Pressure reducing valve

Abstract

This pressure reduction valve comprises a body (11) having a gas flow channel, a valve seat (12) provided partway along the gas flow channel, and a valve body (13) provided on the downstream side of the valve seat (12) in the gas flow channel. The gas flow channel includes a primary-side flow channel section positioned on the upstream side of the valve body (13) and a secondary-side flow channel section positioned on the downstream side of the valve body (13), and the primary-side flow channel section includes a pressure chamber (43A), which is a space formed between the valve body (13) and the valve seat (12). The valve body (13) is configured so as to be constantly biased in the direction away from the valve seat (12) and to open and close the valve seat (12) depending on the difference between the pressure of the primary-side flow channel section and the pressure of the secondary-side flow channel section. The valve body (13) has a valve body flow channel allowing the pressure chamber (43A) to communicate with the secondary-side flow channel section, and an assistive flow channel (89) that assists the gas flowing into the pressure chamber (43A) to flow out to the secondary-side flow channel section depending on the gap between the valve body (13) and the valve seat (12).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to pressure reducing valves. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1, there is a pressure reducing valve that reduces the pressure of gas supplied from a primary port and sends the reduced pressure gas to a secondary port. The pressure reducing valve has a body, a valve seat, a valve body, and a biasing member. A flow path that communicates the primary port and the secondary port with each other is provided inside the body. The valve seat is provided in the middle of the flow path. The valve body is provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the valve seat. The biasing member biases the valve body in a direction to separate it from the valve seat. The flow path includes a primary side flow path portion on the side where the primary port is located relative to the valve body, and a secondary side flow path portion on the side where the secondary port is located relative to the valve body. The valve body moves according to the pressure difference between the pressure in the primary side flow path portion and the pressure in the secondary side flow path portion, and the biasing force of the biasing member. The secondary pressure is adjusted by changing the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve according to the position of the valve body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-126269 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The pressure reducing valve of Patent Document 1 has the following concerns. For example, when the pressure reducing valve is open and gas suddenly enters through the primary port, the pressure in the primary flow passage rises suddenly. This increases the difference between the pressure in the primary flow passage and the pressure in the secondary flow passage, which may delay the valve closing action of the valve body. There is a concern that the secondary pressure may exceed the set pressure value due to this delay in the valve closing action.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a pressure reducing valve that can more appropriately adjust the gas pressure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A pressure reducing valve according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body having a gas flow path, a valve seat provided in the middle of the gas flow path, and a valve body provided downstream of the valve seat in the gas flow path. The gas flow path includes a primary side flow path portion located upstream of the valve body and a secondary side flow path portion located downstream of the valve body, and the primary side flow path portion includes a pressure chamber that is a space formed between the valve body and the valve seat. The valve body is constantly biased in a direction away from the valve seat and is configured to open and close the valve seat depending on a difference between a pressure in the primary side flow path portion and a pressure in the secondary side flow path portion. Furthermore, the valve body has a valve body flow path that communicates the pressure chamber with the secondary side flow path portion, and an auxiliary flow path that assists gas flowing into the pressure chamber to flow out to the secondary side flow path portion depending on a gap between the valve body and the valve seat.

[0007] A pressure reducing valve according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body having a gas flow path, a valve seat provided in the middle of the gas flow path, and a valve body provided downstream of the valve seat in the gas flow path. The gas flow path includes a primary side flow path portion located upstream of the valve body and a secondary side flow path portion located downstream of the valve body, and the primary side flow path portion includes a pressure chamber that is a space formed between the valve body and the valve seat. The valve body is constantly biased in a direction away from the valve seat and is configured to open and close the valve seat depending on a difference between a pressure in the primary side flow path portion and a pressure in the secondary side flow path portion. Furthermore, the valve body has a valve body flow path that communicates the pressure chamber with the secondary side flow path portion. The pressure reducing valve further includes a throttle portion that throttles a flow rate of gas flowing into the pressure chamber depending on a gap between the valve body and the valve seat. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure reducing valve according to a first embodiment taken along its axis. [Diagram 2] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a valve body and a valve seat in the pressure reducing valve of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a valve body and a valve seat in the pressure reducing valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a valve body and a valve seat in a pressure reducing valve according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a valve body and a valve seat in a pressure reducing valve according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a valve body and a valve seat in a pressure reducing valve according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a valve body and a valve seat in a pressure reducing valve according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a valve body and a valve seat in a pressure reducing valve according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <First embodiment> A first embodiment of the pressure reducing valve will be described below.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, pressure reducing valve 1 is provided, for example, in the middle of a fluid circuit connecting a gas tank 2 of hydrogen gas mounted on a fuel cell vehicle and a fuel cell 3. Pressure reducing valve 1 reduces the pressure of hydrogen gas supplied from gas tank 2 through primary port 4 to a pressure equal to or lower than a set pressure, and supplies this reduced pressure gas to fuel cell 3 through secondary port 5. The primary pressure, which is the pressure of hydrogen gas supplied from primary port 4, is a high pressure of, for example, about 87.5 MPa. The set pressure is a target value of the secondary pressure, which is the pressure reduced by pressure reducing valve 1, and is, for example, about 1.2 MPa.

[0011] The pressure reducing valve 1 includes a body 11 , a valve seat 12 , a valve element 13 , a biasing member 14 , a first seal member 15 , and a second seal member 16 .

