Valves for hydrogen tanks used in fuel cell vehicles

Abstract

This invention relates to a valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle, comprising a coil unit, a pilot plunger, a main plunger, and a flexible connecting rod connecting the pilot plunger and the main plunger. The valve further includes a first opening formed in the pilot plunger, a blocking body, and a second opening. The first opening communicates with a tank-side flow channel, the blocking body blocks the tank-side flow channel, and the second opening connects the tank-side flow channel with a pipe-side flow channel. When the first opening communicates with the tank-side flow channel, as the pilot plunger rises, the tank-side flow channel is blocked by the blocking body, and then the tank-side flow channel communicates with the pipe-side flow channel via the second opening. This shortens the area where a pressure difference occurs between the flow channels, reduces the time required to eliminate the pressure difference, and thus ensures a stable supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank to the fuel cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to valves for hydrogen tanks in fuel cell vehicles, and more specifically, to a valve for hydrogen tanks in fuel cell vehicles that ensures a stable supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] As a type of fuel cell vehicle, the hydrogen-electric truck is equipped with a fuel cell system, which includes a fuel cell stack and multiple hydrogen tanks for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. Solenoid valves are installed at the outlet of each hydrogen tank.

[0003] The following section will describe the standard valves used in hydrogen tanks and their operation. Figure 1 A diagram illustrating a conventional valve used in a hydrogen tank is shown. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 1 As shown, a valve 100 for a hydrogen tank is mounted on a valve body 200, the valve body 200 having a tank-side flow channel 210 connected to the outlet of the hydrogen tank and a pipe-side flow channel 220 connected to a fuel cell system that consumes hydrogen.

[0004] The valve 100 for the hydrogen tank includes a coil unit 110, a pilot plunger 120, and a main plunger 130. The coil unit 110 generates a magnetic force when an electric current is applied to it. The pilot plunger 120 moves up and down by the magnetic force generated by the coil unit 110. The main plunger 130 is disposed inside the pilot plunger 120 and moves vertically by magnetic force.

[0005] The hydrogen communication port 132 is formed to penetrate the center of the main plunger 130 in a vertical (e.g., vertical) direction. When the valve 100 for the hydrogen tank is in the closed state, the lower end of the main plunger 130 is in close contact with the pipe-side flow channel 220, and the pilot plunger 120 is in close contact with the upper end of the main plunger 130, thereby keeping the hydrogen communication port 132 closed.

[0006] When power is applied to the coil unit 110, the pilot plunger 120 moves upward by magnetic force, as... Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen communication port 132 in the main plunger 130 is open, thereby allowing hydrogen from the tank side flow channel 210 to flow into the pipe side flow channel 220 via the hydrogen communication port 132. However, when the pilot plunger 120 moves upward by magnetic force, the main plunger 130 does not rise accordingly. This is because the pressure in the tank side flow channel 210 is a predetermined amount or more greater than the pressure in the pipe side flow channel 220.

[0007] Specifically, when the pressure difference between the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the combined force of the spring (not shown) pressing the main plunger 130 downward and the force acting on the upper part of the main plunger 130 when hydrogen flows from the tank-side flow channel 210 into the hydrogen connecting hole 132 is greater than the magnetic force generated to move the main plunger 130 upward. Therefore, the main plunger 130 does not rise. The spring is disposed between the pilot plunger 120 and the main plunger 130.

[0008] On the other hand, when the pressure difference between the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 is less than a predetermined level, the main plunger 130 moves upward by magnetic force. At this time, with the hydrogen communication hole 132 in the main plunger 130 open by the upward movement of the pilot plunger 120, as hydrogen in the hydrogen tank continuously flows from the tank-side flow channel 210 to the pipe-side flow channel 220 via the hydrogen communication hole 132, the pressure difference between the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 gradually decreases to below a predetermined level (e.g., 130 bar (pressure in the tank-side flow channel) – 127 bar (pressure in the pipe-side flow channel) = 3 bar).

