Pressure regulating valve

Abstract

This pressure regulating valve can suppress the deterioration of sealing performance due to external forces without adding any components. [Solution] The pressure regulating valve 1 comprises a base member 2 and a valve body member 3. The base member 2 has an annular first seal portion 11 surrounding the opening 120 from the outer circumference, an annular second seal portion 12 provided so that the valve body member 3 can contact it, and a support portion 21 that supports the valve body member 3. The support portion 21 supports the valve body member 2 so that it can move so as to be in contact with the second seal portion 12. The valve body member 3 has a contact portion 31 and a side wall portion 32 extending from the contact portion 31. The contact portion 31 is capable of contacting the second seal portion 12. The side wall portion 32 is annular so as to cover the second seal portion 12 from the outer circumference and has an inclined portion 33. The inclined portion 33 widens outward as it goes downward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure regulating valve.

Background Art

[0002] For example, an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) has a battery pack. The battery pack has a plurality of cells (single batteries) inside a housing. In a battery pack having cells such as lithium ion batteries, during use, for example, gas such as hydrogen is generated due to over-discharge or the like, and as a result, the pressure in the internal space of each cell of the battery increases, and the cell may burst. In order to avoid such an increase in the pressure in the internal space of the cell, the battery has an explosion-proof valve that opens the internal space when the pressure in the internal space rises. Further, the housing of the battery pack has a pressure regulating valve that opens the internal space of the housing when the pressure in the internal space of the housing rises in order to prevent the pressure inside the housing from rising excessively due to the gas discharged from the internal battery.

[0003] For example, in recent years, due to the higher output of the battery, the amount of gas discharged into the internal space of the housing of the battery pack has increased. For these reasons, an improvement in the sealing performance of the pressure regulating valve of the battery pack is required, and various contrivances have been made (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] On the other hand, battery packs are sometimes mounted in vehicles in a way that exposes them to the outside, in which case external forces may be applied to the pressure regulating valve. For example, high-pressure water sprayed from a high-pressure washer may hit the pressure regulating valve. In this case, the pressure regulating valve may open due to the external force from the high-pressure water, and water may enter the housing. As shown in Patent Document 1, some conventional battery packs have a cover that covers the pressure regulating valve, and some have a configuration that can suppress external forces being applied to the pressure regulating valve.

[0006] However, conventional designs that can suppress external forces applied to the pressure regulating valve lead to an increase in the number of parts, increased space requirements, and higher manufacturing costs. Therefore, there is a need for a design that does not result in an increase in the number of parts, increased space requirements, or higher manufacturing costs, compared to conventional designs that can suppress external forces applied to the pressure regulating valve.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a pressure regulating valve that can suppress the deterioration of sealing performance due to external forces without adding any additional components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the pressure regulating valve according to the present invention is a pressure regulating valve that opens and closes an opening, comprising a base member and a valve body member, wherein the base member has a first seal portion which is an annular elastic body about an axis surrounding the opening from the outer circumference, a second seal portion which is an annular elastic body about the axis and is provided so as to be contactable by the valve body member, and a support portion which supports the valve body member, wherein the support portion supports the valve body member so as to be movable in the axial direction so as to be contactable by the second seal portion, the valve body member has a contact portion and a side wall portion which extends from the contact portion in one direction in the axial direction, the contact portion which is contactable by the second seal portion, the side wall portion which is annular about the axis so as to cover the second seal portion from the outer circumference, and also has an inclined portion which widens outward as it is directed toward one direction in the axial direction.

[0009] In a pressure regulating valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the inclined portion has an annular inclined surface about the axis facing the outer circumference, and the inclined surface widens towards the outer circumference as it is directed toward one side in the axial direction.

[0010] In a pressure regulating valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the inclined surface is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis, and the inclination angle is 5° or more and 45° or less.

[0011] In a pressure regulating valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the side wall portion is composed of the inclined portion.

[0012] In a pressure regulating valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the side wall portion is configured to face the second seal portion from the outer circumference when the contact portion contacts the second seal portion.

[0013] In a pressure regulating valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the side wall portion is configured such that when the contact portion contacts the second seal portion, one end of the side wall portion in the axial direction faces the base member with a gap between them.

[0014] In the pressure regulating valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the side wall portion is enhanced in rigidity with respect to bending with respect to the contact portion.

[0015] In the pressure regulating valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the side wall portion has a flange portion, which is an annular portion protruding to the outer peripheral side, at a portion of one end of the side wall portion in the axial direction.

[0016] In the pressure regulating valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the contact portion has a contact surface facing one direction in the axial direction, and the contact surface of the contact portion can contact the second seal portion.

