JP2004318683A - Pressure regulator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To configure a mechanism for regulating a pressure to a constant outlet pressure with high accuracy especially in a wide range of an inlet pressure, with a small and simple structure, in regulating the pressure such that the constant outlet pressure is obtained regardless of fluctuation of the inlet pressure of a high pressure gas. <P>SOLUTION: This pressure regulator has: a first stage governor mechanism 2 having a first pressure regulating valve 21 decompressing the inlet pressure by an introduction gas to an intermediate pressure; and a second stage governor mechanism 3 having a second pressure regulating valve 31 decompressing the intermediate pressure to the outlet pressure. The first stage governor mechanism 2 and the second stage governor mechanism 3 are disposed such that an excursion direction of a first diaphragm 22 operating the first pressure regulating valve 21 in the first stage governor mechanism 2 and an excursion direction of a second diaphragm 32 operating the second pressure regulating valve 31 in the second stage governor mechanism 3 cross. In each of the first and second pressure regulating valves 21, 22, one of a valve element and a valve seat includes an elastic body, and a swelling deformation direction of the elastic body is set to a direction different from a valve opening/closing operation direction to allow application even to dimethyl ether. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention reduces the pressure of the introduced high-pressure gas for stabilizing the fuel supply of liquefied gas utilization equipment, gas supply equipment, and the like, particularly for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC). The present invention relates to a pressure regulator for obtaining a constant outlet pressure.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Usually, for example, the pressure of a liquefied gas or a general high-pressure gas contained in a gas cylinder is too high to be used as it is. Further, these gas pressures fluctuate greatly depending on factors such as the ambient temperature and the remaining amount of gas. For this reason, pressure regulators (pressure regulating governors) have been widely used for decompressing high-pressure gas in liquefied gas utilization equipment, gas supply equipment, and the like. These pressure regulators detect the depressurized pressure with the diaphragm and have a pressure regulating valve that moves in conjunction with the displacement of the diaphragm, and adjust the regulated pressure so that the adjusted outlet pressure is constant even if the introduced inlet pressure fluctuates. It is configured to be activated to obtain a predetermined outlet pressure (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-303773
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When the high-pressure gas is depressurized and adjusted by the pressure regulator using the diaphragm as described above, it is desired to accurately adjust the pressure to the outlet pressure set in a wide range of the inlet pressure. However, the setting of the outlet pressure is performed by changing the pressure regulating load applied to the diaphragm, but when the difference between the maximum pressure of the inlet pressure and the set pressure of the outlet pressure is large, there is a problem that the pressure regulating accuracy is reduced. is there.
[0005]
In other words, when the pressure reduction by one pressure regulating valve is large, the pressure variation with respect to the variation in the opening degree of the pressure regulating valve becomes large, and the operation accuracy and the manufacturing accuracy of the valve structure greatly affect the adjustment accuracy, and the accuracy is secured. Becomes difficult.
[0006]
In view of the above, in the present invention, pressure is reduced in two stages by using two governor mechanisms, that is, two diaphragms and a pressure regulating valve to increase pressure regulation accuracy. However, if two governor mechanisms are simply arranged in parallel, the pressure regulator becomes There is a problem of increasing the size.
[0007]
In addition, since the pressure regulating valve described above performs pressure reduction in a very narrow valve gap, at least one of the valve body and the valve seat is generally formed of an elastic body such as a rubber material. Except for a large amount of gas, there is a problem that the elastic body swells more or less to cause a volume change. Since this volume change occurs mainly in the opening / closing operation direction of the pressure regulating valve, the valve gap between the valve element and the valve seat decreases with the elapse of use time, which causes a decrease in outlet pressure. In particular, when used for a highly soluble gas such as dimethyl ether (DME), the gas flow may stop in several tens of minutes.
[0008]
In addition, when a general-purpose synthetic resin is used as a member of the pressure regulator, depending on the material, when the member is in contact with a highly soluble gas such as dimethyl ether for a long time, the member may have gas permeability or corrosion or corrosion. There is a problem that it becomes unusable due to cracks.
[0009]
The dimethyl ether is expected to be used as a substitute fuel for liquefied petroleum gas or as a fuel for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC). When the use environment is considered up to 80 ° C., the vapor pressure of dimethyl ether reaches 2000 kPa, and it is necessary to adjust the pressure to a sufficiently low pressure in this pressure range and to have a structure resistant to solubility.