[0012] The body 11 has a gas flow passage 17 that communicates the primary port 4 and the secondary port 5 with each other and through which high-pressure gas flows. In the following description, the terms "upstream side" and "downstream side" are defined based on the flow direction of hydrogen gas in the gas flow passage 17. The valve seat 12 is disposed in the gas flow passage 17. The valve element 13 is disposed downstream of the valve seat 12 in the gas flow passage 17. The biasing member 14 biases the valve element 13 in a valve opening direction that separates the valve element 13 from the valve seat 12. The first seal member 15 and the second seal member 16 are attached to the outer circumferential surface of the valve element 13. The valve element 13 moves toward and away from the valve seat 12 depending on the pressure difference between the primary pressure and the secondary pressure and the biasing force of the biasing member 14. The opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 1 changes depending on the position of the valve element 13, thereby adjusting the secondary pressure to a pressure equal to or lower than a set value.

[0013] The body 11 includes a joint member 21, a first housing member 22, and a second housing member 23. The joint member 21, the first housing member 22, and the second housing member 23 are made of metal. The joint member 21, the first housing member 22, and the second housing member 23 are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the flow direction of hydrogen gas. The body 11 is assembled by interconnecting these members 21, 22, and 23. In the assembled body 11, the joint member 21, the first housing member 22, and the second housing member 23 are arranged on a common axis L.

[0014] The coupling member 21 has a generally stepped cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 31 of the coupling member 21 has a male thread. The coupling member 21 has a coupling flow passage 32 which is a part of the gas flow passage 17. The coupling flow passage 32 extends linearly along the axis L and opens at both ends of the coupling member 21. The upstream opening of the coupling flow passage 32 functions as the primary port 4. The coupling member 21 includes a filter 33. The filter 33 is provided at the downstream opening of the coupling flow passage 32.

[0015] The first housing member 22 has a generally cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the first housing member 22 is larger than the outer diameter of the joint member 21.

[0016] The first housing member 22 has a first mounting hole 41 and a second mounting hole 42 which are part of the gas flow path 17. The first mounting hole 41 and the second mounting hole 42 are round holes. The first mounting hole 41 opens on the upstream end face of the first housing member 22. The second mounting hole 42 is continuous with the downstream side of the first mounting hole 41. The first mounting hole 41 and the second mounting hole 42 are provided on the same axis L. The inner peripheral surface of the first mounting hole 41 has a female thread. The coupling member 21 is connected to the first housing member 22 by fastening the large diameter portion 31 to the first mounting hole 41. The inner diameter of the second mounting hole 42 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first mounting hole 41. The valve seat 12 is attached to the second mounting hole 42. That is, the valve seat 12 is provided in the middle of the gas flow path 17.

[0017] The first housing member 22 has an accommodation hole 43 which is a part of the gas flow passage 17. The accommodation hole 43 is generally round. The accommodation hole 43 communicates with the second mounting hole 42 and opens to the downstream end face of the first housing member 22. The accommodation hole 43 is provided on the axis L. The first housing member 22 has a partition wall 44 which separates the accommodation hole 43 and the second mounting hole 42 from each other. The partition wall 44 has a circular shape when viewed from the direction along the axis L. The inner diameter of the partition wall 44 gradually becomes smaller toward the upstream side. A part of the valve body 13 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 43. That is, the valve body 13 is provided on the downstream side of the valve seat 12 in the gas flow passage 17.

[0018] The first housing member 22 has an annular mounting groove 46. The mounting groove 46 is located around the accommodation hole 43. The mounting groove 46 opens to the downstream side of the first housing member 22, similar to the accommodation hole 43. The mounting groove 46 is provided as a gap between a cylindrical inner wall 47 and a cylindrical outer wall 48 provided in the first housing member 22. The inner wall 47 defines the inner contour of the mounting groove 46. The outer wall 48 defines the outer contour of the mounting groove 46. The outer wall 48 protrudes downstream from the inner wall 47. The outer peripheral surface of the outer wall 48 constitutes a part of the outer peripheral surface of the first housing member 22. A male thread is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer wall 48. The male thread is provided at a position corresponding to the mounting groove 46. The first housing member 22 has a communication passage 49 that communicates between the inside of the mounting groove 46 and the outside of the body 11.

[0019] The second housing member 23 is generally cylindrical in shape. The outer diameter of the second housing member 23 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first housing member 22. The second housing member 23 has a connecting hole 51. The connecting hole 51 opens at the upstream end face of the second housing member 23. The connecting hole 51 is circular in shape. An internal thread is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting hole 51. The internal thread is located near the open end of the connecting hole 51. The first housing member 22 is connected to the second housing member 23 by inserting the outer wall 48 into the connecting hole 51 and tightening it. A third seal member 52, such as an O-ring, is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer wall 48.

[0020] The second housing member 23 also has a housing flow passage 53 which is a part of the gas flow passage 17. The housing flow passage 53 extends linearly along the axis L. The housing flow passage 53 has an upstream opening on the bottom surface of the connecting hole 51, and has a downstream opening on the downstream end surface of the second housing member 23. The downstream opening of the housing flow passage 53 functions as the secondary port 5.

[0021] The valve seat 12 is made of resin. The valve seat 12 has a circular ring shape. The valve seat 12 is disposed in the second mounting hole 42 of the first housing member 22. The valve seat 12 is pressed against the bottom surface of the second mounting hole 42 by the coupling member 21 attached to the first mounting hole 41. The valve seat 12 has a valve hole 61. The valve hole 61 extends linearly along the axis L, and opens to both end faces of the valve seat 12 in the direction along the axis L. In the downstream region of the valve hole 61, the inner circumferential surface of the valve hole 61 is inclined so that the inner diameter becomes larger toward the downstream side.

