Temperature control device

Abstract

To suppress the occurrence of rattling of a temperature adjustment member by suppressing an increase in a sleeve even though a housing is made of a synthetic resin.SOLUTION: A temperature adjustment device includes a housing 1 having cylindrical sleeve 20e, a temperature adjustment member 40 having a heating part or a temperature sensitive part to be inserted into the housing from the sleeve, and a clip member 45 for preventing the temperature adjustment member from coming out of the sleeve, and a first energizing member 5. A flange part 40b1 protruding outward is formed at a circumference of the temperature adjustment member, a groove formed so as to go along the circumference in a circumferential direction and a lateral hole whose one end opens to the groove to penetrate the wall thickness of the sleeve are formed in the sleeve, the clip member includes an outer ring part that is elastically displaceable to fit into the groove, and an inner convex part extending oppositely from each other from both ends of the outer ring part to be inserted into the lateral hole, pressing the flange part from a tip side of the sleeve, and the first energization member energizes the temperature adjustment member in the direction of leaving from the sleeve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device including a temperature control member having a heating part or a temperature sensing part.

Background Art

[0002] As a temperature control device, for example, a thermostat device provided in a cooling circuit of an engine (internal combustion engine) for adjusting the temperature of a coolant is known. And, among thermostat devices, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is one in which an accessory part such as a plug is attached to a sleeve provided in the housing of the thermostat device using a clip member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the accessory part is a temperature control member that requires power supply such as a heater or a temperature sensor, if the temperature control member rattles, wear will occur on the electrical connection part due to vibration, resulting in poor contact (poor power supply). Therefore, the temperature control member needs to be fixed to the housing without rattling. However, when the temperature control member is fixed to a housing formed of synthetic resin or the like using a clip member, there is a risk that the housing will creep and deform, causing rattling of the temperature control member and leading to poor contact.

[0005] The present invention has been made paying attention to the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a temperature control device capable of suppressing the occurrence of rattling of a temperature control member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the temperature control device according to the present invention comprises a housing having a cylindrical sleeve, a temperature control member having a heating part or a temperature sensing part inserted into the housing from the sleeve, a clip member for preventing the temperature control member from coming out of the sleeve, and a first biasing member. The outer circumference of the temperature control member has a flange portion that protrudes outward, the sleeve has a groove formed along the circumferential direction on its outer circumference, and a transverse hole formed at one end that opens into the groove and penetrates the thickness of the sleeve, the clip member is elastically deformable and has an outer cage portion that fits into the groove, and an inner protrusion that extends opposite to both ends of the outer cage portion, is inserted into the transverse hole and presses the flange portion from the tip side of the sleeve, and the first biasing member biases the temperature control member in the direction of exiting the sleeve.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the temperature control member is biased by the first biasing member in the direction of exiting the sleeve, and the clip member suppresses this exit. Therefore, even if the groove of the sleeve deforms in the direction of opening due to creep deformation, the temperature control member follows suit and rattle is suppressed.

[0008] Furthermore, in the temperature control device, an annular step may be formed on the inner circumference of the sleeve, and the first biasing member may be interposed between the flange portion and the step. In this way, the first biasing member can be easily positioned, and even when this first biasing member is provided, the size of the temperature control device can be suppressed, making it compact.

[0009] Furthermore, the temperature control device includes an annular sealing member that seals the outer circumference of the temperature control member, and the sealing member may be compressed from both radial sides between the temperature control member and the housing. In other words, the sealing member seals in the radial direction. In this way, the first biasing member and the sealing member can suppress axial and radial play of the temperature control member relative to the sleeve, thereby more reliably suppressing play of the temperature control member.

[0010] Furthermore, the first biasing member may be a disc spring. In this case, the first biasing member can be made inexpensive and compact.

[0011] Furthermore, the first biasing member may be made of an elastomer. In this case, the first biasing member can be made inexpensive and compact. Moreover, since the first biasing member also functions as a sealing member that seals in the axial direction, together with the sealing member that seals in the radial direction, the outer circumference of the temperature control member can be sealed more reliably.

