Valve assembly

Abstract

This valve assembly comprises a body (11) and a plurality of valve subassemblies. The plurality of valve subassemblies include a safety valve (14) having an inflow port (165), and another valve. The body (11) includes: a gas flow path that has a first flow path (22) connected to a gas tank (2) and a second flow path (23) connected to an external apparatus; and an integration attachment hole (26) that is in communication with each of the first flow path (22) and the second flow path (23). The integration attachment hole (26) includes: a first attachment hole (91) that is open in the outer surface of the body (11) and is configured so that the safety valve (14) is attached; and a second attachment hole (92) that is open in a bottom surface of the first attachment hole (91) and is configured so that the other valve is attached. The inflow port (165) is configured so as to be in communication with the first flow path (22) regardless of the open / closed state of the other valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve assembly.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a valve assembly for controlling the flow of gas. Such a valve assembly is mounted, for example, on the gas tank of a fuel cell vehicle to control the flow of hydrogen gas.

[0003] The valve assembly of Patent Document 1 includes a body and a plurality of valve sub-assemblies attached to the body. The valve sub-assembly includes a safety valve (also referred to as a pressure relief device) that releases hydrogen gas in the gas tank to the outside when the temperature rises. In addition to the safety valve, the valve sub-assembly includes a check valve (also referred to as a non-return valve) that regulates the outflow of hydrogen gas from the gas tank and a solenoid valve that controls the delivery of hydrogen gas to the fuel cell. The body has a gas flow path through which hydrogen gas flows and a plurality of mounting holes for attaching each of the plurality of valve sub-assemblies. The valve assembly is assembled by attaching the plurality of valve sub-assemblies to the corresponding mounting holes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the valve assembly of Patent Document 1, the plurality of mounting holes are provided in the body as independent holes. Therefore, the structure of the body tends to be complicated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly comprises a body and a plurality of valve subassemblies configured to be mounted on the body. The plurality of valve subassemblies include a safety valve having an inlet, configured to release gas flowing into the inlet to the outside when the temperature of the safety valve exceeds a threshold temperature, and other valves configured to control the flow of gas in a manner different from that of the safety valve. The body includes a gas passage having a first passage connected to a gas tank and a second passage connected to an external device, and an integrated mounting hole communicating with each of the first and second passages. The integrated mounting hole includes a first mounting hole opening to the outer surface of the body and configured for mounting the safety valve, and a second mounting hole opening to the bottom surface of the first mounting hole and configured for mounting the other valve. The inlet is configured to communicate with the first passage regardless of the open or closed state of the other valve. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the composite valve in the valve assembly. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve assembly near the safety valve and check valve. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] An embodiment of the valve assembly will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, "tubular" means that the whole can be considered tubular, and includes objects formed by combining multiple parts or sections, as well as objects with notches or other features in a part, such as a C-shape. The shapes of "tubular" include, but are not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygons with sharp or rounded corners when viewed in the axial direction. In this specification, "annular" means that the whole can be considered annular, and includes objects formed by combining multiple parts or sections, as well as objects with notches or other features in a part, such as a C-shape. The shapes of "annular" include, but are not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygons with sharp or rounded corners when viewed in the axial direction.

[0009] (Overall structure) The valve assembly 1 shown in Figure 1 is installed, for example, in the gas tank 2 of a fuel cell vehicle and connected to external equipment 3 via piping (not shown). The external equipment 3 includes a fuel cell installed in the vehicle and a hydrogen gas supply source such as a hydrogen station. High-pressure hydrogen gas, for example, at about 72.5 MPa, is stored in the gas tank 2. The valve assembly 1 controls the flow of hydrogen gas being filled into the gas tank 2 and hydrogen gas being discharged from the gas tank 2.

[0010] More specifically, the valve assembly 1 comprises a body 11 and a plurality of valve subassemblies assembled to the body 11. The plurality of valve subassemblies include, for example, a manual valve 12, a compound valve 13, a safety valve 14, and a check valve 15. The plurality of valve subassemblies may include any valve subassemblies in addition to or instead of these valve subassemblies. Also, as shown in the figure, the valve assembly 1 may further include a fitting 16 for connecting piping.

[0011] The body 11 is made of, for example, a metal material. The body 11 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped with a part of it protruding. The outer surface of the body 11 includes a first side surface 11a, a second side surface 11b, a third side surface 11c, and a fourth side surface 11d. The first side surface 11a and the third side surface 11c are, for example, parallel to each other. The second side surface 11b and the fourth side surface 11d are, for example, parallel to each other. The first side surface 11a and the third side surface 11c are, for example, perpendicular to the second side surface 11b and the fourth side surface 11d.

[0012] The body 11 has a gas passage 21 through which hydrogen gas flows, and a plurality of mounting holes corresponding to the members to be attached to the body 11. The gas passage 21 includes a first passage 22 that connects the check valve 15 to the gas tank 2 to become a filling path and the gas tank 2 to the combined valve 13 to become a discharge path, and a second passage 23 that connects the combined valve 13 and the check valve 15 to an external device 3 via a joint 16. The plurality of mounting holes include, for example, a joint mounting hole 24 for attaching the joint 16, a manual valve mounting hole 25 for attaching the manual valve 12, an integrated mounting hole 26 for attaching the safety valve 14 and the check valve 15, and a combined valve mounting hole 27 for attaching the combined valve 13.

