Airtight terminal and tank valve device equipped with same

Abstract

To provide an airtight terminal capable of ensuring airtightness in a high-voltage region while reducing the size.SOLUTION: An airtight terminal includes a synthetic resin substrate that is attached to holes connected to a low-pressure region and a high-pressure region and has a large diameter portion, at least one electrode inserted through the substrate, and a sealing member that is exteriorized on the substrate so as to be located on the high pressure region side of the large diameter portion, and the large diameter portion has a parting line on its outer peripheral surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an airtight terminal that is attached to holes that are connected to a low pressure region and a high pressure region, and a tank valve device that is equipped with the airtight terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] In a pressure vessel such as a high-pressure hydrogen tank, a tank valve device is provided at the mouth thereof, and the discharge of high-pressure gas inside the pressure vessel is controlled by a solenoid valve of the tank valve device. This solenoid valve uses an airtight terminal, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, and the airtight terminal electrically connects equipment outside the pressure vessel (specifically, a control device) to the coil of the solenoid valve inside the pressure vessel, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-152165 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The airtight terminal of Patent Document 1 is, for example, a glass airtight terminal. The glass airtight terminal has a cylindrical metal outer ring made of metal and an electrode pin inserted into the metal outer ring. In addition, in the glass airtight terminal, an insulating glass layer is provided between the electrode pin and the metal outer ring to ensure insulation between them. Since the insulating glass layer is provided, the inner hole of the metal outer ring cannot be made small in the glass airtight terminal. Therefore, it is difficult to miniaturize the airtight terminal.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an airtight terminal that can be made compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The airtight terminal of the present invention comprises a synthetic resin base having a large diameter portion attached to a hole portion connected to a low pressure region and a high pressure region, at least one electrode inserted into the base, and a sealing member attached to the base so as to be positioned on the high pressure region side of the large diameter portion, and the large diameter portion has a parting line on its outer circumferential surface.

[0007] According to the present invention, unlike conventional glass airtight terminals, a metal outer ring and a glass insulating layer are not required, so that the airtight terminal can be made smaller. Also, since the parting line is provided in the large diameter portion, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the seal member and the base body due to the parting line. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in airtightness in the high pressure region. In other words, it is possible to ensure airtightness in the high pressure region while making the airtight terminal smaller.

[0008] The airtight terminal of the present invention comprises a base made of synthetic resin that is fitted into hole portions that are respectively connected to a low pressure region and a high pressure region, and at least one electrode that is inserted into the base, the base having a base and a seat surface formed on the low pressure region side of the base, the seat surface being pressed against a seat surface formed in the hole portion to maintain airtightness of the high pressure region against the low pressure region, and the base having a parting line.

[0009] According to the present invention, since a metal outer ring is not required, the airtight terminal can be made smaller. In addition, the number of components can be reduced, which reduces manufacturing costs and further reduces the weight of the airtight terminal 1. In addition, the parting line can prevent a gap from being formed between the seat surface and the seating surface, which would otherwise reduce the airtightness in the high pressure region. In other words, the airtightness in the high pressure region can be ensured while the airtight terminal is made smaller.

[0010] The tank valve device of the present invention is installed in a pressure vessel and comprises the aforementioned airtight terminal, a casing attached to the pressure vessel, and electrical equipment attached to the casing so as to be located inside the pressure vessel on the high-pressure area side.

