Fluid tank
The fluid tank design with a filter device and control valve configuration effectively prevents foreign matter from entering the control valve, ensuring reliable fluid flow and preventing unintended discharge.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2024/015134
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing fluid tanks, such as hydrogen storage tanks, are vulnerable to foreign matter entering the outlet control valve when fluid flows in or out, posing a risk of malfunction.
A fluid tank design incorporating a filter device with a filter and filter holder that captures foreign matter, and a control valve that switches between open and closed states, ensuring foreign matter is removed before reaching the control valve.
Prevents foreign matter from entering the control valve, maintaining the integrity of fluid flow and preventing unintended discharge when the control valve is closed.
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Figure JP2024015134_23102025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Fluid Tank
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid tank.
[0002] The service providing vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below has a frame provided with a hydrogen storage tank insertion section. A hydrogen storage tank, which is an example of a fluid tank, is inserted into the hydrogen storage tank insertion section. The hydrogen storage tank insertion section has a valve opening control device. The hydrogen storage tank has a tank body and a hydrogen outflow section formed in the tank body. The hydrogen outflow section is a concave cylindrical groove recessed from the end face of the hydrogen storage tank. The hydrogen storage tank also has an outflow control valve that controls the outflow of hydrogen from the hydrogen outflow section. When the hydrogen storage tank is not inserted into the hydrogen storage tank insertion section, the outflow control valve normally closes the hydrogen outflow section due to the compressed hydrogen pressure within the tank body. On the other hand, when the hydrogen storage tank is inserted into the hydrogen storage tank insertion section, the valve opening control device drives a control rod to open the outflow control valve and open the hydrogen outflow section.
[0003] JP 2023-056874 A
[0004] However, when fluid flows in or out through a hydrogen outlet port exposed to the outside of the tank body, as in the hydrogen storage tank disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that foreign matter may enter the outlet control valve from the hydrogen outlet port.
[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a fluid tank including a filter device for removing foreign matter, the fluid tank including a tank body configured to store a fluid, a circulating portion provided in the tank body for allowing the fluid to flow in and out of the tank body, and a control valve provided downstream of the circulating portion in a direction in which the fluid flows into the tank body, the control valve having a valve element configured to be displaced by being pressed from the circulating portion toward the inside of the tank body, the control valve being configured to be switchable between an open state that connects the circulating portion with the inside of the tank body and a closed state that does not connect the circulating portion with the inside of the tank body, and the filter device being configured to be connected to the circulating portion. The filter device is provided in a passage portion, and has a filter that captures the foreign matter and a filter holder that holds the filter, and the filter holder has a pressing surface that faces the control valve, a pressed surface that is the surface opposite to the pressing surface and is configured to be pressed toward the inside of the tank body, and a flow path that is partitioned between the pressing surface and the pressed surface and allows the fluid to circulate, and the filter is provided in the flow path, and the control valve is configured to switch from the closed state to the open state when the valve body is pressed against the pressing surface of the filter holder as the pressed surface is pressed.
[0006] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a fluid tank according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fluid tank when the control valve according to the first embodiment is in an open state; Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fluid tank when the control valve according to the first embodiment is in a closed state; Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a filter device according to the first embodiment; Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a fluid tank according to a second embodiment; Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a filter device according to the second embodiment;
[0007] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Overall Configuration A fluid tank 10 shown in FIG.
[0008] "Application" The application 100 is equipped with a fuel cell 107. The application 100 is supplied with power from the fuel cell 107. The application 100 is, for example, a mobile object that transports goods. The application 100 has a frame 101, a tank insertion section 102, an application flow path 103, a fitting section 104, an opening / closing device 105, and an opening / closing rod 106.
[0009] The tank insertion portion 102 is open on one side of the frame 101. A fluid tank 10 (described later) is inserted into the tank insertion portion 102. The application flow path 103 is formed in the frame 101. The application flow path 103 connects the inside of the tank insertion portion 102 with the fuel cell 107.
[0010] The fitting portion 104 has a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the inner surface of the frame 101 toward the inside of the tank insertion portion 102. A part of the application flow path 103 is formed inside the fitting portion 104.
