Pressure reducing valve, valve unit, valve device, and leaf spring

Abstract

A pressure reducing valve comprises: a casing in which a valve passage is formed; a valve body movably accommodated in the casing and changing its position according to a secondary pressure to adjust the opening of the valve passage; and a damping member that dampens the valve body in an opening direction to open the valve passage by resisting the secondary pressure, wherein the damping member is a plate-shaped spring extending laterally from the valve body.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure reducing valve for reducing and outputting gas pressure, a valve unit, a valve device, and a plate spring for supporting a valve body. Background Technology

[0002] As a pressure reducing valve for gases such as compressed natural gas and hydrogen gas, for example, a pressure reducing valve such as that described in Patent Document 1 is known. In the pressure reducing valve of Patent Document 1, a secondary pressure is applied to the valve body in the closing direction, and the valve body is supported by a compression coil spring so as to resist the secondary pressure. Prior art literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-093809 The problem to be solved

[0004] In the pressure reducing valve of Patent Document 1, the valve body is compressed in the opening direction by a compression coil spring, so the size of the pressure reducing valve, especially the length in the axial direction, increases.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a pressure reducing valve, a valve unit, a valve device, and a spring member capable of miniaturization. means of solving the problem

[0006] The pressure reducing valve of the first invention comprises: a casing in which a valve passage is formed; a valve body movably accommodated in the casing and changing its position according to a secondary pressure to adjust the opening degree of the valve passage; and a supporting member that resists the secondary pressure and supports the valve body in an opening direction to open the valve passage, wherein the supporting member is a plate-shaped spring extending laterally from the valve body.

[0007] According to the first invention, since a plate-shaped spring extending laterally from the valve body is used as a load-bearing member, the axial length of the pressure reducing valve can be shortened. In other words, the pressure reducing valve can be miniaturized.

[0008] The valve unit of the second invention comprises the aforementioned pressure reducing valve and a relief valve that relieves the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve, wherein the pressure reducing valve has a waiting room formed on the opposite side of the secondary room with respect to the casing, isolated from the secondary room and the valve passage, and the waiting room is open to the atmosphere through the secondary side passage of the relief valve.

[0009] According to the second invention, even when the volume of the waiting room changes due to deformation of the floating member or when gas leaks into the waiting room, the waiting room can be maintained at atmospheric pressure. In addition, when the secondary pressure exceeds the set pressure and the relief valve operates, the relief pressure, which is the pressure on the secondary side, can be introduced into the waiting room. By doing so, the relief pressure can be applied to the floating member in resistance to the secondary pressure. Therefore, the load acting on the floating member when the relief valve operates can be suppressed.

[0010] The valve device of the third invention comprises: a casing in which a valve passage is formed; a valve body movably accommodated in the casing and changing the opening of the valve passage according to an applied force; and a load-bearing member that resists the applied force and loads the valve body, wherein the load-bearing member is a plate-shaped spring extending laterally from the valve body.

[0011] According to the third invention, since a plate-shaped spring extending laterally from the valve body is used as a load-bearing member, the axial length of the valve device can be shortened. In other words, the valve device can be miniaturized.

[0012] The fourth invention, a plate spring, is a plate spring for compressing a valve body in one direction, and has an inner portion to which the valve body is attached, an outer portion to which it is supported, and a tapered portion in the shape of a tapered part connecting the inner portion and the outer portion.

[0013] According to the fourth invention, the valve body can be smoothly fused while suppressing the height of the leaf spring. When the leaf spring bends, the tapered portion undergoes elastic deformation while changing the relative angle between the outer edge portion and the center portion, causing the center portion to move parallel to the axial direction. By doing so, the tilting of the valve body attached to the center portion can be suppressed. Effects of the invention

[0014] According to the present invention, miniaturization can be achieved.