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to arrange electrical equipment such as solenoid valves inside the pressure vessel while ensuring airtightness of the high pressure region. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, miniaturization can be achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a hermetic terminal of a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the hermetic terminal of FIG. 1 is attached. [Diagram 3] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a hermetic terminal of a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an airtight terminal according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an airtight terminal according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an airtight terminal according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an airtight terminal according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a tank valve device having an airtight terminal. [Figure 9] 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the tank valve device of FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, the airtight terminals 1, 1A-1E of the first to sixth embodiments according to the present invention and the tank valve device 2 including the same will be described with reference to the drawings described above. The concept of direction used in the following description is used for convenience in the description and does not limit the orientation of the configuration of the invention to the direction. The airtight terminals 1, 1A-1E and the tank valve device 2 described below are merely one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and additions, deletions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and additions, deletions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0015] First Embodiment The airtight terminal 1 shown in Fig. 1 is for electrically connecting devices provided in high-pressure regions, such as equipment such as a tank valve device or facilities such as a clean room, while maintaining airtightness of the high-pressure region with respect to the low-pressure region outside. The airtight terminal 1 having such a function has a base 11, at least one electrode (a pair of electrodes in this embodiment) 12, a seal member 13, and a backup ring 14, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0016] The base 11 is made of synthetic resin such as PEEK, PPS, PI, and PAI. The base 11 is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. The base 11 does not necessarily have to be made of synthetic resin only. The base 11 may be partially made of something other than synthetic resin as long as the insulation is ensured. The electrodes 12 are inserted into the base 11, and both ends of the electrodes protrude from the base 11. The base 11 also has a large diameter portion 11a in its axial middle portion, which protrudes in the radial direction and is formed to have the largest diameter in the base 11. The base 11 also has an abutment surface 11b on the tip side of the large diameter portion 11a. The abutment surface 11b is tapered from the large diameter portion 11a toward the tip side. The base 11 also has a seal member 13 on the mounting surface 11c on one end side of the large diameter portion 11a. The seal member 13 is an annular member made of synthetic rubber or the like, such as an O-ring. A backup ring 14 is fitted to the remaining portion of the base body 11. The backup ring 14 is positioned between the seal member 13 and the large diameter portion 11a and supports the seal member 13.

[0017] The airtight terminal 1 thus constructed is provided so as to be fitted into a hole 10 as shown in Fig. 2, for example, a hole 10 formed in a casing 21 (see Fig. 8) of a tank valve device 2 described later or in a wall of a clean room. The hole 10 has a large diameter portion 10a and a small diameter portion 10b, and the large diameter portion 10a is formed to have a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 10b. The portion between the large diameter portion 10a and the small diameter portion 10b is formed so as to reduce in diameter from the large diameter portion 10a side toward the small diameter portion 10b side, forming a tapered seat surface 10c. In the hole 10 having such a shape, the large diameter portion 10a is connected to a high pressure region H (for example, inside a tank or a clean room), and the small diameter portion 10b is connected to a low pressure region L (for example, the atmosphere). Therefore, the large diameter portion 10a is at a higher pressure than the small diameter portion 10b, and the airtight terminal 1 is attached to the hole 10 to prevent the high pressure gas in the large diameter portion 10a from leaking to the small diameter portion 10b. In other words, the airtight terminal 1 maintains the airtightness of the high pressure region H against the low pressure region L.

[0018] More specifically, in the airtight terminal 1, the base body 11 is inserted into the large diameter portion 10a, and the seal member 13, which is fitted to the base body 11, is brought into contact with the inner wall of the hole 10. In this way, the seal member 13 ensures airtightness in the high pressure region H relative to the low pressure region L. In addition, in the airtight terminal 1, the seal member 13 is disposed on the high pressure region H side. In detail, the seal member 13 is disposed on the high pressure region H side relative to the large diameter portion 11a. Therefore, the seal member 13 is crushed by the gas in the high pressure region H. This allows the seal member 13 to be in close contact with the inner wall of the hole 10, improving airtightness. In addition, the backup ring 14 is disposed on the low pressure region L side relative to the seal member 13. This allows the backup ring 14 to stably support the seal member.

[0019] In addition, the airtight terminal 1 has the abutment surface 11b abutted against the seating surface 10c, and the abutment surface 11b is pressed against the seating surface 10c by the gas in the high pressure region H. Therefore, the abutment surface 11b is formed as follows. That is, the taper angle α of the abutment surface 11b is formed to be larger than the taper angle β of the seating surface 10c of the hole portion 10. In addition, the abutment surface 11b has a portion connected to the large diameter portion 11a that is chamfered with R. Therefore, the abutment surface 11b abuts the R portion that is chamfered with R against the seating surface 10c. As a result, a gap 10g is formed between the portion connected to the small diameter portion 10b, that is, the most reduced diameter portion (hereinafter referred to as the "minimum reduced diameter portion") 10d of the seating surface 10c and the abutment surface 11b, and the gaps 10g can be separated. Although the minimum reduced diameter portion 10d has a chamfered corner, it is a portion where stress concentration is likely to occur when the abutment surface 11b abuts. Therefore, by separating the contact surface 11b from the narrowest diameter portion 10d, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned stress concentration from occurring. Also, the airtight terminal 1 is fixed in the hole 10 in the following manner.

