JP5461138B2 - PTC heater unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention includes an inner case having a base cylindrical portion that forms at least a part of a heating gas passage with an inner peripheral surface; a plurality of PTC elements disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the base cylindrical portion; A plurality of electrode portions that are individually and elastically contacted, an annular assembly portion that connects these electrode portions in common, and a current-carrying member that includes a terminal portion having one end connected to the assembly portion; and the base tube portion And a cylindrical outer case that holds the plurality of electrode portions sandwiching each PTC element between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the PTC heater unit.

  The inner cylinder includes a plurality of PTC elements arranged on the outer periphery of the inner cylinder part forming the gas passage and a plurality of plates individually contacting the PTC elements by an intermediate cylinder part coaxially surrounding the inner cylinder part. In a state where the PTC heater unit is assembled by inserting the power terminal into the outer cylindrical part integral with the mold-bonded insulator while being held in the part, and connecting each plate to the power terminal with a rivet, Patent Document Known as 1.

JP-A-62-218652

  However, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a middle cylinder part for holding a plurality of PTC elements and a plurality of plate-like electrodes individually contacting the PTC elements in the inner cylinder part. As a result, the number of parts increases and the number of assembly steps increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a PTC heater unit that can be assembled by reducing the number of parts and the number of assembly steps.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an inner case having a base tube portion that forms at least a part of a heating gas passage with an inner peripheral surface; and a plurality of PTCs disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the base tube portion An element; a plurality of electrode portions that individually and elastically contact the PTC elements; an annular assembly portion that connects the electrode portions in common; and a terminal portion that has one end connected to the assembly portion. In the PTC heater unit, comprising: an energizing member; and a cylindrical outer case holding the plurality of electrode portions sandwiching each PTC element between the outer peripheral surface of the base cylindrical portion on the inner peripheral surface. The collective portion that is connected in common to the plurality of electrode portions arranged on the inner side of the outer case is arranged on one end side in the axial direction of the outer case, and a part of the terminal portion is located on the outer side of the outer case. Through Member is disposed, and the collecting part in a state where current-carrying member retaining ring is fitted into the axial end portion of the outer casing sandwiching between one end of said outer casing, said energizing and one end of the outer casing The member holding ring is covered with a mold part made of synthetic resin, and at least on the outer side surface of the base cylinder part on the current-carrying part side assembly comprising the current-carrying member, the outer case , the current-carrying member holding ring and the mold part. A first feature is that the inner case in which the PTC element is disposed is fitted.

  In addition to the configuration of the first feature, the present invention has a second feature that a connector portion in which a part of the terminal portion is arranged as a connector terminal is integrally formed in the mold portion.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second feature, the annular seal members are respectively interposed between the outer peripheral portions at both ends of the inner case and both ends of the current-carrying portion side assembly. It is characterized by.

In the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to third features, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the base tube portion where the PTC element is disposed is directed to one axial end side of the base tube portion. As a fourth feature, the base cylinder part is formed as an inclined surface inclined so as to approach the central axis of the base cylinder part, and the base cylinder part is fitted to the current-carrying part side assembly from the one end side in the axial direction.

In addition to any of the configurations of the first to fourth features of the present invention, a flange portion projecting radially outward from the base tube portion is provided on the other axial end side of the inner case made of metal. An annular PTC holding member that is integrally formed and is made of synthetic resin is brought into contact with the flange portion from one end side in the axial direction of the base tube portion, and the end portion on the flange portion side of each PTC element is the PTC holding member The fifth feature is that the contact is made with the contact.

Furthermore, in addition to the configuration of the fifth feature of the present invention, the portion where the PTC elements are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base tube portion and the inner periphery of the PTC holding member are formed in polygonal shapes corresponding to each other, A plurality of protrusions that are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective corners of the polygon and protrude to the opposite side of the flange part protrude from the PTC holding member and are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder part. A sixth feature is that the protrusions are arranged between the PTC elements.

  The fifth seal member 56 and the sixth seal member 57 of the embodiment correspond to the seal member of the present invention.

According to the first feature of the present invention, the current-carrying member-side assembly includes at least a current-carrying member, an outer case, a current-carrying member holding ring, and a mold part that covers one end side of the outer case including the current-carrying member holding ring. Since the inner case in which the PTC elements are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder part is fitted to the current-carrying part side assembly, the plurality of PTC elements and the PTC elements are individually provided. The middle cylinder part conventionally required for holding a plurality of electrodes in contact with each other at the time of assembly is unnecessary, the number of parts can be reduced, and the current carrying part side assembly is formed in advance. Assembly can be easily performed while reducing the number of assembly steps.
In addition, since the energizing member holding ring fitted to one end portion of the outer case so as to sandwich the gathering portion of the energizing member between one end of the outer case, the energizing member holding ring is covered with the outer case. The mold part can be formed in a state of being fitted to one end part and holding the current-carrying member in the outer case, and the molten resin is prevented from entering the inside of the outer case when the mold part is molded. Therefore, it becomes easy to mold the mold part.

  Further, according to the second feature of the present invention, since the connector part is integrally formed with the mold part so that a part of the terminal part constituting a part of the energizing member is a connector terminal, the connector part is produced. It can be formed with high properties.

  According to the third feature of the present invention, since the annular seal members are interposed between both ends of the inner case and both ends of the current-carrying part-side assembly, the connector part is made waterproof. If the connector on the power source side is connected to the connector part, it is possible to prevent water and the like from entering between the inner case and the current carrying part side assembly.

According to the fourth feature of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the base tube portion is inclined so as to approach the center of the base tube portion toward the one axial end side of the base tube portion at the portion where the PTC element is disposed. Since the inner case is fitted to the current-carrying part side assembly from one end side in the axial direction, the PTC heater unit is assembled with the inner case by fitting the inner case to the current-carrying part side assembly. Each electrode part can be made to contact easily and an assembly becomes easy.

According to the fifth feature of the present invention, an annular PTC holding member made of synthetic resin is provided at one end side in the axial direction of the base tube portion on the flange portion integrally provided at the other end side in the axial direction of the inner case made of metal. Since the end on the flange portion side of each PTC element comes into contact with the PTC holding member, the PTC holding member performs axial positioning of each PTC element while passing through the PTC element from the electrode portion when energized. The current that tends to flow to the flange portion side can be blocked by the PTC holding member, and the heat generation efficiency of the PTC element can be increased.

Further, according to the sixth feature of the present invention, the portion where the PTC elements are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base tube portion and the inner periphery of the PTC holding member are formed in a polygonal shape corresponding to each other. Since the plurality of protrusions projecting from the PTC holding member at positions corresponding to the respective corners are arranged between the plurality of PTC elements, each of the PTC holding members along the circumferential direction of the base cylinder portion is arranged. A PTC element positioning function can also be provided, and a single component can have multiple functions to suppress an increase in the number of components.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pressure reducing valve for LPG fuel. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pressure reducing valve for LPG fuel with a cut surface different from that of FIG. 1. It is a perspective view of the pressure reducing valve for LPG fuel. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by an arrow 4 in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view of a PTC heater unit. It is a perspective view which shows sequentially the assembly | attachment process of the PTC holding member and PTC element to an inner side case. It is a figure which shows the assembly | attachment process of an electricity supply part side assembly in order. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of an arrow 8 in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 2. It is a perspective view in the state where the cover member for gas passages was removed from the body. It is a perspective view in the state where a heating fluid passage cover member was removed from a body. It is a perspective view which shows typically the arrangement | sequence and communication state of several passage chambers in a low pressure gas passage. It is a top view which shows typically the arrangement | sequence and communication state of several passage chambers in a low pressure gas passage.

