Water outlet

The water outlet design with a convex portion and annular seal member addresses sealing performance issues by restricting radial movement and facilitating easy connection, ensuring durable sealing in coolant systems.

JP7710360B2Active Publication Date: 2025-07-18NIPPON THERMOSTAT CO LTD
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021194867
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-11-30
Publication Date
2025-07-18
Estimated Expiration
2041-11-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing water outlets for coolant systems in internal combustion engines experience reduced sealing performance due to relative movement and vibration between the connection port and pipe, leading to gaps that compromise the effectiveness of the seal member.

Method used

A water outlet design featuring a dish-shaped main body with a cylindrical connection port and a convex portion on its outer periphery, incorporating an annular seal member and a convex portion to restrict radial movement, allowing for axial and circumferential adjustment while maintaining sealing integrity.

Benefits of technology

The design effectively prevents significant reductions in sealing performance by restricting radial movement and facilitating easy connection, thereby enhancing the durability and reliability of the seal between the pipe and connection port.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007710360000001
    Figure 0007710360000001
  • Figure 0007710360000002
    Figure 0007710360000002
  • Figure 0007710360000003
    Figure 0007710360000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a water outlet that distributively introduces cooling liquids to a variety of devices and that prevents lowering of sealing performance caused by a seal member sealing between a pipe and a connection port of a water outlet connected with the pipe.SOLUTION: A water outlet 100 arranged at a cooling liquid outlet of an internal combustion engine 20 and connected with a pipe 32 which directs a cooling liquid to the outside of the internal combustion engine, comprises: a dish-shaped main body 1 fixed to the internal combustion engine; a cylindrical connection port 3 which is arranged so as to erect outwardly from the main body and inserted into the pipe; and a protrusion 9 which is formed on an external peripheral side of the connection port so as to erect outwardly from the main body. An annular seal member 11 is arranged between the connection port and the pipe, and at least a circumferential portion of the pipe is arranged between the protrusion and the connection port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water outlet that is provided at a coolant outlet of an engine (internal combustion engine), for example, and guides coolant to various devices such as a radiator and a thermostat.

Background Art

[0002] For example, at the coolant outlet of an automobile engine, a water outlet that guides coolant to various devices such as a radiator as shown in Patent Document 1 is attached. In this water outlet, a cylindrical connection port that is inserted into one end of a pipe leading to various devices is provided. The water outlet and various devices are connected by a pipe or the like.

[0003] By the way, there are mounting errors in the positions of the water outlet to which one end of the pipe is connected and the device to which the other end of the pipe is connected due to the vehicle. Therefore, when the pipe is formed of synthetic resin or the like that is difficult to deform, the connection port of the pipe and the water outlet may be connected in a state where axial relative movement and circumferential relative rotation are allowed so as to allow mounting errors.

[0004] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a cylindrical connection port 70 is provided on the water outlet in a state of standing upright outward. The outer diameter r1 of this connection port 70 is smaller than the inner diameter r2 of the tip of the pipe 60 (r1 < r2). Then, by inserting the pipe 60 inside while mounting a seal member 80 on the outer periphery of the connection port 70, the pipe 60 is connected to the connection port 70. Thereby, axial relative movement and circumferential relative rotation between the pipe 60 and the connection port 70 of the water outlet are allowed, and mounting errors can be absorbed. In addition, the seal member 80 is compressed between the connection port 70 and the pipe 60 to seal them liquid-tightly and prevent the pipe 60 from easily coming off from the connection port 70.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] According to the above configuration, since the outer diameter r1 of the connection port 70 of the water outlet is smaller than the inner diameter r2 of the pipe 60, a gap s is formed between them. When such a gap s is provided, during vehicle travel, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the connection port 70 and the pipe 60 vibrate and move relative to each other in the radial direction. However, when the relative movement in the radial direction between the connection port 70 and the pipe 60 becomes large, the compression amount of a part 80a in the circumferential direction of the seal member 80 becomes extremely large, and the compression amount (tightening allowance) of the opposite part 80b becomes extremely small, resulting in a problem that the sealing performance of that part may be significantly reduced.

