WO2011092561A1 - Vehicle - Google Patents

Vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2011092561A1
WO2011092561A1 PCT/IB2011/000044 IB2011000044W WO2011092561A1 WO 2011092561 A1 WO2011092561 A1 WO 2011092561A1 IB 2011000044 W IB2011000044 W IB 2011000044W WO 2011092561 A1 WO2011092561 A1 WO 2011092561A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
open end
communication device
end portion
receptacle
vehicle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2011/000044
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tomoyuki Mori
Original Assignee
Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha filed Critical Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
Publication of WO2011092561A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011092561A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
    • F17C5/002—Automated filling apparatus
    • F17C5/007—Automated filling apparatus for individual gas tanks or containers, e.g. in vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/02—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
    • F17C13/025—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment having the pressure as the parameter
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/02—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
    • F17C13/026—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment having the temperature as the parameter
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
    • F17C5/06—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures for filling with compressed gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0335—Check-valves or non-return valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0352—Pipes
    • F17C2205/0364—Pipes flexible or articulated, e.g. a hose
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/037—Quick connecting means, e.g. couplings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0376—Dispensing pistols
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2225/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/03—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2225/036—Very high pressure, i.e. above 80 bars
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0337—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0388—Localisation of heat exchange separate
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/034—Control means using wireless transmissions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/021—Avoiding over pressurising
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/023—Avoiding overheating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
    • F17C2260/042—Reducing risk of explosion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F17C2265/065—Fluid distribution for refueling vehicle fuel tanks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0105—Ships
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0134—Applications for fluid transport or storage placed above the ground
    • F17C2270/0139—Fuel stations
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0186—Applications for fluid transport or storage in the air or in space
    • F17C2270/0189—Planes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a vehicle to which hydrogen gas is supplied from, for example, a hydrogen station.
  • a receptacle is provided in a supply port for hydrogen gas.
  • a supply nozzle of a hydrogen station is connected to the receptacle so that hydrogen gas is delivered from the supply nozzle into a hydrogen tank mounted in the vehicle (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-69327 (JP-A-2005-69327), for example).
  • the invention provides a vehicle in which an effect of hydrogen gas on a communication device is reduced.
  • An aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle including a receptacle to which a supply nozzle is connected when hydrogen gas is supplied to the vehicle, and which includes a gas flow passage through which the hydrogen gas supplied from the supply nozzle flows; and a communication device that transmits information regarding the vehicle, and is provided at a position lower, in a vertical direction, than a first open end portion of the gas flow passage, wherein the first open end portion faces the supply nozzle.
  • the hydrogen gas having a specific gravity lower than that of air rises above the first open end portion in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the hydrogen gas leaking from the first open end portion reaches the communication device that is provided at a position lower than the first open end portion in the vertical direction. Thus, it is possible to reduce the effect of the hydrogen gas on the communication device without employing a complicated structure such as a structure in which a suction device for removing the leaking hydrogen gas is separately provided.
  • the receptacle may be provided in a manner such that the first open end portion faces diagonally upward.
  • the communication device may be provided at a body of the vehicle, to which the receptacle is fixed.
  • the communication device is disposed by effectively utilizing the body of the vehicle, to which the receptacle is fixed.
  • the receptacle may include a body portion within which the gas flow passage is formed, and the communication device may be provided at the body portion.
  • the receptacle and the communication device are integrated, and the communication device is easily provided in the vicinity of the receptacle.
  • a supply pipe may be connected to a second open end portion of the gas flow passage of the receptacle, and the second open end portion may be opposite to the first open end portion; and the communication device may be provided at a position lower, in the vertical direction, than a connection portion at which the receptacle is connected to the supply pipe.
  • a supply pipe may be connected to a second open end portion of the gas flow passage of the receptacle, and the second open end portion may be opposite to the first open end portion; and the first and second open end portions of the gas flow passage may be positioned in a manner such that a space in which the first open end portion is located is separated from a space in which the second open end portion is located by a separating portion, and the separating portion may include a communication portion that provides communication between the spaces; and the communication device may be positioned in the space in which the first open end portion is located, and the communication device may be provided at a position lower than the communication portion in the vertical direction.
  • connection portion at which the receptacle is connected to the supply pipe, is located at a position lower than the communication device in the vertical direction, it is possible to reduce the possibility that hydrogen gas leaking from the connection portion contacts the communication device for the following reason.
  • the hydrogen gas leaking from the connection portion may enter the space in which the communication device is positioned, through the communication portion of the separating portion, the hydrogen gas that has entered the space rises because of its low specific gravity. This reduces the possibility that the hydrogen gas reaches the communication device that is provided at a position lower than the communication portion in the vertical direction.
  • the separating portion may be formed by a portion of the body of the vehicle.
  • the communication device may communicate with a communication device provided at the supply nozzle.