[0020] That is, the airtight terminal 1 has one end 11d protruding from the large diameter portion 10a of the hole 10, and the one end 11d is inserted into the regulating member 15. A noncircular portion having a noncircular cross section is formed in a part of the airtight terminal 1. The cross section of the one end 11d of the base 11 is approximately oval in shape, with planes 11f, 11f formed by cutting out the circle at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (positions spaced apart by 180 degrees in this embodiment), and the rotational position of the airtight terminal 1 can be changed by gripping the planes 11f, 11f. The one end 11d of the base 11 does not necessarily have to be oval in shape, and may have a rectangular cross section, as long as it can be gripped and rotated. The one end 11d of the base 11 has a step 11g formed there, and the step 11g hits the regulating member 15, thereby restricting its movement toward the high pressure side.

[0021] A high-voltage side connector 16 is inserted into the mounting hole 15a. The high-voltage side connector 16 is electrically connected to an electrical device (not shown) disposed in the high-voltage region H. The high-voltage side connector 16 is, for example, a female connector, and one end 12a is fitted into a pair of insertion holes 16a, 16a formed therein. The other end 12b of the electrode 12 protrudes into the small diameter portion 10b, and a low-voltage side connector 17 is inserted into the small diameter portion 10b. The low-voltage side connector 17 is electrically connected to an external device (not shown) disposed in the low-voltage region L. The low-voltage side connector 17 is also, for example, a female connector, and the other end 12b is fitted into an insertion hole 17a formed therein. Therefore, the electrical device and the external device can be electrically connected by fitting and connecting the two connectors 16, 17 to the airtight terminal 1, respectively.

[0022] The hermetic terminal 1 thus constructed is constructed by inserting the electrode 12 into the base 11 made of synthetic resin, and does not require a metal outer ring and a glass insulating layer as in conventional hermetic terminals, making it possible to miniaturize the hermetic terminal 1. In addition, since the hermetic terminal 1 does not require a metal outer ring and a glass insulating layer, it is possible to reduce the number of components, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and making the hermetic terminal 1 lighter.

[0023] In addition, since the base 11 is molded by a mold such as injection molding, the airtight terminal 1 can be mass-produced at low cost even if it has a complex shape. The mold for molding the airtight terminal 1 is configured to combine multiple mold parts in consideration of the removal of the airtight terminal 1 from the mold. Therefore, when the base 11 is molded by a mold, a parting line is formed at the joint of the mold parts. In the airtight terminal 1, the position of this joint is adjusted to form the parting line 11e in a portion other than the mounting surface 11c (in this embodiment, the large diameter portion 11a), and no parting line is formed on the mounting surface 11c. In the airtight terminal 1 according to this embodiment, a circular parting line 11e extending over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 11a of the base 11. For example, when the parting line is formed on the mounting surface 11c, a gap is formed between the mounting surface 11c and the seal member 13, and high-pressure gas flows out from the gap. This reduces the airtightness of the high-pressure region H. In the airtight terminal 1, as described above, the parting line 11e is formed in a portion other than the mounting surface 11c, so that gas does not flow out from between the mounting surface 11c and the seal member 13, and airtightness in the high pressure region H can be ensured. In other words, the airtight terminal 1 can ensure airtightness in the high pressure region H while being miniaturized.

[0024] As described above, when the parting line 11e is sealed at a location on the high pressure region H side, the parting line 11e is located on the low pressure region L side of a smooth region (for example, the mounting surface 11c) where the parting line 11e is not present. The large diameter portion 11a is also located on the low pressure region L side of the smooth region, and the high pressure region H in the base 11 has the same diameter or is tapered from the smooth region. This makes it possible to remove from the mold. The parting line does not necessarily have to be formed only on the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 11a, and a parting line parallel to the axis may be formed in the base 11 from the large diameter portion 11a to one end (i.e., on the opposite side of the mounting surface 11c across the large diameter portion 11a).

