Pot valve device

Abstract

A tank valve device includes a valve block provided at a mouth portion of a tank, a valve mounted to the valve block, a nozzle head extending along an axis and mounted to the valve block and disposed in the tank, and a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of a fluid in the tank. The nozzle head has a filling line through which the fluid filled into the tank flows, and the temperature sensor is inserted through the nozzle head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a can valve device located at the mouth of a can. Background Technology

[0002] As a tank valve device located at the opening of a tank, the tank valve in Patent Document 1 is known. The tank valve in Patent Document 1 has a pipe for injecting fluid into the tank and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the fluid inside the tank. Furthermore, the pipe and the temperature sensor are fixed in a non-contact manner by a fixing member so that they cannot be displaced relative to each other.

[0003] Existing technical documents:

[0004] Patent documents:

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-190523. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve:

[0007] In the tank valve of Patent Document 1, the pipe and temperature sensor are fixed in place by means of a fixing member that prevents relative displacement. However, there is a requirement to further reduce the number of components in the tank valve.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a tank valve device that can reduce the number of components.

[0009] Solution methods:

[0010] The can valve device of the present invention comprises: a valve block disposed at the opening of a can; a valve mounted on the valve block; a nozzle head extending along an axis and mounted on the valve block and disposed within the can; and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the fluid within the can; the nozzle head having a filling line for causing the fluid filled into the can to flow, and the temperature sensor being inserted into the nozzle head.

[0011] According to the present invention, since a temperature sensor is assembled in the nozzle head, the number of components can be reduced.

[0012] Invention effects:

[0013] According to the present invention, the increase in the number of components can be suppressed.

[0014] 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. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the tank valve device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2It is cut by section line II-II Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the tank valve assembly;

[0017] Figure 3 Therefore Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the tank valve assembly as seen by section line III-III;

[0018] Figure 4 It is shown in decomposition Figure 1 Exploded front view of the tank valve assembly;

[0019] Figure 5 Axial view Figure 1 A bottom view of the tip of the nozzle head;

[0020] Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the tank valve device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a tank valve device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, the valve devices 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the aforementioned accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the concept of direction used in the following description is for ease of explanation and is not intended to limit the structural orientation of the invention to these directions. Also, the valve devices 1 and 1A described below are merely one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, and additions, deletions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0023] <First Implementation>

[0024] like Figure 1 The tank 2 shown is capable of storing fluid. In this embodiment, the fluid is gas. A tank valve device 1 is provided on the tank 2. The tank valve device 1 of the first embodiment is as follows... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device shown includes a valve block 10, a solenoid valve 11, a nozzle head 12, a fastening member 13, a temperature sensor 14, an airtight terminal 15, and wiring 16. The tank valve device 1 closes the opening 2a of the tank 2. Thus, the tank 2 is sealed. Furthermore, the tank valve device 1 is, for example, an on-tank type. The tank valve device 1 can fill the tank 2 with fluid. In addition, the tank valve device 1 can discharge fluid from the tank 2.

[0025] [Valve Block]

[0026] The valve block 10 is a component extending in a predetermined direction, that is, along a predetermined axis L1. The valve block 10 has a plug portion 21 and a block body 22. Furthermore, as... Figure 2As shown, a flow path 10a and a wiring path 10b are formed on the valve block 10. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a portion of the valve block 10 is inserted through the opening 2a of the can 2. Thus, the opening 2a is closed by the valve block 10. Furthermore, another portion of the valve block 10 (the block body 22 described later) protrudes outward from the opening 2a.

[0027] Flow path 10a is a flow path that fills the tank 2 with fluid and also discharges the fluid from the tank 2. More specifically, flow path 10a has an inlet / outlet (not shown). Furthermore, flow path 10a is connected to the outside of the tank 2 via the inlet / outlet. Also, flow path 10a has a connecting port 10c located inside the tank 2. Moreover, flow path 10a allows fluid to flow between the inlet / outlet and the connecting port 10c.

[0028] Wiring passage 10b is the passage through which wiring 16 passes. More specifically, wiring passage 10b has an outlet (not shown). Furthermore, wiring passage 10b is connected to the outside of tank 2 via the outlet. Also, wiring passage 10b has a connection port 10d located inside tank 2. Thus, wiring passage 10b is connected to both the inside and outside of tank 2.

