Valve device

A valve device includes a body in which a gas flow passage is provided; and a check valve provided in the gas flow passage, the check valve including a poppet and a valve seat. The poppet excluding a block portion is in a form of a hollow shaft, the block portion being located at a distal end of the poppet and having a taper shape, and the poppet has at least one side hole that provides communication between an inside and an outside of a portion of the poppet, the portion being in the form of the hollow shaft. The at least one side hole extends obliquely with respect to a central axis line of the poppet such that the at least one side hole extends along a gas flow direction inclined with respect to a direction in which the poppet moves when the check valve opens.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-207253 filed on Oct. 8, 2014 including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a valve device.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, in a gas tank provided in a fuel cell vehicle or the like, a valve device is provided to control the supply of high-pressure hydrogen gas into the tank, and the discharge of the high-pressure hydrogen gas stored inside the tank. The valve device includes a body in which a gas flow passage is provided, the gas flow passage providing communication between the inside and the outside of the gas tank; and a valve mechanism that controls the flow of the hydrogen gas through the gas flow passage. The gas flow passage is connected to a pipe extending from an external device (for example a supply source that supplies the hydrogen gas) via a joint fitted to the body (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-29161 (JP 2013-29161A).

More specifically, as shown inFIG. 7, in a valve device described in JP 2013-29161A, a body121has an fitting hole123into which a joint122is fitted. The body121also has a supply passage124that is opened to the bottom surface of the fitting hole123, and that serves as a gas flow passage through which hydrogen gas is supplied into a gas tank. The joint122is connected to a pipe125such that the pipe125is connected to the supply passage124.

The supply passage124is provided with a check valve132that suppresses the discharge of the hydrogen gas to the outside through the fitting hole123. The supply passage124includes an increased diameter portion133and a valve accommodation portion134that are provided in the fitting hole123-side end portion of the supply passage124. The increased diameter portion133is opened to the bottom surface of the fitting hole123, and the valve accommodation portion134is adjacent to the increased diameter portion133. The inside diameter of the valve accommodation portion134is smaller than the inside diameter of the increased diameter portion133, and is larger than the inside diameter of the other portion of the supply passage124. The check valve132includes a valve seat136in which a valve orifice135is provided at a center portion, a poppet137that makes contact with and separates from the valve seat136so as to close and open the valve orifice135(the supply passage124), and an urging member138that urges the poppet137toward the valve seat136.

When the hydrogen gas is not supplied to the gas tank, the poppet137is in close contact with the valve seat136and is constantly in a closed position due to the pressure of the hydrogen gas and the spring load of the urging member138, and thus, the poppet137suppresses the discharge of the hydrogen gas through the supply passage124.

When the hydrogen gas is supplied to the gas tank, the poppet137is pushed by the load caused by the hydrogen gas, and thus, the check valve132is opened. The hydrogen gas is supplied with the use of a pressure difference between the supply pressure and the tank inner pressure. When the pressure difference decreases, the gas flow rate decreases.

When the gas flow rate decreases, the load that pushes the poppet decreases, and as a result, balance between the load and the restoring force of the urging member may be lost. If the balance is lost, the poppet is subject to the fluctuation of the gas flow (that is, the poppet is likely to be influenced by the fluctuation of the gas flow), and as a result, chattering may be caused and thus noise may be caused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a valve device that makes it possible to suppress occurrence of noise caused by chattering of a poppet when a gas flow rate is low.

An aspect of the invention relates to a valve device configured to be fitted to a gas tank in which high-pressure gas is stored. The valve device includes a body in which a gas flow passage is provided, the gas flow passage providing communication between an inside and an outside of the gas tank; and a check valve provided in the gas flow passage, the check valve including a poppet that suppresses discharge of the gas inside the gas tank to an outside of the body, and a valve seat with which the poppet makes contact and from which the poppet separates. The poppet excluding a block portion is in a form of a hollow shaft, the block portion being located at a distal end of the poppet and having a taper shape, and the poppet has at least one side hole that provides communication between an inside and an outside of a portion of the poppet, the portion being in the form of the hollow shaft. The at least one side hole extends obliquely with respect to a central axis line of the poppet such that the at least one side hole extends along a gas flow direction inclined with respect to a direction in which the poppet moves when the check valve opens.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the at least one side hole extends obliquely with respect to the central axis line of the poppet such that the at least one side hole extends along the gas flow direction inclined with respect to the direction in which the poppet moves when the check valve opens. Therefore, even when the gas flow rate is low, the gas smoothly flows inside the poppet, and thus, the fluctuation of the gas flow is suppressed.

