JP2021165585A - Flow control valve - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce a press-in load of a valve opening pressure adjustment member applied to a housing.SOLUTION: A relief valve 30 includes: a housing 31 which has a hollow cylindrical valve chamber 33 and in which a first communication port 34 is opened at one end side of the valve chamber 33; a first valve body 51 which opens or closes the first communication port 34; a first spring 55 which biases the first valve body 51 in a closing direction; and a retainer 70 having a spring seat part 71 which supports the first spring 55. A set load of the first spring 55 is adjusted according to a press-fitting amount of the retainer 70 press-fitted in the housing 31. The retainer 70 is formed with a press-fitting piece group 74 comprising plural press-fitting pieces 74a which are intermittently disposed in a circumferential direction of the retainer 70 and elastically contact with the housing 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The techniques disclosed herein relate to flow control valves.

Conventionally, for example, there is a relief valve mechanism adjusting device described in Patent Document 1. The adjusting device includes a relief valve seat (corresponding to the "housing body" referred to in the present specification) having a valve opening opened at the bottom of a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a relief valve (same as the "valve body") that opens and closes the valve opening. ), A relief spring that urges the relief valve in the closing direction (same as above, "spring"), and a relief spring stopper (same as above, "spring") having a spring seat that supports the end of the relief spring on the side opposite to the relief valve side. "Valve opening pressure adjusting member") and. The set load of the relief spring is adjusted according to the amount of press-fitting of the relief spring stopper to the relief valve seat.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-27286

According to the conventional example, since the relief spring stopper is press-fitted onto the relief valve seat over the entire circumference, there is a problem that the press-fitting load of the relief spring stopper is large.

An object to be solved by the techniques disclosed herein is to reduce the press-fitting load of the valve opening pressure adjusting member on the housing.

In order to solve the above problems, the technology disclosed in the present specification takes the following means.

The first means is to attach a housing having a hollow cylindrical valve chamber and an valve opening opened on one end side of the valve chamber, a valve body that opens and closes the valve opening, and the valve body in the closing direction. A valve opening pressure adjusting member having a spring to be urged and a spring seat portion supporting an end portion of the spring opposite to the valve body side, and a press-fitting amount of the valve opening pressure adjusting member into the housing. A flow control valve in which the set load of the spring is adjusted according to the above, and the valve opening pressure adjusting member is intermittently arranged in the circumferential direction of the valve opening pressure adjusting member and elastically arranged in the housing. It is a flow control valve in which a press-fitting piece group consisting of a plurality of press-fitting pieces in contact with the is formed.

According to the first means, the valve opening pressure adjusting member is formed with a press-fitting piece group composed of a plurality of press-fitting pieces that are intermittently arranged in the circumferential direction of the valve opening pressure adjusting member and elastically contact the housing. There is. Therefore, the press-fitting load of the valve opening pressure adjusting member on the housing can be reduced as compared with the case where the valve opening pressure adjusting member is press-fitted onto the housing over the entire circumference (see Patent Document 1). As a result, the workability required for press-fitting the valve opening pressure adjusting member can be improved.

The second means is the flow rate control valve of the first means, and the press-fitting piece group is a flow rate control valve arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the valve opening pressure adjusting member.

According to the second means, the press-fitting piece group can be brought into contact with the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve chamber of the housing. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated wall surface for which the press-fitting pieces come into contact with each other.

The third means is a flow control valve of the second means, and the press-fitting piece group extends in a direction of gradually increasing in diameter from the base end portion toward the side opposite to the side where the spring is compressed. , Flow control valve.

According to the third means, the press-fitting piece group can be easily press-fitted into the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve chamber of the housing. In addition, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the press-fitting piece group in the exit direction after adjusting the valve opening pressure.

The fourth means is a flow control valve of the third means, and a cylindrical spring guide for guiding the spring between the spring seat portion of the valve opening pressure adjusting member and the press-fitting piece group. A part is formed, and the press-fitting piece group is a flow control valve which is arranged at a position axially separated from the spring seat part.

According to the fourth means, the axial length of the spring guide portion can be increased as compared with the case where the press-fitted piece group is arranged at a position close to the spring seat portion. As a result, the posture of the spring can be further stabilized.

The fifth means is the flow rate control valve of the first means, and the housing is formed with a mounting hole that opens on the side opposite to the valve opening of the valve chamber, and the valve opening pressure adjustment. The member is formed with a fitting portion that fits into the mounting hole, and the press-fitting piece group is a flow control valve that is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fitting portion.

According to the fifth means, the diameter of the valve opening pressure adjusting member can be reduced. As a result, the flow control valve can be miniaturized.

The sixth means is a flow control valve of any one of the second to fifth means, and suppresses the inclination of the valve opening pressure adjusting member between the adjacent press-fit pieces of the press-fit piece group. It is a flow control valve in which a tilt suppressing portion is formed.

According to the sixth means, when the valve opening pressure adjusting member is pressed into the inner peripheral wall surface of the mounting hole of the housing, when the valve opening pressure adjusting member is tilted, the tilt suppressing portion abuts on the inner peripheral wall surface of the mounting hole. Therefore, the inclination of the valve opening pressure adjusting member can be suppressed.

