Combination valve with modularized configuration function
By using a polygonal cylindrical valve body and modular design, the hydrogen valve achieves flexible configuration and automatic pressure relief and reset, solving the problems of frequent maintenance and high cost of hydrogen valves in the prior art, and improving the reliability and safety of the system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing hydrogen valves have a single pressure relief function, cannot be flexibly configured, have a self-destructive structure that leads to frequent downtime for maintenance, and have high maintenance costs, and lack pressure monitoring functions.
Design a polygonal cylindrical valve body with mounting grooves on the side walls. It can be modularly configured with functional modules, including a self-relieving mechanism and a pressure sensor. Automatic pressure relief and reset are achieved by using a spring and a pressure relief valve core, avoiding the need for component replacement.
It enables flexible configuration and real-time pressure monitoring of the hydrogen valve function, automatic pressure relief and reset, eliminating the need to replace parts, reducing maintenance costs and improving system reliability and safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN121782405A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen valve technology, specifically a modularly configurable combination valve. Background Technology
[0002] In fields such as new energy, hydrogen energy equipment, and fuel cells, hydrogen, as a clean and efficient energy medium, requires a high-pressure gas supply system for its storage and transportation. Hydrogen is typically stored in dedicated gas cylinders at a high pressure of 15-20 MPa, and then the pressure is gradually reduced to the low pressure (≤100 kPa) required by the gas-using equipment through hydrogen valves. Therefore, the pressure stability and safety protection capabilities of the pressure reducing valve directly determine the reliability and safety of hydrogen applications.
[0003] Currently, hydrogen valves generally employ a self-destructing structure for pressure relief. The core principle is as follows: a pressure relief assembly with a thin metal sheet (or brittle polymer sheet) is installed in the pressure-reducing channel or bypass of the hydrogen valve. The rated breaking pressure of the sheet matches the upper limit of the hydrogen valve's operating pressure. When the pressure in the pressure-reducing channel exceeds the rated breaking pressure of the sheet, high-pressure hydrogen will rupture the sheet and discharge the overpressure gas through a pre-set venting channel, thus preventing overall system overpressure. However, during self-destruction, the structure completely fails when the metal or brittle sheet is ruptured by the high pressure, rendering the sealing function unrecoverable. Each pressure relief requires shutdown, disassembly, and replacement of the sheet assembly before the system can be put back into operation. For continuously operating hydrogen energy equipment, a single pressure relief can lead to several hours of unplanned downtime, and sheet replacement requires specialized tools and spare parts, significantly increasing long-term maintenance costs. Secondly, existing hydrogen valves have limited functionality, lack effective monitoring of internal gases, and cannot be flexibly configured according to specific scenarios (such as "pressure relief + pressure monitoring" or "pressure relief + gas filling"). If a customized multi-functional integrated valve is required, the valve body structure needs to be redesigned, resulting in a long development cycle and high costs, which is not conducive to industrial promotion. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a modularly configurable combination valve to address the deficiencies of the prior art.
[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a modularly configurable combination valve, comprising a valve body, wherein an air inlet and an air outlet are respectively provided at the bottom and top of the valve body, a pressure reducing channel is provided inside the valve body, and the two ends of the pressure reducing channel are respectively connected to the air inlet and the air outlet, the valve body is shaped like a polygonal column for configuring different functional modules on multiple sides of the valve body, and mounting grooves are provided on the side walls of the valve body, wherein the functional modules are assembled in the mounting grooves, wherein one of the functional modules is a self-pressure relief mechanism, the self-pressure relief mechanism being used to automatically relieve pressure when the internal pressure of the valve body exceeds a set value.
[0006] Furthermore, one of the functional modules is a pressure sensor.
[0007] Furthermore, the mounting slot is provided with internal threads, and the mounting slot without functional modules is closed by a threaded plug.
[0008] Furthermore, the self-relieving mechanism includes a pressure relief valve body and a pressure relief valve core. The valve body is provided with a pressure relief channel, and the two ends of the pressure relief channel are respectively connected to a pressure reduction channel and a mounting groove. The pressure relief valve body is assembled in the mounting groove. A valve core mounting groove is opened at the end of the pressure relief valve body away from the valve body. The pressure relief valve core is slidably assembled in the valve core mounting groove. A pressure relief hole is opened at the end of the pressure relief valve body close to the valve body. The two ends of the pressure relief hole are respectively connected to the pressure relief channel and the valve core mounting groove.