[0013] More specifically, the fitting mounting hole 24 opens on the first side surface 11a. The fitting mounting hole 24 is, for example, a round hole. The bottom surface of the fitting mounting hole 24 is, for example, a plane parallel to the first side surface 11a. The manual valve mounting hole 25 opens on the second side surface 11b. The manual valve mounting hole 25 is, for example, a round hole. The bottom surface of the manual valve mounting hole 25 is, for example, a plane parallel to the second side surface 11b. The integrated mounting hole 26 opens on the third side surface 11c. Details of the integrated mounting hole 26 will be described later. The composite valve mounting hole 27 opens on the fourth side surface 11d. The composite valve mounting hole 27 is, for example, a round hole. The bottom surface of the composite valve mounting hole 27 is a plane parallel to the fourth side surface 11d.

[0014] The first flow path 22 includes a filling section 31 that connects the integrated mounting hole 26 to the gas tank 2, and a discharge section 32 that connects the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve to the gas tank 2. The filling section 31 opens, for example, to the inner circumferential surface of the integrated mounting hole 26. The discharge section 32 opens, for example, to the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve.

[0015] The second flow path 23 includes a first portion 33 extending from the bottom surface of the fitting mounting hole 24 and a second portion 34 extending from the bottom surface of the manual valve mounting hole 25. The first portion 33 and the second portion 34 extend, for example, in a straight line. The second portion 34 is perpendicular to the first portion 33. The inner diameter of the portion of the second portion 34 beyond the intersection with the first portion 33 is smaller than the inner diameter of the portion on the front side of the intersection. In other words, the second portion 34 has a stepped portion.

[0016] The second flow path 23 further includes a third portion 35 that connects the second portion 34 to the integrated mounting hole 26, and a fourth portion 36 that connects the second portion 34 to the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve. The third portion 35 opens, for example, to the bottom surface of the integrated mounting hole 26. The fourth portion 36 opens, for example, to the bottom surface of the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve. The third portion 35 and the fourth portion 36 extend, for example, in a straight line. As shown in the figure, the third portion 35 is perpendicular to, for example, the small-diameter portion of the second portion 34. That is, the second flow path 23 may extend in a crank shape from the fitting mounting hole 24 toward the integrated mounting hole 26. The fourth portion 36 is provided, for example, coaxially with the second portion 34. However, it is not limited to this, and the third portion 35 may be perpendicular to the second portion 34 so as to be arranged coaxially with the first portion 33. Also, the fourth portion 36 may be perpendicular to the second portion 34.

[0017] The joint 16, for example, has a cylindrical shape. The joint 16 is fixed to the joint mounting hole 24 by any fixing method such as screw fastening or press-fitting. The joint 16 has a joint passage 37 communicating with the first portion 33 of the second flow path 23. A pipe (not shown) extending from the external device 3 is connected to the joint 16. Thereby, the second flow path 23 is connected to the external device 3. The joint 16 may be provided with a valve mechanism such as an overcurrent prevention valve incorporated in the joint passage 37.

[0018] The manual valve 12 includes a manual valve housing 41 and a manual valve body 42. The manual valve housing 41, for example, has a cylindrical shape. The manual valve housing 41 is fixed to the manual valve mounting hole 25 by any fixing method such as screw fastening or press-fitting. The manual valve body 42, for example, has a cylindrical shape. The manual valve body 42 is accommodated in the manual valve housing 41 so as to be movable along the second portion 34 of the second flow path 23 and hold its position in the manual valve housing 41, for example, by screw fastening.

[0019] In the manual valve 12 configured as described above, when the tip of the manual valve body 42 abuts against the step portion of the second portion 34, the flow of hydrogen gas between the first portion 33 and the second portion 34 is restricted. On the other hand, when the tip of the manual valve body 42 is separated from the step portion of the second portion 34, the flow of hydrogen gas between the first portion 33 and the second portion 34 is allowed.

[0020] The safety valve 14 has an inlet 165, which will be described later. When the temperature of the safety valve 14 is below the threshold temperature, the safety valve 14 is in a closed state where it does not release the hydrogen gas flowing into the inlet 165 to the outside. When the temperature of the safety valve 14 exceeds the threshold temperature, the safety valve 14 irreversibly changes from the closed state to the open state. In the open state, the safety valve 14 releases the hydrogen gas flowing into the inlet 165 to the outside. The threshold temperature is preset so that the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 does not become excessive and the gas tank 2 is not damaged. Details of the safety valve 14 will be described later.

[0021] The check valve 15 is for preventing the backflow of the gas filled in the gas tank 2, regulates the flow of hydrogen gas from the filling portion 31 of the first flow path 22 to the third portion 35 of the second flow path 23, and allows the flow of hydrogen gas from the third portion 35 to the filling portion 31. That is, the check valve 15 corresponds to another valve configured to control the flow of hydrogen gas in a manner different from the safety valve 14. Details of the check valve 15 will be described later.

[0022] The combined valve 13 is attached to the combined valve mounting hole 27. The combined valve 13 has the functions of a solenoid valve and a check valve. The combined valve 13 controls the flow of hydrogen gas between the delivery portion 32 of the first flow path 22 and the fourth portion 36 of the second flow path 23. Details of the combined valve 13 will be described later.

