Structure

Abstract

Even if the fluid flowing through the communication part of the case directly strikes the engagement part of the gasket, the engagement part of the gasket is prevented from coming off the case, and pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the communication part is also suppressed. [Solution] A structure to be attached to the surface of an object including a flow path includes a case (20) including a communication part (25) that communicates with the flow path of the object and a reinforcing part (39) that connects to the inner wall of the communication part (25) in at least two locations, and a gasket (67) that is arranged downstream of the case (20) in the direction of fluid flow within the communication part (25) and surrounds the communication part in a plan view. The gasket (67) has an engaging part (66) that engages with the case (20). At least a portion of the engaging part (66) overlaps with the reinforcing part (39) in the direction of fluid flow.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure that is attached to the surface of an object that contains a flow path. [Background technology]

[0002] A pressure release valve may be connected to the interior of an automobile. The pressure release valve includes a case including a communication part that connects the interior space of the pressure release valve with the exterior space, and a gasket that is disposed downstream in the fluid flow direction within the communication part and surrounds the communication part. The pressure release valve is connected to, for example, a battery pack mounted on the automobile. In this case, the pressure inside the battery pack can be adjusted by the pressure release valve. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-175485 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a pressure relief valve structure, an engagement portion is formed on the gasket, and the gasket can be attached to the case by engaging the engagement portion with the case. However, depending on the position at which the engagement portion of the gasket engages with the case, the fluid flowing through the communication portion of the case may directly strike the engagement portion of the gasket. In this case, the direct impact of the fluid may cause the engagement portion of the gasket to disengage from the case. Furthermore, the direct impact of the fluid on the engagement portion of the gasket may cause a pressure loss in the fluid flowing through the communication portion.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a structure that can solve these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to the following [1] to

[10] . [1] A structure attached to the surface of an object containing a flow path, a case including a communication portion communicating with the flow path of the object and a reinforcing portion connected to an inner wall of the communication portion at at least two locations; a gasket that is disposed downstream of the case in a fluid flow direction within the communication portion and surrounds the communication portion in a plan view, the gasket has an engaging portion that engages with the case, A structure in which at least a portion of the engagement portion overlaps with the reinforcing portion in the flow direction.

[0007] [2] The structure according to [1] further includes a cover that covers the communication part in a closed position and a valve member that is movable from the closed position to open the communication part; The gasket may be disposed between the case and the valve member.

[0008] [3] In the structure according to [1] or [2], in a plan view, the ratio of the area occupied by the reinforcing portion to the entire area surrounded by the inner wall of the communicating portion may be 20% or less.

[0009] [4] In the structure according to any one of [1] to [3], at least a part of the engaging portion may overlap with the reinforcing portion from the downstream side in the flow direction.

[0010] [5] In the structure according to any one of [1] to [4], the gasket further has an annular gasket body, The engaging portion may include an extending portion extending from an inner edge portion of the gasket body, and a hook portion connected to the extending portion and engaging with the case.

[0011] [6] In the structure described in [5], at least a portion of the extension portion may overlap with the reinforcing portion in the flow direction.

[0012] [7] In the structure according to [5] or [6], the case further has a notch provided in the inner wall of the communication portion, At least a portion of the extension may be disposed in the cutout.

[0013] [8] In the structure according to any one of [5] to [7], the case may further have a hooked portion provided in the communication portion and adapted to engage with the hook portion.

[0014] [9] In the structure described in [8], the hooked portion may engage with a portion of the hooking portion that does not overlap with the reinforcing portion in a plan view.

[0015]

[10] In the structure according to any one of [1] to [9], the object may be a housing of a battery pack. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress problems caused by the fluid flowing through the communication portion of the case directly hitting the engaging portion of the gasket. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a structure and an object. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a structure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a structure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a case, a gasket, and a second gasket. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a case, a gasket, and a second gasket. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 2 taken along the line VI-VI. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 2 taken along line VII-VII. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a structure attached to an object. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing one of the engagement portions. [Figure 11] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing an example of the operation of a pressure release valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the scale and aspect ratios of the drawings have been appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for ease of understanding.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a structure 10 and an object 100. The structure 10 is attached to a surface 101 of the object 100, which includes a flow path 103. In the example of FIG. 1, the object 100 is a housing of a battery pack, and the structure 10 is a pressure relief valve attached to the housing. The pressure relief valve is a device for regulating the pressure inside the battery pack. For example, the pressure relief valve operates to release a fluid, such as a gas, inside the battery pack to the outside when the pressure inside the battery pack exceeds a threshold. Devices, such as battery cells, are housed inside the battery pack.