The valve device according to the above-mentioned aspect may further include a joint connecting a pipe to the gas flow passage; and a positioning member having a communication hole that communicates with the gas flow passage, wherein an outer surface of the body may have a fitting hole that leads to the gas flow passage; in the fitting hole, the joint and the positioning member may be arranged in a stated order from an outer side of the body; and the positioning member may be configured such that the positioning member is able to set a position of the valve seat even in a state where the joint is not fitted to the fitting hole.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the position of the valve seat in the gas flow passage is set by the positioning member. Therefore, even in the state where the joint is removed from the fitting hole, the position of the valve seat is not displaced, that is, the position of the valve seat is maintained. Accordingly, for example, when an operator accidentally removes the joint, the function of the check valve can be maintained.

According to the above-mentioned aspect of the invention, it is possible to suppress occurrence of noise caused by chattering of the poppet when the gas flow rate is low.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a valve device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. A valve device1shown inFIG. 1is fitted to a fitting opening3of a gas tank2in which hydrogen gas at a high pressure (for example, 70 MPa) is stored. The valve device1includes a body4(valve body) formed of aluminum alloy, a supply-side joint6, and a delivery-side joint8. The supply-side joint6serves as a joint that connects, to the valve device1, a supply pipe (pipe)5extending from a supply source that supplies hydrogen gas. The delivery-side joint8connects, to the valve device1, a delivery pipe7extending to a destination to which the hydrogen gas is delivered (i.e., a delivery destination), for example, a fuel cell. The body4includes a body portion11having a flat box shape, which is disposed outside the gas tank2, and a fitting portion12that is inserted into the fitting opening3. The fitting portion12has a circular columnar shape, and extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to a bottom surface11aof the body portion11(i.e., in a downward direction inFIG. 1).

In the body portion11, a supply passage13and a delivery passage14are provided. The supply passage13is provided to supply the hydrogen gas flowing from the supply pipe5, into the gas tank2. The delivery passage14is provided to deliver the hydrogen gas to the delivery destination such as a fuel cell via the delivery pipe7. In the fitting portion12, a connection passage15is provided. The connection passage15is connected to each of the supply passage13and the delivery passage14, and is opened to the inside of the gas tank2. That is, in the embodiment, the supply passage13and the connection passage15constitute a gas flow passage that provides communication between the inside and the outside of the gas tank2. In the supply passage13, a check valve16is provided. The check valve16suppresses the discharge (release) of the hydrogen gas, which has been supplied into the gas tank2, to the outside of the body4(the outside of the valve device1). In the delivery passage14, a solenoid valve17is provided. The solenoid valve17controls the supply of the hydrogen gas to the delivery destination. In the valve device1, the supply pipe5is connected to the supply-side joint6such that the supply pipe5is connected to the supply passage13, and the delivery pipe7is connected to the delivery-side joint8such that the delivery pipe7is connected to the delivery passage14.

Next, the configuration of connection portions of the body4and the supply-side joint6and the vicinity of the connection portions will be described. As shown inFIG. 2, a side surface11bof the body portion11, that is, the outer surface of the body portion11has a circular fitting hole21that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the side surface11b(i.e., in a right-left direction inFIG. 2). The fitting hole21includes a first fitting hole22that is opened at the side surface11b, and a second fitting hole23that is coaxial with, and adjacent to the first fitting hole22. The inside diameter of the first fitting hole22is larger than the inside diameter of the second fitting hole23. An internal thread (female thread) is provided on the inner peripheral surface of each of the first fitting hole22and the second fitting hole23. The supply-side joint6is screwed to the first fitting hole22, and thus, the supply-side joint6is fitted to the first fitting hole22. A positioning member86(described later) is screwed to the second fitting hole23, and thus, the positioning member86is fitted to the second fitting hole23.

The supply passage13linearly extends such that the supply passage13is coaxial with the first fitting hole22and the second fitting hole23in the vicinity of the side surface11bof the body portion11. The supply passage13is opened to the bottom surface of the second fitting hole23. Thus, the inside of the fitting hole21communicates with the supply passage13. In the supply passage13, the above-mentioned check valve16is provided.

The configuration of the supply-side joint6will be described in detail. The supply-side joint6includes a cylindrical joint body31. In a through-hole32extending through the joint body31in the axial direction of the joint body31, a support member33, a throttle valve34, a filter35, a plug36, and a seal member37are disposed. The through-hole32is formed such that the through-hole32is coaxial with the supply passage13in a state where the joint body31is fitted to the first fitting hole22.

