Pressure regulating device

Abstract

The pressure adjusting device is provided with a containing body fixed to a frame body; a valve member capable of moving in the axial direction with respect to the housing body; an elastic member elastically deformable in the axial direction; and a screw member having a shaft portion extending in the axial direction and a head portion extending radially outward from the shaft portion. The storage body has a tubular second tubular portion having a support hole extending in the axial direction. The valve member has: a column portion that passes through the support hole in the axial direction and is supported by the inner surface of the support hole so as to be movable in the axial direction; and a valve body section that blocks the vent hole from one side in the axial direction and that is pressed against the seal member in the axial direction. The column portion is provided with a female threaded hole, and the shaft portion is provided with a male threaded portion screwed into the female threaded hole. The valve core part is provided with a valve core hole part which is recessed towards the other side in the axial direction. The head is polygonal when viewed from the axial direction. The elastic member applies an axial elastic force to each of the second cylindrical portion and the head portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

[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 the adjusting screw is screwed into the shaft, the valve component sometimes rotates together with the adjusting screw due to the frictional force applied to the shaft. In this case, the assembly time of the valve structure may increase because it is difficult to screw the adjusting screw into the shaft.

[0007] In view of the above, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a pressure regulating device that can suppress the increase in assembly time.

[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 the pressure within the frame. The pressure regulating device comprises: a housing that extends axially through the interior of the mounting hole and is fixed to the frame; a valve member that is axially movable relative to the housing; a sealing member that seals between the housing and the valve member; an elastic member that is axially elastically deformable; and a threaded member having an axially extending shaft portion and a head extending radially outward from the shaft portion. The housing has: a cylindrical first cylindrical portion having an axially extending vent hole; and a cylindrical second cylindrical portion having an axially extending support hole and disposed inside the vent hole. The sealing member is mounted on the edge of the vent hole in the axially facing side of the first cylindrical portion. The valve member has: a column portion that extends 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 hole from the axial side and is pressed axially relative to the sealing member. An internally threaded hole is provided on one of the shaft portion and the column portion, and an externally threaded portion that screws into the internally threaded hole is provided on the other of the shaft portion and the column portion. A valve core hole portion recessed towards the other axial side is provided on the axially facing side of the valve core portion. The head is positioned further towards the other axial side than each of the second cylindrical portion and the column portion, and is polygonal when viewed from the axial direction. The elastic member applies an axially elastic force to the second cylindrical portion and the head, respectively.

[0009] According to one aspect of this invention, an increase in assembly time can be suppressed in a pressure regulating device. 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 Section 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 6This is a flowchart illustrating the assembly process of a pressure regulating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a first cross-sectional view showing the assembly process of a pressure regulating device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a second cross-sectional view showing the assembly process of a pressure regulating device according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 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 may be other than those indicated by these names.

[0019] In each diagram, the circumferential direction is indicated by the arrow θ. The side towards which the arrow θ points (the +θ side) is called the "circumferential side". The opposite side towards which the arrow θ points (the -θ side) 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.

[0020] Figure 1 The pressure regulating device 10 shown in this embodiment is installed in a battery pack installed in a vehicle or the like. More specifically, the pressure regulating device 10 is installed in a mounting hole 81a provided in a housing 80 that houses a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, which supplies 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 pressure inside the housing 80 rises due to the temperature of the battery. When the pressure regulating device 10 is in the open state, air inside the housing 80 is expelled to the outside, thereby 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.

[0021] In this embodiment, the frame 80 has a first frame portion 81 and a second frame portion 82. The first frame portion 81 is disposed on the outer side of the second frame portion 82. Each of the first frame portion 81 and the second frame portion 82 can be made of metal or resin. 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The first cylindrical portion 21 is a cylindrical shape extending axially. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 21 is approximately cylindrical about the central axis J. The first cylindrical portion 21 has openings on 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.

[0024] Vent hole 21a is a hole that extends axially through the first cylindrical portion 21. Vent hole 21a is a hole that extends axially. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when 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 82 and the exterior of the frame 80 are connected by a vent 21a.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 not shown in the figure, the storage groove 21d extends circumferentially. The storage groove 21d is an annular groove extending along the edge of the vent hole 21a.

[0027] 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 radially outer surface of the first cylindrical portion 21 towards the radially inner side and the other side (-θ side) in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, a plurality of recesses 22 are provided on the first cylindrical portion 21. 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 in the radial direction 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.

