Water taps, lead-acid batteries, and electric vehicles

Abstract

The present invention provides a water supply valve that suppresses a decrease in the interlocking ability of a float with respect to the liquid level, a lead-acid battery equipped with the water supply valve, and an electric vehicle equipped with the lead-acid battery. [Solution] The water supply valve comprises a main body that can be attached to a storage battery and a float assembly 4 attached to the main body, wherein the float assembly 4 has a float 51 that is interlocked with the liquid level of the electrolyte contained in the storage battery and a support rod 52 that is connected to the float 51 and extends in the direction of interlocking of the float 51, the support rod 52 includes a top portion 56 and a main portion 57 located between the upper surface of the float 51 and the top portion 56, the main portion 57 is recessed toward the central axis A1 of the support rod 52 and extends in direction D1 and includes a plurality of recesses 52b arranged in the circumferential direction A2 about the central axis A1.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a watering plug, a lead-acid battery, and an electric vehicle. [Background Art]

[0002] For some types of batteries such as lead-acid batteries, it is necessary to regularly replenish the electrolyte into the battery case of the lead-acid battery. Such a storage battery is provided with a watering plug for replenishing purified water or the like. The following Patent Document 1 discloses a watering plug including a main body and a float attached to the main body. The float interlocks with the liquid level of the electrolyte contained in the battery case. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 079525 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In the watering plug as described above, it may become unintentionally difficult for the float to interlock with the liquid level, which may lead to a decrease in interlocking performance. As a result, the valve included in the float becomes difficult to close the valve seat in the main body, and there is a risk that excessive electrolyte is replenished from the watering plug into the battery case.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a watering plug that suppresses a decrease in interlocking performance of the float with respect to the liquid level, a lead-acid battery including the watering plug, and an electric vehicle including the lead-acid battery. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The watering plug, lead-acid battery, and electric vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure are as follows. [1] A main body mountable to a storage battery; a float assembly attached to the main body; A watering plug comprising: The aforementioned float assembly is Floats and, It has a support rod, The support rod includes a top portion and a main portion located between the upper surface of the float and the top portion. The main part is a water supply valve including a plurality of recesses. [2] The water tap according to [1], wherein the plurality of recesses are recessed toward the central axis of the support rod, and the float extends in a direction that is linked to the liquid surface of the electrolyte in the storage battery, and is arranged in a circumferential direction about the central axis. [3] The main body is Having a main surface that is located outside the battery when it is installed in the battery, The water tap according to [1] or [2], wherein the plurality of recesses are formed in the portion where the main part is located below the main surface when the float is in its lowest position. [4] The water supply valve according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein each of the plurality of recesses is located at equal intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis of the support rod. [5] Each of the plurality of recesses is The first inner self, A second inner surface extending so as to intersect the first inner surface, The plurality of recesses include a first recess and a second recess located adjacent to the first recess, The water supply valve according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the support rod further includes an end face connecting the second inner surface of the first recess and the first inner surface of the second recess. [6] Each of the plurality of recesses is The first inner self, A second inner surface connected to the first inner surface, The plurality of recesses include a first recess and a second recess located adjacent to the first recess, The support rod further includes the boundary line between the second inner surface of the first recess and the first inner surface of the second recess. The water replenishing plug according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein a distance between the second inner surface of the first recess and the first inner surface of the second recess gradually increases from the boundary line toward a central axis of the support rod. [7] The water replenishing plug according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein a cross section of the main portion orthogonal to an interlocking direction in which the float interlocks with a liquid surface of an electrolytic solution in a storage battery has a cross shape or a star-shaped polygonal shape. [8] A lead-acid battery comprising the water replenishing plug according to any one of [1] to [7]. [9] An electric vehicle comprising the lead-acid battery according to [8].

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there can be provided a water replenishing plug that suppresses a decrease in interlocking performance of the float with respect to the liquid surface, a lead-acid battery including the water replenishing plug, and an electric vehicle including the lead-acid battery.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of the water replenishing plug according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of the water replenishing plug. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a main part of the water replenishing plug. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a main body portion. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the main body portion. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a first structure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of Figure 7. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a back side of the first structure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a view showing a main part of a second structure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line XII-XII in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view showing the float. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a view showing the valve seat in an open state. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a view showing the valve seat in a closed state. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of the support rod taken in a direction perpendicular to the interlocking direction. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a main portion of the support rod. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of the support rod according to a first modification, taken in a direction perpendicular to the interlocking direction. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of a main portion of the support rod according to the first modification. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of the support rod according to a second modification, taken in a direction perpendicular to the interlocking direction. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a main portion of the support rod according to the second modification. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements having the same functions, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] Figure 1 is a side view of the water supply valve according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the main part of the water supply valve, and Figure 3 is a plan view showing the main part of the water supply valve. In Figures 2 and 3, the float assembly 4, which will be described later, is omitted. The water supply valve 1 is a battery component for supplying the correct amount of liquid, such as water, to the battery, and is attached to the liquid port 100B provided in the battery case 100A (see Figures 14A and 14B). The water supply valve 1 also has a function to prevent backflow during liquid supply. Although not shown, the water supply valve 1 is attached to the liquid port 100B via a sealing material such as a packing to prevent liquid leakage between the water supply valve 1 and the liquid port 100B. The battery to which the water supply valve 1 is attached is, for example, a liquid-type battery such as a lead-acid battery.

[0011] The water supply valve 1 comprises a main body 2, a cover 3 attached to the main body 2, and a float assembly 4 attached to the main body 2. In the following, the direction in which the float 51 of the float assembly 4 moves in conjunction with the liquid surface of the electrolyte L contained in the battery case 100A is defined as direction D1, and the intersecting directions that intersect direction D1 in a plan view are defined as directions D2 and D3. In the following, viewing from direction D1 corresponds to a plan view. In this embodiment, directions D2 and D3 are orthogonal to each other, but are not limited to this.

[0012] (Main body) Next, the structure of the main body 2 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1-3, as well as Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the main body. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 4. The main body 2 is the part through which the liquid supplied to the battery flows, and is also the part that is attached to the battery. In other words, the main body 2 is the part that constitutes the liquid flow path. In this embodiment, the main body 2 is a composite structure as will be described later, but is not limited to this.

[0013] The main body 2 has a main surface 2a that is located outside the battery when the water tap 1 is attached to the battery. The main body 2 also has a peripheral wall 11 surrounding the edge of the main surface 2a, a projection 12 protruding along direction D1, a water inlet 13 exposed from the cover 3, an internal space 14 provided inside the main body 2, a valve seat 15 connected to the internal space 14, an outlet 16 spaced apart from the internal space 14 and the valve seat 15, a wall portion 17 rising from the main surface 2a, a first through hole 18 spaced apart from the valve seat 15 and the outlet 16, and a second through hole (inspection through hole) 19 located on the opposite side of the outlet 16 via the wall portion 17 in a plan view. When the water tap 1 equipped with the main body 2 is used, the liquid supplied to the water tap 1 from the water inlet 13 normally passes in order through the internal space 14, the valve seat 15, and the outlet 16 and is supplied into the battery. In the following, it is assumed that the liquid supplied to the battery, passing sequentially through the water inlet 13, internal space 14, valve seat 15, and outlet 16, has passed through the intended flow path FL configured in the main body 2. A detailed explanation of the flow path FL will be given later.

