WO2024195135A1 - Excess flow prevention valve device and valve assembly - Google Patents

Excess flow prevention valve device and valve assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024195135A1
WO2024195135A1 PCT/JP2023/011649 JP2023011649W WO2024195135A1 WO 2024195135 A1 WO2024195135 A1 WO 2024195135A1 JP 2023011649 W JP2023011649 W JP 2023011649W WO 2024195135 A1 WO2024195135 A1 WO 2024195135A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
valve
valve body
flow
flow path
gas
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2023/011649
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
哲也 ▲徳▼野
一志 沼崎
夏輝 岩本
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JTEKT Corp
Original Assignee
JTEKT Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by JTEKT Corp filed Critical JTEKT Corp
Priority to CN202380095863.9A priority Critical patent/CN120917255A/en
Priority to PCT/JP2023/011649 priority patent/WO2024195135A1/en
Priority to JP2025508096A priority patent/JPWO2024195135A1/ja
Priority to DE112023006027.4T priority patent/DE112023006027T5/en
Priority to PCT/JP2023/017705 priority patent/WO2023233959A1/en
Priority to US18/867,347 priority patent/US20250347347A1/en
Priority to JP2024524288A priority patent/JPWO2023233959A1/ja
Priority to CN202380041608.6A priority patent/CN119173712A/en
Priority to DE112023002449.9T priority patent/DE112023002449T5/en
Publication of WO2024195135A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024195135A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K17/00—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves
    • F16K17/20—Excess-flow valves
    • F16K17/22—Excess-flow valves actuated by the difference of pressure between two places in the flow line
    • F16K17/24—Excess-flow valves actuated by the difference of pressure between two places in the flow line acting directly on the cutting-off member
    • F16K17/28—Excess-flow valves actuated by the difference of pressure between two places in the flow line acting directly on the cutting-off member operating in one direction only
    • F16K17/30—Excess-flow valves actuated by the difference of pressure between two places in the flow line acting directly on the cutting-off member operating in one direction only spring-loaded
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K2200/00—Details of valves
    • F16K2200/40—Bleeding means in closed position of the valve, e.g. bleeding passages
    • F16K2200/401—Bleeding means in closed position of the valve, e.g. bleeding passages arranged on the closure member
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0332—Safety valves or pressure relief valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0335—Check-valves or non-return valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0382—Constructional details of valves, regulators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0382—Constructional details of valves, regulators
    • F17C2205/0385—Constructional details of valves, regulators in blocks or units
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an excess flow valve device and a valve assembly.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a valve assembly for controlling the flow of gas. Such a valve assembly is attached to the gas tank of a fuel cell vehicle, for example, to control the flow of hydrogen gas.
  • the valve assembly of Patent Document 1 includes a body having a gas flow path and a number of valve subassemblies attached to the body.
  • the valve subassembly includes an excess flow prevention valve that limits the flow of hydrogen gas so that the flow rate of the gas when the hydrogen gas is delivered does not exceed a predetermined amount.
  • Such an excess flow valve includes a valve seat provided midway through the gas flow path, a valve body slidably accommodated in the gas flow path, and a spring that biases the valve body in a direction away from the valve seat.
  • the valve body slides in the gas flow path in response to a force corresponding to the pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the valve body, and the biasing force of the spring.
  • the biasing force of the spring is set to be greater than the force corresponding to the pressure difference if there is no abnormality in the piping connected to the excess flow valve and the pressure difference is within a normal range.
  • the valve body will be separated from the valve seat, and the excess flow valve will be in an open state.
  • the pressure difference becomes excessive, for example due to damage to the piping, the force corresponding to the pressure difference will be greater than the biasing force of the spring.
  • the valve body will be seated on the valve seat, and the excess flow valve will be in a closed state. This prevents the flow rate of hydrogen gas from exceeding a predetermined amount.
  • the excessive flow valve device comprises a flow path forming member having a gas flow path, and an excessive flow valve configured to restrict the flow of gas when the flow rate of gas flowing in a predetermined direction through the gas flow path exceeds a predetermined amount.
  • the gas flow path has a valve body accommodating portion that accommodates at least a part of the excessive flow valve.
  • the excessive flow valve comprises a valve seat provided in the valve body accommodating portion and having a valve port, a valve body configured to be slidably accommodated in the valve body accommodating portion, and a biasing member configured to bias the valve body in a direction away from the valve seat.
  • the valve body has a valve portion configured to close the valve port by seating on the valve seat, a receiving portion configured to support the biasing member, and at least one valve body flow path penetrating the valve body in the sliding direction of the valve body.
  • the valve body flow path is disposed between the valve portion and the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.
  • a valve assembly includes a body having a gas flow path including a first flow path and a second flow path, and an excess flow valve configured to restrict the flow of gas when the flow rate of gas flowing in a predetermined direction through the second flow path exceeds a predetermined amount.
  • the first flow path is configured to be connected to a gas tank that stores gas
  • the second flow path is configured to be selectively connected to any one of a plurality of external devices.
  • the plurality of external devices include a source of gas to be filled into the gas tank, and a consumer device that consumes gas delivered from the gas tank.
  • the second flow path has a valve body accommodating portion that accommodates at least a portion of the excess flow valve.
  • the predetermined direction is a direction in which gas is delivered to the consumer device.
  • the excess flow valve includes a valve seat provided in the valve body accommodating portion and having a valve port, a valve body configured to be slidably accommodated in the valve body accommodating portion, and a biasing member configured to bias the valve body in a direction away from the valve seat.
  • the valve body has a valve portion configured to close the valve port by being seated on the valve seat, a receiving portion configured to support the biasing member, and at least one valve body flow path that penetrates the valve body in the sliding direction of the valve body.
  • the valve body flow path is disposed between the valve portion and the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a valve assembly according to one embodiment.
  • 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the excess flow valve in the valve assembly of FIG. 1, with the valve body of the excess flow valve in an open position.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve body of the excess flow valve of FIG. 2 as viewed from a first side of the joint flow path.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve body of the excess flow valve of FIG. 2 as viewed from a second side of the joint flow path.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of hydrogen gas passing through the excess flow valve of FIG. 2 when hydrogen gas is filled.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of hydrogen gas passing through the excess flow valve of FIG. 2 when the hydrogen gas is delivered.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of hydrogen gas passing through the excess flow check valve of FIG. 2 when an abnormality occurs in the piping.
  • annular means that the shape can be regarded as annular as a whole, and includes a shape formed by combining multiple parts or portions into an annular shape, and a shape having a notch in a part such as a C-shape.
  • the shape of the "annular” includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon having sharp or rounded corners when viewed in the axial direction.
  • cylindrical means that the shape can be regarded as annular as a whole, and includes a shape formed by combining multiple parts or portions into an annular shape, and a shape having a notch in a part such as a C-shape.
  • the shape of the "cylindrical” includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon having sharp or rounded corners when viewed in the axial direction.
  • the valve assembly 1 shown in Fig. 1 is mounted on, for example, a gas tank 2 of a fuel cell vehicle.
  • High-pressure hydrogen gas for example, about 72.5 MPa, is stored in the gas tank 2.
  • the valve assembly 1 is selectively connected to any one of a plurality of external devices 3.
  • the plurality of external devices 3 includes a supply source 4 of hydrogen gas to be filled into the gas tank 2, and a consumer device 5 that consumes 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 a pipe 6.
  • the consumer device 5 is, for example, a fuel cell mounted on an automobile, and is connected to the valve assembly 1 via a pipe 7.
  • the valve assembly 1 controls the flow of hydrogen gas to be filled into the gas tank 2 and the hydrogen gas to be delivered from the gas tank 2.
  • the valve assembly 1 includes a body 11 having a gas flow path, and a plurality of valve subassemblies assembled to the body 11.
  • the gas flow path includes a first flow path 12 connected to a gas tank 2, and a second flow path 13 connected to an external device 3.
  • the plurality of valve subassemblies include, for example, a manual valve 14, a combination valve 15, a safety valve 16, a check valve 17, and an excess flow prevention valve 18.
  • the plurality of valve subassemblies may include any valve subassembly in addition to or instead of these valve subassemblies.
  • the body 11 includes a main body 21 and a joint 22.
  • the main body 21 is made of, for example, a metal material.
  • the main body 21 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a part of it protruding.
  • the outer surface of the main body 21 includes a first side surface 21a, a second side surface 21b, a third side surface 21c, and a fourth side surface 21d.
  • the first side surface 21a and the third side surface 21c are, for example, parallel to each other.
  • the second side surface 21b and the fourth side surface 21d are, for example, parallel to each other.
  • the first side surface 21a and the third side surface 21c are, for example, perpendicular to the second side surface 21b and the fourth side surface 21d.
  • the main body 21 has a number of mounting holes corresponding to the members to be attached to the main body 21.
  • the multiple mounting holes include, for example, a fitting mounting hole 24 for mounting the fitting 22, a manual valve mounting hole 25 for mounting the manual valve 14, an integrated mounting hole 26 for mounting the safety valve 16 and the check valve 17, and a combined valve mounting hole 27 for mounting the combined valve 15.
  • the fitting mounting hole 24 is, for example, a round hole and opens to the first side surface 21a.
  • the manual valve mounting hole 25 is, for example, a round hole and opens to the second side surface 21b.
  • the integrated mounting hole 26 is, for example, a round hole and opens to the third side surface 21c.
  • the combined valve mounting hole 27 is, for example, a round hole and opens to the fourth side surface 21d.
  • the first flow path 12 includes a filling portion 31 that connects the integrated mounting hole 26 to the gas tank 2, and a delivery portion 32 that connects the combined valve mounting hole 27 to the gas tank 2.
  • the filling portion 31 opens, for example, to the inner circumferential surface of the integrated mounting hole 26.
  • the safety valve 16 and the check valve 17 are connected to the gas tank 2 via the filling portion 31.
  • the delivery portion 32 opens, for example, to the inner circumferential surface of the combined valve mounting hole 27.
  • the combined valve 15 is connected to the gas tank 2 via the delivery portion 32.
  • the filling portion 31 and the delivery portion 32 may be flow paths independent of each other.
  • the second flow passage 13 includes a first portion 33, a second portion 34, a third portion 35, a fourth portion 36, and a joint flow passage 37.
  • the first portion 33, the second portion 34, the third portion 35, and the fourth portion 36 are provided in the main body 21.
  • the joint flow passage 37 is provided in the joint 22, as described below.
  • the first part 33 opens to the bottom surface of the fitting mounting hole 24.
  • the second part 34 opens to the bottom surface of the manual valve mounting hole 25.
  • the first part 33 and the second part 34 extend, for example, in a straight line.
  • the second part 34 is perpendicular to the first part 33.
  • the inner diameter of the part of the second part 34 that is further back than the intersection position with the first part 33 is smaller than the inner diameter of the part in front of the intersection position.
  • the third part 35 opens, for example, to the bottom surface of the integrated mounting hole 26.
  • the third part 35 connects the second part 34 to the integrated mounting hole 26.
  • the fourth part 36 opens, for example, to the bottom surface of the combined valve mounting hole 27.
  • the fourth part 36 connects the second part 34 to the combined valve mounting hole 27.
  • the third part 35 and the fourth part 36 extend, for example, in a straight line.
  • the third portion 35 is, for example, perpendicular to the small diameter portion of the second portion 34.
  • the fourth portion 36 is, for example, arranged coaxially with the second portion 34.
  • the configuration of the second flow path 13 is not limited to the example shown in the figure and can be modified as appropriate.
  • 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.
  • the fourth portion 36 may be perpendicular to the second portion 34, for example.
  • the joint 22 is made of, for example, a metal material.
  • the joint 22 is, for example, cylindrical.
  • the joint 22 has a joint flow path 37 which is a gas flow path.
  • the joint flow path 37 extends linearly, for example, along the axial direction of the joint 22, and opens on both end faces of the joint 22.
  • the joint 22 is fixed to the joint mounting hole 24 by any fixing method, for example, screw fastening or press fitting.
  • the joint flow path 37 communicates with the first part 33.
  • One of the pipes 6 and 7 is connected to the joint 22.
  • the supply source 4 or the consumer device 5 is connected to the second flow path 13 via the joint flow path 37.
  • An excess flow prevention valve 18 is provided in the joint flow path 37.
  • the joint 22 corresponds to a flow path forming member, and an assembly consisting of the joint 22 and the excess flow prevention valve 18 corresponds to an excess flow prevention valve device. Therefore, the valve assembly 1 includes an excess flow prevention valve device.
  • the manual valve 14 is fixed to the manual valve mounting hole 25 by any fixing method, such as screw fastening or press fitting.
  • the manual valve 14 is configured to be able to close the second portion 34 of the second flow path 13 by operation by a user.
  • the safety valve 16 is configured to be in a closed state when the temperature of the safety valve 16 is equal to or lower than a threshold temperature. When in a closed state, the safety valve 16 does not release hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 to the outside. On the other hand, the safety valve 16 is configured to irreversibly change from a closed state to an open state when the temperature of the safety valve 16 exceeds the threshold temperature. When in an open state, the safety valve 16 releases hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 to the outside.
  • the threshold temperature is set in advance so that the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 does not become excessive and damage the gas tank 2.
  • the check valve 17 is configured to prevent the backflow of hydrogen gas filled in the gas tank 2. Specifically, it regulates the flow of hydrogen gas from the filling 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 filling portion 31.
  • the combined valve 15 has a solenoid valve portion that functions as a solenoid valve, and a check valve portion that functions as a check valve.
  • the combined valve 15 controls the flow of hydrogen gas between the delivery portion 32 of the first flow path 12 and the fourth portion 36 of the second flow path 13 by opening and closing the solenoid valve portion.
  • the check valve portion allows the flow of hydrogen gas from the delivery portion 32 to the fourth portion 36, and regulates the flow of hydrogen gas from the fourth portion 36 to the delivery portion 32. This prevents high-pressure hydrogen gas from acting on the solenoid valve portion when hydrogen gas is filled into the gas tank 2 from the supply source 4.
  • the excess flow valve 18 is configured to restrict the flow of hydrogen gas when the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing in a specified direction through the joint flow path 37 (second flow path 13) exceeds a predetermined amount.
  • the specified direction is, for example, the direction in which hydrogen gas is delivered from the gas tank 2 to the consumer device 5.
  • the excess flow valve 18 does not restrict the flow rate of hydrogen gas in the direction opposite to the specified direction, i.e., the direction in which hydrogen gas is filled from the supply source 4 into the gas tank 2. Details of the excess flow valve 18 will be described later.
  • the supply source 4 When hydrogen gas is filled into the gas tank 2, the supply source 4 is connected to the joint 22 via the pipe 6. When hydrogen gas is supplied from the supply source 4, the hydrogen gas flows into the check valve 17 via the joint flow path 37, the first portion 33, the second portion 34, and the third portion 35 of the second flow path 13.
  • the check valve 17 is configured to allow hydrogen gas to flow from the third portion 35 to the filling portion 31, and therefore is in an open state.
  • hydrogen gas is filled into the gas tank 2 via the filling portion 31.
  • hydrogen gas also flows into the check valve portion of the combined valve 15 from the second portion 34 of the second flow path 13 via the fourth portion 36.
  • the check valve portion is configured to restrict the flow of hydrogen gas from the fourth portion 36 to the delivery portion 32, and therefore is in a closed state. As a result, hydrogen gas does not flow from the second flow path 13 to the delivery portion 32.
  • the second flow path 13 is used as a hydrogen gas filling path and a hydrogen gas supply path. In other words, part of the hydrogen gas filling path and part of the hydrogen gas supply path are shared.
