KR20080005859A - Liquified gas fuel storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquefied gas fuel storage device is provided to store liquefied gas fuel capable of obtaining a sufficient cruising distance and deliver the liquefied gas fuel to an engine. A liquefied gas fuel storage device includes a first storage tank(2A), a feed pump(25), a second storage tank(3A,4A), a fuel supply unit, and a supply control unit. The first storage tank stores liquefied gas fuel. The feed pump delivers liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank to an engine(50). The second storage tank is connected to the first storage tank through a supply line for supplying liquefied gas fuel, and stores liquefied gas fuel. The fuel supply unit supplies liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank to the first storage tank through a supply line. The supply control unit controls the fuel supply unit and supplies liquefied gas fuel to the first storage tank from the second storage tank in accordance with the consumption of liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank.

Description

Storage device for liquefied gas fuel {LIQUIFIED GAS FUEL STORAGE DEVICE}

1 is a system configuration diagram of a storage device 1A for liquefied gas fuel of the first embodiment.

FIG. 2: is explanatory drawing which shows the filling line I at the time of the filling of liquefied gas fuel with 2A of 1st storage tanks, and 2A, 4A.

FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the supply line K1 and the return line R1 communicate with the second storage tank 3A while the engine 50 is being driven.

FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the supply line K2 and the return line R2 communicate with the second storage tank 4A while the engine 50 is being driven.

4 is a system configuration diagram of the storage device 1B for liquefied gas fuel of the second embodiment.

5 is a system configuration diagram of the storage device 1C for liquefied gas fuel in the third embodiment.

6 is a system configuration diagram of the storage device 1D for liquefied gas fuel of the fourth embodiment.

7 is a system configuration diagram of a storage device 1E for liquefied gas fuel having another configuration.

8 is a system configuration diagram of a storage device 1F for liquefied gas fuel having another configuration.

9 is a system configuration diagram of a storage device 1G for liquefied gas fuel having another configuration.

10 is a system configuration diagram of a storage device 1H for liquefied gas fuel having another configuration.

11 is a system configuration diagram of a storage device 1I for liquefied gas fuel having another configuration.

12 is a system configuration diagram of a storage device 1J for liquefied gas fuel having another configuration.

* Explanation of symbols in the drawings

1A to 1J: Storage device for liquefied gas fuel

2A ~ 2E: first storage tank

3A ~ 3E, 4A ~ 4E: Second Storage Tank

10: control processing device (supply control means)

12: overcharge protection valve

19: fuel cooler (fuel supply means)

25, 91: feed pump

35, 45, 71, 72: feed pump (fuel supply means)

50: engine

61, 62: heater (fuel supply means)

K1, K2: Supply Line

R1, R2: return line

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a storage device for liquefied gas fuel, which stores liquefied gas fuel used as a vehicle fuel and pumps the liquefied gas fuel to an engine.

With the recent tightening of exhaust gas regulations, there has been a tendency for more vehicles to use LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), DME (dimethyl ether) or the like as fuel for the purpose of low pollution. In particular, DME has attracted attention because of its high cetane value and extremely low emissions of PM and NOx.

As a device using such a DME as a fuel, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-56409, the fuel remaining at the engine stop is conveyed to the purge tank once the DME fuel is pumped from the fuel tank to the engine. After depressurizing, the structure which sent to a fuel tank is proposed. Since the DME fuel is pumped from the fuel tank to the engine at high pressure, the DME fuel is reduced in the purge tank and returned to the fuel tank. In other words, in such a configuration, the purge tank is merely used to depressurize the DME fuel remaining at the engine stop.

Moreover, since liquefied gas fuel, such as LPG and DME, has a low energy density per volume, when using it as a vehicle fuel, it is required to be able to store a large amount of liquefied gas fuel in order to increase the cruising distance of the vehicle. have. In order to store a large amount of liquefied gas fuel, a large-capacity storage tank or a small-sized storage tank is provided. Here, in the configuration in which the latter storage tank is mounted in plural, the total storage amount can be appropriately designed by changing the number of mountings according to the size and weight of the vehicle, the required range of travel, and the like. Is also excellent. Therefore, the structure which mounts a some storage tank in a vehicle will become mainstream in future.

In the configuration in which the plurality of storage tanks described above are mounted, a configuration in which a feed pump for feeding liquefied gas fuel to the engine is provided for each storage tank. With this configuration, when the liquefied gas fuel is sequentially fed from the plurality of storage tanks to the engine by switching operation of each feed pump in turn, control for smoothly sending the liquefied gas fuel to the engine at the time of the switching is necessary, but the operation thereof is performed. Control is complex and lacks practicality.

Similarly, in a configuration in which a plurality of storage tanks are mounted, there is also a configuration in which each storage tank is connected so as to communicate the gas phase stations in each storage tank, and the liquid phase stations in each storage tank, respectively. This is to make the storage amount of the liquefied gas fuel in each storage tank uniform by communicating the gas phase and liquid phase of each storage tank. In this configuration, since the storage amount for each storage tank can be equalized, the feed pump disposed for each storage tank is operated at the same time to feed approximately the same amount of liquefied gas fuel from each storage tank. By the way, since the surrounding environment differs according to the mounting position of some storage tank mounted in a vehicle, temperature, tank internal pressure, etc. differ for every storage tank. Therefore, in practice, there is a problem that the storage amount of the liquefied gas fuel is not uniform in each storage tank, the liquefied gas fuel is consumed in a polarized manner, and the liquefied gas fuel pumped to the engine tends to become unstable.

In addition, in a feed pump for pumping liquefied gas fuel to an engine, a pump and a motor for pumping the liquefied gas fuel at a relatively high pressure are required, and an inverter or the like for controlling the discharge amount is provided, and these are provided. Because heavy weight is getting heavy. Therefore, as described above, in the configuration in which a plurality of storage tanks are mounted and a feed pump is provided for each storage tank, the weight of the vehicle as a whole increases, so the fuel economy is deteriorated. Moreover, since a feed pump has the above-mentioned function, its own purchase cost or manufacturing cost is high, and cost also increases. Therefore, as a structure for storing liquefied gas fuel and forcing it to an engine, weight reduction and cost reduction are demanded.

The present invention solves the above problems, and proposes a storage device for liquefied gas fuel that stores liquefied gas fuel capable of obtaining a sufficient cruising distance, and pumps the liquefied gas fuel to the engine.

The present invention is connected to a first storage tank through a first storage tank for storing liquefied gas fuel, a feed pump for pumping liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank to the engine, and a supply line for supplying liquefied gas fuel. And a second storage tank for storing liquefied gas fuel, fuel supply means for supplying liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank to a first storage tank through a supply line, and liquefied gas fuel consumption in the first storage tank. Therefore, the storage device for liquefied gas fuel is provided with a supply control means for controlling the fuel supply means to supply the liquefied gas fuel from the second storage tank to the first storage tank.

