JP2019075347A - Gas fuel supply unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a gas fuel supply unit that can miniaturize the unit.SOLUTION: In a hydrogen supply unit 24 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure including an introduction passage 54 into which a hydrogen gas is introduced, a discharge passage 66 through which the hydrogen gas is discharged, an injector 48 that supplies the hydrogen gas introduced into the introduction passage 54 to the discharge passage 66, and a medium pressure relief valve 50 and a low pressure relief valve 52 that discharges a fuel gas in the passage to the outside of the passage to release a pressure in at least one of the introduction passage 54 and the discharge passage 66 when the pressure exceeds a predetermined value, and the medium pressure relief valve 50 is provided inside the introduction passage 54, and the low pressure relief valve 52 is provided inside the discharge passage 66.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a gas fuel supply unit used to adjust the flow rate of fuel gas supplied from a fuel container to a destination.

  For example, in a fuel cell system, hydrogen which is a fuel gas is supplied to a fuel cell by a gas fuel supply unit. An example of such a gas fuel supply unit is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The fuel supply unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an introduction block provided with a plurality of injectors, and a lead-out block connected to the outlet of each injector. Then, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank to the introduction block via the regulator, and the supplied hydrogen is injected from each injector and supplied to the fuel cell via the extraction block. The fuel supply unit is provided with a relief valve for releasing the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the introduction passage (lead passage) when the pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

JP, 2016-119267, A

  However, in the fuel supply unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, the relief valve is provided on the outside of the introduction passage in the introduction block or on the outside of the lead passage in the lead block, and greatly protrudes to the outside of the introduction block or lead block. ing. Therefore, the fuel supply unit is upsized.

  Then, this indication is made in order to solve an above-mentioned problem, and it aims at providing a gas fueling unit which can miniaturize a unit.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure made to solve the above problems, an introduction passage into which a fuel gas is introduced, a lead-out passage through which a fuel gas is drawn, and a fuel gas introduced into the lead-in passage are introduced into the lead-out passage. Gas fuel having a fuel gas supply portion for supplying, and a pressure release valve for discharging the fuel gas in the passage to the outside of the passage to release the pressure when the pressure in at least one of the introduction passage and the delivery passage exceeds a predetermined value. In the supply unit, the pressure release valve is provided in at least one of the inside of the introduction passage and the inside of the discharge passage.

  According to this aspect, since the pressure release valve does not protrude outside the gas fuel supply unit, the gas fuel supply unit can be miniaturized. In addition, the metal portion of the pressure release valve is less likely to come into contact with the atmosphere outside the gas fuel supply unit, so the corrosion resistance is improved.

  In the above aspect, it is preferable that the pressure release valve be provided at a position downstream of a connection portion with the fuel gas supply unit in the introduction passage.

  According to this aspect, since the fuel gas flowing through the introduction passage can flow into the connection portion with the fuel gas supply unit without the pressure release valve, resistance to the pressure release valve is not easily received. Therefore, since the fuel gas can be stably flowed from the introduction passage to the fuel gas supply unit, the fuel gas can be stably supplied from the fuel gas supply unit to the lead-out passage. Therefore, the gas fuel supply unit can easily adjust the flow rate of the fuel gas supplied from the fuel cylinder to the fuel cell to a desired flow rate.

  In the above aspect, it is preferable that the pressure release valve be provided at a position upstream of a connecting portion with the fuel gas supply unit in the lead-out passage.

  According to this aspect, the fuel gas supplied from the connection with the fuel gas supply unit to the lead-out passage flows through the lead-out passage without passing through the pressure release valve and flows out of the lead-out passage. It becomes difficult to receive. Therefore, the fuel gas can be stably led out of the lead-out passage to the outside of the gas fuel supply unit. Therefore, the gas fuel supply unit can easily adjust the flow rate of the fuel gas supplied from the fuel cylinder to the fuel cell to a desired flow rate.

  In the above aspect, a discharge hole for discharging the fuel gas inside the introduction passage or inside the discharge passage to the outside of the introduction passage or the discharge passage, and the introduction passage or the discharge passage via the introduction passage or the discharge passage. And a receiving hole provided opposite to the discharge hole for receiving a part of the pressure release valve, the pressure release valve including a valve seat provided at an inlet of the discharge hole, and a part of the receiving hole. A valve body provided inside of the introduction passage or inside of the lead-out passage so as to be accommodated in the valve body for opening and closing the discharge hole in contact with and away from the valve seat; It is preferable that a cover member is provided on the opposite side to the valve seat and closes the opening of the accommodation hole, and the cover member is provided with a through hole.

  According to this aspect, when the fuel gas in the introduction passage (the lead-out passage) leaks from between the valve body and the accommodation hole, the leaked fuel gas can be released to the outside through the through hole.

  In the above aspect, it is preferable that the through hole be provided with a filter member that allows the passage of gas and the passage of the liquid.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to make it difficult for water to enter the inside of the accommodation hole. Therefore, generation | occurrence | production of the rust in metal parts, such as a valve body, can be suppressed.

