Air control valve for fuel cell vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle, including: a valve housing having a first port and a second port; a first rotating shaft rotatably installed in the valve housing and configured to be rotated by a driving source; a first valve member connected to the first rotating shaft and configured to selectively open or close the first port by rotating about the first rotating shaft; a second rotating shaft installed in the valve housing and configured to rotate relative to the first rotating shaft; a second valve member connected to the second rotating shaft and configured to selectively open or close the second port by rotating about the second rotating shaft; and a spring member having a first end connected to the first rotating shaft and a second end connected to the second rotating shaft.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle, and more particularly, to an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle capable of improving sealing performance and preventing degradation of a fuel cell stack. BACKGROUND

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present application and can not constitute prior art.

[0003] A fuel cell system refers to a system that continuously generates electric power through chemical reactions of a continuously supplied fuel. Research and development of fuel cell systems have been ongoing as an alternative solution to global environmental problems.

[0004] Based on the type of electrolyte used for a fuel cell system, fuel cell systems can be classified as phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC), molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), alkaline fuel cells (AFC), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), etc. Based on operating temperature, output range, etc., and the type of fuel used, fuel cell systems can be applied to various application fields related to mobile power, transportation, distributed power generation, etc.

[0005] Among fuel cells, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are applied to the field of hydrogen-powered vehicles (hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) that are being developed to replace internal combustion engines.

[0006] A hydrogen-powered vehicle includes a fuel cell stack that generates electric power through an oxidation-reduction reaction between hydrogen and oxygen O2. The hydrogen-powered vehicle is configured to travel while an electric motor is operated by electric power generated by the fuel cell stack.

[0007] In addition, the hydrogen-powered vehicle is provided with an air control valve configured to control air introduced into the fuel cell stack and control air discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0008] When the vehicle is running, a valve disc of the air control valve operates to open an air flow path, and when the vehicle is not running, the valve disc operates to close the air flow path.

[0009] We found that, in the case of long-term non-use of the vehicle (e.g., long-term parking of the vehicle), there is a problem of degradation of the fuel cell stack when air is introduced into the fuel cell stack, which can result in a decrease in performance of the fuel cell stack. SUMMARY

[0010] The present application provides an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle capable of improving sealing performance and suppressing degradation of a fuel cell stack.

[0011] In particular, the present application improves sealing performance in a state in which the valve member closes the port.

[0012] In addition, the present application improves stability and reliability.

[0013] In addition, the present application is used to simplify the structure and miniaturize the device.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle includes a valve housing having a first port and a second port; a first rotary shaft rotatably installed in the valve housing and configured to be rotated by a driving source; a first valve member connected to the first rotary shaft and configured to selectively open or close the first port by rotating about the first rotary shaft; a second rotary shaft installed in the valve housing so as to rotate with respect to the first rotary shaft; a second valve member connected to the second rotary shaft and configured to selectively open or close the second port by rotating about the second rotary shaft; and a spring member having a first end connected to the first rotary shaft and a second end connected to the second rotary shaft.

[0015] This is to improve sealing performance of an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle and prevent degradation of a fuel cell stack.

[0016] That is, when air is introduced into the fuel cell stack due to degradation of sealing performance of the air control valve at a time when the fuel cell vehicle is not used for a long time, there is a problem in that degradation of the fuel cell stack, which causes a decrease in performance of the fuel cell stack, occurs.

[0017] In the related art, a first valve member and a second valve member configured to open or close two ports (for example, a first port through which air is discharged from a fuel cell stack and a second port through which air is supplied to the fuel cell stack) located in an air control valve are combined to a single rotary shaft and configured to be simultaneously rotated by a driving source that rotates the rotary shaft. Therefore, there is a problem in that if the first valve member and the second valve member are misaligned (arranged in a non-horizontal manner) due to assembly tolerance of each valve member or deformation (for example, twisting) of the rotary shaft, sealing performance achieved by the first valve member and the second valve member is degraded.

[0018] In particular, in a structure in which two valve members are combined to a single rotating shaft configured to be rotated by a driving source, there is a problem in that the pressure (surface pressure of the second valve member in contact with the second port) with which the second valve member disposed relatively far from the driving source (the second valve member is disposed farther than the first valve member from the driving source) closes the second port is less than the pressure (surface pressure of the first valve member in contact with the first port) with which the first valve member closes the first port. In addition, there is a problem in that the second valve member has difficulty in completely closing the second port when the angle of the second valve member closing the second port is set incorrectly or even when a slight assembly tolerance occurs.