In such a configuration, a first storage tank and a second storage tank for storing liquefied gas fuel are provided, and the first storage tank is for conveying liquefied gas fuel to an engine, and the second storage tank is provided. It is a structure for supplying liquefied gas fuel to 1 storage tank. That is, it is the structure which classified the 1st storage tank and the 2nd storage tank as having a different function, respectively. The feed pump for pumping the liquefied gas fuel into the engine at a relatively high pressure is provided in the first storage tank.

In this way, since the liquefied gas fuel to be pumped to the engine is stored and pumped in a first storage tank, the liquefied gas fuel is stably controlled by the engine only by controlling the operation of the feed pump disposed in the first storage tank. Can be sent to In addition, compared with the conventional configuration in which a plurality of storage tanks are provided and the feed pumps are arranged for each storage tank, the present configuration has a smaller number of installations of the feed pumps, and can be made lighter in weight and lower in cost. Moreover, in this structure, since the said communication structure site | part is not needed like the conventional structure which communicated each gaseous-phase zone and liquid-phase zone of several storage tanks, weight reduction and manufacturing cost can be achieved.

Moreover, since this structure is equipped with the 1st storage tank and 2nd storage tank which store liquefied gas fuel, the total storage amount of the said liquefied gas fuel increases. Therefore, the cruising distance of the vehicle equipped with the storage device for liquefied gas fuel of this configuration is sufficiently extended.

Here, as a supply line, it is comprised from the pipeline which conveys liquefied gas fuel, and consists of the pipeline used only for supplying liquefied gas fuel from a 2nd storage tank to a 1st storage tank, for example, The conduit and the other conduit (for example, conduit for filling liquefied gas fuel) can be connected to each other so as to be configured so as to be partially connected together. And in the structure which uses another pipeline partly, by providing the shutoff valve etc. which open and close at a connection site, and control the opening / closing operation of the said shutoff valve, the flow direction of liquefied gas fuel is decided, and it is set as a supply line. Is very suitable.

Moreover, as supply control means, you may control so that liquefied gas fuel may be supplied from a 2nd storage tank as soon as the liquefied gas fuel in a 1st storage tank is conveyed to an engine, and the storage amount in a 1st storage tank is less than a predetermined quantity. If so, you may control so that liquefied gas fuel may be supplied.

In the above-described storage device for liquefied gas fuel, a configuration in which a plurality of second storage tanks are provided in parallel and controlled by the supply control means to supply liquefied gas fuel in each of the second storage tanks in turn to the first storage tank is proposed. do.

Here, the plurality of second storage tanks installed in parallel are each connected to the first storage tank via a supply line, and the fuel supply means supplies the liquefied gas fuel stored for each second storage tank to the first storage tank. It is installed to supply each. The supply control means supplies the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank to the first storage tank in a predetermined order for the plurality of second storage tanks. In other words, when the liquefied gas fuel in the first second storage tank is supplied, and the liquefied gas fuel that can be supplied into the tank disappears, the liquefied gas fuel is supplied from the next second storage tank. In this way, the liquefied gas fuel supplied to the first storage tank is always sent from one second storage tank. Thus, even in a configuration in which a plurality of second storage tanks are provided in parallel, fuel supply means for supplying liquefied gas fuel to the first storage tank can be controlled stably and easily. Moreover, in this structure, by increasing the number of 2nd storage tanks, the total storage amount of liquefied gas fuel can be increased, and a cruising distance is extended.

In the above-described storage device for liquefied gas fuel, a configuration having a return line for conveying excess liquefied gas fuel not used in an engine to a second storage tank is proposed.

Such a configuration is such that an excess of the liquefied gas fuel pumped to the engine, which has not been used to drive the engine, is returned to the second storage tank via the return line. Thereby, the liquefied gas fuel is circulated so that the liquefied gas fuel is pumped from the first storage tank to the engine, and the surplus is conveyed to the second storage tank and supplied from the second storage tank to the first storage tank.

Moreover, the liquefied gas fuel conveyed from an engine may be in the state which mixed liquid state and a gaseous phase, and can stabilize it by supplying into a 2nd storage tank once, and can supply it to a 1st storage tank. Therefore, bubbling or the like caused by the introduction of the liquefied gas fuel conveyed from the engine into the tank is accommodated in the second storage tank, so that the liquefied gas fuel is maintained in a relatively quiet stable state in the first storage tank. . The liquefied gas fuel can be pumped to the engine more stably from the first storage tank by the feed pump.

As mentioned above, in this structure, liquefied gas fuel can be circulated in order of a 1st storage tank, an engine, and a 2nd storage tank, and can supply liquefied gas fuel efficiently and stably.

In addition, as a return line, it is for conveying surplus liquefied gas fuel from an engine to a 2nd storage tank, and can also be set as the structure which can convey not only the structure which conveys only to a 2nd storage tank but also a 1st storage tank. . Here, in the latter configuration, the conveyance is usually impossible to the first storage tank, and the liquefied gas fuel which can be supplied into the second storage tank or when the second storage tank reaches an upper limit that can be stored is not stored. When not, etc., the structure which conveys liquefied gas fuel to a 1st storage tank can be used preferably.

In the above-described storage device for liquefied gas fuel, a fuel supply means is constituted by a supply pump for pumping liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank, which is installed in the second storage tank, to a first storage tank via a supply line. A configuration is proposed.

In such a configuration, as the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank is consumed, the supply control means controls the supply pump to pressurize the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank to the first storage tank. Here, since the supply amount of the liquefied gas fuel can be controlled relatively accurately and stably by operating the supply pump, supplying an appropriate amount of the liquefied gas fuel according to the liquefied gas fuel pumped from the first storage tank to the engine It becomes possible.

Since the supply pump is for supplying the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank to the first storage tank, the liquefied gas fuel can be sent to the first storage tank stably and quietly. That is, since the supply pump needs to have the ability to pressurize the liquefied gas fuel at a lower pressure (discharge pressure) than the above-described feed pump, a light weight and a low cost one can be used. Therefore, even if a supply pump is provided in a 2nd storage tank, both the effect of suppressing the gross weight of the whole apparatus, and the effect of reducing a cost can be exhibited.

Here, an overcharge prevention valve is installed in the first storage tank to prevent liquefied gas fuel from exceeding a maximum storage amount in the first storage tank, and a supply line is connected to the inside of the first storage tank through the overcharge prevention valve. In connection with the feed pump provided in the second storage tank, a configuration in which a flow rate (hereinafter referred to as a discharge flow rate) for discharging liquefied gas fuel increases is proposed as compared with the feed pump.

In such a configuration, the flow rate of the liquefied gas fuel supplied from the second storage tank to the first storage tank is higher than the flow rate of the liquefied gas fuel fed to the engine from the first storage tank. Thus, in the state where the liquefied gas fuel is supplied from the second storage tank, the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank is increased. Therefore, unless the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank is eliminated, sufficient liquefied gas fuel is always stored in the first storage tank, and the liquefied gas fuel can be reliably pumped to the engine by the feed pump.

