JP7347178B2 - oil pump equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an oil pump device, and particularly to an oil pump device including an oil pump that discharges oil.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, oil pump devices including an oil pump that discharges oil have been known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

The above Patent Document 1 discloses a hydraulic oil supply device (oil pump device) that includes an oil pump that discharges oil. Further, the hydraulic oil supply device includes a flow rate adjustment valve. The flow rate adjustment valve is configured to change the distribution ratio of the oil flow rate to a plurality of oil supply locations to which oil discharged from the oil pump is supplied.

The flow rate regulating valve disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a housing and a valve body. A first inflow hole, a first outflow hole, a second inflow hole, and a second outflow hole are formed in the housing. The first inflow hole and the second inflow hole are connected to an oil pump. The first outflow hole communicates with the first inflow hole and also with the oil supply location. The second outflow hole communicates with the second inflow hole and also with the oil supply location. The valve body is slidably disposed inside the housing. The valve body is configured to be slid by oil flowing into the first inflow hole from the oil pump.

In the flow rate regulating valve of Patent Document 1, in the initial state of the valve body, both the first inflow hole and the first outflow hole are fully opened by the valve body. In the flow rate regulating valve, the oil that has flowed in from the first inflow hole flows out from the first outflow hole and is supplied to the oil supply location. Further, in the flow rate regulating valve, in the initial state of the valve body, a part of the second inflow hole is opened by the valve body, and a part of the second outflow hole is brought into an open state. In the flow rate regulating valve, the oil that has flowed in from the second inflow hole flows out from the second outflow hole and is supplied to the oil supply location.

Patent No. 6007746

Here, in the hydraulic oil supply device of Patent Document 1, in the initial state of the valve body (the initial opening state of the second outflow hole), the valve body disposed in the housing opens a part of the second inflow hole. At the same time, it is necessary to keep a part of the second outflow hole open to maintain the opening area of the second outflow hole. However, due to tolerances in the initial position of the valve body, tolerances in the shape of the valve body, tolerances in the shape of the second outflow hole, tolerances in the arrangement position of the second outflow hole, etc., the initial opening of the second outflow hole The opening area tends to vary depending on the condition.

In the hydraulic oil supply device of Patent Document 1, if the opening area of the second outflow hole in the initial opening state varies in the direction of increasing, the flow rate of oil flowing out from the second outflow hole increases. , an unnecessarily large hydraulic pressure is secured at the oil supply location. As described above, in the operation supply device of Patent Document 1, surplus oil pressure is generated in the oil discharged from the oil pump due to variations in the opening area of the second outflow hole in the initial opening state. Therefore, in the hydraulic oil supply device of Patent Document 1, it is desired to reduce the workload of the pump by suppressing the excess hydraulic pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump.

This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one purpose of the invention is to reduce the workload of the pump by suppressing the excess hydraulic pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump. An object of the present invention is to provide an oil pump device that can perform the following steps.

In order to achieve the above object, an oil pump device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an oil pump that discharges oil, a valve provided on the discharge side of the oil pump, and an outflow passage provided downstream of the valve. The valve includes a housing having an inlet through which oil from the oil pump flows and an outlet connected to an outflow channel and through which the oil flows out, and a valve that is movably provided within the housing and is connected to the housing from the inlet to the housing. a valve body that moves forward and backward with inflowing oil; the valve body has an oil outflow space that allows oil to flow out toward the outflow port in an initial open state of the outflow port, and the oil outflow space extends in the direction in which the valve body advances On the other hand, it is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body so as to be inclined along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the valve body .

In the oil pump device according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, the valve is provided on the discharge side of the oil pump. The valve includes a housing in which an inlet and an outlet are formed, and a valve body. The valve body or the housing is provided with an oil outflow space that allows oil to flow out toward the outflow port in an initial open state of the outflow port. As a result, when the valve is a pressure regulating valve, when oil flows out from the outflow port, by providing an oil outflow space in the valve body or housing, it is possible to suppress variations in the oil pressure of the oil flowing out from the outflow port. . In other words, when an oil outflow space is provided in a valve body, there will be variations due to tolerances in the initial position of the valve body, but since the oil pressure flowing out from the outlet is set by the flow path cross-sectional area of the oil outflow space, the valve body Regardless of variations in the shape of the oil outlet and the initial opening area of the outlet, it is possible to suppress variations in the flow rate of oil flowing out from the outlet in the initial open state simply by ensuring the accuracy of the flow path cross-sectional area of the oil outlet space. can. Similarly, when an oil outflow space is provided in the housing, variations occur due to tolerances in the installation state of the housing, but regardless of variations in the shape of the housing and the initial opening area of the outflow port, By simply ensuring the accuracy of the road cross-sectional area, it is possible to suppress variations in the flow rate of oil flowing out from the outlet in the initial open state. Furthermore, in order for oil to flow smoothly from the oil outflow space toward the outflow port, the initial opening state of the outflow port can be set to a larger opening area than the flow path cross-sectional area of the oil outflow space. The accuracy required for the opening area in the open state can be suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress variations caused by tolerances in the shape of the outlet. As a result, in the initial opening state of the outlet, by suppressing variations in the oil pressure of the oil flowing out from the outlet, it is possible to suppress the excess oil pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump, thereby reducing the workload of the pump. can be reduced. In addition, when the valve is a relief valve, by providing an oil outflow space in the valve body or housing that allows oil to flow toward the outlet in the initial open state of the outlet, the outlet is opened by movement of the valve body. Not only can the oil flow out from the oil outlet, but also the oil can flow out from the outlet through the oil outlet space before the outlet is opened by movement of the valve body. Therefore, by causing the oil to flow out from the outlet opened by the movement of the valve body, the oil pressure discharged from the oil pump can be adjusted to the oil pressure at the oil supply location where the required oil pressure is the largest. Furthermore, by causing oil to flow out from the outlet through the oil outflow space, the oil pressure discharged from the oil pump can be adjusted to the oil pressure at other oil supply locations. As a result, surplus hydraulic pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump can be suppressed, so that the workload of the pump can be reduced.

In the oil pump device according to the first aspect, preferably, in the initial opening state, the opening area of the outflow port opened by the valve body is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the oil outflow space.

With this configuration, regardless of whether the valve is a pressure regulating valve or a relief valve, the flow rate of oil flowing out from the outlet can be made larger than the flow rate of oil flowing out from the oil outflow space. Oil can flow smoothly from the outflow space to the outflow port. As a result, the workload of the pump can be further reduced.

In the oil pump device according to the first aspect, preferably, the flow passage cross-sectional area of the oil outflow space is smaller than the flow passage cross-sectional area of the outflow passage.

With this configuration, regardless of whether the valve is a pressure regulating valve or a relief valve, the flow path cross-sectional area of the oil outflow space is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the outflow path. The flow of oil from the outflow space to the outflow channel can be prevented from being obstructed. As a result, the oil can flow smoothly from the oil outflow space to the outflow port, thereby further reducing the workload of the pump.

