JP3964991B2

JP3964991B2 - PCV valve mounting structure

Info

Publication number: JP3964991B2
Application number: JP27484098A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 尚浩木俣
Original assignee: Mazda Motor Corp; Nifco Inc
Current assignee: Mazda Motor Corp; Nifco Inc
Priority date: 1998-09-29
Filing date: 1998-09-29
Publication date: 2007-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2018-09-29
Also published as: JP2000104526A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明はＰＣＶバルブの取付構造に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
エンジン、特に自動車用エンジンでは、燃焼室からクランクケ−ス内に洩れ出たガスつまりブローバイガスを、セパレータによってオイルミストと分離させた後、エンジン吸気系に還流させて再燃焼させることが行われている。そして、セパレータとエンジン吸気系とを接続するブローバイガス還流通路には、ブローバイガスの還流をコントロールするためのＰＣＶバルブ（ＰｏｓｉｔｉｖｅＣｒａｎｋｃａｓｅＶｅｎｔｉｒａｔｉｏｎバルブ）が設けられており、通常ＰＣＶバルブはセパレータに取付、固定されることが多い。従来、ＰＣＶバルブをセパレータに取付けるには、ゴム製のグロメットをセパレータに形成された取付孔にきつく嵌合した状態で、グロメットに形成された取付孔にＰＣＶバルブをきつく嵌合させることによって行っていた。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上来の取付手法では、ゴムの弾性力を利用した保持作用だけなので、取付の信頼性が必ずしも十分でないものとなる。また、グロメットは、ＰＣＶバルブの取付、保持の機能と、シール機能とを兼用しているため、シール性も必ずしも十分満足のいかないものであった。
【０００４】
本発明は以上のような事情を勘案してなされたもので、その目的は、セパレータに対するＰＣＶバルブのしっかりとした取付と十分なシール性確保とを共に満足できるようにしたＰＣＶバルブの取付構造を提供することにある。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するため、本発明（請求項１に係る発明）にあっては次のような解決手法を採択してある。すなわち、特許請求の範囲における請求項１に記載のように、
エンジンのオイルミストとブローバイガスとを分離するセパレータに取付けられ、該セパレータとエンジンの吸気系とを接続するブローバイガス還流通路に介在されるＰＣＶバルブの取付構造において、
前記セパレータに取付筒部が形成され、
前記ＰＣＶバルブの一部が前記取付筒部内に嵌合され、
前記ＰＣＶバルブとは別体に形成されると共に前記取付筒部の外周に対して嵌合されたキャップ部材によって、該ＰＣＶバルブの該取付筒部からの抜け止めが行われ、
前記取付筒部と前記ＰＣＶバルブとの嵌合部位が、シールリングによってシールされ、
前記取付筒部と前記キャップ部材のうち該取付筒部外周に嵌合されている周壁部とのいずれか一方に係止段部が形成されると共に、他方に該係止段部に係合される係止爪部が形成されて、該係止爪部の該係止段部に対する係合によって該取付筒部に対する該キャップ部材の抜け止めが行われる、
ようにしてある。上記解決手法を前提とした好ましい態様は、特許請求の範囲における請求項２，３に記載のとおりである。
また、前記目的を達成するため、本発明（請求項４に係る発明）にあっては、
エンジンのオイルミストとブローバイガスとを分離するセパレータに取付けられ、該セパレータとエンジンの吸気系とを接続するブローバイガス還流通路に介在されるＰＣＶバルブの取付構造において、
前記セパレータに取付筒部が形成され、
前記ＰＣＶバルブの一部が前記取付筒部内に嵌合され、
前記ＰＣＶバルブとは別体に形成されると共に前記取付筒部の外周に対して嵌合されたキャップ部材によって、該ＰＣＶバルブの該取付筒部からの抜け止めが行われ、
前記取付筒部と前記ＰＣＶバルブとの嵌合部位が、シールリングによってシールされ、
前記ＰＣＶバルブが、前記取付筒部に嵌合される大径部と、該大径部の一面側から突設されて前記セパレータ内へ向けて伸びる第１筒部と、該大径部の他面側より伸びる第２筒部とを有し、
前記キャップ部材の天板部が、前記第２筒部が挿通されると共に前記大径部より小径とされた挿通孔を有し、
前記キャップ部材の前記取付筒部に対する係脱自在な係合手段が、該キャップ部材のうち該取付筒部外周に嵌合される周壁部に形成された係止孔と、前記取付筒部の外周面に形成されて該係止孔に対して係脱される係止爪部とによって構成され、
前記係止爪部の突出端面には前記取付筒部に対する前記ＰＣＶバルブの抜け方向へ向けて徐々に低くなる傾斜面が形成されていて、前記キャップ部材を前記取付筒部に対してその軸線方向から接近させたときに、該傾斜面によって該キャップ部材の一部が拡径方向に強制的に弾性変形されて、前記係止孔と前記係止爪部とが整合されたときに前記強制的な弾性変形が解除されて該係止孔と係止爪部との係合が維持されるようにされ、