[0017] In the pressure regulating valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the support portion has a spring body that biases the valve body member in one direction in the axial direction.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the pressure regulating valve of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in seal performance due to an external force without adding a configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing a battery pack to which a pressure regulating valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a pressure regulating valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of a pressure regulating valve. [Figure 4] It is a front view of a pressure regulating valve. [Figure 5] It is a rear view of a pressure regulating valve. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along line A1 - A1 in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along line A2 - A2 in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of the vicinity of the side wall portion in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a partial enlarged sectional view showing a modified example of the side wall portion. [Figure 10] It is a partial enlarged sectional view showing another modified example of the side wall portion. [Figure 11] It is a sectional view showing a pressure regulating valve in a use state where the pressure regulating valve is attached to the battery pack, and is a sectional view showing the pressure regulating valve in a closed state. [Figure 12] It is a sectional view showing a pressure regulating valve in a use state where the pressure regulating valve is attached to the battery pack, and is a sectional view showing the pressure regulating valve in an open state. [Figure 13] It is a sectional view showing an example of a modified example of the pressure regulating valve. [Figure 14] It is a partial enlarged sectional view showing another modified example of the side wall portion.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, not all of the plurality of components are labeled, and some of the labels of the plurality of components may be omitted.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a battery pack 100 to which a pressure regulating valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure regulating valve 1 is a pressure regulating valve that opens and closes an opening 120 formed in the housing 110 of the battery pack 100. The battery 100 is, for example, a battery pack used in an EV, HEV, or the like. A plurality of cells (single batteries) are housed inside the housing 110 of the battery pack 100. The cell is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 110 is, for example, a thin rectangular or substantially rectangular storage member having space inside. The housing 110 has a plurality of side wall portions 111 that define its periphery, and one of the side wall portions 111 has an opening 120 that connects the internal space S, which is the space inside the housing 110, to the outside of the housing 110. A plurality of screw holes 112 are formed around the opening 120 in the side wall portion 111. Screws 130 for fixing the pressure regulating valve 1 to the housing 110 are screwed into the screw holes 112. Note that the battery pack 100 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a battery pack to which the pressure regulating valve according to the present invention is applied, and various forms of battery packs are included in the battery packs to which the pressure regulating valve according to the present invention is applied. Furthermore, the applications to which the pressure regulating valve according to the present invention is used are not limited to battery packs used in vehicles such as EVs. The applications to the pressure regulating valve according to the present invention include other applications such as battery packs used in general industrial machinery and construction machinery.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the pressure regulating valve 1, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pressure regulating valve 1, Figure 4 is a front view of the pressure regulating valve 1, and Figure 5 is a rear view of the pressure regulating valve 1. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a section along line A1-A1 in Figure 4, and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a section along line A2-A2 in Figure 4. As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the pressure regulating valve 1 comprises a base member 2 and a valve body member 3. The base member 2 has a first seal portion 11 which is an annular elastic body around axis x that surrounds the opening 120 from the outer circumference, a second seal portion 12 which is an annular elastic body around axis x that is provided so that the valve body member 3 can contact it, and a support portion 21 that supports the valve body member 3. The support portion 21 is configured to support the valve body member 2 so that it can move in the axial x direction so as to be able to contact the second seal portion 12. The valve body member 3 has a contact portion 31 and a side wall portion 32 extending from the contact portion 31 in one direction in the axial x direction. The contact portion 31 is capable of contacting the second seal portion 12. The side wall portion 32 is annular around the axial x so as to cover the second seal portion 12 from the outer circumference and also has an inclined portion 33. The inclined portion 33 widens outward as it approaches one direction in the axial x direction. The configuration of the pressure regulating valve 1 will be described in detail below.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2-7, the pressure regulating valve 1, as an example, has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape that extends long in one radial direction. For the sake of explanation, the side facing one direction in the x-axis direction (direction of arrow a in Figure 2) will be referred to as the lower side, and the side facing the other direction in the x-axis direction (direction of arrow b in Figure 2) will be referred to as the upper side. The direction perpendicular to the x-axis is the radial direction. The direction in which the pressure regulating valve 1 extends long (direction of arrow y1 in Figure 2) will be referred to as the longitudinal direction, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction y1 (direction of arrow y2 in Figure 2) will be referred to as the short direction y2. Note that the shape of the pressure regulating valve 1 is not limited to the shape shown, and can take various shapes depending on the form of the housing 110 of the battery pack 100, such as the opening 120 and the side wall portion 111. For example, the pressure regulating valve 1 may have a circular or substantially circular shape.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2-7, the base member 2 specifically has a frame 20 in addition to the first sealing portion 11 and the second sealing portion 12. The frame 20 is a frame-shaped member. The frame 20 is made of, for example, metal. Specifically, for example, the frame 20 is made of stainless steel or the like. The frame 20 has a shape corresponding to the pressure regulating valve 1, and is, for example, polygonal. In this example, the frame 20 is rectangular or substantially rectangular. The frame 20 also has a frame body 22, the support portion 21 described above, and a plurality of mounting protrusions 23.