[0011] The opening / closing rod 106 is housed in the application flow path 103. A first end of the opening / closing rod 106 protrudes from the fitting portion 104 into the tank insertion portion 102. A second end of the opening / closing rod 106 is connected to the opening / closing device 105. The opening / closing rod 106 has a rod passage 106a. The rod passage 106a opens to a portion of the circumferential surface of the opening / closing rod 106 closer to the first end. The rod passage 106a is connected to the application flow path 103 at the second end of the opening / closing rod 106. The opening / closing device 105 moves the opening / closing rod 106 back and forth within the application flow path 103.
[0012] "Overall View of Fluid Tank" As shown in Fig. 1, the fluid tank 10 has a tank body 11, a circulating portion 12, a control valve 20, and a filter device 30. In this embodiment, the fluid is hydrogen. The fluid tank 10 in this embodiment stores high-pressure hydrogen. In other words, the tank body 11 is configured to store a fluid.
[0013] The tank body 11 has an internal storage space 11a. The tank body 11 stores hydrogen in the storage space 11a. "Control Valve" The control valve 20 is provided at an end of the tank body 11. As shown in Figure 2, the control valve 20 has a valve housing 21, a valve seat 22, a valve body 23, and a biasing member 27.
[0014] The valve housing 21 protrudes cylindrically from the tank body 11. The valve housing 21 has a communication passage 21a and a valve chamber 21b. The communication passage 21a and the valve chamber 21b each extend in the axial direction of the valve housing 21. As shown in FIG. 1, a first end of the communication passage 21a opens to the accommodation space 11a. As shown in FIG. 2, a second end of the communication passage 21a opens to a first end of the valve chamber 21b. The second end of the valve chamber 21b communicates with a valve hole 22a. The valve hole 22a is surrounded by a valve seat 22. The valve hole 22a communicates with a flow passage 12a of the flow section 12, which will be described later. In other words, the control valve 20 is provided between the tank body 11 and the flow section 12.
[0015] The valve element 23 is accommodated in the valve chamber 21b. The valve element 23 is capable of reciprocating within the valve chamber 21b in the axial direction of the valve chamber 21b. The valve element 23 has a valve portion 25 at the tip end of the valve element 23 in the axial direction. The valve element 23 is accommodated in the valve chamber 21b with the valve portion 25 facing the valve seat 22.
[0016] A valve body passage 24a is formed in the valve body 23. The valve body passage 24a opens to the base end surface in the axial direction of the valve body 23. The valve body passage 24a also opens to the peripheral surface of the valve body 23 in a portion closer to the valve portion 25.
[0017] The valve element 23 has a guide portion 26. The guide portion 26 is provided on a portion of the valve element 23 in the axial direction. The guide portion 26 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the valve chamber 21b when the valve element 23 moves back and forth. The biasing member 27 is, for example, a coil spring. The biasing member 27 biases the valve element 23 so that the valve portion 25 moves toward the valve seat 22.
[0018] 2 and 3 , the control valve 20 is configured to be switchable between an open state S1 and a closed state S2. The open state S1 is a state in which the control valve 20 communicates between the circulating portion 12 and the interior of the tank body 11. In other words, the open state S1 is a state in which the valve portion 25 of the valve element 23 is separated from the valve seat 22 and does not close the valve hole 22 a. The closed state S2 is a state in which the control valve 20 does not communicate between the circulating portion 12 and the interior of the tank body 11. In other words, the closed state S2 is a state in which the valve portion 25 of the valve element 23 is seated on the valve seat 22 and closes the valve hole 22 a.
[0019] The valve element 23 is configured to be displaced by being pressed from the flow section 12 toward the inside of the tank body 11. When the control valve 20 is in the closed state S2, the valve element 23 is pressed toward the inside of the tank body 11 by the filter device 30 described below, thereby switching the control valve 20 from the closed state S2 to the open state S1. When the pressure on the valve element 23 by the filter device 30 is released, the control valve 20 is switched from the open state S1 to the closed state S2 by the biasing force of the biasing member 27.
[0020] In the open state S1, the valve hole 22a communicates with the communication passage 21a via the valve body passage 24a. That is, in the open state S1, the valve hole 22a communicates with the storage space 11a. "Circulation Section" The circulation section 12 is provided in the tank body 11 to allow fluid to flow in and out of the tank body 11. The circulation section 12 is connected to the valve housing 21 so as to extend in the axial direction of the valve housing 21. The circulation section 12 is provided in the tank body 11 by being connected to the valve housing 21. The circulation section 12 is cylindrical. A circulation passage 12a is defined inside the circulation section 12. The circulation section 12 has a bottom 12b at its innermost portion. A communication hole 12c is formed in the bottom 12b, which communicates the valve hole 22a with the circulation passage 12a.