[0012] Furthermore, the temperature control device comprises a coolant flow path formed within the housing, a valve body for opening and closing the flow path, a thermo-element that expands and contracts according to the temperature of the coolant and drives the valve body to open and close, and a second biasing member that biases the valve body in the closing direction. The thermo-element has a temperature-sensing case containing a temperature-sensing member whose volume changes according to the temperature, and a piston whose one end is supported by the housing and moves in and out of the temperature-sensing case according to the volume change of the temperature-sensing member. The temperature control member has a heating section, and the heating section may be inserted into the piston.

[0013] In the aforementioned temperature control device, the temperature control component is not subjected to pressure within the flow path. However, as described above, by providing a first biasing member that biases the temperature control component in the exit direction, rattling of the temperature control component can be suppressed. In other words, providing a first biasing member in the temperature control device is particularly effective. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The temperature control device according to the present invention can suppress rattling of the temperature control component. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a thermostat device, which is a temperature control component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the thermostat device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB arrow in Figure 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an enlarged part of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an enlarged part of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view for explaining the assembling procedure of the thermostat device of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is another perspective view for explaining the assembling procedure of the thermostat device of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of a water outlet, which is a temperature control device according to the second embodiment, as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 9(b) is a perspective view showing an enlarged and broken part thereof. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing the cooling circuit of the engine. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, a temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. First, a temperature control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the temperature control device is a thermostat device provided in the cooling circuit of an engine (internal combustion engine). FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the thermostat device 10, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the thermostat device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 2. Further, FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an enlarged part of FIG. 4, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing the cooling circuit of the engine.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 10, the cooling circuit 50 includes a main passage 51 and a bypass passage 52. The main passage 51 cools the coolant flowing out from the engine 55 in the radiator 60 and returns it to the engine 55. The bypass passage 52 returns the coolant flowing out from the engine 55 to the engine 55 without passing through the radiator 60. The thermostat device 10 is provided on the coolant inlet side of the engine 55. When the temperature of the coolant is higher than a predetermined value, the thermostat device 10 opens the main passage 51. On the other hand, when the temperature of the coolant is lower than the predetermined value, the thermostat device 10 closes the main passage 51 and opens the bypass passage 52. Incidentally, the bypass passage 52 may be always open regardless of the temperature of the coolant, or may be closed when the main passage 51 is opened.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the thermostat device 10 includes a housing 1, a coolant flow path 4 formed in the housing 1, a valve body 15 that opens and closes the flow path 4, a thermo element 17 that expands and contracts according to the temperature of the coolant and drives the valve body 15 to open and close, a coil spring 16 that biases the valve body 15 in the closing direction, a frame 19 that supports one end of the coil spring 16, a heater 40, and a clip member 45 that fixes the heater 40 to the housing 1. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the up and down of the thermostat device 10 shown in FIG. 3 are simply referred to as "up" and "down". In the present embodiment, the coil spring 16 is a second biasing member, and the heater 40 is a temperature control member.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the housing 1 is formed of a synthetic resin. The housing 1 includes a substantially toped cylindrical main body portion 20 having an opening 20c formed at the lower end, a pair of flanges 2, 2 projecting outward from the outer periphery of the lower end of the main body portion 20, a pair of legs 21, 21 extending downward and facing each other from the opening edge of the lower end of the main body portion 20, a connection port 23 on the radiator 60 side extending obliquely upward from the top of the main body portion 20, and a sleeve 20e standing upward from the top of the main body portion 20 to which the heater 40 is fixed. The coolant is adapted to pass through the connection port 23, the inside of the main body portion 20, and the opening 20c, and the flow path 4 in the housing 1 is constituted by these. This flow path 4 is connected to the main passage 51.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, bolt holes 2a are formed in each of the pair of flanges 2, 2. A metal cylinder is press-fitted into the bolt holes 2a, and bolts (not shown) for fixing the thermostat device 10 to the mating member are inserted through this cylinder. As shown in Figure 3, an annular groove 20d is formed at the lower end opening edge of the main body portion 20, which is located inside the bolt holes 2a, so as to surround the opening 20c, and a gasket 25 is fitted into this groove 20d.