[0026] The frame body 22 is a frame-shaped part that primarily determines the shape of the frame body 20, and has a shape corresponding to the frame body 20. In this example, the frame body 22 is a rectangular or substantially rectangular frame-shaped part along a plane perpendicular to the axis x. Also, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the frame body 22 is a plate-shaped part having a pair of surfaces facing each other. A support part 21 is provided on the inner circumference side of the frame body 22, and a plurality of mounting protrusions 23 are provided on the outer circumference side of the frame body 22. The frame body 22 has a shape corresponding to the opening 120 of the battery pack 100 through which the pressure regulating valve 1 is opened and closed. Specifically, the frame body 22 has a shape that surrounds the opening 120 from the outer circumference when the pressure regulating valve 1 is in use attached to the battery pack 100, as will be described later. Also, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example, the outer end of the frame body 22 forms a step on the lower side.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2-4, the mounting projection 23 is a portion that protrudes outward from the outer end of the frame body 22, and is, for example, a plate-shaped portion that extends along a plane perpendicular to the axis x. The mounting projection 23 is a portion for fixing the pressure regulating valve 1 to the housing 110 of the battery pack 100, and has a configuration corresponding to the fixing means for fixing the pressure regulating valve 1 to the battery pack 100. The fixing means is, for example, a screw, and in this case, as shown in Figures 2-4, the mounting projection 23 has a through hole 23a that penetrates the mounting projection 23. In the frame body 20, the through hole 23a of the mounting projection 23 corresponds to a screw hole 112 formed in the side wall portion 111 of the housing 110 of the battery pack 100, and the mounting projection 23 is formed in the frame body 20 corresponding to the screw hole 112 of the housing 110. As an example, the frame body 20 has six mounting projections 23. The number of mounting protrusions 23 is not limited to six. In the frame 20, the mounting protrusions 23 are arranged such that the through holes 23a of each mounting protrusion 23 overlap with the screw holes 112 of the housing 110. The fixing means for fixing the pressure regulating valve 1 to the battery pack 100 is not limited to screws; for example, fixing means using adhesive may also be used. In this case, the mounting protrusions 23 have a form that corresponds to the fixing means.

[0028] As described above, the support portion 21 is the part that supports the valve body member 3 so that it can move in the axial x direction. Specifically, the support portion 21 has a spring body 24 that biases the valve body member 3 downward in the axial x direction, and a support frame portion 25 which supports the spring body 24. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the support frame portion 25 is provided on the inner circumference side of the frame body 22 and is connected to the frame body 22. The support frame portion 25 also has a through hole 25a with a shape corresponding to the spring body 24.

[0029] Furthermore, the frame 20 has a plurality of protrusions 26, as shown in Figures 2 to 7. For example, the frame 20 has two protrusions 26. The protrusions 26 are provided, for example, at positions opposite to the longitudinal direction y1. The protrusions 26 project upward from the outer peripheral end of the frame body 22. The protrusions 26 are plate-shaped.