[0029] The plug portion 21 has a plug-side flow path 31 as part of the flow path 10a, a plug-side passage 32 as part of the wiring passage 10b, a block-side engaging portion 34, and a fastening hole 33. Furthermore, the plug portion 21 is the portion that extends along the axis L1 and is inserted into the opening 2a. More specifically, the plug portion 21 is the portion that screws into the opening 2a. The plug portion 21 is sealed relative to the opening 2a. In this embodiment, the plug portion 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends in a predetermined direction.

[0030] The plug-side flow path 31 extends axially in a predetermined direction, namely, along the axis L1 of the plug portion 21. More specifically, the plug-side flow path 31 has a connecting port 10c at one axial end. Furthermore, the plug-side flow path 31 reaches the block body 22.

[0031] The bolt-side passage 32 also extends axially. More specifically, the bolt-side passage 32 has a connection port 10d at one axial end. Furthermore, the bolt-side passage 32 also reaches the block body 22. Additionally, the bolt-side passage 32 has a receiving portion 32a at one axial end containing the connection port 10d. Moreover, the receiving portion 32a has a larger diameter than the connecting portion 32b located at the other axial end of the receiving portion 32a. Furthermore, a sitting portion 32c is formed between the receiving portion 32a and the connecting portion 32b. As an example, the sitting portion 32c is formed as a tapered shape that tapers towards the connecting portion 32b from the receiving portion 32a.

[0032] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the plug-side passage 32 is arranged in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis L1 of the plug portion 21 as follows. That is, the plug-side passage 32 is arranged along a straight line connecting the axis L32 of the plug-side passage 32 and the axis L31 of the plug-side flow path 31. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the plug-side passage 32 is configured such that the straight line A1 intersects the axis L1. Furthermore, the plug-side passage 32 is located on the opposite side of the plug-side flow path 31 relative to the axis L1. Therefore, the plug-side passage 32 can be configured away from the plug-side flow path 31. Thus, the strength of the plug portion 21 can be ensured while suppressing an increase in its outer diameter. Therefore, the outer diameter of the plug portion 21 can be reduced.

[0033] A block-side engaging portion 34 is formed at one axial end of the bolt portion 21. The block-side engaging portion 34 is, for example, a recess formed at one axial end of the bolt portion 21. In this embodiment, the block-side engaging portion 34 is formed by cutting the axial end into an arc shape when viewed axially. Furthermore, the block-side engaging portion 34 is formed at a position that does not overlap with the straight line A1 connecting axes L31 and L32. In this embodiment, the block-side engaging portion 34 is arranged in a form where the arc-shaped portion, equivalent to a chord, is parallel to the straight line A1. This ensures the strength of the bolt portion 21.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the fastening hole 33 is a hole into which the fastening member 13 is inserted. In this embodiment, the fastening hole 33 is screwed onto the fastening member 13. More specifically, the fastening hole 33 opens at one axial end of the bolt portion 21. Furthermore, the fastening hole 33 extends axially in a manner parallel to the bolt-side flow path 31 and the bolt-side passage 32. Moreover, as... Figure 3 As shown, the fastening hole 33 is formed in a section perpendicular to axis L1 at a position that does not overlap with line A1. In this embodiment, the fastening hole 33 is disposed on the opposite side of the block-side engaging portion 34 relative to line A1. Moreover, the fastening hole 33 is configured such that lines A2, A3 and line A1, which connect its axis L33 and axes L31, L32 respectively, form a triangle in a section perpendicular to axis L1.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the block body 22 is the portion protruding from the opening 2a within the valve block 10. That is, the block body 22 is positioned outside the tank 2. The block body 22 has a body-side flow path 35, which is part of the flow path 10a, and a body-side passage 36, which is part of the wiring passage 10b. One end of the body-side flow path 35 is connected to the plug-side flow path 31. The other end of the body-side flow path 35 has the aforementioned inlet / outlet (not shown). One end of the body-side passage 36 is connected to the plug-side passage 32. The other end of the body-side passage 36 has the aforementioned outlet (not shown).

[0036] [Solenoid valve]

[0037] Solenoid valve 11 is provided on block body 22. More specifically, solenoid valve 11 is provided in a manner that inserts into the side of block body 22, and is disposed on the outside of tank 2. Furthermore, solenoid valve 11 is disposed in the main body side flow path 35. Moreover, solenoid valve 11 opens and closes the main body side flow path 35 according to an input signal. In more detail, solenoid valve 11 has a valve body and a solenoid. Moreover, by inputting a signal to the solenoid, the valve body actuates. Thus, solenoid valve 11 opens and closes the main body side flow path 35.