[0022] The valve element 13 is made of metal. As shown in FIG. 2, the valve element 13 has a head 71, a main body 72, and a pressure-receiving portion 73. The head 71, the main body 72, and the pressure-receiving portion 73 are integrally formed in this order from the upstream side. The head 71 and the main body 72 are accommodated in the accommodation hole 43 of the first housing member 22. The pressure-receiving portion 73 protrudes from the inner wall 47 to the downstream side and is accommodated inside the outer wall 48. The valve element 13 is movable along the axis L inside the body 11. In addition, the valve element 13 is movable toward and away from the valve seat 12.

[0023] The head 71 is generally cylindrical in shape. The head 71 has a tapered shape that tapers toward the tip side, i.e., the upstream side. The tapered shape of the head 71 is inclined in accordance with the inclination of the valve hole 61 in the downstream region.

[0024] The shape of the main body 72 is generally a stepped cylinder. The main body 72 has a tip portion 81, an intermediate portion 82, and a base portion 83. The tip portion 81, the intermediate portion 82, and the base portion 83 are integrally formed in this order from the upstream side. The head 71 is provided on the upstream end surface of the tip portion 81. The outer diameters of the main body 72 are set to larger values ​​in the order of the tip portion 81, the intermediate portion 82, and the base portion 83. The outer peripheral surface of the base portion 83 has a first mounting groove 84. The first mounting groove 84 is provided in an annular shape extending around the entire circumference of the base portion 83.

[0025] The outer diameter of tip portion 81 is smaller than the inner diameter of partition wall 44 of first housing member 22, and the gap between tip portion 81 and partition wall 44 functions as part of gas flow path 17. The outer diameter of intermediate portion 82 is larger than the outer diameter of tip portion 81. The outer diameter of base end portion 83 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of accommodating hole 43. The outer peripheral surface of base end portion 83 is slidable against the inner peripheral surface of accommodating hole 43.

[0026] The main body 72 also has a plurality of (for example, four) horizontal holes 86 and one vertical hole 87. Each horizontal hole 86 extends linearly along a direction perpendicular to the axis L. Each horizontal hole 86 opens to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion 82. The multiple horizontal holes 86 are provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the main body 72. The vertical hole 87 extends linearly along the axis L. The vertical hole 87 opens to the end face of the main body 72 opposite to the head 71. That is, the downstream end of the vertical hole 87 opens to the downstream side of the valve body 13 in the gas flow path 17. The upstream end of the vertical hole 87 communicates with each of the multiple horizontal holes 86. The multiple horizontal holes 86 and the vertical hole 87 form a valve body flow path.

[0027] The pressure receiving portion 73 is generally shaped like a stepped annular ring. The pressure receiving portion 73 extends radially outward from the downstream end of the main body portion 72. The outer diameter of the pressure receiving portion 73 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer wall 48 of the first housing member 22. The outer peripheral surface of the pressure receiving portion 73 is slidable against the inner peripheral surface of the outer wall 48. The thickness of the pressure receiving portion 73 in the direction along the axis L is thicker at the outer radial portion than at the inner radial portion. The outer peripheral surface of the pressure receiving portion 73 has a second mounting groove 88. The second mounting groove 88 is provided in an annular shape extending around the entire circumference of the pressure receiving portion 73.

[0028] For example, a compression coil spring is used as the biasing member 14. The biasing member 14 is housed in the installation groove 46. The biasing member 14 is compressed in the installation groove 46 along the axis L between the bottom surface of the installation groove 46 and the pressure-receiving portion 73 of the valve body 13. The biasing member 14 biases the valve body 13 in a valve-opening direction away from the valve seat 12, i.e., toward the downstream side in the flow direction of hydrogen gas.

[0029] Lip seals are used for the first seal member 15 and the second seal member 16. The first seal member 15 is mounted in the first mounting groove 84, and the second seal member 16 is mounted in the second mounting groove 88. The first seal member 15 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 72 and the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 43. The second seal member 16 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the pressure-receiving portion 73 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer wall 48. This prevents the reduced pressure hydrogen gas from being released to the outside via the mounting groove 46 and the communicating passage 49.

[0030] Next, the operation of the pressure reducing valve 1 will be described.

[0031] In the initial state before high pressure hydrogen gas is supplied from the primary port 4, the valve element 13 is maintained in a state moved downstream by the biasing force of the biasing member 14. That is, the pressure reducing valve 1 is maintained in an open state in which the valve element 13 is separated from the valve seat 12.

[0032] Hydrogen gas at primary pressure supplied from the primary port 4 passes through the joint flow path 32, which is the gas flow path 17, and flows into the accommodation hole 43 via the gap between the valve hole 61 and the head 71 of the valve body 13. When the hydrogen gas passes through the gap between the valve hole 61 and the head 71, the pressure of the hydrogen gas is reduced according to the size of the gap. The reduced pressure hydrogen gas flows into the housing flow path 53, which is the gas flow path 17, via the horizontal hole 86 and the vertical hole 87, and is sent out from the secondary port 5. As the amount of hydrogen gas flowing in through the valve hole 61 increases in this way, the secondary pressure rises.

[0033] The valve element 13 is biased in the valve-opening direction, i.e., downstream, by the biasing force of the biasing member 14 and by a biasing force corresponding to the primary pressure received by the head 71 through the valve hole 61. In contrast, the valve element 13 is biased in the valve-closing direction, i.e., upstream, by a biasing force corresponding to the secondary pressure received mainly by the pressure-receiving portion 73. The valve element 13 moves depending on the magnitude relationship between the biasing force toward the upstream side and the biasing force toward the downstream side.

