Pressure regulating device

Abstract

The pressure adjusting device is installed in an installation hole of a frame body, adjusts the pressure in the frame body and is provided with a containing body and a pressure adjusting device. A valve member capable of moving in the axial direction with respect to the housing body; a sealing member for sealing the space between the housing body and the valve member; and a plurality of fixing members held in the storage body. The storage body has: a first cylindrical part having a vent hole; a second cylindrical portion having a support hole; and a plurality of recesses recessed from a radially outer surface to a radially inner side of the first cylindrical portion. The seal member is attached to a surface of the first cylindrical portion facing the axial direction. The valve member has: a column portion supported by the support hole so as to be movable in the axial direction; and a valve body section that closes the vent hole and is pressed against the sealing member. Each of the plurality of fixing members has: a main body portion disposed inside the recess; and an elastic section that has a claw section protruding radially outward and that is elastically deformable radially inward. The claw portion and a surface of the frame body facing the other side in the axial direction face each other in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a pressure regulating device. Background Technology

[0002] A valve structure is known, comprising: a valve core having an inner circumferential surface that fits into an opening in a housing, and a valve member having a shaft protruding from the valve core toward the inside of the housing; a limiting member and a force-applying member through which the shaft passes; and an adjusting screw fixed to the shaft (e.g., Patent Document 1). In this valve structure, the force-applying member is brought into contact with both the limiting member and the adjusting screw, and the amount of screwing of the adjusting screw relative to the shaft is adjusted, thereby adjusting the force applied to the valve core by the force-applying member via the adjusting screw.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-124437 Utility Model Content

[0006] In the valve structure described above, when installing the valve structure into the opening of the housing, the shaft of the valve core is inserted into the inner side of the housing from the outside. From the inside of the housing, the shaft passes through the limiting member and the force-applying member. Then, while compressing the force-applying member, the adjusting screw is screwed into the shaft. Therefore, installing the valve structure into the opening of the housing is a complex operation, thus increasing the time required for this task.

[0007] In view of the above, one of the objectives of this utility model is to provide a pressure regulating device that can suppress the increase in working time of the mounting holes installed in the frame.

[0008] One embodiment of the pressure regulating device of this utility model is a pressure regulating device installed in a mounting hole of a frame and used to regulate pressure within the frame. It comprises: a housing extending axially through the interior of the mounting hole; a valve member movable axially relative to the housing; a sealing member sealing the housing and the valve member; and a plurality of fixing members held within the housing. The housing has: a first cylindrical portion having an axially extending vent hole; a second cylindrical portion having an axially extending support hole and disposed inside the vent hole; and a plurality of recesses recessed radially inward from the radially outer surface of the first cylindrical portion. The sealing member is mounted on the edge of the vent hole in the axially facing surface of the first cylindrical portion. The valve member has: a column portion extending axially through the support hole and supported by the inner surface of the support hole to be movable axially; and a valve core portion blocking the vent hole from the axial side and pressed axially relative to the sealing member. Each of the plurality of fixing members has: a main body portion disposed inside the recess and in axial contact with the inner surface of the recess; and an elastic portion having a claw portion protruding radially outward and capable of elastic deformation radially inward. The claw portion is axially opposite to the axially opposite surface of the frame.

[0009] According to one aspect of this invention, in a pressure regulating device, it is possible to suppress the increase in working time for mounting to the mounting holes of the frame. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing a pressure regulating device in a closed-valve state according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of a pressure regulating device.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a pressure regulating device. Figure 1 Sectional view III-III.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a pressure regulating device in the open valve state according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a fixing member according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a first cross-sectional view showing the installation operation of a pressure regulating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a second cross-sectional view showing the installation operation of a pressure regulating device according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In each figure, the Z-axis direction is a vertical direction with the side towards which the Z-axis arrow points (+Z side) as the top and the opposite side (-Z side) as the bottom. The direction in which the central axis J extends, appropriately shown in each figure, is parallel to the Z-axis direction, i.e., the vertical direction. The central axis J is an imaginary axis. In the following description, the direction parallel to the direction in which the central axis J extends is simply referred to as the "axial direction." Furthermore, the radial direction centered on the central axis J is simply referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the central axis J is simply referred to as the "circumferential direction." In this embodiment, the top side corresponds to "one side of the axial direction," and the bottom side corresponds to "the other side of the axial direction." Additionally, the vertical direction, top side, and bottom side are merely names used to describe the relative positional relationships of the parts; the actual arrangement relationships may be other than those indicated by these names.

[0018] In each diagram, the circumferential direction is indicated by arrow θ. The side towards which arrow θ points (the +θ side) is called the "circumferential side". The opposite side (the -θ side) of the side towards which arrow θ points is called the "circumferential side". The circumferential side is the side that moves clockwise around the central axis J when viewed from above. The circumferential side is the side that moves counterclockwise around the central axis J when viewed from above.