[0014] The peripheral wall 11 is a part located on the main surface 2a of the main body 2 that prevents or suppresses leakage of liquid to the outside, and is erected in an annular shape along direction D1. The peripheral wall 11 has an annular base portion 11a, a roughly semicircular first peripheral wall portion 11b that can be housed in the cover portion 3, a second peripheral wall portion 11c that extends along the edge of the cover portion 3, and a cylindrical portion 11d that is exposed from the cover portion 3 and surrounds the water inlet 13 in a plan view. In a plan view, a part of the first peripheral wall portion 11b, the second peripheral wall portion 11c, and the cylindrical portion 11d are located on one side of the center of the main body 2 in direction D3 (right side of the paper in Figure 4), and most of the first peripheral wall portion 11b is located on the other side of the center in direction D3 (left side of the paper in Figure 4), but is not limited to this. The base portion 11a, the first peripheral wall portion 11b, the second peripheral wall portion 11c, and the cylindrical portion 11d are integrally molded.

[0015] The base portion 11a is an annular portion provided along the edge of the main surface 2a of the main body portion 2, and serves as the base for the first circumferential wall portion 11b, the second circumferential wall portion 11c, and the cylindrical portion 11d. A part of the base portion 11a is part of the portion that defines the flow path FL on the main surface 2a. In a plan view, the protrusion 12, the valve seat 15, the outlet 16, the wall portion 17, the first through hole 18, and the second through hole 19 are located inside the base portion 11a.

[0016] The first circumferential wall portion 11b and the second circumferential wall portion 11c are portions that are outside the flow path FL and located on the main surface 2a, preventing or suppressing leakage of liquid to the outside. The first circumferential wall portion 11b is joined to the second circumferential wall portion 11c without a gap on one side in direction D3, but is not limited to this. The first circumferential wall portion 11b may also be joined to the second circumferential wall portion 11c without a gap on the other side in direction D3. The second circumferential wall portion 11c connects the first circumferential wall portion 11b and the cylindrical portion 11d without a gap. In plan view, the radius of curvature of the second circumferential wall portion 11c is larger than the radius of curvature of the first circumferential wall portion 11b, but is not limited to this. The outer circumferential surface of the first circumferential wall portion 11b is provided with a projection 11e, which is a locking portion that engages with the opening / closing portion 41 (details described later) of the cover portion 3.

[0017] The cylindrical portion 11d is a mounting port for a device that supplies liquid to the water inlet 13, or a mounting port for an accessory (attachment) for mounting said device. The cylindrical portion 11d is located, for example, at one end in direction D3. In direction D1, the height of the cylindrical portion 11d is higher than, but not limited to, the height of the first circumferential wall portion 11b and the height of the second circumferential wall portion 11c. In direction D1, the height of the first circumferential wall portion 11b and the height of the second circumferential wall portion 11c are the same as, but not limited to, the same.

[0018] The protruding portion 12 is the part that defines the connection space CS1 (see also Figures 9 and 10, described later) that connects the water inlet 13 and the internal space 14. Therefore, the connection space CS1 is provided inside the protruding portion 12. The protruding portion 12 also supports a part of the cover portion 3. In a plan view, the protruding portion 12 is located on the opposite side of the outlet 16 via the valve seat 15. Also in a plan view, the protruding portion 12, the valve seat 15, and the outlet 16 are arranged in order in direction D2. The protruding portion 12 is located on one side in direction D3. The protruding portion 12 is integrated with, for example, the base portion 11a of the peripheral wall 11, but is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 12 corresponds to the part located on one side of the valve seat 15 in direction D2 (the lower side of the paper in Figure 4). Therefore, the portion located on the other side of the valve seat 15 (upper side in Figure 4) in direction D2 and integrated with the protrusion 12 will be treated as a separate portion from the protrusion 12 for explanatory purposes.

[0019] The projection 12 has a side wall 12a that rises from the main surface 2a and a top surface 12b that extends from the top of the side wall 12a. The side wall 12a is part of the portion that defines the flow path FL on the main surface 2a and is joined to the base portion 11a of the peripheral wall 11 and the wall portion 17 without any gaps. The top surface 12b is the portion where a part of the cover portion 3 is arranged and is located on the cover portion 3 side of the main surface 2a in direction D1.

[0020] The water inlet 13 is the entrance to the flow path FL and connects the external and internal spaces 14 of the main body 2. In plan view, the water inlet 13 is surrounded by the cylindrical portion 11d of the peripheral wall 11. The water inlet 13 communicates with the internal space 14 via the connection space CS1 defined by the protruding portion 12.

[0021] The internal space 14 is a portion of the main body 2 that temporarily stores liquid. The internal space 14 has a first space 14a that communicates with the connecting space CS1, a second space 14b that communicates with the valve seat 15, and a connecting space CS2 that connects the first space 14a and the second space 14b. For example, from the viewpoint of adjusting the liquid supply speed, in direction D1, the first space 14a does not overlap with the water inlet 13, but is not limited to this. The second space 14b houses a valve 53 (see Figures 14A and 14B; details will be described later) that opens and closes the valve seat 15 in conjunction with the float assembly 4. For this reason, the internal space 14 having the second space 14b is also called the valve chamber in which the valve 53 is housed. The connecting space CS2 is an opening provided in the partition between the first space 14a and the second space 14b, and is located on the bottom side of the main body 2 in direction D1. In the main body 2, the portion defining the second space 14b is provided with a projection that overlaps with the valve seat 15 in direction D1 and on which the valve 53 can be placed, but is not limited to this.

[0022] The valve seat 15 is an opening that connects the exterior of the main body 2 with the internal space 14 which is the valve chamber, and is provided on the main surface 2a. The valve seat 15 is located on the central side of the main body 2 in direction D2, closer to the outlet 16, and on the other side of the water inlet 13 in direction D3. The valve seat 15 has a recess 15a that fits into the valve 53. The recess 15a is provided inside the main body 2. In plan view, the area around the valve seat 15 is raised along the shape of the recess 15a, but is not limited to this.

[0023] The outlet 16 is the outlet of the flow path FL and is a through-hole provided on the main surface 2a and penetrating the main body 2. In a plan view, the outlet 16 is located on the other side of the valve seat 15 in direction D2. A portion of the main surface 2a surrounding the outlet 16 may be provided with an inclined portion that slopes downward toward the outlet 16.

[0024] The wall portion 17, like the side wall 12a of the protruding portion 12, is part of the portion that defines the flow path FL on the main surface 2a and is erected along direction D1. For this reason, direction D1 is also referred to as the direction in which the wall portion 17 is erected. The wall portion 17 is also a portion that divides the main surface 2a into multiple regions. In this embodiment, the wall portion 17 divides the main surface 2a into a first region AR1 and a second region AR2. The first region AR1 is located on the opposite side of the second region AR2 via the wall portion 17 in direction D3. The first region AR1 is provided with a water inlet 13, a valve seat 15, an outlet 16, and a first through hole 18, and includes a portion of the flow path FL. The second region AR2 is provided with a second through hole 19 and does not include the flow path FL. Therefore, the wall portion 17 also has the function of preventing or suppressing the outflow of liquid that has reached the main surface 2a via the valve seat 15 to the flow path FL (i.e., the second region AR2). The wall portion 17 has a first portion 21 and a second portion 22 located on one side of the first portion 21 in direction D2.