[0019] However, according to the present application, a first rotating shaft connected to the first valve member and a second rotating shaft connected to the second valve member are separated and rotatable relative to each other, and the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are elastically connected by a spring member so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The rotation of only the first rotating shaft by a single driving source can not only sufficiently provide the pressure with which the first valve member closes the first port, but also sufficiently provide the pressure with which the second valve member (further from the driving source than the first valve member) closes the second port. Accordingly, when the fuel cell vehicle is not in use, an advantageous effect of improving the sealing performance achieved by the first valve member and the second valve member and minimizing the introduction of air into the fuel cell stack can be obtained.

[0020] The second rotating shaft can be installed in the valve housing in various structures that allow the second rotating shaft to rotate independently of the first rotating shaft.

[0021] As one example, the second rotating shaft can be disposed at an end of the first rotating shaft in a length direction of the first rotating shaft and provided coaxially with the first rotating shaft.

[0022] Various springs that can elastically connect the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft so that the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are rotatable relative to each other can be used as the spring member, but the present application is not restricted or limited by the type and structure of the spring member.

[0023] As one example, a first flange portion having an enlarged diameter can be formed at an end of the first rotating shaft, and a second flange portion having an enlarged diameter can be formed at an end of the second rotating shaft facing the first flange portion. One end of the spring member can be connected to the first flange portion, and the other end of the spring member can be connected to the second flange portion.

[0024] As described above, since the spring member is disposed between the first flange portion and the second flange portion, an advantageous effect of preventing interference between the spring member and peripheral components and improving the operational stability of the spring member can be obtained.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, in a state in which rotation of the second rotating shaft is allowed, when a rotational force from the driving source is applied to the first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft is rotated by the first rotating shaft via the spring member. Further, in a state in which rotation of the second rotating shaft is restricted, when a rotational force from the driving source is applied to the first rotating shaft, the spring member is compressed, the first rotating shaft is rotated with respect to the second rotating shaft, and an elastic rotational force generated by the compression of the spring member is applied to the second rotating shaft.

[0026] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, both the pressure generated by the rotation of the second rotating shaft and the elastic rotational force generated by the spring member are applied to the second valve member disposed farther than the first valve member from the driving source, so that the contact surface pressure with which the second valve member closes the second port can be sufficiently provided. Therefore, an advantageous effect of improving the sealing performance achieved by the second valve member and minimizing or minimizing the air introduced into the fuel cell stack can be obtained.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle includes a valve seat portion provided on a second port and having an inclined seat surface on which a second valve member is seated, wherein, when a first rotating shaft is rotated by a driving source, the second valve member is seated on the inclined seat surface of the valve seat portion first before a first valve member is seated on a seat surface of a first port. Further, when the second valve member is seated on the valve seat portion, rotation of a second rotating shaft is restricted.

[0028] The inclination of the inclined seat surface of the valve seat portion can be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications. In particular, the inclination of the inclined seat surface is reduced in proportion to an increase in the spring coefficient of the spring member.

[0029] In particular, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, in a state in which the first port and the second port are open, the first valve member and the second valve member are disposed at equal inclination angles with respect to the first rotating shaft.

[0030] As described above, the second port is provided with the valve seat portion, and the first valve member and the second valve member are disposed at equal inclination angles with respect to the first rotating shaft, so that, when the first rotating shaft is rotated by the driving source, the second valve member can be quickly and stably seated on the inclined seat surface before the first valve member is seated on the seat surface.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, an exhaust port of a fuel cell stack is connected to the first port, and an intake port of the fuel cell stack is connected to the second port.

[0032] Other applicable fields will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples herein are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] In order that the application can be better understood, various embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is a view of an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 2 is a view of a connection structure between a first valve member and a second valve member of an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 3 is a view of a valve seat portion of an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 4 is a view of an open state of a first port and a second port of an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a view of an operation structure of a first valve member and a second valve member of an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle for explaining an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 7 is a view of a state in which a second port in an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle by an embodiment of the present application is closed by a second valve member; and

[0040] Figure 8 is a view of a state in which a first port in an air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle by an embodiment of the present application is closed by a first valve member.

[0041] The accompanying drawings described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present application, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0043] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] However, the technical spirit of the present application is not limited to some of the exemplary embodiments described herein, but can be implemented in various different forms. One or more constituent elements of the exemplary embodiments can be selectively combined, replaced, and used within the scope of the technical spirit of the present application.