[0019] Figure 1 The pressure regulating device 10 shown in this embodiment is installed in a battery pack, which is installed in a vehicle or the like. More specifically, the pressure regulating device 10 is installed in a mounting hole 81a, which is provided in a housing 80 that houses a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, that provides power to the vehicle. In this embodiment, the pressure regulating device 10 is a pressure regulating valve that regulates the pressure inside the housing 80. The pressure regulating device 10 is normally in a closed state, but becomes an open state when the temperature of the battery rises, causing the pressure inside the housing 80 to rise. When the pressure regulating device 10 is in the open state, the air inside the housing 80 is expelled to the outside, thus reducing the pressure inside the housing 80. The pressure regulating device 10 includes a housing 20, a valve member 30, a fixing member 40, a sealing member 51, a ring member 52, a threaded member 55, and an elastic member 59.

[0020] In this embodiment, the frame 80 has a first frame portion 81 and a second frame portion 82. The first frame portion 81 is positioned further outward than the second frame portion 82. The first frame portion 81 and the second frame portion 82 can be made of metal or resin, respectively. The materials constituting the first frame portion 81 and the second frame portion 82 can be the same or different materials. A mounting hole 81a is provided on the first frame portion 81. The mounting hole 81a is a hole that passes through the first frame portion 81 axially. The mounting hole 81a is a circular hole centered on the central axis J. A pressure regulating device 10 is installed in the mounting hole 81a. The second frame portion 82 is provided with a hole portion 82a. The hole portion 82a is a hole that passes through the second frame portion 82 axially. The hole portion 82a is a circular hole centered on the central axis J. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the hole portion 82a is smaller than the inner diameter of the mounting hole 81a.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the storage body 20 is roughly circular in shape with the central axis J as its center. Figure 1 As shown, the housing 20 holds the valve member 30, the fixing member 40, the sealing member 51, and other components constituting the pressure regulating device 10. The housing 20 passes axially through the interior of the mounting hole 81a. In this embodiment, the housing 20 is made of metal. For example, the housing 20 is made of aluminum. The housing 20 has a first cylindrical portion 21, a recess 22, a connecting portion 25, and a second cylindrical portion 27.

[0022] The first cylindrical portion 21 is a cylindrical shape extending axially. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 21 is approximately cylindrical with the central axis J as its center. The first cylindrical portion 21 has openings on both the upper and lower sides. The first cylindrical portion 21 passes through the mounting hole 81a axially. The radial outer edge of the first cylindrical portion 21 is axially opposite to the upward-facing surface of the first frame portion 81. That is, the radial outer edge of the first cylindrical portion 21 is axially opposite to the upward-facing, i.e., axial side (+Z side) surface of the frame 80. The downward-facing surface of the first cylindrical portion 21 is axially opposite to the upward-facing surface of the second frame portion 82. The first cylindrical portion 21 has a vent hole 21a. The first cylindrical portion 21 is provided with a groove 21c, a receiving groove 21d, and a recess 22.

[0023] The vent 21a is an axially extending hole that passes through the first cylindrical portion 21. The vent 21a is an axially extending hole. For example... Figure 3 As shown, viewed axially, the vent 21a is approximately circular with the central axis J as its center. Figure 1 As shown, the interior of the second frame portion 82 is connected to the exterior of the frame 80 via a vent 21a.

[0024] The groove 21c is a groove provided on the upward-facing surface of the first cylindrical portion 21, that is, on the axial side (+Z side). For example... Figure 2 As shown, the groove 21c extends circumferentially. The groove 21c is an annular groove extending along the edge of the vent 21a.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the storage groove 21d is a groove provided on the downward-facing surface of the first cylindrical portion 21. Although the icon is omitted, the storage groove 21d extends circumferentially. The storage groove 21d is an annular groove extending along the edge of the vent hole 21a.