[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pressure regulator in which a mechanism for accurately adjusting a constant outlet pressure in a wide range from a low pressure to a high pressure to a constant outlet pressure is small and simple. It is assumed that.
[0011]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pressure regulator that can be used for a long time even with highly soluble gas such as dimethyl ether.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The pressure regulator of the present invention includes a first-stage governor mechanism having a first pressure regulating valve for reducing the inlet pressure of the introduced gas to an intermediate pressure, and a second-stage governor mechanism having a second pressure regulating valve for reducing the intermediate pressure to an outlet pressure. A governor mechanism, the direction of deflection of a first diaphragm that operates the first pressure regulating valve in the first stage governor mechanism, and the direction of deviation of a second diaphragm that operates the second pressure regulating valve in the second stage governor mechanism. The first-stage governor mechanism and the second-stage governor mechanism are provided so as to intersect with the position direction.
[0013]
Specifically, the first-stage governor mechanism includes a gas inlet through which high-pressure gas is introduced, a first pressure regulating valve that reduces an inlet pressure of the gas inlet to an intermediate pressure, and a gas passing through the first pressure regulating valve. A first pressure regulating chamber for alleviating the pressure oscillation of the gas, a first diaphragm which defines the first pressure regulating chamber and the atmosphere chamber, and which is deflected by receiving an intermediate pressure in the first pressure regulating chamber; A first plunger having one end fixed to the first diaphragm and having a valve body of the first pressure regulating valve mounted near the other end; and a first pressure setting unit configured to adjust a deviation amount of the first diaphragm, The second-stage governor mechanism includes a second pressure-regulating valve that reduces the intermediate pressure of the gas introduced from the first pressure-regulating chamber to an outlet pressure, and a second pressure-reducing valve that reduces pressure oscillation of the gas that has passed through the second pressure-regulating valve. A second pressure regulating chamber, a second pressure regulating chamber and an atmosphere chamber, and a second die which is displaced by receiving an outlet pressure of the second pressure regulating chamber; A second plunger having one end fixed to the second diaphragm and having a valve body of the second pressure regulating valve mounted near the other end; and a second pressure setting unit for adjusting the amount of deviation of the second diaphragm. A gas outlet for discharging gas having an outlet pressure, wherein the first plunger and the second plunger are orthogonally arranged, and the gas plunger is provided in a gas passage extending from the first pressure regulating chamber to the second pressure regulating chamber. It is preferable that a part of the second plunger is slidably inserted and the second pressure regulating valve is arranged in the first pressure regulating chamber.
[0014]
It is preferable that the pressure receiving area of the first diaphragm of the first stage governor mechanism is smaller than the pressure receiving area of the second diaphragm of the second stage governor mechanism.
[0015]
It is preferable that one of the valve body and the valve seat of the first pressure regulating valve and the second pressure regulating valve includes an elastic body, and the swelling and deformation direction of the elastic body is different from the valve opening / closing operation direction. It is preferable that the elastic body is formed of a urethane rubber material. It is preferable that the elastic body is constituted by an O-ring.
[0016]
Further, the present invention relates to first and second plungers connecting the first and second pressure regulating valves and the first and second diaphragms in the first-stage governor mechanism and the second-stage governor mechanism, and to the first and second diaphragms. A supporter that receives a load for pressure setting, aluminum, a light metal such as duralumin, or a crystalline resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or one of polypropylene, or an acetal that is an amorphous resin, It is preferable to form it from polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and coat the surface with an epoxy resin or a polyamide resin. Further, the case where the first-stage governor mechanism and the second-stage governor mechanism are installed may be made of any one of a crystalline resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or polypropylene, or may be made of an amorphous resin. It is preferable to be formed from a certain acetal, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and to coat the surface with an epoxy resin or a polyamide resin. The epoxy resin is preferably one containing polyphenol and epouria as main components.
[0017]
Further, it is preferable that the case is made of a crystalline resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or polypropylene and joined by ultrasonic welding.
[0018]
The pressure regulator of the present invention is also applicable when the high-pressure gas is dimethyl ether used as a substitute fuel for liquefied petroleum gas or a fuel for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). It is suitable for stabilizing the fuel supply.