  In the above aspect, the pressure release valve may have a discharge hole for discharging the fuel gas inside the introduction passage or inside the discharge passage to the outside of the introduction passage or the discharge passage. A valve seat provided at the inlet of the valve, a valve body provided inside the introduction passage or inside the lead-out passage and opening and closing the discharge hole by coming into contact with and separating from the valve seat; A biasing member for biasing in the valve seat direction, wherein the valve body is provided with a small diameter portion and a side opposite to the valve seat with respect to the small diameter portion, and the diameter is larger than the small diameter portion A diameter portion is provided, and the valve body receives the pressure in the introduction passage or the inside of the lead-out passage at the step between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion, thereby urging the urging member. Move against the valve and move away from the valve seat And, it is preferable.

  According to this aspect, the magnitude of the required biasing force of the biasing member depends on the size of the pressure receiving area of the step between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion, and depends on the diameter of the discharge hole for discharging the fuel gas. do not do. Therefore, even if the diameter of the discharge hole is increased, it is not necessary to increase the biasing force of the biasing member according to the increase of the diameter of the discharge hole, and the pressure receiving area of the step between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion can be adjusted. As long as it is sufficient, it is possible to suppress an increase in the biasing force of the biasing member. Therefore, the pressure release valve can be miniaturized by miniaturizing the biasing member.

  In the above aspect, the pressure release valve may have a discharge hole for discharging the fuel gas inside the introduction passage or inside the discharge passage to the outside of the introduction passage or the discharge passage. A valve seat provided at the inlet of the valve, and a valve body provided inside the introduction passage or inside the lead-out passage and opening and closing the discharge hole by coming into contact with and separating from the valve seat; The valve body includes a valve body portion, and a tip portion adhered to the valve body portion and abutted and separated from the valve seat, and an adhesion portion between the valve body portion and the tip portion is the introduction Preferably, it is provided in the inside of the passage or in the inside of the outlet passage.

  According to this aspect, since the bonding portion between the valve body portion and the tip portion in the valve body does not contact with the outside air, the durability of the bonding state in the bonding portion is improved.

  In the above aspect, the pressure release valve may have a discharge hole for discharging the fuel gas inside the introduction passage or inside the discharge passage to the outside of the introduction passage or the discharge passage. A valve seat provided at the inlet of the valve, and a valve body provided inside the introduction passage or inside the lead-out passage and opening and closing the discharge hole by coming into contact with and separating from the valve seat; The valve body has a first small diameter portion, a second small diameter portion provided on the opposite side to the valve seat with respect to the first small diameter portion, and a smaller diameter than the first small diameter portion, and the second small diameter portion. On the other hand, it is preferable to be provided with a large diameter portion provided on the opposite side to the first small diameter portion and having a larger diameter than the first small diameter portion.

  According to this aspect, since the valve body includes the second small diameter portion whose diameter is smaller than the first small diameter portion, it is possible to reduce the resistance to fuel gas flowing inside the introduction passage (the lead-out passage). Therefore, since the fuel gas stably flows inside the introduction passage (the lead-out passage), the fuel gas can be stably supplied to the fuel cell by the gas fuel supply unit.

  According to the gas fuel supply unit of the present disclosure, the unit can be miniaturized.

It is a schematic block diagram of a fuel cell system. It is a sectional view of a hydrogen supply unit. It is an expanded sectional view of a medium pressure relief valve (low pressure relief valve). It is an expanded sectional view of a medium pressure relief valve (low pressure relief valve), and is an AA sectional view of FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of the medium pressure relief valve (low pressure relief valve) of a modification.

  In the present embodiment, the gas fuel supply unit of the present disclosure is applied to a hydrogen supply unit of a fuel cell system.

[Description of Fuel Cell System]
First, the fuel cell system 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 1 includes a fuel cell (FC) 10, a hydrogen cylinder 12, a hydrogen supply passage 14, a hydrogen discharge passage 16, a main stop valve 18, a first switching valve 20, a high pressure regulator 22, hydrogen The supply unit 24, the air supply passage 26, the air discharge passage 28, the air pump 30, the second switching valve 32, the primary pressure sensor 34, the secondary pressure sensor 36, the tertiary pressure sensor 38, the air pressure sensor 40, the controller 42, etc. Have.

  The fuel cell system 1 is mounted on a fuel cell vehicle and used to supply electric power to a driving motor (not shown). The fuel cell 10 generates power by receiving the supply of hydrogen gas as a fuel gas and air as an oxidant gas. The electric power generated by the fuel cell 10 is supplied to a drive motor (not shown) via an inverter (not shown). The hydrogen cylinder 12 stores high pressure hydrogen gas.