  The embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. First, in FIGS. 1 and 2, this LPG fuel pressure reducing valve depressurizes LPG fuel to an engine (not shown). And includes a valve mechanism 15 and a diaphragm 16 for driving the valve mechanism 15 to open and close.

  Referring also to FIG. 3, the valve housing 21 of the valve mechanism 15 includes a body 17, a gas passage cover member 18 fastened to one surface of the body 17, and a heat fastened to the other surface of the body 17. A fluid passage cover member 19 and a valve seat member 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) threadedly engaged with the body 17, and a peripheral portion of the diaphragm 16 between the gas passage cover member 18. The body 17, the gas passage cover member 18 and the heating fluid passage cover member 19 are fastened together by a plurality of bolts 23 and nuts 24.

  The valve mechanism 15 is accommodated in a body 17 and faces a valve chamber 26 that communicates with the high-pressure gas passage 25, and a valve body 29 that can be seated on a valve seat 28 having a valve hole 27 opened at the center thereof; The valve shaft 30 is connected to the diaphragm 16 that operates according to the gas pressure on the downstream side of the valve seat 28 and is connected to the valve body 29.

  The body 17 is provided with a cylindrical portion 17 a disposed at the center of the body 17. One end of the cylindrical portion 17 a is opened to one surface side of the body 17 and the other end is closed by an end wall 32. The bottomed mounting hole 31 is provided in a stepped shape that gradually decreases in diameter toward the end wall 32 side.

  The valve seat member 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a flange portion 20a projecting inward in the radial direction at one end, and an annular shape in which a valve hole 27 is opened at the center portion of the flange portion 20a. The valve seat 28 is formed. The valve seat member 20 is screwed into the body 17 to be inserted and fixed in the axial intermediate portion of the mounting hole 31, and the valve seat member 20 is elastically attached to the inner surface of the mounting hole 31 in the axial direction intermediate portion. An annular first seal member 33 that comes into contact is mounted.

  In addition, the end wall 32 that closes the other end of the mounting hole 31 has a central portion that is disposed at a central portion in the cylindrical portion 17a with one end disposed at a position corresponding to the axially intermediate portion of the valve seat member 20. The other end of the cylindrical portion 17b is integrally connected to the end wall 32 so that a bottomed guide hole 34 having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the central cylindrical portion 17b is coaxially connected to the central cylindrical portion 17b. Is provided.

  The central cylindrical portion 17b is fitted with a valve body 29 having a flange portion 29a projecting radially outward at one end so as to be slidable, and an annular second seal member 35 slidably contacting the outer periphery of the valve body 29. Is mounted on the inner surface near one end of the central cylindrical portion 17b, and an annular retainer 36 that prevents the second seal member 35 from being detached from the central cylindrical portion 17b is fitted and fixed to the opening end of the central cylindrical portion 17b. When the portion 29a abuts on the retainer 36, the moving end of the valve body 29 toward the side away from the valve seat 28 is restricted.

  By the way, the valve body 29 is driven in the axial direction by the diaphragm 16, and in order to improve the followability of the valve body 29 with respect to the operation of the diaphragm 16, the end wall 32 and the valve in the central cylindrical portion 17b. Between the bodies 29, a coiled spring 37 that urges the valve body 29 is contracted on the side where the flange portion 29a is brought close to the valve seat 28. The set load of the spring 37 causes the valve body 29 to It is set to a very small value that allows the diaphragm 16 to follow. An annular third seal member 38 that can be seated on the valve seat 28 is attached to the flange portion 29a.

  An intermediate portion of a valve shaft 30 that passes through the valve body 29 coaxially is coupled to the valve body 29, and one end side of the valve shaft 30 loosely penetrates the valve hole 27 and is connected to the diaphragm 16. The other end of the valve shaft 30 is slidably fitted into the guide hole 34.

  Thus, a valve chamber 26 is formed around the central cylindrical portion 17b between the valve seat member 20 inserted and fixed in an airtight manner in the middle portion of the cylindrical portion 17a and the end wall 32. On the other hand, the body 17 has an inlet-side connection hole 40 that opens on the side surface of the body 17, and a high-pressure gas passage that opens at one end to the inner end of the inlet-side connection hole 40 and communicates the other end with the valve chamber 26. 25 are provided.

  4 and 5 together, a PTC heater unit 41 is attached to the side surface of the body 17 at a position corresponding to the inlet side connection hole 40.

  The PTC heater unit 41 includes a metal inner case 42 fastened to the side surface of the body 17, a plurality of, for example, six PTC elements 43, 43. And a cylindrical outer case 45 and a current-carrying portion side assembly 48 that covers the inner case 42 with the PTC elements 43, 43...

  Referring also to FIG. 6, the inner case 42 includes a base cylinder part 42a having an inner peripheral surface that is continuous with the inner periphery of the inlet side connection hole 40 of the body 17, and one end of the base cylinder part 42a. An inward flange portion 42b projecting radially inward from the inner side, a connecting tube portion 42c projecting axially outwardly from the inner periphery of the inward flange portion 42b, and a radial direction from the other end of the base tube portion 42a The body 17 is integrally formed with a flange portion 42 d that projects outward, and the flange portion 42 d has an annular fourth seal member 49 interposed between the flange portion 42 d and the side surface of the body 17. The base cylinder portion 42a is directly connected to the body 17 so as to be detachable.

  The outer peripheral surface of the base cylindrical portion 42a is polygonal so as to form a plurality of flat, for example, six support surfaces 51, 51... For abutting and supporting the PTC elements 43, 43. For example, it is formed in a hexagonal shape, and the plurality of PTC elements 43, 43,... Arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder part 42a are also arranged in a polygonal shape when viewed from the direction along the axis of the base cylinder part 42a. It will be.

  Further, the support surfaces 51, 51... Are formed as inclined surfaces that are inclined so as to approach the center of the base cylinder part 42a toward the one end side in the axial direction of the base cylinder part 42a. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a distance L1 from the support surface 51 on one end side in the axial direction of the base cylinder portion 42a to the central axis line of the base cylinder portion 42a is equal to the distance L1 on the other axial end side of the base cylinder portion 42a. The distance L2 is set to be smaller than the distance L2 from the support surface 51 to the central axis of the base cylinder portion 42a (L1 <L2).

  As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, an annular PTC holding member 52 made of synthetic resin is brought into contact with the flange portion 42d from one axial end side of the base cylinder portion 42a. The end portions of the PTC elements 43, 43... Arranged on the support surfaces 51, 51... On the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder portion 42a are shown in FIG. In this manner, the PTC holding member 52 is brought into contact.

  In addition, the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the base cylindrical portion 42a where the PTC elements 43, 43,... Are arranged and the inner periphery of the PTC holding member 52 are formed in a polygonal shape corresponding to each other, for example, a hexagonal shape. A plurality of protrusions 52a, 52a,..., Which are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective corners and protrude on the opposite side to the flange part 42d, are provided to protrude from the PTC holding member 52, and these protrusions 52a, 52a,. The plurality of PTC elements 43, 43,... Arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder portion 42a are arranged between each other.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the energizing member 44 has a plurality of electrode portions that individually and resiliently contact a plurality of PTC elements 43, 43,... Disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder portion 42a. 44a, 44a ..., an annular assembly 44b for connecting the electrodes 44a, 44a ... in common, and a terminal 44c having one end connected to the assembly 44b, each of the electrode portions 44a, 44a ... Positioning projections 44d, 44d,... Projecting outward are projected from the central portion 44b at the central portion.

