KR20230049439A - Valve assembly and fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a valve assembly, capable of improving safety and reliability and suppressing overheating of a fuel cell stack, and the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes: a first line passing through the fuel cell stack, wherein a coolant circulates in the first line; a pump installed in the first line and circulating the coolant; a radiator installed in the first line and cooling the coolant; a second line having one end, which is connected to the first line between the radiator and an inlet of the pump, and the other end connected to the first line between an inlet of the radiator and an outlet of the fuel cell stack; and a valve assembly including a valve member installed to move from a first position to a second position in which a valve flow path is opened, wherein the valve flow path supplying the coolant from the radiator to the fuel cell stack is blocked in the first position. The valve assembly also selectively switches a flow route of the coolant to the radiator or the fuel cell stack. The valve assembly includes: a driving source providing a driving force; a first power transfer member rotating by the driving source; a second power transfer member engaged with the first power transfer member and transmitting the driving force to the valve member so that the valve member moves from the first position to the second position; and a stopper unit selectively limiting the rotation of the first power transfer member when the valve member is arranged in the second position.

Description

Valve assembly and fuel cell system {VALVE ASSEMBLY AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to a valve assembly and a fuel cell system, and more particularly, to a valve assembly and a fuel cell system capable of suppressing overheating of a fuel cell stack and improving safety and reliability.

A fuel cell system is a system that continuously produces electrical energy through a chemical reaction of continuously supplied fuel, and continuous research and development is being conducted as an alternative solution to global environmental problems.

A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack that generates electrical energy, a fuel supply device that supplies fuel (hydrogen) to the fuel cell stack, an air supply device that supplies air, an oxidant required for an electrochemical reaction, to the fuel cell stack, and a fuel cell. It is configured to include a heat and water management system (TMS: Thermal Management System) that removes the reaction heat of the stack to the outside of the system and controls the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack.

The thermal management system (TMS) includes a TMS line through which coolant cooling the fuel cell stack circulates, a heater installed on the TMS line to heat the coolant, a radiator installed on the TMS line to dissipate heat of the coolant to the outside, An air conditioning unit installed on the TMS line to cool and heat the interior of the vehicle using coolant (eg, a heater for heating), an ion filter that filters ions included in the coolant that has passed through the air conditioner unit, and the like.

Meanwhile, a switching valve is provided in the TMS line to selectively switch the flow path of the cooling water so that the cooling water circulating along the TMS line passes through or does not pass through the radiator based on the temperature of the fuel cell stack or the like.

That is, when the temperature of the fuel cell stack is higher than the reference temperature, the switching valve allows the cooling water to pass through the radiator, thereby supplying the cooled cooling water to the fuel cell stack. On the other hand, when the temperature of the fuel cell stack is lower than the reference temperature, the switching valve can directly supply the cooling water to the fuel cell stack without passing through the radiator.

However, in the past, when an error occurs in the switching valve (when the valve flow path is blocked due to a failure or malfunction of the switching valve), even though the fuel cell stack needs to be cooled, it is necessary to supply coolant to the fuel cell stack via the radiator. There are difficult problems.

Accordingly, in recent years, various researches have been conducted to supply coolant to the fuel cell stack via the radiator when an abnormality in the switching valve occurs, but it is still insufficient and development of this is required.

An object of the present invention is to provide a valve assembly and a fuel cell system capable of suppressing overheating of a fuel cell stack and improving safety and reliability.

In particular, an embodiment of the present invention aims to perform a fail safety function of supplying coolant to a fuel cell stack in the event of an abnormality (failure) of a valve assembly that selectively switches a flow path of coolant. to be

In addition, embodiments of the present invention are aimed at minimizing deterioration in performance and operating efficiency of a fuel cell stack.

Further, an object of an embodiment of the present invention is to increase operation stability of a valve member and to supply cooling water to a fuel cell stack in a timely manner.

The problem to be solved in the embodiment is not limited thereto, and it will be said that the solution to the problem described below or the purpose or effect that can be grasped from the embodiment is also included.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objects of the present invention, a fuel cell system, via a fuel cell stack, a first line through which cooling water is circulated; A pump provided in the first line and flowing cooling water; A radiator provided in the first line and cooling the cooling water; a second line having one end connected to the first line between the inlet of the pump and the radiator and the other end connected to the first line between the outlet of the fuel cell stack and the inlet of the radiator; and a valve member provided to be movable from a first position that blocks a valve passage for supplying coolant from a radiator to a fuel cell stack to a second position that opens the valve passage, and the coolant flows through the radiator or the fuel cell stack. A valve assembly that selectively switches to; including, but the valve assembly, a driving source for providing a driving force; A first power transmission member rotated by a driving source; a second power transmission member that is engaged with the first power transmission member and transmits a driving force to the valve member so that the valve member moves from the first position to the second position; and a stopper portion selectively restricting rotation of the first power transmission member in a state in which the valve member is disposed at the second position.