  A hydrogen supply system is provided on the anode side of the fuel cell 10. This hydrogen supply system includes a hydrogen supply passage 14 for supplying hydrogen gas from the hydrogen cylinder 12 to the fuel cell 10 of the supply destination, and a hydrogen discharge passage 16 for discharging the hydrogen off gas drawn from the fuel cell 10. Have. The hydrogen supply passage 14 directly downstream of the hydrogen cylinder 12 is provided with a main stop valve 18 formed of a solenoid valve that switches supply and shutoff of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen cylinder 12 to the hydrogen supply passage 14. The hydrogen discharge passage 16 is provided with a first switching valve 20 consisting of a solenoid valve.

  A high pressure regulator 22 for reducing the pressure of hydrogen gas is provided in the hydrogen supply passage 14 downstream of the main stop valve 18. The hydrogen supply passage 14 between the main stop valve 18 and the high pressure regulator 22 is provided with a primary pressure sensor 34 for detecting the pressure therein as the primary pressure P1.

  A secondary pressure sensor 36 is provided in the hydrogen supply passage 14 downstream of the high pressure regulator 22. The secondary pressure sensor 36 detects the pressure in the hydrogen supply passage 14 between the high pressure regulator 22 and the hydrogen supply unit 24 as a secondary pressure P2. The secondary pressure P2 is the pressure in the introduction passage 54 (see FIG. 2) provided in the introduction block 44 of the hydrogen supply unit 24.

  A hydrogen supply unit 24 for adjusting the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell 10 is provided in the hydrogen supply passage 14 downstream of the secondary pressure sensor 36. The hydrogen supply unit 24 corresponds to an example of the gas fuel supply unit of the present disclosure. The details of the hydrogen supply unit 24 will be described later.

  A third pressure sensor 38 is provided in the hydrogen supply passage 14 downstream of the hydrogen supply unit 24. The third pressure sensor 38 detects the pressure in the hydrogen supply passage 14 between the hydrogen supply unit 24 and the fuel cell 10 as the third pressure P3. The third pressure P3 is the pressure in the outlet passage 66 (see FIG. 2) provided in the outlet block 46 of the hydrogen supply unit 24.

  On the other hand, on the cathode side of the fuel cell 10, an air supply passage 26 for supplying air to the fuel cell 10 and an air discharge passage 28 for discharging the air off gas led out from the fuel cell 10 are provided. . The air supply passage 26 is provided with an air pump 30 for adjusting the flow rate of air supplied to the fuel cell 10. In the air supply passage 26 downstream of the air pump 30, an air pressure sensor 40 for detecting the air pressure P4 is provided. The air discharge passage 28 is provided with a second switching valve 32 formed of a solenoid valve.

  In the above configuration, the hydrogen gas drawn from the hydrogen cylinder 12 passes through the hydrogen supply passage 14 and is supplied to the fuel cell 10 via the main stop valve 18, the high pressure regulator 22 and the hydrogen supply unit 24. The hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell 10 is used for power generation by the fuel cell 10 and is then discharged from the fuel cell 10 as a hydrogen off gas through the hydrogen discharge passage 16 and the first switching valve 20.

  Further, in the above configuration, the air discharged to the air supply passage 26 by the air pump 30 is supplied to the fuel cell 10. The air supplied to the fuel cell 10 is used for power generation by the fuel cell 10, and is then discharged from the fuel cell 10 as an air-off gas through the air discharge passage 28 and the second switching valve 32.

  The fuel cell system 1 further includes a controller (control unit) 42 that controls the system. The controller 42 controls the main stop valve 18 based on the detection values of the primary pressure sensor 34, the secondary pressure sensor 36 and the tertiary pressure sensor 38 in order to control the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell 10. The injector 48 provided in the supply unit 24 is controlled. Further, the controller 42 controls the first switching valve 20 to control the flow of the hydrogen off gas in the hydrogen discharge passage 16. On the other hand, the controller 42 controls the air pump 30 based on the detection value of the air pressure sensor 40 in order to control the flow of air supplied to the fuel cell 10.

  Further, the controller 42 controls the second switching valve 32 to control the flow of the air-off gas in the air discharge passage 28. Further, the controller 42 is configured to input a voltage value and a current value related to the power generation of the fuel cell 10, respectively. The controller 42 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory, and controls the injector 48 and the air pump based on a predetermined control program stored in the memory to control the amount of hydrogen gas and the amount of air supplied to the fuel cell 10. Control 30 mag.

[Description of hydrogen supply unit]
Next, the hydrogen supply unit 24 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hydrogen supply unit 24 includes an introduction block 44, a lead-out block 46, an injector 48 (an example of a "fuel gas supply unit"), an intermediate pressure relief valve 50, and a low pressure relief valve. It has 52 and so on.

  The introduction block 44 is a member for distributing the hydrogen gas in the hydrogen supply passage 14 to the injector 48. The introduction block 44 includes an introduction passage 54, a recess 56, an introduction hole 58, a discharge hole 60, and the like.

  The introduction passage 54 is a passage through which hydrogen gas is introduced from the hydrogen supply passage 14. The introduction hole 58 and the discharge hole 60 are connected to the introduction passage 54.