More specifically, as shown inFIG. 3, the joint body31includes a grip portion41gripped (held) by a tool or the like, a body-side connection portion42extending from the grip portion41toward one end side (a left side inFIG. 3), and a pipe-side connection portion43extending from the grip portion41toward the other end side (a right side inFIG. 3). Parts of the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion41are chamfered such that the cross section of the grip portion41in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction has a hexagonal shape. An external thread (a male thread) that is screwed to the internal thread of the first fitting hole22is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the body-side connection portion42. An external thread (a male thread) that is screwed to an internal thread provided on the inner peripheral surface of the supply pipe5is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe-side connection portion43. Thus, by screwing the body-side connection portion42to the first fitting hole22, the joint body31is fitted such that the grip portion41and the pipe-side connection portion43protrude from the side surface11bof the body portion11.

The through-hole32provided in the joint body31includes a small-diameter hole portion46, a taper hole portion47, a large-diameter hole portion48, and an increased-diameter hole portion49that are arranged in the stated order from the pipe-side connection portion43-side (the right side inFIG. 3) toward the body-side connection portion42-side. The small-diameter hole portion46extends from the end face of the pipe-side connection portion43to the grip portion41, and the inside diameter of the small-diameter hole portion46is smaller than the inside diameter of each of the other portions of the through-hole32.

The large-diameter hole portion48extends from the end face of the body-side connection portion42to a position in the grip portion41, the position being close to the pipe-side connection portion43. The inside diameter of the large-diameter hole portion48is larger than the inside diameter of the small-diameter hole portion46, and is smaller than the inside diameter of the increased-diameter hole portion49. The taper hole portion47is disposed between the large-diameter hole portion48and the small-diameter hole portion46. The inside diameter of the taper hole portion47gradually increases in a direction from the small-diameter hole portion46toward the large-diameter hole portion48. The inside diameter of the increased-diameter hole portion49is larger than the inside diameter of each of the other portions the through-hole32. The increased-diameter hole portion49is opened at the end face of the body-side connection portion42.

The support member33is disposed inside the large-diameter hole portion48. The support member33includes a valve chamber forming portion51, a columnar portion52, a tubular portion53, and a fitting portion54that are arranged in the stated order from the pipe-side connection portion43-side (the right side inFIG. 3).

The valve chamber forming portion51has a bottomed-cylindrical shape, and is opened at the pipe-side connection portion43-side (i.e., the pipe-side connection portion43-side of the valve chamber forming portion51is opened). The outside diameter of the valve chamber forming portion51is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the large-diameter hole portion48. The columnar portion52has a circular columnar shape. The outside diameter of the columnar portion52is smaller than the outside diameter of the valve chamber forming portion51. In the columnar portion52, a flow passage55is provided. The flow passage55extends through the columnar portion52in a radial direction of the columnar portion52, and is opened to the bottom surface of the valve chamber forming portion51. The tubular portion53has a cylindrical shape, and the outside diameter of the tubular portion53is smaller than the outside diameter of the columnar portion52. In the tubular portion53, a plurality of elongate holes56are provided. The elongate holes56extend through the tubular portion53from the inside of the tubular portion53to the outside of the tubular portion53, and extend in the axial direction of the tubular portion53. The fitting portion54has a cylindrical shape, and the outside diameter of the fitting portion54is slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the tubular portion53.

The throttle valve34is disposed inside the valve chamber forming portion51. The throttle valve34includes a throttle valve element62that makes contact with and separates from a throttle valve seat61that is a border portion between the small-diameter hole portion46and the taper hole portion47, and an urging member63(for example, a coil spring) that urges the throttle valve element62toward the throttle valve seat61. In the embodiment, the taper hole portion47-side end (i.e., the taper hole portion47-side opening) of the small-diameter hole portion46functions as a valve orifice of the throttle valve seat61(i.e., a throttle valve orifice).