  • the joint flow path 37 of the joint 22 is provided with an excess flow valve 18.
  • the excess flow valve 18 includes a valve seat 41 provided in the middle of the joint flow path 37, a valve body 42 slidably accommodated in the joint flow path 37, and a coil spring 43 which is a biasing member that biases the valve body 42 in a direction to separate it from the valve seat 41.
  • the excess flow valve 18 may include a stopper 44 that defines the movement range of the valve body 42.
  • the excess flow valve 18 may also include a filter 45 and a pressing member 46 regardless of the presence or absence of the stopper 44.
  • the excess flow valve 18 may also include a seal member 47 regardless of the presence or absence of the stopper 44 and regardless of the presence or absence of the filter 45 and the pressing member 46.
  • the side of the joint flow path 37 connected to the first portion 33 of the second flow path 13 is referred to as the first side
  • the opposite side, i.e., the side of the joint flow path 37 connected to the piping 7 is referred to as the second side.
  • the joint flow path 37 has a straight line extending along the axial direction of the joint 22.
  • a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the joint flow path 37 has a circular shape.
  • the joint flow path 37 of this embodiment has a stepped shape in which the inner diameter decreases in a step-like manner from the first side to the second side.
  • the joint flow path 37 has, in order from the first side, a seal member accommodating section 51, a filter accommodating section 52, a valve body accommodating section 53, and a small diameter flow path section 54.
  • the inner diameter of the joint flow path 37 decreases in the order of the seal member accommodating section 51, the filter accommodating section 52, the valve body accommodating section 53, and the small diameter flow path section 54.
  • An annular locking groove 55 extending in the circumferential direction of the valve body accommodating section 53 is provided at the end of the first side on the inner peripheral surface of the valve body accommodating section 53.
  • the inner peripheral edge of the step 56 between the valve body accommodating portion 53 and the small diameter flow passage portion 54 is used as the valve seat 41 on which the valve body 42 sits.
  • the first side end of the small diameter flow passage portion 54 is used as the valve port 57.
  • a portion of the joint 22 that is continuous with the other portions forms the valve seat 41.
  • the joint 22 is a one-piece product that has the valve seat 41 together with the joint flow passage 37.
  • the inner peripheral edge of the valve seat 41 may be chamfered in a tapered shape.
  • the seal member 47 is made of, for example, a rubber material or a resin material.
  • the seal member 47 is annular. In this embodiment, the seal member 47 has a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction.
  • the seal member 47 is fitted into the seal member accommodating portion 51. When the joint 22 is attached to the joint mounting hole 24, the seal member 47 is in close contact with the bottom surface of the joint mounting hole 24. This provides a seal between the main body 21 and the joint 22.
  • the filter 45 is made of, for example, a wire mesh. When viewed in the axial direction, the filter 45 has, for example, a circular shape.
  • the pressing member 46 is made of, for example, a metal material.
  • the pressing member 46 has an annular shape. In this embodiment, the pressing member 46 has a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction.
  • the filter 45 is disposed in the filter housing portion 52. The filter 45 is fixed in the filter housing portion 52 by being pressed from the first side by the pressing member 46 that fits into the filter housing portion 52.
  • the stopper 44 is made of, for example, a metal material.
  • the stopper 44 is annular. In this embodiment, the stopper 44 has a C-shape when viewed in the axial direction.
  • the stopper 44 is, for example, a snap ring.
  • the stopper 44 is fixed in the valve body accommodating portion 53 by engaging with the engaging groove 55 of the valve body accommodating portion 53.
  • the coil spring 43 is compressed between the valve body 42 and the outer periphery of the step portion 56. As a result, the coil spring 43 constantly biases the valve body 42 in a direction away from the first side of the joint flow path 37, i.e., the valve seat 41.
  • the valve body 42 is a poppet having a generally columnar shape.
  • the valve body 42 is accommodated in the valve body accommodating portion 53 so that its axial direction is aligned with the extension direction of the joint flow path 37.
  • the valve body accommodating portion 53 is sometimes referred to as a valve chamber.
  • the valve body 42 is made of, for example, a metal material.
  • the valve body 42 receives a force corresponding to the pressure difference between the pressure on its upstream side and the pressure on its downstream side (hereinafter, the differential pressure force). Therefore, the valve body 42 slides within the joint flow path 37 in response to the differential pressure force and the mechanical force of the coil spring 43.
  • the sliding direction of the valve body 42 coincides with the extension direction of the joint flow path 37, i.e., the axial direction of the joint 22. In this embodiment, the sliding direction of the valve body 42 also coincides with the axial direction of the valve body 42.
  • the valve body 42 is biased in a direction away from the valve seat 41 by both the differential pressure biasing force and the mechanical biasing force. As a result, the valve body 42 moves away from the valve seat 41, and the excess flow prevention valve 18 becomes open. Note that the valve body 42 abuts against the stopper 44, preventing it from moving away from the valve seat 41 any further.
  • the first side of the joint flow path 37 is the upstream side, and the second side of the joint flow path 37 is the downstream side.
  • the mechanical biasing force of the coil spring 43 is set to be greater than the differential pressure biasing force corresponding to the pressure difference, for example, if there is no abnormality in the piping 7 connected to the excess flow valve 18 and the pressure difference is within a preset range. Therefore, when the valve body 42 moves away from the valve seat 41, the excess flow valve 18 is in an open state. In other words, the excess flow valve 18 is a so-called normally open type valve.
  • the inventors have found, as a result of intensive research, that the flow of hydrogen gas may affect the spring characteristics of the coil spring 43. Specifically, assume that a large amount of hydrogen gas passes radially through the coil spring 43 from the inner periphery side to the outer periphery side, or from the outer periphery side to the inner periphery side. In this case, the pressure of the hydrogen gas passing radially through the coil spring 43 may cause plastic deformation of the coil spring 43. If the spring characteristics of the coil spring 43 change due to plastic deformation, the mechanical biasing force of the coil spring 43 may become smaller than the differential pressure biasing force corresponding to the pressure difference, even if the pressure difference is within a preset range.
  • the mechanical biasing force of the coil spring 43 may become larger than the differential pressure biasing force corresponding to the pressure difference, even if the pressure difference is outside the preset range.
  • the valve body 42 may not slide appropriately in response to the pressure difference.
  • the valve body 42 has a shape that makes it difficult for hydrogen gas to pass through the coil spring 43 in the radial direction.
  • the valve body 42 has a valve portion 61, a base portion 62 that is continuous with the first side of the joint flow path 37 from the valve portion 61, and a tubular portion 63 that is continuous with the first side of the joint flow path 37 from the base portion 62.
  • the valve portion 61 has a tapered shape in which its outer diameter decreases toward the second side of the joint flow path 37.
  • the minimum outer diameter of the valve portion 61 is smaller than the inner diameter of the small diameter flow path portion 54, i.e., the inner diameter of the valve port 57.
  • the maximum outer diameter of the valve portion 61 is larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter flow path portion 54, i.e., the inner diameter of the valve port 57.
  • the valve portion 61 closes the valve port 57 by seating on the valve seat 41. Note that, with the valve portion 61 seated on the valve seat 41, the tip of the valve portion 61 is inserted into the valve port 57.
  • the base 62 is generally cylindrical.
  • the base 62 is arranged coaxially with the valve portion 61.
  • the outer diameter of the base 62 is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the valve portion 61 and slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the valve body accommodating portion 53.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the base 62 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve body accommodating portion 53 over its entire circumference.
  • the base 62 has a receiving portion 64 that supports the coil spring 43.
  • the receiving portion 64 is groove-shaped and opens to the second side of the joint flow passage 37 and to the radially outer side. The end of the coil spring 43 is attached to the receiving portion 64.
  • the base 62 has at least one valve body flow passage 65 penetrating in its axial direction. That is, the valve body flow passage 65 penetrates in the sliding direction of the valve body 42.
  • the valve body flow passage 65 is disposed radially outside the valve portion 61 in the base 62 and radially inside the receiving portion 64.
  • the valve body flow passage 65 is provided between the valve portion 61 and the receiving portion 64 in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.
  • the base 62 has four valve body flow passages 65. The sum of the flow passage cross-sectional areas of the four valve body flow passages 65 is larger than the flow passage cross-sectional area of the small diameter flow passage portion 54.
  • each of the valve body flow passages 65 may be larger or smaller than the flow passage cross-sectional area of the small diameter flow passage portion 54.
  • the four valve body flow passages 65 are disposed at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the base 62.
  • the valve body flow passages 65 extend linearly, for example, along the axial direction of the base 62.
  • the valve body flow path 65 is, for example, fan-shaped when viewed in the axial direction.
  • the tubular portion 63 has a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction.
  • the tubular portion 63 is arranged coaxially with the valve portion 61 and the base portion 62.
  • the outer diameter of the tubular portion 63 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the base portion 62. Therefore, the outer diameter of the tubular portion 63 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the valve body accommodating portion 53.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 63 is in slidable contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve body accommodating portion 53 over its entire circumference. In other words, a part of the base portion 62 of the valve body 42 and the tubular portion 63 correspond to the sliding contact portion.
  • valve body 42 of this embodiment has a fine hole 66 penetrating in its axial direction.
  • the fine hole 66 extends from the second side end of the valve portion 61 to the first side end of the base portion 62.
  • the excess flow valve 18 is configured to allow hydrogen gas to flow through the excess flow valve 18 even in the closed state.
  • the flow cross-sectional area of the fine hole 66 is smaller than the flow cross-sectional area of the small diameter flow passage portion 54.
  • the flow cross-sectional area of the fine hole 66 is also smaller than the flow cross-sectional area of each of the valve body flow passages 65. Therefore, the flow rate of hydrogen gas when the excess flow valve 18 is in the closed state is smaller than the flow rate of hydrogen gas when the excess flow valve 18 is in the open state.
  • FIG. 5 does not show the flow of hydrogen gas passing between the valve body 42 and the valve body accommodating portion 53 and the flow of hydrogen gas passing through the fine hole 66.
  • FIG. 6 if no abnormality occurs when hydrogen gas is discharged, the excess flow prevention valve 18 is in an open state. At this time, hydrogen gas discharged from the gas tank 2 flows through the joint flow path 37 from the first side to the second side.
  • hydrogen gas that has passed through the filter 45 passes over the valve body 42 and then flows into the small diameter flow path portion 54.
  • the hydrogen gas mainly passes through the valve body flow path 65, as when hydrogen gas is filled.
  • FIG. 6 does not show the flow of hydrogen gas passing between the valve body 42 and the valve body accommodating portion 53, or the flow of hydrogen gas passing through the pores 66.
  • the valve body 42 has a base portion 62 and a tube portion 63 that are configured to be in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the valve body housing portion 53 over the entire circumference. This reduces the gap between the valve body 42 and the valve body housing portion 53. This makes it possible to further reduce the flow rate of hydrogen gas passing between the valve body 42 and the valve body housing portion 53, i.e., the flow rate of hydrogen gas passing radially through the coil spring 43.
  • the total flow path cross-sectional area of the valve body flow path 65 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the valve port 57. Therefore, the flow rate of hydrogen gas is not restricted due to the hydrogen gas passing through the valve body flow path 65. This allows hydrogen gas to be quickly filled into the gas tank 2, and a sufficient amount of hydrogen gas to be delivered to the consumer device 5.
  • the excess flow prevention valve 18 is configured to allow hydrogen gas to flow through the excess flow prevention valve 18 when the valve body 42 is seated on the valve seat 41. Therefore, if an abnormality occurs, for example, when the pipe 7 is damaged and the check valve 17 is stuck in the open position, a small amount of hydrogen gas is released to notify the user of the abnormality, while preventing the hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 from leaking out suddenly.
  • This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.
  • the coil spring 43 is used as the urging member, the present invention is not limited to this and, for example, a disc spring or the like may be used as the urging member.
  • the valve body 42 has pores 66, so that the excess flow valve 18 is configured to deliver hydrogen gas even when the excess flow valve 18 is closed.
  • the excess flow valve 18 may be configured to deliver hydrogen gas even when the excess flow valve 18 is closed, for example, by forming a groove on at least one of the outer circumferential surface of the valve portion 61 of the valve body 42 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve port 57.
  • the excess flow valve 18 may also be configured to prevent hydrogen gas from being delivered when the excess flow valve 18 is closed.
  • the total flow passage cross-sectional area of the valve element flow passages 65 may be smaller than the flow passage cross-sectional area of the small diameter flow passage portion 54 . - As long as the valve body flow passage 65 penetrates the valve body 42 in the sliding direction, the configuration of the valve body flow passage 65 can be changed as appropriate.
  • the valve body flow passage 65 may be a straight line inclined with respect to the axial direction of the valve body 42, or a curved line.
  • the valve body flow passage 65 may have a shape other than a fan shape, such as a circle, when viewed in the axial direction.
  • valve body flow passage 65 is provided between the valve portion 61 and the receiving portion 64 in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, the valve body flow passage 65 does not have to be arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the base portion 62. Furthermore, the number of valve body flow passages 65 that the valve body 42 has can be changed as appropriate.
  • the shape of the receiving portion 64 may be changed as appropriate.
  • the receiving portion 64 may be a groove that does not open to the outside in the radial direction and that opens only to the second side of the joint flow path 37.
  • the valve body 42 does not have to have a portion that is in slidable contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve body accommodating portion 53 over its entire circumference, i.e., a sliding contact portion.
  • the outer peripheral surfaces of the base portion 62 and the cylindrical portion 63 may be polygonal. In this case, a flow path through which hydrogen gas passes is formed between the outer peripheral surfaces of the base portion 62 and the cylindrical portion 63 and the inner peripheral surface of the valve body accommodating portion 53.
  • the valve body 42 does not have to have, for example, the cylindrical portion 63, and its shape can be changed as appropriate.
  • the valve body 42 may be, for example, spherical, and the shape of the valve body 42 is not limited to a columnar shape.
  • the filter 45 may be pressed down by, for example, a sealing member 47.
  • the excess flow prevention valve 18 does not need to include a pressing member 46 that is a separate member from the sealing member 47.
  • the excess flow prevention valve 18 does not need to include a filter 45.
  • the excess flow prevention valve 18 does not need to include a sealing member 47.
  • the fitting 22 was an integrated part having the valve seat 41 together with the fitting flow path 37, but this is not limited thereto, and a valve seat made of a member separate from the fitting 22 may be fixed within the fitting flow path 37.
  • the configuration of the fitting flow path 37 can be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the excess flow prevention valve 18.
  • the valve assembly 1 controls the flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas, but is not limited to this and may control the flow of gases other than hydrogen gas.
  • the biasing member may be a coil spring.
  • the valve body may further have a columnar base continuous with the valve portion, the valve body flow path may pass through the base in its axial direction, and the valve body may slide in the valve body accommodating portion along the axial direction.
  • the valve portion may be provided at the center of the base, and the receiving portion may be provided on the outer circumferential edge of the base.
  • the valve body may further have a fine hole extending in the axial direction of the base and penetrating the valve portion and the base.
  • the gas flow passage may be continuous with the valve body housing portion and have a small diameter flow passage portion having a smaller flow passage cross-sectional area than the valve body housing portion, the inner peripheral edge of a step portion between the valve body housing portion and the small diameter flow passage portion may be used as the valve seat, and the end of the small diameter flow passage portion may be used as the valve port.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Safety Valves (AREA)

