EP4692638A1

EP4692638A1 - Tank valve device and valve block

Info

Publication number: EP4692638A1
Application number: EP24779066.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Masayoshi Okamoto; Makoto Ninomiya; Tomoya HAYASE; Masashi Harada; Ryo MIYOSHI; Masaki Nagao; Toshihiko Kamiya; Naoto Kaneko
Original assignee: Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd; Toyota Motor Corp; Kawasaki Jukogyo KK
Current assignee: Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd; Toyota Motor Corp; Kawasaki Motors Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-31
Filing date: 2024-03-01
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: JP2024145900A; WO2024202928A1; CN120936833A

Abstract

This tank valve device includes: a valve block to be attached to a port of a tank and including an inlet/outlet for a fluid and a flow path connecting the inlet/outlet and the inside of the tank; an electromagnetic valve configured to open and close the flow path; a manual valve that stops flow in the flow path; and a safety valve that releases the fluid when a temperature outside the tank exceeds a predetermined temperature. The inlet/outlet and the electromagnetic valve are disposed outside the tank and positioned in the valve block in a first lateral direction that is one of the four directions from the valve block,. The manual valve and the safety valve are disposed outside the tank and positioned in the valve block in a second lateral direction and a third lateral direction, respectively, that are two of the remaining three directions.

Description

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a tank valve device to be attached to a port of a tank and to a valve block.

Background Art

A tank valve is attached to a port of a tank in order to control the inflow and outflow of a fluid that is stored in the tank. As such a tank valve device, the valve device disclosed in Patent Literature (PTL) 1 is known, for example.

Citation List

Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Patent No. 6568783

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

In a valve device such as that disclosed in PTL 1, various valves such as a manual valve, an electromagnetic valve, and a safety valve are attached to a base equivalent to a valve block. Furthermore, the valve block includes flow paths formed to connect two or more valves. However, since two or more valves are attached to the valve block, the flow path configuration is intricate. As a result, the valve block is large in size. Thus, the valve device is large in size.
In view of this, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a tank valve device and a valve block that can be reduced in size.

Solution to Problem

A tank valve device according to the present disclosure includes: a valve block to be attached to a port of a tank and including an inlet/outlet for a fluid and a flow path connecting the inlet/outlet and the inside of the tank; an electromagnetic valve configured to open and close the flow path; a manual valve that stops flow in the flow path; and a safety valve that releases the fluid when a temperature outside the tank exceeds a predetermined temperature. The inlet/outlet and the electromagnetic valve are disposed outside the tank and positioned in the valve block in a first lateral direction that is one of four directions from the valve block. The manual valve and the safety valve are disposed outside the tank and positioned in the valve block in a second lateral direction and a third lateral direction, respectively, that are two of the remaining three directions.
According to the present disclosure, the flow path can be gathered in a center portion of the valve block and thus, the configuration of the flow path can be simplified. As a result, the valve block can be reduced in size.
A valve block according to the present disclosure is attached to a port of a tank and includes: a block body; an inlet/outlet for a fluid; a flow path connecting the inlet/outlet and the inside of the tank; a first valve hole in which an electromagnetic valve configured to open and close the flow path is inserted; a second valve hole in which a manual valve configured to stop flow in the flow path is inserted; and a third valve hole in which a safety valve is inserted, the safety valve being configured to release the fluid when the temperature of the fluid flowing in the flow path exceeds a predetermined temperature. The inlet/outlet and the first valve hole are disposed outside the tank and positioned in the block body in a first lateral direction that is one of four directions from the block body. The second valve hole and the third valve hole are disposed outside the tank and positioned in the block body in a second lateral direction and a third lateral direction, respectively, that are two of the remaining three directions.
According to the present disclosure, the flow path can be gathered in the center portion of the valve block and thus, the configuration of the flow path can be simplified. As a result, the valve block can be reduced in size.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

In a tank valve device according to the present disclosure, a tank valve can be reduced in size.
According to the present disclosure, a valve block can be reduced in size.
The above object, other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be made clear by the following detailed explanation of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view illustrating a tank valve device according to the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tank valve device of Fig. 1 cut along the cut line II-II.
Fig. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating the tank valve device of Fig. 2 in a disassembled state.
Fig. 4 is a plan view of the tank valve device of Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tank valve device of Fig. 1 cut along the cut line V-V.

Description of Embodiments

Hereinafter, a tank valve device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a valve block 10 included therein will be described with reference to the aforementioned drawings. Note that the concept of directions mentioned in the following description is used for the sake of explanation; the orientations, etc., of elements according to the present disclosure are not limited to these directions. The tank valve device 1 and the valve block 10 described below are merely an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment and may be subject to addition, deletion, and alteration within the scope of the essence of the invention.

A tank 2 illustrated in Fig. 1 is capable of storing a fluid. In the present embodiment, the fluid is gas. The tank valve device 1 is provided on the tank 2. The tank valve device 1 seals a port 2a of the tank 2. As a result, the tank 2 is hermetically closed. The tank valve device 1 is a tank valve device of the on-tank valve type. The tank valve device 1 is capable of delivering the gas from the tank 2 and stopping the delivery of the gas. Furthermore, the tank valve device 1 is capable of filling the tank 2 with the gas. More specifically, the tank valve device 1 further includes the valve block 10, a manual valve 11, an electromagnetic valve 12, a safety valve 13, and a pressure relief valve 14, as illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Furthermore, the tank valve device 1 includes a sensor 15, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

