Solenoid valve for hydrogen

Abstract

Solenoid valve for a hydrogen flow, being intended to regulate the passage of a hydrogen flow, comprising a fixed core (2) and a movable core (3) axially displaceable through a hole relative to said fixed core (2) under the action of a magnetic field force generated by a coil (4), wherein primary elastic return means connected to the movable core (3) and secondary elastic means connected to sealing means provided to permit the passage of flow through inlet (12) and outlet (11) ports, wherein the sealing means are located in a slide (10) which is moved under the action of the displacement of the movable core (3), the slide (10) and the movable core (3) being axially aligned with each other,by the fact that the slide (10) consists of a substantially cylindrical body defined by a first portion turned towards the moving core (3) and a second portion oriented at the level of the inlet (12) and outlet (11) ports of the fluid to be circulated.

Description

Title of the invention: Solenoid valve for hydrogen

[0001] Object of the invention

[0002] The subject of the present application is the registration of a solenoid valve for opening and closing a flow of hydrogen for hydrogen-powered engines and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

[0003] More specifically, the invention proposes the development of an ON / OFF type hydrogen solenoid valve, for the mobility of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles, designed to withstand high working pressures without having to oversize the body of the solenoid valve and with indirect action due to the presence of means which facilitate the movement of the elements involved in the closing and opening action to allow the passage of a hydrogen flow. Background of the invention

[0004] In the automotive sector, solenoid valves intended to regulate the pressure and flow of a fluid are well known on the market, which essentially comprise a fixed core and a movable core axially movable relative to said fixed core under the action of a magnetic field force generated by the electric current of a coil, so that a fluid communication between the inlet and outlet ports is established.

[0005] However, the previously described solenoid valves that are used, for example, for the passage of a refrigerant fluid do not require high pressures, so its design is not initially intended to withstand pressures with values, for example, of 20 bars, as required in the case where the fluid is hydrogen. This also affects the materials and design of the closure means that are not designed to operate with this range of pressures and, therefore, it is not suitable for the passage of hydrogen.

[0006] Document No. ES 1271974 is known which describes a suitable solenoid valve for the passage of a hydrogen flow whose common characteristics form part of the preamble of claim 1. Although the solenoid valve described in the previously mentioned document solves the above problem, in practice it has been observed that it is possible to improve the operating efficiency, especially with regard to the movement of the moving parts, and to simplify the construction process.

[0007] Furthermore, the applicant does not currently know of any invention having all the characteristics described in this specification. Description of the invention

[0008] The present invention has been developed in order to provide a solenoid valve intended for a hydraulic circuit in which a flow of hydrogen circulates which is configured as a novelty in the field of application and which solves the previously mentioned drawbacks, providing, in addition, other additional advantages which will be evident from the description which is accompanied hereinafter.

[0009] The present invention therefore has as its object to provide a solenoid valve for an indirectly acting hydrogen flow, being provided for regulating the passage of a flow of a hydrogen flow, of the type which comprises a fixed core and a movable core axially movable through a hole relative to said fixed core under the action of a magnetic field force generated by a coil, in which primary elastic return means connected to the movable core and secondary elastic means connected to closure means provided to allow the passage of flow through inlet and outlet ports are provided, in which the sealing means are located in a slide which is moved under the action of the movement of the movable core. The slide and the movable core are axially aligned with each other.

[0010] In particular, the invention is characterized in that the slider consists of a substantially cylindrical body defined by a first portion facing the movable core and a second portion oriented at the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid to be circulated, in which the first portion comprises a series of annular recesses and a cavity at the end facing the movable core where a closure element coupled to the movable core can be inserted, in which the second portion comprises a recessed cross-section of substantially cylindrical shape in which the second elastic means are inserted, the first portion having a larger outer diameter than the second portion. The slider has at the free end of the second portion a termination with a substantially flat surface which houses a seal provided to close the outlet.

[0011] Thanks to these features, by improving the aspects related to the slider, being an important element of the operation, the reliability and operation of the solenoid valve are increased. This new design allows to eliminate the use of a PTFE sealing ring hitherto used in similar designs, so that it reduces the friction of the slider with respect to the valve body and therefore requires less force to be applied from the coil. In the same way, having fewer elements also reduces manufacturing costs. Another advantageous aspect is that thanks to the new configuration where the second elastic means are located, a possible blocking of the elastic means (usually a helical spring) is avoided, thus increasing the useful life of the elastic means.