Abstract

An excess flow prevention valve (18) comprising a valve seat (41) that is provided in a valve-body-accommodating portion (53) of a gas flow passage and that has a valve port (57), a valve body (42) that is configured to be slidably accommodated in the valve-body-accommodating portion (53), and an urging member (43) that is configured to urge the valve body (42) in a direction away from the valve seat (41). The valve body (42) has a valve part (61) that is configured to block the valve port (57) by being seated on the valve seat (41), a receiving part (64) that is configured to support the urging member (43), and at least one valve body flow path (65) that passes through the valve body (42) in the sliding direction of the valve body (42). The valve body flow path (65) is disposed between the valve part (61) and the receiving part (64) in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to the sliding direction.

Description

過流防止弁装置及び弁アセンブリExcess flow valve device and valve assembly

　本開示は、過流防止弁装置及び弁アセンブリに関する。 The present disclosure relates to an excess flow valve device and a valve assembly.

　例えば特許文献１には、ガスの流通を制御するための弁アセンブリが開示されている。こうした弁アセンブリは、例えば燃料電池自動車のガスタンクに装着されて水素ガスの流通を制御する。 For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a valve assembly for controlling the flow of gas. Such a valve assembly is attached to the gas tank of a fuel cell vehicle, for example, to control the flow of hydrogen gas.

　特許文献１の弁アセンブリは、ガス流路を有するボディと、ボディに取り付けられる複数の弁サブアセンブリとを備えている。弁サブアセンブリには、水素ガスを送出する際のガスの流量が予め定められた所定量を超えないように、水素ガスの流通を制限する過流防止弁が含まれる。 The valve assembly of Patent Document 1 includes a body having a gas flow path and a number of valve subassemblies attached to the body. The valve subassembly includes an excess flow prevention valve that limits the flow of hydrogen gas so that the flow rate of the gas when the hydrogen gas is delivered does not exceed a predetermined amount.

　このような過流防止弁は、ガス流路の途中に設けられる弁座と、ガス流路にスライド可能に収容される弁体と、弁体を弁座から離間させる方向に付勢するばねとを備えている。水素ガスの送出時において、弁体は、当該弁体の上流側の圧力と下流側の圧力との圧力差に応じた力、及びばねの付勢力に応じて、ガス流路内をスライドする。ばねの付勢力は、過流防止弁に接続される配管に異常がなく、圧力差が通常の範囲内であれば、当該圧力差に応じた力よりも大きくなるように設定される。そのため、異常が発生していなければ、弁体が弁座から離間することで、過流防止弁は開状態となる。一方、例えば配管が損傷することで圧力差が過大になると、当該圧力差に応じた力がばねの付勢力よりも大きくなる。その結果、弁体が弁座に着座することで、過流防止弁が閉状態となる。これにより、水素ガスの流量が所定量を超えることが防止される。 Such an excess flow valve includes a valve seat provided midway through the gas flow path, a valve body slidably accommodated in the gas flow path, and a spring that biases the valve body in a direction away from the valve seat. When hydrogen gas is discharged, the valve body slides in the gas flow path in response to a force corresponding to the pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the valve body, and the biasing force of the spring. The biasing force of the spring is set to be greater than the force corresponding to the pressure difference if there is no abnormality in the piping connected to the excess flow valve and the pressure difference is within a normal range. Therefore, if no abnormality occurs, the valve body will be separated from the valve seat, and the excess flow valve will be in an open state. On the other hand, if the pressure difference becomes excessive, for example due to damage to the piping, the force corresponding to the pressure difference will be greater than the biasing force of the spring. As a result, the valve body will be seated on the valve seat, and the excess flow valve will be in a closed state. This prevents the flow rate of hydrogen gas from exceeding a predetermined amount.

特表２０１５－５２３５０９号公報Special Publication No. 2015-523509

　上記のような過流防止弁の動作に関する信頼性をより一層向上させることが望まれている。 It is desirable to further improve the reliability of the operation of excess flow prevention valves such as those described above.

　本開示の一態様に係る過流防止弁装置は、ガス流路を有する流路形成部材と、前記ガス流路を所定方向に流れるガスの流量が所定量を超える場合にガスの流通を制限するように構成される過流防止弁と、を備える。前記ガス流路は、前記過流防止弁の少なくとも一部を収容する弁体収容部を有する。前記過流防止弁は、前記弁体収容部に設けられ、弁口を有する弁座と、前記弁体収容部にスライド可能に収容されるように構成される弁体と、前記弁体を前記弁座から離間させる方向に付勢するように構成される付勢部材と、を備える。前記弁体は、前記弁座に着座することで前記弁口を閉塞するように構成される弁部と、前記付勢部材を支持するように構成される受け部と、前記弁体を該弁体のスライド方向に貫通した少なくとも１つの弁体流路と、を有する。前記弁体流路は、前記スライド方向と直交する直交方向において、前記弁部と前記受け部との間に配置される。 The excessive flow valve device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a flow path forming member having a gas flow path, and an excessive flow valve configured to restrict the flow of gas when the flow rate of gas flowing in a predetermined direction through the gas flow path exceeds a predetermined amount. The gas flow path has a valve body accommodating portion that accommodates at least a part of the excessive flow valve. The excessive flow valve comprises a valve seat provided in the valve body accommodating portion and having a valve port, a valve body configured to be slidably accommodated in the valve body accommodating portion, and a biasing member configured to bias the valve body in a direction away from the valve seat. The valve body has a valve portion configured to close the valve port by seating on the valve seat, a receiving portion configured to support the biasing member, and at least one valve body flow path penetrating the valve body in the sliding direction of the valve body. The valve body flow path is disposed between the valve portion and the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.

　本開示の別の一態様に係る弁アセンブリは、第１流路及び第２流路を含むガス流路を有するボディと、前記第２流路を所定方向に流れるガスの流量が所定量を超える場合にガスの流通を制限するように構成される過流防止弁と、を備える。前記第１流路は、ガスを貯蔵するガスタンクに接続されるように構成され、前記第２流路は、複数の外部機器のうちのいずれか１つに選択的に接続されるように構成される。前記複数の外部機器は、前記ガスタンクに充填するガスの供給源、及び前記ガスタンクから送出されるガスを消費する消費機器を含む。前記第２流路は、前記過流防止弁の少なくとも一部を収容する弁体収容部を有する。前記所定方向は、ガスが前記消費機器に送出される方向である。前記過流防止弁は、前記弁体収容部に設けられ、弁口を有する弁座と、前記弁体収容部にスライド可能に収容されるように構成される弁体と、前記弁体を前記弁座から離間させる方向に付勢するように構成される付勢部材と、を備える。前記弁体は、前記弁座に着座することで前記弁口を閉塞するように構成される弁部と、前記付勢部材を支持するように構成される受け部と、前記弁体を該弁体のスライド方向に貫通した少なくとも１つの弁体流路と、を有する。前記弁体流路は、前記スライド方向と直交する直交方向において、前記弁部と前記受け部との間に配置される。 A valve assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a body having a gas flow path including a first flow path and a second flow path, and an excess flow valve configured to restrict the flow of gas when the flow rate of gas flowing in a predetermined direction through the second flow path exceeds a predetermined amount. The first flow path is configured to be connected to a gas tank that stores gas, and the second flow path is configured to be selectively connected to any one of a plurality of external devices. The plurality of external devices include a source of gas to be filled into the gas tank, and a consumer device that consumes gas delivered from the gas tank. The second flow path has a valve body accommodating portion that accommodates at least a portion of the excess flow valve. The predetermined direction is a direction in which gas is delivered to the consumer device. The excess flow valve includes a valve seat provided in the valve body accommodating portion and having a valve port, a valve body configured to be slidably accommodated in the valve body accommodating portion, and a biasing member configured to bias the valve body in a direction away from the valve seat. The valve body has a valve portion configured to close the valve port by being seated on the valve seat, a receiving portion configured to support the biasing member, and at least one valve body flow path that penetrates the valve body in the sliding direction of the valve body. The valve body flow path is disposed between the valve portion and the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.

一実施形態の弁アセンブリの概略構成を示す断面図である。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a valve assembly according to one embodiment. 図１の弁アセンブリにおける過流防止弁近傍の拡大断面図であって、過流防止弁の弁体が開位置にある状態の拡大断面図である。2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the excess flow valve in the valve assembly of FIG. 1, with the valve body of the excess flow valve in an open position. FIG. 図２の過流防止弁の弁体を継手流路の第１側から見た斜視図である。3 is a perspective view of the valve body of the excess flow valve of FIG. 2 as viewed from a first side of the joint flow path. FIG. 図２の過流防止弁の弁体を継手流路の第２側から見た斜視図である。3 is a perspective view of the valve body of the excess flow valve of FIG. 2 as viewed from a second side of the joint flow path. FIG. 水素ガスを充填する際において、図２の過流防止弁を通過する水素ガスの流れを示す模式図である。3 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of hydrogen gas passing through the excess flow valve of FIG. 2 when hydrogen gas is filled. FIG. 水素ガスを送出する際において、図２の過流防止弁を通過する水素ガスの流れを示す模式図である。3 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of hydrogen gas passing through the excess flow valve of FIG. 2 when the hydrogen gas is delivered. FIG. 配管に異常が発生した際において、図２の過流防止弁を通過する水素ガスの流れを示す模式図である。3 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of hydrogen gas passing through the excess flow check valve of FIG. 2 when an abnormality occurs in the piping. FIG.