[0038] [Nozzle Head]

[0039] The nozzle head 12 has a sensor insertion hole 37, a filling supply line 38, a fastening member insertion hole 39, and a head-side engaging portion 30. Also, as... Figure 4 As shown, the nozzle head 12 is formed independently of the valve block 10. Furthermore, the nozzle head 12 extends along the axis L1. The nozzle head 12 is mounted on the valve block 10 and disposed within the tank 2. More specifically, the nozzle head 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the nozzle head 12 is formed to be smaller in diameter than the threaded portion of the plug 21 and longer in axial dimension. However, the nozzle head 12 does not necessarily need to be longer in axial dimension than the plug 21. Also, the nozzle head 12 has a spray outlet 38b, described later, formed on one axial end side. Hereinafter, regarding axially extending components, the end face near the center of the tank will be referred to as one end, and the opposite end face will be referred to as the other end. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle head 12 is mounted on the valve block 10 with its other axial end abutting against the axial end of the plug portion 21. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nozzle head 12 and the valve block 10 are arranged such that their mutual axes are abutted at a predetermined position aligned with axis L1. Also, the axial end of the nozzle head 12 is cut into an arc shape when viewed axially. Therefore, a flat, axially extending cut surface 12a is formed on the circumferential surface of the axial end of the nozzle head 12.

[0040] The sensor insertion hole 37, serving as a through-hole, has a connection port 37a, an insertion port 37b, and a stepped portion 37c. Furthermore, the sensor insertion hole 37 is a hole extending linearly within the nozzle head 12 and is used to insert the temperature sensor 14. More specifically, the sensor insertion hole 37 extends axially. The sensor insertion hole 37 is formed to move radially away from the axis L1. Moreover, the sensor insertion hole 37 is configured correspondingly to the plug-side passage 32.

[0041] A connection port 37a is formed at the other end of the nozzle head 12. Furthermore, the connection port 37a connects to the connection port 10d of the plug-side passage 32 when the nozzle head 12 and valve block 10 are aligned in a predetermined position. Also, an insertion port 37b is formed at one end of the nozzle head 12. Moreover, the insertion port 37b faces the center of the tank 2. Furthermore, a stepped portion 37c is formed in the sensor insertion hole 37 near the connection port 10d. In the sensor insertion hole 37, the portion closer to the connection port 37a than the stepped portion 37c is formed with a larger diameter than the portion on the opposite side (i.e., the portion closer to the insertion port 37b than the stepped portion 37c).

[0042] The filling supply line 38 has a connection port 38a and a nozzle 38b. Furthermore, the filling supply line 38 is a filling line that guides fluid from the inlet flow path 10a into the tank 2. Also, the filling supply line 38 serves as a supply line that delivers fluid from the tank 2 back to the flow path 10a. Figure 2 As shown, the filler supply line 38 extends axially in a manner parallel to the sensor insertion hole 37. Furthermore, the filler supply line 38 is configured correspondingly to the plug-side flow path 31.

[0043] A connecting port 38a is formed at the other end of the nozzle head 12. Furthermore, the connecting port 38a connects to the connecting port 10c of the plug-side flow path 31 when the nozzle head 12 and valve block 10 are aligned in a predetermined position. Therefore, the sensor insertion hole 37 and the filler supply line 38, like the plug-side passage 32 and the plug-side flow path 31, are connected by a straight line connecting their respective axes L37 and L38. Figure 3 The single-dotted line A4 is configured to pass through axis L1.

[0044] A nozzle 38b is formed at one end of the nozzle head 12. Furthermore, the nozzle 38b sprays fluid into the tank 2. More specifically, the nozzle 38b faces away from the sensor insertion hole 37. In this embodiment, the portion at one end of the filler supply line 38 is inclined radially outward as it moves towards one end of the nozzle head 12 and exits from the sensor insertion hole 37. Moreover, the nozzle 38b is formed on the cut surface 12a of the nozzle head 12. Furthermore, in the filler supply line 38, an imaginary line extending from the nozzle 38b in the spray direction does not intersect the insertion port 37b of the sensor insertion hole 37. That is, the filler supply line 38 is configured such that the insertion port 37b is not located on the extension line of the spray direction of the nozzle 38b.