[0007] The present invention has been made paying attention to the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a water outlet that can prevent a significant reduction in sealing performance by a seal member that seals between a pipe and a connection port of a water outlet to which the pipe is connected.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The water outlet according to the present invention for solving the above problems is a water outlet provided at the coolant outlet of an internal combustion engine and to which a pipe for leading out the coolant to the outside of the internal combustion engine is connected, and includes a dish-shaped main body portion fixed to the internal combustion engine, a cylindrical connection port provided so as to rise upward from the main body portion and inserted inside the pipe, and a convex portion provided on the outer peripheral side of the connection port so as to rise upward from the main body portion. An annular seal member is provided between the connection port and the pipe, and at least a part in the circumferential direction of the pipe is disposed between the convex portion and the connection port.

[0009] According to the above configuration, when the relative radial movement between the connection port and the pipe increases, the pipe abuts against the convex portion to suppress further relative movement. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the compression amount of a part of the circumferential direction of the seal member from becoming extremely large, and the compression amount (tightening margin) of the portion on the opposite side from becoming extremely small, and the sealing performance of that portion from being significantly reduced.

[0010] In addition, a gap is formed along the circumferential direction between the connection port and the pipe, and the convex portion may be arranged at a position where it contacts the pipe before the connection port and the pipe come into contact when the connection port and the pipe move relative to each other in the radial direction. In this way, when the relative radial movement amount between the connection port and the pipe increases, the pipe contacts the convex portion before contacting the connection port. Therefore, it is possible to reliably suppress an increase in the relative radial movement amount between the connection port and the pipe, and it is possible to reliably prevent the sealing performance of the seal member from being significantly reduced.

[0011] Further, the convex portion may be formed in an arc shape in a plan view as viewed from the axial direction of the connection port. In this way, when connecting a pipe to the water outlet, the convex portion can be used as a guiding guide. Furthermore, compared with the case where the convex portion is annular, when inserting the connection port inside the pipe, the convex portion does not get in the way, and the pipe connection work can be facilitated.

[0012] Further, the convex portion may be formed along a concentric circle of the connection port so as to cover half of the circumference of the connection port. In this way, even if the vibration direction during vehicle running changes somewhat, it is possible to suppress a significant reduction in the sealing performance of the seal member.

[0013] In addition, an annular gasket may be provided between the main body portion and the internal combustion engine so as to surround the coolant outlet of the internal combustion engine, and both ends in the circumferential direction of the convex portion may be located on the outer peripheral side of the gasket. By doing so, the effect of suppressing the warping of the outer peripheral portion of the main body away from the internal combustion engine due to the reaction force of the gasket is improved, and it is possible to suppress the decrease in the sealing performance of the gasket.

[0014] Further, the tip of the convex portion in the height direction may be located at the same height as the sealing member. By doing so, even if there is a sealing member between the connection port and the pipe, it is easy to insert the connection port into the pipe. Therefore, the pipe connection work can be made easier. Further, a temperature sensor may be attached to the main body portion, and a pair of wall portions located on both sides of the temperature sensor with the temperature sensing portion interposed therebetween may be configured to approach as they go toward the bottom side of the main body portion. By doing so, the temperature sensing property of the temperature sensor can be improved.

[0015] Further, the pipe may be configured to guide the coolant to a thermostat fixed to a water pump that sends the coolant to the internal combustion engine. In this case, due to the vibration during vehicle travel, the connection port and the pipe may move relative to each other in the radial direction, and there is a risk that the sealing performance of the sealing member will be significantly reduced. For this reason, it is particularly effective to provide the convex portion according to the present invention in the water outlet.

[0016] Further, in a state mounted on the vehicle, the convex portion may be located above or below the connection port. During vehicle travel, the pipe and the connection port to which this pipe is connected mainly move relative to each other in the vertical direction. According to the above configuration, the relative movement in the vertical direction can be suppressed by the convex portion, so that a significant decrease in the sealing performance of the sealing member can be efficiently suppressed.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the water outlet according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a significant decrease in the sealing performance by the sealing member that seals between the pipe and the connection port of the water outlet to which this pipe is connected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, a water outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an engine cooling system to which the water outlet according to the present invention is applied. Further, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the water outlet according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front side, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the water outlet in FIG. 1 as viewed from the back side.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the water outlet 100 is attached so as to cover the coolant outlet 21 of the engine (internal combustion engine) 20. A pipe 31 for guiding the coolant to the radiator 30 and a pipe 32 for bypassing the radiator 30 and guiding the coolant to the thermostat 40 are connected to the water outlet 100. In the engine 20, a water pump 50 is attached to the coolant inlet 22 for introducing the coolant. The thermostat 40 is attached to the water pump 50.