　以下、過流防止弁装置及び弁アセンブリの一実施形態を図面に従って説明する。
　本明細書における「環状」は、全体として環状と見なせればよく、複数の部品又は部分を組み合わせて環状をなすものや、Ｃ字状のように一部に切り欠きなどを有するものも含む。「環状」の形状には、軸方向視で、円形、楕円形、及び鋭い又は丸い角を持つ多角形が含まれるが、これらに限定されない。本明細書における「筒状」は、全体として筒状と見なせればよく、複数の部品又は部分を組み合わせて筒状をなすものや、Ｃ字状のように一部に切り欠きなどを有するものも含む。「筒状」の形状には、軸方向視で、円形、楕円形、及び鋭い又は丸い角を持つ多角形が含まれるが、これらに限定されない。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of an excess flow valve device and a valve assembly will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this specification, the term "annular" means that the shape can be regarded as annular as a whole, and includes a shape formed by combining multiple parts or portions into an annular shape, and a shape having a notch in a part such as a C-shape. The shape of the "annular" includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon having sharp or rounded corners when viewed in the axial direction. In this specification, the term "cylindrical" means that the shape can be regarded as annular as a whole, and includes a shape formed by combining multiple parts or portions into an annular shape, and a shape having a notch in a part such as a C-shape. The shape of the "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon having sharp or rounded corners when viewed in the axial direction.

　（全体構成）
　図１に示す弁アセンブリ１は、例えば燃料電池自動車のガスタンク２に装着される。ガスタンク２には、例えば７２．５ＭＰａ程度の高圧の水素ガスが貯蔵される。また、弁アセンブリ１は、複数の外部機器３のいずれか１つに選択的に接続される。複数の外部機器３は、ガスタンク２に充填する水素ガスの供給源４、及びガスタンク２から送出される水素ガスを消費する消費機器５を含む。供給源４は、例えば水素ステーションであり、配管６を介して弁アセンブリ１に接続される。消費機器５は、例えば自動車に搭載される燃料電池であり、配管７を介して弁アセンブリ１に接続される。弁アセンブリ１は、ガスタンク２に充填される水素ガス及びガスタンク２から送出される水素ガスの流通を制御する。 (Overall composition)
The valve assembly 1 shown in Fig. 1 is mounted on, for example, a gas tank 2 of a fuel cell vehicle. High-pressure hydrogen gas, for example, about 72.5 MPa, is stored in the gas tank 2. The valve assembly 1 is selectively connected to any one of a plurality of external devices 3. The plurality of external devices 3 includes a supply source 4 of hydrogen gas to be filled into the gas tank 2, and a consumer device 5 that consumes 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 a pipe 6. The consumer device 5 is, for example, a fuel cell mounted on an automobile, and is connected to the valve assembly 1 via a pipe 7. The valve assembly 1 controls the flow of hydrogen gas to be filled into the gas tank 2 and the hydrogen gas to be delivered from the gas tank 2.

　弁アセンブリ１は、ガス流路を有するボディ１１と、ボディ１１に組み付けられる複数の弁サブアセンブリとを備えている。ガス流路は、ガスタンク２に接続される第１流路１２、及び外部機器３に接続される第２流路１３を含む。複数の弁サブアセンブリは、例えば手動弁１４、複合弁１５、安全弁１６、逆止弁１７及び過流防止弁１８を含む。複数の弁サブアセンブリは、これらの弁サブアセンブリに加えて又は代えて、任意の弁サブアセンブリを含んでもよい。 The valve assembly 1 includes a body 11 having a gas flow path, and a plurality of valve subassemblies assembled to the body 11. The gas flow path includes a first flow path 12 connected to a gas tank 2, and a second flow path 13 connected to an external device 3. The plurality of valve subassemblies include, for example, a manual valve 14, a combination valve 15, a safety valve 16, a check valve 17, and an excess flow prevention valve 18. The plurality of valve subassemblies may include any valve subassembly in addition to or instead of these valve subassemblies.

　（ボディ）
　ボディ１１は、メインボディ２１と、継手２２とを備えている。メインボディ２１は、例えば金属材料からなる。メインボディ２１は、例えばその一部が張り出した直方体状をなしている。メインボディ２１の外面は、第１側面２１ａと、第２側面２１ｂと、第３側面２１ｃと、第４側面２１ｄとを含む。第１側面２１ａと第３側面２１ｃとは、例えば互いに平行である。第２側面２１ｂと第４側面２１ｄとは、例えば互いに平行である。第１側面２１ａ及び第３側面２１ｃは、例えば第２側面２１ｂ及び第４側面２１ｄに対して直交する。 (body)
The body 11 includes a main body 21 and a joint 22. The main body 21 is made of, for example, a metal material. The main body 21 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a part of it protruding. The outer surface of the main body 21 includes a first side surface 21a, a second side surface 21b, a third side surface 21c, and a fourth side surface 21d. The first side surface 21a and the third side surface 21c are, for example, parallel to each other. The second side surface 21b and the fourth side surface 21d are, for example, parallel to each other. The first side surface 21a and the third side surface 21c are, for example, perpendicular to the second side surface 21b and the fourth side surface 21d.

　メインボディ２１は、メインボディ２１に取り付けられる部材に応じた複数の取付穴を有している。複数の取付穴は、例えば継手２２を取り付けるための継手用取付穴２４と、手動弁１４を取り付けるための手動弁用取付穴２５と、安全弁１６及び逆止弁１７を取り付けるための統合取付穴２６と、複合弁１５を取り付けるための複合弁用取付穴２７とを含む。継手用取付穴２４は、例えば丸穴であり、第１側面２１ａに開口している。手動弁用取付穴２５は、例えば丸穴であり、第２側面２１ｂに開口している。統合取付穴２６は、例えば丸穴であり、第３側面２１ｃに開口している。複合弁用取付穴２７は、例えば丸穴であり、第４側面２１ｄに開口している。 The main body 21 has a number of mounting holes corresponding to the members to be attached to the main body 21. The multiple mounting holes include, for example, a fitting mounting hole 24 for mounting the fitting 22, a manual valve mounting hole 25 for mounting the manual valve 14, an integrated mounting hole 26 for mounting the safety valve 16 and the check valve 17, and a combined valve mounting hole 27 for mounting the combined valve 15. The fitting mounting hole 24 is, for example, a round hole and opens to the first side surface 21a. The manual valve mounting hole 25 is, for example, a round hole and opens to the second side surface 21b. The integrated mounting hole 26 is, for example, a round hole and opens to the third side surface 21c. The combined valve mounting hole 27 is, for example, a round hole and opens to the fourth side surface 21d.

　第１流路１２は、統合取付穴２６をガスタンク２と連通する充填部分３１と、複合弁用取付穴２７をガスタンク２と連通する送出部分３２とを含む。充填部分３１は、例えば統合取付穴２６の内周面に開口している。これにより、安全弁１６及び逆止弁１７は、充填部分３１を介してガスタンク２に接続される。送出部分３２は、例えば複合弁用取付穴２７の内周面に開口している。これにより、複合弁１５は、送出部分３２を介してガスタンク２に接続される。図示のように、充填部分３１と送出部分３２とは、互いに独立した流路であってもよい。 The first flow path 12 includes a filling portion 31 that connects the integrated mounting hole 26 to the gas tank 2, and a delivery portion 32 that connects the combined valve mounting hole 27 to the gas tank 2. The filling portion 31 opens, for example, to the inner circumferential surface of the integrated mounting hole 26. As a result, the safety valve 16 and the check valve 17 are connected to the gas tank 2 via the filling portion 31. The delivery portion 32 opens, for example, to the inner circumferential surface of the combined valve mounting hole 27. As a result, the combined valve 15 is connected to the gas tank 2 via the delivery portion 32. As shown in the figure, the filling portion 31 and the delivery portion 32 may be flow paths independent of each other.

　第２流路１３は、第１部分３３と、第２部分３４と、第３部分３５と、第４部分３６と、継手流路３７とを含む。第１部分３３、第２部分３４、第３部分３５、及び第４部分３６は、メインボディ２１に設けられている。継手流路３７は、後述するように継手２２に設けられている。 The second flow passage 13 includes a first portion 33, a second portion 34, a third portion 35, a fourth portion 36, and a joint flow passage 37. The first portion 33, the second portion 34, the third portion 35, and the fourth portion 36 are provided in the main body 21. The joint flow passage 37 is provided in the joint 22, as described below.

　第１部分３３は、継手用取付穴２４の底面に開口している。第２部分３４は、手動弁用取付穴２５の底面に開口している。第１部分３３及び第２部分３４は、例えば直線状に延びている。第２部分３４は、第１部分３３に対して直交している。第２部分３４における第１部分３３との交差位置よりも奥側の部分の内径は、該交差位置の手前側の部分の内径よりも小さい。第３部分３５は、例えば統合取付穴２６の底面に開口している。第３部分３５は、第２部分３４を統合取付穴２６と連通させている。第４部分３６は、例えば複合弁用取付穴２７の底面に開口している。第４部分３６は、第２部分３４を複合弁用取付穴２７と連通させている。第３部分３５及び第４部分３６は、例えば直線状に延びている。 The first part 33 opens to the bottom surface of the fitting mounting hole 24. The second part 34 opens to the bottom surface of the manual valve mounting hole 25. The first part 33 and the second part 34 extend, for example, in a straight line. The second part 34 is perpendicular to the first part 33. The inner diameter of the part of the second part 34 that is further back than the intersection position with the first part 33 is smaller than the inner diameter of the part in front of the intersection position. The third part 35 opens, for example, to the bottom surface of the integrated mounting hole 26. The third part 35 connects the second part 34 to the integrated mounting hole 26. The fourth part 36 opens, for example, to the bottom surface of the combined valve mounting hole 27. The fourth part 36 connects the second part 34 to the combined valve mounting hole 27. The third part 35 and the fourth part 36 extend, for example, in a straight line.

　図示のように、第３部分３５は、例えば第２部分３４における小径の部分に対して直交する。第４部分３６は、例えば第２部分３４と同軸上に設けられている。なお、第２流路１３の構成は、図示の例に限らず、適宜変更可能である。例えば、第３部分３５は、第１部分３３と同軸上に配置されるように第２部分３４における大径の部分に対して直交してもよい。また、第４部分３６は、例えば第２部分３４に対して直交してもよい。 As shown, the third portion 35 is, for example, perpendicular to the small diameter portion of the second portion 34. The fourth portion 36 is, for example, arranged coaxially with the second portion 34. Note that the configuration of the second flow path 13 is not limited to the example shown in the figure and can be modified as appropriate. 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. Also, the fourth portion 36 may be perpendicular to the second portion 34, for example.

　継手２２は、例えば金属材料からなる。継手２２は、例えば円柱状をなしている。継手２２は、ガス流路である継手流路３７を有している。継手流路３７は、例えば継手２２の軸方向に沿って直線状に延びるとともに、継手２２の両端面に開口している。継手２２は、例えばネジ締結又は圧入等の任意の固定方法により継手用取付穴２４に固定されている。これにより、継手流路３７は、第１部分３３と連通する。継手２２には、配管６，７のいずれか１つが連結される。これにより、第２流路１３には、継手流路３７を介して供給源４又は消費機器５が接続される。継手流路３７内には、過流防止弁１８が設けられる。つまり、継手２２が流路形成部材に相当し、継手２２と過流防止弁１８とからなるアセンブリが過流防止弁装置に相当する。したがって、弁アセンブリ１は、過流防止弁装置を含んでいる。 The joint 22 is made of, for example, a metal material. The joint 22 is, for example, cylindrical. The joint 22 has a joint flow path 37 which is a gas flow path. The joint flow path 37 extends linearly, for example, along the axial direction of the joint 22, and opens on both end faces of the joint 22. The joint 22 is fixed to the joint mounting hole 24 by any fixing method, for example, screw fastening or press fitting. As a result, the joint flow path 37 communicates with the first part 33. One of the pipes 6 and 7 is connected to the joint 22. As a result, the supply source 4 or the consumer device 5 is connected to the second flow path 13 via the joint flow path 37. An excess flow prevention valve 18 is provided in the joint flow path 37. In other words, the joint 22 corresponds to a flow path forming member, and an assembly consisting of the joint 22 and the excess flow prevention valve 18 corresponds to an excess flow prevention valve device. Therefore, the valve assembly 1 includes an excess flow prevention valve device.

　（複数の弁サブアセンブリ）
　手動弁１４は、例えばネジ締結又は圧入等の任意の固定方法により手動弁用取付穴２５に固定されている。手動弁１４は、ユーザの操作により、第２流路１３の第２部分３４を閉塞可能に構成されている。 (Multiple Valve Subassemblies)
The manual valve 14 is fixed to the manual valve mounting hole 25 by any fixing method, such as screw fastening or press fitting. The manual valve 14 is configured to be able to close the second portion 34 of the second flow path 13 by operation by a user.