In the oil pump device according to the above aspect, preferably the oil outflow space has a groove shape.

With this configuration, the oil outflow space can be formed with a simple structure regardless of whether the valve is a pressure regulating valve or a relief valve. The amount of work can be reduced.

In the oil pump device according to the first aspect, preferably, the valve is disposed between the oil pump and an oil supply point to which oil is supplied from the oil pump, and adjusts the oil pressure of the oil supplied by the oil pump. The outlet includes a pressure regulating valve, the outflow passage includes a first passage and a second passage provided downstream of the pressure regulation valve, and the outlet of the housing is connected to the first passage through which oil flows out. The valve body has a first valve part that opens and closes the first outlet, and a second outlet that is connected to the second flow path and through which oil flows out, and a valve body that opens and closes the first outlet and a second outlet that opens and closes the second outlet. It has a second valve part and a third valve part arranged between the first valve part and the second valve part, and the oil outflow space is formed by the third valve part and the housing.

With this configuration, by forming the oil outflow space using the third valve part of the pressure regulating valve and the housing, variations in the oil pressure of the oil flowing out from the first outflow port can be reduced by adjusting the initial pressure of the third valve part. Variations caused by positional tolerances, flow path cross-sectional areas of the oil outflow space, and positional tolerances of the first outflow port can be suppressed. Here, in order to prevent oil leakage to the outside from the gap between the space in the housing that accommodates the valve body and the valve body, the dimensional accuracy of the space is formed with high precision, so the tolerance between the housing and the third valve part is suppressed. As a result, excess hydraulic pressure of oil discharged from the oil pump can be suppressed. In addition, the pressure regulating valve can distribute the hydraulic pressure discharged from the oil pump according to the oil supply points that require different hydraulic pressures, so it is possible to suppress excess hydraulic pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump. can. As a result, excess hydraulic pressure of the oil can be suppressed not only in the initial opening state when the oil flows out from the outlet but also in states other than the initial opening state, so that the workload of the pump can be further reduced.

In the oil pump device according to the first aspect, preferably, the valve includes a relief valve that releases oil, and the relief valve is configured to release oil from the oil outflow space into the flow path until the outflow port is in an open state. It is configured.

With this configuration, in the relief valve, not only is oil released from the outlet opened by the movement of the valve body, but also oil is released from the outlet through the oil outlet space before the outlet is opened. can flow out. Therefore, unlike the case where oil flows out by opening the outlet by moving the valve body, the oil pressure is adjusted not only to the oil supply point where the required oil pressure is the largest, but also to the oil pressure at other oil supply points. The hydraulic pressure discharged from the pump can be adjusted. As a result, the excess hydraulic pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump can be suppressed, so the workload of the pump can be reduced.

In addition, in the oil pump device according to the above-mentioned one aspect, the following configuration may also be considered.

(Additional note 1)
That is, in the oil pump device including the above-mentioned relief valve, the oil outflow space of the relief valve is formed by the valve element and the housing so as to be inclined with respect to the direction in which the valve element advances.

With this configuration, the oil outflow space is formed by the valve body and the housing so that the oil outflow space is inclined with respect to the direction in which the valve body advances, and the length of the oil outflow space can be adjusted simply by adjusting the inclination angle of the oil outflow space. You can change the Therefore, by changing the length of the oil outflow space, the resistance to oil flowing through the oil outflow space can be changed, and therefore the amount of oil released from the relief valve can be changed. As a result, the oil pressure discharged from the oil pump can be easily adjusted. In addition, since the oil outflow space is inclined with respect to the direction in which the outer peripheral surface of the valve body is polished, the polishing tool is less likely to get caught in the oil outflow space when polishing the outer peripheral surface of the valve body along the circumferential direction. be able to.

(Additional note 2)
In the oil pump device according to the first aspect, the oil outflow space is provided in the housing along the advancing and retreating direction of the valve body, and is configured to allow oil to flow out toward the outflow port in an initial open state of the outflow port. There is.

With this configuration, when the valve is a pressure regulating valve, by providing the oil outflow space in the housing instead of in the valve body, it is possible to prevent the structure of the valve body from becoming complicated and large.

(Additional note 3)
In the oil pump device including the pressure regulating valve including the first valve part, the second valve part, and the third valve part, the length of the third valve part is equal to the length of the first valve part in the forward and backward direction of the valve body. and the length of the second valve portion.

With this configuration, by making the length of the third valve part, which has the function of partitioning the space on the first valve part side and the space on the second valve part side, as small as possible, the movement of the valve body can be controlled. It is possible to suppress the increase in size of the pressure regulating valve in the direction.

(Additional note 4)
In the oil pump device equipped with the above-mentioned pressure regulating valve, the valve body of the pressure regulating valve has a reduced portion whose diameter is smaller than other portions, and the oil outflow space is defined by a portion of the valve body closer to the inlet than the reduced portion. It includes a first oil outflow space extending from the end part to the reduced part, and a second oil outflow space that passes through the reduced part from the first oil outflow space in a direction perpendicular to the advancing/retreating direction of the valve body. The outlet communicates with the first oil outflow space, the second oil outflow space, and the space between the reduced portion and the inner peripheral surface of the housing.

With this configuration, the inlet and the outlet are communicated via the first oil outflow space, the second oil outflow space, and the space between the reduced portion and the inner circumferential surface of the housing. Compared to the case where an oil outflow space is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body along the traveling direction of the valve body, the length of the oil flow path from the inlet to the outlet can be increased. As a result, by increasing the length of the oil outflow space, the amount of oil released from the pressure regulating valve can be reduced, making it possible to more precisely adjust the amount of oil flowing out from the pressure regulating valve. I can do it.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a pressure regulating valve according to the first embodiment and circulation of oil distributed from the pressure regulating valve. It is a graph showing the relationship between the change in engine speed and the main oil gallery side oil pressure and the VVT side oil pressure of the oil pump device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a valve body in the pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the first embodiment. It is a side view of the third valve portion of the valve body in the pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the first embodiment, viewed from the X2 direction side. 7 is a graph showing a relationship between a change in the oil pressure of the oil pump device according to the first embodiment, a change in the opening area of the first outlet, and a change in the opening area of the second outlet. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an initial state of the pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an intermediate state of the pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the final state of the pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an oil pump device according to a second embodiment and circulation of oil discharged from the oil pump device. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a relief valve of an oil pump device according to a second embodiment. It is a perspective view of the relief valve in the relief valve of the oil pump apparatus by 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view of the relief valve in the relief valve of the oil pump apparatus by 2nd Embodiment seen from the X2 direction side. It is a graph showing the relationship between engine speed and oil pressure of the oil pump device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an initial state of a relief valve of an oil pump device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the final state of the relief valve of the oil pump device according to the second embodiment. It is a graph showing the relationship between oil pressure and oil discharge amount of the oil pump device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an initial state of a pressure regulating valve of an oil pump device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the final state of the pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the third embodiment. It is a graph showing the relationship between engine speed and oil pressure of the oil pump device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an initial state of a pressure regulating valve of an oil pump device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the final state of the pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the fourth embodiment. It is a side view of the valve body of the pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the fourth embodiment, viewed from the X2 direction side. It is a sectional view showing an initial state of a pressure regulation valve of an oil pump device by a 5th embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the final state of the pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 26(A) is a side view of the third valve portion of the valve body in the pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the modified example of the first embodiment, viewed from the X2 direction side. FIG. 26(B) is a side view of the third valve portion of the valve body in the pressure regulating valve of the oil pump device according to the modified example of the first embodiment, viewed from the X2 direction side.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