  The recess 56 is formed to be recessed with respect to one surface of the introduction block 44. The recess 56 is connected to the introduction passage 54 through the introduction hole 58 and the discharge hole 60. An injector 48 is disposed inside the recess 56. An inlet pipe 48 b on the inlet side of the injector 48 is fitted in the introduction hole 58. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the inlet pipes 48b of the three injectors 48 are connected in parallel in the introduction passage 54. Further, in the present embodiment, the introduction passage 54 can communicate with the recess 56 through the discharge hole 60. A valve seat 54 a is provided around the inlet of the discharge hole 60. The discharge hole 60 is a hole for discharging the hydrogen gas in the introduction passage 54 to the outside of the introduction passage 54. The inner side of the recess 56 is hollow on the back side and the front side in FIG. 2 and communicates with the outside (atmosphere) of the hydrogen supply unit 24. A bolt 64 is fastened to the female screw hole 62.

  Further, the lead-out block 46 is a member for merging the hydrogen gas injected from the injector 48. The lead-out block 46 includes a lead-out passage 66, a nozzle hole 68, a discharge hole 70, and the like.

  The outlet passage 66 is a passage through which hydrogen gas is led to the hydrogen supply passage 14.

  A nozzle pipe 48 c on the outlet side of the injector 48 is fitted in the nozzle hole 68. And, in this way, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle pipes 48 c of the three injectors 48 are connected side by side in parallel to the lead-out passage 66. Further, in the present embodiment, the lead-out passage 66 can communicate with the recess 56 of the introduction block 44 through the discharge hole 70. A valve seat 66 a is provided around the inlet of the discharge hole 70. The discharge holes 70 are holes for discharging the hydrogen gas inside the discharge passage 66 to the outside of the discharge passage 66. The bolt 64 is inserted into the bolt hole 72.

  The injector 48 supplies the hydrogen gas introduced into the introduction passage 54 to the outlet passage 66, and regulates the flow rate and pressure of the hydrogen gas. The injector 48 includes a main body 48a, an inlet pipe 48b, and a nozzle pipe 48c. Then, hydrogen gas enters from the inlet pipe 48b and is discharged from the nozzle pipe 48c. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen supply unit 24 has three injectors 48. The number of injectors 48 is not particularly limited, and may be one, two, or four or more.

  In the hydrogen supply unit 24 having such a configuration, the hydrogen gas introduced into the introduction passage 54 is injected into the lead-out passage 66 by the injector 48 to supply the hydrogen cell of the required flow rate to the fuel cell 10.

[Description of relief valve]
Next, the medium pressure relief valve 50 and the low pressure relief valve 52 will be described. The medium pressure relief valve 50 is a pressure release valve that discharges hydrogen gas in the introduction passage 54 to the outside of the introduction passage 54 to release the pressure when the pressure in the introduction passage 54 exceeds a predetermined value. The low pressure relief valve 52 is a pressure release valve that discharges the hydrogen gas in the outlet passage 66 to the outside of the outlet passage 66 to release the pressure when the pressure in the outlet passage 66 exceeds a predetermined value.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the medium pressure relief valve 50 is partially inserted into the receiving hole 44 a of the introducing block 44 (in a state of being accommodated). It is provided inside. The accommodation hole 44 a is provided opposite to the discharge hole 60 via the introduction passage 54, and accommodates a part of the medium pressure relief valve 50.

  The intermediate pressure relief valve 50 is provided at the back of the introduction passage 54. That is, in the introduction passage 54, the medium pressure relief valve 50 is connected to the three introduction holes 58 (in connection with the injector 48) in the flow direction of hydrogen gas flowing in the introduction passage 54 (direction from right to left in FIG. 2). And the lower side (the left side of FIG. 2) of.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the medium pressure relief valve 50 includes a valve seat 54 a, a valve body 74, a spring 76, a lid member 78, and an O-ring 80.

  The valve seat 54 a is provided at the inlet of the connecting portion of the introduction passage 54 with the discharge hole 60.

  The valve body 74 is provided inside the introduction passage 54 so that a part of the valve body 74 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 44 a, and contacts and separates from the valve seat 54 a to open and close the discharge hole 60. The valve body 74 includes a valve body 82 and a valve seal rubber 84 (an example of a “tip”). The valve body 82 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and includes a small diameter portion 86 and a large diameter portion 88. The small diameter portion 86 has a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion 88 and is disposed closer to the discharge hole 60 than the large diameter portion 88. A valve seal rubber 84 is provided at the tip of the small diameter portion 86. In the present embodiment, the valve seal rubber 84, the small diameter portion 86, and a part of the large diameter portion 88 on the small diameter portion 86 side are provided inside the introduction passage 54. The bonding portion 96 between the small diameter portion 86 and the valve seal rubber 84 is provided inside the introduction passage 54. Further, the valve body 74 is provided with a hollow portion 90 inside the small diameter portion 86 and inside the large diameter portion 88. Thereby, weight reduction of the valve body 74 can be achieved. The material of the valve main body 82 is, for example, a metal such as stainless steel.