[0009] Accordingly, when the pressure difference between the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 decreases to below a predetermined level, the magnetic force generated by applying electricity to the coil unit 110, i.e. the magnetic force used to move the main plunger 130 upward, becomes greater than the resultant force of the spring (not shown) pressing the main plunger 130 downward and the force acting on the upper part of the main plunger 130 when hydrogen flows from the tank-side flow channel 210 into the hydrogen connecting hole 132, thereby moving the main plunger 130 upward by magnetic force.

[0010] As the main plunger 130 rises, the pipe-side flow channel 220 fully opens, allowing hydrogen in the hydrogen tank to flow directly from the tank-side flow channel 210 to the pipe-side flow channel 220. Consequently, a large amount of hydrogen flows instantaneously from the tank-side flow channel 210 to the pipe-side flow channel 220, thus allowing the pressure in the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pressure in the pipe-side flow channel 220 to become equal instantaneously.

[0011] However, the pressure difference between the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 is too long, so reducing the pressure difference between the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 and fully opening the pipe-side flow channel 220 by moving the main plunger 130 upward takes a very long time (e.g., it takes about 500 seconds to fully raise the main plunger on the valves of seven or more hydrogen tanks respectively installed on a hydrogen-electric van). Therefore, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system is insufficient, causing the hydrogen-electric van to fail to achieve its target power output.

[0012] The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present invention. Therefore, the information it may contain does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art in this country. Summary of the Invention

[0013] This invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems related to related technologies, and its purpose is to provide a valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle, wherein a pilot plunger and a main plunger are connected to each other by a flexible connecting rod, and a first opening for communicating with a tank-side flow channel, a blocking body for blocking the tank-side flow channel, and a second opening for communicating between the tank-side flow channel and the pipe-side flow channel are formed in the pilot plunger; thereby, the pressure difference between the flow channels can be quickly eliminated, thereby causing the main plunger to rise rapidly to connect the flow channels, and thus ensuring a stable supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank to the fuel cell.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle, wherein, as the pilot plunger rises, the tank-side flow channel is blocked by a blocking body, thereby rapidly and automatically eliminating the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole in the main plunger and the pipe-side flow channel; subsequently, the tank-side flow channel connects to the pipe-side flow channel via a second opening, thereby shortening the range in which a pressure difference occurs between the tank-side flow channel and the pipe-side flow channel, reducing the time required to eliminate the pressure difference, and causing the main plunger to rise rapidly to connect the flow channels, thereby ensuring a stable supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank to the fuel cell.

[0015] In one aspect, the present invention provides a valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle, which may include a coil unit, a pilot plunger, a main plunger, and a flexible connecting rod. The coil unit is configured to generate magnetic force when an electric current is applied thereto. The pilot plunger is configured to move upward by the magnetic force generated by the coil unit. The main plunger is disposed inside the pilot plunger and has a hydrogen communication hole formed therein. The flexible connecting rod connects the pilot plunger and the main plunger to each other. The pilot plunger has a first opening, a stop body, and a second opening on one side. The first opening communicates with a tank-side flow channel, the stop body blocks the tank-side flow channel, and the second opening connects the tank-side flow channel with a pipe-side flow channel.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible connecting rod may include a plurality of upper connecting rods and a plurality of lower connecting rods, wherein the plurality of upper connecting rods are interconnected to the inner peripheral portion of the upper part of the pilot plunger and the outer peripheral portion of the upper part of the main plunger, and the plurality of lower connecting rods are interconnected to the inner peripheral portion of the lower part of the pilot plunger and the outer peripheral portion of the lower part of the main plunger.

[0017] The first opening, the blocking body, and the second opening can be arranged sequentially in the valve's operating direction. With the first opening connected to the tank-side flow channel, as the pilot plunger moves upward by the magnetic force generated by the coil unit, the tank-side flow channel can be blocked by the blocking body, and then connected to the pipe-side flow channel via the second opening.

[0018] In addition, during the initial stage of the pilot plunger's ascent, the hydrogen communication hole in the main plunger, which is blocked by the pilot plunger, can be opened, allowing hydrogen to flow from the tank-side flow channel through the first opening and the hydrogen communication hole to the pipe-side flow channel.

[0019] During the intermediate stage of the pilot plunger's ascent, the blocking body can block the tank-side flow channel, thereby interrupting the flow of hydrogen through the hydrogen communication orifice and eliminating the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication orifice in the main plunger and the pipe-side flow channel.