[0012] Mention that this valve is intended to operate in only two positions, one position being completely closed (rest position) and a second position being completely open (when the coil acts).

[0013] Advantageously, the movable core comprises a substantially cylindrical solid body which has a central blind orifice in which the primary elastic return means are housed, and a closing element which comprises a projecting shoulder which extends from the face of the movable core facing the slide.

[0014] In addition, a washer which is housed at the end of the movable core facing the fixed core is provided, the housing consisting of an enlargement which projects centrally around the rim of the blind hole.

[0015] Advantageously, the washer is made of metallic material, its internal diameter being defined by two projecting planes which converge at mid-height relative to the total height of the washer, such planes having complementary dimensions with the internal part of the enlargement.

[0016] Preferably, the slider is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, so that, being a lightweight material, it allows for a fast actuation speed during opening and closing operations.

[0017] Also preferably, the movable core and the fixed core are made of ferritic stainless steel. Thus, the formation of corrosion is reduced or avoided since hydrogen is an inert gas. The formation of corrosion directly affects the movement of the movable core and, therefore, the proper functioning of the solenoid valve.

[0018] The solenoid valve described therefore represents an innovative structure with characteristics structural and constitutive reasons hitherto unknown for the purpose for which it is intended, reasons which, together with its practical utility, provide it with sufficient grounds to obtain the exclusive privilege that is requested.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention, the inlet ports and the outlet port adopt a mutually perpendicular arrangement, in which the outlet is defined by a conduit in which one of its ends ends flush with the position of the inlet ports. Thus, changes in direction of the hydrogen flow are reduced, thereby reducing pressure losses.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the solenoid valve which is the subject of the present invention will be evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Brief description of the drawings

[0021] [Fig-1]: This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the solenoid valve according to the present invention;

[0022] [Fig.2]: This is a longitudinal sectional elevation view of the solenoid valve in an electrically disconnected state, which corresponds to the closed position; and

[0023] [Fig.3]: This is a longitudinal sectional elevation view with increased detail of the solenoid valve in an electrically energized state, which corresponds to the open position. Description of a favorite achievement

[0024] In view of the figures mentioned and, according to the numbering adopted, one can observe therein an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises the parts and elements which are indicated and described in detail below.

[0025] In the embodiment shown, the solenoid valve for a hydrogen flow, is provided for regulating the passage / closing of a flow of a hydrogen flow, which comprises an outer casing (1), a fixed core (2) and a movable core (3) axially movable through a hole relative to said fixed core (1) under the action of a force of a magnetic field generated by the circulation of electric current in a coil (4) mounted on a coil holder support (5) and externally enveloped or protected by a coil core (6).

[0026] Furthermore, primary elastic return means connected to the movable core and secondary elastic means connected to sealing means provided to allow the passage of flow through inlet ports (12) and an outlet port (11) are provided, wherein the sealing means are located in a slide which is moved under the action of the movement of the movable core.

[0027] Mention that the hydrogen flow inlet direction at the inlet ports (12) is perpendicular to the outlet direction defined by the outlet port (11), the inlet ports (12) being distributed radially above the outlet port (11).

[0028] The casing in which the fixed core and the movable core are housed has at one end a closing cap (18) which is connected to the fixed core (2).

[0029] In addition, a compensation chamber (13) intended to compensate the flow pressures in order to promote and assist the movement of the movable core (3) is provided, which is located between the movable core (3) and the slider (10), which is in fluid communication with an area where the inlet (12) and outlet (11) ports of the flow are located through a passage (14) which runs longitudinally through the interior of the slider (10), and which has the purpose of evacuating the pressure inside and facilitating the opening of the main passages.

[0030] Now with particular reference to the slider (10) it consists of a substantially cylindrical body defined by a first portion facing the movable core and a second portion oriented at the inlet and outlet ports for the fluid to be circulated, in which the first portion comprises a series of annular recesses and a cavity (100) at the end facing the movable core where a sealing element coupled to the movable core can be inserted. The second portion comprises a hollow cross-section of substantially cylindrical shape in which the second elastic means are inserted, the first portion having a larger outer diameter than the second portion and in which the slide (10) has at the free end of the second portion a termination with a substantially flat surface which houses a seal (16) intended to seal the outlet socket (11).