[0034] The valve element 13 approaches the valve seat 12 in response to an increase in the secondary pressure, and when the secondary pressure reaches a set pressure, the valve element 13 seats on the valve seat 12. In other words, the pressure reducing valve 1 is in a closed state.

[0035] Thereafter, when the secondary pressure drops as a result of hydrogen gas being consumed in the fuel cell 3, the valve element 13 moves downstream in response to this drop in secondary pressure. When the pressure reducing valve 1 eventually opens again, hydrogen gas flows in from the primary port 4. As a result of the valve element 13 moving in this manner in response to the pressure difference between the primary and secondary pressures, hydrogen gas adjusted to the set pressure is supplied from the pressure reducing valve 1 to the fuel cell 3.

[0036] Here, the upstream side of the valve body 13 in the gas flow passage 17, i.e., the side where the primary port 4 is provided with respect to the valve body 13, is referred to as the primary side, and the downstream side of the valve body 13 in the gas flow passage 17, i.e., the side where the secondary port 5 is provided with respect to the valve body 13, is referred to as the secondary side. The gas flow passage 17 includes a primary side flow passage portion located on the upstream side of the valve body 13 and a secondary side flow passage portion located on the downstream side of the valve body 13. In addition, the primary side space based on the base end portion 83 of the accommodation hole 43 is referred to as the pressure chamber 43A. In other words, the primary side flow passage portion includes the pressure chamber 43A, which is a space formed between the valve body 13 and the valve seat 12.

[0037] The pressure reducing valve 1 configured in this manner has the following concerns. For example, when a large amount of hydrogen gas suddenly flows in from the primary port 4 while the pressure reducing valve 1 is open, it is considered that the pressure in the primary side passage section of the gas passage 17, more specifically, the pressure in the pressure chamber 43A, will suddenly rise. In this case, the difference between the pressure in the primary side passage section and the pressure in the secondary side passage section will become larger, which may cause a delay in the closing operation of the valve element 13. There is a concern that the secondary pressure will exceed the set pressure value due to this delay in the closing operation of the valve element 13.

[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment, the following configuration is adopted for the valve body 13.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the valve body 13 has a plurality of (for example, four) auxiliary passages 89. These auxiliary passages 89 are provided at the tip 81 of the valve body 13 in a manner surrounding the head 71. The auxiliary passages 89 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the head 71. Each auxiliary passage 89 extends linearly along the axis L. Each auxiliary passage 89 communicates the vertical hole 87 with the pressure chamber 43A immediately below the vertical hole 87 on the upstream side. In other words, each auxiliary passage 89 opens to the inner end face on the upstream side of the vertical hole 87. Each auxiliary passage 89 communicates the pressure chamber 43A, which is the space between the tip 81 and the partition wall 44, with the inside of the vertical hole 87, i.e., with a middle portion of the valve body passage. The inner diameter D1, which is a dimension of the auxiliary passage 89, is set to be larger than the length D2 of the gap between the valve seat 12 and the head 71 of the valve body 13 when the pressure reducing valve 1 is in a fully open state. The length D2 is the dimension of the gap between the valve disc 13 and the valve seat 12, that is, the distance between the valve disc 13 and the valve seat 12.

[0040] By adopting this configuration, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0041] (1-1) Because the valve element 13 has the auxiliary flow path 89, hydrogen gas flowing into the pressure chamber 43A is assisted in flowing out to the secondary flow path portion of the gas flow path 17 via the auxiliary flow path 89. Therefore, even if a large amount of hydrogen gas is suddenly supplied to the pressure chamber 43A, a sudden increase in pressure in the pressure chamber 43A is suppressed. Furthermore, the difference between the primary side pressure and the secondary side pressure based on the valve element 13 is reduced, so that the valve element 13 performs the valve closing operation at a more appropriate timing. Therefore, the secondary side pressure can be more appropriately adjusted.

[0042] In detail, when the pressure reducing valve 1 is open, the hydrogen gas supplied from the primary port 4 flows into the inside of the accommodation hole 43, more specifically, into the pressure chamber 43A, through the gap between the valve seat 12 and the head 71 of the valve body 13. A part of the hydrogen gas flowing into the accommodation hole 43 flows immediately and directly into the inside of the vertical hole 87 through the multiple auxiliary flow paths 89. The remaining part of the hydrogen gas flowing into the accommodation hole 43 flows into the inside of the vertical hole 87 through the horizontal hole 86 while moving downstream through the gap between the tip 81 of the valve body 13 and the partition wall 44, bypassing the tip 81. Therefore, a part of the hydrogen gas supplied from the primary port 4, that is, the hydrogen gas flowing into the vertical hole 87 through the auxiliary flow path 89, is supplied to the fuel cell 3 prior to the hydrogen gas flowing into the vertical hole 87 through the horizontal hole 86. Therefore, even if a large amount of hydrogen gas flows in suddenly from the primary port 4 when the pressure reducing valve 1 is open, a sudden increase in pressure in the pressure chamber 43A, which is a part of the primary side flow path, is suppressed. Furthermore, because a portion of the hydrogen gas is quickly supplied to the fuel cell 3 via the auxiliary flow path 89, the pressure in the secondary flow path section also begins to rise more quickly. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the pressure chamber 43A, which is part of the primary flow path section, and the pressure in the secondary flow path section is reduced more quickly. This allows the valve body 13 to begin the valve closing operation at a more appropriate timing as the pressure in the secondary flow path section rises. This prevents the pressure in the secondary flow path section from exceeding the set pressure. The pressure reducing valve 1 can more appropriately adjust the pressure of the hydrogen gas.