The seventh means is a flow control valve of any one of the first to sixth means, the valve opening pressure adjusting member is made of a metal material, the housing is made of a resin material, and the housing is provided with the above. A flow control valve in which a metal ring with which a group of press-fit pieces contacts is arranged.

According to the seventh means, the press-fitting piece group of the valve opening pressure adjusting member and the metal ring arranged in the housing are in contact with each other, so that the valve opening pressure is caused by the resin creep due to the heat load of the housing. It is possible to suppress the displacement of the adjusting member in the pulling direction and improve the reliability of the valve opening pressure adjusting member for pulling out.

According to the technique disclosed herein, the press-fitting load of the valve opening pressure adjusting member on the housing can be reduced.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the evaporative fuel processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the relief valve. It is an enlarged view which shows the part III of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the relief valve of the state before attaching a cover. It is a perspective view which shows the retainer. It is a top view which shows the retainer. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the relief valve which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is an enlarged view which shows the X part of FIG. It is the schematic which shows the retainer which concerns on Embodiment 3. It is the schematic which shows the retainer which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the relief valve which concerns on Embodiment 5. It is an enlarged view which shows the XIV part of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the retainer. It is a top view which shows the retainer. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. It is explanatory drawing concerning the assembly of a retainer.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the techniques disclosed in the present specification will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
The flow control valve of the present embodiment is provided as a relief valve in an evaporative fuel processing device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile equipped with an internal combustion engine (engine). Therefore, the relief valve will be described after the outline of the evaporative fuel treatment device is described.

(Overview of evaporative fuel treatment equipment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an evaporative fuel processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, in the evaporated fuel processing apparatus 10, the evaporated fuel evaporated in the fuel tank 12 passes through the vapor passage 13 and is adsorbed by an adsorbent such as activated carbon in the canister 17. A sealing valve 14 composed of an electric on-off valve is interposed in the middle of the vapor passage 13. Further, the vapor passage 13 is provided with a bypass passage 15 that bypasses the blocking valve 14. A relief valve 30 is interposed in the middle of the bypass passage 15. The fuel in the fuel tank 12 is supplied from the fuel tank 12 to the internal combustion engine 24 through the fuel supply path 22 by the fuel supply device 20.

The canister 17 is connected to the intake passage 26 of the internal combustion engine 24 via the purge passage 18. A purge valve 19 is interposed in the middle of the purge passage 18. When the purge valve 19 is opened at a predetermined timing during the operation of the internal combustion engine 24, the evaporated fuel in the canister 17 passes through the purge passage 18 and the intake passage 26 by utilizing the intake negative pressure of the internal combustion engine 24. Is supplied to. The closing valve 14 and the purge valve 19 are controlled to open and close by an engine control device (hereinafter referred to as "ECU") 28.

Further, while the vehicle is parked, the sealing valve 14 is maintained in the closed state, so that the vapor passage 13 is shut off. Therefore, the evaporated fuel in the fuel tank 12 does not flow into the canister 17. Further, during refueling, the sealing valve 14 is opened to communicate the vapor passage 13. Therefore, the evaporated fuel in the fuel tank 12 is adsorbed on the adsorbent in the canister 17 through the vapor passage 13. Further, when the closing valve 14 is closed, such as when the vehicle is parked, the pressure inside the fuel tank 12 is maintained at an appropriate pressure by the relief valve 30.

(Relief valve 30)
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a relief valve. The relief valve 30 is determined in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction based on FIG. The relief valve 30 may be arranged, for example, so that the axial direction of the relief valve 30 is directed toward the top and bottom of the vehicle. The relief valve 30 corresponds to the "flow control valve" referred to in the present specification.

As shown in FIG. 2, the relief valve 30 includes a housing 31, a positive pressure side relief valve mechanism 50, and a negative pressure side relief valve mechanism 60. The housing 31 has a housing main body 32, a cover 40, and a retaining member 42. The housing body 32 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The upper end opening of the housing body 32 is closed by the cover 40. The housing body 32 and the cover 40 form a hollow cylindrical valve chamber 33 whose axial direction is the vertical direction. The housing body 32 and the cover 40 are each made of a resin material.

The housing body 32 has a cylindrical cylindrical wall portion 32a and a bottom wall portion 32b that closes the lower surface opening of the tubular wall portion 32a. The first communication port 34 is concentrically formed in the central portion of the bottom wall portion 32b. The first communication port 34 is opened on one end side (lower end side) of the valve chamber 33. The first communication port 34 corresponds to the "valve port" referred to in the present specification. A second communication port 35 is formed on the left side of the cylinder wall portion 32a.

The first communication port 34 is connected to the fuel tank 12 via a passage portion (see FIG. 1) on the fuel tank 12 side of the vapor passage 13 and the bypass passage 15. Further, the second communication port 35 is connected to the canister 17 via a passage portion (see FIG. 1) on the canister 17 side of the vapor passage 13 and the bypass passage 15.

An annular valve seat 37 is concentrically arranged on the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 32b. The valve seat 37 is made of a metal material and is integrated with the bottom wall portion 32b by insert molding. The inner peripheral portion of the valve seat 37 forms the upper rim portion of the first communication port 34. Further, a stepped fitting recess 38 is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the upper end of the cylinder wall portion 32a (see FIG. 3).

