One-way valve and fuel cell system having the same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a one -way valve and have its fuel cell system relates to one -way valve technical field. One -way valve includes valve body, valve core subassembly, and the selective intercommunication hole intercommunication second sub -flow channel and second flow channel, and valve core subassembly is located first flow channel and intercommunication second sub -flow channel and first sub -flow channel, and valve core subassembly is configured as the intercommunication hole is blocked when medium flows along first flow channel to second flow channel direction, and is configured as the intercommunication hole is opened when medium flows along second flow channel to first flow channel direction and pressure is greater than the preset value, and gradually reduces along second flow channel to first flow channel direction, the inner diameter of at least part of second sub -flow channel. By making the inner diameter of at least part of second sub -flow channel gradually reduces, to form the slope type structure, to make medium gradually gather, can avoid the liquid storage position in flow channel, reduce one -way valve icing risk, to improve one -way valve's use reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of one-way valve technology, and in particular to a one-way valve and a fuel cell system having the same. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, purging is a crucial operational step in fuel cell system operation. Due to its unique connection location (connecting the stack housing to the fuel cell system exhaust port), there is a risk of exhaust gas being drawn back into the stack housing. High-humidity air drawn back into the housing can cause water accumulation, affecting the stack's lifespan. Current solutions involve adding a one-way valve to the purging branch; however, the one-way valve is prone to water accumulation and icing during cold starts, a problem that is difficult to resolve. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide a one-way valve that avoids liquid accumulation in the flow channel, reduces the risk of icing, and improves the reliability of the one-way valve.

[0004] This invention further proposes a fuel cell system having the aforementioned one-way valve.

[0005] A one-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a valve body defining a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a connecting hole; the first flow channel including a first sub-flow channel and a second sub-flow channel; and a valve core assembly disposed in the first flow channel and connecting the second sub-flow channel and the first sub-flow channel. The valve core assembly is configured to block the connecting hole when a medium flows along the first flow channel to the second flow channel, and to open the connecting hole when the medium flows along the second flow channel to the first flow channel and the pressure is greater than a preset value. The inner diameter of at least a portion of the second sub-flow channel gradually decreases along the second flow channel to the first flow channel.

[0006] According to the present invention, the check valve gradually reduces the inner diameter of at least a portion of the second sub-channel to form a ramp structure, so that the medium gradually collects, avoiding the presence of liquid storage positions in the channel, reducing the risk of icing of the check valve, and improving the reliability of the check valve.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second sub-channel has a first inner wall surface and a second inner wall surface. The first inner wall surface is connected to the second inner wall surface and is located on the side of the second inner wall surface close to the first sub-channel. Along the direction from the second channel to the first channel, the inner diameter of the first inner wall surface gradually decreases.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first inner wall surface is constructed as a conical surface.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve core assembly includes: a valve core body, an elastic element, and a stop element. The stop element is fixed to the first sub-flow channel and forms a flow passage. The valve core body is disposed on the side of the stop element near the second flow channel and forms a flow channel. The flow channel connects the second sub-flow channel and the first sub-flow channel. The elastic element is compressed between the valve core body and the stop element.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a groove is formed at one end of the valve core body near the stop member, and a portion of the elastic member is disposed within the groove.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flow channel includes: a first sub-flow channel and a second sub-flow channel. The first sub-flow channel connects the first sub-flow channel and the second sub-flow channel. The second sub-flow channel connects the second sub-flow channel. There are multiple second sub-flow channels, and all of the multiple second sub-flow channels penetrate the peripheral wall of the valve core body.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of second sub-flow channels are arranged at uniform intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, both ends of the valve body have a first protrusion.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a second protrusion is provided between the two ends of the valve body.