[0045] The fastening member insertion hole 39 has an insertion portion 39a and a countersunk portion 39b. Furthermore, the fastening member insertion hole 39 is a hole through which the fastening member 13 is inserted. The fastening member insertion hole 39 extends axially in a manner parallel to the sensor insertion hole 37 and the filling supply line 38. Moreover, the fastening member insertion hole 39 penetrates the nozzle head 12. However, the fastening member insertion hole 39 only needs to penetrate at least a portion of the nozzle head 12; it does not need to penetrate the entire nozzle head 12. Furthermore, the fastening member insertion hole 39 is configured correspondingly to the fastening hole 33. More specifically, the fastening member insertion hole 39 opens at the other end of the nozzle head 12. Moreover, the fastening member insertion hole 39 connects to the fastening hole 33 when the nozzle head 12 and the valve block 10 are mated in a predetermined position. The fastening member insertion hole 39 is also formed, like the fastening hole 33, at a position that does not overlap with the straight line A4. In this embodiment, the fastening member insertion hole 39 is disposed on the nozzle 38b side relative to the straight line A4. Furthermore, the straight lines A5, A6 and A4 that connect the axis L39 of the fastening member insertion hole 39 and the axes L37, L38 respectively are arranged to form a triangle on a cross section perpendicular to the axis L1.

[0046] An insertion portion 39a is formed at the other end of the nozzle head 12. Furthermore, the insertion portion 39a opens at the other end of the nozzle head 12. Therefore, when the nozzle head 12 and the valve block 10 are aligned in a predetermined position, the insertion portion 39a connects with the fastening hole 33. More specifically, the insertion portion 39a has a circular cross-section and extends axially. That is, the insertion portion 39a extends along the axis L39 of the fastening member insertion hole 39.

[0047] The countersunk portion 39b is formed in the middle of the nozzle head 12 relative to the through portion 39a. More specifically, the countersunk portion 39b is a groove formed by extending along the axis L39 and axially cutting the circumferential surface of the nozzle head 12. That is, the countersunk portion 39b is U-shaped when viewed axially. Furthermore, the countersunk portion 39b extends from one end of the nozzle head 12 to the through portion 39a. The width of the countersunk portion 39b is larger than the diameter of the fastening member through hole 39.

[0048] The head-side engaging portion 30 is configured to engage with the block-side engaging portion 34. More specifically, the head-side engaging portion 30 and the block-side engaging portion 34 are correspondingly formed at the other end of the nozzle head 12. In this embodiment, the head-side engaging portion 30 protrudes axially from the other end of the nozzle head 12 and is formed in an arc shape when viewed axially. Furthermore, the head-side engaging portion 30 is formed at a position that does not overlap with the straight line A4. In this embodiment, the head-side engaging portion 30 is arranged in a form where the arc-shaped portion, equivalent to the chord, is parallel to the straight line A4. Therefore, the head-side engaging portion 30 engages with the block-side engaging portion 34 when the nozzle head 12 and the valve block 10 are aligned at a predetermined position.

[0049] [Fastening components]

[0050] The fastening member 13 is a component that secures the nozzle head 12 to the valve block 10 (more specifically, the bolt portion 21). The fastening member 13 is, for example, a bolt. The middle portion of the fastening member 13 is inserted through the insertion portion 39a when the nozzle head 12 and the valve block 10 are aligned in a predetermined position. The fastening member 13 has a threaded portion 13a at its tip. Furthermore, the fastening member 13 screws the threaded portion 13a into the fastening hole 33. Also, the head 13b of the fastening member 13 sits around the opening of the insertion portion 39a. Thus, the nozzle head 12 is held by the fastening member 13 and the bolt portion 21. Therefore, the nozzle head 12 is fixed to the valve block 10.

[0051] The fastening member 13 fastens the nozzle head 12 and the valve block 10 as follows: The fastening member 13 enters the countersunk portion 39b from the side of the nozzle head 12. Then, the threaded portion 13a at the tip of the fastening member 13 is inserted into the through portion 39a. The fastening member 13 is then pushed in until the threaded portion 13a reaches the fastening hole 33 of the plug portion 21. After the threaded portion 13a reaches the fastening hole 33, the fastening member 13 screws the threaded portion 13a into the fastening hole 33. Thus, because the fastening member 13 can enter the countersunk portion 39b from the side of the nozzle head 12, the length of the through portion 39a can be shortened. Therefore, when the nozzle head 12 and the valve block 10 undergo relative displacement due to forces such as fluid flow, the torque acting on the fastening member 13 can be suppressed.