The valve block 10 is inserted through the port 2a of the tank 2, as illustrated in Fig. 1. More specifically, the valve block 10 is screwed into the port 2a of the tank 2. As a result, the port 2a is sealed by the valve block 10.
Furthermore, the valve block 10 includes an inlet/outlet 21 and an inflow/outflow passage 22. The inlet/outlet 21 is used both as an inlet (filling port) and an outlet (delivery port) for gas. The inlet/outlet 21 is formed on the valve block 10 outside the tank 2. The inflow/outflow passage 22, which is a flow path, connects the inside of the tank 2 and the inlet/outlet 21. Therefore, the inflow/outflow passage 22 allows the gas inside the tank 2 to be delivered through the inlet/outlet 21 to a device or the like located outside the tank 2. Furthermore, the inflow/outflow passage 22 allows gas to fill the tank 2 through the inlet/outlet 21.
The valve block 10 further includes a release passage 23, a pressure relief flow path 24, and a wire channel 25. The release passage 23 connects the inside and outside of the tank 2. The gas inside the tank 2 is released out of the tank 2 through the release passage 23. The pressure relief flow path 24 is connected to the inside of the tank 2 via the inflow/outflow passage 22. Furthermore, the pressure relief flow path 24 is connected to the outside of the tank 2. Therefore, the pressure relief flow path 24 can remove the gas from the tank 2. The wire channel 25 connects the inside and outside of the tank 2. A wire 15b of the sensor 15 is inserted through the wire channel 25.
The valve block 10 includes first to fourth faces 17a to 17d. More specifically, the valve block 10 includes a plug part 16 and a block body 17. In the present embodiment, the first to fourth faces 17a to 17d are located on the block body 17 of the valve block 10. The plug part 16 and the block body 17 will be described in detail below.

The plug part 16 is hermetically inserted in the port 2a. In the present embodiment, the plug part 16 is screwed into the port 2a. More specifically, the plug part 16 extends in a first axial direction. In the present embodiment, the first axial direction is the direction of extension of a first axis L1, which is the axis of the plug part 16. The plug part 16 is inserted through the port 2a so that the first axis L1 matches the axis of the port 2a.

The block body 17 is disposed outside the tank 2. More specifically, the block body 17 projects from the port 2a. The block body 17 includes the first to fourth faces 17a to 17d as mentioned above (refer to Figs. 2 and 3). The inlet/outlet 21 and the electromagnetic valve 12 are disposed on the first face 17a. The manual valve 11, the safety valve 13, and the pressure relief valve 14 are disposed on the second to fourth faces 17b to 17d, respectively.
More specifically, the first to fourth faces 17a to 17d are the outer peripheral face of the block body 17. In other words, the first to fourth faces 17a to 17d are the outer peripheral face of the valve block 10. The first to fourth faces 17a to 17d face four directions as viewed from one side in the first axial direction (in other words, the opposite side of the valve block 10 from the tank 2) (that is, in plan view). More specifically, the first face 17a faces a first lateral direction, which is one of the four directions. The second face 17b and the third face 17c face a second lateral direction and a third lateral direction, respectively, which are two of the remaining three directions. The fourth surface 17d faces a fourth lateral direction different from said first to third lateral directions among the four directions. In the present embodiment, the first lateral direction is one side in the first direction. The second lateral direction is one side in the second direction. The third lateral direction is the other side in the first direction. The fourth lateral direction is the other side in the second direction. In other words, the first to fourth faces 17a to 17d are positioned in the order of the first to fourth faces 17a to 17d in a counterclockwise direction centered on the first axis L1 (hereinafter referred to simply as "the counterclockwise direction") in plan view in the present embodiment.
Note that the four directions refer to four different sides. In the present embodiment, the four directions refer to sides indicated by the four directions perpendicular to each other (that are the one side and the other side in the first direction and the one side and the other side in the second direction). Note that the four directions do not necessarily need to be four directions perpendicular to each other. It is sufficient that the four directions be four intersecting directions. The first direction and the second direction are directions that intersect with an axial direction in which the first axis L1 extends. In the present embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are directions that are perpendicular to each other and are perpendicular to the first axis L1. Note that the first direction is the on-paper horizontal or left-to-right direction of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The one side in the first direction refers to the left side, and the other side in the first direction refers to the right side. The second direction is the on-paper vertical or up-to-down direction of Fig. 2. The one side in the second direction refers to the lower side, and the other side in the second direction refers to the upper side.
In the present embodiment, the first face 17a is formed in the shape of steps. The first face 17a includes a first region 17e and a second region 17f. The first region 17e projects farther in the first lateral direction than the second region 17f. The first face 17a does not necessarily need to be in the shape of steps and may be uniformly flat. Meanwhile, the second to fourth faces 17b to 17d are flat in the present embodiment. Note that similarly, the second to fourth faces 17b to 17d do not necessarily need to be flat.
Hereinafter, the block body 17 will be described in more details. The block body 17 includes a mount 26 and an inlet/outlet plug 27. The mount 26 includes an attachment hole 31 and four valve holes 32 to 35, as illustrated in Fig. 3. This means that the valve block 10 includes the attachment hole 31 and the four valve holes 32 to 35. The attachment hole 31 and the first valve hole 32 are positioned in the first lateral direction in the block body 17. The second valve hole 33 is positioned in the second lateral direction in the block body 17. The third valve hole 34 is positioned in the third lateral direction in the block body 17. The fourth valve hole 35 is positioned in the fourth lateral direction in the block body 17. Thus, the attachment hole 31 and the four valve holes 32 to 35 are arranged in the valve block 10 in the order of the first valve hole 32, the attachment hole 31, the second valve hole 33, the third valve hole 34, and the fourth valve hole 35 in the counterclockwise direction in plan view. The first valve hole 32, the attachment hole 31, the second valve hole 33, and the fourth valve hole 35 are disposed so that the axes thereof are positioned on a virtual plane P1. The third valve hole 34 is disposed so that the axis thereof is positioned closer to the tank 2 than the virtual plane P1 is. The virtual plane P1 is perpendicular to the first axis L1. In the present embodiment, the virtual plane P1 is equivalent to a cut surface formed by cutting the tank valve device 1 along the cut line II-II in Fig. 1.
More specifically, the mount 26 includes first to fourth projecting portions 26a to 26d. The mount 26 is formed in the shape of a cross in plan view in the present embodiment. Specifically, the first to fourth projecting portions 26a to 26d project in the first to fourth lateral directions, respectively, in plan view.
Furthermore, the third projecting portion 26c includes a first inclined surface 26e on the one side in the second direction in the present embodiment. The first inclined surface 26e faces the second lateral direction. The first inclined surface 26e is inclined so that the width thereof increases to the one side in the second direction with the distance on the one side in the first direction. Furthermore, the fourth projecting portion 26d includes a second inclined surface 26e on the other side in the first direction in the present embodiment. The second inclined surface 26f faces the third lateral direction. The second inclined surface 26f is inclined so that the width thereof increases to the other side in the first direction with the distance on the one side in the second direction.
Furthermore, the projecting ends of the first to fourth projecting portions 26a to 26d form the first to fourth faces 17a to 17d. The attachment hole 31 and the first to fourth valve holes 32 to 35 are positioned on the first to fourth faces 17a to 17d as mentioned above. In the present embodiment, there is a match between the directions in which the attachment hole 31 and the first to fourth valve holes 32 to 35 are open and the directions of projection of the first to fourth projecting portions 26a to 26d in which the attachment hole 31 and the first to fourth valve holes 32 to 35 are disposed. However, these do not necessarily need to match each other. In other words, the directions in which the attachment hole 31 and the first to fourth valve holes 32 to 35 are open may be inclined relative to the directions of projection of the first to fourth projecting portions 26a to 26d in which the attachment hole 31 and the first to fourth valve holes 32 to 35 are disposed; it is sufficient that the attachment hole 31 and the first to fourth valve holes 32 to 35 extend in the four directions.
More specifically, the attachment hole 31 and the first valve hole 32 are arranged parallel to each other in the first lateral direction from the mount 26. In the present embodiment, the attachment hole 31 and the first valve hole 32 are arranged so that the axes thereof extend in the first lateral direction and become parallel. The attachment hole 31 is disposed on the one side of the first valve hole 32 in the second direction. Furthermore, the first valve hole 32 extends farther on the other side in the first direction than the attachment hole 31 does.
The second valve hole 33 is disposed close to the attachment hole 31. In the present embodiment, the second valve hole 33 is disposed at a distance on the other side in the first direction from the bottom of the attachment hole 31. A bottom portion of the first valve hole 32 is located on the extension of the axis of the second valve 33. The third valve hole 34 is disposed parallel to the attachment hole 31 and the first valve hole 32. Furthermore, the fourth valve hole 35 is disposed close to the first valve hole 32. In the present embodiment, a middle portion of the first valve hole 32 is located on the extension of the axis of the fourth valve hole 35.

