JP7829316B2 - Valve device equipped with a filter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a valve device equipped with a filter device for capturing contaminants.

The valve device is equipped with a filter to capture contaminants flowing with the working fluid. For example, in the valve device described in Patent Document 1, the filter is mounted on the body in a manner that it is held in place by a retainer.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-102581

In the valve device described in Patent Document 1, the pressing force differs depending on the filter thickness and retainer height. Therefore, to stabilize the pressing force, i.e., to securely fix the filter, it is conceivable to use a spring to press the filter against the body. However, if the filter, retainer, and spring are separately positioned in the body, the number of parts required for assembly into the valve device increases.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a filter device that can reduce the number of parts, and a valve device equipped therewith.

The filter device of the first invention comprises a filter having thickness in a predetermined direction, and a retainer provided on the filter and holding the filter internally. The retainer has a main body provided on the outer circumferential surface of the filter, and a projection extending inward from the main body and positioned on one side of the filter in the predetermined direction. The projection is formed to protrude in the one side of the predetermined direction and to be elastically deformable.

According to the first invention, the projection can function as a spring. That is, the retainer can be given the function of a spring. This reduces the number of parts.

The valve device of the second invention comprises a casing made of aluminum having a first passage for flowing hydrogen gas, a housing made of stainless steel having a second passage and attached to the casing such that the first opening of the first passage and the second opening of the second passage face each other, a filter disposed between the casing and the housing so as to be located between the first and second openings, and a leaf spring disposed between the filter and the housing.

According to the second invention, the leaf spring is compressed by the filter and housing by being sandwiched between the casing and housing. This allows the filter to be stably fixed between the casing and housing. Furthermore, by positioning the leaf spring on the housing side, which is made of stainless steel (harder than aluminum), wear on the casing and subsequent contamination can be suppressed.

According to the first invention, the number of parts can be reduced.

According to the second invention, the filter can be stably fixed between the housing and the filter, and wear of the casing and subsequent contamination can be suppressed.

This is a cross-sectional view showing a valve device equipped with a filter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is an exploded view showing the valve device disassembled. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of region X of the valve device in Figure 1. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a valve device equipped with a filter device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a valve device equipped with a filter device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The valve devices 1, 1A, 1B and the filter devices 13, 13A, 13B provided therein according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the aforementioned drawings. Note that the concept of direction used in the following description is for convenience of explanation and does not limit the orientation of the invention's configuration to that direction. Furthermore, the valve devices 1, 1A, 1B and filter devices 13, 13A, 13B described below are merely embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and additions, deletions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[First Embodiment]
As shown in Figure 1, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment controls the flow of the working fluid within the valve device 1. For example, the valve device 1 controls at least one of the flow rate, pressure, and direction of flow of the working fluid. The working fluid whose flow is controlled by the valve device 1 is a gas, and in this embodiment, the working fluid is hydrogen gas. More specifically, the valve device 1 comprises a casing 11, a housing 12, and a filter device 13.

<Casing>
The casing 11 has a first flow path 22, as shown in Figure 2. The working fluid flows through the first flow path 22. In this embodiment, the working fluid flowing through the first flow path 22 is hydrogen gas. However, the working fluid is not limited to hydrogen gas, but may be other gases, or liquids such as oil and water. The casing 11 also has a recess 21.

The recess 21 is formed on the outer surface 11a of the casing 11. The recess 21 is formed around a predetermined axis L1 and opens in one direction, which is an example of a predetermined direction. Here, the axial direction is the direction along axis L1. The first flow path 22 has a first opening 22a. The first opening 22a is formed in the bottom portion of the recess 21, and the first flow path 22 is connected to the recess 21 via the first opening 22a. Furthermore, the diameter of the first flow path 22 increases as it approaches the first opening 22a.

Furthermore, at least one valve body (not shown) is provided within the casing 11. The valve body, together with the casing 11, constitutes a valve that controls the flow of hydrogen gas through the first flow path 22. Examples of valves include pressure reducing valves, flow control valves, check valves, safety valves, and manual valves. However, the valve is not limited to these.

