Valve equipment

Abstract

To provide a valve device that can facilitate the installation of a filter.SOLUTION: A valve device comprises: a first member 11 comprising a concave part 21 in which a first opening 22a of a first flow passage 22 is open; a second member 12 comprising a convex part 23 in which a second opening 24a of a second flow passage 24 is formed in an end part, and of which convex part is inserted into the concave part in such a manner that the first opening is opposed to the second opening; a filter 13 having a thickness in a predetermined direction, and located between the first opening and the second opening; and a retainer 14 comprising a main body part 34 for holding the filter on the inside, and at least two fitting parts 35 formed on one side of the main body part in the predetermined direction, and fitted to the convex part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device that includes a filter for capturing contamination. [Background technology]

[0002] Valve devices are provided with a filter to capture contaminants. For example, in the valve device described in Patent Document 1, the filter is placed in a recess in the body. The filter is then pressed against the body by a metal bush (retainer). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-102581 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the valve device of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to arrange the filter in a predetermined position and posture, making the work of assembling the filter complicated.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a valve device that allows for easy installation of a filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The valve device of the present invention comprises a first member having a recess where a first opening of a first flow path opens, a second member having a protrusion formed at an end where a second opening of a second flow path opens, the protrusion being inserted into the recess so that the first opening faces the second opening, a filter having a thickness in a predetermined direction and positioned between the first opening and the second opening, a main body portion that holds the filter inside, and a retainer having at least two mounting portions formed on one side of the main body portion in a predetermined direction and attached to the protrusions.

[0007] According to the present invention, the filter can be attached to the second member by the retainer. Therefore, when assembling the valve device, the filter can be disposed in the recess and between the protrusion and recess by inserting the recess of the first member into the protrusion of the second member. This makes it easy to assemble the filter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the filter can be easily assembled. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the valve device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the filter and the retainer of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an area X of the valve device in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a valve device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a valve device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of a valve device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Valve devices 1, 1A to 1C according to first to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the concepts of directions used in the following description are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the orientation of the configuration of the invention to those directions. Furthermore, the valve devices 1, 1A to 1B described below are merely one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and additions, deletions, and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0011] [First embodiment] As shown in Fig. 1, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment controls the flow of a working fluid within the valve device 1. For example, the valve device 1 controls at least one of the flow rate, pressure, and flow direction of the working fluid. The working fluid whose flow is controlled by the valve device 1 is a gas, and in this embodiment, the working fluid is hydrogen gas. More specifically, the valve device 1 includes a casing 11, a housing 12, a filter 13, and a retainer 14.

[0012] <Casing> As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 11, which is an example of the first member, has a recess 21. A first opening 22a of a first flow path 22 opens into the recess 21. More specifically, the recess 21 is formed on the outer surface 11a of the casing 11. The recess 21 is formed around a predetermined axis L1 and opens to one side in the axial direction along the axis L1. The first flow path 22 is formed in the casing 11 and has the first opening 22a. The first opening 22a is formed in the bottom portion of the recess 21, and the first flow path 22 is connected to the recess 21 via the first opening 22a. The diameter of the first flow path 22 increases as it approaches the first opening 22a. Note that the diameter of the first flow path 22 does not necessarily have to increase as it approaches the first opening 22a.

[0013] At least one valve element (not shown) is provided inside the casing 11. The valve element, together with the casing 11, constitutes a valve and controls the flow of hydrogen gas flowing through the first flow path 22. Examples of the valve include a pressure reducing valve, a flow control valve, a check valve, a safety valve, and a manual valve. However, the valve is not limited to these.

[0014] Furthermore, the casing 11 is made of a metal. In this embodiment, the casing 11 is made of a metal that is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement, such as aluminum. Note that the material of the casing 11 is not limited to aluminum, and it may also be stainless steel.

[0015] <Housing> The housing 12, which is an example of a second member, has a protrusion 23. A second opening 24a of the second flow path 24 is formed at an end 23a of the protrusion 23. Here, the end 23a of the protrusion 23 is the end on the other axial side of the housing 12. The protrusion 23 of the housing 12 is inserted into the recess 21. The housing 12 is arranged so that the second opening 24a faces the first opening 22a. This connects the second flow path 24 and the first flow path 22, allowing hydrogen gas to flow between the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24. More specifically, the housing 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose axis coincides with the axis L1. The housing 12 has a flange 25 and the second flow path 24.