  The spring 76 is disposed in the cavity 90 inside the large diameter portion 88 of the valve body 74. One end of the spring 76 is supported by the lid member 78, and the other end is supported by the valve body 74. Then, the spring 76 biases the valve body 74 in the valve closing direction (direction of the valve seat 54a). The material of the spring 76 is, for example, a metal such as stainless steel.

  The lid member 78 is provided on the opposite side of the valve body 74 to the valve seat 54a, and closes the opening of the accommodation hole 44a. By providing the lid member 78 in this manner, it is possible to suppress that the hydrogen gas inside the introduction passage 54 leaks to the outside of the introduction block 44, and it is possible to support one end of the spring 76. The lid member 78 is provided with an air hole 92 (an example of a “through hole”) penetrating the lid member 78. As long as the inside of the accommodation hole 44a can be communicated with the outside of the introduction block 44, the air hole 92 may make it difficult to pass water as a minute hole. Note that the air hole 92 may be provided with a film 94 (an example of a “filter member”) that allows the passage of gas and the passage of liquid. Further, the inside of the accommodation hole 44a or the hollow portion 90 may be sealed by not providing the air hole 92 in the lid member 78. In addition, the lid member 78 may be integrally formed with the introduction block 44.

  The O-ring 80 is disposed between the large diameter portion 88 of the valve body 74 and the accommodation hole 44 a of the introduction block 44. The O-ring 80 prevents the hydrogen gas from leaking from the introduction passage 54 to the opposite side (cavity 90 side) of the valve body 74.

  In such an intermediate pressure relief valve 50, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the valve seal rubber 84 contacts the valve seat 54a by urging the valve body 74 toward the valve seat 54a by the spring 76. Close to the valve and maintain the valve closed state.

  Then, the intermediate pressure relief valve 50 discharges the hydrogen gas inside the introduction passage 54 to the outside of the introduction passage 54 when the internal pressure of the introduction passage 54 becomes equal to or higher than a first predetermined value (working pressure on the medium pressure side). Thus, the internal pressure of the introduction passage 54 is lowered. Specifically, when the internal pressure of the introduction passage 54 becomes equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, the intermediate pressure relief valve 50 moves away from the valve seat 54 a by moving the valve body 74 against the biasing force of the spring 76. To open the valve.

  At this time, in the present embodiment, the pressure receiving portion 98 (first pressure receiving portion) of the valve body 74 and the pressure receiving portion 100 (second pressure receiving portion) oppose the biasing direction of the spring 76 by the internal pressure of the introduction passage 54 The pressure is applied in the direction of the dotted arrow shown in FIG. Here, the pressure receiving portion 98 is a step portion (boundary portion) between the small diameter portion 86 and the large diameter portion 88, and more specifically, the small diameter portion 86 side of the large diameter portion 88 which protrudes outside the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 86. It is a part of the surface (lower side of FIG. 3). Further, the pressure receiving portion 100 is a step portion (boundary portion) between the valve seal rubber 84 and the small diameter portion 86, and more specifically, the valve seal rubber 84 side of the small diameter portion 86 projecting outside the outer peripheral surface of the valve seal rubber 84 (FIG. 3) Lower part).

  In this manner, the valve body 74 moves against the biasing force of the spring 76 by receiving pressure inside the introduction passage 54 by the pressure receiving portion 98 and the pressure receiving portion 100 and separates from the valve seat 54a. Do. Then, when the medium pressure relief valve 50 is opened in this manner, the hydrogen gas in the introduction passage 54 is discharged to the outside of the hydrogen supply unit 24 through the discharge hole 60. As a result, the pressure in the introduction passage 54 is released to reduce the internal pressure. The valve body 74 may receive the pressure in the introduction passage 54 only at the pressure receiving portion 98.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the low pressure relief valve 52 is fitted in and attached to the receiving hole 46 a provided in the lead-out block 46 (in a state of being received). It is provided inside. The accommodation hole 46 a is provided opposite to the discharge hole 70 via the outlet passage 66, and accommodates a part of the low pressure relief valve 52.

  The low pressure relief valve 52 is provided at a position on the back side of the lead-out passage 66. That is, in the outlet passage 66, the low pressure relief valve 52 has three nozzle holes 68 (connections with the injector 48) in the flow direction of hydrogen gas flowing in the outlet passage 66 (direction from right to left in FIG. 2). It is provided in the position more upstream (right side of FIG. 2).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the low pressure relief valve 52 includes a valve seat 66 a, a valve body 74, a spring 76, a lid member 78, and an O-ring 80.

  The valve seat 66 a is provided at the inlet of the connecting portion of the outlet passage 66 with the discharge hole 70.