[0030] Specifically, as will be described later, the spring body 24 generates a biasing force in the pressure regulating valve 1 that causes the contact portion 31 of the valve body member 3 to come into contact with the second seal portion 12. The spring body 24 is made of metal, for example. Also, as shown in Figures 2, 3, 5 to 7, the spring body 24 is formed by the assembly of multiple leaf springs 24a. Specifically, for example, the leaf springs 24a are curved so as to protrude between both ends, and the multiple leaf springs 24a are arranged in an annular shape at equal or approximately equal angular intervals from each other. Each leaf spring 24a is connected at one end to a ring portion 24b, which is an annular part, and fixed at the other end to a support frame portion 25. The ring portion 24b has a through hole 24c defined inside. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the assembled pressure regulating valve 1 described later, the leaf spring 24a is curved such that the ring portion 24b side of the leaf spring 24a protrudes upward through the through hole 25a of the support frame 25, allowing the ring portion 24b to move above the support frame 25. The method of fixing the leaf spring 24a to the support frame 25 is not particularly limited and may be any method such as bonding, welding, or press-fitting.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2-7, the first seal portion 11 extends along the frame body 22 and is fixed to the surface facing the lower side of the frame body 22. The first seal portion 11 has a shape corresponding to the opening 120 of the battery pack 100 through which the pressure regulating valve 1 opens and closes. Specifically, in the battery pack 100, it has a shape that surrounds the opening 120 from the outer circumference, and also has a shape that surrounds the through hole 22a defined on the inner circumference of the frame body 22 from the outer circumference. Furthermore, in the battery pack 100, the first seal portion 11 is in contact with the side wall portion 111 of the housing 110. The first seal portion 11 has, for example, two lips 11a at the contact end, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2-7, the second seal portion 12 extends along the frame body 22 and is fixed to the upper surface of the frame body 22. The second seal portion 12 extends in an annular shape and has a shape that surrounds the through hole 22a defined on the inner circumference of the frame body 22 from the outer circumference. In addition, the second seal portion 12 is configured to contact the contact portion 31 of the valve body member 3 in the pressure regulating valve 1. The second seal portion 12 has two lips 12a at the contact end, for example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0033] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first seal portion 11 and the second seal portion 12 are formed so as to face away from each other via the frame body 22 in the axial x direction, and are also provided so as to face away from each other via the frame body 22. However, the first seal portion 11 and the second seal portion 12 do not have to be formed so as to face away from each other via the frame body 22 in the axial x direction, nor are they provided so as to face away from each other via the frame body 22. Furthermore, the first seal portion 11 and the second seal portion 12 may be formed integrally. For example, the first seal portion 11 and the second seal portion 12 may be connected to each other at a part or all of the ends facing away from the lips 11a and 12a. In this case, a through hole is formed in the frame body 22, and the portion where the first seal portion 11 and the second seal portion 12 are connected passes through the through hole. The first seal portion 11 and the second seal portion 12 are elastic bodies and are formed from an elastic material. The elastic material of the first sealing portion 11 and the second sealing portion 12 is, for example, an elastomer, such as rubber or resin.

[0034] The valve body member 3 is the part that functions as a valve body in the pressure regulating valve 1, and has a contact portion 31 and a side wall portion 32, and is shaped to cover the frame 20. As shown in Figures 3, 4, 6, and 7, the contact portion 31 specifically has a contact surface 34 which is the surface facing downwards, and the contact surface 34 is capable of contacting the second seal portion 12. For example, the contact portion 31 has a contact surface 34 and an upper surface 35 which is the surface facing away from the contact surface 34 in the axial x direction, and is plate-shaped. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the contact surface 34 and the upper surface 35 are parallel or substantially parallel to each other, and the contact portion 31 has a uniform or substantially uniform thickness throughout. Also, the contact surface 34 extends parallel or substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis x.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7, the contact portion 31 has a shape corresponding to the second seal portion 12. Specifically, the outer peripheral end 34a, which is the outer peripheral end of the contact surface 34, extends along the second seal portion 12 and extends outward from the second seal portion 12 with a gap. In this example, the contact surface 34 is rectangular or substantially rectangular, and similarly, the contact portion 31 is rectangular or substantially rectangular.

[0036] The side wall portion 32 extends downward from the outer peripheral end of the contact portion 31 and extends annularly around axis x so as to cover the second seal portion 12 from the outer peripheral side with a gap. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the side wall portion 32 has an outer peripheral surface 36 and an inner peripheral surface 37, which are a pair of surfaces facing away from each other. The outer peripheral surface 36 and the inner peripheral surface 37 are each cylindrical surfaces extending along axis x, with the outer peripheral surface 36 facing the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral surface 37 facing the inner peripheral side. For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the outer peripheral surface 36 and the inner peripheral surface 37 are parallel or substantially parallel to each other, and the side wall portion 32 has a uniform or substantially uniform thickness throughout. As described above, the side wall portion 32 has an inclined portion 33 that widens outward as it extends downward along axis x. The inclined portion 33 may be formed in a part of the region of the side wall portion 32 in the axial x direction, or the entire side wall portion 32 may be composed of the inclined portion 33. In this example, the inclined portion 33 forms the entire side wall portion 32. Details of the side wall portion 32 will be described later.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 6, and 7, the valve body member 3 has a shaft portion 38. The shaft portion 38 is a columnar portion extending along the axis x and protruding downward from the contact surface 34 of the contact portion 31. The shaft portion 38 is housed in a through hole 24c defined by the ring portion 24b of the spring body 24 and connected to the spring body 24. For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the shaft portion 38 has a stepped surface 38a and an engaging projection 38b protruding from the stepped surface 38a. The stepped surface 38a is an annular surface around the axis x, for example, extending along a plane perpendicular to the axis x. The stepped surface 38a forms a radial step in the shaft portion 32. The stepped surface 38a is formed to contact the ring portion 24b of the spring body 24. Furthermore, the engaging projection 38b is a cylindrical or columnar portion that extends along the axis x and is formed to pass through the through hole 24c of the ring portion 24b of the spring body 24.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2-4 and 6, the valve body member 3 has a plurality of protrusions 39. The protrusions 39 are provided in correspondence with the protrusions 26 of the frame 20, and in this example, two protrusions 39 are provided. Each of the two protrusions 39 corresponds to the two protrusions 26 of the frame 20 and is provided at a position opposite to the longitudinal direction y1, protruding outward from the lower end of the side wall portion 32. The protrusions 39 extend, for example, along a plane perpendicular to the axis x and are plate-shaped. Also, at the tip of each protrusion 39, it faces the corresponding protrusion 26 of the frame 20 from the inner circumference side with a gap in between. The gap between the outer circumference end of the protrusion 39 and the frame 20 is a predetermined width, and is such that when the valve body member 3 rotates around the shaft portion 38 during the use of the pressure regulating valve 1 described later, the outer circumference end of the protrusion 39 and the frame 20 come into contact. Furthermore, each of the protruding portions 39 may be in contact with the corresponding protruding portion 26 of the frame 20 from the inner circumferential side at its tip.