The throttle valve element62includes a valve portion64, a cylindrical portion65, and an accommodation tube portion66that are arranged in the stated order from the throttle valve seat61-side (the right side inFIG. 3). The valve portion64has a taper shape, that is, the outside diameter of the valve portion64decreases in a direction away from the cylindrical portion65. The outside diameter of the largest portion of the valve portion64is smaller than the inside diameter of the large-diameter hole portion48, and is larger than the inside diameter of the small-diameter hole portion46. The outside diameter of the smallest portion (i.e., the portion having the smallest diameter) of the valve portion64is smaller than the inside diameter of the small-diameter hole portion46. The valve portion64has a fine hole67. The fine hole67is opened at a center of the distal end of the valve portion64and is opened to the inside of the cylindrical portion65. The cylindrical portion65has a cylindrical shape, and the outside diameter of the cylindrical portion65is smaller than the inside diameter of the valve chamber forming portion51. In the cylindrical portion65, a plurality of side holes68are provided. The side holes68extend through the cylindrical portion65from the inside of the cylindrical portion65to the outside of the cylindrical portion65. The side holes68communicate with the fine hole67. The accommodation tube portion66has a cylindrical shape. The outside diameter of the accommodation tube portion66is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the valve chamber forming portion51. The inside diameter of the accommodation tube portion66is larger than the outside diameter of the cylindrical portion65. The urging member63in an axially compressed state is accommodated in the accommodation tube portion66. More specifically, the urging member63, which has been brought to the axially compressed state from a state where the length of the urging member63is a natural length and the force is not accumulated in the urging member63, is accommodated in the accommodation tube portion66. The throttle valve element62is urged toward the throttle valve seat61by the urging member63.

As shown inFIG. 3, a filter35has a cylindrical shape, and is fitted to the outer periphery of the tubular portion53. The inside diameter of the filter35is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the tubular portion53of the support member33, and the outside diameter of the filter35is smaller than the inside diameter of the large-diameter hole portion48. In the embodiment, the filter35is constituted by a metal mesh (a wire mesh). The filter35is disposed to face the elongate holes56of the tubular portion53in the radial direction in a state where annular gaskets71are disposed on respective sides of the filter35in the axial direction.

A plug36has an annular shape, and is fitted to the outer periphery of the fitting portion54. The inside diameter of the plug36is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the fitting portion54. The outside diameter of the plug36is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the large-diameter hole portion48of the through-hole32. The plug36is disposed in a state where the plug36compresses the gaskets71provided on respective sides of the filter35in the axial direction.

The seal member37has an annular shape, and is fitted to the increased-diameter hole portion49. The seal member37is formed of an elastic material such as polyimide resin. The seal member37is interposed (sandwiched) between the joint body31and the body portion11in the state where the joint body31(the supply-side joint6) is fitted to the first fitting hole22. Thus, the seal member37is in close contact with each of the joint body31and the body portion11, and provides airtight sealing between the joint body31and the body portion11(the fitting hole21).

Next, the configuration of the check valve will be described in detail. As shown inFIG. 2, the supply passage13includes an increased diameter portion81and a valve accommodation portion82that are provided in the fitting hole21-side end portion of the supply passage13. The increased diameter portion81is opened to the bottom surface of the second fitting hole23. The valve accommodation portion82is adjacent to the increased diameter portion81, and the check valve16is accommodated in the valve accommodation portion82. The inside diameter of the valve accommodation portion82is smaller than the inside diameter of the increased diameter portion81, and is larger than the inside diameter of the other portion of the supply passage13, which is adjacent to the valve accommodation portion82. The inner peripheral surface of the valve accommodation portion82is subjected to anodizing treatment.

The check valve16includes a check valve seat83that serves as a valve seat, a poppet84that makes contact with and separates from the check valve seat83, and an urging member85(for example, a coil spring) that urges the poppet84toward the check valve seat83. Further, the check valve16in the embodiment includes the positioning member86that sets the position of the check valve seat83in the supply passage13, that is, the gas flow passage.

The check valve seat83is formed of an elastic material such as polyimide resin, and has an annular shape. The check valve seat83is fitted in the increased diameter portion81. A check valve orifice87that extends through the check valve seat83in the axial direction is provided at a center of the check valve seat83. The check valve orifice87is formed such that the check valve orifice87is disposed coaxially with the supply passage13in a state where the check valve seat83is fitted to the increased diameter portion81.

The poppet84is formed of stainless steel. The poppet84includes a block portion91, a small-diameter tube portion92, a large-diameter tube portion93, and a support portion94that are arranged in the stated order from the check valve seat83-side (the right side inFIG. 2). The block portion91has a taper shape, that is, the outside diameter of the block portion91decreases in a direction away from the small-diameter tube portion92. Each of the small-diameter tube portion92, the large-diameter tube portion93, and the support portion94has a cylindrical shape. The small-diameter tube portion92, the large-diameter tube portion93, and the support portion94constitute a hollow shaft. In other words, the portion of the poppet84, which consists of the small-diameter tube portion92, the large-diameter tube portion93, and the support portion94, is in the form of a hollow shaft. The outside diameter of the largest portion of the block portion91is smaller than the inside diameter of the valve accommodation portion82, and is larger than the inside diameter of the check valve orifice87of the check valve seat83. The outside diameter of the smallest portion of block portion91is smaller than the inside diameter of the check valve orifice87. When the distal end of the block portion91is inserted in the check valve orifice87and thus the poppet84is seated at the check valve seat83, the poppet84closes the check valve orifice87. When the poppet84separates from the check valve seat83, the poppet84opens the check valve orifice87. That is, the poppet84closes and opens the supply passage13(the gas flow passage) by making contact with and separating from the check valve seat83.