[0009] Furthermore, an annular groove is formed around the valve core mounting groove at the end of the pressure relief valve body away from the valve body, and a spring is installed in the annular groove, with the two ends of the spring abutting against the pressure relief valve body and the pressure relief valve core, respectively.
[0010] Furthermore, the self-relieving mechanism also includes a plug, the outer wall of which is threaded to fit into an annular groove. The plug has a slot for accommodating the pressure relief valve core at one end near the pressure relief valve body. Under the action of the spring, the pressure relief valve core blocks the pressure relief hole, and a pressure relief space is formed between the pressure relief valve core and the plug.
[0011] Furthermore, a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring are fitted on the pressure relief valve core. The first sealing ring contacts the inner wall of the valve core mounting groove to form a seal, and the second sealing ring contacts the inner wall of the plug groove to form a seal.
[0012] Furthermore, the pressure relief valve core has a pressure relief hole at one end away from the pressure relief valve body, and a side pressure relief hole is provided on the side wall of the pressure relief valve core. The side pressure relief hole is connected to the pressure relief hole of the valve core. The plug has a pressure relief port, which is connected to the groove of the plug.
[0013] Furthermore, an air inlet is provided on one of the side walls of the valve body.
[0014] Furthermore, a stop groove is provided on the top of the valve body, the stop groove is connected to the air outlet, the diameter of the stop groove is larger than the diameter of the air outlet, a stop valve core is installed in the air outlet, a third sealing ring is fitted on the stop valve core, a stop plug is threaded to the stop groove, and the stop plug is connected to the stop valve core.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. The valve body is a polygonal column with multiple internally threaded mounting slots on the side wall. Functional modules can be flexibly assembled according to the needs of the scenario. The mounting slots without modules are sealed with plugs. No modification to the valve body structure is required, and function switching can be completed quickly. Pressure sensors can be configured to detect the pressure inside the valve body in real time.
[0016] 2. A self-relief mechanism is formed by a spring and a sliding pressure relief valve core, which achieves automatic reset after pressure relief. When the pressure in the pressure relief channel exceeds the set threshold, high-pressure hydrogen pushes the pressure relief valve core to move, opening the pressure relief hole to release the overpressure gas. After the pressure drops to a safe value, the pressure relief valve core resets under the force of the spring, resealing the pressure relief hole. The sealing and pressure relief functions can be restored without replacing any parts, completely eliminating the dilemma of "one-time pressure relief and scrapping", saving the time of thin plate replacement and reducing costs. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a modularly configurable combination valve according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a modularly configurable combination valve according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of a modularly configurable combination valve according to the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Sectional view along line AA; In the diagram, 1-valve body, 2-air inlet, 3-air outlet, 4-pressure reducing channel, 5-pressure relief valve body, 6-pressure relief valve core, 7-mounting groove, 8-pressure relief channel, 9-valve core mounting groove, 10-pressure relief hole, 11-annular groove, 12-spring, 13-plug, 14-first sealing ring, 15-second sealing ring, 16-valve core pressure relief hole, 17-side pressure relief hole, 18-pressure relief port, 19-air filling port, 20-stop groove, 21-stop valve core, 22-third sealing ring, 23-stop plug. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following description.
[0019] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 4As shown, a modularly configurable combination valve includes a valve body 1. An air inlet 2 and an air outlet 3 are respectively located at the bottom and top of the valve body 1. A pressure-reducing channel 4 is provided inside the valve body 1, with the two ends of the channel connected to the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3 respectively. The valve body 1 is shaped like a polygonal column, allowing for the configuration of different functional modules on multiple sides. A mounting groove 7 is provided on the side wall of the valve body 1, and the functional modules are assembled within the mounting groove 7. One of the functional modules is a self-relief mechanism, which automatically releases pressure when the internal pressure of the valve body 1 exceeds a set value. This replaces the traditional cylindrical valve body structure with a polygonal column structure, creating multiple configuration surfaces on the side wall of the valve body 1. This allows for the configuration of different functional modules as needed, achieving the desired effect and expanding the functionality and adaptability of the hydrogen valve. For example, with the self-relief mechanism, when the pressure in the pressure-reducing channel 4 exceeds a set threshold, the self-relief mechanism automatically releases pressure, restoring sealing and pressure relief functions without replacing any parts. This completely eliminates the problem of "one-time pressure relief leading to failure," saves time on sheet replacement, and reduces costs.
