Valve device

Abstract

Valve device (1) configured to adjust the degree of opening of a fluid flow path, comprising: an axial member (3) which is designed to be attached to the flow path; a valve housing (2) rotatable about the axial member (3), which is arranged such that it is rotated in a closing direction in which the degree of opening is reduced, and is rotated in an opening direction in which the degree of opening is increased by utilizing the fluid flowing out through the flow path; and a preloading element (40, 41, 46, 47) which is provided on the axial member (3) inside the flow path and is designed to preload the valve housing (2) for rotation in the closing direction, wherein the preload element (40, 41, 46) is provided inside the valve housing (2).

Description

STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve device provided in a fluid flow path.

[0002] A valve device is known that opens and closes an exhaust pipe through which exhaust gas flows from a vehicle engine. In a valve mechanism disclosed in the unexamined Japanese patent application JP 2016-79807A, a valve element that opens and closes an exhaust pipe is formed integrally with a pivot axis extending through the exhaust pipe. A portion of the pivot axis exposed outside the exhaust pipe is provided with a hinged arm, and the valve element is pre-tensioned by a spring connected to the hinged arm such that it rotates to a closed position. US Patent 9,540,995 B2 discloses a valve device for adjusting the degree of opening of an exhaust gas flow path, wherein the degree of opening is increased by using the pressure of the exhaust gas on the valve device against a restoring force. A similar device is disclosed in GB Patent 2,378,233 A. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] However, the valve mechanism disclosed in JP 2016-79807A includes elements located outside the exhaust pipe, comprising the articulated arm and the spring. This results in an increased space requirement for the arrangement of the valve mechanism.

[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the space required for the arrangement of the valve mechanism is reduced.

[0005] The problem is solved by the features of claims 1 and 2. Advantageous and expedient further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a valve device configured to adjust the degree of opening of a fluid flow path, comprising: an axial member; a valve body; and a preload element. The axial member is configured to be fixed in the flow path. The valve body is rotatable about the axial member and is configured to rotate in a closing direction in which the degree of opening is reduced, and, by utilizing fluid flowing out through the flow path, to rotate in an opening direction in which the degree of opening is increased. The preload element is provided on the axial member inside the flow path and is configured to preload the valve body so that it rotates in the closing direction.

[0007] According to the design described above, the preload element is arranged inside the fluid flow path, thus reducing the space required for the arrangement of the valve device. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a position to which the valve casing, rotating in the closing direction, reaches may be the closed position. When positioned in the closed position, the valve casing may be inclined relative to a cross-section perpendicular to a flow direction of the fluid in the flow path.

[0008] According to the embodiment described above, the valve housing, positioned in the closed position, is inclined, thus forming a first section located on the downstream side with respect to a central axis of rotation of the valve housing, and a second section located on the upstream side. Due to the inclination, after reaching the valve housing, the exhaust gas flows along the valve housing towards the first section, and the exhaust gas flow concentrates there. Consequently, the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas in the first section exceeds the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas in the second section, and a torque is generated that rotates the valve housing in a direction (in other words, towards the opening direction) in which the first section is displaced towards the downstream side.

[0009] As the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas increases, the valve housing, positioned in the closed position and pre-tensioned in the closing direction by the pre-tensioning element, can be rotated in the opening direction without having to consider the area ratio between two areas located on either side of the central axis in the valve housing. The position of the central axis can therefore be determined more flexibly, allowing for a more flexible design of the valve assembly.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the central axis defined by the valve housing rotating about the axial member can essentially pass through a center of the flow path.

[0011] The design described above promotes a more uniform fluid flow path on both sides of the central axis of the valve housing. This allows the exhaust gas flowing through the valve assembly to be more consistent.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the preload element can be arranged inside the valve housing.

[0013] According to the design described above, the exhaust gas can flow more evenly around the circumference of the valve housing.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the valve device can be mounted on a vehicle. The fluid can be exhaust gas from a vehicle engine.

[0015] According to the design described above, the space required for the arrangement of the valve device provided on an exhaust gas flow path in the vehicle can be reduced.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the valve device can be provided in a silencer through which the exhaust gas flows.

[0017] According to the design described above, the space required for the arrangement of the valve device provided in the silencer can be reduced.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the preload element may comprise at least one tension helical spring having a first end connected to the axial member and a second end connected to the valve housing.