[0020] Furthermore, when the blocker blocks the tank-side flow channel, while the flexible connecting rod that connects the pilot plunger and the main plunger deforms, the lower end of the main plunger remains in close contact with the pipe-side flow channel; when the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole in the main plunger and the pipe-side flow channel is eliminated, the main plunger can move upward, thereby opening the pipe-side flow channel.

[0021] In the final stage of the pilot plunger's ascent, the tank-side flow channel and the pipe-side flow channel can be connected to each other via a second opening, so that hydrogen can be normally supplied from the tank-side flow channel to the pipe-side flow channel that has been opened due to the elimination of the pressure difference.

[0022] Additionally, the second opening of the pilot plunger can be formed to extend from the lower surface of the blocking body to the lower end of the pilot plunger. The main plunger can have a contact surface formed on its side facing the first opening of the pilot plunger, the contact surface being in close contact with the pilot plunger to selectively block the first opening, and a connecting hole formed therein extending from a portion directly below the contact surface to the lower end of the main plunger. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above and other features of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are given illustratively only and are therefore not restrictive of the invention, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a conventional valve used in hydrogen tanks in the prior art;

[0025] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention is shown schematically.

[0026] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the valves of the hydrogen tank for a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0028] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather show slightly simplified depictions of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features included in the invention (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific environment in which the invention will be applied and used.

[0029] In these figures, several figures throughout the accompanying drawings refer to the same or equivalent parts of the invention using reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0030] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms as used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles, vessels including various boats and ships, aircraft, etc., and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., vehicles derived from non-petroleum fuels). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as both gasoline power and electric power.

[0031] Although the exemplary embodiments are described as using multiple units to execute the exemplary program, it should be understood that the exemplary program can also be executed by one or more modules. Furthermore, it should be understood that the term "controller / control unit" refers to a hardware device that includes a memory and a processor and is specifically programmed to execute the program described herein. The memory is configured to store modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute said modules to perform one or more programs, which will be further described below.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, values, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or inclusion of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0033] Reference will now be made specifically to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below.

[0034] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 2 As shown, a valve 100 for a hydrogen tank is mounted on a valve body 200, the valve body 200 having a tank-side flow channel 210 connected to the outlet of the hydrogen tank and a pipe-side flow channel 220 connected to a fuel cell system that consumes hydrogen.

[0035] The valve 100 for the hydrogen tank is a type of solenoid valve that may include a coil unit 110, a pilot plunger 120, and a main plunger 130. The coil unit 110 generates a magnetic force when energized. The pilot plunger 120 moves vertically (e.g., upwards and downwards) by the magnetic force generated by the coil unit 110. The main plunger 130 is disposed inside the pilot plunger 120 and moves up and down by magnetic force. A hydrogen communication port 132 is formed to penetrate the center of the main plunger 130 in the vertical direction.

[0036] According to the present invention, the pilot plunger 120 and the main plunger 130 are integrally connected to each other by a flexible connecting rod 140. Specifically, the flexible connecting rod 140 may include a plurality of upper connecting rods 142 and a plurality of lower connecting rods 144, wherein the upper connecting rods 142 connect the inner peripheral portion of the upper part of the pilot plunger 120 to the outer peripheral portion of the upper part of the main plunger 130, and the lower connecting rods 144 connect the inner peripheral portion of the lower part of the pilot plunger 120 to the outer peripheral portion of the lower part of the main plunger 130.

[0037] Accordingly, the pilot plunger 120 and the main plunger 130 are stably connected to each other due to the plurality of upper connecting rods 142 and the plurality of lower connecting rods 144, and the lateral movement of the main plunger 130 is minimized. In particular, when viewed from above, the plurality of upper connecting rods 142 and the plurality of lower connecting rods 144 constituting the flexible connecting rod 140 are arranged to extend radially from the outer peripheral surface of the main plunger 130.