[0021] The thermostat 40 is fixed to the inlet of the water pump 50, for example, with bolts, and has a first inlet 41 into which the coolant from the radiator 30 is introduced, a second inlet 42 into which the coolant from the bypass passage, i.e., the pipe 32, is introduced, and an outlet 43 for guiding the coolant to the water pump 50.

[0022] When the temperature of the coolant led out from the engine 20 through the pipe 32 is low, the thermostat 40 closes the first inlet 41 and operates so that the second inlet 42 and the outlet 43 communicate with each other. On the other hand, when the temperature of the coolant led out from the engine 20 through the pipe 32 becomes high, the thermostat 40 closes the second inlet 42 and operates so that the first inlet 41 and the outlet 43 communicate with each other.

[0023] The water outlet 100 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin and is bolted to the main body of the engine 20 so as to cover the coolant outlet 21 of the engine 20. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the water outlet 100 includes a dish-shaped main body portion 1, a first connection port 2 and a second connection port 3 provided so as to rise upward from the main body portion 1, and a convex portion 9 provided on the outer peripheral side of the second connection port 3 so as to rise upward from the main body portion 5. The up and down directions shown in FIG. 2 are the up and down directions when the water outlet 100 is mounted on the vehicle.

[0024] One end of a pipe 31 is connected to the first connection port 2. The coolant led out from the coolant outlet 21 of the engine 20 heads towards the radiator 30 through the pipe 31. One end of a pipe 32 is connected to the second connection port 3. The coolant led out from the coolant outlet 21 of the engine 20 heads towards the thermostat 40 through the pipe 32. Thus, the coolant led out from the coolant outlet 21 branches at the water outlet 100 and heads towards the radiator 30 or the thermostat 40.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 1 has a dish-shaped portion 5 that is concave so as to be away from the engine 20, and a flange 4 that projects outward from the outer peripheral edge of the dish-shaped portion 5. The space formed between the dish-shaped portion 5 and the engine 20 serves as a flow path for the coolant. A plurality of bolt holes 4a are provided in the flange 4. Bolts (not shown) are inserted into these bolt holes 4a so as to be bolted to the engine 20 body. With the flange 4 fixed to the engine 20 with bolts, the opening of the dish-shaped portion 5 faces the coolant outlet 21 of the engine 20. The first connection port 2 and the second connection port 3 are each provided so as to project upward from the dish-shaped portion 5.

[0026] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, an annular groove 4b is formed in the flange 4. An annular gasket 6 fits into this groove 4b. The gasket 6 is arranged so as to surround the opening of the dish-shaped portion 5 and the coolant outlet 21, preventing the coolant from leaking between the engine 20 and the flange 4.

[0027] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a temperature sensor 7 is attached to the water outlet 100. The temperature sensing portion 7a of the temperature sensor 7 is inserted inside the dish-shaped portion 5 so as to be able to detect the temperature of the coolant.

[0028] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, in the dish portion 5, the shape of the portion where the temperature sensing portion 7a is inserted is valley-shaped. More specifically, when the engine 20 side of the dish portion 5 is the opening side and the opposite side is the bottom side, the dish portion 5 has a pair of wall portions 5a and 5b located on both sides with the axis of the temperature sensing portion 7a of the temperature sensor 7 interposed therebetween. The pair of wall portions 5a and 5b approach each other as they go toward the bottom side and are tapered. As a result, cooling water easily collects in the temperature sensing portion 7a, and the temperature sensing performance can be improved.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, with the water outlet 100 mounted on the vehicle, the convex portion 9 is located above the second connection port 3. Also, the shape of the convex portion 9 is arc-shaped when viewed from the front side (in plan view). The convex portion 9 is arranged with a gap S1 between it and the second connection port 3 so as to surround approximately half of the circumference above the second connection port 3. As shown in FIG. 4, when the second connection port 3 is inserted inside the tip of the pipe 32, a part of the circumferential direction of the tip of the pipe 32 is sandwiched with a gap between the convex portion 9 and the second connection port 3.