[0025] The first part 21 is a portion that extends linearly from the base portion 11a of the peripheral wall 11 along direction D2 in a plan view. The first part 21 is spaced apart from the protrusion 12. Therefore, a gap S1 is provided between the first part 21 and the protrusion 12. The first part 21 has a first side surface 23 located in the first region AR1, a second side surface 24 located on the opposite side of the first side surface 23 in direction D3, and a top surface 25 on which the cover portion 3 is arranged.

[0026] The first side surface 23 is a surface that extends linearly along direction D2 in a plan view, generally extending in direction D1 and intersecting direction D3. In direction D3, the first side surface 23 is located on the other side of the valve seat 15 and outlet 16. In other words, both the valve seat 15 and outlet 16 are located on one side of the first side surface 23 in direction D3. A portion 23a of the first side surface 23 defines a portion of the outlet 16 in a plan view. Another portion 23b of the first side surface 23 is located on one side of the portion 23a in direction D2. In addition, in a plan view, this other portion 23b is aligned with the valve seat 15 and the water inlet 13 in direction D3. Therefore, in a plan view, the first side surface 23 extends from the outlet 16 toward the valve seat 15 and functions as a guide to direct the liquid that has reached the main surface 2a via the valve seat 15 to the outlet 16. From the viewpoint of effectively performing the guiding function, it is preferable, but not limited to, that the other part 23b of the first side surface 23 be located on one side of the valve seat 15 in direction D2. For example, even if the other part 23b of the first side surface 23 is located on the other side of the valve seat 15 in direction D2, the guiding function can still be achieved.

[0027] The second side surface 24 is located in the second region AR2 and, like the first side surface 23, extends linearly along direction D2 in a plan view, and also extends generally in direction D1 and intersects with direction D3. The second side surface 24 has a groove 24a that extends along direction D1. The groove 24a functions as a guide when inserting the member into the second through hole 19 and extends to the second through hole 19.

[0028] The second portion 22 is a portion that extends from the first portion 21 to the protruding portion 12, and in a plan view, it protrudes to the other side in direction D3. In this embodiment, the second portion 22 has a substantially semicircular shape, and at least a part of the second portion 22 is located to the other side of the center of the main body portion 2 in direction D3. The second portion 22 has a side surface 26 that is continuous with the first side surface 23, a side surface 27 that is continuous with the second side surface 24, and a top surface 28 on which the cover portion 3 is arranged. In this embodiment, the top surface 28, the top surface 25 of the first portion 21, the top surface of the base portion 11a, and the top surface 12b of the protruding portion 12 are located on the same plane, but are not limited to this.

[0029] A notch 29 is provided in the second part 22. The notch 29 is a portion that guides the overflowing liquid to the second region AR2 if the liquid that has left the flow path FL overflows from the first region AR1. The shape of the notch 29 is not particularly limited, but for example it may be an inverted trapezoid or a semicircular shape. From the viewpoint of preventing the liquid from easily overflowing from the first region AR1, the bottom of the notch 29 may be on the side of the top surface 28 rather than the center of the second part 22 along direction D1. The notch 29 does not necessarily have to be provided by cutting out the main body 2 (second part 22). For example it may be formed along the mold for molding the second part 22. Therefore, the notch 29 can also be simply called a recess that is indented from the top surface 28 in direction D1.

[0030] The first through-hole 18 is a portion through which a part of the float assembly 4 is inserted, and is provided on the main surface 2a and penetrates the main body 2. In direction D2, the first through-hole 18 is located on the other side of the valve seat 15 and the first portion 21 of the wall portion 17. Also, in a plan view, the first through-hole 18 is located between the protruding portion 12 and the second portion 22. A gap S1 is located between the first through-hole 18 and the valve seat 15. Therefore, the first through-hole 18 is located on the opposite side of the valve seat 15 via the gap S1. When liquid that has reached the main surface 2a via the valve seat 15 deviates from the flow path FL, passes through the gap S1 and reaches the first through-hole 18, the liquid is supplied into the battery via the first through-hole 18.

[0031] The second through-hole 19 is a portion through which an inspection device (not shown) for inspecting the inside of the storage battery is inserted, and is provided on the main surface 2a and penetrates the main body 2. In plan view, the second through-hole 19 is located on the opposite side of the outlet 16 via the first portion 21 of the wall 17. Therefore, in direction D3, the second through-hole 19 is located on the other side of the first side surface 23. Also in plan view, the second through-hole 19 is located on the opposite side of the first through-hole 18 via the notch 29 of the wall 17. Therefore, in plan view, a notch 29 is provided between the first through-hole 18 and the second through-hole 19. A part of the second through-hole 19 is continuous with the groove 24a of the first portion 21. The second through-hole 19 has, but is not limited to, a main through-hole 19a and a sub-through-hole 19b defined within the main through-hole 19a. When the liquid that has reached the main surface 2a via the valve seat 15 leaves the flow path FL and reaches the second through-hole 19, the liquid is supplied into the storage battery through the second through-hole 19.

[0032] Within the second region AR2 and around the second through-hole 19, the main surface 2a has inclined portions SF1 and SF2 that slope downward toward the second through-hole 19. The inclined portion SF1 is provided at least between the notch 29 and the second through-hole 19 in a plan view. This makes it easier for liquid that has reached the second region AR2 through the notch 29 to reach the second through-hole 19 via the inclined portion SF1. In other words, the liquid that has reached the second region AR2 is less likely to remain in the second region AR2. The inclined portion SF2 is located on the opposite side of the inclined portion SF1 from the second through-hole 19 in a plan view, between the second through-hole 19 and the first peripheral wall portion 11b of the peripheral wall 11.

[0033] In the following, the various structures constituting the main body 2, and the details of each structure, will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 12. Figure 6 is an exploded view of the main body. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the first structure. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along line IX-IX in Figure 7. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the first structure. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the main parts of the second structure. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along line XII-XII in Figure 11. In the following, explanations of parts already described will be omitted. Also, some reference numerals will be omitted in Figures 6 to 12.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the main body 2 is a combined structure of a first structure 5 and a second structure 6. The main body 2 is formed by combining the first structure 5 and the second structure 6. When the water supply valve 1 is attached to the battery, the first structure 5 is located outside the battery. On the other hand, most of the second structure 6 is located inside the battery, and the rest of the second structure 6 is covered by the first structure 5. For this reason, the main surface 2a is formed by the first structure 5.

[0035] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first side surface 23 of the first portion 21 included in the wall portion 17 of the first structure 5 has a first end 23c located on the main surface 2a side in direction D1 and a second end 23d located on the opposite side of the first end 23c in direction D1, and is inclined with respect to direction D1. The first end 23c is in contact with the main surface 2a, and the second end 23d is in contact with the top surface 25. In addition, the second side surface 24 of the wall portion 17 has a third end 24b located on the main surface 2a side in direction D1 and a fourth end 24c located on the opposite side of the third end 24b in direction D1, and is inclined with respect to direction D1. The third end 24b is in contact with the main surface 2a, and the fourth end 24c is in contact with the top surface 25. Furthermore, in plan view, the first end 23c is located further out than the second end 23d, and the third end 24b is located further out than the fourth end 24c. The angles between the first side surface 23 and the top surface 25, and the angles between the second side surface 24 and the top surface 25, are both obtuse angles. Therefore, the width of the first portion 21 along direction D3 gradually widens in direction D1 as it moves from the top surface 25 towards the main surface 2a.

