Valve

Abstract

The invention provides a valve. Provided is a technique for quickly opening a valve for releasing the pressure inside a case when the pressure inside the case accommodating a battery increases. The valve is attached to a case in which a battery is housed, and opens and closes a gas discharge port for discharging gas inside the case to the outside of the case. The valve is provided with: a first valve body that opens and closes the gas discharge port; an elastic body that presses the first valve body toward the gas discharge port; and a support body that supports the elastic body. The first valve body is provided with: a first pressure-receiving surface facing the inside of the housing via the gas discharge port; and a second pressure-receiving surface located around the first pressure-receiving surface, the second pressure-receiving surface receiving the pressure of the gas discharged from the gas discharge port to the outside of the housing when the first valve body is opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a valve for releasing pressure in a case accommodating a battery. Background Art

[0002] For example, a battery mounted on a vehicle or the like is housed in a housing. When the pressure inside the housing becomes high, it is necessary to reduce the internal pressure. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a valve for releasing the pressure inside a housing that houses a battery. The valve of Patent Document 1 opens when the pressure inside the housing is greater than a specified value, and releases the gas inside the housing to the outside. By releasing the gas inside the housing to the outside, the pressure inside the housing is reduced. The valve of Patent Document 1 is a flip-top type, and when the valve is opened, the valve core opens at an angle relative to the axis of the gas outlet.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-194719 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] When the pressure in the shell containing the battery is higher than a specified value, in order to avoid damage to the shell, the pressure in the shell needs to be quickly reduced. Therefore, when the pressure in the shell is higher than a specified value, it is sought to open the valve quickly. However, for the valve of Patent Document 1, the valve core opens at an angle relative to the axis of the gas exhaust port, so the pressure-bearing surface of the valve core cannot be used to efficiently withstand the pressure of the gas discharged from the shell. In this way, if the valve core opens at an angle, there is a problem that the valve cannot be opened quickly.

[0008] This specification discloses a technology for quickly opening a valve for releasing the pressure in a case that accommodates batteries when the pressure in the case increases.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] In the first technical solution of the present technology, a valve is installed in a shell that accommodates a battery, and is used to open and close a gas exhaust port for exhausting gas inside the shell to the outside of the shell. The valve includes: a first valve core that opens and closes the gas exhaust port; an elastic body that presses the first valve core toward the gas exhaust port; and a support body that supports the elastic body. The first valve core includes: a first pressure-bearing surface that faces the inside of the shell through the gas exhaust port; and a second pressure-bearing surface that is located around the first pressure-bearing surface, and the second pressure-bearing surface bears the pressure of the gas discharged from the gas exhaust port to the outside of the shell when the first valve core is opened.

[0011] According to this structure, the first valve core has a second pressure-bearing surface, so that when the first valve core opens, not only the first pressure-bearing surface but also the second pressure-bearing surface bears the pressure in the housing. Thus, when the first valve core opens, the area of ​​the first valve core that bears the pressure of the gas discharged from the gas outlet can be increased. Therefore, when the pressure in the housing becomes high, the first valve core can be opened quickly.

[0012] In a second technical solution, in the above-mentioned first technical solution, a flow path may be provided between the first valve element and the housing, through which gas discharged from the gas discharge port to the outside of the housing passes when the first valve element is opened.

[0013] According to this structure, when the first valve core opens, the gas in the housing is discharged through the flow path between the first valve core and the housing, so that the gas discharged from the housing is not easy to flow into the opposite side of the first valve core. Therefore, when the pressure of the housing 2 increases, the pressure on the opposite side of the first valve core is not easy to increase, and the first valve core can be opened quickly.

[0014] In the third technical solution, in the above-mentioned first or second technical solution, the shell may include an opening portion communicating with the inside and outside of the shell. The valve may also include: a mounting portion, which is arranged around the opening portion and mounted on the shell; and a barrel portion, which protrudes from the mounting portion to the outside of the shell. The gas exhaust port may be formed at the top end of the barrel portion. The first valve core may include: a first part, which is opposite to the barrel portion; and a second part, which is located around the first part, and the second part is located closer to the shell side than the first part.

[0015] According to this structure, the gas discharge port protrudes toward the outside of the housing by providing the cylindrical portion. Therefore, when the first valve element is opened, water is unlikely to enter the gas discharge port from the outside of the housing, and water can be prevented from entering the housing.

[0016] In the fourth technical solution, in the above-mentioned third technical solution, it may also be that, in the flow path for the gas discharged from the gas exhaust port to the outside of the shell when the first valve core is opened, during the period from the closed valve state to the open valve state to the specified range of the first valve core, the area of ​​the upstream flow path formed between the barrel and the first valve core is larger than the area of ​​the downstream flow path formed between the mounting portion and the first valve core.

[0017] According to this structure, during the period when the first valve core is opened from the closed valve state to the specified range, the area of ​​the upstream flow path is larger than the area of ​​the downstream flow path. As a result, during the period when the first valve core is opened from the closed valve state to the specified range, the gas in the housing is likely to flow from the gas outlet through the upstream flow path toward the downstream flow path, and on the other hand, the flow of the gas to the outside of the housing (atmosphere) via the downstream flow path is suppressed. Therefore, at the initial stage of opening the first valve core, the pressure in the housing acts on the first pressure-bearing surface and the second pressure-bearing surface, so that the valve opening stroke of the first valve core is likely to rise, and the gas is likely to flow from the gas outlet to the outside of the housing, so that the first valve core can be opened quickly when the pressure in the housing becomes high.

[0018] In the fifth technical solution, in the above-mentioned third or fourth technical solution, it can also be that, in the flow path for the gas discharged from the gas outlet to the outside of the shell when the first valve core opens the valve from the closed valve state to exceed the prescribed range, if the area of ​​the open flow path formed between the upper surface of the barrel and the first valve core is set to D1, the area of ​​the upstream flow path formed between the side surface of the barrel and the first valve core is set to D2, and the area of ​​the downstream flow path formed between the mounting portion and the first valve core is set to D3, then D1≤D2≤D3.

[0019] According to this structure, when the first valve core opens the valve from the closed valve state to exceed the prescribed range, the valve is configured in a manner of D1≤D2≤D3, so that the area of ​​the flow path for the gas discharged from the gas discharge port to the outside of the housing increases from the upstream side to the downstream side. As a result, when the gas discharged from the gas discharge port and passing through the open flow path of area D1 passes through the upstream flow path of area D2 and then flows into the downstream flow path of area D3, the resistance applied to the discharged gas can be reduced. Therefore, the reduction in the flow rate of the gas discharged from the gas discharge port can be suppressed.

[0020] In a sixth technical solution, in any one of the technical solutions of the first to fifth technical solutions, the first valve core may further include a protrusion protruding toward the outside of the housing at its outer peripheral portion. The protrusion may also block the gas discharged from the gas discharge port to the outside of the housing from flowing toward the opposite side of the first pressure-bearing surface and the opposite side of the second pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core.