[First embodiment]
The configuration of oil pump device 5 provided in engine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

As shown in FIG. 1, an engine 100 for a vehicle (automobile) is configured to circulate oil (engine oil) inside and supply the oil to a plurality of oil supply points 2a as each part of the engine 100. There is. Specifically, the engine 100 includes an oil pan 1, an engine body 2 including a plurality of oil supply points 2a, an oil pump 3, and a pressure regulating valve 4 (an example of a "valve" in the claims). A pump device 5 is provided.

The oil pan 1 is configured to store oil circulating within the engine 100. The oil pump 3 is configured to suck up oil in the oil pan 1 and discharge the oil in a state (compressed state) in which a predetermined oil pressure is generated. The oil pump 3 is configured to generate a predetermined hydraulic pressure in the oil sucked up from within the oil pan 1 by using the driving force of a crankshaft (not shown). Therefore, in the oil pump 3, as the engine speed increases, the predetermined oil pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 3 also increases.

The pressure regulating valve 4 is configured to distribute oil at a predetermined hydraulic pressure discharged from the oil pump 3 to oil supply points 2a of each part of the engine 100. The pressure regulating valve 4 is provided on the discharge side of the oil pump 3. Note that a detailed explanation of the pressure regulating valve 4 will be given later.

The oil distributed from the pressure regulating valve 4 is used for hydraulic drive, lubrication, cooling, etc., depending on the function of each of the plurality of oil supply points 2a. Here, the plurality of oil supply locations 2a are devices that constitute the engine 100 disposed within the engine body 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of oil supply locations 2a include a first oil supply location 21 and a second oil supply location 22.

Here, FIG. 2 describes the relationship between changes in engine speed and changes in oil pressure. In FIG. 2, the oil pressure of the oil supplied from the oil pump 3 via the pressure regulating valve 4 to the main oil gallery 21a as the first oil supply point 21 (main oil gallery side oil pressure (indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2)) is shown. It shows. In addition, in FIG. 2, the oil pressure (VVT side oil pressure (in FIG. 2, the dashed line )).

The first oil supply point 21 is a device that requires a smaller hydraulic pressure than the second oil supply point 22 when the engine rotation speed is below a predetermined rotation speed R (low rotation). Further, the first oil supply point 21 is a device that increases the required oil pressure when the engine rotation speed exceeds a predetermined rotation speed R.

Specifically, the first oil supply location 21 has the main oil gallery 21a. The main oil gallery 21a is a main flow path that supplies oil to sliding members such as a piston (not shown), a cylinder (not shown), and a crankshaft bearing (not shown). The main oil gallery 21a is a device that requires a large amount of oil for cooling and lubrication as the engine speed increases.

The second oil supply point 22 is a device that requires a higher oil pressure than the first oil supply point 21 when the engine rotation speed is below a predetermined rotation speed R (low rotation). Further, the second oil supply point 22 is a device in which the required oil pressure is suppressed (saturated) when the engine speed exceeds a predetermined speed R.

Specifically, the second oil supply location 22 has a variable valve timing mechanism (VVT 22a described above). The VVT 22a has a function of controlling the phase of a camshaft (not shown) according to the operating state using oil pressure.

Therefore, in the main oil gallery 21a, when the rotational speed R exceeds a predetermined number, the excess oil pressure generated in the VVT 22a is distributed to the main oil gallery 21a, thereby increasing the oil pressure of the oil supplied to the main oil gallery 21a.

The oil pump device 5 includes a first channel 6 (an example of an "outflow channel" in the claims) and a second channel 7 (an example of an "outflow channel" in the claims). There is. The first flow path 6 and the second flow path 7 are provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve 4. The first flow path 6 connects the pressure regulating valve 4 and the main oil gallery 21a. The second flow path 7 connects the pressure regulating valve 4 and the VVT 22a.

In this manner, in the engine 100, the oil supplied by the oil pump device 5 to the main oil gallery 21a via the first flow path 6 and to the VVT 22a via the second flow path 7 is returned to the oil pan 1. be done.

(Pressure regulating valve)
The pressure regulating valve 4 is arranged between the oil pump 3 and an oil supply point 2a to which oil from the oil pump 3 is supplied, and is configured to adjust the oil pressure of the oil supplied by the oil pump 3. . Specifically, the pressure regulating valve 4 is configured to appropriately distribute oil to the main oil gallery 21a and the VVT 22a, thereby reducing excess oil pressure generated in the main oil gallery 21a and the VVT 22a. Such a pressure regulating valve 4 is attached to the engine body 2.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the pressure regulating valve 4 includes a housing 4a, a cap 4b, a valve body 4c, an urging member 4d, and an oil outflow space 4e. The pressure regulating valve 4 is configured to discharge oil from the oil pump 3 by moving the valve body 4c against the biasing force of the biasing member 4d in the valve body storage space 41 in the housing 4a that is closed by the cap 4b. It is configured to distribute oil at a predetermined hydraulic pressure.

Here, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the moving direction of the valve body 4c in the housing 4a is the X direction, the first flow path 6 side in the X direction is the X1 direction, and the second flow path 7 side in the X direction is the X2 direction. shall be. In the pressure regulating valve 4, the direction in which the housing 4a and the engine main body 2 are adjacent is defined as the Y direction, the engine main body 2 side in the Y direction is defined as the Y1 direction, and the housing 4a side in the Y direction is defined as the Y2 direction. In the pressure regulating valve 4, the direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction is the Z direction, one of the Z directions is the Z1 direction, and the other Z direction is the Z2 direction.

The housing 4a is configured to house the valve body 4c. Specifically, a concave valve body storage space 41 recessed in the X2 direction is formed in the housing 4a. Here, the valve body storage space 41 has a slide space 41a and a hydraulic pressure supply space 41b.

The slide space 41a is configured to accommodate the valve body 4c in a slidable state in the X direction. Specifically, the slide space 41a has approximately the same size as the valve body 4c in the direction orthogonal to the X direction. Moreover, the slide space 41a is formed in a substantially circular shape, in a cross section orthogonal to the X direction, that is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of a first valve portion 142 (second valve portion 143), which will be described later, of the valve body 4c.

The oil pressure supply space 41b is configured to generate oil pressure to slide the valve body 4c housed in the slide space 41a in the X1 direction by storing oil. Specifically, the hydraulic pressure supply space 41b communicates with the second flow path 7 via a branch flow path 8 extending from the second flow path 7 connected to the VVT 22a. That is, in the hydraulic pressure supply space 41b, a hydraulic pressure corresponding to the hydraulic pressure flowing through the second flow path 7 is generated by allowing the oil supplied to the VVT 22a to flow therein.

