KR20240008434A - Valve assembly for high pressure hydrogen tank - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention not only has a structure that can be quickly and accurately fastened to a hydrogen storage tank and a fuel cell stack, but also opens in response to an external force such as an external force applied when mounted on the fuel cell stack or manual pressure by an operator, thereby discharging the fuel. It relates to a valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank that supplies hydrogen gas to the battery stack and has a structure that automatically closes the valve when the external force is removed.

Description

Valve assembly for high pressure hydrogen tank {VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR HIGH PRESSURE HYDROGEN TANK}

The present invention relates to a valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank. More specifically, the present invention relates to a valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank, and more specifically, to a structure capable of opening and closing a passage through which hydrogen gas enters and exits by interlocking with the action of an external force while high-pressure hydrogen gas is coupled to a hydrogen tank stored inside. It relates to a valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank.

Fuel cells are a highly efficient, clean energy source, and their use area is gradually expanding. Among various types of fuel cells, polymer electrolyte (membrane) fuel cells (PEMFC) in particular are better than other types of fuel cells. It operates at a relatively low temperature, has a short start-up time, and has quick response characteristics to load changes.

In particular, polymer electrolyte fuel cells have high efficiency and high current density and power density. Additionally, it is less sensitive to pressure changes in the reaction gases (hydrogen and oxygen in the air) and can produce a wide range of output. For this reason, it can be applied to a variety of fields, such as a power source for pollution-free vehicles, self-generation, mobile, and military power sources.

A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is a device that generates electricity by electrochemically reacting hydrogen and oxygen to produce water. The supplied hydrogen is separated into hydrogen ions and electrons in the anode catalyst, and the separated hydrogen ions pass through the electrolyte membrane. It passes to the cathode.

At this time, oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode combines with electrons entering the cathode through an external conductor to generate water and generate electrical energy.

Meanwhile, in order to obtain the required potential in an actual vehicle or drone, unit cells must be stacked to the required potential, and the unit cells stacked in this way are called a stack (or fuel cell stack). The potential generated from one unit cell is approximately 1.2V, and the power required for the load is supplied by stacking multiple cells in series.

Each unit cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA: Membrane Electrode Assembly), an anode to which hydrogen is supplied on both sides across a polymer electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions are transferred from the membrane electrode assembly, and a cathode to which air (oxygen) is supplied. Electrodes are provided.

A gas diffusion layer is disposed outside the anode and cathode electrodes including the catalyst layer, and a fuel cell stack is formed by sequentially stacking such a membrane electrode assembly and a separator plate on which reaction gas and coolant channels are formed.

In the operation of these fuel cells, a stable supply of hydrogen gas is an important operating factor. In particular, multiple fuel cells may be deployed in an actual vehicle or drone, and a uniform supply of hydrogen gas at a constant pressure to each fuel cell is required.

Since the hydrogen gas present inside the gas tank is usually under high pressure, it requires gradual pressure reduction in order to supply it to the fuel cell. To this end, a pressure reducing valve is installed at the outlet of the gas tank to gradually reduce the pressure of the gas.

In addition, the discharge valve is connected to a separate pressure reducing valve to supply depressurized hydrogen gas to each fuel cell. However, the conventional connection structure between the discharge valve and the hub that distributes the gas is complicated, which limits quick connection and disconnection. , there were problems such as hydrogen gas leaking through the gap between the components that perform the opening and closing operations.

Korean Patent No. 10-2006330 (registered on July 26, 2019) Japanese Patent Publication No. 20299766 (published on December 11, 2008)

The present invention not only has a structure that can be quickly and accurately fastened to a hydrogen storage tank and a fuel cell stack, but also opens in response to an external force such as an external force applied when mounted on the fuel cell stack or manual pressure by an operator, thereby discharging the fuel. The purpose is to provide a valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank that supplies hydrogen gas to the battery stack and has a structure that automatically closes the valve when the external force is removed.