The outside diameter of the small-diameter tube portion92is smaller than the inside diameter of the valve accommodation portion82. The small-diameter tube portion92has a plurality of side holes95. The side holes95extend through the small-diameter tube portion92from the inside of the small-diameter tube portion92to the outside of the small-diameter tube portion92. When the side holes95are formed, first, a hole extending in a direction orthogonal to a central axis line O of the poppet84is pierced (formed). Then, in a subsequent process, oblique holes are pierced such that the oblique holes extend in directions intersecting with the direction in which the above-mentioned hole extends and the oblique holes are inclined toward the block portion91. That is, by performing this process, the side holes95are formed to extend obliquely with respect to the central axis line O of the poppet84such that the side holes95extend along gas flow directions inclined with respect to a direction in which the poppet84moves when the check valve16opens. More specifically, the side holes95extend along the gas flow directions (refer to arrows indicating the directions in which the hydrogen gas flows inFIG. 4) that are inclined toward the inside of the poppet84with respect to the direction in which the poppet84moves when the check valve16opens (i.e., a leftward direction inFIG. 4). In other words, the side holes95are inclined toward the inside of the poppet84with respect to the direction in which the poppet84moves when the check valve16opens (i.e., the leftward direction inFIG. 4).FIG. 2shows central axis lines O1of the oblique holes formed in the subsequent process.

In the subsequent processing, it is preferable that the oblique holes should be formed such that the central axis line O1of each of the oblique holes intersects with the central axis line O. An intersection angle θ of the central axis line O1of the oblique hole with respect to the central axis line O is, for example, 40° (40 degrees). However, the intersection angle θ is not limited to this value. The intersection angle θ may be in a range of 0°<θ<90° (the intersection angle θ may be larger than 0° and smaller than 90°). It is preferable that the intersection angle θ should be in a range of 20°≤θ≤60° (the intersection angle θ should be equal to or larger than 20° and equal to or smaller than 60°).

The outside diameter of the large-diameter tube portion93is formed to be substantially equal to the inside diameter of the valve accommodation portion82such that the large-diameter tube portion93is in sliding contact with the valve accommodation portion82. The outside diameter of the support portion94is slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the large-diameter tube portion93. One end of the urging member85is secured to the bottom surface of the valve accommodation portion82, and the other end of the urging member85is secured to the end face of the large-diameter tube portion93. Thus, the urging member85is fitted to the outer periphery of the support portion94of the poppet84. The urging member85in an axially compressed state is accommodated together with the poppet84in the valve accommodation portion82. More specifically, the urging member85, which has been brought to the axially compressed state from a state where the length of the urging member85is a natural length and the force is not accumulated in the urging member85, is accommodated together with the poppet84in the valve accommodation portion82. Thus, the poppet84is urged toward the check valve seat83by the urging member85.

As shown inFIG. 2, the positioning member86has an annular shape. An external thread (a male thread) is provided on the outer periphery of the positioning member86. The external thread of the positioning member86is screwed to the internal thread of the second fitting hole23. The positioning member86has a communication hole97that extends through the positioning member86in the axial direction. The communication hole97is disposed coaxially with the supply passage13in a state where the positioning member86is fitted to the second fitting hole23. The supply passage13communicates with the through-hole32of the supply-side joint6(the joint body31) via the communication hole97. Thus, the supply-side joint6and the positioning member86are fitted to the fitting hole21(the first fitting hole22and the second fitting hole23) such that the supply-side joint6and the positioning member86are coaxially arranged in the stated order from the outer side (i.e., the side surface11b-side) of the body4(the body portion11).

The length of the positioning member86in the axial direction is substantially equal to the depth of the second fitting hole23(i.e., the length of the second fitting hole23in the right-left direction inFIG. 2). Thus, the positioning member86does not protrude into first fitting hole22in a state where the positioning member86is fitted to the second fitting hole23. That is, the positioning member86does not overlap with the supply-side joint6in the radial direction of the fitting hole21. In other words, the axial position of the positioning member86does not overlap with the axial direction of the supply-side joint6in the axial direction (i.e., in the depth direction) of the fitting hole21.