[0028] 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 roughly trapezoidal in shape, with its axial dimension decreasing towards the radially inward direction. 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 number of connecting portions 25 in the storage body 20 may be three or less, or five or more.

[0029] 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 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 different recesses 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 on the housing 20. Figure 5 As shown, the fixing member 40 has a main body 41 and an elastic part 47.

[0032] The main body 41 is cylindrical, extending axially. When viewed axially, the main body 41 has a roughly U-shaped appearance, opening radially inward. 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.

[0033] 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 on 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.

[0034] 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 from the lower end of the first main body portion 42 towards the space between the radially inward side and the other circumferential side (-θ side). Figure 1 As shown, the upper-facing 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.

[0035] 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 from one end of the first main body portion 42 in the circumferential direction between the radially inward side and the other circumferential side (-θ side). The third main body portion 44 faces the surface of the inner surface of the recess 22 facing the other circumferential side. Figure 5 As shown, the third main body 44 has a first part 44a and a second part 44b.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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). More specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the fourth main body portion 45 protrudes from the end of the first main body portion 42 on the other side of the circumference, between the radially inward side and 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.

[0038] 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 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.

[0039] like Figure 5As shown, the first protrusion 41a is a protrusion that protrudes 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. Thus, the fixing member 40 is fixed to the housing 20.

[0040] The second protrusion 41b is a protrusion that protrudes 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 along the axial direction. Figure 2 As shown, two additional second protrusions 41b protrude circumferentially from the surface of the fourth part 45b facing the opposite side (-θ side). These two additional second protrusions 41b are spaced apart from each other axially. Figure 3 As 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. Thus, the fixing member 40 is fixed to the housing 20.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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, if an upward force is applied to the housing 20, the claw portion 48 will come into axial contact with the frame 80. 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.

[0043] Furthermore, as described above, the radial outer edge of the storage body 20 is axially aligned with the upward-facing, i.e., axial-side (+Z-side) surface of the frame 80. This prevents the storage body 20 from moving downward relative to the frame 80. Additionally, as described above, the claw portion 48 prevents the storage body 20 from moving upward relative to the frame 80. Thus, the storage body 20 is fixed to the frame 80.

[0044] The valve member 30 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.

[0045] 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 internally threaded hole 31a may not be provided on the column portion 31; in this case, an externally threaded portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the column portion 31.

[0046] The internally threaded hole 31a is a recessed hole on the side facing downwards (the other side of the axial direction, -Z side) of the column portion 31, and upwards (the other side of the axial direction, +Z side). Although the figure is omitted, when viewed axially, the internally threaded hole 31a is approximately circular with the central axis J as the center. Although the figure is omitted, an internally threaded portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the internally threaded hole 31a.

[0047] 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 1As 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, when the valve member 30 moves upward, the valve core 33 opens the vent hole 21a. Thus, air inside the frame 80 is discharged to the outside of the frame 80 through the vent hole 21a. A valve core hole 33a is provided on the valve core 33.

[0048] The valve core hole 33a is provided on the upward-facing surface of the valve core 33, i.e., the axial side (+Z side). The valve core hole 33a is a recessed hole on the downward-facing side, i.e., the other axial side (-Z side). For example... Figure 2 As shown, viewed axially, the valve core hole 33a is a polygon centered on the central axis J. In this embodiment, the valve core hole 33a is hexagonal. That is, the valve core hole 33a is a polygon with six corners. The valve core hole 33a may also be a polygon different from a hexagon, such as a triangle or a quadrilateral. However, in the assembly process Pa of the pressure regulating device 10 described later, in order to suppress the rotation of the valve member 30 about the central axis J by using the second tool 92 inserted into the valve core hole 33a, the number of corners of the valve core hole 33a is preferably six or less.

[0049] 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 can be installed in the groove 21c. Thus, the sealing member 51 is installed on the edge of the vent 21a in the upward-facing, i.e., axial side (+Z side) surface of the first cylindrical portion 21. In the closed state, the valve core 33 is pressed against the sealing member 51 in the axial direction. Thus, the sealing member 51 seals the space between the housing 20 and the valve member 30. Therefore, in the closed state, foreign objects such as dust can be prevented from entering the interior of the frame 80, thereby improving the stability of the battery pack operation. Figure 4 As shown, in the open state, when the valve member 30 moves upward, the sealing member 51 separates from the valve core 33 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.