[0019] According to the design described above, the valve housing can advantageously be pre-tensioned.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a position to which the valve housing, rotating in the closing direction, reaches can be the closed position. When positioned in the closed position, the valve housing can be inclined relative to a cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid in the flow path. The at least one tension helical spring can be arranged such that, when the valve housing is positioned in the closed position, the first end is located on the upstream side relative to a reference line and the second end is located on the downstream side relative to the central axis defined by the valve housing rotating about the axial member, or the first end is located on the downstream side relative to the reference line and the second end is located on the upstream side relative to the central axis.The reference line can be a straight line connecting the second end of at least one tension coil spring and the central axis.

[0021] According to the embodiment described above, the at least one tension spring can generate a torque that rotates the valve housing, positioned in the closed position, in the closing direction. This allows the valve housing to be advantageously pre-tensioned.

[0022] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the axial member may further comprise a connecting member that projects outwards from an outer circumferential surface. The first end of the at least one tension helical spring may be connected to the connecting member.

[0023] According to the design described above, a distance between the first end of the at least one tension coil spring and the reference line can easily be ensured. This allows the torque generated by the at least one tension coil spring to be easily adjusted.

[0024] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the second end of the at least one tension coil spring may be attached to or near one end of the valve housing.

[0025] According to the design described above, the valve housing can advantageously be pre-tensioned. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the following applies: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a silencer according to a first embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an inner tube of the silencer and a valve device according to the first embodiment, shown along a flow direction of an exhaust gas, in which a valve housing of the valve device is positioned in a closed position; Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inner tube of the silencer and the valve device according to the first embodiment, shown along the direction of exhaust gas flow, in which the valve housing of the valve device is positioned in an open position; Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the inner tube of the silencer and the valve device according to a second embodiment, shown along the direction of exhaust gas flow, in which the valve housing of the valve device is positioned in the closed position; Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the inner tube of the silencer and the valve device shown along the direction of exhaust gas flow according to a third embodiment in which the valve housing of the valve device is positioned in the closed position; Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of the silencer with the valve device according to a fourth embodiment; and Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the inner tube of the silencer and the valve device according to the fourth embodiment, shown along the direction of exhaust gas flow, in which the valve housing of the valve device is positioned in the closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EXECUTIONS

[0027] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below and may be modified in various ways within the technical scope of the present disclosure. [First embodiment][1. Overall design of the valve device]

[0028] A valve device 1 according to a first embodiment is located in a pipe through which exhaust gas from a vehicle engine flows (in other words: installed in an exhaust gas flow path (see Fig. 1) In particular, the valve device 1 is provided in an inner tube 50 of a silencer 5, which is installed in the exhaust flow path of the vehicle. The inner tube 50 is, for example, a substantially linear cylindrical element. Hereinafter, a cross-section perpendicular to a flow direction of the exhaust gas in the inner tube 50 is simply referred to as a cross-section, and a line passing substantially through a center of the cross-section is referred to as an axial line 51. The valve device 1 is configured to adjust the degree of opening of the inner tube 50 and comprises: a valve body 2; an axial member 3; and a first and second spring 40, 41. [2nd axial member]

[0029] The axial member 3 is attached to the inner tube 50 and comprises: a pivot axis 30; a connecting member 32; and a first and second bearing element 33, 34 (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3).

[0030] The pivot axis 30 is a rod-shaped element that extends through the inner tube 50 and rotatably supports the valve housing 2. The pivot axis 30 is fixed to the inner tube 50 and is not rotatable relative to the inner tube 50. The pivot axis 30 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and extends along a direction (hereinafter also referred to as the lateral direction) within the inner tube 50 that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of exhaust gas flow (in other words, along the axial line 51). A central axis 31, defined by the valve housing 2 rotating about the pivot axis 30, intersects or runs near the axial line 51 of the inner tube 50. In other words, the central axis 31 passes substantially through the center of the inner tube 50.

[0031] In the first embodiment, the axis of rotation 30 is arranged to extend through a wall surface of the inner tube 50, and both ends of the axis of rotation 30 are exposed outside the inner tube 50. However, the design of the two ends of the axis of rotation 30 is not restricted and they can be arranged inside the inner tube 50.