[0039] The valve body member 3 has the above-described structure and is integrally formed from the same material. That is, the contact portion 31, the side wall portion 32, the shaft portion 38, and the protruding portion 39 are integrally formed parts of the valve body member 3 and are connected as one. The material forming the valve body member 3 is, for example, metal or resin. However, the valve body member 3 does not have to be integrally formed from the same material. For example, a part of the structure of the valve body member 3 may be formed separately and fixed to the other parts of the valve body member 3 by fixing means such as adhesive.

[0040] Furthermore, the pressure regulating valve 1 has a fixing member 4 for connecting the spring body 24 to the valve body member 3. Specifically, the fixing member 4 is a member for fixing the engaging projection 38b of the shaft portion 38, which is inserted through the through hole 24c of the ring portion 24b of the spring body 24, to the ring portion 24b. For example, the fixing member 4 has an engaging cylinder portion 4a that accommodates the engaging projection 38b of the shaft portion 38 and is capable of engaging with the engaging projection 38b. The engaging cylinder portion 4a is a cylindrical portion that extends along the axis x. The inner diameter of a certain region of the engaging cylinder portion 4a in the axial x direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the engaging projection 38b of the shaft portion 38, so that when the engaging projection 38b is inserted into the engaging cylinder portion 4a, the engaging projection 38b is press-fitted into the engaging cylinder portion 4a. As a result, the engaging cylinder portion 4a can be fixed to the engaging projection 38b, and the fixing member 4 can be fixed to the engaging projection 38b. The fixing member 4 is, for example, a push nut. However, the fixing structure of the fixing member 4 to the engaging projection 38b is not limited to the structure described above; other structures such as engagement using grooves or claws, or adhesive bonding may also be used.

[0041] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the shaft portion 38 of the valve body member 3 is connected to the spring body 24 of the base member 2, and the compression regulating valve 1 is assembled with all its components in place. Specifically, the engaging projection 38b of the shaft portion 38 is inserted into the through hole 24c of the ring portion 24b of the spring body 24, and the stepped surface 38a of the shaft portion 38 is brought into contact with the ring portion 24b. In this state, the engaging projection 38b is press-fitted into the engaging cylinder portion 4a of the fixing member 4, bringing the fixing member 4 into contact with the ring portion 24b. This connects the shaft portion 38 of the valve body member 3 to the spring body 24 of the base member 2. The fixing member 4 is fixed to the engaging projection 38b while in contact with the ring portion 24b, and the ring portion 24b of the spring body 24 is sandwiched between the fixing member 4 and the stepped surface 38a of the shaft portion 38. As a result, the shaft portion 38 of the valve body member 3 is fixed to the spring body 24 of the base member 2, and the valve body member 3 and the base member 2 are connected.