The inflow/outflow passage 22 connects the inlet/outlet 21 and the inside of the tank 2. More specifically, the inflow/outflow passage 22 includes a main flow path portion 22a, a supply flow path portion 22b, and a filling flow path portion 22c. The main flow path portion 22a is disposed on the block body 17. Furthermore, the main flow path portion 22a is connected to the inlet/outlet 21. More specifically, the main flow path portion 22a is disposed on the virtual plane P1. The main flow path portion 22a includes the attachment hole 31, a first flow path portion 22aa, the second valve hole 33, a second flow path portion 22ab, and the first valve hole 32.
The first flow path portion 22aa connects the attachment hole 31 and the second valve hole 33. In the present embodiment, the first flow path portion 22aa extends from the bottom surface of the attachment hole 31 along the axis of the attachment hole 31. Furthermore, the first flow path portion 22aa is connected to the second valve hole 33. Moreover, the first flow path portion 22aa is disposed on the virtual plane P1. The second flow path portion 22ab connects the second valve hole 33 and the first valve hole 32. In the present embodiment, the second flow path portion 22ab extends from the bottom surface of the second valve hole 33 along the axis of the second valve hole 33. Furthermore, the second flow path portion 22ab is connected to the bottom end of the first valve hole 32. Moreover, the second flow path portion 22ab is disposed on the virtual plane P1.
The supply flow path portion 22b, which is the first flow path portion, connects the main flow path portion 22a and the inside of the tank 2. The supply flow path portion 22b is disposed on the plug part 16. More specifically, the supply flow path portion 22b is connected to the first valve hole 32. In the present embodiment, one end of the supply flow path portion 22b is connected to the middle portion of the first valve hole 32. This means that the supply flow path portion 22b is connected to the main flow path portion 22a. The supply flow path portion 22b is directed from the first valve hole 32 toward the other side in the first axial direction and extends parallel to the first axis L1. The other end of the supply flow path portion 22b is open to the inside of the tank 2.
The filling flow path portion 22c, which is the second flow path portion, connects the main flow path portion 22a and the inside of the tank 2. The filling flow path portion 22c is disposed on the plug part 16. More specifically, one end of the filling flow path portion 22c is connected to a point of the first valve hole 32 that is closer to the bottom than the supply flow path portion 22b is. This means that the filling flow path portion 22c is connected to the main flow path portion 22a. The filling flow path portion 22c is directed from the first valve hole 32 toward the other side in the first axial direction and extends parallel to the first axis L1. The other end of the filling flow path portion 22c is open to the inside of the tank 2. Note that a check valve not illustrated in the drawings is interposed in the filling flow path portion 22c. As a result, in the filling flow path portion 22c, the flow of gas from the main flow path portion 22a to the tank 2 is allowed, and the opposite flow thereof is blocked.