[0026] The recess 22 is a hole that is recessed radially inward from the radially outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 21. More specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the recess 22 is a hole recessed from the radial outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 21 between the radially inner side and the other circumferential side (-θ side). In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 21 is provided with a plurality of recesses 22. Therefore, the housing 20 has a plurality of recesses 22. In this embodiment, the housing 20 has two recesses 22. Each recess 22 is provided at a position opposite to each other radially across the central axis J. Alternatively, the housing 20 may have three or more recesses 22. In this case, it is preferable that the recesses 22 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0027] The connecting portion 25 is plate-shaped, extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 21. The plate surface of the connecting portion 25 faces circumferentially. The radially inward end of the connecting portion 25 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 27. Figure 1 As shown, viewed circumferentially, the connecting portion 25 is approximately trapezoidal in shape, with its axial dimension decreasing as it moves radially inward. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the storage body 20 has four connecting portions 25. Each connecting portion 25 is arranged approximately equally spaced apart from the others in the circumferential direction. The storage body 20 may have three or fewer connecting portions 25, or five or more.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the second cylindrical portion 27 is a cylindrical shape extending axially. In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 27 is a generally cylindrical shape centered on the central axis J. The second cylindrical portion 27 has openings on both the upper and lower sides. The second cylindrical portion 27 is disposed inside the vent hole 21a. The second cylindrical portion 27 is connected to the first cylindrical portion 21 via a plurality of connecting portions 25. The upper end of the second cylindrical portion 27 is located below the upper end of the first cylindrical portion 21. The lower end of the second cylindrical portion 27 is located above both the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 21 and each of the second frame portion 82. The second cylindrical portion 27 has a support hole 27a.

[0029] The support hole 27a is an axially penetrating hole through the second cylindrical portion 27. The support hole 27a is an axially extending hole. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction, the support hole 27a is roughly circular with the central axis J as the center.

[0030] Figure 1 The valve member 30 shown is a valve that opens and closes the vent 21a of the housing 20. The valve member 30 is axially movable relative to the housing 20. In this embodiment, the valve member 30 is made of metal. For example, the valve member 30 is made of aluminum. The valve member 30 has a column portion 31 and a valve core portion 33.

[0031] The column portion 31 is cylindrical, extending axially. In this embodiment, the column portion 31 is approximately cylindrical about the central axis J. The column portion 31 passes through the support hole 27a axially. The column portion 31 is supported by the inner surface of the support hole 27a, allowing it to move axially. Thus, the valve member 30 can move axially relative to the housing 20. In this embodiment, an internally threaded hole 31a is provided on the column portion 31. That is, an internally threaded hole 31a is provided on one of the threaded member 55 and the column portion 31. Alternatively, the column portion 31 may not have an internally threaded hole 31a. In this case, an externally threaded portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the column portion 31.

[0032] The internally threaded hole 31a is a hole recessed from the downward-facing surface of the column portion 31 towards the upward side. Although not shown in the figure, when viewed axially, the internally threaded hole 31a is approximately circular with the central axis J as the center. Although not shown in the figure, the internally threaded portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the internally threaded hole 31a.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the valve core 33 is a plate-shaped portion extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. Viewed axially, the valve core 33 is approximately circular with the central axis J as its center. Figure 1 As shown, the valve core 33 is connected to the upper end of the column 31. The valve core 33 is positioned higher than the housing 20. In the closed state, the valve core 33 blocks the vent 21a from the upper side, i.e., the axial side (+Z side). Figure 4 As shown, in the open state, the valve member 30 moves upward, thus opening the vent hole 21a in the valve core 33. Air inside the frame 80 is then discharged to the outside of the frame 80 through the vent hole 21a. The valve core 33 is provided with a valve core hole 33a. The valve core hole 33a is a hole recessed downward from the upward-facing side of the valve core 33. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the valve core hole 33a is a hexagonal hole centered on the central axis J.

[0034] The sealing member 51 is approximately annular about the central axis J. In this embodiment, the sealing member 51 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. Figure 1 As shown, the sealing member 51 is disposed inside the groove 21c. The sealing member 51 is installed in the groove 21c. Thus, the sealing member 51 is installed at the edge of the vent 21a in the upward-facing, axial-side (+Z side) face of the first cylindrical portion 21. In the closed state, the valve core 33 is pressed axially against the sealing member 51. Thus, the sealing member 51 seals the space between the housing 20 and the valve member 30. Therefore, in the closed state, foreign matter such as dust can be prevented from entering the interior of the frame 80, thereby improving the stability of the battery pack's operation. Figure 4 As shown, when the valve member 30 moves upward in the open state, the sealing member 51 and the valve core 33 separate axially. Therefore, in the open state, air inside the frame 80 is discharged to the outside of the frame 80 through the gap between the sealing member 51 and the valve core 33.

[0035] According to this embodiment, as described above, both the housing 20 and the valve member 30 are made of metal. Therefore, compared to the case where one of the housing 20 and the valve member 30 is made of metal and the other is made of resin, the difference between the linear expansion coefficients of the housing 20 and the valve member 30 can be reduced. Therefore, for example, even if the temperature of the pressure regulating device 10 fluctuates due to temperature variations of the battery housed inside the housing 80, the difference between the thermal deformation of the housing 20 and the valve member 30 can be reduced. Thus, even if the temperature of the pressure regulating device 10 fluctuates, changes in the contact state between the sealing member 51 and the housing 20 and the valve member 30 can be suppressed. Therefore, the sealing member 51 can stably seal the housing 20 and the valve member 30.