This is to suppress overheating of the fuel cell stack and improve safety and reliability.

That is, in the past, when an abnormality occurs in the valve assembly that switches the flow path of the coolant (when the valve member blocks the valve flow path due to a failure or malfunction of the valve assembly), even though the fuel cell stack needs to be cooled, it passes through the radiator. There is a problem in that it is difficult to supply coolant to the fuel cell stack.

However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the valve flow path is opened (eg, the first line is open and the second line is blocked) is selectively restrained by the stopper part, so that the fuel cell stack An advantageous effect of stably performing a fail safety function of supplying coolant may be obtained.

Above all, in an embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormality (failure) of the valve assembly occurs, the valve flow path remains open and the cooling water passing through the radiator is supplied to the fuel cell stack, thereby reducing the damage of the fuel cell stack. Advantageous effects of suppressing overheating and improving stability and reliability can be obtained.

As the first power transmission member and the second power transmission member, various power transmission members capable of transmitting the driving force of the driving source to the valve member may be used.

Preferably, a worm rotating about a first axis may be used as the first power transmission member, and a worm wheel rotating about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis may be used as the second power transmission member. ) can be used.

In this way, by using the worm and the worm wheel as the first power transmission member and the second power transmission member, it is possible to arrange the drive unit in the horizontal direction (first axis direction), thereby miniaturizing the overall size of the valve assembly It is possible, and advantageous effects of improving space utilization and design freedom can be obtained.

The stopper part may be provided in various structures capable of mechanically restraining the state in which the valve member is disposed in the second position (open state of the valve passage).

For example, the stopper unit includes a first stopper member provided rotatably integrally with the first power transmission member, and a rotation limiting position for restricting rotation of the first stopper member from a rotation allowing position allowing rotation of the first stopper member. It may include a second stopper member provided to be movable, and a stopper driving unit that provides a driving force to move the second stopper member from a rotation allowing position to a rotation limiting position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a serration hole to which the first power transmission member is serrated may be provided in the first stopper member.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a locking jaw may be formed on the first power transmission member, and one surface of the first stopper member may be supported by the locking jaw in a state in which the first stopper member is coupled to the first power transmission member. can In this way, by providing a locking step on the first power transmission member and supporting one surface of the first stopper member, the movement of the first stopper member along the longitudinal direction of the first power transmission member is suppressed, and the first An advantageous effect of stably maintaining the disposition of the stopper member can be obtained.

The second stopper member may be configured to move from the rotation-allowing position to the rotation-restraining position in various ways according to required conditions and design specifications.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second stopper member may be configured to move linearly from the rotation-allowing position to the rotation-limiting position (or from the rotation-limiting position to the rotation-allowing position).

For example, a plurality of stopper holes may be formed in the first stopper member to be spaced apart in a circumferential direction, and the second stopper member is accommodated in the stopper hole at a rotation limiting position and drawn out of the stopper hole at a rotation allowing position. can

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the valve assembly may include a housing accommodating the drive source, the first power transmission member, the second power transmission member, and the stopper therein.

According to another preferred field of the present invention, a valve assembly including a valve member provided to be movable from a first position for blocking a valve passage to a second position for opening the valve passage, the driving source for providing a driving force; A first power transmission member rotated by a driving source; a second power transmission member that is engaged with the first power transmission member and transmits a driving force to the valve member so that the valve member moves from the first position to the second position; and a stopper portion selectively restricting rotation of the first power transmission member in a state in which the valve member is disposed at the second position.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the stopper portion includes a first stopper member provided rotatably integrally with the first power transmission member; a second stopper member provided to be movable from a rotation-allowing position allowing rotation of the first stopper member to a rotation-limiting position restricting rotation of the first stopper member; and a stopper driving unit providing a driving force so that the second stopper member moves from the rotation-allowing position to the rotation-limiting position.

According to another preferred field of the present invention, a plurality of stopper holes may be formed in the first stopper member to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the second stopper member is accommodated in the stopper hole at the rotation limiting position, and the rotation allowing position can be drawn out of the stopper hole.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the valve assembly is provided in the first stopper member and may include a serration hole to which the first power transmission member is coupled with the serration.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the valve assembly is provided on the first power transmission member and may include a locking jaw supporting one surface of the first stopper member.

According to another preferred field of the present invention, the first power transmission member is a worm rotating based on the first axis, and the second power transmission member is a worm wheel rotating based on a second axis perpendicular to the first axis (worm wheel).

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the valve assembly may include a housing accommodating the drive source, the first power transmission member, the second power transmission member, and the stopper therein.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the stopper unit may restrict rotation of the first power transmission member when an abnormality occurs in the driving source.

As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, advantageous effects of suppressing overheating of the fuel cell stack and improving safety and reliability can be obtained.