[0050] According to this embodiment, as described above, each of the housing 20 and the valve member 30 is 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 coefficient of linear expansion of the housing 20 and the coefficient of linear expansion of 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 of the sealing member 51 with 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.

[0051] According to this embodiment, an annular groove 21c extending along the edge of the vent hole 21a is provided on the upward-facing, axial-side (+Z-side) surface of the first cylindrical portion 21. 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 between the sealing member 51 and the housing 20 and the valve member 30 can be more appropriately suppressed. Therefore, the sealing member 51 can more stably seal the housing 20 and the valve member 30.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the sealing member 51 is annular. Therefore, the vent hole 21a can be sealed around its entire circumference by the sealing member 51. Thus, the sealing member 51 provides a more stable seal between the housing 20 and the valve member 30.

[0053] Figure 1 The 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. Therefore, the ring member 52 seals the second frame portion 82 and the receiving body 20.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The shaft portion 56 is a column extending axially. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 56 is approximately cylindrical about the central axis J. Viewed axially, the shaft portion 56 overlaps with the valve core hole portion 33a in the axial direction. That is, viewed axially, the valve core hole portion 33a overlaps with the shaft portion 56. 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 column portion 31. When the shaft portion 56 is inserted into the internal threaded hole 31a of the column portion 31 and the external thread portion 56a is tightened into the internal 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, a downwardly recessed internal threaded hole is provided on the shaft portion 56. When the external thread portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the column portion 31 is tightened into this internal threaded hole, the threaded member 55 is fixed to the valve member 30.

[0056] 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 axially. The head 57 is positioned lower than each of the second cylindrical portion 27 and the column portion 31, i.e., on the opposite side (-Z side) of the axial direction. The upward-facing surface of the head 57 contacts the lower end of the column portion 31 axially. That is, the head 57 contacts the column portion 31 axially. Alternatively, the head 57 may not contact the column portion 31 axially.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, viewed axially, the head 57 is a polygon centered on the central axis J. In this embodiment, the head 57 is hexagonal. That is, the head 57 is a polygon with six corners. The head 57 may also be a polygon other than a hexagon, such as a triangle or a quadrilateral. However, in the assembly process Pa of the pressure regulating device 10 described later, in order to facilitate the rotation of the threaded member 55 around the central axis J by means of the first tool 91 mounted on the head 57, the number of corners of the head 57 is preferably six or less.

[0058] The elastic member 59 applies a downward-directed elastic force to the valve member 30. 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 the second cylindrical portion 27 and the head 57 respectively. Therefore, the head 57 is subjected to a downward elastic force.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the pressure regulating device 10 includes: an elastic member 59 capable of elastic deformation in the axial direction; and a threaded member 55 having a shaft portion 56 extending in the axial direction and a head 57 extending radially outward from the shaft portion 56. The head 57 is positioned further downward than each of the second cylindrical portion 27 and the column portion 31, i.e., on the other side of the axial direction (-Z side). One of the threaded member 55 and the column portion 31 has an internal threaded hole 31a, and the other of the threaded member 55 and the column portion 31 has an external threaded portion 56a that is screwed into the internal threaded hole 31a. The elastic member 59 applies an axial elastic force to the second cylindrical portion 27 and the head 57 respectively. Therefore, as described above, an downward elastic force can be applied to the head 57 by the elastic member 59. Furthermore, as described above, the threaded member 55 is fixed to the valve member 30. Thus, an 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 sealing member 51 can stably seal the housing 20 and the valve member 30.

[0060] When the pressure inside the frame 80 increases due to the battery's temperature rise, 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, since valve core 33 and sealing member 51 are separated axially, pressure regulating device 10 is in the open valve state. In the open valve state, air inside frame 80 is discharged to the outside of frame 80 through vent hole 21a and the gap between valve core 33 and sealing member 51. This reduces the pressure inside frame 80, thus preventing frame 80 from breaking. When the upward force applied to threaded member 55 and valve member 30 due to the reduced pressure inside frame 80 is less than the elastic force of elastic member 59, valve member 30 moves downward. This returns pressure regulating device 10 to the closed valve state where valve core 33 presses against sealing member 51. Thus, pressure regulating device 10 regulates the pressure inside frame 80.