  • FIG 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen supply system, which shows a hydrogen station together with a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG 2 is a schematic diagram that shows the configuration around a lid box of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the invention, and shows an example in which a communication device is provided at a vehicle body;
  • FIG 3 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the structure of a receptacle of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the invention, and shows a layout example in which the communication device is provided in the receptacle, instead of the layout example for the communication device shown in FIG. 2; and
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram that shows a vehicle according to a modified example of the embodiment of the invention in a manner similar to a manner in which the vehicle according to the embodiment is shown in FIG. 2, and shows an example in which a communication portion is formed on a bottom portion of the lid box.
  • a fuel cell vehicle installed with a fuel cell system will be described as an example.
  • the fuel cell system includes a fuel cell that generates power through an electrochemical reaction of oxidation gas (e.g. air) and hydrogen gas, which serves as fuel gas.
  • oxidation gas e.g. air
  • hydrogen gas which serves as fuel gas.
  • a hydrogen supply system 1 includes, for example, a hydrogen supply apparatus 2 such as a hydrogen station or the like, and a fuel cell vehicle 3 that travels using hydrogen gas.
  • the hydrogen supply apparatus 2 includes a dispenser 21 that sends out hydrogen gas, and the dispenser 21 is connected to a supply hose 22.
  • the supply hose 22 is provided with a pre-cooler 24, and the pre-cooler 24 cools the hydrogen gas sent out from the dispenser 21 to a predetermined low temperature (e.g. approximately -20°C).
  • a supply nozzle 23, which may be also referred to as a supply coupling, is attached to an end portion , of the supply hose 22.
  • the supply nozzle 23 is connected to the fuel cell vehicle 3 when hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 3.
  • An end portion of the supply nozzle 23 is provided with a communication device 25 that transmits to and receives from the fuel cell vehicle 3 various types of information.
  • the manner in which the hydrogen gas is supplied in the embodiment is one of the manners in which the hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen supply apparatus 2 to a hydrogen tank 10 of the fuel cell vehicle 3.
  • the hydrogen tank 10 is a supply source of hydrogen gas to a fuel cell.
  • the hydrogen tank 10 is a high-pressure tank capable of storing 35-MPa or 70-MPa hydrogen gas, for example.
  • Hydrogen gas inside the hydrogen tank 10 is supplied to the fuel cell through a supply pipe that is not shown in the drawing.
  • Hydrogen gas is supplied to the hydrogen tank 10 from the hydrogen supply apparatus 2 through a receptacle 12 and a supply pipe 14.
  • the receptacle 12 is a part to which the supply nozzle 23 is connected when hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 3.
  • the supply pipe 14 forms a flow passage through which hydrogen gas flows from the receptacle 12 to the hydrogen tank 10.
  • the supply pipe 14 is provided with, for example, a check valve 15 that prevents a reverse flow of hydrogen gas.
  • a communication device 17 is also provided in the vicinity of the receptacle 12. The communication device 17 communicates with the communication device 25 provided at the supply nozzle 23.
  • the fuel cell vehicle 3 includes a lid box 30 that is used as a supply port, and formed on a vehicle body 3 a.
  • the lid box 30 is a bottomed opening portion formed on a body or the like that constitutes the vehicle body 3 a, that is, a bottomed opening portion formed on a vehicle body side surface.
  • the lid box 30 can be opened and closed by a lid 32 of which an end is connected to the vehicle body side surface. When the lid 32 is closed, an internal space 34 of the lid box 30 is closed off from a space outside the fuel cell vehicle 3.
  • the internal space 34 becomes widely open to the space outside the vehicle, and a supply operator (i.e., an operator who performs an operation to supply hydrogen into the hydrogen tank 10) can connect the supply nozzle 23 to the receptacle 12. Once this connection is completed, the communication device 17 and the communication device 25 can communicate with each other.
  • a supply operator i.e., an operator who performs an operation to supply hydrogen into the hydrogen tank 10.
  • the communication devices 17 and 25 are mutually compatible.
  • the communication devices 17 and 25 have communication interfaces that perform wireless communication such as infrared communication.
  • the fuel cell vehicle 3 is provided with a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor that detect a temperature and a pressure (hereinafter referred to as a tank temperature and the like) inside the hydrogen tank 10.
  • the tank temperature and the like are detected when hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 3, and the detected information is transmitted from the fuel cell vehicle 3 to the hydrogen supply apparatus 2 through communication between the communication device 17 and the communication device 25.
  • the hydrogen supply apparatus 2 controls the operation (e.g. a supply speed) of the dispenser 21 while detecting the tank temperature and the like during supply of hydrogen.
  • the information exchanged between the communication device 17 and the communication device 25 may also include a specification of the hydrogen tank 10 (such as a heat dissipation property).
  • the internal space 34 of the lid box 30 is defined by wall portions 40, 41, and 42, which are portions of me body of me fuel cell vehicle 3.
  • the wall portion 40 is a bottom wall of the lid box 30, which connects the wall portions 41 and 42.