[0038] A first opening 121, a blocking body 123, and a second opening 122 are disposed on one side of the pilot plunger 120. The first opening 121 communicates with the tank-side flow channel 210, the blocking body 123 blocks the tank-side flow channel 210, and the second opening 122 allows the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 to communicate with each other. The first opening 121, the blocking body 123, and the second opening 122 are arranged sequentially in the valve's operating direction.

[0039] As an example, the first opening 121, the stop 123, and the second opening 122 are arranged sequentially from the upper to the lower part of the pilot plunger 120. The valve 100 for a hydrogen tank according to the invention, constructed as described above, remains closed when the fuel cell vehicle (e.g., a hydrogen-electric truck) is not in operation.

[0040] In other words, the lower end of the main plunger 130 is in close contact with the pipe-side flow channel 220, thereby keeping the pipe-side flow channel 220 in a closed state. At the same time, the pilot plunger 120 is in close contact with the upper end of the main plunger 130, thereby keeping the hydrogen communication port 132 in a closed state. In this state, when the fuel cell vehicle (e.g., a hydrogen-powered truck) starts, power is applied to the coil unit 110, and the pilot plunger 120 begins to rise due to the magnetic force generated by the coil unit 110.

[0041] Specifically, when the first opening 121 is connected to the can-side flow channel 210, the pilot plunger 120 begins to rise due to the magnetic force generated by the coil unit 110. Thereafter, the pilot plunger 120 rises to the position where the stop body 123 blocks the can-side flow channel 210, and then rises further to the position where the second opening 122 allows the can-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 to communicate with each other.

[0042] The operation of the valve for a hydrogen tank according to the invention, constructed as described above, will be described below. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the valves of the hydrogen tank for a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention. Figure 3 This shows the initial stage of the pilot plunger 120 rising. Figure 4 This shows the intermediate stage of the rise of the pilot column 120. Figure 5 This shows the final stage of the pilot plunger 120 rising.

[0043] First, in the initial stage, the pilot plunger 120 begins to rise due to the magnetic force generated by the coil unit 110, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the upper part of the hydrogen communication hole 132 in the main plunger 130, which is blocked by the pilot plunger 120, is opened. Accordingly, a very small amount of hydrogen flows from the tank-side flow channel 210 through the first opening 121 in the pilot plunger 120 and the hydrogen communication hole 132 in the main plunger 130 to the pipe-side flow channel 220. At this time, the main plunger 130 remains in close contact with the upper part of the pipe-side flow channel 220 and does not move.

[0044] Specifically, the main plunger 130 does not move due to the large pressure difference between the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220; specifically, the pressure in the tank-side flow channel 210 is a predetermined level or more greater than the pressure in the pipe-side flow channel 220, so the pressure of hydrogen is applied to the upper part of the main plunger 130.

[0045] Subsequently, during the intermediate stage of the pilot plunger 120's ascent, the blocker 123 blocks the tank-side flow channel 210, thereby interrupting the flow of hydrogen through the hydrogen communication hole 132. At this time, the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole 132 in the main plunger 130 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 is eliminated.

[0046] In other words, when the pilot plunger 120 rises to the position where the stop body 123 blocks the tank-side flow channel 210, the pressure in the tank-side flow channel 210 is cut off. Accordingly, the flow of hydrogen through the hydrogen communication hole 132 is interrupted, and at this time, the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole 132 in the main plunger 130 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 is temporarily eliminated.

[0047] More specifically, when the baffle 123 initially begins to block the tank-side flow channel 210, a pressure difference of a certain magnitude exists between the inlet of the hydrogen communication port 132 in the main plunger 130 and the pipe-side flow channel 220. Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown in the left-hand diagram, the lower end of the main plunger 130 remains in close contact with the pipe-side flow channel 220. At this time, the flexible connecting rod 140 temporarily deforms, thereby connecting and inserting the pilot plunger 120 and the main plunger 130 between them. Then, as... Figure 4 As shown in the right-hand figure, when the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole 132 in the main plunger 130 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 is eliminated and the pressures thus become equal, the main plunger 130 moves upward using the elastic restoring force of the flexible connecting rod 140, thereby opening the pipe-side flow channel 220.