[0036] As shown in Figure 9, the side wall 12a of the projection 12 has an end 12c located on the main surface 2a side in direction D1 and an end 12d located on the opposite side of end 12c in direction D1, and is inclined with respect to direction D1. In addition, in plan view, end 12c is located outward from end 12d, and the angle between the side wall 12a and the top surface 12b is obtuse.

[0037] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the second structure 6 has openings 6a to 6f and a wall 6g that surrounds the opening 6f in a plan view and is erected in direction D1. Opening 6a is connected to the connecting space CS1 (see Figures 5, 9, and 10) and overlaps with the first space 14a (see Figure 5) in direction D1. Opening 6b is connected to the valve seat 15 (see Figure 5) and overlaps with the second space 14b (see Figure 5) in direction D1. Opening 6c overlaps with the outlet 16 (see Figure 5) in direction D1. Opening 6d overlaps with the first through hole 18 (see Figure 4) in direction D1. Opening 6e overlaps with the main through hole 19a (see Figure 4) of the second through hole 19 in direction D1. Opening 6f overlaps with the secondary through hole 19b (see Figure 4) of the second through hole 19 in direction D1. The wall 6g is the portion that defines the secondary through-hole 19b and is housed in the second through-hole 19.

[0038] (Flow path in the main body) Next, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, we will explain the intended flow path FL formed in the main body 2 and the liquid flow that deviates from said flow path FL (i.e., the unintended flow path). As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the flow path FL can be divided into, for example, the first flow path FL1, the second flow path FL2, the third flow path FL3, the fourth flow path FL4, and the fifth flow path FL5.

[0039] The first flow path FL1 indicates the flow path of liquid supplied from the outside to the water inlet 13. The second flow path FL2 indicates the flow path of liquid that passes through the first flow path FL1 and then heads towards the connection space CS1 of the protruding part 12. The third flow path FL3 indicates the flow path of liquid that passes through the second flow path FL2 and then heads towards the internal space 14. The fourth flow path FL4 indicates the flow path of liquid that passes from the internal space 14 to the main surface 2a of the main body 2 via the valve seat 15, which is in an open state. The fifth flow path FL5 indicates the flow path of liquid that goes from the main surface 2a towards the outlet 16. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the first flow path FL1 to the fifth flow path FL5 in order is supplied to the inside of the storage battery via the outlet 16.

[0040] Most of the liquid that reaches the main surface 2a via the valve seat 15 flows toward the outlet 16, or flows toward the outlet using the first side surface 23 of the first portion 21 of the wall portion 17 as a guide. However, some of the liquid deviates from the flow path FL and flows, for example, into the gap S1 between the first portion 21 and the protrusion 12. The liquid that passes through the gap S1 and reaches the first through-hole 18 is supplied to the inside of the battery through the first through-hole 18. Therefore, some of the liquid that deviates from the flow path FL is supplied to the inside of the battery along the flow path (first unintended flow path EFL1) toward the first through-hole 18 via the gap S1.

[0041] The remaining portion of the liquid that deviates from the flow path FL and passes through the gap S1 passes through the notch 29 and overflows from the first region AR1 to the second region AR2. The liquid that overflows into the second region AR2 is guided to the second through-hole 19 by the inclined portion SF1. The liquid that reaches the second through-hole 19 is supplied to the inside of the storage battery through the second through-hole 19. Therefore, the remaining portion of the liquid that deviates from the flow path FL is supplied to the inside of the storage battery along the flow path (second unintended flow path EFL2) that leads to the second through-hole 19 via the gap S1 and the notch 29. Thus, in the main body 2 of the water supply valve 1 according to this embodiment, at least a portion of the liquid that deviates from the intended flow path FL is supplied to the inside of the storage battery through the first through-hole 18 or the second through-hole 19.

[0042] (Cover section) Next, the configuration of the cover portion 3 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The cover portion 3 is the part that prevents the liquid flowing through the main body portion 2 from leaking to the outside, and is located on the main surface 2a of the main body portion 2 in direction D1. For this reason, when the water supply valve 1 is attached to the storage battery, the cover portion 3 is located outside the storage battery. The cover portion 3 has a main portion (housing portion) 31 and an opening / closing portion 41.

[0043] The main part 31 is a portion that covers a part of the first region AR1 in plan view and is positioned in contact with the top surface 12b of the protruding portion 12 of the main body portion 2 and the top surfaces 25, 28 of the wall portion 17. Therefore, the main part 31 is located at least on the valve seat 15 and above the outlet 16 (see Figure 4 above). The main part 31 is also provided at the other end of the main body portion 2 opposite to the end facing the inside of the battery case 100A and houses a part of the float assembly 4 that moves the valve 53, which opens and closes a part of the flow path FL (valve seat 15), in direction D1 in conjunction with the liquid surface of the electrolyte L inside the battery case 100A. The main part 31 has a substantially semicircular shape, for example, with a portion missing that overlaps with the cylindrical portion 11d in plan view. The main part 31 is, for example, a molded resin product. The main part 31 has a bottom portion 32 positioned on the main body portion 2 and a raised portion 33 that rises from the bottom portion 32 along direction D1.

[0044] The bottom portion 32 is the base of the cover portion 3 and is the part that contacts the main body portion 2. The bottom portion 32 is in gapless contact with, for example, the second peripheral wall portion 11c of the peripheral wall 11 and a part of the cylindrical portion 11d of the peripheral wall 11. In this case, leakage of the liquid located on the first region AR1 to the outside is effectively prevented or suppressed. The bottom portion 32 is fixed to the main body portion 2 by various methods. For example, the bottom portion 32 may be fixed to the main body portion 2 via an adhesive or the like, or it may be welded to the main body portion 2.

[0045] The raised portion 33 defines a space (not shown) that accommodates a part of the float assembly 4 located on the main surface 2a (details will be described later). The raised portion 33 also supports the opening / closing portion 41 of the cover portion 3. The raised portion 33 has a top surface 33a facing the main body portion 2 in direction D1, a wall surface 33b rising from the top surface 33a toward the main body portion 2, a recessed portion 33c in which a part of the wall surface 33b is recessed along direction D1, a pair of bearing portions 33d provided on the top surface 33a, and a pair of side surfaces 33e, 33f intersecting in direction D2. The wall surface 33b extends along directions D1 and D2 and is the part closest to the opening / closing portion 41 in direction D3. When the opening / closing portion 41 is closed, the wall surface 33b is the opposing surface facing the opening / closing portion 41. The recessed portion 33c is a part that recesses from the bottom portion 32 towards the top surface 33a in direction D1, and overlaps with the gap S1 between the protruding portion 12 and the first portion 21 of the wall portion 17. The bearing portion 33d is a part that rotatably supports the opening and closing portion 41.