[0015] The fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a stack housing, a tailpipe port, and a one-way valve, wherein the one-way valve is as described above, and the second flow channel is located on the side of the first flow channel near the stack housing.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a one-way valve according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018] Figure label: Valve body 1; first flow channel 11; first sub-flow channel 111; second sub-flow channel 112; first inner wall surface 1121; second inner wall surface 1122; second flow channel 12; connecting hole 13; first protrusion 14; second protrusion 15; Valve core assembly 2; valve core body 21; elastic element 22; stop element 23; flow hole 24; flow channel 25; first sub-flow channel 251; second sub-flow channel 252; groove 26; One-way valve 10. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0020] The following is for reference. Figure 1 This invention describes a one-way valve 10 and a fuel cell system having the same, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the one-way valve 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a valve body 1 and a valve core assembly 2. The valve body 1 defines a first flow channel 11, a second flow channel 12, and a connecting hole 13. The first flow channel 11 includes a first sub-flow channel 111 and a second sub-flow channel 112. The connecting hole 13 selectively connects the second sub-flow channel 112 and the second flow channel 12. The valve core assembly 2 is disposed in the first flow channel 11 and connects the second sub-flow channel 112 and the first sub-flow channel 111. The valve core assembly 2 is configured to block the connecting hole 13 when the medium flows along the direction from the first flow channel 11 to the second flow channel 12, and is configured to open the connecting hole 13 when the medium flows along the direction from the second flow channel 12 to the first flow channel 11 and the pressure is greater than a preset value. Along the direction from the second flow channel 12 to the first flow channel 11, at least a portion of the inner diameter of the second sub-flow channel 112 gradually decreases.

[0022] The one-way valve 10 can be used in a fuel cell system. The one-way valve 10 can be disposed between the stack housing and the tailpipe port. The one-way valve 10 allows the medium purged from the stack housing to flow to the tailpipe port, and the one-way valve 10 can prevent gas at the tailpipe port from entering the stack housing through the one-way valve 10 to prevent the risk of gas backflow. For example, the one-way valve 10 can prevent hydrogen at the tailpipe port from entering the stack housing through the one-way valve 10.

[0023] It should be noted that if hydrogen gas at the exhaust port enters the fuel cell stack housing through the one-way valve 10, the mixture of hydrogen and oxygen will form a flammable and explosive gas mixture. By installing the one-way valve 10, the risk of forming such a mixture can be reduced, thus improving the safety of the fuel cell system. Furthermore, if hydrogen diffuses inside the fuel cell stack housing, it can cause hydrogen embrittlement of the housing material. The one-way valve 10 can extend the service life of the fuel cell stack housing. In addition, in high-humidity environments, backflow of air can cause water accumulation inside the fuel cell stack housing. The one-way valve 10 can reduce the risk of water accumulation inside the fuel cell stack housing, thereby improving the operational stability of the fuel cell system.

[0024] The valve body 1 defines a first flow channel 11, a second flow channel 12, and a connecting hole 13. The first flow channel 11 includes a first sub-flow channel 111 and a second sub-flow channel 112. The first sub-flow channel 111 can be located on the side of the second sub-flow channel 112 away from the second flow channel 12. The connecting hole 13 selectively connects the second sub-flow channel 112 and the second flow channel 12. The valve core assembly 2 is disposed in the first flow channel 11 and connects the second sub-flow channel 112 and the first sub-flow channel 111. The one-way valve 10 allows unidirectional flow of the medium. When the medium flows along the direction from the second flow channel 12 to the first flow channel 11 and the medium pressure is greater than a preset value, the medium pushes part of the valve core assembly 2 towards the direction of the first flow channel 11 to open the connecting hole 13, so that the second sub-flow channel 112 is connected to the first flow channel 12. Along the flow direction of the medium, the medium flows from the stack housing sequentially through the second flow channel 12, the connecting hole 13, the second sub-flow channel 112, the valve core assembly 2, and the first sub-flow channel 111 until it reaches the tailpipe port. When the medium pressure is less than or equal to the preset value, the pressure of the medium on the valve core assembly 2 decreases, and the medium may flow along the direction from the first flow channel 11 to the second flow channel 12. At this time, the valve core assembly 2 moves towards the direction of the second flow channel 12 to block the connecting hole 13, thereby reducing the risk of the medium flowing from the tailpipe port to the stack housing and improving the safety of the fuel cell system.