[0021] A partitioning member 13 is connected to the flow-through portion 12. The partitioning member 13 defines an accommodation chamber 13a and a rod insertion hole 13b. The accommodation chamber 13a accommodates the filter device 30. The partitioning member 13 is cylindrical. The partitioning member 13 has a first tubular portion 131 and a second tubular portion 132. The first tubular portion 131 opens at a first end in the axial direction of the partitioning member 13. The first tubular portion 131, together with the bottom portion 12b of the flow-through portion 12, defines the accommodation chamber 13a.
[0022] The second cylindrical portion 132 opens at a second axial end of the partition member 13. The second cylindrical portion 132 communicates with the first cylindrical portion 131 and opens at the tip end of the flow passage portion 12. The second cylindrical portion 132 defines a rod insertion hole 13b. The flow passage portion 12 opens the flow passage 12a to the outside at the rod insertion hole 13b of the second cylindrical portion 132.
[0023] Fluid can flow between the fluid tank 10 and the application 100. When fluid is supplied from the fluid tank 10 to the application 100, the fluid flows from the accommodation space 11a through the control valve 20, the flow passage 12a, and the rod passage 106a into the application flow passage 103. When fluid is supplied from the application 100 to the fluid tank 10, the fluid flows from the application flow passage 103 through the rod passage 106a, the flow passage 12a, and the control valve 20 into the accommodation space 11a. The supply of fluid from the application 100 to the fluid tank 10 is performed, for example, for the purpose of filling the fluid tank 10 with fluid.
[0024] Hereinafter, the direction in which the fluid flows into the tank body 11 will be referred to as the inflow direction. The circulating portion 12 is provided downstream of the open / close rod 106 in the inflow direction. The control valve 20 is provided downstream of the circulating portion 12 in the inflow direction.
[0025] "Filter Device" The filter device 30 is provided in the flow section 12. More specifically, the filter device 30 is housed in the housing chamber 13a. As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the filter device 30 has a filter 31 and a filter holder 32. The filter device 30 removes foreign matter.
[0026] "Filter" The filter 31 is made of a metal material. The filter 31 is cylindrical. The filter 31 has many fine voids. The filter 31 allows the fluid to pass through while capturing foreign matter and preventing the passage of the foreign matter. In other words, the filter device 30 has the filter 31 that captures foreign matter.
[0027] The filter 31 has two gaskets 31e. Each gasket 31e is annular. A gasket 31e is provided at each end of the filter 31 in the direction in which the axis of the filter 31 extends. "Filter Holder" The filter holder 32 holds the filter 31. The filter holder 32 has a first holding member 41 and a second holding member 42. The first holding member 41 houses the filter 31 and the second holding member 42 inside. The second holding member 42 holds the filter 31 inside the first holding member 41.
[0028] First Holding Member The first holding member 41 has a first substrate 43 , a first peripheral wall 44 , a pressing rod 45 , and a receiving portion 46 .
[0029] The first substrate 43 is disk-shaped. The first substrate 43 has a first substrate outer surface 431 and a first substrate inner surface 432. The first substrate outer surface 431 and the first substrate inner surface 432 are each an end surface in the thickness direction of the first substrate 43. The first substrate outer surface 431 is the opposite surface of the first substrate 43 from the first substrate inner surface 432 in the thickness direction.
[0030] Here, the first peripheral wall 44 will be described. The first peripheral wall 44 is cylindrical. The first peripheral wall 44 protrudes from the first substrate inner surface 432. The outer diameter of the first peripheral wall 44 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 131. In addition, the inner diameter of the first peripheral wall 44 is larger than the outer diameter of the filter 31.
[0031] Next, the pressing rod 45 will be described. The pressing rod 45 is provided in the center of the first substrate outer surface 431. The pressing rod 45 protrudes from the first substrate outer surface 431. The first peripheral wall 44 protrudes from the first substrate 43 on the side opposite the pressing rod 45. The pressing rod 45 is cylindrical. The diameter of the pressing rod 45 is smaller than the diameters of the valve hole 22a and the communication hole 12c. A pressing surface 451 is provided at the tip of the pressing rod 45.