[0021] The gasket 25 seals the space between the thermostat device 10 and the mating component, preventing coolant flowing inside the housing 1 from leaking out when the thermostat device 10 is attached to the mating component. The inside of the housing 1 (the inner side of the housing 1) refers to the area inside the gasket 25 in the main body 20. The mating component referred to here is, for example, a water pump, an engine water jacket, or a component for attaching the thermostat device 10 to these. An annular valve seat 20b is formed on the inner circumference directly above the lower end opening edge of the main body portion 20 located inside the housing 1, and the flow path 4 is opened and closed when the valve body 15 sits on and off this valve seat 20b.

[0022] A thermo-element 17 is inserted inside the housing 1. The thermo-element 17 is positioned along the axis of the main body 20. The thermo-element 17 includes a temperature-sensing case 30 that houses a temperature-sensing element such as wax that changes volume according to temperature, and a piston 3 whose upper end is supported by the housing 1 and moves in and out of the temperature-sensing case 30 in response to the volume change of the temperature-sensing element. When the temperature of the coolant surrounding the temperature-sensing case 30 rises and the internal temperature-sensing element expands, the piston 3 retracts from the temperature-sensing case 30 and the thermo-element 17 extends. Conversely, when the temperature of the coolant surrounding the temperature-sensing case 30 decreases and the internal temperature-sensing element contracts, the piston 3 enters the temperature-sensing case 30 and the thermo-element 17 contracts. In this way, the thermo-element 17 expands and contracts in response to temperature.

[0023] The tip of the piston 3, located at the upper end of the thermo-element 17, engages with a cylindrical boss portion 20a formed on the top of the main body portion 20. This prevents the piston 3 from moving upward relative to the housing 1. Therefore, when the thermo-element 17 expands and contracts, the position of the piston 3 relative to the housing 1 remains unchanged, while the temperature-sensing case 30 moves up and down. A sealing member 47, such as an O-ring, is provided on the outer circumference of the piston 3. This sealing member 47 provides a liquid-tight seal between the piston 3 and the boss portion 20a.

[0024] The valve body 15 is fixed to the outer circumference of the temperature-sensing case 30. As a result, the valve body 15 moves up and down together with the temperature-sensing case 30 as the thermo-element 17 expands and contracts. When the thermo-element 17 expands and the valve body 15 moves downward, the valve body 15 separates from the valve seat 20b, allowing the coolant to pass between them, thus allowing the flow path 4 to open. Conversely, when the thermo-element 17 contracts and the valve body 15 moves upward and sits on the valve seat 20b, the flow path 4 is blocked. In this way, the valve body 15 opens and closes the flow path 4 by separating from and sitting on the valve seat 20b.

[0025] The upper end of the coil spring 16 abuts against the back surface of the valve body 15. This coil spring 16 is arranged to surround the thermoelement 17. The lower end (one end) of the coil spring 16 is supported by the frame 19.

[0026] The frame 19 catches on the tips of a pair of legs 21, 21 formed on the housing 1, preventing it from moving downward relative to the housing 1. A through hole 19a is formed in the center of the frame 19. The temperature-sensing case 30 is inserted through this through hole 19a so as to be able to move up and down. In other words, the temperature-sensing case 30 is able to move up and down relative to the frame 19.

[0027] The coil spring 16 is a compression spring and is positioned in a compressed state between the valve body 15 and the frame 19. As a result, the valve body 15 is biased upward (towards the valve seat 20b) by the coil spring 16. In this configuration, when the coolant around the thermoelement 17 becomes hot and the thermoelement 17 expands, the valve body 15 moves downward against the biasing force of the coil spring 16 and moves away from the valve seat 20b. On the other hand, when the coolant around the thermoelement 17 becomes cold and the thermoelement 17 contracts, the valve body 15 moves upward according to the biasing force of the coil spring 16 and approaches the valve seat 20b.