The release passage 23 is a flow path different from the inflow/outflow passage 22. The release passage 23c is disposed on the plug part 16. More specifically, the release passage 23 is disposed extending from the plug part 16 to the block body 17. Furthermore, the release passage 23 includes a release outlet 23a. The release outlet 23a is positioned in the second lateral direction. In the present embodiment, the release outlet 23a is disposed on the first inclined surface 26e of the third projecting portion 26c. The gas inside the tank 2 is released from the release outlet 23a to the outside of the tank 2 through the release passage 23. More specifically, the release passage 23 includes a first release passage portion 23b, a second release passage portion 23c, the third valve hole 34, and a third release passage portion 23d.
The first release passage portion 23b is disposed on the plug part 16. In the present embodiment, the first release passage portion 23b extends in the first axial direction in the plug part 16. The first release passage portion 23b is disposed on the extension of the axis of the third valve hole 34 in plan view. The other end of the first release passage portion 23b is connected to the tank 2. The second release passage portion 23c extends from the bottom surface of the third valve hole 34 along the axis of the third valve hole 34. The second release passage portion 23c is connected to the first release passage portion 23b. The third release passage portion 23d is connected to a middle portion of the third valve hole 34. The third release passage portion 23d is connected to the outside of the tank 2 via the release outlet 23a.

The pressure relief flow path 24 is connected to the inside of the tank 2 via the inflow/outflow passage 22 as mentioned above. Furthermore, the pressure relief flow path 24 is connected to the outside of the tank 2. Therefore, the pressure relief flow path 24 can remove the gas from the tank 2. More specifically, the pressure relief flow path 24 is disposed on the block body 17. The pressure relief flow path 24 is disposed on the virtual plane P1. The pressure relief flow path 24 includes a pressure relief port 24a. The pressure relief port 24a is positioned in the third lateral direction. In the present embodiment, the pressure relief port 24a is disposed on the second inclined surface 26f of the fourth projecting portion 26d. The pressure relief flow path 24 further includes an upstream portion 24b, the fourth valve hole 35, and a downstream portion 24c.
The upstream portion 24b connects the first valve hole 32 and the fourth valve hole 35. In the present embodiment, the upstream portion 24b extends from the bottom surface of the fourth valve hole 35 along the axis of the fourth valve hole 35. Furthermore, the upstream portion 24b is connected to the middle portion of the first valve hole 32. Note that the upstream portion 24b is connected to the middle portion of the first valve hole 32, at a position that is the same as the position of the supply flow path portion 22b in the axial direction in plan view, but is circumferentially offset therefrom. The downstream portion 24c is connected to the fourth valve hole 35. The downstream portion 24c is open to the outside of the tank 2 via the pressure relief port 24a. In the present embodiment, the downstream portion 24c is connected to a middle portion of the fourth valve hole 35. The downstream portion 24c extends perpendicularly to the second inclined surface 26f.

The wire channel 25 connects the inside and outside of the tank 2. The wire 15b to be described later is inserted through the wire channel 25. The wire channel 25 intersects the inflow/outflow passage 22 in plan view. Furthermore, the wire channel 25 is positioned offset from the inflow/outflow passage 22 in the first axial direction. More specifically, the wire channel 25 penetrates the valve block 10 in the first axial direction. This means that the wire channel 25 penetrates the plug part 16 and the block body 17.
More specifically, the wire channel 25 includes a wire insertion hole 25a and a wire groove 25b. The wire insertion hole 25a penetrates the valve block 10 in the first axial direction. The wire insertion hole 25a is connected to the inside of the tank 2 on the other side in the first axial direction. One side of the wire insertion hole 25a in the first axial direction is open on an end surface of the block body 17 that is located on the one side in the first axial direction, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The wire groove 25b is disposed on the block body 17. The wire groove 25b is connected to the wire insertion hole 25a. More specifically, the wire groove 25b is formed on the end surface of the block body 17 that is located on the one side in the axial direction. One end of the wire groove 25b is connected to the wire insertion hole 25a. The wire groove 25b extends radially outward. The wire groove 25b is open radially outward on the outer peripheral surface of the block body 17. In the present embodiment, the wire groove 25b is open on a surface of the fourth projecting portion 26d that is located on the one side in the first direction (that is, on the side opposite from the second inclined surface 26f), on the end surface of the block body 17 that is located on the one side in the axial direction.