[0020] The object 100 includes a surface 101, a back surface 102, and a flow path 103. The flow path 103 is a structure for releasing a fluid such as a gas inside the object 100 to the outside. The flow path 103 is, for example, an opening that penetrates 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 a planar view. A planar view means viewing the object along the normal direction of the surface 101 of the object 100. The surface 101 faces the structure 10. The back surface 102 is located on the opposite side of the surface 101 in the thickness direction.

[0021] The object 100 includes a plurality of fastening holes 105. Fasteners for fixing the structure 10 to the object 100 are inserted into the fastening holes 105. The fasteners are, for example, bolts.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the structure 10. FIG. 2 corresponds to a view showing the structure 10 as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the structure 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the structure 10 includes a case 20. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the structure 10 further includes a valve member 40. The case 20 includes a communication portion 25 that communicates with a flow path 103 of the object 100. When fluid inside the object 100 is released to the outside, the fluid flows through the flow path 103 to the communication portion 25. Therefore, within the communication portion 25, the fluid flows in the flow direction DF from the upstream side s1 to the downstream side s2. The upstream side s1 is the side on which the flow path 103 of the object 100 is located, relative to the hole 252 of the communication portion 25. The downstream side s2 is the opposite side from the side on which the flow path 103 of the object 100 is located, relative to the hole 252 of the communication portion 25.

[0023] Although not shown in Fig. 1, the structure 10 further includes a gasket 65. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the structure 10 further includes a second gasket 60. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the case 20 and second gasket 60 of the structure 10 as observed from the side facing the surface 101 of the object 100 when the structure 10 is fixed to the surface 101 of the object 100. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the case 20 and gasket 65 of the structure 10 as observed from the side opposite to the side facing the surface 101 of the object 100 when the structure 10 is fixed to the surface 101 of the object 100.

[0024] The gasket 65 is disposed on the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF with respect to the case 20. In this embodiment, the gasket 65 is disposed between the case 20 and the valve member 40. The gasket 65 surrounds the communication portion 25 of the case 20 in a plan view. The gasket 65 comes into close contact with the case 20 and the cover 41 of the valve member 40 when the valve member 40 is in the closed position, thereby improving the sealing between the case 20 and the cover 41 of the valve member 40. In this way, by disposing the gasket 65 between the case 20 and the valve member 40, it is possible to improve the sealing between the case 20 and the cover 41 of the valve member 40 in the closed position.

[0025] In this embodiment, the gasket 65 has a generally annular shape. The gasket 65 has an engagement portion 66 that engages with the case 20. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the gasket 65 further has an annular gasket main body 67. When the valve member 40 is in the closed position, the gasket main body 67 of the gasket 65 comes into close contact with the case 20 and the cover 41 of the valve member 40, thereby improving the sealing between the case 20 and the cover 41 of the valve member 40. The engagement portion 66 extends from the gasket main body 67. The gasket 65 is attached to the case 20 by engaging the engagement portion 66 with the case 20. The gasket 65 may have multiple engagement portions 66. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the gasket 65 has four engagement portions 66. The engagement portions 66 will be described in detail below.

[0026] The second gasket 60 is disposed between the surface 101 of the object 100 and the case 20. The second gasket 60 surrounds the flow path 103 in a plan view. When the structure 10 is attached to the surface 101 of the object 100, the second gasket 60 comes into close contact with the case 20 and the surface 101, thereby improving the sealing between the case 20 and the surface 101. In this embodiment, the second gasket 60 has an annular shape.

[0027] The case 20 includes a communication portion 25 and a reinforcing portion 39. The case 20 of this embodiment further includes a fastening portion .

[0028] In this embodiment, the case 20 further includes a groove 37 that accommodates a portion of the gasket 65. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the groove 37 accommodates a gasket main body 67. The groove 37 opens toward the cover 41 of the valve member 40. A portion of the gasket 65 protrudes from the groove 37.