  • the bottom wall 40 is diagonally inclined with respect to the direction of gravitational force (vertical direction) such that an upper portion thereof is positioned more inward than a lower portion thereof, in the fuel cell vehicle 3.
  • a distal end side of the receptacle 12 is disposed in the internal space 34, and the communication device 17 is disposed in the vicinity of the receptacle 12.
  • the receptacle 12 includes a body portion 51 within which a gas flow passage 50 is formed.
  • the gas flow passage 50 is a passage through which hydrogen gas supplied from the supply nozzle 23 flows.
  • the gas flow passage 50 is formed to provide communication between the supply nozzle 23 and the supply pipe 14. That is, the gas flow passage 50 includes a first open end portion 50a and a second open end portion 50b.
  • the first open end portion 50a faces the supply nozzle 23.
  • the second open end portion 50b which is opposite to the first open end portion 50a, faces the supply pipe 14. More specifically, the first open end portion 50a is closer to the supply nozzle 23 than the second open end portion 50b is.
  • the second open end portion 50b is closer to the supply pipe 14 than the first open end portion 50a is.
  • the gas flow passage 50 extends through the body portion 51 in the axial direction of the body portion 51 so that hydrogen gas flows between the first and second open end portions 50a and 50b.
  • the body portion 51 is formed using a material that is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement (e.g: SUS316L or the like), and includes a connecting portion 52, a flange portion 54, and a coupling portion 56 that are arranged in the stated order from the distal end side.
  • the connecting portion 52 is positioned in the internal space 34, and the flange portion 54 and the coupling jportion 56 are positioned in a space 36 that is positioned more inward than the internal space 34, in the vehicle.
  • the internal space 34 and the space 36 are separated from one another by the bottom wall 40 of the lid box 30.
  • the connecting portion 52 is a cylindrical portion.
  • a ball lock groove 58 is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 52 at a position close to the distal end of the connecting portion 52.
  • the first open end portion 50a of the gas flow passage 50 is formed at a distal end surface of the connecting portion 52.
  • the connecting portion 52 is connected to the supply nozzle 23 in a manner such that the supply nozzle 23 is fitted to the first open end portion 50a.
  • a valve mechanism (not shown in the drawing) is configured inside the connecting portion 52. Connecting the supply nozzle 23 to the connecting portion 52 from the distal end side opens the valve mechanism inside the connecting portion 52 and allows the supply of hydrogen gas from the supply nozzle 23. In this state, a ball in the supply nozzle 23 enters the ball lock groove 58, and the supply nozzle 23 and the receptacle 12 are connected with each other, and locked.
  • the flange portion 54 is a thin plate portion having a diameter larger than diameters of the connecting portion 52 and the coupling portion 56.
  • the flange portion 54 is a portion used for fixing the receptacle 12 to the lid box 30.
  • the flange portion 54 is fixed to the bottom wall 40 of the lid box 30 directly or through a bracket, using a bolt 60.
  • the receptacle 12 is fitted to the lid box 30.
  • the flange portion 54 may be positioned in the internal space 34 and similarly fixed by the bolt 60.
  • the second open end portion 50b of the gas flow passage 50 is formed at an end surface of the coupling portion 56, which faces the supply pipe 14.
  • the supply pipe 14 is connected to the second open end portion 50b.
  • a male thread 62 (shown in FIG 3) is formed on an outer peripheral surface of an end portion of the coupling portion 56 of the receptacle 12.
  • the male thread 62 is coupled with a female thread (of a fastening nut) at an end portion of the supply pipe 14.
  • a joint portion 64 that joins the receptacle 12 and the supply pipe 14 is constituted by the male thread 62 and the female thread.
  • Various types of joint portions such as a screw type joint portion and an insertion type joint portion, may be used as the joint portion 64.
  • the joint portion 64 is constituted by the one-touch joint, the coupling portion 56, and the supply pipe 14.
  • the communication device 17 is provided at a position lower than a portion 12a of the receptacle 12, which is inside the lid box 30.
  • the communication device 17 includes an element portion 80 that includes a transmitting element and a receiving element, and a circuit portion 82 that is connected to the element portion 80.
  • the transmitting element and the receiving element of the element portion 80 are constituted by an infrared light emitting diode and a photodiode, respectively, and are positioned so as to face the communication device 25 at a distal end portion 23 a of the supply nozzle 23.
  • the circuit portion 82 is a substrate that includes a communication control portion that controls communication based on transmitting and receiving signals of the element portion 80.
  • the circuit portion 82 is fixed to the flange portion 54 by a pair of bolts 86 (fixing members).
  • the communication device 17 is provided integrally with the receptacle 12.
  • the communication device 17 may be provided at the body of the vehicle 3 by fixing the circuit portion 82 of the communication device 17 to the bottom wall 40 directly or through a bracket.
  • the communication device 17 is provided at a position lower than the first open end portion 50a of the gas flow passage 50 of the receptacle 12.
  • the communication device 17 may be provided at a position lower than a height level Hj of a lower end of the first open end portion 50a.