[0015] The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a pressure reducing valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the plate spring in the pressure reducing valve of Figure 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the valve body is seated on the valve seat in the pressure reducing valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion corresponding to the area (X) of FIG. 1 in a pressure reducing valve according to other embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] Hereinafter, a pressure reducing valve (1), a valve unit (2), and a plate spring (12) of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the aforementioned drawings. Furthermore, the concept of direction used in the following description is for convenience in explanation and does not limit the direction of the configuration of the invention to that direction. In addition, the pressure reducing valve (1) and the plate spring (12) described below are merely one embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and additions, deletions, and modifications are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0018] The valve unit (2) shown in FIG. 1 is used to reduce the pressure of gases, such as compressed natural gas and hydrogen gas, to a working pressure or atmospheric pressure. The valve unit (2) is equipped with, for example, a pressure reducing valve (1) and a relief valve (3). The pressure reducing valve (1) has the function of reducing the pressure of gases, such as compressed natural gas and hydrogen gas, to a working pressure or atmospheric pressure. The pressure reducing valve (1) is equipped with a casing (10), a valve body (11), and a leaf spring (12).

[0019] The casing (10) has a valve passage (13) and a secondary chamber (26) inside. To explain in more detail, the casing (10) has a cover portion (10a) and a housing block portion (10b). In this embodiment, the valve passage (13) is formed in the housing block portion (10b). The valve passage (13) has a primary side passage (21), a valve chamber (22), and a secondary side passage (23). A valve body (11) is inserted into the valve chamber (22) to adjust the opening of the primary side passage (21) (i.e., the opening of the valve passage (13)). In the valve passage (13), gas input into the primary side passage (21) is output to the secondary side passage (23) through the valve chamber (22).

[0020] To explain in more detail, the primary side passage (21) and the valve chamber (22) are both formed along a predetermined axis (L1) and are also connected to each other. That is, the primary side passage (21) is connected to the bottom of the valve chamber (22). Additionally, the secondary side passage (23) is connected to the inner surface of the valve chamber (22). The secondary side passage (23) extends in a direction intersecting the axis (L1). In this embodiment, it extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis (L1).

[0021] The valve body (11) is a cylindrical member molded from resin. A seal member (27) is disposed between the outer surface of the valve body (11) and the inner surface of the valve chamber (22) (i.e., the housing block portion (10b)). The valve body (11) is movably received in the valve chamber (22) while being sealed by the seal member (27). That is, the valve body (11) can move along the axis (L1) to approach and move away from the primary side passage (21). Additionally, a seating portion (24) is formed in the housing block portion (10b). The seating portion (24) is formed around the opening (22a) on the valve chamber (22) side of the primary side passage (21). Then, the primary side passage (21) is closed by seating the front end (11a) of the valve body (11) on the seating portion (24). Meanwhile, the primary side passage (21) can be opened by moving the valve body (11) away from the seating portion (24). By doing so, the primary side passage (21) and the secondary side passage (23) are connected through the annular passage (22c) located around the front end portion of the valve body (11). In this way, in the pressure reducing valve (1), the valve passage (13) is closed by moving the valve body (11) in one direction along the axis (L1) (i.e., the closing direction). Additionally, the valve passage (13) is opened by moving the valve body (11) in the other direction along the axis (L1) (i.e., the opening direction).

[0022] A leaf spring (12) is attached to the valve body (11). The leaf spring (12) can generate a restoring force according to displacement. The leaf spring (12) moves the valve body (11) by the generated restoring force. In this embodiment, a leaf spring (12) is used instead of a compression coil spring. The leaf spring (12), which is a load-bearing member, loads the valve body (11) in the opening direction. To explain in more detail, the leaf spring (12) is a plate-shaped metal member (in this embodiment, a SUS or alloy member such as SUS304CSP). The leaf spring (12) is formed in the shape of a disc when viewed from a flat surface. The central part (12a) of the leaf spring (12) is formed in a convex shape with a cross-section that rises in one direction along the axis. The central part (12a) of the leaf spring (12) is larger in diameter than the outer shape of the valve body (11) and is also formed flat.