前記係止爪部の側面には、該係止爪部と係止孔との係合状態において前記キャップ部材を所定の一方向に相対回転させたときに、前記キャップ部材の一部を拡径方向に強制的に弾性変形させて該係止爪部と係止段部とを係合解除させるための側方傾斜面が形成され、
前記シールリングが、前記第１筒部に嵌合されて、該第１筒部の外周面と前記取付筒部の内周面との間をシールしている構成とされている。
【０００６】
【発明の効果】
請求項１によれば、セパレータの取付筒部外周に対して機械的に係合されたキャップ部材を利用してＰＣＶバルブを取付、固定するので、ＰＣＶバルブをしっかりとセパレータに取付けることができ、特に振動等を受けても長期に渡ってしっかりとした取付を維持することができる。また、シールリングによってＰＣＶバルブのセパレータに対する取付部位がシールされるが、シールリングは専らシール作用のみを行えばよいので、シール性も十分確保されることになる。
【０００７】
また、キャップ部材の係止構造を簡単なものとすることができる。
請求項２によれば、係止爪部と係止孔との係脱状態を、外部から係止孔部分を目視することにより容易に確認することができる。また、係止爪部の突出端面を利用して、キャップ部材を取付筒部に対してその軸線方向から接近させることにより係止爪部に対する係止孔の係合を徐々に行わせていくことができる。
請求項３によれば、キャップ部材を所定の一方向へ回転させることによって、係止爪部と係止孔との係合を容易に解除することができる。
【０００８】
請求項４によれば、ＰＣＶバルブの外形として一般的なものをそのまま利用することができる。また、請求項３、請求項４に対応した効果を合わせて得ることができる。さらに、シールリングを、第１筒部にあらかじめ嵌合させた状態で、ＰＣＶバルブのセパレータに対する取付を行うことができる。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１において、エンジン１のうちクランクケ−ス２の側面には、当該クランクケ−ス２内で発生されたオイルミストとブローバイガスとを分離するセパレータ３が取付けられている。このセパレータ３の上部には、取付筒部４が形成され、この取付筒部４内に、シールリング（例えばＯリング）５を介して、ＰＣＶバルブ６が嵌合され、取付筒部５からのＰＣＶバルブ６の抜け止めがキャップ部材７によって行われている。ブローバイガスが、ＰＣＶバルブ７を経てエンジン吸気系へと還流され、このため、ＰＣＶバルブ７とエンジン吸気系とがゴムホース等（図示略）によって接続される。
【００１０】
図２に、取付筒部４に対するＰＣＶバルブ６の取付態様の詳細が示される。この図２において、ＰＣＶバルブ６（のケーシング）は、その上方から下方へ順次、小径の流出筒部（第２筒部）６ａ、大径部６ｂと、中径部６ｃ、流入筒部（第１筒部）６ｄとを有する。取付筒部４の内径は、上記大径部６ｂががたつきなく嵌合される大きさとされている。
【００１１】
取付筒部４（内）とセパレータ３内部とを連通する連通路１０部分が、上方から下方へ順次、段階的に内径が小さくされた３つの部分１０ａ、１０ｂ、１０ｃにより構成されている（図４をも参照）。ＰＣＶバルブ６の大径部６ｂを取付筒部４に嵌合させた状態で、中径部６ｃが１０ａにがたつきなく嵌合され、流入筒部６ｄが１０ｃに緩く嵌合され、さらにシールリング５が１０ｂに嵌合される。シールリング５は、ＰＣＶバルブ６の径方向に若干圧縮された状態とされており、ＰＣＶバルブ６（の流入筒部６ｄ）からのセパレータ３内へ向けての抜けが、１０ｂと１０ｃとの段差部によって規制される。
【００１２】
取付筒部４の外周面には、図３、図４にも示すように、周方向に間隔をあけて複数（実施形態では２つ）の係止爪部２１が形成されている。係止爪部２１は、その突出端面（取付筒部４の径方向外方側となる面）において、上方へ向うにつれて徐々に低くなる第１傾斜面２１ａが形成されている。また、係止爪部２１のうち、取付筒部４の周方向一方側の面には、徐々に突出高さが低くなる第２傾斜面（側方傾斜面）２１ｂが形成されている。
【００１３】
キャップ部材７について、図２、図３、図５〜図１０をも参照しつつ説明すると、キャップ部材７は、円形の天板部７ａと、天板部７ａのが周縁部から円筒状に下方へ伸びる周壁部７ｂとを有し、周壁部７ｂの内径は取付筒部４の外周に対してがたつきなく嵌合できる大きさとされている。天板部７ａには挿通孔２２が形成されており、この挿通孔２２は、ＰＣＶバルブ６の流出筒部６ａがスムーズに挿通できる大きさで、かつ大径部６ｂよりは小さい大きさとされている。
【００１４】
周壁部７ｂには、前記係止爪部２１に対応して、周方向に間隔をあけて複数（実施形態では２つ）の係止孔（係止段部）２３が形成されている。この係止孔２３の内周面は、キャップ部材７の径方向と平行になるように形成されて、キャップ部材７を径方向２つ割りの金型によって形成できるようにされている。
【００１５】
キャップ部材７の外周面には、手指で把持して回転力を十分付与できるように、滑り止めのための凸条７ｃ（凹条でも可）がその軸線方向（上下方向）に伸ばして複数形成されている。また、キャップ部材７の天板部７ａ所定位置には、指標２４が形成されている。この指標２４は、セパレータ３のエンジン外方側（図４上方）へ向けたときに、係止爪部２１と係止孔２３とがキャップ部材７の周方向において整合される位置関係となる（ＰＣＶバルブ６の取付筒部４への嵌合作業の利便性向上）。以上のようなキャップ部材７は、全体として合成樹脂によって形成されている（ＰＣＶバルブ６とは別体）。
【００１６】
ＰＣＶバルブ６の取付筒部４に対する取付は、次のような手順で行われる。まず、ＰＣＶバルブ６の流入筒部６ｄ外周にシールリング５を嵌合、保持させた状態で、当該流入筒部６ｄ側からＰＣＶバルブ６を取付筒部４内に挿入して、大径部６ｂが取付筒部４内に嵌合された図２の状態とする。次に、キャップ部材７を、その挿通孔２２内にＰＣＶバルブ６の流出筒部６ａを挿通させつつ、取付筒部４にその軸線方向から接近させて、その周壁部７ｂを取付筒部４外周に嵌合させていく。