[0020] Furthermore, one of the functional modules is a pressure sensor, which detects the pressure inside the valve body in real time, so that timely countermeasures can be taken based on the pressure situation.
[0021] Furthermore, one side wall of the valve body 1 is provided with an air inlet 19. The air inlet 19 of the air inlet valve is also installed on the side wall of the valve body 1, resulting in a compact structure and a small footprint.
[0022] Example 2 Based on Example 1, such as Figure 1 As shown, the mounting groove 7 has an internal thread. The mounting groove 7 without a functional module is closed by a plug that fits the thread. The mounting groove 7 without a functional module is sealed by a plug according to the required functional module, so as not to affect the normal use of the hydrogen valve.
[0023] Example 3 Based on Example 2, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the self-relieving mechanism includes a pressure relief valve body 5 and a pressure relief valve core 6. The valve body 1 has a pressure relief channel 8, with both ends of the channel connected to a pressure reducing channel 4 and a mounting groove 7, respectively. The pressure relief valve body 5 is assembled in the mounting groove 7. A valve core mounting groove 9 is provided at the end of the pressure relief valve body 5 furthest from the valve body 1, and the pressure relief valve core 6 is slidably assembled in the valve core mounting groove 9. A pressure relief hole 10 is provided at the end of the pressure relief valve body 5 closest to the valve body 1, with both ends of the hole connected to the pressure relief channel 8 and the valve core mounting groove 9, respectively. The pressure relief valve body 5, at its end furthest from the valve body 1, has an annular groove 11 around the valve core mounting groove 9. A spring 12 is installed in the annular groove 11, with its two ends abutting against the pressure relief valve body 5 and the pressure relief valve core 6, respectively. The self-relieving mechanism also includes a plug 13, the outer wall of which is threaded into the annular groove 11. The end of the plug 13 near the pressure relief valve body 5 has a slot for accommodating the pressure relief valve core 6. Under the action of the spring 12, the pressure relief valve core 6 blocks the pressure relief hole 10, and the pressure relief valve core 6 and... A pressure relief space is formed between the plugs 13. A pressure relief valve core 6 has a valve core pressure relief hole 16 at its end furthest from the pressure relief valve body 5. A side pressure relief hole 17 is formed on the side wall of the pressure relief valve core 6, connecting to the valve core pressure relief hole 16. A pressure relief port 18 is formed on the plug 13, connecting to the slot of the plug 13. The spring 12 is in a compressed state. Under the action of the spring 12, the pressure relief valve core 6 seals the pressure relief hole 10, allowing the hydrogen valve to smoothly reduce pressure and deliver gas. When the hydrogen valve is in the pressure reduction position... When a problem occurs, pressure buildup occurs, causing the internal pressure of valve body 1 to gradually increase. When the pressure exceeds the force applied by spring 12, it pushes the pressure relief valve core 6 away from valve body 1, causing the pressure relief valve core 6 to contact the plug 13. At this time, the pressure relief hole 10 connects to the valve core mounting groove 9. Since the pressure relief valve core 6 is fitted into the valve core mounting groove 9 with a gap, the gas pressure enters the valve core pressure relief hole 16 through the side pressure relief hole 17 and is finally discharged through the pressure relief port 18, thereby achieving a rapid pressure relief effect. It should be noted that currently, hydrogen valves are generally two-stage pressure reducing valves. Their pressure buildup problem is as follows: When the opening of the two-stage pressure reducing valve is adjusted due to changes in downstream gas load (such as a sudden decrease in flow causing the valve to close slightly), pipeline resistance fluctuations, or instantaneous flow imbalance during gas replenishment at the charging port, the hydrogen in the middle section cannot be delivered downstream in time through the two-stage pressure reducing valve, while the upstream first-stage pressure reducing valve continues to output high-pressure hydrogen, causing the pressure in this section to accumulate rapidly, forming a high-pressure environment far exceeding normal operating conditions.
[0024] Furthermore, a first sealing ring 14 and a second sealing ring 15 are fitted onto the pressure relief valve core 6. The first sealing ring 14 contacts the inner wall of the valve core mounting groove 9 to form a seal, and the second sealing ring 15 contacts the inner wall of the groove of the plug 13 to form a seal. The first sealing ring 14 seals the gap between the pressure relief valve core 6 and the valve core mounting groove 9, and the second sealing ring 15 seals the gap between the pressure relief valve core 6 and the groove. This ensures that the gas entering the valve core mounting groove 9 can only enter the valve core pressure relief hole 16 through the side pressure relief hole 17, and finally complete the pressure relief through the pressure relief port 18.