[0028] Furthermore, in this thermostat device 10, the temperature-sensing element can be heated by energizing the heater 40, thereby actively driving the valve body 15 to open and close. More specifically, the housing 1 has a cylindrical sleeve 20e directly above the boss portion 20a. The heater 40 is attached to the sleeve 20e with a clip member 45.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, the heater 40 has a rod-shaped heating section 40a inserted inside the piston 3, a mounting section 40b connected to one end of the heating section 40a and clipped to the sleeve 20e, and a connector 40d protruding laterally from the mounting section 40b. A power supply cable is connected to the connector 40d, allowing power to be supplied to the heater 40 from a power source such as a vehicle. When power is supplied to the heater 40, the heating element 40a generates heat. As a result, the temperature-sensing element inside the temperature-sensing case 30 is heated and expands via the piston 3, causing the piston 3 to be pushed out of the temperature-sensing case 30 and the valve body 15 to open.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the sleeve 20e is provided on the axis of the main body 20 of the housing 1, rising upward from the top of the main body 20. In this sleeve 20e, the end connected to the housing 1 (lower end) is the base end of the sleeve 20e, and the end opposite this base end (upper end) is the tip of the sleeve 20e. As shown in Figure 7, a groove 20f and a lateral hole 20g are formed in the sleeve 20e. The groove 20f opens laterally (in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve 20e) along the circumferential direction on the outer circumference of the sleeve 20e. The lateral hole 20g penetrates the thickness of the sleeve 20e, and one end of the lateral hole 20g opens to the inside of the groove 20f. Also, as shown in Figure 5, an annular step 20e1 is formed on the inner circumference of the sleeve 20e. The inner diameter on the tip side of this step 20e1 is larger than the inner diameter on the base side, and the step 20e1 faces the tip side of the sleeve 20e. The groove 20f and the lateral hole 20g are located on the tip side of the sleeve 20e relative to the step 20e1. A disc spring 5 is stacked on this step 20e1. This disc spring 5 is the first biasing means.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the disc spring 5 is a spring washer and has a circular body portion 5a in plan view. The direction along the central axis of this body portion 5a is defined as the axial direction of the disc spring 5, and the circumferential direction of the body portion 5a is defined as the circumferential direction of the disc spring 5. The body portion 5a is cut at one point in the circumferential direction, and its ends 5b and 5c are twisted so that they are offset in the axial direction. The disc spring 5 is elastic and, when compressed to bring its ends 5b and 5c closer together, it undergoes elastic deformation and attempts to return to its original shape due to its own elasticity.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the mounting portion 40b of the heater 40 has a flange portion 40b1 that protrudes outward. The outer diameter of the flange portion 40b1 is larger than the inner diameter of the disc spring 5 and the step 20e1. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, when the heater 40 is inserted into the sleeve 20e from the heating portion 40a side and the mounting portion 40b is inserted into the sleeve 20e, the disc spring 5 is compressed and elastically deformed between the flange portion 40b1 and the step 20e1. As a result, the disc spring 5 biases the flange portion 40b1 upward, that is, in the direction that causes the heater 40 to retract from the sleeve 20e.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, a sealing member 46, such as an O-ring, is fitted to the outer circumference of the heater 40 below the flange portion 40b1. This sealing member 46 seals the outer circumference of the heater 40, preventing water, dust, etc. from outside the thermostat device 10 from entering the housing 1. The sealing member 46 is compressed from both radial sides.

[0034] As shown in Figure 8, the clip member 45 that secures the heater 40 to the sleeve 20e is made of a metal wire such as stainless steel and has an outer cavity 45a that is U-shaped or C-shaped in plan view, and inner protrusions 45b and 45c that extend opposite each other from both ends of the outer cavity 45a. The clip member 45 is elastic, and when the inner protrusions 45b and 45c are deformed to separate, it tries to return to its original shape due to its own elasticity.

[0035] Then, as described above, when the heater 40 is inserted into the sleeve 20e and the disc spring 5 is compressed by the flange portion 41b1, and the clip member 45 is attached to the sleeve 20e, the outer cavity portion 45a fits into the groove 20f on the outer circumference of the sleeve 20e, and the inner protrusion portion 45b is inserted into the sleeve 20e through the lateral hole 20g, pressing the flange portion 40b1 from above (the tip side of the sleeve 20e). As a result, the heater 40 is prevented from being removed from the sleeve 20e and is fixed to the sleeve 20e. With the clip member 45 attached in this manner, the disc spring 5 is compressed between the flange portion 40b1 and the step 20e1, biasing the heater 40 in the direction of retracting it from the sleeve 20e.