The supply flow path portion 22b, the filling flow path portion 22c, the release passage 23, and the wire channel 25 are arranged in the plug part 16 as follows. Specifically, the supply flow path portion 22b, the filling flow path portion 22c, the release passage 23, and the wire channel 25 extend in the first axial direction to be parallel to each other in the plug part 16. In the plug part 16, the supply flow path portion 22b, the filling flow path portion 22c, the release passage 23, and the wire channel 25 are located in the four respective quadrants with the first axis L1 of the plug part 16 at the origin O in plan view, as illustrated in Fig. 5. The four quadrants are four regions separated by straight lines extending in four directions from the origin O in a cross-section formed by cutting the plug part 16 perpendicularly to the axis thereof. In the present embodiment, the filling flow path portion 22c is disposed in the first quadrant delimited by straight lines extending from the origin O to the other side in the first direction and the other side in the second direction. The supply flow path portion 22b is disposed in the second quadrant delimited by straight lines extending from the origin O to the one side in the first direction and the other side in the second direction. Furthermore, the wire channel 25 is disposed in the third quadrant delimited by straight lines extending from the origin O to the one side in the first direction and the one side in the second direction, and the release passage 23 is disposed in the fourth quadrant delimited by straight lines extending from the origin O to the other side in the first direction and the one side in the second direction.
Note that in the present embodiment, the plug part 16 includes one axial end portion 16a and the other axial end portion 16b, as illustrated in Fig. 1. The plug part 16 is configured to be separable into the one axial end portion 16a and the other axial end portion 16b. The one axial end portion 16a and the other axial end portion 16b are fastened together by a fastening member 16c. The fastening member 16c is positioned to form a pentagon with the supply flow path portion 22b, the filling flow path portion 22c, the release passage 23, and the wire channel 25 in the plug part 16 in plan view, as illustrated in Fig. 5. In the present embodiment, the fastening member 16c is disposed in the first quadrant. However, the fastening member 16c does not necessarily need to be placed in the first quadrant.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, the inlet/outlet plug 27 includes the inlet/outlet 21. The inlet/outlet plug 27 is mounted on the mount 26. The inlet/outlet plug 27 captures contaminants and the like included in the gas that flows into and out of the inlet/outlet 21. More specifically, the inlet/outlet plug 27 extends along a second axis L2 thereof. The inlet/outlet plug 27 includes the inlet/outlet 21 on an end surface on one side in a direction in which the second axis L2 extends. Furthermore, the inlet/outlet plug 27 includes an inner passage 27a extending along the second axis L2.
The inlet/outlet plug 27 is inserted in the attachment hole 31 so that the inlet/outlet 21 faces the first lateral direction. The second axis L2 of the inlet/outlet plug 27 is disposed on the virtual plane P1. As a result, the axis of the inlet/outlet 21 is disposed on the virtual plane P1. Note that the axis of the inlet/outlet 21 passes through the center of the inlet/outlet 21 and is perpendicular to the inlet/outlet 21. In the present embodiment, the axis of the inlet/outlet 21 matches the second axis L2. The inlet/outlet plug 27 allows the gas to move back and forth between the inlet/outlet 21 and the main flow path portion 22a (more specifically, the first flow path portion 22aa) via the inner passage 27a.
Furthermore, an end surface of the inlet/outlet plug 27 on which the inlet/outlet 21 is formed forms the second region 17f of the first face 17a. Note that in the block body 17, the inlet/outlet plug 27 and the mount 26 do not necessarily need to be formed separately. In other words, the inlet/outlet plug 27 may be integrated with the mount 26. Furthermore, the inlet/outlet plug 27 does not necessarily need to include a filtering function. It is sufficient that the block body 17 include the inlet/outlet 21.

The manual valve 11 is disposed outside the tank 2 and positioned in the second lateral direction in the valve block 10. The manual valve 11 stops the flow of gas in the inflow/outflow passage 22. More specifically, the manual valve 11 is inserted in the second valve hole 33. The manual valve 11 is mounted on the second face 17b of the block body 17 (more specifically, the mount 26). As a result, the manual valve 11 is positioned in the second lateral direction in the block body 17. An axis L3 of the manual valve 11 is disposed on the virtual plane P1.
The manual valve 11 disposed as just described is interposed in the inflow/outflow passage 22. Furthermore, the manual valve 11 is positioned on the extension of the second axis L2 with respect to the inlet/outlet 21. The axis L3 of the manual valve 11 is disposed to intersect the second axis L2 of the inlet/outlet 21. In the present embodiment, the second axis L2 of the manual valve 11 is perpendicular to the axis L3 of the inlet/outlet 21. The manual valve 11 is manually operated to stop the flow of gas in the inflow/outflow passage 22.

The electromagnetic valve 12 is disposed outside the tank 2 and positioned in the first lateral direction in the valve block 10 as mentioned above. The electromagnetic valve 12 opens and closes the inflow/outflow passage 22. More specifically, the electromagnetic valve 12 is inserted in the first valve hole 32. The electromagnetic valve 12 is mounted on the first face 17a of the block body 17 (more specifically, the mount 26). As a result, the electromagnetic valve 12 is positioned in the first lateral direction in the block body 17. An axis L4 of the electromagnetic valve 12 is disposed on the virtual plane P1.
More specifically, the electromagnetic valve 12 is interposed in the inflow/outflow passage 22, at a position closer to the tank 2 than the manual valve 11 is. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valve 12 is disposed on the block body 17 so that the axis L4 of the electromagnetic valve 12 becomes parallel to the second axis L2 of the inlet/outlet 21. The electromagnetic valve 12 opens and closes the inflow/outflow passage 22 according to input signals.
More specifically, the electromagnetic valve 12 is configured as follows, for example. The electromagnetic valve 12 and the first valve hole 32 form therebetween a first annular space 32a and a second annular space 32b. The first annular space 32a is located at the middle portion of the first valve hole 32. The first annular space 32a is connected to the first flow path portion 22aa and the pressure relief flow path 24. The second annular space 32b is located at the bottom end of the first valve hole 32. The second annular space 32b is connected to the second flow path portion 22ab and the filling flow path portion 22c. The electromagnetic valve 12 includes a valve passage (not illustrated in the drawings) that connects the two annular spaces 32a, 32b. The electromagnetic valve 12 opens and closes the inflow/outflow passage 22 by opening and closing the valve passage. In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valve 12 is an electromagnetic valve with a reverse flow throttle valve. This means that the electromagnetic valve 12 restricts the gas flow in the direction opposite to the gas flow from the first annular space 32a to the second annular space 32b. Note that the electromagnetic valve 12 may be an electromagnetic valve with a check valve or may be an electromagnetic valve with none of the reverse flow throttle valve and the check valve.