In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the event of an abnormality (failure) of the valve assembly that selectively switches the flow path of the coolant, an advantageous effect of stably performing the fail safety function of supplying coolant to the fuel cell stack can be obtained.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an advantageous effect of minimizing deterioration in performance and operating efficiency of a fuel cell stack can be obtained.

In addition, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of increasing operational stability of the valve member and timely supplying cooling water to the fuel cell stack.

1 is a diagram for explaining a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining the flow of cooling water when a second line is opened.
3 is a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining the flow of cooling water when the second line is shut off.
4 is a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining a valve passage.
5 and 6 are views for explaining a valve assembly in a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining a first power transmission gear and a second power transmission gear.
8 is a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining a locking step.
9 and 10 are views for explaining the operation structure of the stopper unit in a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments and can be implemented in various different forms, and if it is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments can be selectively selected. can be used by combining and substituting.

In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention, unless explicitly specifically defined and described, can be generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It can be interpreted as meaning, and commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, can be interpreted in consideration of contextual meanings of related technologies.

Also, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

In this specification, the singular form may also include the plural form unless otherwise specified in the phrase, and when described as "at least one (or more than one) of A and (and) B and C", A, B, and C are combined. may include one or more of all possible combinations.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) may be used.

These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the term is not limited to the nature, sequence, or order of the corresponding component.

And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, the component is not only directly connected to, coupled to, or connected to the other component, but also with the component. It may also include the case of being 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' due to another component between the other components.

In addition, when it is described as being formed or disposed on the "top (above) or bottom (bottom)" of each component, the top (top) or bottom (bottom) is not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also one A case in which another component above is formed or disposed between the two components is also included. In addition, when expressed as "upper (above) or lower (down)", it may include not only an upward direction but also a downward direction based on one component.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10 , a fuel cell system 1 according to the present invention includes a first line 110 through which coolant is circulated via a fuel cell stack; A pump provided in the first line 110 and flowing cooling water; A radiator provided in the first line 110 and cooling the cooling water; One end connected to the first line 110 between the inlet of the pump and the radiator, and the other end connected to the first line 110 between the outlet of the fuel cell stack and the inlet of the radiator 140 ; and a valve member 202 provided to be movable from a first position blocking the valve passage 142 supplying cooling water from the radiator to the fuel cell stack to a second position opening the valve passage 142, A valve assembly 200 that selectively switches the flow path of the radiator or fuel cell stack; including, but the valve assembly 200, the drive source 220 for providing a driving force; A first power transmission member 230 rotated by the driving source 220; A second power transmission member 240 that is engaged with the first power transmission member 230 and transmits a driving force to the valve member 202 so that the valve member 202 moves from the first position to the second position; and a stopper portion 250 selectively restricting rotation of the first power transmission member 230 when the valve member 202 is disposed at the first position.

The fuel cell system 1 according to the present invention constitutes a TMS line 100 in which water (cooling water) can flow while performing heat exchange, and the water is a cooling medium or heat (cooling medium) on the TMS line 100 heat medium).

In addition, with attention to the cooling performance of the fuel cell stack 10 implemented on the circulation path, water flowing along the TMS line 100 will be referred to as cooling water for convenience.

The first line 110 is configured to pass through the fuel cell stack 10 , and cooling water circulates along the first line 110 .

The first line 110 is configured to form a cooling loop for cooling the coolant or a temperature-raising loop for heating (temperature raising) according to the state of the vehicle. For example, the first line 110 forms a heating loop to secure cold start capability in an initial startup state, and forms a cooling loop to dissipate heat generated in the fuel cell stack 10 to the outside during driving. can be configured to

For reference, the fuel cell stack 10 may be formed in various structures capable of generating electricity through an oxidation-reduction reaction between a fuel (eg, hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (eg, air).

For example, the fuel cell stack 10 includes a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) (not shown) in which catalyst electrode layers in which electrochemical reactions occur are attached to both sides of an electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move, and a reactive gas. A gas diffusion layer (GDL: Gas Diffusion Layer) (not shown) that evenly distributes the gas and transmits the generated electrical energy, and a gasket and fastening mechanism (not shown) to maintain the airtightness and appropriate clamping pressure of the reactive gases and cooling water time), and a bipolar plate (not shown) for moving reactive gases and cooling water.

More specifically, in the fuel cell stack 10, hydrogen as a fuel and air (oxygen) as an oxidant are supplied to the anode and cathode of the membrane electrode assembly through the flow path of the separator, respectively, and hydrogen is supplied to the anode. and air is supplied to the cathode.

Hydrogen supplied to the anode is decomposed into protons and electrons by the catalysts of the electrode layers formed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and only hydrogen ions are selectively transferred to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane, which is a cation exchange membrane, At the same time, electrons are transferred to the cathode through the conductive gas diffusion layer and the separator.