  The valve body 74 is provided inside the outlet passage 66 so that a part of the valve body 74 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 46a, and contacts and separates from the valve seat 66a to open and close the discharge hole 70. The small diameter portion 86 has a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion 88 and is disposed closer to the discharge hole 70 than the large diameter portion 88. In the present embodiment, the valve seal rubber 84, the small diameter portion 86, and a part of the large diameter portion 88 on the small diameter portion 86 side are provided inside the lead-out passage 66. The bonding portion 96 between the small diameter portion 86 and the valve seal rubber 84 is provided inside the lead-out passage 66.

  The spring 76 biases the valve body 74 in a valve closing direction (direction of the valve seat 66a). The biasing force of the spring 76 of the low pressure relief valve 52 is set to be lower than the biasing force of the spring 76 of the medium pressure relief valve 50.

  The lid member 78 is provided on the opposite side of the valve body 74 to the valve seat 66a, and closes the opening of the accommodation hole 46a. The air hole 92 provided in the lid member 78 may be any hole as long as it can communicate the inside of the housing hole 46a with the outside of the outlet block 46, and it may be difficult to pass water. The inside of the accommodation hole 46 a or the hollow portion 90 may be sealed by not providing the air hole 92 in the lid member 78. In addition, the lid member 78 may be integrally formed with the lead-out block 46.

  The O-ring 80 is disposed between the large diameter portion 88 of the valve body 74 and the receiving hole 46 a of the lead-out block 46. The O-ring 80 prevents the hydrogen gas from leaking from the outlet passage 66 to the opposite side (cavity 90 side) of the valve body 74.

  In such a low pressure relief valve 52, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the valve seal rubber 84 abuts against the valve seat 66a as the valve body 74 is urged toward the valve seat 66a by the spring 76. And the valve closed state is maintained.

  The low pressure relief valve 52 discharges the hydrogen gas in the outlet passage 66 to the outside of the outlet passage 66 when the internal pressure of the outlet passage 66 becomes equal to or higher than the second predetermined value (the operating pressure on the low pressure side). Thus, the internal pressure of the outlet passage 66 is reduced. Specifically, when the internal pressure of the outlet passage 66 becomes equal to or higher than the second predetermined value, the low pressure relief valve 52 moves away from the valve seat 66 a by moving the valve body 74 against the biasing force of the spring 76. Open the valve.

  Then, when the low pressure relief valve 52 is opened in this manner, the hydrogen gas in the discharge passage 66 is discharged to the outside of the hydrogen supply unit 24 through the discharge hole 70. As a result, the pressure in the outlet passage 66 is released to reduce the internal pressure.

  As described above, according to the hydrogen supply unit 24 of the present embodiment, the medium pressure relief valve 50 is provided inside the introduction passage 54, and the low pressure relief valve 52 is provided inside the delivery passage 66.

  As a result, since the intermediate pressure relief valve 50 does not protrude outside the introduction block 44 and the low pressure relief valve 52 does not protrude outside the delivery block 46, the hydrogen supply unit 24 can be miniaturized.

  In addition, metal parts such as the valve body 74 and the spring 76 do not easily come in contact with the atmosphere outside the introduction block 44 and the derivation block 46. Therefore, the corrosion resistance of metal parts such as the valve body 74 and the spring 76 is improved.

  The intermediate pressure relief valve 50 is provided at a position downstream of the introduction hole 58 in the introduction passage 54. As a result, the hydrogen gas flowing through the introduction passage 54 can flow into the introduction hole 58 without passing through the intermediate pressure relief valve 50, so the resistance from the intermediate pressure relief valve 50 is not easily received. Therefore, since hydrogen gas can be stably flowed from the introduction passage 54 to the injector 48, hydrogen gas can be stably injected from the injector 48 to the discharge passage 66. Therefore, the hydrogen supply unit 24 can easily adjust the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cylinder 12 to the fuel cell 10 to a desired flow rate.

  The low pressure relief valve 52 is provided at a position upstream of the nozzle hole 68 in the lead-out passage 66. Thus, the hydrogen gas injected from the injector 48 and supplied from the nozzle hole 68 to the outlet passage 66 flows through the outlet passage 66 without passing through the low pressure relief valve 52 and flows to the hydrogen supply passage 14 outside the outlet passage 66. The resistance by the low pressure relief valve 52 is less likely to be received. Therefore, hydrogen gas can be stably flowed from the outlet passage 66 to the hydrogen supply passage 14. Therefore, the hydrogen supply unit 24 can easily adjust the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cylinder 12 to the fuel cell 10 to a desired flow rate.

  Further, the cover member 78 is provided with an air hole 92. As a result, hydrogen gas in the introduction passage 54 (the discharge passage 66) flows from the O-ring 80 between the valve body 74 and the accommodation hole 44a to the inside of the accommodation hole 44a (46a) opposite to the valve body 74 or the hollow portion 90. When leaking inside, the leaked hydrogen gas can be escaped through the air hole 92 to the outside of the introduction block 44 (lead block 46).