[0032] The first substrate 43 has a first flow hole 43a. The first flow hole 43a is provided in the center of the first substrate 43. The first flow hole 43a opens to both the first substrate outer surface 431 and the first substrate inner surface 432, and also opens to the outside of the first holding member 41 on the outer circumferential surface of the base end of the pressing rod 45.
[0033] The first holding member 41 defines a filter accommodating chamber 41 a. The filter accommodating chamber 41 a is defined by a first base plate 43 and a first peripheral wall 44. The filter accommodating chamber 41 a communicates with the outside of the first holding member 41 via a first flow hole 43 a in the first base plate 43.
[0034] The receiving portion 46 is cylindrical. The receiving portion 46 protrudes from the first substrate inner surface 432 toward the filter accommodating chamber 41a. The receiving portion 46 surrounds the first flow hole 43a. The first flow hole 43a opens toward the receiving portion 46. The receiving portion 46 has a receiving portion outer peripheral surface 461 and a receiving portion inner peripheral surface 462. The outer diameter of the receiving portion 46 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first peripheral wall 44. The axial length of the receiving portion 46 is shorter than the axial length of the first peripheral wall 44.
[0035] "Second Holding Member" The second holding member 42 has a second base plate 47 and a second peripheral wall 48. The second holding member 42 is housed in the filter housing chamber 41a.
[0036] The second substrate 47 is disk-shaped. The second substrate 47 has a second substrate outer surface 471 and a second substrate inner surface 472. The second substrate outer surface 471 and the second substrate inner surface 472 are each end surfaces in the thickness direction of the second substrate 47. The second substrate outer surface 471 is the opposite surface to the second substrate inner surface 472 in the thickness direction of the second substrate 47. The second substrate 47 has a pressed surface 473 that is recessed from the center of the second substrate outer surface 471.
[0037] The second substrate 47 has a flange portion 47a. The flange portion 47a is a portion of the second substrate 47 that includes a second substrate outer surface 471. The diameter of the flange portion 47a is larger than the outer diameter of the receiving portion 46. The diameter of the second substrate 47 other than the flange portion 47a is the same as the outer diameter of the receiving portion 46.
[0038] The second peripheral wall 48 is cylindrical. The second peripheral wall 48 protrudes from the second substrate inner surface 472 of the second substrate 47. The second peripheral wall 48 protrudes from the surface of the second substrate 47 opposite the pressed surface 473. The outer diameter of the second peripheral wall 48 is smaller than the diameter of the second substrate 47.
[0039] The second peripheral wall 48 has a second peripheral wall flow path 48a. The second peripheral wall flow path 48a is defined by the second substrate 47 and the second peripheral wall 48. The second peripheral wall flow path 48a extends in the direction of the axis of the second peripheral wall 48. The second peripheral wall flow path 48a opens at the tip of the second peripheral wall 48.
[0040] The second peripheral wall 48 has second flow holes 48b. Two second flow holes 48b are provided in the second peripheral wall 48. Each second flow hole 48b communicates with a second peripheral wall flow path 48a. Each second flow hole 48b connects the second peripheral wall flow path 48a to the outside of the second peripheral wall 48.
[0041] "Relationship Between the Filter, First Holding Member, and Second Holding Member" The filter holder 32 is configured by assembling a first holding member 41 and a second holding member 42. That is, the filter holder 32 includes the first holding member 41 and the second holding member 42 assembled to the first holding member 41. In the filter holder 32, the second base plate 47 and the second peripheral wall 48 are inserted inside the filter 31. The tip of the second peripheral wall 48 is inserted inside the receiving portion 46. The second peripheral wall 48 and the receiving portion 46 are fixed by screwing. Note that the second peripheral wall 48 and the receiving portion 46 may also be fixed by press-fitting the second peripheral wall 48 into the receiving portion 46. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second peripheral wall 48 faces a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the filter 31. Each of the second flow holes 48b faces the inner peripheral surface of the filter 31.
[0042] The first substrate outer surface 431 and the pressing surface 451 each face in the direction opposite to the pressed surface 473. That is, the pressed surface 473 is the surface of the filter holder 32 opposite to the pressing surface 451. In other words, the filter holder 32 has the pressed surface 473, which is the surface opposite to the pressing surface 451. The pressed surface 473 is configured to be pressed toward the inside of the tank body 11.