[0061] Next, the assembly process Pa of the pressure regulating device 10 in this embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 6 As shown, assembly process Pa includes: installation process P01, in which multiple fixing members 40, sealing members 51, and ring members 52 are respectively installed on the housing 20; insertion process P02, in which the column 31 is inserted into the support hole 27a; and fixing process P03, in which the threaded member 55 is fixed to the column 31. Furthermore, in the following description, "operators, etc." includes operators performing each process and assembly equipment, etc. Each process can be performed by only the operator, only by the assembly equipment, or by both the operator and the assembly equipment.

[0062] In installation step P01, multiple fixing components 40, sealing components 51, and ring components 52 are respectively installed on the housing 20. For example... Figure 7 As shown, in installation step P01, the operator inserts each fixing member 40 into a different recess 22 of the housing 20. As described above, since the two first protrusions 41a and four second protrusions 41b of the main body 41 are pressed into the inner surface of the recess 22, each fixing member 40 is fixed to the housing 20. Next, the operator installs the sealing member 51 into the groove 21c of the housing 20. Then, the operator installs the ring member 52 into the storage groove 21d of the housing 20. After installing the multiple fixing members 40, the sealing member 51, and the ring member 52 into the housing 20, installation step P01 is completed.

[0063] In insertion process P02, the column portion 31 is inserted into the support hole 27a. For example... Figure 7 As shown, in the insertion process P02, the operator moves the valve member 30, which is located above the housing 20, downwards, and inserts the column 31 into the support hole 27a. Figure 8 As shown, after the valve member 30 is moved downward until the valve core 33 contacts the sealing member 51 in the axial direction, the insertion step P02 ends.