Furthermore, the casing 11 is made of a metal. In this embodiment, the casing 11 is made of a metal resistant to hydrogen embrittlement, such as aluminum. However, the casing 11 is not limited to aluminum; it may also be stainless steel.

<Housing>
The housing 12 has a second flow path 24. The housing 12 is attached to the casing 11 such that the first opening 22a of the first flow path 22 and the second opening 24a of the second flow path 24 face each other. This connects the second flow path 24 and the first flow path 22, allowing hydrogen gas to flow between the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24. More specifically, the housing 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axis coinciding with the axis L1. The housing 12 further has a flange 25 and a protrusion 23.

The flange 25 is formed in the axially intermediate portion of the housing 12. More specifically, the flange 25 is formed in the axially intermediate portion, extending around the entire circumference, and also protruding radially. The protrusion 23 forms the portion of the housing 12 on the axial side of the flange 25. The protrusion 23 is inserted into the recess 21 so that the axis of the housing 12 aligns with axis L1. A fastening member 26 (for example, a bolt) is inserted through the flange 25, and the flange 25 is fastened to the casing 11 by the fastening member 26. In this way, the housing 12 is attached to the casing 11.

The second flow path 24 penetrates the housing 12. The second opening 24a of the second flow path 24 is formed at the end 23a of the protrusion 23. Here, the end 23a of the protrusion 23 is the other end in the axial direction of the housing 12. More specifically, the second flow path 24 is formed in the housing 12 along the axis L1. The second flow path 24 opens in one axial direction through the second opening 24a. In this embodiment, the second flow path 24 widens in diameter near the second opening 24a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 12 is an input port housing, and hydrogen gas is introduced into the second flow path 24 from one end of the housing 12 in the axial direction.

Furthermore, the housing 12 is made of metal. In this embodiment, the housing 12 is made of a metal resistant to hydrogen embrittlement, such as stainless steel. However, the housing 12 is not limited to stainless steel; it may also be made of aluminum.

<Filtering device>
The filter device 13 is positioned between the casing 11 and the housing 12 such that its axial portions face the casing 11 and the housing 12, respectively, and are located between the first opening 22a and the second opening 24a. The filter device 13 captures contaminants contained in the hydrogen gas flowing between the first flow path 22 and the second flow path 24. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the filter device 13 includes a filter 31 and a retainer 32.

<Filter>
The filter 31 has thickness in the axial direction. The filter 31 is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate, and in this embodiment, it is formed in the shape of a disc. The filter 31 captures contaminants contained in the hydrogen gas. More specifically, the filter 31 is formed with a diameter larger than the diameters of the first opening 22a and the second opening 24a. The filter 31 is positioned between the casing 11 and the housing 12. The filter 31 captures contaminants contained in the hydrogen gas as it passes through the filter 31 as the hydrogen gas flows between the second opening 24a and the first opening 22a.

<Retainer>
The retainer 32 holds the filter 31 internally. More specifically, the retainer 32 holds the filter 31 internally by covering its outer peripheral edge from both the radially outward and axially directions. The retainer 32 is positioned between the casing 11 and the housing 12 together with the filter 31. The axial height H of the retainer 32 (see Figure 2) is greater than the gap h (see Figure 3) between the casing 11 and the housing 12. The retainer 32 can elastically deform the projection 35, which will be described in detail later, in the axial direction. This allows the retainer 32 to be compressed and positioned between the casing 11 and the housing 12. As a result, the retainer 32 is sandwiched between the casing 11 and the housing 12, fixing the filter 31 between them. The retainer 32 also seals the space between the filter 31 and the casing 11 by being sandwiched. This prevents contaminants from passing between the filter 31 and the casing 11. Furthermore, the retainer 32 is made of a material that is the same as or harder than aluminum, for example. In this embodiment, the retainer 32 is made of stainless steel. However, the retainer 32 is not limited to being made of stainless steel, but may be made of aluminum, beryllium copper, etc. More specifically, the retainer 32 has a main body portion 34, a projection portion 35, and an inner extension portion 36.