[0052] [Temperature Sensor]

[0053] Temperature sensor 14 measures the temperature of the fluid inside tank 2. Temperature sensor 14 is a component longer than sensor insertion hole 37, and has a temperature sensing section 14a at its tip. The temperature sensing section 14a is the part that measures the temperature of the fluid inside tank 2. Temperature sensor 14 is inserted into sensor insertion hole 37 from one end of nozzle head 12 (i.e., the tip of nozzle head 12), i.e., insertion port 37b. Thus, the filler supply line 38, temperature sensor 14, and fastening member 13 are arranged in a triangular configuration on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction that cuts through nozzle head 12. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base portion of temperature sensor 14 is formed to have the same diameter as sensor insertion hole 37. Therefore, when temperature sensor 14 is inserted through insertion port 37b, temperature sensor 14 engages with nozzle head 12. Thus, temperature sensor 14 is fixed to nozzle head 12 by insertion through insertion port 37b. Alternatively, the base portion of the temperature sensor 14 can be configured as a snap-fit, and the temperature sensor 14 can be fixed to the sensor insertion hole 37 by the snap-fit. Furthermore, the tip of the temperature sensor 14, where the temperature sensing part 14a is formed, protrudes from one end of the nozzle head 12. This allows the temperature sensing part 14a to be positioned further inside the tank 2. This results in more accurate measurement of the temperature of the fluid inside the tank 2. Specifically, by allowing at least a portion of the temperature sensing part 14a to protrude, fluid convection occurs around the temperature sensing part 14a. This improves the accuracy of temperature measurement of the fluid inside the tank 2. However, the temperature sensing part 14a does not necessarily need to protrude from one end of the nozzle head 12. Also, the temperature sensor 14 has a connector 14b at the end opposite to the temperature sensing part 14a, i.e., the base end. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 14 has a female connector at the base end.

[0054] [Airtight Terminal]

[0055] The airtight terminal 15 has a main body 15a, multiple terminal portions 15b, and a sealing portion 15c. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the airtight terminal 15 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 14 and the wiring 16. The airtight terminal 15 airtightly blocks the wiring passage 10b. In this embodiment, the airtight terminal 15 is disposed between the valve block 10 and the nozzle head 12, and is pressed against the valve block 10 by the nozzle head 12 to block the wiring passage 10b. More specifically, the airtight terminal 15 is accommodated in the receiving portion 32a of the plug-side passage 32.

[0056] The main body 15a is pressed against the valve block 10, thus blocking the wiring passage 10b. More specifically, one axial end of the main body 15a is inserted through the connection port 37a of the sensor insertion hole 37, and the other end abuts against the stepped portion 37c. Furthermore, the other axial end of the main body 15a is formed to have the same diameter as the connecting portion 32b of the plug-side passage 32. Moreover, the other axial end of the main body 15a is inserted through the connecting portion 32b of the plug-side passage 32. In addition, the middle portion of the main body 15a is formed with a larger diameter relative to both the axial end and the other end. The middle portion of the main body 15a is seated on the seat portion 32c. Therefore, one end of the main body 15a is pressed by the stepped portion 37c, thereby pressing the middle portion of the main body 15a onto the seat portion 32c. Thus, by blocking the wiring passage 10b with the main body 15a, the outflow of fluid from the tank 2 into the wiring passage 10b can be suppressed.

[0057] Multiple terminal portions 15b are thin rod-shaped conductive wires, such as core rods. In this embodiment, the airtight terminal 15 has two terminal portions 15b. The two terminal portions 15b extend axially through the main body portion 15a with a gap between them. Moreover, one axial end of each of the two terminal portions 15b is inserted into the connector 14b of the temperature sensor 14. The other axial ends of each of the two terminal portions 15b are inserted into the wiring 16, which will be described later. Thus, the two terminal portions 15b are electrically connected to the temperature sensor 14 and the wiring 16.

[0058] The sealing part 15c is externally mounted on one end of the main body 15a. Furthermore, the sealing part 15c seals the inner circumferential surface of the main body 15a and the plug part 21. In this embodiment, the sealing part 15c is an O-ring.

[0059] [Wiring]

[0060] Wiring 16 is electrically connected to temperature sensor 14 via hermetically sealed terminal 15. More specifically, wiring 16 has a connector at one end. Furthermore, as mentioned above, one end of wiring 16 is inserted through the axial ends of the two terminal portions 15b of hermetically sealed terminal 15. Wiring 16 is electrically connected to an external wiring inserted into a discharge port (not shown). Thus, a signal can be retrieved from the temperature sensor 14 disposed inside the tank 2 to the outside of the tank 2.