  • the communication device 17 is provided at a position lower than the joint portion 64 that is a connection portion at which the receptacle 12 is connected to the supply pipe 14.
  • the communication device 17 may be provided at a position lower than a height level H 2 of a lower end of the joint portion 64.
  • the communication device 17 is positioned more inward than the first open end portion 50a, in the fuel cell vehicle 3, instead of positioning the communication device 17 directly below the first open end portion 50a.
  • the receptacle 12 is inclined in a manner such that the first open end portion 50a faces diagonally upward. More specifically, because the receptacle 12 is attached to the inclined bottom wall 40 of the lid box 30, the connecting portion 52, which includes the first open end portion 50a, is disposed to face diagonally upward inside the lid box 30. This facilitates the operation to connect the supply nozzle 23 to the receptacle 12.
  • the first open end portion 50a of the receptacle 12 faces diagonally upward. Therefore, if leakage from the first open end portion 50a occurs when the hydrogen gas is supplied, the hydrogen gas leaks diagonally upward. Thus, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the leaking hydrogen reaches the communication device 17.
  • the communication device 17 is provided at a position lower than the joint portion 64 in the vertical direction.
  • the communication device 17 is provided at a position lower than the joint portion 64 in the vertical direction.
  • the communication device 17 may be provided at a position higher than the joint portion 64 in the vertical direction.
  • the hole 70 functions as a communication portion that provides communication between the space 36 and the internal space 34.
  • the space 36 and the internal space 34 are separated from one another by the bottom wall 40 (i.e., a separating portion), and if hydrogen gas leaks from the joint portion 64, the hydrogen gas may pass through the hole 70 and may enter the internal space 34 from the space 36.
  • the vehicle 3 has a body structure where an entry path (i.e., the hole
  • the communication device 17 may be provided at a position lower than the path (i.e., the hole 70) in the vertical direction. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the hydrogen gas that passes through the hole 70 and enters the internal space 34 reaches the communication device 17 that is provided at a position lower than the hole 70 in the vertical direction.
  • the configuration i.e., the configuration in which the communication device 17 is provided at a position lower than the entry path in the vertical direction
  • the configuration is effective for appropriately reducing the possibility that the hydrogen gas leaking from the joint portion 64 contacts the communication device 17 when the joint portion 64 is provided at a position lower than the communication device 17 in the vertical direction (i.e., when a configuration that is the reverse of the configuration shown in FIG 4 is employed).
  • the vehicle according to the invention is not limited to the fuel cell vehicle 3 described above.
  • the vehicle according to the invention may be applied to any vehicle as long as the vehicle travels using hydrogen gas as fuel.
  • the arrangement of the communication device 17 with respect to the receptacle 12 may be applied to a moving body that uses, as fuel, hydrogen gas supplied from an outside source, such as an airplane, a boat, and a robot.
  • the vehicle according to the invention may also be applied to equipment having a stationary fuel cell system.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicle (3) includes a receptacle (12) to which a supply nozzle (23) is connected when hydrogen gas is supplied to the vehicle (3), and which includes a gas flow passage (50) through which the hydrogen gas supplied from the supply nozzle (23) flows; and a communication device (17) that transmits information regarding the vehicle (3), and is provided at a position lower, in a vertical direction, than a first open end portion (50a) of the gas flow passage (50), wherein the first open end portion (50a) faces the supply nozzle (23).

Description

VEHICLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle to which hydrogen gas is supplied from, for example, a hydrogen station.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] In the vehicle, a receptacle is provided in a supply port for hydrogen gas.
A supply nozzle of a hydrogen station is connected to the receptacle so that hydrogen gas is delivered from the supply nozzle into a hydrogen tank mounted in the vehicle (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-69327 (JP-A-2005-69327), for example).
[0003] It is known that while the hydrogen gas is supplied into the hydrogen tank, a temperature and a pressure inside the hydrogen tank increase due to the supply of the hydrogen gas. Therefore, it is desirable that the hydrogen station should be provided with information regarding the temperature and the like inside the hydrogen tank while the hydrogen gas is supplied into the hydrogen tank. Methods to this end'include, for example, transmitting information regarding the temperature and the like inside the hydrogen tank from a receptacle-side communication device to the hydrogen station. However, if hydrogen gas present due to hydrogen leakage or the like comes in contact with a circuit of the communication device during supply of hydrogen, a circuit failure or the like may be caused.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] The invention provides a vehicle in which an effect of hydrogen gas on a communication device is reduced. [0005] An aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle including a receptacle to which a supply nozzle is connected when hydrogen gas is supplied to the vehicle, and which includes a gas flow passage through which the hydrogen gas supplied from the supply nozzle flows; and a communication device that transmits information regarding the vehicle, and is provided at a position lower, in a vertical direction, than a first open end portion of the gas flow passage, wherein the first open end portion faces the supply nozzle.