[0043] The first flow holes 43a face the second peripheral wall flow passages 48a and communicate with the second peripheral wall flow passages 48a. One gasket 31e of the filter 31 contacts the first substrate inner surface 432, and the other gasket 31e of the filter 31 contacts the flange portion 47a. Due to these contacts, the filter 31 is held between the first holding member 41 and the second holding member 42. The filter 31 is surrounded by the first peripheral wall 44. The outer peripheral surface of the filter 31 is spaced from the inner peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall 44.
[0044] A gap 41b is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the filter 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall 44. The gap 41b communicates with each of the second flow holes 48b and the second peripheral wall flow passages 48a through minute gaps in the filter 31. Because the second peripheral wall flow passages 48a communicate with the first flow holes 43a, the gap 41b also communicates with the first flow holes 43a.
[0045] The filter holder 32 is accommodated in the accommodation chamber 13 a. The first base plate 43 faces the bottom portion 12 b, and the outer peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall 44 faces the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 131.
[0046] The filter holder 32 is located downstream of the open / close rod 106 in the inflow direction. The filter holder 32 is located upstream of the control valve 20 in the inflow direction. The pressing rod 45 is inserted through the communication hole 12c in the bottom portion 12b and the valve hole 22a. A pressing surface 451 of the pressing rod 45 faces the valve portion 25. Therefore, the filter holder 32 has a pressing surface 451 that faces the control valve 20.
[0047] The pressed surface 473 faces the tip of the open-close rod 106. The rod passage 106a communicates with the filter accommodating chamber 41a. "Flow path" The filter holder 32 has a flow path 32a. The flow path 32a is defined between the pressing surface 451 and the pressed surface 473 in the axial direction of the flow portion 12. The flow path 32a allows a fluid to flow through it.
[0048] The flow path 32a includes a first flow hole 43a, a second peripheral wall flow path 48a, a second flow hole 48b, and a gap 41b. The first flow hole 43a partially defines the flow path 32a. The second flow hole 48b partially defines the flow path 32a. The filter 31 is interposed between the gap 41b and the inside of the filter 31. In other words, the filter 31 is provided in the flow path 32a.
[0049] "Opening and Closing of Control Valve by Opening and Closing Device" As shown in FIG. 1 , when the application 100 receives a supply of fluid from the fluid tank 10, it presses the filter device 30 toward the tank body 11 using the open-close rod 106. The open-close rod 106 presses the pressed surface 473. As a result, the filter device 30 moves within the accommodation chamber 13a toward the tank body 11. At this time, the first circumferential wall 44 is guided along the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 131, and the filter device 30 moves straight toward the tank body 11. As the filter device 30 moves, the pressing rod 45 presses the valve element 23 of the control valve 20 toward the inside of the tank body 11. Furthermore, when filling the fluid tank 10 with fluid, the application 100 also presses the valve element 23 of the control valve 20 toward the inside of the tank body 11 using the open-close rod 106.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the valve element 23 of the control valve 20 is pressed by the opening / closing rod 106 and displaces toward the inside of the tank body 11. This causes the control valve 20 to enter an open state S1. In other words, the control valve 20 is configured to switch from a closed state S2 to an open state S1 when the valve element 23 is pressed against the pressing surface 451 of the filter holder 32 as the pressing surface 473 presses. In the open state S1, the accommodation space 11a communicates with the flow path 32a via the communication passage 21a, the valve element passage 24a, the valve chamber 21b, the valve hole 22a, and the communication hole 12c. At this time, the rod passage 106a communicates with the accommodation space 11a via the flow path 32a. As described above, the application 100 opens and closes the control valve 20 by pressing the filter device 30 with the opening / closing rod 106.
[0051] When the fluid tank 10 is filled with fluid, the fluid flows through the rod passage 106a and then flows out of the opening / closing rod 106. The fluid that flows out of the opening / closing rod 106 flows into the gap 41b in the accommodation chamber 13a, and then flows from the second flow hole 48b into the second circumferential wall flow path 48a via the filter 31. The fluid that flows into the second circumferential wall flow path 48a flows through the first flow hole 43a and flows out of the filter device 30 from the circumferential surface of the pressing rod 45.
[0052] When the control valve 20 is in the open state S1, the fluid flowing out of the filter device 30 passes through the communication hole 12c in the bottom 12b and the valve hole 22a and flows into the valve chamber 21b. The fluid that has flowed into the valve chamber 21b flows through the valve body passage 24a and the communication passage 21a and into the tank body 11.
