Pilot-operated pressure reducing valve

Abstract

To provide a pilot-operated pressure reducing valve that suppresses fluctuations in the secondary pressure of the main regulator during long-term use. [Solution] The pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 comprises a main regulator 1, a pilot regulator 2, a first communication passage 31, a second communication passage 32, and a third communication passage 33. The first communication passage 31 connects the primary chamber 11 of the main regulator 1 to the primary chamber 21 of the pilot regulator 2. The second communication passage 32 connects the secondary chamber 12 of the main regulator 1 to the pressure receiving chamber 26 of the pilot regulator 2. The third communication passage 33 connects the pilot chamber 17 of the main regulator 1 to the secondary chamber 22 of the pilot regulator 2. The valve body 24 of the pilot regulator 2 has a first pressure receiving surface 241 to which the pressure of the secondary chamber 22 of the pilot regulator 2 is applied, and a second pressure receiving surface 242 to which the pressure of the pilot chamber 17 of the main regulator 1 is applied, on opposite sides.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pilot-operated pressure reducing valve provided with a main regulator and a pilot regulator.

Background Art

[0002] For reducing the pressure of high-pressure gas, a pressure reducing valve for high-pressure gas is preferably used (see Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] FIG. 7 schematically discloses a conventional pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9A provided with a main regulator 1A and a pilot regulator 2A. The main regulator 1A includes a primary chamber 11A, a secondary chamber 12A, a communication hole 13A connecting the primary and secondary chambers 11A and 12A, a valve body 14A, a spring 15A biasing the valve body 14A, a diaphragm 16A, and a pilot chamber 17A partitioned from the secondary chamber 12A via the diaphragm 16A.

[0004] The pilot regulator 2A includes a primary chamber 21A, a secondary chamber 22A, a communication hole 23A connecting the primary and secondary chambers 21A and 22A, a valve body 24A, a spring 25A biasing the valve body 24A, a diaphragm 27A constituting a partition wall of the secondary chamber 22A and opening and closing the valve body 24A, and an adjustment spring 28A biasing the diaphragm 27A.

[0005] In the conventional pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9A, the primary chamber 11A of the main regulator 1A and the primary chamber 21A of the pilot regulator 2A are communicatively connected, and the pilot chamber 17A of the main regulator 1A and the secondary chamber 22A of the pilot regulator 2A are communicatively connected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [[ID=3?]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the conventional pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9A shown in Figure 7, the secondary pressure of the main regulator 1A (i.e., the gas pressure in the secondary chamber 12A) tends to fluctuate with prolonged use, which presents a problem as it necessitates frequent readjustment of the secondary pressure.

[0008] The problem that this disclosure aims to solve is to provide a pilot-operated pressure reducing valve in which fluctuations in the secondary pressure of the main regulator are suppressed during long-term use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A pilot-operated pressure reducing valve according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a pressure reducing valve configured to reduce the pressure of a high-pressure gas, comprising a main regulator, a pilot regulator, a first communication passage, a second communication passage, and a third communication passage. The main regulator comprises a primary chamber, a secondary chamber, a communication hole connecting the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, a valve body, a spring that biases the valve body in a direction that closes the communication hole, a diaphragm that opens and closes the valve body, and a pilot chamber partitioned from the secondary chamber via the diaphragm. The pilot regulator comprises a primary chamber, a secondary chamber, a communication hole connecting the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, a valve body, a spring that biases the valve body in a direction that closes the communication hole, a pressure receiving chamber provided separately from the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, a diaphragm that constitutes a partition wall of the pressure receiving chamber and opens and closes the valve body, and an adjustment spring that biases the diaphragm toward the pressure receiving chamber. The first communication passage connects the primary chamber of the main regulator to the primary chamber of the pilot regulator. The second communication passage connects the secondary chamber of the main regulator to the pressure-receiving chamber of the pilot regulator. The third communication passage connects the pilot chamber of the main regulator to the secondary chamber of the pilot regulator. The valve body of the pilot regulator has a first pressure-receiving surface, which is provided to receive the pressure of the secondary chamber of the pilot regulator, and a second pressure-receiving surface, which is provided to receive the pressure of the pilot chamber of the main regulator, on opposite sides.

[0010] A pilot-operated pressure reducing valve according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is a pressure reducing valve configured to reduce the pressure of a high-pressure gas, comprising a main regulator, a pilot regulator, a first communication passage, a second communication passage, and a third communication passage. The main regulator comprises a primary chamber, a secondary chamber, a communication hole connecting the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, a valve body, a spring that biases the valve body in a direction that closes the communication hole, a diaphragm that opens and closes the valve body, and a pilot chamber partitioned from the secondary chamber via the diaphragm. The pilot regulator comprises a primary chamber, a secondary chamber, a communication hole connecting the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, a valve body, a spring that biases the valve body in a direction that closes the communication hole, a pressure receiving chamber provided separately from the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, a diaphragm that constitutes a partition wall of the pressure receiving chamber and opens and closes the valve body, and an adjustment spring that biases the diaphragm toward the pressure receiving chamber. The first communication passage connects the primary chamber of the main regulator to the primary chamber of the pilot regulator. The second communication passage connects the secondary chamber of the main regulator to the pressure-receiving chamber of the pilot regulator. The third communication passage connects the pilot chamber of the main regulator to the secondary chamber of the pilot regulator. The valve body of the pilot regulator has a pressure-receiving surface on opposite sides that is provided to receive the pressure of the secondary chamber of the pilot regulator, and a pressure-receiving surface on opposite sides that is provided to receive atmospheric pressure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This disclosure offers the advantage of providing a pilot-operated pressure reducing valve in which fluctuations in the secondary pressure of the main regulator are suppressed even after long-term use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pilot-operated pressure reducing valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is another cross-sectional view of the same pilot-operated pressure reducing valve. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pilot regulator included in the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is another cross-sectional view of the pilot regulator described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a conventional pilot-operated pressure reducing valve.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] 1. First Embodiment Based on FIGS. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 according to the first embodiment will be described. The pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 according to the first embodiment is configured to reduce high-pressure gas. The high-pressure gas supplied to the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 according to the first embodiment is, for example, high-pressure gas of 1 Mpa or more.