　安全弁１６は、安全弁１６の温度が閾値温度以下の場合に閉状態となるように構成されている。安全弁１６は、閉状態ではガスタンク２内の水素ガスを外部に放出しない。一方、安全弁１６は、安全弁１６の温度が閾値温度を超えると、不可逆的に閉状態から開状態となるように構成されている。安全弁１６は、開状態ではガスタンク２内の水素ガスを外部に放出する。閾値温度は、ガスタンク２内の水素ガスの圧力が過大となってガスタンク２が損傷しないように予め設定されている。 The safety valve 16 is configured to be in a closed state when the temperature of the safety valve 16 is equal to or lower than a threshold temperature. When in a closed state, the safety valve 16 does not release hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 to the outside. On the other hand, the safety valve 16 is configured to irreversibly change from a closed state to an open state when the temperature of the safety valve 16 exceeds the threshold temperature. When in an open state, the safety valve 16 releases hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 to the outside. The threshold temperature is set in advance so that the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 does not become excessive and damage the gas tank 2.

　逆止弁１７は、ガスタンク２内に充填された水素ガスの逆流を防止するように構成されている。具体的には、第１流路１２の充填部分３１から第２流路１３の第３部分３５への水素ガスの流通を規制するとともに、第３部分３５から充填部分３１への水素ガスの流通を許容する。 The check valve 17 is configured to prevent the backflow of hydrogen gas filled in the gas tank 2. Specifically, it regulates the flow of hydrogen gas from the filling 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 filling portion 31.

　複合弁１５は、電磁弁として機能する電磁弁部分と、逆止弁として機能する逆止弁部分とを有している。複合弁１５は、電磁弁部分を開閉することにより、第１流路１２の送出部分３２と第２流路１３の第４部分３６との間の水素ガスの流通を制御する。逆止弁部分は、送出部分３２から第４部分３６への水素ガスの流通を許容するとともに、第４部分３６から送出部分３２への水素ガスの流通を規制する。これにより、供給源４から水素ガスをガスタンク２に充填する際に、高圧の水素ガスが電磁弁部分に作用することが抑制される。 The combined valve 15 has a solenoid valve portion that functions as a solenoid valve, and a check valve portion that functions as a check valve. The combined valve 15 controls the flow of hydrogen gas between the delivery portion 32 of the first flow path 12 and the fourth portion 36 of the second flow path 13 by opening and closing the solenoid valve portion. The check valve portion allows the flow of hydrogen gas from the delivery portion 32 to the fourth portion 36, and regulates the flow of hydrogen gas from the fourth portion 36 to the delivery portion 32. This prevents high-pressure hydrogen gas from acting on the solenoid valve portion when hydrogen gas is filled into the gas tank 2 from the supply source 4.

　過流防止弁１８は、継手流路３７（第２流路１３）を所定方向に流れる水素ガスの流量が予め定められた所定量を超える場合に水素ガスの流通を制限するように構成されている。所定方向は、例えば水素ガスがガスタンク２から消費機器５に送出される方向である。過流防止弁１８は、所定方向と反対方向、すなわち水素ガスが供給源４からガスタンク２に充填される方向の水素ガスの流量は制限しない。過流防止弁１８の詳細は、後述する。 The excess flow valve 18 is configured to restrict the flow of hydrogen gas when the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing in a specified direction through the joint flow path 37 (second flow path 13) exceeds a predetermined amount. The specified direction is, for example, the direction in which hydrogen gas is delivered from the gas tank 2 to the consumer device 5. The excess flow valve 18 does not restrict the flow rate of hydrogen gas in the direction opposite to the specified direction, i.e., the direction in which hydrogen gas is filled from the supply source 4 into the gas tank 2. Details of the excess flow valve 18 will be described later.

　（弁アセンブリの動作）
　ガスタンク２に水素ガスを充填する際には、継手２２に配管６を介して供給源４が接続される。供給源４から水素ガスが供給されると、水素ガスは第２流路１３の継手流路３７、第１部分３３、第２部分３４及び第３部分３５を介して逆止弁１７に流入する。上記のように逆止弁１７は、第３部分３５から充填部分３１への水素ガスの流通を許容するように構成されているため、開状態となる。これにより、充填部分３１を介して水素ガスがガスタンク２に充填される。このとき、水素ガスは、第２流路１３の第２部分３４から第４部分３６を介して複合弁１５の逆止弁部分にも流入する。しかし、逆止弁部分は、第４部分３６から送出部分３２への水素ガスの流通を規制するように構成されているため、閉状態となる。これにより、第２流路１３から送出部分３２には水素ガスは流入しない。 (Valve Assembly Operation)
When hydrogen gas is filled into the gas tank 2, the supply source 4 is connected to the joint 22 via the pipe 6. When hydrogen gas is supplied from the supply source 4, the hydrogen gas flows into the check valve 17 via the joint flow path 37, the first portion 33, the second portion 34, and the third portion 35 of the second flow path 13. As described above, the check valve 17 is configured to allow hydrogen gas to flow from the third portion 35 to the filling portion 31, and therefore is in an open state. As a result, hydrogen gas is filled into the gas tank 2 via the filling portion 31. At this time, hydrogen gas also flows into the check valve portion of the combined valve 15 from the second portion 34 of the second flow path 13 via the fourth portion 36. However, the check valve portion is configured to restrict the flow of hydrogen gas from the fourth portion 36 to the delivery portion 32, and therefore is in a closed state. As a result, hydrogen gas does not flow from the second flow path 13 to the delivery portion 32.

　消費機器５に水素ガスを送出する際には、継手２２に配管７を介して消費機器５が接続される。ガスタンク２内の水素ガスは、第１流路１２の送出部分３２を介して複合弁１５に流入する。複合弁１５の電磁弁部分が開状態に制御されると、水素ガスが逆止弁部分に流入する。逆止弁部分は、送出部分３２から第４部分３６への水素ガスの流通を許容するように構成されているため、開状態となる。これにより、水素ガスは、第２流路１３の第４部分３６、第２部分３４、第１部分３３及び継手流路３７に流入し、配管７を介して消費機器５に送出される。このとき、水素ガスは、第２流路１３の第２部分３４から第３部分３５を介して逆止弁１７にも流入する。しかし、逆止弁１７は、ガスタンク２に貯蔵された水素ガスの圧力により閉状態となる。これにより、第３部分３５から充填部分３１には水素ガスは流入しない。 When hydrogen gas is delivered to the consumer device 5, the consumer device 5 is connected to the joint 22 via the piping 7. Hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 flows into the combined valve 15 via the delivery portion 32 of the first flow path 12. When the solenoid valve portion of the combined valve 15 is controlled to an open state, hydrogen gas flows into the check valve portion. The check valve portion is configured to allow hydrogen gas to flow from the delivery portion 32 to the fourth portion 36, and is therefore in an open state. As a result, hydrogen gas flows into the fourth portion 36, the second portion 34, the first portion 33, and the joint flow path 37 of the second flow path 13, and is delivered to the consumer device 5 via the piping 7. At this time, hydrogen gas also flows into the check valve 17 from the second portion 34 of the second flow path 13 via the third portion 35. However, the check valve 17 is closed due to the pressure of the hydrogen gas stored in the gas tank 2. As a result, hydrogen gas does not flow from the third portion 35 to the filling portion 31.

　このように第２流路１３は、水素ガスの充填経路及び水素ガスの供給経路として用いられている。換言すると、水素ガスの充填経路の一部及び水素ガスの供給経路の一部が共通化されている。 In this way, the second flow path 13 is used as a hydrogen gas filling path and a hydrogen gas supply path. In other words, part of the hydrogen gas filling path and part of the hydrogen gas supply path are shared.

　（過流防止弁装置）
　図２に示すように、継手２２の継手流路３７には、過流防止弁１８が設けられている。過流防止弁１８は、継手流路３７の途中に設けられる弁座４１と、継手流路３７にスライド可能に収容される弁体４２と、弁体４２を弁座４１から離間させる方向に付勢する付勢部材であるコイルばね４３とを備えている。図示のように、過流防止弁１８は、弁体４２の移動範囲を規定するストッパ４４を備えてもよい。また、過流防止弁１８は、ストッパ４４の有無に関係なく、フィルタ４５及び押さえ部材４６を備えてもよい。さらに、過流防止弁１８は、ストッパ４４の有無に関係なく、またフィルタ４５及び押さえ部材４６の有無に関係なく、シール部材４７を備えてもよい。以下の説明では、継手流路３７における第２流路１３の第１部分３３と接続される側を第１側といい、その反対側、すなわち継手流路３７における配管７と接続される側を第２側という。 (Excess flow prevention valve device)
As shown in FIG. 2, the joint flow path 37 of the joint 22 is provided with an excess flow valve 18. The excess flow valve 18 includes a valve seat 41 provided in the middle of the joint flow path 37, a valve body 42 slidably accommodated in the joint flow path 37, and a coil spring 43 which is a biasing member that biases the valve body 42 in a direction to separate it from the valve seat 41. As shown in the figure, the excess flow valve 18 may include a stopper 44 that defines the movement range of the valve body 42. The excess flow valve 18 may also include a filter 45 and a pressing member 46 regardless of the presence or absence of the stopper 44. Furthermore, the excess flow valve 18 may also include a seal member 47 regardless of the presence or absence of the stopper 44 and regardless of the presence or absence of the filter 45 and the pressing member 46. In the following description, the side of the joint flow path 37 connected to the first portion 33 of the second flow path 13 is referred to as the first side, and the opposite side, i.e., the side of the joint flow path 37 connected to the piping 7 is referred to as the second side.

　例えば図示のように、継手流路３７は、継手２２の軸方向に沿って延びる直線状をなしている。継手流路３７の延伸方向と直交する断面は、円形の形状を有している。本実施形態の継手流路３７は、第１側から第２側に向かって、内径がステップ状に小さくなる段付き形状を有している。具体的には、継手流路３７は、第１側から順に、シール部材収容部５１と、フィルタ収容部５２と、弁体収容部５３と、小径流路部５４とを有している。継手流路３７の内径は、シール部材収容部５１、フィルタ収容部５２、弁体収容部５３、小径流路部５４の順に小さくなる。弁体収容部５３の内周面における第１側の端部には、弁体収容部５３の周方向に延びる環状の係止溝５５が設けられている。弁体収容部５３と小径流路部５４との間の段差部５６の内周縁は、弁体４２が着座する上記弁座４１として用いられている。そして、小径流路部５４の第１側端部が弁口５７として用いられている。つまり、継手２２における他の部分と切れ目なく連続する一部分が弁座４１を構成している。換言すると、継手２２は、継手流路３７とともに弁座４１を有する一体品（ｏｎｅ　ｐｉｅｃｅ）である。図示のように、弁座４１の内周縁は、テーパ状に面取りされていてもよい。 For example, as shown in the figure, the joint flow path 37 has a straight line extending along the axial direction of the joint 22. A cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the joint flow path 37 has a circular shape. The joint flow path 37 of this embodiment has a stepped shape in which the inner diameter decreases in a step-like manner from the first side to the second side. Specifically, the joint flow path 37 has, in order from the first side, a seal member accommodating section 51, a filter accommodating section 52, a valve body accommodating section 53, and a small diameter flow path section 54. The inner diameter of the joint flow path 37 decreases in the order of the seal member accommodating section 51, the filter accommodating section 52, the valve body accommodating section 53, and the small diameter flow path section 54. An annular locking groove 55 extending in the circumferential direction of the valve body accommodating section 53 is provided at the end of the first side on the inner peripheral surface of the valve body accommodating section 53. The inner peripheral edge of the step 56 between the valve body accommodating portion 53 and the small diameter flow passage portion 54 is used as the valve seat 41 on which the valve body 42 sits. The first side end of the small diameter flow passage portion 54 is used as the valve port 57. In other words, a portion of the joint 22 that is continuous with the other portions forms the valve seat 41. In other words, the joint 22 is a one-piece product that has the valve seat 41 together with the joint flow passage 37. As shown in the figure, the inner peripheral edge of the valve seat 41 may be chamfered in a tapered shape.

　シール部材４７は、例えばゴム材料又は樹脂材料からなる。シール部材４７は、環状をなしている。本実施形態において、シール部材４７は、軸方向視で、円形の形状を有している。シール部材４７は、シール部材収容部５１に嵌合されている。そして、シール部材４７は、継手２２が継手用取付穴２４に取り付けられることで、継手用取付穴２４の底面に密着している。これにより、メインボディ２１と継手２２との間がシールされている。 The seal member 47 is made of, for example, a rubber material or a resin material. The seal member 47 is annular. In this embodiment, the seal member 47 has a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction. The seal member 47 is fitted into the seal member accommodating portion 51. When the joint 22 is attached to the joint mounting hole 24, the seal member 47 is in close contact with the bottom surface of the joint mounting hole 24. This provides a seal between the main body 21 and the joint 22.

　フィルタ４５は、例えば金網等により構成されている。フィルタ４５は、軸方向視で、例えば円形の形状をなしている。押さえ部材４６は、例えば金属材料からなる。押さえ部材４６は、環状をなしている。本実施形態において、押さえ部材４６は、軸方向視で、円形の形状を有している。フィルタ４５は、フィルタ収容部５２内に配置されている。そして、フィルタ４５は、フィルタ収容部５２に嵌合する押さえ部材４６によって第１側から押さえつけられることで、フィルタ収容部５２内に固定されている。 The filter 45 is made of, for example, a wire mesh. When viewed in the axial direction, the filter 45 has, for example, a circular shape. The pressing member 46 is made of, for example, a metal material. The pressing member 46 has an annular shape. In this embodiment, the pressing member 46 has a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction. The filter 45 is disposed in the filter housing portion 52. The filter 45 is fixed in the filter housing portion 52 by being pressed from the first side by the pressing member 46 that fits into the filter housing portion 52.