In this configuration, since the liquefied gas fuel supplied from the second storage tank flows into the first storage tank through the overcharge prevention valve, even if the supply pump is configured to pump a relatively large amount of liquefied gas fuel, The liquefied gas fuel is not supplied to the storage tank beyond the maximum storage amount (upper limit).

Moreover, in the structure provided with a return line as mentioned above, it is not necessary to connect the said return line also to a 1st storage tank. This is because the flow rate that is pumped to the first storage tank by the supply pump is larger than the liquefied gas fuel conveyed from the return line. For example, the excess amount of the liquefied gas fuel conveyed to the second storage tank in the state where the storage amount of the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank becomes the lower limit and the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank is lowered is Most are in turn fed to the first storage tank. Therefore, excess liquefied gas fuel is sent to the first storage tank even if the return line is not connected to the first storage tank. Therefore, there is also an advantage that the meaning of connecting the return line to the first storage tank is small, and the piping configuration can be simplified.

In the storage device for liquefied gas fuel described above, the fuel supply means is configured with a heater for heating the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank, and the supply control means supplies the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank to the first one. A configuration is proposed which adjusts to a predetermined temperature higher than the liquefied gas fuel in the storage tank.

In such a configuration, by increasing the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank to a predetermined temperature as compared with the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank, the internal pressure of the second storage tank is increased, and the pressure difference with the first storage tank is increased. The liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank is moved to the first storage tank. That is, according to the consumption of the liquefied gas fuel of the first storage tank, the supply control means can control the heater to supply the liquefied gas fuel from the second storage tank to the first storage tank. Also in this structure, the effect of above-mentioned this invention can be exhibited suitably.

The predetermined temperature in the second storage tank obtained by the operation control of the heater by the supply control means is the second temperature due to the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the second storage tank raised by the temperature and the internal pressure of the first storage tank. The liquefied gas fuel in the storage tank is set to flow relatively smoothly into the first storage tank.

Moreover, as a heater, it is set in the 2nd storage tank, and it is set as the structure which heats liquefied gas fuel in the said tank directly, or is provided in the outer periphery of a 2nd storage tank, and heats the tank indirectly by heating. Can be. Here, the structure which arrange | positioned the former heater in the tank can be used preferably because it can heat a liquefied gas fuel efficiently.

In the above-described storage device for liquefied gas fuel, the fuel supply means is composed of a fuel cooler for cooling the excess liquefied gas fuel provided in the return line, and is supplied to the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank by the supply control means. On the other hand, the structure which adjusts the temperature of the excess liquefied gas fuel conveyed to the said 2nd storage tank so that the liquefied gas fuel in a 2nd storage tank may become high predetermined temperature is proposed.

In such a configuration, a fuel cooler for cooling the liquefied gas fuel heated by the engine is provided, and the temperature of the liquefied gas fuel introduced into the second storage tank by the fuel cooler is adjusted. The liquefied gas fuel conveyed to the second storage tank causes the temperature in the second storage tank to be increased by a predetermined temperature as compared with the first storage tank, thereby causing a difference in internal pressure between the two tanks, thereby liquefying the second storage tank. The gaseous fuel is moved to the first storage tank.

Here, the fuel supply means is configured to cool the liquefied gas fuel conveyed from the engine to a temperature at which the temperature in the second storage tank becomes higher than the temperature in the first storage tank by operating the fuel cooler. As this predetermined temperature, the internal pressure of a 2nd storage tank rises by the temperature in the said 2nd storage tank which rose by entering into a 2nd storage tank, and the said 2nd pressure is changed by the pressure difference of the internal pressure and the internal pressure of a 1st storage tank. The liquefied gas fuel in the storage tank is set to flow relatively smoothly into the first storage tank. And when the temperature of the liquefied gas fuel conveyed to the said 2nd storage tank is too high, when it flows into a 2nd storage tank, it mixes with the liquefied gas fuel which existed before, and bubbling etc. generate | occur | produce. Therefore, the fuel cooler needs to control to cool the liquefied gas fuel to a temperature at which a pressure difference between the degree of the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank and the movement of the liquefied gas fuel to the first storage tank can occur.

In the storage device for liquefied gas fuel described above, a configuration in which a feed pump for pumping liquefied gas fuel from a first storage tank to an engine is provided in the first storage tank is proposed.

In such a configuration, the feed pump can directly receive and pump the liquefied gas fuel stored in the first storage tank. Therefore, even when the first storage tank is inclined due to shaking during driving of the vehicle, the liquefied gas fuel can be stably received in the feed pump, and the liquefied gas fuel can be stably and properly fed to the engine. .

The feed pump is preferably configured to reliably receive the liquefied gas fuel even when the liquefied gas fuel therein is shaken with the inclination of the first storage tank. For example, a configuration in which the suction port of the liquefied gas fuel is provided in the first storage tank so as to be at the lowest position with the first storage tank mounted on the vehicle, or the liquefied gas fuel can be collected around the feed pump. The configuration and the like for providing an area in which it is located can be preferably used.

Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)

The storage device 1A for liquefied gas fuel of the present embodiment is mounted on an automobile and stores liquefied gas fuel which is the fuel of the engine 50. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a storage device 1A for liquefied gas fuel, and includes three storage tanks, a first storage tank 2A and two second storage tanks 3A and 4A.

The storage device 1A for liquefied gas fuel is provided with a quick coupling 11 which can mount and detach a filling gun (not shown) for injecting liquefied gas fuel from the outside, and the quick coupling The charging pipe | tube 6 which connects 2 A of 1st storage tanks from 2 (11), and 2 A of 2 A storage tanks in parallel is provided. Here, the filling pipe 6 branches and the filling valve 22 provided in the 1st storage tank 2A, the filling valve 32 provided in the 2nd storage tank 3A, and the 2nd storage tank 4A are here. Are respectively connected to the filling valve 42 provided in the figure. Moreover, the filling shutoff valves 33 and 43 are provided in the upstream positions of the filling valves 32 and 42 of the 2nd storage tanks 3A and 4A of the filling pipe 6, respectively.