[0036] As described above, the thermostat device (temperature control device) 10 according to this embodiment comprises a housing 1, a heater (temperature control member) 40, a clip member 45, and a disc spring (first biasing member) 5. The housing 1 has a cylindrical sleeve 20e. The heater 40 has a heating section 40a. This heating section 40a is inserted into the housing 1 from the sleeve 20e. The clip member 45 prevents the heater 40 from being removed from the sleeve 20e. Furthermore, a flange portion 40b1 that protrudes outward is formed on the outer circumference of the heater 40. A groove 20f and a lateral hole 20g are formed in the sleeve 20e. The groove 20f is formed along the outer circumference of the sleeve 20e in the circumferential direction. One end of the lateral hole 20g opens into the groove 20f and penetrates the wall thickness of the sleeve 20e. The clip member 45 is elastically deformable. The clip member 45 has an outer cavity 45a and a pair of inner protrusions 45b and 45c. The outer cavity 45a fits into the groove 20f of the sleeve 20e. The inner protrusions 45b and 45c extend opposite each other from both ends of the outer cavity 45a and are inserted into the lateral holes 20f, respectively, to press the flange portion 40b1 from the tip side of the sleeve 20e. The disc spring 5 biases the heater 40 in the direction of retracting it from the sleeve 20e.

[0037] In this manner, the heater 40 is biased by the disc spring 5 to exit the sleeve 20e, and its flange portion 40b1 is held in place by the inner protrusions 45b and 45c of the clip member 45. As a result, even if the housing 1 is made of synthetic resin and the groove 20f of the sleeve 20e deforms slightly in the direction of opening up or down due to creep deformation, the state in which the flange portion 40b1 is pushed up by the disc spring 5 and held in place by the clip member 45 is maintained, thereby suppressing rattling of the heater 40, which is a temperature control component. In other words, even when using temperature control components such as the heater 40 that require power, rattling can be suppressed, thus preventing wear on the electrical connection points due to vibration and preventing poor contact (poor power supply).

[0038] Furthermore, in the thermostat device 10 of this embodiment, an annular step 20e1 is formed on the inner circumference of the sleeve 20e. The disc spring 5 is interposed between the flange portion 40b1 and the step 20e1. In this way, a first biasing member such as the disc spring 5, which biases the temperature control member such as the heater 40 in the direction of exiting the sleeve 20e, can be easily arranged, and even when such a first biasing member is provided, the size of the temperature control device such as the thermostat device 10 can be suppressed and it can be made compact. However, as long as the biasing member can bias the temperature control member in the direction of exiting the sleeve 20e, the arrangement of the biasing member can be changed as appropriate.

[0039] Furthermore, the thermostat device 10 of this embodiment includes a sealing member 46. This sealing member 46 seals the outer circumference of the heater 40. The sealing member 46 is compressed from both radial sides between the heater 40 and the housing 1. Here, the radial direction is perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve 20e and along the diameter of the sleeve 20e, with the direction along the axis of the sleeve 20e being defined as the axial direction. The disc spring 5 biases the heater 40 in the direction of retracting from the sleeve 20e, and this direction is the axial direction of the sleeve 20e. Therefore, the disc spring 5 can suppress axial play of the heater 40 relative to the sleeve 20e. On the other hand, the sealing member 46 is compressed radially to seal in the radial direction, and can suppress radial play of the heater 40 relative to the sleeve 20e. In other words, with the above configuration, the disc spring 5 and the sealing member 46 can suppress axial and radial rattle of the heater 40 relative to the sleeve 20e, thus more reliably suppressing rattle of the heater 40, which is a temperature control component.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first biasing member that biases the heater 10 in the exit direction is a disc spring 5. Therefore, the first biasing member can be made inexpensive and compact. In this embodiment, the disc spring 5 is a spring washer, but it may also be a frustoconical disc spring or a wave washer. Moreover, the first biasing member is not limited to a disc spring, but may also be a spring other than a disc spring, such as a coil spring, or made of an elastic elastomer such as rubber.