[0019]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention as described above, an outlet provided with two governors and gradually reducing the inlet pressure of the high-pressure gas to the outlet pressure and reducing the pressure to the set pressure with a single pressure regulator over a wide inlet pressure range with high accuracy. The pressure can be obtained, the adjustment accuracy can be increased, and the pressure regulator can be made more compact by arranging the two diaphragms so that their deflection directions cross each other.
[0020]
Further, the first plunger and the second plunger are arranged orthogonally, a part of the second plunger is slidably inserted into a gas passage from the first pressure regulating chamber to the second pressure regulating chamber, and the second pressure regulating valve is connected to the first plunger. By arranging it in the first pressure regulation chamber, the internal structure can be simplified, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing and cost.
[0021]
When the pressure receiving area of the first diaphragm of the first stage governor mechanism is formed smaller than the pressure receiving area of the second diaphragm of the second stage governor mechanism, the adjustment accuracy of the outlet pressure is ensured by the second diaphragm having a large pressure receiving area. In addition, the size of the first diaphragm can be reduced, so that the entire pressure regulator can be reduced in size.
[0022]
On the other hand, if one of the valve body and the valve seat of the first pressure regulating valve and the second pressure regulating valve includes an elastic body, and the swelling deformation direction of the elastic body is different from the valve opening / closing operation direction, the elastic body swells and the volume increases. Even if a change occurs, the gap between the valve body and the valve seat changes little with the lapse of use time, and even if the pressure of highly soluble gas such as dimethyl ether is adjusted, the flow rate does not change and the performance is secured. Can be. In particular, when the elastic body is formed of a urethane rubber material, the elastic body is less affected by the soluble gas.
[0023]
In addition, the first and second plungers, the supporter for receiving the pressure setting load, aluminum, a light metal such as duralumin, or a crystalline resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or any one of polypropylene, Alternatively, if it is formed of non-crystalline resin such as acetal, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and coated with epoxy resin or polyamide resin on the surface, the weight of the member that operates integrally with the diaphragm to which these members are fixed is reduced. As a result, the response of the pressure regulating valve to the diaphragm displacement is improved, the occurrence of chattering can be prevented by the reduction of the inertial force, and corrosion or cracks are generated without being affected by the solubility of dimethyl ether etc. No.
[0024]
Further, the case is made of any one of a crystalline resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or polypropylene, or is formed of a non-crystalline resin such as acetal, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and has an epoxy on its surface. When resin and polyamide resin are coated, the weight can be reduced and the cost can be reduced by using the resin, and the ultrasonic bonding can be performed, so that the assembly can be performed easily and the solubility of dimethyl ether is not affected. No corrosion, or cracking.
[0025]
In particular, in the case of a pressure regulator for stabilizing the fuel supply of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), the presence of metal ions in the supplied dimethyl ether is extremely disliked, Elution of metal ions can be prevented by resinification of the member.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a pressure regulator according to one embodiment.
[0027]
The pressure regulator 1 of the present embodiment is used for stabilizing the fuel supply of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), and uses dimethyl ether as a high-pressure gas, A first-stage governor mechanism 2 having a first pressure regulating valve 21 for reducing the inlet pressure to an intermediate pressure, and a second-stage governor mechanism 3 having a second pressure regulating valve 31 for reducing the intermediate pressure to an outlet pressure.
[0028]
The direction of deflection of the first diaphragm 22 that operates the first pressure regulating valve 21 of the first-stage governor mechanism 2 (the opening / closing operation direction of the first pressure regulating valve 21) and the second pressure-regulating valve 31 of the second-stage governor mechanism 3 The first-stage governor mechanism 2 and the second-stage governor mechanism 3 are installed so that the direction of deflection of the second diaphragm 32 (opening / closing operation direction of the second pressure regulating valve 31) intersects.
[0029]
Specifically, the first-stage governor mechanism 2 includes a first diaphragm 22 that defines a part of the case 10 into a first pressure regulation chamber 24 and a first atmosphere chamber 25, and a gas introduction through which a high-pressure gas is introduced. A first stage pressure reduction adjustment of the inlet pressure of the gas inlet 11 to the intermediate pressure by opening and closing the gas passage 26 communicating from the gas inlet 11 to the first pressure regulating chamber 24 in conjunction with the opening 11 and the first diaphragm 22. A first pressure regulating valve 21 for performing the pressure control, a first plunger 23 for connecting and interlocking the first diaphragm 22 and the first pressure regulating valve 21, and a first pressure setting unit 27 for adjusting the amount of deviation of the first diaphragm 22. .