In the state where the positioning member86is fitted to the second fitting hole23, the positioning member86presses the check valve seat83to a connecting surface98between the increased diameter portion81and the valve accommodation portion82(i.e., the connecting surface98connecting the inner peripheral surface of the increased diameter portion81and the inner peripheral surface of the valve accommodation portion82that have inside diameters different from each other), thereby setting (fixing) the position of the check valve seat83in the supply passage13(the gas flow passage). That is, the position of the check valve seat83in the supply passage13is set (fixed) by the positioning member86that is a member formed separately from the supply-side joint6. Thus, even in a state where the supply-side joint6is not fitted to the fitting hole21, the positioning member86is able to set the position of the check valve seat83in the supply passage13. Further, the check valve seat83is interposed between the positioning member86and the body portion11(the valve accommodation portion82). In other words, the check valve seat83is disposed in a region defined by the positioning member86and the body portion11(the increased diameter portion81). Thus, the check valve seat83is in close contact with each of the body portion11and the positioning member86, and the check valve seat83provides airtight sealing between the body portion11and the positioning member86.

(Operation in the First Embodiment)

Next, the operation of the valve device according to the embodiment will be described. When hydrogen gas is supplied into the gas tank2, the supply pipe5is connected to the supply-side joint6such that the hydrogen gas is delivered into the supply-side joint6as shown inFIG. 2. At this time, the throttle valve element62of the throttle valve34shown inFIG. 3moves toward the body4against the urging force of the urging member63, and thus, the throttle valve element62separates from the throttle valve seat61. Thus, a large amount of hydrogen gas flows into the valve chamber forming portion51of the support member33via the small-diameter hole portion46. The hydrogen gas, which has flowed into the valve chamber forming portion51, flows into the supply passage13, via the side holes68provided in the throttle valve element62, the flow passage55provided in the columnar portion52of the support member33, the filter35, the elongate holes56provided in the tubular portion53, and the communication hole97of the positioning member86.

Then, as shown inFIG. 4, due to the pressure of the hydrogen gas, the poppet84of the check valve16moves toward the inner side of the supply passage13against the urging force of the urging member85, and thus, the poppet84separates from the check valve seat83. InFIG. 4, the arrows indicate the directions in which the hydrogen gas flows, as described above.

Thus, the hydrogen gas flows into the valve accommodation portion82, and flows into the poppet84through the side holes95. The side holes95extend obliquely with respect to the central axis line O of the poppet84such that the side holes95extend along the gas flow directions inclined with respect to the direction in which the poppet84moves when the check valve16opens. Therefore, the flows of the gas introduced into the poppet84through the side holes95smoothly merge together. As a result, as compared to related art in which the central axis line of the side hole95is orthogonal to the central axis line O, the dynamic pressure drop (the dynamic pressure loss) in the poppet84is reduced, and the fluctuation of the gas flow in the poppet84is suppressed. The hydrogen gas, which has passed through the poppet84, flows into the gas tank2via the supply passage13and the connection passage15.

Even in the case where the gas flow rate decreases and thus the load pushing the poppet decreases, and the balance between the load and the restoring force of the urging member85is lost, the flows of the gas introduced into the poppet84through the side holes95smoothly merge together. Therefore, the fluctuation of the gas flow in the poppet84is suppressed, and as a result, chattering of the poppet84is suppressed.

When hydrogen gas is not supplied into the gas tank2, the poppet84is urged toward the check valve seat83due to the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the gas tank2(the supply passage13) and the urging force of the urging member85, and thus, the poppet84is seated at the check valve seat83. Thus, the check valve orifice87of the check valve seat83is closed, and the discharge (release) of the hydrogen gas from the gas tank2to the outside of the body4is suppressed. The throttle valve element62is seated at the throttle valve seat61due to the urging force of the urging member63. As shown inFIG. 3, the throttle valve element62has the fine hole67. Therefore, even in a state where the throttle valve element62is seated at the throttle valve seat61, the flow of the hydrogen gas is not completely blocked. Thus, the throttle valve34functions as an excess flow stop valve that allows a small amount of hydrogen gas to flow from the large-diameter hole portion48to the small-diameter hole portion46. Therefore, for example, when damage or the like occurs in the poppet84of the check valve16, a small amount of hydrogen gas is discharged through the throttle valve34, and thus, an operator can detect a failure in the valve device1(the check valve16).