　ストッパ４４は、例えば金属材料からなる。ストッパ４４は、環状をなしている。本実施形態において、ストッパ４４は、軸方向視で、Ｃ字形の形状を有している。ストッパ４４は、例えばスナップリングである。ストッパ４４は、弁体収容部５３の係止溝５５に係止することで、弁体収容部５３内に固定されている。 The stopper 44 is made of, for example, a metal material. The stopper 44 is annular. In this embodiment, the stopper 44 has a C-shape when viewed in the axial direction. The stopper 44 is, for example, a snap ring. The stopper 44 is fixed in the valve body accommodating portion 53 by engaging with the engaging groove 55 of the valve body accommodating portion 53.

　コイルばね４３は、弁体４２と段差部５６の外周縁との間で圧縮されている。これにより、コイルばね４３は、常時、弁体４２を継手流路３７の第１側、すなわち弁座４１から離間する方向に付勢している。 The coil spring 43 is compressed between the valve body 42 and the outer periphery of the step portion 56. As a result, the coil spring 43 constantly biases the valve body 42 in a direction away from the first side of the joint flow path 37, i.e., the valve seat 41.

　弁体４２は、概ね柱状をなすポペットである。弁体４２は、その軸方向が継手流路３７の延伸方向に沿うように、弁体収容部５３に収容されている。なお、弁体収容部５３を弁室として参照することがある。弁体４２は、例えば金属材料からなる。 The valve body 42 is a poppet having a generally columnar shape. The valve body 42 is accommodated in the valve body accommodating portion 53 so that its axial direction is aligned with the extension direction of the joint flow path 37. The valve body accommodating portion 53 is sometimes referred to as a valve chamber. The valve body 42 is made of, for example, a metal material.

　弁体４２は、その上流側の圧力と下流側の圧力との圧力差に応じた力（以下、差圧付勢力）を受ける。したがって、弁体４２は、差圧付勢力及びコイルばね４３の機械的付勢力に応じて継手流路３７内をスライドする。弁体４２のスライド方向は、継手流路３７の延伸方向、すなわち継手２２の軸方向と一致している。本実施形態では、弁体４２のスライド方向は、弁体４２の軸方向とも一致している。 The valve body 42 receives a force corresponding to the pressure difference between the pressure on its upstream side and the pressure on its downstream side (hereinafter, the differential pressure force). Therefore, the valve body 42 slides within the joint flow path 37 in response to the differential pressure force and the mechanical force of the coil spring 43. The sliding direction of the valve body 42 coincides with the extension direction of the joint flow path 37, i.e., the axial direction of the joint 22. In this embodiment, the sliding direction of the valve body 42 also coincides with the axial direction of the valve body 42.

　このように構成された過流防止弁１８において、水素ガスをガスタンク２に充填する際には、継手流路３７の第１側が下流側、継手流路３７の第２側が上流側となる。そのため、弁体４２は差圧付勢力及び機械的付勢力の双方によって弁座４１から離間する方向に付勢される。これにより、弁体４２は弁座４１から離間し、過流防止弁１８は開状態となる。なお、弁体４２は、ストッパ４４に当接することで、それ以上、弁座４１から離間することが規制される。 In the excess flow prevention valve 18 configured in this manner, when hydrogen gas is filled into the gas tank 2, the first side of the joint flow path 37 becomes the downstream side, and the second side of the joint flow path 37 becomes the upstream side. Therefore, the valve body 42 is biased in a direction away from the valve seat 41 by both the differential pressure biasing force and the mechanical biasing force. As a result, the valve body 42 moves away from the valve seat 41, and the excess flow prevention valve 18 becomes open. Note that the valve body 42 abuts against the stopper 44, preventing it from moving away from the valve seat 41 any further.

　水素ガスを消費機器５に送出する際には、継手流路３７の第１側が上流側、継手流路３７の第２側が下流側となる。コイルばね４３の機械的付勢力は、例えば過流防止弁１８に接続される配管７に異常がなく、圧力差が予め設定された範囲内であれば、当該圧力差に応じた差圧付勢力よりも大きくなるように設定されている。そのため、弁体４２が弁座４１から離間することで、過流防止弁１８は開状態となる。つまり、過流防止弁１８は、いわゆるノーマルオープン型の弁である。 When hydrogen gas is sent to the consumer device 5, the first side of the joint flow path 37 is the upstream side, and the second side of the joint flow path 37 is the downstream side. The mechanical biasing force of the coil spring 43 is set to be greater than the differential pressure biasing force corresponding to the pressure difference, for example, if there is no abnormality in the piping 7 connected to the excess flow valve 18 and the pressure difference is within a preset range. Therefore, when the valve body 42 moves away from the valve seat 41, the excess flow valve 18 is in an open state. In other words, the excess flow valve 18 is a so-called normally open type valve.

　これに対し、例えば配管７が損傷することで下流側の圧力が急激に減少し、圧力差が過大になると、当該圧力差に応じた差圧付勢力が機械的付勢力よりも大きくなる。その結果、弁体４２が継手流路３７の第２側にスライドして弁座４１に着座することで、過流防止弁１８が閉状態となる。 In contrast, if the downstream pressure suddenly decreases due to damage to the pipe 7, for example, and the pressure difference becomes excessive, the differential pressure biasing force corresponding to the pressure difference becomes greater than the mechanical biasing force. As a result, the valve body 42 slides to the second side of the joint flow path 37 and seats on the valve seat 41, closing the excess flow prevention valve 18.

　ここで、本発明者らは、鋭意研究の結果、水素ガスの流れがコイルばね４３のばね特性に影響を及ぼす可能性があることを見出した。具体的には、コイルばね４３の内周側から外周側に向かって、又はコイルばね４３の外周側から内周側に向かって多量の水素ガスがコイルばね４３を径方向に通り抜ける場合を想定する。この場合、径方向に通り抜ける水素ガスの圧力によって、コイルばね４３が塑性変形するおそれがある。そして、塑性変形によりコイルばね４３のばね特性が変化すると、例えば上記圧力差が予め設定された範囲内であっても、コイルばね４３の機械的付勢力が、当該圧力差に応じた差圧付勢力よりも小さくなることがある。また、塑性変形によりコイルばね４３のばね特性が変化すると、例えば上記圧力差が予め設定された範囲外であっても、コイルばね４３の機械的付勢力が、当該圧力差に応じた差圧付勢力よりも大きくなることがある。その結果、弁体４２が圧力差に応じて適切にスライドできない可能性がある。特に、ガスタンク２への水素ガスの充填を速やかに完了させようとすると、水素ガスの流量が増大するため、コイルばね４３が塑性変形しやすくなる。この点を踏まえ、弁体４２は、水素ガスがコイルばね４３を径方向に通り抜けにくくなるような形状を有している。 Here, the inventors have found, as a result of intensive research, that the flow of hydrogen gas may affect the spring characteristics of the coil spring 43. Specifically, assume that a large amount of hydrogen gas passes radially through the coil spring 43 from the inner periphery side to the outer periphery side, or from the outer periphery side to the inner periphery side. In this case, the pressure of the hydrogen gas passing radially through the coil spring 43 may cause plastic deformation of the coil spring 43. If the spring characteristics of the coil spring 43 change due to plastic deformation, the mechanical biasing force of the coil spring 43 may become smaller than the differential pressure biasing force corresponding to the pressure difference, even if the pressure difference is within a preset range. If the spring characteristics of the coil spring 43 change due to plastic deformation, the mechanical biasing force of the coil spring 43 may become larger than the differential pressure biasing force corresponding to the pressure difference, even if the pressure difference is outside the preset range. As a result, there is a possibility that the valve body 42 may not slide appropriately in response to the pressure difference. In particular, when attempting to quickly complete the filling of the gas tank 2 with hydrogen gas, the flow rate of hydrogen gas increases, making the coil spring 43 more susceptible to plastic deformation. In light of this, the valve body 42 has a shape that makes it difficult for hydrogen gas to pass through the coil spring 43 in the radial direction.

　詳しくは、図２、図３及び図４に示すように、弁体４２は、弁部６１と、弁部６１に対して継手流路３７の第１側に連続する基部６２と、基部６２に対して継手流路３７の第１側に連続する筒部６３とを有している。 More specifically, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the valve body 42 has a valve portion 61, a base portion 62 that is continuous with the first side of the joint flow path 37 from the valve portion 61, and a tubular portion 63 that is continuous with the first side of the joint flow path 37 from the base portion 62.

　弁部６１は、その外径が継手流路３７の第２側に向かって小さくなるテーパ状をなしている。弁部６１の最小の外径は、小径流路部５４の内径、すなわち弁口５７の内径よりも小さい。弁部６１の最大の外径は、小径流路部５４の内径、すなわち弁口５７の内径よりも大きい。これにより、弁部６１は、弁座４１に着座することで弁口５７を閉塞する。なお、弁部６１が弁座４１に着座した状態で、弁部６１の先端は弁口５７内に挿入される。 The valve portion 61 has a tapered shape in which its outer diameter decreases toward the second side of the joint flow path 37. The minimum outer diameter of the valve portion 61 is smaller than the inner diameter of the small diameter flow path portion 54, i.e., the inner diameter of the valve port 57. The maximum outer diameter of the valve portion 61 is larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter flow path portion 54, i.e., the inner diameter of the valve port 57. As a result, the valve portion 61 closes the valve port 57 by seating on the valve seat 41. Note that, with the valve portion 61 seated on the valve seat 41, the tip of the valve portion 61 is inserted into the valve port 57.

　基部６２は、略円柱状をなしている。基部６２は、弁部６１と同軸上に配置されている。基部６２の外径は、弁部６１の最大の外径よりも大きく、かつ弁体収容部５３の内径よりも僅かに小さい。これにより、基部６２の外周面は、弁体収容部５３の内周面に対してその全周に亘ってスライド可能に接触している。 The base 62 is generally cylindrical. The base 62 is arranged coaxially with the valve portion 61. The outer diameter of the base 62 is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the valve portion 61 and slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the valve body accommodating portion 53. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the base 62 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve body accommodating portion 53 over its entire circumference.

　基部６２は、コイルばね４３を支持する受け部６４を有している。本実施形態の受け部６４は、継手流路３７の第２側及び径方向外側に開口した溝状をなしている。受け部６４には、コイルばね４３の端部が装着される。 The base 62 has a receiving portion 64 that supports the coil spring 43. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 64 is groove-shaped and opens to the second side of the joint flow passage 37 and to the radially outer side. The end of the coil spring 43 is attached to the receiving portion 64.

　基部６２は、その軸方向に貫通した少なくとも１つの弁体流路６５を有している。すなわち、弁体流路６５は、弁体４２のスライド方向に貫通している。そして、弁体流路６５は、基部６２における弁部６１の径方向外側かつ受け部６４の径方向内側に配置されている。換言すると、弁体流路６５は、スライド方向と直交する直交方向において、弁部６１と受け部６４との間に設けられている。本実施形態では、基部６２は４つの弁体流路６５を有している。４つの弁体流路６５の流路断面積の合計は、小径流路部５４の流路断面積よりも大きい。なお、弁体流路６５の各々の流路断面積は、小径流路部５４の流路断面積より大きくても、小さくてもよい。４つの弁体流路６５は、基部６２の周方向に等角度間隔で配置されている。弁体流路６５は、例えば基部６２の軸方向に沿って直線状に延びている。弁体流路６５は、軸方向視で、例えば扇形状をなしている。 The base 62 has at least one valve body flow passage 65 penetrating in its axial direction. That is, the valve body flow passage 65 penetrates in the sliding direction of the valve body 42. The valve body flow passage 65 is disposed radially outside the valve portion 61 in the base 62 and radially inside the receiving portion 64. In other words, the valve body flow passage 65 is provided between the valve portion 61 and the receiving portion 64 in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. In this embodiment, the base 62 has four valve body flow passages 65. The sum of the flow passage cross-sectional areas of the four valve body flow passages 65 is larger than the flow passage cross-sectional area of the small diameter flow passage portion 54. The flow passage cross-sectional area of each of the valve body flow passages 65 may be larger or smaller than the flow passage cross-sectional area of the small diameter flow passage portion 54. The four valve body flow passages 65 are disposed at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the base 62. The valve body flow passages 65 extend linearly, for example, along the axial direction of the base 62. The valve body flow path 65 is, for example, fan-shaped when viewed in the axial direction.

　筒部６３は、軸方向視で、円形の形状を有している。筒部６３は、弁部６１及び基部６２と同軸上に配置されている。筒部６３の外径は、基部６２の外径と略等しい。したがって、筒部６３の外径は、弁体収容部５３の内径よりも僅かに小さい。これにより、筒部６３の外周面は、弁体収容部５３の内周面に対してその全周に亘ってスライド可能に接触している。つまり、弁体４２における基部６２の一部及び筒部６３が摺接部に相当する。 The tubular portion 63 has a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction. The tubular portion 63 is arranged coaxially with the valve portion 61 and the base portion 62. The outer diameter of the tubular portion 63 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the base portion 62. Therefore, the outer diameter of the tubular portion 63 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the valve body accommodating portion 53. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 63 is in slidable contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve body accommodating portion 53 over its entire circumference. In other words, a part of the base portion 62 of the valve body 42 and the tubular portion 63 correspond to the sliding contact portion.