[0006] According to the above aspect, even if hydrogen gas leaks from the first open end portion of the receptacle, the hydrogen gas having a specific gravity lower than that of air rises above the first open end portion in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the hydrogen gas leaking from the first open end portion reaches the communication device that is provided at a position lower than the first open end portion in the vertical direction. Thus, it is possible to reduce the effect of the hydrogen gas on the communication device without employing a complicated structure such as a structure in which a suction device for removing the leaking hydrogen gas is separately provided.
[0007] In the above aspect, the receptacle may be provided in a manner such that the first open end portion faces diagonally upward.
[0008] With this configuration, if hydrogen gas leaks from the first open end portion of the receptacle, the hydrogen gas leaks diagonally upward. Thus, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the leaking hydrogen gas contacts the communication device. In addition, because the first open end portion of the receptacle faces diagonally upward, an operation to connect the supply nozzle to the receptacle is facilitated.
[0009] In the above aspect, the communication device may be provided at a body of the vehicle, to which the receptacle is fixed.
[0010] With this configuration, the communication device is disposed by effectively utilizing the body of the vehicle, to which the receptacle is fixed.
[0011] In the above aspect, the receptacle may include a body portion within which the gas flow passage is formed, and the communication device may be provided at the body portion.
[0012] With this configuration, the receptacle and the communication device are integrated, and the communication device is easily provided in the vicinity of the receptacle.
[0013] In the above aspect, a supply pipe may be connected to a second open end portion of the gas flow passage of the receptacle, and the second open end portion may be opposite to the first open end portion; and the communication device may be provided at a position lower, in the vertical direction, than a connection portion at which the receptacle is connected to the supply pipe.
[0014] Thus, even if hydrogen gas leaks from the connection portion, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the leaking hydrogen gas reaches the communication device.
[0015] In the above aspect, a supply pipe may be connected to a second open end portion of the gas flow passage of the receptacle, and the second open end portion may be opposite to the first open end portion; and the first and second open end portions of the gas flow passage may be positioned in a manner such that a space in which the first open end portion is located is separated from a space in which the second open end portion is located by a separating portion, and the separating portion may include a communication portion that provides communication between the spaces; and the communication device may be positioned in the space in which the first open end portion is located, and the communication device may be provided at a position lower than the communication portion in the vertical direction.
[0016] With this configuration, even if the connection portion, at which the receptacle is connected to the supply pipe, is located at a position lower than the communication device in the vertical direction, it is possible to reduce the possibility that hydrogen gas leaking from the connection portion contacts the communication device for the following reason. Although the hydrogen gas leaking from the connection portion may enter the space in which the communication device is positioned, through the communication portion of the separating portion, the hydrogen gas that has entered the space rises because of its low specific gravity. This reduces the possibility that the hydrogen gas reaches the communication device that is provided at a position lower than the communication portion in the vertical direction. Note that the separating portion may be formed by a portion of the body of the vehicle.
[0017] In the above aspect, in a situation where the supply nozzle is connected with the receptacle, the communication device may communicate with a communication device provided at the supply nozzle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] The foregoing and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals are used to represent like elements and wherein:
FIG 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen supply system, which shows a hydrogen station together with a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG 2 is a schematic diagram that shows the configuration around a lid box of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the invention, and shows an example in which a communication device is provided at a vehicle body;
FIG 3 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the structure of a receptacle of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the invention, and shows a layout example in which the communication device is provided in the receptacle, instead of the layout example for the communication device shown in FIG. 2; and
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram that shows a vehicle according to a modified example of the embodiment of the invention in a manner similar to a manner in which the vehicle according to the embodiment is shown in FIG. 2, and shows an example in which a communication portion is formed on a bottom portion of the lid box.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT [0019] Hereinafter, a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A fuel cell vehicle installed with a fuel cell system will be described as an example. Note that the fuel cell system, as is commonly known, includes a fuel cell that generates power through an electrochemical reaction of oxidation gas (e.g. air) and hydrogen gas, which serves as fuel gas.
[0020] As shown in FIG 1, a hydrogen supply system 1 includes, for example, a hydrogen supply apparatus 2 such as a hydrogen station or the like, and a fuel cell vehicle 3 that travels using hydrogen gas.
[0021] The hydrogen supply apparatus 2 includes a dispenser 21 that sends out hydrogen gas, and the dispenser 21 is connected to a supply hose 22. The supply hose 22 is provided with a pre-cooler 24, and the pre-cooler 24 cools the hydrogen gas sent out from the dispenser 21 to a predetermined low temperature (e.g. approximately -20°C). A supply nozzle 23, which may be also referred to as a supply coupling, is attached to an end portion , of the supply hose 22. The supply nozzle 23 is connected to the fuel cell vehicle 3 when hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 3. An end portion of the supply nozzle 23 is provided with a communication device 25 that transmits to and receives from the fuel cell vehicle 3 various types of information. The manner in which the hydrogen gas is supplied in the embodiment is one of the manners in which the hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen supply apparatus 2 to a hydrogen tank 10 of the fuel cell vehicle 3.
