Solenoid valve device and valve assembly

Abstract

A solenoid valve device (15a), which is attached to a body (11) made of a metal material, comprises: an excitation portion (61) having a coil winding (64); a fixed iron core (83); a movable iron core (84); a valve body (85); a cylindrical sleeve (81) that accommodates the fixed iron core, the movable iron core, and the valve body arranged in the axial direction; and a housing (51) made of a resin material, the housing having an opening portion (51d) and surrounding the excitation portion in a portion other than the opening portion. The solenoid valve device is attached to the body in a state in which the opening portion and an end surface of the body face each other. The excitation portion is separated from the body in the axial direction in a state in which the solenoid valve device is attached to the body. A spacer (201) made of a metal material that enables thermal contact between the excitation portion and the body is disposed between the excitation portion and the body in the axial direction.

Description

Solenoid valve device and valve assembly

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a valve assembly for controlling the flow of gas. The valve assembly is configured by attaching a plurality of valve devices including a solenoid valve device to a body respectively. The solenoid valve device has a solenoid provided with a coil winding.

[0003] International Publication No. 2024 / 150288

[0004] There is a need for a solenoid valve device that can withstand the increase in temperature of the heat generated by the coil winding of the solenoid.

[0005] The solenoid valve device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is attached to a body made of a metal material. The solenoid valve device includes an exciting portion having a coil winding, a fixed iron core excited by the exciting portion, a movable iron core that is displaced in position in response to the excitation of the fixed iron core, a valve body interlocked with the movable iron core, a cylindrical sleeve that is disposed on the inner periphery of the exciting portion and axially aligns and houses the fixed iron core, the movable iron core, and the valve body, and a housing made of a resin material having an opening and surrounding the exciting portion except for the opening portion. The solenoid valve device is attached to the body in a state where the opening of the housing faces the end face of the body, and the exciting portion is spaced apart from the body in the axial direction when the solenoid valve device is attached to the body. A spacer made of a metal material that enables thermal contact between the exciting portion and the body is disposed between the exciting portion and the body in the axial direction.

[0006] The valve assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure is formed by mounting a plurality of valve devices including the above-described solenoid valve device on the body.

[0007] It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a valve assembly according to an embodiment. It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a composite valve device in the valve assembly of FIG. 1. It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a solenoid valve device in the composite valve device of FIG. 2.

[0008] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, "ring-shaped" means that the whole can be considered ring-shaped, and includes ring-shaped structures formed by combining multiple parts or sections, as well as structures with a cutout or the like in a C-shape. The shape of a "ring-shaped" structure includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with sharp or rounded corners when viewed from the axial direction. In this specification, "cylindrical" means that the whole can be considered cylindrical, and includes cylindrical structures formed by combining multiple parts or sections, as well as structures with a cutout or the like in a C-shape. The shape of a "cylindrical" structure includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with sharp or rounded corners when viewed from the axial direction. The same applies to "columnar" in this specification.

[0009] <Overall Configuration> The valve assembly 1 shown in Figure 1 is installed, for example, in the gas tank 2 of a fuel cell vehicle. The gas tank 2 stores hydrogen gas at a high pressure of, for example, about 72.5 MPa. The valve assembly 1 is selectively connected to one of a plurality of external devices 3. The plurality of external devices 3 include a hydrogen gas supply source 4 for filling the gas tank 2, and a consumption device 5 for consuming the hydrogen gas delivered from the gas tank 2. The supply source 4 is, for example, a hydrogen station and is connected to the valve assembly 1 via piping 6. The consumption device 5 is, for example, a fuel cell mounted on a vehicle and is connected to the valve assembly 1 via piping 7. The valve assembly 1 controls the flow of hydrogen gas being filled into the gas tank 2 and hydrogen gas being delivered from the gas tank 2.

[0010] The valve assembly 1 comprises a body 11 having a gas passage and a plurality of valve devices attached to the body 11. The body 11 is a so-called manifold block, in which the plurality of valve devices are connected by gas passages formed in the body 11. The gas passage includes a first passage 12 connected to a gas tank 2 and a second passage 13 connected to an external device 3. The plurality of valve devices include, for example, a manual valve device 14, a combined valve device 15, a safety valve device 16, a check valve device 17, and an overflow prevention valve device 18. The plurality of valve devices may include any valve devices in addition to or instead of these valve devices. The valve assembly 1 also includes a fitting 19 for connecting piping 6 or piping 7.