[0032] The connecting element 32 is attached to the axis of rotation 30 in the lateral direction essentially at its midpoint. The connecting element 32 has a substantially oval shape, and the axis of rotation 30 substantially penetrates the midpoint of the connecting element 32. In other words, the connecting element 32 is arranged such that it projects from an outer circumferential surface of the axis of rotation 30. A first end of the connecting element 32 along its longitudinal direction is arranged on the upstream side relative to the axis of rotation 30, and a second end of the connecting element 32 is arranged on the downstream side of the axis of rotation 30.

[0033] The first and second bearing elements 33, 34 are each arranged on the axis of rotation 30 near its respective end and abut an inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50. The valve housing 2 is arranged between the first bearing element 33 and the second bearing element 34. The first and second bearing elements 33, 34 are each cylindrical with a diameter larger than the diameter of the axis of rotation 30 and are concentric with the axis of rotation 30. The first and second bearing elements 33, 34 each comprise an outer section that abuts the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50 and an inner section that abuts an inner surface of the outer section. The inner section has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer section. [3. Valve housing]

[0034] The valve housing 2 is flat and, when viewed from the front, has a substantially circular shape with an inner cavity. An edge of the valve housing 2 comprises a first and a second side section 20, 21, which are oriented opposite each other in the lateral direction, and a first and second arc section 22, 23, which are oriented opposite each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3) Both ends of the first arc section 22 are connected to one end of the first and second side sections 20 and 21, respectively, and both ends of the second side section 23 are connected to the other ends of the first and second side sections 20 and 21, respectively. The valve body 2 has a thickness in side view that increases longitudinally towards a center.

[0035] The valve housing 2 is rotatably arranged about the axial member 3 (specifically about the axis of rotation 30). The axis of rotation 30 passes through the valve housing 2 essentially laterally through a longitudinally significant center. The valve housing 2 rotates about the axis of rotation 30 to change the degree of opening of the inner tube 50. Hereinafter, a direction of rotation of the valve housing 2 in which the degree of opening of the inner tube 50 is reduced is referred to as the closing direction, and a direction of rotation of the valve housing 2 in which the degree of opening of the inner tube 50 is increased is referred to as the opening direction.

[0036] This means that the first side section 20 is rotatably mounted by the bearing element 33 of the axis of rotation 30, which penetrates the first side section 20. In particular, an inner subsection of the first bearing element 33 is arranged inside the valve housing 2, and an outer subsection of the first bearing element 33 is arranged between the first side section 20 and the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50. Analogously to the first side section 20, the second side section 21 is rotatably mounted by the second bearing element 34 of the axis of rotation 30, which penetrates the second side section 21.

[0037] The valve housing 2 comprises a first and a second valve housing 25, 26. Viewed from the side, the first and second valve housings 25, 26 are each an arcuately curved, plate-shaped element. The valve housing 2 is formed by joining the first valve housing 25 and the second valve housing 26, which are positioned opposite each other, and an interior space 24 is formed between the first valve housing 25 and the second valve housing 26. The first valve housing 25 is located on the upstream side, and the second valve housing 26 is located on the downstream side. [4. First and second spring]

[0038] The first and second springs 40, 41 are designed as tension coil springs, which are provided on the axis of rotation 30, and function as the preload elements for the rotating preload of the valve housing 2 in the closing direction (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3) The first and second tension coil springs 40, 41 are each at least partially connected to the connecting member 32.

[0039] The first and second springs 40, 41 are located at the edge of the valve housing 2 when viewed in the direction of exhaust gas flow and are arranged in the interior 24 of the valve housing 2. Specifically, a first end 40A of the first spring 40 is connected to a portion of the connecting element 32 on the side of the first valve housing 25, relative to the central axis 31, and a second end 40B of the first spring 40 is connected to a portion of the first arc section 22 on the side of the interior 24. Similarly, a first end 41A of the second spring 41 is connected to a portion of the connecting element 32 on the side of the second valve housing 26, relative to the central axis 31, and a second end 41B of the second spring 41 is connected to a portion of the second arc section 23 on the side of the interior 24. [5. Closed position and open position]

[0040] A position of the valve housing 2 in which the opening degree of the inner tube 50 reaches its maximum is referred to as the open position (see Fig. 3) The valve housing 2, positioned in the open position, is in a state in which it is arranged along the direction of exhaust gas flow.