[0016] The flange 25 is formed in the axially intermediate portion of the housing 12. More specifically, the flange 25 is formed around the entire circumferential circumference of the axially intermediate portion and protrudes radially. The protrusion 23 forms a portion of the housing 12 on the other axial side of the flange 25. The protrusion 23 is inserted into the recess 21 so that the axis of the housing 12 coincides with the axis L1. The housing 12 is fastened to the casing 11 by a fastening member 26 (e.g., a bolt) inserted through the flange 25. However, the method of fixing the housing 12 to the casing 11 is not limited to fastening, and may be welding, screwing, or the like. The housing 12 is attached to the casing 11 in this manner.

[0017] Furthermore, in the protrusion 23, the end 23a is formed to have a smaller diameter than the portion on one side of the end 23a in the axial direction. An engagement groove 23b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the end 23a. The engagement groove 23b, which is an example of an engagement recess, engages with a protrusion 35a, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the engagement groove 23b is formed around the entire outer peripheral surface of the end 23a. Note that the engagement groove 23b does not necessarily have to be formed around the entire circumference, and may be formed at least at a position corresponding to the protrusion 35a, which will be described later.

[0018] The second flow passage 24 is formed as an inner hole of the housing 12. More specifically, the second flow passage 24 penetrates the housing 12 along the axis L1 and has a second opening 24a on the other axial side. That is, the second opening 24a is formed at the end 23a of the protrusion 23. The second opening 24a opens to one side in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the second flow passage 24 expands in diameter near the second opening 24a. However, the second flow passage 24 does not necessarily have to expand in diameter as it approaches the second opening 24a. In this embodiment, the housing 12 serves as an inlet housing, and hydrogen gas is introduced into the second flow passage 24 from the other axial end of the housing 12.

[0019] Furthermore, the housing 12 is made of a metal. In this embodiment, the housing 12 is made of a metal that is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement, such as stainless steel. Note that the material of the housing 12 is not limited to stainless steel, and it may be aluminum.

[0020] <filter> The filter 13 has a thickness in a predetermined direction. Note that, in this embodiment, the predetermined direction coincides with the axial direction described above. In this embodiment, the filter 13 is formed, for example, in a plate shape, and in this embodiment, is formed in a disk shape. The filter 13 is disposed between the first opening 22a and the second opening 24a. The filter 13 captures contaminants contained in the hydrogen gas flowing between the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the filter 13 abuts against the end face of the protrusion 23 of the housing 12 on the other axial side (hereinafter simply referred to as the "end face of the protrusion 23"). The filter 13 is formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of the second opening 24a. Therefore, the entire second opening 24a is covered by the filter 13 from the other axial side. As a result, hydrogen gas discharged from the second opening 24a passes through the filter 13, and the filter 13 captures contaminants contained in the hydrogen gas. In this embodiment, the filter 13 is formed to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the first opening 22a.

[0021] <Retainer> As shown in FIG. 3, the retainer 14 has a main body portion 34, an attachment portion 35, and an inward extension portion 36. The retainer 14 is attached to the protrusion 23 of the housing 12 and holds the filter 13 inside. As a result, the filter 13 is fixed to the end face on the other axial side of the protrusion 23 so as to cover the entire second opening 24a. The retainer 14 is made of a material softer than aluminum. That is, the retainer 14 is made of a material with a lower hardness than aluminum. In this embodiment, the retainer 14 is made of a resin material. However, the retainer 14 is not limited to being made of a resin material.

[0022] <Main body> The main body 34 holds the filter 13 inside. More specifically, the main body 34 is configured in a hollow disk shape. The main body 34 has an inner hole formed to have the same diameter as the outer diameter of the filter 13 or slightly larger than that. In this embodiment, the inner hole of the main body 34 is formed to have a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the filter 13. The filter 13 is held inside the main body 34.