[0030]
The first pressure regulating chamber 24 reduces the pressure oscillation of the gas that has passed through the first pressure regulating valve 21, and receives the intermediate pressure of the first pressure regulating chamber 24 so that the first diaphragm 22 is displaced, The first pressure regulating valve 21 is operated via one plunger 23.
[0031]
The second-stage governor mechanism 3 includes a second diaphragm 32 that defines a part of the case 10 as a second pressure regulating chamber 34 and a second atmospheric chamber 35, and a first regulating section in conjunction with the second diaphragm 32. A second pressure regulating valve 31 that opens and closes an opening of a gas passage 36 communicating from the pressure chamber 24 to the second pressure regulating chamber 34 to perform a second-stage pressure reduction adjustment of the intermediate pressure of the first pressure regulating chamber 24 to an outlet pressure; A second plunger 33 for connecting and interlocking the second diaphragm 32 and the second pressure regulating valve 31, a second pressure setting unit 37 for adjusting the amount of deviation of the second diaphragm 32, and a pressure adjustment via a second pressure regulating chamber 34. A gas outlet 12 for discharging a gas having a specified outlet pressure.
[0032]
The second pressure regulating chamber 34 reduces pressure fluctuation of the gas passing through the second pressure regulating valve 31, and receives the outlet pressure of the second pressure regulating chamber 34 so that the second diaphragm 32 is deflected, The second pressure regulating valve 31 is operated via the two plungers 33.
[0033]
The first plunger 23 and the second plunger 33 are arranged orthogonally, and a part of the first plunger 23 is slidably inserted into a gas passage 26 extending from the gas inlet 11 to the first pressure regulating chamber 24. The valve element 21 a of the first pressure regulating valve 21 mounted on the tip of the one plunger 23 is arranged at the gas inlet 11. In addition, a part of the second plunger 33 is slidably inserted into a gas passage 36 extending from the first pressure regulating chamber 24 to the second pressure regulating chamber 34, and a second pressure regulator mounted on the tip of the second plunger 33 is provided. The valve element 31 a of the pressure valve 31 is arranged in the first pressure regulation chamber 24.
[0034]
Further, the first pressure regulating valve 21 and the second pressure regulating valve 31 are each made of an elastic body made of an O-ring made of a urethane rubber material, and each of the valve bodies 21a, 31a is made of an elastic body. The first plunger 23 and the second plunger 23 do not cause the swelling deformation of the valve body 31a in the valve opening / closing movement direction, that is, the swelling deformation direction of the valve bodies 21a, 31a is different from the valve opening / closing operation direction (in this example, orthogonal direction). The high-pressure gas is held in the peripheral groove portion 33, and dimethyl ether or the like, which has an effect on the elastic body such as swelling, can be used.
[0035]
The first diaphragm 22 of the first-stage governor mechanism 2 has a smaller outer diameter than the second diaphragm 32 of the second-stage governor mechanism 3 and is provided with a smaller pressure receiving area.
[0036]
This will be described in more detail. The case 10 includes a case body 10a, a first cover 10b of the first-stage governor mechanism 2, and a second cover 10c of the second-stage governor mechanism 3.
[0037]
A recess serving as the gas inlet 11 is formed in the installation portion of the first stage governor mechanism 2 of the case body 10a, and a recess serving as the first pressure regulation chamber 24 is formed on the opposite side to the recess. A gas passage 26 communicating the gas inlet 11 and the first pressure regulation chamber 24 is opened at the center position. The inside of the first cover portion 10b is hollow and serves as a first atmosphere chamber 25. By joining the first cover portion 10b to the case main body 10a via the first diaphragm 22, the first pressure regulation chamber 24 and the first An atmosphere chamber 25 is defined by the first diaphragm 22.
[0038]
Further, a concave portion serving as a second pressure regulating chamber 34 is formed in the installation part of the second stage governor mechanism 3 of the case main body 10a, and a gas discharge port 12 opening to the outside is formed on the side of the concave portion. Further, a gas passage 36 communicating the second pressure regulation chamber 34 and the first pressure regulation chamber 24 is opened at the bottom center position. The inside of the second cover portion 10c is hollow and forms a second atmosphere chamber 35. The second cover portion 10c is joined to the case main body portion 10a via the second diaphragm 32, so that the second pressure regulating chamber 34 and the second An atmosphere chamber 35 is defined by the second diaphragm 32. The first pressure regulating chamber 24 and the second pressure regulating chamber 34 have a certain volume, and alleviate the pressure oscillation of the gas passing through the first pressure regulating valve 21 and the second pressure regulating valve 31.