<Main body>
The main body portion 34 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the filter 31. The main body portion 34 holds the filter 31 from the inside. More specifically, the main body portion 34 covers the entire outer circumferential surface of the filter 31. In this embodiment, the main body portion 34 is configured in the shape of a hollow disc. The inner bore of the main body portion 34 is formed to be the same diameter as or larger than the outer diameter of the filter 31. In this embodiment, the inner bore of the main body portion 34 is formed to be the same diameter as the outer diameter of the filter 31. The filter 31 is held inside the main body portion 34.

<Protrusion>
The projection 35, which is an example of a leaf spring, extends radially inward from the main body 34 and is positioned on one axial side of the filter 31. Furthermore, the projection 35 is formed to protrude in one axial direction and to be elastically deformable. More specifically, the projection 35 is formed around the entire circumference of the main body 34. In this embodiment, the projection 35 is formed around the entire circumference of the open end on the other axial side of the main body 34. The projection 35 extends radially inward from the open end on the other axial side of the main body 34. That is, in this embodiment, the projection 35 is formed in an annular shape, and hydrogen gas is guided into the retainer 32, i.e., the filter 31, through the inner hole of the projection 35.

Furthermore, the projection 35 is curved to protrude in one axial direction. The projection 35 is formed, for example, in a circular arc shape in cross-section. The projection 35 can elastically deform in the other axial direction. Moreover, the top portion 35a of the projection 35 abuts against the other axial end face of the convex portion 23 of the housing 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as "the end face of the convex portion 23"). The projection 35 is interposed between the filter 31 and the housing 12 in a compressed state by the housing 12.

<Inner extension part>
The inner extension portion 36 extends inward from the main body portion 34. The inner extension portion 36 is provided on the other axial side of the filter 31. More specifically, the inner extension portion 36 covers the entire outer edge of the other axial side surface of the filter 31. Therefore, the inner extension portion 36 can support the entire outer edge of the other axial side surface of the filter 31. The inner extension portion 36, together with the projection portion 35, clamps the filter 31. More specifically, the inner extension portion 36 is formed around the entire circumference at the open end on the other axial side of the main body portion 34. The inner extension portion 36 extends radially inward from the open end on the other axial side of the main body portion 34. In this embodiment, the inner extension portion 36 is formed in an annular shape. The opening of the inner extension portion 36 is formed to be approximately the same size as the first opening 22a and the second opening 24a in this embodiment. This makes it possible to suppress the pressure loss of hydrogen gas.

Furthermore, the inner extension portion 36 is formed to match the shape of the bottom surface of the casing 11. For example, if the bottom surface of the casing 11 is formed flat, the end face on the other axial side of the inner extension portion 36 is also formed flat. This allows the inner extension portion 36 to contact the bottom surface of the casing 11 over a surface area. As a result, the reaction force of the compressed projection portion 35 presses the entire inner extension portion 36 against the casing 11. This seals the space between the inner extension portion 36 and the casing 11, surrounding the first opening 22a, thereby preventing contaminants from passing through. Additionally, the surface contact between the inner extension portion 36 and the casing 11 prevents the inner extension portion 36 from wearing down the casing 11, thus preventing the generation of contaminants and abnormal noises.

<Arrangement of each component>
In the valve device 1, a filter 31 is inserted into the inner bore of a bottomed cylindrical member having an inner extension portion 36 at one end. The filter 31 is then pushed in until it contacts the inner extension portion 36. Furthermore, the other end of the bottomed cylindrical member is bent radially inward to form a projection 35. This forms a retainer 32, and the filter 31 is held inside the retainer 32. This completes the filter device 13.