In the cathode, hydrogen ions supplied through the electrolyte membrane and electrons transferred through the separator meet oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode by the air supply device to cause a reaction to generate water. At this time, due to the movement of hydrogen ions, a flow of electrons occurs through the external conductor, and current is generated by the flow of these electrons.

The pump 30 is provided on the first line 110 and is configured to forcibly flow the cooling water.

As the pump 30, a conventional pumping means capable of pumping cooling water may be used, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and characteristics of the pump 30.

The radiator 60 is provided in the first line 110 to cool the cooling water.

More specifically, the radiator 60 is provided on the first line 110 to be disposed between the outlet of the fuel cell stack 10 and the inlet of the pump 30 .

The radiator 60 may be formed in various structures capable of cooling the cooling water, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and structure of the radiator 60 .

In addition, a reservoir 62 in which cooling water is stored may be connected to the radiator 60 .

One end of the second line 140 is connected to the first line 110 between the inlet of the pump 30 and the radiator 60, and the other end of the second line 140 is connected to the fuel cell stack 10. It is connected to the first line 110 between the outlet and the inlet of the radiator 60.

The valve assembly 200 is provided in the first line 110 to selectively switch the flow path of the cooling water to the radiator 60 or the fuel cell stack 10 .

More specifically, the valve assembly 200 is provided on the first line 110 to be located between the inlet of the pump 30 and the radiator 60, one end of the second line 140 and the fourth line 130 The outlet end (the other end) of ) may be connected to the valve assembly 200.

As the valve assembly 200 , various valve means capable of selectively switching the flow path of the coolant to the radiator 60 or the fuel cell stack 10 may be used.

For example, the valve assembly 200 may include a conventional four way valve 40 . For example, the valve assembly 200 includes a first port 41 connected to the second line 140 and a second port connected to the first line 110 so that coolant passing through the radiator 60 flows in ( 42), a third port 43 to which the other end of the fourth line 130 is connected, and a third port connected to the first line 110 so that cooling water passing through the valve assembly 200 flows into the pump 30. It may include 4 ports (44).

By opening and closing the first port 41 and the second port 42 of the valve assembly 200 , a flow path of cooling water may be selectively switched to the radiator 60 or the fuel cell stack 10 . That is, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the first port 41 is opened and the second port 42 is blocked, cooling water may flow into the fuel cell stack 10 without passing through the radiator 60 . Conversely, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the second port 42 is opened and the first port 41 is blocked, the cooling water may flow into the fuel cell stack 10 after passing through the radiator 60 .

The valve assembly 200 includes a valve member 202 that opens and closes a valve passage 142 for supplying cooling water from a radiator to a fuel cell stack, and by the valve member 202 opening and closing the valve passage 142, The first port 41 and the second port 42 may be opened or blocked.

For example, the valve member 202 may be provided to be movable from a first position in which the valve passage 142 is blocked to a second position in which the valve passage 142 is opened.

Here, the valve member 202 is positioned in the first position means that the valve member 202 is positioned to block the valve flow path 142 and the valve member 202 is positioned in the second position. 202 is defined as being positioned to open the valve passage 142.

The valve member 202 may be configured to move from the first position to the second position in various ways according to required conditions and design specifications.

For example, the valve member 202 may be configured to rotate from the first position to the second position (or from the second position to the first position).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the valve member to move linearly or along a curved movement path from the first position to the second position.

In addition, the valve assembly 200 is engaged with the driving source 220 for providing driving force, the first power transmission member 230 rotated by the driving source 220, and the first power transmission member 230, and the valve The second power transmission member 240 transmits a driving force to the valve member 202 so that the member 202 moves from the first position to the second position, and the valve member 202 is disposed in the second position. 1 includes a stopper portion 250 that selectively restricts rotation of the power transmission member 230.

As the driving source 220, a conventional motor capable of providing driving force (rotational force) may be used, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and structure of the driving source 220.

The first power transmission member 230 is provided to be rotated by the driving source 220, and the second power transmission member 240 is engaged with the first power transmission member 230 so that the first power transmission member 230 ) is interlocked (rotated) and provided to transmit a driving force to the valve member 202.

Various power transmission members capable of transmitting the driving force of the driving source 220 to the valve member 202 may be used as the first power transmission member 230 and the second power transmission member 240, and the first power transmission member 230 ) and the type and structure of the second power transmission member 240, the present invention is not limited or limited.

Preferably, a worm rotating with respect to the first axis SL1 may be used as the first power transmission member 230, and a second power transmission member 240 orthogonal to the first axis SL1 A worm wheel rotating about the second axis SL2 may be used.

This is to reduce the overall size of the valve assembly 200 and improve space utilization and design freedom.

That is, although spur gears can be used as the first power transmission member and the second power transmission member, when the spur gear is used, as the driving unit must be disposed in the vertical direction (second axis direction), the valve assembly is inevitably damaged as a whole. There is a problem in that the size increases and space utilization and design freedom are lowered.