[0014] The pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 according to the first embodiment includes a main regulator 1 and a pilot regulator 2. The main regulator 1 and the pilot regulator 2 are integrally assembled.

[0015] Furthermore, the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 according to the first embodiment includes first communication passages 31, second communication passages 32, third communication passages 33, and fourth communication passages 34 formed so as to connect the main regulator 1 and the pilot regulator 2. These four communication passages 31, 32, 33, 34 are formed independently of each other.

[0016] [[ID=#32]] Hereinafter, each of the above-described components will be described in detail.

[0017] (1) Main Regulator The main regulator 1 includes a primary chamber 11, a secondary chamber 12, a communication hole 13, a valve body 14, a spring 15, a diaphragm 16, a pilot chamber 17, an adjustment handle 18, and a regulator body 100.

[0018] (1.1) Primary Chamber The primary chamber 11 is formed in the regulator body 100 that constitutes the main body of the main regulator 1. The primary chamber 11 has an inlet 110 through which high-pressure gas flows in.

[0019] (1.2) Secondary chamber The secondary chamber 12 is formed in the regulator body 100 so as to be adjacent to the primary chamber 11. The secondary chamber 12 has an outlet 120 through which the depressurized high-pressure gas flows out.

[0020] (1.3) Communication hole The communication hole 13 is formed in the regulator body 100 so as to connect the primary chamber 11 and the secondary chamber 12. Through the communication hole 13 formed through the regulator body 100, the high-pressure gas in the primary chamber 11 is supplied to the secondary chamber 12.

[0021] (1.4) Valve body The valve body 14 is arranged in the primary chamber 11 of the regulator body 100 so as to open and close the communication hole 13.

[0022] The valve body 14 is arranged to be movable within a predetermined range in the axial direction D1. The axial direction D1 is the axial direction of the main regulator 1, and the primary chamber 11 and the secondary chamber 12 are adjacent to each other in the axial direction D1 with the communication hole 13 therebetween.

[0023] (1.5) Spring The spring 15 is arranged to bias the valve body 14.

[0024] The spring 15 biases the valve body 14 in a direction to close the communication hole 13 in the axial direction D1. The spring 15 is arranged on the side opposite to the communication hole 13 across the valve body 14 in the axial direction D1.

[0025] (1.6) Diaphragm The diaphragm 16 is attached to the regulator body 100 so as to open and close the valve body 14 in the axial direction D1.

[0026] The diaphragm 16 is provided to be elastically deformable so as to bend in the axial direction D1. The diaphragm 16 and the valve body 14 are connected to each other. As the diaphragm 16 elastically deforms, the valve body 14 is displaced in the axial direction D1, opening and closing the communication hole 13. When the diaphragm 16 is not deformed, the valve body 14 seals the communication hole 13, separating the primary chamber 11 and the secondary chamber 12. When the diaphragm 16 elastically deforms, the valve body 14 moves away from the communication hole 13, opening the communication hole 13 and connecting the primary chamber 11 and the secondary chamber 12.

[0027] (1.7) Pilot's Room The pilot chamber 17 is formed in the regulator body 100 so as to be adjacent to the secondary chamber 12 in the axial direction D1. In the axial direction D1, the side on which the communication hole 13 and valve body 14 are located relative to the secondary chamber 12 and the side on which the pilot chamber 17 is located relative to the secondary chamber 12 are opposite to each other.

[0028] The pilot chamber 17 is separated from the secondary chamber 12 via the diaphragm 16. In the axial direction D1, the side on which the secondary chamber 12 is located relative to the diaphragm 16 and the side on which the pilot chamber 17 is located relative to the diaphragm 16 are opposite to each other. In other words, the cavity formed inside the regulator body 100 is divided into two by the diaphragm 16, with one side functioning as the secondary chamber 12 and the other as the pilot chamber 17.

[0029] (1.8) Adjustment handle The adjustment handle 18 is screwed onto the regulator body 100 so as to be able to move freely in the axial direction D1 as it rotates. A spring 15 is positioned in a compressed state between the adjustment handle 18 and the valve body 14.

[0030] The amount of compression of the spring 15 can be adjusted by rotating the adjustment handle 18. In other words, the biasing force that the spring 15 exerts on the valve body 14 can be adjusted by rotating the adjustment handle 18.