[0029] In this embodiment, the case 20 further includes a housing portion 36 having a housing groove 361 that houses the second gasket 60. When the structure 10 is attached to the surface 101 of the object 100, the housing groove 361 opens toward the surface 101. A portion of the second gasket 60 protrudes from the housing groove 361.

[0030] In this embodiment, the communicating portion 25, the reinforcing portion 39, the fastening portion 35, the accommodating portion 36, and the groove portion 37 are integrally formed. The case 20 may be a member produced by injection molding.

[0031] The case 20 may contain resin, and the object 100 may also contain resin.

[0032] As described above, the communicating portion 25 communicates with the flow path 103 of the object 100. The communicating portion 25 includes a hole 252 that penetrates the case 20. The inner wall surface of the communicating portion 25 that defines the hole 252 is referred to as the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25. "Inside" means the direction toward the center point of the flow path 103 in a plan view. "Outside" means the direction away from the center point of the flow path 103 in a plan view. The communicating portion 25 may have a cylindrical shape. The communicating portion 25 is located inside the second gasket 60 in a plan view.

[0033] The fastening portion 35 is a portion of the case 20 that is fixed to the surface 101 of the object 100. The case 20 of this embodiment includes multiple fastening portions 35, particularly four fastening portions 35. The multiple fastening portions 35 are arranged in a circumferential direction D2 that circumferentially surrounds the structure 10 in a planar view. The central point for determining the circumferential direction D2 is determined to be the geometric center C1 of the area surrounded by the inner wall 251 of the communication portion 25 in a planar view. The multiple fastening portions 35 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction D2 that circumferentially surrounds the structure 10 in a planar view. Each of the multiple fastening portions 35 includes a hole through which a fastener is inserted. The hole of the fastening portion 35 overlaps with the fastening hole 105 of the object 100. In this embodiment, the fastening portion 35 is a columnar, particularly a cylindrical, portion that includes a hole through which a fastener is inserted.

[0034] The valve member 40 includes a cover 41 that covers the communication portion 25 of the case 20 when in the closed position. The valve member 40 is movable from the closed position to open the communication portion 25. The valve member 40 moves to open the communication portion 25 when the pressure inside the object 100 exceeds a threshold value. In the structure 10 shown in FIG. 1 , when the pressure inside the object 100 exceeds a threshold value, the valve member 40 moves in a first direction D1 so that the cover 41 moves away from the case 20. In the illustrated example, the first direction D1 is a normal direction to the surface 101 of the object 100. In the illustrated example, the first direction D1 is a direction parallel to the flow direction DF. Although not shown, the valve member 40 may open the communication portion 25 by moving from the closed position in a direction other than the first direction D1. Although not shown, the valve member 40 may open the communication portion 25 by moving from the closed position in a direction other than the flow direction DF.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure 10 of FIG. 2 taken along line VI-VI. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the structure 10 of FIG. 2 taken along line VII-VII. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the structure 10 may include an elastic member 50. The elastic member 50 biases the valve member 40 toward the object 100 in a first direction D1. The elastic member 50 expands and contracts in the first direction D1 in response to 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 that the valve member 40 receives from the elastic member 50, the valve member 40 moves in the first direction D1 so as to move away from the case 20.

[0036] The valve member 40 may include a shaft 42 extending from an inner surface 411 of the cover 41 toward the case 20. The inner surface 411 of the cover 41 is the surface of the cover 41 that faces the surface 101 when the structure 10 is attached to the surface 101 of the object 100. The shaft 42 may be inserted into the elastic member 50.

[0037] 6 and 7, 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.