However, in the embodiment of the present invention, as the first power transmission member 230 and the second power transmission member 240, by using a worm and a worm wheel, disposing the driving unit in the horizontal direction (first axis direction) Since this is possible, it is possible to reduce the overall size of the valve assembly 200, and advantageous effects of improving space utilization and design freedom can be obtained.

For reference, a power transmission gear (see 204 in FIG. 4 ) may be engaged with the second power transmission member 240 , and the rotational force of the second power transmission member 240 is transmitted through the power transmission gear 204 to the valve member. (202).

The stopper unit 250 is provided to selectively restrict rotation of the first power transmission member 230 in a state where the valve member 202 is disposed at the second position opening the valve passage 142 .

Here, restraining the rotation of the first power transmission member 230 in a state in which the valve member 202 is disposed in the second position is understood to continuously maintain a state in which coolant is supplied from the radiator to the fuel cell stack. It can be.

In particular, the stopper unit 250 is provided to restrict rotation of the first power transmission member 230 when an abnormality occurs in the driving source 220 .

For reference, a Hall sensor (not shown) may be provided on the driving shaft 222 of the driving source 220, and the valve opening angle of the valve member 202 is adjusted (opening) based on a signal detected by the Hall sensor. control) or determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the driving source 220.

As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the stopper part 250, when an abnormality (failure) of the valve assembly 200 occurs, the cooling water passing through the radiator 60 is returned to the fuel cell stack 10. can be supplied.

That is, in the past, when an abnormality occurs in the valve assembly 200 that changes the flow path of the cooling water, the valve passage 142 is blocked, so that the cooling water passes through the radiator even though the fuel cell stack needs to be cooled. There is a problem that is difficult to supply.

However, in the embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormality (failure) of the valve assembly 200 occurs, the fuel cell stack 10 ), it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of stably performing a fail safety function of supplying cooling water.

The stopper part 250 may be provided in various structures capable of mechanically restraining the state in which the valve member 202 is disposed in the second position (the open state of the valve passage 142), and the stopper part 250 The present invention is not limited or limited by the structure of.

For example, the stopper unit 250 is provided rotatably integrally with the first power transmission member 230, the first stopper member 260, at a rotation allowance position that allows rotation of the first stopper member 260 The second stopper member 270 provided to be movable to the rotation restriction position that restricts the rotation of the first stopper member 260, and driving force is applied so that the second stopper member 270 moves from the rotation permission position to the rotation restriction position. It may include a stopper driving unit 280 to provide.

The first stopper member 260 may be formed to have a substantially disc shape and is integrally coupled to the first power transmission member 230 .

The coupling structure of the first stopper member 260 and the first power transmission member 230 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications.

For example, a serration hole 264 to which the first power transmission member 230 is coupled with the serration may be provided at the central portion of the first stopper member 260 .

For reference, a serration (not shown) engaged with the serration hole 264 may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of an end of the first power transmission member 230, and the serration of the first power transmission member 230 may be formed in the first power transmission member 230. As they are coupled to the serration hole 264 of the stopper member 260, the first power transmission member 230 and the first stopper member 260 may be integrally and rotatably connected.

Preferably, a locking jaw 232 having a larger size (eg, diameter) than the serration hole 264 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first power transmission member 230, and the first stopper member 260 In a state where ) is coupled to the first power transmission member 230, one surface of the first stopper member 260 may be supported by the locking jaw 232.

For example, the locking jaw 232 may be formed in a continuous ring shape along the circumferential direction of the first power transmission member 230 . Alternatively, it is also possible to form the locking jaw 232 in the form of a protrusion partially protruding from a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first power transmission member 230 .

In this way, the locking jaw 232 is provided on the first power transmission member 230, and one surface of the first stopper member 260 is supported, thereby extending along the longitudinal direction of the first power transmission member 230. An advantageous effect of suppressing the movement of the first stopper member 260 and stably maintaining the disposition of the first stopper member 260 can be obtained.

The second stopper member 270 is provided to be movable from a rotation allowing position allowing rotation of the first stopper member 260 to a rotation limiting position restricting rotation of the first stopper member 260 .

Here, the fact that the second stopper member 270 is positioned at the position allowing rotation means that the first stopper member 260 is positioned at a position allowing rotation and the second stopper member 270 is positioned at the rotation limiting position. is defined as being positioned to restrict (limit) the rotation of the first stopper member 260.

The second stopper member 270 may be configured to move from the rotation-allowing position to the rotation-restraining position in various ways according to required conditions and design specifications.

For example, the second stopper member 270 may be configured to linearly move from the rotation-allowing position to the rotation-limiting position (or from the rotation-limiting position to the rotation-allowing position).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the second stopper member to be rotated from the rotation-allowing position to the rotation-restraining position or move along a curved movement path.