In each of the first storage tank 2A and the second storage tanks 3A, 4A, an overcharge preventing valve 12, 12, 12 communicating with each of the respective filling valves 22, 32, 42 is provided. It is. As a result, the liquefied gas fuel flowing from the filling pipe 6 through the filling valves 22, 32, and 42 is stored in each of the storage tanks 2A, 3A, and 4A through the overcharge preventing valves 12, 12, and 12. It is supposed to leak. Here, each overcharge prevention valve 12 is provided with the float 12a which floats along the liquid level of the liquefied gas fuel stored in each storage tank 2A, 3A, 4A, The said When the float 12a is positioned at a predetermined height, the overcharge preventing valve 12 automatically closes to stop the inflow of the liquefied gas fuel. The overcharge preventing valve 12 prevents the liquefied gas fuel from being charged in excess of the predetermined maximum filling amount. The overcharge prevention valve 12 can use what was conventionally used, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

Moreover, the discharge valve 24 is provided in 2 A of 1st storage tanks, and the pressure feed pipe 9 is provided from the said discharge valve 24 to the engine 50. As shown in FIG. And inside the 1st storage tank 2A, the feed pump 25 connected with the said discharge valve 24, and receives and pumps liquefied gas fuel is provided. By opening the discharge valve 24 and operating the feed pump 25, the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2A is fed to the engine 50. Here, the feed pump 25 has a function of discharging liquefied gas fuel at a relatively high pressure, and stably liquefied gas fuel even when the first storage tank 2A is inclined while the vehicle is running. A region in which the liquefied gas fuel is collected is partitioned around the suction port for sucking the liquefied gas fuel so as to be sucked in (not shown).

Moreover, the high pressure pump 53 is installed in the pressure feed pipe 9 to supply the liquefied gas fuel conveyed from the pressure feed pipe 9 to the engine 50 by raising the pressure further upstream of the engine 50. . The liquefied gas fuel sent from the high pressure pump 53 to the engine 50 is accumulated in the common rail 52 to be ejected from each injector 51 (and, after the injector 51, the injector 51 and Common rail 52 is omitted).

On the other hand, a supply pipe 7 is connected to the filling pipe 6 via a supply shutoff valve 14 at a position upstream of the filling shutoff valves 33 and 43, and the supply pipe 7 is provided. Is branched and connected to the 2nd storage tank 3A, 4A via the discharge valve 34, 44 for each supply. The said supply pipe 7 is provided with check valves 36 and 46 in each site | part which becomes 2nd storage tank 3A, 4A side rather than a branch site | part. The second storage tanks 3A and 4A are provided with supply pumps 35 and 45 for receiving and pumping liquefied gas fuel inside each of them, and are connected to the supply discharge valves 34 and 44. It is.

In addition, the supply pumps 35 and 45 are used to pressurize the liquefied gas fuel at a lower pressure than the feed pump 25. This reliably and reliably sends the liquefied gas fuel to the first storage tank 2A during operation of the feed pump 25 to suppress turbulence caused by the inflow of the liquefied gas fuel into the first storage tank 2A. In order to enable the feed pump 25 to reliably pressurize the liquefied gas fuel. The supply pumps 35 and 45 form a suction port (not shown) for sucking the liquefied gas fuel so as to be close to the bottom surfaces of the second storage tanks 3A and 4A. The position of the suction port of the said feed pump 35, 45 becomes a minimum which can supply liquefied gas fuel from 2nd storage tank 3A, 4A. In other words, when the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tanks 3A and 4A becomes the lower limit (lower limit amount), it cannot be sucked by the supply pumps 35 and 45, and it cannot be supplied to the first storage tank 2A. do.

In addition, the return pipe 8 is connected to the above-mentioned high pressure pump 53. And the said return pipe 8 is branched, the connection site | part of said filling pipe 6 and said supply pipe 7, the site | part between the filling shutoff valve 33 and the filling valve 32, The site | part between the filling shutoff valve 43 and the filling valve 42 is connected via return shutoff valves 15, 16, and 17, respectively.

The return pipe (8) is for conveying excess liquefied gas fuel which has not been used in the high pressure pump (53) and the engine (50), and by opening and closing the return valves (15, 16, 17), The excess liquefied gas fuel is conveyed to either the first storage tank 2A or the second storage tanks 3A and 4A. And the fuel cooler 19 which cools the liquefied gas fuel which flows through the said return pipe | tube 8 is installed in the engine 50 side rather than each return shutoff valve 15, 16, 17 of the return pipe | tube 8. It is. Thereby, the liquefied gas fuel which became high temperature in the engine 50 is cooled and can be conveyed.

Further, inside each of the first storage tank 2A and the second storage tanks 3A and 4A, a liquid level gauge 13 having a float 13a floating along the liquid level of the liquefied gas fuel is provided. The liquid level meter 13 is for measuring the storage amount of the liquefied gas fuel by the floating of the float 13a. In the present embodiment, the total amount of liquefied gas fuel obtained from the liquid level gauges 13, 13, and 13 is displayed on a notification device (not shown) installed in the driver's seat of the vehicle, and the driver is informed.

In addition, 1 A of liquefied gas fuel storage apparatuses are provided with the control processing apparatus 10 comprised from the central control processing unit CPU (not shown), storage apparatuses (ROM, RAM), etc. The control processing apparatus 10 operates and controls the feed pump 25, the feed pumps 35 and 45, and the fuel cooler 19, and each of the filling valves 22, 32, and 42, and the respective discharge valves ( 24, 34, 44, each of the charge shutoff valves (33, 43), the supply shutoff valve 14, the return shutoff valves (15, 16, 17) to control the opening and closing operation, respectively have. In addition, the control processing apparatus 10 is electrically connected with said liquid level meters 13, 13, 13, the temperature sensor (not shown) and the pressure sensor (not shown) which were arrange | positioned in each storage tank, respectively, It is possible to obtain information on the storage amount in each storage tank, the temperature of the liquefied gas fuel, and the internal pressure of the tank. In addition, in FIG. 1, illustration is abbreviate | omitted suitably about the circuit line which electrically connects the control processing apparatus 10 and each said valve, shutoff valve, etc. to FIG.

In this embodiment, the fuel supply means which concerns on this invention is comprised by the feed pumps 35 and 45, and the supply control apparatus which concerns on this invention is comprised by the control processing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the storage device 1A for liquefied gas fuel of the first embodiment will be described.

When the liquefied gas fuel is charged into the first storage tank 2A and the second storage tanks 3A and 4A, each of the filling valves 22, 32, 42 and the filling shutoff valves 33, 43 are opened, respectively. , The supply shutoff valve 14 and the return shutoff valves 15, 16, 17 are respectively closed. A filling gun (not shown) is bonded to the quick coupling 11 to fill the first storage tank 2A and the second storage tanks 3A and 4A with the liquefied gas fuel through the filling tube 6. . In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, liquefied gas fuel is injected from the quick coupling 11 to the first storage tank 2A and the second storage tanks 3A and 4A in parallel, and is filled in substantially the same manner. do. In addition, the pipe line through which liquefied gas fuel flows during this filling is what is called a filling line (I).

Then, when the liquefied gas fuel is charged to the first storage tank 2A and the second storage tanks 3A and 4A to the maximum filling amount, respectively, the overcharge prevention valves 12 are closed so that they are not filled any more. . When filling is complete, the filling gun is removed from the quick coupling 11. Thereby, each filling valve 22, 32, 42 and the filling shutoff valves 33, 43 are closed, respectively.