[0011] <Body> As shown in Figure 1, the body 11 is made of a metal material, for example. The metal material of the body 11 is aluminum, for example. The body 11 is a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a part of it protruding. The body 11 of this embodiment is a continuous, one-piece piece without any breaks. 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, end faces parallel to each other. The second side surface 11b and the fourth side surface 11d are, for example, end faces parallel to each other. The first side surface 11a and the third side surface 11c are perpendicular to each other, for example, the second side surface 11b and the fourth side surface 11d.

[0012] The body 11 has a plurality of mounting holes corresponding to the members to be attached to the body 11. The plurality of mounting holes include, for example, a mounting hole 21 for a joint, a mounting hole 22 for a manual valve, an integrated mounting hole 23, and a mounting hole 24 for a composite valve. The mounting hole 21 for a joint is a mounting hole for attaching a joint 19. The mounting hole 22 for a manual valve is a mounting hole for attaching a manual valve device 14. The integrated mounting hole 23 is a mounting hole for attaching a safety valve device 16 and a check valve device 17. The mounting hole 24 for a composite valve is a mounting hole for attaching a composite valve device 15.

[0013] The mounting hole 21 for the joint is, for example, a round hole and opens on the first side surface 11a. The bottom surface of the mounting hole 21 for the joint is, for example, a plane parallel to the first side surface 11a. The mounting hole 22 for the manual valve is, for example, a round hole and opens on the second side surface 11b. The bottom surface of the mounting hole 22 for the manual valve is, for example, a plane parallel to the second side surface 11b. The integrated mounting hole 23 is, for example, a round hole and opens on the third side surface 11c. The mounting hole 24 for the composite valve is, for example, a round hole and opens on the fourth side surface 11d. The bottom surface of the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve is a plane parallel to the fourth side surface 11d. Details of the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve will be described later.

[0014] The first flow path 12 includes a filling section 31 that connects the integrated mounting hole 23 to the gas tank 2, and a discharge section 32 that connects the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve to the gas tank 2. The filling section 31 opens to the inner circumferential surface of the integrated mounting hole 23. As a result, the safety valve device 16 and the check valve device 17 are connected to the gas tank 2 via the filling section 31. The discharge section 32 opens to, for example, the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve. As a result, the composite valve device 15 is connected to the gas tank 2 via the discharge section 32.

[0015] The second flow path 13 includes a first portion 33, a second portion 34, a third portion 35, and a fourth portion 36. The first portion 33 opens to the bottom surface of the fitting mounting hole 21. Thus, the first portion 33 is connected to the supply source 4 or the consumption device 5 via the fitting 19. In other words, the open end of the first portion 33 is used as a common port 37, which is both the inlet for hydrogen gas supplied from the supply source 4 and the outlet for hydrogen gas sent to the consumption device 5. Therefore, the second flow path 13 includes the common port 37. The first portion 33 extends linearly from the bottom surface of the fitting mounting hole 21 in a direction perpendicular to the first side surface 11a.

[0016] The second portion 34 opens to the bottom surface of the manual valve mounting hole 22. The second portion 34 extends linearly from the bottom surface of the manual valve mounting hole 22 in a direction perpendicular to the second side surface 11b and intersects with the first portion 33. Therefore, the second portion 34 is perpendicular to the first portion 33. The inner diameter of the portion of the second portion 34 that is behind the intersection with the first portion 33 is smaller than the inner diameter of the portion that is in front of the intersection. In other words, the second portion 34 has a step.

[0017] The third portion 35 opens to the bottom surface of the integrated mounting hole 23. The third portion 35 extends linearly from the bottom surface of the integrated mounting hole 23 in a direction perpendicular to the third side surface 11c and intersects with the second portion 34. Therefore, the third portion 35 is perpendicular to the second portion 34. The third portion 35 communicates the second portion 34 with the integrated mounting hole 23. The third portion 35 is perpendicular to, for example, the small diameter portion of the second portion 34.

[0018] The fourth portion 36 opens to the bottom surface of the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve. The fourth portion 36 extends linearly from the bottom surface of the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve in a direction perpendicular to the fourth side surface 11d. In other words, the fourth portion 36 extends linearly in a direction parallel to the second portion 34. The fourth portion 36 is connected to the tip of the second portion 34. The fourth portion 36 connects the second portion 34 to the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve. In this embodiment, the fourth portion 36 is provided, for example, coaxially with the second portion 34. For example, the third portion 35 may be perpendicular to the large-diameter portion of the second portion 34 so as to be arranged coaxially with the first portion 33.

[0019] The fitting 19 is made of, for example, a metal material. The fitting 19 is, for example, cylindrical. The fitting 19 has a fitting channel 38. The fitting channel 38 extends linearly along the axial direction of the fitting 19 and opens to both end faces of the fitting 19. The fitting 19 is fixed to the fitting mounting hole 21 by any fixing method such as screw fastening or press-fitting. As a result, the fitting channel 38 communicates with the first section 33. One of the pipes 6 or 7 is connected to the fitting 19. As a result, the supply source 4 or the consumption device 5 is connected to the second channel 13 via the fitting channel 38.