[0021] According to this structure, the gas discharged from the housing through the gas outlet is blocked by the protrusion and is not easy to move to the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core (i.e., the first pressure-bearing surface and the second pressure-bearing surface). As a result, the pressure on the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core can be suppressed from increasing due to the gas discharged from the housing, and the valve opening speed of the first valve core can be suppressed from decreasing.

[0022] In a seventh technical solution, in any one of the above-mentioned technical solutions 1 to 6, the support body may include a cover covering the opposite surface of the first pressure-bearing surface and the opposite surface of the second pressure-bearing surface of the first valve element. Alternatively, the cover may include a first through hole penetrating the cover.

[0023] According to this structure, by using a cover, it is possible to suppress the gas discharged from the housing through the gas discharge port from flowing into the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core (that is, the opposite side of the first pressure-bearing surface and the opposite side of the second pressure-bearing surface). On the other hand, if the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core is covered, the first valve core is pressed from the pressure-bearing surface side when the first valve core opens the valve, and the pressure between the first valve core and the cover may increase. The cover is provided with the first through hole, so that when the first valve core is pressed from the pressure-bearing surface side, the gas between the first valve core and the cover is discharged from the first through hole. Therefore, even if a cover is provided, it is possible to suppress the pressure on the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core from increasing when the first valve core opens the valve. Therefore, the elastic body can be appropriately supported by the support body, and the pressure on the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core can be suppressed from increasing.

[0024] In the eighth technical solution, in the seventh technical solution, the support body may further include a second valve core for opening and closing the first through hole. The second valve core may close the valve when the pressure between the first valve core and the cover is lower than a predetermined value, so that the first through hole is in a state where gas cannot pass through, and may open the valve when the pressure between the first valve core and the cover is higher than a predetermined value, so that the first through hole is in a state where gas can pass through.

[0025] According to this structure, when the pressure between the first valve core and the cover is higher than a predetermined value, the second valve core opens and gas can pass through the first through hole. That is, when the first valve core opens, the pressure between the first valve core and the cover increases, and the second valve core opens. Therefore, it is possible to better suppress the pressure on the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core from increasing when the first valve core opens.

[0026] In the ninth technical solution, in the seventh or eighth technical solution, the first valve core may further include a protrusion protruding from its outer peripheral portion toward the outside of the housing. The protrusion may block the gas discharged from the gas outlet to the outside of the housing from flowing toward the opposite side of the first pressure-bearing surface and the opposite side of the second pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core. The protrusion may be arranged at a position closer to the outside than the cover when viewed along the axis of the gas outlet.

[0027] According to this structure, the gas discharged from the housing through the gas discharge port is blocked by the protrusion and is not easy to move to the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core (that is, the first pressure-bearing surface and the second pressure-bearing surface), and is also not easy to move to the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core due to the cover. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the pressure on the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the first valve core from increasing due to the gas discharged from the housing, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in the valve opening speed of the first valve core.

[0028] In the tenth technical solution, in any one of the technical solutions of the first to ninth technical solutions, the first valve core may include: a second through hole extending from the first pressure-bearing surface to the surface on the opposite side of the first pressure-bearing surface; and a third valve core that opens and closes the second through hole. The third valve core may open the valve when the pressure on the first pressure-bearing surface is lower than a specified value to allow gas to pass through the second through hole, and close the valve when the pressure on the first pressure-bearing surface is higher than a specified value to prevent gas from passing through the second through hole.

[0029] According to this structure, when the pressure on the first pressure-bearing surface is lower than a specified value (i.e., when the first valve core is closed), the third valve core opens. Therefore, when the first valve core is closed, the gas can move inside and outside the shell through the second through hole, and environmental changes (for example, temperature changes, etc.) can be appropriately responded to. In addition, when the pressure on the first pressure-bearing surface is higher than a specified value (i.e., when the first valve core is opened), the third valve core closes. Therefore, when the first valve core is opened, the second through hole is blocked by the third valve core, so that the first valve core can reliably bear the pressure by using the first pressure-bearing surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the valve of Example 1.

[0031] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing the valve core.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the pressure acting on the first pressure-receiving surface of the valve element and the valve opening degree of the valve element.

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the main part IV.

[0034] Figure 5 1 and 10 are diagrams showing a cover, wherein (a) is a top view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB line of (a), showing a valve core closed state, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB line of (a), showing a valve core open state.

[0035] Figure 6This is a diagram showing the relationship between the discharge flow rate of gas from the gas discharge port and the back pressure of the valve body when the valve body is open.

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the main part VII.

[0037] Figure 8 These are diagrams for explaining the flow path area of ​​the gas discharged from the gas exhaust port, (a) shows the state where the valve core is closed, (b) shows the state where the valve core is slightly open, and (c) shows the state where the valve core is fully open.

[0038] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing that the valve core opens rapidly at the initial stage of valve opening, (a) shows the relationship between the pressure acting on the first pressure-bearing surface of the valve core and the valve opening degree of the valve core, (b) shows the relationship between the discharge flow rate of the gas discharged from the shell when the pressure in the shell exceeds a specified value and time, (c) shows the relationship between the valve opening degree of the valve core and time when the pressure in the shell exceeds a specified value, and (d) shows the relationship between the internal pressure of the shell and the flow path pressure and time when the pressure in the shell exceeds a specified value.

[0039] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing the valve when the housing is submerged in water.

[0040] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing another structure of the valve of Example 1.

[0041] Fig.12 The figures show the supporting body of the valve of Example 2, (a) is a top view, (b) is a cross-sectional view at the BB line of (a), showing the state of the valve core closing the valve, and (c) is a cross-sectional view at the BB line of (a), showing the state of the valve core opening the valve.

[0042] Fig.13 This is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a valve according to Example 3.

[0043] Description of Reference Numerals

[0044] 2. 102, shell; 2a, opening of shell; 4, gas exhaust port; 7, mounting portion; 8. 108, cylinder; 10. 110, valve; 12. 212, valve core; 14, first part; 16, second part; 18, connecting portion; 20. 220, protrusion; 22, first pressure-bearing surface; 24, second pressure-bearing surface; 30, through hole (of valve core); 32, first auxiliary valve core; 40, elastic body; 42. 242, cover; 50, through hole (of cover); 52, second auxiliary valve core; 60, first sealing portion; 62, second sealing portion; 105, main body (of shell); 142, supporting body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] (Example 1)

[0046] The valve 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The valve 10 is mounted on a housing 2 that accommodates a battery. The housing 2 is mounted on a vehicle, for example. Figure 1 As shown, the housing 2 is provided with an opening 2a communicating with the inside and outside of the housing 2. The opening 2a is provided to discharge the gas in the housing 2 when the pressure in the housing 2 becomes high. The valve 10 is mounted on the opening 2a to open and close the opening 2a (more specifically, the gas discharge port 4 described later).

[0047] The valve 10 includes a housing mounting portion 6, a valve element 12, an elastic body 40, and a cover 42. The housing mounting portion 6 fixes the valve 10 to the housing 2 (specifically, a portion of the housing 2 provided with the opening 2a).