[0041] The position of the valve housing 2, in which the opening degree of the inner tube 50 reaches its minimum, is referred to as the closed position (see Fig. 2) In the first embodiment, the valve housing 2, positioned in the closed position, is inclined relative to a cross-section of the inner tube 50. Simultaneously, the first and second arc sections 22, 23 each rest against the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50 and do not form any gaps between the first and second arc sections 22, 23, respectively, and the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50. Furthermore, the first arc section 22 is arranged downstream of the central axis 31, and the second arc section 23 is arranged upstream of the central axis 31.

[0042] In the first embodiment, gaps are formed between the first and second side sections 20, 21 of the valve housing 2 and the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the inner tube 50 can, for example, be configured in a different way such that no gaps are formed between the first and second side sections 20, 21 and the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50. [6. Rotation of the valve housing]

[0043] The first and second springs 40, 41 are each tensioned inside the valve housing 2 and generate a restoring force that contracts the spring (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3) In particular, the first and second springs 40, 41 are least tensioned when the valve housing 2 is in the closed position, and the restoring force is lowest. As the valve housing 2 approaches the open position, the first and second springs 40, 41 become more tensioned, and the restoring force increases.

[0044] The restoring force of both the first and second springs 40, 41 generates a torque that rotates the valve housing 2 towards the closed position (in other words: in the closing direction). Specifically, the restoring force rotates the first arc section 22 of the valve housing 2 towards the inflow side and the second arc section 23 towards the outflow side.

[0045] In particular, when considering the valve housing 2 and the first and second springs 40, 41 in the width direction, a straight line connecting the first end 40A of the first spring 40 and the second end 40B is referred to as the first straight line 42 (see Fig. 2) A straight line connecting the second end 40B and the central axis 31 defined by the rotating valve housing 2 is also referred to as the first reference line 43. Furthermore, a straight line connecting the first end 41A of the second spring 41 and the second end 41B is referred to as the second straight line 44, and a straight line connecting the second end 41B and the central axis 31 is referred to as the second reference line 45.

[0046] When the valve housing 2 is in the closed position, the first end 40A of the first spring 40 is located on the side of the first valve housing 25 relative to the central axis 31, and an angle θ1 is formed between the first straight line 42 and the first reference line 43. Furthermore, the first end 41A of the second spring 41 is located on the side of the second valve housing 26 relative to the central axis 31, and an angle θ2 is formed between the second straight line 44 and the second reference line 45.

[0047] In other words, when the valve housing 2 is in the closed position, the first end 40A of the first spring 40 is located on the upstream side relative to the first reference line 43, and the second end 40B is located on the downstream side relative to the central axis 31. Similarly, in the second spring 41, the first end 41A is located on the downstream side relative to the second reference line 45, and the second end 41B is located on the upstream side relative to the central axis 31.

[0048] As described above, the valve housing 2 is rotatable about the axis of rotation 30, and the connecting element 32 is attached to the axis of rotation 30. The valve housing 2 is thus rotated in the closing direction by the restoring forces of the first and second springs 40 and 41. The restoring forces increase with increasing angles θ1 and θ2. The degrees of angles θ1 and θ2 can also be nearly equal or differ from each other. The degrees of angles θ1 and θ2 can be adjusted as appropriate so that the valve device 1 can be used in various exhaust gas flow paths with different dynamic exhaust gas pressures.

[0049] The valve housing 2, which is inclined relative to the cross-section of the inner tube 50, is rotated in the opening direction by the exhaust gas flowing through the inner tube 50. That is, if the valve housing 2 is inclined such that the first arc section 22 is located on the downstream side relative to the central axis 31 of the axis of rotation 30, and the second arc section 23 is located on the upstream side relative to the central axis 31, the exhaust gas flows along the valve housing 2 towards the first arc section 22 after reaching it. Accordingly, the exhaust gas concentrates near the first arc section 22.As a result, the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas applied to a part of the valve housing 2 (hereinafter referred to as first subsection 2A) on the side of the first arc section 22 in relation to the central axis 31 exceeds the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas applied to a part of the valve housing 2 (hereinafter referred to as second subsection 2B) on the side of the second arc section 23 in relation to the central axis 31.