[0020] <Multiple Valve Devices> As shown in Figure 1, the manual valve device 14 is fixed to the manual valve mounting hole 22 by any fixing method such as screw fastening or press-fitting. The manual valve device 14 is configured to be able to close the second portion 34 of the second flow path 13 by user operation.

[0021] The combined valve device 15 includes a solenoid valve device 15a that functions as a solenoid valve and a check valve device 15b that functions as a check valve. The combined valve device 15 controls the flow of hydrogen gas between the discharge portion 32 of the first flow path 12 and the fourth portion 36 of the second flow path 13 through opening and closing by the solenoid valve device 15a. The check valve device 15b allows the flow of hydrogen gas from the discharge portion 32 to the fourth portion 36 and restricts the flow of hydrogen gas from the fourth portion 36 to the discharge portion 32. This suppresses the effect of high-pressure hydrogen gas on the solenoid valve device 15a when filling the gas tank 2 with hydrogen gas from the supply source 4. Details of the solenoid valve device 15a will be described later.

[0022] The safety valve device 16 has an inlet 16a. When the temperature of the safety valve device 16 is below the threshold temperature, the safety valve device 16 is in a closed state, not releasing hydrogen gas flowing into the inlet 16a to the outside. When the temperature of the safety valve device 16 exceeds the threshold temperature, the safety valve device 16 irreversibly changes from the closed state to the open state. In the open state, the safety valve device 16 releases hydrogen gas flowing into the inlet 16a to the outside. The threshold temperature is set in advance to prevent the pressure of hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 from becoming too high and damaging the gas tank 2.

[0023] The check valve device 17 is configured to prevent backflow of the gas filled in the gas tank 2. Specifically, the check valve device 17 restricts the flow of hydrogen gas from the filled portion 31 of the first flow path 12 to the third portion 35 of the second flow path 13, while allowing the flow of hydrogen gas from the third portion 35 to the filled portion 31.

[0024] The overflow prevention valve device 18 is installed in the joint flow path 38. The overflow prevention valve device 18 is configured to restrict the flow of hydrogen gas when the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing in a predetermined direction in the joint flow path 38 (second flow path 13) exceeds a predetermined amount. The predetermined direction is, for example, the direction in which hydrogen gas is sent from the gas tank 2 to the consumer equipment 5. The overflow prevention valve device 18 does not restrict the flow rate of hydrogen gas in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, that is, the direction in which hydrogen gas is supplied from the supply source 4 to the gas tank 2.

[0025] <About the Solenoid Valve Device> As shown in Figure 2, the composite valve device 15 is installed by mounting the check valve device 15b and the solenoid valve device 15a in that order into the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve of the body 11. In the following description, the direction along the axis L in Figures 2 and 3 will be referred to as the "axial direction". In Figures 2 and 3, the upper part of the paper will be referred to as the "upper side", and the lower part of the paper will be referred to as the "lower side".

[0026] More specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the solenoid valve device 15a comprises a housing 51, an excitation unit 61, a sleeve 81, and a spacer 201. The housing 51 is made of, for example, a resin material. The housing 51 is, for example, cylindrical. The housing 51 is molded by resin molding to house the excitation unit 61 and the spacer 201. The housing 51 has a circumferential wall portion 51a, a first end wall portion 51b, and a first flange portion 51c. The circumferential wall portion 51a is, for example, cylindrical and houses the excitation unit 61, the sleeve 81, and the spacer 201 inside. The first end wall portion 51b closes the first end, which is the axial upper side of the circumferential wall portion 51a. The first flange portion 51c is the peripheral edge portion of the opening at the second end, which is on the opposite side of the circumferential wall portion 51a from the first end wall portion 51b and is the axial lower side. The second end of the peripheral wall portion 51a has an opening 51d that opens toward the fourth side surface 11d of the body 11. In other words, the housing 51 surrounds the excitation portion 61 in the portion excluding the opening 51d.

[0027] The first flange portion 51c has a second end wall portion 51e that extends radially inward from the periphery of the opening at the second end of the peripheral wall portion 51a. The second end wall portion 51e is continuously formed around the entire circumference of the periphery of the opening at the second end of the peripheral wall portion 51a. The opening end face 51f, which is the end face on the second end side of the second end wall portion 51e, is the surface facing the fourth side surface 11d of the body 11. As a result, when the solenoid valve device 15a is attached to the body 11, the opening end face 51f of the housing 51 is configured to approach or abut against the fourth side surface 11d of the body 11. In other words, the solenoid valve device 15a is attached to the body 11 with the opening 51d and the fourth side surface 11d facing each other.