[0039]
Although the first diaphragm 22 and the second diaphragm 32 have different outer diameters, the first diaphragm 22 and the second diaphragm 32 receive the intermediate pressure of the first pressure regulating chamber 24 or the exit pressure of the second pressure regulating chamber 34, respectively. The first plunger 23 and the second plunger 33 are located at the center of the case body 10a and the first and second cover parts 10b and 10c are located at the center thereof. The first supporter 28 and the second supporter 38 are fastened and fixed, respectively, and are integrally movable in the axial direction according to the displacement of the first diaphragm 22 and the second diaphragm 32, respectively.
[0040]
The first plunger 23 and the second plunger 33 have shaft portions 23a, 33a respectively extended at the ends thereof in a rod shape, and the first pressure regulating valve 21 and the second pressure regulator 21 are formed in circumferential grooves formed near the ends of the shaft portions 23a, 33a. The valve bodies 21a and 31a of the two-pressure regulating valve 31 are attached by O-rings (elastic bodies).
[0041]
The pressure adjusting springs of the first and second pressure setting portions 27, 37 installed in the cylindrical portions of the first and second cover portions 10b, 10c are provided on the flange portions of the first and second supporters 28, 38. One ends of 27a and 37a come into contact and receive a pressure setting load. The other ends of the two pressure adjusting springs 27a, 37a abut against a first pressure adjusting screw 27b and a second pressure adjusting screw 37b (adjuster) screwed so as to be position-adjustable, and the first and second pressure adjusting screws 27b. , 37b, the urging force of the respective pressure adjusting springs 27a, 37a on the first diaphragm 22 and the second diaphragm 32 is adjusted. The first pressure adjusting screw 27b and the second pressure adjusting screw 37b have communication holes 27c, 37c which are opened at the center in the axial direction, and the first air chamber 25 and the second atmosphere are respectively formed by the communication holes 27c, 37c. The chamber 35 is open to the atmosphere.
[0042]
A connector (not shown) for introducing a high-pressure gas such as dimethyl ether from a gas cylinder or the like is connected to the gas inlet 11 of the case body 10a. A gas passage 26 communicating the gas inlet 11 with the first pressure regulating chamber 24 is opened and closed by a first pressure regulating valve 21, and the shaft portion 23 a of the first plunger 23 is slidably inserted into the gas passage 26. The valve body 21 a of the first pressure regulating valve 21 faces the gas inlet 11, and the peripheral edge of the opening of the gas passage 26 is formed as a valve seat 21 b of the first pressure regulating valve 21.
[0043]
The first pressure regulating valve 21 closes the gas passage 26 with the valve body 21a being in close contact with the valve seat 21b with the movement of the first plunger 23, and the valve body 21a is separated from the valve seat 21b to open the gas passage 26. In this case, a gas amount corresponding to the opening amount flows through the gap between the gas passage 26 and the first plunger 23 from the gas inlet 11 into the first pressure regulation chamber 24.
[0044]
A gas passage 36 at the bottom of the second pressure regulating chamber 34 in the case body 10a is opened and closed by the second pressure regulating valve 31, and the shaft portion 33a of the second plunger 33 is slidably inserted into the gas passage 36. Then, the valve element 31a of the second pressure regulating valve 31 faces the first pressure regulating chamber 24, and the peripheral edge of the opening of the gas passage 36 is formed as a valve seat 31b of the second pressure regulating valve 31.
[0045]
The second pressure regulating valve 31 closes the gas passage 36 with the valve body 31a being in close contact with the valve seat 31b as the second plunger 33 moves, and the valve body 31a is separated from the valve seat 31b to open the gas passage 36. In this case, a gas amount corresponding to the opening amount flows from the first pressure regulating chamber 24 to the second pressure regulating chamber 34 through a gap between the gas passage 36 and the second plunger 33.
[0046]
The first and second plungers 23 and 33 and the first and second supporters 28 and 38 are made of a light metal such as aluminum or duralumin or a crystalline resin such as polyamide (PA), polyacetal (POM), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). ) And polypropylene (PP). Alternatively, it is formed of a non-crystalline resin such as acetal, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and the surface thereof is coated with an epoxy resin or a polyamide resin. Thereby, weight reduction and resistance to dimethyl ether are obtained.