[0048] The mounting portion 7 is disc-shaped, and its outer shape is larger than the opening portion 2a of the housing 2. The mounting portion 7 is arranged so as to cover the opening portion 2a. The outer periphery of the mounting portion 7 is arranged on the housing 2. A circular opening is provided at the center of the mounting portion 7. The mounting portion 7 is fixed to the housing 2 by a fastening member 9 (e.g., a screw, etc.) on its outer periphery.

[0049] The cylindrical portion 8 extends from the opening of the mounting portion 7 to the outside of the housing 2 (at Figure 1 The cylinder 8 is cylindrical, and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis thereof is substantially constant. The end of the cylinder 8 on the side of the mounting portion 7 is connected to the mounting portion 7, and the end on the outside of the shell 2 is open. A gas outlet 4 is provided at the end of the cylinder 8 on the outside of the shell 2. By providing the gas outlet 4 at the end of the cylinder 8, the gas outlet 4 protrudes to the outside of the shell 2, and when the shell 2 is immersed in water, it is difficult for water to penetrate into the gas outlet 4.

[0050] The valve core 12 is made of metal, and is configured to open and close the gas exhaust port 4. Specifically, the valve core 12 closes the valve when the pressure in the shell 2 is lower than a specified value, and opens the valve when the pressure in the shell 2 is higher than a specified value. As described later, the valve core 12 is pressed toward the shell 2 by the elastic body 40. Therefore, when the pressure in the shell 2 is lower than a specified value, the valve core 12 is in a closed valve state to seal the gas exhaust port 4. On the other hand, when the pressure in the shell 2 is higher than a specified value, the valve core 12 is pressed toward the outer side of the shell 2 to open the gas exhaust port 4. In addition, in the present embodiment, the valve core 12 is metal, but is not limited to such a structure. The valve core 12 can be any one as long as it can open and close the gas exhaust port 4 according to the pressure in the shell 2. For example, the valve core 12 can also be made of resin.

[0051] like Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , the valve element 12 includes a first portion 14, a second portion 16, a connecting portion 18, and a protrusion 20. In addition, in order to make the drawings easier to see, Figure 2 The elastic body 40 , the cover 42 , and the second sealing portion 62 are omitted from illustration, and in the first valve element, the through hole 30 and the first auxiliary valve element 32 (described in detail later) are omitted from illustration.

[0052] The first portion 14 of the valve core 12 is a substantially circular flat plate. The first portion 14 is arranged perpendicularly to the axis of the cylinder 8 and faces the cylinder 8. The first portion 14 is larger than the gas outlet 4 and is in contact with the gas outlet 4 (for example, Figure 1 In the state shown), the gas outlet 4 is completely covered.

[0053] The second portion 16 is arranged at a position outside the valve core 12 relative to the first portion 14, and is located at the outer periphery of the valve core 12. The second portion 16 is an annular flat plate, and is arranged parallel to the first portion 14. The second portion 16 is located at a position closer to the mounting portion 7 than the first portion 14. The second portion 16 is separated from the mounting portion 7. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second portion 16 is arranged parallel to the first portion 14, but the second portion 16 may not be parallel to the first portion 14.

[0054] The connection portion 18 connects the first portion 14 and the second portion 16. The connection portion 18 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the first portion 14 and the second portion 16.

[0055] In the valve core 12, in the closed valve state, only the area facing the inside of the housing 2 via the gas outlet 4 can withstand the internal pressure of the housing 2. Hereinafter, the area facing the inside of the housing 2 via the gas outlet 4 in the closed valve state of the valve core 12 is sometimes referred to as the first pressure-bearing surface 22, and the pressure borne by the first pressure-bearing surface 22 is referred to as the first pressure P1. The first pressure-bearing surface 22 is provided in the area of ​​the first portion 14 that faces the gas outlet 4.

[0056] The diameter of the valve core 12 is larger than the diameter of the gas exhaust port 4. Therefore, the valve core 12 has an area around the first pressure-bearing surface 22 that is not opposite to the gas exhaust port 4 when the valve core 12 is in the closed valve state. When the valve core 12 changes from the closed valve state to the open valve state, the area around the first pressure-bearing surface 22 of the valve core 12 also bears the pressure of the gas discharged from the housing 2. Hereinafter, the area around the first pressure-bearing surface 22 of the valve core 12 is sometimes referred to as the second pressure-bearing surface 24, and the pressure borne by the second pressure-bearing surface 24 is referred to as the second pressure P2. The second pressure-bearing surface 24 is provided in an area of ​​the valve core 12 that is closer to the outer peripheral side than the first pressure-bearing surface 22. Therefore, the second pressure-bearing surface 24 includes the pressure-bearing surface of the area of ​​the first part 14 other than the first pressure-bearing surface 22, the pressure-bearing surface of the connecting portion 18, and the pressure-bearing surface of the second part 16. The pressure applied to the second pressure-receiving surface 24 when the valve is opened is much smaller than the first pressure P1 acting on the first pressure-receiving surface 22, and becomes smaller as it is farther from the gas discharge port 4. Therefore, in the second pressure-receiving surface 24, the order of the pressure received when the valve is opened from large to small is the first portion 14, the connecting portion 18, and the second portion 16.

[0057] In this embodiment, the valve core 12 includes the first pressure-receiving surface 22 and the second pressure-receiving surface 24. Since the valve core 12 includes the first pressure-receiving surface 22 and the second pressure-receiving surface 24, when the valve core 12 changes from the closed valve state to the open valve state, the pressure in the housing 2 is received on the second pressure-receiving surface 24 in addition to the first pressure-receiving surface 22. Therefore, when the valve core 12 opens the valve, the area of ​​the valve core 12 receiving the pressure of the gas discharged from the gas discharge port 4 can be increased. Therefore, when the pressure in the housing 2 increases, the valve core 12 can be quickly opened. In addition, since the valve core 12 includes the first pressure-receiving surface 22 and the second pressure-receiving surface 24, the gas discharged from the housing 2 passes between the second pressure-receiving surface 24 and the housing 2 (specifically, the mounting portion 7 disposed on the housing 2) and is discharged to the outside of the housing 2. By forming such a discharge flow path, the gas discharged from the housing 2 is less likely to flow into the opposite surface 26 side of the valve core 12 compared with a valve core without the second pressure-receiving surface 24. Therefore, when the pressure in the housing 2 increases, the pressure on the opposite surface 26 of the valve element 12 is unlikely to increase, and the valve element 12 can be opened quickly.