[0036] According to this embodiment, an annular groove 21c extending along the edge of the vent hole 21a is provided on the upward-facing, i.e., axial-side (+Z-side) surface of the first cylindrical portion 21, and the sealing member 51 is annular and disposed inside the groove 21c. Therefore, the position of the sealing member 51 relative to the first cylindrical portion 21 can be determined with high precision. As a result, changes in the contact state of the sealing member 51 with the housing 20 and the valve member 30 can be suppressed more appropriately. Therefore, the sealing member 51 can more stably seal the housing 20 and the valve member 30.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the sealing member 51 is annular. Therefore, the sealing member 51 can seal the entire circumference of the vent hole 21a. Thus, the sealing member 51 can more stably seal the connection between the housing 20 and the valve member 30.

[0038] Figure 1The ring member 52 shown is approximately circular about the central axis J. In this embodiment, the ring member 52 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The ring member 52 is disposed inside the receiving groove 21d. The ring member 52 is installed in the receiving groove 21d. Thus, the ring member 52 is installed at the edge of the vent 21a in the downward-facing surface of the first cylindrical portion 21. The ring member 52 contacts the upward-facing surface of the second frame portion 82. Thus, the ring member 52 seals the second frame portion 82 and the receiving body 20.

[0039] The threaded member 55 is fixed to the post portion 31 of the valve member 30. In this embodiment, the threaded member 55 is an externally threaded screw. The threaded member 55 has a shaft portion 56 and a head 57. The shaft portion 56 is cylindrical, extending axially. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 56 is approximately cylindrical about the central axis J. An external thread portion 56a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 56. Therefore, an external thread portion 56a is provided on the other of the threaded member 55 and the post portion 31. When the shaft portion 56 is inserted into the internally threaded hole 31a of the post portion 31, and the external thread portion 56a is tightened with the internally threaded hole 31a, the threaded member 55 is fixed to the valve member 30. Alternatively, the external thread portion 56a may not be provided on the shaft portion 56; in this case, an internally threaded hole recessed to the downward side may be provided on the shaft portion 56. When the external thread portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the post portion 31 is tightened with the aforementioned internally threaded hole, the threaded member 55 is fixed to the valve member 30.

[0040] The head 57 is plate-shaped, extending radially outward from the lower end of the shaft portion 56. The plate surface of the head 57 faces the axial direction. Figure 2 As shown, viewed axially, the head 57 is a hexagon centered on the central axis J. Alternatively, viewed axially, the head 57 can be other shapes such as a circle or a quadrilateral. Figure 1 As shown, the head 57 is positioned below the second cylindrical portion 27 and the column portion 31, i.e., on the other side (-Z side) of the axial direction. The upward-facing surface of the head 57 is in axial contact with the lower end of the column portion 31.

[0041] The elastic member 59 applies a downward-directed elastic force to the valve member 30. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the elastic member 59 is a helical spring extending axially. The elastic member 59 is capable of elastic deformation in the axial direction. Figure 1 As shown, the column portion 31 passes axially through the interior of the elastic member 59. The elastic member 59 is disposed between the second cylindrical portion 27 and the head 57. The elastic member 59 is in axial contact with both the second cylindrical portion 27 and the head 57. The elastic member 59 applies an axial elastic force to both the second cylindrical portion 27 and the head 57. As a result, the head 57 is subjected to a downward elastic force.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the pressure regulating device 10 includes: an elastic member 59 capable of elastic deformation along the axial direction; and a threaded member 55 having an axially extending shaft portion 56 and a head 57 extending radially outward from the shaft portion 56. The head 57 is positioned lower than the second cylindrical portion 27 and the column portion 31, i.e., on the opposite side (-Z side) of the axial direction. An internal threaded hole 31a is provided on one of the threaded member 55 and the column portion 31, and an external threaded portion 56a that is tightened with the internal threaded hole 31a is provided on the other side of the threaded member 55 and the column portion 31. The elastic member 59 applies an axial elastic force to the second cylindrical portion 27 and the head 57 respectively. Therefore, as described above, a downward elastic force can be applied to the head 57 by means of the elastic member 59. In addition, as described above, the threaded member 55 is fixed to the valve member 30. Thus, a downward elastic force can be applied to the valve member 30 via the threaded member 55, thereby pressing the valve core portion 33 against the sealing member 51. Therefore, in the closed state, the housing 20 and the valve member 30 can be stably sealed by the sealing member 51.