When driving the engine 50, the filling valve 32 and the return shutoff valve 16 are opened, and the supply discharge valve 34 and the supply shutoff valve 14 are opened and operated. In addition, the discharge valve 24 is operated to open. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3A, the return pipe 8 communicates only with the second storage tank 3A, and the supply pipe 7 communicates with the second storage tank 3A through a portion of the filling tube 6. The first storage tank 2A is brought into communication. Here, the pipe line of the return pipe 8 which was made to communicate with 3 A of 2nd storage tanks is the return line R1 which concerns on this invention, and a part of the supply pipe 7 and the filling pipe 6 is used for the 2nd line. The pipeline for communicating the storage tank 3A and the first storage tank 2A is the supply line K1 according to the present invention.

The feed pump 25 of the 1st storage tank 2A and the feed pump 35 of the 2nd storage tank 3A are operated. By operating the feed pump 25, the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2A is pumped to the engine 50, and excess liquefied gas fuel that has not been used in the engine 50 is returned to the return pipe 8. Conveyed through. At this time, the excess liquefied gas fuel is cooled to the same temperature as the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank 3A by the fuel cooler 19 and flows into the second storage tank 3A. On the other hand, by operating the feed pump 35, the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank 3A is supplied to the first storage tank 2A through the supply pipe 7.

In this way, the liquefied gas fuel is pumped from the first storage tank 2A to the engine 50, the surplus is conveyed to the second storage tank 3A, and the first storage tank from the second storage tank 3A. It is circulated so as to be supplied to 2A.

Thereafter, when the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank 3A reaches a lower limit that cannot be sucked by the supply pump 35, the operation of the supply pump 35 is stopped, and the return shutoff valve 16 is stopped. , The filling valve 32 and the supply discharge valve 34 are closed. Then, the return shutoff valve 17, the filling valve 42, and the supply discharge valve 44 are opened to operate. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, the pipe line in which the return pipe 8 communicates only with the second storage tank 4A, and the pipe line in which the return pipe 8 communicates only with the second storage tank 4A is provided. To return line R2. In addition, the first storage tank 2A and the second storage tank 4A communicate with each other by a part of the supply pipe 7 and the filling pipe 6, and the communication line is connected to the supply line according to the present invention. K2).

The supply pump 45 of the second storage tank 4A is operated to supply liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank 4A to the first storage tank 2A through the supply pipe 7. In this case, the liquefied gas fuel is pumped from the first storage tank 2A to the engine 50, the surplus is conveyed to the second storage tank 4A, and the first storage tank from the second storage tank 4A. It is circulated so as to be supplied to 2A.

After that, when the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank 4A reaches the lower limit, the operation of the supply pump 45 is stopped, and the return shutoff valve 17, the filling valve 42, and the supply discharge valve are stopped. 44, the supply shutoff valve 14 is closed. Then, the return shutoff valve 15 is opened to allow the return pipe 8 to communicate with the first storage tank 2A. As a result, the liquefied gas fuel circulates between the first storage tank 2A and the engine 50, so that the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2A decreases. In this case, the remaining amount of the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2A is smaller than that of the entire storage device 1A for the liquefied gas fuel. When the remaining amount of liquefied gas fuel is small, the liquefied gas fuel is charged as described above.

As described above, in the storage device 1A for liquefied gas fuel of the first embodiment, a total of three storage tanks of the first storage tank 2A and the second storage tanks 3A, 4A are provided and a large amount of While storing liquefied gas fuel, the liquefied gas fuel pumped to the engine 50 can be stored in the first storage tank 2A unitarily, and the first storage tank 2A can be stored from the second storage tanks 3A and 4A. ) To supply liquefied gas fuel. Therefore, in the storage device 1A for liquefied gas fuel, first, the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tanks 3A, 4A is consumed in turn, and finally, the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2A is consumed. It is in the same aspect as it is consumed.

In this way, the pumping of the liquefied gas fuel to the engine 50 is unified to the first storage tank 2A, so that operation control of the feed pump 25 can be performed stably and easily, and to the engine 50. It is possible to send liquefied gas fuel stably and accurately. In addition, since the excess liquefied gas fuel conveyed from the engine 50 is returned to the second storage tanks 3A and 4A, the surplus liquefied gas fuel is changed from the state in the first storage tank 2A. After stabilizing in about the same state, since it supplies to 2 A of 1st storage tanks, the state inside 2 A of said 1st storage tanks can be stably maintained.

In the configuration of the first embodiment, since the feed pump 25 for pumping the liquefied gas fuel to the engine 50 at a relatively high pressure is provided in the first storage tank 2A, each of the conventional storage tanks described above. The operation control can be simplified compared with the structure in which the feed pump is provided every time. In addition, the feed pumps 35 and 45 installed in the second storage tanks 3A and 4A of the present configuration have a smaller output than the feed pump 25 for pumping liquefied gas fuel, and thus the weight of the pump itself. It is possible to reduce the cost and reduce the manufacturing cost or the purchase cost. Therefore, the storage device 1A for liquefied gas fuel can reduce the weight of the apparatus as a whole and reduce the cost as compared with the above-described conventional configuration.

In addition, since the first embodiment is configured to supply the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tanks 3A and 4A to the first storage tank 2A by the supply pumps 35 and 45, the supply pump By controlling the operations of (35, 45), there is an advantage that the supply of the liquefied gas fuel can be stably and accurately performed.

(2nd Example)

In the storage device 1B for liquefied gas fuel of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, two second storage tanks 3B and 4B are provided, and heaters 61 and 62 are provided at lower positions of the respective interiors. One configuration. In the second storage tanks 3B and 4B, suction pipes 63 and 64 communicate with the supply pipe 7 through respective supply discharge valves 34 and 44, respectively. Here, the lower end of each suction pipe | tube 63 and 64 is provided so that it may become a position approaching a tank bottom part. That is, the lower end positions of the suction pipes 63 and 64 are the lower limits to which the liquefied gas fuel can be supplied to the second storage tanks 3B and 4B.

Also in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described above, a control processing device 10 for controlling the operation of each pump, each valve, or the like is provided. The operation of one heater 61, 62 is controlled. The control processing apparatus 10 includes temperature data of each liquefied gas fuel obtained from each temperature sensor (not shown) provided in each of the storage tanks 2A, 3B, and 4B, and each pressure sensor (not shown). Based on the respective tank internal pressure data obtained from the control, the operation of the heaters 61 and 62 is controlled.

As the operation control of the heaters 61 and 62, the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tanks 3B and 4B is increased to a predetermined temperature as compared with the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2A. In accordance with the temperature difference between the second storage tanks 3B and 4B and the first storage tank 2A, the internal pressure of the tanks of the second storage tanks 3B and 4B is higher than that of the first storage tank 2A. Liquefied gaseous fuel flows from 2nd storage tank 3B, 4B to 1st storage tank 2A. Here, the control processing apparatus 10 calculates the difference in the tank internal pressure between the second storage tanks 3B and 4B and the first storage tank 2A from the second storage tanks 3B and 4B. The operation of the heaters 61 and 62 is controlled based on the data obtained from each of the above-described temperature sensors (not shown) and each of the pressure sensors (not shown) so that the liquefied gas fuel flows smoothly to 2A). Thus, the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tanks 3B and 4B is heated and maintained in a predetermined temperature range.

