JP5392967B2 - Liquefied gas fuel supply system for automobiles - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying liquefied gas fuel for automobiles, and more particularly to an apparatus for supplying liquefied gas fuel for automobiles provided with a plurality of fuel storage containers.

  In order to fill an automobile fuel tank with liquefied gas fuel for automobiles, an liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for automobiles that supplies liquefied gas from a fuel storage container that contains liquefied gas fuel to an automobile fuel tank is used. . The liquefied gas fuel supply device for automobiles is provided with a pump for feeding liquid in the fuel supply pipe, and the liquid liquefied gas fuel accommodated in the fuel storage container by driving the pump is supplied to the fuel tank of the automobile. There is something to fill. However, in the case of this liquefied gas fuel supply device, it is necessary to appoint a safety supervisor or to secure a safety distance within the site in accordance with the provisions of the High Pressure Gas Safety Law. For this reason, the problem that the liquefied gas supply facility which installed the liquefied gas fuel supply device, ie, an auto gas stand, cannot be installed easily occurs.

  Therefore, in order to fill the automobile fuel tank with the liquefied gas fuel for automobiles, a gas for pressurizing the inside of the fuel storage container, for example, propane, in the gas phase part of the fuel storage container for storing the liquefied gas fuel. Liquefaction that increases the pressure in the fuel storage container by supplying gas, nitrogen gas, helium gas, argon gas, etc., and fills the fuel tank of the automobile with the liquid liquefied gas fuel contained in the fuel storage container A gas fuel supply apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a liquefied gas fuel supply system using pressurization gas, it is not necessary to appoint a safety supervisor or to secure a safety distance on the premises due to the provisions of the High Pressure Gas Safety Law. Can be easily performed.

  Further, as a liquefied gas fuel supply device that fills a fuel tank of an automobile with liquefied gas fuel using such pressurizing gas, a device provided with a plurality of fuel storage containers has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2). To 4). In such a liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus having a plurality of fuel storage containers, the fuel tank of the automobile is filled with liquefied gas fuel from the fuel storage container selected from the plurality of fuel storage containers, and the liquefied gas is supplied. When the liquefied gas fuel could not be supplied from the fuel storage container used for supplying the fuel, or when the liquefied gas fuel could not be supplied, it was switched to another fuel storage container to supply and fill the liquefied gas fuel. There is something.

JP 11-210989 A (page 2-3, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-280588 (page 3-7, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-317690 (page 3, FIG. 1, FIG. 2) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-42786 (page 5-7, FIGS. 1 and 2)

  By the way, in the liquefied gas fuel supply device that includes a plurality of fuel storage containers and switches the fuel storage containers used to supply the liquefied gas fuel, the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus is provided at various places when switching the fuel storage containers used to supply the liquefied gas fuel. Depending on the control method such as the opening / closing operation of the valve and the switching of the fuel storage container, the liquefied gas fuel may flow between the fuel storage containers depending on the conditions such as the difference in vapor pressure. It may move. Also, increase in the amount of pressurizing gas used, increase in filling time, backflow of liquefied gas fuel in the direction of the fuel storage container in the fuel supply line for filling the in-vehicle container of the automobile with liquefied gas fuel, Various problems such as a measurement error of the filling amount of the liquefied gas fuel due to the backflow of the liquefied gas fuel may occur.

  As described above, in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for automobiles having a plurality of fuel storage containers, the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus as described above is controlled depending on the control method of each device when the fuel storage container is switched. Various problems related to performance may occur. On the other hand, in the conventional liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for automobiles equipped with a plurality of fuel storage containers, the liquefied gas generated by the control method of each device when switching the fuel storage containers. Various problems related to the performance of the fuel supply apparatus are not considered. For this reason, the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for motor vehicles provided with the several container for fuel storage which can solve these problems and can improve performance is desired.

  The subject of this invention is improving the performance of the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for motor vehicles provided with the several container for fuel storage.

The liquefied gas fuel supply device for automobiles of the present invention includes a plurality of fuel storage containers in which liquefied gas fuel for automobiles is accommodated, a gas container for pressurization that supplies gas for pressurizing the inside of each fuel storage container, The pressurization gas in the pressurization gas container is guided to the gas phase part of each fuel storage container, and one end is located in the liquid phase part in each fuel storage container, and the fuel is stored in the fuel tank of the automobile. A fuel supply line for supplying a liquid phase liquefied gas fuel in the container, a pressurizing valve provided in each pressurizing gas pipe for controlling the supply of the pressurizing gas to each fuel storage container, A fuel supply valve provided in each of the fuel supply pipes communicating with the liquid phase portion of the fuel storage container to open and close the flow path in the fuel supply pipe; and each fuel on the downstream side of the fuel supply valve A system that joins supply pipelines to supply and stop liquefied gas fuel in the fuel tank of an automobile. One and the fuel supply conduit connected to Supensa, and control means for controlling the opening and closing of the pressurizing valve and the fuel supply valve, said plurality of fuel storage containers, each for fuel storage Liquid level detection means for detecting the amount of liquid phase liquefied gas fuel in the container is provided, and the control means controls the liquid phase in the fuel storage container used for the current filling of the fuel tank of the automobile. When the amount of liquefied gas fuel is reduced to the set amount, after the set time has elapsed, after opening the pressurization valve corresponding to another fuel storage container used for filling the liquefied gas fuel, and after opening the pressurization valve, Close the fuel supply valve corresponding to the fuel storage container currently used for filling, open the fuel supply valve corresponding to another fuel storage container that opened the pressurization valve, and use the fuel storage container used for filling. Switch, the set amount is for fuel storage currently used for filling 20% of the maximum capacity of the container, and the set time is the time until the filling operation of the fuel tank of the automobile in the middle of the filling operation by the fuel storage container currently used for filling is completed. The above problem is solved by setting.

With such a configuration, when the fuel storage container currently used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel is switched to another fuel storage container used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel, the current liquefied gas fuel is supplied. The fuel supply valve of the fuel storage container used in the above and the fuel supply valve of another fuel storage container used for the supply of liquefied gas fuel are simultaneously opened, and these fuel storage containers communicated with each other. It can prevent becoming a state. Therefore, even if the vapor pressure is higher in another fuel storage container used for the supply of the liquefied gas fuel than in the fuel storage container currently used for the supply of the liquefied gas fuel. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquefied gas fuel from moving from the fuel storage container currently used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel to the next fuel storage container used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel. That is, it is possible to prevent movement of liquefied gas fuel between fuel storage containers having different vapor pressures, increase in the amount of pressurizing gas used, and the like . That is, it is possible to prevent movement of liquefied gas fuel between fuel storage containers having different vapor pressures, increase in the amount of pressurizing gas used, and the like.

Further, when switching from the fuel storage container currently used for supplying liquefied gas fuel to another fuel storage container used for supplying liquefied gas fuel, the switching of the fuel storage container used for supplying liquefied gas fuel is changed. Prior to this, another fuel storage container to be used next for supplying the liquefied gas fuel can be previously pressurized with the pressurizing gas. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the liquefied gas fuel in the fuel supply pipe from flowing backward. As described above, the liquefied gas fuel supply device for automobiles having a plurality of fuel storage containers can be prevented by preventing the movement of the liquefied gas fuel between the fuel storage containers having different vapor pressures, the backflow of the liquefied gas fuel, and the like. Can improve performance.

In addition, the preset time is used for the supply of the present liquefied gas fuel after the amount of 20% of the maximum capacity of the fuel storage container used for the current filling, which is a set amount for starting the switching operation , is used. The time until the filling of the fuel tank of the car in the middle of the filling operation with the fuel storage container is completed is set, so the filling with the fuel storage container currently used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel is completed. After that, it is possible to switch to another fuel storage container used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the work time of the filling operation.