[0043] When the pressure inside the frame 80 increases due to the rising temperature of the battery, an upward force is applied to the threaded member 55 and the valve member 30. When this force exceeds the elastic force of the elastic member 59, such as... Figure 4 As shown, valve member 30 moves upward. At this time, valve core 33 and sealing member 51 separate axially, thus the pressure regulating device 10 is in the open valve state. In the open valve state, air inside the frame 80 is discharged to the outside of the frame 80 through vent hole 21a and the gap between valve core 33 and sealing member 51. This reduces the pressure inside the frame 80, thus preventing damage to the frame 80. When the pressure reduction inside the frame 80 causes the upward force applied to threaded member 55 and valve member 30 to be less than the elastic force of elastic member 59, valve member 30 moves downward. Thus, the pressure regulating device 10 returns to the closed valve state where valve core 33 is pressed against sealing member 51. Thus, the pressure regulating device 10 regulates the pressure inside the frame 80.

[0044] Figure 1 The fixing member 40 shown is the portion of the pressure regulating device 10 fixed to the first frame portion 81. That is, the fixing member 40 is the portion of the pressure regulating device 10 fixed to the frame 80. The pressure regulating device 10 includes multiple fixing members 40. In this embodiment, the pressure regulating device 10 includes two fixing members 40. Each fixing member 40 is housed inside a different recess 22 of the housing 20. Each fixing member 40 is fixed to the inner side of the recess 22. Thus, each fixing member 40 is held in the housing 20. Figure 5 As shown, the fixing member 40 has a main body 41 and an elastic part 47.

[0045] The main body 41 is cylindrical, extending axially. Viewed axially, the main body 41 has a roughly U-shaped appearance with an opening on the radially inward side. Figure 1 As shown, the main body 41 is disposed inside the recess 22. Figure 2 As shown, the main body 41 includes a first main body 42, a second main body 43, a third main body 44, and a fourth main body 45. Figure 5 As shown, the main body 41 has a first protrusion 41a and a second protrusion 41b.

[0046] The first main body portion 42 is plate-shaped, extending in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction. Viewed radially, the first main body portion 42 is approximately rectangular, with its long side extending axially. Figure 1 As shown, the radially outward-facing surface of the first main body portion 42 protrudes outside the recess 22. (As indicated...) Figure 5 As shown, a hole 42a is provided in the first main body portion 42. The hole 42a is a hole that penetrates the first main body portion 42 radially. When viewed radially, the hole 42a is approximately rectangular with its long side extending axially.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the second main body portion 43 is plate-shaped, extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. The second main body portion 43 protrudes radially inward from the lower end of the first main body portion 42. More specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the second main body portion 43 protrudes radially inward from the lower end of the first main body portion 42 between the radially inward side and the other circumferential side (-θ side). Figure 1 As shown, the upper-facing surface of the inner surface of the second main body 43 is in axial contact with the inner surface of the recess 22. That is, the inner surface of the main body 41 is in axial contact with the inner surface of the recess 22. This determines the axial position of each fixing member 40 relative to the housing 20.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the third main body portion 44 is plate-shaped, extending radially inward from the end of the first main body portion 42 on one circumferential side (+θ side). More specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the third main body portion 44 protrudes radially inward from one end of the first main body portion 42 in the circumferential direction between the other end and the other end in the circumferential direction (-θ). The third main body portion 44 faces the surface of the inner surface of the recess 22 facing the other end in the circumferential direction. Figure 5 As shown, the third main body 44 has a first part 44a and a second part 44b.

[0049] The first part 44a is the upper portion of the third main body 44. Viewed circumferentially, the first part 44a is approximately rectangular with its long side extending axially. The second part 44b is the lower portion of the third main body 44. Viewed circumferentially, the second part 44b is approximately rectangular with its long side extending axially. The radial dimension of the second part 44b is larger than the radial dimension of the first part 44a. The first part 44a and the second part 44b are connected axially.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the fourth main body portion 45 is plate-shaped, extending radially inward from the end of the first main body portion 42 on the other side (-θ side) circumferentially. More specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the fourth main body portion 45 protrudes radially inward from the end of the first main body portion 42 on the other side of the circumference, between the other side of the circumference. The fourth main body portion 45 faces the circumferential side of the inner surface of the recess 22. Figure 2 As shown, the fourth main body 45 has a third part 45a and a fourth part 45b.

[0051] The third part 45a is the upper portion of the fourth main body 45. Viewed circumferentially, the third part 45a is approximately rectangular with its long side extending axially. The fourth part 45b is the lower portion of the fourth main body 45. Viewed circumferentially, the fourth part 45b is also approximately rectangular with its long side extending axially. The radial dimension of the fourth part 45b is larger than the radial dimension of the third part 45a. The third part 45a and the fourth part 45b are connected axially.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, the first protrusion 41a is a protrusion that projects axially. In this embodiment, the main body 41 has two first protrusions 41a. One first protrusion 41a protrudes upward from the upward-facing surface of the first portion 44a. The other first protrusion 41a protrudes upward from the upward-facing surface of the third portion 45a. Although not shown in the figure, each first protrusion 41a contacts the downward-facing surface of the inner surface of the recess 22. In this embodiment, each first protrusion 41a is pressed into the downward-facing surface of the inner surface of the recess 22.