[0030] An O-ring 11 as a sealing member is interposed between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32 in a state with a clamping allowance. The outer diameter of the tip of the second connection port 3 is smaller than that of the other parts, and an annular step 3a is formed at the boundary portion where the outer diameter changes. The O-ring 11 is supported by the step 3a. The inner diameter of the tip of the pipe 32 is larger than that of the other parts, and an annular step 32a is formed at the boundary portion where the inner diameter changes. The O-ring 11 is retained by the step 32a.

[0031] In FIG. 4, the outer diameter of the portion below the step 3a of the second connection port 3 is smaller than the inner diameter of the portion below the step 32a of the pipe 32, and the outer diameter of the portion above the step 3a of the second connection port 3 is smaller than the inner diameter of the portion above the step 32a of the pipe 32. In the present embodiment, in FIG. 4, the difference between the outer diameter of the portion below the step 3a of the second connection port 3 and the inner diameter of the portion below the step 32a of the pipe 32 is equal to the difference between the outer diameter of the portion above the step 3a of the second connection port 3 and the inner diameter of the portion above the step 32a of the pipe 32. If the second connection port 3 can be inserted into the inside of the pipe 32, the dimensional difference between their outer diameter and inner diameter can be changed as appropriate.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, let the gap between the second connection port 3 and the convex portion 9 be X, the difference between the outer diameter r1 of the second connection port 3 and the inner diameter r2 of the pipe 32 be Y (Y = r2 - r1), and the wall thickness of the pipe 32 be T. Then, the gap X between the second connection port and the convex portion 9 is smaller than the sum of the difference Y between the outer diameter r1 of the second connection port and the inner diameter r2 of the pipe 32 and the wall thickness T of the pipe 32 (X < Y + T). As a result, the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32 are centered by the O-ring 11 and arranged coaxially. In this state, the gap S2 between the convex portion 9 and the pipe 32 is smaller than the gap S1 between the pipe 32 and the second connection port 3. For this reason, when the engine 20 and the water pump 50 vibrate respectively during vehicle running and the pipe 32 moves in one radial direction with respect to the second connection port, the pipe 32 contacts the convex portion 9 before contacting the second connection port 3, and further relative movement is restricted.

[0033] The thickness of the convex portion 9 is not particularly limited, but it is necessary to ensure the strength when contacting the pipe 32. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, after forming the thickness of the convex portion 9 to be large, in order to reduce the weight, etc., it has a hollow structure with a hole in the middle, but it may also have a solid structure.

[0034] As described above, the water outlet 100 of the present embodiment is provided at the coolant outlet 21 of the engine 20 (internal combustion engine), and the pipe 32 for guiding the coolant out of the engine 20 is connected. The water outlet 100 includes a dish-shaped main body portion 1, a cylindrical second connection port 3, and a convex portion 9. The main body portion 1 is fixed to the engine 20. The second connection port 3 is provided so as to rise upward from the main body portion 1 and is inserted into the inside of the pipe 32. The convex portion 9 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the second connection port 3 so as to rise upward from the main body portion 1. An annular O-ring 11 (sealing member) is provided between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32. At least a part of the circumferential direction of the pipe 32 is disposed between the convex portion 9 and the connection port 3.

[0035] According to the above configuration, the relative radial movement between the convex portion 9 and the connection port 3 can be suppressed by the convex portion 9. Therefore, according to the water outlet 100, it is possible to prevent a significant decrease in the sealing performance by the O-ring (sealing member) 11 that seals between the pipe 32 and the connection port 3 to which the pipe 32 is connected.

[0036] More specifically, as described above, the thermostat 40 is bolted to the water pump 50, and the water outlet 100 is bolted to the engine 20 main body. That is, the relative position shifts according to the vehicle at the positions of the water outlet 100 to which one end of the pipe 32 is connected and the thermostat 40 to which the other end of the pipe 32 is connected, that is, an installation error occurs.