The second stopper member 270 may be configured to restrict the rotation of the first stopper member 260 at the rotation restriction position in various ways according to required conditions and design specifications.

For example, a plurality of stopper holes 262 may be formed in the first stopper member 260 to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction with respect to the center of rotation, and the second stopper member 270 may have a stopper hole ( 262) (see FIG. 9), and can be drawn out of the stopper hole 262 (see FIG. 10) at a position allowing rotation.

The stopper hole 262 may be formed to have a diameter corresponding to the second stopper member 270, and the number and spacing of the stopper hole 262 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications.

Referring to FIG. 9, in a state where the second stopper member 270 is accommodated in the stopper hole 262, rotation of the first stopper member 260 is restricted, thereby restricting rotation of the first power transmission member 230 (drive unit). may stop working).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, in a state in which the second stopper member 270 is drawn out of the stopper hole 262, rotation of the first stopper member 260 and the first power transmission member 230 may be allowed. .

The stopper driving unit 280 is provided to provide a driving force so that the second stopper member 270 moves from a rotation allowing position to a rotation limiting position.

As the stopper driving unit 280, various driving means capable of moving the second stopper member 270 from the rotation-allowing position to the rotation-restraining position (eg, linear movement) may be used, and the type of stopper driving unit 280 and The present invention is not limited or limited by the structure.

For example, a normal solenoid may be used as the stopper driver 280 . For example, the solenoid may include a bobbin (not shown) on which a coil is wound, and a plunger that linearly moves inside the bobbin as power is applied to the coil, and the second stopper member 270 is linearly moved by the linear movement of the plunger. ) can move in a straight line from the position allowing rotation to the position restricting rotation.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to use a cylinder (inlet cylinder or pneumatic cylinder) or a linear motor as the stopper driving unit.

On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention described above and shown, the stopper hole 262 is formed in the first stopper member 260, and the second stopper member 270 is accommodated in the stopper hole 262 at the rotation restriction position Although described as an example, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a stopper protrusion is provided to protrude from one surface of the first stopper member, and the second stopper member is constrained (contacted) to the side of the stopper protrusion at the rotation restraining position. It is also possible to configure it as such.

Alternatively, it is also possible to constrain the rotation of the first stopper member by contact force (frictional force) caused by the second stopper member being in contact with one surface of the first stopper member.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the valve assembly 200 accommodates the drive source 220, the first power transmission member 230, the second power transmission member 240, and the stopper portion 250 therein. A housing 210 may be included.

The housing 210 may be used to modularize the driving source 220, the first power transmission member 230, the second power transmission member 240, and the stopper part 250 as one module.

The housing 210 may be provided in various structures capable of modularizing the driving source 220, the first power transmission member 230, the second power transmission member 240, and the stopper part 250, and the housing 210 The present invention is not limited or limited by the structure and form of.

For example, the housing 210 includes a first housing member 212 defining an accommodating space for accommodating each component (a driving source, a first power transmission member, a second power transmission member, and a stopper part), an opening in the accommodation space It may include a second housing member 214 provided to cover.

In the embodiment of the present invention described above and shown, the housing 210 has been described as an example including the first housing member 212 and the second housing member 214. According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure the housing using three or more housing members, or to configure the housing with only one housing member.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell system 1, one end is connected to the first line 110 at a first point located between the outlet of the pump 30 and the fuel cell stack 10, The other end is provided at a third line 120 connected to the first line 110 at a second point located between the inlet of the pump 30 and the fuel cell stack 10, and the third line 120. And may include a heater 50 for heating the cooling water flowing along the third line (120).

The third line 120 is provided to form a heating loop (heating circulation path) for heating the cooling water cooperatively with the first line 110 .

More specifically, one end of the third line 120 is connected to the first line 110 at a first point located between the outlet of the pump 30 and the fuel cell stack 10, and the third line 120 The other end of ) is connected to the first line 110 at a second point located between the inlet of the pump 30 and the fuel cell stack 10.

Here, the inlet of the pump 30 is defined as an inlet through which cooling water flows into the pump 30 . In addition, the outlet of the pump 30 is defined as an outlet through which cooling water that has passed through the pump 30 is discharged.

Also, the interval between the outlet of the pump 30 and the fuel cell stack 10 is defined as a section in which the cooling water discharged from the pump 30 flows to the cooling water inlet (not shown) of the fuel cell stack 10. . Also, between the inlet of the pump 30 and the fuel cell stack 10 is a section in which the cooling water discharged from the cooling water outlet (not shown) of the fuel cell stack 10 flows to the inlet of the pump 30. is defined

The heater 50 is provided in the third line 120, and the cooling water flowing along the third line 120 is heated while passing through the heater 50.