  The outer case 45 made of synthetic resin is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to hold the plurality of electrode portions 44 a, 44 a... On the inner peripheral surface, and the energization member 44 is provided at one end of the outer case 45. Are provided with a plurality of positioning notches 53, 53... For fitting the positioning protrusions 44d, 44d,... In the circumferential direction at the other end of the outer case 45. A pair of mounting projections 45a and 45a projecting laterally from the side are attached to the flange portion 42d of the inner case 42 by bolts 54 and 54, respectively.

  By the way, the collective portion 44b that is continuously connected to the plurality of electrode portions 44a, 44a,... Arranged inside the outer case 45 is arranged on one end side in the axial direction of the outer case 45, and one of the terminal portions 44c. In a state where the energizing member 44 is disposed so that the portion is located outside the outer case 45, one end side of the outer case 45 is covered with a mold portion 47 made of synthetic resin, so that at least the energizing member 44, An energization portion side assembly 48 including the outer case 45 and the mold portion 47 is configured.

Thus, at one end portion in the axial direction of the outer case 45, the collecting portion 44b of the energizing member 44 is sandwiched between one end of the outer case 45 as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C. energizing member retaining ring 46 is fitted, the mold portion 47 is formed over said conducting member retaining ring 46 and one end of the outer casing 45. That is, the energization portion side assembly 48 includes the energization member 44, the outer case 45, the energization member holding ring 46, and the mold portion 47. In addition, the mold part 47 is integrally formed with a connector part 47a in which a part of the terminal part 44c is arranged as a connector terminal 55.

  The base cylinder portion 42a of the inner case 42 in a state where the PTC elements 43, 43,... Are arranged on the outer peripheral surface is fitted to the energizing portion side assembly 48 from one end side in the axial direction. The annular fifth and sixth seal members 56 and 57 are interposed between the outer peripheral portions at both ends of the inner case 42 and both ends of the current-carrying portion side assembly 48.

  A pipe member 58 for guiding LPG fuel is attached to the connection case at one end of the inner case 42 coaxially and airtightly with the base cylinder portion 42a by, for example, screwing, and the pipe member 58 and the high-pressure gas A gap passage 60... Constituting at least a part of the heating gas passage 59 connecting between the passages 25 is an inner peripheral surface of the base cylinder portion 42a and an outer peripheral surface of the insertion cylinder 61 inserted into the base cylinder portion 42a. Formed between.

  The insertion tube 61 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end open and the other end closed, and is inserted into the base tube portion 42a so as to open the side opposite to the body 17. Moreover, at both ends of the insertion tube 61, projections 61a, 61b for determining the axial position of the insertion tube 61 in the base tube portion 42a are projected, and one projection 61a ... The inner cylinder 42 protrudes from a plurality of locations on one end of the insertion tube 61 so as to abut against the inward flange portion 42b, and the other projection 61b forms the inner end of the inlet side connection hole 40. It protrudes from the other end of the insertion tube 61 so as to contact an end wall 40 a formed on the body 17.

In addition, one of the inner peripheral surface of the base tube portion 42 a and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube 61, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube 61, the inner peripheral surface of the base tube portion 42 a and the outer periphery of the insertion tube 61 On the other hand, in this embodiment, a plurality of ribs 62 are provided to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the base cylinder portion 42a with their tips abutted in the circumferential direction. Gap passages 60 are respectively formed.

  Further, the inner peripheral surface of the base tube portion 42a and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube 61 are formed in a tapered shape having a smaller diameter toward the one side in the axial direction, and the insertion tube 61 is formed from one end side in the axial direction. It is inserted into the base cylinder part 42a.

  Thus, a passage portion 63 communicating with the high-pressure gas passage 25 of the body 17 is formed between the body 17 and the insertion cylinder 61 so as to be a part of the heating gas passage 59, and the gap The passages 60 ... communicate with the high-pressure gas passage 25 through the passage portion 63.

  By the way, the pipe member 58 is integrally provided with a rush pipe section 58a having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion cylinder 61 and coaxially inserted into the insertion cylinder 61. The metal filter 64 is fitted and fixed to the inner end portion of the portion 58a, for example, by pressing the outer peripheral portion of the filter 64 into the inner periphery of the inner end portion of the entry pipe portion 58a.

  Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the gas passage cover member 18 is fastened to the outer peripheral portion of the body 17 so as to fit one end of the cylindrical portion 17a of the body 17, and the cylindrical portion 17a. A decompression chamber 66 communicating with the valve hole 27 is formed between the body 17 and the gas passage cover member 18 inside. In addition, a guide cylinder portion 18 a extending coaxially with the valve hole 27 and extending toward the decompression chamber 66 is integrally provided at the center portion of the gas passage cover member 18.

  A diaphragm rod 68 coupled to the central portion of the diaphragm 16 is slidably fitted to the guide tube portion 18a, and an annular first ring is slidably contacted with the inner periphery of the guide tube portion 18a. 7 seal member 67 is mounted, and one end of the valve shaft 30 is connected to the diaphragm rod 68.

  Referring also to FIG. 8, the diaphragm rod 68 is configured such that a first retainer 69, which is a separate body from the diaphragm rod 68, is sandwiched between the central portion of one surface of the diaphragm 16. A shaft portion 68a provided coaxially therethrough passes through the diaphragm 16 and the second retainer 70 contacting the center of the other surface of the diaphragm 16, and the shaft portion 68a is caulked to engage with the second retainer 70. The diaphragm rod 68 is coupled to the central portion of the diaphragm 16 with the first and second retainers 69 and 70 sandwiched between the diaphragm 16 and the central portion of the diaphragm 16, and the diaphragm 16, first retainer 69, first A diaphragm assembly 71 including at least a retainer 70 and the diaphragm rod 68; Preassembled prior to connecting the valve shaft 30 to Yafuramuroddo 68.

  The diaphragm rod 68 is coaxially provided with an insertion recess 72 having an end wall 72a facing the valve mechanism 15 at the closed end so as to open to the valve mechanism 15 side. Further, a cap member 74 having a large-diameter outer periphery and having a bottomed connecting recess 73 opened to the valve mechanism 15 side is loosely fitted into the insertion recess 72. Further, an annular holding plate 75 formed in a ring shape is connected to the inner periphery of the opening end of the insertion recess 72 by caulking or press-fitting (caulking in this embodiment), and the cap member 74 is It is held between the holding plate 75 and the end wall 72 a of the insertion recess 72.

  Further, annular engagement grooves 76 and 77 corresponding to each other are provided on the outer periphery of one end portion of the valve shaft 30 fitted in the connection recess 73 and the inner periphery of the connection recess 73, respectively. An engagement ring 78 that allows expansion and contraction along the radial direction is engaged with the engagement grooves 76 and 77.

  Moreover, when connecting the valve shaft 30 to the diaphragm rod 68, the valve shaft 30 is connected to the diaphragm rod 68 of the diaphragm assembly 71 assembled in advance. At this time, the cap member 74 is connected to the diaphragm rod 68. After the insertion recess 72 is inserted and fixed by the holding plate 75, the valve shaft 30 is connected to the cap member 74 using the engagement ring 78. In addition, a guide surface 73a when the end of the valve shaft 30 is inserted is formed at the opening end of the connection recess 73 as a tapered surface that decreases in diameter toward the inward direction.