[0031] (2) Pilot adjuster The pilot regulator 2 comprises a primary chamber 21, a secondary chamber 22, a communication hole 23, a valve body 24, a spring 25, a pressure receiving chamber 26, a diaphragm 27, an adjustment spring 28, and a regulator body 200.

[0032] (2.1) Primary room The primary chamber 21 is formed in the regulator body 200, which constitutes the main body of the pilot regulator 2. The high-pressure gas from the primary chamber 11 of the main regulator 1 is introduced into the primary chamber 21 through the first communication passage 31 (see Figure 1).

[0033] (2.2) Secondary room The secondary chamber 22 is formed in the regulator body 200 so as to be adjacent to the primary chamber 21 in the axial direction D1. In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the first embodiment, the axial direction D1 is common to both the main regulator 1 and the pilot regulator 2. In the axial direction D1, the side on which the secondary chamber 22 is located relative to the primary chamber 21 and the side on which the main regulator 1 is located relative to the pilot regulator 2 are opposite to each other.

[0034] The secondary chamber 22 is connected to the pilot chamber 17 of the main regulator 1 via the third connecting passage 33.

[0035] (2.3)Communication hole The communication hole 23 is formed in the regulator body 200 so as to connect the primary chamber 21 and the secondary chamber 22. High-pressure gas from the primary chamber 21 is supplied to the secondary chamber 22 through the communication hole 23 which is formed through the regulator body 200.

[0036] (2.4) Valve body The valve body 24 is positioned in the primary chamber 21 of the regulator body 200 so as to open and close the communication hole 23.

[0037] The valve body 24 is arranged to be movable within a predetermined range in the axial direction D1. In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the first embodiment, the direction in which the valve body 14 of the main regulator 1 moves and the direction in which the valve body 24 of the pilot regulator 2 moves coincide. The primary chamber 21 and the secondary chamber 22 are adjacent to each other in the axial direction D1, with a communication hole 23 in between.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the valve body 24 includes a valve body 246 and a cylindrical rod 247 extending from the valve body 246 in the axial direction D1. The direction in which the rod 247 extends from the valve body 246 and the direction in which the communication hole 23 is located relative to the valve body 246 are opposite to each other. In a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction D1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the rod 247 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve body 246. The axial direction D1 of the rod 247 is the same as the overall axial direction D1 of the valve body 24.

[0039] In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the first embodiment, the surface of the valve body 246 includes a pressure-receiving surface 241. The pressure-receiving surface 241 is a surface that is subjected to the pressure of the secondary chamber 22 of the pilot regulator 2, and will be referred to as the first pressure-receiving surface 241 below. The first pressure-receiving surface 241 is located in the central portion of the flat surface of the valve body 246 that faces the side where the secondary chamber 22 is located in the axial direction D1.

[0040] The rod 247 of the valve body 24 is slidably inserted within a predetermined range in the axial direction D1 into the fourth communication passage 34 that connects the pilot chamber 17 of the main regulator 1 and the primary chamber 21 of the pilot regulator 2. The rod 247 is hermetically inserted into the fourth communication passage 34 via an O-ring 201.

[0041] The tip of the rod 247 includes a pressure-receiving surface 242. The pressure-receiving surface 242 is a surface that is subjected to the pressure of the pilot chamber 17 of the main regulator 1 (i.e., the pressure of the secondary chamber 22 of the pilot regulator 2), and will be referred to as the second pressure-receiving surface 242 below.

[0042] The valve body 24, including the valve body 246 and the rod 247, has a first pressure-receiving surface 241 and a second pressure-receiving surface 242 that are opposite to each other in the axial direction D1.

[0043] In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the first embodiment, the first pressure-receiving surface 241 and the second pressure-receiving surface 242 are provided such that they have the same area when viewed in the axial direction D1 of the valve body 24. Therefore, in the valve body 24 of the pilot regulator 2, the pressures of the secondary chamber 22 of the pilot regulator 2 are applied from opposite sides and cancel each other out. In this disclosure, the term "same area" is not limited to being the same area in a completely meaningful sense, but includes areas that can be considered the same in the art.

[0044] In addition, the pressure from the primary chamber 21 of the pilot regulator 2 is applied to the valve body 24 of the pilot regulator 2 from opposite sides and cancels out. That is, the valve body 24 has a pressure-receiving surface 243 to which the pressure from the primary chamber 21 of the pilot regulator 2 is applied, and a pressure-receiving surface 244 to which the pressure from the primary chamber 21 is also applied, both on opposite sides in the axial direction D1. Hereafter, the pressure-receiving surface 243 will be referred to as the third pressure-receiving surface 243, and the pressure-receiving surface 244 will be referred to as the fourth pressure-receiving surface 244.

[0045] The third pressure-receiving surface 243 and the fourth pressure-receiving surface 244 are both included on the surface of the valve body 246.

[0046] The third pressure-receiving surface 243 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of a flat surface on the surface of the valve body 246 that faces the side where the secondary chamber 22 is located in the axial direction D1. The third pressure-receiving surface 243 is an annular surface formed in the portion surrounding the first pressure-receiving surface 241.