The safety valve 13 is disposed outside the tank 2 and positioned in the third lateral direction in the valve block 10 as mentioned above. The safety valve 13 releases the gas when the temperature outside the tank 2 exceeds a predetermined temperature. More specifically, the safety valve 13 is inserted into the third valve hole 34. The safety valve 13 is mounted on the third face 17c of the block body 17 (more specifically, the mount 26). As a result, the safety valve 13 is positioned in the third lateral direction in the block body 17. An axis L5 of the safety valve 13 is positioned closer to the tank 2 (in other words, on the other side in the first axial direction) than the virtual plane P1 is.
The safety valve 13 disposed as just described is interposed in the release passage 23. More specifically, the safety valve 13 has a valve body 13a inserted in the second release passage portion 23c. As a result, the safety valve 13 closes the release passage 23. The safety valve 13 is disposed on the opposite side of the second flow path portion 22ab from the inlet/outlet 21 in plan view. The axis L5 of the safety valve 13 is positioned parallel to the electromagnetic valve 12 in plan view.
Furthermore, the safety valve 13 is configured as follows. The safety valve 13 is a glass ball safety valve, for example. More specifically, the safety valve 13 includes a glass ball not illustrated in the drawings. When the temperature around the tank 2 exceeds the predetermined temperature, the glass ball in the safety valve 13 breaks. As a result, the valve body 13a moves out of the second release passage portion 23c. The second release passage portion 23c is then opened, meaning that the release passage 23 is opened. Thus, the gas inside the tank 2 is released out of the tank 2 via the release passage 23. Note that the gas released from the safety valve 13 is released out of the tank 2 through the release outlet 23a. Therefore, the gas that is released from the safety valve 13 is released out of the tank 2 by moving away from the manual valve 11 in plan view. Note that the safety valve 13 is not limited to the glass ball safety valve and may be a fusible plug safety valve.

The pressure relief valve 14 is disposed outside the tank 2 and positioned in the fourth lateral direction in the valve block 10 as mentioned above. The pressure relief valve 14 releases the gas out of the tank 2. More specifically, the pressure relief valve 14 is inserted in the fourth valve hole 35. The pressure relief valve 14 is mounted on the fourth face 17d of the block body 17 (more specifically, the mount 26). As a result, the pressure relief valve 14 is positioned in the fourth lateral direction in the block body 17. An axis L6 of the pressure relief valve 14 is disposed on the virtual plane P1.
The pressure relief valve 14 disposed as just described is interposed in the pressure relief flow path 24. The axis L6 of the pressure relief valve 14 is disposed to intersect the axis L4 of the electromagnetic valve 12. In the present embodiment, the axis L6 of the pressure relief valve 14 is perpendicular to the axis L4 of the electromagnetic valve 12. The pressure relief valve 14 is a manually operable valve in the present embodiment. The pressure relief valve 14 can be manually operated to open the pressure relief flow path 24. Thus, the pressure relief valve 14 can remove the gas from the tank 2. Note that the gas removed from the pressure relief valve 14 is released through the pressure relief port 24a. Therefore, the gas that is released from the pressure relief valve 14 is released out of the tank 2 by moving away from the safety valve 13 in plan view.

The manual valve 11, the electromagnetic valve 12, the safety valve 13, and the pressure relief valve 14 are disposed in four directions in the valve block 10 as mentioned above. The electromagnetic valve 12, the manual valve 11, the safety valve 13, and the pressure relief valve 14 are arranged in the valve block 10 in the order of the electromagnetic valve 12, the manual valve 11, the safety valve 13, and the pressure relief valve 14 in the counterclockwise direction in plan view. Furthermore, the respective axes L3, L4, and L6 of the manual valve 11, the electromagnetic valve 12, and the pressure relief valve 14 are disposed on the virtual plane P1. The axis L5 of the safety valve 13 is positioned closer to the tank 2 than the virtual plane P1 is.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the sensor 15 is provided in the wire channel 25. The sensor 15 detects the state of gas inside the tank 2. In the present embodiment, the sensor 15, which is a temperature sensor, measures the temperature of the gas inside the tank 2. More specifically, the sensor 15 is inserted through the wire insertion hole 25a of the wire channel 25. A leading end portion of the sensor 15 at which a detector 15a is located is directed to the inside of the tank 2. Furthermore, the wire 15b extends from the sensor 15. The wire 15b extends to the outside of the valve block 10 through the wire channel 25. More specifically, the wire 15b passes through the wire insertion hole 25a and reaches the wire groove 25b. Furthermore, the wire 15b is laid in the wire groove 25b. The wire 15b extends to the outside of the valve block 10.