【００１７】
キャップ部材７の周壁部７ｂが、取付筒部４の係止爪部２１に当接すると、嵌合方向への抵抗が増大されるが、第１傾斜面２１ａのガイド作用（カム作用）によって、係止爪部２１に当接する付近が部分的に拡径方向へ強制的に弾性変形されつつ、嵌合が進行される。嵌合の進行により、やがて、係止爪部２１が係止孔２３に進入つまり係合されて、図２の取付完了状態となる（係止爪部２１と係止孔２３との係合によるキャップ部材７の取付筒部４からの抜け止め）。係止爪部２１と係止孔２３とがきちんと係合しているか否かの確認が、外部から係止孔２３を目視することにより容易に確認される。このように、ＰＣＶバルブ６の取付に際しては、ＰＣＶバルブ６を取付筒部４に嵌合させた後は、キャップ部材７を、取付筒部４に対してその軸線方向から押圧していくだけでよいので、取付が極めて簡単となる。
【００１８】
図２の取付完了状態から、ＰＣＶバルブ６を取付筒部４から取外すには、次のような手順で行われる。まず、キャップ部材７を、図３反時計方向に回転させる。これにより、係止爪部２１の第２傾斜面２１ｂのガイド作用（カム作用）によって、キャップ部材７の周壁部７ｂのうち係止孔２３付近が拡径方向へ強制的に弾性変形されつつ、係止孔２３と係止爪部２１との係合が解除される。この後は、キャップ部材７を上方へ引き抜き、その後、ＰＣＶバルブ６を取付筒部４から引き抜けばよい。このように、ＰＣＶバルブ６の取外しも、キャップ部材７の周方向所定方向の回転と、その後の引き抜きという簡単な操作によって行なうことができる。キャップ部材７を取付筒部４に対して係脱可能とすることにより、点検等のときにキャップ部材７を取付筒部４から取外すことにより、ＰＣＶバルブ６をセパレータ３から取外すことができ、整備性の点からも好ましいものとなる。
【００１９】
図１１、図１２は、本発明の別の実施形態を示すもので、前記実施形態と同一要素には同一符合を付してある。本実施形態では、係止孔２３を取付筒部４に形成する一方、係止爪部２１をキャップ部材７の周壁部７ｂに形成してある。本実施形態においても、キャップ部材７を利用したＰＣＶバルブ６の取付筒部４への取付け、取外しの作業は、前記実施形態の場合と同じように行われる。
【００２０】
以上実施形態について説明したが、本発明はこれに限らず、例えば次のような場合をも含むものである。側方傾斜面としての第２傾斜面２１ｂは、係止爪部２１に形成する代わりに、あるいはこれに加えて、係止孔２３の周方向一方側の内周面に形成するようにすることができる。係止爪部２１が係合される係止段部としては、係止孔２３のように孔の形式でなく、奥壁（底壁）を有する凹部として形成することもできる。
【００２１】
キャップ部材７の周壁部７ｂは、周方向に連続した筒状として形成することなく、周方向に複数分割された脚部の形式として形成することもできる（周壁部７ｂの開口端縁から、天板部７ａまでは到達しない長さのスリットによって分割される場合も含む）。この脚部の形式として形成した場合は、脚部の有するキャップ部材７の径方向の大きな弾性変形を利用して、係止爪部２１と係止孔２３との係合、係合解除を行うことができる。係止爪部２１と係止孔２３との係合解除の手法は、実施形態で示す第２傾斜面２１ｂを利用する（キャップ部材７の回転を利用する）以外に、例えば外部から工具等を利用して係合解除させる等、適宜の手法を採用することができる。
【００２２】
なお、ＰＣＶバルブ６の内部構造（弁構造）は、従来既知の適宜のものを採択することができ、また、ＰＣＶバルブ６の外部形状（ケーシング形状）は、取付筒部４に嵌合できる形状であれば、実施形態に示すようなものに限定されないものである。本発明の目的は、明記されたものに限らず、実質的に好ましいあるいは利点として表現されたものを提供することをも暗黙的に含むものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態を示す分解斜視図。
【図２】取付筒部へのＰＣＶバルブの取付状態を示す側面断面図。
【図３】取付筒部とキャップ部材との係合状態を示すもので、図２のＸ３ーＸ３線相当断面図。
【図４】取付筒部を上方から見た図。
【図５】キャップ部材の上面図。
【図６】図５のＸ６方向矢視図。
【図７】キャップ部材の底面図。
【図８】図５のＸ８方向矢視図。
【図９】図８のＸ９ーＸ９線相当断面図。
【図１０】図８のＸ１０ーＸ１０線相当断面図。
【図１１】本発明の別の実施形態を示すもので、図３に対応した要部断面図。
【図１２】図１１のＸ１２ーＸ１２線相当断面図。
【符号の説明】
１：エンジン
３：セパレータ
４：取付筒部
５：シールリング
６：ＰＣＶバルブ
６ａ：流出筒部（第２筒部）
６ｂ：大径部
６ｃ：中径部
６ｄ：流入筒部（第１筒部）
７：キャップ部材
７ａ：天板部
７ｂ：周壁部
２１：係止爪部
２１ａ：第１傾斜面
２１ｂ：第２傾斜面（側方傾斜面）