[0043] (1-2) The auxiliary flow passage 89 connects the pressure chamber 43A to a portion of the vertical hole 87, which is the valve body flow passage. This configuration assists the inflow of gas from the pressure chamber 43A to the vertical hole 87. This promotes the outflow of hydrogen gas from the pressure chamber 43A toward the secondary flow passage portion of the gas flow passage 17.

[0044] Each auxiliary flow passage 89 may be provided so as to connect the pressure chamber 43A to a portion midway through the horizontal hole 86 (a portion midway through the valve body flow passage). This also assists the inflow of hydrogen gas from the pressure chamber 43A to the horizontal hole 86 and ultimately to the vertical hole 87. This promotes the outflow of hydrogen gas from the pressure chamber 43A toward the secondary flow passage portion of the gas flow passage 17.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0046] (1-3) The auxiliary flow passage 89 extends along the axis L of the valve body 13, and directly below the vertical hole 87, connects the vertical hole 87 to the pressure chamber 43A. This configuration assists the inflow of hydrogen gas into the vertical hole 87. This promotes the outflow of hydrogen gas from the pressure chamber 43A toward the secondary flow passage portion of the gas flow passage 17.

[0047] (1-4) The inner diameter D1 of the auxiliary flow passage 89 is longer than the length D2 of the gap between the valve seat 12 and the head 71 of the valve element 13 when the pressure reducing valve 1 is in a fully open state. This promotes the outflow of a larger amount of hydrogen gas from the pressure chamber 43A to the vertical hole 87 and, ultimately, to the secondary flow passage portion of the gas flow passage 17.

[0048] <Modification of the first embodiment> Next, a modified example of the first embodiment of the pressure reducing valve will be described. This modified example basically has the same configuration as the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3. For the sake of convenience, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the entire shape of the tip 81a of the valve body 13 is tapered. The tip 81a is provided continuously on the downstream side of the head 71. In other words, the tip 81a constitutes a tapered portion. The outer peripheral surface of the tip 81a is inclined with respect to the axis L of the valve body 13 over the entire axial area of ​​the tip 81a. In other words, the outer peripheral surface of the tip 81a does not include a plane perpendicular to the axis L of the valve body 13. As an example, the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the tip 81a linearly decreases from the downstream side to the upstream side so that the outer peripheral surface of the tip 81a forms a constant angle with respect to the axis L.

[0050] Each auxiliary flow passage 89a has a first opening 89b that opens to the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 81a and a second opening 89c that opens to the inner end surface of the vertical hole 87. Each auxiliary flow passage 89a extends linearly in a direction inclined with respect to the axis L of the valve body 13. As a result, each first opening 89b is provided at a position spaced radially outward from the head 71. The inclination angles of the multiple auxiliary flow passages 89a with respect to the axis L are the same. The inner diameter of the auxiliary flow passage 89a is equal to the inner diameter D1 of the auxiliary flow passage 89 in the first embodiment.

[0051] By employing this configuration, in addition to the actions and effects of the first embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0052] (1-5) The valve body 13 has a tip portion 81a provided continuously on the downstream side of the head portion 71, and the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 81a is inclined with respect to the axis L of the valve body 13 over the entire axial area of ​​the tip portion 81a. In other words, the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 81a does not include a plane perpendicular to the axis L of the valve body 13. Therefore, compared to the case where the tip portion 81a includes a plane perpendicular to the axis L, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a portion where the inflowing hydrogen gas accumulates and becomes high pressure, that is, a so-called pressure pool, on the upstream side of the tip portion 81a. This reduces the difference in pressure between the primary side flow passage portion and the secondary side flow passage portion of the gas flow passage 17, so that the valve body 13 performs a valve closing operation at an appropriate timing.

[0053] (1-6) The auxiliary flow passage 89a has a first opening 89b that opens into the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 81a. The auxiliary flow passage 89a extends in a direction inclined with respect to the axis L of the valve body 13 so that the first opening 89b is away from the head 71. Since the first opening 89b is thus away from the head 71, the head 71 is less likely to be damaged when the auxiliary flow passage 89a is formed, and the processing of the valve body 13 becomes easier.

[0054] As described above, the tapered shape of the head 71 is inclined corresponding to the inclination of the downstream region of the valve hole 61, so that the outer peripheral surface of the head 71 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve hole 61. This prevents hydrogen gas from passing through the valve hole 61 when the valve is closed. Therefore, it is important to process the auxiliary flow path 89a without damaging the head 71.

[0055] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the pressure reducing valve will be described. This embodiment basically has the same configuration as the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3. For the sake of convenience, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the first housing member 22 has a partition wall 91 that separates the accommodation hole 43 and the second mounting hole 42 from each other. The partition wall 91 is an annular flat plate perpendicular to the axis L. The partition wall 91 has a fitting hole 92. The fitting hole 92 connects the accommodation hole 43 and the second mounting hole 42 to each other. The fitting hole 92 is a two-stage hole having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. The large diameter portion of the fitting hole 92 is located on the side where the accommodation hole 43 is provided, and the small diameter portion of the fitting hole 92 is located on the side where the second mounting hole 42 is provided. The inner diameter of the large diameter portion of the fitting hole 92 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tip portion 81 of the valve body 13. The tip portion 81 of the valve body 13 is fitted into the large diameter portion of the fitting hole 92. However, the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 81 is slidable against the inner circumferential surface of the fitting hole 92.

