JP6173046B2 - Low temperature liquefied gas filling equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus, and more particularly to a low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus used when liquid oxygen is transferred from a parent container to a child container in a liquid oxygen vaporization type supply apparatus for home oxygen therapy.

  The liquid oxygen vaporization type supply device for home oxygen therapy includes a parent container installed indoors and a portable child container. When the child container is used, liquid oxygen is transferred and filled from the parent container. ing. The transfer of liquid oxygen from the parent container to the child container is performed by a user connecting a transfer filling connecting portion provided in each of the parent container and the child container. The user confirms the completion of the transfer and filling by checking with his / her ears or eyes that the gas emission sound from the gas discharge part installed in the gas and the gas discharged from the gas discharge part has changed to liquid oxygen. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Special table 2010-525260

  However, when the user determines the completion of transfer filling by ear or eye, it is difficult to accurately determine whether or not the transfer has been completely completed up to the specified amount depending on the situation of the user. If the amount of liquid oxygen is less than the specified amount, the usage time of the child container will be shortened, or the liquid oxygen in the child container will exceed the specified amount, and liquid oxygen will be ejected from the gas discharge part, Liquid oxygen has been wasted.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a low-temperature liquefied gas filling function that can reliably know the completion of the transfer and filling when the low-temperature liquefied gas is transferred and filled, as in the case of transferring liquid oxygen from the parent container to the child container. The object is to provide a device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus of the present invention has, as a first configuration, a low-temperature liquefied gas for transferring and filling the low-temperature liquefied gas in the first low-temperature liquefied gas container into the second low-temperature liquefied gas container. In the gas filling device, when the low-temperature liquefied gas is transferred from the first low-temperature liquefied gas container to the second low-temperature liquefied gas container, a path for releasing the gas in the second low-temperature liquefied gas container to the outside In addition, a temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the path is provided, and a notification unit for notifying completion of transfer and filling when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit reaches a preset temperature is provided. Yes.

  Further, the low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus of the present invention has, as a second configuration, a low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus for transferring and filling the low-temperature liquefied gas in the first low-temperature liquefied gas container into the second low-temperature liquefied gas container. When transferring the low-temperature liquefied gas from the first low-temperature liquefied gas container to the second low-temperature liquefied gas container, a path for releasing the gas in the second low-temperature liquefied gas container to the outside, A temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature is provided, and a notification unit for notifying the completion of transfer and filling when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit reaches a preset temperature gradient is provided.

  Furthermore, the low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus of the present invention, as a third configuration, in the low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus for transferring and filling the low-temperature liquefied gas in the first low-temperature liquefied gas container into the second low-temperature liquefied gas container, When transferring the low-temperature liquefied gas from the first low-temperature liquefied gas container to the second low-temperature liquefied gas container, a path for releasing the gas in the second low-temperature liquefied gas container to the outside, A temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature, and a notification section for notifying the completion of transfer and filling when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means reaches a preset temperature and the temperature continues for a preset time. It is characterized by providing.

  In addition, in the low temperature liquefied gas filling device of the present invention, in the first to third configurations, the first low temperature liquefied gas container and the second low temperature liquefied gas container are connected via a transfer filling connecting portion. Connecting, the transfer filling connecting portion is fixed to the first low temperature liquefied gas container, and the second low temperature liquefied gas container is detachably connected to the transfer filling connection portion, the temperature measurement. Means and the notifying part are provided in the transfer filling connection part, and the transfer filling connection part introduces the low temperature liquefied gas in the first low temperature liquefied gas container into the second low temperature liquefied gas container. And a gas discharge section for discharging the gas in the second low-temperature liquefied gas container during introduction of the low-temperature liquefied gas to the outside, and the temperature measuring means can measure the temperature of the fluid flowing through the gas discharge section And the notification unit is provided in the first low Liquefied gas container, is characterized in that provided on one of said second low-temperature liquefied gas container and the transfer filling connection.

  Furthermore, in the low temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus of the present invention, in the first configuration to the third configuration, the temperature measuring means and the notification unit are the first low temperature liquefied gas container or the second low temperature liquefied gas container. It is characterized by being provided.

  Further, the low temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus of the present invention, when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means by the notification unit does not reach a preset temperature even after a preset time, An abnormality notifying unit for notifying the abnormal state of the transfer filling, and the notifying unit calculates a temperature gradient calculated based on the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means, and the temperature is a preset temperature gradient. It is characterized by including a transfer-in-flight notification section for notifying that transfer-in-flight is in progress.