The present invention not only has a structure that can be quickly and accurately fastened to a hydrogen storage tank and a fuel cell stack, but also opens in response to an external force such as an external force applied when mounted on the fuel cell stack or manual pressure by an operator, thereby discharging the fuel. It relates to a valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank that supplies hydrogen gas to the battery stack and has a structure that automatically closes the valve when the external force is removed, enabling the hydrogen gas contained within the hydrogen tank (10) to be depressurized and discharged. a pressure reducing unit (100) installed in communication with the hydrogen inlet/outlet hole of the hydrogen tank (10); A first flow passage (200a) communicating with the gas discharge port of the pressure reduction unit (100) so that the hydrogen gas depressurized by passing through the pressure reduction unit (100) can be supplied to the fuel cell stack, and an outer circumferential surface of the first flow passage (200a) A connector 200 in which a second flow path 200b is formed with a vertical step whose diameter is determined at the top of the first flow path 200a so that the circumference is expanded; a spring 300 having a larger diameter than the first flow passage 200a and a smaller diameter than the second flow passage 200b and disposed at an inner bottom of the second flow passage 200; A lower portion in which a third flow passage 400a is formed along an upward direction from the bottom center and a fourth passageway 400b is formed that branches vertically in both directions at the top of the third passage 400a, and a fifth passage is formed along a downward direction in the upper center. It consists of a flow path (400c) and an upper part where a sixth flow path (400d) branching vertically in both directions is formed at the bottom of the fifth flow path (400c), and the outer circumference of the lower part is so that it can be inserted and mounted on the inner circumference of the upper part of the spring 300. A slide portion 400 on the periphery of which a vertical step whose diameter becomes smaller is formed; It is inserted downward from the top of the second flow path (200b) of the connector 200, and a thread formed along the outer circumference of the lower end is screwed to a thread formed around the outer circumference of the upper end of the second flow path (200b) of the connector 200, An insertion hole 500a is formed across the inner bottom center to the bottom center so that the slide part 400 can be inserted from the inner bottom center to the top, but the slide part 400 moves downward due to an external force. In this state, it communicates with the fourth flow path (400b) and the sixth flow path (400d) of the slide part 400, the external force is released, and the nut part 400 moves upward by the repulsive force of the spring 300. A nut portion 500 formed to extend in the height direction and outward in a region of the insertion hole 500a facing the fourth passage 400b so as to communicate only with the fourth passage 400b in the state; And a second insert that is inserted downward from the upper center of the insertion hole 500a of the nut portion 500 to press the slide portion 400 downward and communicates with the fifth flow passage 400c of the slide portion 400. It includes a pressurizing portion 600 in which a 7th flow path 600a and an 8th flow path 600b branching from the 7th flow path 600a are formed.

In addition, an insertion groove 400e that is recessed in the inward direction is formed between the fourth flow passage 400b and the sixth flow passage 400d around the outer peripheral surface of the slide part 400, and a sealing member is formed in the insertion groove 400e. (410) is characterized by internal acceptance.

In particular, the pressing portion 600 is characterized by a protruding stopper 610 formed along the outer peripheral surface to limit the distance that can be moved downward by external force.

At this time, an insertion groove 600c that is recessed in the inward direction is formed between the protruding stopper 610 and the position where the eighth flow path 600b is formed around the outer peripheral surface of the pressing part 600, and the insertion groove ( 600c) is characterized in that the sealing member 620 is internally accommodated.

The present invention has a structure that is mounted on a structure so that downward pressure can be applied to the pressurized part and at the same time opens a flow path that can supply hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, so it can be quickly and accurately fastened to the hydrogen storage tank and fuel cell stack and at the same time provides hydrogen It has the effect of supplying gas.

In addition, an insertion groove that is recessed in the inward direction is formed between the fourth and sixth passageways around the outer peripheral surface of the slide portion of the valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank of the present invention, and the sealing member is internally accommodated in this insertion groove, thereby forming a pressurized portion. It is effective in preventing leakage into the gap between the outer circumference of the upper end of the slide part and the inner circumference of the nut part before the external force is applied or in the state in which the applied external force is released.

In addition, an insertion groove that is recessed in the inward direction is formed between the protruding stopper and the position where the eighth flow passage is formed around the outer peripheral surface of the pressurizing portion of the valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank of the present invention, and the sealing member is internally accommodated in this insertion groove. Accordingly, there is an effect of preventing leakage into the gap between the outer circumference of the slide part and the inner circumference of the nut part.

In addition, the valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank of the present invention forms a protruding stopper along the outer circumference of the pressurizing part, so that it can limit the vertical movement distance of the pressurizing part moved by downward pressure, so that it can be used to supply hydrogen gas according to the applied downward pressure. It is effective in preventing operational errors in valve closing and opening operations.

1 is an exploded side view of a valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a state diagram showing a state in which the valve for a high-pressure hydrogen tank is closed (a) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a state diagram showing the open (b) state of the valve for a high-pressure hydrogen tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and will be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments only serve to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to those skilled in the art to fully convey the scope of the invention. This is provided to inform you. In the drawings, like symbols refer to like elements.