２３：係止孔[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a PCV valve mounting structure.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an engine, particularly an automobile engine, a gas leaked from a combustion chamber into a crankcase, that is, a blow-by gas, is separated from an oil mist by a separator and then recirculated to an engine intake system to be reburned. Yes. The blow-by gas recirculation passage connecting the separator and the engine intake system is provided with a PCV valve (Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve) for controlling the recirculation of the blow-by gas, and the PCV valve is usually attached and fixed to the separator. Often done. Conventionally, the PCV valve is attached to the separator by tightly fitting the PCV valve to the mounting hole formed in the grommet while the rubber grommet is tightly fitted to the mounting hole formed in the separator. It was.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional attachment method, since only the holding action using the elastic force of rubber is used, the reliability of the attachment is not necessarily sufficient. Moreover, since the grommet combines the function of mounting and holding the PCV valve and the sealing function, the sealing performance is not always satisfactory.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a PCV valve mounting structure that can satisfy both the firm mounting of the PCV valve to the separator and the securing of sufficient sealing performance. It is to provide.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the object, the following solution is adopted in the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) . That is, as described in claim 1 in the claims,
In a mounting structure of a PCV valve that is attached to a separator that separates engine oil mist and blowby gas and that is interposed in a blowby gas recirculation passage that connects the separator and the intake system of the engine,
A mounting cylinder is formed on the separator,
A part of the PCV valve is fitted into the mounting cylinder part,
A cap member that is formed separately from the PCV valve and fitted to the outer periphery of the mounting cylinder part prevents the PCV valve from coming off from the mounting cylinder part,
The fitting site between the mounting cylinder and the PCV valve is sealed by a seal ring ,
A locking step portion is formed on one of the mounting tube portion and the peripheral wall portion fitted to the outer periphery of the mounting tube portion of the cap member, and the other is engaged with the locking step portion. A locking claw portion is formed, and the cap member is prevented from being detached from the mounting tube portion by engagement of the locking claw portion with the locking step portion .