[0047] The fourth pressure-receiving surface 244 is located on the surface of the valve body 246, on the back side of the third pressure-receiving surface 243. The fourth pressure-receiving surface 244 is an annular surface that surrounds the base end of the rod 247.

[0048] When viewed in the axial direction D1 of the valve body 24, the third pressure-receiving surface 243 and the fourth pressure-receiving surface 244 have the same area. Therefore, the pressures of the primary chamber 21 are applied to the valve body 24 of the pilot regulator 2 from opposite sides and cancel each other out.

[0049] (2.5) Spring The spring 25 is positioned to bias the valve body 24.

[0050] The spring 25 biases the valve body 24 in an axial direction D1 in a direction that closes the communication hole 23. The spring 25 is positioned on the opposite side of the communication hole 23 from the valve body 246 in the axial direction D1. The spring 25 consists of a coil spring arranged to surround the rod 247 of the valve body 24.

[0051] (2.6) Pressure-receiving room As shown in Figure 1, the pressure receiving chamber 26 is provided separately from the primary chamber 21 and the secondary chamber 22 in the regulator body 200. The primary chamber 21, the secondary chamber 22, and the pressure receiving chamber 26 are independent of each other.

[0052] In the axial direction D1, the side of the pilot regulator 2 where the communication hole 23 and valve body 24 are located relative to the secondary chamber 22 is opposite to the side where the pressure receiving chamber 26 is located relative to the secondary chamber 22.

[0053] The pressure receiving chamber 26 is connected to the secondary chamber 12 of the main regulator 1 via the second communication passage 32 (see Figure 3).

[0054] (2.7) Diaphragm The diaphragm 27 is attached to the regulator body 200 so as to open and close the valve body 24 in the axial direction D1.

[0055] The diaphragm 27 is provided to be elastically deformable so as to bend in the axial direction D1. The diaphragm 27 and the valve body 24 are connected to each other. As the diaphragm 27 elastically deforms, the valve body 24 is displaced in the axial direction D1, opening and closing the communication hole 23. When the diaphragm 27 is not deformed, the valve body 24 seals the communication hole 23, separating the primary chamber 21 and the secondary chamber 22. When the diaphragm 27 elastically deforms, the valve body 24 moves away from the communication hole 23, opening the communication hole 23 and connecting the primary chamber 21 and the secondary chamber 22.

[0056] The diaphragm 27 is positioned facing the pressure-receiving chamber 26, or in other words, it constitutes a partition wall of the pressure-receiving chamber 26. In the axial direction D1, the side on which the secondary chamber 22, primary chamber 21, and valve body 24 are located relative to the pressure-receiving chamber 26 is opposite to the side on which the diaphragm 27 is located relative to the pressure-receiving chamber 26.

[0057] (2.8) Adjustment spring The adjustment spring 28 is positioned in the regulator body 200 so as to bias the diaphragm 27 toward the pressure-receiving chamber 26. In the axial direction D1, the side on which the pressure-receiving chamber 26 is located relative to the diaphragm 27 and the side on which the adjustment spring 28 is located relative to the diaphragm 27 are opposite to each other.

[0058] (2.9) Adjustment handle The adjustment handle 29 is screwed onto the regulator body 200 so as to be able to move freely in the axial direction D1 as it rotates. An adjustment spring 28 is positioned in a compressed state between the adjustment handle 29 and the diaphragm 27.

[0059] The amount of compression of the adjustment spring 28 can be adjusted by rotating the adjustment handle 29. In other words, the biasing force that the adjustment spring 28 exerts on the diaphragm 27 can be adjusted by rotating the adjustment handle 29.

[0060] (3) First passageway The first communication passage 31 is a communication passage connecting the primary chamber 11 of the main regulator 1 and the primary chamber 21 of the pilot regulator 2. Through the first communication passage 31, the primary chamber 11 of the main regulator 1 and the primary chamber 21 of the pilot regulator 2 are maintained at the same pressure. The same pressure in this disclosure is not limited to being the same pressure in the whole sense, but includes being the same to the extent that it can be considered the same in the art.

[0061] (4)Second communication passage The second communication passage 32 is a communication passage that connects the secondary chamber 12 of the main regulator 1 and the pressure-receiving chamber 26 of the pilot regulator 2. Through the second communication passage 32, the secondary chamber 12 of the main regulator 1 and the pressure-receiving chamber 26 of the pilot regulator 2 are maintained at the same pressure.

[0062] (5)Third passageway The third communication passage 33 is a communication passage that connects the pilot chamber 17 of the main regulator 1 and the secondary chamber 22 of the pilot regulator 2. Through the third communication passage 33, the pilot chamber 17 of the main regulator 1 and the secondary chamber 22 of the pilot regulator 2 are maintained at the same pressure.

[0063] (6) Fourth passageway The fourth communication passage 34 is a communication passage that connects the pilot chamber 17 of the main regulator 1 and the primary chamber 21 of the pilot regulator 2. Through the fourth communication passage 34, which extends in the axial direction D1, the pressure in the pilot chamber 17 of the main regulator 1 (i.e., the same pressure as the secondary chamber 22 of the pilot regulator 2) is applied to the second pressure-receiving surface 242 of the valve body 24 of the pilot regulator 2.