Furthermore, each of the plurality of fuel storage containers includes heating means for heating the liquefied gas in the fuel storage container, pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure in the fuel storage container, and liquefaction in the fuel storage container. At least one of temperature detecting means for detecting the heating temperature of the gas is provided, and the heating means controls heating according to at least one of the pressure detected by the corresponding pressure detecting means and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means. Of the heating means, only the heating means provided in the fuel storage container used for filling the fuel by opening the fuel supply valve is operated, and the other heating means are in a stopped state.

  With such a configuration, the pressurizing gas is supplied only to the fuel storage container that is actually used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel. The supply of gas can be prevented, and an increase in the amount of pressurizing gas used can be prevented. In addition, since only the fuel storage container that is actually used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel is heated and the other fuel storage containers are not heated, it is possible to suppress the consumption of useless energy by heating and improve energy saving. . Thus, the performance of the liquefied gas fuel supply device for automobiles equipped with a plurality of fuel storage containers can be further improved by improving energy saving.

Each of the plurality of fuel storage containers includes a heating means for heating the liquefied gas in the fuel storage container, a pressure detection means for detecting the pressure in the fuel storage container, and a liquefaction in the fuel storage container. At least one of temperature detecting means for detecting the heating temperature of the gas is provided, and the heating means controls heating according to at least one of the pressure detected by the corresponding pressure detecting means and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means. and, the liquid amount detecting means, the amount of liquefied gas in the liquid phase in the fuel storage vessel that is used for the supply of fuel to another set amount previously set larger than the set amount for starting the switching operation When it is detected, the heating means for another fuel storage container used for fuel filling is operated.

  As a result, before the amount of the liquefied gas fuel in the liquid phase in the fuel storage container currently used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel falls below the set amount for starting the switching operation, it is used for the next fuel supply. Heating of the liquefied gas fuel in another fuel storage container is started. For this reason, when the supply of the liquefied gas fuel is started next from another fuel storage container used for fuel supply, the temperature of the other fuel storage container is increased to the required temperature and pressure, and the pressure is increased. When the fuel supply valve is opened, the liquefied gas can be supplied. Therefore, the performance of the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for automobiles provided with a plurality of fuel storage containers can be further improved.

  Furthermore, if the fuel supply valve is configured to serve as an emergency shut-off valve that is forcibly closed in an emergency and shuts off the supply of liquefied gas fuel, the configuration of the apparatus can be simplified. Regardless of the preset amount of liquefied gas in the liquid phase, the fuel supply valve corresponding to the fuel storage container used for supplying the fuel is closed, and then another fuel storage used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel. And a switching command means for sending a command for opening the fuel supply valve corresponding to the container to the fuel supply valve control means.

  By the way, in the liquefied gas fuel supply device that fills the in-vehicle container of the automobile with the liquefied gas fuel stored in the container using the pressurizing gas, the liquefied gas fuel is supplied by being connected to the in-vehicle container serving as the fuel tank of the automobile. When the filling nozzle is removed from the equipment such as the dispenser, the valve for controlling the supply and stop of the pressurization gas is opened, and the pressurization gas is supplied to the fuel storage container. When the filling nozzle is returned to the equipment such as the dispenser, the valve for controlling the supply and stop of the pressurizing gas is closed, and the supply of the pressurizing gas to the fuel storage container is stopped. Therefore, in the conventional liquefied gas fuel supply device, the pressurizing gas is continuously supplied to the fuel storage container while the filling nozzle is connected to the fuel tank of the auto gas vehicle.

  However, if the gas for pressurization continues to be supplied to the fuel storage container while the filling nozzle is connected to the vehicle-mounted container or the like, the gas for pressurization will be supplied in excess of the amount required for pressurization. There is a case. If pressurization gas is supplied in excess of the amount required for pressurization, the consumption of pressurization gas will increase, and the filling cycle and delivery cycle of pressurization gas will be shortened. Resulting in. Further, when the inside of the fuel storage container is pressurized with the pressurizing gas, the pressurizing gas may dissolve into the liquefied gas fuel with time. For this reason, depending on the type of the pressurizing gas, as the amount of the pressurizing gas dissolved in the liquefied gas fuel increases, the pressure in the on-vehicle container of the automobile tends to increase, and the filling speed tends to decrease. , Filling may become impossible.

  On the other hand, it is provided with a pressurization command means for sending a command to open the pressurization valve to the pressurization valve control means, and the pressurization valve control means is set in advance after opening the pressurization valve by a command signal from the pressurization command means. When the elapsed time elapses, the pressurization valve is closed. With such a configuration, for example, when liquefied gas fuel is to be filled in an on-vehicle tank of an automobile, if the liquefied gas fuel is not filled, the inside of the fuel storage container is pressurized by pressing a pressure switch, The pressure in the storage container can be set to the pressure required for filling. At this time, pressurization in the fuel storage container, that is, supply of the pressurization gas into the fuel storage container is performed only for a preset time. The time required for supplying the required amount of pressurizing gas to the fuel storage container is set. As a result, the supply amount of the pressurized gas in the liquefied gas fuel supply device for automobiles using the pressurized gas can be reduced, and the performance of the liquefied gas fuel supply device for automobiles equipped with a plurality of fuel storage containers is further improved. it can.

  Further, the fuel supply pipe is provided with a cooling means for cooling the liquefied gas fuel flowing through the fuel supply pipe to a preset temperature. Thereby, the supply amount of the pressurization gas in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for automobiles using the pressurization gas can be further reduced, and the performance of the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for automobiles equipped with a plurality of fuel storage containers can be further improved. Can be improved.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the performance of the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for motor vehicles provided with the several container for fuel storage can be improved.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for an automobile to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of a liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for automobiles to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, a pressurization gas container that contains a liquefied gas that serves as a pressurization gas, a heater that constitutes heating means for the pressurization gas container, a fuel storage container that contains liquefied gas fuel, and cooling The heat exchanger etc. which comprise a means are shown in the state of the cross section.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a liquefied gas fuel supply device 1 for an automobile according to the present embodiment is a liquefied gas fuel obtained by mixing liquefied propane and liquefied butane, which are liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), for example. In order to store and store the fuel, two fuel storage containers, a first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and a second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, are provided. Furthermore, the liquefied gas fuel supply device 1 contains liquefied propane which is liquefied gas, for example, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which becomes a pressurizing gas for pressurizing the inside of the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. One propane bulk storage tank 5 is provided as a pressurizing gas container.

  The first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b are respectively connected to the liquid phase portions 7a and 7b in the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b at one end side connecting lines 9a and 9b. Is provided. The other ends of the connecting pipes 9a and 9b are connected and joined to one fuel supply pipe 11 for supplying liquefied gas fuel to an in-vehicle LP container which is a fuel tank of an automobile (not shown) It has become.

  Each of the connecting pipes 9a and 9b has outlets in order from the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b side to the parts piped outside the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. Valves 12a and 12b and fuel supply valves 13a and 13b are provided. The fuel supply line 11 is connected to a dispenser 14 that controls supply of liquefied gas fuel to a vehicle-mounted LP container (not shown) and control of supply stoppage. The fuel supply valves 13a and 13b are valves that are opened and closed by nitrogen gas. The fuel supply valves 13a and 13b are respectively supplied with nitrogen pipes 15a and 15b for supplying nitrogen for performing the opening and closing operations of the valves. A nitrogen cylinder 16 is connected via 15b.