Figure 1 is an exploded side view of a valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the present invention not only has a structure that can supply hydrogen gas by quickly and accurately fastening to a hydrogen storage tank and a fuel cell stack, but also has a structure that can supply hydrogen gas when mounted on the fuel cell stack. It relates to a valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank having a structure in which the valve is opened in response to an external force such as manual pressurization to supply hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack, and at the same time the valve is automatically closed when the external force is removed, A pressure reducing unit 100 installed in communication with the hydrogen inlet/outlet hole of the hydrogen tank 10 to allow the hydrogen gas contained within the hydrogen tank 10 to be discharged by reducing the pressure, and a pressure reducing unit 100 passing through the pressure reducing unit 100. A first flow path (200a) communicating with the gas discharge port of the pressure reducing unit 100 to supply hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack, and a first flow path (200a) such that the circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the first flow path (200a) is expanded. A connector (200) having a second flow passage (200b) with a vertical step formed in a shape whose diameter is determined at the top of the connector, and a diameter larger than the first passage (200a) and a diameter larger than the second passage (200b). The spring 300 is formed small and disposed at the inner bottom of the second flow path 200, and the third flow path 400a is formed along the upper side from the center of the bottom and runs vertically in both directions from the top of the third flow path 400a. A fifth passageway (400c) is formed along the lower end from the center of the upper and lower end where the branched fourth passageway (400b) is formed, and a sixth passageway (400d) is formed that branches vertically in both directions at the bottom of the fifth passageway (400c). A slide portion 400 that is composed of an upper portion and has a vertical step with a smaller diameter around the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion so that it can be inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the upper upper portion of the spring 300, and a second flow path of the connector 200 ( 200b) It is inserted downward from the top, and a screw thread formed along the outer circumference of the lower part is screwed to a screw thread formed around the outer circumferential surface of the upper part of the second passage 200b of the connector 200, and the slide part is inserted from the center of the inner bottom to the top. An insertion hole 500a is formed from the inner bottom center to the bottom center so that 400 can be inserted, and the fourth part of the slide part 400 is formed in a state in which the slide part 400 is moved downward by an external force. It communicates with the flow path 400b and the sixth flow path 400d, and the external force is released so that the nut part 400 is moved upward by the repulsive force of the spring 300 and communicates only with the fourth flow path 400b. The area of the insertion hole 500a facing the fourth flow path 400b includes a nut portion 500 that is formed to expand in the height direction and outward direction, and an upper center portion of the insertion hole 500a of the nut portion 500. A seventh flow path (600a) that is inserted along the lower side and presses the slide part (400) downward and communicates with the fifth flow path (400c) of the slide part (400) and a third flow path (600a) branching from the seventh flow path (600a). It includes a pressurizing portion 600 in which 8 flow paths 600b are formed.

The pressure reducing unit 100 is a means for depressurizing the high-pressure hydrogen gas stored in the hydrogen tank 10, and is installed in communication with the hydrogen inlet/outlet hole of the hydrogen tank 10.

In particular, the pressure reducing unit 100 is used not only for depressurizing high-pressure hydrogen gas stored in the hydrogen tank 10, but also for charging hydrogen gas from an external hydrogen storage device where hydrogen gas is stored. In this case, the hydrogen It may be configured to charge hydrogen gas through a separate flow path in addition to the flow path communicating with the hydrogen inlet/outlet hole of the tank 10.

In the case of the pressure reducing unit 100, a detailed description thereof will be omitted since it is similar to the valve configuration for lowering the pressure of a conventional high-pressure gas.

The connector 200 is a means interposed between the pressure reducing unit 100 and the pressurizing unit 600 to supply hydrogen gas that is decompressed and discharged from the pressure reducing unit 100 to the fuel cell stack. A first flow path (200a) communicates with the gas discharge port of (100) and a vertical step in a shape whose diameter is determined at the top of the first flow path (200a) so that the circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the first flow path (200a) is expanded. An internal flow path (200a) composed of the formed second flow path (200b) is formed.

The spring 300 is a means of cushioning the slide part 400, which is inserted and mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end, when it moves downward in conjunction with the pressing part 600, which moves downward by external force. The diameter is larger than the first flow passage (200a) and smaller than the second flow passage (200b), and is disposed at the inner bottom of the second flow passage (200).