Furthermore, the filter device 13 is inserted into the recess 21 as shown in Figure 1. More specifically, the filter device 13 is inserted with its inner extension portion 36 facing the first opening 22a. It is then pushed in until the inner extension portion 36 contacts the bottom surface of the casing 11. This positions the projection portion 35 within the recess 21, facing the housing 12 which will be inserted later. Finally, the housing 12 is attached to the casing 11 so as to cover the filter device 13.

More specifically, the housing 12 is inserted into the recess 21 from the protrusion 23. The housing 12 is then pushed in until the flange 25 abuts against the casing 11 (more specifically, the outer surface 11a). As a result, the protrusion 23 abuts against the projection 35 of the retainer 32, and the projection 35 is further compressed by the protrusion 23. The projection 35 is then sandwiched between the casing 11 and the housing 12, fixing the retainer 32 between the casing 11 and the housing 12. This allows the filter device 13 to be stably held in the casing 11 and the housing 12. Furthermore, as the projection 35 is compressed, the reaction force of the projection 35 presses the inner extension 36 against the casing 11 and around the second opening 24a. This seals the area around the second opening 24a between the retainer 32 and the casing 11. This prevents contaminants from passing through between the retainer 32 and the casing 11. Furthermore, the housing 12 is fastened to the casing 11 by a fastening member 26 inserted through the flange 25.

In the valve device 1 and filter device 13 configured in this way, the projection 35 can function as a spring. That is, the retainer 32 can be given a spring function. This reduces the number of parts. Furthermore, in the valve device 1 and filter device 13, the inner extension 36 can support the outer peripheral edge of the filter 31 on the other side in the axial direction. This allows the filter 31 to be stably fixed within the casing 11.

Furthermore, in the valve device 1 and filter device 13, the main body 34 covers the entire outer surface of the filter 31, and the projection 35 is formed on the main body 34 around its entire circumference. Therefore, uneven biasing of the circumferential biasing force at the projection 35 can be suppressed. This allows the filter device 13 to be stably held between the casing 11 and the housing 12.

Furthermore, in the valve device 1 and filter device 13, the projection 35 is positioned toward the housing 12. Therefore, even if contamination occurs due to wear of the housing 12 caused by the projection 35, it is possible to suppress the flow of that contamination into the second flow path 24. Also, by positioning the projection 35 toward the housing 12, which is made of stainless steel (harder than aluminum), it is possible to suppress the generation of contamination due to wear of the casing 11.

[Second Embodiment]
The valve device 1A and filter device 13A of the second embodiment are similar in configuration to the valve device 1 and filter device 13 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the valve device 1A and filter device 13A of the second embodiment will mainly be described in terms of the differences from the valve device 1 and filter device 13 of the first embodiment, and identical components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. The same applies to the valve device 1B and filter device 13B of the third embodiment.

As shown in Figure 4, the valve device 1A comprises a casing 11, a housing 12, and a filter device 13A. The filter device 13A also includes a filter 31 and a retainer 32A. The retainer 32A has a main body portion 34, a projection 35A, and an inner extension portion 36.

The projection 35A has an elastic portion 35b and a flat portion 35c. The elastic portion 35b is formed to protrude axially to one side and to be elastically deformable, similar to the projection 35 in the first embodiment. The elastic portion 35b is formed, for example, in a circular arc cross-section. The flat portion 35c is integrally formed with the inner edge of the elastic portion 35b and extends further radially inward from the inner edge. The flat portion 35c is formed flat so that, when compressed, it contacts the other axial surface of the filter 31. Therefore, when the projection 35A is compressed, the inner edge of the projection 35A does not come into contact with the filter 31. Thus, damage to the filter 31 due to contact by the projection 35A can be suppressed. The opening of the projection 35A is also formed to be approximately the same size as the first opening 22a and the second opening 24a in this embodiment. This suppresses pressure loss of hydrogen gas.

Furthermore, the valve device 1A and filter device 13A of the second embodiment provide the same effects and advantages as the valve device 1 and filter device 13 of the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
The valve device 1B of the third embodiment includes a casing 11, a housing 12, and a filter device 13B, as shown in Figure 5. The filter device 13B has a filter 31 and a retainer 32B. The retainer 32B has a main body portion 34, a projection portion 35B, and an inner extension portion 36.