[0023] (Combined valve 13) As shown in FIG. 2, the combined valve 13 includes a sleeve 51, a plug 52, a solenoid actuator 53, a solenoid valve body 54, a check valve body 55, and a check valve biasing member 56. The combined valve 13 may further include a cover 57.

[0024] In the combined valve 13, the functions of a solenoid valve that controls the flow of hydrogen gas between the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 23 are realized by the sleeve 51, the plug 52, the solenoid actuator 53, and the solenoid valve body 54. Also, the plug 52, the check valve body 55, and the check valve biasing member 56 are configured to allow the flow of hydrogen gas from the first flow path 22 to the second flow path 23 and regulate the flow of hydrogen gas from the second flow path 23 to the first flow path 22. Thereby, the function of a check valve for preventing high pressure from acting on the solenoid valve during hydrogen gas filling or the like is realized.

[0025] More specifically, the sleeve 51 is, for example, cylindrical with one end closed. The sleeve 51 has a stepped shape in which its outer diameter changes in stages along the axial direction. Specifically, the sleeve 51 has, in order from one end, a small diameter section 61, an intermediate section 62, a large diameter section 63, and a tip section 64. The outer diameter of the small diameter section 61 is smaller than the outer diameter of the intermediate section 62. The outer diameter of the intermediate section 62 is smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter section 63. The outer diameter of the tip section 64 is smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter section 63.

[0026] The sleeve 51 is fixed to the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve by any fixing method, such as screw fastening or press-fitting. If the sleeve 51 is fixed by screw fastening, it can be removed from the body 11. When the sleeve 51 is attached to the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve, the large diameter portion 63 and the tip portion 64 are inserted into the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve, while the small diameter portion 61 and the intermediate portion 62 protrude from the body 11. A sealing member 65 and a backup ring 66 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 63. This seals the space between the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve and the large diameter portion 63.

[0027] The plug 52 is, for example, a stepped cylindrical shape. The plug 52 is fixed to the tip 64 of the sleeve 51 and positioned between the sleeve 51 and the bottom surface of the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve. The plug 52 is fixed to the tip 64 so as to be integrally movable with the sleeve 51, for example by press-fitting or screw fastening. For example, as shown in the figure, the plug 52 is fixed so as to be positioned coaxially with the sleeve 51. A filter 67 and a sealing member 68 may also be provided between the sleeve 51 and the outer edge of the plug 52.

[0028] The plug 52 has an internal passage 71 and a housing hole 72 continuous with the internal passage 71. The internal passage 71 includes a first opening 73 that is opened and closed by a solenoid valve body 54 and a second opening 74 that is opened and closed by a check valve body 55. The internal passage 71 is, for example, linear along the axis of the plug 52. One or more communication grooves 75 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the plug 52, extending to communicate the inside and outside of the sleeve 51. As a result, the first opening 73 communicates with the discharge portion 32 of the first passage 22 via the communication groove 75. The second opening 74 communicates with the fourth portion 36 of the second passage 23 via the housing hole 72. A sealing member 76 is provided between the plug 52 and the bottom surface of the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve. As a result, the space between the bottom surface of the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve and the plug 52 is sealed.

[0029] The solenoid actuator 53 comprises a solenoid coil 81, a fixed iron core 82, a movable iron core 83, and a biasing member 84 for the solenoid valve. The solenoid coil 81 is, for example, cylindrical. The solenoid coil 81 is fixed to the outer circumference of the small diameter portion 61. The fixed core 82 is made of a magnetic material. The fixed core 82 is fixed inside the sleeve 51. The movable core 83 is made of a magnetic material. The movable core 83 is, for example, cylindrical. The movable core 83 is axially slidable inside the sleeve 51. The movable core 83 is connected to the solenoid valve body 54 so that it can slide axially together with the solenoid valve body 54. The solenoid valve body 54 is made of, for example, a resin material.

[0030] In this embodiment, the movable core 83 incorporates a well-known pilot valve mechanism. This allows a small amount of hydrogen gas to flow from the discharge portion 32 of the first flow path 22 to the internal flow path 71 by moving only the movable core 83 before the movable core 83 and the solenoid valve body 54 move together. In other embodiments, the pilot valve mechanism may not be incorporated into the movable core 83, and the solenoid valve body 54 may be fixed to the movable core 83 so that it can slide axially as a complete unit with the movable core 83.

[0031] The solenoid valve body 54 is biased toward the first opening 73 of the plug 52 via a movable iron core 83 by a biasing member 84 for the solenoid valve. The biasing member 84 for the solenoid valve is, for example, a compression coil spring. The first opening 73 is closed when the solenoid valve body 54 seats on the periphery of the first opening 73. Conversely, the first opening 73 is opened when the solenoid valve body 54 moves away from the periphery of the first opening 73. In other words, the periphery of the first opening 73 in the plug 52 is used as the valve seat of the solenoid valve body 54.