The cover 40 is formed in a cap shape that closes the upper end opening of the tubular wall portion 32a of the housing main body 32. The lower end outer peripheral corner portion 40a of the cover 40 is fitted in the fitting recess 38 of the cylinder wall portion 32a (see FIG. 3). A stepped engaging recess 40b is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the upper end of the cover 40.

The retaining member 42 is formed in an annular shape that covers the outer peripheral portion of the upper end of the tubular wall portion 32a and the outer peripheral portion including the engaging recess 40b of the cover 40. The retaining member 42 is formed by secondary molding of resin. The retaining member 42 connects the cover 40 to the housing body 32 in a retaining state. The housing body 32 and the cover 40 are each formed by primary molding of resin.

The positive pressure side relief valve mechanism 50 and the negative pressure side relief valve mechanism 60 are incorporated in the valve chamber 33 of the housing 31. The positive pressure side relief valve mechanism 50 is a valve mechanism that opens the valve when the pressure on the first communication port 34 side, that is, the fuel tank 12 side becomes equal to or higher than the valve opening pressure on the positive pressure side. The negative pressure side relief valve mechanism 60 is a valve mechanism that opens the valve when the pressure on the fuel tank 12 side becomes equal to or lower than the valve opening pressure on the negative pressure side. In FIG. 2, both relief valve mechanisms 50 and 60 are shown in a closed state.

The first valve body 51 of the positive pressure side relief valve mechanism 50 and the second valve body 61 of the negative pressure side relief valve mechanism 60 are arranged concentrically and vertically movable in the valve chamber 33, respectively. The first valve body 51 has a ring plate-shaped first valve plate portion 51a that opens and closes the first communication port 34. On the first valve plate portion 51a, an inner cylinder portion 51b and an outer cylinder portion 51c forming an inner / outer double cylinder shape are formed concentrically. The first valve body 51 corresponds to the "valve body" as used herein.

An annular sealing member 53 made of a rubber-like elastic material is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface of the first valve plate portion 51a. On the lower surface of the seal member 53, the outer peripheral side seal lip 53a and the inner peripheral side seal lip 53b are projected in a double annular shape. The outer peripheral side seal lip 53a faces the valve seat 37. The inner peripheral side seal lip 53b faces the second valve plate portion 61a of the second valve body 61.

The first valve plate portion 51a is formed with a plurality of communication holes 52 (two are shown in FIG. 2) penetrating in the plate thickness direction (vertical direction) inward in the radial direction of the seal member 53.

A retainer 70 is arranged above the valve chamber 33. The retainer 70 is arranged in the valve chamber 33 of the housing body 32 prior to the cover 40. The retainer 70 is a member that supports the first spring 55 and adjusts the set load of the first spring 55. The retainer 70 will be described later.

A first spring 55 made of a coil spring is concentrically arranged between the first valve plate portion 51a of the first valve body 51 and the facing surface of the retainer 70. The first spring 55 urges the first valve body 51 downward, that is, in the closing direction. The lower end of the first spring 55 is supported by the first valve plate portion 51a in the outer cylinder portion 51c of the first valve body 51. The first spring 55 corresponds to the "spring" as used herein.

The second valve body 61 has a disc-shaped second valve plate portion 61a and a valve shaft portion 61b projecting onto the second valve plate portion 61a concentrically. The valve shaft portion 61b is inserted into the inner cylinder portion 51b of the first valve body 51 so as to be vertically movable from below. A ring plate-shaped spring receiving member 62 is attached to the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the valve shaft portion 61b. The second valve plate portion 61a opens and closes the communication hole 52 of the first valve body 51, and faces the inner peripheral side seal lip 53b of the seal member 53.

A second spring 65 made of a coil spring is concentrically interposed between the first valve plate portion 51a of the first valve body 51 and the facing surface of the spring receiving member 62. The lower end portion of the second spring 65 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the inner cylinder portion 51b of the first valve body 51. The second spring 65 urges the second valve body 61 upward, that is, in the closing direction. The second spring 65 has a smaller urging force than the urging force of the first spring 55.

(Operation of relief valve 30)
In the normal state (see FIG. 2), the first valve plate portion 51a of the first valve body 51 is seated on the valve seat 37 by the urging of the first spring 55 in a closed state. At this time, the outer peripheral side seal lip 53a of the seal member 53 is in close contact with the valve seat 37. Further, the second valve plate portion 61a of the second valve body 61 is in a closed state in which the second valve plate portion 61a of the second valve body 61 is seated on the first valve plate portion 51a of the first valve body 51 by the urging of the second spring 65. At this time, the second valve plate portion 61a is in close contact with the inner peripheral side seal lip 53b of the seal member 53.

When the pressure on the fuel tank 12 side becomes equal to or higher than the valve opening pressure on the positive pressure side, the first valve body 51 rises against the urging of the first spring 55, that is, the valve is opened. As a result, the pressure in the fuel tank 12 is reduced. At this time, the outer peripheral side seal lip 53a of the seal member 53 is separated from the valve seat 37.