A plurality of inlets 42 and a plurality of outlets 43 are formed in the housing 4a. The plurality of inflow ports 42 are configured so that oil from the oil pump 3 flows therein. That is, the plurality of inflow ports 42 are connected to the downstream side of the oil pump 3. The plurality of inflow ports 42 penetrate from the outer surface of the housing 4a to the slide space 41a. Here, among the plurality of inflow ports 42, the side in the X1 direction is defined as a first inflow port 42a, and the side in the X2 direction is defined as a second inflow port 42b (an example of an "inflow port" in the claims).

The plurality of outlet ports 43 are configured to supply oil to the main oil gallery 21a and the VVT 22a, respectively. The plurality of outlet ports 43 penetrate from the outer surface of the housing 4a to the slide space 41a. Here, among the plurality of outlets 43, the side in the X1 direction is referred to as a first outlet 43a (an example of an "outlet" in the claims), and the side in the X2 direction is referred to as a second outlet 43b.

A portion of the first outflow port 43a on the X1 direction side faces a portion of the first inflow port 42a on the X2 direction side. That is, the center position C1 of the first outlet 43a in the X direction is shifted by the distance M from the center position D1 of the first inlet 42a in the X direction.

The first outlet 43a is connected to the first flow path 6 and is configured to drain oil. That is, the first outflow port 43a allows the oil that has flowed in from the first inflow port 42a to flow out into the main oil gallery 21a. The second outlet 43b is connected to the second flow path 7 and configured to allow oil to flow out. That is, the second outflow port 43b allows the oil that has flowed in from the second inflow port 42b to flow out to the VVT 22a.

The first inlet 42a, the second inlet 42b, the first outlet 43a, and the second outlet 43b have substantially the same opening area.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the valve body 4c is movably provided within the housing 4a, and is configured to be moved back and forth by oil flowing in from the second inlet 42b. That is, the valve body 4c is configured to adjust the opening/closing states of the first inlet 42a, the second inlet 42b, the first outlet 43a, and the second outlet 43b. Specifically, the valve body 4c is moved to a position where the urging force from the urging member 4d in the X2 direction and the pressing force in the X1 direction from the hydraulic pressure supply space 41b are balanced, so that the valve body 4c is moved to the first inlet port. 42a, the second inlet 42b, the first outlet 43a, and the second outlet 43b are configured to be opened and closed.

Here, the valve body 4c is disposed at the position closest to the X2 direction in the slide space 41a due to the biasing force in the X2 direction from the biasing member 4d before the engine is started. After the engine is started, the valve body 4c is disposed at the position closest to the X1 direction in the slide space 41a due to the suppressed pressing force of the VVT side hydraulic pressure.

Specifically, the valve body 4c has a shaft portion 141, a first valve portion 142, a second valve portion 143, and a third valve portion 144.

The shaft portion 141 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The shaft portion 141 extends in the X direction. The shaft portion 141 is arranged at the center position of the slide space 41a in the direction orthogonal to the X direction. A first valve part 142, a third valve part 144, and a second valve part 143 are arranged on the shaft part 141 in this order from the X1 direction side. ing.

The first valve portion 142 is configured to open and close the first outflow port 43a and the first inflow port 42a. The first valve portion 142 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The first valve portion 142 is configured to increase the opening area of the first inlet 42a and the opening area of the first outlet 43a as it moves in the X1 direction. The cross-sectional size of the first valve portion 142 in the direction perpendicular to the X direction is approximately the same as the size of the slide space 41a in the direction perpendicular to the X direction. The length of the first valve portion 142 in the X direction is greater than the length of the first inlet 42a in the X direction.

The second valve portion 143 is configured to open and close the second inlet 42b and the second outlet 43b. The second valve portion 143 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The second valve portion 143 is configured to reduce the opening area of the second inlet 42b and the opening area of the second outlet 43b as it moves in the X1 direction. The cross-sectional size of the second valve portion 143 in the direction perpendicular to the X direction is approximately the same as the size of the slide space 41a in the direction perpendicular to the X direction. The length of the second valve portion 143 in the X direction is approximately the same as the length of the second inlet 42b in the X direction.

The third valve portion 144 is configured to partition a space on the first valve portion 142 side of the slide space 41a and a space on the second valve portion 143 side of the slide space 41a. That is, the third valve part 144 is arranged between the first valve part 142 and the second valve part 143. The third valve portion 144 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The third valve portion 144 reciprocates between the first outlet 43a and the second outlet 43b in the X direction. The cross-sectional size of the third valve portion 144 in the direction perpendicular to the X direction is approximately the same as the size of the slide space 41a in the direction perpendicular to the X direction. In the advancing direction (X direction) of the valve body 4c, the length of the third valve part 144 is smaller than the length of the first valve part 142 and the length of the second valve part 143.

When the valve body 4c is located closest to the X2 direction in the slide space 41a, the first valve portion 142 closes the entire first inlet 42a and closes the portion of the first outlet 43a in the X1 direction. be done. When the valve body 4c is located closest to the X2 direction in the slide space 41a, the second valve portion 143 opens the entire second inlet 42b and the entire second outlet 43b. At this time, the oil that has passed through the oil outflow space 4e flows out from the first outflow port 43a. In this way, the initial state is such that only the oil that has passed through the oil outflow space 4e flows out from the first outflow port 43a.

Furthermore, when the valve body 4c is positioned furthest in the X1 direction in the slide space 41a, the first valve portion 142 opens the entire first inlet 42a and the entire first outlet 43a. . When the valve body 4c is located closest to the X1 direction in the slide space 41a, the second valve portion 143 closes substantially all of the second inlet 42b and substantially all of the second outlet 43b. . At this time, not only the oil that has passed through the oil outflow space 4e but also the oil that has passed through the first inlet 42a flows out from the first outlet 43a. In this way, the final state is defined as a state in which the valve body 4c is located closest to the X1 direction side in the slide space 41a, and at least the oil that has passed through a portion other than the oil outflow space 4e flows out from the first outflow port 43a.

Further, the valve body 4c is located between the initial state arrangement position and the final state arrangement position, and both oils that have passed through the oil outflow space 4e and a location other than the oil outflow space 4e are transferred to the first outflow port 43a. The state that flows out from is the intermediate state.

Here, the area of the opening through which oil flows out from the first outlet 43a in the initial state is defined as an initial opening area 110 (an example of the "opening area of the outlet" in the claims). Further, a state in which the opening area of the first outlet 43a is the initial opening area 110 is defined as an initial opening state.

The biasing member 4d has a compression coil spring. The biasing member 4d has an end in the X1 direction in contact with the cap 4b, and an end in the X2 direction in contact with the first valve portion 142.