[0032] The check valve body 55 is made of, for example, a resin material. The check valve body 55 is, for example, cylindrical with one end closed. The check valve body 55 is housed in the housing hole 72 of the plug 52 so as to be axially slidable. That is, the check valve body 55 is positioned on the opposite side of the solenoid valve body 54 from the plug 52. The cylindrical portion of the check valve body 55 has a transverse hole 85 that penetrates radially. The check valve body 55 is biased toward the second opening 74 of the plug 52 by a check valve biasing member 56. The check valve biasing member 56 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The second opening 74 is closed when the check valve body 55 seats on the periphery of the second opening 74. The second opening 74 is opened when the check valve body 55 moves away from the periphery of the second opening 74. In other words, the peripheral edge of the second opening 74 in the plug 52 is used as the valve seat of the check valve body 55.

[0033] The cover 57 is made of, for example, a metal or resin material. The cover 57 is, for example, cylindrical with one end closed. The cover 57 accommodates the portion of the composite valve 13 that is exposed from the mounting hole 27 for the composite valve. The cover 57 is fixed to the fourth side surface 11d of the body 11 by a well-known fastening method such as bolts or a snap-fit ​​structure (not shown).

[0034] In the composite valve 13 configured in this way, when no power is supplied to the solenoid coil 81, the solenoid valve body 54 is seated on the periphery of the first opening 73 by the biasing force of the solenoid valve biasing member 84, and the first opening 73 is closed. In this state, the check valve body 55 is seated on the periphery of the second opening 74 by the biasing force of the check valve biasing member 56, and the second opening 74 is closed. In this way, the composite valve 13 is in a closed state when the solenoid coil 81 is not energized. Therefore, the flow of hydrogen gas from the discharge portion 32 of the first flow path 22 to the fourth portion 36 of the second flow path 23 is restricted.

[0035] On the other hand, when power is supplied to the solenoid coil 81, the solenoid valve body 54 is attracted to the fixed core 82 together with the movable core 83, causing the solenoid valve body 54 to separate from the periphery of the first opening 73, and the first opening 73 to open. Then, the check valve body 55 separates from the periphery of the second opening 74 due to the pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing into the internal flow path 71, and the second opening 74 opens. In this way, the composite valve 13 is in an open state when the solenoid coil 81 is energized. Therefore, the flow of hydrogen gas from the discharge portion 32 of the first flow path 22 to the fourth portion 36 of the second flow path 23 is permitted.

[0036] (Integrated mounting hole 26) As shown in Figure 3, the integrated mounting hole 26 has a first mounting hole 91 into which the safety valve 14 is mounted, and a second mounting hole 92 into which another valve, the check valve 15, is mounted. The first mounting hole 91 opens to the third side surface 11c, which is the outer surface of the body 11. The second mounting hole 92 opens to the bottom surface of the first mounting hole 91. In other words, the second mounting hole 92 is located behind the first mounting hole 91 so as to be aligned linearly with the first mounting hole 91. In the following description, the side on which the first mounting hole 91 is located relative to the second mounting hole 92 will be referred to as the first side, and the opposite side, i.e., the side on which the second mounting hole 92 is located relative to the first mounting hole 91, will be referred to as the second side.

[0037] For example, as shown in the figure, the first mounting hole 91 is a stepped hole whose inner diameter decreases in a step-like manner toward the second side. More specifically, the first mounting hole 91 has a large diameter hole portion 94, a medium diameter hole portion 95, and a small diameter hole portion 96 in that order from the first side. The inner diameter of the first mounting hole 91 decreases in the order of large diameter hole portion 94, medium diameter hole portion 95, and small diameter hole portion 96. The large diameter hole portion 94 opens to the third side surface 11c. A female thread is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the large diameter hole portion 94. A discharge passage 97 opens on the inner circumferential surface of the medium diameter hole portion 95. The discharge passage 97 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis L1 of the first mounting hole 91, for example, and opens to the outer surface of the body 11. The small diameter hole portion 96 is continuous with the second mounting hole 92. The bottom surfaces of the large diameter hole portion 94 and the small diameter hole portion 96 are, for example, planes parallel to the third side surface 11c. The bottom surface of the medium-diameter hole portion 95 is a tapered surface in which the inner diameter gradually decreases toward the second side, for example.

[0038] For example, as shown in the figure, the second mounting hole 92 has a substantially constant inner diameter along its entire length along the axis L2. A female thread is provided at the first side end on the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole 92. The bottom surface of the second mounting hole 92 is a plane parallel to, for example, the third side surface 11c. The second mounting hole 92 is continuous with the small diameter hole portion 96 by opening into the bottom surface of the first mounting hole 91. The filling portion 31 of the first flow path 22, which constitutes the outlet of the check valve 15, opens into the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole 92, and the third portion 35 of the second flow path 23, which constitutes the inlet of the check valve 15, opens into the bottom surface of the second mounting hole 92. Thus, the second mounting hole 92 does not open into the outer surface of the body 11. In other words, the body 11 does not have an opening for the second mounting hole 92 on its outer surface. The second mounting hole 92 is provided coaxially with the first mounting hole 91. In other words, the axis L2 of the second mounting hole 92 coincides with the axis L1 of the first mounting hole 91.

[0039] (Check valve 15) The check valve 15 comprises a check valve housing 101 and a check valve body 102. The check valve 15 may further comprise a valve seat 103 and a check valve biasing member 104.