　さらに、本実施形態の弁体４２は、その軸方向に貫通した細孔６６を有している。細孔６６は、弁部６１の第２側端部から基部６２の第１側端部に亘って延在している。これにより、弁体４２が弁座４１に着座した状態でも、水素ガスが継手２２から送出される。つまり、過流防止弁１８は、閉状態でも過流防止弁１８を介した水素ガスの流通を許容するように構成されている。なお、細孔６６の流路断面積は、小径流路部５４の流路断面積よりも小さい。また、細孔６６の流路断面積は、弁体流路６５の各々の流路断面積よりも小さい。そのため、過流防止弁１８が閉状態の場合の水素ガスの流量は、過流防止弁１８が開状態の場合の水素ガスの流量よりも少ない。 Furthermore, the valve body 42 of this embodiment has a fine hole 66 penetrating in its axial direction. The fine hole 66 extends from the second side end of the valve portion 61 to the first side end of the base portion 62. As a result, hydrogen gas is discharged from the fitting 22 even when the valve body 42 is seated on the valve seat 41. In other words, the excess flow valve 18 is configured to allow hydrogen gas to flow through the excess flow valve 18 even in the closed state. The flow cross-sectional area of the fine hole 66 is smaller than the flow cross-sectional area of the small diameter flow passage portion 54. The flow cross-sectional area of the fine hole 66 is also smaller than the flow cross-sectional area of each of the valve body flow passages 65. Therefore, the flow rate of hydrogen gas when the excess flow valve 18 is in the closed state is smaller than the flow rate of hydrogen gas when the excess flow valve 18 is in the open state.

　（水素ガスの流れ）
　次に、過流防止弁１８を通過する水素ガスの流れについて説明する。
　図５に示すように、水素ガスの充填時において、過流防止弁１８は開状態となる。このとき、供給源４から供給される水素ガスは、継手流路３７を第２側から第１側に向かって流れる。詳しくは、図５において太線の矢印で示すように、水素ガスは小径流路部５４から弁体収容部５３に流入する。そして、水素ガスは、弁体４２を越えてからフィルタ４５を通過する。水素ガスが弁体４２を越える際、弁体４２が弁体流路６５を有するため、水素ガスは主に弁体流路６５を通過する。このように水素ガスが弁体流路６５を通過することから、弁体４２が弁体流路６５を有さない場合に比べ、弁体４２と弁体収容部５３との間を通過する水素ガスの流量が減少する。なお、水素ガスが弁体４２を越える際において、少量の水素ガスが細孔６６を通過する。図５では、説明の便宜上、弁体４２と弁体収容部５３との間を通過する水素ガス、及び細孔６６を通過する水素ガスの流れを示していない。 (Flow of hydrogen gas)
Next, the flow of hydrogen gas passing through the excess flow valve 18 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, when hydrogen gas is filled, the excess flow prevention valve 18 is in an open state. At this time, the hydrogen gas supplied from the supply source 4 flows from the second side to the first side through the joint flow path 37. In detail, as shown by the thick arrow in FIG. 5, the hydrogen gas flows from the small diameter flow path portion 54 into the valve body accommodating portion 53. Then, the hydrogen gas passes over the valve body 42 and then passes through the filter 45. When the hydrogen gas passes over the valve body 42, the hydrogen gas mainly passes through the valve body flow path 65 because the valve body 42 has the valve body flow path 65. Since the hydrogen gas passes through the valve body flow path 65 in this way, the flow rate of hydrogen gas passing between the valve body 42 and the valve body accommodating portion 53 is reduced compared to when the valve body 42 does not have the valve body flow path 65. When the hydrogen gas passes over the valve body 42, a small amount of hydrogen gas passes through the fine hole 66. For ease of explanation, FIG. 5 does not show the flow of hydrogen gas passing between the valve body 42 and the valve body accommodating portion 53 and the flow of hydrogen gas passing through the fine hole 66.

　図６に示すように、水素ガスの送出時において、異常が発生していなければ、過流防止弁１８は開状態となる。このとき、ガスタンク２から送出される水素ガスは、継手流路３７を第１側から第２側に向かって流れる。詳しくは、図６において太線の矢印で示すように、フィルタ４５を通過した水素ガスは、弁体４２を越えてから小径流路部５４へと流入する。水素ガスが弁体４２を越える際、弁体４２が弁体流路６５を有するため、水素ガスの充填時と同様に、水素ガスは主に弁体流路６５を通過する。図６では、説明の便宜上、弁体４２と弁体収容部５３との間を通過する水素ガス、及び細孔６６を通過する水素ガスの流れを示していない。 As shown in FIG. 6, if no abnormality occurs when hydrogen gas is discharged, the excess flow prevention valve 18 is in an open state. At this time, hydrogen gas discharged from the gas tank 2 flows through the joint flow path 37 from the first side to the second side. In detail, as shown by the thick arrow in FIG. 6, hydrogen gas that has passed through the filter 45 passes over the valve body 42 and then flows into the small diameter flow path portion 54. When hydrogen gas passes over the valve body 42, since the valve body 42 has a valve body flow path 65, the hydrogen gas mainly passes through the valve body flow path 65, as when hydrogen gas is filled. For ease of explanation, FIG. 6 does not show the flow of hydrogen gas passing between the valve body 42 and the valve body accommodating portion 53, or the flow of hydrogen gas passing through the pores 66.

　図７に示すように、水素ガスの送出時において、例えば配管７に異常が発生すると、過流防止弁１８は閉状態となる。このとき、図７において太い破線の矢印で示すように、少量の水素ガスが細孔６６を通過して小径流路部５４へ流出する。弁体流路６５は弁部６１の外周側に設けられているため、水素ガスが弁体流路６５を通過して小径流路部５４へ流出することはない。 As shown in Figure 7, if an abnormality occurs in the pipe 7 during the delivery of hydrogen gas, the excess flow prevention valve 18 will close. At this time, as shown by the thick dashed arrow in Figure 7, a small amount of hydrogen gas will pass through the fine hole 66 and flow out to the small diameter flow path section 54. Because the valve body flow path 65 is provided on the outer periphery of the valve section 61, hydrogen gas will not pass through the valve body flow path 65 and flow out to the small diameter flow path section 54.

　次に、本実施形態の作用及び効果について説明する。
　（１）水素ガスの充填時及び通常の送出時において、水素ガスは主に弁体流路６５を通過することで、弁体４２の上流側から下流側に流れる。その結果、上記のように弁体４２と弁体収容部５３との間を通過する水素ガスの流量が減少する。ここで、コイルばね４３は、弁体４２における弁体流路６５の外周側に設けられた受け部６４によって支持されている。そのため、弁体４２と弁体収容部５３との間を通過する水素ガスの流量が減少することで、コイルばね４３を径方向に通り抜ける水素ガスの流量が減少する。これにより、コイルばね４３が塑性変形しにくくなり、コイルばね４３のばね特性が変化することが抑制される。したがって、弁体４２の上流側と下流側との圧力差の変化に応じて弁体４２を適切にスライドさせることができ、過流防止弁１８の動作に関する信頼性を向上させることができる。 Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) During hydrogen gas filling and normal delivery, hydrogen gas flows from the upstream side to the downstream side of the valve body 42 mainly by passing through the valve body flow path 65. As a result, the flow rate of hydrogen gas passing between the valve body 42 and the valve body accommodating portion 53 is reduced as described above. Here, the coil spring 43 is supported by the receiving portion 64 provided on the outer circumferential side of the valve body flow path 65 in the valve body 42. Therefore, the flow rate of hydrogen gas passing between the valve body 42 and the valve body accommodating portion 53 is reduced, and the flow rate of hydrogen gas passing through the coil spring 43 in the radial direction is reduced. This makes the coil spring 43 less susceptible to plastic deformation, and suppresses changes in the spring characteristics of the coil spring 43. Therefore, the valve body 42 can be appropriately slid in response to changes in the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the valve body 42, and the reliability of the operation of the excess flow prevention valve 18 can be improved.

　（２）弁体４２は、弁体収容部５３の内周面に対してその全周に亘ってスライド可能に接触するように構成された基部６２及び筒部６３を有する。これにより、弁体４２と弁体収容部５３との間の隙間が小さくなる。そのため、弁体４２と弁体収容部５３との間を通過する水素ガスの流量、すなわちコイルばね４３を径方向に通り抜ける水素ガスの流量をより一層減少させることができる。 (2) The valve body 42 has a base portion 62 and a tube portion 63 that are configured to be in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the valve body housing portion 53 over the entire circumference. This reduces the gap between the valve body 42 and the valve body housing portion 53. This makes it possible to further reduce the flow rate of hydrogen gas passing between the valve body 42 and the valve body housing portion 53, i.e., the flow rate of hydrogen gas passing radially through the coil spring 43.

　（３）弁体流路６５の流路断面積の合計は、弁口５７の流路断面積よりも大きい。そのため、水素ガスが弁体流路６５を通過することに起因して、水素ガスの流量が制限されることはない。これにより、速やかに水素ガスをガスタンク２に充填できるとともに、十分な量の水素ガスを消費機器５に送出できる。 (3) The total flow path cross-sectional area of the valve body flow path 65 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the valve port 57. Therefore, the flow rate of hydrogen gas is not restricted due to the hydrogen gas passing through the valve body flow path 65. This allows hydrogen gas to be quickly filled into the gas tank 2, and a sufficient amount of hydrogen gas to be delivered to the consumer device 5.

　（４）過流防止弁１８は、弁体４２が弁座４１に着座した状態で過流防止弁１８を介した水素ガスの流通を許容するように構成される。そのため、例えば配管７が損傷するとともに逆止弁１７が開状態で固着する異常が発生した場合に、少量の水素ガスを流出することで異常の発生を報知しつつ、ガスタンク２の水素ガスが急激に流出することを抑制できる。 (4) The excess flow prevention valve 18 is configured to allow hydrogen gas to flow through the excess flow prevention valve 18 when the valve body 42 is seated on the valve seat 41. Therefore, if an abnormality occurs, for example, when the pipe 7 is damaged and the check valve 17 is stuck in the open position, a small amount of hydrogen gas is released to notify the user of the abnormality, while preventing the hydrogen gas in the gas tank 2 from leaking out suddenly.

　本実施形態は、以下のように変更して実施することができる。本実施形態及び以下の変形例は、技術的に矛盾しない範囲で互いに組み合わせて実施することができる。
　・付勢部材としてコイルばね４３を採用したが、これに限らず、例えば皿ばね等を付勢部材として採用してもよい。 This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.
Although the coil spring 43 is used as the urging member, the present invention is not limited to this and, for example, a disc spring or the like may be used as the urging member.

　・弁体４２が細孔６６を有することで、過流防止弁１８が閉状態の場合でも、水素ガスが送出されるように過流防止弁１８を構成した。しかし、これに限らず、例えば弁体４２の弁部６１の外周面及び弁口５７の内周面の少なくとも一方に溝を形成することで、過流防止弁１８が閉状態の場合でも、水素ガスが送出されるように過流防止弁１８を構成してもよい。また、過流防止弁１８が閉状態の場合には、水素ガスが送出されないように過流防止弁１８を構成してもよい。 - The valve body 42 has pores 66, so that the excess flow valve 18 is configured to deliver hydrogen gas even when the excess flow valve 18 is closed. However, this is not limited to the above, and the excess flow valve 18 may be configured to deliver hydrogen gas even when the excess flow valve 18 is closed, for example, by forming a groove on at least one of the outer circumferential surface of the valve portion 61 of the valve body 42 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve port 57. The excess flow valve 18 may also be configured to prevent hydrogen gas from being delivered when the excess flow valve 18 is closed.

　・弁体流路６５の流路断面積の合計が、小径流路部５４の流路断面積より小さくてもよい。
　・弁体流路６５が弁体４２のスライド方向に貫通していれば、弁体流路６５の構成は適宜変更可能である。例えば、弁体流路６５は、弁体４２の軸方向に対して傾斜した直線状であっても、曲線状であってもよい。また、弁体流路６５は、軸方向視で、例えば円形等、扇形以外の形状であってよい。弁体流路６５がスライド方向と直交する直交方向において、弁部６１と受け部６４との間に設けられていれば、弁体流路６５が基部６２の周方向に等角度間隔で配置されていなくてもよい。さらに、弁体４２が有する弁体流路６５の数は適宜変更可能である。 The total flow passage cross-sectional area of the valve element flow passages 65 may be smaller than the flow passage cross-sectional area of the small diameter flow passage portion 54 .
- As long as the valve body flow passage 65 penetrates the valve body 42 in the sliding direction, the configuration of the valve body flow passage 65 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the valve body flow passage 65 may be a straight line inclined with respect to the axial direction of the valve body 42, or a curved line. In addition, the valve body flow passage 65 may have a shape other than a fan shape, such as a circle, when viewed in the axial direction. As long as the valve body flow passage 65 is provided between the valve portion 61 and the receiving portion 64 in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, the valve body flow passage 65 does not have to be arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the base portion 62. Furthermore, the number of valve body flow passages 65 that the valve body 42 has can be changed as appropriate.