[0057] Incidentally, the sizes of the tip portion 81 and the fitting hole 92 are set so that the tip portion 81 does not come out of the fitting hole 92 even when the pressure reducing valve 1 is in a fully open state. In addition, the peripheral portion of the fitting hole 92 in the partition wall 91 and the upstream end portion of the intermediate portion 82 face each other in the direction along the axis L. The distance between the intermediate portion 82 and the partition wall 91, etc. are set so that the intermediate portion 82 does not come into contact with the partition wall 91 until the head portion 71 is seated on the valve seat 12.

[0058] A spare chamber 93 is provided inside the fitting hole 92, which is a part of the pressure chamber 43A that is partitioned and separated by the fitting of the fitting hole 92 with the valve body 13. The spare chamber 93 is a space that is surrounded by the tip portion 81 of the valve body 13, the inner circumferential surface of the fitting hole 92, and the valve seat 12. A plurality of auxiliary flow paths 89 provided in the tip portion 81 of the valve body 13 open into the spare chamber 93. That is, the spare chamber 93 and the vertical hole 87 communicate with each other via the auxiliary flow paths 89.

[0059] According to this configuration, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0060] (2-1) Since the valve element 13 has the auxiliary flow path 89, hydrogen gas flowing into the preliminary chamber 93, which is part of the pressure chamber 43A, is assisted in flowing out to the secondary flow path portion of the gas flow path 17 via the auxiliary flow path 89. Therefore, even if a large amount of hydrogen gas is suddenly supplied to the pressure chamber 43A, a sudden increase in pressure in the pressure chamber 43A is suppressed. Furthermore, since the difference between the primary side pressure and the secondary side pressure based on the valve element 13 is reduced, the valve element 13 performs the valve closing operation at a more appropriate timing. Therefore, the secondary side pressure can be more appropriately adjusted.

[0061] In detail, when the pressure reducing valve 1 is open, the hydrogen gas supplied from the primary port 4 first flows into the preliminary chamber 93 through the gap between the valve seat 12 and the head 71 of the valve body 13. A part of the hydrogen gas that flows into the preliminary chamber 93 flows immediately and directly into the inside of the vertical hole 87 through the multiple auxiliary flow paths 89. The remaining part of the hydrogen gas that flows from the preliminary chamber 93 into the inside of the vertical hole 87 flows into the pressure chamber 43A through the horizontal hole 86. Therefore, a part of the hydrogen gas supplied from the primary port 4, that is, the hydrogen gas that flows into the vertical hole 87 through the auxiliary flow path 89, is supplied to the fuel cell 3 prior to the hydrogen gas that flows into the vertical hole 87 through the horizontal hole 86. Therefore, even if a large amount of hydrogen gas flows in suddenly from the primary port 4 when the pressure reducing valve 1 is open, the pressure of the pressure chamber 43A, which is a part of the primary side flow path, is suppressed from rising suddenly. In addition, since a part of the hydrogen gas is quickly supplied to the fuel cell 3 through the auxiliary flow path 89, the pressure of the secondary side flow path also starts to rise quickly. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the pressure chamber 43A and the pressure in the secondary flow passage portion is reduced more quickly. This allows the valve element 13 to start the valve closing operation at a more appropriate timing as the pressure in the secondary flow passage portion increases. This prevents the pressure in the secondary flow passage portion from exceeding the set pressure. The pressure reducing valve 1 can more appropriately adjust the pressure of the hydrogen gas.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0063] (2-2) When the valve disc 13 attempts to move further toward the valve seat 12 in the fully closed state where the valve disc 13 is firmly seated on the valve seat, the upstream end of the intermediate portion 82 abuts against the peripheral portion of the fitting hole 92 in the partition wall 91. Further movement of the valve disc 13 toward the upstream side is restricted, thereby suppressing excessive deformation of the valve seat 12.

[0064] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the pressure reducing valve will be described. This embodiment basically has the same configuration as the second embodiment shown in Fig. 5. For the sake of convenience, the same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 6, the partition wall 91 has a third mounting hole 101 which is a part of the gas flow path 17. The third mounting hole 101 may be provided as a part of the fitting hole 92, for example. The third mounting hole 101 is provided in a manner that the side of the fitting hole 92 where the second mounting hole 42 is provided, i.e., the upstream side, is expanded in diameter. The third mounting hole 101 has a circular shape. The third mounting hole 101 is located on the axis L. The inner diameter of the third mounting hole 101 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second mounting hole 42 and larger than the inner diameter of the fitting hole 92.

[0066] A stopper 102 is attached to the third mounting hole 101. The stopper 102 may be, for example, a washer. The entire upstream end face of the stopper 102 is in contact with the valve seat 12. The stopper 102 is made of a metal material or a synthetic resin material. The stopper 102 is shaped like a ring. The stopper 102 has a through hole 103 that extends linearly along the axis L. The through hole 103 opens to two side surfaces that are opposite to each other in the direction along the axis L of the stopper 102. The inner diameter of the through hole 103 is larger than the outer diameter of the head 71 of the valve body 13 and smaller than the outer diameter of the tip portion 81 of the valve body 13.

[0067] Incidentally, the distance between the upstream end face of the tip portion 81 and the stopper 102 is set so that the upstream end face of the tip portion 81 abuts against the stopper 102 at the timing when the head 71 of the valve body 13 seats on the valve seat 12. In this embodiment, the space surrounded by the tip portion 81 of the valve body 13, the inner circumferential surface of the fitting hole 92, the inner circumferential surface of the stopper 102, and the valve seat 12 functions as a reserve chamber 93. The remaining portion of the pressure chamber 43A other than the reserve chamber 93 may be referred to as a main chamber 94.