  In addition, the air hole 92 may be provided with a film 94 which allows the passage of gas but does not allow the passage of liquid. This makes it possible to prevent water from entering the interior of the accommodation hole 44a (46a) or the interior of the hollow portion 90 from the outside of the introduction block 44 (the derivation block 46). Therefore, the occurrence of rust in metal parts such as the valve body 74 and the spring 76 can be suppressed.

  In addition, since the air hole 92 of the present embodiment is not a hole for discharging hydrogen gas in the passage to the outside of the passage to release the pressure inside the introduction passage 54 (the discharge passage 66), the film 94 is high. It is difficult for pressure to act. Therefore, even if the intermediate pressure relief valve 50 (low pressure relief valve 52) is opened and closed, the membrane 94 is unlikely to be peeled off.

  Here, in the fuel supply unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, the inside of the introduction passage (the discharge passage) is a lower end surface (the surface on the communication passage side communicating with the introduction passage (the discharge passage)) of the valve body of the relief valve. Under pressure. Therefore, the magnitude of the required biasing force of the spring depends on the size of the diameter of the communication passage. Therefore, when the diameter of the communication passage is increased, it is necessary to increase the biasing force of the spring according to the increase of the diameter of the communication passage, so that the spring becomes larger.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the pressure receiving portion 98 and the pressure receiving portion 100 receive the pressure inside the introduction passage 54 (the discharge passage 66) in the direction opposite to the biasing direction of the spring 76 in the present embodiment. Thus, it moves while resisting the biasing force of the spring 76 and separates from the valve seat 54a (the valve seat 66a). And thereby, the intermediate pressure relief valve 50 (low pressure relief valve 52) is opened.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the magnitude of the required biasing force of the spring 76 depends on the size of the pressure receiving area of the pressure receiving portion 98 and the pressure receiving portion 100, and the discharge hole 60 (discharge hole 70) for discharging hydrogen gas. It does not depend on the diameter of Therefore, even if the diameter of the discharge hole 60 (discharge hole 70) increases, it is not necessary to increase the biasing force of the spring 76 according to the increase of the diameter of the discharge hole 60 (discharge hole 70). The pressure receiving areas of the pressure receiving portion 98 and the pressure receiving portion 100 may be adjusted while balancing with the biasing force of the spring 76 by adjusting the diameter of the large diameter portion 88). Therefore, since the increase in the biasing force of the spring 76 can be suppressed, the spring 76 can be miniaturized, and the medium pressure relief valve 50 (low pressure relief valve 52) can be miniaturized.

  Further, the bonding portion 96 between the small diameter portion 86 of the valve main body 82 and the valve seal rubber 84 in the valve body 74 is provided inside the introduction passage 54 (the discharge passage 66). As a result, since the bonding portion 96 does not contact the outside air, the durability of the bonding state of the bonding portion 96 is improved.

  As a modification, as shown in FIG. 5, the valve main body 82 of the valve body 74 may be provided with a first small diameter portion 86 a, a second small diameter portion 86 b, and a large diameter portion 88. Here, the second small diameter portion 86b is provided on the opposite side to the valve seat 54a (the valve seat 66a) with respect to the first small diameter portion 86a, and the diameter is smaller than the first small diameter portion 86a. The large diameter portion 88 is provided on the opposite side of the second small diameter portion 86b to the first small diameter portion 86a, and has a larger diameter than the first small diameter portion 86a.

  As described above, since the valve body 74 of the modification includes the second small diameter portion 86 b whose diameter is smaller than that of the first small diameter portion 86 a, resistance to hydrogen gas flowing inside the introduction passage 54 (the extraction passage 66) is obtained. Can be reduced. Therefore, the hydrogen gas stably flows in the introduction passage 54 (the discharge passage 66), so the hydrogen supply unit 24 can stably supply the hydrogen gas to the fuel cell 10.

  Thus, in the modification, the resistance to hydrogen gas flowing inside the introduction passage 54 (the lead-out passage 66) is reduced. Therefore, the medium pressure relief valve 50 is not limited to a position downstream of the three introduction holes 58 in the introduction passage 54 as shown in FIG. 2, but a position between two adjacent introduction holes 58 or 3 It can be provided at a position upstream of the two introduction holes 58. Further, the low pressure relief valve 52 is not limited to a position on the upstream side of the three nozzle holes 68 in the lead-out passage 66 as shown in FIG. 2, but a position between two adjacent nozzle holes 68 or three. It can be provided at a position downstream of the nozzle hole 68.