[0048] Subsequently, in the final stage of the rise of the pilot plunger 120, the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 are connected to each other via the second opening 122 in the pilot plunger 120, so that hydrogen can be normally supplied from the tank-side flow channel 210 to the pipe-side flow channel 220 which is opened due to the elimination of the pressure difference.

[0049] In other words, when the pilot plunger 120 rises to its maximum extent, the second opening 122 is located where the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 are connected to each other. At this time, as... Figure 5 As shown, since the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 are connected to each other through the second opening 122, the hydrogen in the tank-side flow channel 210 can be supplied to the pipe-side flow channel 220 more smoothly through the second opening 122.

[0050] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by blocking the tank-side flow channel 210 with the blocking body 123 of the pilot plunger 120, the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole 132 in the main plunger 130 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 can be eliminated more quickly, thereby allowing the main plunger 130 to rise smoothly and the pipe-side flow channel 220 to open rapidly.

[0051] Therefore, hydrogen is supplied more stably from the hydrogen tank connected to the tank-side flow channel 210 to the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system connected to the pipe-side flow channel 220, thereby solving the problem of insufficient hydrogen supply to the fuel cell stack in the prior art, which prevents the achievement of the target power output of hydrogen-electric trucks.

[0052] The structure of a valve for a hydrogen tank according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle, according to another embodiment of the present invention, is shown schematically.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, a valve 100 for a hydrogen tank according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a coil unit 110, a pilot plunger 120, and a main plunger 130, wherein the coil unit 110 generates a magnetic force when an electric current is applied thereto, the pilot plunger 120 moves vertically (e.g., upward and downward) by the magnetic force generated by the coil unit 110, and the main plunger 130 is disposed inside the pilot plunger 120 and moves up and down by magnetic force. A hydrogen communication hole 132 is formed to penetrate the center of the main plunger 130 in a vertical direction.

[0054] Furthermore, the inner circumferential portion of the lower part of the pilot plunger 120 and the outer circumferential portion of the lower part of the main plunger 130 are interconnected by a flexible connecting rod 140. This embodiment is characterized by a further reduction in the length of the flow channel that generates the pressure difference.

[0055] Accordingly, a first opening 121, a block 123, and a second opening 122 can be disposed on one side of the pilot plunger 120. The first opening 121 communicates with the can-side flow channel 210, the block 123 blocks the can-side flow channel 210, and the can-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 communicate with each other through the second opening 122. The first opening 121, the block 123, and the second opening 122 are arranged sequentially from the upper to the lower part of the pilot plunger 120. The second opening 122 can be formed into a relatively large shape extending from the lower surface of the block 123 to the lower end of the pilot plunger 120.

[0056] Additionally, the main plunger 130 has a contact surface 134 formed on its side facing the first opening 121 of the pilot plunger 120. The contact surface 134 is in close contact with the pilot plunger 120 to selectively block the first opening 121. The main plunger 130 has a connecting hole 136 formed therein, extending from a portion directly below the contact surface 134 to the lower end of the main plunger 130.

[0057] Correspondingly, the vertical length of the hydrogen communication hole 132 in the main plunger 130 is shortened due to the communication hole 136 in the main plunger 130, thereby shortening the length of the flow channel that generates a pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole 132 in the main plunger 130 and the pipe-side flow channel 220. Therefore, according to this embodiment, as the pilot plunger 120 moves upward by the magnetic force generated by the coil unit 110, the tank-side flow channel 210 is blocked by the blocking body 123 of the pilot plunger 120, so that the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole 132 in the main plunger 130 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 can be eliminated more quickly.

[0058] Subsequently, when the pilot plunger 120 rises to its maximum extent, the tank-side flow channel 210 and the pipe-side flow channel 220 are connected to each other via the second opening 122 of the pilot plunger 120 and the connecting hole 136 of the main plunger 130, thereby supplying hydrogen more stably from the hydrogen tank to the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system.

[0059] As is evident from the above description, the present invention has the following effects.

[0060] First, the pilot plunger and main plunger constituting the valve for the hydrogen tank are connected to each other by a flexible connecting rod. A first opening for communicating with the tank-side flow channel, a blocking body for blocking the tank-side flow channel, and a second opening for communicating between the tank-side flow channel and the pipe-side flow channel are formed in the pilot plunger. Thus, when the pilot plunger moves upward by magnetic force, the tank-side flow channel is blocked by the blocking body, thereby rapidly and automatically eliminating the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole in the main plunger and the pipe-side flow channel.