[0053] To stop the inflow of fluid into the tank body 11, the opening / closing device 105 stops pressing the filter device 30 with the opening / closing rod 106. As shown in FIG. 3 , when there is no pressing force from the opening / closing rod 106, the valve element 23 is biased by the biasing member 27 from downstream to upstream in the inflow direction. The biasing force from the biasing member 27 causes the valve portion 25 of the valve element 23 to be seated on the valve seat 22. In other words, the control valve 20 is in the closed state S2. In the process of the control valve 20 changing from the open state S1 to the closed state S2, the filter device 30 moves in conjunction with the valve element 23. In other words, the filter device 30 moves in the flow passage 12a in a direction from the tank body 11 toward the opening / closing rod 106. At this time, the filter device 30 also moves within the accommodation chamber 13a toward the opening / closing rod 106. At this time, the first peripheral wall 44 is guided along the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 131 , and the filter device 30 moves straight toward the open / close rod 106 .
[0054] Note that the flow of fluid when receiving a supply of fluid from the fluid tank 10 is opposite to the flow of fluid when filling the fluid tank 10, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. <Operation of this embodiment> When fluid flows from the outside of the fluid tank 10 into the inside of the tank body 11, the fluid passes through the circulating portion 12. The fluid passing through the circulating portion 12 flows toward the control valve 20 via the filter device 30. The fluid flowing toward the control valve 20 passes through the filter 31 when passing through the flow path 32a. If the fluid flowing from the outside of the fluid tank 10 into the inside of the tank body 11 contains foreign matter, the filter 31 captures the foreign matter and allows the fluid from which the foreign matter has been removed to flow toward the control valve 20.
[0055] <Effects of the First Embodiment> (1-1) The filter device 30 is provided in the circulating portion 12. The circulating portion 12 is located on the opposite side of the control valve 20 from the tank body 11. Therefore, the filter device 30 is provided upstream of the control valve 20 in the direction of fluid flow into the tank body 11. Even if foreign matter adheres to the opening of the circulating portion 12 or the portion of the open-close rod 106 that protrudes into the tank insertion portion 102, the foreign matter is captured by the filter 31 of the filter device 30 before reaching the control valve 20. Therefore, the filter device 30 in the fluid tank 10 can prevent foreign matter from entering the control valve 20.
[0056] If foreign matter enters the valve hole 22a of the control valve 20, the foreign matter may become caught between the valve seat 22 and the valve body 23. The foreign matter getting caught between the valve seat 22 and the valve body 23 may cause the fluid to flow out of the accommodation space 11a when the control valve 20 is in the closed state S2. In other words, by including the filter device 30, the fluid tank 10 can prevent the fluid from flowing out of the tank body 11 when the control valve 20 is in the closed state S2.
[0057] (1-2) The filter holder 32 is configured by assembling a first holding member 41 and a second holding member 42. The filter 31 is held inside the first holding member 41 by the second holding member 42. For example, in the filter device 30, the filter 31 can be more easily incorporated into the filter holder 32 than in a case where the first holding member 41 and the second holding member 42 are integrally formed.
[0058] (1-3) The filter device 30 presses the valve element 23 of the control valve 20 with a pressing rod 45 protruding from the first substrate 43. For example, if the diameter of the valve hole 22a is changed, the diameter of the pressing rod 45 can be changed to press the valve element 23 of the control valve 20 in accordance with the diameter of the valve hole 22a. Therefore, the filter device 30 can accommodate changes in the diameter of the valve hole 22a without changing the shape of the first substrate 43.
[0059] (1-4) The fluid that flows into the gap 41b passes through the filter 31 from the outside toward the inside of the filter 31. The fluid that passes through the filter 31 flows into the first flow hole 43a via the second flow hole 48b and the second circumferential wall flow path 48a. For example, compared to when the filter 31 is a flat plate disposed on the first substrate outer surface 431 so as to cover the first flow hole 43a, the filter 31 can have a larger contact area with the fluid. In other words, the filter device 30 can capture foreign matter contained in the fluid more efficiently than when the filter 31 is a flat plate.
[0060] (1-5) The flow path 32a includes the gap 41b and the space inside the filter 31. In other words, the fluid flowing from the rod passage 106a toward the valve hole 22a passes through the filter 31 regardless of the position of the filter device 30 in the flow path 12a. Therefore, the filter device 30 can capture foreign matter contained in the fluid regardless of the position of the filter 31 in the flow path 12a.