[0037] Therefore, in the water outlet 100 according to the present embodiment, in order to absorb the installation error, as shown in FIG. 4, an axial relative movement and a circumferential relative rotation between the pipe 32 and the second connection port 3 to which the pipe 32 is connected are allowed. A difference (Y) is provided between the outer diameter of the second connection port 3 and the inner diameter of the pipe 32, and an annular gap S1 is provided between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32. Further, an O-ring 11 (annular sealing member) is provided between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32 to prevent leakage of the coolant from the gap S1.

[0038] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, a convex portion 9 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the second connection port 3 so as to rise from the main body portion 1 to the outside (the protruding side of the second connection port 3). As shown in FIG. 4, the convex portion 9 is arranged to face at least a part of the circumferential direction of the pipe 32 (in a state where it is not connected to the pipe 32, it faces a part of the second connection port 3). Therefore, at least a part of the circumferential direction of the pipe 32 is arranged between the convex portion 9 and the second connection port 3.

[0039] The pipe 32 is formed of a synthetic resin or the like that is difficult to deform. The second connection port 3 of the water outlet 100 is inserted inside one end thereof, and the other end is press-fitted and fixed to the thermostat 40. During vehicle travel, the engine 20 to which the water outlet 100 is fixed and the water pump 50 to which the thermostat 40 is fixed vibrate up and down at their respective natural frequencies. Then, the second connection port 3 of the water outlet 100 and the pipe 32 move relatively in the radial direction.

[0040] When the relative movement in the radial direction between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32 becomes large, the pipe 32 abuts against the convex portion 9 to suppress further relative movement. For this reason, a part of the circumferential compression amount of the O-ring 11 (sealing member) becomes extremely large, and the compression amount (tightening margin) of the opposite side portion becomes extremely small, preventing a significant decrease in the sealing performance of that portion. Furthermore, when connecting the pipe 32, a part of the circumferential direction of the tip of the pipe 32 may be connected so as to be sandwiched between the second connection port and the convex portion 9. In this way, since the convex portion 9 serves as a mark when connecting the pipe 32, the connection work of the pipe 32 can be facilitated.

[0041] Also, in the water outlet 100 according to the present embodiment, a gap S1 is formed along the circumferential direction between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32. And the convex portion 9 is disposed at a position where it contacts the pipe 32 before the pipe 32 contacts the second connection port 3 when the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32 move relatively in the radial direction.

[0042] In this way, when a gap S1 is formed along the circumferential direction between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32, axial movement and relative circumferential rotation between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32 are allowed, and mounting errors between the member to which one end of the pipe 32 is connected and the member to which the other end is connected can be absorbed. Also, the clearance S1 allows for relative radial movement between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32. Therefore, when the members to which one end of the pipe 32 is connected and the members to which the other end is connected vibrate separately, relative radial movement between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32 is also allowed, suppressing the application of a load to the joint of the pipe 32 and the resulting reduction in durability. Furthermore, when the relative radial movement amount between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32 becomes large, the pipe 32 contacts the convex portion 9 before the pipe 32 contacts the second connection port 3. For this reason, it is possible to reliably suppress an increase in the relative radial movement amount between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32, and it is possible to reliably prevent a significant reduction in the sealing performance of the O-ring 11.

[0043] More specifically, the distance X between the inner peripheral surface of the convex portion 9 and the outer peripheral surface of the second connection port 3 is formed to be smaller than the sum of the difference Y between the inner diameter r2 of the pipe 32 and the outer diameter r1 of the second connection port 3 and the thickness T of the pipe 32 (X < Y + T). Thereby, when the relative radial movement amount between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32 becomes large, the pipe 32 can contact the convex portion 9 before the pipe 32 contacts the second connection port 3.