[0050] In particular, when the valve housing 2 is inclined as described above, a second cross-section 50B of the inner tube 50, which intersects the second subsection 2B, is larger than a first cross-section 50A of the inner tube 50, which intersects the first subsection 2A. Accordingly, the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas acting on the first subsection 2A of the valve housing 2 exceeds the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas acting on the second subsection 2B. Here, the first cross-section 50A represents a partial area of ​​the cross-section of the inner tube 50 at the first subsection 2A, through which the exhaust gas flows on the upstream side of the valve housing 2. The second cross-section 50B also represents a partial area of ​​the cross-section of the inner tube 50 at the second subsection 2B, through which the exhaust gas flows on the upstream side of the valve housing 2.

[0051] Accordingly, a force is exerted on the valve housing 2, which is segmented as described above. This force is generated by a difference calculated by subtracting the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas applied to the second section 2B from the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas applied to the first section 2A. Therefore, if the force exceeds the torque generated by the first and second springs 40, 41, the valve housing 2 is rotated in the opening direction. [7. Design of the silencer]

[0052] The silencer 5 of the first embodiment is arranged in the exhaust flow path from the vehicle engine and comprises the inner pipe 50, as described above, and an outer pipe 53 (see Fig. 1).

[0053] Openings at both ends of the inner tube 50 each form an inlet 56 and an outlet 57 for the exhaust gas in the silencer 5. The valve device 1 is essentially located at the center of the inner tube 50 in one direction along the axial line 51. A plurality of holes 52 are formed in the inner tube 50 on both the upstream and downstream sides relative to the valve device 1, and these holes 52 connect an outer space 54 with an interior space of the inner tube 50.

[0054] The outer tube 53 is a linearly extending cylindrical element and is arranged around an outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 50. The outer tube 53 and the inner tube 50 together form a double tube. The outer space 54 surrounding the inner tube 50 is formed between the outer tube 53 and the inner tube 50. Both ends of the outer tube 53 are each provided with a connecting element that closes a gap between the outer tube 53 and the inner tube 50 and is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 50.

[0055] The outer chamber 54, for example, is lined with a sound-absorbing material such as glass wool 55. Besides glass wool 55, various materials with sound absorption properties, including porous materials, can be used as sound-absorbing materials. The outer chamber 54 can also be configured without any sound-absorbing material.

[0056] The exhaust gas flowing into the silencer 5 from the inlet 56 initially flows through the inner tube 50. If the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas is low and the valve assembly 1 is in the closed position, the exhaust gas does not primarily flow through the valve assembly 1 but instead flows on the upstream side of the valve assembly 1 through the multiple holes 52 to the outer chamber 54. The exhaust gas flowing out of the outer chamber 54 passes through the glass wool 55, thus providing sound attenuation. Subsequently, the exhaust gas flows through the multiple holes 52 on the downstream side of the valve assembly 1 and into the inner tube 50, and then out of the outlet 57 to an outer surface of the silencer 5.

[0057] In response to the increase in the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas flowing in from the inlet 56, the valve device 1 is rotated in the opening direction and the degree of opening of the inner tube 50 is increased. This leads to a gradual increase in the amount of exhaust gas flowing through the valve device 1. [Second embodiment][8. Overview]

[0058] The valve device 1 of the second embodiment is designed similarly to the first embodiment, with the exception of the valve housing 2 and the preload element (see Fig. 4) In particular, the valve housing 2 of the second embodiment comprises the first valve housing 25, but not the second valve housing 26. The preload element of the second embodiment comprises the first spring 40, but not the second spring 41. With such a design, the degree of opening of the inner tube 50 can be adjusted similarly to the valve device 1 of the first embodiment. The preload element of the valve housing 2 of the second embodiment can be configured to include the second spring 41, but not the first spring 40. [Third embodiment][9. Overview]

[0059] The valve device 1 of the third embodiment is designed similarly to the first embodiment, with the exception of the preload element (see Fig. 5) The following descriptions concern differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0060] In the third embodiment, a spiral torsion spring 46 is used as a preload element instead of the first and second springs 40, 41. The spiral torsion spring 46 is positioned on the axis of rotation 30 in the lateral direction essentially at its midpoint, such that it surrounds the axis of rotation 30. The spiral torsion spring 46A comprises a first end 46A, which rests against the first valve housing 25, and a second end, which is attached to the axis of rotation 30.