In the valve block 10 configured as described above, when the first flow path portion 22aa is opened using the manual valve 11, the tank 2 can be filled with the gas via the inlet/outlet 21 and the gas can be delivered from the tank 2 to the inlet/outlet 21. For example, in filling the tank 2 with the gas via the inlet/outlet 21, the gas is introduced via the inlet/outlet 21. The gas is then brought to the first valve hole 32 through the inner passage 27a of the inlet/outlet plug 27, the first flow path portion 22aa, the second valve hole 33, and the second flow path portion 22ab. Subsequently, the gas is brought to the filling flow path portion 22c through the second annular space 32b. The gas fills the tank 2 through the check valve (not illustrated in the drawings) in the filling flow path portion 22c.
Note that the electromagnetic valve 12 is an electromagnetic valve with a reverse flow throttle valve in the present embodiment. Therefore, during filling, the valve passage (not illustrated in the drawings) in the electromagnetic valve 12 is opened, meaning that the inflow/outflow passage 22 is opened. As a result, part of the gas brought to the first valve hole 32 is brought to the first annular space 32a from the second annular space 32b through the valve passage. Subsequently, the gas passes through the supply flow path portion 22b to fill the tank 2. In this manner, in the tank valve device 1, part of the gas can be introduced into the tank 2 via the electromagnetic valve 12.
A signal is input to the electromagnetic valve 12 so that the gas is delivered from the inside of the tank 2 to the inlet/outlet 21. This causes the electromagnetic valve 12 to open the inflow/outflow passage 22. As a result, the inside of the tank 2 is connected to the inlet/outlet 21 via the supply flow path portion 22b and the inflow/outflow passage 22. Therefore, the gas inside the tank 2 is delivered to the inlet/outlet 21.
In the tank valve device 1 according to the present embodiment, the inlet/outlet 21 and the electromagnetic valve 12 are disposed outside the tank 2 and positioned in the first lateral direction in the valve block 10. The manual valve 11 and the safety valve 13 are disposed outside the tank 2 and positioned in the second lateral direction and the third lateral direction, respectively, in the valve block 10. Therefore, the inflow/outflow passage 22 can be gathered in a center portion of the valve block 10 and thus, the configuration of the inflow/outflow passage 22 can be simplified. As a result, the valve block 10 can be reduced in size.
Furthermore, in the tank valve device 1, the inlet/outlet 21 and the electromagnetic valve 12 are mounted on the first face 17a of the valve block 10, which faces the first lateral direction. The manual valve 11 is mounted on the second face 17b, which faces the second lateral direction, and the safety valve 13 is mounted on the third face 17c, which faces the third lateral direction. Therefore, the manual valve 11, the electromagnetic valve 12, and the safety valve 13 can be positioned toward the center portion of the valve block 10. As a result, the configuration of the inflow/outflow passage 22 can be simplified. Furthermore, the valve block 10 can be reduced in size.
Furthermore, in the tank valve device 1, the pressure relief valve 14 is positioned in the fourth lateral direction in the valve block 10. Since the pressure relief valve 14 is positioned in the fourth lateral direction different from the first to third lateral directions in which the electromagnetic valve 12, the manual valve 11, and the safety valve 13 are positioned, the valve block 10 can be made compact.
Furthermore, in the tank valve device 1, the axes L2 to L4 of the inlet/outlet 21, the manual valve 11, and the electromagnetic valve 12 are disposed on the virtual plane P1. Therefore, the inflow/outflow passage 22 can also be formed on the virtual plane P1. Therefore, the height of the valve block 10 in the first axial direction can be minimized. This means that the valve block 10 can be made compact.
Furthermore, in the tank valve device 1, the axis L5 of the safety valve 13 is positioned closer to the tank 2 than the virtual plane P1 is. Thus, the safety valve 13 is positioned offset from the virtual plane P1, meaning that the inflow/outflow passage 22 and the release passage 23 can be gathered in a center portion of the block body 17. As a result, the valve block 10 can be made compact. For example, the release passage 23 intersects the inflow/outflow passage 22 in plan view and is offset from the inflow/outflow passage 22 in the first axial direction. Therefore, the inflow/outflow passage 22 and the release passage 23 can be gathered in the center portion of the block body 17. As a result, the valve block 10 can be made compact.
Furthermore, in the tank valve device 1, the inflow/outflow passage 22 is disposed on the virtual plane P1, and the safety valve 13 is positioned offset from the virtual plane P1 toward the tank 2. This makes it possible to increase the wall thickness around the inflow/outflow passage 22 in the valve block 10. In particular, although high stress occurs at an intersection of the inflow/outflow passage 22 where flow path portions intersect each other, the wall thickness at the intersection can be secured. Furthermore, by increasing the wall thickness around the inflow/outflow passage 22, it is possible to suppress an increase in stress acting on the intersection due to the fastening force applied to fasten the tank valve device 1 to the tank 2. This reduces fatigue cracks around the inflow/outflow passage 22 in the valve block 10.
Furthermore, in the tank valve device 1, the inflow/outflow passage 22 and the wire channel 25 intersect each other in plan view and are offset from each other in the first axial direction. Therefore, the wire channel 25 can also be disposed in the center portion of the valve block 10. As a result, the valve block 10 can be made compact. More specifically, the inflow/outflow passage 22 and the wire groove 25b intersect each other in plan view and are offset from each other in the first axial direction. Therefore, the wire insertion hole 25a can also be disposed in the center portion of the valve block 10.
Furthermore, in the tank valve device 1, the electromagnetic valve 12 and the wire channel 25 intersect each other and are offset from each other in the first axial direction. Therefore, the wire channel 25 can also be disposed in the center portion of the valve block 10. As a result, the valve block 10 can be made compact. More specifically, the electromagnetic valve 12 and the wire groove 25b intersect each other in plan view and are offset from each other in the first axial direction. Therefore, the wire insertion hole 25a can also be disposed in the center portion of the valve block 10.
Furthermore, in the tank valve device 1, the release outlet 23a is positioned in the second lateral direction. Thus, the manual valve 11 can be disposed on the same side as the direction of release of the release outlet 23a. Therefore, when the manual valve 11 is positioned below in order to improve the accessibility thereof, the release outlet 23a can also be directed downward.
Furthermore, in the tank valve device 1, in the counterclockwise direction centered on the first axis L1 in plan view, the electromagnetic valve 12, the manual valve 11, and the safety valve 13 are arranged in the stated order. The tank valve device 1 is provided on a vehicle, a device, equipment, and the like (hereinafter referred to as "a vehicle, etc."), for example. The electromagnetic valve 12 and the inlet/outlet 21 are positioned on, for example, one side among the front, rear, left, and right sides of a vehicle, etc., for example, on the front side. As a result, the manual valve 11 and the release outlet 23a can be positioned downward. Thus, it is possible to ensure accessibility of piping (not illustrated in the drawings) and accessibility of the manual valve 11 with respect to the inlet/outlet 21. In releasing gas from the safety valve 13, the gas can be released downward.
Furthermore, in the tank valve device 1, the release passage 23, the supply flow path portion 22b, the filling flow path portion 22c, and the wire channel 25 are located in the four respective quadrants with the first axis L1 at the origin O in plan view in the plug part 16. This makes it possible to reduce uneven arrangement of the release passage 23, the supply flow path portion 22b, the filling flow path portion 22c, and the wire channel 25 in the plug part 16. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the strength of the plug part 16 even when the release passage 23, the supply flow path portion 22b, the filling flow path portion 22c, and the wire channel 25 are arranged in the plug part 16.
Furthermore, in the valve block 10, the inlet/outlet 21 and the electromagnetic valve 12 are disposed outside the tank 2 and positioned in the first lateral direction. The manual valve 11 and the safety valve 13 are disposed outside the tank 2 and positioned in the second lateral direction and the third lateral direction, respectively, in the valve block 10. Therefore, the inflow/outflow passage 22 can be gathered in the center portion of the valve block 10 and thus, the configuration of the inflow/outflow passage 22 can be simplified. As a result, the valve block 10 can be reduced in size.