The projection 35B is formed to protrude in one axial direction and be elastically deformable, similar to the projection 35 in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the projection 35B is formed radially inward and is shorter than the projection 35 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the projection 35B extends to the vicinity of the top 35a. Therefore, in the compressed state, the inner edge of the projection 35B is separated from the filter 31. Thus, it is possible to prevent the projection 35B from contacting the filter 31 and damaging it. Furthermore, since the retainer 32B is made of stainless steel, like the housing 12, even if the inner edge of the projection 35B contacts the housing 12, it is possible to prevent contamination due to wear.

Furthermore, the valve device 1B and filter device 13B of the third embodiment provide the same effects and advantages as the valve device 1 and filter device 13 of the first embodiment.

[Regarding other embodiments]
In the valve devices 1, 1A, and 1B of this embodiment, leaf springs may be used instead of retainers 32, 32A, and 32B. The leaf spring, which is also an example of a retainer, is placed between the filter 31 and the housing 12. The leaf spring is compressed by the casing 11 and the housing 12 via the filter 31. As a result, the filter 31 is stably held by the leaf spring between the casing 11 and the housing 12, regardless of the size of the gap h between the filter 31 and the housing 12. Furthermore, the leaf spring is placed on the housing 12 side, which is made of stainless steel, which is harder than aluminum. This suppresses wear of the casing 11 and the generation of contamination. In addition, the leaf spring can press the filter 31 against the casing 11. This suppresses the flow of contaminants between the casing 11 and the filter 31 to the casing side.

Furthermore, in the valve devices 1, 1A, and 1B of this embodiment, an input port housing is given as an example of the housing 12, but it may also be, for example, a seat member on which a valve body is provided. Also, the retainers 32, 32A, and 32B are merely examples, and the main body 34 only needs to be able to hold the filter 31. The shape of the projection 35 is also not limited to the shape described above. The projection 35 may be formed in multiple equal intervals on one axial side of the main body 34, for example, and only needs to be formed to be elastically deformable. Also, the inner extension 36 does not necessarily need to be formed in the retainers 32, 32A, and 32B. The shape of the inner extension 36 is also not limited to the shape described above. The inner extension 36 may be formed in multiple equal intervals on the other axial side of the main body 34, for example, and only needs to be formed on the other axial side of the filter 31. Preferably, the inner extension 36 should be able to support the filter 31 from the other axial side.

1, 1A, 1B Valve device 11 Casing 12 Housing 13, 13A, 13B Filter device 22 First flow path 22a First opening 24 Second flow path 24a Second opening 31 Filter 32, 32A, 32B Retainer 34 Main body 35, 35A, 35B Projection 36 Inner extension

Claims (6)

A filter device comprising a filter having thickness in a predetermined direction, and a retainer provided on the filter and holding the filter on the inside,
A casing having a first channel through which a working fluid flows,
A housing having a second flow path, which is attached to the casing such that the first opening of the first flow path and the second opening of the second flow path face each other,
The retainer has a main body provided on the outer circumferential surface of the filter, and a projection extending inward from the main body and positioned on one side of the filter in a predetermined direction, wherein the projection is formed to protrude in one side of the predetermined direction and to be elastically deformable.
The filter device is a valve device in which both sides in a predetermined direction face the casing and the housing, respectively, and the filter is positioned between the first opening and the second opening . The retainer has an inner extension portion that extends inward from the main body and is positioned on the other side in a predetermined direction of the filter.
The valve device according to claim 1. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein the inner extension portion covers the entire outer edge of the other side of the filter in a predetermined direction. The main body covers the entire outer surface of the filter,
The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the projection is formed over the entire circumference of the main body. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the filter device has the projection facing the housing. The casing is made of aluminum.
The aforementioned housing is made of stainless steel.
The valve device according to claim 5 , wherein the first flow path is for flowing hydrogen gas.