Plate spring

Abstract

The invention provides a plate spring. A leaf spring (28) has a disc member (30) and a plurality of claw portions (32) provided on the disc member, positioned between an outer peripheral end (30t2) of the disc member and an inner peripheral end (30t1) of the disc member, arranged in a circumferential direction (CD) of the disc member, each of the plurality of claw portions extending in a radial direction (RD) of the disc member and warping in a thickness direction (TD) of the disc member. Therefore, the plate spring can well apply surface pressure to the pressed body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a leaf spring. Background Art

[0002] In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-157213, a water electrolysis device is disclosed which includes a leaf spring and a cathode power supply body. The leaf spring applies a load to the cathode power supply body. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Recently, there has been an expectation for a leaf spring that can apply a load (surface pressure) to a pressed body such as a cathode power supply body more favorably.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to solve the above technical problems.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a leaf spring having a disk member and a plurality of claw portions. The plurality of claw portions are provided on the disk member, located between the outer peripheral end and the inner peripheral end of the disk member, and arranged along the circumferential direction of the disk member. The plurality of claw portions respectively extend in the radial direction of the disk member and warp in the thickness direction of the disk member.

[0006] According to the present invention, the leaf spring can favorably apply surface pressure to the pressed body.

[0007] The above objects, features, and advantages should be easily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic view showing a water electrolysis stack according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is an exploded view of a unit cell included in the water electrolysis stack.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a top view showing a leaf spring and a plate-like member included in the unit cell.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the leaf spring and a part of the plate-like member.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the leaf spring and a part of the plate-like member according to Modification 1. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0013] (One Embodiment) Figure 1 It is a schematic view showing a water electrolysis stack 10 according to an embodiment.

[0014] The water electrolysis stack 10 has a plurality of stacked single cells 12. The water electrolysis stack 10 is provided, for example, in a water electrolysis device. The water electrolysis device having the water electrolysis stack 10 is, for example, a differential pressure type high-pressure water electrolysis device.

[0015] The outer appearances of the plurality of single cells 12 are each substantially disk-shaped. A hydrogen communication hole 10c is formed in the central portion in the radial direction of the single cell 12. The hydrogen communication hole 10c extends in the stacking direction of the plurality of single cells 12 of the water electrolysis stack 10. Hydrogen (high-pressure hydrogen) generated by the water electrolysis device can be taken out from the single cell 12 (water electrolysis stack 10) through the hydrogen communication hole 10c.

[0016] Figure 2 It is an exploded view of the single cell 12 included in the water electrolysis stack 10.

[0017] As Figure 2 shown, the single cell 12 has a first separator 16, a second separator 18, an electrolyte membrane catalyst structure 20, a first power supply body 22, a second power supply body 24, a plate-like member 26, and a leaf spring 28. In addition, the structural elements that the single cell 12 can have are not limited to these (for example, also refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2019-157213), but the description in this embodiment is omitted.

[0018] The first separator 16 serves as the cathode separator of the single cell 12. In contrast, the second separator 18 serves as the anode separator of the single cell 12. The first separator 16 and the second separator 18 are each, for example, a carbon member, but may also be a metal member.

[0019] The electrolyte membrane catalyst structure 20 is a structure located between the first separator 16 and the second separator 18. The electrolyte membrane catalyst structure 20 has a PEM 201 and a first catalyst layer 202. The PEM 201 is, for example, a hydrocarbon-based or fluorine-based polymer electrolyte membrane. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is included in the polymer electrolyte membrane. The first catalyst layer 202 is provided on the surface of the PEM 201 facing the first separator 16. The first catalyst layer 202 contains, for example, a platinum-based catalyst. In addition, although the specific illustration is omitted, the electrolyte membrane catalyst structure 20 further has a second catalyst layer 203. The second catalyst layer 203 is provided on the surface (not shown) of the PEM 201 facing the second separator 18. The second catalyst layer 203 contains, for example, a ruthenium-based catalyst.