  The embodiment described above is merely an example, and does not limit the present disclosure in any way, and it goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  For example, only one of the intermediate pressure relief valve 50 and the low pressure relief valve 52 may be provided in the introduction passage 54 or the discharge passage 66. Further, for example, the valve body 74 may not include the pressure receiving unit 100 among the pressure receiving unit 98 and the pressure receiving unit 100, and may include only the pressure receiving unit 98. Further, for example, although the pressure receiving portion 98 is provided inside the introduction passage 54 or inside the discharge passage 66 in the example shown in FIG. 3 and the like, it may be provided inside the receiving hole 44a or the receiving hole 46a. . Further, the valve body 74 may be formed to receive the pressure in the introduction passage 54 (the lead-out passage 66) in the direction opposite to the biasing direction of the spring 76, for example, the pressure receiving portion 98 or the pressure receiving portion 100. It may be formed in a tapered shape, or the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 74 may be formed in a tapered shape.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 fuel cell system 10 fuel cell 12 hydrogen cylinder 14 hydrogen supply passage 24 hydrogen supply unit 44 introduction block 44 a accommodation hole 46 derivation block 46 a accommodation hole 48 injector 50 medium pressure relief valve 52 low pressure relief valve 54 introduction passage 54 a valve seat 56 recessed portion 60 Discharge hole 66 Leading passage 66a Valve seat 70 Discharge hole 74 Valve body 76 Spring 78 Cover member 80 O ring 82 Valve main body 84 Valve seal rubber 86 Small diameter portion 86a First small diameter portion 86b Second small diameter portion 88 Large diameter portion 90 Hollow portion 92 Large pore 94 Membrane 96 Bonding part 98 Pressure receiving part 100 Pressure receiving part

Claims (8)

An introduction passage through which the fuel gas is introduced, a lead-out passage through which the fuel gas is drawn, a fuel gas supply unit for supplying the fuel gas introduced into the lead-in passage to the lead-out passage; In a gas fuel supply unit having a pressure release valve for discharging fuel gas in the passage to the outside of the passage to release the pressure when the pressure in at least one side exceeds a predetermined value,
The pressure release valve is provided in at least one of the inside of the introduction passage and the inside of the discharge passage.
A gas fuel supply unit characterized by In the gas fuel supply unit of claim 1,
The pressure release valve is provided downstream of a connection with the fuel gas supply unit in the introduction passage,
A gas fuel supply unit characterized by The gas fuel supply unit according to claim 1 or 2
The pressure release valve is provided at a position upstream of a connection with the fuel gas supply unit in the lead-out passage,
A gas fuel supply unit characterized by The gas fuel supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A discharge hole for discharging fuel gas inside the introduction passage or inside the discharge passage to the outside of the introduction passage or to the outside of the discharge passage;
And a receiving hole provided opposite to the discharge hole through the introduction passage or the discharge passage and receiving a part of the pressure release valve.
The pressure release valve is provided inside the introduction passage or inside the discharge passage so that a part of the valve seat provided at the inlet of the discharge hole is accommodated in the receiving hole. And a cover member provided on the opposite side to the valve seat with respect to the valve body to close the opening of the accommodation hole.
The lid member is provided with a through hole,
A gas fuel supply unit characterized by In the gas fuel supply unit of claim 4,
The through hole is provided with a filter member which allows the passage of gas but does not allow the passage of liquid.
A gas fuel supply unit characterized by The gas fuel supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
It has a discharge hole for discharging the fuel gas inside the introduction passage or inside the discharge passage to the outside of the introduction passage or the outside of the discharge passage.
The pressure release valve opens and closes the discharge hole by coming into contact with and separating from the valve seat provided at the inlet of the discharge hole, the inside of the introduction passage or the inside of the lead-out passage, And a biasing member for biasing the valve in the direction of the valve seat.
The valve body includes a small diameter portion, and a large diameter portion provided on the opposite side to the valve seat with respect to the small diameter portion and having a larger diameter than the small diameter portion.
The valve body moves against the biasing force of the biasing member by receiving the pressure inside the introduction passage or the inside of the lead-out passage at the stepped portion between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion. Spaced apart from the valve seat;
A gas fuel supply unit characterized by The gas fuel supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
It has a discharge hole for discharging the fuel gas inside the introduction passage or inside the discharge passage to the outside of the introduction passage or the outside of the discharge passage.
The pressure release valve opens and closes the discharge hole by coming into contact with and separating from the valve seat provided at the inlet of the discharge hole, the inside of the introduction passage or the inside of the lead-out passage, And a valve body to
The valve body includes a valve body portion, and a tip portion adhered to the valve body portion and in contact with and away from the valve seat.
The bonding portion between the valve main body portion and the tip end portion is provided in the inside of the introduction passage or the inside of the discharge passage.
A gas fuel supply unit characterized by The gas fuel supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
It has a discharge hole for discharging the fuel gas inside the introduction passage or inside the discharge passage to the outside of the introduction passage or the outside of the discharge passage.
The pressure release valve opens and closes the discharge hole by coming into contact with and separating from the valve seat provided at the inlet of the discharge hole, the inside of the introduction passage or the inside of the lead-out passage, And a valve body to
The valve body has a first small diameter portion, a second small diameter portion provided on the opposite side to the valve seat with respect to the first small diameter portion, and a diameter smaller than the first small diameter portion, and the second small diameter portion And a large diameter portion provided on the opposite side to the first small diameter portion and having a larger diameter than the first small diameter portion;
A gas fuel supply unit characterized by

Images