[0041] In this embodiment, the temperature control device is a thermostat device 10, which comprises a coolant flow path 4, a valve body 15, a thermo-element 17, and a coil spring (second biasing member) 16. The flow path 4 is formed inside the housing 1. The valve body 15 opens and closes the flow path 4. The thermo-element 17 expands and contracts according to the temperature of the coolant, driving the valve body 15 to open and close. The coil spring 16 biases the valve body 15 in the closing direction. The thermoelement 17 comprises a temperature-sensing case 30 and a piston 3. The temperature-sensing case 30 houses a temperature-sensing element. The temperature-sensing element changes volume in response to temperature. One end of the piston 3 is supported by the housing 1. The piston 3 moves in and out of the temperature-sensing case 30 in response to the volume change of the temperature-sensing element. In this embodiment, the temperature control member is a heater 40, which has a heating section 40a. The heating section 40a is inserted into the piston 3 so as to be able to heat the temperature-sensing member.

[0042] Thus, according to the above configuration, the temperature control device is a thermostat device 10, and the temperature control member is a heater 40 having a heating section 40a, where the heating section 40a is inserted into the piston 1, and the heater 40 is not subjected to pressure in the flow path. Even with this structure, the thermostat device 10 is equipped with a disc spring (first biasing member) 5, so rattling of the heater 40 can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the temperature control device is a thermostat device 10, and the temperature control member is a heater 40. However, the temperature control device is not limited to a thermostat device and can be changed as appropriate. Similarly, the temperature control member is not limited to a heater and may be replaced with other temperature control members such as a temperature sensor. Of course, the position of the sleeve 20e provided in the housing 1 may also be changed depending on the temperature control member.

[0043] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the temperature control device is a water outlet with a temperature sensor that is attached to the coolant outlet of the engine (internal combustion engine). Figure 9(a) is a perspective view of the water outlet 100 from the front, and Figure 9(b) is a perspective view showing a portion of the water outlet 100 enlarged and broken. In this embodiment, components identical to or corresponding to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0044] The water outlet 100 is mounted on the cylinder head (not shown) of the engine. As shown in Figure 9(a), the water outlet 100 comprises a housing 101, a first connection portion 102 and a second connection portion 103 that rise outward from the housing 101, a flange 104 that protrudes outward from the edge of the housing 101, a temperature sensor 108, and a clip member 45 that secures the temperature sensor 108 to the housing 101. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 108 is a temperature control component.

[0045] In this embodiment, the housing 101, the first connection part 102, the second connection part 103, and the flange 104 are integrally formed from synthetic resin to constitute the water outlet body 110. The flange 104 is provided with a plurality of bolt holes 104a. Bolts (not shown) are inserted through these bolt holes 104a, and the water outlet body 110 is bolted to the cylinder head. A coolant flow path R is formed between the housing 101 and the cylinder head. The coolant flowing out from the cylinder head then passes through this flow path R to the first connection part 102 or the second connection part 103 and goes to various devices such as the radiator and heater core.

[0046] In addition, in the water outlet 100, a temperature sensor 108 is attached to a sleeve 20e provided in the housing 101 with a clip member 45, and this temperature sensor 108 can detect the temperature of the coolant flowing through the flow path R.

[0047] More specifically, the sleeve 20e is provided on the side of the housing 101. As shown in Figure 9(b), the temperature sensor 108 has a rod-shaped temperature sensing part 109 inserted into the flow path R, a mounting part 108a connected to one end of the temperature sensing part 109 and clipped to the sleeve 20e, and a connector 108b protruding from the mounting part 108a. Cables for power supply, communication, etc., are connected to the connector 108b.

[0048] The sleeve 20e has a groove 20f, a lateral hole 20g, and a step 20e1, similar to the first embodiment. An O-ring 105 is laminated on the step 20e1. The O-ring 105 is made of an elastically deformable elastomer such as rubber, and when compressed it deforms elastically and tries to return to its original shape due to its own elasticity. In this embodiment, the O-ring 105 is the first biasing member.

[0049] Furthermore, the mounting portion 108a of the temperature sensor 108 has a flange portion 108a1 that protrudes outward. The outer diameter of the flange portion 108a1 is larger than the inner diameter of the O-ring 105 and the step 20e1. As a result, when the temperature sensor 108 is inserted into the sleeve 20e from the temperature sensing portion 109 side, and the mounting portion 108a is inserted into the sleeve 20e, the O-ring 105 is compressed and elastically deformed between the flange portion 108a1 and the step 20e1. As a result, the O-ring 105 biases the flange portion 108a1 upward, that is, in the direction that causes the temperature sensor 108 to exit the sleeve 20e. The O-ring 105 also functions as a sealing member, preventing water, dust, etc. from outside the water outlet 100 from entering the housing 101.