[0028] The excitation unit 61 constitutes a so-called solenoid. The excitation unit 61 is arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 51a of the housing 51. The excitation unit 61 has a solenoid case 62, a bobbin 63, a coil winding 64, and a yoke 65.

[0029] The solenoid case 62 forms the outer casing of the excitation unit 61 and is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape. The solenoid case 62 abuts against the inner surfaces of the peripheral wall portion 51a, the first end wall portion 51b, and the first flange portion 51c of the housing 51. The solenoid case 62 houses the bobbin 63, the coil winding 64, and the yoke 65. The bobbin 63, the coil winding 64, and the yoke 65 are arranged coaxially.

[0030] The bobbin 63 is made of, for example, a resin material. The bobbin 63 is, for example, cylindrical. Bobbin flange portions 63a are formed at both ends of the bobbin 63 in the axial direction. A coil winding 64 is wound around the outer circumference of the bobbin 63 between the two bobbin flange portions 63a. The coil winding 64 is made of, for example, conductive copper wire and is wound multiple times around the axis L of the bobbin 63.

[0031] A yoke 65 is provided around both axial ends of the bobbin 63, i.e., around the two bobbin flange portions 63a. The yoke 65 is made of, for example, a metal material. The yoke 65 is cylindrical, for example, with a flange at one end in the axial direction. The yoke 65 includes an upper yoke 65a positioned around the upper bobbin flange portion 63a of the bobbin 63, and a lower yoke 65b positioned around the lower bobbin flange portion 63a of the bobbin 63. The upper yoke 65a is positioned to surround the upper bobbin flange portion 63a and the upper part of the inner circumferential surface of the bobbin 63 around which the coil winding 64 is wound. In other words, the upper yoke 65a is positioned on the upper and radially inward side of the bobbin 63. The lower yoke 65b is positioned to surround the lower bobbin flange portion 63a and the lower part of the inner circumferential surface of the bobbin 63 around which the coil winding 64 is wound. In other words, the lower yoke 65b is positioned on the lower side and radially inward of the bobbin 63. A portion of the lower yoke surface 65ba, which is the lower end face of the lower yoke 65b, is in contact with the second end wall portion 51e.

[0032] A sleeve 81 is inserted from its first end into the inner circumference of the excitation unit 61, that is, the inner circumference of the yokes 65a and 65b located inside the bobbin 63. The sleeve 81 is made of, for example, a metal material. The metal material of the sleeve 81 is, for example, a copper alloy. The sleeve 81 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape. The second end of the sleeve 81, opposite to the first end, is fitted from the axial upper side into a mounting hole 24 for a composite valve provided in the body 11, for example, by press-fitting such as a clearance fit. In this embodiment, the mounting hole 24 for a composite valve is an example of a mounting part.

[0033] More specifically, the sleeve 81 has a sleeve peripheral wall portion 81a and a sleeve end wall portion 81b. The sleeve peripheral wall portion 81a is, for example, cylindrical and houses a fixed core 83, a movable core 84, a solenoid valve body 85, a biasing member 86 for the solenoid valve, and a plug 87 inside. The sleeve end wall portion 81b closes the first end, which is the upper axial end of the sleeve peripheral wall portion 81a. The outer diameter of the sleeve peripheral wall portion 81a changes in steps from the first end to the second end, which is the lower end. The portion of the sleeve peripheral wall portion 81a on the first end side is the first sleeve portion 81aa. The portion of the sleeve peripheral wall portion 81a on the second end side is the second sleeve portion 81ac. The second end portion of the second sleeve portion 81ac, that is, the tip portion 81ad which is the end portion spaced away from the opening 51d of the housing 51, opens toward the bottom surface of the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve of the body 11. The outer diameter of the second sleeve portion 81ac is larger than the outer diameter of the first sleeve portion 81aa. In the second sleeve portion 81ac, the portion that connects to the first sleeve portion 81aa, that is, the portion closer to the opening 51d of the housing 51, and the end opposite to the tip portion 81ad, is the connecting portion 81ab. The outer diameter of the connecting portion 81ab is larger than the outer diameter of the first sleeve portion 81aa, and smaller than the outer diameter of other parts of the second sleeve portion 81ac.