Here, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the shaft portion of the slide space 41a is surrounded by the surface of the first valve portion 142 on the X2 direction side, the surface of the third valve portion 144 on the X1 direction side, and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 4a. Oil flows into spaces other than 141. In addition, oil is not present in the space other than the shaft portion 141 surrounded by the surface of the second valve portion 143 on the X1 direction side, the surface of the third valve portion 144 on the X2 direction side, and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 4a in the slide space 41a. Inflow.

<Oil spill space>
The oil outflow space 4e of the first embodiment is provided in the valve body 4c, and is configured to allow oil to flow out toward the first outflow port 43a when the outflow port 43 is in an initial open state. In detail, the oil outflow space 4e is configured so that oil always flows out toward the first outflow port 43a, not only when the outflow port 43 is in the initial open state. That is, the oil outflow space 4e is configured to allow oil to flow out toward the first outflow port 43a regardless of the position of the valve body 4c.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the oil outflow space 4e has a groove shape. The oil outflow space 4e is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 4c along the forward and backward direction (X direction) of the valve body 4c. That is, the oil outflow space 4e is formed by recessing the third valve portion 144 from the outer peripheral surface toward the center of the third valve portion 144 when viewed from the X2 direction side. The oil outflow space 4e has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the X2 direction side. The oil outflow space 4e extends in the X direction. The oil outflow space 4e is formed by the third valve portion 144 and the housing 4a. Specifically, the oil outflow space 4e is formed by being surrounded by the outer peripheral surface of the third valve portion 144 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 4a.

In the initial state, the oil outflow space 4e is configured such that oil can flow out to the first outflow port 43a so as to satisfy the required oil pressure of the main oil gallery 21a when the first inflow port 42a is completely closed. has been done. That is, the flow passage cross-sectional area 111 of the oil outflow space 4e has a size corresponding to the required oil pressure of the main oil gallery 21a in the initial state. Note that the required oil pressure refers to the oil pressure required at the oil supply location 2a.

The oil outflow space 4e is configured to allow oil to flow out smoothly to the first outflow port 43a. That is, the first outflow port 43a is formed so as not to act as a restriction for oil flowing out from the oil outflow space 4e. Specifically, in the initial opening state, the initial opening area 110 of the first outlet 43a opened by the valve body 4c is larger than the flow passage cross-sectional area 111 of the oil outflow space 4e. Further, the flow passage cross-sectional area 111 of the oil outflow space 4e is smaller than the flow passage cross-sectional area 112 of the first flow passage 6. In addition, in the oil flow direction, the flow passage cross-sectional area of the space upstream of the oil outflow space 4e is larger than the flow passage cross-sectional area 111 of the oil outflow space 4e, and the space downstream of the oil outflow space 4e. The flow passage cross-sectional area of is larger than the flow passage cross-sectional area 111 of the oil outflow space 4e.

(Opening area characteristics)
With reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, the relationship between the change in oil pressure and the change in the opening area of the first outlet 43a and the change in the opening area of the second outlet 43b (opening area characteristics) will be described. Here, the change in oil pressure refers to the change in oil pressure at the oil supply location 2a. That is, changes in the oil pressure of the oil supplied to the main oil gallery 21a are shown by solid lines in FIG. 6 as changes in the oil pressure. Furthermore, as changes in the oil pressure, changes in the oil pressure of the oil supplied to the VVT 22a are shown in FIG. 6 by two-dot chain lines.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the pressure regulating valve 4, in the initial state, the first inlet 42a is closed by the first valve part 142, and the first outlet 43a is in the initial open state. be done. In the initial state, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the valve body 4c has not started moving in the X1 direction, so the opening area of the first inlet 42a and the initial opening area 110 of the first outlet 43a are maintained. Ru. At this time, oil that has flowed in from the second inlet 42b and passed through the oil outflow space 4e flows out from the first outflow port 43a and is supplied to the main oil gallery 21a.

Further, in the initial state, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the second inlet 42b is opened by the second valve portion 143, and the second outlet 43b is opened. In the initial state, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the valve body 4c has not started moving in the X1 direction, so the opening area of the second inlet 42b and the opening area of the second outlet 43b are maintained. At this time, oil that flows in from the second inlet 42b and flows out from the second outlet 43b is supplied to the VVT 22a.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, when the oil pressure (control pressure) rises to oil pressure P1, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the valve body 4c starts to move in the X1 direction. This state corresponds to the above-mentioned intermediate state.

In the intermediate state, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the first inlet 42a is gradually opened by the first valve portion 142, and the first outlet 43a is also gradually opened. In the intermediate state, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the valve body 4c starts moving in the X1 direction, so the opening area of the first inlet 42a and the opening area of the first outlet 43a gradually increase. At this time, the oil that has flowed into the main oil gallery 21a from the first inlet 42a and the oil that has flowed from the second inlet 42b and passed through the oil outflow space 4e flow out from the first outflow port 43a. Supplied.

In the intermediate state, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the second inlet 42b is gradually closed by the second valve portion 143, and the second outlet 43b is also gradually closed. In the intermediate state, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the valve body 4c starts to move in the X1 direction, so the opening area of the second inlet 42b and the opening area of the second outlet 43b gradually decrease. At this time, the oil that has flowed in from the second inlet 42b flows out from the second outlet 43b and is supplied to the VVT 22a.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, when the oil pressure (control pressure) increases to oil pressure P2, in the pressure regulating valve 4, movement of the valve body 4c in the X1 direction is restricted. This state corresponds to the final state described above.

In the final state, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the first inlet 42a is opened by the first valve portion 142, and the first outlet 43a is opened. In the final state, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the movement of the valve body 4c in the X1 direction is completed and restricted, so the opening area of the first inlet 42a and the opening area of the first outlet 43a are maintained. be done. At this time, the oil that has flowed into the main oil gallery 21a from the first inlet 42a and the oil that has flowed from the second inlet 42b and passed through the oil outflow space 4e flow out from the first outflow port 43a. Supplied.