[0025] Moreover, the mold for molding the base 11 is formed so that the gate portion that connects the passage of the mold to the product shape portion (hollow portion) of the resin airtight terminal of the mold is located on the low pressure side of the mounting surface 11c of the base 11. This makes it possible to guide the gate mark to the low pressure side when it peels off, and prevents the peeled gate mark from getting between the mounting surface 11c and the seal member 13, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the high pressure region H.

[0026] Furthermore, in the airtight terminal 1, the electrode 12 and the base 11 are integrally molded. The electrode 12 is subjected to surface treatment such as surface roughening and formation of a bonding film between metal and resin. Then, the electrode 12 is bonded to the base 11 by dissimilar materials. The surface treatment may be performed on at least the axially middle portion of the electrode 12 where the base 11 is provided. Examples of the surface treatment include chemical treatment and physical treatment by laser irradiation. In this way, the electrode 12 and the base 11 can be firmly bonded by the surface treatment. Therefore, the bondability and airtightness between the electrode 12 and the base 11 can be improved.

[0027] <Second embodiment> The configuration of the hermetic terminal 1A of the second embodiment is similar to that of the hermetic terminal 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the hermetic terminal 1A of the second embodiment will be mainly described with respect to the differences from the hermetic terminal 1 of the first embodiment, and the same configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. The same applies to the hermetic terminals 1B and 1C of the third and fourth embodiments described below.

[0028] The airtight terminal 1A of the second embodiment includes a base 11, a pair of electrodes 12A, 12A, a seal member 13 (see FIG. 2), and a backup ring 14 (see FIG. 2) as shown in FIG. 3. The electrode 12A is formed to be long. That is, the electrode 12A has an other end portion 12c protruding toward the low pressure region L that is longer than one end portion 12a protruding toward the high pressure region H. The other end portion is covered with an insulator 18.

[0029] The insulator 18 is made of an insulating material, for example, a synthetic resin such as PBT, ABS, PP, PA, or PPS. The insulator 18 is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. The insulator 18 has an insertion hole 18a. In this embodiment, a pair of insertion holes 18a are formed. The other end portion of the electrode 12A is covered with the insulator 18 so that the other end portion fits into the insertion holes 18a. The insulator 18 is formed shorter than the other end portion of the electrode 12A, and the tip of the other end portion of the electrode 12A protrudes from the insulator 18. The protruding portion is inserted into the low-voltage connector 17.

[0030] Moreover, the insulator 18 has at least one protruding piece 18b (a pair of protruding pieces 18b, 18b in this embodiment) formed on one end face, which is the end face on the side of the base body 11. The protruding pieces 18b are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction (at intervals of 180 degrees in this embodiment) and protrude from the base end face to the side of the base body 11. Furthermore, a notch 11h is formed in the other end of the base body 11 in correspondence with the protruding piece 18b (see also FIG. 1), and the pair of protruding pieces 18b enter the notch 11h, thereby preventing the insulator 18 from rotating relative to the base body 11 around its axis. That is, the other end side portion of the pair of electrodes 12A is not twisted due to the relative rotation. The notch 11h does not necessarily have to be formed on the base body 11, and may be formed on the insulator 18 side. In that case, the protruding piece 18b is formed on the side of the base body. Any other structure may be used as long as it can prevent rotation.

[0031] Furthermore, the insertion hole 18a is formed with an inner diameter that is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the electrode 12A. Therefore, the electrode 12A can be fitted into the insulator 18. This makes it possible to suppress the insulator 18 from moving in the axial direction relative to the pair of electrodes 12A. In detail, the insertion hole 18a is formed in a tapered shape such that the portion on one end side expands in diameter toward the other end side, making it easy to insert the electrode 12A. Furthermore, the remaining portion of the insertion hole 18a, excluding the opening portion on the other end side, is formed with an inner diameter that is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the electrode 12A in part or in its entirety.