[0045] In addition, unless specifically and explicitly defined and stated otherwise, the terms used in the exemplary embodiments of the present application, including technical and scientific terms, can be interpreted as meanings commonly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the present application pertains. The meanings of commonly used terms such as those defined in a dictionary can be interpreted in the context of the relevant art.

[0046] Unless specifically stated otherwise in the present application, the singular form also includes the plural form. The description of "at least one of A, B, and C (or one or more of A, B, and C)" can include one or more of all combinations of A, B, and C that can be made by combining A, B, and C.

[0047] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) can be used to describe constituent elements of the exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0048] These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another constituent element, and the nature, sequence, or order of the constituent elements are not limited by these terms.

[0049] In addition, the description that "one constituent element is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'attached' to another constituent element" can include not only the case where the one constituent element is directly connected, coupled, or attached to the other constituent element, but also the case where the one constituent element is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'attached' to the other constituent element through an additional constituent element interposed therebetween.

[0050] In addition, the description that "one constituent element is formed or disposed above (on) or below (under) another constituent element" includes not only the case where the two constituent elements are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more additional constituent elements are formed or disposed between the two constituent elements. In addition, the expressions "above (on) or below (under)" can include the meanings based on the downward direction and the upward direction of one constituent element.

[0051] Reference Signs Figures 1 to 8An air control valve 100 for a fuel cell vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application includes a valve housing 110 having a first port 112 and a second port 114, a first rotary shaft 122 rotatably installed in the valve housing 110 and configured to be rotated by a driving source, a first valve member 142 connected to the first rotary shaft 122 and configured to selectively open or close the first port 112 by rotating about the first rotary shaft 122, a second rotary shaft 124 installed in the valve housing 110 so as to be rotatable relative to the first rotary shaft 122, a second valve member 144 connected to the second rotary shaft 124 and configured to selectively open or close the second port 114 by rotating about the second rotary shaft 124, and a spring member 130 having one end connected to the first rotary shaft 122 and the other end connected to the second rotary shaft 124.

[0052] For reference, the air control valve 100 can be used to control air introduced into a fuel cell stack 10 of a fuel cell vehicle, and control air discharged from the fuel cell stack 10.

[0053] The valve housing 110 has an air flow path (not shown) through which air flows therein. The valve housing 110 is installed in a vehicle (a fuel cell vehicle).

[0054] The valve housing 110 can be variously changed in shape and structure according to required conditions and design specifications, but the present application is not bound or limited by the shape and structure of the valve housing 110.

[0055] More specifically, the air flow path includes a first air flow path (not shown) through which air is discharged from the fuel cell stack 10, and a second air flow path (not shown) through which air is supplied to the fuel cell stack 10. As an example, the first air flow path and the second air flow path can be independently separated in the valve housing 110.

[0056] In addition, the valve housing 110 is provided with the first port 112 connected to an exhaust port of the fuel cell stack 10, and the second port 114 connected to an intake port of the fuel cell stack 10.

[0057] As an example, referring to Figure 7 , the second port 114 can communicate with the second air flow path, and air supplied to the fuel cell stack 10 can flow through the second port 114. In addition, referring to Figure 8 , the first port 112 can communicate with the first air flow path, and air discharged from the fuel cell stack 10 can flow through the first port 112.

[0058] The first rotary shaft 122 is rotatably installed in the valve housing 110, and is provided to be selectively rotated by a driving source.

[0059] A driving source is connected to one end of the first rotating shaft 122 to rotate the first rotating shaft 122. A typical electric motor can be used as the driving source for rotating the first rotating shaft 122, but the present application is not bound or limited by the type of driving source or the method of operating the driving source. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, other driving means such as a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder can be used as the driving source.

[0060] The first valve member 142 is integrally connected to the first rotating shaft 122 and is disposed to selectively open or close the first port 112 by rotating about the first rotating shaft 122.

[0061] As an example, the first valve member 142 is formed to have a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape (e.g., a quadrangular cross-sectional shape) of the first port 112. In other embodiments, the first valve member can be formed to have a shape different from the cross-sectional shape of the first port, but the present application is not bound or limited by the shape and structure of the first valve member.

[0062] When the first rotating shaft 122 is rotated by a driving force from the driving source, the first valve member 142 moves from a first closed position in which the first port 112 is closed to a first open position in which the first port 112 is opened.