  The nitrogen pipes 15a and 15b are respectively provided with nitrogen control three-way valves 17a and 17b which are electromagnetic valves for controlling supply and shutoff of nitrogen to the fuel supply valves 13a and 13b. In the present embodiment, the nitrogen pipes 15 a and 15 b merge together to form one nitrogen pipe 15 and are connected to one nitrogen cylinder 16. Further, a regulator 18 is provided in the vicinity of the nitrogen cylinder 16 of the nitrogen pipe 15 where the nitrogen pipes 15a and 15b merge. However, the number of nitrogen cylinders and the operating mechanism of the fuel supply valve can be selected as appropriate.

  In the first autogas bulk storage tank 3 a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3 b, the gas phase sections 19 a and 19 b communicate with the gas phase section 20 of the propane bulk storage tank 5 through the pressurization gas pipe 21. One end side of the pressurizing gas pipe 21 branches to the gas phase portion 20 of the propane bulk storage tank 5, and is branched into two pressurizing gas pipes 21 a and 21 b on the way, and these end side sides, that is, the pressurizing gas pipe 21. The other end side is open at the gas phase portions 19a and 19b of the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b.

  The first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b are respectively connected to the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b via pressure switch valves 22a and 22b provided outside the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a. Pressure switches 23a and 23b and pressure gauges 24a and 24b serving as pressure detection means for detecting the pressure in the gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b are provided. Furthermore, in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, liquids for detecting the liquid surfaces of the liquid phase portions 7a and 7b in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, respectively. Surface meters 25a and 25b are provided.

  A pressure switch serving as a pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure in the outlet valve 26 and the propane bulk storage tank 5 in order from the propane bulk storage tank 5 side is provided in a portion of the pressurizing gas pipeline 21 that is piped outside the propane bulk storage tank 5. 23c and a pressure gauge 25c are provided. Furthermore, the portions of the pressurized gas pipelines 21a and 21b after branching that are piped outside the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b are respectively upstream from the flow of the pressurization gas. In order, pressurization valves 27a and 27b made of electromagnetic valves and inlet valves 29a and 29b are provided.

  Each of the pressure switches 23a and 23b detects the pressure in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, and transmits an electrical signal when the detected pressure reaches a preset pressure. The pressure switch 23c detects the pressure in the propane bulk storage tank 5 by detecting the pressure in the portion near the propane bulk storage tank 5 of the pressurizing gas pipe 21, and the detected pressure is set to a preset pressure. An electrical signal is transmitted.

  The liquid level gauges 25a and 25b of the present embodiment have floats 30a and 30b that move up and down according to the liquid levels of the liquid phase portions 7a and 7b. The liquid level gauges 25a and 25b transmit, as electrical signals, the positions of the floats 30a and 30b corresponding to the liquid surface positions of the liquid phase portions 7a and 7b in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. To do.

  The first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b are installed on the outer bottom surfaces of the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b, respectively. Heaters 31a and 31b for heating the liquefied propane in the storage tank 3b are provided. The heaters 31a and 31b have the same structure, and heat exchange pipes 33a formed of a material having thermal conductivity such as copper bent in a bellows shape in metal cases 32a and 32b having upper surfaces opened. , 33b. The heaters 31a and 31b are attached by bringing the edges of the openings of the cases 32a and 32b into close contact with the outer bottom surfaces in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b.

  Similarly, the propane bulk storage tank 5 is also provided with a heater 31c having the same structure as the heaters 31a and 31b, which is installed on the outer bottom surface of the propane bulk storage tank 5 and heats the liquefied propane in the propane bulk storage tank 5. ing. In addition, the space between the heat exchange pipes 33a, 33b, and 33c of the heaters 31a, 31b, and 31c and the cases 32a, 32b, and 32c is capable of transferring heat such as liquid such as water or silicon. Filling material is filled. The heat exchange pipes 33a and 33b of the heaters 31a and 31b are respectively connected to one heat source machine 35a for heating the heat medium via the heat medium circulation pipes 34a and 34b through which the heat medium flows. It is connected.

  The heat medium circulation pipes 34a and 34b are those in which the heat medium circulation pipe 34 is branched into the heat medium circulation pipes 34a and 34b in the vicinity of the heat source machine 35a, and merge in the vicinity of the heat source machine 35a. Further, in the portions of the heat medium circulation pipes 34a, 34b on the side where the heat medium is supplied from the heat source unit 35a to the heaters 31a, 31b, the heat medium passage which is an electric valve for controlling the supply and shutoff of the heat medium, respectively. Flow control valves 36a and 36b are provided. Each of the heat exchange pipes 33c of the heater 31c is connected to one heat source machine 35b for heating the heat medium via a heat medium circulation pipe 34c through which the heat medium flows.

  In the present embodiment, the heat source devices 35a and 35b use a built-in burner for heating the heat medium, a pump for circulating the heat medium, and the like in the burners in the heat source devices 35a and 35b. As the fuel to be supplied, the gas phase propane gas in the propane bulk storage tank 5 supplied through the branch pipe 21c branched from the pressurizing gas pipe 21a is used. Two stages of regulators 37 and 38 are provided in the branch pipe 21c.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the heaters 31a, 31b, 31c, the heat medium circulation pipes 34, 34a, 34b, 34c, the heat source devices 35a, 35b, the heat medium flow control valves 36a, 36b, and the like are used as heating means. Is configured. The heaters 31a, 31b, and 31c are provided with temperature switches 39a, 39b, and 39c that serve as temperature detection means for detecting the heating temperatures of the heaters 31a, 31b, and 31c, respectively. The temperature switches 39a, 39b, and 39c are the first auto gas bulk storage tanks by the heaters 31a, 31b, and 31c by detecting the temperature of the filler filled in the cases 32a, 32b, and 32c of the heaters 31a, 31b, and 31c. While detecting the heating temperature of 3a, the 2nd auto gas bulk storage tank 3b, and the propane bulk storage tank 5, if the detected temperature turns into preset temperature, an electrical signal will be transmitted.

  The fuel supply pipeline 11 of the present embodiment is provided with a heat exchanger 41 for cooling the liquefied gas fuel flowing through the fuel supply pipeline 11. The heat exchanger 41 of the present embodiment is a plate fin type heat exchanger, and performs heat exchange with a cooling medium to lower the temperature of the liquefied gas fuel flowing through the fuel supply pipe 11. is there. Instead of the heat exchanger 41, a heat exchanger having a structure other than the plate fin type can be used. However, if a plate fin type heat exchanger such as the heat exchanger 41 is used, the heat exchanger can be downsized. Cost reduction is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the flow path through which the cooling medium of the heat exchanger 41 flows is connected to a refrigerant circulator 45 having a built-in pump or the like via a refrigerant pipe 43 through which a cooling medium such as water circulates. Further, the cooling medium can be obtained directly from the water supply without using the refrigerant circulator 45. In this case, for example, one of the two refrigerant pipes 43 is connected to a water supply (not shown), and the other refrigerant pipe is used as a drainage pipe. In the case of the configuration in which the cooling medium is circulated as in the present embodiment, a liquid that becomes various refrigerants other than water, a gas such as compressed air, or the like can be used as the cooling medium. As described above, the cooling means of the present embodiment includes the heat exchanger 41, the refrigerant pipe 43, the refrigerant circulator 45, and the like.

  The dispenser 14 of the present embodiment includes a filling switch (not shown) for instructing start and stop of supply of liquefied gas fuel to an on-vehicle LP container (not shown), and a fuel supply pipe in conjunction with the filling switch (not shown). A control valve (not shown) for opening and closing the flow path of the path 11 is provided. Further, the dispenser 14 includes a flow meter (not shown) that measures the volume of the liquid-phase liquefied gas fuel that has passed through the dispenser 14, a display unit 14a that displays the total flow rate, that is, the filling amount measured by the flow meter, and A hose 14b and a filling nozzle 14c are connected to a supply port of a vehicle-mounted LP container (not shown) and guide liquefied gas fuel that has passed through the dispenser 14 to a vehicle-mounted LP container (not shown).