[0038] In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the case 20 includes a shaft accommodating portion 53 and a beam portion 52 as the reinforcing portion 39. The shaft accommodating portion 53 accommodates at least a portion of the shaft 42 of the valve member 40. As the shaft 42 of the valve member 40 moves along the shaft accommodating portion 53, the valve member 40 moves so as to change its position relative to the case 20. In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the shaft accommodating portion 53 accommodates the elastic member 50 and at least a portion of the shaft 42 of the valve member 40. In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the shaft accommodating portion 53 accommodates a portion of the shaft 42 of the valve member 40, including the end lock 45. Furthermore, the shaft accommodating portion 53 accommodates the entire elastic member 50. In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the shaft accommodating portion 53 has a columnar, particularly cylindrical, shape extending in the first direction D1. The beam portion 52 is a portion that extends in the radial direction of the communicating portion 25 so as to connect the shaft accommodating portion 53 to the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the beam portion 52 has a plate-like shape having a surface that is parallel to the radial direction of the communicating portion 25 and the first direction D1. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the case 20 includes four beam portions 52. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the shaft accommodating portion 53 of the case 20 may include a stopper portion 51 that contacts an end portion of the elastic member 50 opposite to the end portion that contacts the end lock 45.

[0039] The reinforcing portion 39 is a portion that is connected to the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25 at at least two locations. The reinforcing portion 39 supports the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25 by connecting to the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25 at multiple locations. The reinforcing portion 39 can suppress deformation or damage of the communicating portion 25 even when the pressure inside the hole 252 of the communicating portion 25 is particularly high.

[0040] As an example, the reinforcing portion 39 is connected to the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25 at two or more locations, including at least the first connection position and the second connection position. In a plan view, the angle formed by the line connecting the first connection position and the geometric center C1 and the line connecting the second connection position and the geometric center C1 is 90° or greater. The angle may be 120° or greater, 150° or greater, or even 180°.

[0041] The shaft accommodating portion 53 and beam portion 52 of the case 20 described above can be considered as part of the reinforcing portion 39. That is, in the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the reinforcing portion 39 of the case 20 has the shaft accommodating portion 53 and the beam portion 52. In particular, in the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the reinforcing portion 39 is composed of the shaft accommodating portion 53 and the beam portion 52. Although not shown, the reinforcing portion 39 does not have to have the shaft accommodating portion 53 and the beam portion 52. The shape of the reinforcing portion 39 is not particularly limited as long as it can support the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25. Although not shown, the reinforcing portion 39 may be a plate-like or rod-like portion that is connected to multiple locations of the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25 without the shaft accommodating portion 53 interposed therebetween. In this case, the reinforcing portion 39 may have a lattice shape or a cross shape ("+") in a plan view.

[0042] The reinforcing portion 39 supports the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25, thereby suppressing deformation and damage to the communicating portion 25 and ensuring the size of the portion of the communicating portion 25 through which the fluid can flow. As an example, in a plan view, the proportion of the area occupied by the reinforcing portion 39 to the entire area surrounded by the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25 is 20% or less. This proportion may be 15% or less, or may be 10% or less. By setting the upper limit value for this proportion as described above, the size of the portion of the communicating portion 25 through which the fluid can flow can be sufficiently ensured.

[0043] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure 10 attached to the object 100. In the cross-sectional view of Fig. 8, the structure 10 is cut along the line VI-VI in Fig. 2, similar to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 8, the second gasket 60 may be disposed in a compressed state between the case 20 and the surface 101 of the object 100. The second gasket 60 may include a compressible elastic material.

[0044] The details of the engaging portion 66 of the gasket 65 and the portion of the case 20 that engages with the engaging portion 66 will be described. Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the engaging portions 66 in Fig. 5 and the portion of the case 20 that engages with the engaging portion 66. Fig. 10 is an enlarged plan view of one of the engaging portions 66 in Fig. 5, along with the position of the reinforcing portion 39 and the position of the hooked portion 26, described below, that engages with the engaging portion 66. The dashed line labeled L2 in Fig. 10 indicates the position of the reinforcing portion 39. The dashed line labeled L3 in Fig. 10 indicates the position of the hooked portion 26 that engages with the engaging portion 66.