  By the way, a pressure acting chamber 80 is formed between the gas passage cover member 18 and one surface of the diaphragm 16, and a spring chamber 82 is formed between the other surface of the diaphragm 16 and the diaphragm cover 22. Is biased by the coiled diaphragm spring 83 toward the side of reducing the volume of the pressure acting chamber 80, but the spring load of the diaphragm spring 83 can be adjusted.

  The shaft portion 68a of the diaphragm rod 68 that is connected to the valve body 29 via the valve shaft 30 and is coupled to the central portion of the diaphragm 16 is provided with a male screw 84 on the outer peripheral surface and the diaphragm rod 68. An adjustment screw 86 provided with an engagement recess 85 on the opposite end face is fitted and supported in the spring chamber 82 so as to be able to rotate about the axis, and rotates about an axis coaxial with the rotation axis of the adjustment screw 86. The male screw 84 on the outer periphery of the adjusting screw 86 is screwed on the inner periphery of the spring receiving member 87 accommodated in the spring chamber 82, which can be moved in the axial direction, although engaged with the inner periphery of the diaphragm cover 22. Combined.

  The diaphragm cover 22 has a cylindrical portion 22a having a non-circular cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 9, and is formed in a cap shape having one end closed by an end wall 22b. The cylindrical portion 22a is engaged with the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 22a while allowing the cylindrical portion 22a to move in the direction along the axial line and disabling rotation around the axial line.

  The diaphragm spring 83 which is a coil spring is contracted between the spring receiving member 87 and the end wall 22b of the diaphragm cover 22, and the adjustment screw 86 is opposed to the end surface where the engagement recess 85 is provided. A tool insertion hole 88 is provided in the end wall 22 b of the diaphragm cover 22, and a cap 89 that closes the tool insertion hole 88 is attached to the end wall 22 b of the diaphragm cover 22.

  The diaphragm cover 22 is provided with a negative pressure introducing pipe 91 that communicates with the spring chamber 82, and a pipe line (not shown) for guiding the intake negative pressure of the engine is connected to the negative pressure introducing pipe 91. Is done.

  Referring also to FIG. 10, the body 17 is provided with a circular gas passage groove 92 surrounding the cylindrical portion 17 a provided integrally with the body 17 so as to open on one surface of the body 17. The gas passage cover member 18 attached to one surface of the body 17 so as to cover the gas passage groove 92 and the gas passage groove 92 constitute a low pressure gas passage 93. An annular eighth seal member 94 is interposed between the body 17 and the gas passage cover member 18 on the outside.

  In addition, at one place in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 17a, an opening 95 that allows the decompression chamber 66 formed in the cylindrical portion 17a to communicate with the low-pressure gas passage 93 cuts out a part of the cylindrical portion 17a. An extension wall 96 that extends in the tangential direction with one end connected to the cylindrical portion 17 a on one side of the opening 95 is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the body 17. Provided integrally with the body 17. On the other hand, a protrusion 98 that forms a fitting groove 97 into which one end of the cylindrical portion 17a and the extension wall portion 96 is fitted to the gas passage cover member 18 is connected to the cylindrical portion 17a and the extension. It protrudes so as to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the wall portion 96.

  The LPG fuel that has flowed out of the decompression chamber 66 into the low-pressure gas passage 93 circulates in the low-pressure gas passage 93 so as to make a round around the cylindrical portion 17a, and the starting point PS of the low-pressure gas passage 93 is The extension wall 96 is set on one side where the opening 95 is disposed, and the end point PE of the low-pressure gas passage 93 is set on the other side of the extension wall 96.

Moreover, the gas passage cover member 18 is provided with a gas outlet pipe 99 leading to the end point PE of the low-pressure gas passage 93. The gas passage cover member 18 is provided with a relief valve 100 that enters the low-pressure gas passage 93 near the end point PE. The relief valve 100 has a valve hole that communicates with the low-pressure gas passage 93. 101 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having a tip closed portion, and is provided integrally with the gas passage cover member 18 so as to enter the low-pressure gas passage 93, and the valve hole 101 includes a valve body 104 slidably fitted in the valve housing 102 has a seal 103 that may close on the tip, press-fitting the open end of the valve housing 102 a connecting pipe portion 105a has one body The lid member 105 is fitted and fixed at a position, and the spring 106 is contracted between the lid member 105 and the valve body 104. The valve body 104 is in a state where the valve hole 101 is opened. Is formed to a LPG fuel discharged from the bore 101 may then flow to the connecting tube portion 105a side.

  Further, a cylindrical portion 109 that enters the low-pressure gas passage 93 so as to form a communication passage 108 for causing the pressure in the low-pressure gas passage 93 to act on the pressure working chamber 80 facing one surface of the diaphragm 16 is provided. For example, the gas passage cover member 18 is provided integrally with the low pressure gas passage 93 near the end point PE.

  Referring also to FIG. 11, the valve housing 21 is formed with a heating fluid passage 110 through which engine coolant serving as a heat source flows outside the low-pressure gas passage 93. A heating fluid passage groove 111 is provided on the other surface opposite to the low pressure gas passage 93, and the heating fluid passage cover member 19 is attached to the other surface of the body 17 so as to cover the heating fluid passage groove 111. The heating fluid passage 110 is formed by the heating fluid passage groove 111.

A concave portion 112 having a diameter larger than that of the gas passage groove 92 is provided on the other surface side of the body 17, and the body 17 has a circular shape at a position substantially corresponding to the outer periphery of the gas passage groove 92. An outer arc wall 113 formed in an arc shape and disposed in the recess 112, and an inner arc formed in an arc shape at a position substantially corresponding to the inner periphery of the gas passage groove 92 and disposed in the recess 112. The wall 114 is integrally provided, and one end 114a of the inner arc wall 114 is disposed at a position shifted to one side in the circumferential direction from the one end 113a of the outer arc wall 113, and the other end 113b of the outer arc wall 113 is peripheral. The other end 114b of the inner arc wall 114 is arranged at a position shifted in one direction.

  Moreover, the outer end of the first radial wall 115 extending in the radial direction of the recess 112 is disposed at a right angle at one end 113a of the outer arc wall 113 so as to be disposed on the other circumferential side of the one end 114a of the inner arc wall 114. The inner end of the first radial wall 115 is connected to the end wall 32 that closes the other end of the mounting hole 31. Further, the other end 114b of the inner arc wall 114 has a second radial wall 116 extending parallel to the first radial wall 115 so as to be disposed on one side in the circumferential direction of the other end 113b of the outer arc wall 113. The inner end is connected at right angles, and the outer end of the second radial wall 116 is connected at right angles to the body 17 on the outer periphery of the recess 112. Further, the body 17 is provided with a partition wall 117 that connects the outer periphery of the intermediate arc wall 113 and the outer periphery of the recess 112 at a right angle.

  Thus, the heating fluid passage groove 111 is formed by the recess 112, the outer arc wall 113, the inner arc wall 114, the first radial wall 115, the second radial wall 116, and the partition wall 117. The heating fluid passage 110 formed between the heating fluid passage groove 111 and the heating fluid passage cover member 19 is configured such that the engine cooling water flowing into the heating fluid passage 110 on one side of the partition wall 117 flows outside the arc wall 113. A passage portion that circulates to the second radial wall 116 along the outer periphery of the gas passage, and a passage portion that is guided by the first and second radial walls 115 and 116 and circulates the engine coolant to the inside of the inner arc wall 114. A passage portion through which engine cooling water flows between the inner arc wall 114 and the outer arc wall 113 to the second radial wall 116, and along the outer periphery of the outer arc wall 113. Comprising a passage for flowing to the other side of the partition wall 117.