[0025] Furthermore, along the direction from the second flow channel 12 to the first flow channel 11, at least a portion of the inner diameter of the second sub-flow channel 112 gradually decreases. That is, a portion of the inner diameter of the second sub-flow channel 112 gradually decreases, or the entire inner diameter of the second sub-flow channel 112 gradually decreases, to form a sloping structure. This allows the medium to gradually collect, avoiding any liquid retention positions within the flow channel, reducing the risk of icing during cold starts of the one-way valve 10, thereby improving the reliability of the one-way valve 10 and enhancing the safety of the fuel cell system. As some embodiments of this application, the one-way valve 10 can be placed vertically along the gas flow direction. Furthermore, at least a portion of the second flow channel 12 of the one-way valve 10 is located above the first flow channel 11, so that the liquid doped in the medium flows through the one-way valve 10 to the tailpipe port under gravity, reducing the risk of liquid remaining in the flow channel.

[0026] In the above embodiments, by gradually reducing the inner diameter of at least a portion of the second sub-channel 112 to form a ramp structure, the medium gradually collects, which avoids leaving liquid storage positions in the channel, reduces the risk of icing of the check valve 10, and improves the reliability of the check valve 10.

[0027] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the second sub-channel 112 has a first inner wall surface 1121 and a second inner wall surface 1122. The first inner wall surface 1121 is connected to the second inner wall surface 1122 and is located on the side of the second inner wall surface 1122 close to the first sub-channel 111. Along the direction from the second channel 12 to the first channel 11, the inner diameter of the first inner wall surface 1121 gradually decreases.

[0028] The first inner wall surface 1121 can be connected to the second inner wall surface 1122. The first inner wall surface 1121 can be located on the side of the second inner wall surface 1122 closer to the first sub-flow channel 111. The medium can flow from the connecting hole 13 sequentially through the second inner wall surface 1122 and the first inner wall surface 1121 until it reaches the valve core assembly 2. Along the direction from the second flow channel 12 to the first flow channel 11, the inner diameter of the first inner wall surface 1121 can gradually decrease to form a sloping structure, so that the medium gradually collects, avoiding the presence of liquid storage positions in the flow channel, reducing the risk of icing during cold start of the one-way valve 10, thereby improving the reliability of the one-way valve 10 and enhancing the safety of the fuel cell system.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first inner wall surface 1121 can be constructed as a conical surface. The conical surface structure can guide the medium to flow stably along the axial direction of the one-way valve 10, reduce eddies and turbulence, and allow the medium to gradually collect. It can also avoid leaving liquid storage positions in the flow channel and reduce the risk of icing of the one-way valve 10.

[0030] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the valve core assembly 2 includes: a valve core body 21, an elastic element 22, and a stop element 23. The stop element 23 is fixed to the first sub-flow channel 111 and forms a flow passage 24. The valve core body 21 is located on the side of the stop element 23 near the second flow channel 12 and forms a flow channel 25. The flow channel 25 connects the second sub-flow channel 112 and the first sub-flow channel 111. The elastic element 22 is compressed between the valve core body 21 and the stop element 23.

[0031] The stop member 23 can be fixed to the first sub-flow channel 111. As some embodiments of this application, the stop member 23 can be welded, snap-fitted, screwed, etc., to the inner wall of the first sub-flow channel 111. The stop member 23 can be constructed as a near-annular structure, with a flow hole 24 in the middle, which can connect the second sub-flow channel 112 and the first sub-flow channel 111. The valve core body 21 can be disposed on the side of the stop member 23 near the second flow channel 12 and form a flow channel 25, through which the medium can flow sequentially through the second sub-flow channel 112, the flow channel 25, the flow hole 24, and the first sub-flow channel 111 until it reaches the tail outlet port.