[0045] 9 and 10, the engaging portion 66 includes an extending portion 661 and a hook portion 662. The extending portion 661 is a portion that extends from an inner edge portion 671 of the gasket body portion 67. The inner edge portion 671 is an edge portion of the annular gasket body portion 67 that faces inward in a plan view. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the extending portion 661 extends in the radial direction of the communicating portion 25. The hook portion 662 is a portion that connects to the extending portion 661 and engages with the case 20. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the hook portion 662 extends in the circumferential direction D2. The hook portions 662 are located on both sides of the extending portion 661 in the circumferential direction D2. That is, the hook portion 662 has a first portion 663 located on one side of the extending portion 661 in the circumferential direction D2, and a second portion 664 located on the opposite side of the extending portion 661 from the side on which the first portion 663 is located in the circumferential direction D2. The hook portion 662 is connected to the inner tip of the extending portion 661. For convenience, in FIG. 10, an imaginary line L1 indicating the boundary between the extending portion 661 and the hook portion 662 is shown by a two-dot chain line. As shown in FIG. 10, the boundary between the extending portion 661 and the hook portion 662 is determined by the imaginary line L1 extending in the direction in which the extending portion 661 extends. The engaging portion 66 including the extending portion 661 and the hook portion 662 can stably maintain engagement with the case 20.

[0046] In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the case 20 further has a hooked portion 26 that is provided in the communicating portion 25 and engages with the hook portion 662. The hooked portion 26 is provided on the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the hooked portion 26 protrudes from the inner wall 251 in the radial direction of the communicating portion 25. The hooked portion 26 protrudes inward from the inner wall 251. The hooked portion 26 is connected to the inner wall 251 at one point. The hooked portions 26 are provided such that two hooked portions 26 correspond to one engagement portion 66. One of the two hooked portions 26 engages with a first portion 663 of the hooking portion 662. The other of the two hooked portions 26 engages with a second portion 664 of the hooking portion 662. At least a portion of hooked portion 26 may overlap with hooking portion 662 from the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF, thereby causing hooked portion 26 to engage with hooking portion 662. In the example shown in Fig. 9, when engaging portion 66 is engaged with case 20, a portion of hooked portion 26 overlaps with hooking portion 662 from the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF. Hooked portion 26 can stably maintain engagement of engaging portion 66 with case 20.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the case 20 further includes a notch 253 provided in the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25. The notch 253 is provided to connect the hole 252 of the communicating portion 25 and the groove 37. The notch 253 is provided so that one notch 253 corresponds to one engagement portion 66. At least a portion of the extension portion 661 of the engagement portion 66 is disposed in the notch 253. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , a portion of the extension portion 661 is disposed in the notch 253. The notch 253 described above allows at least a portion of the engagement portion 66 to be disposed inside the inner wall 251, while the portion of the gasket 65 other than the engagement portion 66 is disposed outside the inner wall 251. In the present embodiment, the groove 37 is located outside the inner wall 251. In this case, the gasket body 67 can be accommodated in the groove 37, while at least a portion of the engaging portion 66 can be disposed inside the inner wall 251. This allows the gasket body 67 and the engaging portion 66 to be disposed in positions appropriate for each to exert its function.

[0048] 9, one notch 253 is provided in the circumferential direction D2 between two hooked portions 26 associated with one engaging portion 66. That is, two hooked portions 26 are associated with one notch 253.

[0049] At least a portion of the engagement portion 66 overlaps with the reinforcement portion 39 in the flow direction DF. At least a portion of the engagement portion 66 may overlap with a portion of the reinforcement portion 39 that is connected to the inner wall 251 in the flow direction DF. At least a portion of the engagement portion 66 may overlap with the reinforcement portion 39 from the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , a portion of the engagement portion 66 overlaps with the reinforcement portion 39 from the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF. In particular, a portion of the engagement portion 66 overlaps with the beam portion 52 of the reinforcement portion 39 from the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF. Although not shown, at least a portion of the engagement portion 66 may overlap with the reinforcement portion 39 from the upstream side s1 in the flow direction DF.

[0050] At least a portion of the extending portion 661 of the engaging portion 66 may overlap with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF. In the example shown in Fig. 9, a portion of the extending portion 661 overlaps with the reinforcing portion 39 from the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF. In particular, a portion of the extending portion 661 overlaps with the beam portion 52 of the reinforcing portion 39 from the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF.