[0063] In this case, the configuration in which the first valve member 142 moves to the first closed position in which the first port 112 is closed means that the first valve member 142 is rotated to be seated on the seating surface 112a located at the upper end of the first port 112 (based on Figure 4 ). In addition, the configuration in which the first valve member 142 moves to the first open position in which the first port 112 is opened means that the first valve member 142 is rotated to be spaced apart from the seating surface 112a located at the upper end of the first port 112 (e.g., the first valve member 142 is tilted and spaced apart from the seating surface 112a).

[0064] The second rotating shaft 124 is installed in the valve housing 110 so as to be rotatable independently of the first rotating shaft 122.

[0065] In this case, the configuration in which the second rotating shaft 124 rotates independently of the first rotating shaft 122 means that the second rotating shaft 124 is allowed to rotate with respect to the first rotating shaft 122.

[0066] As an example, the second rotating shaft 124 can be disposed at the end of the first rotating shaft 122 in the length direction of the first rotating shaft 122 and provided coaxially with the first rotating shaft 122. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the second rotating shaft and the first rotating shaft can be disposed non-coaxially.

[0067] The second valve member 144 is integrally connected to the second rotating shaft 124 and is configured to selectively open or close the second port 114 by rotating about the second rotating shaft 124.

[0068] As an example, the second valve member 144 is formed to have a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape (e.g., a quadrangular cross-sectional shape) of the second port 114. Alternatively, the second valve member can be formed to have a shape different from the cross-sectional shape of the second port, but the present application is not bound or limited by the shape and structure of the second valve member.

[0069] When the second rotating shaft 124 rotates, the second valve member 144 moves from a second closed position in which the second port 114 is closed to a second open position in which the second port 114 is opened.

[0070] In this case, the configuration in which the second valve member 144 moves to the second closed position in which the second port 114 is closed means that the second valve member 144 is rotated to be seated on the inclined seating surface 114b located at the upper end of the second port 114 (based on Figure 4 ). In addition, the configuration in which the second valve member 144 moves to the second open position in which the second port 114 is opened means that the second valve member 144 is rotated to be spaced apart from the inclined seating surface 114b located at the upper end of the second port 114 (e.g., the second valve member 144 is inclined and spaced apart from the inclined seating surface 114b).

[0071] The spring member 130 is disposed to elastically connect the first rotating shaft 122 and the second rotating shaft 124 so that the first rotating shaft 122 and the second rotating shaft 124 can rotate with respect to each other.

[0072] More specifically, one end of the spring member 130 is connected to the first rotating shaft 122, and the other end of the spring member 130 is connected to the second rotating shaft 124.

[0073] Various springs (e.g., a coil spring or a torsion spring) that can elastically connect the first rotating shaft 122 and the second rotating shaft 124 so that the first rotating shaft 122 and the second rotating shaft 124 can rotate with respect to each other can be used as the spring member 130, but the present application is not bound or limited by the type and structure of the spring member 130.

[0074] In particular, a first flange portion 122a having an enlarged diameter can be formed at an end portion of the first rotating shaft 122, and a second flange portion 124a having an enlarged diameter can be formed at an end portion of the second rotating shaft 124 facing the first flange portion 122a. The spring member 130 can be disposed between the first flange portion 122a and the second flange portion 124a so that one end of the spring member 130 is connected to the first flange portion 122a and the other end of the spring member 130 is connected to the second flange portion 124a.

[0075] As described above, since the spring member 130 is arranged between the first flange portion 122a and the second flange portion 124a, it is possible to obtain the beneficial effect of preventing interference between the spring member 130 and the peripheral components and improving the operational stability of the spring member 130.

[0076] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as a structure similar to a scissor gear, a structure (not shown) can be realized in which a spring seat groove is recessed or penetrated in a first flange portion and a second flange portion arranged to be in close contact with each other, and the spring member is accommodated in the spring seat groove when the first flange portion and the second flange portion are connected to each other.

[0077] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first rotating shaft 122 and the second rotating shaft 124 are connected to each other by a single spring member 130, but the number of spring members and the arrangement of the spring members can be varied according to the required conditions and design specifications.

[0078] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a rotational force from a drive source is applied to the first rotating shaft 122 while the second rotating shaft 124 is allowed to rotate, the second rotating shaft 124 is rotated (R1) by means of the spring member 130 through the first rotating shaft 122.

[0079] Conversely, when a rotational force from a drive source is applied to the first rotating shaft 122 while the rotation of the second rotating shaft 124 is restricted, the spring member 130 is compressed as the first rotating shaft 122 rotates relative to the second rotating shaft 124 (R2), such that an elastic rotational force generated by the compression of the spring member 130 is applied to the second rotating shaft 124.