[0023] The base surface of the valve body (11) is attached to the leaf spring (12). In this embodiment, the base surface of the valve body (11) is joined to the surface on the other side of the axial direction of the central part (12a). By attaching the base surface of the valve body (11) to the leaf spring (12), the joining surface between the valve body (11) and the leaf spring (12) can be significantly increased.

[0024] In addition, as an attachment method, for example, a surface treatment is performed on the other side in the axial direction, and a valve body (11) made of synthetic resin such as PEEK, PPS, PI, and PAI is resin-molded and bonded to the surface. In addition, examples of surface treatments include chemical treatment or physical treatment by laser irradiation. Other attachment methods include attaching using snap-fit, adhesive, adhesive tape, and bushing, or attaching by chemical bonding or outsert molding. In addition, in these attachment methods, it is desirable to ensure a seal between the valve body (11) and the leaf spring (12) by using a sealing member.

[0025] The leaf spring (12) is fixed to the casing (10). In this embodiment, the leaf spring (12) is fixed to the casing (10) by being fitted and supported by the cover portion (10a) and the housing block portion (10b). To explain in more detail, the outer edge portion (12b) of the leaf spring (12) is formed flat. This outer edge portion (12b) is fixed to the casing (10). That is, the outer edge portion (12b) is fitted and supported by the cover portion (10a) and the housing block portion (10b).

[0026] The outer edge of a leaf spring (12) is placed on the housing block portion (10b). A stepped portion (10c) is formed in the housing block portion (10b) to correspond to the outer edge of the outer edge portion (12b) (i.e., the outer edge of the leaf spring (12)). To explain in more detail, a valve chamber (22) is formed along an axis (L1) on one end surface of the housing block portion (10b). A stepped portion (10c) larger in diameter than the leaf spring (12) is formed on one end surface of the housing block portion (10b). The leaf spring (12) is positioned so that its outer edge is placed on the stepped portion (10c). Additionally, a cover portion (10a) is placed on one end surface of the housing block portion (10b). In the cover portion (10a), an annular projection (10d) corresponding to the stepped portion (10c) is formed. By inserting the annular projection (10d) into the stepped portion (10c), the outer edge is fitted and supported by the stepped portion (10c) and the annular projection (10d). Additionally, the stepped portion (10c) and the annular projection (10d) do not necessarily need to be provided and can be omitted. Furthermore, the stepped portion (10c) does not necessarily need to be formed in the housing block portion (10b) and may be formed in the cover portion (10a). In this case, the annular projection (10d) is formed in the housing block portion (10b). The cover portion (10a) and the housing block portion (10b) are fastened together by a plurality of fasteners, in this embodiment, by bolts, and the outer edge of the plate spring (12) is fitted and supported by the fastening force. Additionally, the cover portion (10a) and the housing block portion (10b) do not necessarily have to be fixed with fasteners and may be screwed together.

[0027] Additionally, a secondary chamber (26) is formed on one side of the axial direction relative to the leaf spring (12) in the casing (10). Additionally, a waiting chamber (28) is formed on the opposite side of the secondary chamber (26) relative to the leaf spring (12), that is, on the other side of the axial direction. In this embodiment, the secondary chamber (26) is surrounded by the cover portion (10a) and the leaf spring (12). To explain in more detail, a concave portion (10e) is formed on the inner side of the annular projection portion (10d) in the cover portion (10a). The space surrounded by the concave portion (10e) and the leaf spring (12) forms the secondary chamber (26). Additionally, the waiting chamber (28) is surrounded by the housing block portion (10b) and the leaf spring (12). To explain in more detail, a concave portion (10f) is formed on the inner side of the stepped portion (10c) in the housing block portion (10b). The space enclosed by the concave portion (10f) and the leaf spring (12) forms a waiting room (28).