As the heater 50, various heating means capable of heating the cooling water flowing along the third line 120 may be used, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the type and structure of the heater 50.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell system 1 has a heater switching valve provided in the first line 110 to switch the flow path of the coolant to the heater 50 or the fuel cell stack 10. (20) may be included.

For example, the heater switching valve 20 is provided on the first line 110 to be located at the first point, and one end of the third line 120 may be connected to the heater switching valve 20 .

As the heater switching valve 20 , various valve means capable of selectively switching a flow path of cooling water to the heater 50 or the fuel cell stack 10 may be used.

For example, a conventional three way valve may be used as the heater switching valve 20 . More specifically, the heater switching valve 20 includes a first port 21 connected to the first line 110 so that the cooling water pumped by the pump 30 flows in, and the cooling water passing through the heater switching valve 20. includes a second port 22 connected to the first line 110 and a third port 23 connected to one end of the third line 120 so that is introduced into the fuel cell stack 10 .

By opening and closing the second port 22 and the third port 23 of the heater switching valve 20, the flow path of the cooling water can be selectively switched to the heater 50 or the fuel cell stack 10. That is, when the second port 22 is open and the third port 23 is blocked, cooling water passing through the heater switching valve 20 may flow into the fuel cell stack 10 . Conversely, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the third port 23 is opened and the second port 22 is blocked, the cooling water passing through the heater switching valve 20 flows through the third line 120 to the heater 50. can be introduced into

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell system 1 has one end connected to the first line 110 between the first point and the pump 30 and the other end connected to the valve assembly 200, It may include a fourth line 130 passing through the air conditioning unit 70, and an ion filter 80 provided in the fourth line 130 and filtering ions contained in the cooling water passing through the air conditioning unit 70. there is.

The fourth line 130 is connected to the first line 110 and is provided to form a heating/cooling loop for cooling and heating the air conditioning unit (HAVC UNIT) 70 cooperatively with the first line 110 .

For example, the fourth line 130 may form a loop for heating a heater (not shown) of the air conditioning unit 70 .

More specifically, the fourth line 130 is connected to the first line 110 between the first point (the point where one end of the third line is connected to the first line) and the outlet of the pump 30, and coolant Some of them are configured to circulate.

Here, the term between the first point and the outlet of the pump 30 is defined as a section in which the cooling water that has passed through the pump 30 flows until it passes through the first point.

For example, one end of the fourth line 130 is connected to the first line 110 between the pump 30 and the first point, and the other end of the fourth line 130 is connected to the pump 30 and the second point. It is connected to the first line 110 between the points.

For reference, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example in which one end of the fourth line 130 is connected to the first line 110 between the pump 30 and the first point (downstream of the pump) has been described, According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to configure one end of the fourth line to be connected to the first line between the inlet of the pump and the switching valve.

As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the branch point (one end of the fourth line 130) at which the cooling water flowing along the first line 110 branches to the fourth line 130 is connected to the heater switching valve 20 and By forming between the outlets of the pump 30, the cooling water supply to the fuel cell stack 10 is blocked (blocking the second port of the heater switching valve) during cold start, as shown in FIG. Circulates via the heater 50 of 120 (heating loop) and can also circulate along the fourth line 130 at the same time, so the fourth line 130 via the air conditioning unit 70 during cold startup It is possible to maintain the temperature of the cooling water above a certain level.

That is, when the low-temperature cooling water stagnant in the fourth line 130 flows into the fuel cell stack 10 immediately after the fuel cell stack 10 is cold-started, the output of the fuel cell stack 10 is lowered. there is.

However, the present invention maintains the temperature of the cooling water in the fourth line 130 above a certain level during cold startup, thereby minimizing the inflow of low-temperature cooling water into the fuel cell stack 10 immediately after cold startup. An advantageous effect of minimizing a decrease in output of the fuel cell stack 10 due to cooling water may be obtained.

The ion filter 80 is provided in the fourth line 130 to filter ions included in the cooling water that has passed through the air conditioning unit 70 .

For reference, when the electrical conductivity of the coolant increases due to corrosion or exudation of the system, electricity flows to the coolant, causing a short circuit in the fuel cell stack 10 or a current flow toward the coolant. should be able to maintain low electrical conductivity.

The ion filter 80 is provided to remove ions included in the cooling water so as to maintain the electrical conductivity of the cooling water below a certain level.

As described above, according to the present invention, during cold start in which the supply of coolant to the fuel cell stack 10 is blocked (the second port of the heater switching valve is blocked), the coolant circulates via the heater 50 of the third line 120. (heating loop) and circulate along the fourth line 130 at the same time, filtering by the ion filter 80 provided in the fourth line 130 even during cold startup (removing ions contained in the cooling water) ) is possible. Accordingly, an advantageous effect of maintaining the electrical conductivity of the cooling water flowing into the fuel cell stack 10 immediately after cold startup can be obtained below a certain level.