[0058] Figure 3 The pressure (acting pressure) acting on the first pressure-receiving surface 22 of the valve body 12 when the valve body 12 is opened and the valve opening degree (valve opening stroke) of the valve body 12 are shown. Figure 3 The graph A of FIG. 1 shows the valve core 12 having the first pressure-bearing surface 22 and the second pressure-bearing surface 24. The graph B shows, as a comparative example, a valve core having only the first pressure-bearing surface (i.e., a valve core having a size substantially the same as the gas discharge port 4). In addition, in the valve core of the graph B, a pressure substantially the same as the atmospheric pressure acts on the surface of the valve core opposite to the pressure-bearing surface.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, both the valve core 12 of the graph A and the valve core of the graph B open when the pressure acting on the first pressure-bearing surface 22 is higher than the specified value a. In the graph B of the comparative example, when the pressure acting on the valve core is higher than the specified value a, the valve core opens more as the pressure increases. On the other hand, the valve core 12 of the graph A opens more than the valve core of the graph B when the pressure acting on the valve core 12 is between the specified value a and the pressure b that is a certain degree higher than the specified value a. When the pressure acting on the valve core 12 is higher than the specified value a, the valve core 12 opens, so the valve core 12 bears the internal pressure of the housing 2 not only at the first pressure-bearing surface 22 but also at the second pressure-bearing surface 24. Therefore, when the pressure acting on the valve core 12 is between the specified value a and the pressure b that is a certain degree higher than the specified value a, the valve core 12 of the present embodiment opens more than the valve core of the comparative example.

[0060] The valve core 12 opens the valve when the pressure in the housing 2 is higher than a specified value. For example, when the pressure in the housing 2 rises sharply, it is necessary to quickly reduce the pressure in the housing 2. Therefore, it is desirable that the valve core 12 opens the valve quickly when opening the valve. In particular, it is desirable that the valve core 12 opens the valve quickly at the initial stage of valve opening. In the present embodiment, the valve core 12 has not only a first pressure-bearing surface 22 but also a second pressure-bearing surface 24, so that the valve core 12 can open the valve quickly when opening the valve.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the protrusion 20 is arranged on the outer periphery of the valve core 12 (i.e., the outer periphery of the second portion 16). The protrusion 20 is arranged throughout the circumference of the valve core 12. The protrusion 20 protrudes toward the outside of the housing 2. When the valve core 12 opens, the gas in the housing 2 is discharged to the outside of the housing 2. The valve core 12 is pressed by the gas discharged from the housing 2 to open the valve. If the gas discharged from the housing 2 flows toward the surface 26 (at the side opposite to the pressure-bearing surfaces 22 and 24) of the valve core 12, Figure 2 If the protrusion 20 is provided, the gas discharged from the housing 2 is blocked by the protrusion 20 and is not easy to move to the opposite surface 26 side. Therefore, the reduction of the valve opening speed of the valve core 12 can be suppressed.

[0062] A drain hole 23 is provided on the protrusion 20. The drain hole 23 is provided on the protrusion 20 at a position near the second portion 16 of the valve core 12. The drain hole 23 is provided locally in the circumferential direction of the valve core 12. It is sufficient that at least one drain hole 23 is provided on the valve core 12, and it may be one or more than two. If the housing 2 is flooded, there is a possibility that water will penetrate into the opposite side 26 of the valve core 12. If water penetrates into the opposite side 26 of the valve core 12, the water will be retained on the second portion 16 due to the protrusion 20. By providing the drain hole 23, when the housing 2 is flooded, the water that has penetrated into the opposite side 26 of the valve core 12 can be discharged from the drain hole 23. In addition, the drain hole 23 also functions as an air hole (described later).

[0063] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown in the figure, a through hole 30 is provided in the valve core 12, and a valve core 32 is provided in the through hole 30. Hereinafter, the valve core 12 is referred to as "the valve core 12" alone, and the valve core 32 provided in the valve core 12 is referred to as "the first auxiliary valve core 32". The through hole 30 extends from the first pressure-bearing surface 22 of the valve core 12 to the opposite surface 26. That is, when the valve core 12 is closed, the through hole 30 connects the inside and outside of the housing 2.

[0064] The first auxiliary valve element 32 is disposed in the through hole 30. Figure 4 As shown, the first auxiliary valve core 32 includes an insertion portion 34, a support portion 36 and a blocking portion 38. The insertion portion 34 is rod-shaped, and its cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis is smaller than the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 30. The insertion portion 34 extends as a whole across the through hole 30, and both ends protrude from the through hole 30. The support portion 36 is connected to the end of the insertion portion 34 on the outside of the shell 2. The support portion 36 is arranged outside the shell 2. The support portion 36 is spherical, and its diameter is larger than the diameter of the cross section of the through hole 30 perpendicular to the axis. The blocking portion 38 is connected to the end of the insertion portion 34 on the inside of the shell 2. The blocking portion 38 is arranged inside the shell 2. The blocking portion 38 is plate-shaped, and its cross-sectional area is larger than the cross section of the through hole 30 perpendicular to the axis. In addition, the outer peripheral portion of the blocking portion 38 is bent toward the valve core 12 side. The approximate center of the blocking portion 38 is connected to the insertion portion 34.

[0065] The first auxiliary valve element 32 opens the valve when the pressure in the housing 2 is lower than a predetermined value, and closes the valve when the pressure in the housing 2 is higher than a predetermined value. When the pressure in the housing 2 is lower than a predetermined value, the first auxiliary valve element 32 is located at a lower position due to its own weight, and is supported by the valve element 12 by the support portion 36. When the first auxiliary valve element 32 is located at a lower position, the blocking portion 38 is also located at a lower position, and a gap is formed between the blocking portion 38 and the valve element 12. Therefore, gas can pass between the insertion portion 34 and the through hole 30, and between the blocking portion 38 and the valve element 12. That is, the state in which the first auxiliary valve element 32 is located at a lower position is an open valve state. While the first auxiliary valve element 32 is in the open valve state, gas can pass through the through hole 30. Therefore, while the first auxiliary valve element 32 is in the open valve state, gas can move from the inside of the housing 2 to the outside through the through hole 30, and can also move from the outside of the housing 2 to the inside. When the pressure in the housing 2 is lower than a predetermined value, the valve element 12 closes the valve. The pressure in the housing 2 may change due to environmental changes such as temperature. The first auxiliary valve core 32 opens the valve when the pressure in the housing 2 is lower than a predetermined value, so that when the valve core 12 is closed, gas can move inside and outside the housing 2 through the through hole 30. Therefore, when the valve core 12 is closed, the pressure in the housing is appropriately adjusted.