[0034] The first sleeve portion 81aa is inserted into the inner circumference of each yoke 65a, 65b by, for example, press-fitting such as a clearance fit. In other words, the first sleeve portion 81aa abuts against the inner surface of each yoke 65a, 65b and is housed in the housing 51. The second sleeve portion 81ac, i.e., the connecting portion 81ab, protrudes from the excitation portion 61, i.e., the opening 51d of the housing 51. The second sleeve portion 81ac is inserted from its tip portion 81ad into the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve of the body 11 by, for example, screw fastening or press-fitting such as a clearance fit. In other words, the outer circumferential surface of the second sleeve portion 81ac abuts against the inner wall 11e of the body 11, which is the inner surface of the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve. The sleeve end wall portion 81b abuts against the inner surface of the first end wall portion 51b of the housing 51.

[0035] The fixed core 83 is made of, for example, a magnetic material. The fixed core 83 is, for example, cylindrical. The fixed core 83 is positioned on the first end side of the first sleeve portion 81aa, that is, close to the sleeve end wall portion 81b. The fixed core 83 is excited by the current flowing through the coil winding 64. The movable core 84 is made of, for example, a magnetic material. The movable core 84 is, for example, cylindrical. The movable core 84 is positioned on the second end side of the fixed core 83 in the first sleeve portion 81aa. The movable core 84 is displaced axially along the inner surface of the first sleeve portion 81aa in accordance with the excitation state of the fixed core 83. An electromagnetic valve body 85, which acts as a valve body, is connected to the movable core 84 in an interlocking manner. The movable core 84 and the electromagnetic valve body 85 constitute, for example, a well-known pilot valve mechanism.

[0036] The solenoid valve body 85 is made of, for example, a resin material. However, the solenoid valve body 85 may be made of a metal material. The solenoid valve body 85 is housed across the first sleeve portion 81aa and the second sleeve portion 81ac, i.e., the connecting portion 81ab. The solenoid valve body 85 is displaced axially along the inner surface of the first sleeve portion 81aa and the inner surface of the second sleeve portion 81ac, i.e., the connecting portion 81ab, in conjunction with the movable iron core 84. The solenoid valve body 85 is biased via the movable iron core 84 by a biasing member 86 for the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve body 85 is biased toward the valve opening 87a formed on the first end side, which is the upper axial side of the plug 87. The biasing member 86 for the solenoid valve is, for example, a compression coil spring. The solenoid valve body 85 closes the valve opening 87a by seating on the periphery of the valve opening 87a. Furthermore, the solenoid valve body 85 opens the valve opening 87a by moving away from the periphery of the valve opening 87a. In other words, the periphery of the valve opening 87a in the plug 87 is the valve seat of the solenoid valve body 85.

[0037] The plug 87 is made of, for example, a metal material. The plug 87 is, for example, cylindrical in shape. The plug 87 is housed in the second sleeve portion 81ac. The second end of the plug 87, which is the axial lower side, protrudes from the tip portion 81ad. A check valve device 15b is positioned on the second end of the plug 87. In other words, the check valve device 15b is positioned between the tip portion 81ad and the bottom surface of the composite valve mounting hole 24 of the body 11.

[0038] The spacer 201 is made of, for example, a metal material. The metal material of the spacer 201 is, for example, aluminum, the same as the metal material of the body 11. The spacer 201 has a spacer body portion 201a and a spacer projection portion 201b. The spacer body portion 201a is, for example, annular and has a ring shape. The spacer projection portion 201b is, for example, annular and has a ring shape. The spacer projection portion 201b extends axially from the end face 201ab on the second end side, which is on the axial lower side of the spacer body portion 201a. The spacer 201 is arranged coaxially with the excitation unit 61.

[0039] More specifically, the spacer body portion 201a closes the opening at the second end of the peripheral wall portion 51a of the housing 51, that is, the opening on the inside of the second end wall portion 51e, which is part of the opening 51d. In other words, the end face 201aa on the first end side, which is the upper side in the axial direction of the spacer body portion 201a, faces the lower yoke surface 65ba of the lower yoke 65b. The spacer body portion 201a abuts with the entire surface of the lower yoke surface 65ba that corresponds to the opening 51d via the end face 201aa. In other words, the spacer body portion 201a and the lower yoke 65b can come into thermal contact with each other when the excitation portion 61, which is the heat source, generates heat. The surface corresponding to the opening 51d is the portion of the lower yoke surface 65ba that does not abut the second end wall portion 51e in the axial direction.