Further, when the pressure on the fuel tank 12 side becomes equal to or lower than the valve opening pressure on the negative pressure side, the second valve body 61 is lowered, that is, the valve is opened against the urging of the second spring 65. As a result, the pressure in the fuel tank 12 is increased. At this time, the second valve plate portion 61a of the second valve body 61 is separated from the inner peripheral side seal lip 53b of the seal member 53.

(Retainer 70)
5 is a perspective view showing a retainer, FIG. 6 is a plan view, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the retainer 70 has a spring seat portion 71, a spring guide portion 72, a support portion 73, and a press-fitting piece group 74 (see FIGS. 6 to 8). The retainer 70 is made of a metallic material. Specifically, the retainer 70 is formed by press-molding a metal material having a spring property. The retainer 70 corresponds to the "valve opening pressure adjusting member" referred to in the present specification.

The spring seat portion 71 is formed in the shape of an annular plate. The spring guide portion 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction (downward) from the outer peripheral portion of the spring seat portion 71. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper half portion 72a of the spring guide portion 72 is formed in a right cylindrical shape. The lower half portion 72b of the spring guide portion 72 is formed in a gently tapered cylindrical shape whose diameter gradually increases downward. The support portion 73 is formed in the shape of an annular plate whose diameter expands outward in the radial direction from the lower end portion of the spring guide portion 72 (see FIG. 6). The spring guide portion 72 is arranged between the spring seat portion 71 and the press-fitting piece group 74.

As shown in FIG. 6, the press-fitting piece group 74 is composed of a plurality of (for example, 6) press-fitting pieces 74a formed on the outer peripheral portion of the support portion 73. The press-fit piece 74a is formed in the shape of a quadrangular piece (see FIG. 5). The six press-fit pieces 74a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the support portion 73. That is, the six press-fit pieces 74a are intermittently arranged in the circumferential direction of the retainer 70. The six press-fitting pieces 74a, that is, the press-fitting piece group 74, gradually expand from the lower end portion (base end portion) toward the side opposite to the side (lower side) for compressing the first spring 55 (upper side). It is formed in the shape of a tapered cylinder with a diameter. The press-fit piece 74a has a spring property, that is, elasticity, which is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the retainer 70.

The press-fit piece group 74 is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the retainer 70. Further, the press-fitting piece group 74 is arranged at a position distant from the spring seat portion 71 in the axial direction, that is, at a position distant from the side (lower side) where the first spring 55 is compressed (see FIG. 7). In the free state of the press-fit piece 74a, the base end portion (lower end portion) of the press-fit piece group 74 has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve chamber 33, and the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the press-fit piece group 74. The portion) has an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve chamber 33.

Tilt suppressing pieces 75 are arranged between adjacent press-fit pieces 74a of the press-fit group 74. The tilt suppressing piece 75 is formed in the shape of a quadrangular piece. The six tilt suppression pieces 75 are formed in a straight cylindrical shape that extends from the lower end (base end) toward the side (lower side) opposite to the side (lower side) that compresses the first spring 55 as a whole. Has been done. The adjacent press-fitting piece 74a and the inclination suppressing piece 75 are arranged at a predetermined interval. The tilt suppressing piece 75 corresponds to the "tilt suppressing portion" referred to in the present specification.

(Assembly of retainer 70)
As shown in FIG. 4, the retainer 70 is arranged in the valve chamber 33 of the housing body 32 prior to the cover 40. Therefore, first, both valve bodies 51 and 61 and both springs 55 and 65 are arranged in the valve chamber 33 of the housing main body 32. Next, the spring guide portion 72 of the retainer 70 is fitted to the upper end portion of the first spring 55, and the spring seat portion 71 is brought into contact with the upper end surface of the first spring 55. In this state, the retainer 70 is pressed downward against the urging force of the first spring 55. As a result, each press-fit piece 74a of the press-fit piece group 74 of the retainer 70 is press-fitted into the tubular wall portion 32a of the housing body 32 by utilizing the spring property (elasticity) (see the two-point chain wire 70 in FIG. 4). The press-fitting at this time is called "temporary press-fitting". Further, when the retainer 70 is press-fitted, the tip end portion of each press-fitting piece 74a elastically slides into contact with the inner peripheral wall surface of the tubular wall portion 32a of the housing body 32. The inner peripheral wall surface of the tubular wall portion 32a corresponds to the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve chamber 33.

Next, the set load of the first spring 55 is measured by the measuring device, and the additional press-fitting amount required for the target set load is calculated based on the measured value and the spring constant of the first spring 55. The retainer 70 is press-fitted into the tubular wall portion 32a of the housing body 32 by a pressing member (not shown) according to the amount of press-fitting to be added (see solid line 70 in FIG. 4). As a result, the set load of the first spring 55 is adjusted. The press-fitting at this time is called "main press-fitting". Further, the force for preventing the retainer 70 from coming off upward (in the direction opposite to the press-fitting direction) of the press-fitting piece group 74 due to the press-fitting of the retainer 70 into the housing body 32 is larger than the spring force of the first spring 55.

Then, after the cover 40 is fitted to the housing body 32, the retaining member 42 is secondarily molded into the housing body 32 and the cover 40 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The cover 40 and the retainer 70 are arranged so as not to come into contact with each other.