It is like that. A preferred mode based on the above solution is as set forth in claims 2 and 3 in the claims.
In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention (the invention according to claim 4),
In a mounting structure of a PCV valve that is attached to a separator that separates engine oil mist and blowby gas and that is interposed in a blowby gas recirculation passage that connects the separator and the intake system of the engine,
A mounting cylinder is formed on the separator,
A part of the PCV valve is fitted into the mounting cylinder part,
A cap member that is formed separately from the PCV valve and fitted to the outer periphery of the mounting cylinder part prevents the PCV valve from coming off from the mounting cylinder part,
The fitting site between the mounting cylinder and the PCV valve is sealed by a seal ring,
The PCV valve includes a large-diameter portion that is fitted to the mounting tube portion, a first tube portion that protrudes from one surface side of the large-diameter portion and extends into the separator, and the other large-diameter portion. A second cylindrical portion extending from the surface side,
The top plate portion of the cap member has an insertion hole through which the second cylindrical portion is inserted and whose diameter is smaller than that of the large diameter portion,
The cap member has a locking hole formed in a peripheral wall portion fitted to an outer periphery of the mounting tube portion, and an outer periphery of the mounting tube portion. A locking claw portion formed on the surface and engaged / disengaged with respect to the locking hole,
The protruding end surface of the locking claw portion is formed with an inclined surface that gradually decreases toward the direction of removal of the PCV valve with respect to the mounting cylinder portion, and the cap member is axially oriented with respect to the mounting cylinder portion. The cap member is forcibly elastically deformed in the diameter-enlarging direction by the inclined surface when the locking hole and the locking claw are aligned with each other. The elastic deformation is released and the engagement between the locking hole and the locking claw is maintained,
On the side surface of the locking claw portion, when the cap member is relatively rotated in a predetermined direction in the engagement state between the locking claw portion and the locking hole, a part of the cap member is enlarged in diameter. A side inclined surface for forcibly elastically deforming in the direction to release the engagement claw portion and the engagement step portion is formed,
The seal ring is fitted to the first tube portion to seal between the outer peripheral surface of the first tube portion and the inner peripheral surface of the attachment tube portion.
[0006]
【The invention's effect】
According to claim 1, since the PCV valve is attached and fixed using the cap member mechanically engaged with the outer periphery of the attachment cylinder portion of the separator, the PCV valve can be firmly attached to the separator. In particular, even when subjected to vibration or the like, it is possible to maintain a firm attachment over a long period of time. Further, the attachment portion of the PCV valve to the separator is sealed by the seal ring. However, since the seal ring only needs to perform only a sealing action, a sufficient sealing performance is ensured.
[0007]
Further, the locking structure of the cap member can be simplified.
According to the second aspect , the engagement / disengagement state of the locking claw portion and the locking hole can be easily confirmed by visually observing the locking hole portion from the outside. In addition, by using the protruding end face of the locking claw portion, the cap member is moved closer to the mounting cylinder portion from the axial direction so that the locking hole is gradually engaged with the locking claw portion. Can do.
According to the third aspect , by engaging the cap member in a predetermined direction, the engagement between the locking claw portion and the locking hole can be easily released.