[0040] The radial inner surface of the spacer body 201a abuts against the outer surface of the first sleeve portion 81aa of the sleeve 81. The radial outer surface of the spacer body 201a abuts against the second end wall portion 51e. The spacer body 201a abuts against the body 11, i.e., the fourth side surface 11d, via the outer surface of the second end surface 201ab, which is on the lower axial side. The inner end surface of the end surface 201ab abuts against the first stepped portion 81ae of the sleeve 81, i.e., the connecting portion 81ab. In other words, the spacer body 201a and the sleeve 81 can come into thermal contact with each other when the excitation portion 61, which is the heat source, generates heat. The spacer body 201a and the body 11 can also come into thermal contact with each other when the excitation portion 61, which is the heat source, generates heat. Furthermore, the spacer body 201a and the housing 51 can come into thermal contact with each other when the excitation unit 61, which is the heat source, generates heat.

[0041] The spacer projection 201b closes the space between the sleeve 81 and the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve in the body 11 when the solenoid valve device 15a is attached to the body 11. In other words, the end face 201ba on the second end side, which is the axial lower side of the spacer projection 201b, abuts against the second stepped portion 81af of the second sleeve portion 81ac. The radial inner circumferential surface of the spacer projection 201b abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the second sleeve portion 81ac, i.e., the connecting portion 81ab. In other words, the spacer projection 201b and the sleeve 81 can come into thermal contact with each other when the excitation portion 61, which is the heat source, generates heat. The radial outer circumferential surface of the spacer projection 201b abuts against the inner wall 11e of the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve. In other words, the spacer projection 201b and the body 11 can come into thermal contact with each other when the excitation portion 61, which is the heat source, generates heat.

[0042] Note that end face 201aa is the first end face when viewed as a whole spacer 201, and end faces 201ab and 201ba are the second end faces when viewed as a whole spacer 201.

[0043] On the radially outer periphery of the spacer protrusion 201b, a groove portion 202 is formed. The groove portion 202 is continuously formed over the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the spacer protrusion 201b. An O-ring 203 is attached to the groove portion 202. The O-ring 203 is made of, for example, a rubber material and seals between the radially outer peripheral surface of the spacer protrusion 201b and the inner wall 11e of the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve. In the present embodiment, the groove portion 202 and the O-ring 203 are an example of a sealing portion.

[0044] In a state where the solenoid valve device 15a is attached to the body 11, the lower yoke surface 65ba of the lower yoke 65b is axially separated from the body 11, that is, the fourth side surface 11d. The outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve portion 81aa is radially separated from the housing 51, that is, the second end wall portion 51e. The outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 81ab is radially separated from the body 11, that is, the inner wall 11e. The axial thickness on the radially outer peripheral side of the spacer main body portion 201a is H, which is substantially the same as the distance between the lower yoke surface 65ba of the lower yoke 65b and the fourth side surface 11d of the body 11. Note that the axial thickness on the radially inner peripheral side of the spacer main body portion 201a is larger than H. The radial thickness of the spacer main body portion 201a is W1, which is substantially the same as the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve portion 81aa and the second end wall portion 51e. The radial thickness of the spacer protrusion 201b is W2, which is substantially the same as the distance between the connecting portion 81ab and the inner wall 11e. Note that the relationship of the magnitudes of the values H, the value W1, and the value W2 is, for example, H < W2 < W1.

[0045] When the solenoid valve device 15a configured as described above is not energized to the coil winding 64, the solenoid valve body 85 is in a closed state in which the valve port 87a is closed by the biasing force of the biasing member 86 for the solenoid valve. In the closed state, the flow of hydrogen gas from the delivery portion 32 of the first flow path 12 to the fourth portion 36 of the second flow path 13 is restricted. On the other hand, when the solenoid valve device 15a is energized to the coil winding 64, the solenoid valve body 85 is in an open state in which the valve port 87a is opened against the biasing force of the biasing member 86 for the solenoid valve. In the open state, the flow of hydrogen gas from the delivery portion 32 of the first flow path 12 to the fourth portion 36 of the second flow path 13 is allowed.

[0046] <Operation of the valve assembly>As shown in FIG. 1, when filling the gas tank 2 with hydrogen gas, the supply source 4 is connected to the joint 19 via the pipe 6. When hydrogen gas is supplied from the supply source 4, the hydrogen gas flows into the check valve device 17 through the joint flow path 38, the first part 33, the second part 34, and the third part 35 of the second flow path 13. Since the check valve device 17 is configured to allow the flow of hydrogen gas from the third part 35 to the filling part 31 as described above, it is in an open state. Specifically, the check valve device 17 is opened by the pressure of the hydrogen gas. Thereby, the hydrogen gas is filled into the gas tank 2 through the filling part 31. At this time, the hydrogen gas also flows into the check valve device 15b of the composite valve device 15 from the second part 34 of the second flow path 13 through the fourth part 36. However, since the check valve device 15b is configured to regulate the flow of hydrogen gas from the fourth part 36 to the delivery part 32, it is in a closed state. Thereby, hydrogen gas does not flow from the second flow path 13 into the delivery part 32.