[0064] (7) Effects According to the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the first embodiment, for example, if the opening of the outlet valve (not shown) connected to the outlet 120 of the main regulator 1 is increased, thereby increasing the flow rate of high-pressure gas, the pressure in the secondary chamber 12 of the main regulator 1 decreases, and the pressure in the pressure-receiving chamber 26 of the pilot regulator 2 decreases through the second communication passage 32.

[0065] Consequently, the diaphragm 27 of the pilot regulator 2 deforms, causing the valve body 24 to move, which increases the pressure in the secondary chamber 22 of the pilot regulator 2, and through the third communication passage 33, increases the pressure in the pilot chamber 17 of the main regulator 1. This increases the force pushing the diaphragm 16 of the main regulator 1, causing the diaphragm 16 to deform and the valve body 14 to move, which increases the pressure in the secondary chamber 12 of the main regulator 1 through the communication hole 13.

[0066] In other words, according to the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the first embodiment, when the flow rate of high-pressure gas increases and the secondary pressure decreases, an effect is obtained in which the secondary pressure increases to compensate for this (hereinafter referred to as the "compensation effect"). As a result, fluctuations in the secondary pressure due to fluctuations in the flow rate of high-pressure gas are suppressed.

[0067] In contrast, in the conventional pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9A shown in Figure 7, for example, the secondary pressure of the pilot regulator 2A (i.e., the gas pressure in the secondary chamber 22A) is used to push the diaphragm 16A of the main regulator 1A. Therefore, even if the pressure in the secondary chamber 12A of the main regulator 1 decreases, it does not affect the force applied to the diaphragm 16A, and no corrective effect is obtained.

[0068] In addition, according to the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the first embodiment, as described above, the secondary pressure applied to the valve body 24 of the pilot regulator 2 (i.e., the gas pressure in the secondary chamber 22) is canceled out, and furthermore, the primary pressure applied to the valve body 24 of the pilot regulator 2 (i.e., the gas pressure in the primary chamber 21) is canceled out. In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the first embodiment, the influence of secondary pressure and primary pressure on the valve body 24 is prevented. Therefore, the phenomenon in which the secondary pressure increases when the primary pressure decreases to balance with the force with which the adjustment spring 28 pushes the diaphragm 27 is suppressed, and the initially set secondary pressure is easily maintained.

[0069] Based on the above, the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the first embodiment effectively suppresses fluctuations in the secondary pressure of the main regulator 1 during long-term use, thus eliminating the need to frequently readjust the secondary pressure and resulting in labor savings.

[0070] 2. Second Embodiment The pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the second embodiment will be described based on Figures 4, 5, and 6. In the following description, components having the same function as the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0071] The pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the second embodiment includes a main regulator 1, a pilot regulator 2, a first communication passage 31, a second communication passage 32, and a third communication passage 33, all of which have the same functions as those of the first embodiment. The pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the second embodiment does not include a communication passage corresponding to the fourth communication passage 34 of the first embodiment.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, the main regulator 1 comprises a primary chamber 11, a secondary chamber 12, a communication hole 13, a valve body 14, a spring 15, a diaphragm 16, a pilot chamber 17, an adjustment handle 18, and a regulator body 100, all of which have the same functions as in the first embodiment.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the pilot regulator 2 comprises a primary chamber 21, a secondary chamber 22, a communication hole 23, a valve body 24, a spring 25, a pressure-receiving chamber 26, a diaphragm 27, an adjustment spring 28, an adjustment handle 29, and a regulator body 200, all of which have the same functions as in the first embodiment.

[0074] In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the second embodiment, the main regulator 1 and the pilot regulator 2 are configured as separate components. In other words, the regulator body 200 of the pilot regulator 2 is configured as a separate component from the regulator body 100 of the main regulator 1.

[0075] A flexible first connecting pipe 41, a second connecting pipe 42, and a third connecting pipe 43 are provided between the main regulator 1 and the pilot regulator 2, connecting the regulator body 100 of the main regulator 1 and the regulator body 200 of the pilot regulator 2.

[0076] The internal flow path of the first connecting pipe 41 constitutes the first communication passage 31, which connects the primary chamber 11 of the main regulator 1 and the primary chamber 21 of the pilot regulator 2. The internal flow path of the second connecting pipe 42 constitutes the second communication passage 32, which connects the secondary chamber 12 of the main regulator 1 and the pressure receiving chamber 26 of the pilot regulator 2. The internal flow path of the third connecting pipe 43 constitutes the third communication passage 33, which connects the pilot chamber 17 of the main regulator 1 and the secondary chamber 22 of the pilot regulator 2.

[0077] In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the second embodiment, a communication passage 35 is formed in the regulator body 200 of the pilot regulator 2. One end of the communication passage 35 communicates with the primary chamber 21 of the pilot regulator 2, and the other end of the communication passage 35 is open to the outside.

[0078] A rod 247, which forms part of the valve body 24, is slidably inserted into a communication passage 35 extending from the primary chamber 21 of the pilot regulator 2 within a predetermined range in the axial direction D1. The rod 247 is airtightly inserted into the communication passage 35 via an O-ring 205.