  At the side of the body 17, a cooling water inlet pipe 118 that leads to the heating fluid passage 110 on one side of the partition wall 117 so as to introduce engine cooling water into the heating fluid passage 110, and the heating fluid passage 110. The cooling water outlet pipe 119 communicating with the heating fluid passage 110 on the other side of the partition wall 117 is liquid-tightly fitted so that the engine cooling water is led out from the cooling water inlet pipe 118 and the cooling water outlet pipe. The fitting holding plate 120 that holds the fitting state of the 119 to the body 17 in common is fastened to the body 17 with bolts 121. An annular ninth seal member 122 is interposed between the body 17 and the heating fluid passage cover member 19 outside the heating fluid passage 110.

  In the valve housing 21 of the pressure reducing valve, a single passage longitudinal protruding wall 125 extending in an arc shape along the reference flow direction 124 of the LPG fuel from the start point PS to the end point PE of the low pressure gas passage 93, A plurality of passage width direction protruding walls 126... Extending in the width direction of the low pressure gas passage 93 perpendicular to the reference flow direction 124 are provided so as to enter the low pressure gas passage 93.

  Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 together, the low pressure gas passage 93 is adjacent to each other such that a plurality of passage chambers 127... And the passage chambers 127. A plurality of first and second communication passages 128, 129, which communicate with each other between the passage chambers 127, are the body 17 of the valve housing 21, the gas passage cover member 18, the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125, and the passages. The first and second communication passages 128, 129, ... are formed in cooperation with the width direction projecting walls 126 ..., sequentially from the starting point PS of the low-pressure gas passage 93 through the plurality of passage chambers 127, zigzag. It arrange | positions so that the said LPG fuel may be distribute | circulated until it reaches the end point PE.

  The first communication passage 128... Connects the passage chambers 127 and 127 adjacent to each other with the passage longitudinal protruding wall 125 interposed therebetween. The second communication passage 129. The passage chambers 127 and 127 that are adjacent to each other are connected to each other, and the first and second communication passages 128 to 129 are opposite to each other in the protruding direction of the passage longitudinal protruding wall 125. Be placed.

  By the way, the low pressure gas passage 93 is composed of a gas passage groove 92 provided in the body 17 and the gas passage cover member 18 covering the gas passage groove 92. The bottom wall 92a and the gas passage cover member 18 are respectively provided with any one of the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126, and the bottom of the gas passage groove 92. One of the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125 and the passage width projecting wall 126... Projects from one of the wall 92 a and the gas passage cover member 18, and the bottom wall 92 a of the gas passage groove 92 and the gas passage. The other of the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126...

Thus, in this embodiment, the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125 projects from the bottom wall 92a of the gas passage groove 92 and the bottom wall 92a of the gas passage groove 92 which is one of the gas passage cover members 18. is, the bottom wall 92a and the other a is pre-outs scan path cover member 1 8 of the gas passage cover member 1 8 of the gas passage groove 92 is formed so as to straddle the passageway longitudinal projecting wall 125 The passage width direction projecting walls 126 are projected.

A first communication passage 128 is formed between the distal end of the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125 and the gas passage cover member 18, and the gas passage groove 92 is formed at the distal end of the passage width projecting wall 126. Are provided with notches 130 for forming second communication passages 129... That said passage longitudinally protruding wall 125 will be protruding from the bottom wall 92a of the gas passage grooves 92 on the side second communication passage 129 ... are arranged.

By the way, the length of each passage chamber 127 in the reference flow direction 124 is set to be larger than the width of each passage chamber 127 in the width direction of the low-pressure gas passage 93, and allows the engine coolant to flow. heated fluid passage 110, out of the passageway longitudinally projecting wall 125 the low-pressure gas passage 93 to face the pair of gas passage cover member 18 and the gas passage grooves 9 2 is a gas passage wall in the protruding direction of the bottom wall 92a The bottom wall 92a that is the gas passage wall on the second communication passage 129... Is disposed between the low-pressure gas passage 93 and the bottom wall 92a.

  Further, engine cooling water serving as a heat source is led into at least one of the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126. In this embodiment, the protrusion protruding from the body 17 is provided. The wall, that is, the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125 projecting from the bottom wall 92a of the gas passage groove 92 is formed in a hollow shape opened to the heating fluid passage 110 side so as to introduce engine cooling water therein. The

  Further, between the passage width direction protruding wall 126 projecting from the gas passage cover member 18 which is a gas passage wall forming one side surface of the low pressure gas passage 93, the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125, and A minute gap 131 is formed between the passage width direction protruding wall 126 and the side surface of the low pressure gas passage 93 excluding the gas passage cover member 18.

Thus, the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126... Are inserted into the low pressure gas passage 93 as described above, and the body 17, the gas passage cover member 18, and the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall. 125 and the passage width direction projecting wall 126..., And the plurality of passage chambers 127... And the plurality of first and second communication passages 128. by being formed in the gas passage 93, LPG fuel, as shown by a hollow arrow in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the flow along the width direction of the low-pressure gas passage 93, in the width direction of the low-pressure gas passage 93 The low-pressure gas passage 93 circulates in a zigzag manner through a three-dimensional distribution path formed by combining the flows in the orthogonal directions.

By the way, in the valve mechanism 15, a back pressure chamber 132 is formed between the end wall 32 and the valve body 29 in the central cylindrical portion 17 b of the body 17 so that the back surface of the valve body 29 faces. A communication hole 133 for communicating the chamber 132 with the low-pressure gas passage 93 is provided in the body 17 so as to penetrate the low-pressure gas passage 93, and an outer end opening of the communication hole 133 is formed by a lid member 134. Closed airtight. Moreover, the communication hole 133 also penetrates the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125, and the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125 is basically formed in a hollow shape so as to introduce engine cooling water therein. However, only the portion of the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125 where the communication hole 133 is provided is solid.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. On the side surface of the body 17 constituting a part of the valve housing 21 provided in the LPG fuel pressure reducing valve, a high pressure gas passage 25 provided in the body 17 and a pressure reducing portion are provided. A PTC heater unit 41 for heating the LPG fuel flowing through the heating gas passage 59 between the pipe member 58 that guides the LPG fuel to be heated is attached. In the PTC heater unit 41, the heating gas passage 59 is provided. The gap passages 60... Constituting at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the base cylindrical portion 42a having the PTC element 43 disposed on the outer peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion cylinder 61 inserted into the base cylindrical portion 42a. All the LPG fuel flowing through the heating gas passage 59 is formed by using the inner peripheral surface of the base cylindrical portion 42a, which is the outer wall surface of the clearance passage 60 ... It is possible to increase the heating efficiency of the LPG fuel so as to flow in the vicinity of the hot surface.

  Further, the plurality of flat plate-like PTC elements 43 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder part 42a so as to have a polygonal shape when viewed from the direction along the axis of the base cylinder part 42a. It is possible to dispose a plurality of inexpensive PTC elements 43... That are in the form of a flat plate so as to increase the heating efficiency of the LPG fuel.