[0047] When delivering hydrogen gas to the consumer device 5, the consumer device 5 is connected to the joint 19 via the pipe 7. The hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 flows into the composite valve device 15 through the delivery part 32 of the first flow path 12. At this time, when the solenoid valve device 15a is controlled to be in an open state, the hydrogen gas flows into the check valve device 15b. Since the check valve device 15b is configured to allow the flow of hydrogen gas from the delivery part 32 to the fourth part 36, it is in an open state. Thereby, the hydrogen gas flows into the joint flow path 38, the first part 33, the second part 34, and the fourth part 36 of the second flow path 13, and is delivered to the consumer device 5 via the pipe 7. At this time, the hydrogen gas also flows into the check valve device 17 from the second part 34 of the second flow path 13 through the third part 35. However, the check valve device 17 is in a closed state due to the pressure of the hydrogen gas stored in the gas tank 2. Thereby, hydrogen gas does not flow from the third part 35 into the filling part 31.

[0048] Thus, the second flow path 13 is used as a filling path and a supply path for hydrogen gas. In other words, a part of the filling path and a part of the supply path for hydrogen gas are shared.

[0049] <Operation and Effects of This Embodiment> As shown by path R1 in Figure 3, the heat generated in the coil winding 64 of the excitation unit 61 is transmitted from the bobbin 63 and the lower yoke 65b to the body 11 via a metal spacer 201 positioned between the excitation unit 61 and the body 11 in the axial direction. In other words, the excitation unit 61 and the body 11 can come into thermal contact with each other when the excitation unit 61, which is a heat source, generates heat. This is because the thermal conductivity of the metal spacer 201 and the body 11 is greater than that of the resin housing 51. Thus, the solenoid valve device 15a of this embodiment ensures a heat dissipation path, path R1, consisting of the excitation unit 61, the spacer 201, and the body 11. Therefore, a solenoid valve device 15a with high heat dissipation performance can be realized. In other words, a valve assembly 1 having a solenoid valve device 15a with high heat dissipation performance can be realized. This means that, for example, even if the coil winding 64 becomes hot due to an increase in the number of windings, it is possible to suppress the impairment of the function of the solenoid valve device 15a.

[0050] As described above, the following further effects can be obtained with respect to the embodiment described above. (1-1) The spacer body portion 201a of the spacer 201 is positioned so that the entire lower yoke surface 65ba, which is the opposing surface of the yoke 65 that faces the body 11, and the body 11 can be in thermal contact with each other in the axial space between the lower yoke 65b and the body 11. As a result, a larger area can be secured where thermal contact can occur between the excitation unit 61 and the body 11. Therefore, a solenoid valve device 15a with higher heat dissipation performance can be realized.

[0051] (1-2) The spacer projection 201b of the spacer 201 is positioned so that the entire lower yoke surface 65ba and the body 11 can be in thermal contact with each other in the radial direction between the second sleeve portion 81ac of the sleeve 81, i.e., the connecting portion 81ab, and the inner wall 11e of the body 11. Therefore, a region where thermal contact can be secured between the excitation portion 61 and the body 11 can also be secured in the radial direction. Thus, a solenoid valve device 15a with higher heat dissipation performance can be realized.

[0052] (1-3) The groove 202 and the O-ring 203 seal the radial space between the spacer projection 201b and the inner wall 11e of the body 11. For example, as shown by path R2 in Figure 3, it is possible to suppress the inflow of moisture into the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve via the fourth side surface 11d and the inner wall 11e. As a result, corrosion of the metal caused by moisture flowing between the outer surface of the sleeve 81 and the inner wall 11e of the body 11 can be suppressed. This is effective in suppressing corrosion caused by contact between dissimilar metals between the sleeve 81 and the body 11, for example, when the metal materials of the sleeve 81 and the body 11 are different. Thus, a highly durable solenoid valve device 15a can be realized.

[0053] (1-4) By sealing the radial space between the radial outer surface of the spacer projection 201b and the inner wall 11e of the body 11 with an O-ring mechanism, an inexpensive and suitable sealing can be achieved. Furthermore, since an O-ring groove is provided on the spacer 201 side, when adding the spacer 201 to the solenoid valve device 15a, it is not necessary to provide an O-ring groove on the body 11 side to which it is attached. Therefore, the scale of modifications when adding the spacer 201 to the solenoid valve device 15a can be reduced.

[0054] (1-5) Since the same type of metal material is selected for the spacer 201 and the body 11, even if moisture flows into the gap between the spacer 201 and the body 11, corrosion due to contact between dissimilar metals via the moisture can be suppressed.