[0023] <Mounting part> The mounting portion 35 is formed on one axial side of the main body portion 34. The mounting portion 35 is attached to the protrusion 23. More specifically, a plurality of mounting portions 35 are formed on the main body portion 34. In this embodiment, three mounting portions 35 are formed on the main body portion 34. The number of mounting portions 35 is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more. In addition, in FIGS. 2 and 4, the mounting portions 35 are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the main body portion 34. In addition, for ease of explanation, the positions of the mounting portions 35 are shown changed in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. The mounting portions 35 extend from the main body portion 34 to one axial side, and their distal ends reach the engagement groove 23b.

[0024] The mounting portion 35 also has a protrusion 35a that protrudes inward. More specifically, the protrusion 35a is formed at a position corresponding to the engagement groove 23b, and fits into and engages with the engagement groove 23b. In this embodiment, the protrusion 35a is formed at the tip end of the mounting portion 35, i.e., at one end in the axial direction.

[0025] <Inner extension part> The inner extension portion 36 extends inward from the main body portion 34. The inner extension portion 36 is provided on the other axial side of the filter 13. More specifically, the inner extension portion 36 covers the entire outer peripheral edge of the surface on the other axial side of the filter 13. More specifically, the inner extension portion 36 is formed around the entire circumferential direction at the open end on the other axial side of the main body portion 34, and extends radially inward from the open end. In this embodiment, the inner extension portion 36 is formed in an annular shape. Note that, in this embodiment, the opening of the inner extension portion 36 is formed to have the same diameter as the first opening 22a and the second opening 24a. This makes it possible to suppress pressure loss of hydrogen gas.

[0026] Furthermore, a protrusion 36a is formed on the inner extension 36. The protrusion 36a protrudes from the inner extension 36 toward the casing 11 (i.e., toward the other axial side). The protrusion 36a is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the inner peripheral edge of the inner extension 36. In this embodiment, the protrusion 36a is formed in an annular shape, and this protrusion 36a is pressed against the casing 11. More specifically, the protrusion 36a is pressed against the bottom of the recess 21. This seals the periphery of the first opening 22a. This further prevents contaminants from passing between the inner extension 36 and the casing 11 and flowing into the first flow path 22.

[0027] <Assembly of the valve device> The valve device 1 is assembled, for example, as follows. That is, the filter 13 is placed on the end face of the protrusion 23 of the housing 12. Next, the retainer 14 is placed over the end 23a of the protrusion 23 of the housing 12 so as to house the filter 13 therein. More specifically, the retainer 14 is placed over the protrusion 23 so as to sandwich the outer periphery of the filter 13 on the end face of the protrusion 23 of the housing 12 between the retainer 14 and the protrusion 23. Then, the protrusion 35a of the mounting portion 35 of the retainer 14 is engaged with the engagement groove 23b. This attaches the filter 13 to the housing 12.

[0028] After attachment, the protrusion 23 of the housing 12 is inserted into the recess 21. The housing 12 is then pushed in until the retainer 14 abuts against the bottom of the recess 21. This causes the protrusion 36a to abut against the bottom of the recess 21, sealing the area around the first opening 22a. The pushing in also applies a reaction force to the retainer 14, causing the outer peripheral edge of the filter 13 to be clamped between the inward extension 36 and the protrusion 23. This allows the retainer 14 to stably hold the filter 13. Clamping the outer peripheral edge of the filter 13 also allows the filter 13 to be positioned around the second opening 24a, improving the ability to capture contaminants. After the pushing in, the housing 12 is fastened to the casing 11 by the fastening member 26 inserted through the flange 25. This attaches the housing 12 to the casing 11.

[0029] In the valve device 1 configured as described above, the filter 13 can be held in the housing 12 by the retainer 14. Therefore, when assembling the valve device 1, by inserting the protrusion 23 of the housing 12 into the recess 21 of the casing 11, the filter 13 can be disposed within the recess 21 and between the protrusion 23 and the recess 21. This makes it easy to assemble the filter 13. Furthermore, in the valve device 1, a snap fit is formed between the mounting portion 35 and the engagement groove 23b. This makes it easy to attach the retainer 14 to the protrusion 23. This further facilitates assembly of the filter 13.