[0061] As described above, the valve device 1, configured as such, is inserted into the opening 2a of the tank 2. Furthermore, in the valve device 1, when fluid is supplied through the inlet / outlet (not shown), the fluid actuates the valve body of the solenoid valve 11. This opens the flow path 10a, filling the tank 2 with fluid via the filling supply line 38. After filling, when fluid is discharged from the tank 2, a signal is input to the solenoid of the solenoid valve 11. This actuates the valve body, opening the flow path 10a. Thus, the fluid in the tank 2 is guided to the inlet / outlet via the filling supply line 38 and the flow path 10a. Furthermore, fluid is discharged from the inlet / outlet. This allows fluid to be supplied to external consuming devices (such as gas engines and fuel cells) connected to the inlet / outlet. Additionally, in the valve device 1, the temperature sensor 14's temperature sensing section 14a measures the temperature of the fluid in the tank 2. Furthermore, a signal corresponding to the measured temperature is output to an external device via the airtight terminal 15 and wiring 16.

[0062] In the can valve device 1 with such function, a temperature sensor 14 is mounted on the nozzle head 12 where the filling supply line 38 is formed. Therefore, the increase in the number of components in the can valve device 1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the can valve device 1, the nozzle 38b faces away from the sensor insertion hole 37. That is, the nozzle 38b faces away from the temperature sensor 14. Therefore, direct contact between the fluid sprayed into the can 2 and the temperature sensor 14 can be suppressed. As a result, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the fluid inside the can 2 can be improved.

[0063] Furthermore, in the valve device 1, the nozzle outlet 38b is formed on the side of the nozzle head 12. In this embodiment, the nozzle outlet 38b is formed on the cut surface 12a of the nozzle head 12. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the filling fluid from being ejected towards the temperature sensor 14, while simultaneously allowing the filling supply line 38 to be housed within the external dimensions of the nozzle head 12. As a result, both improved accuracy in measuring the fluid temperature and suppression of excessively large nozzle head diameters can be achieved.

[0064] Furthermore, in the valve assembly 1, the temperature sensor 14 is inserted through the sensor insertion hole 37 from the insertion port 37b. Therefore, by inserting the temperature sensor 14 through the tip of the nozzle head 12, the temperature sensor 14 can be assembled onto the nozzle head 12. Thus, the assembly of the temperature sensor 14 onto the nozzle head 12 becomes easy.

[0065] like Figure 3As shown, in the valve device 1, straight lines A5 to A6, which intersect the axes L37 to 39 of the sensor insertion hole 37, the filling supply line 38, and the fastening member insertion hole 39 respectively, form a triangle on a cross-section perpendicular to axis L1. That is, the sensor insertion hole 37, the filling supply line 38, and the fastening member insertion hole 39 form a triangle on a cross-section perpendicular to axis L1. Furthermore, the fastening member 13 is inserted into the fastening member insertion hole 39, and the temperature sensor 14 is inserted into the sensor insertion hole 37. Therefore, the filling supply line 38, the temperature sensor 14, and the fastening member 13 are arranged to form a triangle on a surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the nozzle head 12 (also referring to the view from the tip of the nozzle head 12). Figure 5 Therefore, it prevents the fill supply line 38, temperature sensor 14, and fastening member 13 from being arranged in a straight line. This ensures sufficient flow area for the fill supply line 38.

[0066] Furthermore, in the valve assembly 1, the engagement between the block-side engaging portion 34 and the head-side engaging portion 30 prevents the nozzle head 12 from rotating relative to the valve block 10 around the fastening member 13. This suppresses the load on the temperature sensor 14 caused by the rotation of the nozzle head 12 relative to the valve block 10. Also, in the valve assembly 1, the sensor insertion hole 37 is formed in a straight line, allowing the temperature sensor 14 to be easily inserted into it. Therefore, assembling the temperature sensor 14 into the nozzle head 12 is easy. Furthermore, since most of the temperature sensor 14 can be housed within the nozzle head 12, it is not subjected to loads from the fluid.

[0067] Furthermore, in the tank valve device 1, the nozzle head 12 is longer than the plug portion 21. Therefore, the temperature sensor 14 can be positioned further inside the tank 2. This allows for the measurement of the temperature of the fluid in a stable state within the tank 2. Also, in the tank valve device 1, the valve block 10 and the nozzle head 12 are formed independently. Therefore, the wiring of the temperature sensor 14 is simplified.