[0028] The secondary chamber (26) is a chamber into which secondary pressure is introduced to apply secondary pressure to the valve body (11). The secondary chamber (26) is covered by a leaf spring (12). Because of this, the secondary chamber (26) is isolated from the waiting chamber (28) by the leaf spring (12). That is, the outer edge of the leaf spring (12) is fitted and supported between the stepped portion (10c) and the annular projection (10d), thereby forming a metal seal between the stepped portion (10c) and the annular projection (10d). As a result, the secondary chamber (26) is isolated from the waiting chamber (28). In addition, a connecting passage (11b) is formed in the valve body (11). The connecting passage (11b) connects the annular passage (22c) and the secondary chamber (26). For this reason, secondary pressure is introduced into the secondary chamber (26) through the connecting passage (11b). And, the plate spring (12) can receive the secondary pressure introduced into the secondary chamber (26). That is, the secondary pressure can be applied to the valve body (11) in a closing direction through the plate spring (12).

[0029] Additionally, as described above, the leaf spring (12) is formed in a convex shape on one side of the axial direction (one direction), that is, in the opening direction. Because of this, when the valve body (11) moves to the other side of the axial direction, that is, in the closing direction, the valve body (11) is pushed in the opening direction to return elastically. Because of this, the valve body (11) receives a supporting force from the leaf spring (12) that resists the aforementioned secondary pressure. Furthermore, regarding the valve body (11), the primary pressure of the primary side passage (21) and the secondary pressure of the annular passage (22c) act in the opening direction. Because of this, the valve body (11) moves to a position where the primary pressure, secondary pressure, and supporting force are balanced. By this, the valve body (11) moves to a position corresponding to the secondary pressure to adjust the opening of the valve passage (13) and maintain the secondary pressure at a predetermined pressure. Since the plate spring (12) having this function is a disc member with a convex shape in the opening direction, the height of the spring can be suppressed compared to when a compression coil spring is used. By doing so, the valve body (11) can be smoothly pushed in the opening direction while suppressing the height of the pressure reducing valve (1). In addition, the plate spring (12) has a tapered portion (12c) connecting the outer edge portion (12b) and the center portion (12a) formed as follows.

[0030] That is, the tapered portion (12c) is formed in a tapered shape as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the tapered portion (12c) is formed in a tapered shape with multiple angles. To explain in detail, the tapered portion (12c) has different taper angles (α, β) for the outer edge portion (12d) and the center portion (12e). That is, the taper angle (β) of the center portion (12e) is more acute than the taper angle (α) of the outer edge portion (12d). Because of this, the leaf spring (12) moves in the closing direction of the valve body (11) while its outer edge is fitted and supported. Additionally, the taper angles (α, β) can be measured directly, but they may also be calculated from the angles formed by the outer edge portion (12b) (flat portion), the outer edge portion (12d), and the center portion (12e).

[0031] To explain in more detail, the leaf spring (12) bends as follows when the central part (12a) moves in the axial direction. That is, the tapered part (12c) elastically deforms while changing the relative angle between the outer edge part (12d) and the central part (12e), thereby moving the central part (12a) parallel. Because of this, the leaf spring (12) prevents axial misalignment (tilting of the valve body (11)) by moving the valve body (11) roughly straight down in the closing direction, thereby preventing the valve body (11) from making one-side contact in the valve chamber (22) when the valve body (11) moves in the closing direction. Additionally, by forming the tapered part (12c), the bending of the leaf spring (12) can be suppressed. By doing so, the valve body (11) can be prevented from slipping out of the leaf spring (12). Additionally, the tapered portion (12c) does not necessarily have to have different tapered angles for the outer edge portion (12d) and the center portion (12e), and may be formed with a single tapered angle.

[0032] Additionally, the inner portion of the outer edge portion (12b) of the leaf spring (12) protrudes from the stepped portion (10c) to the concave portion (10f). By doing so, when the center portion (12a) moves in the closing direction, space can be secured for the leaf spring (12) to bend. That is, the inner portion of the outer edge portion (12b) can be bent toward the concave portion (10f) side (the lower side of the paper surface in FIG. 1), and the leaf spring (12) can be deformed until the outer edge portion (12d) of the tapered portion (12c) becomes approximately flat relative to the outer edge portion (12b). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3, when the valve body (11) is seated on the seat portion (24), the outer edge portion (12d) is designed to be approximately flat with respect to the outer edge portion (12b), thereby further reducing the height of the plate spring (12) in the pressure reducing valve (1).