In the tank valve device 1 according to the present embodiment, the manual valve 11, the electromagnetic valve 12, the safety valve 13, and the pressure relief valve 14 do not necessarily need to be arranged as mentioned above. For example, the axes of the inlet/outlet 21, the manual valve 11, the electromagnetic valve 12, the safety valve 13, and the pressure relief valve 14 may be inclined with respect to the first axial direction. Furthermore, the inlet/outlet 21, the manual valve 11, the electromagnetic valve 12, and the pressure relief valve 14 do not necessarily need to be disposed on the virtual plane P1. Moreover, the wire inserted through the wire channel 25 is not limited to the wire 15b of the sensor 15. The wire may be a wire of an electronic device other than the sensor 15. Furthermore, the wire may be a wire of the electromagnetic valve 12.
From the foregoing description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure would be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the foregoing description should be interpreted only as an example and is provided for the purpose of teaching the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Substantial changes in details of the structures and/or functions of the present disclosure are possible within the spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

A tank valve device comprising:
a valve block to be attached to a port of a tank and including an inlet/outlet for a fluid and a flow path connecting the inlet/outlet and an inside of the tank;

an electromagnetic valve configured to open and close the flow path;

a manual valve that stops flow in the flow path; and

a safety valve that releases the fluid when a temperature outside the tank exceeds a predetermined temperature, wherein:
the inlet/outlet and the electromagnetic valve are disposed outside the tank and positioned in the valve block in a first lateral direction that is one of four directions from the valve block; and

the manual valve and the safety valve are disposed outside the tank and positioned in the valve block in a second lateral direction and a third lateral direction, respectively, that are two of the remaining three directions.
The tank valve device according to claim 1, wherein:
the inlet/outlet and the electromagnetic valve are disposed on a first face of the valve block, the first face facing the first lateral direction;

the manual valve is disposed on a second face of the valve block, the second face facing the second lateral direction; and

the safety valve is disposed on a third face of the valve block, the third face facing the third lateral direction.
The tank valve device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
a pressure relief valve that releases the fluid outward from the tank, wherein:
the pressure relief valve is disposed outside the tank and positioned in the valve block in a fourth lateral direction different from the first lateral direction to the third lateral direction among the four directions.
The tank valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:
the valve block further includes:
a block body disposed outside the tank; and

a plug part to be attached to the port of the tank, wherein:

an axis of each of the inlet/outlet, the electromagnetic valve, and the manual valve is disposed on a virtual plane perpendicular to an axis of the plug part.
The tank valve device according to claim 4, wherein:
the valve block includes a release passage different from an inflow/outflow passage that is the flow path; and

the safety valve is connected to the release passage, and an axis of the safety valve is positioned closer to the tank than the virtual plane is.
The tank valve device according to claim 5, wherein:
the release passage intersects the inflow/outflow passage as viewed in an axial direction of the plug part and is offset from the inflow/outflow passage in the axial direction of the plug part.
The tank valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:
the valve block further includes:
a block body disposed outside the tank;

a plug part to be attached to the port of the tank; and

a wire channel that connects the inside and outside of the tank and through which a wire is inserted; and

the wire channel intersects the flow path as viewed in an axial direction of the plug part and is offset from the flow path in the axial direction of the plug part.
The tank valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein:
the valve block further includes:
a block body disposed outside the tank;

a plug part to be attached to the port of the tank; and

a wire channel that connects the inside and outside of the tank and through which a wire is inserted; and

the electromagnetic valve intersects the wire channel as viewed in an axial direction of the plug part.
The tank valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein:
the valve block includes a release passage different from an inflow/outflow passage that is the flow path;

the release passage includes a release outlet through which the fluid is released; and

the release outlet is disposed in the second lateral direction.
The tank valve device according to claim 9, wherein:
the electromagnetic valve, the manual valve, and the safety valve are arranged in the valve block in a counterclockwise direction centered on an axis of the tank, in the order of the electromagnetic valve, the manual valve, and the safety valve, as viewed from the opposite side of the valve block from the tank.
The tank valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein:
the valve block further includes:
a block body disposed outside the tank;

a plug part to be attached to the port of the tank;

an inflow/outflow passage that is the flow path;

a release passage disposed in the plug part, the release passage being different from the inflow/outflow passage; and

a wire channel through which a wire is inserted;

the inflow/outflow passage includes:
a main flow path portion disposed in the block body and connected to the inlet/outlet;

a first flow path portion and a second flow path portion disposed in the plug part and connecting the main flow path portion and the inside of the tank;

the wire channel is disposed in the plug part;

the inlet/outlet, the electromagnetic valve, and the manual valve are interposed in the main flow path portion and disposed in the block body;

the safety valve is interposed in the release passage and disposed in the block body; and

the release passage, the first flow path portion, the second flow path portion, and the wire channel are located in four respective quadrants with an axis of the plug part at an origin as viewed in an axial direction of the plug part.
A valve block to be attached to a port of a tank, the valve block comprising:
a block body;

an inlet/outlet for a fluid;

a flow path connecting the inlet/outlet and an inside of the tank;

a first valve hole in which an electromagnetic valve configured to open and close the flow path is inserted;

a second valve hole in which a manual valve configured to stop flow in the flow path is inserted; and

a third valve hole in which a safety valve is inserted, the safety valve being configured to release the fluid when a temperature of the fluid flowing in the flow path exceeds a predetermined temperature, wherein:
the inlet/outlet and the first valve hole are disposed outside the tank and positioned in the block body in a first lateral direction that is one of four directions from the block body; and

the second valve hole and the third valve hole are disposed outside the tank and positioned in the block body in a second lateral direction and a third lateral direction, respectively, that are two of the remaining three directions.