  According to the low temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus of the present invention, when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means reaches a preset temperature, or when a preset temperature gradient is reached, the completion of transfer filling is notified to the notification unit. Therefore, the user can surely know that the transfer filling has been completed. Further, when the temperature does not change, it is possible to know that an abnormality has occurred and transfer is not performed by notifying the abnormality from the notification unit. Furthermore, it is possible to know that transfer filling is proceeding normally by performing notification during transfer filling.

It is explanatory drawing which shows one example of the low temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a notification part. It is a figure which shows an example of the temperature change during liquid oxygen transfer filling.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus shown in this embodiment is configured to transfer liquid oxygen in a parent container (first low-temperature liquefied gas container) 11 in a home oxygen therapy liquid oxygen vaporization type supply apparatus to a child container (first container). (2 low-temperature liquefied gas container) 21 is provided with a connecting portion 31 for transfer and filling disposed between the parent container 11 and the child container 21 when transferring and filling into the container 21. While connecting with the child container 21, it has the function to transfer and fill liquid oxygen from the parent container 11 to the child container 21, and the function to discharge gas from the child container 21.

  The parent container 11 is a relatively large heat insulating container installed in the room, and an evaporator 12 that evaporates liquid oxygen to produce oxygen gas, and an oxygen gas supply that supplies oxygen gas evaporated by the evaporator 12 A valve 13, a pressure-holding valve 14 for maintaining the pressure in the parent container 11, a safety valve 15 for releasing gas from the parent container 11 when the pressure in the parent container 11 abnormally increases, and the transfer filling connection A parent-side transfer / filling path 16 connected to the unit 31, a transfer-filling valve 17 provided in the parent-side transfer / filling path 16, a filling valve 18 used when filling the parent container 11 with liquid oxygen, And a pressure gauge 19 for displaying the pressure in the parent container 11.

  The child container 21 is a heat-insulating container having a size and weight that can be carried when going out. Like the parent container 11, the child container 21 evaporates liquid oxygen into oxygen gas and evaporates by the evaporator 22. The oxygen gas supply valve 23 for supplying the oxygen gas, the pressure holding valve 24 for maintaining the pressure in the child container 21, and the gas is released from the child container 21 when the pressure in the child container 21 rises abnormally. A safety valve 25, a child-side transfer / filling path 26 connected to the filling connecting portion 31, a transfer-filling valve 27 provided in the child-side transfer / filling path 26, and a gas is discharged from the child container 21 during the transfer / filling. A gas discharge path 28 and a gas discharge valve 29 provided in the gas discharge path 28 are provided.

  The transfer filling connecting portion 31 is provided in the transfer filling connection path 32 that connects the parent side transfer filling path 16 of the parent container 11 and the child side transfer filling path 26 of the child container 21, and the transfer filling connection path 32. The transfer filling valve 33, the gas discharge path 34 connected to the gas discharge path 28 of the child container 21, the gas discharge valve 35 provided in the gas discharge path 34, and the temperature of the fluid flowing through the gas discharge path 34 are measured. And a temperature sensor 36 which is a temperature measuring means for the purpose.

  Usually, the parent side transfer filling path 16 of the parent container 11 and the transfer filling connection path 32 of the transfer filling connection part 31 are connected and fixed by the parent side connection fixing part 41, and the parent container 11 and the transfer filling connection part 31 are connected. Are used in a state in which the child side transfer and filling path 26 and gas discharge path 28 of the child container 21 and the transfer and filling connection path 32 and gas discharge path 34 of the transfer filling connecting portion 31 are detachable. . At this time, the oxygen gas supply valve 13 and the filling valve 18 of the parent container 11 are set to a closed state, and the transfer and filling valve 17 is set to an open state.

  Both the passages 26 and 32 are transferred to the transfer / filling valve 27 provided in the transfer / filling connection route 32 of the transfer / filling connecting portion 31 and the transfer / filling valve 27 provided in the child-side transfer / filling route 26 of the child container 21. A self-sealing coupling that automatically opens when connected by the side connecting portion 42 and automatically closes when the connection is released is used. The gas discharge valve 29 provided and the gas discharge valve 35 provided in the gas discharge path 34 of the transfer filling connecting part 31 are also automatically connected when both the paths 28 and 34 are connected by the gas discharge side connecting part 43. Self-sealing couplings are used that open and automatically close when disconnected.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature sensor 36 provided in the gas discharge path 34 is provided with a notification unit 51 that makes various notifications based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 36. The notification unit 51 is configured to control a control unit 53 that operates using a commercially available dry battery 52 as a power source, a switch 54 that operates the control unit 53, and a result determined by the control unit 53 based on a temperature measured by the temperature sensor 36. Three lamps 55, 56, and 57 that are lit or blinking are provided.