[0033] In addition, in the pressure reducing valve (1), a relief port (22d) is formed on the inner circumference of the valve chamber (22). In this embodiment, the relief port (22d) is formed at a position symmetric to the opening of the secondary side passage (23) with respect to the axis (L1). A relief passage (25) is connected to the relief port (22d). The relief passage (25) extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis (L1). Additionally, a relief valve (3) is integrally provided in the casing (10), and the relief passage (25) is connected to the atmosphere through the relief valve (3). The relief valve (3) discharges the secondary pressure to the atmosphere, etc., when the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve (1) exceeds a predetermined set pressure. By forming the relief port (22d) on the inner circumference of the valve chamber (22) in this way, the relief valve (3) can be positioned on the side of the valve body (11). By doing so, the axial length of the valve unit (2) can be reduced.

[0034] Additionally, in the valve unit (2), an open passage (29) is formed in the casing (10). The open passage (29) communicates with the space on the secondary side of the relief valve (3) and the waiting room (28). To explain in more detail, the waiting room (28) is isolated from the secondary room (26) by a leaf spring (12) and is also isolated from the annular passage (22c) by a seal member (27). The open passage (29) communicates with the space on the secondary side of the relief valve (3). Because of this, even if the volume of the waiting room (28) changes due to deformation of the leaf spring (12) or if gas leaks into the waiting room (28), the waiting room (28) can be maintained at atmospheric pressure. Additionally, when the secondary pressure exceeds the set pressure and the relief valve (3) opens the relief passage (25), the relief pressure, which is the pressure on the secondary side of the relief valve (3), is introduced into the waiting room (28) through the opening passage (29). By doing so, the relief pressure can be applied to the plate spring (12) in resistance to the secondary pressure. Because of this, the load applied to the plate spring (12) when the relief valve (3) operates can be suppressed.

[0035] In the pressure reducing valve (1) configured in this manner, the leaf spring (12) extends outward in the radial direction from the valve body (11), that is, laterally. Because of this, the axial length of the pressure reducing valve (1) can be made shorter than that of a conventional pressure reducing valve. In other words, the pressure reducing valve (1) can be made smaller. Furthermore, in the pressure reducing valve (1), as described above, the leaf spring (12) also has a hydraulic function, so the valve body (11) can be made smaller or the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, since the leaf spring (12) also has a sealing function, the number of parts can be reduced even further. By doing so, the pressure reducing valve (1) can be made smaller. Also, by using the leaf spring (12) as a seal, the number of sliding seal members installed on the valve body (11) can be reduced. By doing so, the sliding resistance acting on the valve body can be reduced. In addition, by using a leaf spring (12) as a seal, the sliding resistance can be reduced. Furthermore, in the pressure reducing valve (1), since the valve body (11) is made of a resin material, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a case where the part that sits on the seating portion (24) and the remaining part are formed as separate bodies, and the manufacturing of the valve body (11) is also easy. For this reason, the manufacturing cost of the pressure reducing valve (1) can be reduced.

[0036] [Other embodiments]

[0037] In this embodiment, although the case where the leaf spring (12) is applied to the pressure reducing valve (1) has been described, the applicable valve device is not limited to the pressure reducing valve (1). For example, it may be an opening / closing valve or a relief valve, or any valve device that resists gas pressure, such as primary pressure or secondary pressure, and loads the valve body in the opening or closing direction. Furthermore, the leaf spring (12) does not necessarily need to be attached to the end surface of the valve body (11), but may be attached to the side of the valve body (11). Also, the leaf spring (12) is not limited to the shape described above, and may be a plate shape (e.g., rectangular) that extends laterally from the valve body (11). Furthermore, the leaf spring (12) does not necessarily need to have a hydraulic function or a sealing function, and may be achieved by the valve body (11) or a separate component. That is, a hydraulic part may be formed in the valve body (11), or a seal may be achieved using an O-ring or a diaphragm.