[0040] The check valve housing 101 is configured to form a space S between itself and the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole 92. The check valve housing 101 is cylindrical, for example, with a first side end that is closed. Specifically, the check valve housing 101 has a cylindrical portion 111 and an end wall portion 112 provided at the first side end of the cylindrical portion 111. The inside of the cylindrical portion 111 is configured as a housing hole 113 that opens to the second side. An enlarged diameter hole portion 114 is provided at the second side end of the housing hole 113. The inner diameter of the enlarged diameter hole portion 114 is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the first side portion of the housing hole 113. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 111 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the second mounting hole 92, except for the second side end. The outer diameter of the second side end of the cylindrical portion 111 is set to be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the second mounting hole 92. The cylindrical portion 111 has one or more transverse holes 115 that penetrate radially. The transverse holes 115 are located closer to the first side than the second side end of the cylindrical portion 111.

[0041] The end wall portion 112 has a threaded portion 116. A male thread is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the threaded portion 116. The threaded portion 116 is provided, for example, at the first side end of the end wall portion 112. The outer diameter of the end wall portion 112 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the second mounting hole 92, except for the threaded portion 116. For example, as shown in the figure, the outer diameter of the part of the end wall portion 112 other than the threaded portion 116 may be the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 111. The check valve housing 101 is fixed immovably within the second mounting hole 92 by screw fastening the threaded portion 116 to the second mounting hole 92. As a result, a cylindrical space S communicating with the first flow path 22 is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole 92 and the outer circumferential surface of the check valve housing 101.

[0042] Furthermore, the end wall portion 112 has a communication passage 117 that connects the filling portion 31 (outlet of the check valve) of the first flow path 22 to the safety valve 14 in the first mounting hole 91 via a space S. For example, as shown in the figure, the communication passage 117 has a longitudinal passage 118 extending along the axis L2 and one or more transverse passages 119 perpendicular to the axis L2. One end of the transverse passage 119 opens to the outer circumferential surface of the end wall portion 112, and the other end of the transverse passage 119 opens to the longitudinal passage 118. The first side end of the longitudinal passage 118 constitutes the inlet of the safety valve 14 and opens to the bottom surface of the first mounting hole 91. The first side end of the longitudinal passage 118 may be referred to as the outlet of the check valve 15 on the safety valve 14 side.

[0043] Furthermore, the end wall portion 112 has a back pressure hole 121 that connects the housing hole 113 to the communication passage 117. The back pressure hole 121 is, for example, a straight line extending parallel to the vertical passage 118. The end wall portion 112 may have one or more tool holes 122 for fitting with a tool (not shown). The tool holes 122 may, for example, open to the first side and be provided at equal angular intervals around the vertical passage 118.

[0044] The valve seat 103 is made of, for example, a resin material. The valve seat 103 is annular in shape. The valve seat 103 has a valve opening 131 that penetrates along the axis L2. The valve seat 103 is positioned within the enlarged diameter hole 114 of the check valve housing 101. The valve seat 103 is sandwiched between the bottom surface of the second mounting hole 92 and the check valve housing 101, as the check valve housing 101 is fixed within the second mounting hole 92. As a result, the space between the bottom surface of the second mounting hole 92 and the check valve housing 101 is sealed by the valve seat 103.

[0045] The check valve body 102 is made of, for example, a metal material. The check valve body 102 is, for example, cylindrical in shape. The check valve body 102 is configured to open and close the valve port 131 of the valve seat 103. For example, the second end of the check valve body 102 has a tapered shape in which the outer diameter gradually decreases toward the second side. The check valve body 102 is slidably housed in the housing hole 113 of the check valve housing 101. The check valve biasing member 104 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The check valve biasing member 104 is positioned in the housing hole 113 so as to bias the check valve body 102 toward the second side.

[0046] In this configuration, the check valve 15 is in a closed state when the check valve body 102 seats on the valve seat 103 and the valve opening 131 is closed. This restricts the flow of hydrogen gas between the filling portion 31 of the first flow path 22 and the third portion 35 of the second flow path 23. On the other hand, the check valve is in an open state when the check valve body 102 moves away from the valve seat 103 and the valve opening 131 opens. This allows the check valve 15 to allow the flow of hydrogen gas between the filling portion 31 and the third portion 35.

[0047] (Safety valve 14) The safety valve 14 comprises a safety valve housing 141, a safety valve body 142, and a plug body 143. The safety valve 14 may further include a safety valve biasing member 144 and a fastener 145.

[0048] The safety valve housing 141 is, for example, a stepped cylindrical shape. Specifically, the safety valve housing 141 has, in order from the first side, a head 151, a fitting portion 152, and a shaft portion 153. The outer diameter of the safety valve housing 141 decreases in the order of head 151, fitting portion 152, and shaft portion 153. The head 151 is provided with male threads. The male threads are provided, for example, at the second side end on the outer circumference of the head 151. The outer circumferential surface of the first side end of the head 151 may be a polygonal shape to which a tool (not shown) can engage. The safety valve housing 141 is fixed to the first mounting hole 91 by screw fastening the head 151 to the large diameter hole portion 94.