[0050] A sealing member 120, such as an O-ring, is fitted to the outer circumference of the mounting portion 108a of the temperature sensor 108, on the side of the flange portion 108a1 that is closer to the housing 101. This sealing member 120 seals the outer circumference of the temperature sensor 108, preventing the coolant in the flow path R from leaking out of the housing 101.

[0051] The clip member 45, like in the first embodiment, has an outer enclosure 45a and a pair of inner protrusions 45b and 45c. As described above, when the temperature sensor 108 is inserted into the sleeve 20e and the O-ring 105 is compressed by the flange portion 108a1, the clip member 45 is attached to the sleeve 20e. The outer enclosure 45a fits into the groove 20f on the outer circumference of the sleeve 20e, and the inner protrusions 45b and 45c are inserted into the sleeve 20e through the lateral hole 20g, pressing the flange portion 108a from the tip side of the sleeve 20e. This prevents the temperature sensor 108 from being removed from the sleeve 20e and fixes it to the sleeve 20e. With the clip member 45 attached in this manner, the O-ring 105 is compressed between the flange portion 108a1 and the step 20e1, biasing the temperature sensor 108 in the direction of exiting the sleeve 20e.

[0052] As described above, the water outlet (temperature control device) 100 according to this embodiment comprises a housing 101, a temperature sensor (temperature control member) 108, a clip member 45, and an O-ring (first biasing member) 105. The housing 101 has a sleeve 20e similar to that of the first embodiment. The temperature sensor 108 has a temperature sensing part 109. This temperature sensing part 109 is inserted into the housing 101 from the sleeve 20e. The clip member 45 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, a flange portion 108a1 that protrudes outward is formed on the outer circumference of the temperature sensor 108. The O-ring 105 biases the temperature sensor 108 in a direction that causes it to exit the sleeve 20e.

[0053] In this manner, the temperature sensor 108 is biased by the disc spring 105 to exit the sleeve 20e, and its flange portion 108a1 is held in place by the inner protrusions 45b and 45c of the clip member 45. As a result, even if the groove in the sleeve 20e deforms slightly in the direction of opening due to creep deformation, for example, the state in which the flange portion 108a1 is pushed out by the O-ring 105 and held in place by the clip member 45 is maintained, thereby suppressing rattling of the temperature sensor 108. In other words, even when using temperature control components such as the temperature sensor 108 that require power, rattling can be suppressed, thus preventing wear on the electrical connection points due to vibration and preventing poor contact (poor power supply).

[0054] Furthermore, in the water outlet 100 of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, an annular step 20e1 is formed on the inner circumference of the sleeve 20e. The O-ring 105 is interposed between the flange portion 108a1 and the step 20e1. In this way, a first biasing member, such as an O-ring, which biases a temperature control member, such as a temperature sensor 108, in the direction of exiting the sleeve 20e, can be easily arranged, and even when such a first biasing member is provided, the size of the temperature control device, such as the water outlet 100, can be kept compact while suppressing an increase in size. However, as long as the first biasing member can bias the temperature control member in the direction of exiting the sleeve 20e, the arrangement of the first biasing member can be changed as appropriate.

[0055] Furthermore, the water outlet 100 in this embodiment includes a sealing member 120. This sealing member 120 seals the outer circumference of the temperature sensor 108. The sealing member 120 is compressed from both radial sides between the temperature sensor 108 and the housing 101. Here, the radial direction is perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve 20e and along the diameter of the sleeve 20e, with the direction along the axis of the sleeve 20e being defined as the axial direction. The O-ring 105 biases the temperature sensor 108 in the direction of exiting the sleeve 20e, and this direction is the axial direction of the sleeve 20e. Therefore, the O-ring 105 can suppress axial play of the temperature sensor 108 relative to the sleeve 20e. On the other hand, the sealing member 120 is compressed radially to seal in the radial direction, and can suppress radial play of the temperature sensor 108 relative to the sleeve 20e. In other words, with the above configuration, the O-ring 105 and the sealing member 120 can suppress axial and radial play of the temperature sensor 108 relative to the sleeve 20e, thus more reliably suppressing play of the temperature sensor 108.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first biasing member that biases the temperature sensor 108 in the exit direction is an O-ring 105 made of elastomer. This makes the first biasing member inexpensive and compact. Moreover, since the O-ring (elastomer) 105 also functions as a sealing member, the outer circumference of the temperature sensor 108 can be sealed by both the O-ring 105 and the sealing member 120, thereby more reliably sealing the outer circumference of the temperature sensor 108.