[0025] Example 4 Based on Example 3, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a shut-off groove 20 is provided on the top of the valve body 1. The shut-off groove 20 is connected to the gas outlet 3. The diameter of the shut-off groove 20 is larger than the diameter of the gas outlet 3. A shut-off valve core 21 is installed inside the gas outlet 3. A third sealing ring 22 is fitted on the shut-off valve core 21. A shut-off plug 23 is threadedly connected to the shut-off groove 20. The shut-off plug 23 is connected to the shut-off valve core 21. The hydrogen valve can be closed through the shut-off plug 23. The gas outlet 3 is sealed by the sealing surface formed by the third sealing ring 22 and the gas outlet 3.
Claims
1. A modularly configurable combination valve, characterized in that, The valve body (1) includes an air inlet (2) and an air outlet (3) at its bottom and top, respectively. The valve body (1) has a pressure reducing channel (4) inside, with the air inlet (2) and the air outlet (3) connected to its two ends. The valve body (1) is shaped like a polygonal column, which is used to configure different functional modules on multiple sides of the valve body (1). The side wall of the valve body (1) has an installation groove (7), and the functional modules are assembled in the installation groove (7). One of the functional modules is a self-pressure relief mechanism, which is used to automatically relieve pressure when the internal pressure of the valve body (1) exceeds a set value.
2. The modularly configurable combination valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the functional modules is a pressure sensor.
3. A modularly configurable combination valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting slot (7) is provided with internal threads, and the mounting slot (7) without functional modules is closed by a thread-fitted plug.
4. A modularly configurable combination valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The self-relieving mechanism includes a pressure relief valve body (5) and a pressure relief valve core (6). The valve body (1) is provided with a pressure relief channel (8). The two ends of the pressure relief channel (8) are respectively connected to the pressure reduction channel (4) and the mounting groove (7). The pressure relief valve body (5) is assembled in the mounting groove (7). The end of the pressure relief valve body (5) away from the valve body (1) is provided with a valve core mounting groove (9). The pressure relief valve core (6) is slidably assembled in the valve core mounting groove (9). The end of the pressure relief valve body (5) close to the valve body (1) is provided with a pressure relief hole (10). The two ends of the pressure relief hole (10) are respectively connected to the pressure relief channel (8) and the valve core mounting groove (9).
5. A modularly configurable combination valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure relief valve body (5) has an annular groove (11) around the valve core mounting groove (9) at one end away from the valve body (1). A spring (12) is installed in the annular groove (11), and the two ends of the spring (12) abut against the pressure relief valve body (5) and the pressure relief valve core (6) respectively.
6. A modularly configurable combination valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The self-relieving mechanism also includes a plug (13), the outer wall thread of which is adapted to the annular groove (11). The plug (13) has a slot for accommodating the pressure relief valve core (6) at one end near the pressure relief valve body (5). Under the action of the spring (12), the pressure relief valve core (6) blocks the pressure relief hole (10), and a pressure relief space is formed between the pressure relief valve core (6) and the plug (13).
7. A modularly configurable combination valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure relief valve core (6) is fitted with a first sealing ring (14) and a second sealing ring (15). The first sealing ring (14) contacts the inner wall of the valve core mounting groove (9) to form a seal, and the second sealing ring (15) contacts the inner wall of the groove of the plug (13) to form a seal.
8. A modularly configurable combination valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure relief valve core (6) has a valve core pressure relief hole (16) at one end away from the pressure relief valve body (5), and a side pressure relief hole (17) is provided on the side wall of the pressure relief valve core (6). The side pressure relief hole (17) is connected to the valve core pressure relief hole (16). The plug (13) has a pressure relief port (18) and the pressure relief port (18) is connected to the groove of the plug (13).
9. A modularly configurable combination valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, An air inlet (19) is provided on one side wall of the valve body (1).
10. A modularly configurable combination valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body (1) has a stop groove (20) on its top, which is connected to the air outlet (3). The diameter of the stop groove (20) is larger than the diameter of the air outlet (3). The air outlet (3) is equipped with a stop valve core (21). A third sealing ring (22) is fitted on the stop valve core (21). The stop groove (20) is threaded with a stop plug (23), which is connected to the stop valve core (21).