That is, when supplying the liquefied gas fuel in the 2nd storage tank 3B to the 1st storage tank 2A, each temperature data of each of the 2nd storage tank 3B and the 1st storage tank 2A, and each tank internal pressure Check the data. According to each of these data, operation | movement of the heater 61 is controlled so that the liquefied gas fuel in 2nd storage tank 3B may become high predetermined temperature compared with 2 A of 1st storage tanks. As a result, the internal pressure of the tank of the second storage tank 3B is higher than the first storage tank 2A by a predetermined pressure, and the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank 3B is supplied to the first storage tank through the supply pipe 7. It flows to (2A). In this way, the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank 3B is supplied to the first storage tank 2A. The same applies to the case where the liquefied gas fuel is supplied from the second storage tank 4B to the first storage tank 2A.

In the second embodiment, the heaters 61 and 62 and the suction pipes 63 and 64 are provided to the second storage tanks 3B and 4B without providing the supply pumps 35 and 45 of the first embodiment described above. The heaters 61 and 62 were installed to control operation by the control processing device 10, respectively. In addition, except for these configurations, since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, the feed pump 25, the valves, the shutoff valves, and the like are operated and controlled in the same manner as in the first embodiment, thereby filling the liquefied gas fuel and the engine. Each operation of the pressure feeding to 50, the conveyance of surplus liquefied gas fuel, and the supply from the second storage tanks 3B and 4B to the first storage tank 2A are similarly performed. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are recorded in the same configuration as the above-described first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, the second embodiment, like the first embodiment described above, operates each heater 61, 62 in turn as the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2A is pumped to the engine 50. By doing so, the liquefied gas fuel is supplied from the second storage tanks 3B and 4B to the first storage tank 2A. Therefore, also in this 2nd Example, the effect similar to 1st Example can be exhibited.

(Third Embodiment)

In the storage device 1C for liquefied gas fuel of the third embodiment, the control processing device 10 includes the second storage tanks 3C and 4C from which the heaters 61 and 62 are removed from the configuration of the second embodiment. By controlling the operation of the fuel cooler 19, the high temperature liquefied gas fuel conveyed from the engine 50 is cooled to a predetermined temperature range. This configuration does not include the supply pumps 35 and 45 of the above-described first embodiment and the heaters 61 and 62 of the above-described second embodiment as shown in FIG.

Here, as operation control of the fuel cooler 19 by the said control processing apparatus 10, a surplus liquefied gas fuel flows into 2nd storage tank 3C, 4C as a predetermined temperature range, and it is the said 2nd storage tank. The temperature of the liquefied gas fuel in 3C, 4C is made high compared with the inside of 2 A of 1st storage tanks. That is, similarly to the second embodiment described above, by increasing the temperature of the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tanks 3C and 4C, the internal pressure of the tanks of the second storage tanks 3C and 4C is increased, and the first storage tank ( The liquefied gas fuel flows from the 2nd storage tanks 3C and 4C to the 1st storage tank 2A by the internal pressure difference generate | occur | produced between 2A). In addition, as a predetermined temperature range for cooling the excess liquefied gas fuel by the fuel cooler 19, the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tanks 3C and 4C can flow smoothly into the first storage tank 2A. The temperature is set to be.

As the liquefied gas fuel is pumped from the first storage tank 2A to the engine 50, the control processing apparatus 10 uses a fuel cooler (not shown) in the liquefied gas fuel. It cools to predetermined temperature by 19), and returns to 2nd storage tank 3C, 4C. As a result, the temperature of the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tanks 3C and 4C is increased, and the liquefied gas fuel is supplied to the first storage tank 2A through the supply pipe 7.

Also in the third embodiment, since the configuration other than the above-described configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment, the control processing apparatus 10 performs the feed pump 25, each valve, each shutoff valve, or the like. By operation control similarly to the example, the filling of the liquefied gas fuel, the pumping to the engine 50, the conveyance of the excess liquefied gas fuel, and the supply of the supply from the second storage tanks 3C and 4C to the first storage tank 2A are performed. The operation is similarly done. In addition, the same code | symbol is recorded in the same structure as 1st Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

As described above, the third embodiment controls the operation of the fuel cooler 19 for cooling the excess liquefied gas fuel conveyed from the engine 50, thereby providing the second storage tanks 3C and 4C and the first one. The internal pressure difference is generated between the storage tanks 2A, and the liquefied gas fuel of the second storage tanks 3C and 4C is supplied to the first storage tank 2A. Therefore, since the feed pumps 35 and 45 are not needed as in the above-described first embodiment, and the heaters 61 and 62 are not required as in the above-described second embodiment, the overall weight of the apparatus can be further reduced. It is possible to further reduce the manufacturing cost.

In addition, in the third embodiment, like the first embodiment described above, the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2A is pumped to the engine 50, thereby controlling the operation of the fuel cooler 19, In order to supply the liquefied gas fuel from the second storage tanks 3C and 4C to the first storage tank 2A, the same operational effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Example 4)

In the storage device 1D for liquefied gas fuel of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the return pipe 73 for conveying excess liquefied gas fuel from the engine 50 is filled with the filling valve 32 and the filling shutoff valve. It is the structure comprised so that only the position between 33 and the position between the filling valve 42 and the filling shutoff valve 43 may be connected. In this configuration, unlike the first embodiment described above, the excess liquefied gas fuel conveyed from the return pipe 73 is not conveyed to the first storage tank 2A. In other words, the return line formed of the return pipe 73 is in communication with the second storage tank 3D (see FIG. 3A) and in communication with the second storage tank 4D (FIG. 3). (b)).

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the feed pumps 71 and 72 provided in the second storage tanks 3D and 4D, respectively, are pressurized as compared to the feed pump 25 provided in the first storage tank 2A. It is supposed to have a function of increasing the flow rate (discharge flow rate) of the liquefied gas fuel. As a result, the liquefied gas fuel flowing into the first storage tank 2A is larger than the liquefied gas fuel flowing out from the first storage tank 2A. Therefore, the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2A is maintained near the maximum filling amount until the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tanks 3D and 4D becomes the lower limit. Then, when the second storage tank 3D becomes the lower limit and the second storage tank 4D becomes the lower limit, the liquefied gas fuel supplied from the second storage tank 4D to the first storage tank 2A. Is approximately the same amount as the quantity conveyed from the return pipe 73, so that the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2A is reduced. Here, even when the liquefied gas fuel supplied from the 2nd storage tank 4D becomes the excess conveyed from the return pipe 73, since the flow volume of the supply pump 72 is more than the said excess amount, all the said excess amount It becomes supply amount to 2 A of 1st storage tanks. Therefore, the fourth embodiment does not require a configuration for communicating the return line to the first storage tank 2A as in the first embodiment described above.