[0008]
According to the fourth aspect , a general PCV valve can be used as it is. Moreover, the effect corresponding to Claim 3 and Claim 4 can be acquired collectively. Further, the PCV valve can be attached to the separator in a state in which the seal ring is fitted in the first tube portion in advance.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In FIG. 1, a separator 3 for separating oil mist generated in the crankcase 2 and blow-by gas is attached to a side surface of a crankcase 2 of the engine 1. An attachment cylinder portion 4 is formed on the upper portion of the separator 3, and a PCV valve 6 is fitted into the attachment cylinder portion 4 via a seal ring (for example, an O-ring) 5. The cap member 7 prevents the PCV valve 6 from coming off. The blow-by gas is returned to the engine intake system via the PCV valve 7, and the PCV valve 7 and the engine intake system are connected by a rubber hose or the like (not shown).
[0010]
FIG. 2 shows details of the manner in which the PCV valve 6 is attached to the attachment cylinder portion 4. In FIG. 2, the PCV valve 6 (the casing thereof) has an outflow cylinder portion (second cylinder portion) 6 a, a large diameter portion 6 b, an intermediate diameter portion 6 c, an inflow cylinder portion (first 1 cylinder part) 6d. The inner diameter of the mounting cylinder portion 4 is set such that the large-diameter portion 6b is fitted without rattling.
[0011]
A portion of the communication passage 10 that connects the mounting cylinder portion 4 (inside) and the inside of the separator 3 is composed of three portions 10a, 10b, and 10c whose inner diameters are gradually reduced from the top to the bottom (see FIG. (See also 4). With the large-diameter portion 6b of the PCV valve 6 fitted to the mounting cylinder portion 4, the medium-diameter portion 6c is fitted to the 10a without rattling, the inflow cylinder portion 6d is loosely fitted to the 10c, and further sealed The ring 5 is fitted to 10b. The seal ring 5 is in a state of being slightly compressed in the radial direction of the PCV valve 6, and the slippage from the PCV valve 6 (inflowing cylinder portion 6 d) into the separator 3 is a step between 10 b and 10 c. Regulated by the department.
[0012]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality (two in the embodiment) of locking claws 21 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting cylinder portion 4 at intervals in the circumferential direction. The locking claw portion 21 is formed with a first inclined surface 21a that gradually decreases in the protruding end surface (a surface on the radially outer side of the mounting cylinder portion 4) as it goes upward. Moreover, the 2nd inclined surface (side inclined surface) 21b from which protrusion height becomes low gradually is formed in the surface of the circumferential direction of the attachment cylinder part 4 among the latching claw parts 21. As shown in FIG.
[0013]
The cap member 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 to 10. The cap member 7 includes a circular top plate portion 7 a and a top plate portion 7 a in a cylindrical shape downward from the peripheral portion. And the inner diameter of the peripheral wall portion 7b is such that the inner diameter of the peripheral wall portion 7b can be fitted to the outer periphery of the mounting cylinder portion 4 without rattling. An insertion hole 22 is formed in the top plate portion 7a. The insertion hole 22 is sized so that the outflow cylinder portion 6a of the PCV valve 6 can be smoothly inserted and is smaller than the large diameter portion 6b. Yes.
[0014]
A plurality of (two in the embodiment) locking holes (locking step portions) 23 are formed in the peripheral wall portion 7 b at intervals in the circumferential direction corresponding to the locking claw portions 21. The inner peripheral surface of the locking hole 23 is formed so as to be parallel to the radial direction of the cap member 7 so that the cap member 7 can be formed by a die divided into two in the radial direction.
[0015]
On the outer peripheral surface of the cap member 7, a plurality of protrusions 7 c (which may be recessed) for preventing slipping are formed in the axial direction (vertical direction) so that a sufficient rotational force can be applied by gripping with fingers. Has been. An index 24 is formed at a predetermined position of the top plate portion 7a of the cap member 7. This index 24 is in a positional relationship in which the locking claw portion 21 and the locking hole 23 are aligned in the circumferential direction of the cap member 7 when facing the outer side of the separator 3 (upward in FIG. 4) ( (Convenience improvement of fitting work of the PCV valve 6 to the mounting cylinder part 4). The cap member 7 as described above is formed of a synthetic resin as a whole (separate from the PCV valve 6).
[0016]
Attachment of the PCV valve 6 to the attachment cylinder portion 4 is performed in the following procedure. First, with the seal ring 5 fitted and held on the outer periphery of the inflow tube portion 6d of the PCV valve 6, the PCV valve 6 is inserted into the mounting tube portion 4 from the inflow tube portion 6d side, and the large diameter portion 6b. 2 is in the state shown in FIG. Next, the cap member 7 is made to approach the mounting cylinder portion 4 from the axial direction while inserting the outflow cylinder portion 6a of the PCV valve 6 into the insertion hole 22, and the peripheral wall portion 7b is moved to the outer periphery of the mounting cylinder portion 4 To fit.