[0020] The electrolyte membrane catalyst structure 20 is held between a first power supply body 22 and a second power supply body 24. The first power supply body 22 is a disk-shaped cathode power supply body located between the electrolyte membrane catalyst structure 20 and a first separator 16 serving as a cathode separator. In contrast, the second power supply body 24 is a disk-shaped anode power supply body located between the electrolyte membrane catalyst structure 20 and a second separator 18 serving as an anode separator.

[0021] The plate-like member 26 is a disk-shaped member located between the first power supply body 22 and the first separator 16. The plate-like member 26 is, for example, a conductive member (conductive sheet) formed of a metal (alloy). The material of the plate-like member 26 includes, for example, a SUS (Stainless Used Steel) - based alloy, but is not limited thereto. The radial direction of the plate-like member 26 is the same as the radial direction of the above-described single cell 12. A through hole 26c is formed at the center portion of the plate-like member 26 in the radial direction of the plate-like member 26. The through hole 26c penetrates the plate-like member 26 along the stacking direction of the plurality of single cells 12. The through hole 26c can form a part of the hydrogen communication hole 10c.

[0022] Figure 3 is a top view showing the leaf spring 28 and the plate-like member 26 included in the single cell 12. The top view of the later-described thickness direction TD viewing angle (thickness direction angle) is shown in Figure 3 In addition, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the leaf spring 28 and a part of the plate-like member 26. Figure 3 The IV-IV cross-section of Figure 4 is shown in

[0023] The leaf spring 28 is a biasing member provided between the plate-like member 26 and the first separator 16. The leaf spring 28 can be formed of a metal (alloy). This alloy is, for example, a SUS-based alloy, but is not limited thereto. The leaf spring 28 has a disk member 30 and a plurality of claw portions 32 provided on the disk member 30.

[0024] The disk member 30 has a disk shape concentric with the plate-like member 26. The radial direction RD of the disk member 30 is the same as the radial direction of the above-described single cell 12. Therefore, the radial direction RD is also the same as the radial direction of the above-described plate-like member 26. A center hole 30c is formed at the center portion of the disk member 30 in the radial direction RD. The center hole 30c is defined by the inner peripheral end 30t1 of the disk member 30 in the radial direction RD.

[0025] The disk member 30 has a first face 30s1 and a second face 30s2. The first face 30s1 is the face of the disk member 30 facing the first direction TD1. The first direction TD1 is the direction along the thickness direction TD of the disk member 30. In contrast, the second face 30s2 is the face of the disk member 30 facing the second direction TD2. The second direction TD2 is the direction opposite to the first direction TD1.

[0026] In addition, the thickness direction TD coincides with the stacking direction of the plurality of single cells 12 in the water electrolysis stack 10 ( Figure 1 ). Further, the first direction TD1 coincides with the direction from the second separator 18 (anode separator) to the first separator 16 (cathode separator).

[0027] A plurality of claw portions 32 are located between the outer peripheral end 30t2 and the inner peripheral end 30t1 of the disk member 30 in the radial direction RD. That is, as Figure 3 、 Figure 4 shown, a plurality of hole portions 34 are formed in the disk member 30. A plurality of claw portions 32 can be respectively provided inside each of the plurality of hole portions 34. The plurality of hole portions 34 are arranged so as to surround the central hole 30c in the circumferential direction CD of the disk member 30. Therefore, the plurality of claw portions 32 provided inside the plurality of hole portions 34 are arranged so as to surround the central hole 30c in the circumferential direction CD.

[0028] The plurality of claw portions 32 have a plurality of claw groups 36. The plurality of claw groups 36 are each composed of a plurality of claw portions 32 arranged in a ring shape in the circumferential direction CD. The plurality of claw groups 36 include an inner claw group 361 and an outer claw group 362. The outer claw group 362 is located at a position radially outside the inner claw group 361. The radially outer side of the disk member 30 is the direction from the inner claw group 361 along the radial direction RD to the side opposite to the central hole 30c.