[0061] (1-6) When fluid is supplied from the application 100 to the fluid tank 10, the fluid heading toward the fluid tank 10 passes through the filter 31 from the outer periphery side of the filter 31 and flows through the flow path 32a to flow into the inner periphery side of the filter 31. In this case, the fluid presses the filter 31 against the second circumferential wall 48 and the receiving portion 46, so the filter device 30 can make it difficult for the filter 31 to come off the filter holder 32.
[0062] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6, focusing on differences from the first embodiment. The main difference from the first embodiment is the positions of the first flow holes 43a and the second flow holes 48b in the filter holder 32. Detailed description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.
[0063] Application As shown in FIG. 5, the rod passage 106 a of the second embodiment is open at the first end of the open / close rod 106 .
[0064] 5 and 6, the first flow holes 43a are provided in a portion of the first base plate 43 between the first peripheral wall 44 and the receiving portion 46. The first base plate 43 has four first flow holes 43a.
[0065] "Second Holding Member" The second holding member 42 has an insertion portion 49 instead of the second peripheral wall 48. The second flow hole 48b is provided in the second substrate 47. The second flow hole 48b is provided in the pressed surface 473 of the second substrate 47.
[0066] The insertion portion 49 is cylindrical. The insertion portion 49 protrudes from the surface of the second substrate 47 opposite the pressed surface 473. The insertion portion 49 has a second holding member flow path 49a. The second holding member flow path 49a penetrates the insertion portion 49 in the radial direction. In other words, the second holding member flow path 49a penetrates the insertion portion 49 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the insertion portion 49 protrudes. The second holding member flow path 49a opens at the circumferential surface of the insertion portion 49. The second holding member flow path 49a communicates with the second flow hole 48b through the inside of the insertion portion 49.
[0067] The flange portion 47a of the second base plate 47 extends further toward the first peripheral wall 44 than in the first embodiment. The second base plate 47 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall 44. As a result, the second holding member 42 closes the filter accommodating chamber 41a with the flange portion 47a. In other words, the second base plate 47 closes the gap 41b.
[0068] The flow path 32a in the filter holder 32 includes a first flow hole 43a, a second flow hole 48b, a second holding member flow path 49a, and a gap 41b. The first flow hole 43a partially defines the flow path 32a. The second flow hole 48b partially defines the flow path 32a. Fluid that flows into the second flow hole 48b through the rod passage 106a flows toward the first flow hole 43a via the second holding member flow path 49a, the minute gaps in the filter 31, and the gap 41b. In other words, the first flow hole 43a is connected to the second holding member flow path 49a via the filter 31.
[0069] <Operation of Second Embodiment> When the control valve 20 is in the open state S1, the fluid flowing out from the rod passage 106a passes through the flow path 32a and then heads toward the control valve 20. In other words, the fluid passes through the filter 31 while passing through the flow path 32a. If the passing fluid contains foreign matter, the filter 31 captures the foreign matter. The filter 31 allows the fluid, from which the foreign matter has been removed, to flow from the filter 31 to the gap 41b.
[0070] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) to (1-5) described in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0071] (2-1) When fluid is supplied from the fluid tank 10 to the application 100, the fluid in the fluid tank 10 flows through the flow path 32a from the outer periphery of the filter 31, passes through the filter 31, and flows out to the inner periphery of the filter 31. In this case, the fluid presses the filter 31 against the insertion portion 49 and the receiving portion 46, so the filter device 30 can prevent the filter 31 from coming off the filter holder 32.
[0072] <Other Embodiments> The above-described embodiments can be modified and implemented as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following other embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.
[0073] In the first embodiment, the flow path 32a does not have to include the inside of the filter 31 or the second peripheral wall flow path 48a. In this case, the first substrate 43 only needs to have the first flow hole 43a between the receiving portion 46 and the first peripheral wall 44. Furthermore, the filter 31 only needs to be disposed so as to fill the entire gap 41b and cover the first flow hole 43a. In other words, the fluid flowing out of the rod passage 106a flows through the gap 41b in the axial direction of the filter 31, passes through the filter 31, and flows into the first flow hole 43a.