  Further, a plurality of ribs 62 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion cylinder 61 so as to abut on the inner peripheral surface of the base cylinder portion 42a at intervals in the circumferential direction. Since the gap passages 60 are respectively formed, the radial position of the insertion tube 61 with respect to the base tube portion 42a can be easily determined by reliably forming the gap passages 60 between the base tube portion 42a and the insertion tube 61. Can do.

  Moreover, the inner peripheral surface of the base tube portion 42a and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube 61 are formed in a tapered shape having a smaller diameter toward the one side in the axial direction, and the insertion tube 61 extends from the one end side in the axial direction to the base tube portion. Since it is inserted into 42a, it becomes easy to insert the insertion cylinder 61 into the base cylinder part 42a and to position the insertion cylinder 61 within the base cylinder part 42a.

  The base cylinder portion 42a constitutes a part of the inner case 42 having a flange portion 42d fastened to the body 17, and is directly connected to the body 17 forming the passage portion 63 connected to the gap passage 60. Thus, the PTC heater unit 41 can be compactly attached to the LPG fuel pressure reducing valve.

  Further, the projecting portions 61a and 61b provided at both ends in the axial direction of the insertion tube 61 define the axial position of the insertion tube 61 in the base tube portion 42a, and are inwardly provided on the base tube portion 42a. Since the flange 42b and the end wall 40a formed on the body 17 are brought into contact with each other, the insertion tube 61 can be easily positioned in the axial direction.

  Further, the insertion cylinder 61 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens one end in the axial direction and closes the other end in the axial direction, and is a rush pipe section integrally provided with a pipe line member 58 that is coaxially attached to the base cylinder section 42a. 58a has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion cylinder 61 and is inserted into the insertion cylinder 61, and the filter 64 is fitted and fixed to the inner end of the rush pipe section 58a. A filter 64 for filtering LPG fuel guided into the gap passages 60 can be disposed while avoiding an increase in the size of the PTC heater unit 41 in the direction along the axis of the cylindrical portion 42a and the insertion cylinder 61. In addition, since the outer peripheral portion of the filter 64 made of metal is press-fitted into the inner periphery of the inner end portion of the entry pipe portion 58a, the filter 64 is fitted and fixed to the inner end portion of the entry pipe portion 58a with a simple configuration. be able to.

The PTC heater unit 41 includes an inner case 42 having the base tube portion 42a, a plurality of PTC elements disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the base tube portion 42a, and the PTC elements 43 individually and elastically. That holds a plurality of electrode portions 44a sandwiching the PTC elements 43 between the current-carrying member 44 having a plurality of electrode portions 44a in contact with each other and the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder portion 42a on the inner peripheral surface. The energizing member 44 includes a plurality of the electrode portions 44a, an annular aggregate portion 44b that connects the electrode portions 44a in common, and one end to the aggregate portion 44b. Is composed of a terminal portion 44c to which is connected. Thus, the collective portion 44b that is connected in common to the plurality of electrode portions 44a... Disposed inside the outer case 45 is disposed on one end side in the axial direction of the outer case 45 and a part of the terminal portion 44c. The energizing member 44 is disposed so that the energizing member 44 is positioned outside the outer case 45, and an energizing member holding ring 46 that sandwiches the collecting portion 44 b with one end of the outer case 45 has an axial direction of the outer case 45. One end side of the outer case 45 and the energizing member holding ring 46 are covered with a molded portion 47 made of synthetic resin in a state fitted to one end , and at least the energizing member 44, the outer case 45 , and the energization The PTC elements 43 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base cylindrical portion 42a in the energizing portion side assembly 48 including the member holding ring 46 and the mold portion 47. The inner case 42 in a state is fitted.

  Therefore, a member for holding a plurality of PTC elements 43... And a plurality of electrodes individually contacting the PTC elements 43 at the time of assembling is unnecessary, the number of parts can be reduced, and the energization unit side assembly By forming the body 48 in advance, the assembly can be easily performed while reducing the number of assembling steps.

  Further, since the connector portion 47a in which a part of the terminal portion 44c is arranged as the connector terminal 55 is integrally formed in the mold portion 47, the connector portion 47a can be formed with high productivity.

In addition, since the annular fifth and sixth seal members 56 and 57 are interposed between the outer peripheral portions of both ends of the inner case 42 and both ends of the current-carrying portion side assembly 48, the connector portion 47a is waterproof. Thus, if the power supply side connector is connected to the connector portion 47a, it is possible to prevent water and the like from entering between the inner case 42 and the energization portion side assembly 48.

  Further, an energizing member holding ring 46 that sandwiches the gathering portion 44 b of the energizing member 44 between one end of the outer case 45 is fitted to one axial end portion of the outer case 45, and the mold portion 47 is connected to the energizing member holding ring 46. Since the energizing member holding ring 46 is fitted to one end of the outer case 45 and the energizing member 44 is held by the outer case 45, the mold portion 47 can be formed. Since the molten resin is prevented from entering the inside of the outer case 45 at the time of molding 47, the energization member holding ring 46 prevents the molding 47 from being molded.

  Further, the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the base cylindrical portion 42a where the PTC elements 43 are arranged is formed as an inclined surface that is inclined so as to approach the central axis of the base cylindrical portion 42a toward the one end side in the axial direction of the base cylindrical portion 42a. Since the base cylinder part 42a is fitted to the energizing part side assembly 48 from one end side in the axial direction, the PTC heater unit 41 is assembled by fitting the inner case 42 to the energizing part side assembly 48. In addition, the electrode portions 44a can be easily brought into contact with the PTC elements 43, so that assembly is facilitated.

  Further, a flange portion 42d that projects radially outward from the base tube portion 42a is integrally provided on the other axial end side of the inner case 42 made of metal, and an annular PTC holding member 52 made of synthetic resin is provided as the flange portion. 42d is brought into contact with one end side in the axial direction of the base cylinder part 42a, and the end part on the flange part 42d side of each PTC element 43 is brought into contact with the PTC holding member 52. Therefore, each PTC is held by the PTC holding member 52. While positioning the elements 43 in the axial direction, the PTC holding member 52 can block the current that tends to flow from the electrode portions 44a to the flange portion 42d through the PTC elements 43 when energized. The heat generation efficiency can be increased.

  Further, the portion on the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder portion 42a where the PTC elements 43 are arranged and the inner periphery of the PTC holding member 52 are formed in polygonal shapes corresponding to each other, and are located at positions corresponding to the respective corner portions of the polygon. A plurality of protrusions 52a that are arranged and protrude on the opposite side to the flange part 42d are provided on the PTC holding member 52, and a plurality of PTC elements 43 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder part 42a are disposed between each other. Since each protrusion 52a is arranged, the PTC holding member 52 can also have a positioning function of each PTC element 43 along the circumferential direction of the base cylinder part 42a, and one component can have multiple functions. Thus, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

  By the way, the valve shaft 30 of the valve mechanism 15 is connected to a diaphragm rod 68 coupled to the central portion of the diaphragm 16, and the diaphragm rod 68 is inserted with an end wall 72a facing the valve mechanism 15 at the closed end. The concave portion 72 is provided coaxially so as to open to the valve mechanism 15 side, has an outer periphery having a larger diameter than one end portion of the valve shaft 30, and has a bottomed connecting concave portion 73 opened to the valve mechanism 15 side. Between the annular holding plate 75 and the end wall 72a, the cap member 74 loosely fitted in the insertion recess 72 is fixed to the inner periphery of the opening end of the insertion recess 72 by caulking or press-fitting (caulking in this embodiment). The radius of the valve shaft 30 is formed in annular engagement grooves 76 and 77 provided in correspondence with each other on the outer periphery of one end portion of the valve shaft 30 and the inner periphery of the connection recess 73 held in the connection recess 73. direction Since the engagement ring 78 that can be expanded and contracted is engaged, a simple structure using the diaphragm rod 68, the cap member 74, and the holding plate 75 that are easy to process and low in manufacturing cost, and in the valve axial direction. The cap member 74 can be connected to the diaphragm rod 68 while permitting the inclination of the diaphragm 16 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis and displacement of the shaft center on the diaphragm 16 side and the shaft center on the valve element 29 side.