[0066] When the pressure in the housing 2 is higher than a specified value, the blocking portion 38 receives the pressure in the housing 2 and moves upward. As a result, the first auxiliary valve core 32 moves upward as a whole. Since the blocking portion 38 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole 30 that is orthogonal to the axis, if the first auxiliary valve core 32 moves upward, the blocking portion 38 blocks the through hole 30. As a result, the gas cannot move in the through hole 30. That is, the state in which the first auxiliary valve core 32 is located at the upper position is a closed valve state. When the pressure in the housing 2 is higher than a specified value, the valve core 12 opens. If the through hole 30 is also open when the valve core 12 opens, the gas will be discharged from the through hole 30, reducing the pressure acting on the valve core 12. By closing the first auxiliary valve core 32 when the pressure in the housing 2 is higher than a specified value, the pressure reduction acting on the valve core 12 when the valve core 12 opens can be suppressed.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the elastomer 40 is a spring and is arranged in a manner to press the valve core 12. One end of the elastomer 40 is mounted on the second portion 16 of the valve core 12 (specifically, the surface of the second portion 16 on the side opposite to the second pressure-bearing surface 24), and the other end is mounted on the inner surface of the cover 42. The elastomer 40 is arranged in a manner such that its axis is substantially parallel to the axis of the gas exhaust port 4. The elastomer 40 is compressed between the valve core 12 and the cover 42, thereby pressing the valve core 12 toward the gas exhaust port 4. A plurality of elastomers 40 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the second portion 16 of the valve core 12. In addition, the number of elastomers 40 provided in the valve 10 is not particularly limited.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the elastic body 40 is mounted on the second portion 16 of the valve core 12. Therefore, the elastic body 40 presses the valve core 12 toward the housing 2 side by pressing the second portion 16 toward the housing 2 side. In order for the elastic body 40 to fully press the valve core 12, the elastic body 40 needs to extend within a certain range in the pressing direction. The elastic body 40 presses the second portion 16 located closer to the housing 2 side than the first portion 14, thereby being able to press the valve core 12 at a position closer to the housing 2 side than the gas exhaust port 4. Therefore, the range in which the elastic body 40 extends toward the outer side of the housing 2 than the gas exhaust port 4 can be reduced. Therefore, the increase in the overall size of the valve 10 can be suppressed.

[0069] The cover 42 is arranged at a position closer to the outside of the housing 2 than the valve core 12. Figure 5 As shown, when viewed along the axis of the gas outlet 4, the cover 42 is circular and larger than the valve core 12. Figure 5 In order to make the drawings easier to see, the through hole 50 and the second auxiliary valve core 52 described later are omitted. The cover 42 opens toward the housing 2 and is arranged in a manner to cover the valve core 12 (specifically, the opposite surface 26 of the valve core 12 on the side opposite to the pressure-bearing surface) as a whole. The cover 42 is supported by a support 44. The support 44 is arranged approximately parallel to the axis of the gas exhaust port 4. One end of the support 44 is connected to the mounting portion 7, and the other end is connected to the outer periphery of the cover 42. The support 44 is arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cover 42. By arranging the support 44 at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cover 42, a gap is formed between the cover 42 and the mounting portion 7 in the portion where the support 44 is not arranged. In the present embodiment, three support 44 are provided, but the number of support 44 is not particularly limited as long as the support 44 can support the cover 42. The support 44 is fixed to the mounting portion 7 by, for example, a screw.

[0070] The end of the elastic body 40 is fixed to the inner surface of the cover 42 (the surface opposite to the valve core 12). When the pressing force of the elastic body 40 pressing the valve core 12 is higher than the pressure in the housing 2, the valve core 12 is pressed by the elastic body 40 and pressed against the gas discharge port 4. The valve core 12 is pressed by the elastic body 40, so that the valve core 12 closes the valve. When the pressure in the housing 2 is higher than the pressing force of the elastic body 40 pressing the valve core 12, the valve core 12 is pressed toward the outside of the housing 2, and the elastic body 40 is compressed. Since the elastic body 40 is compressed, the valve core 12 opens the valve.

[0071] The cover 42 supports the elastic body 40 and covers the opposite surface 26 of the valve core 12. When the valve core 12 opens, the gas in the housing 2 is discharged from the gas outlet 4. Since there is a gap between the cover 42 and the mounting portion 7, the gas discharged from the gas outlet 4 passes through the gap between the cover 42 and the mounting portion 7 and is discharged to the outside of the housing 2. The opposite surface 26 of the valve core 12 is covered by the cover 42. Therefore, a space 46 is formed by the opposite surface 26 of the valve core 12, the protrusion 20 of the valve core 12, and the inner surface of the cover 42. By forming the space 46, the gas discharged from the gas outlet 4 is not easy to contact the opposite surface 26 of the valve core 12. Therefore, when the valve core 12 opens, the surrounding of the opposite surface 26 of the valve core 12 can also be kept in a state substantially consistent with the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, by providing the cover 42, it is possible to suppress the pressure around the opposite surface 26 of the valve core 12 from increasing due to the gas discharged from the gas outlet 4, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in the valve opening speed of the valve core 12.

[0072] Figure 6 The flow rate (discharge flow rate) of the gas discharged from the gas discharge port 4 when the valve body 12 is opened and the pressure (hereinafter also referred to as back pressure) acting on the opposite surface 26 of the valve body 12 are shown. Figure 6 The graphs A and B show the back pressure acting on the valve core 12 of the present embodiment (i.e., the valve core 12 having the first pressure-bearing surface 22 and the second pressure-bearing surface 24). In addition, graph A shows the back pressure acting on the valve core 12 having the protrusion 20, and graph B shows the back pressure acting on the valve core 12 not having the protrusion 20. Graph C, as a comparative example, shows the back pressure acting on the valve core of a valve configured so that all the gas discharged from the housing flows into the opposite side of the valve core (for example, the valve described in Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2020-194719). As shown Figure 6 As shown, for the graph C, since the exhaust flow rate from the gas exhaust port 4 all flows into the opposite side, the back pressure also increases when the exhaust flow rate increases. On the other hand, for the graphs A and B, even if the exhaust flow rate of the gas from the gas exhaust port 4 increases, the increase in back pressure is small, and in particular, the back pressure of the valve core 12 of the graph A having the protrusion 20 hardly changes. In this way, in this embodiment, since the cover 42 and the protrusion 20 are provided, the back pressure does not increase, and the reduction in the valve opening speed of the valve core 12 can be suppressed.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the cover 42 is provided with a through hole 50, and a valve body 52 is provided in the through hole 50. Hereinafter, the valve body 52 provided in the cover 42 is referred to as "second auxiliary valve body 52". The through hole 50 penetrates the cover 42 inside and outside.

[0074] The second auxiliary valve core 52 is provided in the through hole 50. Figure 7As shown, the second auxiliary valve core 52 includes an insertion portion 54, a blocking portion 56, and a stopper 58. The insertion portion 54 is rod-shaped, and its cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis is smaller than the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 50. The insertion portion 54 extends as a whole across the through hole 50, and both ends protrude from the through hole 50. The blocking portion 56 is connected to the end of the insertion portion 54 on the outer side of the cover 42. The blocking portion 56 is arranged outside the cover 42. The blocking portion 56 is plate-shaped, and its cross-sectional area is larger than the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 50. In addition, the outer peripheral portion of the blocking portion 56 is bent toward the cover 42 side. The approximate center of the blocking portion 56 is connected to the insertion portion 54. The stopper 58 is connected to the end of the insertion portion 54 on the inner side of the cover 42. The stopper 58 is arranged inside the cover 42. The stopper 58 is spherical, and its diameter is larger than the diameter of the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 50.

[0075] The second auxiliary valve core 52 closes the valve when the pressure in the space 46 is lower than the specified value, and opens the valve when the pressure in the space 46 is higher than the specified value. When the pressure in the housing 2 is lower than the specified value, the valve core 12 closes the valve. At this time, since the volume of the space 46 is large enough, the pressure in the space 46 is lower than the specified value, and the second auxiliary valve core 52 is located at a lower position due to its own weight. If the second auxiliary valve core 52 is located at a lower position, the second auxiliary valve core 52 is supported by the blocking portion 56. In addition, the through hole 50 is blocked by the blocking portion 56. Therefore, the gas in the space 46 cannot pass through the through hole 50. That is, the state in which the second auxiliary valve core 52 is located at a lower position is a closed valve state.