There may be a case where the operator accidentally removes the supply-side joint6(the joint body31) from the fitting hole21, for example, after hydrogen gas is supplied. Even in this case, the position of the check valve seat83is maintained, because the positioning member86remains screwed to the second fitting hole23. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the poppet84cannot tightly close the check valve orifice87, or the check valve seat83cannot remain in close contact with each of the body portion11and the positioning member86due to the displacement of the position of the check valve seat83. Thus, the function of the check valve16is maintained.

There may be a case where a vehicle collision or the like occurs and a vehicle wheel or the like hits the outer peripheral surface of the supply-side joint6in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply-side joint6. In this case, due to the impact caused by the collision with the vehicle wheel or the like, for example, the supply-side joint6may be deformed, and may be inclined in the first fitting hole22. In this regard, in the valve device1according to the embodiment, the axial position of the supply-side joint6and the axial position of the positioning member86do not overlap with each other in the axial direction of the fitting hole21. Therefore, when the supply-side joint6is inclined due to an impact, the supply-side joint6is unlikely to interfere with the positioning member86. Further, in the valve device1according to the embodiment, the inside diameter of the second fitting hole23is smaller than the inside diameter of the first fitting hole22as described above, and there is a step (in other words, a level difference) between the inner peripheral surface of the first fitting hole22and the inner peripheral surface of the second fitting hole23. Therefore, even when the first fitting hole22is deformed due to the impact, the deformation of the first fitting hole22is unlikely to influence the second fitting hole23. Accordingly, even when a large impact is applied to the supply-side joint6, the displacement of the position of the positioning member86in the second fitting hole23is suppressed.

Next, the effects of the embodiment will be described. (1) The valve device1according to the embodiment includes the body4and the check valve16. In the body4, the supply passage13and the connection passage15are provided (i.e., the gas flow passage is provided), the supply passage13and the connection passage15providing communication between the inside and the outside of the gas tank2. The check valve16includes the poppet84that suppresses the discharge of the gas inside the gas tank2to the outside of the body4, and the check valve seat83.

The poppet84excluding the block portion91is in the form of a hollow shaft, the block portion91being located at the distal end of the poppet84and having a taper shape. The poppet84has the side holes95that provide communication between the inside and the outside of the portion of the poppet84, the portion being in the form of the hollow shaft. Further, the side holes95extend obliquely with respect to the central axis line O of the poppet84such that the side holes95extend along the gas flow directions inclined with respect to the direction in which the poppet84moves when the check valve16opens. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of noise due to chattering of the poppet when the gas flow rate is low.

(2) In the valve device1according to the embodiment, the outer surface of the body4has the fitting hole21that leads to the supply passage13(the gas flow passage). In the fitting hole21, the supply-side joint6and the positioning member86are arranged and fitted in the stated order from the outer side of the body4. The supply-side joint6connects the pipe to the supply passage13(the gas flow passage). The positioning member86has the communication hole97that communicates with the supply passage13(the gas flow passage). The positioning member86is configured such that the positioning member86is able to set the position of the check valve seat83even in the state where the supply-side joint6is not fitted to the fitting hole21. Therefore, for example, when the operator accidentally removes the supply-side joint6, the position of the check valve seat83is maintained, and the function of the check valve16can be maintained.

(3) The axial position of the supply-side joint6and the axial position of the positioning member86do not overlap with each other in the axial direction of the fitting hole21. Therefore, when a large impact is applied to the supply-side joint6, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the position of the positioning member86in the fitting hole21caused by the interference with the supply-side joint6. Thus, it is possible to appropriately maintain the position of the check valve seat83.

(4) The fitting hole21includes the first fitting hole22and the second fitting hole23having the inside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the first fitting hole22. Therefore, when a large impact is applied to the supply-side joint6, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the position of the positioning member86in the second fitting hole23caused by the deformation of the first fitting hole22. Thus, it is possible to more appropriately maintain the position of the check valve seat83.

Second Embodiment

Next, a valve device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 5. For the sake of illustration, the portions that are the same or correspond to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 5, the inside diameter of the fitting hole21is substantially constant over the entire fitting hole21in the axial direction (i.e., in the depth direction) of the fitting hole21. An internal thread (a female thread) is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the fitting hole21. The joint body31of the supply-side joint6and the positioning member86are screwed to the internal thread, and thus, the joint body31and the positioning member86are fitted to the fitting hole21. The joint body31includes a cylindrical extending portion101that further extends from the body-side connection portion42. The outside diameter of the extending portion101is smaller than the outside diameter of the body-side connection portion42. The through-hole32of the joint body31does not include the increased-diameter hole portion49in the above-mentioned first embodiment.