(Advantage of Embodiment 1)
According to the present embodiment, the retainer 70 is provided with a plurality of press-fit pieces 74a that are intermittently arranged in the circumferential direction of the retainer 70 and elastically contact the inner peripheral wall surface of the tubular wall portion 32a of the housing body 32 of the housing 31. A press-fitting piece group 74 is formed. Therefore, the press-fitting load of the retainer 70 on the housing body 32 of the housing 31 is reduced as compared with the case where the retainer 70 is completely press-fitted into the housing body 32 of the housing 31 over the entire circumference (see Patent Document 1). be able to. As a result, the workability required for press-fitting the retainer 70 can be improved.

Further, the press-fitting piece group 74 is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the retainer 70. Therefore, the press-fitting piece group 74 can be brought into contact with the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve chamber 33 of the housing 31. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated wall surface with which the press-fitting piece group 74 comes into contact.

Further, the press-fitting piece group 74 extends in a direction of gradually increasing in diameter from the base end portion toward the side opposite to the side that compresses the first spring 55. Therefore, the press-fitting piece group 74 can be easily press-fitted into the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve chamber 33 of the housing 31 (the inner peripheral wall surface of the tubular wall portion 32a of the housing body 32). Further, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the press-fitting piece group 74 after adjusting the valve opening pressure in the removing direction.

Further, an inclination suppressing piece 75 that suppresses the inclination of the retainer 70 is formed between the adjacent press-fit pieces 74a of the press-fitting piece group 74. Therefore, when the retainer 70 is pressed into the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve chamber 33 of the housing 31, when the retainer 70 is tilted, the tilt suppressing piece 75 abuts on the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve chamber 33 to tilt the retainer 70. It can be suppressed.

Further, the retainer 70 is formed with a cylindrical spring guide portion 72 that guides the outer peripheral side of the upper end portion of the first spring 55. Therefore, the spring guide portion 72 of the retainer 70 can stabilize the posture of the first spring 55. In particular, in the present embodiment, the right-cylindrical upper half of the spring guide portion 72 stabilizes the posture of the upper end portion (end portion on the spring seat portion 71 side) of the first spring 55, while the spring guide portion 72 of the spring guide portion 72. The tapered tubular lower half allows the spring guide portion 72 to be easily fitted to the first spring 55.

Further, a spring guide portion 72 is formed between the spring seat portion 71 of the retainer 70 and the press-fitting piece group 74, and the press-fitting piece group 74 is arranged at a position axially separated from the spring seat portion 71. .. Therefore, the axial length of the spring guide portion 72 can be made longer than that in the case where the press-fit piece group 74 is arranged at a position closer to the spring seat portion 71. As a result, the posture of the first spring 55 can be further stabilized.

Further, since the adjusted retainer 70 is not affected by disturbance (for example, caulking pressure when the cover 40 is attached to the housing body 32 by caulking, secondary molding pressure of the retaining member 42, etc.), the retainer 70 due to disturbance does not affect the retainer 70. By suppressing the misalignment, it is possible to suppress the misalignment of the set load of the first spring 55.

Further, since the retainer 70 can be press-fitted steplessly into the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve chamber 33 of the housing 31, the set load of the first spring 55 can be steplessly adjusted.

[Embodiment 2]
Since this embodiment is a modification of the housing body 32 (see FIG. 2) of the first embodiment, the changed portion will be described, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be duplicated with the same reference numerals. The explanation is omitted. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a relief valve, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a portion X of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, a metal ring 80 made of a metal material is arranged on the inner peripheral portion of the upper end of the tubular wall portion 32a of the housing body 32 of the housing 31. The metal ring 80 is formed in a right cylindrical shape. The metal ring 80 is integrated with the housing body 32 by insert molding. The metal ring 80 has the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the cylinder wall portion 32a of the housing body 32. Therefore, the tip of each press-fit piece 74a of the press-fit group 74 of the retainer 70 elastically contacts the inner peripheral wall surface of the metal ring 80 (see FIG. 10). The inner peripheral wall surface of the metal ring 80 corresponds to the "inner peripheral wall surface of the valve chamber" as used herein.

(Advantage of Embodiment 2)
According to the present embodiment, the press-fitting piece group 74 of the retainer 70 and the metal ring 80 arranged on the housing body 32 of the housing 31 are in contact with each other, so that the heat load on the housing body 32 of the housing 31 causes the metal materials to come into contact with each other. It is possible to suppress the displacement of the retainer 70 in the pull-out direction due to the resin creep and improve the reliability of the retainer 70 with respect to the pull-out.

[Embodiment 3]
Since this embodiment is a modification of the retainer 70 (see FIG. 2) of the first embodiment, the changed portion will be described and duplicate description will be omitted. A reference numeral in the 100s is assigned to the portion of the retainer of the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a retainer. As shown in FIG. 11, short cylindrical spring guide portions 172 extending downward are concentrically formed on the outer peripheral portion of the spring seat portion 171 of the retainer 170. A support portion 173 is arranged at the lower end portion of the spring guide portion 172. A press-fitting piece group 174 composed of a plurality of press-fitting pieces 174a is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the support portion 173. The upper end portion of the press-fitting piece group 174 is arranged at a position higher than the spring seat portion 171. In FIG. 11, the tilt suppressing piece 75 in the retainer 70 (see FIG. 7) of the first embodiment is omitted. Further, the spring seat portion 171 is formed in a disk shape. The retainer 170 corresponds to the "valve opening pressure adjusting member" referred to in the present specification.

