Structure

Abstract

To provide a structure capable of suppressing damage to a gasket.SOLUTION: A structure 10 is attached to the surface of an object 100 including a flow path 103, and includes a body member 20 including a communication portion 25 that communicates with the flow path of the object, and a gasket that is disposed between the surface of the object and the body member, surrounds the flow path in a plan view, and is made of an elastic material. The body member includes an inner portion 27 that overlaps the gasket in a plan view, an outer portion 30 that is located outside the inner portion in a plan view, and a gap 33 that is located between the inner portion and the outer portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure attached to the surface of an object including a flow path.

Background Art

[0002] Inside an automobile, various members are connected via gaskets. For example, a pressure release valve is connected to a battery pack mounted on an automobile via a gasket. The pressure release valve is a device for adjusting the pressure inside the battery pack. In addition, two automotive pipes are connected via a gasket. The gasket contains an elastic material. The gasket is disposed in a compressed state between two members.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a compressed gasket, a reaction force to return to its original shape is generated. Due to the reaction force of the gasket, warpage may occur in the member in contact with the gasket. When warpage occurs, a gap is generated between the two members, and part or all of the gasket is exposed. When an external load is applied to the gasket, it is conceivable that the gasket will be damaged. The external load is, for example, an impact received from hot water discharged from a high-pressure washer.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a structure that can solve such problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to the following [1] to [8]. [1] A structure attached to the surface of an object including a flow path, a main body member including a communication portion communicating with the flow path of the object, a gasket made of an elastic material, disposed between the surface of the object and the main body member, surrounding the flow path in a plan view, and comprising: The main body member includes an inner portion overlapping the gasket in a plan view, an outer portion located outside the inner portion in a plan view, and a gap located between the inner portion and the outer portion.

[0007] [2] In the structure according to [1], the outer portion may include a shielding wall that bulges in the normal direction of the surface.

[0008] [3] In the structure according to [1] or [2], the main body member may include a plurality of fastening portions fastened to the surface of the object, and the outer portion may be connected to the fastening portions.

[0009] [4] In the structure according to [3], the outer portion may extend so as to surround the inner portion and the plurality of fastening portions in a plan view.

[0010] [5] In the structure according to [3], the plurality of fastening portions may include at least a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion, and the outer portion may include at least a first outer portion connected to the first fastening portion and a second outer portion connected to the second fastening portion. In the radial direction of the gasket, a part of the first outer portion may overlap the second outer portion.

[0011] [6] In the structure according to any one of [1] to [5], the main body member may include a resin.

[0012] [7] In the structure according to any one of [1] to [6], the object may be a housing of a battery pack, the structure may include a cover covering the communication portion, and may include a valve member movable to open the communication portion.

[0013] [8] In the structure according to any one of [1] to [6], the object and the main body member may be pipes for an automobile.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, damage to the gasket can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings attached to this specification, for the convenience of easy understanding, the scale, the aspect ratio of the vertical and horizontal dimensions, etc. are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual object.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure 10 and the object 100. In the example of FIG. 1, the object 100 is a housing of a battery pack, and the structure 10 is a pressure release valve attached to the housing. The pressure release valve is a device for adjusting the pressure inside the battery pack. For example, when the pressure inside the battery pack exceeds a threshold value, the pressure release valve operates to release a fluid such as gas inside the battery pack to the outside. Inside the battery pack, devices such as battery cells are housed.

[0018] The object 100 includes a front surface 101, a back surface 102, and a flow path 103. The flow path 103 is a structure for discharging a fluid such as gas inside the object 100 to the outside. The flow path 103 is, for example, an opening penetrating the housing of the object 100. The flow path 103 is covered by the structure 10. The structure 10 overlaps the outer edge 103e of the flow path 103 in plan view. Plan view means looking at the object along the normal direction of the front surface 101 of the object 100. The front surface 101 faces the structure 10. The back surface 102 is located on the opposite side of the front surface 101 in the thickness direction.

[0019] The object 100 includes a plurality of fastening holes 105. A fastener for fixing the structure 10 to the object 100 is inserted into the fastening hole 105. The fastener is, for example, a bolt.

[0020] The structure 10 in FIG. 1 includes a main body member 20 and a valve member 40. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the structure 10 further includes a gasket. The gasket is disposed between the front surface 101 of the object 100 and the main body member 20. The gasket surrounds the opening 103 in plan view.

[0021] The body member 20 includes a communication portion 25, an inner portion 27, a plurality of outer portions 30, a plurality of gaps 33, and a plurality of fastening portions 35. The communication portion 25, the inner portion 27, the plurality of outer portions 30, and the plurality of fastening portions 35 may be integrally formed. For example, the body member 20 may be a member produced by injection molding.

[0022] The body member 20 may contain resin. The object 100 may also contain resin.