[0038] In addition, a seal may be achieved using an O-ring (15), as in the pressure reducing valve (1A) shown in FIG. 4. That is, an annular concave portion (10g) is formed in the annular projection portion (10d), and an O-ring (15) is fitted therein, so that the outer edge of the plate spring (12) is fitted and supported by the O-ring (15) together with the stepped portion (10c) and the annular projection portion (10d). By doing so, the seal can be further improved.

[0039] In addition, the shape of the valve passage (13) is not limited to the shape described above. For example, the secondary side passage (23) may be connected to the secondary chamber (26). Also, the position of the relief valve (3) is not limited to the position described above and may be connected to the secondary side passage (23). Furthermore, in order to introduce secondary pressure into the secondary chamber (26), it is not necessary for the valve body (11) to have a connecting passage (11b) as shown in FIG. 1 formed therein. For example, a passage connecting the secondary side passage (23) (or annular passage (22c)) and the secondary chamber (26) may be formed in the casing (10). In addition, the secondary side passage (23) may be connected to the secondary chamber (26) through a passage and external piping. Also, the open passage (29) does not necessarily have to be connected to the relief valve (3). That is, the open passage (29) may be directly open to the atmosphere.

[0040] From the foregoing description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present invention have become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description should be interpreted as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of instructing those skilled in the art on the best manner of practicing the present invention. Details of the structure and / or function may be substantially altered without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0041] 1 Pressure reducing valve (valve device) 2-valve unit 3 relief valves 10 casings 11 valve body 12 Leaf spring (attachment member) 12a central part 12b Extension part 12c Tapered section 12d outer edge portion 12e central axis part 13 valve passage 22 valve chambers 22d relief port 26 2nd room 28 Waiting Room

Claims

Claim 1 A pressure reducing valve comprising: a casing in which a valve passage is formed; a valve body movably accommodated in the casing, which applies primary pressure in an opening direction and changes its position according to secondary pressure to adjust the opening of the valve passage; and a load member that resists the secondary pressure to load the valve body in an opening direction to open the valve passage, wherein the load member is a disc-shaped spring extending laterally from the valve body. Claim 2 A pressure reducing valve according to claim 1, wherein the casing has a secondary chamber into which a secondary pressure is introduced, and the sub-member covers the secondary chamber, pressurizes the secondary pressure introduced into the secondary chamber, and moves the valve body to a position according to the pressurized secondary pressure. Claim 3 In claim 2, the casing has a valve chamber that accommodates a valve body, and the sub-member is provided in the casing to seal between the valve chamber and the secondary chamber, a pressure reducing valve. Claim 4 A pressure reducing valve according to claim 1, wherein the above-mentioned sub-member is a metal member and the above-mentioned valve body is a resin member. Claim 5 In claim 1, the pressure reducing valve, wherein the above-mentioned member is formed in the shape of a disc convex in the opening direction. Claim 6 In claim 5, the above-mentioned sub-member has a tapered portion connecting an outer portion and a central portion, the outer portion is supported by the casing, and the valve body is attached to the central portion, forming a pressure reducing valve. Claim 7 A pressure reducing valve according to claim 6, wherein the tapered portion is formed such that the portion on the center side is at an acute angle compared to the portion on the outer edge side. Claim 8 In claim 1, the casing has a relief port for relieving secondary pressure, and the relief port is formed on the side of the valve body in the casing, a pressure reducing valve. Claim 9 A valve unit comprising a pressure reducing valve described in any one of claims 1 to 8 and a relief valve that relieves the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve, wherein the pressure reducing valve has a waiting room formed on the side opposite to the secondary room with respect to the sub-member in the casing, isolated from the secondary room and the valve passage, and the waiting room is open to the atmosphere through the secondary side passage of the relief valve. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete

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