[0017]
When the peripheral wall portion 7b of the cap member 7 abuts on the locking claw portion 21 of the mounting cylinder portion 4, the resistance in the fitting direction is increased, but by the guide action (cam action) of the first inclined surface 21a, The fitting is advanced while the vicinity in contact with the locking claw portion 21 is partly forcibly elastically deformed in the diameter increasing direction. As the fitting progresses, the locking claw portion 21 enters or engages with the locking hole 23, and the mounting completion state shown in FIG. 2 is reached (due to the engagement between the locking claw portion 21 and the locking hole 23). (Removal prevention of the cap member 7 from the mounting cylinder 4). Whether or not the locking claw portion 21 and the locking hole 23 are properly engaged can be easily confirmed by visually observing the locking hole 23 from the outside. As described above, when the PCV valve 6 is mounted, after the PCV valve 6 is fitted to the mounting cylinder portion 4, the cap member 7 may be simply pressed against the mounting cylinder portion 4 from the axial direction. As a result, installation is extremely simple.
[0018]
In order to remove the PCV valve 6 from the mounting cylinder 4 from the mounting completed state of FIG. 2, the following procedure is performed. First, the cap member 7 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. As a result, the vicinity of the locking hole 23 in the peripheral wall portion 7b of the cap member 7 is forcibly elastically deformed in the diameter-expanding direction by the guide action (cam action) of the second inclined surface 21b of the locking claw part 21. The engagement between the locking hole 23 and the locking claw portion 21 is released. Thereafter, the cap member 7 may be pulled upward, and then the PCV valve 6 may be pulled out from the mounting cylinder portion 4. In this manner, the PCV valve 6 can be removed by a simple operation of rotating the cap member 7 in a predetermined circumferential direction and then pulling it out. By making the cap member 7 detachable with respect to the mounting cylinder portion 4, the PCV valve 6 can be detached from the separator 3 by removing the cap member 7 from the mounting cylinder portion 4 at the time of inspection, etc. This is also preferable from the viewpoint of sex.
[0019]
11 and 12 show another embodiment of the present invention, and the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those in the embodiment. In the present embodiment, the locking hole 23 is formed in the mounting cylinder portion 4, while the locking claw portion 21 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 7 b of the cap member 7. Also in the present embodiment, the operation of attaching and removing the PCV valve 6 to / from the attachment cylinder portion 4 using the cap member 7 is performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.
[0020]
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes the following cases, for example. The second inclined surface 21b as the side inclined surface is formed on the inner peripheral surface on one side in the circumferential direction of the locking hole 23 instead of or in addition to the locking claw portion 21. Can do. The locking step portion with which the locking claw portion 21 is engaged can be formed as a recess having a back wall (bottom wall) instead of a hole shape like the locking hole 23.
[0021]
The peripheral wall portion 7b of the cap member 7 can be formed in the form of a leg portion that is divided into a plurality of portions in the circumferential direction without being formed as a cylindrical shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction (from the opening edge of the peripheral wall portion 7b (Including the case where it is divided by a slit having a length that does not reach the plate portion 7a). When formed in the form of the leg portion, the engagement and disengagement between the locking claw portion 21 and the locking hole 23 is performed using the large elastic deformation in the radial direction of the cap member 7 of the leg portion. be able to. In addition to using the second inclined surface 21b shown in the embodiment (using the rotation of the cap member 7), the method of releasing the engagement between the locking claw portion 21 and the locking hole 23 is, for example, using a tool or the like from the outside. Appropriate methods such as disengagement by use can be employed.
[0022]
As the internal structure (valve structure) of the PCV valve 6, a conventionally known appropriate structure can be adopted, and the external shape (casing shape) of the PCV valve 6 is a shape that can be fitted to the mounting cylinder portion 4. If it is, it will not be limited to what is shown to embodiment. The object of the present invention is not limited to what is explicitly stated, but also implicitly includes providing what is substantially preferred or expressed as an advantage.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the PCV valve is attached to the attachment cylinder portion.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line X3-X3 in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a view of the mounting cylinder portion as viewed from above.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a cap member.
6 is a view taken in the direction of an arrow X6 in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the cap member.
8 is a view taken in the direction of arrow X8 in FIG.
9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line X9-X9 in FIG.