[0064] In the fixing process P03, the threaded component 55 is fixed to the column portion 31. For example... Figure 8As shown, in the fixing process P03, firstly, the operator moves the elastic member 59, located below the column portion 31, upwards, so that the column portion 31 passes through the interior of the elastic member 59. Next, the operator inserts the head 57 into the first hole 91a, which is a polygonal hole provided at the upper end of the first tool 91. Thus, the first tool 91 is mounted on the head 57. In this embodiment, the first hole 91a is a hexagonal hole. In this embodiment, a socket driver or a ratchet wrench can be used as the first tool 91, for example. Next, the operator inserts the polygonal insertion portion 92a of the second tool 92 into the valve core hole portion 33a. Then, the operator holds the second tool 92 in a manner that does not rotate around the central axis J. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 92a is hexagonal. In this embodiment, an internal hex wrench can be used as the second tool 92, for example. Next, while inserting the shaft portion 56 of the threaded member 55 into the internal threaded hole 31a of the post portion 31, the operator rotates the first tool 91 around the central axis J to screw the external thread portion 56a into the internal threaded hole 31a. As described above, the second tool 92 is held in a position not to rotate around the central axis J. Therefore, when the valve member 30 attempts to rotate around the central axis J together with the threaded member 55 due to the frictional force applied to the post portion 31 when the external thread portion 56a is screwed into the internal threaded hole 31a, the insertion portion 92a contacts the inner surface of the valve core hole portion 33a in the circumferential direction. Thus, when the external thread portion 56a is screwed into the internal threaded hole 31a, the rotation of the valve member 30 and the threaded member 55 around the central axis J can be suppressed, making it easy to screw the external thread portion 56a into the internal threaded hole 31a. Figure 1 As shown, when the external threaded portion 56a is screwed into the internal threaded hole 31a until the head 57 contacts the column portion 31 axially, the threaded member 55 is fixed to the column portion 31. After the threaded member 55 is fixed to the column portion 31, the fixing process P03 ends. After the fixing process P03 ends, the assembly process Pa of the pressure regulating device 10 ends.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the valve member 30 has: a column portion 31 that passes through a support hole 27a axially and is supported by the inner surface of the support hole 27a so that it can move axially; and a valve core portion 33 that blocks the vent hole 21a from the upper side, i.e. the axial side (+Z side), and is pressed against the sealing member 51 axially. One of the shaft portion 56 and the column portion 31 is provided with an internal threaded hole 31a, and the other of the shaft portion 56 and the column portion 31 is provided with an external threaded portion 56a that is screwed into the internal threaded hole 31a. A valve core hole portion 33a that is recessed to the lower side, i.e. the other axial side (-Z side), is provided on the upper side of the valve core portion 33. The head 57 is disposed at a position lower than the second cylindrical portion 27 and the column portion 31, and is polygonal when viewed axially. Therefore, as described above, in the fixing process P03, with the first tool 91 installed on the head 57, by rotating the first tool 91 around the central axis J, the external thread 56a can be easily screwed into the internal thread hole 31a. This allows the threaded member 55 to be easily fixed to the column portion 31, thus suppressing any increase in the working time of the fixing process P03. Therefore, any increase in the assembly time of the pressure regulating device 10 can be suppressed.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, during the fixing process P03, the external threaded portion 56a can be screwed into the internal threaded hole 31a while the second tool 92, into which the insertion portion 92a is inserted, is held in a state where it does not rotate around the central axis J. Therefore, as described above, when the external threaded portion 56a is screwed into the internal threaded hole 31a, the rotation of the valve member 30 and the threaded member 55 together around the central axis J can be suppressed. As a result, the threaded member 55 can be more easily fixed to the column portion 31, and thus the increase in the operation time of the fixing process P03 can be more appropriately suppressed. Therefore, the increase in the assembly time of the pressure regulating device 10 can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the external thread portion 56a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 56, and the internal threaded hole 31a is recessed from the downward-facing side (the other axial side -Z side) of the column portion 31 to the upward-facing side (the axial side +Z side). Therefore, compared to the case where the external thread portion 56a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the column portion 31 and the internal threaded hole 31a is provided on the shaft portion 56, it is easier to increase the outer diameter of the column portion 31. As a result, since the rigidity of the column portion 31 is easily increased, even if a large force is applied to the valve core portion 33 due to the pressure rise within the frame 80, it is easier to suppress damage to the column portion 31. Therefore, the stability of the operation of the pressure regulating device 10 can be improved.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the head 57 and the column portion 31 are in axial contact. Therefore, it is easy to stabilize the axial distance between the second cylindrical portion 27 and the head 57. Furthermore, as described above, the elastic member 59 is in axial contact with both the second cylindrical portion 27 and the head 57. Therefore, it is easy to suppress uneven elastic deformation of the elastic member 59 in the axial direction. Thus, since uneven elastic force applied to the head 57 by the elastic member 59 can be suppressed, uneven pressure within the frame 80 that causes the valve member 30 to move upward can be suppressed. Therefore, the pressure within the frame 80 can be stabilized more appropriately, and thus damage to the frame 80 can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0069] According to this embodiment, viewed axially, the valve core hole 33a overlaps with the shaft 56 and is polygonal. Therefore, since the valve core hole 33a can be positioned on the rotation axis of the shaft 56, the increase in rotational torque applied to the second tool 92 when the external thread 56a is screwed into the internal thread hole 31a can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the valve core hole 33a is polygonal, when the valve core 33 is to rotate around the central axis J, the insertion portion 92a of the second tool 92 and the inner surface of the valve core hole 33a are easily jammed circumferentially. Therefore, when the external thread 56a is screwed into the internal thread hole 31a, the rotation of the valve member 30 and the threaded member 55 together around the central axis J can be more appropriately suppressed. This makes it easier to fix the threaded member 55 to the column 31, thus more appropriately suppressing the increase in the working time of the fixing process P03. Therefore, the increase in the assembly time of the pressure regulating device 10 can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0070] The above describes the embodiments of this utility model. However, the structures and combinations thereof 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The elastic component 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 component and the other end supported on the housing.

[0073] The structure of the frame is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the frame may not have a second frame portion. In this case, it is also possible to suppress the increase in operation time for installing the pressure regulating device into the mounting hole of the frame.

[0074] The valve core hole can also be positioned radially away from the central axis. In this structure, when the external thread is screwed into the internal thread hole, the second tool can be used to prevent the valve member and the threaded member from rotating together around the central axis. Alternatively, when the valve core hole is positioned radially away from the central axis, it can also be circular when viewed axially. In this structure, the second tool can also be used to prevent the valve member and the threaded member from rotating together around the central axis.

[0075] The application of the pressure regulating device to which this invention applies is not particularly limited. The pressure regulating device can be installed on a battery pack that supplies power to electrical equipment other than a vehicle. Furthermore, the structures described above can be appropriately combined without contradiction.

[0076] In addition, this technology can adopt the following structure.