In the final state, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the second inlet 42b is substantially closed by the second valve portion 143, and the second outlet 43b is also substantially closed. In the final state, in the pressure regulating valve 4, the movement of the valve body 4c in the X1 direction is completed and restricted, so the opening area of the second inlet 42b and the opening area of the second outlet 43b are maintained. be done. At this time, the oil that has flowed in from the second inlet 42b flows out from the second outlet 43b and is supplied to the VVT 22a.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the oil pump device 5 is provided with the pressure regulating valve 4 provided on the discharge side of the oil pump 3. The pressure regulating valve 4 is provided with a housing 4a in which a second inlet 42b and a first outlet 43a are formed, and a valve body 4c. The valve body 4c is provided with an oil outflow space 4e that allows oil to flow out toward the first outflow port 43a in the initial open state of the first outflow port 43a. Thereby, when the oil flows out from the first outflow port 43a, by providing the oil outflow space 4e in the valve body 4c, it is possible to suppress variations in the oil pressure of the oil flowing out from the first outflow port 43a. That is, when the oil outflow space 4e is provided in the valve body 4c, although variations occur due to tolerances in the initial position of the valve body 4c, the flow rate flowing out from the first outflow port 43a is determined by the flow path cross-sectional area of the oil outflow space 4e. Therefore, regardless of variations in the shape of the valve body 4c and the initial opening area of the first outlet 43a, the accuracy of the flow path cross-sectional area of the oil outlet space 4e can be ensured, and the first flow in the initial opening state can be adjusted. Variations in the flow rate of oil flowing out from the outlet 43a can be suppressed. Furthermore, the initial opening state of the first outflow port 43a should be set to a larger opening area than the flow path cross-sectional area of the oil outflow space 4e so that the oil flows smoothly from the oil outflow space 4e toward the first outflow port 43a. Therefore, the accuracy required for the opening area of the first outlet 43a in the initial opening state can be suppressed. Thereby, variations due to tolerances in the shape of the first outlet 43a can be suppressed. As a result, in the initial opening state of the first outlet 43a, by suppressing variations in the oil pressure of the oil flowing out from the first outlet 43a, it is possible to suppress the surplus oil pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 3. Therefore, the workload of the pump can be reduced.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the oil outflow space 4e is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 4c. Thereby, the oil outflow space 4e can be easily formed, so that the amount of work of the pump can be reduced while suppressing a major change in the structure of the pressure regulating valve 4.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, in the initial opening state, the opening area of the first outlet 43a opened by the valve body 4c is made larger than the flow path cross-sectional area 111 of the oil outflow space 4e. As a result, the flow rate of oil flowing out from the first outlet 43a can be made larger than the flow rate of oil flowing out from the oil outlet space 4e, so that oil can flow smoothly from the oil outlet space 4e to the first outlet 43a. be able to. As a result, the workload of the pump can be further reduced.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the flow passage cross-sectional area 111 of the oil outflow space 4e is made smaller than the flow passage cross-sectional area 112 of the first flow passage 6. As a result, the flow of oil from the oil outflow space 4e to the first flow path 6 is obstructed because the flow path cross-sectional area of the oil outflow space 4e becomes larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the first flow path 6. You can prevent this from happening. As a result, the oil can flow smoothly from the oil outflow space 4e to the first outflow port 43a, so that the workload of the pump can be further reduced.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the oil outflow space 4e is provided in the shape of a groove. Thereby, the oil outflow space 4e can be formed with a simple structure, so it is possible to reduce the amount of work of the pump while suppressing a significant change in the structure of the pressure regulating valve 4.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the valve body 4c includes the first valve part 142 that opens and closes the first outlet 43a, the second valve part 143 that opens and closes the second outlet 43b, and the first valve part 143 that opens and closes the second outlet 43b. A third valve part 144 is provided between the valve part 142 and the second valve part 143. The oil outflow space 4e is formed by the third valve portion 144 and the housing 4a. Thereby, by forming the oil outflow space 4e using the third valve part 144 of the pressure regulating valve 4 and the housing 4a, variations in the oil pressure of the oil flowing out from the first outflow port 43a can be reduced by using the third valve part 144 and the housing 4a. The variation can be suppressed to variations due to tolerances in the initial position of the oil outlet space 4e, the flow path cross-sectional area of the oil outflow space 4e, and the arrangement position of the first outlet 43a. Here, in order to prevent oil leakage to the outside from the gap between the valve body storage space 41 and the valve body 4c in the housing 4a that stores the valve body 4c, the valve body storage space 41 is formed with high dimensional accuracy. , the tolerance between the housing 4a and the third valve portion 144 is suppressed. As a result, excess hydraulic pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 3 can be suppressed. In addition, the pressure regulating valve 4 can distribute the hydraulic pressure discharged from the oil pump 3 according to the oil supply points 2a that require different hydraulic pressures, so that the excess hydraulic pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 3 can be distributed. Can be suppressed. As a result, excess oil pressure can be suppressed not only in the initial opening state when oil flows out from the first outlet 43a but also in states other than the initial opening state, so that the workload of the pump can be further reduced. I can do it.

[Second embodiment]
Next, the configuration of an oil pump device 205 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 17. In the second embodiment, unlike the oil pump device 5 of the first embodiment, which is equipped with a pressure regulating valve 4 that adjusts the distribution of oil supplied to a plurality of oil supply points 2a, in the second embodiment, one of the oil supply points 2a is An example of an oil pump device 205 including a relief valve 204 that lowers the oil pressure by releasing the oil pressure will be described. Note that, in the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 17, the oil pump device 205 of the second embodiment circulates oil (engine oil) inside and supplies oil to a plurality of oil supply points 2a as each part of the engine 100. It is composed of Specifically, the engine 100 includes an oil pan 1, an engine body 2 including a plurality of oil supply points 2a, an oil pump including an oil pump 203, and a relief valve 204 (an example of a "valve" in the claims). A device 205 is provided. The oil pump device 205 also includes a discharge channel 206 (an example of an "outflow channel" in the claims) connected to the relief valve 204.

Oil pump 203 includes a suction port 231, a discharge port 232, an inner rotor 233, and an outer rotor 234.

As shown in FIG. 10, the suction port 231 is configured to introduce oil into a pump chamber formed by an inner rotor 233 and an outer rotor 234. The discharge port 232 is configured to lead oil to the outside of the pump chamber.

The inner rotor 233 and the outer rotor 234 rotate and move the pump chamber to expand and contract the pump chamber, thereby producing a pump function. Therefore, as the volume of the pump chamber increases, oil flows into the pump chamber from the suction port 231. Further, as the volume of the pump chamber is reduced, oil flows out from the pump chamber to the discharge port 232. The inner rotor 233 is configured to rotate the outer rotor 234 by rotating around a rotation center axis that is eccentric with respect to the rotation center axis of the outer rotor 234.

(Relief valve)
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, relief valve 204 is configured to release oil. Specifically, the relief valve 204 is configured to be opened when the oil pressure of the oil discharged from the discharge port 232 becomes higher than a predetermined oil pressure (by becoming high pressure).

Specifically, the relief valve 204 includes a housing 204a, a relief valve 204c (an example of a "valve element" in the claims), a biasing member 204d, and an oil relief inlet 242 (an example of a "valve body" in the claims). (an example of an "inflow port"), an oil relief outflow port 243 (an example of an "outflow port" in the claims), and an oil outflow space 204e.

Here, in the relief valve 204, the moving direction (progressing direction) of the relief valve 204c within the housing 204a is the X direction, the discharge port 232 side in the X direction is the X1 direction, and the opposite direction is the X2 direction.

A portion of housing 204a is inserted into discharge port 232. The relief valve 204c is arranged in the housing 204a so as to be slidable in the X1 direction (opening direction) and the X2 direction (closing direction). The biasing member 204d biases the relief valve 204c in the X2 direction. The oil relief inlet 242 is configured to allow high-pressure oil to flow into the housing 204a from the discharge port 232. The oil relief inlet 242 is a through hole formed in the housing 204a. The oil relief outlet 243 is configured to discharge high-pressure oil that has flowed into the housing 204a to the suction port 231 via the discharge passage 206. The oil relief outlet 243 is a through hole formed in the housing 204a. The oil relief outlet 243 communicates with the discharge channel 206 . Here, the discharge flow path 206 connects the relief valve 204 and the suction port 231.