[0049] The outer diameter of the fitting portion 152 is set to be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the medium-diameter hole portion 95 of the first mounting hole 91. The outer diameter of the shaft portion 153 is set to be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the small-diameter hole portion 96 of the first mounting hole 91. A sealing member 154 is provided at the second side end on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 153. This seals the space between the small-diameter hole portion 96 and the shaft portion 153 of the safety valve housing 141.

[0050] The length of the shaft portion 153 along its axis L1 is set to be longer than the length of the small-diameter hole portion 96 along its axis L1. As a result, when the safety valve housing 141 is mounted in the first mounting hole 91, a portion of the shaft portion 153 is positioned within the medium-diameter hole portion 95. When the safety valve housing 141 is mounted in the first mounting hole 91, a gap may be formed between the shaft portion 153 and the check valve housing 101 as shown in the figure, or the shaft portion 153 may be in contact with the check valve housing 101.

[0051] The safety valve housing 141 has a through hole 161 that penetrates along the axis L1. For example, as shown in the figure, the through hole 161 is a stepped hole whose inner diameter decreases in a step-like manner toward the second side. Specifically, the through hole 161 has a first hole portion 162, a second hole portion 163, and a third hole portion 164 in order from the first side. The inner diameter of the through hole 161 decreases in the order of the first hole portion 162, the second hole portion 163, and the third hole portion 164. The inner circumferential surface of the first hole portion 162 is provided with an internal screw. The inner circumferential surface of the third hole portion 164 is provided with a sealing member 174. The second side end of the third hole portion 164 is used as the inlet 165 of the safety valve 14. The inlet 165 faces the communication passage 117 of the check valve housing 101. As a result, the inlet 165 is in communication with the filled portion 31 of the first flow path 22 via the communication passage 117 and space S. As described above, the check valve 15 switches between open and closed states as the check valve body 102 moves within the housing hole 113, but the configuration of the communication passage 117 and space S does not change as a result of the movement of the check valve body 102. Therefore, the inlet 165 is in communication with the first flow path 22 regardless of the open or closed state of the other valve, the check valve 15.

[0052] The safety valve housing 141 further has a communication hole 166. The communication hole 166 extends linearly in a direction perpendicular to the axis L1, for example. One end of the communication hole 166 opens to the inner circumferential surface of the second hole 163, and the other end of the communication hole 166 opens to a portion located within the medium-diameter hole 95 on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 153. As a result, the inside of the second hole 163 is in communication with the outside via the communication hole 166 and the discharge passage 97.

[0053] The safety valve body 142 is, for example, a stepped cylindrical shape. Specifically, the safety valve body 142 has a base portion 171 and a pin portion 172, in that order from the first side. The length of the safety valve body 142 along the axis L1 is set to be shorter than the length of the second hole portion 163 along the axis L1. As a result, if the pin portion 172 of the plug body 143, which will be described later, detaches from the third hole portion 164, the entire safety valve body 142 can be accommodated within the second hole portion 163.

[0054] The outer diameter of the base portion 171 is set to be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the second hole portion 163. The outer diameter of the pin portion 172 is set to be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the third hole portion 164. The second side end of the outer circumferential surface of the pin portion 172 is surrounded by the sealing member 174. This seals the space between the third hole portion 164 and the pin portion 172.

[0055] The safety valve biasing member 144 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The safety valve biasing member 144 is mounted on the outer circumference of the pin portion 172. The safety valve biasing member 144 is positioned in a compressed state between the stepped portion between the second hole portion 163 and the third hole portion 164 and the base portion 171. As a result, the safety valve biasing member 144 biases the safety valve body 142 to the first side.

[0056] The stopper 143 is made of, for example, a fusible alloy. An example of a fusible alloy is a bismuth-indium alloy. The melting point of the stopper 143 is the threshold temperature. The stopper 143 is located at the first side end of the second hole 163. The stopper 143 is cylindrical in shape, for example, having an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the second hole 163. The length of the stopper 143 along its axis L1 is set such that the combined length of the stopper 143 and the safety valve body 142 is longer than the length of the second hole 163. This ensures that when the solid stopper 143 is located in the second hole 163, the pin portion 172 maintains the closure of the third hole 164. In other embodiments, the stopper 143 may be a glass valve that breaks when it reaches the threshold temperature.

[0057] The fastener 145 is, for example, a stepped cylindrical shape. Specifically, the fastener 145 has a cylindrical retaining portion 181 that protrudes to the second side. The outer diameter of the retaining portion 181 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the first side portion of the fastener 145. A male screw is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the retaining portion 181. The fastener 145 is fixed to the safety valve housing 141 by screw fastening to the first hole 162, thereby closing the first side opening of the through hole 161. The retaining portion 181 is in contact with the plug body 143. This prevents the safety valve body 142 and the plug body 143 from falling out of the second hole 163 due to the pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing into the third hole 164, i.e., into the safety valve 14, through the inlet 165.

[0058] In the safety valve 14 configured in this way, when its temperature is below the threshold temperature, the third hole 164 is closed by the safety valve body 142. In other words, the safety valve 14 is in a closed state. Therefore, even if hydrogen gas from the gas tank 2 flows into the safety valve 14 through the inlet 165, the hydrogen gas is not released to the outside. On the other hand, when the temperature of the safety valve 14 exceeds the threshold temperature, the stopper body 143 dissolves, and the safety valve body 142 is pushed into the second hole 163 by the pressure of the hydrogen gas and the biasing force of the safety valve biasing member 144. As a result, the third hole 164 is opened. In other words, the safety valve 14 is in an open state. Therefore, the hydrogen gas that flows into the safety valve 14 from the third hole 164 is released to the outside through the second hole 163, the communication hole 166, and the discharge passage 97.