[0061] The spiral torsion spring 46 is arranged inside the valve housing 2 such that its first end 46A is pressed towards the outflow side, generating a restoring force that moves the first end 46A towards the inflow side. Similar to the first embodiment, the restoring force of the spiral torsion spring 46 generates a torque that rotates the valve housing 2 in the closing direction. As the valve housing 2 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first end 46A is displaced towards the outflow side. As the valve housing 2 approaches the open position, similar to the first embodiment, the spiral torsion spring 46 is compressed and the restoring force increases.

[0062] If, similar to the first embodiment, the force applied to the valve housing 2 by the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas exceeds the torque generated by the spiral torsion spring 46, the valve housing 2 is rotated in the opening direction. [Fourth embodiment][10. Overview]

[0063] The valve device 1 of the fourth embodiment is designed similarly to the first embodiment, with the exception of the valve housing 6 and a third spring 47 (see Fig. 6, Fig. 7) The following descriptions concern differences between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment. [11. Valve housing]

[0064] The valve housing 6 of the fourth embodiment comprises: a housing part 60; a first and second arm section 65, 66; and a coupling element 67 (see Fig. 6, Fig. 7).

[0065] The valve housing 60 is a plate-shaped element with an essentially circular form, and an edge of the housing part 60 comprises a first and a second side section 61, 62, which are formed opposite each other in the lateral direction, and a first and a second arc section 63, 64, which are formed opposite each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction. Both ends of the first arc section 63 are connected to one end of the first and second side sections 61, 62, respectively, and both ends of the second side section 64 are connected to the other ends of the first and second side sections 61, 62, respectively.

[0066] The first and second arm sections 65, 66 are arranged on the first and second side sections 61, 62, respectively, at their respective longitudinal centers and are oriented opposite each other laterally. Furthermore, the first and second arm sections 65, 66 project substantially in a direction perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions and are located on the upstream side of the housing part 60.

[0067] Similar to the first embodiment, the valve housing 6 is rotatable about the axis of rotation 30. The axis of rotation 30 is located on the upstream side relative to the housing part 60 and extends through the valve housing 6 essentially laterally and longitudinally, essentially at a center.

[0068] This means that the first arm section 65 is rotatably mounted about the first bearing element 33 of the axis of rotation 30, which passes through the first arm section 65. In particular, the inner part of the first bearing element 33 is surrounded by the first arm section 65, and the outer part of the first bearing element 33 is arranged between the first arm section 65 and the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50. The second arm section 66 is also rotatably mounted about the second bearing element 34 of the axis of rotation 30, which passes through the second arm section 66, similarly to the first arm section 65.

[0069] The coupling element 67 is provided on the housing part 60 near the first arc section 63 and projects in the same direction as the first and second arm sections 65, 66. A second end 47B of the third spring 47 is connected to the coupling element 67. [12. Third Feather]

[0070] The third spring 47 of the fourth embodiment has the form of a tension coil spring and functions as a preload element similarly to the spring of the first embodiment (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) The third spring 47 is provided on the axis of rotation 30, and at least a part of the third spring 47 is connected to the connecting element 32. The third spring 47 is arranged on the upstream side of the housing part 60, and a first end 47A of the third spring 47 is connected to a part of the connecting element 32 that is closer to the upper edge of the first and second arm sections 65, 66 than the central axis 31, and the second end 47B is connected to the coupling element 67. [13. Closed position and open position]

[0071] In the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the valve housing 6, when positioned in the open position, is in a state in which it is arranged along the flow direction of the exhaust gas, and when positioned in the closed position, the valve housing 6 is inclined relative to the cross-section of the inner tube 50 (see Fig. 7) In the valve housing 6, which is positioned in the closed position, the first and second arc sections 63, 64 each abut the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50, and no gaps are formed between the first and second arc sections 63, 64 and the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50.