[0032] In the hermetic terminal 1A thus configured, the use of the insulator 18 allows the electrode 12A to be employed which protrudes further toward the low-voltage region L. This allows the tip of the electrode 12A to be extended to a farther position, and the conductor wire connected to the electrode 12A can be shortened or eliminated. In addition, in the hermetic terminal 1A, the base 11 and the insulator 18 are configured as separate bodies, which makes it easier to mold the insulator 18 compared to when they are integrally formed. This allows the yield of the hermetic terminal 1A to be improved.

[0033] In addition, the hermetic terminal 1A of the second embodiment has the same functions and effects as the hermetic terminal 1 of the first embodiment.

[0034] <Third embodiment> As shown in FIG. 4, the airtight terminal 1B of the third embodiment includes a base 11B, a pair of electrodes 12, a seal member 13, a backup ring 14, and a reinforcing member 19. The base 11B is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape, and its tip portion on the low pressure region side is formed flat. The reinforcing member 19 is joined to the tip portion of the base 11B by dissimilar material bonding. That is, the reinforcing member 19 is made of a material that is insulating and stronger than the synthetic resin that is the material of the base 11B, such as a ceramic material, and reinforces the tip portion of the base 11B. Therefore, the tip portion of the base 11B abuts against the opening end 10e via the reinforcing member 19, and when the base 11B is pressed by the gas in the high pressure region H toward the seat surface 10c, it is possible to suppress an excessive load from acting on the tip portion of the base 11B. This makes it possible to form a step between the large diameter portion 10a and the small diameter portion 10b and to flatten the seat surface 10c, which makes it easier to form the hole 10.

[0035] In addition, the hermetic terminal 1B of the third embodiment has the same functions and effects as the hermetic terminal 1 of the first embodiment.

[0036] <Fourth embodiment> As shown in Fig. 5, the airtight terminal 1C of the fourth embodiment has a base 11C and a pair of electrodes 12, 12. The base 11C has a substantially cylindrical base 11k and a seat surface 11i, and the seat surface 11i is formed on a portion of the base 11k on the low pressure region L side. The seat surface 11i is formed in a tapered shape like the abutment surface 11b, and one end side portion of the seat surface 11i is seated on the seat surface 10c. In this way, the seat surface 11i is seated on the seat surface 10c, thereby sealing the high pressure region H. The shape of the seat surface 11i is not necessarily limited to the shape described above, and may be formed in a partially spherical shape.

[0037] In the airtight terminal 1C configured in this manner, the base 11C is pressed against the seating surface 10c by the gas in the high pressure region H, thereby suppressing leakage of gas from the high pressure region H to the low pressure region L. This makes it possible to maintain airtightness of the high pressure region H against the low pressure region L. In addition, in the airtight terminal 1C, airtightness of the high pressure region H can be maintained without using the seal member 13 and the backup ring 14, so that an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Note that the airtight terminal 1C may have the seal member 13 and the backup ring 14, in which case the high pressure region H can be sealed at two locations.

[0038] The airtight terminal 1C is also manufactured by die molding like the airtight terminal 1 of the first embodiment, and the position of the parting line 11e is adjusted by adjusting the position of the joint of the die parts. Specifically, in the airtight terminal 1C, the parting line 11e is formed in a portion other than the seat surface 11i, and the parting line is not formed on the seat surface 11i. In the airtight terminal 1C according to this embodiment, a ring-shaped parting line 11e is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 11a, extending over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the parting line 11e does not form a gap between the seat surface 11i and the seat surface 10c, and the airtightness of the high pressure region H is maintained.

[0039] As described above, when the parting line 11e is sealed at a location on the low pressure region L side, the parting line 11e is located on the high pressure region H side of a smooth region (e.g., the seat surface 11i) where the parting line 11e is not present. The large diameter portion 11a is also located on the high pressure region H side of the smooth region, and the low pressure region L of the base 11 has the same diameter or is tapered from the smooth region. This enables mold removal. The parting line does not need to be formed only in an annular shape on the base 11k, and a linear portion parallel to the axis may be formed from the annular portion to the other end of the base 11 (i.e., on the opposite side of the seat surface 11i across the large diameter portion 11a).