[0076] When the pressure in the housing 2 is higher than a specified value, the valve core 12 opens and moves toward the cover 42. When the valve core 12 opens, the volume of the space 46 decreases due to the movement of the valve core 12, and the pressure in the space 46 increases. Then, the gas in the space 46 moves into the through hole 50 and pushes the blocking portion 56. When the pressure in the space 46 is higher than a specified value, the blocking portion 56 moves upward. If the blocking portion 56 moves upward, the second auxiliary valve core 52 moves upward as a whole until the stopper 58 abuts against the cover 42. If the second auxiliary valve core 52 moves upward, the gas in the space 46 that pushes the blocking portion 56 via the through hole 50 is discharged to the outside of the cover 42 in this state. Therefore, when the pressure in the housing 2 is higher than a specified value and the valve core 12 opens, the second auxiliary valve core 52 can open and discharge the gas in the space 46 to the outside of the cover 42. That is, the state in which the second auxiliary valve element 52 is located at the upper position is the valve open state.

[0077] In this embodiment, by providing the cover 42 and the protrusion 20, a space 46 surrounded by the opposite surface 26 of the valve element 12, the cover 42 and the protrusion 20 can be formed, and the gas discharged from the gas discharge port 4 is suppressed from flowing into the opposite surface 26 of the valve element 12. On the other hand, when the valve element 12 is opened, the volume of the space 46 is reduced by the valve element 12, so the pressure of the space 46 increases, and the pressure acting on the opposite surface 26 of the valve element 12 exposed in the space 46 increases. By providing the through hole 50 and the second auxiliary valve element 52 in the cover 42, the gas in the space 46 can be discharged when the valve element 12 is opened. In addition, since the drainage hole 23 is provided in the protrusion 20, when the pressure in the space 46 increases, the gas in the space 46 is also discharged from the drainage hole 23. By discharging the gas in the space 46 when the valve element 12 is opened, it is possible to suppress the pressure in the space 46 from increasing when the valve element 12 is opened. Therefore, when the valve body 12 is opened, the pressure drop acting on the first pressure receiving surface 22 and the second pressure receiving surface 24 of the valve body 12 can be suppressed. In addition, since the drainage hole 23 is provided in the projection 20, the second auxiliary valve body 52 may not be provided in the cover 42.

[0078] Next, refer to Figure 8 , the flow path area of ​​the gas discharged from the gas discharge port 4 is described. Hereinafter, the area of ​​the flow path formed between the end of the cylinder 8 and the first part 14 when the valve core 12 is opened is referred to as "opening area D1", the area of ​​the flow path formed between the side of the cylinder 8 and the connecting part 18 is referred to as "upstream side area D2", and the area of ​​the flow path formed between the mounting part 7 and the second part 16 is referred to as "downstream side area D3".

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, the valve core 12 is formed so that when the valve core 12 is closed (refer to Figure 8 (a)), the upstream side area D2 is larger than the downstream side area D3, when the valve core 12 is fully opened (refer to Figure 8 (c)), the upstream side area D2 is less than the downstream side area D3. In addition, the valve core 12 is formed so that when the valve core 12 is fully opened, the upstream side area D2 is greater than the opening area D1. When the valve core 12 is formed as described above, during the period from the valve closing state to the valve opening within the prescribed range (refer to Figure 8 (b)), the upstream side area D2 is larger than the downstream side area D3. When the valve core 12 is closed, the valve core 12 and the gas outlet 4 are closed, and on the other hand, a gap is formed between the valve core 12 and the mounting portion 7. When the valve core 12 is closed, the gas outside the housing 2 flows from the gap between the valve core 12 and the mounting portion 7 into the space 28 formed outside the housing 2 and between the housing 2 and the valve core 12. Therefore, when the valve core 12 is closed, the pressure in the space 28 is substantially the same as the atmospheric pressure and is constant.

[0080] When the valve core 12 opens, the gas in the housing 2 is discharged from the gas outlet 4. During the period when the valve core 12 is opened from the closed state to the specified range, the upstream area D2 is larger than the downstream area D3. Compared with the downstream area D3, the gas is more likely to enter the upstream area D2 side where the flow path area is larger. Therefore, the gas is more likely to move from the upstream area D2 side to the downstream area D3 side, and the gas discharged from the gas outlet 4 is more likely to flow into the space 28. On the other hand, the gas is not easily discharged from the gap between the valve core 12 and the mounting portion 7 to the outside (atmosphere). Since the gas discharged from the gas outlet 4 enters the space 28, the second pressure P2 acting on the second pressure-bearing surface 24 is more likely to become higher. During the period when the valve core 12 is opened from the closed state to the specified range, the gas discharged from the gas outlet 4 enters the space 28, causing the pressure of the space 28 to rise, so that the valve core 12 can be quickly opened at the initial stage of opening.

[0081] In addition, when the valve core 12 is fully opened (refer to Figure 8 (c)), the opening area D1 ≤ the upstream area D2 ≤ the downstream area D3. That is, when the valve core 12 is fully opened, the area of ​​the flow path for the gas discharged from the gas outlet 4 to the outside of the housing 2 increases from the upstream side to the downstream side. As a result, when the gas discharged from the gas outlet 4 flows through the flow path of the opening area D1 and the upstream area D2 to the flow path of the downstream area D3, the resistance applied to the gas can be reduced. Therefore, the reduction in the flow rate of the gas discharged from the gas outlet 4 can be suppressed.

[0082] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing that the valve body 12 opens the valve quickly in the initial stage of valve opening. Fig. 9 The graphs A and B represent the valve core 12 of the present embodiment (i.e., the valve core 12 having the first pressure-bearing surface 22 and the second pressure-bearing surface 24). In addition, graph A is not adjusted so that the upstream area D2 is larger than the downstream area D3 when the valve core 12 is closed. In graph B, it is adjusted so that the upstream area D2 is larger than the downstream area D3 when the valve core 12 is closed. Graphs C and D, as comparative examples, represent a valve core having only the first pressure-bearing surface (i.e., a valve core having a size substantially the same as that of the gas exhaust port 4). Graph C is, for example, a valve core described in Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2020-194719, and is configured so that all the gas discharged from the gas exhaust port 4 flows into the surface of the valve core on the side opposite to the pressure-bearing surface. In addition, graph D is configured so that a pressure substantially the same as the atmospheric pressure acts on the surface of the valve core on the side opposite to the pressure-bearing surface.

[0083] like Fig. 9As shown in (a), the valve core 12 of the graph A opens more than the valve cores of the graphs C and D of the comparative example when the pressure acting on the valve core 12 exceeds a predetermined value. In addition, the valve core 12 of the graph B opens further than the valve core 12 of the graph A when the pressure acting on the valve core 12 exceeds a predetermined value. This means that the valve core 12 of the graph A opens quickly at the initial stage of the valve opening of the valve core 12, and the valve core 12 of the graph B opens more quickly at the initial stage of the valve opening of the valve core.