[0022] The hydrogen tank 10 is a supply source of hydrogen gas to a fuel cell. The hydrogen tank 10 is a high-pressure tank capable of storing 35-MPa or 70-MPa hydrogen gas, for example. Hydrogen gas inside the hydrogen tank 10 is supplied to the fuel cell through a supply pipe that is not shown in the drawing. Hydrogen gas is supplied to the hydrogen tank 10 from the hydrogen supply apparatus 2 through a receptacle 12 and a supply pipe 14. The receptacle 12 is a part to which the supply nozzle 23 is connected when hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 3. The supply pipe 14 forms a flow passage through which hydrogen gas flows from the receptacle 12 to the hydrogen tank 10. The supply pipe 14 is provided with, for example, a check valve 15 that prevents a reverse flow of hydrogen gas. A communication device 17 is also provided in the vicinity of the receptacle 12. The communication device 17 communicates with the communication device 25 provided at the supply nozzle 23.
[0023] The fuel cell vehicle 3 includes a lid box 30 that is used as a supply port, and formed on a vehicle body 3 a. The lid box 30 is a bottomed opening portion formed on a body or the like that constitutes the vehicle body 3 a, that is, a bottomed opening portion formed on a vehicle body side surface. The lid box 30 can be opened and closed by a lid 32 of which an end is connected to the vehicle body side surface. When the lid 32 is closed, an internal space 34 of the lid box 30 is closed off from a space outside the fuel cell vehicle 3. By opening the lid 32, the internal space 34 becomes widely open to the space outside the vehicle, and a supply operator (i.e., an operator who performs an operation to supply hydrogen into the hydrogen tank 10) can connect the supply nozzle 23 to the receptacle 12. Once this connection is completed, the communication device 17 and the communication device 25 can communicate with each other.
[0024] The communication devices 17 and 25 are mutually compatible. For example, the communication devices 17 and 25 have communication interfaces that perform wireless communication such as infrared communication. Although not shown in the drawing, the fuel cell vehicle 3 is provided with a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor that detect a temperature and a pressure (hereinafter referred to as a tank temperature and the like) inside the hydrogen tank 10. For example, the tank temperature and the like are detected when hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 3, and the detected information is transmitted from the fuel cell vehicle 3 to the hydrogen supply apparatus 2 through communication between the communication device 17 and the communication device 25. Accordingly, the hydrogen supply apparatus 2 controls the operation (e.g. a supply speed) of the dispenser 21 while detecting the tank temperature and the like during supply of hydrogen. Note that, in addition to the tank temperature and the like, the information exchanged between the communication device 17 and the communication device 25 may also include a specification of the hydrogen tank 10 (such as a heat dissipation property).
[0025] Next, the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG 2. As shown in FIG 2, the internal space 34 of the lid box 30 is defined by wall portions 40, 41, and 42, which are portions of me body of me fuel cell vehicle 3. The wall portion 40 is a bottom wall of the lid box 30, which connects the wall portions 41 and 42. The bottom wall 40 is diagonally inclined with respect to the direction of gravitational force (vertical direction) such that an upper portion thereof is positioned more inward than a lower portion thereof, in the fuel cell vehicle 3. A distal end side of the receptacle 12 is disposed in the internal space 34, and the communication device 17 is disposed in the vicinity of the receptacle 12.
[0026] The receptacle 12 includes a body portion 51 within which a gas flow passage 50 is formed. The gas flow passage 50 is a passage through which hydrogen gas supplied from the supply nozzle 23 flows. The gas flow passage 50 is formed to provide communication between the supply nozzle 23 and the supply pipe 14. That is, the gas flow passage 50 includes a first open end portion 50a and a second open end portion 50b. The first open end portion 50a faces the supply nozzle 23. The second open end portion 50b, which is opposite to the first open end portion 50a, faces the supply pipe 14. More specifically, the first open end portion 50a is closer to the supply nozzle 23 than the second open end portion 50b is. In other words, the second open end portion 50b is closer to the supply pipe 14 than the first open end portion 50a is. The gas flow passage 50 extends through the body portion 51 in the axial direction of the body portion 51 so that hydrogen gas flows between the first and second open end portions 50a and 50b.
[0027] The body portion 51 is formed using a material that is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement (e.g: SUS316L or the like), and includes a connecting portion 52, a flange portion 54, and a coupling portion 56 that are arranged in the stated order from the distal end side. The connecting portion 52 is positioned in the internal space 34, and the flange portion 54 and the coupling jportion 56 are positioned in a space 36 that is positioned more inward than the internal space 34, in the vehicle. The internal space 34 and the space 36 are separated from one another by the bottom wall 40 of the lid box 30.