[0047]
The case 10 is made of a crystalline resin such as polyamide (PA), polyacetal (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polypropylene (PP). Alternatively, it is formed of a non-crystalline resin such as acetal, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and the surface thereof is coated with an epoxy resin or a polyamide resin. Thereby, weight reduction and resistance to dimethyl ether are obtained.
[0048]
The epoxy resin of the coating contains polyphenol and epoyuria as main components.
[0049]
Further, the case 10 (the case body 10a, the first and second cover portions 10b and 10c) is made of a crystalline resin such as polyamide (PA), polyacetal (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polypropylene (PP). And they may be joined together by ultrasonic welding.
[0050]
When the weights of the first and second plungers 23 and 33 and the first and second supporters 28 and 38 are reduced, the response to the displacement of the first and second diaphragms 22 and 32 is improved, and the chattering phenomenon occurs. Can be prevented. That is, the first and second diaphragms 22 and 32 are provided with the first and second plungers 23 and 33 integrated with the first and second pressure regulating valves 21 and 31, and the first and second supporters 28 and 38, respectively. If the weight is large, the response is reduced when the diaphragm is displaced, and the vibration is caused by repeated displacement due to excessive inertia due to excessive inertial force and excessive displacement in the opposite direction. Chattering phenomenon). Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the weight of these components as much as possible. Actually, chattering does not occur when the components are made of aluminum, duralumin, or resin.
[0051]
In addition, when the case 10 is made of resin, weight reduction and cost reduction can be realized, and particularly when the case 10 is made of resin capable of ultrasonic bonding, assemblability can be improved. In other words, if the entire case 10 is made of metal or die-cast, the weight of the entire case is inevitably increased, the cost is high, and assembly is troublesome because screws need to be fixed. By making the case 10 resinous, weight reduction, cost reduction, and ultrasonic bonding become possible, so that assembly can be performed easily.
[0052]
When metal is used for the members such as the case 10, the first and second plungers 23 and 33, and the first and second supporters 28 and 38 which are in direct contact with the gas, dimethyl ether or the like having high solubility in the high-pressure gas is mainly flowed. In this case, a small amount of metal ions may be eluted in the gas, which may have an adverse effect on a device for supplying the regulated gas.
[0053]
Specifically, dimethyl ether is expected as a fuel for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or a solid polymer fuel cell (PEFC), but metal ions have an adverse effect on both fuel cells and are extremely disliked. And adopts the above-mentioned resin structure.
[0054]
Next, the first-stage governor mechanism 2 and the second-stage governor mechanism 3 actuate the first and second pressure regulating valves 21 and 31 in accordance with the displacement of the first and second diaphragms 22 and 32, respectively. The pressure is adjusted to a predetermined outlet pressure via an intermediate pressure regardless of the pressure, and its operation will be described.
[0055]
First, the high-pressure gas flowing into the gas inlet 11 passes through the first pressure regulating valve 21, flows into the first pressure regulating chamber 24 via the gas passage 26, and is reduced to an intermediate pressure. The gas at the intermediate pressure in the first pressure regulating chamber 24 passes through the second pressure regulating valve 31 and flows into the second pressure regulating chamber 34 via the gas passage 36, and the gas reduced to the outlet pressure is supplied to the gas outlet 12. Is more exhausted.
[0056]
The first diaphragm 22 and the second diaphragm 32 are supported by first and second plungers 23 and 33 and first and second supporters 28 and 38, respectively, and provide a difference between an intermediate pressure and an atmospheric pressure or an outlet pressure and an atmospheric pressure. The force by the pressure and the biasing force by the first and second pressure adjusting springs 27a and 37a are maintained at a position where the forces are balanced. When the intermediate pressure or the outlet pressure changes in response to a change in the inlet pressure, a change in the amount of gas discharged from the gas discharge port 12, or the like, the first diaphragm 22 or the second diaphragm 32 is displaced in response to the change. With the movement of the first and second plungers 23 and 33 in response thereto, the first pressure regulating valve 21 and the second pressure regulating valve 31 are opened and closed to keep the intermediate pressure and the outlet pressure constant. By moving the pressure adjusting screws 27b, 37b of the first and second pressure setting portions 27, 37, the urging force of the pressure adjusting springs 27a, 37a is changed, and any intermediate pressure and outlet pressure can be set.