[0057] More specifically, for example, if the temperature sensor 108 is significantly displaced radially in one direction from the center of the sleeve 20e due to vibration or the like, the compression amount of a part of the sealing member 120 in the circumferential direction will be large, while the compression amount of a part on the opposite side will be small. Even if liquid leakage occurs from the part of the sealing member 120 where the compression amount is small, it can be sealed by the O-ring 150. In this way, the O-ring 150 acts as a backup seal for the sealing member 120, and similarly, the sealing member 120 acts as a backup seal for the O-ring 150, thus reliably preventing liquid leakage. In this embodiment, the first biasing member is an O-ring 105, and the O-ring 105 is made of elastomer. However, the first biasing member may be a member made of an elastomer other than an O-ring, such as a packing. Furthermore, the first biasing member may be a spring, such as a spring washer.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the temperature control device is a water outlet 100 and the temperature control component is a temperature sensor 108. However, the temperature control device is not limited to a water outlet and can be changed as appropriate. Similarly, the temperature control component is not limited to a temperature sensor and may be replaced with other temperature control components such as a heater. And of course, the position of the sleeve 20e provided in the housing 101 may be changed depending on the temperature control component.

[0059] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, modifications, alterations, and changes are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1 Housing 2 flanges 3 pistons 5. Disc spring (first biasing member) 10. Thermostat device (temperature control device) 15 Valve body 16. Coil spring (second biasing member) 19 frames 19b Engagement part 20 Main body 20a Boss section 20b Valve seat 20c aperture 20d groove 20e sleeves 20f groove 20g horizontal hole 21 legs 40 Heater (Temperature control component) 40b Mounting section 41 Temperature sensor 45 Clip component 45a Curved section 45b Inner protrusion 46 Sealing member 100 Water Outlet (Temperature Control Device) 101 Housing 101a Sleeve 105 O-ring (biasing member) 108 Temperature sensor (temperature control component) 109 Temperature sensing part R channel

Claims

1. A housing having a cylindrical sleeve, A temperature control member having a heating element or a temperature sensing element inserted from the sleeve into the housing, A clip member for preventing the temperature control member from being removed from the sleeve, A first biasing member, comprising, A flange portion is formed on the outer circumference of the temperature control member, which protrudes outward. The sleeve has a groove formed on its outer circumference along the circumferential direction, and a transverse hole formed at one end that opens into the groove and penetrates the thickness of the sleeve. The clip member is elastically deformable and has an outer casing that fits into the groove, and an inner projection that extends opposite to both ends of the outer casing, is inserted into the lateral hole, and presses the flange portion from the tip side of the sleeve. The first biasing member biases the temperature control member in the direction of exiting the sleeve. A temperature control device characterized by the following features.

2. An annular step is formed on the inner circumference of the sleeve. The first biasing member is interposed between the flange portion and the step. The temperature control device according to feature 1.

3. The temperature control member is provided with an annular sealing member that seals the outer circumference of the temperature control member, The sealing member is compressed from both radial sides between the temperature control member and the housing. The temperature control device according to feature 1.

4. The first biasing member is a disc spring. The temperature control device according to feature 1.

5. The first biasing member is made of elastomer. The temperature control device according to feature 1.

6. A cooling fluid passage formed within the housing, A valve body that opens and closes the aforementioned flow path, A thermoelement that expands and contracts in accordance with the temperature of the coolant and drives the valve body to open and close, The valve body is further comprising a second biasing member that biases the valve body in the closing direction, The thermoelement comprises a temperature-sensing case containing a temperature-sensing member whose volume changes according to temperature, and a piston whose one end is supported by the housing and moves in and out of the temperature-sensing case in accordance with the volume change of the temperature-sensing member. The temperature control member has the heating section, The heating element is inserted into the piston. A temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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