  If the charging switch (not shown) of the dispenser 14 can control the flow and stop of the cooling medium to the heat exchanger 41 and the drive and stop of the refrigerant circulator 45, the cooling can be performed when it is unnecessary. Since the flow of the medium and the operation of the refrigerant circulator 45 are not performed, an energy saving effect is obtained. In addition, a grounded static electricity removing sheet 46 is provided in the vicinity of the dispenser 14.

  In the present embodiment, supply of pressurization gas from the propane bulk storage tank 5 to the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, selection of an autogas bulk storage tank for supplying liquefied gas fuel, the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a, The heating of the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b and the propane bulk storage tank 5 is controlled by a control unit in the control panel 49 of the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 accommodated in the drip-proof storage box 47.

  Therefore, the control panel 49 includes nitrogen control three-way valves 17a, 17b, pressure switches 23a, 23b, 23c, pressurization valves 27a, 27b, heat source devices 35a, 35b, heat medium flow control valves 36a, 36b, temperature switches. 39a, 39b, 39c, the refrigerant circulator 45, and the like are electrically connected to each other through the wiring 51. In the storage box 47, a level converter 53a corresponding to the liquid level gauge 25a of the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and a level converter 53b corresponding to the liquid level gauge 25b of the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3b are also stored. The level converters 53a and 53b are electrically connected to the control panel 49, and the liquid level gauges 25a and 25b are respectively connected to the level converters 53a and 53b via the wiring 55.

  The control unit in the control panel 49 calculates the first auto gas bulk from the information on the liquid level positions of the liquid phase parts 7a and 7b in the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b from the level converters 53a and 53b. The amount of the liquid phase liquefied gas fuel in the storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b is 40% or less of the maximum capacity of the liquid phase liquefied gas fuel in the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b. It is determined that the amount has reached 20% or less, which is a set amount for starting the switching operation. As described above, in this embodiment, the liquid level gauges 25a and 25b, the level converters 53a and 53b, the control unit in the control panel 49, and the like are used for the liquid phase in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. This is a liquid amount detection means for detecting the amount of liquefied gas fuel.

  Further, an operation panel 57 is electrically connected to the control panel 49 via the wiring 51. The operation panel 57 is installed in a place where an operator who performs the filling operation of the liquefied gas fuel can easily operate, for example, in the vicinity of the dispenser 14. The operation panel 57 is supplied with a pressurizing switch 59 for instructing to supply the pressurizing gas from the propane bulk storage tank 5 to the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, that is, to open the pressurization valves 27a and 27b. Is provided.

  In addition, the operation panel 57 switches between opening and closing of the fuel supply valve 13a and the fuel supply valve 13b by switching between opening and closing of the nitrogen control three-way valve 17a and the nitrogen control three-way valve 17b. A changeover switch 61 is provided for instructing to switch the auto gas bulk storage tank used for filling between the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b. Further, the operation panel 57 is provided with display lamps 63a and 63b for informing an auto gas bulk storage tank currently used for supplying liquefied gas fuel.

  In the present embodiment, a display lamp 63a corresponding to the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and a display lamp 63b corresponding to the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b are provided, and the display lamp 63b currently used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel is provided. When the display lamp is turned on, it is displayed which one of the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b is currently used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel.

  Further, the control panel 57 is shut off to instruct to shut off the supply of the liquefied gas fuel from the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, that is, to close the open fuel supply valves 13a and 13b. A switch 65 is provided.

  When the control unit in the control panel 49 receives an electrical signal corresponding to the pressurization switch 59 being turned on, it is used to supply liquefied gas fuel in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. The pressurization valve corresponding to the auto gas bulk storage tank, that is, one of the pressurization valve 27a and the pressurization valve 27b is opened. At this time, the control unit in the control panel 49 has a timer function for setting the time during which the pressurization valves 27a and 27b are opened. Of the valve 27a and the pressurization valve 27b, the open pressurization valve is closed, and the supply of the pressurization gas from the propane bulk storage tank 5 is shut off.

  As described above, the control unit in the control panel 49 of the present embodiment, together with the pressurization switch 59, pressurizes the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, and the pressurization valve 27a and pressurization valve 27b. Pressurization command means for instructing opening of the pressurization valve. Further, the pressurization command means opens the pressurization valve 27a or the pressurization valve 27b and opens the pressurization valve 27a or the pressurization valve when a preset time elapses. The pressure valve 27b is closed. Further, when the control unit in the control panel 49 of the present embodiment receives an electrical signal corresponding to the changeover switch 61 being turned on, the control unit opens and closes the valve between the fuel supply valve 13a and the fuel supply valve 13b. By switching, the auto gas bulk storage tank used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel is switched between the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b. Therefore, the control part in the control panel 49 of this embodiment comprises the switching command means which commands switching of the auto gas bulk storage tank used for supply of liquefied gas fuel with the changeover switch 61.

  In addition, the control unit in the control panel 49 of the present embodiment closes the opened fuel supply valves 13a and 13b when receiving an electrical signal corresponding to the cutoff switch 65 being turned on. Therefore, the control unit in the control panel 49 of the present embodiment also constitutes a forced cutoff means that forcibly cuts off the supply of liquefied gas fuel together with the cutoff switch 65. In addition, the control unit in the control panel 49 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the electrical signals transmitted from the pressure switches 23a, 23b, and 23c when the preset pressure is reached, and the temperature when the preset temperature is reached. The corresponding heat source devices 35a, 35b are driven and stopped by the electrical signals transmitted from the switches 39a, 39b, 39c, and the corresponding heat medium flow control valves 36a, 36b are opened and closed.

  In the present embodiment, the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a, the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b, and the propane bulk storage tank 5 are provided with safety valves 67a, 67b, and 67c, respectively. The fuel supply pipe 11 is also provided with a safety valve 67d, and the dispenser 14 is also provided with a safety valve (not shown). Safety valves 67a, 67b, 67c, 67d and safety valves (not shown) of the dispenser 14 are connected to safety valve discharge pipes 69a, 69b, 69c, 69d, 69e, respectively, and the safety valve discharge pipes 69a, 69b, 69c, 69d, 69e are gathered in one safety valve discharge pipe 69 on the discharge side.

  In the present embodiment, covers 71a, 71b, 71c are attached to the upper parts of the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a, the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, and the propane bulk storage tank 5 to cover the valves. . Furthermore, a seismic sensor 73 for detecting a shake such as an earthquake is also installed in the control unit storage box 47 of the present embodiment. The control panel 49 is installed in the vicinity of the NCU 73, the gas leak alarm 77 installed in the building 75 such as an office, the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b via the wiring 51. A gas leak alarm 79 and the like are also electrically connected.

  The operation of the liquefied gas fuel supply device 1 for an automobile having such a configuration and the features of the present invention will be described. In the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 for an automobile of the present embodiment, the control unit in the control panel 49 drives the heat source unit 35b according to the pressure in the propane bulk storage tank 5, and the heated heat medium is supplied to the heater 31c. Supplied. The heater 31c heats the propane bulk storage tank 5 with the heat of the heated heat medium from the heat source device 35b. When the propane bulk storage tank 5 is heated, the propane in the liquid phase portion 81 of the propane bulk storage tank 5 is heated and vaporized to become a gas phase propane gas. This propane gas serves as a pressurizing gas for increasing the pressure in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b.