[0023] The communication portion 25 communicates with the flow path 103 of the object 100. The communication portion 25 includes a hole penetrating the body member 20. The communication portion 25 may have a cylindrical shape. The communication portion 25 is located inside the gasket in plan view. "Inside" means the direction approaching the center point of the flow path 103 in plan view.

[0024] The inner portion 27 overlaps the gasket in plan view. The inner portion 27 surrounds the communication portion 25 and the flow path 103 in plan view.

[0025] The fastening portion 35 is a portion of the body member 20 fixed to the surface 101 of the object 100. Each of the plurality of fastening portions 35 includes a hole into which a fastener is inserted. The hole of the fastening portion 35 overlaps the fastening hole 105 of the object 100.

[0026] Each of the plurality of fastening portions 35 is connected to the inner portion 27. The fastening portion 35 may be located outside the inner portion 27 in plan view. For example, the fastening portion 35 may protrude outward from the inner portion 27 in plan view. "Outside" means the direction away from the center point of the flow path 103 in plan view.

[0027] Each of the plurality of outer portions 30 is located outside the inner portion 27 in plan view. Each of the plurality of outer portions 30 is connected to the fastening portion 35.

[0028] Each of the plurality of outer portions 30 may include a shielding wall 31. The shielding wall 31 bulges in the normal direction of the surface 101 of the object 100. The normal direction is also referred to as the first direction D1.

[0029] Each of the plurality of gaps 33 is located between the inner portion 27 and the outer portion 30 in a plan view. The gap 33 is a structure for suppressing the transmission of the stress generated in the inner portion 27 to the outer portion 30. The gap 33 may be, for example, a hole penetrating the main body member 20.

[0030] The valve member 40 includes a cover 41 that covers the communication portion 25 of the main body member 20. The valve member 40 is movable to open the communication portion 25 when the pressure inside the object 100 exceeds a threshold value. For example, when the pressure inside the object 100 exceeds the threshold value, the valve member 40 moves such that the cover 41 moves away from the main body member 20 in the first direction D1.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, the structure 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the structure 10. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the structure 10. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of the structure 10 in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of the structure 10 in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure 10 in a state of being attached to the object 100. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, similar to FIG. 4, the structure 10 is cut along line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of fastening portions 35 may include a first fastening portion 35A, a second fastening portion 35B, a third fastening portion 35C, and a fourth fastening portion 35D. The plurality of fastening portions 35 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the communication portion 25. The plurality of fastening portions 35 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the communication portion 25.

[0033] The outer portion 30 may be connected to two adjacent fastening portions 35 in a plan view. For example, the plurality of outer portions 30 may include a first outer portion 30A, a second outer portion 30B, a third outer portion 30C, and a fourth outer portion 30D. The first outer portion 30A extends so as to be connected to the first fastening portion 35A and the second fastening portion 35B. The second outer portion 30B extends so as to be connected to the second fastening portion 35B and the third fastening portion 35C. The third outer portion 30C extends so as to be connected to the third fastening portion 35C and the fourth fastening portion 35D. The fourth outer portion 30D extends so as to be connected to the fourth fastening portion 35D and the first fastening portion 35A.

[0034] The gap 33 may be surrounded by the inner portion 27, the outer portion 30, and the two fastening portions 35 in a plan view. The gap 33 between the inner portion 27 and the first outer portion 30A may extend from the first fastening portion 35A to the second fastening portion 35B. The gap 33 between the inner portion 27 and the second outer portion 30B may extend from the second fastening portion 35B to the third fastening portion 35C. The gap 33 between the inner portion 27 and the third outer portion 30C may extend from the third fastening portion 35C to the fourth fastening portion 35D. The gap 33 between the inner portion 27 and the fourth outer portion 30D may extend from the fourth fastening portion 35D to the first fastening portion 35A.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of shielding walls 31 may include a first wall 311, a second wall 312, and a plurality of third walls 313. The first wall 311 may extend in a direction from one of two adjacent fastening portions 35 to the other. For example, the first wall 311 of the shielding wall 31 of the first outer portion 30A may extend in a direction from the first fastening portion 35A to the second fastening portion 35B. The second wall 312 is located outside the first wall 311 and may extend parallel to the first wall 311. Each of the plurality of third walls 313 extends from the first wall 311 toward the second wall 312. Each of the plurality of third walls 313 may be connected to the first wall 311 and the second wall 312.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the main body member 20 includes an inner surface 21 and an outer surface 22. The inner surface 21 faces the surface 101 of the object 100. The outer surface 22 is located on the opposite side of the inner surface 21 in the first direction D1. The outer surface 22 faces the cover 41 of the valve member 40.