[0032] The elastic element 22 can be constructed as a spring, and can be compressed between the valve core body 21 and the stop element 23. The elastic element 22 can apply a force to the valve core body 21 in the direction of the second flow channel 12. When the medium pressure is less than or equal to a preset value, the elastic element 22 can apply a thrust to the valve core body 21 to block the connecting hole 13. When the medium pressure changes from greater than the preset value to less than or equal to the preset value, the elastic element 22 can apply a thrust to the valve core body 21 to push the valve core body 21 in the direction of the second flow channel 12 to block the connecting hole 13, thereby reducing the risk of gas flowing from the tail port to the stack housing and improving the safety of the fuel cell system.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, a groove 26 can be formed at one end of the valve core body 21 near the stop member 23. A portion of the elastic member 22 is disposed within the groove 26, and one end of the elastic member 22 can abut against the bottom wall of the groove 26. The elastic member 22 pushes the valve core body 21 to reset by applying a thrust to the bottom wall of the groove 26. As some embodiments of this application, the end of the elastic member 22 near the bottom wall of the groove 26 can be snapped or welded to the bottom wall of the groove 26 to fix the elastic member 22 and the valve core body 21, reducing the risk that the valve core body 21 will fail to reset due to displacement or misalignment of the elastic member 22 during extension and retraction, thereby improving the reliability of the one-way valve 10.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the flow passage 25 includes: a first sub-flow passage 251 and a second sub-flow passage 252. The first sub-flow passage 251 connects the first sub-flow channel 111 and the second sub-flow passage 252. The second sub-flow passage 252 connects the second sub-flow channel 112. There are multiple second sub-flow passages 252, and all of the multiple second sub-flow passages 252 penetrate the peripheral wall of the valve core body 21.

[0035] In this design, along the flow path of the medium, the second sub-flow channel 252 can be located in front of the first sub-flow channel 251. The first sub-flow channel 251 can connect the first sub-flow channel 111 and the second sub-flow channel 252. The second sub-flow channel 252 can penetrate the peripheral wall of the valve core body 21, so that the second sub-flow channel 252 is connected to the second sub-flow channel 112. When the connecting hole 13 is open, the medium can flow sequentially through the second sub-flow channel 112, the second sub-flow channel 252, the first sub-flow channel 251, and the first sub-flow channel 111 until it reaches the tail port, forming a continuous and smooth flow path. There can be multiple second sub-flow channels 252, such as two, four, or six. All multiple second sub-flow channels 252 penetrate the peripheral wall of the valve core body 21. This arrangement can increase the flow rate of the medium and improve the reliability of the one-way valve 10.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, multiple second sub-flow channels 252 are evenly spaced along the circumference. This arrangement allows the medium to flow uniformly, making the flow path smoother and reducing eddies and turbulence.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, both ends of the valve body 1 may have a first protrusion 14. Both ends of the valve body 1 may be fitted with pipelines to connect the pipelines on both sides of the valve body 1. By having the first protrusion 14 at both ends of the valve body 1, the valve body 1 and the pipeline can be engaged through the first protrusion 14. The first protrusion 14 can limit the pipeline, thereby enhancing the connection stability between the valve body 1 and the pipeline and reducing the risk of the valve body 1 detaching from the pipeline.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, a second protrusion 15 may be provided between the two ends of the valve body 1. The second protrusion 15 may have a limiting function and may limit the overlap position of the valve body 1 and the pipeline, thereby reducing the difficulty of installing the valve body 1 and the pipeline.

[0039] The fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a stack housing, a tailpipe port, and a one-way valve 10. The one-way valve 10 is configured as the one-way valve 10 described in the above embodiment. The second flow channel 12 is located on the side of the first flow channel 11 near the stack housing.