[0053] The second protrusion 41b is a protrusion that projects circumferentially. In this embodiment, the main body 41 has four second protrusions 41b. Two second protrusions 41b protrude from the circumferential side (+θ side) of the second part 44b. The two second protrusions 41b are arranged spaced apart from each other axially. Figure 2 As shown, two additional second protrusions 41b protrude circumferentially from the surface of the fourth portion 45b facing the opposite side (-θ side). These two additional second protrusions 41b are spaced apart from each other axially. Figure 3As shown, each second protrusion 41b contacts the circumferential surface of the inner surface of the recess 22. In this embodiment, each second protrusion 41b is pressed into the circumferential surface of the inner surface of the recess 22.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the main body 41 has a first protrusion 41a that protrudes axially and contacts the inner surface of the recess 22. Therefore, by pressing the first protrusion 41a into the inner surface of the recess 22, the fixing member 40 can be pressed and fixed to the housing 20. Therefore, compared with the structure in which the entire axially facing surface of the main body 41 is pressed into the inner surface of the recess 22, the increase in force applied to the fixing member 40 when inserting it into the recess 22 can be suppressed. As a result, the fixing member 40 can be easily fixed to the housing 20, thus simplifying the assembly operation of the pressure regulating device 10. Therefore, the increase in assembly time of the pressure regulating device 10 can be suppressed.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the main body 41 has a second protrusion 41b that protrudes circumferentially and contacts the inner surface of the recess 22. Therefore, by pressing the second protrusion 41b into the inner surface of the recess 22, the fixing member 40 can be pressed and fixed to the housing 20. Therefore, compared to a structure where the entire circumferential surface of the main body 41 is pressed into the inner surface of the recess 22, the increase in force applied to the fixing member 40 when inserting it into the recess 22 can be more appropriately suppressed. As a result, the fixing member 40 can be more easily fixed to the housing 20, thus simplifying the assembly operation of the pressure regulating device 10. Therefore, the increase in assembly time for the pressure regulating device 10 can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the elastic portion 47 protrudes upward from the lower edge of the hole 42a in the first main body portion 42. Viewed radially, the elastic portion 47 overlaps with the hole 42a. The elastic portion 47 is plate-shaped with its plate surface facing radially. The elastic portion 47 is capable of elastically deforming radially inward. The elastic portion 47 has a claw portion 48.

[0057] The claw portion 48 protrudes radially outward from the edge of the elastic portion 47. The claw portion 48 protrudes radially outward more than the first main body portion 42. The radially outer edge of the claw portion 48 is located radially outward as it faces upward, i.e., on the axial side (+Z side). Thus, the radially outer edge of the claw portion 48 forms an inclined surface that is located radially outward as it faces upward. Figure 1As shown, the claw portion 48 is located lower than the first frame portion 81. The upward-facing surface of the claw portion 48 is axially opposite to the downward-facing surface of the first frame portion 81. That is, the claw portion 48 is axially opposite to the downward-facing surface of the frame 80, i.e., the other side (-Z side) of the axial direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the pressure inside the frame 80 increases, the claw portion 48 contacts the frame 80 axially when an upward force is applied to the container body 20. Thus, even if the pressure inside the frame 80 increases, the pressure regulating device 10 can be prevented from moving upward relative to the frame 80. Therefore, even if the pressure inside the frame 80 increases, the pressure regulating device 10 can be prevented from detaching from the frame 80.

[0058] According to this embodiment, as described above, the radial outer edge of the housing 20 is axially opposed to the upward-facing, i.e., axial-side (+Z-side) surface of the frame 80. This prevents the pressure regulating device 10 from moving downward relative to the frame 80. Furthermore, as described above, the claw portion 48 prevents the pressure regulating device 10 from moving upward relative to the frame 80. This allows for highly accurate determination of the axial position of the pressure regulating device 10 relative to the frame 80.