[0028] The connecting portion 52 is a cylindrical portion. A ball lock groove 58 is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 52 at a position close to the distal end of the connecting portion 52. The first open end portion 50a of the gas flow passage 50 is formed at a distal end surface of the connecting portion 52. The connecting portion 52 is connected to the supply nozzle 23 in a manner such that the supply nozzle 23 is fitted to the first open end portion 50a. A valve mechanism (not shown in the drawing) is configured inside the connecting portion 52. Connecting the supply nozzle 23 to the connecting portion 52 from the distal end side opens the valve mechanism inside the connecting portion 52 and allows the supply of hydrogen gas from the supply nozzle 23. In this state, a ball in the supply nozzle 23 enters the ball lock groove 58, and the supply nozzle 23 and the receptacle 12 are connected with each other, and locked.
[0029] The flange portion 54 is a thin plate portion having a diameter larger than diameters of the connecting portion 52 and the coupling portion 56. The flange portion 54 is a portion used for fixing the receptacle 12 to the lid box 30. The flange portion 54 is fixed to the bottom wall 40 of the lid box 30 directly or through a bracket, using a bolt 60. Thus, the receptacle 12 is fitted to the lid box 30. Note that, as shown in FIG 3, the flange portion 54 may be positioned in the internal space 34 and similarly fixed by the bolt 60.
[0030] The second open end portion 50b of the gas flow passage 50 is formed at an end surface of the coupling portion 56, which faces the supply pipe 14. The supply pipe 14 is connected to the second open end portion 50b. More specifically, a male thread 62 (shown in FIG 3) is formed on an outer peripheral surface of an end portion of the coupling portion 56 of the receptacle 12. The male thread 62 is coupled with a female thread (of a fastening nut) at an end portion of the supply pipe 14. A joint portion 64 that joins the receptacle 12 and the supply pipe 14 is constituted by the male thread 62 and the female thread. Various types of joint portions, such as a screw type joint portion and an insertion type joint portion, may be used as the joint portion 64. For example, if the coupling portion 56 and the supply pipe 14 are connected through a one-touch joint, the joint portion 64 is constituted by the one-touch joint, the coupling portion 56, and the supply pipe 14.
[0031] The communication device 17 is provided at a position lower than a portion 12a of the receptacle 12, which is inside the lid box 30. As the configuration of the communication device 17, a commonly known configuration may be employed. For example, as shown in FIG 3, the communication device 17 includes an element portion 80 that includes a transmitting element and a receiving element, and a circuit portion 82 that is connected to the element portion 80. For example, the transmitting element and the receiving element of the element portion 80 are constituted by an infrared light emitting diode and a photodiode, respectively, and are positioned so as to face the communication device 25 at a distal end portion 23 a of the supply nozzle 23.
[0032] The circuit portion 82 is a substrate that includes a communication control portion that controls communication based on transmitting and receiving signals of the element portion 80. The circuit portion 82 is fixed to the flange portion 54 by a pair of bolts 86 (fixing members). Thus, the communication device 17 is provided integrally with the receptacle 12. However, in another form, as shown in FIG 2, the communication device 17 may be provided at the body of the vehicle 3 by fixing the circuit portion 82 of the communication device 17 to the bottom wall 40 directly or through a bracket.
[0033] The positional relationship between the communication device 17 and the receptacle 12 in the direction of gravitational force in the layout example shown in FIG. 2 is the same as that in the layout example shown in FIG 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 17 is provided at a position lower than the first open end portion 50a of the gas flow passage 50 of the receptacle 12. The communication device 17 may be provided at a position lower than a height level Hj of a lower end of the first open end portion 50a. In addition, the communication device 17 is provided at a position lower than the joint portion 64 that is a connection portion at which the receptacle 12 is connected to the supply pipe 14. In this case, the communication device 17 may be provided at a position lower than a height level H2 of a lower end of the joint portion 64.
[0034] Further, the communication device 17 is positioned more inward than the first open end portion 50a, in the fuel cell vehicle 3, instead of positioning the communication device 17 directly below the first open end portion 50a. The receptacle 12 is inclined in a manner such that the first open end portion 50a faces diagonally upward. More specifically, because the receptacle 12 is attached to the inclined bottom wall 40 of the lid box 30, the connecting portion 52, which includes the first open end portion 50a, is disposed to face diagonally upward inside the lid box 30. This facilitates the operation to connect the supply nozzle 23 to the receptacle 12.
[0035] Advantageous effects of the above embodiment will be described. If hydrogen gas leaks into the lid box 30 from the first open end portion 50a due to, for example, a failure of the valve mechanism (e.g. check valve) inside the receptacle 12, the hydrogen gas moves upward because the specific gravity of hydrogen gas is lower than that of air. In this regard, because the communication device 17 is provided at a position lower, in the vertical direction, than the first open end portion 50a of the gas flow passage 50 of the receptacle 12, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the leaking hydrogen gas reaches the communication device 17 in the embodiment.
[0036] In addition, the first open end portion 50a of the receptacle 12 faces diagonally upward. Therefore, if leakage from the first open end portion 50a occurs when the hydrogen gas is supplied, the hydrogen gas leaks diagonally upward. Thus, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the leaking hydrogen reaches the communication device 17.