[0068] The stopper 102 has a plurality of grooves 104. These grooves 104 are provided on the downstream side surface of the stopper 102. The plurality of grooves 104 extend along the radial direction of the stopper 102 and are provided over the entire length of the stopper 102 from the inner circumference to the outer circumference. The plurality of grooves 104 are also provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the stopper 102. The depth D3 of the grooves 104 is set to be shorter than the length D2. In other words, the flow path area of ​​the grooves 104 is set to be smaller than the flow path area of ​​the gap between the valve seat 12 and the valve body 13.

[0069] The partition wall 91 has a plurality of pores 105. The number of the pores 105 is the same as the number of the grooves 104. The pores 105 extend along the axis L. The pores 105 communicate between the main chamber 94 of the pressure chamber 43A and the third mounting hole 101. The inner diameter of the pores 105 may be approximately the same as the depth D3 of the groove 104. The pores 105 are provided at equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction of the fitting hole 92 so as to correspond to the grooves 104 of the stopper 102. The stopper 102 is attached to the third mounting hole 101 so that the grooves 104 correspond to the pores 105. The grooves 104 and the pores 105 are maintained in communication with each other. That is, the grooves 104 and the pores 105 form a plurality of throttle channels 106, which are narrower gas channels. As a result, the main chamber 94 and the preliminary chamber 93 in the pressure chamber 43A communicate with each other via a plurality of throttle channels 106. The dimension of the throttle channels 106 is set to be shorter than the above-mentioned length D2.

[0070] Incidentally, it is sufficient that the dimension of the throttle passage 106 has a portion that is set to a value smaller than the dimension of the gap between the valve seat 12 and the valve body 13 when the pressure reducing valve 1 is in a fully open state. In other words, it is sufficient that the dimension of either the groove 104 or the pore 105 is set to a value smaller than the length D2.

[0071] Furthermore, the stopper 102 does not have to be provided as a separate member. For example, a portion corresponding to the stopper 102 may be integrally formed with the first housing member 22. In this case, from the viewpoint of workability, instead of the groove 104, for example, an oblique hole communicating between the main chamber 94 and the preliminary chamber 93 in the pressure chamber 43A may be provided as the throttle flow path 106.

[0072] The partition wall 91 including the fitting hole 92 and the throttle flow passage 106 form a throttle portion that throttles the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing into the main chamber 94 of the pressure chamber 43A according to the gap between the valve seat 12 and the valve body 13.

[0073] According to this configuration, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0074] (3-1) The pressure reducing valve 1 has a throttle passage 106 which is a throttle portion. According to this configuration, the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing into the main chamber 94 of the pressure chamber 43A is throttled by the throttle passage 106. Therefore, even if a large amount of hydrogen gas is suddenly supplied to the pressure chamber 43A, a sudden increase in pressure in the main chamber 94 is suppressed. Furthermore, since the difference between the primary side pressure and the secondary side pressure based on the valve body 13 is reduced, the valve body 13 performs the valve closing operation at a more appropriate timing. Therefore, the secondary side pressure can be more appropriately adjusted.

[0075] In detail, when the pressure reducing valve 1 is open, the hydrogen gas supplied from the primary port 4 first flows into the preliminary chamber 93 through the gap between the valve seat 12 and the head 71 of the valve body 13. The hydrogen gas flowing into the preliminary chamber 93 flows into the main chamber 94 through a plurality of throttle channels 106. However, when the hydrogen gas passes through the throttle channels 106, the pressure is further reduced in accordance with the flow area of ​​the throttle channels 106. In other words, the hydrogen gas flowing into the preliminary chamber 93 is supplied to the main chamber 94 with its flow rate reduced by passing through the throttle channels 106. Therefore, even if a large amount of hydrogen gas suddenly flows in from the primary port 4 when the pressure reducing valve 1 is open, the pressure in the main chamber 94 is prevented from rising suddenly. In addition, the pressure rise rate of the main chamber 94 is more slowly suppressed, and therefore the pressure in the secondary side flow channel of the gas flow channel 17 also rises more slowly. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the primary side flow channel and the pressure in the secondary side flow channel is smaller. As a result, the valve element 13 starts the valve closing operation at a more appropriate timing as the pressure in the secondary flow passage portion rises. Therefore, the pressure in the secondary flow passage portion is prevented from exceeding the set pressure. The pressure reducing valve 1 can more appropriately adjust the pressure of the hydrogen gas. Furthermore, by suppressing the rate of pressure rise in the main chamber 94, the valve element 13 can perform the valve closing and opening operations more smoothly.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0077] (3-2) The dimension of the throttle passage 106 has a portion that is shorter than the length D2. Therefore, the flow rate of the hydrogen gas flowing from the preliminary chamber 93 to the main chamber 94 can be appropriately throttled.

[0078] (3-3) When the valve disc 13 attempts to move further toward the valve seat 12 from the state in which it is seated on the valve seat 12, the upstream end face of the tip portion 81 abuts against the stopper 102. Further movement of the valve disc 13 toward the upstream side is restricted, thereby suppressing excessive deformation of the valve seat 12.

[0079] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the pressure reducing valve will be described. This embodiment basically has the same configuration as the second embodiment shown in Fig. 5. For the sake of convenience, the same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] 7, the valve body 13 has a plurality of (for example, four) throttle passages 107. The plurality of throttle passages 107 are configured similarly to the plurality of auxiliary passages 89 in the second embodiment, except that their inner diameters are different. Therefore, the throttle passages 107 communicate with the preliminary chamber 93 and the vertical hole 87. The inner diameter of the throttle passage 107 is set to be shorter than the length D2.