[0084] Fig. 9 (b)~ Fig. 9 (d) shows the relationship between the discharge flow rate of the gas discharged from the housing 2, the valve opening degree of the valve element 12, and the internal pressure (P1) and flow path pressure (P2) of the housing 2 and the elapsed time when the pressure in the housing 2 exceeds a specified value.

[0085] like Fig. 9 (b) and Fig. 9 As shown in (c), compared with the valve cores of the comparative examples C and D, the valve core 12 of the graph A rapidly increases the discharge flow rate of the gas discharged from the housing 2 at the initial stage of valve opening, and the valve core 12 also rapidly opens to a greater extent. In addition, compared with the valve core 12 of the graph A, the valve core 12 of the graph B rapidly increases the discharge flow rate of the gas discharged from the housing 2 at the initial stage of valve opening, and the valve core 12 also rapidly opens to a greater extent.

[0086] In addition, if Fig. 9 As shown in (d), the valve core 12 of the graph A rapidly reduces the internal pressure (P1) of the housing 2 at the initial stage of valve opening compared to the valve cores of the graphs C and D of the comparative example. In addition, the valve core 12 of the graph B rapidly reduces the internal pressure (P1) of the housing 2 at the initial stage of valve opening compared to the valve core 12 of the graph A. With respect to the flow path pressure (P2), the valve core 12 of the graph B is greater than the valve core 12 of the graph A at the initial stage of valve opening. Therefore, the valve core 12 of the graph B rapidly reduces the internal pressure (P1) of the housing 2 compared to the valve core 12 of the graph A.

[0087] In addition, since the valve core 12 of the graph A and the valve core 12 of the graph B open the valve quickly, the peak value of the internal pressure (P1) of the housing 2 of the valve core 12 of the graph A is smaller than that of the valve cores of the graphs C and D of the comparative example, and the peak value of the internal pressure (P1) of the housing 2 of the valve core 12 of the graph B is further smaller than that of the valve core 12 of the graph A. Therefore, the valve core 12 of the graph A and the valve core 12 of the graph B make the peak value of the internal pressure (P1) of the housing 2 smaller than the allowable housing internal pressure. On the other hand, the peak value of the internal pressure (P1) of the valve cores of the graphs C and D of the comparative example exceeds the allowable housing internal pressure. It can be seen that the valve core 12 of the present embodiment (i.e., the valve core 12 of the graph A and the valve core 12 of the graph B) opens the valve quickly at the initial stage of valve opening, so that the valve can be opened quickly when the pressure in the housing 2 exceeds the specified value, and damage to the housing 2 can be avoided. That is, it can be seen that by having the second part 16 of the valve core 12, the valve core 12 can be opened quickly at the initial stage of valve opening. By adjusting the exhaust flow path of the gas from the shell 2 as described above, the valve core 12 can be opened more quickly at the initial stage of valve opening, and damage to the shell 2 can be more reliably avoided.

[0088] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the valve 10 includes a first sealing portion 60 and a second sealing portion 62. The first sealing portion 60 is, for example, an O-ring, and is disposed throughout the entire circumference of the gas outlet 4 (i.e., the end of the cylinder 8 on the outer side of the housing 2). By disposing the first sealing portion 60 at the gas outlet 4, the valve core 12 and the gas outlet 4 are sealed when the valve core 12 is closed. By sealing the valve core 12 and the gas outlet 4 when the valve core 12 is closed, water can be prevented from entering the housing 2 from between the valve core 12 and the gas outlet 4 even when the housing 2 is flooded.

[0089] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the exhaust flow path of the gas from the housing 2 is adjusted so that the upstream side area D2 is larger than the downstream side area D3 when the valve core 12 is closed. Fig.10 As shown, if the upstream side area D2 is larger than the downstream side area D3 when the valve core 12 is closed, even if the housing 2 is flooded, water will not penetrate into the entire space 28 formed outside the housing 2 and between the housing 2 and the valve core 12. Therefore, when the housing 2 is flooded, it is possible to more reliably prevent water from penetrating into the housing 2 from between the valve core 12 and the gas discharge port 4.

[0090] like Figure 1As shown, the second sealing portion 62 is, for example, a lip seal, and is disposed throughout the entire circumference between the end of the valve core 12 (more specifically, the second portion 16) and the mounting portion 7. By disposing the second sealing portion 62, the valve core 12 and the mounting portion 7 are sealed when the valve core 12 is closed. By sealing the valve core 12 and the mounting portion 7 when the valve core 12 is closed, water is prevented from entering the space 28 when the housing 2 is flooded. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent water from entering the housing 2.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, when viewed along the axis of the gas outlet 4, the cover 42 is larger than the valve core 12, but the structure is not limited to this. Fig.11 As shown, when viewed along the axis of the gas outlet 4, the cover 242 is smaller than the valve core 212. That is, it is also possible that, when viewed along the axis of the gas outlet 4, the protrusion 220 of the valve core 212 is arranged at a position closer to the outside than the cover 242. In such a case, the gas discharged from the housing 2 is blocked by the protrusion 220 and is not easy to move to the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the valve core 212, and is not easy to move to the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the valve core 212 due to the cover 242. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the pressure on the opposite side of the pressure-bearing surface of the valve core 212 from increasing, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in the valve opening speed of the valve core 212.

[0092] (Example 2)

[0093] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the valve core 12 is covered by the cover 42, but the structure is not limited to this. For example, the valve core 12 may not be covered by the cover 42, or the elastic body 40 may be supported by the support body 142 instead of the cover 42. In addition, in this embodiment, the support body 142 supporting the elastic body 40 is different from the cover 42 of the above-mentioned first embodiment, and the other structures are roughly the same. Therefore, the description of the same structure as the valve 10 of the first embodiment is omitted. In addition, in Fig.12 In the figure, the protrusion 20 , the through hole 30 , and the first auxiliary valve element 32 of the valve element 12 are omitted, but the valve element 12 may include the protrusion 20 , the through hole 30 , and the first auxiliary valve element 32 .

[0094] like Fig.12 As shown, the support body 142 is arranged at a position closer to the outer periphery of the housing 2 than the valve core 12. When viewed along the axis of the gas discharge port 4, the support body 142 is annular, and its outer periphery is roughly consistent with the outer periphery of the valve core 12. The support body 142 is separated from the second portion 16 of the valve core 12, and an elastic body 40 is arranged between the support body 142 and the second portion 16. One end of the elastic body 40 is mounted on the second portion 16, and the other end is mounted on the support body 142.