[0042] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the assembled pressure regulating valve 1, the contact surface 34 of the contact portion 31 of the valve body member 3 is in contact with the lip 12a of the second seal portion 12. The spring body 24 is elastically deformed, generating a downward biasing force, and the valve body member 3 is biased downward. As a result, the contact surface 34 of the contact portion 31 of the valve body member 3 is pressed against the lip 12a of the second seal portion 12. The magnitude of the downward biasing force generated by the spring body 24 is predetermined, and in the operating state described later, when an upward force of predetermined magnitude is applied to the valve body member 3, the valve body member 3 moves upward, and the contact between the contact surface 34 of the valve body member 3 and the second seal portion 12 is released.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the assembled pressure regulating valve 1, the side wall portion 32 of the valve body member 3 faces the side surface of the second seal portion 12 from the outer circumference side, with a gap between them. Also, the lower end 32a of the side wall portion 32 faces the base member 2 with a gap between it. Specifically, the lower end 32a of the side wall portion 32 faces a portion of the frame 20 with a gap between it. For example, the lower end 32a of the side wall portion 32 faces the frame body 22 of the frame 20 from above with a gap in the axial x direction. The lower end 32a of the side wall portion 32 may also face other parts of the frame 20 from above with a gap in the axial x direction. For example, the lower end 32a of the side wall portion 32 may face the mounting projection 23 of the frame 20 from above with a gap in the axial x direction. In this case, the side wall portion 32 covers not only the second sealing portion 12 but also the stepped portion at the outer peripheral end of the frame body 22 from the outer peripheral side, with a gap in between. In this case, the side wall portion 32 is designed not to interfere with the screw that passes through the through hole 23a of the mounting projection portion 23. For example, if it does not affect the sealing performance required for contact between the contact portion 31 of the valve body member 3 and the second sealing portion 12, the lower end 32a of the side wall portion 32 may be in contact with the frame body 22 or other parts of the frame body 20 such as the mounting projection portion 23.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, in the assembled pressure regulating valve 1, the outer peripheral ends of the protrusions 39 of the valve body member 3 each face the corresponding protrusions 26 of the frame 20 radially from the inner peripheral side. The outer peripheral ends of the protrusions 39 each face the corresponding protrusions 26 of the frame 20 from the inner peripheral side through a gap. The gap between the outer peripheral ends of the protrusions 39 and the frame 20 is of a predetermined width, such that when the valve body member 3 rotates around the shaft 38, the outer peripheral ends of the protrusions 39 and the corresponding protrusions 26 of the frame 20 come into contact. Note that the outer peripheral ends of the protrusions 39 may also be in contact with the corresponding protrusions 26 of the frame 20 from the inner peripheral side.

[0045] Next, the configuration of the side wall portion 32 of the valve body member 3 will be described in more detail. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the side wall portion 32 in Figure 7. As described above, the side wall portion 32 has an inclined portion 33, and in this example, the entire side wall portion 32 is composed of the inclined portion 33. As shown in Figure 8, the outer peripheral surface 36 of the inclined portion 33 widens outward as it moves downward in the direction of the axis x. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the outer peripheral surface 36, which is the inclined surface of the inclined portion 33, is inclined with respect to the axis x in cross-section and inclined outward toward downward. For example, the outer peripheral surface 36 of the inclined portion 33 has a shape that draws a straight line or a substantially straight line in cross-section with respect to the axis x, and the inclination angle, which is the angle between the axis x and the outer peripheral surface 36 of the inclined portion 33 in cross-section, is the inclination angle α. The inclination angle α is, for example, a predetermined value, specifically, for example, 5° or more and 45° or less.

[0046] Figure 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the side wall portion 32. As described above, the inclined portion 33 may be formed in a portion of the side wall portion 32 in the direction of the axis x. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the inclined portion 33 may be formed between both ends of the side wall portion 32. In this case, the portion of the side wall portion 32 excluding the inclined portion 32 extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the axis x. The inclined portion 33 may be formed at or near either end of the side wall portion 32. Furthermore, the side wall portion 32 may have two or more inclined portions 33. For example, the side wall portion 32 may have two inclined portions 33 between both ends of the side wall portion 32, or between both ends of the side wall portion 32 and at or near either end of the side wall portion 32, or at both ends of the side wall portion 32 and their respective vicinity.

[0047] Figure 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing another modified example of the side wall portion 32. As shown in Figure 10, the side wall portion 32 may have a flange portion 32b at its lower end, which is a portion that protrudes outward. By having the flange portion 32b at its lower end, the inclination angle α of the inclined portion 32b can be accurately formed to a desired angle in a manufacturing method such as press molding of the valve body member 3.