[0057]
Further, the valve bodies 21a and 31a of the first pressure regulating valve 21 and the second pressure regulating valve 31 are formed of an elastic body such as an O-ring, and when a highly soluble gas such as dimethyl ether flows, the O-ring is brought into contact therewith. Even if the ring swells and expands in volume, the change in volume is suppressed in the direction perpendicular to the valve opening and closing movement direction, so that pressure adjustment and change in gas flow rate due to volume expansion of the O-ring are suppressed.
[0058]
Furthermore, the orthogonal arrangement of the first-stage governor mechanism 2 and the second-stage governor mechanism 3 enables simplification and compactness of the gas flow path. Since the first diaphragm 22 has a small outer diameter, it is more compact. On the other hand, the final adjustment accuracy of the outlet pressure can be ensured by operating the second diaphragm 32 having a large diameter. In other words, the pressure reduction from the inlet pressure to the outlet pressure is performed in two stages by the first pressure regulating valve 21 and the second pressure regulating valve 31, so that the degree of pressure reduction occurring at each pressure regulating valve as compared with the case where the pressure is reduced by one pressure regulating valve. Can be reduced, the amount of pressure reduction is large, and the valve clearance between the valve element and the valve seat does not become extremely narrow, and stable performance can be obtained.
[0059]
In the above-described embodiment, the valve bodies 21a and 31a of the first pressure regulating valve 21 and the second pressure regulating valve 31 are constituted by elastic bodies formed by O-rings. However, the valve seats 21b and 31b are formed by elastic bodies formed by O-rings. In such a case, the elastic body is also regulated and disposed by a circumferential groove structure or the like so as not to be deformed in the valve opening / closing movement direction. Moreover, you may comprise with elastic materials other than an O-ring.
[0060]
Next, FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 show measurement results of evaluating the pressure regulating action by the pressure regulator (the embodiment shown in FIG. 1) of the present invention.
[0061]
The basic settings of the pressure regulator are such that the inlet pressure is 400 kPa, the intermediate pressure is 110 kPa, the outlet pressure is 50 kPa, and the flow rate is 80 mL / min. In the experiment N ₂ Gas (inert gas) is used.
[0062]
<Measurement Example 1>
In this measurement, the inlet pressure was changed in the range of 200 to 2000 kPa, and the change in the outlet pressure was measured. The results are shown in the graph of FIG. 2, and the outlet pressure did not fluctuate with respect to the fluctuation of the inlet pressure, and a stable outlet pressure at the set pressure of 50 kPa was obtained.
[0063]
Note that the fluctuation range of the inlet pressure corresponds to the fluctuation of the vapor pressure of dimethyl ether at about 0 to 80 ° C.
[0064]
<Measurement Example 2>
In this measurement, the inlet pressure was changed in the range of 200 to 2000 kPa, and the change in the outlet flow rate was measured. The results are shown in the graph of FIG. 3. The outlet flow rate did not fluctuate with respect to the change in the inlet pressure, and a stable gas discharge amount was obtained at the set flow rate of 80 mL / min.
[0065]
<Measurement Example 3>
In this measurement, the inlet pressure was set to 400 kPa (corresponding to a vapor pressure of dimethyl ether of about 23 ° C.), the outlet flow rate (gas discharge amount) was changed in the range of 10 to 100 mL / min, and the outlet pressure fluctuation corresponding thereto was changed. Was measured. The results are shown in the graph of FIG. 4. The outlet pressure did not change with respect to the change in the outlet flow rate, and a stable outlet pressure at the set pressure of 50 kPa was obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure regulator according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a graph showing a result of measuring a change in outlet pressure when an inlet pressure in a pressure regulator is changed.
FIG. 3 is a graph showing a result of measuring a change in an outlet flow rate when an inlet pressure in a pressure regulator is changed.