[0079] In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the second embodiment, the valve body 24 of the pilot regulator 2 has a first pressure-receiving surface 241 that is provided to receive the pressure of the secondary chamber 22 of the pilot regulator 2, and a pressure-receiving surface 245 that is provided to receive atmospheric pressure, on opposite sides. Hereinafter, the pressure-receiving surface 245 will be referred to as the fifth pressure-receiving surface 245.

[0080] In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the second embodiment, the first pressure-receiving surface 241 and the fifth pressure-receiving surface 245 are provided such that they have the same area when viewed in the axial direction D1 of the valve body 24.

[0081] In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a corrective effect is obtained in which the secondary pressure increases to compensate for the decrease in secondary pressure when the flow rate of high-pressure gas increases, thereby suppressing fluctuations in secondary pressure due to fluctuations in the flow rate of high-pressure gas.

[0082] In addition, in the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the second embodiment, the influence of the secondary pressure applied to the first pressure-receiving surface 241 of the valve body 24 (i.e., the gas pressure in the secondary chamber 22) is reduced by the atmospheric pressure force applied to the fifth pressure-receiving surface 245, and furthermore, the influence of the primary pressure applied to the valve body 24 of the pilot regulator 2A (i.e., the gas pressure in the primary chamber 21) is canceled out. As a result, the phenomenon in which the secondary pressure increases when the primary pressure decreases to balance with the force with which the adjustment spring 28 pushes the diaphragm 27 is suppressed, and the initially set secondary pressure is more easily maintained.

[0083] Based on the above, the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve 9 of the second embodiment effectively suppresses fluctuations in the secondary pressure of the main regulator 1 during long-term use, thus eliminating the need to frequently readjust the secondary pressure and resulting in labor savings.

[0084] It should be noted that the embodiments described above are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure can be achieved.

[0085] 3. Summary As described based on the embodiments and various modifications described above, the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve (9) according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a pressure reducing valve configured to reduce the pressure of a high-pressure gas, and comprises a main regulator (1), a pilot regulator (2), a first communication passage (31), a second communication passage (32), and a third communication passage (33). The main regulator (1) comprises a primary chamber (11), a secondary chamber (12), a communication hole (13) connecting the primary chamber (11) and the secondary chamber (12), a valve body (14), a spring (15) that biases the valve body (14) in a direction that closes the communication hole (13), a diaphragm (16) that opens and closes the valve body (14), and a pilot chamber (17) separated from the secondary chamber (12) via the diaphragm (16). The pilot regulator (2) comprises a primary chamber (21), a secondary chamber (22), a communication hole (23) connecting the primary chamber (21) and the secondary chamber (22), a valve body (24), a spring (25) that biases the valve body (24) in the direction of closing the communication hole (23), a pressure receiving chamber (26) provided separately from the primary chamber (21) and the secondary chamber (22), a diaphragm (27) that constitutes the partition wall of the pressure receiving chamber (26) and causes the valve body (24) to open and close, and an adjustment spring (28) that biases the diaphragm (27) toward the pressure receiving chamber (26). The first communication passage (31) connects the primary chamber (11) of the main regulator (1) and the primary chamber (21) of the pilot regulator (2). The second communication passage (32) connects the secondary chamber (12) of the main regulator (1) to the pressure-receiving chamber (26) of the pilot regulator (2). The third communication passage (33) connects the pilot chamber (17) of the main regulator (1) to the secondary chamber (22) of the pilot regulator (2). The valve body (24) of the pilot regulator (2) has a first pressure-receiving surface (241) that is provided to receive the pressure of the secondary chamber (22) of the pilot regulator (2), and a second pressure-receiving surface (242) that is provided to receive the pressure of the pilot chamber (17) of the main regulator (1), on opposite sides.

[0086] According to this embodiment, for example, if the flow rate of high-pressure gas increases and the pressure in the secondary chamber (12) of the main regulator (1) decreases, a corrective effect is obtained in which the pressure in the secondary chamber (12) increases to compensate for this decrease. In other words, when the pressure in the secondary chamber (12) of the main regulator (1) decreases and the pressure in the pressure-receiving chamber (26) of the pilot regulator (2) decreases through the second communication passage (32), the diaphragm (27) deforms and the valve body (24) moves, increasing the pressure in the secondary chamber (22), and the pressure in the pilot chamber (17) of the main regulator (1) increases through the third communication passage (33). As a result, the diaphragm (16) of the main regulator (1) deforms and the valve body (14) moves, increasing the pressure in the secondary chamber (12) of the main regulator (1). In addition, according to this embodiment, the pressure of the secondary chamber (22) of the pilot regulator (2) is applied to the first pressure-receiving surface (241) of the valve body (24), and the pressure of the pilot chamber (17) of the main regulator (1) (i.e., the pressure of the secondary chamber (22) of the pilot regulator (2)) is applied to the second pressure-receiving surface (242) on the opposite side, so that the influence of the secondary pressure on the valve body (24) is suppressed. As a result, the phenomenon in which the secondary pressure increases with a decrease in primary pressure in order to balance the force with which the adjustment spring (28) pushes the diaphragm (27) is suppressed, and the initially set secondary pressure is more easily maintained. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, a pilot-operated regulating valve (9) is provided in which fluctuations in the secondary pressure of the main regulator (1) are suppressed even after long-term use.