[0030] [Second embodiment] The valve device 1A of the second embodiment has a similar configuration to the valve device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the valve device 1A of the second embodiment will be mainly described in terms of differences from the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, and the same components will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The same applies to the valve devices 1B and 1C of the third and fourth embodiments.

[0031] 5, the valve device 1A includes a casing 11, a housing 12, a filter 13, and a retainer 14A. The retainer 14A includes a main body portion 34, an attachment portion 35A, and an inward extending portion 36.

[0032] The mounting portion 35A is formed to surround the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 23. More specifically, the mounting portion 35A is formed on one axial side of the main body 34. A plurality of mounting portions 35A are formed on the main body 34. In this embodiment, three mounting portions 35A are formed on the main body 34. However, four or more mounting portions 35A may be formed. The mounting portions 35A are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the main body 34. For ease of explanation, the position of the mounting portion 35B is shown changed in FIG. 5. The mounting portion 35A extends straight in one axial direction. The inner peripheral surface of the mounting portion 35A is curved, and the radius of curvature is smaller than the outer diameter of the protrusion 23.

[0033] In the retainer 14A configured in this manner, the protrusions 23 are fitted between the multiple mounting portions 35A. More specifically, the protrusions 23 are press-fitted between the multiple mounting portions 35A. This allows the filter 13 to be attached to the housing 12. In the valve device 1A, the retainer 14A can be attached to the protrusions 23 by press-fitting the protrusions 23 into the mounting portions 35A, so the retainer 14A can be easily attached to the protrusions 23. This makes it even easier to assemble the filter 13.

[0034] In addition, the valve device 1A of the second embodiment has the same functions and effects as the valve device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0035] [Third embodiment] As shown in FIG. 6, the valve device 1B of the third embodiment includes a casing 11, a housing 12B, a filter 13, and a retainer 14B. The housing 12B has a protrusion 23B. A plurality of fitting holes 23c are formed in the end face of the protrusion 23B around the second opening 24a. The fitting holes 23c extend to one side in the axial direction. In this embodiment, three fitting holes 23c are formed in the end face of the protrusion 23B. The number of fitting holes 23c may be two, four, or more. The fitting holes 23c are arranged at equal intervals around the axis L1 around the second opening 24a.

[0036] The retainer 14B has a main body portion 34, mounting portions 35B, and an inward extending portion 36. The mounting portions 35B are fitted into the corresponding fitting holes 23c. More specifically, the mounting portions 35B are formed on one axial side of the main body portion 34. The same number of mounting portions 35B as the number of fitting holes 23c are formed on the main body portion 34. That is, in this embodiment, three mounting portions 35B are formed on the main body portion 34. However, the number of mounting portions 35B may be two or four or more. Each mounting portion 35B is disposed corresponding to a corresponding fitting hole 23c. In this embodiment, the mounting portions 35B are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the main body portion 34. Note that, for ease of explanation, the positions of the mounting portions 35B are shown shifted in FIG. 6. The mounting portion 35A extends straight in one axial direction. Each of the attachment portions 35A is formed to correspond to each of the fitting holes 23c, and is formed to be press-fittable.

[0037] The retainer 14B configured in this manner is fitted over the second opening 24a by press-fitting the mounting portions 35B into the corresponding fitting holes 23c, thereby attaching the filter 13 to the housing 12. In the valve device 1B, the retainer 14B can be attached to the protrusion 23 by inserting and fitting the mounting portions 35B into the fitting holes 23c, so the retainer 14B can be easily attached to the protrusion 23. This makes it even easier to assemble the filter 13.

[0038] In addition, the valve device 1B of the third embodiment has the same functions and effects as the valve device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0039] [Fourth embodiment] As shown in FIG. 7 , the valve device 1C of the fourth embodiment includes a casing 11, a housing 12C, a filter 13, and a retainer 14. The housing 12C has a protrusion 23C. The protrusion 23C has a counterbore 23d at its end 23a. The counterbore 23d is formed around the second opening 24a at the end 23a. More specifically, the counterbore 23d is recessed from the end face of the protrusion 23C in one axial direction. The second opening 24a opens at the bottom surface of the counterbore 23b. Therefore, the second opening 24a faces the first opening 22a via the counterbore 23b. In this embodiment, the counterbore 23d has a circular cross section centered on the axis L1 and has a larger diameter than the second opening 24a and the first opening 22a. However, the shape of the counterbore 23d is not limited to the above-described shape.