[0037] The inner portion 27 of the main body member 20 may include a groove 28 in which the gasket 60 is disposed. The groove 28 is formed on the inner surface 21 of the inner portion 27.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the structure 10 may include a gasket 65 located between the outer surface 22 of the inner portion 27 of the main body member 20 and the inner surface 411 of the cover 41. The gasket 65 enhances the sealing performance between the inner portion 27 of the main body member 20 and the cover 41 of the valve member 40. The gasket 65 may be disposed in a groove formed on the outer surface 22 of the inner portion 27.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the structure 10 may include an elastic member 50. The elastic member 50 biases the valve member 40 toward the object 100 in the first direction D1. The elastic member 50 expands and contracts in the first direction D1 in response to the movement of the valve member 40 in the first direction D1. The elastic member 50 is, for example, a spring. When the pressure inside the object 100 becomes greater than the biasing force received by the valve member 40 from the elastic member 50, the valve member 40 moves in the first direction D1 away from the main body member 20.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the valve member 40 may include a shaft 42 extending from the inner surface 411 of the cover 41 toward the main body member 20. The shaft 42 may be inserted into the elastic member 50.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an end lock 45 may be attached to the tip of the shaft 42. The end lock 45 may be in contact with the end of the elastic member 50.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the main body member 20 may include a stopper portion 37 that contacts an end portion of the elastic member 50 opposite to the end portion in contact with the end lock 45. As shown in FIG. 5, the main body member 20 may include a beam 38 that extends in the radial direction of the communication portion 25 so as to connect the stopper portion 37 to the communication portion 25.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, the gasket 60 may be disposed in a compressed state between the inner portion 27 of the main body member 20 and the surface 101 of the object 100. The gasket 60 may include a compressible elastic material.

[0044] In the compressed gasket 60, a reaction force to return to the original shape is generated. Due to the reaction force of the gasket 60, the inner portion 27 in contact with the gasket 60 may be warped. When the inner portion 27 is warped, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a gap 70 is generated between the inner surface 21 of the inner portion 27 and the surface 101 of the object 100.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the main body member 20 includes an outer portion 30 located outside the inner portion 27. The outer portion 30 is connected to the fastening portion 35. Since the fastening portion 35 is fastened to the surface 101 of the object 100, even when the inner portion 27 is warped, the fastening portion 35 is not warped. Further, a gap 33 is formed between the outer portion 30 and the inner portion 27. With these configurations, the stress generated in the inner portion 27 is suppressed from being transmitted to the outer portion 30. Therefore, even when the inner portion 27 is warped, the outer portion 30 is suppressed from being warped. Thereby, for example, the generation of a gap between the outer portion 30 and the surface 101 of the object 100 is suppressed.

[0046] When the structure 10 and the object 100 are arranged inside an automobile, as shown in FIG. 7, the fluid F may collide with the structure 10 from the outside. The fluid F is, for example, a jet of hot water discharged from a high-pressure washer. The pressure of the jet of the high-pressure washer is, for example, 5 kPa or more and 50 kPa or less. The outer portion 30 can prevent the fluid F from colliding with the gasket 60 through the gap 70. Thereby, damage to the gasket 60 is suppressed. Thereby, leakage of the fluid inside the object 100 to the outside of the object 100 and the structure 10 is suppressed.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the structure 10 configured as a pressure release valve. When the pressure inside the object 100 configured as a battery pack exceeds the threshold value, the valve member 40 moves so that the cover 41 separates from the main body member 20 in the first direction D1. Thereby, a flow path is formed between the inner surface 411 of the cover 41 and the outer surface 22 of the main body member 20.

[0048] As the fluid such as the gas inside the object 100 is discharged to the outside of the structure 10 through the flow path, the pressure inside the object 100 decreases. Thereby, for example, an explosion of the battery pack is prevented. In this way, the structure 10 configured as a pressure release valve contributes to improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0049] When the pressure inside the object 100 becomes smaller than the force applied by the elastic member 50 to the valve member 40, the valve member 40 moves toward the main body member 20. Thereby, the flow path 103 of the object 100 is sealed again by the valve member 40.

[0050] Various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. Modifications will be described with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, for parts that can be configured in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments, the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above-described embodiments will be used, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted. Also, when it is clear that the operational effects obtained in the above-described embodiments can also be obtained in the modifications, the description thereof may be omitted.

[0051] (First Modification) FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the structure 10 in the first modification. The outer portion 30 may extend so as to surround the inner portion 27 and the plurality of fastening portions 35 in a plan view. For example, the outer portion 30 may include a plurality of protruding portions 30P protruding outward from the plurality of fastening portions 35. The first outer portion 30A, the second outer portion 30B, the third outer portion 30C, and the fourth outer portion 30D may be connected to the fastening portion 35 via the protruding portion 30P.