In the oil pump device 205, oil flowing out from the oil pump 203 is supplied to the main oil gallery 21a, the piston jet 223a, and the like. In the oil pump device 205, oil flowing out from the oil pump 203 to the relief valve 204 is returned to the suction port 231.

In this way, the relief valve 204 is configured to cause oil larger than a predetermined hydraulic pressure to flow out into the discharge channel 206 by being opened by the oil pressure in the discharge port 232. That is, in the relief valve 204, the oil flowing in from the discharge port 232 moves the relief valve 204c in the X1 direction, thereby opening the oil relief outlet 243 and releasing oil into the discharge channel 206. Furthermore, in the relief valve 204, when the relief valve 204c is moved in the X2 direction by the biasing member 204d, the oil relief inlet 242 is closed and the release of oil is restricted.

Here, a state in which only the oil that has passed through the oil outflow space 204e flows out from the oil relief outflow port 243 is defined as an initial state. Further, a state in which the relief valve 204c is located closest to the X1 direction and the oil that has passed through a portion other than the oil outflow space 204e at least flows out from the oil relief outflow port 243 is defined as the final state.

<Oil spill space>
The relief valve 204 of the second embodiment is configured to release oil from the oil outflow space 204e to the release channel 206 until the oil relief outflow port 243 is in the open state (valve open state). Furthermore, the relief valve 204 is configured to release oil into the release channel 206 without passing through the oil outflow space 204e in the open state. That is, the relief valve 204 can change the amount of oil released into the release channel 206 in two stages.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the relief valve 204 has an oil outflow space 204e. The oil outflow space 204e is inclined with respect to the X direction and is formed by the relief valve 204c and the housing 204a. That is, the oil outflow space 204e is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the relief valve 204c so as to be inclined with respect to the X direction. The oil outflow space 204e has a groove shape recessed toward the center of the relief valve 204c when viewed from the X2 direction side. The oil outflow space 204e is a space surrounded by the outer peripheral surface of the relief valve 204c and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 204a. Here, the flow passage cross-sectional area 211 of the oil outflow space 204e is smaller than the opening area of the oil relief inlet 242. The opening area of the oil relief outlet 243 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area 211 of the oil outflow space 204e.

In this way, the relief valve 204 is configured to be able to switch the amount of oil released from the release channel 206 in accordance with the plurality of oil supply locations 2a having different required oil pressures. Further, the amount of oil released changes by changing the length of the oil outflow space 204e. That is, by increasing the length of the oil outflow space 204e, it becomes difficult for oil to flow from the oil outflow space 204e to the release channel 206, so the amount of oil released decreases. Furthermore, by reducing the length of the oil outflow space 204e, oil flows more easily from the oil outflow space 204e to the release channel 206, so the amount of oil released increases.

(Hydraulic characteristics)
With reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, the relationship between changes in engine speed and changes in oil pressure (hydraulic characteristics (shown by solid lines in FIG. 14)) will be described. Note that the oil pressure refers to the oil pressure of oil discharged from the oil pump 203.

As shown in FIG. 14, until the engine speed is increased and the oil pressure is increased to oil pressure Q1, the relief valve 204 has not started moving in the X1 direction. It's blocked. At this time, the oil pressure increases in proportion to the engine speed.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when the oil pressure reaches oil pressure Q1 by increasing the engine speed, the relief valve 204c starts moving in the X1 direction. As a result, the relief valve 204 enters an initial state in which oil is released into the release channel 206 only through the oil outflow space 204e. As a result, the oil pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 203 is lower than in the case of the oil pump device 205 using the relief valve 204 without the oil outflow space 204e (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 14). That is, the oil pressure is gradually increased until the oil pressure reaches the oil pressure Q2 from the oil pressure Q1 by increasing the engine speed.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, when the oil pressure reaches oil pressure Q2 by increasing the engine speed, all oil relief outlets 243 are opened by the relief valve 204c. As a result, the relief valve 204 enters the final state in which oil is released into the release channel 206 without passing through the oil outflow space 204e. As a result, the oil pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 203 increases in the same way as in the case of the oil pump device 205 using a relief valve without the oil outflow space 204e (indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 14).

(Discharge characteristics)
The relationship between changes in oil pressure and the amount of oil discharged from the oil pump 203 (discharge characteristics) will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. The discharge characteristic when the engine rotation speed is the first predetermined rotation speed is shown by a dashed line. Further, the discharge characteristics when the engine rotation speed is the second predetermined rotation speed are shown by a two-dot chain line. Note that the second predetermined rotation speed is higher than the first predetermined rotation speed.

As shown in FIG. 17, until the oil pressure increases to oil pressure T1, the relief valve 204 is closed by the relief valve 204c because the relief valve 204c has not started moving in the X1 direction. At this time, the discharge amount gradually decreases as the oil pressure increases.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, when the oil pressure reaches oil pressure T1, the relief valve 204c starts moving in the X1 direction. As a result, the relief valve 204 enters an initial state in which oil is released into the release channel 206 via the oil outflow space 204e. As a result, the oil pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 203 is reduced compared to the case of the oil pump device 205 using the relief valve 204 without the oil outflow space 204e (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 17).

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the oil pressure reaches oil pressure T2, all oil relief outlets 243 are opened by the relief valve 204c. As a result, the relief valve 204 enters the final state in which oil is released into the release channel 206 without passing through the oil outflow space 204e. As a result, the oil pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 203 decreases in the same way as in the case of the oil pump device 205 using the relief valve 204 without the oil outflow space 204e (shown by a broken line in FIG. 17). .

(Effects of the second embodiment)
The effects of the second embodiment will be explained.

In the second embodiment, the relief valve 204 provided on the discharge side of the oil pump 203 is provided as described above. The relief valve 204 is provided with a housing 204a in which an oil relief inlet 242 and an oil relief outlet 243 are formed, and a relief valve 204c. The relief valve 204c is provided with an oil outflow space 204e that allows oil to flow out toward the oil relief outflow port 243 in the initial open state of the oil relief outflow port 243. As a result, not only does oil flow out from the oil relief outlet 243 opened by the movement of the relief valve 204c, but also the oil flows out from the oil outlet space 204e before the oil relief outlet 243 is opened by the movement of the relief valve 204c. The oil can flow out from the oil relief outlet 243 via the oil relief outlet 243. Therefore, by letting oil flow out from the oil relief outlet 243 opened by the movement of the relief valve 204c, the oil pressure discharged from the oil pump 203 can be adjusted to the oil pressure at the oil supply point where the required oil pressure is the largest. I can do it. Furthermore, by causing oil to flow out from the oil relief outlet 243 via the oil outflow space 204e, the oil pressure discharged from the oil pump 203 can be adjusted to the oil pressure at other oil supply locations. As a result, the surplus hydraulic pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 203 can be suppressed, so that the workload of the pump can be reduced.