  When the liquid oxygen in the parent container 11 is transferred and filled into the child container 21, the switch 54 is connected to the connecting part 42 and 43 when the child container 21 and the transfer filling connecting part 31 are connected. 42 and 43 are automatically turned on when the connection state is detected, and the control means 53 is operated to start various calculation processes including the acquisition of the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 36 and the start of the timer count. It is set to be automatically turned off when the connected state of 43 is released.

  When the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 36 reaches a preset temperature, the first lamp 55 has a preset temperature gradient calculated based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 36. It is turned on when the gradient is reached, and is used as a transfer filling completion notification lamp for performing transfer filling completion notification. When the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 36 has not reached the preset temperature even after the preset time has elapsed, the second lamp 56 notifies the abnormal condition of transfer filling. It is used as an abnormality notification lamp. The third lamp 57 notifies that transfer is being performed when the temperature gradient calculated based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 36 is decreasing at a preset temperature gradient. It is used as a transfer-in-charge notification lamp serving as a transfer-in-charge notification unit.

  FIG. 3 shows the temperature change of the fluid flowing through the gas discharge path 34 when liquid oxygen in the parent container 11 is being transferred and filled into the child container 21. The valves 27 and 33, the gas discharge valve 29, and the gas release valve 35 are opened, and the liquid oxygen in the parent container 11 is transferred to the parent side transfer / filling path 16 by the pressure difference between the parent container 11 and the child container 21. It is introduced into the child container 21 through the filling connection path 32 and the child side transfer filling path 26. At the same time, the switch 54 is turned on, and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 36 is taken into the control means 53.

  Immediately after the start of transfer and filling, each path 16, 32, 26 is at room temperature, so that the liquid oxygen flowing out from the inside of the parent container 11 flows while cooling these paths, evaporates to become oxygen gas, and enters the child container 21. Flow into. Therefore, the fluid discharged from the child container 21 through the gas discharge path 28 and the gas discharge path 34 to the outside is oxygen gas, and the temperature is around room temperature. When the cooling of the respective paths 16, 32, and 26 is finished and liquid oxygen flows into the child container 21, the liquid oxygen cools the inside of the child container 21 and partly evaporates, while the remainder is in the liquid state. It will be accumulated within. At this time, the fluid flowing in the gas discharge path 34 is oxygen gas evaporated in the child container 21, and the temperature gradually decreases as the cooling in the child container 21 progresses. The temperature of the fluid flowing through the gas discharge path 34 at the stage where liquid oxygen is accumulated while cooling the inside of the child container 21 is the volume of the child container 21, the flow rate of liquid oxygen, etc., as shown by the first stage A in FIG. Depending on the conditions, the temperature decreases with a constant temperature gradient.

  Therefore, when the temperature gradient calculated by the control means 53 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 36 is decreasing at a preset temperature gradient, the third lamp 57 serving as the transfer-in-charge notification lamp. By lighting up, it is possible to notify that the transfer of liquid oxygen is proceeding normally. On the other hand, if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 36 does not drop to the preset temperature even after the preset time has elapsed, the second lamp 56, which is an abnormality notification lamp, is lit to turn on the abnormal state. For example, it can be notified that an abnormal state such as an insufficient amount of liquid oxygen in the parent container 11 has occurred.

  And the liquid oxygen which the liquid level of the liquid oxygen in the child container 21 rises and flows into the gas discharge path 28 flows toward the gas discharge path 34 while cooling the gas discharge path 28 and partially evaporating. At this time, since the gas discharge path 28 having a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the child container 21 is rapidly cooled by liquid oxygen, the temperature of the fluid flowing through the gas discharge path 34 is as shown in the second stage B in FIG. In addition, the temperature is rapidly lowered as compared with the temperature drop state in the first stage A. Further, when the gas discharge path 28 is cooled and liquid oxygen flows into the gas discharge path 34, the fluid flowing through the gas discharge path 34 changes from oxygen gas to liquid oxygen, and the temperature of the fluid flowing through the gas discharge path 34 is liquid oxygen. Therefore, as shown in the third stage C in FIG.