[0044] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the convex portion 9 is formed in an arc shape in a plan view as viewed from the axial direction of the second connection port 3. Thereby, the convex portion 9 can suppress the flange 4 from warping in a direction away from the engine 20 main body due to the reaction force of the gasket 6. Also, when connecting the pipe 32 to the water outlet 100, the convex portion 9 can be used as a guiding guide. Furthermore, compared with the case where the convex portion 9 is annular, when inserting the second connection port 3 inside the pipe 32, the convex portion 9 does not get in the way. For this reason, the connection work of the pipe 32 can be facilitated.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the convex portion 9 is arranged along the concentric circle of the second connection port 3 so as to cover half of the circumference of the second connection port 3. As a result, the flange 4 is warped in a direction away from the engine 20 body by the reaction force of the gasket 6, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the gasket 6. Further, even if the vibration direction during vehicle travel changes somewhat, it is possible to suppress an increase in the relative movement amount in the radial direction between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32. Therefore, even if the vibration direction during vehicle travel changes somewhat, it is possible to suppress a significant decrease in the sealing performance of the O-ring 11. In addition, the circumferential length and shape of the convex portion 9 can be appropriately changed. For example, the convex portion 9 may be composed of a plurality of protrusions and may be arranged at an interval from the second connection port, or the convex portion 9 may be composed of one protrusion or an annular ridge.

[0046] Further, in the water outlet 100 of the present embodiment, an annular gasket 6 is provided between the main body portion 1 and the engine 20 so as to surround the coolant outlet of the engine 20. Both ends in the circumferential direction of the convex portion 9 are located on the outer peripheral side of the gasket 6. As a result, the effect of suppressing the warping of the flange 4 is further improved, and the sealing performance between the water outlet 100 and the engine 20 body can be maintained. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since both ends in the circumferential direction of the convex portion 9 reach the outer peripheral edge of the main body portion 1, the effect of suppressing the warping of the flange 4 is high, but the circumferential length and shape of the convex portion 9 can be appropriately changed.

[0047] In addition, the thickness of the convex portion 9 is not particularly limited, but it is necessary to ensure the strength when contacting the pipe 32. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, after forming the thickness of the convex portion 9 to be large, a hollow structure with a hollowed-out portion is provided for weight reduction and the like.

[0048] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the tip in the height direction of the convex portion 9 is formed so as to be located at the same height as the O-ring 11. As a result, even if there is an O-ring 11 between the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32, it is easy to insert the second connection port 3 into the pipe 32. Furthermore, it is easy to guide the second connection port 3 into the pipe 32 with the convex portion 9. Therefore, the connection work of the pipe 32 can be made easier.

[0049] Furthermore, the height of the convex portion 9 can be changed as appropriate. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the convex portion 9 is assumed to be erected perpendicular to the surface of the flange 4, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, when the convex portion 9 is formed in an arc shape in plan view, it may be formed so as to have a larger diameter toward the upper portion. In that case, when connecting the connection port 3 of the water outlet 100 and the pipe 32, the convex portion 9 does not get in the way and can be easily connected.

[0050] Also, although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, ribs may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the convex portion 9 in the axial direction or the circumferential direction. In this case, the strength of the convex portion 9 can be further improved. Furthermore, in the water outlet 100 of the present embodiment, a temperature sensor 7 is attached to the main body portion 1, and a pair of wall portions 5a, 5b located on both sides of the temperature sensing portion 7a of the temperature sensor 7 approach each other as they go toward the bottom side of the main body portion 1. Therefore, the temperature sensitivity of the temperature sensor 7 can be improved. Note that the wall portions 5a, 5b may have a straight shape, or the temperature sensor 7 may be omitted.

[0051] Also, in the water outlet 100 of the present embodiment, the pipe 32 guides the coolant to a thermostat 40 fixed to a water pump 50 that sends the coolant to the engine 20. As described above, the water outlet 100 is fixed to the engine 20. In this way, when one end of the pipe 32 is connected to the water outlet 100 fixed to the engine 20 and the other end is connected to the thermostat 40 fixed to the water pump 50, and the pipe 32 is made of a synthetic resin that is difficult to deform, it is preferable to form an annular gap S1 between the pipe 32 and the second connection port 3 so as to absorb the mounting error. And in such a case, there is a risk that the second connection port 3 and the pipe 32 relatively move in the radial direction due to the vibration during vehicle travel, and the sealing performance of the O-ring 11 is significantly reduced. For this reason, in the water outlet 100, it is particularly effective to provide the convex portion 9.