[0048] Next, the operation of the pressure regulating valve 1 having the above-described configuration will be explained. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the pressure regulating valve 1 in use, attached to the side wall portion 111 of the housing 110 of the battery pack 100. Note that in Figure 11, the pressure regulating valve 1 is closed, and Figure 11 shows the pressure regulating valve 1 in the closed operating state. The pressure regulating valve 1 covers the opening 120 formed in the side wall portion 111 of the housing 110 and is fixed to the side wall portion 111 by screws 130. Specifically, the screws 130 are inserted through the through holes 23a of each mounting projection 23 of the frame 20, and the screws 130 are screwed into the corresponding screw holes 112 of the side wall 111, thereby fixing the frame 20 to the side wall portion 111. In this way, the pressure regulating valve 1 is fixed to the housing 110.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, in the operating state, the lip 11a of the first seal portion 11 is pressed against the surface of the side wall portion 111 and surrounds the opening 120 from the outer periphery. As a result, the opening 120 is closed by the pressure regulating valve 1, and the internal space S of the housing 110 is sealed. As described above, the spring body 24 biases the valve body member 3 downward, and a biasing force is applied to the valve body member 3 that biases it downward, and the contact surface 34 of the contact portion 31 of the valve body member 3 is pressed against the lip 12a of the second seal portion 12.

[0050] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the pressure regulating valve 1 in use, attached to the side wall 111 of the housing 110 of the battery pack 100. In Figure 12, the pressure regulating valve 1 is open, and Figure 12 shows the pressure regulating valve 1 in the open operating state.

[0051] When the battery of the battery pack 100 is charged and discharged, the pressure in the internal space S of the housing 110 exceeds a predetermined pressure. This pressure causes a force greater than the biasing force from the spring body 24 to be applied to the contact surface 33 of the valve body member 3. As a result, the valve body member 3 is lifted upward, the contact surface 33 separates from the lip 12a of the second seal portion 12, and contact between the valve body member 3 and the second seal portion 12 is released. As shown in Figure 12, the pressure regulating valve 1 opens, and the opening 120 is opened to the outside of the housing 110. As a result, the gas that has filled the internal space S of the housing 110 is discharged to the outside of the housing 110. This prevents the pressure in the internal space S of the housing 110 from exceeding a predetermined pressure, thereby preventing the battery from igniting or burning.

[0052] When the pressure regulating valve 1 is opened, the opening 120 is opened to the outside of the housing 110, and the gas filling the internal space S of the housing 110 is discharged to the outside of the housing 110. As a result, the pressure in the internal space S of the housing 110 decreases, and the force trying to lift the valve body member 3 becomes smaller than the biasing force from the spring body 24. Consequently, the valve body member 3 moves downward and makes contact with the second seal portion 12, and the pressure regulating valve 1 closes again.

[0053] Furthermore, as described above, the outer peripheral ends of the protrusions 39 of the valve body member 3 each face the corresponding protrusions 26 of the frame 20 from the inner peripheral side in the radial direction. Therefore, rotation of the valve body member 3 around the shaft 38 is suppressed as the valve body member 3 moves. This suppresses a decrease in the sealing performance of the pressure regulating valve 1 as the pressure regulating valve 1 is opened and closed.

[0054] Furthermore, external forces may be applied to the pressure regulating valve 1 in the closed operating state shown in Figure 8. For example, high-pressure water ejected from a high-pressure washer or the like may hit the pressure regulating valve 1, thereby applying an external force to the pressure regulating valve 1. In particular, if high-pressure water is sprayed onto the pressure regulating valve 1 from a direction perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the axis x, high-pressure water may enter through the gap between the lower end 32a of the side wall portion 32 of the valve body member 3 and the frame 20, applying a force that lifts the valve body member 3 upwards. Depending on the magnitude of the water pressure, the valve body member 3 may be lifted against the biasing force of the spring body 24.

[0055] In contrast, as described above, the side wall portion 32 of the valve body member 3 has an inclined portion 33. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, when high-pressure water is injected into the pressure regulating valve 1 from a direction perpendicular to the axis x, the water also hits the inclined outer surface 36 of the inclined portion 33. At this time, as shown in Figure 8, the force F applied to the outer surface 36 of the inclined portion 33 has a downward force component F1, which presses the inclined portion 33 downward. Therefore, even if high-pressure water enters through the gap between the lower end 32a of the side wall portion 32 of the valve body member 3 and the frame 20, and a force is applied that lifts the valve body member 3, the downward force F1 applied to the inclined portion 33 prevents the valve body member 3 from being lifted. The downward force F1 applied to the inclined portion 33 is considered to be greater than the force that lifts the valve body member 3 generated by high-pressure water entering through the gap between the lower end 32a of the side wall portion 32 of the valve body member 3 and the frame 20. Therefore, even if high-pressure water enters through the gap between the lower end 32a of the side wall portion 32 of the valve body member 3 and the frame 20, and a force is applied that lifts the valve body member 3, it is believed that the downward force F1 applied to the inclined portion 33 prevents the valve body member 3 from being lifted.