  Therefore, when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 36 reaches the temperature when proceeding from the first stage A to the second stage B, for example, −120 ° C., it is determined that transfer filling is completed, or the temperature sensor 36 measures. When the temperature gradient calculated based on the temperature changes from the temperature gradient of the first stage A to the temperature gradient of the second stage B, it is determined that the transfer filling is completed, or the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 36 is the third stage C. When the temperature reaches a certain temperature, for example, −150 ° C., it can be determined that transfer-filling is complete. In this way, when it is determined that transfer filling is completed, the first lamp 55, which is a transfer filling completion notification lamp, is turned on to complete transfer of liquid oxygen from the parent container 11 into the child container 21. Can be notified. At this time, it may be determined that transfer filling is completed when a preset temperature is reached, but transfer filling is completed when this temperature is continued for a preset time after reaching the preset temperature. It is possible to avoid erroneous determination due to measurement error or the like.

  The notification unit 51 shown in the present embodiment includes a first lamp 55 that notifies transfer completion completion, a second lamp 56 that notifies an abnormal state of transfer filling, and a third lamp that notifies that transfer filling is in progress. Since the lamp 57 is provided, when the liquid oxygen is transferred from the parent container 11 into the child container 21, the lighting state of the lamps 55, 56, and 57 is confirmed, thereby liquid to the child container 21 is supplied. Oxygen transfer and filling can be performed reliably and efficiently. That is, it can be confirmed that transfer filling is proceeding normally when the third lamp 57 is lit, and that transfer filling is normally completed when the first lamp 55 is lit. Can be confirmed. After the first lamp 55 is turned on, the connected state of the connecting portions 42 and 43 is released and the child container 21 is detached, so that the child container 21 filled with a predetermined amount of liquid oxygen can be used. It becomes a state.

  Further, when the second lamp 56 is lit, it is in a state where some abnormality has occurred and liquid oxygen has not been transferred, so that the connection state of the connection portions 42 and 43 is once released and then connected again. Then, it is possible to take measures such as confirming the connection state and restarting the transfer filling or contacting the person in charge of the device, and there is no possibility of using the child container 21 having an insufficient filling amount.

  In addition, the color tone at the time of lighting of each lamp | ramp 55,56,57 is arbitrary, a multicolor lamp can also be used, and it can also notify by switching blinking and lighting. Furthermore, the number of lamps installed is arbitrary. For example, only one multicolor lamp is installed, blinking yellow when transfer filling is normal, and lighting green when transfer filling is complete, causing an abnormality. It can also be formed to light up in red at times.

  Further, even if only notification of transfer filling is performed without notification of abnormal state or transfer filling, liquid oxygen can be reliably transferred to the child container 21 and the use efficiency of liquid oxygen can be improved. Can be made. Further, even when a signal is not obtained from the temperature sensor 36 due to disconnection or the like, or when the voltage of the dry battery 52 is lowered, by transferring or lighting the appropriate lamp or all the lamps, these causes are transferred. Can be avoided.

  Further, in the above description, as an example of the notification in the notification unit 51, the abnormality notification is a visual notification such as blinking or lighting of the lamp. However, in addition to or in place of the blinking or lighting of the lamp. It can also be configured to notify the completion of transfer filling or the occurrence of an abnormal condition by sound, vibration, or a combination thereof. In addition, the control unit 53 is provided with a memory function for recording various information related to the transfer and filling of liquid oxygen such as temperature information, transfer and filling time, transfer and number of times, and error information, and a communication function for transmitting these pieces of information. Can also be provided. In addition, by using a battery such as a dry battery or a secondary battery as a power source, there is no restriction on the installation location of the parent container 11, and the parent container 11 is transported with the low-temperature liquefied gas filling device attached to an appropriate place. It becomes possible to install. Furthermore, the low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus of the present invention can also be used when other low-temperature liquefied gas such as liquid nitrogen is transferred and filled.