Here, the liquefied gas fuel is maintained in the vicinity of the maximum filling amount in the first storage tank 2A described above in detail. In 2 A of 1st storage tanks, since the amount which flows in more than the liquefied gas fuel which flows out into the engine 50, when a maximum charge amount is reached, an overcharge prevention valve will operate and supply from 2nd storage tanks 3D and 4D. Will stop. The liquefied gas fuel is fed by the feed pump 25, and when the filling amount is reduced, the liquefied gas fuel is supplied immediately. The reduction from the maximum filling amount and the increase to the maximum filling amount are repeated until the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tanks 3D and 4D reaches the lower limit. Therefore, in 2 A of 1st storage tanks, liquefied gas fuel is maintained in the vicinity of the maximum filling amount.

In the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described above, as the liquefied gas fuel is pushed from the first storage tank 2A, the liquefied gas fuel is supplied from the second storage tank 3D, so as to control the processing apparatus. 10 controls the operation of each valve and shut-off valve. At this time, the return pipe 73 is in communication with the second storage tank 3D. Subsequently, when the liquefied gas fuel of the second storage tank 3D becomes the lower limit, the liquefied gas fuel is supplied from the second storage tank 4D, and the return pipe 73 is connected to the second storage tank 4D. Control the operation of each valve and shut-off valve so as to communicate with it. And although the liquefied gas fuel in 2 A of 1st storage tanks becomes a lower limit, operation control is carried out so that a supply line and a return line may be in communication with 2nd storage tank 4D until a liquefied gas fuel is filled. (See Figure 3 (b)).

As described above, the storage device 1D for liquefied gas fuel of the fourth embodiment is provided with the return pipe 73 as described above, and the feed pump 25 is provided in the second storage tanks 3D and 4D. The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the supply pumps 71 and 72 having a larger discharge flow rate than those shown in FIG. Therefore, operations other than the control for connecting the above-mentioned return line to the second storage tank 4D are performed in the same manner as in the above-described first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is recorded in the structure similar to 1st Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, all of the excess liquefied gas fuel conveyed from the engine 50 is conveyed to the second storage tanks 3D and 4D. Thus, the return pipe 73 is compared with the above-described first embodiment. In addition to simplifying the piping structure, the operation control process is simplified without requiring the operation control of the valve or the operation of the shutoff valve to carry excess liquefied gas fuel to the first storage tank 2A. You may.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, by liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2A is pumped to the engine 50, the operation of the supply pumps 71 and 72 is controlled. In order to supply the liquefied gas fuel from the second storage tanks 3D and 4D to the first storage tank 2A in turn, the same operation and effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

In the fourth embodiment described above, the liquefied gas fuel is first supplied from the second storage tank 3D to the first storage tank 2A, and then the liquefied gas fuel is supplied from the second storage tank 4D. Since it is a structure comprised so that, similarly, even if the supply pump 72 which has a function with more discharge flow volume than the feed pump 25 is provided only in the 2nd storage tank 4D to supply finally, the same effect can be exhibited. .

As described above, in the first to fourth embodiments, the supply pipe 7 is configured to be connected to the filling pipe 6 via the supply shutoff valve 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the supply pipe 76 may be configured to be connected via a supply filling valve 77 disposed in the first storage tank 2B. In the storage device 1E for liquefied gas fuel having such a configuration, since the supply pipe 76 independently connects the first storage tank 2B and the second storage tanks 3A, 4A, the supply according to the present invention. Line. Moreover, the overcharge prevention valve 78 connected with the supply filling valve 77 is provided in the 1st storage tank 2B separately from the overcharge preventing valve 12 connected with the filling valve 22. . Therefore, the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tanks 3A and 4A is supplied from the supply pipe 76 to the first storage tank 2B via the overcharge prevention valve 78. In addition, in FIG. 7, the structure using the feed pumps 35 and 45 is illustrated similarly to 1st Example, The same code | symbol is recorded on the same component as 1st Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the first to third embodiments described above, the return pipe 8 is configured to be connected to the filling pipe 6 via the return shutoff valve 15. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the return pipe 81 is connected via the return valve 82 arrange | positioned at the 1st storage tank 2C, and is connected to the 2nd storage tanks 3E and 4E, respectively. It is also possible to set the structure so as to be connected through the arranged return valves 83 and 84. In the storage device 1F for liquefied gas fuel having this configuration, the return pipe 81 allows the first storage tank 2C and the second storage tanks 3E and 4E to be connected independently, so that the return pipe 81 ) Alone constitute the return line according to the invention. In addition, in FIG. 8, the structure using the feed pumps 35 and 45 is illustrated similarly to 1st Example, The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component same as 1st Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

9, the supply pipe 76 mentioned above is connected to the supply filling valve 77 of the 1st storage tank 2D, and the return pipe 81 mentioned above is connected to the 1st storage tank 2D. The return valve 82 and the return valves 83 and 84 of the second storage tanks 3E and 4E may be connected to each other. The storage device 1G for liquefied gas fuel of this structure includes a supply line (see FIG. 7) of the storage device 1E for liquefied gas fuel and a return line (see FIG. 7) of the storage device 1F for liquefied gas fuel described above. 8), and a charging line, a supply line, and a return line are independent of each other. Therefore, as in the first to third embodiments described above, the number of installation of each shielding valve can be reduced, and the operation control can be simplified.

In the fourth embodiment described above, the return pipe can be connected to the return valves disposed in the second storage tanks, similarly to the storage device 1F for liquefied gas fuel.

Moreover, in the structure of 1st Example-4th Example mentioned above, although the feed pump 25 was arrange | positioned inside the 1st storage tank 2A, as another structure, 1st storage as shown in FIG. The feed pump 91 which attaches externally to the tank 2E can also be arrange | positioned. In 1H of liquefied gas fuel of this structure, the feed pump 91 is connected through the discharge valve 24 provided in the 1st storage tank 2E. In addition, even when the first storage tank 2E is inclined due to the shaking of the vehicle, the first storage is allowed to receive and liquefy the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank 2E to the engine 50. There is a need for a piping structure that is provided so as to be downward from the tank 2E, and that allows liquefied gas fuel to flow into the feed pump 91 at the time of inclination (not shown). In addition, in FIG. 10, the structure using the feed pumps 35 and 45 is illustrated similarly to 1st Embodiment, The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In addition, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the shutoff valve is arranged for each pipe at the connection portion of each of the filling pipe, the supply pipe, and the return pipe. However, as another configuration, a three-way valve or a four-way valve is provided. It can be set as the structure using a valve. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the four-way valve 95 is connected to the connection site where the filling pipe 6, the supply pipe 7, and the return pipe 8 are collected as a piping structure similar to the first embodiment described above. ) And at the same time the filling pipe 6 and the return pipe 8 are collected and connected to the second storage tank 3A, a three-way valve 96 is provided. ) And the return pipe 8 are collected, and the three-way valve 97 can be provided in the site | part which connects with 4 A of 2nd storage tanks. In the storage device 1I for liquefied gas fuel having such a configuration, the four-way valve 95 and the three-way valves 96 and 97 are opened and closed at the time of filling, supply and return as in the first embodiment described above. By the operation control, the filling, supply and return of the liquefied gas fuel can be performed.