[0056] Therefore, the pressure regulating valve 1 enables sealing performance that meets the requirements for high-pressure steam cleaning spray tests compliant with IPX9K based on JIS D5020:2016.

[0057] As described above, according to the pressure regulating valve 1 of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of sealing performance due to external forces without adding any components other than the base member 2 and the valve body member 3.

[0058] Although the present invention has been described above through the embodiments described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments above. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments described above. It will be clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0059] The embodiments described above are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. Furthermore, the embodiments described above do not limit the scope of application of the present invention, and the present invention may encompass anything as its target application. The components of the above embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes, are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the present invention includes differences that arise in the implementation of manufacturing tolerances, etc. Furthermore, components shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined to the extent that they do not contradict each other in a technical sense. In addition, each configuration can be selectively combined as appropriate to achieve at least some of the problems and effects described above.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figure 13, the mounting projection 23 on the frame 20 may be formed to protrude inward from the frame body 22. In this case, as shown in Figure 13, the lower end 32a of the side wall portion 32 faces the surface of the side wall portion 111 of the housing 110. Note that Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a modified pressure regulating valve 1. Furthermore, the pressure regulating valve 1 does not have a configuration to prevent the rotation of the valve body member 3. Specifically, the frame 20 does not have to have a projection 26, and the valve body member 3 does not have to have a projection 39.

[0061] Furthermore, the side wall portion 32 may have increased rigidity against bending relative to the contact portion 31. In other words, the side wall portion 32 may have a configuration that makes it difficult for it to bend when it receives a force from the outer circumference. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the side wall portion does not have a uniform thickness, and the end on the contact portion 31 side is thicker. As a result, the rigidity of the side wall portion 32 against bending relative to the contact portion 31 is increased, and the bending of the side wall portion 32 can change the inclination angle α of the inclined portion 33, thereby suppressing a decrease in the above-mentioned effect of the inclined portion 33. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1 Pressure regulating valve, 2 Base member, 3 Valve body member, 4 Fixing member, 4a Engaging cylinder part, 10, 11 First seal part, 11a Lip, 12 Second seal part, 12a Lip, 20 Frame body, 21 Support part, 22 Frame body, 22a Through hole, 23 Mounting projection, 23a Through hole, 24 Spring body, 24a Leaf spring, 24b Ring part, 24c Through hole, 25 Support frame part, 25a Through hole, 26 Protruding part, 31 Contact part, 32 Side wall part, 32a Lower end, 32b Flange part, 33 Inclined part, 34 Contact surface, 35 Top surface, 36 Outer circumference surface, 37 Inner circumference surface, 38 Shaft part, 38a Stepped surface, 38b Engaging projection, 39 Protruding part, 100 Battery pack, 110 Housing, 111 side wall, 112 screw hole, 120 opening, 130 screw, α inclination angle, F, F1 force, S internal space, x axis, y1 longitudinal direction, y2 transverse direction

Claims

1. A pressure regulating valve that opens and closes an opening, Base member and It comprises a valve body member, The base member has a first sealing portion which is an annular elastic body around an axis that surrounds the opening from the outer circumference, a second sealing portion which is an annular elastic body around the axis that is provided so that the valve member can come into contact with it, and a support portion that supports the valve member. The support portion is configured to support the valve body member so that it can move in the axial direction and contact the second seal portion. The valve member has a contact portion and a side wall portion extending from the contact portion in one direction in the axial direction. The contact portion is capable of contacting the second seal portion. The side wall portion is annular around the axis so as to cover the second sealing portion from the outer circumference, and also has an inclined portion. The inclined portion widens towards the outer circumference as it is directed toward one side in the axial direction. Pressure regulating valve.

2. The inclined portion has an annular inclined surface around the axis facing the outer circumference, The inclined surface widens towards the outer circumference as it is directed toward one side in the axial direction. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1.

3. The inclined surface is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis, The aforementioned inclination angle is between 5° and 45°. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 2.

4. The side wall portion is formed by the inclined portion. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1.

5. The side wall portion is positioned so as to face the second seal portion from the outer circumference when the contact portion comes into contact with the second seal portion. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1.

6. The side wall portion is such that when the contact portion contacts the second seal portion, one end of the side wall portion in the axial direction faces the base member with a gap between them. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1.

7. The side wall portion has increased rigidity with respect to bending relative to the contact portion. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1.

8. The side wall portion has a flange portion, which is an annular portion that protrudes outward, at one end of the side wall portion in the axial direction. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1.

9. The contact portion has a contact surface facing one of the axial directions, The contact surface of the contact portion is capable of contacting the second seal portion. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1.

10. The support portion has a spring body that biases the valve member toward one direction in the axial direction. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 1.

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