10 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line X10-X10 in FIG.
11 shows another embodiment of the present invention and is a cross-sectional view of relevant parts corresponding to FIG. 3. FIG.
12 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line X12-X12 in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols ]
1: Engine 3: Separator 4: Mounting cylinder 5: Seal ring 6: PCV valve 6a: Outflow cylinder (second cylinder)
6b: Large diameter part 6c: Medium diameter part 6d: Inflow cylinder part (1st cylinder part)
7: Cap member 7a: Top plate portion 7b: Peripheral wall portion 21: Locking claw portion 21a: First inclined surface 21b: Second inclined surface (side inclined surface)
23: Locking hole

Claims

In a mounting structure of a PCV valve that is attached to a separator that separates engine oil mist and blow-by gas and that is interposed in a blow-by gas recirculation passage that connects the separator and the intake system of the engine,
A mounting cylinder is formed on the separator,
A part of the PCV valve is fitted into the mounting cylinder part,
A cap member that is formed separately from the PCV valve and fitted to the outer periphery of the mounting cylinder part prevents the PCV valve from coming off from the mounting cylinder part,
The fitting site between the mounting cylinder and the PCV valve is sealed by a seal ring ,
A locking step is formed on one of the mounting tube and the peripheral wall of the cap member that is fitted to the outer periphery of the mounting tube, and the other is engaged with the locking step. A locking claw portion is formed, and the cap member is prevented from being detached from the mounting tube portion by engagement of the locking claw portion with the locking step portion.
A PCV valve mounting structure characterized by that.

In claim 1 ,
The locking step portion is formed as a locking hole formed in a peripheral wall portion fitted to the outer periphery of the mounting tube portion of the cap member,
The locking claw portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting cylinder portion,
On the protruding end surface of the locking claw portion, an inclined surface is formed that gradually decreases in the direction in which the PCV valve is pulled out with respect to the mounting tube portion.
A PCV valve mounting structure characterized by that.

In claim 1 or claim 2 ,
The PCV valve is attached to the mounting tube portion from a state in which the locking claw portion and the locking step portion are engaged with either the side surface of the locking claw portion or the side surface of the locking step portion. The side for forcibly elastically deforming a part of the cap member in the diameter-expanding direction and releasing the engagement between the engagement claw and the engagement step when the relative rotation is performed in a predetermined direction. A sloping surface is formed,
A PCV valve mounting structure characterized by that.

In a mounting structure of a PCV valve that is attached to a separator that separates engine oil mist and blowby gas and that is interposed in a blowby gas recirculation passage that connects the separator and the intake system of the engine,
A mounting cylinder is formed on the separator,
A part of the PCV valve is fitted into the mounting cylinder part,
A cap member that is formed separately from the PCV valve and fitted to the outer periphery of the mounting cylinder part prevents the PCV valve from coming off from the mounting cylinder part,
The fitting site between the mounting cylinder and the PCV valve is sealed by a seal ring,
The PCV valve includes a large-diameter portion that is fitted to the mounting tube portion, a first tube portion that protrudes from one surface side of the large-diameter portion and extends into the separator, and the other large-diameter portion. A second cylindrical portion extending from the surface side,
The top plate portion of the cap member has an insertion hole through which the second cylindrical portion is inserted and whose diameter is smaller than that of the large diameter portion,
The cap member has a locking hole formed in a peripheral wall portion fitted to an outer periphery of the mounting tube portion, and an outer periphery of the mounting tube portion. A locking claw portion formed on the surface and engaged / disengaged with respect to the locking hole,
The protruding end surface of the locking claw portion is formed with an inclined surface that gradually decreases toward the direction of removal of the PCV valve with respect to the mounting cylinder portion, and the cap member is axially oriented with respect to the mounting cylinder portion. The cap member is forcibly elastically deformed in the diameter-enlarging direction by the inclined surface when the locking hole and the locking claw are aligned with each other. The elastic deformation is released and the engagement between the locking hole and the locking claw is maintained,
On the side surface of the locking claw portion, when the cap member is relatively rotated in a predetermined direction in the engagement state between the locking claw portion and the locking hole, a part of the cap member is enlarged in diameter. A side inclined surface for forcibly elastically deforming in the direction to release the engagement claw portion and the engagement step portion is formed,
The seal ring is fitted to the first tube portion to seal between the outer peripheral surface of the first tube portion and the inner peripheral surface of the attachment tube portion.
A PCV valve mounting structure characterized by that.