[0029] In Figure 3 , a virtual line segment VLS and a virtual circle VC are shown. The virtual line segment VLS is a virtual line segment that shortestly connects the outer peripheral end 30t2 and the inner peripheral end 30t1 in the radial direction RD. The virtual circle VC is a virtual circle that is concentric with the disk member 30 and passes through the midpoint P of the virtual line segment VLS. The circumferential direction of the virtual circle VC coincides with the circumferential direction CD of the disk member 30. The outer claw group 362 is located at a position radially outside the virtual circle VC. In contrast, the inner claw group 361 is located at a position radially inside the virtual circle VC. However, one of the inner claw group 361 and the outer claw group 362 may overlap the virtual circle VC in the plan view angle (thickness direction angle) in the thickness direction TD. Further, the radially inner side is the direction opposite to the above-described radially outer side.

[0030] Preferably, at least one claw 32 belonging to the inner claw group 361 is adjacent to a claw 32 belonging to the outer claw group 362 in the radial direction RD, but it is not limited thereto. The outer claw group 362 may include a claw 32 adjacent to a claw 32 belonging to the inner claw group 361 in the radial direction RD and a claw 32 not adjacent to a claw 32 belonging to the inner claw group 361 in the radial direction RD. In this case, the claw 32 of the outer claw group 362 adjacent to the claw 32 of the inner claw group 361 in the radial direction RD and the claw 32 of the outer claw group 362 not adjacent to the claw 32 of the inner claw group 361 in the radial direction RD may be alternately arranged in the circumferential direction CD( Figure 3 ).

[0031] In addition, although not shown, a plurality of claws 32 may have more than three claw groups 36. In other words, there may be two or more outer claw groups 362 with respect to one inner claw group 361. In this case, one claw group 36 among the plurality of claw groups 36 may overlap with the virtual circle VC in the thickness direction view.

[0032] Each of the plurality of claws 32 has a base end portion 32b and a tip end portion 32t. The base end portion 32b is one end portion of the claw 32 in the radial direction RD. The base end portion 32b is connected to the disk member 30 (the inner wall portion of the hole portion 34). The tip end portion 32t is the end portion of the claw 32 on a radial direction RD different from the base end portion 32b. As Figure 3 shown, preferably, each of the plurality of claws 32 has a shape that gradually tapers from the base end portion 32b to the tip end portion 32t.

[0033] The plurality of claws 32 include a plurality of outward claws 321 and a plurality of inward claws 322. The tip end portion 32t of the outward claw 321 is located radially outside the base end portion 32b of the outward claw 321. In contrast, the tip end portion 32t of the inward claw 322 is located radially inside the base end portion 32b of the inward claw 322.

[0034] As Figure 3As shown, a plurality of outward claw portions 321 and a plurality of inward claw portions 322 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction CD. More specifically, the plurality of claw portions 32 belonging to the inner claw portion group 361 are composed of a plurality of outward claw portions 321 and a plurality of inward claw portions 322. The plurality of outward claw portions 321 belonging to the inner claw portion group 361 and the plurality of inward claw portions 322 belonging to the inner claw portion group 361 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction CD. In addition, the plurality of claw portions 32 belonging to the above-mentioned outer claw portion group 362 are also composed of a plurality of outward claw portions 321 and a plurality of inward claw portions 322. The plurality of outward claw portions 321 belonging to the outer claw portion group 362 and the plurality of inward claw portions 322 belonging to the outer claw portion group 362 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction CD. In the present embodiment, the plurality of inward claw portions 322 belonging to the outer claw portion group 362 are adjacent to the claw portions 32 belonging to the inner claw portion group 361 in the radial direction RD, but it is not limited thereto.

[0035] In addition, as Figure 4 shown, the plurality of claw portions 32 are warped in the thickness direction TD. More specifically, the plurality of claw portions 32 are warped in such a manner that the tip portions 32t of the claw portions 32 protrude from the disk member 30 (hole portion 34) in the thickness direction TD. It is preferable that the plurality of claw portions 32 provided on the disk member 30 are all warped in the first direction TD1.