[0074] In the second embodiment, the first holding member 41 may be composed of a first peripheral wall 44 and a pressing rod 45. The pressing rod 45 is fixed to the tip of the insertion portion 49. The first peripheral wall 44 is fixed to a flange portion 47a of the second substrate 47. The filter 31 is fixed to the flange portion 47a. In this case, the fluid flowing out from the rod passage 106a flows into the second flow hole 48b and then into the second holding member flow path 49a. The fluid flowing out from the second holding member flow path 49a passes through the filter 31 and then heads toward the valve hole 22a. In this configuration, the flow path 32a does not include the first flow hole 43a.
[0075] The filter 31 does not have to be cylindrical. For example, the filter 31 may be flat. In this case, the first holding member 41 is composed of a first base plate 43 and a first peripheral wall 44. In other words, the first holding member 41 does not have a receiving portion 46. The filter 31 is accommodated in the filter accommodating chamber 41 a so that the thickness direction of the filter 31 and the thickness direction of the first base plate 43 coincide with each other.
[0076] The second holding member 42 is fixed to the first holding member 41, for example, by press-fitting the flange portion 47a into the first peripheral wall 44. The filter 31 is then fixed to the filter holder 32 by being pressed against the first substrate 43 by the second peripheral wall 48.
[0077] The fluid may be other than hydrogen, for example, nitrogen or ammonia. The pressing rod 45 may be separate from the first holding member 41. The filter holder 32 may not be disassembled into the first holding member 41 and the second holding member 42 while the filter 31 is housed therein, but may be formed as a single unit in advance.
[0078] The filter holder 32 does not have to be formed by assembling the first holding member 41 and the second holding member 42, but may be formed as a single member.
Claims
1. A fluid tank equipped with a filter device for removing foreign matter, comprising: a tank body configured to store a fluid; a circulating section provided in the tank body for allowing the fluid to flow in and out of the tank body; and a control valve provided downstream of the circulating section in the direction of flow of the fluid into the tank body, wherein the control valve has a valve element configured to be displaced when pressed from the circulating section toward the inside of the tank body, and the control valve is configured to be switchable between an open state that connects the circulating section with the inside of the tank body and a closed state that does not connect the circulating section with the inside of the tank body, the filter device being provided in the circulating section, the filter device having a filter that captures the foreign matter and a filter holder that holds the filter, the filter holder having a pressing surface facing the control valve, a pressed surface that is on the opposite side to the pressing surface and configured to be pressed toward the inside of the tank body, and a flow path that is partitioned between the pressing surface and the pressed surface and allows the fluid to flow through the filter is provided in the flow path, and the control valve is configured to switch from the closed state to the open state when the valve body is pressed against the pressing surface of the filter holder as the pressed surface is pressed.
2. The fluid tank described in claim 1, wherein the filter holder includes a first holding member having the pressing surface and a second holding member having the pressed surface that is assembled to the first holding member, the first holding member houses the filter, the second holding member holds the filter housed in the first holding member inside the first holding member, the first holding member has a first flow hole that partially forms the flow path, and the second holding member has a second flow hole that partially forms the flow path.
3. A fluid tank as described in claim 2, wherein the first holding member has a first substrate having the first flow hole, a pressing rod protruding from the first substrate and having the pressing surface at its tip, and a first peripheral wall protruding from the first substrate on the side opposite the pressing rod and surrounding the second holding member, the filter is cylindrical, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the filter and the inner peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall, and the flow path includes the first flow hole, the second flow hole, and the gap.
4. A fluid tank as described in claim 3, wherein the second holding member comprises: a second substrate having the pressed surface; a second peripheral wall protruding from the surface of the second substrate opposite the pressed surface and inserted into the filter, the second peripheral wall having the second flow hole; and a second peripheral wall flow path defined by the second peripheral wall and the second substrate and communicating with the second flow hole; the first substrate has a receiving portion on the side opposite the pressing rod into which the second peripheral wall is inserted; the flow path includes the second peripheral wall flow path; and the first flow hole faces the second peripheral wall flow path.
5. The fluid tank according to claim 3, wherein the second holding member comprises: a second substrate having the pressed surface and the second flow hole and closing the gap; an insertion portion protruding from the surface of the second substrate opposite the pressed surface, the insertion portion being inserted into the filter and held by the first substrate; and a second holding member flow path penetrating the insertion portion in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the insertion portion and communicating with the second flow hole; the first substrate has a receiving portion into which the insertion portion is inserted on the side opposite the pressing rod, the flow path including the second holding member flow path, and the first flow hole being connected to the second holding member flow path via the filter.
Citation Information
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