[0037] Accordingly, even if leakage from the first open end portion 50a occurs during the supply of the hydrogen gas, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the leaking hydrogen gas contacts and adversely affects the circuit portion 82 of the communication device 17. Further, even if leakage occurs with the lid 32 closed after the hydrogen gas is supplied, the leaking hydrogen gas gathers in an upper space inside the lid box 30. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately reduce the possibility that the hydrogen gas contacts the communication device 17 that is not disposed in the upper space.
[0038] According to the embodiment, the communication device 17 is provided at a position lower than the joint portion 64 in the vertical direction. Thus, even if hydrogen gas leaks from the joint portion 64 and the hydrogen gas enters the lid box 30 from a position at the same height level as that of the joint portion 64, an adverse effect of the hydrogen gas on the communication device 17 is reduced.
[0039] However, if the hydrogen gas leaking from the joint portion 64 cannot easily enter the lid box 30, for example, if there are no holes or the like in the wall portions 40 to 42 of the lid box 30, the communication device 17 may be provided at a position higher than the joint portion 64 in the vertical direction.
[0040] Hereinafter, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described. If a hole 70 is formed in the wall portion 40 of the lid box 30 as shown in FIG 4, the hole 70 functions as a communication portion that provides communication between the space 36 and the internal space 34. In this case, the space 36 and the internal space 34 are separated from one another by the bottom wall 40 (i.e., a separating portion), and if hydrogen gas leaks from the joint portion 64, the hydrogen gas may pass through the hole 70 and may enter the internal space 34 from the space 36.
[0041] If the vehicle 3 has a body structure where an entry path (i.e., the hole
70) through which hydrogen gas may enter the inner space 34 from the space 36 is identified, the communication device 17 may be provided at a position lower than the path (i.e., the hole 70) in the vertical direction. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the hydrogen gas that passes through the hole 70 and enters the internal space 34 reaches the communication device 17 that is provided at a position lower than the hole 70 in the vertical direction. The configuration (i.e., the configuration in which the communication device 17 is provided at a position lower than the entry path in the vertical direction) is effective for appropriately reducing the possibility that the hydrogen gas leaking from the joint portion 64 contacts the communication device 17 when the joint portion 64 is provided at a position lower than the communication device 17 in the vertical direction (i.e., when a configuration that is the reverse of the configuration shown in FIG 4 is employed).
[0042] The vehicle according to the invention is not limited to the fuel cell vehicle 3 described above. The vehicle according to the invention may be applied to any vehicle as long as the vehicle travels using hydrogen gas as fuel. Further, in addition to a vehicle, the arrangement of the communication device 17 with respect to the receptacle 12 may be applied to a moving body that uses, as fuel, hydrogen gas supplied from an outside source, such as an airplane, a boat, and a robot. Moreover, the vehicle according to the invention may also be applied to equipment having a stationary fuel cell system.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A vehicle comprising:
a receptacle to which a supply nozzle is connected when hydrogen gas is supplied to the vehicle, and which includes a gas flow passage through which the hydrogen gas supplied from the supply nozzle flows; and
a communication device that transmits information regarding the vehicle, and is provided at a position lower, in a vertical direction, than a first open end portion of the gas flow passage, wherein the first open end portion faces the supply nozzle.
2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein
the communication device is provided at a position lower than a height level of a lower end of the first open end portion.
3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receptacle is provided in a manner such that the first open end portion faces diagonally upward.
4. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the communication device is positioned more inward than the first open end portion, in the vehicle.
5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the communication device is provided at a body of the vehicle, to which the receptacle is fixed.
6. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the receptacle includes a body portion within which the gas flow passage is formed, and the communication device is provided at the body portion.
7. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
a supply pipe is connected to a second open end portion of the gas flow passage of the receptacle, and the second open end portion is opposite to the first open end portion; and
the communication device is provided at a position lower, in the vertical direction, than a connection portion at which the receptacle is connected to the supply pipe.
8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein
the communication device is provided at a position lower than a height level of a lower end of the connection portion.
9. The vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, wherein
the connection portion is constituted by a male thread formed on an outer peripheral surface of the receptacle, and a female thread at an end portion of the supply pipe.
10. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
a supply pipe is connected to a second open end portion of the gas flow passage of the receptacle, and the second open end portion is opposite to the first open end portion; and
the first and second open end portions of the gas flow passage are positioned in a manner such that a space in which the first open end portion is located is separated from a space in which the second open end portion is located by a separating portion, and the separating portion includes a communication portion that provides communication between the spaces; and
the communication device is positioned in the space in which the first open end portion is located, and the communication device is provided at a position lower than the communication portion in the vertical direction.
11. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein
in a situation where the supply nozzle is connected with the receptacle, the communication device communicates with a communication device provided at the supply nozzle.
PCT/IB2011/000044 2010-01-29 2011-01-13 Vehicle WO2011092561A1 (en)

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