[0031] The movable core (3) comprises a substantially cylindrical solid body which has a central blind orifice (30) in which the primary elastic return means are housed, and a closing element (15) which comprises a projecting shoulder which extends from the face of the movable core (3) facing the slide (10), and which includes a polymer coating (19), such as rubber.

[0032] The primary elastic return means, which help to return to the original position when the valve is deactivated, consist of a helical spring (8) while the secondary elastic means, provided to assist the movement of the slider (10), also consist of a helical spring (9) which is housed in a cavity provided inside the slider (10).

[0033] Furthermore, a washer (7) which is housed at the end of the movable core (3) facing the fixed core is provided, the housing being composed of an enlargement which projects centrally around the rim of the blind hole.

[0034] Returning again to the washer (7) cited above, it can be made of metallic material, and its internal diameter is defined by two projecting planes (70) which converge at mid-height relative to the total height of the washer (7), such planes having complementary dimensions with the internal part of the enlargement, as can be seen in the increased detail of [Fig.3].

[0035] Regarding the operation of the solenoid valve described above, it is as follows:

[0036] In [Fig.2], the solenoid valve described above can be seen in an electronic state trically disconnected, which corresponds to the closed position where the flow of hydrogen does not circulate through it, so that the slider (10) is in its lowest position of its displacement stroke, in which the elastic spring (9) is in a compressed state, such that the seal (16) abuts against a seat (17) defined by an upper rim of the outlet port (11), which prevents the fluid circulation between the inlet ports (12) and the outlet port (11) located on the lowest part.

[0037] On the other hand, in [Fig.3], the solenoid valve has been shown in an electrically powered state, which corresponds to the open position, in which the coil (4) acts so that the movable core (3) moves upwards, where fluid communication is allowed between the inlet ports (12) and the outlet port (11).

[0038] Mention that the terms upper, lower, top, bottom and the like in the description and claims have been used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe relative positions.

[0039] The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements employed in the manufacture of the solenoid valve of the invention may be conveniently replaced by others which do not depart from the scope defined by the claims which are included below.

Claims

Claims

1. A solenoid valve for a hydrogen flow, being provided for regulating the passage of a flow of a hydrogen flow, which comprises a fixed core (2) and a movable core (3) axially movable through a hole relative to said fixed core (2) under the action of a magnetic field force generated by a coil (4), wherein primary return elastic means connected to the movable core (3) and secondary elastic means connected to sealing means provided to allow the passage of flow through inlet (12) and outlet (11) ports are provided, wherein the sealing means are located in a slider (10) which is moved under the action of the movement of the movable core (3), the slider (10) and the movable core (3) being axially aligned with each other,characterized in that the slider (10) consists of a substantially cylindrical body defined by a first portion facing the movable core (3) and a second portion oriented at the inlet (12) and outlet (11) ports of the fluid to be circulated, in which the first portion comprises a series of annular recesses and a cavity (100) at the end facing the movable core (3) where a closure element coupled to the movable core (3) can be inserted, in which the second portion comprises a recessed cross-section of substantially cylindrical shape in which the second elastic means are inserted, the first portion having a larger outer diameter than the second portion, and in which the slider (10) has at the free end of the second portion a termination with a substantially flat surface which houses a seal (16) provided to close the outlet (11).,

2. Solenoid valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable core (3) comprises a substantially cylindrical solid body which has a central blind orifice (30) in which the primary elastic return means are housed, and a closure element (15) which comprises a projecting shoulder which extends from the face of the movable core (3) facing the slide (10).

3. Solenoid valve according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a washer (7) which is housed at the end of the movable core (3) facing the fixed core (2) is provided, the housing consisting of an enlargement which projects centrally around the rim of the orifice one-eyed.

4. Electrovalve according to claim 3, characterized in that the washer (7) is made of metallic material.

5. Solenoid valve according to claim 3, characterized in that the washer (7) has the internal diameter which is defined by two projecting planes which converge between them at mid-height relative to the total height of the washer (7), such planes having complementary dimensions with the internal part of the enlargement.

6. Solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide (10) is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

7. Solenoid valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable core (3) and the fixed core (2) are made of ferritic stainless steel.

8. Solenoid valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet sockets (12) and the outlet socket (11) adopt a mutually perpendicular arrangement, in which the outlet (11) is defined by a conduit in which one of its ends ends flush with the position of the inlet sockets (12).