[0087] In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve (9) according to a second aspect of this disclosure, in the first aspect, the first pressure-receiving surface (241) and the second pressure-receiving surface (242) have the same area when viewed in the axial direction (D1) of the valve body (24).

[0088] In this embodiment, the force applied to the first pressure-receiving surface (241) of the valve body (24) and the force applied to the second pressure-receiving surface (242) on the opposite side cancel each other out, so that the phenomenon of secondary pressure increasing as primary pressure decreases is more effectively suppressed.

[0089] In a pilot-operated pressure reducing valve (9) according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the first or second aspect, the valve body (24) includes a valve body (246) and a rod (247) extending from the valve body (246). The first pressure-receiving surface (241) is included in the surface of the valve body (246). The second pressure-receiving surface (242) is included in the tip of the rod (247).

[0090] According to this embodiment, the pressure from the pilot chamber (17) of the main regulator (1) is applied to the tip surface of the rod (247), which effectively suppresses the influence of secondary pressure on the valve body (24).

[0091] In a pilot-operated pressure reducing valve (9) according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in a third aspect, the pilot regulator (2) further comprises a fourth connecting passage (34) connecting the pilot chamber (17) of the main regulator (1) and the primary chamber (21) of the pilot regulator (2). The rod (247) of the valve body (24) is slidably inserted into the fourth connecting passage (34) in the axial direction (D1) of the rod (247).

[0092] According to this embodiment, by adopting a structure in which a rod (247) is inserted into the fourth communication passage (34), the influence of secondary pressure on the valve body (24) can be effectively suppressed.

[0093] A pilot-operated pressure reducing valve (9) according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a pressure reducing valve configured to reduce the pressure of a high-pressure gas, and comprises a main regulator (1), a pilot regulator (2), a first communication passage (31), a second communication passage (32), and a third communication passage (33). The main regulator (1) comprises a primary chamber (11), a secondary chamber (12), a communication hole (13) connecting the primary chamber (11) and the secondary chamber (12), a valve body (14), a spring (15) that biases the valve body (14) in a direction that closes the communication hole (13), a diaphragm (16) that opens and closes the valve body (14), and a pilot chamber (17) separated from the secondary chamber (12) via the diaphragm (16). The pilot regulator (2) comprises a primary chamber (21), a secondary chamber (22), a communication hole (23) connecting the primary chamber (21) and the secondary chamber (22), a valve body (24), a spring (25) that biases the valve body (24) in the direction of closing the communication hole (23), a pressure receiving chamber (26) provided separately from the primary chamber (21) and the secondary chamber (22), a diaphragm (27) that constitutes the partition wall of the pressure receiving chamber (26) and causes the valve body (24) to open and close, and an adjustment spring (28) that biases the diaphragm (27) toward the pressure receiving chamber (26). The first communication passage (31) connects the primary chamber (11) of the main regulator (1) and the primary chamber (21) of the pilot regulator (2). The second connecting passage (32) connects the secondary chamber (12) of the main regulator (1) to the pressure-receiving chamber (26) of the pilot regulator (2). The third connecting passage (33) connects the pilot chamber (17) of the main regulator (1) to the secondary chamber (22) of the pilot regulator (2). The valve body (24) of the pilot regulator (2) has a pressure-receiving surface (241) that is designed to receive the pressure of the secondary chamber (22) of the pilot regulator (2), and a pressure-receiving surface (245) that is designed to receive atmospheric pressure, on opposite sides.

[0094] According to this embodiment, for example, if the flow rate of high-pressure gas increases and the pressure in the secondary chamber (12) of the main regulator (1) decreases, a corrective effect is obtained in which the pressure in the secondary chamber (12) increases to compensate for this decrease. In other words, when the pressure in the secondary chamber (12) of the main regulator (1) decreases and the pressure in the pressure-receiving chamber (26) of the pilot regulator (2) decreases through the second communication passage (32), the diaphragm (27) deforms and the valve body (24) moves, increasing the pressure in the secondary chamber (22), and the pressure in the pilot chamber (17) of the main regulator (1) increases through the third communication passage (33). As a result, the diaphragm (16) of the main regulator (1) deforms and the valve body (14) moves, increasing the pressure in the secondary chamber (12) of the main regulator (1). In addition, according to this embodiment, the pressure of the secondary chamber (22) of the pilot regulator (2) is applied to the pressure-receiving surface (241) of the valve body (24), while atmospheric pressure is applied to the pressure-receiving surface (245) on the opposite side. This suppresses the influence of the secondary pressure on the valve body (24). As a result, the phenomenon in which the secondary pressure increases as the primary pressure decreases, in order to balance the force with which the adjustment spring (28) pushes the diaphragm (27), is suppressed, and the initially set secondary pressure is more easily maintained. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a pilot regulator (9) is provided in which fluctuations in the secondary pressure of the main regulator (1) are suppressed even after long-term use.

[0095] In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve (9) according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the valve body (24) of the pilot regulator (2) has two pressure-receiving surfaces (243, 244) on opposite sides to each other, which are provided to receive the pressure of the primary chamber (21) of the pilot regulator (2).

[0096] According to this embodiment, the influence of the primary pressure on the valve body (24) is suppressed, so the phenomenon of secondary pressure increasing as the primary pressure decreases is more effectively suppressed.