This invention is not limited to the Example mentioned above, It can use suitably within the scope of the summary of this invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the return pipe 99 may be made into the structure which is not directly connected with the upstream part of each filling valve 32, 42 of 2nd storage tank 3A, 4A. In the storage device for liquefied gas fuel 1J having this configuration, the liquefied gas fuel conveyed from the engine 50 may be a level that flows directly into the first storage tank 2A. In the first to fourth embodiments described above, two second storage tanks are arranged, but one or two second storage tanks are provided, or three or four are provided. You can also do

According to the present invention, the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank is pumped to the engine by a feed pump, and the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank is supplied by the fuel supply means according to the consumption of the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank. In order to supply the first storage tank via the supply line, the liquefied gas fuel can be stored in the first storage tank and the second storage tank, and the storage amount of the liquefied gas fuel is increased as a whole, and the cruising distance of the vehicle is extended. In addition, since the liquefied gas fuel pumped to the engine is stored only in the first storage tank, the liquefied gas fuel can be stably sent to the engine only by controlling the operation of the feed pump disposed in the first storage tank. Further, even in the control processing contents for operating the feed pump, it is relatively simplified, so the stability and accuracy of the operation control are excellent. In addition, since the number of installation of the feed pump capable of outputting a relatively high pressure is limited, the weight and cost can be reduced as a whole.

In addition, in a structure in which a plurality of second storage tanks are provided in parallel, and controlled by supply control means to supply liquefied gas fuel in each of the second storage tanks to the first storage tank in sequence, according to the number of second storage tanks, The storage amount of the liquefied gas fuel is increased, and the cruising distance can be further increased. In addition, since the liquefied gas fuel supplied to the first storage tank is sent from one second storage tank, the fuel supply means can be controlled relatively easily and accurately, and the liquefied gas fuel can be stably transferred to the first storage tank. Can supply

Moreover, in the structure provided with the return line which conveys the excess liquefied gas fuel which was not used by the engine to the 2nd storage tank, the liquefied gas fuel conveyed from the engine is made into the stable state which is comparatively static once in a 2nd storage tank. Since the gas can be supplied to the first storage tank, the liquefied gas fuel can be pumped more stably and efficiently from the first storage tank to the engine.

Further, when the fuel supply means is constituted by a supply pump for pumping liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank into the first storage tank via a supply line, the fuel supply means is operated in the second storage tank. By this, the supply amount of the liquefied gas fuel pumped to the first storage tank can be adjusted relatively easily and accurately, and it is easy to stably supply a suitable liquefied gas fuel in accordance with the consumption of the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank.

Here, in the structure which the supply pump provided in the 2nd storage tank increased discharge flow volume of liquefied gas fuel compared with a feed pump, in a 1st storage tank, compared with the liquefied gas fuel conveyed to an engine, a 2nd Since more sides are supplied from the storage tank, sufficient liquefied gas fuel to be pumped to the engine can be stably stored.

Moreover, a fuel supply means is comprised by the heater which heats the liquefied gas fuel in a 2nd storage tank, The supply control means makes the liquefied gas fuel in a 2nd storage tank a predetermined temperature rather than the liquefied gas fuel in a 1st storage tank. In the configuration of adjusting to increase, a pressure difference is generated between the second storage tank and the first storage tank to supply liquefied gas fuel from the second storage tank to the first storage tank, and by operatively controlling the heater. The above effects of the present invention can be appropriately exhibited.

Further, the fuel supply means is composed of a fuel cooler for cooling the surplus liquefied gas fuel provided in the return line, and by the supply control means, the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank compared to the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank. In the configuration of adjusting the temperature of the excess liquefied gas fuel conveyed to the second storage tank so that the temperature rises to a predetermined temperature, a pressure difference is generated between the second storage tank and the first storage tank, so that It is made to supply liquefied gas fuel to a 1st storage tank, and an operation control of a fuel cooler can exhibit the effect of the above-mentioned this invention appropriately.

Further, in the configuration in which the feed pump for pumping the liquefied gas fuel of the first storage tank into the engine is provided in the first storage tank, the feed pump stably liquefies the gas even when the first storage tank is inclined while the vehicle is running. Fuel can be taken in and the liquefied gas fuel can be pumped stably to the engine.

Claims (9)

A first storage tank for storing liquefied gas fuel; A feed pump for pumping liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank to an engine; A second storage tank connected to the first storage tank through a supply line for supplying liquefied gas fuel and storing liquefied gas fuel; Fuel supply means for supplying liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank to the first storage tank via a supply line; And Supply control means for controlling the fuel supply means to supply liquefied gas fuel from the second storage tank to the first storage tank in accordance with consumption of liquefied gas fuel in a first storage tank; Storage device for liquefied gas fuel comprising a. The method of claim 1, The plurality of second storage tanks are provided in parallel, and the supply control means controls to supply the liquefied gas fuel in each of the second storage tanks to the first storage tank in sequence. . The method of claim 2, And a return line for conveying excess liquefied gas fuel not used in the engine to the second storage tank. A first storage tank for storing liquefied gas fuel; A feed pump for pumping liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank to an engine; A second storage tank connected to the first storage tank through a supply line for supplying liquefied gas fuel and storing liquefied gas fuel; Fuel supply means for supplying liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank to the first storage tank via a supply line; Supply control means for controlling the fuel supply means to supply liquefied gas fuel from the second storage tank to the first storage tank in accordance with the consumption of liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank; And A return line for conveying excess liquefied gas fuel not used in the engine to the second storage tank; Storage device for liquefied gas fuel comprising a. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The fuel supply means for the liquefied gas fuel, characterized in that consisting of a supply pump for pumping the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank to the first storage tank via a supply line, installed in the second storage tank. Storage device. The method of claim 5, The supply pump provided in the said 2nd storage tank has the flow volume which discharges liquefied gas fuel compared with the said feed pump, The storage apparatus for liquefied gas fuel characterized by the above-mentioned. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The fuel supply means is configured with a heater for heating liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank, The supply control means adjusts the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank so as to increase a predetermined temperature from the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank. The method according to claim 3 or 4, The fuel supply means is configured with a fuel cooler for cooling excess liquefied gas fuel provided in the return line, The supply control means adjusts the temperature of the excess liquefied gas fuel conveyed to the second storage tank so that the liquefied gas fuel in the second storage tank becomes a predetermined temperature higher than the liquefied gas fuel in the first storage tank. Storage device for liquefied gas fuel, characterized in that. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A feed pump for pumping liquefied gas fuel from the first storage tank into the engine is provided in the first storage tank.

Images