[0046] The opening / closing section 41 is a part that is attached to the main body 2 so as to be openable and closable. When the opening / closing section 41 is closed, it covers the first peripheral wall portion 11b and the second region AR2 of the main body 2 in a plan view. By covering the second peripheral wall portion 11c and the second region AR2 with the opening / closing section 41, leakage of liquid to the outside from the first through hole 18 and the second through hole 19 located on the second region AR2 is prevented or suppressed. When the opening / closing section 41 is opened, an inspection device or the like can be inserted into the battery through the second through hole 19 provided in the exposed second region AR2. In other words, when the opening / closing section 41 is opened, an inspection device or the like can be inserted into the battery while the water supply valve 1 remains attached to the battery. The opening / closing section 41 is, for example, a resin molded product, similar to the main body 31. In this case, the resin contained in the opening / closing section 41 may be the same as or different from the resin contained in the main body 31. In this embodiment, the resin contained in the opening / closing section 41 is different from the resin contained in the main section 31, and the opening / closing section 41 is transparent. In this case, the float assembly 4 can be easily seen even when the opening / closing section 41 is closed. The opening / closing section 41 has a lid section 42, a rotating section 43, and a handle 44.

[0047] The lid portion 42 is the main body of the opening / closing portion 41 and covers the first peripheral wall portion 11b and the second region AR2. The opening / closing portion 41 can be kept closed by the lid portion 42 engaging with the projection 11e which is located outside the first peripheral wall portion 11b. When the opening / closing portion 41 is closed, the lid portion 42 is located on the base portion 11a of the peripheral wall 11 and outside the first peripheral wall portion 11b. It covers a part of the raised portion 33 of the main portion 31. The lid portion 42 is spaced apart from the top surface 33a, wall surface 33b, and side surfaces 33e, 33f of the raised portion 33. The lid portion 42 has a top surface 42a facing the main body portion 2 in direction D1, a wall surface (second wall surface portion) 42b that intersects direction D3 and faces the wall surface 33b of the raised portion 33 in direction D3, a protrusion 42c provided to avoid interference with the support rod 52 connected to the float 51 of the float assembly 4, and a pair of side surfaces (second side surfaces portion) 42e, 42f that intersect direction D2 and face the pair of side surfaces 33e, 33f of the raised portion 33 in direction D2.

[0048] The rotating part 43 is a portion that is rotatably mounted on the bearing portion 33d of the raised portion 33 and is integrated with the cover portion 42. The rotating part 43 has, for example, an axial shape that allows it to rotate on the bearing portion 33d. The pivot axis of the rotating part 43 extends in the direction D2 in which the wall surface 33b extends. The handle 44 is a protruding portion used when opening the opening / closing portion 41 and is provided on the other end side in direction D3.

[0049] In a plan view from direction D1, the wall surface 33b extends from the inside of the main body 2 toward the peripheral wall 11, which is the outer edge of the main body 2, to the outer edge end 33ba, and intersects with direction D3 which is perpendicular to direction D1. Here, the inside of the main body 2 refers to the region inside the peripheral wall 11 in a plan view from direction D1. In this embodiment, the wall surface 33b extends from the inside of the main body 2 toward the outer edge ends 33ba, 33ba in opposite directions along direction D2. In other words, the wall surface 33b extends linearly from one outer edge end 33ba to the other outer edge end 33ba, excluding the recessed portion 33c. Both outer edge ends 33ba are spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface 11ba of the first peripheral wall portion 11b, which is part of the peripheral wall 11 of the main body 2, but are not limited to this. Both outer edge ends 33ba may be in contact with the inner circumferential surface 11ba of the first peripheral wall portion 11b.

[0050] A gap G1 is provided between wall surface 33b and wall surface 42b in a direction D3 opposite to each other, at least at the outer edge ends 33ba, 33ba of wall surface 33b. In this embodiment, a gap G1 is continuously provided between wall surface 33b and wall surface 42b over the entire distance between them. Here, the gap G1 refers to a gap that has a distance at which no interfacial tension is generated between wall surface 33b and wall surface 42b, and is a gap with a distance that is appropriately calculated according to the materials forming wall surface 33b and wall surface 42b, the type of liquid supplied as electrolyte L, etc. The size of the gap G1, which is the distance between wall surface 33b and wall surface 42b at the outer edge end 33ba, is a size (size) such that no interfacial tension is generated when, for example, condensed moisture is interposed between wall surface 33b, which is formed from a resin material such as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), and wall surface 42b, which is formed from a resin material such as AS (acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer), for example, 2 mm to 5 mm.

[0051] A gap G2 is provided between side surfaces 33e and 42e in a direction D2 opposite to each other. In this embodiment, a gap G2 is continuously provided between side surfaces 33e and 42e over the entire length of the section where they face each other. Similarly, a gap G2 is provided between side surfaces 33f and 42f in a direction D2 opposite to each other. Here, the gap G2 refers to a gap that has a distance at which no interfacial tension is generated between side surfaces 33e and 42e and between side surfaces 33f and 42f, and is a gap with a distance that is appropriately calculated according to the materials forming side surfaces 33e, 33f and side surfaces 42e, 42f, the type of liquid supplied as the electrolyte L, etc. In this embodiment, a gap G2 is continuously provided between side surfaces 33f and 42f over the entire length of the section where they face each other. The size of the gap G2 is such that interfacial tension does not occur when, for example, condensed moisture is interposed between the side surface 33e, which is made of a resin material such as ABS, and the side surface 42e, which is made of a resin material such as AS, and between the side surface 33f and the side surface 42f. For example, it is 2 mm to 5 mm.

[0052] Parts of the sides 33e and 33f of the raised portion 33 are spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface 11ba of the first circumferential wall portion 11b, which is part of the circumferential wall 11, but are not limited to this. Parts of the sides 33e and 33f may be in contact with the inner circumferential surface 11ba of the first circumferential wall portion 11b. Parts of the sides 42e and 42f of the lid portion 42 are spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 11bb of the first circumferential wall portion 11b, which is part of the circumferential wall 11.

[0053] (Float assembly) Next, the configuration of the float assembly 4 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14A, 14B. Figure 13 is a diagram of the float assembly. Figure 14A shows the valve seat in the open state, and Figure 14B shows the valve seat in the closed state. In Figures 14A and 14B, the cover portion 3 is omitted. As shown in Figures 13 and 14A, 14B, the float assembly 4 includes a float 51, a support rod 52 connected to the float 51, a valve 53 corresponding to the valve seat 15 of the main body portion 2, a valve stem 54 connected to the valve 53, and a connecting portion 55 connecting the support rod 52 and the valve stem 54. When the water supply valve 1 is attached to the battery, the float 51, a part of the support rod 52, the valve 53, and a part of the valve shaft 54 ​​are located inside the battery or inside the main body 2, while the other part of the support rod 52, the other part of the valve shaft 54, and the connecting part 55 are located on the main surface 2a of the main body 2 and outside the battery.

[0054] The float 51 is a component that floats in the electrolyte L contained in the battery. Therefore, the float 51 exhibits a function that is linked to the liquid level of the electrolyte L contained in the battery. In this embodiment, when the float 51 is linked to the liquid level, the entire float assembly 4 is also linked. The shape of the float 51 is not particularly limited.