[0051] The engaging portion 66 may have a portion that does not overlap with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF. The hooking portion 662 of the engaging portion 66 may have a portion that does not overlap with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the hooking portion 662 does not overlap with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF. Although not shown, at least a portion of the hooking portion 662 may overlap with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF. At least a portion of the hooking portion 662 may overlap with the reinforcing portion 39 from the downstream side s2 ... beam portion 52 of the reinforcing portion 39 from the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the gasket 65 has a plurality of engaging portions 66. In this case, at least one of the plurality of engaging portions 66 may have the positional relationship with the reinforcing portion 39 described above. For example, at least one of the plurality of engaging portions 66 may overlap with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF. All of the plurality of engaging portions 66 may have the positional relationship with the reinforcing portion 39 described above. For example, all of the plurality of engaging portions 66 may overlap with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the reinforcing portion 39 is connected to the inner wall 251 of the communication portion 25 at a plurality of locations. Each of the plurality of engaging portions 66 overlaps with a portion of the reinforcing portion 39 that is connected to the inner wall 251 in the flow direction DF.

[0053] The effect of at least a portion of the engaging portion 66 overlapping with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF will be described. Consider the case where the engaging portion 66 is formed on the gasket 65 on the outer side of the gasket body 67. In this case, the gasket 65 becomes larger by the amount of the engaging portion 66 formed on the outer side of the gasket body 67. Furthermore, the outer side of the gasket body 67 is more susceptible to infiltration of fluids such as water from outside the structure 10 than the inner side of the gasket body 67. Contact of the infiltrating fluid with the engaging portion 66 from the outside can cause the engaging portion 66 to disengage, the gasket 65 to shift position, or the engaging portion 66 to deteriorate. From the above perspectives, it is preferable to form the engaging portion 66 on the inner side of the gasket body 67.

[0054] However, when the engaging portion 66 is formed inside the gasket body 67, the engaging portion 66 is formed to protrude toward the hole 252 of the communicating portion 25. As a comparative example, consider a case where the engaging portion 66 is formed inside the gasket body 67 so as not to overlap with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF. In this case, the engaging portion 66 may be directly hit by the fluid flowing through the communicating portion 25. Therefore, the direct hit of the fluid may cause the engaging portion 66 to disengage from the case 20. In addition, the direct hit of the fluid on the engaging portion 66 may cause a pressure loss in the fluid flowing through the communicating portion 25.

[0055] In contrast, by overlapping at least a portion of the engaging portion 66 with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF, problems caused by the fluid flowing through the communication portion 25 directly hitting the engaging portion 66 can be suppressed. In particular, when at least a portion of the engaging portion 66 overlaps with the reinforcing portion 39 from the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF, the engaging portion 66 is protected by the reinforcing portion 39 from being directly hit by the fluid. This prevents the engaging portion 66 from becoming disengaged from the case 20 due to a direct hit by the fluid. When at least a portion of the engaging portion 66 overlaps with the reinforcing portion 39 from the upstream side s1 in the flow direction DF, the engaging portion 66 is supported by the reinforcing portion 39 from the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF. This prevents the engaging portion 66 from becoming disengaged from the case 20 due to a direct hit by the fluid, due to the support from the reinforcing portion 39.

[0056] Furthermore, when at least a portion of the engaging portion 66 overlaps with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF, the proportion of the area occupied by the engaging portion 66 or the reinforcing portion 39 to the entire area surrounded by the inner wall 251 of the communicating portion 25 in a plan view is smaller than when the engaging portion 66 does not overlap with the reinforcing portion 39. This makes it possible to suppress pressure loss caused by the fluid directly hitting the engaging portion 66 or the reinforcing portion 39.

[0057] As described above, by overlapping at least a portion of the engaging portion 66 with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF, it is possible to prevent problems caused by the fluid flowing through the communicating portion 25 of the case 20 directly hitting the engaging portion 66 of the gasket 65. In particular, it is possible to prevent the engaging portion 66 from coming out of engagement with the case 20 and to prevent pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the communicating portion 25.