[0059] Next, the installation operation, namely the operation of installing the pressure regulating device 10 of this embodiment into the mounting hole 81a of the frame 80, will be described. In the following description, "operator, etc." includes the operator performing the operation and the assembly equipment, etc. Each operation may be performed by the operator alone, by the assembly equipment alone, or by both the operator and the assembly equipment.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, during installation, the operator moves the pre-assembled pressure regulating device 10 from the upper side of the frame 80 to the lower side, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the pressure regulating device 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 81a. As described above, the elastic portion 47 can elastically deform radially inward. Therefore, when the radial outer edge of the claw portion 48 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 81a, the elastic portion 47 elastically deforms radially inward. Furthermore, as described above, the radial outer edge of the claw portion 48 forms an inclined surface that is radially outward as it faces upward. Therefore, as the operator moves the pressure regulating device 10 downward, the amount of elastic deformation of the elastic portion 47 radially inward increases. Furthermore, when the operator moves the pressure regulating device 10 downward, and the claw portion 48 moves to a position lower than the first frame portion 81, the elastic portion 47 moves radially outward due to its restoring force. Thus, as... Figure 1As shown, the claw portion 48 and the downward-facing surface of the first frame portion 81 are axially opposed. Meanwhile, the radial outer edge of the housing 20 is axially opposed to the upward-facing surface of the first frame portion 81. This determines the axial position of the pressure regulating device 10 relative to the frame 80, and the pressure regulating device 10 is installed in the mounting hole 81a of the frame 80. Furthermore, the ring member 52 contacts the upward-facing surface of the second frame portion 82. This seals the second frame portion 82 and the housing 20 together with the ring member 52. The installation operation is complete when the pressure regulating device 10 is installed into the mounting hole 81a of the frame 80.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the housing 20 has: a cylindrical first cylindrical portion 21 having a vent 21a extending axially; and a plurality of recesses 22 recessed radially inward from the radially outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 21. The plurality of fixing members 40 each have: a main body portion 41 disposed inside the recess 22 and in axial contact with the inner surface of the recess 22; and an elastic portion 47 having a claw portion 48 protruding radially outward and capable of elastic deformation radially inward. The claw portion 48 is axially opposite to the lower side (-Z side) of the frame 80. Therefore, as described above, in the installation operation of mounting the pressure regulating device 10 into the mounting hole 81a of the frame 80, the pressure regulating device 10 can be installed into the mounting hole 81a of the frame 80 simply by moving the pre-assembled pressure regulating device 10 from the upper side to the lower side of the frame 80 and inserting it into the mounting hole 81a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in working time when installing the pressure regulating device 10 into the mounting hole 81a of the frame 80.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the radial outer edge of the claw portion 48 is located radially outward as it faces upward, i.e., on the axial side (+Z side). Therefore, as described above, the radial outer edge of the claw portion 48 forms an inclined surface that is located radially outward as it faces upward. Therefore, during installation, when the pressure regulating device 10 is moved downward, it is easy to prevent the claw portion 48 from getting stuck in the first frame portion 81. As a result, it is easy to insert the pressure regulating device 10 into the mounting hole 81a, and therefore, it is easy to install the pressure regulating device 10 into the mounting hole 81a of the frame 80. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the increase in operation time for installing the pressure regulating device 10 into the mounting hole 81a of the frame 80.

[0063] The above describes the embodiments of this utility model. However, the structures and combinations in the embodiments are merely examples. Without departing from the spirit of this utility model, additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the structures are possible. Furthermore, this utility model is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0064] The main body may not have at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion. Even if the main body does not have either the first protrusion or the second protrusion, the other of the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be pressed into the inner surface of the recess, thus allowing the fixing member to be pressed and fixed to the housing. Alternatively, if the main body does not have both the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the main body can be fixed to the inner surface of the recess 22 by adhesive, or it can be fixed to the housing by fastening members such as screws.

[0065] The elastic member is not limited to a helical spring; for example, it can also be a leaf spring with one end supported on the head of the threaded member and the other end supported on the housing.

[0066] The structure of the frame is not limited to this embodiment; for example, the frame may not have a second frame portion. Even in this case, the increase in operation time for installing the pressure regulating device into the mounting hole of the frame can be suppressed.

[0067] The application of the pressure regulating device of this utility model is not particularly limited. The pressure regulating device can also be installed on a battery pack that supplies power to electrical equipment other than vehicles. Furthermore, the various structures described above can be appropriately combined without contradiction.

[0068] In addition, this technology can adopt the following structure.

[0069] (1) A pressure regulating device, installed in a mounting hole in a frame to regulate pressure within the frame, comprising: a housing extending axially through the interior of the mounting hole; a valve member movable axially relative to the housing; a sealing member sealing between the housing and the valve member; and a plurality of fixing members held in the housing, the housing having: a cylindrical first cylindrical portion having an axially extending vent hole; a cylindrical second cylindrical portion having an axially extending support hole and disposed inside the vent hole; and a plurality of recesses recessed radially inward from the radially outer surface of the first cylindrical portion, the sealing member... The valve member has a vent edge mounted on the axially facing side of the first cylindrical portion, the valve member having: a column portion that passes axially through the support hole and is supported by the inner surface of the support hole to be axially movable; and a valve core portion that blocks the vent from the axial side and is pressed axially relative to the sealing member, and the plurality of fixing members each having: a body portion disposed inside the recess and in axial contact with the inner surface of the recess; and an elastic portion having a claw portion protruding radially outward and capable of elastically deforming radially inward, the claw portion being axially opposite to the axially facing side of the frame.