[0068] <Second Implementation>

[0069] The can valve device 1A of the second embodiment is similar in structure to the can valve device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, regarding the structure of the can valve device 1A of the second embodiment, the differences from those of the can valve device 1 of the first embodiment will be mainly explained, and the same symbols will be used for the same structures and the descriptions will be omitted.

[0070] like Figure 6As shown, the tank valve device 1A also includes a valve 17 (in this embodiment, an overflow prevention valve). The overflow prevention valve 17 has a piston 41 and a spring member 42. The overflow prevention valve 17 is located at the nozzle head 12. Furthermore, the overflow prevention valve 17 controls the flow of fluid supplied from the tank 2. When the flow rate of fluid supplied from the tank 2 exceeds a predetermined flow rate, the overflow prevention valve 17 closes the flow path 10a. In detail, the overflow prevention valve 17 is located on the filling supply line 38 and the plug-side flow path 31. The plug-side flow path 31 has a valve seat 17a between the large-diameter portion 31a and the portion connected thereto. A spring-bearing portion 10e is formed around the connection port 10c. In this embodiment, the connection port 38a of the filling supply line 38 is formed to have a larger diameter than the connection port 10c of the valve block 10. The spring member 42 is disposed in this large-diameter portion, and the area around the connection port 10c forms the spring-bearing portion 10e. The piston 41 allows its tip to rest on the valve seat 17a. Furthermore, the piston 41 moves between a closed position seated on the valve seat 17a and an open position away from the valve seat 17a. Also, a flow path 41a is formed on the piston 41. The flow path 41a is connected to the front and rear of the piston 41. Moreover, fluid flowing between the front and rear of the piston 41 travels back and forth via the flow path 41a. In addition, the piston 41 has a spring support seat 41c at its base end. Furthermore, the spring support seat 41c faces the spring support portion 10e located around the communication port 10c.

[0071] The spring member 42 applies force to pull the piston 41 away from the valve seat 17a. That is, the spring member 42 applies force to the piston 41 toward the open position. More specifically, the spring member 42 is disposed in a compressed state between the spring support portion 10e and the spring support seat 41c.

[0072] In this overflow prevention valve 17, during filling, the piston 41 is pressed into the open position by the fluid. Therefore, the flow path 10a is open. On the other hand, during supply, when the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the filling supply line 38 to the flow path 10a becomes a predetermined flow rate, the piston 41 moves towards the valve seat 17a against the load exerted by the fluid and the applied force. Then, the piston 41 sits on the valve seat 17a. That is, the flow path 10a is closed. Thus, the overflow prevention valve 17 limits the flow rate from the filling supply line 38 to the flow path 10a to below the predetermined flow rate. This prevents excess fluid from being delivered from the filling supply line 38.

[0073] Otherwise, the valve device 1A of the second embodiment has the same effect as the valve device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0074] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0075] In the valve devices 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments, the valve block 10 and the nozzle head 12 are fastened by the fastening member 13, but the method of fastening the valve block 10 and the nozzle head 12 is not limited to this. For example, the valve block 10 and the nozzle head 12 can also be fastened by welding, friction stirring, or snap-fitting. Furthermore, even the fastening member 13 does not need to be axially inserted as in the valve device 1 of this embodiment; it can be axially crossed, for example, radially inserted, to fasten the valve block 10 and the nozzle head 12. Furthermore, the position of the fastening member 13 is not limited to a position offset from the axis L1; it can also be arranged along the axis L1.

[0076] In the valve devices 1 and 1A, the structure that prevents the rotation of the nozzle head 12 centered on the fastening member 13 does not necessarily have to be the structure described above. For example, one of the engaging portions 30 and 34 can also be a pin. In the case of a pin, fitting holes are formed on both the nozzle head 12 and the valve block 10, and the pin is fitted into each fitting hole, thereby preventing the rotation of the nozzle head 12 centered on the fastening member 13. That is, the other engaging portion 34 and 30 are formed as fitting holes.