[0081] In addition, the partition 91 including the fitting hole 92 and the throttling passage 107 provided in the valve body 13 constitute a throttling section that throttles the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing into the main chamber 94 of the pressure chamber 43A depending on the gap between the valve seat 12 and the valve body 13.

[0082] According to this configuration, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0083] (4-1) The pressure reducing valve 1 has a throttle passage 107 which is a throttle section. According to this configuration, the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing into the main chamber 94 of the pressure chamber 43A is throttled by the throttle passage 107. Therefore, even if a large amount of hydrogen gas is suddenly supplied to the pressure chamber 43A, a sudden increase in pressure in the pressure chamber 43A is suppressed. Furthermore, since the difference between the primary side pressure and the secondary side pressure based on the valve body 13 is reduced, the valve body 13 performs the valve closing operation at a more appropriate timing. Therefore, the secondary side pressure can be more appropriately adjusted.

[0084] In detail, when the pressure reducing valve 1 is open, the hydrogen gas supplied from the primary port 4 first flows into the preliminary chamber 93 through the gap between the valve seat 12 and the head 71 of the valve body 13. The hydrogen gas flowing into the preliminary chamber 93 flows into the main chamber 94 of the pressure chamber 43A through the multiple throttle channels 107 and the side hole 86. However, when the hydrogen gas passes through the throttle channel 107, the pressure is further reduced according to the flow area of ​​the throttle channel 107. In other words, the hydrogen gas flowing into the preliminary chamber 93 is supplied to the main chamber 94 with its flow rate reduced by passing through the throttle channel 107. Therefore, even if a large amount of hydrogen gas suddenly flows in from the primary port 4 when the pressure reducing valve 1 is open, the pressure in the main chamber 94 is prevented from rising suddenly. In addition, the pressure rise rate of the main chamber 94 is suppressed more slowly, and the pressure in the secondary side flow channel also rises more slowly. Therefore, the difference between the pressure in the primary side flow channel and the pressure in the secondary side flow channel is smaller. As a result, the valve element 13 starts the valve closing operation at a more appropriate timing as the pressure in the secondary flow passage portion rises. Therefore, the pressure in the secondary flow passage portion is prevented from exceeding the set pressure. The pressure reducing valve 1 can more appropriately adjust the pressure of the hydrogen gas. Furthermore, by suppressing the rate of pressure rise in the main chamber 94, the valve element 13 can perform the valve closing and opening operations more smoothly.

[0085] <Other embodiments> The first to fourth embodiments may be modified as follows.

[0086] In the modification of the first embodiment, the shape of the auxiliary flow passages 89a can be appropriately changed. For example, the second opening 89c may open to the inner peripheral surface of the horizontal hole 86 instead of the end surface of the vertical hole 87. Also, as shown in Fig. 8, each auxiliary flow passage 89a may extend linearly along the axis L of the valve body 13. In this example, the first opening 89b is provided at a position radially adjacent to the head 71.

[0087] In the modification of the first embodiment, the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 81a decreases linearly from the downstream side to the upstream side so that the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 81a forms a constant angle with respect to the axis L, but this is not limited to this. For example, the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 81a may decrease non-linearly from the downstream side to the upstream side so that the angle of the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 81a with respect to the axis L gradually decreases.

[0088] In each embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the biasing member 14, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other elastic members such as a disc spring may be used.

[0089] In each embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 1 is used to reduce the pressure of high-pressure hydrogen gas, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be used to reduce the pressure of high-pressure gases other than hydrogen.

Claims

1. a body having a gas flow passage; a valve seat provided in the middle of the gas flow path; a valve body provided downstream of the valve seat in the gas flow path, the gas flow path includes a primary flow path portion located upstream of the valve body and a secondary flow path portion located downstream of the valve body, the primary flow path portion includes a pressure chamber which is a space formed between the valve body and the valve seat, the valve body is constantly biased in a direction away from the valve seat and is configured to open and close the valve seat in response to a pressure difference between the primary flow path portion and the secondary flow path portion, Furthermore, the valve body a valve element flow path that opens to an outer circumferential surface of the valve element and communicates the pressure chamber with the secondary flow path portion; an auxiliary flow passage that opens to an outer circumferential surface of the valve body and assists gas flowing into the pressure chamber to flow out to the secondary flow passage portion according to a gap between the valve body and the valve seat, the valve body flow path and the auxiliary flow path are opened independently from each other on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body, The auxiliary flow passage is open upstream of the valve body flow passage on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body.

2. 2. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary flow passage connects the pressure chamber to a midway portion of the valve body flow passage.

3. The valve body is A head portion that abuts against the valve seat; A tapered portion provided continuously downstream of the head portion, 3. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion is inclined with respect to an axis of the valve body over an entire axial length of the tapered portion.

4. the auxiliary flow passage has an opening that opens to an outer circumferential surface of the tapered portion, The pressure reducing valve according to claim 3 , wherein the auxiliary flow passage extends in a direction inclined with respect to an axis of the valve body so that the opening is away from the head.

5. The valve body flow path is a lateral hole extending in a direction intersecting an axis of the valve body at a position in the valve body close to the valve seat and opening into the pressure chamber; a vertical hole extending along an axis of the valve body and communicating the horizontal hole with the secondary flow passage portion, 4. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary flow passage extends along an axis of the valve body, and connects the vertical hole to the pressure chamber immediately below the vertical hole.

6. 6. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 1, wherein a dimension of the auxiliary flow passage is set to a value larger than a dimension of a gap between the valve disc and the valve seat when the valve disc is in a fully open state with respect to the valve seat.

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