　・受け部６４の形状は適宜変更可能である。受け部６４は、例えば径方向外側には開口せず、継手流路３７の第２側にのみ開口した溝状であってもよい。
　・弁体４２は、弁体収容部５３の内周面に対してその全周に亘ってスライド可能に接触する部位、すなわち摺接部を有していなくてもよい。例えば基部６２及び筒部６３の外周面が多角形状をなしていてもよい。この場合、基部６２及び筒部６３の外周面と弁体収容部５３の内周面との間に、水素ガスが通過する流路が形成される。 The shape of the receiving portion 64 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the receiving portion 64 may be a groove that does not open to the outside in the radial direction and that opens only to the second side of the joint flow path 37.
The valve body 42 does not have to have a portion that is in slidable contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve body accommodating portion 53 over its entire circumference, i.e., a sliding contact portion. For example, the outer peripheral surfaces of the base portion 62 and the cylindrical portion 63 may be polygonal. In this case, a flow path through which hydrogen gas passes is formed between the outer peripheral surfaces of the base portion 62 and the cylindrical portion 63 and the inner peripheral surface of the valve body accommodating portion 53.

　・弁体４２は、例えば筒部６３を有していなくてもよく、その形状は適宜変更可能である。また、弁体４２は、例えば球状であってもよく、弁体４２の形状は柱状に限られない。 - The valve body 42 does not have to have, for example, the cylindrical portion 63, and its shape can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the valve body 42 may be, for example, spherical, and the shape of the valve body 42 is not limited to a columnar shape.

　・過流防止弁１８において、例えばシール部材４７によってフィルタ４５を押さえ付けてもよい。この場合、過流防止弁１８は、シール部材４７とは別部材の押さえ部材４６を備えなくてもよい。また、過流防止弁１８は、フィルタ４５を備えなくてもよい。さらに、過流防止弁１８は、シール部材４７を備えなくてもよい。 - In the excess flow prevention valve 18, the filter 45 may be pressed down by, for example, a sealing member 47. In this case, the excess flow prevention valve 18 does not need to include a pressing member 46 that is a separate member from the sealing member 47. The excess flow prevention valve 18 does not need to include a filter 45. Furthermore, the excess flow prevention valve 18 does not need to include a sealing member 47.

　・継手２２は、継手流路３７とともに弁座４１を有する一体品であったが、これに限らず、継手２２とは別の部材からなる弁座を継手流路３７内に固定してもよい。継手流路３７の構成は、過流防止弁１８の構成に応じて適宜変更可能である。 - The fitting 22 was an integrated part having the valve seat 41 together with the fitting flow path 37, but this is not limited thereto, and a valve seat made of a member separate from the fitting 22 may be fixed within the fitting flow path 37. The configuration of the fitting flow path 37 can be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the excess flow prevention valve 18.

　・過流防止弁１８を継手２２内に組み込まず、メインボディ２１内に組み込んでもよい。
　・過流防止弁装置を弁アセンブリ１とは別に単独で用いてもよい。この場合、ガス流路を形成する流路形成部材は、継手２２以外の部材であってもよい。 The excess flow prevention valve 18 may be incorporated in the main body 21 instead of in the joint 22 .
The excess flow valve device may be used separately from the valve assembly 1. In this case, the flow path forming member that forms the gas flow path may be a member other than the joint 22.

　・弁アセンブリ１は高圧の水素ガスの流通を制御したが、これに限らず、水素ガス以外のガスの流通を制御してもよい。
　次に、上記実施形態及び変形例から把握できる技術的思想について、以下に追記する。 The valve assembly 1 controls the flow of high-pressure hydrogen gas, but is not limited to this and may control the flow of gases other than hydrogen gas.
Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

　（付記１）前記付勢部材は、コイルばねであってもよい。
　（付記２）前記弁体は、前記弁部に連続する柱状の基部をさらに有し、前記弁体流路は、前記基部をその軸方向に貫通し、前記弁体は、前記軸方向に沿って前記弁体収容部をスライドしてもよい。 (Note 1) The biasing member may be a coil spring.
(Additional Note 2) The valve body may further have a columnar base continuous with the valve portion, the valve body flow path may pass through the base in its axial direction, and the valve body may slide in the valve body accommodating portion along the axial direction.

　（付記３）前記弁部は前記基部の中心に設けられ、前記受け部は前記基部の外周縁に設けられてもよい。
　（付記４）前記弁体は、前記基部の軸方向に延び、前記弁部及び前記基部を貫通する細孔をさらに有してもよい。 (Additional Note 3) The valve portion may be provided at the center of the base, and the receiving portion may be provided on the outer circumferential edge of the base.
(Additional Note 4) The valve body may further have a fine hole extending in the axial direction of the base and penetrating the valve portion and the base.

　（付記５）前記ガス流路は、前記弁体収容部に連続するとともに、前記弁体収容部よりも流路断面積の小さい小径流路部を有し、前記弁体収容部と前記小径流路部との段差部の内周縁が前記弁座として用いられ、前記小径流路部の端部が前記弁口として用いられてもよい。 (Note 5) The gas flow passage may be continuous with the valve body housing portion and have a small diameter flow passage portion having a smaller flow passage cross-sectional area than the valve body housing portion, the inner peripheral edge of a step portion between the valve body housing portion and the small diameter flow passage portion may be used as the valve seat, and the end of the small diameter flow passage portion may be used as the valve port.

Claims (5)

　ガス流路を有する流路形成部材と、
　前記ガス流路を所定方向に流れるガスの流量が所定量を超える場合にガスの流通を制限するように構成される過流防止弁と、を備える過流防止弁装置であって、
　前記ガス流路は、前記過流防止弁の少なくとも一部を収容する弁体収容部を有し、
　前記過流防止弁は、
　　前記弁体収容部に設けられ、弁口を有する弁座と、
　　前記弁体収容部にスライド可能に収容されるように構成される弁体と、
　　前記弁体を前記弁座から離間させる方向に付勢するように構成される付勢部材と、を備え、
　前記弁体は、
　　前記弁座に着座することで前記弁口を閉塞するように構成される弁部と、
　　前記付勢部材を支持するように構成される受け部と、
　　前記弁体を該弁体のスライド方向に貫通した少なくとも１つの弁体流路と、を有し、
　前記弁体流路は、前記スライド方向と直交する直交方向において、前記弁部と前記受け部との間に配置される、過流防止弁装置。 a flow passage forming member having a gas flow passage;
An excess flow prevention valve configured to limit the flow of gas when a flow rate of gas flowing in a predetermined direction through the gas flow passage exceeds a predetermined amount,
The gas flow path has a valve body accommodating portion that accommodates at least a portion of the excess flow valve,
The excess flow valve is
a valve seat provided in the valve body accommodating portion and having a valve port;
A valve body configured to be slidably accommodated in the valve body accommodating portion;
a biasing member configured to bias the valve body in a direction away from the valve seat,
The valve body is
a valve portion configured to close the valve port by being seated on the valve seat;
a receiving portion configured to support the biasing member;
At least one valve body flow path passing through the valve body in a sliding direction of the valve body,
The valve body flow path is disposed between the valve portion and the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. 　請求項１に記載の過流防止弁装置において、
　前記弁体は、前記弁体収容部の内周面に対して該内周面の全周に亘ってスライド可能に接触するように構成される摺接部をさらに有する、過流防止弁装置。 2. The excess flow valve device according to claim 1,
The valve body further has a sliding contact portion configured to be in slidable contact with the inner circumferential surface of the valve body accommodating portion over the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface. 　請求項１又は２に記載の過流防止弁装置において、
　前記少なくとも１つの弁体流路の流路断面積の合計は、前記弁口の流路断面積よりも大きい、過流防止弁装置。 The excess flow prevention valve device according to claim 1 or 2,
An excess flow prevention valve device, wherein a sum of the flow path cross-sectional areas of the at least one valve body flow path is greater than a flow path cross-sectional area of the valve port. 　請求項１又は２に記載の過流防止弁装置において、
　前記過流防止弁は、前記弁体が前記弁座に着座した状態で該過流防止弁を介したガスの流通を許容するように構成される、過流防止弁装置。 The excess flow prevention valve device according to claim 1 or 2,
The excess flow valve is configured to allow gas to flow through the excess flow valve when the valve body is seated on the valve seat. 　第１流路及び第２流路を含むガス流路を有するボディと、
　前記第２流路を所定方向に流れるガスの流量が所定量を超える場合にガスの流通を制限するように構成される過流防止弁と、を備える弁アセンブリであって、
　前記第１流路は、ガスを貯蔵するガスタンクに接続されるように構成され、
　前記第２流路は、複数の外部機器のうちのいずれか１つに選択的に接続されるように構成され、
　前記複数の外部機器は、前記ガスタンクに充填するガスの供給源、及び前記ガスタンクから送出されるガスを消費する消費機器を含み、
　前記第２流路は、前記過流防止弁の少なくとも一部を収容する弁体収容部を有し、
　前記所定方向は、ガスが前記消費機器に送出される方向であり、
　前記過流防止弁は、
　　前記弁体収容部に設けられ、弁口を有する弁座と、
　　前記弁体収容部にスライド可能に収容されるように構成される弁体と、
　　前記弁体を前記弁座から離間させる方向に付勢するように構成される付勢部材と、を備え、
　前記弁体は、
　　前記弁座に着座することで前記弁口を閉塞するように構成される弁部と、
　　前記付勢部材を支持するように構成される受け部と、
　　前記弁体を該弁体のスライド方向に貫通した少なくとも１つの弁体流路と、を有し、
　前記弁体流路は、前記スライド方向と直交する直交方向において、前記弁部と前記受け部との間に配置される、弁アセンブリ。 a body having a gas flow passage including a first flow passage and a second flow passage;
an excess flow valve configured to restrict the flow of gas when a flow rate of gas flowing in a predetermined direction through the second flow path exceeds a predetermined amount,
The first flow path is configured to be connected to a gas tank that stores a gas,
The second flow path is configured to be selectively connected to any one of a plurality of external devices;
The plurality of external devices include a gas supply source for filling the gas tank and a consumer device for consuming the gas delivered from the gas tank,
The second flow path has a valve body accommodating portion that accommodates at least a portion of the excess flow prevention valve,
the predetermined direction being the direction in which gas is delivered to the consumer;
The excess flow valve is
a valve seat provided in the valve body accommodating portion and having a valve port;
A valve body configured to be slidably accommodated in the valve body accommodating portion;
a biasing member configured to bias the valve body in a direction away from the valve seat,
The valve body is
a valve portion configured to close the valve port by being seated on the valve seat;
a receiving portion configured to support the biasing member;
At least one valve body flow path passing through the valve body in a sliding direction of the valve body,
A valve assembly, wherein the valve body flow path is disposed between the valve portion and the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.
PCT/JP2023/011649 2022-05-30 2023-03-23 Excess flow prevention valve device and valve assembly Ceased WO2024195135A1 (en)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202380095863.9A CN120917255A (en) 2023-03-23 2023-03-23 Over-current prevention valve device and valve assembly
PCT/JP2023/011649 WO2024195135A1 (en) 2023-03-23 2023-03-23 Excess flow prevention valve device and valve assembly
JP2025508096A JPWO2024195135A1 (en) 2023-03-23 2023-03-23
DE112023006027.4T DE112023006027T5 (en) 2023-03-23 2023-03-23 Overflow prevention valve device and valve assembly
PCT/JP2023/017705 WO2023233959A1 (en) 2022-05-30 2023-05-11 Valve assembly
US18/867,347 US20250347347A1 (en) 2022-05-30 2023-05-11 Valve assembly
JP2024524288A JPWO2023233959A1 (en) 2022-05-30 2023-05-11
CN202380041608.6A CN119173712A (en) 2022-05-30 2023-05-11 Valve components
DE112023002449.9T DE112023002449T5 (en) 2022-05-30 2023-05-11 valve arrangement

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/JP2023/011649 WO2024195135A1 (en) 2023-03-23 2023-03-23 Excess flow prevention valve device and valve assembly

Publications (1)

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WO2024195135A1 true WO2024195135A1 (en) 2024-09-26

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Country Status (4)

Country Link
JP (1) JPWO2024195135A1 (en)
CN (1) CN120917255A (en)
DE (1) DE112023006027T5 (en)
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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5759261U (en) * 1980-09-27 1982-04-07
JPH11351412A (en) * 1998-06-04 1999-12-24 Rinnai Corp Gas flow adjusting device
JP2013041375A (en) * 2011-08-12 2013-02-28 Kawasaki Heavy Ind Ltd Piston type pressure reduction valve
JP2021135939A (en) * 2020-02-28 2021-09-13 川崎重工業株式会社 Pressure reduction valve

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5759261U (en) * 1980-09-27 1982-04-07
JPH11351412A (en) * 1998-06-04 1999-12-24 Rinnai Corp Gas flow adjusting device
JP2013041375A (en) * 2011-08-12 2013-02-28 Kawasaki Heavy Ind Ltd Piston type pressure reduction valve
JP2021135939A (en) * 2020-02-28 2021-09-13 川崎重工業株式会社 Pressure reduction valve

Also Published As

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CN120917255A (en) 2025-11-07
DE112023006027T5 (en) 2026-01-08
JPWO2024195135A1 (en) 2024-09-26

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