[0036] The leaf spring 28 further has an annular portion 38. The annular portion 38 is provided so as to extend from the outer peripheral end 30t2 in the second direction TD2. The annular portion 38 surrounds the disk member 30 in the circumferential direction CD. For example, the annular portion 38 is formed by bending a part of the base material forming the disk member 30 in the second direction TD2. In this case, the annular portion 38 is integral with the disk member 30. In addition, in this case, the annular portion 38 is formed of the same material as the disk member 30.

[0037] The annular portion 38 has an inner wall portion 38w. The inner wall portion 38w is the wall portion facing radially inward in the annular portion 38. The inner wall portion 38w extends from the disk member 30 in the second direction TD2. An annular groove portion 38g is formed at the base end 38b of the inner wall portion 38w extending in the second direction TD2. The annular groove portion 38g is formed at the bent portion of the above-mentioned base material by bending the disk member 30 in order to form the annular portion 38. That is, the annular groove portion 38g can be formed by bending a part of the disk member 30.

[0038] In addition, the above-mentioned plate-like member 26 is arranged at the position in the second direction TD2 with respect to the disk member 30. The annular portion 38 surrounds the plate-like member 26 in the circumferential direction CD. The inner wall portion 38w may be in contact with the plate-like member 26.

[0039] The leaf spring 28 having the above structure can achieve the effects described below.

[0040] The leaf spring 28 has a disk member 30. A plurality of claw portions 32 are provided on the disk member 30. The plurality of claw portions 32 extend respectively along the radial direction RD of the disk member 30 and warp in the thickness direction TD of the disk member 30. The plurality of claw portions 32 warp, for example, in the first direction TD1. Accordingly, the tip portions 32t of the plurality of claw portions 32 can be pressed by a member disposed in the first direction TD1 with respect to the leaf spring 28 in the second direction TD2. For example, the tip portions 32t of the plurality of claw portions 32 can be pressed by the first partition plate 16. Accordingly, the leaf spring 28 can apply a load (surface pressure) to a pressed body located in the second direction TD2 with respect to the leaf spring 28 through the base end portions 32b of the plurality of claw portions 32 and the disk member 30 connected to the base end portions 32b. The pressed body is, for example, the first power supply body 22. The leaf spring 28 can apply a surface pressure to the first power supply body 22 through the plate-like member 26.

[0041] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the plurality of claw portions 32 extending along the radial direction RD are arranged in the circumferential direction CD. Accordingly, the plurality of base end portions 32b are arranged sufficiently dispersedly in the thickness direction view. The base end portion 32b is a portion capable of applying a relatively large surface pressure to the pressed body. By arranging the plurality of base end portions 32b sufficiently dispersedly, the deviation of the surface pressure in the thickness direction view is reduced. That is, the surface pressure distribution, that is, the surface pressure distribution in the thickness direction view, can be made uniform. By making the surface pressure distribution uniform, for example, the water electrolysis is performed well in the water electrolysis device having the water electrolysis stack 10.

[0042] The plurality of claw portions 32 warp respectively in the first direction TD1. By warping all the claw portions 32 in the first direction TD1, all the claw portions 32 can apply a force in the second direction TD2 to the disk member 30. Accordingly, the deviation of the surface pressure in the second direction TD2 in the thickness direction view is further reduced.

[0043] The leaf spring 28 has an annular portion 38. The annular portion 38 is provided so as to extend from the outer peripheral end 30t2 in the second direction TD2. The annular portion 38 suppresses the displacement of the outer peripheral end 30t2 of the disk member 30 in the thickness direction TD. Accordingly, the leaf spring 28 can apply a surface pressure to the pressed body well over the entire range of the disk member 30 in terms of the thickness direction view. That is, as described above, the disk member 30 receives a force in the second direction TD2 through the base end portion 32b of the claw portion 32. The base end portion 32b is located between the inner peripheral end 30t1 and the outer peripheral end 30t2 of the disk member 30. When the disk member 30 is displaced (elastically deformed) according to the force in the second direction TD2 received through the base end portion 32b, the outer peripheral end 30t2 of the disk member 30 may be displaced in the first direction TD1. As a result, the outer peripheral end 30t2 may not apply a surface pressure to the pressed body well. In this regard, the annular portion 38 functions as a wall thickness portion of the disk member 30. The annular portion 38 as the wall thickness portion suppresses the above-described displacement of the outer peripheral end 30t2 in the thickness direction TD. Accordingly, the leaf spring 28 can apply a surface pressure to the pressed body well over the entire range of the disk member 30 in terms of the thickness direction view.