[0052] In addition, with the water outlet 100 according to the present embodiment mounted on the vehicle, the convex portion 9 is located above the second connection port 3. As described above, when the other end of the pipe 32 having one end connected to the water outlet 100 fixed to the engine 20 is connected to the thermostat 40 fixed to the water pump, the pipe 32 and the second connection port 3 to which the pipe 32 is connected mainly move relative to each other in the vertical direction during vehicle travel. And since this relative movement in the vertical direction can be suppressed by the convex portion 9, it is possible to efficiently suppress a significant decrease in the sealing performance of the O-ring 11. The same effect can also be obtained when the convex portion 9 is located below the second connection port 3.

[0053] Note that the position where the convex portion 9 is provided is not limited to above and below the second connection port 3 and can be changed as appropriate. Further, the convex portion 9 may contact the pipe 32 in a state before vibration during vehicle travel is applied. In the present embodiment, the convex portion 9 is provided corresponding to the second connection port 3. The pipe 32 is connected to this second connection port. This pipe 32 serves as a bypass passage that is led out from the engine 20 and guides the coolant that does not pass through the radiator 30 to the thermostat 40. However, the convex portion 9 may be provided corresponding to the first connection port 2 to which the pipe 31 that guides the coolant to the radiator 30 is connected. Further, the convex portion 9 may be provided corresponding to a connection port or the like to which a pipe that guides the coolant to another device such as a heater core is connected.

[0054] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but modifications, deformations, and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0055] 1 Main body portion 2 First connection port 3 Second connection port (connection port) 3a Step 4 Flange (mounting portion) 5 Dish portion 5a Wall portion 5b Wall portion 7 Temperature sensor 7a Temperature sensing part 9 Convex part 11 O-ring (sealing member) 20 Engine (internal combustion engine) 21 Coolant outlet 30 Radiator 31 Pipe 32 Pipe 32a Step 40 Thermostat 41 First inlet 42 Second inlet 43 Outlet 50 Water pump 100 Water outlet

Claims

1. A water outlet provided at the coolant outlet of an internal combustion engine, to which a pipe for leading the coolant out of the internal combustion engine is connected, comprising: a dish-shaped main body portion fixed to the internal combustion engine; a cylindrical connection port provided so as to rise upward from the main body portion and inserted inside the pipe; a convex portion provided on the outer peripheral side of the connection port so as to rise upward from the main body portion; an annular seal member is provided between the connection port and the pipe; at least a part of the pipe in the circumferential direction is disposed between the convex portion and the connection port; a gap is formed between the connection port and the pipe along the circumferential direction; the convex portion is disposed at a position where it contacts the pipe prior to the connection port and the pipe contacting each other when the connection port and the pipe move relative to each other in the radial direction. The water outlet is characterized by this.

2. The water outlet according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion is formed in an arc shape in a plan view seen from the axial direction of the connection port.

3. The water outlet according to claim 2, wherein the convex portion is formed along a concentric circle of the connection port so as to cover half of the circumference of the connection port.

4. An annular gasket is provided between the main body portion and the internal combustion engine so as to surround the coolant outlet of the internal combustion engine; The water outlet according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein both ends in the circumferential direction of the convex portion are located on the outer peripheral side of the gasket.

5. The water outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tip of the convex portion in the height direction is located at the same height as the seal member.

6. A temperature sensor is attached to the main body portion; The water outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a pair of wall portions located on both sides sandwiching the temperature sensing portion of the temperature sensor approach each other as they go toward the bottom side of the main body portion.

7. The water outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pipe guides the coolant to a thermostat fixed to a water pump that sends the coolant to the internal combustion engine.

8. The water outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, when mounted on a vehicle, the convex portion is located above or below the connection port.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Structure of cooling water outlet section of engine

    JP1982102511A

  • Internal combustion engine

    JP2006070760A

  • Pipe member connecting structure

    JP2006105201A

  • Internal combustion engine provided with connection pipe

    JP2008002400A

  • Structure for retaining temperature sensing device and internal combustion engine provided with same

    WO2013137043A1