  In addition, since the holding plate 75 is formed in a ring shape in an endless manner, the connection structure of the diaphragm rod 68 and the cap member 74 can be strengthened.

  When connecting the valve shaft 30 to the diaphragm rod 68, the diaphragm 16 and the diaphragm 16 are attached to the diaphragm rod 68 that sandwiches a first retainer 69, which is a separate body from the diaphragm rod 68, with the center portion of one surface of the diaphragm 16. A shaft portion 68a penetrating through the second retainer 70 that contacts the central portion of the other surface is provided coaxially, and the shaft portion 68a is caulked and engaged with the second retainer 70, whereby the diaphragm 16, the first retainer 69, A diaphragm assembly 71 including at least a second retainer 70 and a diaphragm rod 68 is assembled in advance, and a valve shaft is formed on the diaphragm rod 68 of the diaphragm assembly 71 using a cap member 74, a holding plate 75, and an engagement ring 78. Since one end part of 30 is connected, in manufacturing the pressure reducing valve, die By assembling a large amount of the fram assembly 71 in advance by caulking and connecting one end of the valve shaft 30 to the diaphragm rod 68 of the diaphragm assembly 71, the inclination of the diaphragm 16 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the valve shaft direction, and The assembly of the pressure reducing valve can be facilitated while allowing the shaft center on the diaphragm 16 side and the shaft center on the valve element 29 side to be displaced.

  Further, after the cap member 74 is inserted and fixed in the insertion recess 72 of the diaphragm rod 68 with the holding plate 75, the valve shaft 30 is connected to the cap member 74 using the engagement ring 78. 68 and the valve shaft 30 can be easily connected.

  A diaphragm rod 68 connected to the valve body 29 passes through the central portion of the diaphragm 16 and is coupled to the diaphragm 16. A male screw 84 is engraved on the outer peripheral surface and an end surface on the opposite side to the diaphragm rod 68. The adjustment screw 86 provided with the engagement recess 85 is capable of rotating around the axis so as to be fitted and supported by the diaphragm rod 68 in the spring chamber 82, and cannot be rotated around the axis coaxial with the rotation axis of the adjustment screw 86. A male screw 84 on the outer periphery of the adjustment screw 86 is screwed onto the inner periphery of a spring receiving member 87 that engages with the inner periphery of the diaphragm cover 22 but can be moved in the axial direction, and is accommodated in the spring chamber 82. A diaphragm spring 83 that is a coil spring is contracted between the receiving member 87 and the diaphragm cover 22.

Accordingly, the spring load of the diaphragm spring 83 that exerts a spring force that urges the diaphragm 16 toward the side of reducing the volume of the pressure acting chamber 80 is applied to the engagement recess 85 in order to change the axial position of the spring receiving member 87. the by rotating the adjustment screw 86 engages, but the spring receiving member 87 is moved in a direction along the axis of the adjusting screw 86 is of it Re be adjusted by stretching the diaphragm spring 83, adjusting screw A tool insertion hole 88 is provided in the diaphragm cover 22 at a position opposite to an end face where the engagement recess 85 of the 86 is provided, and a cap 89 for closing the tool insertion hole 88 is attached to the diaphragm cover 22. That adjustment screw 86 is housed in the spring chamber 82, since the tool insertion hole 88 is closed by a cap 89, the adjusting screw 8 6 not be visible on the exterior, the adjustment screw 8 6 by the end user The possibility of undesired operation is reduced.

  Further, in order to heat the LPG fuel flowing through the low pressure gas passage 93 with the engine coolant as a heat source, the passage extends in the longitudinal direction of the passage extending in the reference flow direction 124 of the LPG fuel from the start point PS to the end point PE of the low pressure gas passage 93. A wall 125 and a plurality of passage width direction protruding walls 126 extending in the width direction of the low pressure gas passage 93 perpendicular to the reference flow direction 124 are provided in the valve housing 21 so as to enter the low pressure gas passage 93. , And a plurality of first and second communication passages 128, 129 communicating between the passage chambers 127 adjacent to each other so that LPG fuel sequentially flows through the passage chambers 127. Are formed in the low-pressure gas passage 93 by the cooperation of the valve housing 21, the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125 and the passage width projecting wall 126. ... sequentially first and second communication passage as through the zigzag circulating a LPG fuel from the starting point PS of the low-pressure gas passage 93 up to the end point PE 128 ..., 129 ... are arranged.

  Accordingly, the flow path of the LPG fuel in the low-pressure gas passage 93 is lengthened, and the contact area of the LPG fuel to the valve housing 21, the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126 is increased, and the LPG fuel is transmitted to the LPG fuel. Thermal efficiency is improved. And compared with the technique using the conventional fin, the heat-transfer efficiency when there is much flow volume per unit time can be improved notably.

  Further, the first communication passage 128 connecting the passage chambers 127 and 127 adjacent to each other with the passage longitudinal protruding wall 125 sandwiched therebetween, and the adjacent passage chambers 127 and 127 sandwiching the passage width direction protruding wall 126 therebetween. Since the second communication passages 129 are connected to each other on the opposite side in the protruding direction of the passage longitudinal protruding wall 125, the LPG fuel not only circulates in the low pressure gas passage 93 in a zigzag manner, A bent path is also traced in a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the low-pressure gas passage 93. That is, the low-pressure gas passage 93 passes through the three-dimensional flow path formed by combining the flow along the width direction of the low-pressure gas passage 93 and the flow in the direction perpendicular to the width direction of the low-pressure gas passage 93. Since it is configured to circulate, the distribution path of the LPG fuel is lengthened, the contact area of the LPG fuel with the heat transfer surface is increased, and the heat transfer efficiency to the LPG fuel is improved.

Further, the length of the passage chamber 127 in the reference flow direction 124 is set to be larger than the width of the passage chamber 127 in the width direction of the low-pressure gas passage 93, and the heat source is in the protruding direction of the passage longitudinal protruding wall 125. in the earthenware pots by sandwiching the bottom wall 92a is a second communication passage 129 side of the bottom wall 92a of the gas passage cover member 18 and the gas passage grooves 92 face the low-pressure gas passage 93 between the low-pressure gas passage 93, Since the heating fluid passage 110 for circulating the engine cooling water is arranged, the LPG fuel passing through the second communication passages 129... And flowing in the reference flow direction 124 is brought closer to the bottom wall 92a for longer heat transfer efficiency. Can be increased.

  Further, since the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125 projects from the bottom wall 92a, which is the gas passage wall on the second communication passage 129 side, heat from the engine coolant is transmitted to the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125. The heat transfer efficiency can be improved by transferring more heat to the LPG fuel from the passage longitudinal projecting wall 125 extending in the reference flow direction 124 of the low pressure gas passage 93.