  Here, the control unit in the control panel 49 further sets the pressure in the propane bulk storage tank 5 so that the heating temperature by the heater 31c is kept at a preset temperature, for example, around 40 ° C., For example, the heating of the propane bulk storage tank 5 by the heater 31c is controlled so as to keep the pressure around 0.7 MPa. For this reason, the pressure switch 23c transmits an electric signal when the pressure in the propane bulk storage tank 5 rises, for example, 0.7 MPa or more, and the control unit in the control panel 49 stops the heat source unit 35b by this electric signal. . On the other hand, the pressure switch 23c emits an electrical signal when the pressure in the propane bulk storage tank 5 drops to, for example, 0.65 MPa or less, and the control unit in the control panel 49 drives the heat source unit 35b by this electrical signal.

  Further, the temperature switch 39c generates an electric signal when the temperature of the filling of the heater 31c rises, for example, 37.5 ° C. or higher, and the control unit in the control panel 49 stops the heat source unit 35b by this electric signal. Let On the other hand, the temperature switch 39c emits an electrical signal when the temperature of the filling of the heater 31c drops, for example, 34 ° C. or lower, and the control unit in the control panel 49 drives the heat source unit 35b by this electrical signal. Thus, the heating by the heater 31c is controlled by controlling the flow of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium circulation line 34c. In addition, the heating of the propane bulk storage tank 5 by the heater 31c can also be controlled by controlling the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium circulation pipe 34c.

  Similarly, in the liquefied gas fuel supply device 1 for an automobile of the present embodiment, the control unit in the control panel 49 drives the heat source device 35a according to the pressure in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. Then, the heated heat medium is supplied to the heater 31a and the heater 31b. When heating the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, the control unit in the control panel 49 is heated only by the heater of the autogas bulk storage tank used to supply the liquefied gas fuel. Supply. For example, when the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a is first used for supplying liquefied gas fuel, the control unit in the control panel 49 opens the heat medium flow control valve 36a provided in the heat medium circulation pipe 34a, The heat source device 35a is driven with the heat medium flow control valve 36b provided in the heat medium circulation line 34b closed, and the heated heat medium is supplied only to the heater 31a.

  The heater 31a provided in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a heats the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a by the heat of the heated heat medium from the heat source device 35a. When the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a is heated, the liquefied gas fuel in the liquid phase part 7a of the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a is heated and vaporized to increase the pressure in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a, and the liquefied gas fuel. The supply pressure is maintained above the required pressure.

  Here, the control unit in the control panel 49 controls the heating temperature of the heater 31a to a preset temperature by the same control as the heater 31c of the propane bulk storage tank 5, and further in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a. Heating is controlled to keep the pressure at a preset pressure. The heating of the heater 31b of the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b is controlled in the same manner as the heater 31a of the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a. However, in principle, the heat medium flow control valve 36a and the heat medium flow control valve 36b are controlled so that when one is open, the other is closed, and the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the first Of the two auto gas bulk storage tanks 3b, only the heater of the auto gas bulk storage tank used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel performs heating. The heating of the first autogas bulk storage tank 3 a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3 b by the heaters 31 a and 31 b is similar to that of the heater 31 c of the propane bulk storage tank 5 by the heat medium flowing through the heat medium circulation pipe 34. It can also be controlled by controlling the temperature.

  As described above, the pressure in the autogas bulk storage tank used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel and the pressure in the propane bulk storage tank 5 are maintained at a substantially constant pressure among the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. In this state, the operator connects the filling nozzle 14c of the dispenser 14 to the vehicle-mounted LP container of the automobile (not shown), and turns on the filling switch (not shown) of the dispenser 14. Thereby, the control valve in the dispenser 14 opens.

  At this time, the control part in the control board 49 supplies liquefied gas fuel only from the auto gas bulk storage tank used for supply of liquefied gas fuel among the 1st auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and the 2nd auto gas bulk storage tank 3b. For this reason, in the following description, the case where the 1st autogas bulk storage tank 3a is first used for supply of liquefied gas fuel is shown as an example.

  The control unit in the control panel 49 first opens only the fuel supply valve 13a corresponding to the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel, and the fuel supply valve 13b corresponding to the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. Keep it closed. Therefore, in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit in the control panel 49 opens the nitrogen control three-way valve 17a and keeps the nitrogen control three-way valve 17b closed, thereby supplying fuel. Nitrogen is supplied only to the valve 13a and only the fuel supply valve 13a is opened. Thereby, the onboard LP container is filled with the liquefied gas fuel from the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a.

  By the way, even if heating is performed by the heater 31a of the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a depending on various conditions such as immediately after the start of filling with the liquefied gas fuel, the pressure in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a is required. In some cases, the pressure is equal to or lower than the pressure in the in-vehicle LP container of the automobile (not shown). In this case, the liquefied gas fuel is not filled from the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a into the vehicle-mounted LP container (not shown) of the automobile. The fact that the liquefied gas fuel is not filled can be determined from the fact that the display on the display unit 14a of the dispenser 14 does not move.

  When filling with liquefied gas fuel is not performed, the operator turns on the pressure switch 59 of the operation panel 57. As a result, the control unit in the control panel 49 opens the pressurization valve 27a provided in the pressurization gas pipeline 21a corresponding to the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a for a preset time, and sets the preset value in advance. When the set time has elapsed, the pressurizing valve 27a formed of an electromagnetic valve is closed. And only while the pressurizing valve 27a is open, the propane gas in the propane bulk storage tank 5 flows into the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a as the pressurizing gas via the pressurization gas line 21a, and the first autogas bulk The pressure in the storage tank 3a increases.

  When the pressure in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a rises and becomes higher than the pressure in the vehicle-mounted LP container (not shown), the liquefied gas from the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a to the vehicle-mounted LP container (not shown) Fuel filling is performed. At this time, the pressurization valve 27b provided in the pressurization gas conduit 21b corresponding to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b not used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel remains closed.

  Even if the pressurization switch 59 is turned on and the propane gas in the propane bulk storage tank 5 is supplied to the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a for a preset time, the pressure in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a remains the liquefied gas fuel. When the liquefied gas fuel is not filled and the liquefied gas fuel is not filled, the liquefied gas fuel can be filled by turning on the pressure switch 59 again.

  On the other hand, when the operator turns on the filling switch (not shown) of the dispenser 14 and the control valve of the dispenser 14 is opened, the pressure in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a is the pressure in the vehicle-mounted LP container of the automobile (not shown). If it is higher, the liquefied gas fuel is filled without turning on the pressure switch 59. For example, in order to continuously fill the liquefied gas fuel, the pressure in the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a is turned on more than the pressure in the in-vehicle LP container that charges the liquefied gas fuel by previously turning on the pressure switch 59. When the pressure is high, or when the pressure in the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a is higher than the pressure in the vehicle-mounted LP container that is charged with the liquefied gas fuel by heating by the heater 31a, the propane bulk storage tank 5 The liquefied gas fuel can be filled without supplying the propane gas in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a.

  If the filling of the liquefied gas fuel from the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a to the vehicle-mounted LP container (not shown) is repeated, the amount of the liquefied gas fuel in the liquid phase in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a decreases. When the control unit in the control panel 49 determines that the liquid-phase liquefied gas fuel in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a is 40% or less of the maximum capacity, as detected by information from the liquid level gauge 25a, Next, heating of the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b is started by the heater 31b of the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel. That is, when the control unit in the control panel 49 determines that the amount of the liquid liquefied gas fuel in the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a has reached 40% of the maximum capacity, the control unit 49 is provided in the heat medium circulation line 34b. The heat medium flow control valve 36b is opened, and the heat medium from the heat source unit 35a is flowed to the heater 31b.