[0055] The support rod 52, when attached to the main body 2, is a member that extends in direction D1 and passes through the first through hole (through hole) 18 and the opening 6d. Direction D1 is also the direction in which the float 51 moves in conjunction with the liquid surface of the electrolyte L, and can therefore also be called the interlocking direction. In the example shown in Figure 13, the support rod 52 passes through the float 51 in direction D1, but this is not limited to this, and the support rod 52 does not have to pass through the float 51. If the support rod 52 passes through the float 51 in direction D1 and the lower end of the support rod 52 is exposed from the lower surface of the float 51, the portion of the support rod 52 exposed from the lower surface of the float 51 (lower end portion 58, described later) may be fixed to the lower surface of the float 51 by a fixing device, as shown in Figure 14A. The support rod 52 is easily visible through the opening / closing part 41 (see Figure 2, etc.). Therefore, by checking the position of the support rod 52, it is easy to determine whether or not liquid needs to be supplied to the battery. Details of the structure of the support rod 52 will be described later.

[0056] As described above, the valve 53 is a component housed in the internal space 14 of the main body 2 and has a shape that allows it to fit into the recess 15a of the valve seat 15. The valve 53 opens and closes the valve seat 15 in conjunction with the float 51. As shown in Figure 14A, when the main body 2 is attached to the storage battery and the electrolyte L is not sufficiently contained, the valve 53 is spaced apart from the recess 15a, opening the valve seat 15. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14B, when the storage battery is sufficiently filled with electrolyte L, the valve 53 is fitted into the recess 15a, closing the valve seat 15. In this embodiment, the valve 53 has a substantially hemispherical shape, but is not limited to this.

[0057] The valve stem 54 is a member that extends in direction D1 when the float assembly 4 is mounted on the main body 2, and passes through the valve seat 15. Unlike the support rod 52, the valve stem 54 is located inside the raised portion 33 (see Figure 3) of the cover portion 3. For this reason, the valve stem 54 is less visible than the support rod 52. The valve stem 54 is molded integrally with the valve 53, but is not limited to this.

[0058] The connecting portion 55 transmits the displacement of the float 51 to the valve 53 and valve stem 54. The valve 53 moves in conjunction with the float 51 when the support rod 52 and the valve stem 54 are connected via the connecting portion 55. The connecting portion 55 is integrated with the support rod 52 and has a gripping portion 55a for gripping the valve stem 54, but is not limited to this. When the float assembly 4 is mounted on the main body 2, a part of the connecting portion 55 passes through the gap S1 between the first portion 21 of the wall portion 17 and the protruding portion 12 on the main surface 2a. When the battery is sufficiently filled with electrolyte L, this part is located in the recessed portion 33c of the raised portion 33 (see Figure 3).

[0059] (Support rod) As shown in Figure 13, the support rod 52 includes a top portion 56, a main portion 57, and a lower end portion 58. The top portion 56 is located above the main surface 2a, i.e., outside the battery case 100. The cross-sectional shape of the top portion 56 in directions D2 and D3 is, for example, rectangular. The top portion 56 may include a portion with a constant cross-sectional area and a portion whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases as it moves away from the float 51. The portion with a constant cross-sectional area may be integrally molded with the connecting portion 55. The portion whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases may be a pyramidal shape that tapers as it moves away from the float 51. In the example in Figure 13, the lower end portion 58 penetrates the float 51 in direction D1 and is exposed from the lower surface of the float 51, but the lower end portion 58 may be fixed to the float 51 without penetrating the float 51 in direction D1.

[0060] The main part 57 is located between the upper surface and the top 56 of the float 51. The main part 57 includes a plurality of recesses 52b formed on the side surface 52a of the support rod 52. The plurality of recesses 52b are arranged in the circumferential direction A2 around the central axis A1 of the support rod 52. The plurality of recesses 52b are recessed toward the central axis A1. The plurality of recesses 52b open toward the opposite side of the central axis A1 in directions D2 and D3 which are perpendicular to direction D1.

[0061] The multiple recesses 52b are formed at least in the portion of the main part 57 located below the main surface 2a when the float 51 is in its lowest position. The lowest position of the float 51 is when, as shown in Figure 14A, the float 51 is not touching the liquid surface and the valve 53 is opening the valve seat 15 at the bottom surface of the internal space 14 which is the valve chamber. The multiple recesses 52b may be formed in the entire portion of the main part 57 between the main surface 2a and the upper surface of the float 51 when the float 51 is in its lowest position, or they may be formed in a portion of the main part 57 between the main surface 2a and the float 51. Since the multiple recesses 52b are formed at least in the portion of the main part 57 located below the main surface 2a, as shown in Figure 14A, when the valve 53 is opening the valve seat 15 at the bottom surface of the internal space 14 which is the valve chamber, the main part 57 is formed in the portion 571 located inside the main body 2 below the main surface 2a. In addition, the multiple recesses 52b are formed in the portion 572 located inside the main body portion 2 below the main surface 2a when the valve 53 is closing the valve seat 15 at the position of the valve seat 15, as shown in Figure 14B. The portion 571 may be continuous with the portion 572 in direction D1, or a part of the portion 571 may overlap with a part of the portion 572. The multiple recesses 52b are formed in a portion where dirt and the main body portion 2 can slide against each other when dirt adheres to the support rod 52 and the float 51 moves in conjunction with the liquid surface. The multiple recesses 52b are the portions into which dirt enters when the float 51 moves in conjunction with the liquid surface.

[0062] Figure 15A is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the support rod in a direction perpendicular to the interlocking direction, and Figure 15B is a perspective view of the main part of the support rod. In Figure 15A, the opening 6d is shown together with the support rod 52. As mentioned above, the opening 6d overlaps the first through hole 18 in direction D1. The opening 6d is located, for example, at the bottom of the second structure 6 (see Figure 6). In this case, the opening 6d is located at a predetermined distance from the first through hole 18 in direction D1. When viewed from direction D1, the shape of the first through hole 18 and the shape of the opening 6d may each be circular. In the example of Figure 15A, the circular shape is a perfect circle, but it is not limited to this. The area of ​​the first through hole 18 may be equal to the area of ​​the opening 6d. The support rod 52 passes through the first through hole 18 and the opening 6d. The central axis A1 of the support rod 52 coincides with, but is not limited to, the central axis of the first through hole 18 and the central axis of the opening 6d. The first through hole 18 and the opening 6d can function as guides to prevent the support rod 52 from tilting inside the main body 2.

[0063] Each of the multiple recesses 52b is equally spaced in the circumferential direction A2. As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the cross-section in directions D2 and D3 of the portion of the main part 57 in which the multiple recesses 52b are formed (hereinafter referred to as the cross-section of the main part 57) is a cross shape that is point-symmetric with respect to the central axis A1. In this case, the multiple recesses 52b include a first recess 52b1, a second recess 52b2 located next to the first recess 52b1 in the circumferential direction A2, a third recess 52b3 located next to the second recess 52b2 in the circumferential direction A2, and a fourth recess 52b4 located next to the third recess 52b3 in the circumferential direction A2. The fourth recess 52b4 is located next to the first recess 52b1 on the opposite side of the circumferential direction A2 from the third recess 52b3. Each of the multiple recesses 52b, i.e., each of the first recess 52b1 to the fourth recess 52b4, includes a first inner surface 521 and a second inner surface 522 extending intersecting the first inner surface 521. In each recess 52b, the angle between the first inner surface 521 and the second inner surface 522 is a right angle. In each recess 52b, the length W1 of the first inner surface 521 is equal to the length W2 of the second inner surface 522.