[0061] Second, by using the blocking body of the pilot plunger to block the tank-side flow channel, the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole in the main plunger and the pipe-side flow channel can be quickly eliminated, thereby shortening the range in which a pressure difference is generated between the tank-side flow channel and the pipe-side flow channel. At this time, the time required to eliminate the pressure difference is also shortened.

[0062] Third, when the tank-side flow channel is blocked by the blocking body of the pilot plunger, the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole in the main plunger and the pipe-side flow channel is eliminated, and the pressures become equal, thus allowing the main plunger to rise more smoothly. Correspondingly, the pipe-side flow channel opens more quickly and connects with the tank-side flow channel through the second opening, thereby enabling a more stable supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank to the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system.

[0063] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle, wherein, The valve includes: A coil unit configured to generate magnetic force when an electric current is applied to it; A pilot plunger configured to move upward by magnetic force generated by the coil unit; A main plunger disposed inside the pilot plunger, wherein the main plunger includes a hydrogen communication orifice formed therein; and A flexible connecting rod connects the pilot plunger and the main plunger, wherein the main plunger moves upward using the elastic restoring force of the flexible connecting rod. The pilot plunger is provided with a first opening, a blocking body and a second opening on one side. The first opening is used to communicate with the tank-side flow channel, the blocking body is used to block the tank-side flow channel, and the second opening is used to connect the tank-side flow channel with the pipe-side flow channel.

2. The valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein, The flexible connecting rod includes: A plurality of upper connecting rods, the plurality of upper connecting rods being interconnected to the inner circumferential portion of the upper part of the pilot plunger and the outer circumferential portion of the upper part of the main plunger; and Multiple lower connecting rods are connected to each other between the inner circumferential portion of the lower part of the pilot plunger and the outer circumferential portion of the lower part of the main plunger.

3. The valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein, The first opening, the blocking body, and the second opening are arranged sequentially in the operating direction of the valve. When the first opening is connected to the tank-side flow channel, as the pilot plunger moves upward by the magnetic force generated by the coil unit, the tank-side flow channel is blocked by the blocking body, and then the tank-side flow channel is connected to the pipe-side flow channel through the second opening.

4. The valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle as described in claim 3, wherein, In the initial stage of the pilot plunger's ascent, the hydrogen communication hole in the main plunger, which was blocked by the pilot plunger, opens, and hydrogen flows from the tank-side channel through the first opening and the hydrogen communication hole to the pipe-side channel.

5. The valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle as described in claim 4, wherein, During the intermediate stage of the pilot plunger's ascent, the blocking body blocks the tank-side flow channel, thereby interrupting the flow of hydrogen through the hydrogen communication orifice and eliminating the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication orifice in the main plunger and the pipe-side flow channel.

6. The valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle as described in claim 5, wherein, When the blocker blocks the tank-side flow channel, the lower end of the main plunger remains in close contact with the pipe-side flow channel while the flexible connecting rod that connects the pilot plunger and the main plunger deforms; when the pressure difference between the inlet of the hydrogen communication hole in the main plunger and the pipe-side flow channel is eliminated, the main plunger moves upward and the pipe-side flow channel opens.

7. The valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle as described in claim 6, wherein, In the final stage of the pilot plunger's ascent, the tank-side flow channel and the pipe-side flow channel are connected to each other via a second opening, so that hydrogen can be supplied from the tank-side flow channel to the pipe-side flow channel, which opens due to the elimination of the pressure difference.

8. The valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein, The second opening of the pilot plunger is formed to extend from the lower surface of the block body to the lower end of the pilot plunger.

9. The valve for a hydrogen tank in a fuel cell vehicle as described in claim 8, wherein, The main plunger has a contact surface formed on the side facing the first opening of the pilot plunger, the contact surface being in close contact with the pilot plunger to selectively block the first opening, and a connecting hole formed in the main plunger extending from a portion directly below the contact surface to the lower end of the main plunger.

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