  Then, the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b is heated by the heater 31b of the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b by passing the heat medium from the heat source device 35a through the heater 31b, and the inside of the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. Warming up to raise and boost the temperature. Also during the warming up, the heating control by the heater 31b is controlled by the pressure in the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b and the heating temperature of the heater 31b as described above. Normally, only the heater 31a and the heater 31b are heated only in the auto gas bulk storage tank used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel. However, during this warm-up, the heat medium flow control is an exception. In some cases, the valve 36a and the heat medium flow control valve 36b are opened at the same time, and the heater 31a and the heater 31b are heated simultaneously.

  Further, the control unit in the control panel 49 is a set amount for the liquid phase liquefied gas fuel amount in the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a to start the switching operation as detected by the information from the liquid level gauge 25a. When it is determined that the amount is 20% or less of the maximum capacity, the supply of the liquefied gas fuel from the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a currently used for the supply of the liquefied gas fuel is stopped and then used for the supply of the liquefied gas fuel. The switching operation for starting the supply of the liquefied gas fuel from the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b is started.

  In the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the control unit in the control panel 49 determines that the liquid phase liquefied gas fuel in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a has reached 20% or less of the maximum capacity. , After elapse of a preset time after becoming the amount of 20% or less, for example after about 10 minutes, open the pressurizing valve 27b corresponding to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b used for the supply of the liquefied gas fuel next, Gas for pressurization is supplied from the propane bulk storage tank 5 to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b. Normally, the pressurization valve 27a and the pressurization valve 27b are opened only by the one corresponding to the auto gas bulk storage tank used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel. However, in this switching operation, the pressurization valve 27a and the pressurization valve 27b are an exception. There is a case where the pressure valve 27b is opened at the same time.

  Further, the control unit in the control panel 49 then opens a pressurizing valve 27b corresponding to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b used for the supply of liquefied gas fuel next, for example, after about 1 minute has elapsed. The fuel supply valve 13a corresponding to the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a currently used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel is closed, and then the fuel supply valve corresponding to the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel. Open 13b. In this way, the autogas bulk storage tank for supplying the liquefied gas fuel is switched from the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a to the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, and the liquefied gas is transferred from the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b to an in-vehicle LP container (not shown). Fuel filling is performed. At the time of this switching, if the pressurization valve 27a corresponding to the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a is open, the fuel supply valve 13a is closed and the pressurization valve 27a is also closed.

  The operation panel 57 of the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a changeover switch 61. By turning on the changeover switch 61, the liquefied gas fuel is forcibly forced as necessary. The auto gas bulk storage tank used for supply can be switched. The switching operation at this time is also performed in the same process as the automatic switching operation by the liquid level gauge 25a as described above.

  Each time preset in the control unit in the control panel 49, that is, the time for opening the pressurizing valve 27a to supply the pressurizing gas to the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a, the maximum amount of fuel is stored during the switching operation. The time until the pressurization valve 27b corresponding to the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b used for the supply of the liquefied gas fuel next is opened after the amount becomes 20% or less of the quantity, and corresponds to the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. The time until the fuel supply valve 13b corresponding to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b is opened after the pressurization valve 27b is opened is determined as appropriate by performing a test or the like. Each of these times set in advance in the control unit in the control panel 49 can be changed according to conditions. For example, the setting can be appropriately changed so that the winter time when the pressure of propane gas is low is longer than the summer time when the pressure is high.

  Further, when it is necessary to cut off the supply of the pressurizing gas urgently, such as when a problem occurs during the filling operation of the liquefied gas fuel, the operator turns on the cut-off switch 65 of the operation panel 57. Thus, even if the preset time has not elapsed since the press of the pressurization switch, the control unit in the control panel 49 closes the pressurization valve 27a and the pressurization valve 27b, and the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a Regardless of the amount of liquid in the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, the fuel supply valve 13a and the fuel supply valve 13b can be forcibly closed to shut off the supply of pressurizing gas or liquefied gas fuel.

  As described above, in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 for an automobile according to the present embodiment, the control unit in the control panel 49 next transfers the liquefied gas from the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a currently used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel. When switching to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b used for fuel supply, the fuel supply valve 13a corresponding to the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a is closed and the fuel supply valve 13b corresponding to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b is opened. For this reason, it can prevent that the 1st autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the 2nd autogas bulk storage tank 3b will be in the state connected.

  If liquid phase liquefied gas fuel is supplied from both the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b, or the autogas bulk storage tank used for supplying the fuel is switched, the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a is supported. The fuel supply valve 13a and the fuel supply valve 13b corresponding to the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b are simultaneously opened. For example, the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b are in communication with each other. In this case, if the vapor pressures in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b are different, the liquid-phase liquefied gas fuel moves to the lower vapor pressure.

  For example, the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b is in the sun and the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a is in the shade, such that the pressure in the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b is higher than that of the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a. Then, the liquid phase liquefied gas in the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b used for the supply of the liquefied gas fuel moves to the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a, and the liquid phase that can be supplied by the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. This will reduce the amount of liquefied gas fuel.

  However, in the liquefied gas fuel supply device 1 of the present embodiment, the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b can be prevented from communicating with each other. The movement of the liquefied gas fuel due to the difference in vapor pressure between the two auto gas bulk storage tanks 3b can be prevented. In addition, in the liquefied gas fuel supply device 1 of the present embodiment, when the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a is used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel, in principle, for pressurization corresponding to the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a. Since only the valve 27a is opened, the pressurizing gas is supplied only to the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel. For this reason, except when switching is performed, it is possible to prevent the pressurization gas from being supplied to the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b at the same time, and to prevent an increase in the use amount of the pressurization gas. .

Furthermore, in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a liquid level gauge 25a that detects the amount of liquefied gas in the liquid phase accommodated in each of the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b. 25b are provided. When the control unit in the control panel 49 determines that the amount of the liquefied gas in the liquid phase in the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a used for supplying the fuel is equal to or less than a preset amount, for example, After elapse of a preset time after becoming less than the set amount, the pressurization valve 27b corresponding to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel next is opened, and after the pressurization valve 27b is opened, The fuel supply valve 13a corresponding to the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a used for supplying the fuel is closed, and then the fuel supply valve 13b corresponding to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel is opened.

For this reason, when switching from the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a currently used for supplying liquefied gas fuel to the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b used for supplying liquefied gas fuel next, the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b is preliminarily switched before switching. can be prevented from pressurized with pressurizing gas Ru can keep pressurized, liquefied gas fuel in the fuel supply conduit 11 from flowing back to the second automatic gas bulk storage 3b direction. When the liquefied gas fuel flows backward, the amount of the liquefied gas fuel charged by the dispenser 14 cannot be corrected by measuring the amount of the liquefied gas fuel charged. Measurement error will occur. However, in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the backflow of the liquefied gas fuel in the fuel supply pipe 11 can be prevented, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a measurement error in the filling amount of the liquefied gas fuel.

Thus, in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the movement of the liquefied gas fuel between the fuel storage containers having different vapor pressures and the increase in the use amount of the pressurizing gas. Since the backflow of fuel can also be prevented, the performance of the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for automobiles equipped with a plurality of fuel storage containers can be improved.

Furthermore, in the liquefied gas fuel supply device 1 for an automobile of the present embodiment, the amount of the liquefied gas fuel in the liquid phase in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel is 20% or less of the maximum capacity. after becoming less than a set amount of advance set, such as, the time to open the pressurization valve 27 b, until the filling operation by the first auto gas bulk storage 3a is used to supply the current liquefied gas fuel is completed Set to time. When the amount of the liquefied gas fuel reaches a preset set amount such as 20% or less of the maximum capacity, the operation of filling the liquefied gas fuel from the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a to the vehicle-mounted LP container (not shown) is not yet performed. If the operation for switching to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b is performed immediately at this point, the time for the filling operation becomes longer. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since it switches to the 2nd auto gas bulk storage tank 3b after completion | finish of the filling by the 1st auto gas bulk storage tank 3a, the increase in the working time of a filling operation | work can be suppressed.