[0095] The support body 142 is supported by a support column 144. The support column 144 includes a support body 144a, a connection portion 144b, and a base 144c. The support body 144a is arranged substantially parallel to the axis of the gas exhaust port 4. When viewed along the axis of the gas exhaust port 4, the support body 144a is arranged at a position closer to the outside than the outer periphery of the valve core 12. The support body 144a extends from the mounting portion 7 to the height at which the support body 142 is located. The connection portion 144b extends from the end of the support body 144a opposite to the housing 2 toward the support body 142. The connection portion 144b connects the support body 144a and the support body 142. The base 144c extends from the end of the support body 144a on the housing 2 side toward the side opposite to the support body 142. The base 144c is arranged on the mounting portion 7. The base 144c is fixed to the mounting portion 7, for example, by a screw or the like.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the support body 142 supports the elastic body 40 without covering the valve core 12. In the present embodiment as well, since the valve core 12 has the second pressure-bearing surface 24, the pressure-bearing area of ​​the valve core 12 when the valve core 12 opens the valve can be increased, and the valve core 12 can be opened quickly. In addition, since the elastic body 40 is provided in the second portion 16, the size of the entire valve including the support body 142 can be suppressed from becoming larger.

[0097] (Example 3)

[0098] In the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, the cylinder 8 is provided on the housing mounting portion 6 of the valve 10, but the present invention is not limited to such a structure. Fig.13 As shown, the cylinder 108 is provided in the housing 102. In addition, the structure of the cylinder 108 of the valve 110 of this embodiment is different from that of the valve 10 of the first embodiment, and the other structures are substantially the same. Therefore, the description of the same structure as the valve 10 of the first embodiment is omitted.

[0099] The valve 110 includes a valve element 12, an elastic body 40, and a cover 42. That is, the valve 110 is different from the valve 10 of the first embodiment described above in that the valve 110 does not include a housing mounting portion 6.

[0100] The housing 102 includes a main body 105 for accommodating the battery and a cylindrical portion 108 having a gas outlet 4. The cylindrical portion 108 extends from the main body 105 to the outside of the housing 102 (at Fig.13 The cylinder 108 is cylindrical, and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis thereof is substantially constant. The end of the cylinder 108 on the side of the main body 105 is connected to the main body 105, and the end on the outside of the shell 102 is open. A gas outlet 4 is provided at the end of the cylinder 108 on the outside of the shell 102. The valve core 12 is installed in a manner to open and close the gas outlet 4 provided in the cylinder 108 of the shell 102.

[0101] In this embodiment as well, the gas discharge port 4 is provided at the end of the cylinder 108, and the valve element 12 is provided to open and close the gas discharge port 4 provided in the cylinder 108. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0102] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3, the cylinder 8 and 108 are cylindrical, but the structure is not limited to this. For example, the cylinder 8 and 108 may be a polygonal cylinder when the cylinder 8 and 108 are observed along their axis. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3, the valve core 12 is roughly circular, but the structure is not limited to this. The shape of the valve core 12 is not limited as long as it can open and close the gas exhaust port 4 provided at the end of the cylinder 8 and 108. For example, the valve core 12 may also be a polygon.

[0103] Points of attention related to the valve 10 described in the embodiment are described. The valve core 12 of the embodiment is an example of a "first valve core", the through hole 30 is an example of a "second through hole", the first auxiliary valve core 32 is an example of a "third valve core", the through hole 50 is an example of a "first through hole", and the second auxiliary valve core 52 is an example of a "second valve core".

[0104] The specific examples of the present invention are described in detail above, but these are only examples and are not intended to limit the claims. The technologies described in the claims include technologies that are variously modified and altered to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings are technically useful alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application. In addition, the technologies illustrated in this specification or the drawings can achieve multiple purposes at the same time, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical usefulness.

Claims

1. A valve mounted on a housing for accommodating a battery, for opening and closing a gas outlet for discharging gas inside the housing to the outside of the housing, wherein: The valve has: a first valve core for opening and closing the gas exhaust port; an elastic body that presses the first valve element toward the gas discharge port; and a supporting body, which supports the elastic body, The first valve core comprises: a first pressure-receiving surface facing the interior of the housing through the gas discharge port; and The second pressure-receiving surface is located around the first pressure-receiving surface, and the second pressure-receiving surface receives the pressure of the gas discharged from the gas discharge port to the outside of the housing when the first valve element is opened.

2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein: A flow path is provided between the first valve element and the housing, through which gas discharged from the gas discharge port to the outside of the housing passes when the first valve element is opened.

3. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing has an opening communicating with the inside and outside of the housing. The valve further comprises: a mounting portion, which is arranged around the opening and mounted on the housing; and a cylindrical portion, which protrudes from the mounting portion to the outside of the housing. The gas discharge port is formed at the top end of the cylinder. The first valve element includes a first portion facing the cylindrical portion and a second portion located around the first portion, the second portion being located closer to the housing than the first portion.

4. The valve according to claim 3, wherein: In the flow path for the gas discharged from the gas outlet to the outside of the shell when the first valve core is opened, during the period from the closed valve state to the open valve state to the specified range of the first valve core, the area of ​​the upstream flow path formed between the side surface of the barrel and the first valve core is larger than the area of ​​the downstream flow path formed between the mounting portion and the first valve core.

5. The valve according to claim 3, wherein: In the flow path for gas discharged from the gas outlet to the outside of the shell when the first valve core opens from the closed state to exceed a prescribed range, if the area of ​​the open flow path formed between the upper surface of the cylinder and the first valve core is set to D1, the area of ​​the upstream flow path formed between the side surface of the cylinder and the first valve core is set to D2, and the area of ​​the downstream flow path formed between the mounting portion and the first valve core is set to D3, then D1≤D2≤D3.

6. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first valve element further includes a protrusion on its outer peripheral portion protruding toward the outside of the housing. The protrusion blocks the gas exhausted from the gas exhaust port to the outside of the housing from flowing toward the opposite side of the first pressure-receiving surface and the opposite side of the second pressure-receiving surface of the first valve element.

7. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support body includes a cover covering a surface opposite to the first pressure-receiving surface and a surface opposite to the second pressure-receiving surface of the first valve element. The cover includes a first through hole that penetrates the cover.

8. The valve according to claim 7, wherein: The support body further includes a second valve element for opening and closing the first through hole. The second valve core closes the valve when the pressure between the first valve core and the cover is lower than a specified value, so that the first through hole becomes a state where gas cannot pass through, and opens the valve when the pressure between the first valve core and the cover is higher than a specified value, so that the first through hole becomes a state where gas can pass through.

9. The valve according to claim 7, wherein: The first valve element further includes a protrusion on its outer peripheral portion protruding toward the outside of the housing. The protrusion blocks the gas discharged from the gas discharge port to the outside of the housing from flowing toward the opposite side of the first pressure-receiving surface and the opposite side of the second pressure-receiving surface of the first valve element. The protrusion is arranged on the outside of the cover when viewed along the axis of the gas exhaust port.

10. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first valve body includes: a second through hole extending from the first pressure-receiving surface to a surface opposite to the first pressure-receiving surface; and a third valve body that opens and closes the second through hole. The third valve core opens the valve when the pressure on the first pressure-bearing surface is lower than a specified value, allowing gas to pass through the second through hole, and closes the valve when the pressure on the first pressure-bearing surface is higher than a specified value, preventing gas from passing through the second through hole.

Images