[0072] In the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, gaps are formed between the first and second side sections 61, 62 of the valve housing 6 and the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50. However, the design is not limited to this and can be configured so that no gaps are formed. [14. Rotation of the valve housing]

[0073] Similar to the first embodiment, the third spring 47 is tensioned on the valve housing 6 and generates a restoring force that contracts the third spring 47 (see Fig. 6, Fig. 7) In particular, the third spring 47 becomes more compressed and its restoring force increases as the valve housing 6 approaches the open position. The restoring force of the third spring 47 also generates a torque that rotates the valve housing 6 in the closing direction.

[0074] If, similar to the first embodiment, the force applied to the valve housing 6 by the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas exceeds the torque generated by the third spring 47, the valve housing 6 rotates in the opening direction. [15. Effects]

[0075] (1) According to the aforementioned embodiment, the preloading element of the valve device 1 is provided inside the inner tube 50 and thus the space required for the arrangement of the valve device 1 can be reduced.

[0076] (2) Each of the valve housings 2, 6, positioned in the closed position, is inclined relative to the inner tube 50, and as a result, after reaching the valve housing 2 or 6, the exhaust gas flows along the valve housing 2 or 6 to the first section 2A, and the exhaust gas flow concentrates at the first section 2A. Consequently, the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas at the first section 2A exceeds the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas at the second section 2B, and the torque that rotates the valve housing 2 or 6 in the opening direction is generated.

[0077] With the increasing dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas, the valve housing, positioned in the closed position and pre-tensioned in the closing direction by the pre-tensioning element, can be rotated in the opening direction without having to consider the area ratio between the first subsection 2A and the second subsection 2B in the valve housing 2. In particular, with a structure in which the central axis 31 of the respective valve housing 2, 6 runs essentially through its center in the longitudinal direction (in other words, essentially through the center of the inner tube 50), similar to the aforementioned embodiment, the valve housing 2, positioned in the closed position, can be rotated in the opening direction in response to the increasing dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas. Accordingly, the position of the central axis 31 can be determined more flexibly, which allows for a more flexible design of the valve device 1.

[0078] (3) The central axis 31 of the valve housing 2 runs essentially through the center of the inner tube 50. This promotes a more uniform formation of the exhaust gas flow path on both sides of the central axis 31. Accordingly, the exhaust gas flowing through the valve device 1 can flow more uniformly.

[0079] (4) In the first to third embodiments, the preload element is arranged inside the valve housing 2. This allows for a more uniform flow of exhaust gas around the circumference of the valve housing 2. [16. Other embodiments]

[0080] (1) In the aforementioned embodiments, the central axis 31 defined by the rotating valve housing 2 or 6 runs substantially through the center of the inner tube 50. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the position of the axis of rotation 30 can be determined such that the central axis 31 is located on the side of either the first or the second arc section relative to the substantial center of the inner tube 50. With such a structure, the valve housing 2 or 6 can be rotated in the opening direction by appropriately adjusting the spring of the preload element, similar to the aforementioned embodiments, when the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas increases. The degree of opening of the inner tube 50 can be adjusted accordingly, similar to the aforementioned embodiments.

[0081] (2) In the aforementioned embodiments, the valve housings 2, 6, when positioned in the closed position, are each inclined relative to the cross-section of the inner tube 50. However, the valve housings 2, 6, when positioned in the closed position, can each be oriented substantially parallel to the cross-section. In this case, the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 50 can, for example, be provided with a projection to prevent the valve housings 2, 6, when positioned in the closed position, from rotating in the closing direction. In this case, the position of the axis of rotation 30 can be adjusted such that the central axis 31, relative to the substantial center of the inner tube 50, is located on the side of either the first or the second arc section. With such a structure, the valve housing 2 can be rotated in the opening direction as the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas increases, similar to the aforementioned embodiments.Similar to the aforementioned embodiments, the degree of opening of the inner tube 50 can be adjusted in this way.

[0082] (3) In the aforementioned embodiments, the valve device 1 is mounted on the vehicle and located in the exhaust flow path from the engine. However, the application of the valve device 1 is not limited to this. The valve device 1 can be located in a different fluid flow path within the vehicle or in a fluid flow path within another device that is not a vehicle. The same effect can be achieved with such structures as described above.

[0083] (4) The valve device 1 according to the fourth embodiment can be configured such that the housing part 60 is located in the fluid flow path on the upstream side. Similar to the fourth embodiment, the valve device 1 can be configured such that the valve housing 6, when positioned in the closed position, is tilted and the third spring 47 generates the restoring force that rotates the valve housing 6 in the closing direction. This prevents the exhaust gas from directly impacting the third spring 47 and promotes a more uniform flow of the exhaust gas.

