens radially toward the outer peripheral side reaches the inner surface of the check valve body 125, and grips the inner surface of the check valve body 125. At this time, the grip 170 of the second clamp fitting 161 grips the inner surface of the check valve body 125 while being in contact with the inner surface of the check valve body 125 and pressed against the inner surface of the check valve body 125. (See FIG. 19). That is, here, a mechanism (check valve gripping mechanism) for gripping the inner surface of the check valve body 125 of the check valve 110 provided in the cylinder opening / closing valve 101 is constituted by the slide shaft 50 and the clamp fittings 160 and 161. ing. Thereafter, when a rearward pulling force applied to the slide shaft 50 is further applied, the check valve body 125 is pulled back and the check valve body 125 of the check valve 110 is opened (see FIG. 20). .

  Thus, also in the filling nozzle 20 of this modification, similarly to the above embodiment and Modifications 1 and 2, the removal of the check valve 110 and the attachment and detachment of a special device for opening the check valve 110 are eliminated. Without using a dedicated check valve such as forming an internal groove on the inner surface of the check valve body 125, the inner surface of the check valve body 125 can be securely grasped and opened. Further, the check valve gripping mechanism including the collet chuck mechanism in the filling nozzle 20 of the present modification is compared with the check valve gripping mechanism including the grip ring 70 in the filling nozzle 20 of the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 and 2. The force for gripping the inner surface of the check valve body 125 can be enhanced.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is widely applicable to a filling nozzle connected to a valve opening of a cylinder opening / closing valve with a check valve when filling a gas cylinder with liquefied gas, and a liquefied gas filling facility including the filling nozzle. .

1 Liquefied gas filling equipment 7c Nozzle drive mechanism (drive source)
8 Gas supply pipe 10a, 11a Open / close valve 10b, 11b Heating device 20 Filling nozzle 30 Nozzle body 34 Fixed rack 40 Valve contact body 43 Gear 45 Flat packing 50 Slide shaft 50b Small diameter part 51 Movable rack 53 Clamp spring 60, 160 First clamp fitting 61, 161 Second clamp fitting 66 Pre-clamp spring 70 Gripping ring 80 Piston 90 Slide shaft drive mechanism (another drive source)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Gas cylinder 101 Cylinder open / close valve 104 Valve port 110 Check valve 125 Check valve body 170 Holding part S1 High pressure space S2 Low pressure space

JP 2011-241847 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-209099

Claims (14)

A filling nozzle connected to a valve port (104) of a cylinder opening / closing valve (101) with a check valve (110) when filling a gas cylinder (100) with liquefied gas,
A nozzle body (30);
A cylindrical valve contact body (40) provided in the nozzle body in a state of being movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the nozzle body, and pressed against the valve port;
The valve abutting body is provided so as to pass through the inside of the valve abutting body in a state of being movable in the front-rear direction, and a front end portion thereof is a check valve body (125) of the check valve. A shaft-shaped slide shaft (50) that extends to the inner surface of the shaft and to which a force for pulling out backward is applied in a state where the valve contact body is pressed against the valve opening;
A first clamp fitting (160) fixed to the front end of the slide shaft and movable rearwardly by applying a pulling force to the slide shaft;
A second clamp fitting provided on the slide shaft and having a gripping portion (170) that radially opens toward the outer peripheral side by the backward movement of the first clamp fitting and grips the inner surface of the check valve body. (161)
A filling nozzle (20). A gap (40a) is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the second clamp fitting (161) and the inner peripheral surface of the valve contact body (40).
The filling nozzle (20) according to claim 1. A filling nozzle connected to a valve port (104) of a cylinder opening / closing valve (101) with a check valve (110) when filling a gas cylinder (100) with liquefied gas,
A nozzle body (30);
A cylindrical valve contact body (40) provided in the nozzle body in a state of being movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the nozzle body, and pressed against the valve port;
The valve abutting body is provided so as to pass through the inside of the valve abutting body in a state of being movable in the front-rear direction, and a front end portion thereof is a check valve body (125) of the check valve. A shaft-shaped slide shaft (50) that extends to the inner surface of the shaft and to which a force for pulling out backward is applied in a state where the valve contact body is pressed against the valve opening;
A first clamp fitting (60) fixed to the front end of the slide shaft;
The slide shaft is provided at a position rearward of the first clamp fitting, and a gap between the first clamp fitting and the front-rear direction is reduced by applying a pulling force to the slide shaft. A possible second clamp fitting (61);
It is provided between the first clamp fitting and the second clamp fitting in the front-rear direction, and elastically deforms toward the outer peripheral side by reducing the gap between the first clamp fitting and the second clamp fitting. An annular grip ring (70) for gripping the inner surface of the check valve body;
A filling nozzle (20). A pre-clamp spring (66) that is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction is provided between the second clamp fittings (61, 161) and the valve contact body (40).
The filling nozzle (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A flat packing (45) is provided on the surface of the valve contact body (40) facing the valve port (104).
The filling nozzle (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The end face of the flat packing (45) has a size with which the entire end face of the valve port (104) can contact.
Filling nozzle (20) according to claim 5. A small diameter portion (50b) having a reduced diameter is provided in a part of the slide shaft (50).
Filling nozzle (20) according to any one of the preceding claims. The slide shaft (50) is supported by the valve contact body (40) through a front bearing (55) so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.
Forming a gap (55a) between the outer peripheral surface of the slide shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the front bearing;
Filling nozzle (20) according to any one of the preceding claims. A fixed rack (34) is provided on the nozzle body (30),
A gear (43) meshing with the fixed rack is provided on the valve contact body (40),
A movable rack (51) meshing with the gear is provided on the slide shaft (50),
The gear is rotated by a force that pushes and advances the nozzle body toward the valve port (104), the movable rack is moved rearward by rotation of the gear, and the slide is moved by rearward movement of the movable rack. Getting the force to pull the shaft backwards,
Filling nozzle (20) according to any one of the preceding claims. A post-clamp spring (53) that is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction is provided between the front-rear direction of the movable rack (51) and the slide shaft (50).
Filling nozzle (20) according to claim 9. A high pressure space (S1) and a low pressure space (S2) behind the high pressure space are formed between the nozzle body (30) and the valve contact body (40), and are movable in the front-rear direction. In the state provided a piston (80),
Fixing the piston to the slide shaft (50);
The piston is moved rearward by applying a pressure of liquefied gas to the high-pressure space, and a force for pulling out the slide shaft rearward by moving the piston rearward is obtained.
Filling nozzle (20) according to any one of the preceding claims. A force that pulls the cylinder shaft (50) backward is obtained by a drive source (90) that is different from the drive source (7c) that pushes the nozzle body (30) toward the valve port (104) and advances. ,
Filling nozzle (20) according to any one of the preceding claims.   The liquefied gas filling equipment (1) provided with the filling nozzle (20) of any one of Claims 1-12. The gas supply pipe (8) for supplying the liquefied gas to the filling nozzle (20), the gas supply pipe on / off valves (10a, 11a) and the filling nozzle between the gas and the filling gas immediately before completion of the liquefied gas filling. A heating device (10b, 11b) for heating the liquefied gas present in the supply pipe is provided.
The liquefied gas filling equipment (1) according to claim 13.

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