The positioning member86includes a tube portion103having a bottomed cylindrical shape. An external thread (a male thread) provided on the outer periphery of the tube portion103is screwed to the internal thread of the fitting hole21. The inside diameter of the tube portion103is substantially equal to the outside diameter of extending portion101of the joint body31. The extending portion101is inserted in the tube portion103. That is, the positioning member86in the embodiment overlaps with the supply-side joint6in the radial direction of the fitting hole21. In other words, the axial position of the positioning member86and the axial position of the supply-side joint6overlap with each other in the axial direction of the fitting hole21. In a bottom portion105of the positioning member86, a communication hole106is provided. The communication hole106extends through the bottom portion105in the axial direction of the positioning member86. The communication hole106is formed such that the communication hole106is disposed coaxially with the supply passage13in the state where the positioning member86is fitted to the fitting hole21.

The plug36includes an insertion portion111, and a flange portion112that is provided on a side of the insertion portion111, the side being close to the positioning member86. An axial hole113that extends through the plug36in the axial direction of the plug36is provided at a center of the plug36. The outside diameter of the insertion portion111is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the large-diameter hole portion48of the joint body31. An annular groove114that extends in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion111is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion111. An O-ring115and a backup ring116are fitted to the annular groove114. Thus, airtight sealing is provided between the plug36and the joint body31. The outside diameter of the flange portion112is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the tube portion103of the positioning member86. The flange portion112faces the extending portion101of the joint body31in the axial direction. An increased diameter hole portion117is provided in the flange portion112-side end portion (i.e., the left end portion inFIG. 5) of the axial hole113. The inside diameter of the increased diameter hole portion117is larger than the inside diameter of the other portion of the axial hole113.

The seal member37is fitted in the increased diameter hole portion117. In a state in which the joint body31is fitted to the fitting hole21, the extending portion101presses the flange portion112such that the seal member37is interposed (sandwiched) between the plug36and the positioning member86. Thus, the seal member37is in close contact with each of the plug36and the positioning member86, and thus, airtight sealing is provided between the positioning member86and the plug36.

According to the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain the effect of the first embodiment described in the above-mentioned section (1). Each of the above-mentioned embodiments may be appropriately modified. Modified examples of each of the above-mentioned embodiments will be described below.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the side holes95of the poppet84are formed by piercing (forming) the hole extending in the direction orthogonal to the central axis line O of the poppet84, and then, piercing (forming) the oblique holes extending in the directions intersecting with the direction in which the above-mentioned hole extends, in the small-diameter tube portion92of the poppet84.

The side holes95may be formed by forming the oblique holes whose central axis lines O1obliquely intersect with the central axis line O of the poppet84, in the small-diameter tube portion92of the poppet84, instead of forming the hole extending in the direction orthogonal to the central axis line O and then forming the oblique holes. That is, the formation of the hole extending in the direction orthogonal to the central axis line O may be omitted. Further, the number of the side holes95is not particularly limited. That is, the number of the side holes (oblique holes)95may be one, or two or more.

In the first embodiment, the fitting hole21includes the first fitting hole22and the second fitting hole23that have the inside diameters different from each other. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. The inside diameter of the fitting hole21may be substantially constant over the entire fitting hole21in the depth direction (the axial direction) of the fitting hole21.

In the first embodiment, the check valve16includes the annular check valve seat83that is a member formed separately from the positioning member86. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, the positioning member86may be formed of an elastic material such as polyimide resin, and the poppet84may close and open the communication hole97of the positioning member86(i.e., the check valve orifice) by making contact with and separating from the positioning member86. That is, the positioning member86may function also as the check valve seat. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the positioning member86may function also as the check valve seat.

In the example shown inFIG. 6, the positioning member86may be formed of soft metal that is elastically deformable, for example, brass or copper alloy. In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, each of the check valve seat83and the seal member37may be formed of soft metal.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the joint body31and the positioning member86are screwed to the fitting hole21(the first fitting hole22and the second fitting hole23). However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the joint body31and the positioning member86may be press-fitted into the fitting hole21.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the throttle valve34may not be provided in the supply-side joint6. In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the coil spring is used as each of the urging members63and85. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a disc spring or an elastic body may be used as each of the urging members63and85. In the case where the poppet84can be urged toward the check valve seat83by the pressure of hydrogen gas, the urging member85may not be provided, and in the case where the throttle valve element62can be urged toward the throttle valve seat61by the pressure of hydrogen gas, the urging member63may not be provided.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the valve device1is fitted to the gas tank2in which hydrogen gas is stored. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. The valve device1may be fitted to a gas tank in which gas other than hydrogen gas is stored.