[Embodiment 4]
Since this embodiment is a modification of the retainer 70 (see FIG. 2) of the first embodiment, the changed portion will be described and duplicate description will be omitted. The portion of the retainer of the fourth embodiment is designated by a reference numeral in the 200s. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a retainer. As shown in FIG. 12, short cylindrical spring guide portions 272 extending downward are concentrically formed on the inner peripheral portion of the spring seat portion 271 of the retainer 270. The spring guide portion 272 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The spring guide portion 272 is fitted in the upper end portion of the first spring 55, and guides the inner peripheral side of the upper end portion of the first spring 55.

A press-fitting piece group 274 composed of a plurality of press-fitting pieces 274a is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the spring seat portion 271. The press-fitting piece group 274 is arranged at a position higher than the spring seat portion 271. The spring seat portion 271 also serves as a support portion for the press-fitting piece group 274. In FIG. 12, the tilt suppressing piece 75 in the retainer 70 (see FIG. 7) of the first embodiment is omitted. The retainer 270 corresponds to the "valve opening pressure adjusting member" referred to in the present specification.

[Embodiment 5]
Since this embodiment is a modification of the mounting structure of the retainer 70 (see FIG. 2) with respect to the housing 31 of the first embodiment, the modified portion will be described and duplicate description will be omitted. Reference numerals in the 300s are added to the parts to be changed in the fifth embodiment. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a relief valve, FIG. 14 is an enlarged view showing an XIV portion of FIG. 13, FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a retainer, FIG. 16 is a plan view, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 16, and FIG. 19 is an explanatory view relating to the assembly of the retainer.

(Cover 40)
As shown in FIG. 13, hollow cylindrical mounting holes 341 are concentrically formed in the central portion of the cover 40 (see FIG. 14). The mounting hole 341 is opened on the opposite side (upper side) of the valve chamber 33 from the first communication port 34. As shown in FIG. 14, a counterbore-shaped concave groove 341a is formed in the upper end opening of the mounting hole 341.

In the mounting hole 341, a metal ring 380 made of a metal material is concentrically integrated by insert molding. The metal ring 380 is formed in a right cylindrical shape. The upper end surface of the metal ring 380 is substantially the same as the bottom surface of the concave groove 341a. The lower end of the metal ring 380 projects downward from the mounting hole 341. A tapered inclined surface 380a is formed by C chamfering on the inner peripheral wall surface of the lower end portion of the metal ring 380. The inner peripheral wall surface of the metal ring 380 corresponds to the "inner peripheral wall surface of the mounting hole" as used herein.

(Retainer 370)
As shown in FIG. 13, the retainer 370 has a spring seat portion 371, a spring guide portion 372, and a fitting cylinder portion 373 (see FIGS. 15 and 16). The retainer 370 is made of a metallic material. Specifically, the retainer 370 is formed by press-molding a metal material having a spring property. The retainer 370 corresponds to the "valve opening pressure adjusting member" referred to in the present specification.

The spring seat portion 371 is formed in a disk shape. The spring guide portion 372 is formed in a straight cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction (downward) from the outer peripheral portion of the spring seat portion 371. The lower end portion 372a of the spring guide portion 372 is formed in a gently tapered cylindrical shape whose diameter gradually increases downward.

The fitting cylinder portion 373 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape that protrudes from the center portion of the spring seat portion 371 to the side (upper side) opposite to the first spring 55 side (see FIG. 15). The fitting cylinder portion 373 is arranged concentrically with the retainer 370. As shown in FIG. 14, the upper end opening of the fitting cylinder portion 373 is closed by the disc-shaped lid plate portion 373a. The fitting cylinder portion 373 corresponds to the “fitting portion” referred to in the present specification.

As shown in FIG. 16, a press-fitting piece group 374 composed of a plurality of (for example, 6) press-fitting pieces 374a is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fitting cylinder portion 373 (see FIG. 15). The six press-fit pieces 374a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the fitting cylinder portion 373. That is, the six press-fit pieces 374a are intermittently arranged in the circumferential direction of the retainer 370. The press-fit piece 374a is formed in the shape of a vertically long quadrangular piece having an arc-shaped cross section.

As shown in FIG. 17, the press-fitting piece 374a is a strip-shaped portion extending from the inner peripheral portion of the spring seat portion 371, that is, the position shifted outward in the radial direction of the lower end portion of the fitting cylinder portion 373 to the upper end portion of the fitting cylinder portion 373. It is formed by cutting up. The six press-fitting pieces 374a, that is, the press-fitting piece group 374, are formed in a tapered tubular shape whose diameter gradually decreases upward from the base end portion (lower end portion) as a whole. Here, the upper direction means a direction opposite to the side (lower side) for compressing the first spring 55 (see FIG. 13).