[0077] (1) A pressure regulating device, installed in a mounting hole provided on a frame, for regulating pressure within the frame, the pressure regulating device comprising: a housing extending axially through the interior of the mounting hole and fixed to the frame; a valve member movable axially relative to the housing; a sealing member sealing between the housing and the valve member; an elastic member capable of elastic deformation axially; and a threaded member having an axially extending shaft portion and a head extending radially outward from the shaft portion, the housing having: a cylindrical first cylindrical portion having an axially extending vent hole; and a cylindrical second cylindrical portion having an axially extending support hole and disposed inside the vent hole, the sealing member being installed in the first cylindrical portion axially towards the first cylindrical portion. The valve member has: a column portion that passes through the support hole axially and is supported by the inner surface of the support hole to be movable axially; and a valve core portion that blocks the vent hole from one axial side and presses against the sealing member axially. One of the shaft portion and the column portion has an internally threaded hole, and the other of the shaft portion and the column portion has an externally threaded portion that screws into the internally threaded hole. The valve core portion has a valve core hole portion recessed to the other axial side on the axial side of its surface. The head is positioned on the other axial side than each of the second cylindrical portion and the column portion and is polygonal when viewed axially. The elastic member applies an axial elastic force to each of the second cylindrical portion and the head.

[0078] (2) Based on the pressure regulating device described in (1), the external thread is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft, and the internal thread hole is recessed from the column on the axial side facing the other side of the axial direction.

[0079] (3) Based on the pressure regulating device described in (1) or (2), the head is in axial contact with the column.

[0080] (4) Based on the pressure regulating device described in any of (1) to (3), when viewed from the axial direction, the valve core hole overlaps with the shaft and is polygonal.

[0081] (5) Based on any of the pressure regulating devices described in (1) to (4), the housing and the valve component are made of metal.

[0082] (6) Based on the pressure regulating device described in any of (1) to (5), 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.

[0083] Symbol Explanation

[0084] 10… Pressure regulating device; 20… Receiving body; 21… First cylindrical part; 21a… Vent hole; 21c… Groove part; 27… Second cylindrical part; 27a… Support hole; 30… Valve component; 31… Column part; 31a… Internal threaded hole; 33… Valve core part; 33a… Valve core hole part; 51… Sealing component; 55… Threaded component; 56… Shaft part; 56a… External threaded part; 57… Head; 59… Elastic component; 80… Frame; 81a… Mounting hole.

Claims

1. A pressure regulating device installed in a mounting hole provided in a frame and regulating pressure in the frame, characterized by, Possessing: a housing body that passes through the inside of the mounting hole in the axial direction and is fixed to the frame body; a valve member that is movable in the axial direction with respect to the housing body; a sealing member that seals between the housing body and the valve member; a resilient member that is elastically deformable in the axial direction; and a threaded member that has a shaft portion extending in the axial direction and a head portion that expands to the radially outer side from the shaft portion, the housing body has: a first cylindrical portion that is cylindrical and has a ventilation hole extending in the axial direction; and a second cylindrical portion that is cylindrical and has a support hole extending in the axial direction and is disposed inside the ventilation hole, the sealing member is attached to the rim portion of the ventilation hole in the face of the first cylindrical portion on the axial direction side, the valve member has: a columnar portion that passes through the support hole in the axial direction and is supported by the inner surface of the support hole so as to be movable in the axial direction; and a valve core portion that blocks the ventilation hole from the axial direction side and is pressed in the axial direction with respect to the sealing member, an internally threaded hole is provided in one of the shaft portion and the columnar portion, and an externally threaded portion that is screwed into the internally threaded hole is provided in the other of the shaft portion and the columnar portion, a valve core hole portion that is recessed to the other axial direction side is provided on the face of the valve core portion on the axial direction side, the head portion is disposed at a position that is further on the other axial direction side than each of the second cylindrical portion and the columnar portion and is polygonal when viewed in the axial direction, the resilient member applies an elastic force in the axial direction to each of the second cylindrical portion and the head portion.

2. The pressure regulating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the externally threaded portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and the internally threaded hole is recessed from the face of the columnar portion on the other axial direction side to the axial direction side.

3. The pressure regulating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the head portion is in contact with the columnar portion in the axial direction.

4. The pressure regulating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve core hole portion overlaps the shaft portion when viewed in the axial direction and is polygonal.

5. The pressure regulating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing body and the valve member are each made of metal.

6. The pressure regulating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a ring-shaped groove portion that extends along the rim portion of the ventilation hole is provided on the face of the first cylindrical portion on the axial direction side, the sealing member is ring-shaped and is disposed inside the groove portion. ​

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