  In addition, the control unit in the control panel 49 opens, for example, the fuel supply valve 13a among the heat medium flow control valve 36a and the heat medium flow control valve 36b constituting the heating means, and uses them for supplying fuel. Only the heating medium flow control valve 36a of the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a is opened and only the heater 31a performs heating. That is, only the heating means provided in the fuel storage container used for supplying the fuel by opening the fuel supply valve is operated, and the other heating means are stopped, so that the fuel actually used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel Only the storage container is heated, and other fuel storage containers are not heated, so that energy saving can be improved. That is, energy savings can also be improved, so that the performance of the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for automobiles equipped with a plurality of fuel storage containers can be further improved.

  Further, in the liquefied gas fuel supply device 1 for an automobile of the present embodiment, the control unit in the control panel 49 is configured to supply the liquid phase liquefied gas fuel in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel. When the amount falls below another preset amount that is larger than the set amount for starting the switching operation, such as 40% or less of the maximum capacity, the heat medium flow control valve 36b is opened to heat the heater 31b. The heating means corresponding to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b to be used for supplying the fuel next is operated, for example, by passing a medium.

  Therefore, before the amount of the liquefied gas fuel in the liquid phase in the first autogas bulk storage tank 3a currently used for the supply of the liquefied gas fuel becomes equal to or less than the set amount for starting the switching operation, the fuel supply is next performed. When the liquefied gas fuel in the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b used for heating is started and then the supply of the liquefied gas fuel is started from the second autogas bulk storage tank 3b used for supplying the fuel, the second autogas bulk storage tank The temperature inside 3b can be raised to a required temperature and pressure, and the pressure can be raised so that the liquefied gas can be supplied when the fuel supply valve 13b is opened. Therefore, the performance of the liquefied gas fuel supply device for automobiles provided with a plurality of fuel storage containers can be further improved.

  In addition, since the fuel supply valves 13a and 13b also serve as emergency shut-off valves that are forcibly closed in an emergency and shut off the supply of liquefied gas fuel, the configuration of the apparatus can be simplified.

  Further, the control unit in the control panel 49 does not depend on the set amount for starting the switching operation set in advance for the amount of liquefied gas fuel in the liquid phase such as in the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a, but at that time The fuel supply valve 13a corresponding to the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a used for the supply of the fuel is closed, and the fuel supply valve 13b corresponding to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b used for the supply of the liquefied gas fuel is then closed. It also serves as a switching command means for sending an opening command to the fuel supply valve control means. For this reason, the amount of the liquefied gas fuel in the liquid phase is not less than the set amount for starting the switching operation, such as when a failure occurs in the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel. However, the supply of the liquefied gas fuel can be switched to the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b used for the supply of the liquefied gas fuel next time.

  Here, in the conventional liquefied gas fuel supply device that fills the vehicle-mounted container with the liquefied gas fuel contained in the container using the pressurizing gas, the liquefied gas fuel is connected to the vehicle-mounted container serving as the fuel tank of the vehicle. When the filling nozzle for supplying the gas is removed from the equipment such as the dispenser, the valve for controlling the supply and stop of the pressurization gas is opened, and the pressurization gas is supplied to the fuel storage container. When the filling nozzle is returned to the equipment such as the dispenser, the valve for controlling the supply and stop of the pressurizing gas is closed, and the supply of the pressurizing gas to the fuel storage container is stopped. Therefore, in the conventional liquefied gas fuel supply device, the pressurizing gas is continuously supplied to the fuel storage container while the filling nozzle is connected to the fuel tank of the auto gas vehicle.

  However, if the gas for pressurization continues to be supplied to the fuel storage container while the filling nozzle is connected to the vehicle-mounted container or the like, the gas for pressurization will be supplied in excess of the amount required for pressurization. There is a case. If pressurization gas is supplied in excess of the amount required for pressurization, the consumption of pressurization gas will increase, and the filling cycle and delivery cycle of pressurization gas will be shortened. Resulting in. Further, when the inside of the fuel storage container is pressurized with the pressurizing gas, the pressurizing gas may dissolve into the liquefied gas fuel with time. For this reason, depending on the type of the pressurizing gas, as the amount of the pressurizing gas dissolved in the liquefied gas fuel increases, the pressure in the on-vehicle container of the automobile tends to increase, and the filling speed tends to decrease. , Filling may become impossible.

  On the other hand, in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a used for supplying the liquefied gas fuel is pressurized by pressing the pressurization switch 59 as necessary, and the first The pressure in the 1 auto gas bulk storage tank 3a can be set to a pressure required for filling. At this time, the supply of the propane gas as the pressurizing gas from the propane bulk storage tank 5 into the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3 a and the like is performed only for a time set in advance in the control unit in the control panel 49. For this reason, unlike the conventional liquefied gas fuel supply device, the pressurizing gas is not supplied to the auto gas bulk storage tank while the filling nozzle is removed from the dispenser. Therefore, the supply amount of the pressurization gas in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for automobiles using the pressurization gas can be reduced.

  Furthermore, since the supply amount of the pressurization gas can be reduced, the use amount of the pressurization gas can be reduced, and the cost due to the consumption of the pressurization gas and the delivery cost for replenishment of the pressurization gas can be reduced. In addition, since the amount of propane gas used as the pressurizing gas decreases, the time for continuously evaporating liquid propane can be shortened, and the pressure in the propane bulk storage tank 5, that is, the pressure of the pressurizing gas can be relatively reduced. It becomes possible to maintain a high state, and the filling speed of the in-vehicle LP container in the liquefied gas fuel can be increased. Furthermore, since the time for continuously evaporating liquid propane can be shortened, a decrease in the surface temperature of the propane bulk storage tank 5 can be suppressed, and corrosion of the propane bulk storage tank 5 due to condensation or the like can be prevented.

  By the way, when the inside of the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a used for the supply of the liquefied gas fuel is pressurized with propane gas or the like as the pressurizing gas, the propane gas dissolves into the liquefied gas fuel with the passage of time. When the propane gas is dissolved in the liquefied gas fuel, the proportion of the propane gas used as the pressure gas for the liquefied gas fuel increases. When the proportion of propane gas in the liquefied gas fuel increases, the pressure in the in-vehicle LP container tends to increase, leading to a decrease in the filling speed of the in-vehicle LP container in liquefied gas fuel or the inability to fill. It becomes easy. On the other hand, in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 of this embodiment, since the supply amount of the pressurizing gas can be reduced, an increase in the proportion of propane gas in the liquefied gas fuel can be suppressed. Therefore, an increase in the pressure in the in-vehicle LP container can be suppressed, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a state where the in-vehicle LP container in the liquefied gas fuel is reduced in filling speed or cannot be filled.

  Further, in the liquefied gas fuel supply device 1 of the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs, the fuel supply valves 13a and 13b that also serve as an emergency shut-off valve are forcibly closed to interrupt the flow of the liquefied gas fuel. A cutoff switch 65 serving as a forced cutoff means, a control unit in the control panel 49, and the like are provided. For this reason, even when filling with the liquefied gas fuel, the supply of the liquefied gas fuel can be shut off when an abnormality occurs, and the safety can be improved. In addition, in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the heat exchanger serving as a cooling means for cooling the liquefied gas fuel flowing through the fuel supply pipe 11 to the fuel supply pipe 11 to a preset temperature. 41 is provided. For this reason, the supply amount of the pressurization gas in the liquefied gas fuel supply device for automobiles using the pressurization gas can be further reduced.