The press-fit piece 374a has a spring property or elasticity that can be elastically deformed in the radial direction of the retainer 370 (see the alternate long and short dash line 374a in FIG. 17). In the free state of the press-fit piece 374a, the base end portion (lower end portion) of the press-fit piece group 374 has an outer diameter 374d slightly larger than the inner diameter 380d of the metal ring 380, and the tip end portion of the press-fit piece group 374 (the lower end portion). The upper end) has an outer diameter of 374e that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the metal ring 380, 380d.

As shown in FIG. 16, tilt suppression pieces 375 are arranged between adjacent press-fit pieces 374a of the press-fit piece group 374 (see FIG. 15). The inclination suppressing piece 375 is formed in a support shape extending from the lower end portion of the fitting cylinder portion 373 to the lid plate portion 373a. The six tilt suppressing pieces 375 are formed based on the fitting cylinder portion 373, and are formed in a straight cylindrical shape as a whole. Adjacent press-fit pieces 374a and tilt suppressing pieces 375 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The tilt suppressing piece 375 corresponds to the "tilt suppressing portion" referred to in the present specification.

As shown in FIG. 18, the six tilt suppression pieces 375 including the lid plate portion 373a have an outer diameter 375d slightly smaller than the inner diameter 380d of the metal ring 380. As a result, the six tilt suppression pieces 375 can be fitted into the metal ring 380 of the cover 40 via a minute clearance.

(Assembly of retainer 370)
As shown in FIG. 19, the fitting cylinder portion 373 of the retainer 370 is inserted into the metal ring 380 of the cover 40 from below. As a result, each press-fit piece 374a of the press-fit piece group 374 of the fitting cylinder portion 373 is press-fitted into the metal ring 380 of the cover 40 by utilizing the spring property (elasticity). The press-fitting at this time is called "temporary press-fitting". Further, when the retainer 370 is temporarily press-fitted, each press-fitting piece 374a of the press-fitting piece group 374 elastically slides into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the metal ring 380 (specifically, the upper end corner portion of the inclined surface 380a). As a result, each press-fitted piece 374a is elastically deformed (deflected and deformed) in the radial direction. Further, in the present specification, the press-fitting in the direction of compressing the first spring 55 is also referred to as "forward press-fitting", and since the temporary press-fitting is the press-fitting in the direction opposite to the direction of compressing the first spring 55, "reverse press-fitting". Also called.

On the other hand, both valve bodies 51 and 61 and both springs 55 and 65 are arranged in the valve chamber 33 of the housing body 32. Next, the spring guide portion 372 of the retainer 370 attached to the cover 40 is fitted to the upper end portion of the first spring 55, and the spring seat portion 371 is brought into contact with the upper end surface of the first spring 55. In this state, the cover 40 is pressed downward against the urging force of the first spring 55 and is fitted to the housing body 32. After that, the retaining member 42 is secondarily formed on the housing body 32 and the cover 40 (see FIG. 13). The retainer 370 at this time is positioned above the position shown in FIG.

Next, the set load of the first spring 55 is measured by the measuring device, and an additional press-fitting amount required for the target set load is calculated based on the measured value and the spring constant of the first spring 55. Depending on the amount of press-fitting to be added, the fitting cylinder portion 373 of the retainer 370 is press-fitted downward (in the forward direction) by a pressing member (not shown) (see FIG. 13). As a result, the set load of the first spring 55 is adjusted. The press-fitting at this time is called "main press-fitting". Further, by the main press-fitting of the retainer 370 into the cover 40, the press-fitting piece group 374 maintains the press-fitting state of the cover 40 into the metal ring 380 by the elastic restoring force. At this time, the retaining force upward (in the direction opposite to the positive press-fitting direction) of the press-fitting piece group 374 is larger than the spring force of the first spring 55.

Then, the concave groove 341a of the cover 40 is filled with a sealing material 378 made of a potting resin or the like. After that, the sealing material 378 is cured.

(Advantage of Embodiment 5)
According to the present embodiment, the retainer 370 is press-fitted by a plurality of press-fit pieces 374a which are intermittently arranged in the circumferential direction of the retainer 370 and elastically contact the inner peripheral wall surface of the mounting hole 341 of the cover 40 of the housing 31. One group 374 is formed. Therefore, the press-fitting load of the retainer 370 on the cover 40 of the housing 31 can be reduced as compared with the case where the retainer 370 is completely press-fitted into the cover 40 of the housing 31 over the entire circumference (see Patent Document 1). can. As a result, the workability required for press-fitting the retainer 370 can be improved.

Further, a mounting hole 341 is formed in the cover 40 of the housing 31, and a fitting cylinder portion 373 that fits in the mounting hole 341 is formed in the retainer 370, and the press-fitting piece group 374 is a fitting cylinder portion 373. It is arranged on the outer periphery of. Therefore, the diameter of the retainer 370 can be reduced. As a result, the relief valve 30 can be miniaturized.

Further, the press-fitting piece group 374 extends in a direction of gradually reducing the diameter from the base end portion toward the side opposite to the side that compresses the first spring 55. Therefore, the press-fitting piece group 374 can be easily press-fitted into the inner peripheral wall surface of the metal ring 380 of the cover 40 of the housing 31.