[0052] Also in the example of FIG. 9, a gap 33 is formed between the inner portion 27 and the first outer portion 30A, the second outer portion 30B, the third outer portion 30C, and the fourth outer portion 30D. For this reason, the stress generated in the inner portion 27 is suppressed from being transmitted to the first outer portion 30A, the second outer portion 30B, the third outer portion 30C, and the fourth outer portion 30D. Thereby, even when the inner portion 27 is warped, the outer portion 30 is suppressed from being warped. For this reason, for example, the jet of hot water discharged from the high-pressure washer is suppressed from colliding with the gasket 60.

[0053] (Second Modification) FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views showing the structure 10 in the second modification. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the structure 10 in a state where the outer surface 22 of the main body member 20 is visible. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the structure 10 in a state where the inner surface 21 of the main body member 20 is visible.

[0054] In the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11, the main body member 20 of the structure 10 is an automotive pipe. Although not shown, the main body member 20 is attached to other automotive pipes. That is, the object 100 to which the main body member 20 is attached is also an automotive pipe. Although not shown, a gasket 60 is disposed between the main body member 20 and the object 100.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the plurality of fastening portions 35 of the main body member 20 may include a first fastening portion 35A and a second fastening portion 35B. The first fastening portion 35A and the second fastening portion 35B may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the center point of the flow path 103 in plan view.

[0056] The outer portion 30 of the main body member 20 may extend so as to be connected to the first fastening portion 35A and the second fastening portion 35B. The gap 33 may be surrounded by the inner portion 27, the outer portion 30, the first fastening portion 35A, and the second fastening portion 35B in plan view.

[0057] Also in the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11, transmission of stress generated in the inner portion 27 to the outer portion 30 is suppressed. Thereby, even when the inner portion 27 is warped, warping of the outer portion 30 is suppressed. For this reason, for example, collision of the hot water jet discharged from the high-pressure washer against the gasket 60 is suppressed.

[0058] (Third Modified Example) FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the structure 10 in the third modified example. Also in the example shown in FIG. 12, the main body member 20 of the structure 10 is an automotive pipe.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 12, the plurality of fastening portions 35 of the main body member 20 may include a first fastening portion 35A and a second fastening portion 35B. The first fastening portion 35A and the second fastening portion 35B may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the center point of the flow path 103 in plan view.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 12, the plurality of outer portions 30 of the main body member 20 may include a first outer portion 30A and a second outer portion 30B. The first outer portion 30A is connected to the first fastening portion 35A. The first outer portion 30A is not connected to the second fastening portion 35B. The second outer portion 30B is connected to the second fastening portion 35B. The second outer portion 30B is not connected to the first fastening portion 35A.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 12, a part of the first outer portion 30A may overlap the second outer portion 30B in the radial direction D2 of a gasket (not shown). By the partial overlap of the first outer portion 30A and the second outer portion 30B, for example, it is possible to more reliably suppress the jet of hot water discharged from the high-pressure washer from colliding with the gasket 60.

[0062] (Other Modifications) A plurality of modifications may be combined with the above-described embodiment.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0063] 10 Structure 20 Main Body Member 25 Communication Portion 27 Inner Portion 28 Groove 30 Outer Portion 30A~30D First Outer Portion~Fourth Outer Portion 31 Shielding Wall 311~313 First Wall~Third Wall 33 Gap 35 Fastening Portion 35A~35D First Fastening Portion~Fourth Fastening Portion 37 Stopper Portion 40 Valve Member 41 Cover 42 Shaft 45 End Lock 50 Elastic Member 60 Gasket 70 Clearance 100 Object 101 Surface 102 Inside surface 103 Flow path 105 Fastening hole

Claims

1. A structure attached to the surface of an object including a flow path, comprising: a main body member including a communication portion communicating with the flow path of the object; a gasket made of an elastic material disposed between the surface of the object and the main body member, surrounding the flow path in a plan view; The main body member includes an inner portion overlapping the gasket in a plan view, an outer portion located outside the inner portion in a plan view, and a gap located between the inner portion and the outer portion.

2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the outer portion includes a shielding wall protruding in the normal direction of the surface.

3. The main body member includes a plurality of fastening portions fastened to the surface of the object, The structure according to claim 1, wherein the outer portion is connected to the fastening portion.

4. The structure according to claim 3, wherein the outer portion extends so as to surround the inner portion and the plurality of fastening portions in a plan view.

5. The plurality of fastening portions includes at least a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion, The outer portion includes at least a first outer portion connected to the first fastening portion and a second outer portion connected to the second fastening portion, The structure according to claim 3, wherein a part of the first outer portion overlaps the second outer portion in the radial direction of the gasket.

6. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the main body member includes a resin.

7. The object is a housing of a battery pack, The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further including a cover covering the communication portion and a valve member movable to open the communication portion.

8. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the object and the main body member are automotive pipes.

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