FIG. 4 is a graph showing a result of measuring a change in outlet pressure when the outlet flow rate in the pressure regulator is changed.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Pressure regulator
2 First stage governor mechanism
3 Second stage governor mechanism
10 cases
11 Gas inlet
12 Gas outlet
21 1st pressure regulating valve
21a valve body
21b Valve seat
22 1st diaphragm
23 1st plunger
24 1st pressure regulation room
25 First air chamber
26 Gas passage
27 1st pressure setting section
31 2nd pressure regulating valve
31a valve body
31b valve seat
32 2nd diaphragm
33 2nd plunger
34 2nd pressure regulation room
35 Second air chamber
36 Gas passage
37 Second pressure setting unit

Claims (12)

A first-stage governor mechanism having a first pressure regulating valve for reducing the inlet pressure of the introduced gas to an intermediate pressure, and a second-stage governor mechanism having a second pressure regulating valve for reducing the intermediate pressure to an outlet pressure;
The direction of deviation of the first diaphragm operating the first pressure regulating valve in the first stage governor mechanism intersects the direction of deviation of the second diaphragm operating the second pressure regulating valve in the second stage governor mechanism. A pressure regulator comprising the first-stage governor mechanism and the second-stage governor mechanism. The first-stage governor mechanism includes a gas inlet through which a high-pressure gas is introduced, a first pressure regulating valve that reduces an inlet pressure of the gas introducing port to an intermediate pressure, and a pressure oscillation of the gas that has passed through the first pressure regulating valve. A first pressure regulating chamber that reduces pressure, a first diaphragm that defines the first pressure regulating chamber and an atmosphere chamber, and that is deflected by receiving an intermediate pressure in the first pressure regulating chamber; and one end of the first diaphragm A first plunger in which a valve body of the first pressure regulating valve is mounted near the other end, and a first pressure setting unit that adjusts a deviation amount of the first diaphragm,
The second-stage governor mechanism includes a second pressure-regulating valve that reduces the intermediate pressure of the gas introduced from the first pressure-regulating chamber to an outlet pressure, and a second pressure-regulating valve that reduces pressure oscillation of the gas that has passed through the second pressure-regulating valve. A second pressure regulating chamber, a second diaphragm which defines the second pressure regulating chamber and an atmosphere chamber, and which is deflected by receiving an outlet pressure of the second pressure regulating chamber; and one end of which is fixed to the second diaphragm. A second plunger in which a valve body of the second pressure regulating valve is mounted near an end, a second pressure setting unit for adjusting the amount of deviation of the second diaphragm, and a gas outlet for discharging gas having an outlet pressure; With
The first plunger and the second plunger are arranged orthogonally, and a part of the second plunger is slidably inserted into a gas passage extending from the first pressure regulating chamber to the second pressure regulating chamber. 2. The pressure regulator according to claim 1, wherein a second pressure regulating valve is disposed in the first pressure regulating chamber. 3. The pressure regulator according to claim 1, wherein the pressure receiving area of the first diaphragm of the first stage governor mechanism is smaller than the pressure receiving area of the second diaphragm of the second stage governor mechanism. The first pressure regulating valve and the second pressure regulating valve, wherein one of a valve body and a valve seat includes an elastic body, and a swelling deformation direction of the elastic body is different from a valve opening / closing operation direction. The pressure regulator according to 1, 2, or 3. The pressure regulator according to claim 4, wherein the elastic body is formed of a urethane rubber material. The pressure regulator according to claim 4, wherein the elastic body is formed by an O-ring. First and second plungers connecting the first and second pressure regulating valves and the first and second diaphragms in the first stage governor mechanism and the second stage governor mechanism, and pressure settings on the first and second diaphragms. The supporter for receiving the load for use, aluminum, light metal such as duralumin, or a crystalline resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or any one of polypropylene, or an amorphous resin acetal, polycarbonate, The pressure regulator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pressure regulator is formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and the surface thereof is coated with an epoxy resin or a polyamide resin. The case where the first-stage governor mechanism and the second-stage governor mechanism are installed may be made of any one of crystalline resins such as polyamide, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate and polypropylene, or acetal which is a non-crystalline resin The pressure regulator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pressure regulator is formed of polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and the surface thereof is coated with an epoxy resin or a polyamide resin. 9. The pressure regulator according to claim 7, wherein the epoxy resin contains polyphenol and epourea as main components. 9. The pressure regulator according to claim 8, wherein the case is made of a crystalline resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or polypropylene, and is joined by ultrasonic welding. The pressure regulator according to claim 1, wherein the high-pressure gas is dimethyl ether. The pressure regulator according to claim 11, wherein the pressure regulator is used for stabilizing the fuel supply of a solid oxide fuel cell and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

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