  Further, depending on the configuration of the parent container 11 and the child container 21, the transfer filling connecting portion can be integrated into the parent container 11 and the child container 21, and the temperature sensor 36 and the notification unit 51 are connected to the parent container 11 and the child container 21. It can also be provided. Furthermore, the notification unit 51 can be detachably provided on the parent container 11, the child container 21, and the transfer filling connection part 31, and the temperature sensor 36 can be used during transfer and filling such as the gas discharge path 28 of the child container 21. It can be provided at any position on the path for releasing the gas in the child container 21 to the atmosphere, and can also be detachable.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Parent container, 12 ... Evaporator, 13 ... Oxygen gas supply valve, 14 ... Holding pressure valve, 15 ... Safety valve, 16 ... Parent side transfer-filling path, 17 ... Transfer-filling valve, 18 ... Filling valve, 19 ... Pressure gauge, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Child container, 22 ... Evaporator, 23 ... Oxygen gas supply valve, 24 ... Holding pressure valve, 25 ... Safety valve, 26 ... Child side transfer filling path, 27 ... Transfer filling valve, 28 ... Gas discharge path, 29 ... Gas discharge Valve 31, transfer filling connection part 32 32 transfer filling connection path 33 transfer transfer valve 34 gas release path 35 gas release valve 36 temperature sensor 41 parent side connection fixing part 42 Transfer filling side connection part, 43 ... Gas discharge side connection part, 51 ... Notification part, 52 ... Dry cell, 53 ... Control means, 54 ... Switch, 55 ... First lamp, 56 ... Second lamp, 57 ... Third Lamp

Claims (11)

  In the low-temperature liquefied gas filling device for transferring and filling the low-temperature liquefied gas in the first low-temperature liquefied gas container into the second low-temperature liquefied gas container, the low temperature is transferred from the first low-temperature liquefied gas container to the second low-temperature liquefied gas container. When transferring the liquefied gas, the temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the path is provided in the path for releasing the gas in the second low-temperature liquefied gas container to the outside. A low-temperature liquefied gas filling device provided with a notification unit that notifies transfer completion when the temperature reaches a preset temperature gradient.   In the low-temperature liquefied gas filling device for transferring and filling the low-temperature liquefied gas in the first low-temperature liquefied gas container into the second low-temperature liquefied gas container, the low temperature is transferred from the first low-temperature liquefied gas container to the second low-temperature liquefied gas container. When transferring the liquefied gas, the temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the path is provided in the path for releasing the gas in the second low-temperature liquefied gas container to the outside. A low-temperature liquefied gas filling device provided with a notification unit that notifies transfer completion when the temperature reaches a preset temperature and continues for a preset time. The low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first low-temperature liquefied gas container and the second low-temperature liquefied gas container are connected via a transfer filling connecting portion. 4. The low-temperature liquefied gas according to claim 3 , wherein the transfer filling connecting portion is fixed to the first low-temperature liquefied gas container, and the second low-temperature liquefied gas container is detachably connected to the transfer-fill connecting portion. Filling equipment. The low-temperature liquefied gas filling device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the temperature measuring unit and the notification unit are provided in the transfer filling connecting unit. The transfer-filling connecting portion includes an introduction portion for introducing the low-temperature liquefied gas in the first low-temperature liquefied gas container into the second low-temperature liquefied gas vessel, and the second low-temperature liquefied gas container in which the low-temperature liquefied gas is being introduced. A gas discharge part for discharging the gas to the outside, wherein the temperature measuring means is provided so as to be able to measure the temperature of the fluid flowing through the gas discharge part, and the notifying part includes the first low-temperature liquefied gas container, The low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, which is provided in either the second low-temperature liquefied gas container or the transfer filling connecting portion. The low-temperature liquefied gas filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the temperature measuring unit and the notification unit are provided in the first low-temperature liquefied gas container. The low-temperature liquefied gas filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the temperature measuring unit and the notification unit are provided in the second low-temperature liquefied gas container. The notification unit is an abnormality notification unit that notifies an abnormal state of transfer filling when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit does not reach a preset temperature even after a preset time has elapsed. The low-temperature liquefied gas filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . In the low-temperature liquefied gas filling device for transferring and filling the low-temperature liquefied gas in the first low-temperature liquefied gas container into the second low-temperature liquefied gas container, the low temperature is transferred from the first low-temperature liquefied gas container to the second low-temperature liquefied gas container. When transferring the liquefied gas, the temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the path is provided in the path for releasing the gas in the second low-temperature liquefied gas container to the outside. When the temperature reaches a preset temperature, a notification unit is provided for notifying the completion of transfer and filling, and the notification unit is configured in advance even if the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit has passed a preset time. A low-temperature liquefied gas filling apparatus including an abnormality notification unit that notifies an abnormal state of transfer and filling when a set temperature is not reached.   The notifying unit notifies that the temperature gradient calculated based on the temperature measured by the temperature measuring means is being transferred when the temperature is lowered at a preset temperature gradient. The low-temperature liquefied gas filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a notification unit.

Images