[0080] For reference, such as Figure 4 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the state in which the second rotating shaft 124 is allowed to rotate refers to the state in which the first valve member 142 is arranged in the first open position of opening the first port 112 and the second valve member 144 is arranged in the second open position of opening the second port 114.

[0081] Furthermore, the configuration in which the second rotating shaft 124 is rotated by the spring member 130 via the first rotating shaft 122 means that when the first rotating shaft 122 rotates (R1), the second rotating shaft 124 connected to the spring member 130 rotates together with the first rotating shaft 122 (R1). In particular, when the second rotating shaft 124 is rotated by the spring member 130 via the first rotating shaft 122, the first rotating shaft 122 and the second rotating shaft 124 are connected to the spring member 130 in a non-compressed state where the spring member 130 is almost uncompressed.

[0082] In addition, in the exemplary embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 5 the state in which the rotation of the second rotary shaft 124 is limited refers to a state in which the counterclockwise rotation (based on the arrow R2) of the second rotary shaft 124 is limited when the second valve member 144 is disposed in the second closed position that closes the second port 114. Figure 5

[0083] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 8 , when the rotational force from the drive source is still applied to the first rotary shaft 122 in the state in which the rotation of the second rotary shaft 124 is limited, the spring member 130 is compressed, and the first rotary shaft 122 is rotated (R2) relative to the second rotary shaft 124 so that the first valve member 142 can be disposed in the first closed position that closes the first port 112. In this case, the state in which the first valve member 142 closes the first port 112 can be maintained by the pressure PI generated by the rotation of the first rotary shaft 122 and applied to the first valve member 142.

[0084] Referring to Figure 7 , when the first valve member 142 moves to the first closed position, the elastic rotational force generated by the compression of the spring member 130 can be applied to the second rotary shaft 124. When both the pressure PI generated by the rotation of the second rotary shaft 124 and the elastic rotational force K1 generated by the spring member 130 are applied to the second valve member 144, the state in which the second valve member 144 closes the second port 114 can be stably maintained.

[0085] As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the first rotary shaft 122 connected to the first valve member 142 and the second rotary shaft 124 connected to the second valve member 144 are separated to rotate relative to each other, and the first rotary shaft 122 and the second rotary shaft 124 are elastically connected by the spring member 130 so as to rotate relative to each other. The rotation of the first rotary shaft 122 by a single drive source can not only sufficiently provide the pressure that causes the first valve member 142 to close the first port 112, but also sufficiently provide the pressure that causes the second valve member 144, which is farther from the drive source than the first valve member, to close the second port 114. Accordingly, when the fuel cell vehicle is not in use, an advantageous effect of improving the sealing performance achieved by the first valve member 142 and the second valve member 144 and minimizing the air introduced into the fuel cell stack 10 can be obtained.

[0086] ​In particular, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, both the pressure P1 generated by the rotation of the second rotating shaft 124 and the elastic rotational force K1 generated by the spring member 130 are applied to the second valve member 144, which is arranged further from the drive source than the first valve member 142, so as to provide sufficient contact surface pressure for the second valve member 144 to close the second port 114. Therefore, the advantageous effects of improved sealing performance achieved by the second valve member 144 and minimizing or reducing the amount of air introduced into the fuel cell stack 10 can be obtained.

[0087] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an air control valve 100 for a fuel cell vehicle may include: a valve seat portion 114a disposed on a second port 114 and having an inclined seat surface 114b, wherein a second valve member 144 is disposed on the inclined seat surface 114b.

[0088] Valve seat portion 114a has an inclined seat surface 114b, which has a height higher than the sealing surface 112a of the first port 112 (based on...). Figure 7 Height along the vertical direction).

[0089] As an example, the valve seat portion 114a can be formed with a cross-sectional shape of a right triangle. The upper surface of the valve seat portion 114a, corresponding to the hypotenuse of the right triangle, forms an inclined seat surface 114b.

[0090] As described above, the valve seat portion 114a is formed on the upper side of the second port 114, such that when the first rotating shaft 122 is rotated by a drive source, the second valve member 144 can be placed on the inclined seat surface 114b of the valve seat portion 114a before the first valve member 142 is placed on the seat surface 112a of the first port 112. Furthermore, when the second valve member 144 is placed on the valve seat portion 114a, the rotation of the second rotating shaft 124 can be restricted.