  Furthermore, in the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the heater 31a which heats the 1st auto gas bulk storage tank 3a, the 2nd auto gas bulk storage tank 3b, and the propane bulk storage tank 5 using the heat of the heated heat medium, 31b and 31c are used. For this reason, the liquefied gas and liquefied gas fuel for obtaining the pressurization gas can be heated without using an explosion-proof heating means.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the structure which provided the cutoff switch 65 as a forced cutoff means was shown. However, the forced shut-off means is not only configured with the shut-off switch 65, but also configured to shut off in conjunction with the gas leak detector, or configured to shut off in conjunction with the seismic detector, and combinations of these. It can also be configured. Furthermore, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which no forced shut-off means is provided.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although pressure switch 23a, 23b and temperature switch 39a, 39b are used together, it can also be set as the structure which controls the heating of the propane bulk storage tank 5 using at least one. Moreover, in this embodiment, the control part in the control panel 49 controls the heating of the propane bulk storage tank 5 using the pressure switches 23a and 23b and the temperature switches 39a and 39b, a pressurizing command means, a forced shut-off means, and a timer function. It plays the role of valve closing means including However, each of these means may not be integrated as a control unit in one control panel 49 as in the present embodiment, but may be divided into a plurality of units as appropriate.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the structure which has the heater 31a, 31b, 31c provided in the outer bottom face of the 1st autogas bulk storage tank 3a and the 2nd autogas bulk storage tank 3b and the propane bulk storage tank 5 as a heating means is shown. However, the heating means may be configured such that the auto gas bulk storage tank or the propane bulk storage tank has a jacket structure, or a structure in which a pipe or the like through which a heat medium flows is inserted in the auto gas bulk storage tank or the propane bulk storage tank. Furthermore, the heating means may be configured such that a heating device including a heater, a burner, or the like is directly attached to the autogas bulk storage tank or the propane bulk storage tank, or is provided below the bottom surface of the autogas bulk storage tank or the propane bulk storage tank. However, when a heating device including a heater or burner is directly attached to an auto gas bulk storage tank or a propane bulk storage tank, the heating device needs to have an explosion-proof structure. It is desirable to use heating means including the heaters 31a, 31b, and 31c as in the embodiment. At this time, the number of heat source units constituting the heating means can be appropriately selected.

  Further, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger 41 is used as the cooling means. However, the cooling means may have various structures as long as the temperature of the liquefied gas fuel flowing through the fuel supply pipe 11 can be lowered. be able to. For example, a cooling device such as a Peltier element can be directly attached to the fuel supply line 11. However, when a cooling device using electricity such as a Peltier element is directly attached to the fuel supply pipe, the cooling device needs to have an explosion-proof structure, which may lead to a complicated configuration and an increase in cost. On the other hand, if it is a structure like the cooling means which has the heat exchanger 41 of this embodiment, there is no need for an explosion-proof measure. Furthermore, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which no cooling means is provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the liquefied gas fuel is filled, the filling switch (not shown) of the dispenser 14 is turned on. However, the control valve of the dispenser 14 is opened and closed by detaching the filling nozzle 14c. It can also be. Further, in the present embodiment, there are two auto gas bulk storage tanks, in which liquefied gas fuel is first supplied from the first auto gas bulk storage tank 3a and then liquefied gas fuel is supplied from the second auto gas bulk storage tank 3b. Illustrated. However, the present invention can also be applied to liquefied gas fuel supply apparatuses that differ in the number of installed autogas bulk storage tanks, that is, fuel storage containers, and the order of use for supplying liquefied gas fuel.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to liquefied gas fuel supply apparatuses having various configurations including a plurality of fuel storage containers, and the liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus to which the present invention is applied is the same as that of the present embodiment. Not only the configuration but also various configurations can be adopted.

It is a mimetic diagram showing a schematic structure of one embodiment of a liquefied gas fuel supply device for vehicles provided with a plurality of fuel storage containers to which the present invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus 3a 1st auto gas bulk storage tank 3b 2nd auto gas bulk storage tank 5 Propane bulk storage tank 7a, 7b, 81 Liquid phase part 9a, 9b Connection pipe line 11 Fuel supply pipe line 13a, 13b Fuel supply valve 14 Dispenser 19a, 19b, 20 Gas phase part 21, 21a, 21b Gas line for pressurization 25a, 25b Level gauge 27a, 27b Valve for pressurization 31a, 31b, 31c Heater 34, 34a, 34b, 34c Heat medium circulation line 35a , 35b Heat source machine 41 Heat exchanger 49 Control panel 57 Operation panel 59 Pressure switch 61 Changeover switch

Claims (5)

A plurality of fuel storage containers for storing liquefied gas fuel for automobiles, a pressurization gas container for supplying a gas for pressurizing the inside of each fuel storage container, and a pressurization gas in the pressurization gas container A gas line for pressurization leading to the gas phase part of each fuel storage container, and one end of the gas phase line in the liquid storage part in each fuel storage container, and liquefaction of the liquid phase in the fuel storage container in a fuel tank of an automobile A fuel supply line for supplying gas fuel; a pressurization valve provided in each of the pressurization gas pipes for controlling the supply of the pressurization gas to each of the fuel storage containers; and a liquid phase of the fuel storage container A fuel supply valve provided in each of the fuel supply pipes communicating with a portion for opening and closing a flow path in the fuel supply pipe, and each of the fuel supply pipes on the downstream side of each of the fuel supply valves. The liquefied gas fuel is supplied to the fuel tank of the automobile and connected to the dispenser that stops. One and the fuel supply conduit is provided with a control means for the controlling the opening and closing of the pressurizing valve each fuel supply valve,
Each of the plurality of fuel storage containers is provided with a liquid amount detection means for detecting the amount of liquid liquefied gas fuel in the fuel storage container,
When the amount of the liquid-phase liquefied gas fuel in the fuel storage container used for the current filling of the fuel tank of the automobile has decreased to a set amount, the control means then liquefied gas next after the set time has elapsed. Open the pressurization valve corresponding to another fuel storage container used for fuel filling, open the pressurization valve, and then the fuel supply valve corresponding to the fuel storage container currently used for filling And switching the fuel storage container used for filling by opening the fuel supply valve corresponding to the other fuel storage container that has opened the pressurization valve,
The set amount is set to 20% of the maximum capacity of the fuel storage container used for the current filling,
The liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus for automobiles, wherein the set time is set to a time until the filling operation to the fuel tank of the automobile in the middle of the filling operation by the fuel storage container used for the current filling is completed.   Each of the plurality of fuel storage containers includes heating means for heating the liquefied gas in the fuel storage container, pressure detection means for detecting the pressure in the fuel storage container, and the fuel storage container. And at least one of temperature detecting means for detecting the heating temperature of the liquefied gas, and the heating means corresponds to at least one of the pressure detected by the corresponding pressure detecting means and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means. Among the heating means, the fuel supply valve is opened and only the heating means provided in the fuel storage container used for filling the liquefied gas fuel is operated, and the other heating means are stopped. The liquefied gas fuel supply device for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein   When it is detected that the amount of the liquefied gas fuel in the liquid phase in the fuel storage container used for the current filling has decreased to another preset amount larger than the set amount, the liquefied gas fuel is then detected. The apparatus for supplying a liquefied gas fuel for an automobile according to claim 2, wherein the heating means of the another fuel storage container used for filling the fuel is operated.   The automobile fuel supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fuel supply valve also serves as an emergency shut-off valve that is forcibly closed in an emergency and shuts off the supply of the liquefied gas fuel. Liquefied gas fuel supply device.   A pressurizing switch for sending a command to open the pressurizing valve to the control means; the control means is configured to close the pressurizing valve when a preset time has elapsed after the pressurizing switch is pressed. The liquefied gas fuel supply device for automobiles according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized by things.

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