[0044] In addition, as described above, the plate-like member 26 is disposed in the second direction TD2 with respect to the second surface portion 30s2 of the disk member 30. The plate-like member 26 has a disk shape concentric with the disk member 30. The annular portion 38 surrounds the plate-like member 26 in the circumferential direction CD. Accordingly, the plate-like member 26 can be easily positioned with respect to the leaf spring 28 through the annular portion 38.

[0045] The annular portion 38 is formed integrally with the disk member 30. Such an annular portion 38 can be formed by bending a part of the base material forming the disk member 30 (outer peripheral end 30t2). The annular portion 38 formed in this way can suppress an increase in the number of components of the leaf spring 28. In addition, the annular portion 38 formed by bending a part of the disk member 30 can have an annular groove portion 38g in the circumferential direction CD.

[0046] The plurality of claw portions 32 include an outward claw portion 321 and an inward claw portion 322. The outward claw portion 321 and the inward claw portion 322 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction CD. Accordingly, in a plan view of the leaf spring 28, the plurality of base end portions 32b are further arranged more sufficiently dispersed. As a result, the deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring 28 to the pressed body is further reduced.

[0047] Each of the plurality of claw portions 32 has a shape that gradually tapers from the base end portion 32b to the tip end portion 32t. Accordingly, it is possible to ensure the interval between two adjacent claw portions 32 in the circumferential direction CD and the wall thickness of the claw portion 32, and at the same time arrange more claw portions 32 in the circumferential direction CD. As a result, the deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring 28 to the pressed body is further reduced.

[0048] The plurality of claw portions 32 include an inner claw portion group 361 and an outer claw portion group 362. Accordingly, a plurality of claw portions 32 are arranged in the radial direction RD. As a result, the leaf spring 28 can apply a surface pressure to the pressed body more uniformly over the entire range in the radial direction RD of the disk member 30.

[0049] At least one claw portion 32 belonging to the inner claw portion group 361 is adjacent to a claw portion 32 belonging to the outer claw portion group 362 in the radial direction RD. By arranging a plurality of claw portions 32 in the radial direction RD, the deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring 28 to the pressed body in the radial direction RD is further reduced. In this case, the claw portions 32 of the outer claw portion group 362 that are adjacent to the claw portions 32 of the inner claw portion group 361 in the radial direction RD and the claw portions 32 of the outer claw portion group 362 that are not adjacent to the claw portions 32 of the inner claw portion group 361 in the radial direction RD can be alternately arranged in the circumferential direction CD. Accordingly, the deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring 28 to the pressed body in the radial direction RD is further reduced. In addition, it is preferable that the claw portions 32 of the outer claw portion group 362 that are adjacent to the claw portions 32 of the inner claw portion group 361 in the radial direction RD are inward claw portions 322. That is, it is preferable that the tip portion 32t of the claw portion 32 of the outer claw portion group 362 that is adjacent to the claw portion 32 of the inner claw portion group 361 in the radial direction RD is located radially inward with respect to the base end portion 32b of the claw portion 32. Accordingly, the deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring 28 to the pressed body in the radial direction RD is further reduced.

[0050] One embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0051] (Modification Example 1) Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the leaf spring 28 and a part of the plate-like member 26 according to Modification Example 1. Based on Figure 4 The cross-sectional view is shown in Figure 5 is shown.

[0052] The annular portion 38 can be formed by an annular member 381 that is separate from the disk member 30. The annular member 381 is externally fitted to the outer peripheral end 30t2. Accordingly, the annular member 381 abuts against the outer peripheral end 30t2. As a result, the annular member 381 suppresses the displacement of the outer peripheral end 30t2 in the thickness direction TD. As a result, similar to one embodiment, the leaf spring 28 can apply a surface pressure to the pressed body well over the entire range of the disk member 30 from the perspective of the thickness direction.