[0040] In addition, the hermetic terminal 1C of the fourth embodiment has the same functions and effects as the hermetic terminal 1 of the first embodiment.

[0041] <Fifth embodiment> The airtight terminal 1D of the fifth embodiment is similar in configuration to the airtight terminal 1C of the fourth embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the airtight terminal 1D of the fifth embodiment will be mainly described with respect to the differences from the airtight terminal 1C of the fourth embodiment, and the same configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description will be omitted. The same applies to the airtight terminal 1E of the sixth embodiment described below.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the airtight terminal 1D of the fifth embodiment has a base 11D, a pair of electrodes 12, 12, and a spring member 20. The base 11D has a shape similar to that of the base 11 of the first embodiment, and the abutting surface 11b forms a seat surface 11i. That is, the seat surface 11i is seated on the seat surface 10c to seal the high pressure region H. The spring member 20, which is an example of a biasing member, biases the base 11D toward the seat surface 10c, and is, for example, a compression coil spring. The spring member 20 is accommodated in an annular space formed between the large diameter portion 11a of the base 11D of the airtight terminal 1D and the regulating member 15. The spring member 20 arranged in this manner can press the seat surface 11i against the seat surface 10c even when the pressure in the high pressure region H drops and the pressure difference with the low pressure region L becomes small, and can maintain the sealing of the high pressure region H even when an undesirable load acts on the base 11D.

[0043] In addition, the airtight terminal 1D of the fifth embodiment has the same functions and effects as the airtight terminal 1C of the fourth embodiment.

[0044] Sixth Embodiment As shown in FIG. 7, the airtight terminal 1E of the sixth embodiment has a base 11E and a pair of electrodes 12, 12. The base 11E has a deformed portion 11j at its base end as shown in the enlarged view of region X in FIG. 7. The deformed portion 11j protrudes from the base end of the base 11E and is formed in a ring shape that surrounds, for example, the pair of electrodes 12, 12. In this embodiment, the deformed portion 11j has a cross section cut along a plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction and formed in a substantially triangular shape. The deformed portion 11j thus formed has its tip protruding from the large diameter portion 10a, and the regulating member 15 presses the base 11E against the seating surface 10c so as to deform the tip (see the black-painted portion of the deformed portion 11j shown in the enlarged view of region Y in FIG. 9). This allows the base 11E to be pressed more strongly against the seating surface 10c, thereby further improving the sealing performance.

[0045] In addition, the hermetic terminal 1E of the sixth embodiment has the same functions and effects as the hermetic terminal 1C of the fourth embodiment.

[0046] <Example> In the following, an example of an embodiment to which the airtight terminals 1, 1A to 1E are applied, that is, a tank valve device 2 as shown in Fig. 8 will be described. Note that, when the configuration of the tank valve device 2 corresponds to the configuration of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the same reference numerals as the corresponding configuration are used, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] The tank valve device 2 is provided in a pressure vessel, for example a high-pressure tank vessel 3, and controls the discharge of gases stored therein, for example hydrogen and LNG. The tank valve device 2 is composed of a plurality of valves, such as an electromagnetic valve 4 and a pressure reducing valve (not shown), and has a valve block 2a to which the plurality of valves are attached. A portion of the valve block 2a is screwed so as to be inserted into the mouth portion 3a of the high-pressure tank vessel 3, and the electromagnetic valve 4 is attached to the inserted portion (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, referred to as "casing") 21.

[0048] [Solenoid valve] The solenoid valve 4 controls the discharge of gas from the high-pressure tank container 3 by opening and closing a valve passage 21a formed in the casing 21. That is, the solenoid valve 4 includes a guide member 22, a main valve body 23, a seat piston 24, and an electromagnetic drive unit 25 in addition to the casing 21, which are accommodated in the valve chamber 21b of the casing 21 so as to be aligned along the axis L1. The guide member 22 is disposed so as to surround the valve port 21c, and the main valve body 23 is inserted into the guide member 22. The main valve body 23 closes the valve passage 21a by seating its tip on the valve seat 21d. A pilot passage 23a is formed in the main valve body 23, and is opened and closed by the seat piston 24. The seat piston 24 can be driven by the electromagnetic drive unit 25, which is configured as follows. The electromagnetic drive unit 25 includes a plunger 31, a fixed magnetic pole 32, and a solenoid 33. The seat piston 24 is inserted into and engaged with the tip end side of the plunger 31. A fixed magnetic pole 32 is provided on the base end side of the plunger 31 so as to face the fixed magnetic pole 32, and a solenoid 33 is disposed to surround them.