  The body 17 and the gas passage cover member 18 attached to one surface of the body 17 constitute at least a part of the valve housing 21, and the low-pressure gas passage 93 is provided in the gas passage groove 92 provided on one surface of the body 17. And the gas passage cover member 18 that covers the gas passage groove 92. The bottom wall 92a of the gas passage groove 92 and the gas passage cover member 18 have a passage longitudinal protruding wall 125 and a passage width. Since either one of the direction protruding walls 126 protrudes, the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126 are easily formed.

  Moreover, one of the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126... Protrudes from one of the bottom wall 92 a of the gas passage groove 92 and the gas passage cover member 18, and the bottom wall 92 a of the gas passage groove 92. Since the other of the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126... Protrudes from the other of the gas passage cover member 18, the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126. The bottom wall 92a of the passage groove 92 and the gas passage cover member 18 are separately provided so that the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126 are formed more easily.

  Further, first communication passages 128 are formed between the distal end of the passage longitudinal protruding wall 125 and the bottom wall 92a of the gas passage groove 92 or the gas passage cover member 18, and the passage width direction protruding wall 126 ... Since the notches 130 for forming the second communication passages 129... Are formed between the gas passage cover member 18 and the bottom wall 92a of the gas passage groove 92 at the tip, the first and second communication passages are provided. 128... 129.

  A heating fluid passage groove 111 is provided on the other surface of the body 17 opposite to the low pressure gas passage 93, and a heating fluid passage 110 through which engine coolant flows is formed between the heating fluid passage groove 111. Since the heating fluid passage cover member 19 is attached to the other surface of the body 17 so as to cover the heating fluid passage groove 111, the heating fluid passage 110 can be easily formed, and is close to the low pressure gas passage 93. It is possible to arrange the heating fluid passage 110 to increase heat transfer efficiency and to configure the heating device compactly.

  Further, since engine cooling water is guided into at least one of the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126, at least one of the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126 is made of engine cooling water. Heating is effectively performed, and at least one of the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125 and the passage width direction protruding wall 126... Can be effectively functioned as a heat transfer surface to the LPG fuel, thereby further improving the heat transfer efficiency.

  Moreover, in the projecting wall projecting from the body 17 out of the projecting longitudinal wall 125 and the projecting wall 126 in the channel width direction, in this embodiment, the projecting longitudinal direction of the bottom wall 92a of the gas channel groove 92 is projected. Since engine cooling water is guided into the protruding wall 125, a structure for guiding engine cooling water into the passage longitudinal protruding wall 125 can be easily configured.

  By the way, although the LPG fuel is likely to stagnate on the wall surface facing the downstream side of the reference flow direction 124 in the passage width direction protruding wall 126, the gas passage cover member is a gas passage wall forming one side surface of the low pressure gas passage 93. 18, a minute gap 131 is formed between the passage width direction protruding wall 126 projecting from 18, the passage longitudinal direction protruding wall 125, and the other gas passage wall of the low pressure gas passage 93. As shown by thin line arrows in FIGS. 12 and 13, a small amount of LPG fuel is circulated in the gaps 131 so that stagnation is less likely to occur, and the passage width direction projecting wall 126. By effectively utilizing the wall surface facing the side as the heat transfer surface, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the heat transfer efficiency.

  Moreover, by applying the above-described heating structure with engine cooling water to the pressure reducing valve having the low pressure gas passage 93 for circulating the LPG fuel after the pressure reduction, a pressure reducing valve for LPG fuel having excellent heat transfer efficiency can be obtained. Further, since the body 17 in which the valve mechanism 15 is accommodated is configured as a part of the valve housing 21 that is a passage forming body that forms the low-pressure gas passage 93, the pressure reducing valve for LPG fuel to which the heating device is attached is compactly configured. can do.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the present invention described in the claims. Is possible.

41 ... PTC heater unit 42 ... inner case 42a ... base cylinder part 42d ... flange part 43 ... PTC element 44 ... current-carrying member 44a ... electrode part 44b ... collective part 44c ... Terminal part 45 ... Outer case 46 ... Current carrying member retaining ring 47 ... Mold part 48 ... Current carrying part side assembly 55 ... Connector terminal 47a ... Connector parts 56, 57 ... Sealing member 52 ... PTC holding member 52a ... Projection 59 ... Gas passage for heating

Claims (6)

An inner case (42) having a base cylinder part (42a) that forms at least a part of the heating gas passage (59) on the inner peripheral surface; and a plurality of PTCs arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder part (42a) An element (43); a plurality of electrode portions (44a) that individually and resiliently contact the PTC elements (43); and an annular assembly (44b) that connects the electrode portions (44a) in common In addition, each PTC element (43) is disposed between a current-carrying member (44) including a terminal portion (44c) having one end connected to the assembly portion (44b); and an outer peripheral surface of the base tube portion (42a). A PTC heater unit comprising: a cylindrical outer case (45) that holds a plurality of sandwiched electrode portions (44a) on an inner peripheral surface;
The collective portion (44b) connected in common to the plurality of electrode portions (44a) disposed inside the outer case (45) is disposed on one end side in the axial direction of the outer case (45) and the terminal portion. The current-carrying member (44) is arranged so that a part of (44c) is located outside the outer case (45) , and the collecting portion (44b) is placed between one end of the outer case (45). In a state where the energizing member holding ring (46) to be sandwiched is fitted to one axial end portion of the outer case (45), one end side of the outer case (45) and the energizing member holding ring (46) are made of synthetic resin. An energizing part side assembly (4) comprising at least the energizing member (44), the outer case (45) , the energizing member holding ring (46), and the mold part (47). The PTC heater unit is characterized in that the inner case (42) in which the PTC element (43) is disposed is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the base cylinder portion (42a) in 8).   2. The PTC heater unit according to claim 1, wherein a connector part (47 a) in which a part of the terminal part (44 c) is arranged as a connector terminal (55) is formed integrally with the mold part (47). .   An annular seal member (56, 57) is interposed between the outer peripheral portions at both ends of the inner case (42) and both ends of the current-carrying portion side assembly (48), respectively. 2. The PTC heater unit according to 2. Center axis of the base tube portion (42a) as before the PTC portion element (43) is disposed within the outer peripheral surface of the SL base tube portion (42a) is directed to one axial end of said base tubular portion (42a) It is formed as inclined sloping surface so as to approach the claim 1-3, wherein the base tube portion to the conduction portion assembly (48) (42a), characterized in that the fitted from the axial direction one end side The PTC heater unit according to any one of the above. The other axial end of the inner casing is made of metals (42), a flange portion projecting the base tubular portion from (42a) radially outwardly (42d) is integrally provided with an annular made of synthetic resin The PTC holding member (52) is brought into contact with the flange portion (42d) from one end side in the axial direction of the base tube portion (42a), and the end portion on the flange portion (42d) side of each PTC element (43) PTC heater unit according to any of claims 1-4 but which is characterized in that the contact with the PTC holding member (52). Is formed in a polygonal shape in which the inner circumference corresponding to each other before Symbol base tubular portion as well as the PTC holding member (52) wherein the outer peripheral surface placing each PTC element (43) in (42a), each of said polygon A plurality of protrusions (52a) that are arranged at positions corresponding to the corners and protrude on the opposite side of the flange part (42d) protrude from the PTC holding member (52), and the base cylinder part (42a) 6. The PTC heater unit according to claim 5 , wherein the protrusions (52a) are arranged between a plurality of PTC elements (43) arranged on the outer peripheral surface.

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