[0097] In the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve (9) according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, in the sixth aspect, the two pressure-receiving surfaces (243, 244) have the same area when viewed in the axial direction (D1) of the valve body (24).

[0098] According to this embodiment, the forces applied to the two pressure-receiving surfaces (243, 244) of the valve body (24) cancel each other out, so the phenomenon in which the secondary pressure increases as the primary pressure decreases is more effectively suppressed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1. Main Regulator 11 Primary room 12 Secondary room 13 Communication hole 14 Valve body 15 Spring 16 diaphragm 17. Pilot's Room 2. Pilot Adjuster 21 Primary room 22 Secondary room 23 Communication hole 24 Valve body 241 Pressure-receiving surface (first pressure-receiving surface) 242 Pressure-receiving surface (second pressure-receiving surface) 243 Pressure-receiving surface (third pressure-receiving surface) 244 Pressure-receiving surface (fourth pressure-receiving surface) 245 Pressure-receiving surface (fifth pressure-receiving surface) 246 Valve body 247 Rod 25 Springs 26 Pressure-receiving chamber 27 Diaphragm 28 Adjustment Spring 31 First series of aisles 32 Second communication passage 33 Third passageway 34 Fourth passageway 9. Pilot-operated pressure reducing valve D1 Axial direction

Claims

1. A pressure reducing valve configured to reduce the pressure of a high-pressure gas, Main regulator and Pilot adjuster and The first connecting corridor, The second connecting passageway, It is equipped with a third connecting passage, The main regulator is, Primary chamber and, Secondary room, A communication hole connecting the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, Valve body and, A spring that biases the valve body in a direction that closes the communication hole, A diaphragm that opens and closes the valve body, It comprises a pilot chamber separated from the secondary chamber via the diaphragm, The aforementioned pilot regulator is Primary chamber and, Secondary room, A communication hole connecting the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, Valve body and, A spring that biases the valve body in a direction that closes the communication hole, A pressure receiving chamber is provided separately from the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, A diaphragm that forms the partition wall of the pressure-receiving chamber and causes the valve body to open and close, The diaphragm is further provided with an adjustment spring that biases it toward the pressure-receiving chamber, The first connecting passage connects the primary chamber of the main regulator and the primary chamber of the pilot regulator. The second connecting passage connects the secondary chamber of the main regulator and the pressure-receiving chamber of the pilot regulator. The third connecting passage connects the pilot chamber of the main regulator and the secondary chamber of the pilot regulator. The valve body of the pilot regulator has a first pressure-receiving surface, which is provided to receive the pressure of the secondary chamber of the pilot regulator, and a second pressure-receiving surface, which is provided to receive the pressure of the pilot chamber of the main regulator, on opposite sides. Pilot-operated pressure reducing valve.

2. The first pressure-receiving surface and the second pressure-receiving surface have the same area when viewed in the axial direction of the valve body. A pilot-operated pressure reducing valve according to claim 1.

3. The valve body includes a valve body and a rod extending from the valve body. The first pressure-receiving surface is included in the surface of the valve body, The second pressure-receiving surface is included in the tip surface of the rod. A pilot-operated pressure reducing valve according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned pilot regulator is The system further comprises a fourth connecting passage between the pilot chamber of the main regulator and the primary chamber of the pilot regulator. The rod of the valve body is inserted into the four passages so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the rod. A pilot-operated pressure reducing valve according to claim 3.

5. A pressure reducing valve configured to reduce the pressure of a high-pressure gas, Main regulator and Pilot adjuster and The first connecting corridor, The second connecting passageway, It is equipped with a third connecting passage, The aforementioned main regulator is Primary chamber and, Secondary room, A communication hole connecting the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, Valve body and, A spring that biases the valve body in a direction that closes the communication hole, A diaphragm that opens and closes the valve body, It comprises a pilot chamber separated from the secondary chamber via the diaphragm, The aforementioned pilot regulator is Primary chamber and, Secondary room, A communication hole connecting the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, Valve body and, A spring that biases the valve body in a direction that closes the communication hole, A pressure receiving chamber is provided separately from the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, A diaphragm that forms the partition wall of the pressure-receiving chamber and causes the valve body to open and close, The diaphragm is further provided with an adjustment spring that biases it toward the pressure-receiving chamber, The first connecting passage connects the primary chamber of the main regulator and the primary chamber of the pilot regulator. The second connecting passage connects the secondary chamber of the main regulator and the pressure-receiving chamber of the pilot regulator. The third connecting passage connects the pilot chamber of the main regulator and the secondary chamber of the pilot regulator. The valve body of the pilot regulator has a pressure-receiving surface on opposite sides to which the pressure of the secondary chamber of the pilot regulator is applied, and a pressure-receiving surface on which atmospheric pressure is applied. Pilot-operated pressure reducing valve.

6. The valve body of the pilot regulator has two pressure-receiving surfaces, opposite to each other, which are provided so as to be subjected to the pressure of the primary chamber of the pilot regulator. A pilot-operated pressure reducing valve according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The two pressure-receiving surfaces have the same area when viewed in the axial direction of the valve body. A pilot-operated pressure reducing valve according to claim 6.

Images