[0049] In the solenoid valve 4 configured in this manner, the solenoid 33 is electrically connected to an external device, such as a control device (not shown), outside the high-pressure tank container 3, and is driven by a drive signal from the control device. Therefore, the solenoid 33 has a solenoid-side connector 26 to electrically connect it to the external device. The solenoid-side connector 26 corresponds to the high-pressure-side connector 16 described above, and the airtight terminal 1 can be connected by fitting each of the electrodes 12 into the insertion hole 16a.

[0050] More specifically, the solenoid side connector 26 is fixed to, for example, a bobbin 33a of the solenoid 33, and protrudes therefrom toward the guide member 22. The guide member 22 corresponds to the above-mentioned regulating member 15, and is formed with a mounting hole 15a into which the solenoid side connector 26 is inserted. The solenoid side connector 26 is inserted from the base end side of the mounting hole 15a. Also, the casing 21 is formed with a through hole 30 at a position corresponding to the mounting hole 15a.

[0051] The through-hole portion 30 corresponds to the hole portion 10 described above, and the airtight terminal 1 is fitted therein. That is, one end portion 11d of the base body 11 protrudes from the through-hole portion 30 into the mounting hole portion 15a, and the base body 11 is sandwiched between the guide member 22 and the casing 21 and fixed to the through-hole portion 30. Also, one end portion 12a of the electrode 12 protruding from the base body 11 is fitted into the insertion hole 16a of the solenoid-side connector 26. This electrically connects the solenoid 33 and the airtight terminal 1.

[0052] Further, an equipment-side connector 27 corresponding to the low-voltage-side connector 17 is inserted into the small diameter portion 10b of the hole 10. The equipment-side connector 27 is connected to an external device via a conductor (not shown) and an external terminal 35, and the other end 12b of the electrode 12 is inserted into the insertion hole 17a of the equipment-side connector 27 to electrically connect the external device to the airtight terminal 1.

[0053] In the tank valve device 2 configured as above, the large diameter portion 10a of the through hole portion 30 is the high pressure region H as shown in FIG. 9. That is, the large diameter portion 10a is connected to the valve chamber 21b through various gaps and the like, and is at the same pressure as the inside of the high pressure tank container 3. On the other hand, the small diameter portion 10b of the through hole portion 30 is the low pressure region L. In this embodiment, the small diameter portion 10b is connected to the outside of the high pressure tank container 3. By attaching the airtight terminal 1 as described above to the through hole portion 30 connecting such a low pressure region L and the high pressure region H, it is possible to suppress the outflow of gas from the high pressure region H to the low pressure region L, and to maintain the airtightness of the high pressure region H with respect to the low pressure region L. In addition, since the airtight terminal 1 can be made smaller and lighter, the tank valve device 2 can be made smaller and lighter.

[0054] Furthermore, in the tank valve device 2, the through hole portion 30 is formed so as to be radially adjacent to the valve passage 21a, and the airtight terminal 1 and the connectors 16, 17 can be positioned inside the outer edge of the solenoid 33 when viewed from the axial direction. This allows the outer diameter of the solenoid valve 4 to be reduced. Also, since the solenoid side connector 26 and the airtight terminal 1 are disposed radially outward of the main valve body 23, the solenoid valve 4 can be prevented from becoming long in the axial direction. Furthermore, since the solenoid valve 4 can be assembled simply by inserting the airtight terminal 1 attached to the casing 21 into the guide member 22, assembly of the solenoid valve 4 is easy.