[0059] (Operation of valve assembly 1) Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the operation of the valve assembly 1 when filling the gas tank 2 with hydrogen gas will be explained. In this case, the fitting 16 is connected to piping extending from the hydrogen gas supply source, which is an external device 3. When hydrogen gas is supplied from the external device 3 via the fitting 16, the hydrogen gas flows into the check valve 15 through the first part 33, second part 34, and third part 35 of the second flow path 23. Then, due to the pressure of the hydrogen gas, the check valve body 102 moves to the first side, causing the check valve 15 to open. As a result, the first flow path 22 communicates with the filling portion 31 of the first flow path 22 via the lateral hole 115 and space S of the check valve housing 101. In this way, hydrogen gas is filled into the gas tank 2 via the filling portion 31.

[0060] At this time, hydrogen gas also flows into the inlet 165 of the safety valve 14 via the space S and the communication passage 117. However, if the safety valve 14 is not hot, it will remain closed, and the hydrogen gas will not be released to the outside. In addition, hydrogen gas also flows into the composite valve 13 from the second section 34 to the fourth section 36 of the second flow path 23. However, the check valve body 55 is pressed against the second opening 74 of the plug 52 by the pressure of the hydrogen gas, so the second opening 74 remains closed. Therefore, the high-pressure hydrogen gas does not act on the solenoid valve and adversely affect its function.

[0061] Next, the operation of the valve assembly 1 when hydrogen gas is delivered from the gas tank 2 will be described. In this case, the fitting 16 is connected to piping extending from the fuel cell, which is an external device 3. The hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 flows into the composite valve 13 via the delivery portion 32 of the first flow path 22. When power is supplied to the solenoid coil 81 as described above, the first opening 73 and the second opening 74 of the internal flow path 71 in the plug 52 also open. As a result, the hydrogen gas flows into the fitting 16 via the fourth portion 36, the second portion 34, and the first portion 33 of the second flow path 23 and is delivered to the fuel cell.

[0062] Next, let's consider the case where the temperature of the safety valve 14 exceeds the threshold temperature. In this case, the stopper 143 of the safety valve 14 dissolves, causing the safety valve 14 to open. At this time, hydrogen gas flows from the gas tank 2 through the filling portion 31 of the first flow path 22, the space S, and the communication passage 117 to the inlet 165 of the safety valve 14. The hydrogen gas that has flowed into the safety valve 14 is then released to the outside through the third hole 164, the second hole 163, the communication hole 166, and the discharge passage 97. This prevents the pressure in the gas tank 2 from becoming excessive.

[0063] Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The integrated mounting hole 26 of the body 11 includes a first mounting hole 91 that opens to the third side surface 11c, which is the outer surface of the body 11, and to which a safety valve 14 is attached, and a second mounting hole 92 that opens to the bottom surface of the first mounting hole 91 and to which a check valve 15 is attached. In this way, the second mounting hole 92 opens to the bottom surface of the first mounting hole 91, so that the second mounting hole 92 is arranged in a straight line with the first mounting hole 91. Therefore, the structure of the body 11 can be simplified compared to, for example, the case in which the first mounting hole 91 and the second mounting hole 92 are independent holes. In addition, compared to the case in which the first mounting hole 91 intersects with the second mounting hole 92, the concentration of stress caused by the pressure of hydrogen gas at the connection part between the first mounting hole 91 and the second mounting hole 92 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the inlet 165 of the safety valve 14 is in communication with the inside of the gas tank 2 via the first flow path 22 (filling path) regardless of the open or closed state of the check valve 15, hydrogen gas can be reliably released to the outside via the safety valve 14 as described above when the gas tank 2 becomes hot.

[0064] (2) The second mounting hole 92 is provided coaxially with the first mounting hole 91. Therefore, the first mounting hole 91 and the second mounting hole 92 can be formed more easily than when the axis L2 of the second mounting hole 92 is offset from the axis L1 of the first mounting hole 91. This makes it possible to shorten the processing time of the body 11, for example.

[0065] (3) A check valve 15 that restricts the flow of hydrogen gas from the first flow path 22 to the second flow path 23 and allows the flow of hydrogen gas from the second flow path 23 to the first flow path 22 is used as another valve that controls the flow of hydrogen gas in a manner different from that of the safety valve 14.

[0066] In this configuration, where the second mounting hole 92 opens to the bottom surface of the first mounting hole 91, other valves must be mounted to the second mounting hole 92 via the first mounting hole 91. Therefore, compared to, for example, the case where the second mounting hole 92 opens to the outer surface of the body 11, a decrease in the ease of assembling other valves is unavoidable. In this respect, the check valve 15 is a valve with a relatively simple structure compared to, for example, a solenoid valve, and can be easily mounted to the second mounting hole 92 via the first mounting hole 91. This suppresses a decrease in the ease of assembling the valve assembly 1.