Further, an inclination suppressing piece 375 that suppresses the inclination of the retainer 370 is formed between the adjacent press-fit pieces 374a of the press-fitting piece group 374. Therefore, when the retainer 370 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral wall surface of the metal ring 380 of the cover 40 of the housing 31, when the retainer 370 is tilted, the tilt suppressing piece 375 comes into contact with the inner peripheral wall surface of the metal ring 380, so that the retainer 370 The inclination of the can be suppressed.

Further, the retainer 370 is formed with a cylindrical spring guide portion 372 that guides the outer peripheral side of the upper end portion of the first spring 55. Therefore, the posture of the first spring 55 can be stabilized by the spring guide portion 372 of the retainer 370.

Further, since the press-fitting piece group 374 of the retainer 370 and the metal ring 380 arranged on the cover 40 of the housing 31 are in contact with each other, the retainer caused by the resin creep due to the heat load of the cover 40 of the housing 31. It is possible to suppress the displacement of the 370 in the pull-out direction and improve the reliability of the retainer 370 with respect to the pull-out.

Further, since the adjusted retainer 370 is not affected by disturbance (for example, caulking pressure when the cover 40 is attached to the housing body 32 by caulking, secondary molding pressure of the retaining member 42, etc.), the retainer 370 due to disturbance does not affect the retainer 370. By suppressing the misalignment, it is possible to suppress the misalignment of the set load of the first spring 55.

Further, since the retainer 370 can be press-fitted steplessly into the cover 40 of the housing 31, the set load of the first spring 55 can be steplessly adjusted.

[Other Embodiments]
The technique disclosed in the present specification is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various other embodiments. For example, the technique disclosed in the present specification may be applied not only to the relief valve 30 of the evaporative fuel processing device 10 but also to the relief valve of other devices. Further, the number of press-fit pieces 74a, 174a, 274a, 374a and / or tilt suppression pieces 75,375 of the retainers 70, 170, 270, 370 may be increased or decreased. Further, the retainers 70, 170, 270 and 370 may be formed of a resin material. Further, the metal ring 380 may be omitted.

30 Relief valve (flow control valve)
31 Housing 32 Housing body 33 Valve chamber 34 First communication port (valve port)
40 Cover 51 1st valve body (valve body)
55 1st spring (spring)
70 retainer (valve opening pressure adjusting member)
71 Spring seat 72 Spring guide 74 Press-fit piece group 74a Press-fit piece 75 Tilt suppression piece (tilt suppression part)
80 Metal ring 170 Retainer (valve opening pressure adjusting member)
171 Spring seat 172 Spring guide 173 Support 174 Press-fit piece group 174a Press-fit piece 270 retainer (valve opening pressure adjusting member)
271 Spring seat 272 Spring guide 274 Press-fit piece group 274a Press-fit piece 341 Mounting hole 341a Concave groove 370 Retainer (valve opening pressure adjusting member)
371 Spring seat 372 Spring guide 373 Fitting cylinder (fitting)
374 Press-fit piece group 374a Press-fit piece 375 Tilt suppression piece (tilt suppression part)
380 metal ring

Claims (7)

A housing having a hollow cylindrical valve chamber and an valve opening opened on one end side of the valve chamber.
A valve body that opens and closes the valve opening,
A spring that urges the valve body in the closing direction and
A valve opening pressure adjusting member having a spring seat portion that supports an end portion of the spring opposite to the valve body side, and a valve opening pressure adjusting member.
Is equipped with
A flow rate control valve in which the set load of the spring is adjusted according to the press-fitting amount of the valve opening pressure adjusting member with respect to the housing.
The valve opening pressure adjusting member is formed with a press-fitting piece group composed of a plurality of press-fitting pieces that are intermittently arranged in the circumferential direction of the valve opening pressure adjusting member and elastically contact the housing. valve. The flow rate control valve according to claim 1.
The press-fitting piece group is a flow rate control valve arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the valve opening pressure adjusting member. The flow rate control valve according to claim 2.
The press-fitting piece group is a flow control valve extending from the base end portion in a direction in which the diameter gradually increases toward the side opposite to the side where the spring is compressed. The flow rate control valve according to claim 3.
A cylindrical spring guide portion for guiding the spring is formed between the spring seat portion of the valve opening pressure adjusting member and the press-fitting piece group.
The press-fitting piece group is a flow control valve arranged at a position axially separated from the spring seat portion. The flow rate control valve according to claim 1.
The housing is formed with a mounting hole that opens on the opposite side of the valve chamber to the valve port.
The valve opening pressure adjusting member is formed with a fitting portion that fits into the mounting hole.
The press-fitting piece group is a flow control valve arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the fitting portion. The flow rate control valve according to any one of claims 2 to 5.
A flow rate control valve in which an inclination suppressing portion for suppressing the inclination of the valve opening pressure adjusting member is formed between the adjacent press-fit pieces of the press-fit piece group. The flow rate control valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The valve opening pressure adjusting member is made of a metal material and is made of a metal material.
The housing is made of resin material
A flow control valve in which a metal ring with which the press-fitting pieces come into contact is arranged in the housing.

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