The slide part 400 is a component that moves downward in conjunction with the pressing part 600, which moves downward by external force, and includes a third flow path 400a formed along the upper side from the center of the bottom and the third flow path 400a. ), a lower portion where a fourth passage (400b) is formed that branches vertically in both directions at the top, a fifth passage (400c) that is formed along the bottom from the upper center, and a fourth passage (400c) that branches vertically in both directions at the bottom of the fifth passage (400c). It consists of an upper part where a sixth passage 400d is formed, and a vertical step of a smaller diameter is formed around the outer circumferential surface of the lower part so that it can be inserted and mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the upper upper part of the spring 300.

The nut portion 500 is inserted and fixed along a downward direction from the top of the second passage 200b of the connector 200, and is inserted into the inner bottom center so that the slide portion 400 can be inserted from the inner bottom center to the top. An insertion hole 500a is formed across the center of the bottom to provide a communicating space so that hydrogen gas can move while the slide 400 and the pressurizing part 600 move, and the connector 200 ) is inserted downward from the top of the second flow path (200b), and a screw thread formed along the outer circumferential surface of the lower part is screwed to a screw thread formed around the outer circumferential surface of the upper part of the second flow path (200b) of the connector 200, and at the center of the inner bottom. An insertion hole 500a is formed from the inner bottom center across the bottom center so that the slide part 400 can be inserted along the upper direction, and when the slide part 400 is moved downward by an external force, the It communicates with the fourth flow path (400b) and the sixth flow path (400d) of the slide part 400, and the external force is released and the nut part 400 is moved upward by the repulsive force of the spring 300. The area of the insertion hole 500a facing the fourth flow path 400b is formed to be expanded in the height direction and outward direction so as to communicate only with the fourth flow path 400b.

The pressing part 600 is inserted downward from the upper center of the insertion hole 500a of the nut part 500 and presses the slide part 400 downward to discharge hydrogen gas stored inside the hydrogen tank 10. As a means that operates to open the flow path, the seventh flow path (600a) communicates with the fifth flow path (400c) of the slide part 400 and the eighth flow path (600b) branches off from the seventh flow path (600a). ) is formed.

Meanwhile, before the external force is applied to the pressing part 600 or in a state in which the external force being applied is released, leakage occurs in the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the slide part 400 and the inner peripheral surface of the nut part 500. To prevent this, an insertion groove 400e that is recessed in the inward direction is formed between the fourth flow passage 400b and the sixth flow passage 400d around the outer peripheral surface of the slide part 400, and the insertion groove 400e ) It is preferable that the sealing member 410 is internally accommodated.

In addition, it is preferable that the pressurizing part 600 has a protruding stopper 610 formed along the outer peripheral surface to limit the distance that can be moved downward by external force.

In addition, the protruding stopper 610 and the An insertion groove 600c that is recessed in the inward direction is formed between the positions where the eighth flow passage 600b is formed, and the sealing member 620 is preferably accommodated in the insertion groove 600c.

In addition, it is preferable to include a connector connecting the pressurization unit 600 and the fuel cell stack so that the eighth flow path 600b of the pressurization unit 600 and the hydrogen supply port of the fuel cell stack can communicate.

Figure 3 is a state diagram showing a state in which the valve for a high-pressure hydrogen tank is closed (a) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a state diagram showing the valve for a high-pressure hydrogen tank in an open state (b) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a state diagram that represents a state.

Hereinafter, the operating state of the valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

(a) In a state in which no external force is applied to the pressurizing unit 600 or the applied external force is removed, the passages for supplying hydrogen gas are not in communication with each other and are closed.

(b) A state in which the worker directly applies downward pressure to the pressurizing part or a state in which downward pressure is applied from the structure on which the hydrogen tank is mounted. As pressure is applied downward to the pressurizing part, the pressurizing part 600 ) moves downward in conjunction with the downward movement of the slide unit 400.

In particular, the position where the protruding stopper 610 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pressing portion 600 abuts the top of the nut portion 500 is the maximum distance that the pressing portion 600 can move downward, and the pressing portion ( The slide unit 400 can slide downward by a distance corresponding to the maximum distance that 600 can move downward.

The fourth flow path 400d at the upper end of the slide part 400 and the sixth flow path 400d at the lower end of the slide part 400 are located in the height and outward directions among the insertion holes 500a of the nut part 500. It communicates through an expanded area.

Accordingly, the hydrogen gas stored inside the hydrogen tank moves along the following path in a depressurized state in the pressure reducing unit 100 and is supplied to the fuel cell stack.