[0070] (2) In the pressure regulating device described in (1), the radial outer edge of the housing is axially opposite to the axially facing side of the frame.

[0071] (3) In the pressure regulating device described in (1) or (2), the radial outer edge of the claw is located radially outward as it faces one side of the axial direction.

[0072] (4) In any one of (1) to (3) the pressure regulating device, the main body has a first protrusion that protrudes axially and contacts the inner surface of the recess.

[0073] (5) In any one of (1) to (4) the pressure regulating device, the main body has a second protrusion that protrudes circumferentially and contacts the inner surface of the recess.

[0074] (6) In any one of (1) to (5) the pressure regulating device, the housing and the valve component are made of metal.

[0075] (7) In any one of (1) to (6) the pressure regulating device, an annular groove extending along the edge of the vent hole is provided on the axial side of the first cylindrical portion, and the sealing member is annular and disposed inside the groove.

[0076] (8) In any one of (1) to (7) the pressure regulating device comprises: an elastic member capable of elastic deformation in the axial direction; and a threaded member having an axially extending shaft portion and a head extending radially outward from the shaft portion, the head being disposed at a position further axially than each of the second cylindrical portion and the column portion, an internal threaded hole being provided on one of the threaded member and the column portion, and an external threaded portion being provided on the other of the threaded member and the column portion for tightening with the internal threaded hole, the elastic member applying an axially elastic force to the second cylindrical portion and the head respectively.

[0077] Symbol Explanation

[0078] 10… Pressure regulating device; 20… Receiving body; 21… First cylindrical part; 21a… Vent hole; 21c… Groove; 22… Recess; 27… Second cylindrical part; 27a… Support hole; 30… Valve component; 31… Column; 31a… Internal threaded hole; 33… Valve core; 40… Fixing component; 41… Main body; 41a… First protrusion; 41b… Second protrusion; 47… Elastic part; 48… Claw; 51… Sealing component; 55… Threaded component; 56… Shaft; 56a… External threaded part; 57… Head; 59… Elastic component; 80… Frame; 81a… Mounting hole.

Claims

1. A pressure regulating device, wherein the pressure regulating device is installed in a mounting hole provided in a frame and regulates the pressure inside the frame, characterized in that, have: A housing that extends axially through the interior of the mounting hole; A valve component, which is axially movable relative to the housing; A sealing member that seals the space between the housing and the valve member; and Multiple fixing components, wherein the multiple fixing components are held in the receiving body, The storage body has: A first cylindrical portion, the first cylindrical portion having a vent extending axially; A cylindrical second cylindrical portion having an axially extending support hole and disposed inside the vent hole; as well as Multiple recesses, wherein the multiple recesses are recessed radially inward from the radially outer surface of the first cylindrical portion, The sealing member is installed on the edge of the vent hole in the axially facing side of the first cylindrical portion. The valve component has: A column portion, the column portion passing axially through the support hole and supported by the inner surface of the support hole, is axially movable; and The valve core blocks the vent from one axial side and is pressed axially relative to the sealing member. The plurality of said fixing members each have: The main body portion is disposed inside the recess and axially contacts the inner surface of the recess; and The elastic portion has a claw-like portion protruding radially outward and is capable of elastic deformation radially inward. The claw portion is axially opposite to the side of the frame facing the opposite axial direction.

2. The pressure regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radial outer edge of the storage body is axially opposite to the axially facing side of the frame.

3. The pressure regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The radial outer edge of the claw is located radially outward as it faces one side of the axial direction.

4. The pressure regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The main body has a first protrusion that protrudes axially and contacts the inner surface of the recess.

5. The pressure regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The main body has a second protrusion that protrudes circumferentially and contacts the inner surface of the recess.

6. The pressure regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Both the housing and the valve component are made of metal.

7. The pressure regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, An annular groove extending along the edge of the vent hole is provided on the axially facing side of the first cylindrical portion. The sealing member is annular and disposed inside the groove.

8. The pressure regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It comprises: an elastic member capable of elastic deformation along the axial direction; and A threaded member having an axially extending shaft portion and a head extending radially outward from the shaft portion. The head is positioned further axially to the opposite side than each of the second cylindrical portion and the columnar portion. One of the threaded member and the column portion is provided with an internal threaded hole, and the other of the threaded member and the column portion is provided with an external threaded portion that is tightened with the internal threaded hole. The elastic member applies an axial elastic force to the second cylindrical portion and the head, respectively.

Images