[0055] (1-6) Since the excitation unit 61 and the spacer 201 are integrally molded with the housing 51 using resin molding, the solenoid valve device 15a can be easily attached to the mounting hole 24 for the composite valve.

[0056] <Other Embodiments> The above embodiments may be modified as follows. Furthermore, the following other embodiments can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not conflict with the technical standards.

[0057] The shape of the spacer 201 can be arbitrarily changed as long as the excitation unit 61 and the body 11 can make thermal contact with each other. For example, the shape of the spacer body portion 201a may be changed so that a part of the lower yoke surface 65ba and a part of the fourth side surface 11d or inner wall 11e of the body 11 come into contact. Alternatively, for example, the spacer projection 201b of the spacer 201 may be omitted. In other embodiments described herein, a heat dissipation path R1 consisting of the excitation unit 61, the spacer 201, and the body 11 can be secured.

[0058] - As long as the excitation unit 61 and the body 11 can make thermal contact with each other, it is not necessary for the spacer 201 and the excitation unit 61, and the spacer 201 and the body 11 to be in physical contact with each other. For example, the spacer 201 and the excitation unit 61, and the spacer 201 and the body 11 may be in contact with each other via thermal grease or the like. Alternatively, for example, there may be a small gap between the spacer 201 and the excitation unit 61, and between the spacer 201 and the body 11.

[0059] The groove 202 was formed on the radial outer circumferential surface of the spacer projection 201b, but is not limited to this. For example, the groove 202 may be formed on the axial outer circumferential surface of the spacer body 201a.

[0060] - It is not essential that the sealing portion be constructed with a groove 202 and an O-ring 203. For example, the sealing portion may be constructed by providing waterproof components such as adhesive or a gasket between the spacer projection 201b and the second stepped portion 81af of the sleeve 81.

[0061] - The groove 202 and O-ring 203 may be omitted depending on the product specifications. - The metal materials of the spacer 201 and the body 11 may be of different types. - The housing 51 does not have to be integrated with the excitation unit 61 and the spacer 201 by resin molding. For example, the excitation unit 61, sleeve 81, and spacer 201 may be integrated by press-fitting them into the housing 51.

[0062] - The valve assembly 1 may include a solenoid valve device 15a that is not combined with a check valve device 15b instead of the combined valve device 15. In this case, the check valve device 15b may be mounted in a different location on the body 11.

Claims

1. A solenoid valve device to be mounted on a body made of metal, the solenoid valve device comprising: an excitation unit having a coil winding; a fixed core excited by the excitation unit; a movable core that moves in position in response to the excitation of the fixed core; a valve body that is interlocked with the movable core; a cylindrical sleeve disposed on the inner circumference of the excitation unit and housing the fixed core, the movable core and the valve body in an axial direction; and a housing made of resin material having an opening and surrounding the excitation unit in the portion excluding the opening, wherein the solenoid valve device is mounted on the body with the opening of the housing and the end face of the body facing each other, the excitation unit is spaced apart from the body in the axial direction when the solenoid valve device is mounted on the body, and a spacer made of metal material is disposed between the excitation unit and the body in the axial direction to enable thermal contact between the excitation unit and the body.

2. The solenoid valve device according to claim 1, wherein the excitation unit has a yoke arranged coaxially with the coil winding, the spacer includes an annular spacer body arranged coaxially with the coil winding, and the spacer body is arranged such that a surface of the yoke facing the body and corresponding to the opening allows thermal contact between the body and the body.

3. The solenoid valve device according to claim 2, wherein the spacer further includes an annular spacer projection that protrudes in the axial direction from the spacer body, the sleeve includes a first sleeve portion housed in the housing and a second sleeve portion protruding from the opening of the housing, and when the solenoid valve device is attached to the body, the second sleeve portion is inserted from a tip portion which is the end of the housing spaced apart from the opening of the housing into an axially extending mounting portion provided on the body, the connecting portion which is the end of the second sleeve portion opposite to the tip portion is spaced apart from the inner wall forming the mounting portion in the radial direction of the sleeve, the spacer body is positioned between the yoke and the end face of the body in the axial direction, and the spacer projection is positioned between the connecting portion and the inner wall in the radial direction to enable thermal contact between the yoke and the body.

4. The solenoid valve device according to claim 3, wherein a sealing portion is provided between the spacer projection and the inner wall.

5. The solenoid valve device according to claim 1, wherein the metal material of the spacer is of the same type as the metal material of the body.

6. The solenoid valve device according to claim 1, wherein the excitation unit and the spacer are integrated with the housing which is molded by resin molding.

7. A valve assembly comprising a plurality of valve devices, each including a solenoid valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, mounted on the body.

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