(Hydrogen gas movement path) Gas discharge port of the pressure reducing unit 100 → First flow path 200a of the connector 200 → Second flow path 200b of the connector 200 → Third flow path 400a of the slide part 400 ) → fourth flow path (400b) of the slide part 400 → area formed to expand in the height direction and outward direction among the insertion hole (500a) of the nut part 500 → sixth flow path (400d) of the slide part 400 → Fifth passage (400c) of the slide portion (400) → Seventh passage (600a) of the pressing portion (600) → Eighth passage (600b) of the pressing portion (700) → Internal passage (20a) of the connector (20) → Fuel cell stack

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the above-described preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto and is limited by the claims described below. Accordingly, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present invention without departing from the technical spirit of the claims described later.

10: Hydrogen tank 20: Connector
20a: Internal flow path of the connector 100: Pressure reducing unit
200: connector 200a: first channel
200b: 2nd Euro 300: Spring
400: Slide part 400a: Third flow path
400b: 4th euro 400c: 5th euro
400d: 6th Euro 400e: Insertion groove
410: Sealing member
500: nut portion 500a: insertion hole
600: Pressurizing part 600a: 7th flow path
600b: 8th Euro 600c: Insertion groove
610: Protruding stopper 620: Sealing member

Claims (4)

A pressure reducing unit (100) installed in communication with the hydrogen inlet/outlet hole of the hydrogen tank (10) to depressurize and discharge the hydrogen gas contained within the hydrogen tank (10);
A first flow passage (200a) communicating with the gas discharge port of the pressure reduction unit (100) so that the hydrogen gas depressurized by passing through the pressure reduction unit (100) can be supplied to the fuel cell stack, and an outer circumferential surface of the first flow passage (200a) A connector 200 in which a second flow path 200b is formed with a vertical step whose diameter is determined at the top of the first flow path 200a so that the circumference is expanded;
a spring 300 having a larger diameter than the first flow passage 200a and a smaller diameter than the second flow passage 200b and disposed at an inner bottom of the second flow passage 200;
A lower portion where a third flow path (400a) is formed along the upper side from the bottom center and a fourth flow path (400b) is formed that branches vertically in both directions at the top of the third flow path (400a), and a fifth channel is formed along the lower side from the upper center. It consists of a flow path (400c) and an upper part where a sixth flow path (400d) branching vertically in both directions is formed at the bottom of the fifth flow path (400c), and the outer circumference of the lower part is so that it can be inserted and mounted on the inner circumference of the upper part of the spring 300. A slide portion 400 on the periphery of which a vertical step whose diameter becomes smaller is formed;
It is inserted downward from the top of the second flow path (200b) of the connector 200, and a thread formed along the outer circumference of the lower end is screwed to a thread formed around the outer circumference of the upper end of the second flow path (200b) of the connector 200, An insertion hole (500a) is formed across the inner bottom center to the bottom center so that the slide part 400 can be inserted from the inner bottom center to the top, but the slide part 400 moves downward due to an external force. In this state, it communicates with the fourth flow path (400b) and the sixth flow path (400d) of the slide part 400, the external force is released, and the nut part 400 moves upward by the repulsive force of the spring 300. A nut portion 500 formed to extend in the height direction and outward in a region of the insertion hole 500a facing the fourth passage 400b so as to communicate only with the fourth passage 400b in the state; and
A seventh insert is inserted downward from the upper center of the insertion hole 500a of the nut portion 500 to press the slide portion 400 downward and communicates with the fifth flow passage 400c of the slide portion 400. A valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank including a pressure portion (600) in which a flow path (600a) and an eighth flow path (600b) branching from the seventh flow path (600a) are formed.
In claim 1,
An insertion groove 400e that is recessed in the inward direction is formed between the fourth flow path 400b and the sixth flow path 400d around the outer peripheral surface of the slide part 400, and a sealing member (400e) is formed in the insertion groove 400e. 410) A valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank, characterized in that it is internally accommodated.
In claim 1,
A valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank, wherein the pressurizing part 600 has a protruding stopper 610 protruding along the outer peripheral surface to limit the distance that can be moved downward by external force.
In claim 3,
An insertion groove 600c that is recessed in the inward direction is formed between the position where the protruding stopper 610 and the eighth flow passage 600b are formed around the outer peripheral surface of the pressing portion 600, and the insertion groove 600c is formed. A valve assembly for a high-pressure hydrogen tank, characterized in that the sealing member 620 is internally accommodated.