[0040] Filter 13 is attached to protrusion 23C so that at least a portion of filter 13 is fitted into counterbore 23d. As a result, second opening 24a is entirely covered from the other axial side by filter 13. Retainer 14 is attached so as to cover end 23a of protrusion 23C. As a result, filter 13 is sandwiched between retainer 14 and counterbore 23d of protrusion 23C, and retainer 14 holds filter 13 inside.

[0041] In the valve device 1C of the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the filter 13 is disposed so as to fit into the counterbore 23d, and therefore movement in a direction intersecting the axial direction can be restricted, thereby preventing the filter 13 from being displaced from its predetermined position.

[0042] In addition, the valve device 1C of the fourth embodiment has the same functions and effects as the valve device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0043] [Other embodiments] In the valve devices 1, 1A to 1C of the present embodiment, the inlet port housing is cited as an example of the housing 12, but it may also be, for example, a seat member on which a valve body is provided. The retainers 14, 14A, and 14B are also merely examples, and may be attached to the protrusion 23 to hold the filter 13. The shapes of the attachment portions 35, 35A, and 35B are not limited to those described above. The retainers 14, 14A, and 14B do not necessarily need to include the inward extension 36. The shape of the inward extension 36 is also not limited to the shape described above. For example, a plurality of inward extensions 36 may be formed at equal intervals on the other axial side of the main body 34, as long as they are formed on the other axial side of the filter 13. The inward extension 36 preferably only needs to be able to support the filter 13 from the other axial side. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C valve device 11 Casing (first member) 12, 12B, 12C Housing (second member) 13 Filters 14, 14A, 14B Retainer 21 Recess 22 First Channel 22a 1st opening 23, 23B, 23C convex part 23a End 23b Engagement groove (engagement recess) 23c fitting hole 23d counterbore 24 Second Channel 24a 2nd opening 34 Main body 35 Mounting part 35a Protrusion 35A mounting part 35B mounting part 36 Inner extension part 36a Protrusion

Claims

1. a first member having a recess in which the first opening of the first flow path opens; a second member having a convex portion formed at an end portion of a second opening of the second flow path, the convex portion being inserted into the concave portion so that the first opening faces the second opening; a filter having a thickness in a predetermined direction and positioned between the first opening and the second opening; A valve device comprising: a main body portion that holds the filter inside; and a retainer having at least two mounting portions formed on one side of the main body portion in a predetermined direction and attached to the protrusion.

2. The retainer has an inward extending portion extending inward from the main body portion, The valve device according to claim 1 , wherein the inward extending portion is provided on the other side of the filter in the predetermined direction.

3. the retainer has a protrusion formed on the inwardly extending portion; the inner extending portion covers the entire outer peripheral edge of the surface of the filter on the other side in the predetermined direction, The valve device according to claim 2 , wherein the protrusion is formed in an annular shape so as to protrude from the inner extending portion toward the first member and surround an inner peripheral edge of the inner extending portion.

4. the mounting portion has a protruding portion that protrudes inward and is formed around an outer circumferential surface of the convex portion, 4. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion has an engaging recess formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, the engaging recess being engaged with the protruding portion.

5. The attachment portion is formed around an outer circumferential surface of the protrusion, 4. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is fitted into the mounting portion.

6. the protrusion has a plurality of fitting holes formed around the second opening, the fitting holes corresponding to the attachment portions, The valve device according to claim 1 , wherein the mounting portions are fitted into the corresponding fitting holes.

7. the protrusion has a counterbore formed around the second opening at the end; 7. A valve device according to claim 1, wherein the filter is fitted into the counterbore.

8. the first member is made of aluminum; the second member is made of stainless steel; 8. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the retainer is made of a material softer than aluminum.

Images