[0067] (4) The first channel 22 opens to the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole 92, and the second channel 23 opens to the bottom surface of the second mounting hole 92. Therefore, compared to the case where, for example, the first channel 22 opens to the inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole 91, hydrogen gas flowing in from the second channel 23 can be quickly filled into the gas tank 2.

[0068] (5) The check valve 15 is configured to form a space S between itself and the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole 92 and comprises a check valve housing 101 fixed within the second mounting hole 92 and a check valve body 102 slidably housed within the check valve housing 101. The check valve housing 101 has a housing hole 113 that houses the check valve body 102 and communicates with the second flow path 23, a lateral hole 115 that connects the housing hole 113 to the space S, and a communication passage 117 that connects the space S to the first mounting hole 91. The inlet 165 of the safety valve 14 communicates with the first flow path 22 via the communication passage 117 and the space S.

[0069] According to the above configuration, the first mounting hole 91 is connected to the first flow path 22 via the communication passage 117 of the check valve housing 101 fixed to the body 11. Therefore, the inlet 165 of the safety valve 14 can be reliably connected to the first flow path 22.

[0070] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically contradictory. The check valve housing 101 is fixed in the second mounting hole 92 by screw fastening, but is not limited to this, and may be fixed in the second mounting hole 92 by any fixing method, such as press-fitting. Similarly, the safety valve housing 141 may be fixed in the first mounting hole 91 by any fixing method, such as press-fitting. The fastener 145 may also be fixed to the safety valve housing 141 by any fixing method, such as press-fitting.

[0071] The connecting passage 117 has, but is not limited to, a longitudinal passage 118 and a transverse passage 119. The connecting passage 117 may be in a straight line inclined with respect to the axis L2, for example, as long as the filling portion 31 can communicate with the first mounting hole 91.

[0072] Although a cylindrical space S is formed between the inner surface of the second mounting hole 92 and the outer surface of the check valve housing 101, the shape of the space S does not have to be cylindrical, as long as the filling portion 31 of the first flow path 22 can be connected to the first mounting hole 91.

[0073] The check valve housing 101 and the safety valve housing 141 are configured as separate parts, but the system is not limited to this; the check valve housing and the safety valve housing may be configured as a seamless, continuous one-piece unit. In other words, the safety valve 14 and the check valve 15 may share a single housing.

[0074] The shape of the first mounting hole 91 can be changed as appropriate. The first mounting hole 91 may have a substantially constant inner diameter along its entire length, for example, along the axis L1. In other words, the first mounting hole 91 may be a simple round hole, not a stepped hole. The shape of the second mounting hole 92 can also be changed as appropriate. The second mounting hole 92 may be a stepped hole, for example. Furthermore, the inner diameters of the first mounting hole 91 and the second mounting hole 92 may be substantially the same.

[0075] Other valve subassemblies besides the check valve 15, such as overcurrent prevention valves or solenoid valves, may be used as other valves. • The filling portion 31 of the first flow path 22 is opened to the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole 92, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be opened closer to the bottom surface on the inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole 91.

[0076] The axis L2 of the second mounting hole 92 does not have to coincide with the axis L1 of the first mounting hole 91. In other words, the second mounting hole 92 does not have to be provided coaxially with the first mounting hole 91. • Valve assembly 1 controls the flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas, but it is not limited to this and may also control the flow of gases other than hydrogen gas.

Claims

1. The body and A valve assembly comprising a plurality of valve subassemblies configured to be attached to the body, The plurality of valve subassemblies are, A safety valve having an inlet, configured to release gas flowing into the inlet to the outside when the temperature of the safety valve exceeds a threshold temperature, Includes other valves configured to control the flow of gas in a manner different from that of the safety valve, The aforementioned body is A gas flow path having a first flow path connected to a gas tank and a second flow path connected to external equipment, Includes an integrated mounting hole communicating with each of the first and second flow paths, The aforementioned integrated mounting hole is A first mounting hole is provided which opens on the outer surface of the body and is configured to allow the safety valve to be attached, It includes a second mounting hole that opens to the bottom surface of the first mounting hole and is configured to allow the other valve to be mounted, The inlet is configured to communicate with the first flow path regardless of the open / closed state of the other valves. The valve assembly is provided with the second mounting hole located behind the first mounting hole, so as to be aligned linearly with the first mounting hole.

2. A valve assembly according to claim 1, The second mounting hole is provided coaxially with the first mounting hole, and is part of a valve assembly.

3. A valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2, The valve assembly is a check valve that restricts the flow of gas from the first passage to the second passage and allows the flow of gas from the second passage to the first passage.

4. A valve assembly according to claim 3, The first flow path opens to the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole, The second flow path is a valve assembly that opens to the bottom surface of the second mounting hole.

5. A valve assembly according to claim 4, The aforementioned check valve is A housing configured to form a space between itself and the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole, the housing being fixed within the second mounting hole, The housing comprises a valve body that is slidably housed within the housing, The aforementioned housing is A housing hole that houses the valve body and communicates with the second flow path, A lateral hole that connects the aforementioned housing hole to the aforementioned space, The space has a communication passage that connects it to the first mounting hole, The inlet is a valve assembly that communicates with the first flow path via the communication passage and the space.

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