[0077] Furthermore, in the tank valve devices 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments, it is not necessary to form a filling supply line 38 capable of both filling and discharging fluid. That is, a filling line for filling fluid into the tank 2 and a supply line for discharging fluid from the tank 2 can be formed on the nozzle head 12, respectively. In this case, an overflow prevention valve 17 can be provided on the filling line, and a check valve can be provided on the supply line. In addition, as with the filling supply line 38 in the tank valve device 1 of this embodiment, the filling line and the supply line can be made common, thereby enabling miniaturization of the valve block 10, and more specifically, miniaturization of the plug 21. Alternatively, the flow path 10a connected to the filling supply line 38 can be branched into a filling flow path and a supply flow path. In this case, a solenoid valve is provided on the supply flow path, and a check valve is provided on the filling flow path. The solenoid valve controls the flow path of the fluid discharged from the tank 2, and the check valve prevents the discharge of fluid from the tank 2.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the filler supply line 38, temperature sensor 14, and fastening member 13 are arranged in a triangular shape on a cross-section cut by an imaginary plane perpendicular to axis L1, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the filler supply line 38, temperature sensor 14, and fastening member 13 can be arranged in a straight line on the aforementioned cross-section.

[0079] The airtight terminal 15 is not limited to the shape described above. That is, the airtight terminal 15 can be configured to block the wiring passage 10b.

[0080] Furthermore, the airtight terminal 15 is not required. If the airtight terminal 15 is not provided, a seal can be provided between the valve block 10 and the nozzle head 12. For example, the nozzle head 12B of the tank valve device 1B can be as follows: Figure 7 The land is formed as shown. Figure 7 In the nozzle head 12B, a bottomed sensor insertion hole 37B is formed. A temperature sensor 14 is inserted into the sensor insertion hole 37B. The temperature sensing part 14a of the temperature sensor 14 is arranged near the bottom of the sensor insertion hole 37B. The nozzle head 12B has a protrusion 12b at the other end. The protrusion 12b is inserted into and fitted into the receiving part 32a of the plug-side passage 32. The protrusion 12b is formed around the sensor insertion hole 37B, and a connection port 37a of the sensor insertion hole 37B is formed on the end face of the protrusion 12b. A seal is provided around the protrusion 12b. Thus, the sensor insertion hole 37B is airtightly connected to the wiring passage 10b. In the tank valve device 1B, the wiring passage 10b and the sensor insertion hole 37B are separated from the space inside the tank 2 by the nozzle head 12B. Therefore, leakage of fluid from the tank 2 to the outside through the wiring passage 10b and the sensor insertion hole 37B can be prevented.

[0081] Furthermore, valve 17 is not limited to an overflow prevention valve. For example, valve 17 can be a check valve. Also, the structure of the overflow prevention valve 17 is not limited to the embodiment and can be other structures. In addition, the configuration of valve 17 is not limited to the nozzle head 12 and can be located on the valve block 10.

[0082] Based on the foregoing description, numerous modifications and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the foregoing description should be interpreted as illustrative only, provided to demonstrate the best mode of carrying out the invention to those skilled in the art. Substantial changes to its specific structure and / or function may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A tank valve device, comprising: A valve block located at the mouth of the tank; A valve installed on the valve block; A cylindrical nozzle head that extends along the axis, is mounted on the valve block, and is disposed within the tank; A temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the fluid inside the tank; and The nozzle head is fastened to the fastening member of the valve block. The nozzle head has: a filling supply line for allowing fluid to flow into and out of the tank; a sensor insertion hole through which the temperature sensor is inserted; and a fastening member insertion hole through which the fastening member is inserted. The filler supply line, the sensor insertion hole, and the fastening member insertion hole are formed in the cylindrical cross-section of the nozzle head. The valve block has a block-side locking portion. The nozzle head has a head-side locking portion. The block-side engaging portion prevents rotation of the nozzle head centered on the fastening member by engaging with the head-side engaging portion.

2. The tank valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filling supply line has an outlet for spraying fluid into the tank; The nozzle is oriented in the direction away from the temperature sensor.

3. The tank valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nozzle outlet is formed on the side of the nozzle head.

4. The tank valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor has a temperature sensing part at its tip, so that the tip of the temperature sensor protrudes from the tip of the nozzle head.

5. The tank valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle head extends in a specified direction; The filling supply line, the temperature sensor, and the fastening member are configured to form a triangle on a surface that cuts through the nozzle head perpendicular to the axis.

6. The tank valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve block has a plug that is inserted into the opening of the tank and a block body disposed outside the tank; The nozzle head is longer than the plug.

7. The tank valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a gas-tight terminal that electrically connects the wiring provided on the valve block and the temperature sensor; The valve block has a wiring passage through which the wiring is plugged; The airtight terminal is disposed between the valve block and the nozzle head, and is pressed against the valve block to block the wiring passage.

8. The tank valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a valve to control the flow of fluid delivered from the tank; The valve is located at the nozzle head.

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