[0053] In addition, the annular member 381 can extend from the disk member 30 to the plate-like member 26 in the second direction TD2. Accordingly, similar to one embodiment, the plate-like member 26 can be easily positioned by the annular portion 38 (annular member 381).

[0054] (Modification Example 2) The annular portion 38 can extend from the disk member 30 (outer peripheral end 30t2) to the first power supply body 22 along the second direction TD2. Accordingly, the annular portion 38 can also surround the first power supply body 22. By surrounding the first power supply body 22 with the annular portion 38, it is possible to easily position not only the plate-like member 26 but also the first power supply body 22.

[0055] According to the above-described embodiments and modifications, the leaf spring 28 can apply a surface pressure to the pressed body more favorably.

[0056] Regarding the above-described embodiments and modifications, the following appended notes are also disclosed.

[0057] (Appended Note 1) The leaf spring (28) according to the present invention includes a disk member (30) and a plurality of claw portions (32). The plurality of claw portions are provided on the disk member, are located between the outer peripheral end (30t2) and the inner peripheral end (30t1) of the disk member, and are arranged along the circumferential direction (CD) of the disk member. The plurality of claw portions respectively extend in the radial direction (RD) of the disk member and are warped in the thickness direction (TD) of the disk member. Accordingly, the deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring to the pressed body is reduced.

[0058] (Appended Note 2) In the leaf spring described in Appended Note 1, it may be that the disk member has a first surface portion (30s1) and a second surface portion (30s2). The first surface portion faces the first direction (TD1) along the thickness direction; the second surface portion faces the second direction (TD2), which is the opposite direction of the first direction. The plurality of claw portions are warped in the first direction. Accordingly, the deviation of the surface pressure in the second direction applied by the leaf spring to the pressed body is further reduced.

[0059] (Appended Note 3) In the leaf spring described in Appended Note 2, it may be that an annular portion (38) is further provided. The annular portion is provided so as to extend from the outer peripheral end along the second direction and surrounds the plurality of claw portions along the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring to the pressed body is further reduced.

[0060] (Appended Note 4) In the leaf spring described in Appended Note 3, it may be that the annular portion is formed integrally with the disk member. Such an annular portion can be formed while suppressing an increase in the number of components of the leaf spring.

[0061] (Appended Note 5) In the leaf spring described in Supplementary Note 3, the annular portion may be formed by an annular member (381) that is separate from the disc member and abuts against the outer peripheral end. Accordingly, the deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring to the pressed body can be further reduced.

[0062] (Supplementary Note 6) In the leaf spring described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, each of the plurality of claw portions may have a base end portion (32b) and a tip end portion (32t), where the base end portion is the end portion in the radial direction and is connected to the disc member; the tip end portion is the end portion in the radial direction different from the base end portion, and the plurality of claw portions include outward claw portions (321) and inward claw portions (322), where the tip end portion of the outward claw portion is located radially outside the disc member with respect to the base end portion; the tip end portion of the inward claw portion is located radially inside the disc member with respect to the base end portion, and the outward claw portions and the inward claw portions are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring to the pressed body is further reduced.

[0063] (Supplementary Note 7) In the leaf spring described in Supplementary Note 6, each of the plurality of claw portions may have a shape that gradually tapers from the base end portion to the tip end portion. Accordingly, the deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring to the pressed body is further reduced.

[0064] (Supplementary Note 8) In the leaf spring described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, it may have an inner claw portion group (361) and an outer claw portion group (362), where the inner claw portion group is composed of the plurality of claw portions arranged in an annular shape in the circumferential direction; the outer claw portion group is located at a position radially outside the inner claw portion group with respect to the disc member and is composed of the plurality of claw portions arranged in an annular shape in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the leaf spring can apply surface pressure to the pressed body more uniformly over the entire range in the radial direction of the disc member.