[0058] In particular, the following effect is obtained by at least a portion of the extending portion 661 of the engaging portion 66 overlapping with the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF. The extending portion 661 is different from the hooking portion 662 that engages with the case 20, and is a portion that is interposed between the hooking portion 662 and the inner wall 251. By overlapping at least a portion of such extending portion 661 with the reinforcing portion 39, it is protected or supported, and by the hooking portion 662 engaging with the case 20, the position of the engaging portion 66 can be maintained more stably. Therefore, the engagement of the engaging portion 66 with the case 20 can be maintained more stably.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the hooked portion 26 engages with a portion of the hooking portion 662 that does not overlap with the reinforcing portion 39 in a plan view. This provides the following effect. The hooked portion 26 can be engaged with a portion of the hooking portion 662 that does not overlap with the reinforcing portion 39 in a plan view and that is not protected or supported by the reinforcing portion 39. This makes it possible to more stably maintain the position of the engaging portion 66. In particular, the position of the engaging portion 66 can be more stably maintained without the need to adjust the design of the reinforcing portion 39 so that the hooking portion 662 is protected or supported by the reinforcing portion 39. This makes it possible to more stably maintain the engagement of the engaging portion 66 with the case 20.

[0060] Although not shown, the reinforcing portion 39 may have a portion that overlaps with the hooked portion 26 from the upstream side s1 in the flow direction DF. In this case, the reinforcing portion 39 can protect at least a portion of the hooked portion 26 from a direct hit by the fluid. In particular, when at least a portion of the hooked portion 26 overlaps with the hooking portion 662 from the downstream side s2 in the flow direction DF, the reinforcing portion 39 may have a portion that overlaps with the hooking portion 662 from the upstream side s1 in the flow direction DF. In this case, at least a portion of the hooking portion 662 may be sandwiched between the hooked portion 26 and the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF. The fact that at least a portion of the hooking portion 662 is sandwiched between the hooked portion 26 and the reinforcing portion 39 in the flow direction DF also makes it possible to more stably maintain the engagement of the engaging portion 66 with the case 20.

[0061] 11 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 exceeds a threshold, the valve member 40 moves in the first direction D1 so that the cover 41 moves away from the case 20. As a result, a flow path is formed between the cover 41 and the case 20.

[0062] As fluid such as gas inside the object 100 passes through the flow path and is released to the outside of the structure 10, the pressure inside the object 100 decreases. This prevents the battery pack from exploding, for example, when the object 100 is a housing for a battery pack. In this way, the structure 10 configured as a pressure relief valve contributes to improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0063] When the pressure inside the object 100 becomes smaller than the force that the elastic member 50 applies to the valve member 40, the valve member 40 moves toward the case 20. As a result, the flow path 103 of the object 100 is sealed by the valve member 40 again.

[0064] It is also possible to combine the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments as needed, or to delete some of the components disclosed in the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10 Structure 20 cases 25 Communication part 251 Interior wall 253 Notch 26 Hooked part 39 Reinforcement 40 Valve member 41 Cover 65 Gasket 66 Engagement part 661 Extension part 662 Hook 67 Gasket body 671 Inner edge 100 objects 101 Surface

Claims

1. A structure attached to a surface of an object including a flow path, a case including a communication portion communicating with the flow path of the object and a reinforcing portion connected to an inner wall of the communication portion at at least two locations; a gasket that is disposed downstream of the case in a fluid flow direction within the communication portion and surrounds the communication portion in a plan view, the gasket has an engaging portion that engages with the case, A structure in which at least a portion of the engagement portion overlaps with the reinforcing portion in the flow direction.

2. a valve member including a cover that covers the communication portion in a closed position and that is movable from the closed position to open the communication portion; The structure of claim 1 , wherein the gasket is disposed between the case and the valve member.

3. The structure according to claim 1 , wherein, in a plan view, a ratio of an area occupied by the reinforcing portion to an entire area surrounded by the inner wall of the communicating portion is 20% or less.

4. The structure according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the engagement portion overlaps with the reinforcing portion from a downstream side in the flow direction.

5. The gasket further includes an annular gasket body, The structure according to claim 1 , wherein the engaging portion comprises an extension portion extending from an inner edge portion of the gasket body portion, and a hook portion connected to the extension portion and engaging with the case.

6. The structure according to claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of the extension portion overlaps with the reinforcing portion in the flow direction.

7. the case further has a notch provided in the inner wall of the communication portion, The structure of claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of the extension is disposed in the cutout.

8. The structure according to claim 5 , wherein the case further comprises a hooked portion provided in the communication portion and adapted to engage with the hook portion.

9. The structure according to claim 8 , wherein the hooked portion engages with a portion of the hooking portion that does not overlap with the reinforcing portion in a plan view.

10. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the object is a housing of a battery pack.

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