[0084] (5) In the valve device 1 according to the first, second and fourth embodiments, the rotation of the valve housing 1 or 6 in the closing direction is effected by the restoring force exerted to compress the first spring 40, the second spring 41 or the third spring 47 of the preload element. Alternatively, the springs of the preload element can each be arranged in a compressed state to rotate the valve housing 1 or 6 in the closing direction by a restoring force exerted when the spring is extended. The same effects can be achieved with these structures, as described above.

[0085] (6) Several functions that are performed by a single element in the aforementioned embodiments can be performed by several elements, or a function that is performed by a single element can be performed by several elements. Likewise, several functions that are performed by several elements can be performed by a single element, or a function that is performed by several elements can be performed by a single element. Furthermore, a part of an embodiment in the embodiments described above can be omitted. In addition, at least one part of an embodiment in the aforementioned embodiments can be added to or replaced by another embodiment in the aforementioned embodiments.

Claims

[1] Valve device (1) configured to adjust the degree of opening of a fluid flow path, comprising: an axial member (3) which is designed to be attached to the flow path; a valve housing (2) rotatable about the axial member (3), which is arranged such that it is rotated in a closing direction in which the degree of opening is reduced, and is rotated in an opening direction in which the degree of opening is increased by utilizing the fluid flowing out through the flow path; and a preloading element (40, 41, 46, 47) which is provided on the axial member (3) inside the flow path and is designed to preload the valve housing (2) for rotation in the closing direction, wherein the preload element (40, 41, 46) is provided inside the valve housing (2). [2] Valve device (1) configured to adjust the degree of opening of a fluid flow path, comprising: an axial member (3) which is designed to be attached to the flow path; a valve housing (2) rotatable about the axial member (3), which is arranged such that it is rotated in a closing direction in which the degree of opening is reduced, and is rotated in an opening direction in which the degree of opening is increased by utilizing the fluid flowing out through the flow path; and a preloading element (40, 41, 46, 47) which is provided on the axial member (3) inside the flow path and is designed to preload the valve housing (2) for rotation in the closing direction, wherein the preload element (40, 41, 47) comprises at least one tension coil spring (40, 41, 47) having a first end connected to the axial member (3) and a second end connected to the valve housing (2). [3] Valve device (1) according to claim 2, wherein a position to which the valve housing (2) rotating in the closing direction reaches is a closed position, wherein the valve housing (2), when positioned in the closed position, is inclined relative to a cross-section perpendicular to a flow direction of the fluid in the flow path, wherein the at least one tension coil spring (40, 41, 47) is arranged such that, when the valve housing (2) is positioned in the closed position, the first end (40A) is located on an upstream side relative to a reference line (43), and the second end (40B) is located on an downstream side relative to a central axis (31) defined by the valve housing (2) rotating about the axial member (3), or the first end (41A) is located on the downstream side relative to the reference line (45), and the second end (41B) is located on the upstream side relative to the central axis (31), and wherein the reference line (43, 45) is a straight line connecting the second end (40B, 41B, 47B) of the at least one tension coil spring (40, 41, 47) and the central axis (31). [4] Valve device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the axial member (3) further comprises a connecting member (32) which is arranged projecting towards an outer circumferential surface of the axial member (3), and wherein the first end (40A, 41A, 47A) of the at least one tension coil spring (40, 41, 47) is connected to the connecting member (32). [5] Valve device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second end (40B, 41B, 47B) of the at least one tension coil spring (40, 41, 47) is attached to an end of the valve housing (2) or in its vicinity. [6] Valve device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a position to which the valve housing (2) rotating in the closing direction reaches is a closed position, and wherein the valve housing (2), when positioned in the closed position, is inclined relative to a cross-section perpendicular to a flow direction of the fluid in the flow path. [7] Valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a central axis (31) defined by the valve housing (2) rotating about the axial member (3) passes substantially through a center of the flow path. [8] Valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the valve device (1) is mounted on a vehicle, and where the fluid is exhaust gas from the vehicle engine. [9] Valve device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the valve device (1) is provided in a silencer (5) through which the exhaust gas flows.

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