[0055] <Other embodiments> In the airtight terminal 1A of the second embodiment, the insulator 18 covering the other end portion is made of a separate member from the base 11, but the base 11 may be formed with a long length at the tip side from the large diameter portion 11a to cover the other end portion. In the airtight terminal 1B of the third embodiment, the tip surface and the seat surface 10c of the base 11B are formed flat, but they may be formed in a tapered shape. In addition, in the airtight terminals 1, 1A to 1E of the first to sixth embodiments, the number of electrodes 12, 12A provided thereon is two, but is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be three or more. In any case, since the base 11 is made of only synthetic resin, the airtight terminals 1, 1A to 1E can be manufactured with a smaller diameter while maintaining the distance between the electrodes (i.e., while ensuring the insulation between the electrodes) than the conventional airtight terminals having a metal outer ring. In addition, although the solenoid 33 is illustrated as an example of the electrical equipment of the tank valve device 2 of this embodiment, the electrical equipment is not limited to the solenoid 33 and may be a sensor, an electric motor, a piezoelectric element, or the like, as long as it is capable of transmitting a signal or power. In addition, a deformation portion 11j may be formed on the base body 11D of the airtight terminal 1D.

[0056] Furthermore, both the contact surface 11b and the seating surface 10c do not necessarily have to be tapered. That is, either one of them may be formed in a partially spherical shape. By doing so, the contact surface 11b can be spaced apart from the narrowest diameter portion 10d. Also, both the contact surface 11b and the seating surface 10c may be formed in a partially spherical shape. In this case, for example, by making the radius of curvature of the contact surface 11b larger than the radius of curvature of the seating surface 10c, the contact surface 11b can be spaced apart from the narrowest diameter portion 10d. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1,1A~1E Airtight Terminal 2,2A~2E Tank valve device 3. High Pressure Tank Containers 10 hole 10c Seat 10d Most reduced diameter part 11,11B,11C,11E Base 11a Large diameter section 11b Seat surface 11e Parting line 11h Seat surface 11j Deformation part 11k base 12,12A electrode 13 Sealing material 18 Insulators 19 Reinforcement members 20 Spring member (biasing member) 21 Casing 23 Main valve body 25 Electromagnetic Drive Unit H High pressure region L Low pressure area α Taper angle β Taper angle

Claims

1. A synthetic resin base body having a mounting surface, attached to holes respectively connected to a low pressure region and a high pressure region, and having a large diameter portion; At least one electrode extending through the substrate; a seal member that is attached to the mounting surface of the base body so as to be located closer to the high pressure region than the large diameter portion, the large diameter portion has a parting line on its outer circumferential surface, The hermetic terminal has no parting line formed on the mounting surface.

2. the base body has an abutment surface on the low pressure region side of the large diameter portion, the abutment surface being seated on a seat surface formed in the hole, The airtight terminal according to claim 1 , wherein a gap is provided between the contact surface and the narrowest diameter portion of the seat surface.

3. The substrate further includes a reinforcing member having a higher strength than the substrate and having insulating properties, 3. The airtight terminal according to claim 1, wherein the base body has a reinforcing member attached to a portion of the base body on the side of the low pressure region, and the reinforcing member is seated on the seat surface of the hole portion via the reinforcing member.

4. a synthetic resin base body fitted into holes respectively connected to the low pressure region and the high pressure region; At least one electrode is inserted into the substrate; the substrate has a base and a seat surface formed on the low pressure region side of the base, The base portion has a parting line, The seat surface has no parting line formed thereon, and is pressed against a seat surface formed in the hole portion to maintain airtightness of the high pressure region against the low pressure region.

5. The airtight terminal according to claim 4 , further comprising a biasing member that biases the base body to press the seat surface against the seating surface.

6. 6. The airtight terminal according to claim 4, wherein the base body has a deformed portion on the side of the high pressure region, and is pressed until the deformed portion is deformed so that the seat surface is seated on the seating surface.

7. Further comprising an insulator made of a synthetic resin having insulating properties; the electrode has at least a portion protruding from the base; the substrate is integrally molded around the electrode; 7. The hermetic terminal according to claim 1, wherein the insulator is fitted over the protruding portion of the electrode.

8. A tank valve device provided in a pressure vessel, comprising: A hermetic terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A casing attached to the pressure vessel; and an electrical component attached to the casing so as to be located within the pressure vessel on the high pressure region side.

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