[0040] The one-way valve 10 can be disposed between the fuel cell stack housing and the tailpipe port. The one-way valve 10 allows the medium purged from the fuel cell stack housing to flow to the tailpipe port, and the one-way valve 10 can prevent gas at the tailpipe port from entering the fuel cell stack housing through the one-way valve 10. For example, the one-way valve 10 can prevent hydrogen at the tailpipe port from entering the fuel cell stack housing through the one-way valve 10. The second flow channel 12 is located on the side of the first flow channel 11 near the fuel cell stack housing. The one-way valve 10 allows the medium to flow in one direction. When the medium flows along the direction from the second flow channel 12 to the first flow channel 11 and the medium pressure is greater than a preset value, the medium pushes part of the valve core assembly 2 towards the direction of the first flow channel 11 to open the connecting hole 13, so that the second sub-flow channel 112 is connected to the first flow channel 12. Along the flow direction of the medium, the medium flows from the fuel cell stack housing sequentially through the second flow channel 12, the connecting hole 13, the second sub-flow channel 112, the valve core assembly 2, and the first sub-flow channel 111 until it flows to the tailpipe port. When the medium pressure is less than or equal to the preset value, the pressure of the medium on the valve core assembly 2 decreases, and the valve core assembly 2 moves toward the direction of the second flow channel 12 to block the connecting hole 13, thereby reducing the risk of the medium flowing from the tail port to the stack housing and improving the safety of the fuel cell system.

[0041] Therefore, by gradually reducing the inner diameter of at least a portion of the second sub-channel 112 to form a ramp structure, the medium can be gradually collected, avoiding the presence of liquid retention positions in the channel, reducing the risk of icing of the check valve 10, and improving the reliability of the check valve 10.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0044] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more.

[0045] In the description of this utility model, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0046] In the description of this utility model, the terms "above", "over" and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0047] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A one-way valve (10), characterized in that, include: Valve body (1), the valve body (1) defines a first flow channel (11), a second flow channel (12) and a connecting hole (13), the first flow channel (11) includes a first sub-flow channel (111) and a second sub-flow channel (112), and the connecting hole (13) selectively connects the second sub-flow channel (112) and the second flow channel (12); A valve core assembly (2) is disposed in the first flow channel (11) and connects the second sub-flow channel (112) with the first sub-flow channel (111). The valve core assembly (2) is configured to block the connecting hole (13) when the medium flows along the direction from the first flow channel (11) to the second flow channel (12), and is configured to open the connecting hole (13) when the medium flows along the direction from the second flow channel (12) to the first flow channel (11) and the pressure is greater than a preset value. The inner diameter of at least a portion of the second sub-flow channel (112) gradually decreases along the direction from the second flow channel (12) to the first flow channel (11).

2. The one-way valve (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second sub-channel (112) has a first inner wall surface (1121) and a second inner wall surface (1122). The first inner wall surface (1121) is connected to the second inner wall surface (1122) and is located on the side of the second inner wall surface (1122) close to the first sub-channel (111). Along the direction from the second channel (12) to the first channel (11), the inner diameter of the first inner wall surface (1121) gradually decreases.

3. The one-way valve (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first inner wall surface (1121) is constructed as a conical surface.

4. The one-way valve (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core assembly (2) includes: a valve core body (21), an elastic element (22), and a stop element (23). The stop element (23) is fixed to the first sub-flow channel (111) and forms a flow passage (24). The valve core body (21) is disposed on the side of the stop element (23) near the second flow channel (12) and forms a flow channel (25). The flow channel (25) connects the second sub-flow channel (112) and the first sub-flow channel (111). The elastic element (22) is compressed between the valve core body (21) and the stop element (23).

5. The one-way valve (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve core body (21) has a groove (26) formed at one end near the stop member (23), and part of the elastic member (22) is disposed in the groove (26).

6. The one-way valve (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow passage (25) includes: a first sub-flow passage (251) and a second sub-flow passage (252). The first sub-flow passage (251) connects the first sub-flow channel (111) and the second sub-flow passage (252). The second sub-flow passage (252) connects the second sub-flow channel (112). There are multiple second sub-flow passages (252), and all of the multiple second sub-flow passages (252) penetrate the peripheral wall of the valve core body (21).

7. The one-way valve (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple second sub-flow channels (252) are evenly spaced along the circumference.

8. The one-way valve (10) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The valve body (1) has a first protrusion (14) at both ends.

9. The one-way valve (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The valve body (1) has a second protrusion (15) between its two ends.

10. A fuel cell system, characterized in that, include: The fuel cell stack housing, tail port, and one-way valve (10) are configured as one-way valves (10) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the second flow channel (12) is located on the side of the first flow channel (11) near the fuel cell stack housing.

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