[0064] The main portion 57 of the support rod 52 further includes an end face 52c that connects adjacent recesses 52b. For example, the end face 52c connects the second inner surface 522 of the first recess 52b1 and the first inner surface 521 of the second recess 52b2. The end face 52c, the first inner surface 521, and the second inner surface 522 constitute the side surface 52a of the support rod 52. The end face 52c extends in direction D1 together with the plurality of recesses 52b. When viewed from direction D1, the width W3 of the end face 52c is preferably as short as possible. In the example of Figure 15A, the width W3 of the end face 52c is shorter than the length W1 of the first inner surface 521 and the length W2 of the second inner surface 522, respectively. When the width W3 of the end face 52c is short when viewed from direction D1, for example, dirt B1 is less likely to adhere to the end face 52c.

[0065] Viewed from direction D1, a gap exists between the outer edge of the cross-section of the main part 57 and the inner wall of the opening 6d and the inner wall of the first through-hole 18. The size of this gap varies along the outer edge of the cross-section of the main part 57. Specifically, as shown in Figure 15A, the gap between the end face 52c and the inner wall of the opening 6d and the inner wall of the first through-hole 18 is smaller than the gap between the first inner surface 521 and the inner wall of the opening 6d and the inner wall of the first through-hole 18, and also smaller than the gap between the second inner surface 522 and the inner wall of the opening 6d and the inner wall of the first through-hole 18.

[0066] (Effects and Benefits) In the water supply valve 1 according to the embodiment described above, dirt B1 may unintentionally adhere to the side surface 52a of the support rod 52. This dirt B1 is, for example, a component derived from the separator (not shown) located inside the battery case 100. The separator-derived component may be a component derived from the resin that makes up the separator. Alternatively, the dirt B1 may be a component contained in the supplied electrolyte L1, or a component derived from impurities mixed in when the electrolyte L is supplied. When such dirt B1 adheres to the side surface 52a, the dirt B1 may slide against the main body 2 when the float 51 moves in conjunction with the liquid surface. As a result, the float 51 may not move smoothly in conjunction with the liquid surface, making it difficult for the valve 53 to close the valve seat 15 inside the main body 2, and there is a risk that the electrolyte L will be excessively supplied from the water supply valve 1 to the battery case 100.

[0067] In the water supply valve 1, the main part 57 of the support rod 52 of the float assembly 4 is provided with multiple recesses 52b. When dirt B1 adheres to the side surface 52a, the multiple recesses 52b can function as recesses that hold the dirt B1 that has come into contact with the main body 2. This makes it less likely for dirt B1 to get stuck between the support rod 52 and the main body 2. Thus, a decrease in the interlocking performance of the float 51 can be suppressed.

[0068] In this embodiment, the multiple recesses 52b are recessed toward the central axis A1 of the support rod 52 and extend in direction D1, and are arranged in the circumferential direction A2 around the central axis A1. When dirt B1 adheres to the side surface 52a, the float 51 moves in conjunction with the liquid surface, pushing the dirt B1 that has come into contact with the main body 2 toward direction D1 or the central axis A1. Because the multiple recesses 52b are recessed toward the central axis A1 of the support rod 52 and extend in direction D1, the dirt B1 gets into the multiple recesses 52b. This makes it more difficult for dirt B1 to get trapped between the support rod 52 and the main body 2, and further suppresses the decrease in the interlocking performance of the float 51.

[0069] In this embodiment, the multiple recesses 52b are formed in the portion of the main part 57 that is located below the main surface 2a when the float 51 is in its lowest position. Therefore, when the dirt B1 comes into contact with the main body 2 in response to the movement of the float 51, the dirt B1 is reliably pushed out into the multiple recesses 52b. Thus, the decrease in the interlocking performance of the float 51 can be further suppressed.

[0070] In this embodiment, each of the multiple recesses 52b is positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction A2. Therefore, regardless of where the dirt B1 adheres to the side surface 52a, it can easily enter one of the recesses 52b.

[0071] Each of the multiple recesses 52b includes a first inner surface 521 and a second inner surface 522 extending intersecting the first inner surface 521, and the multiple recesses 52b include a first recess 52b1 and a second recess 52b2 located next to the first recess 52b1, and the support rod 52 further includes an end face 52c connecting the second inner surface 522 of the first recess 52b1 and the first inner surface 521 of the second recess 52b2. By including the end face 52c, the support rod 52 is less likely to be damaged, for example, if the side surface 52a of the support rod 52 comes into contact with the main body 2.

[0072] (modified version) The water supply valve according to one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other modifications are possible. In the above embodiments, the cover portion has a main portion and an opening / closing portion, but is not limited thereto. For example, the cover portion may consist only of a main portion.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the main body and the cover are separate components, but the invention is not limited to this. The main body may be integrated with at least a part of the cover. For example, the main part of the cover is integrated with the main body. In this case, the main body and the cover may be integrally molded. For example, the main body is integrated with the wall and has a cover located on the valve seat. Even in this case, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment are achieved.

[0074] In the above embodiment, a notch is provided in the wall, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, an opening may be provided in the wall instead of a notch. Even in this case, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment will be achieved. Alternatively, both a notch and an opening may be provided in the wall.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the main surface of the main body is divided into multiple regions by the wall portion, but is not limited to this. For example, the wall portion may have only a first portion. In this case, the wall portion and the protrusion provided on the main body are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the region on the main surface where the valve seat, outlet, and first through hole are located and the region on the main surface where the second through hole is located are connected to each other. Even in this case, the first portion of the wall portion exhibits the same function as in the above embodiment, so the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment are achieved.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the cross-section of the main part 57 is cross-shaped, but is not limited to this. The cross-section of the main part 57 may be, for example, a star-shaped polygon. When the cross-section is a star-shaped polygon, there are no end faces 52c between adjacent recesses 52b, and each recess 52b is directly connected to the adjacent recess 52b. The boundary lines between adjacent recesses 52b constitute the vertices in the cross-section. The cross-section of a star-shaped polygon has a shape in which the tips are pointed from the central axis A1 toward each vertex. Figure 16A is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the support rod according to the first modified example in a direction perpendicular to the interlocking direction, and Figure 16B is a perspective view of the main part of the support rod according to the first modified example. Figure 17A is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the support rod according to the second modified example in a direction perpendicular to the interlocking direction, and Figure 17B is a perspective view of the main part of the support rod according to the second modified example.