Although the above has been described with reference to the embodiments, this is only an example and does not limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs will not deviate from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. It will be appreciated that various variations and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiment can be modified and implemented. And differences related to these variations and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

1: fuel cell system
10: fuel cell stack
20: heater switching valve
30: pump
40: four-way valve
50: heater
60: radiator
70: air conditioning unit
80: ion filter
100: TMS line
110: first line
120: 3rd line
130: 4th line
140: second line
142: valve flow path
200: valve assembly
202: valve member
204: power transmission gear
210: housing
212: first housing member
214: second housing member
220: driving source
230: first power transmission member
232: snag
240: second power transmission member
250: stopper part
260: first stopper member
262: stopper hole
264: Serration Hall
270: second stopper member
280: stopper driving unit

Claims (17)

A valve assembly including a valve member provided to be movable from a first position blocking the valve passage to a second position opening the valve passage,
a driving source providing a driving force;
a first power transmission member rotated by the driving source;
a second power transmission member engaged with the first power transmission member and transmitting the driving force to the valve member so that the valve member moves from the first position to the second position; and
a stopper portion selectively restricting rotation of the first power transmission member in a state in which the valve member is disposed at the second position;
A valve assembly comprising a.
According to claim 1,
The stopper part,
a first stopper member integrally rotatably provided with the first power transmission member;
a second stopper member provided to be movable from a rotation-allowing position allowing rotation of the first stopper member to a rotation-limiting position restricting rotation of the first stopper member; and
a stopper driving unit providing a driving force so that the second stopper member moves from the rotation permitting position to the rotation limiting position;
A valve assembly comprising a.
According to claim 2,
The second stopper member is a valve assembly that linearly moves from the rotation limiting position to the rotation allowing position.
According to claim 2,
A plurality of stopper holes are formed in the first stopper member to be spaced apart in a circumferential direction,
The second stopper member is accommodated in the stopper hole at the rotation limiting position and drawn out of the stopper hole at the rotation allowing position.
According to claim 2,
A valve assembly comprising a serration hole provided in the first stopper member and to which the first power transmission member is coupled with the serration.
According to claim 2,
A valve assembly comprising a locking jaw provided on the first power transmission member and supporting one surface of the first stopper member.
According to claim 1,
The first power transmission member is a worm rotating about a first axis,
The valve assembly, characterized in that the second power transmission member is a worm wheel rotating about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.
According to claim 1,
A valve assembly comprising a housing accommodating the driving source, the first power transmission member, the second power transmission member, and the stopper therein.
According to claim 1,
The stopper portion valve assembly for restricting the rotation of the first power transmission member when an abnormality occurs in the driving source.
A first line passing through the fuel cell stack and circulating cooling water;
a pump provided in the first line and flowing the cooling water;
a radiator provided in the first line and cooling the cooling water;
a second line having one end connected to the first line between the inlet of the pump and the radiator and the other end connected to the first line between the outlet of the fuel cell stack and the inlet of the radiator; and
A valve member provided to be movable from a first position blocking a valve passage for supplying the cooling water from the radiator to the fuel cell stack to a second position opening the valve passage; A valve assembly that selectively switches to a radiator or the fuel cell stack; includes,
The valve assembly,
a driving source providing a driving force;
a first power transmission member rotated by the driving source;
a second power transmission member engaged with the first power transmission member and transmitting the driving force to the valve member so that the valve member moves from the first position to the second position; and
a stopper portion selectively restricting rotation of the first power transmission member in a state in which the valve member is disposed at the second position;
A fuel cell system comprising a.
According to claim 10,
The stopper part,
a first stopper member integrally rotatably provided with the first power transmission member;
a second stopper member provided to be movable from a rotation-allowing position allowing rotation of the first stopper member to a rotation-limiting position restricting rotation of the first stopper member; and
a stopper driving unit providing a driving force so that the second stopper member moves from the rotation permitting position to the rotation limiting position;
A fuel cell system comprising a.
According to claim 11,
The second stopper member linearly moves from the rotation limiting position to the rotation allowing position.
According to claim 11,
A plurality of stopper holes are formed in the first stopper member to be spaced apart in a circumferential direction,
The fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein the second stopper member is accommodated inside the stopper hole at the rotation limiting position and drawn out of the stopper hole at the rotation allowing position.
According to claim 11,
A fuel cell system comprising a serration hole provided in the first stopper member and to which the first power transmission member is serrated.
According to claim 11,
A fuel cell system comprising a locking step provided on the first power transmission member and supporting one surface of the first stopper member.
According to claim 10,
The first power transmission member is a worm rotating about a first axis,
The fuel cell system according to claim 1 , wherein the second power transmission member is a worm wheel rotating about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.
According to claim 10,
The fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein the stopper restrains rotation of the first power transmission member when an abnormality occurs in the driving source.

Images