[0091] The inclination of the inclined seat surface 114b of the valve seat portion 114a ( Figure 3 The inclination α of the inclined seat surface 114b can be varied according to the required conditions and design specifications. In particular, the inclination α of the inclined seat surface 114b can be reduced proportionally to the increase of the spring coefficient k of the spring member 130.

[0092] For example, when the spring coefficient of the spring member 130 is high, the inclination α of the inclined seat surface 114b can be set to be small. Conversely, when the spring coefficient of the spring member 130 is low, the inclination α of the inclined seat surface 114b can be set to be large.

[0093] Specifically, according to the example embodiment of the present application, in a state in which the first port 112 and the second port 114 are open, the first valve member 142 and the second valve member 144 can be arranged at equal inclination angles with respect to the first rotation axis 122.

[0094] As described above, the second port 114 is provided with a valve seat portion 114a, and the first valve member 142 and the second valve member 144 are arranged at equal inclination angles with respect to the first rotation axis 122, so that when the first rotation axis 122 is rotated by a drive source, the second valve member 144 can be seated on the inclined seat surface 114b quickly and stably before the first valve member 142 is seated on the seat surface 112a.

[0095] According to another example embodiment of the present application, in a state in which the first port and the second port are open, the first valve member and the second valve member can be arranged at different inclination angles with respect to the first rotation axis.

[0096] While the example embodiments have been described above, these example embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the present application. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the example embodiments described above without departing from the inherent characteristics of the example embodiments. For example, the individual constituent elements specifically described in the example embodiments can be changed and implemented.

[0097] According to the present application described above, an advantageous effect of improving sealing performance and suppressing deterioration of a fuel cell stack can be obtained.

[0098] In particular, according to the present application, by allowing the valve members to close the ports with sufficient contact pressure, an advantageous effect of improved sealing performance can be obtained.

[0099] In addition, according to the present application, an advantageous effect of improving stability and reliability can be obtained.

[0100] In addition, according to the present application, an advantageous effect of simplifying the structure and miniaturizing the device can be obtained.

Claims

1. An air control valve for a fuel cell vehicle, comprising: a valve housing having a first port and a second port; a first rotary shaft rotatably installed in the valve housing and configured to be rotated by a driving source; a first valve member connected to the first rotary shaft and configured to selectively open or close the first port by rotating about the first rotary shaft; a second rotary shaft installed in the valve housing and configured to rotate relative to the first rotary shaft; a second valve member connected to the second rotary shaft and configured to selectively open or close the second port by rotating about the second rotary shaft; and a spring member having a first end connected to the first rotary shaft and a second end connected to the second rotary shaft, wherein, in a state in which the second rotary shaft is allowed to rotate, when a rotational force from the driving source is applied to the first rotary shaft, the second rotary shaft is rotated by the first rotary shaft via the spring member, and in a state in which the second rotary shaft is restricted from rotating, when a rotational force from the driving source is applied to the first rotary shaft, the spring member is compressed, the first rotary shaft is configured to rotate relative to the second rotary shaft, and an elastic rotational force generated by the spring member being compressed is applied to the second rotary shaft. The second rotary shaft is arranged at an end of the first rotary shaft in a length direction of the first rotary shaft and is provided coaxially with the first rotary shaft.

2. The air control valve of claim 1, wherein, 3.The air control valve according to claim 2, comprising: a first flange portion formed at an end of the first rotary shaft; and a second flange portion formed at an end of the second rotary shaft facing the first flange portion, wherein the first end of the spring member is connected to the first flange portion and the second end of the spring member is connected to the second flange portion. 4.The air control valve according to claim 1, comprising: a valve seat portion provided on the second port and having an inclined seat surface having a height greater than that of a seat surface of the first port and configured to allow the second valve member to be seated thereon, wherein, when the first rotary shaft is rotated by the driving source, the second valve member is seated on the inclined seat surface first before the first valve member is seated on the seat surface, and wherein, when the second valve member is seated on the valve seat portion, rotation of the second rotary shaft is restricted. An inclination of the inclined seat surface is reduced in proportion to an increase in a spring coefficient of the spring member. In a state in which the first port and the second port are open, the first valve member and the second valve member are arranged at equal inclination angles relative to the first rotary shaft.

5. The air control valve of claim 4, wherein, An exhaust port of a fuel cell stack is connected to the first port, and an intake port of the fuel cell stack is connected to the second port.

6. The air control valve of claim 4, wherein, ​ 7. The air control valve of claim 1, wherein, ​

Images