[0077] As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the support rod 52A according to the first modified example differs from the support rod 52 in that the cross-section of the main part 57 is a star-shaped polygon containing four recesses 52b as a plurality of recesses 52b. In other words, the cross-section of the main part 57 of the support rod 52A is a cross-shaped shuriken or a four-pointed star. In this case, the plurality of recesses 52b include a first recess 52b1, a second recess 52b2 located next to the first recess 52b1 in the circumferential direction A2, a third recess 52b3 located next to the second recess 52b2 in the circumferential direction A2, and a fourth recess 52b4 located next to the third recess 52b3 in the circumferential direction A2. The fourth recess 52b4 is located next to the first recess 52b1 on the opposite side of the third recess 52b3 in the circumferential direction A2. Each of the multiple recesses 52b, i.e., each of the first recess 52b1 to the fourth recess 52b4, includes a first inner surface 521 and a second inner surface 522 that extends intersecting the first inner surface 521. In each recess 52b, the angle between the first inner surface 521 and the second inner surface 522 is greater than 90 degrees.

[0078] As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the support rod 52B according to the second modified example differs from the support rod 52 in that the cross-section of the main part 57 is a star-shaped polygon containing five recesses 52b. In other words, the cross-section of the main part 57 of the support rod 52B is a pentagram shape. In this case, the multiple recesses 52b include a first recess 52b1, a second recess 52b2 located next to the first recess 52b1 in the circumferential direction A2, a third recess 52b3 located next to the second recess 52b2 in the circumferential direction A2, a fourth recess 52b4 located next to the third recess 52b3 in the circumferential direction A2, and a fifth recess 52b5 located next to the fourth recess 52b4 in the circumferential direction A2. The fifth recess 52b5 is located next to the first recess 52b1 on the opposite side of the circumferential direction A2 from the fourth recess 52b4. Each of the multiple recesses 52b, i.e., each of the first recess 52b1 to the fifth recess 52b5, includes a first inner surface 521 and a second inner surface 522 that extends intersecting the first inner surface 521. In each recess 52b, the angle between the first inner surface 521 and the second inner surface 522 is greater than 90 degrees.

[0079] The main portion 57 of the support rods 52A and 52B further includes a boundary line 52d formed between adjacent recesses 52b. For example, the boundary line 52d is formed between the second inner surface 522 of the first recess 52b1 and the first inner surface 521 of the second recess 52b2. The boundary line 52d, the first inner surface 521, and the second inner surface 522 constitute the side surface 52a of the support rods 52A and 52B. The distance between the second inner surface 522 of the first recess 52b1 and the first inner surface 521 of the second recess 52b2 gradually widens from the boundary line 52d toward the central axis A1. The boundary line 52d extends in direction D1 together with the multiple recesses 52b. Since the boundary line 52d is a point when viewed from direction D1, for example, dirt B1 is less likely to accumulate on the boundary line 52d, and more dirt B1 is more likely to adhere to the first inner surface 521 or the second inner surface 522. Furthermore, since the gap between the first inner surface 521 of the first recess 52b1 and the second inner surface 522 of the second recess 52b2 gradually widens from the boundary line 52d toward the central axis A1, it becomes easier to guide the dirt B1 into the multiple recesses 52b. As a result, it becomes even less likely for the dirt B1 to get trapped between the support rod 52A or the support rod 52B and the main body 2.

[0080] Viewed from direction D1, a gap exists between the outer edge of the cross-section of the main part 57 and the inner wall of the opening 6d and the inner wall of the first through-hole 18. The size of this gap changes along the outer edge of the cross-section of the main part 57. Specifically, as shown in Figures 16A and 17A, the gap between the boundary line 52d and the inner wall of the opening 6d and the inner wall of the first through-hole 18 is smaller than the gap between the first inner surface 521 and the inner wall of the opening 6d and the inner wall of the first through-hole 18, and the gap between the second inner surface 522 and the inner wall of the opening 6d and the inner wall of the first through-hole 18. This makes it less likely for dirt B1 to get into the gap between the first inner surface 521 and the inner wall of the opening 6d and the inner wall of the first through-hole 18, and the gap between the second inner surface 522 and the inner wall of the opening 6d and the inner wall of the first through-hole 18, thus reducing the likelihood of clogging caused by dirt B1.

[0081] When the cross-section of the main part 57 is a star-shaped polygon, the plurality of recesses 52b may include six or more recesses. Alternatively, when the main part 57 includes an end face 52c as shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the plurality of recesses 52b may include five or more recesses.

[0082] In the embodiments, the first modified example, and the second modified example described above, the first inner surface 521 and the second inner surface 522 are directly connected in each recess 52b so as to intersect each other, but the invention is not limited to this. Each recess 52b may further include a bottom surface connecting the first inner surface 521 and the second inner surface 522.

[0083] As described above, the battery to which the water supply valve 1 according to this embodiment is attached is, for example, a lead-acid battery, and the lead-acid battery is mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle such as a forklift. The electric vehicle is driven by power supplied from the lead-acid battery. The lead-acid battery is composed of, for example, multiple cells. In this case, each cell includes the water supply valve 1, the battery case 100, and electrodes. Since each cell includes the water supply valve 1, water may be supplied to each cell. The amount of water in the electrolyte in the battery case 100 of the lead-acid battery decreases depending on the usage conditions of the electric vehicle. When the amount of water in the electrolyte decreases, the lead-acid battery is removed from the electric vehicle, and purified water or the like is supplied to the battery case 100 from the water supply valve 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1...Water supply valve, 2...Main body, 2a...Main surface, 4...Float assembly, 51...Float, 52, 52A, 52B...Support rod, 52b...Recess, 52a...Side surface, 52b1...First recess, 52b2...Second recess, 52c...End face, 52d...Boundary line, 56...Top, 57...Main part, 521...First inner surface, 522...Second inner surface, A1...Central axis, A2...Circumferential direction, D1...Direction (interlocking direction), L...Electrolyte.

Claims

1. A main unit that can be attached to a battery, A float assembly attached to the main body, It is a water supply tap equipped with, The aforementioned float assembly is Floats and, It has a support rod, The support rod includes a top portion and a main portion located between the upper surface of the float and the top portion. The main part is a water supply valve including a plurality of recesses.

2. The water tap according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of recesses are recessed toward the central axis of the support rod, extend in a direction that allows the float to move in conjunction with the liquid surface of the electrolyte in the storage battery, and are arranged in a circumferential direction about the central axis.

3. The main body is, Having a main surface that is located outside the battery when it is installed in the battery, The water tap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of recesses are formed in the portion of the main part that is located below the main surface when the float is in its lowest position.

4. The water tap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of recesses is located at equal intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis of the support rod.

5. Each of the aforementioned plurality of recesses is The first inner self, It includes a second inner surface extending so as to intersect the first inner surface, The plurality of recesses include a first recess and a second recess located adjacent to the first recess, The water tap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support rod further includes an end face connecting the second inner surface of the first recess and the first inner surface of the second recess.

6. Each of the aforementioned plurality of recesses is The first inner self, Including a second inner surface connected to the first inner surface, The plurality of recesses include a first recess and a second recess located adjacent to the first recess, The support rod further includes the boundary line between the second inner surface of the first recess and the first inner surface of the second recess. The water tap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the second inner surface of the first recess and the first inner surface of the second recess gradually widens from the boundary line toward the central axis of the support rod.

7. The water tap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-section of the main part perpendicular to the direction in which the float moves in conjunction with the liquid surface of the electrolyte in the storage battery is cross-shaped or star-shaped polygonal.

8. A lead-acid battery comprising a water supply valve as described in claim 1 or 2.

9. An electric vehicle equipped with the lead-acid battery described in claim 8.

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