[0065] (Supplementary Note 9) In the leaf spring described in Supplementary Note 8, at least one claw portion belonging to the inner claw portion group and a claw portion belonging to the outer claw portion group may be adjacent to each other in the radial direction. Accordingly, the deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring to the pressed body in the radial direction is further reduced.

[0066] (Supplementary Note 10) In the leaf spring described in Supplementary Note 9, it is possible that claws belonging to the outer claw group and radially adjacent to the claws belonging to the inner claw group are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction; and claws belonging to the outer claw group and not radially adjacent to the claws belonging to the inner claw group. Accordingly, the radial deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring to the pressed body is further reduced.

[0067] (Supplementary Note 11) In the leaf spring described in Supplementary Note 10, it is possible that claws belonging to the outer claw group and radially adjacent to the claws belonging to the inner claw group have a base end portion (32b) and a tip end portion (32t), where the base end portion is the end portion in the radial direction and is connected to the disk member; the tip end portion is the end portion different from the base end portion in the radial direction and is located radially inside the disk member with respect to the base end portion. Accordingly, the radial deviation of the surface pressure applied by the leaf spring to the pressed body is further reduced.

[0068] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above technical solutions, and various structures can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. A leaf spring, characterized in that, it has a disc member and a plurality of claw portions, wherein, the plurality of claw portions are provided on the disc member, between the outer peripheral end and the inner peripheral end of the disc member, and are arranged along the circumferential direction of the disc member, the plurality of claw portions respectively extend in the radial direction of the disc member and warp in the thickness direction of the disc member.

2. The leaf spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, the disc member has a first surface portion and a second surface portion, wherein, the first surface portion faces a first direction along the thickness direction; the second surface portion faces a second direction opposite to the first direction, the plurality of claw portions respectively warp in the first direction.

3. The leaf spring according to claim 2, characterized in that, it has an annular portion, and the annular portion is provided so as to extend from the outer peripheral end along the second direction and surrounds the plurality of claw portions along the circumferential direction.

4. The leaf spring according to claim 3, characterized in that, the annular portion is integrally formed with the disc member.

5. The leaf spring according to claim 3, characterized in that, the annular portion is formed by an annular member that is separated from the disc member and abuts against the outer peripheral end.

6. The leaf spring according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, the plurality of claw portions respectively have a base end portion and a top end portion, wherein, the base end portion is the end portion in the radial direction and is connected to the disc member; the top end portion is the end portion in the radial direction different from the base end portion, the plurality of claw portions include outward claw portions and inward claw portions, wherein, the top end portion of the outward claw portion is located on the radially outer side of the disc member with respect to the base end portion; the top end portion of the inward claw portion is located on the radially inner side of the disc member with respect to the base end portion, the outward claw portions and the inward claw portions are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction.

7. The leaf spring according to claim 6, characterized in that, the plurality of claw portions respectively have a shape that gradually tapers from the base end portion to the top end portion.

8. The leaf spring according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, it has an inner claw portion group and an outer claw portion group, wherein, the inner claw portion group is composed of the plurality of claw portions arranged in an annular shape along the circumferential direction; the outer claw portion group is located at a position radially outside the inner claw portion group with respect to the disc member and is composed of the plurality of claw portions arranged in an annular shape along the circumferential direction.

9. The leaf spring according to claim 8, characterized in that, at least one claw portion belonging to the inner claw portion group is radially adjacent to a claw portion belonging to the outer claw portion group.

10. The leaf spring according to claim 9, characterized in that, there are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction: a claw portion belonging to the outer claw portion group that is radially adjacent to a claw portion belonging to the inner claw portion group; and a claw portion belonging to the outer claw portion group that is not radially adjacent to a claw portion belonging to the inner claw portion group.

11. The leaf spring according to claim 10, characterized in that, The claw belonging to the outer claw group that is adjacent to the claw belonging to the inner claw group along the radial direction has a base end portion and a tip end portion, wherein the base end portion is the end portion in the radial direction and is connected to the disc member; the tip end portion is the end portion different from the base end portion in the radial direction and is located radially inside the disc member with respect to the base end portion.

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