Further, in the second embodiment, as described above, the oil outflow space 204e of the relief valve 204 is inclined with respect to the X direction and is formed by the relief valve 204c and the housing 204a. Accordingly, by forming the oil outflow space 204e with the relief valve 204c and the housing 204a at an angle with respect to the X direction, the length of the oil outflow space 204e can be adjusted simply by adjusting the inclination angle of the oil outflow space 204e. It can be changed. Therefore, by changing the length of the oil outflow space 204e, the resistance to the oil flowing through the oil outflow space 204e can be changed, so the amount of oil released from the relief valve 204 can be changed. As a result, the oil pressure discharged from the oil pump 203 can be easily adjusted. In addition, since the oil outflow space 204e is inclined with respect to the direction in which the outer peripheral surface of the relief valve 204c is polished, when polishing the outer peripheral surface of the relief valve 204c along the circumferential direction, the polishing tool is used in the oil outflow space 204e. It can be made less likely to get caught. Note that other effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[Third embodiment]
Next, the configuration of an oil pump device 305 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. In the third embodiment, unlike the oil pump device 5 including the pressure regulating valve 4 in which the oil outflow space 4e is provided in the valve body 4c, the oil pump device includes a pressure regulation valve 304 in which the oil outflow space 304e is provided in the housing 304a. An example of 305 will be explained. Note that, in the third embodiment, the same components as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the pressure regulating valve 304 of the third embodiment (an example of a "valve" in the claims) includes a housing 304a, a cap 4b, a valve body 304c, and a biasing member 4d. and an oil outflow space 304e.

A concave valve body storage space 41 recessed in the X2 direction is formed in the housing 304a. Here, the valve body storage space 41 has a slide space 41a and a hydraulic pressure supply space 41b.

The slide space 41a is configured to accommodate the valve body 304c in a slidable state in the X direction. The oil pressure supply space 41b is a space into which the oil in the second flow path 7 (an example of the "outflow flow path" in the claims) leading to the VVT 22a flows into the oil pressure supply space 41b. It communicates with the first flow path 6 (an example of the "outflow flow path" in the claims). In this way, in the hydraulic pressure supply space 41b, a hydraulic pressure corresponding to the hydraulic pressure flowing through the second flow path 7 is generated by allowing the oil supplied to the VVT 22a to flow therein.

The housing 304a is formed with an inlet 342 and an outlet 343 through which oil discharged from the oil pump 3 flows. The inlet 342 is configured so that oil from the oil pump 3 flows therein. The inflow port 342 penetrates from the outer surface of the housing 304a to the hydraulic pressure supply space 41b. The outlet 343 is configured to supply oil to the main oil gallery 21a. The outlet 343 penetrates from the outer surface of the housing 304a to the slide space 41a.

The valve body 304c is movably provided within the housing 304a, and is configured to be moved forward and backward by the oil that flows in from the inflow port 342. In other words, the valve body 304c is configured to adjust the opening/closing state of the outlet 343. Specifically, the valve body 304c moves to a position where the urging force in the X2 direction from the urging member 4d and the pressing force in the X1 direction from the hydraulic pressure supply space 41b are balanced, so that the valve body 304c opens the outflow port 343. The opening/closing state is configured to be adjusted.

Here, the valve body 304c is disposed at the position closest to the X2 direction in the slide space 41a due to the biasing force in the X2 direction from the biasing member 4d before the engine is started. After the engine is started, the valve body 304c is disposed at the position closest to the X1 direction in the slide space 41a due to the pressing force of the oil pressure in the oil pressure supply space 41b.

When the valve body 304c is located closest to the X2 direction side in the slide space 41a, the entire outflow port 343 is closed by the valve body 304c. When the valve body 304c is located closest to the X2 direction side in the slide space 41a, the entire outflow port 343 is opened by the valve body 304c.

Here, a state in which only the oil that has passed through the oil outflow space 304e flows out from the outflow port 343 is defined as an initial state. Further, the final state is a state in which the valve body 304c is located on the X1 direction side and at least the oil that has passed through a portion other than the oil outflow space 304e flows out from the outflow port 343.

Further, the area of the opening through which oil flows out from the outlet 343 in the initial state by the valve body 304c is an initial opening area 310 (an example of the "opening area of the outlet" in the claims). Further, a state in which the opening area of the outlet 343 is the initial opening area 310 is defined as an initial opening state.

<Oil spill space>
The oil outflow space 304e of the third embodiment is provided in the housing 304a along the X direction, and is configured to allow oil to flow out toward the outflow port 343 when the outflow port 343 is in an initial open state. Specifically, the oil outflow space 304e is configured to allow oil to flow out toward the outflow port 343 regardless of the position of the valve body 304c.

Specifically, the oil outflow space 304e has a groove shape. The oil outflow space 304e is provided on the surface of the housing 304a on the engine main body 2 side along the X direction. The oil outflow space 304e is formed by being surrounded by the outer surface of the housing 304a and the surface of the engine body 2.

(Hydraulic characteristics)
The relationship between changes in engine speed and changes in oil pressure will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. Note that FIG. 20 shows the oil pressure of the oil supplied from the oil pump 3 to the main oil gallery 21a via the pressure regulating valve 304 (main oil gallery side oil pressure (denoted by a solid line in FIG. 20)). Further, FIG. 20 shows the oil pressure of the oil supplied from the oil pump 3 to the VVT 22a via the pressure regulating valve 304 (VVT side oil pressure (denoted by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 20)).

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the engine is in an initial state while the engine speed is increased and the VVT side oil pressure is increased to oil pressure P1. At this time, in the pressure regulating valve 304, oil is supplied to the main oil gallery 21a via the oil outflow space 304e.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when the engine speed is increased and the VVT side oil pressure reaches oil pressure P2, the final state is reached. At this time, since all the outlet ports 343 are opened by the valve body 304c, the main oil gallery side oil pressure and the VVT side oil pressure increase similarly.

(Effects of the third embodiment)
The effects of the third embodiment will be explained.

In the third embodiment, as described above, the housing 304a is provided with the oil outflow space 304e that allows oil to flow out toward the outflow port 343 in the initial open state of the outflow port 343. This suppresses variations in the oil pressure of the oil flowing out from the outlet 343 in the initial opening state when the oil flows out from the outlet 343, thereby suppressing the surplus oil pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 3. As a result, the workload of the pump can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, as described above, the oil outflow space 304e is provided in the housing 304a along the X direction. Furthermore, the oil outflow space 304e is configured to allow oil to flow out toward the outflow port 343 in the initial open state of the outflow port 343. Thereby, by providing the oil outflow space 304e in the housing 304a without providing it in the valve body 304c, it is possible to suppress the complexity and enlargement of the structure of the valve body 304c. Note that other effects of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, the configuration of an oil pump device 405 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23. In the fourth embodiment, unlike the oil pump device 5 of the first embodiment, which includes the pressure regulating valve 4 provided with a first valve part 142, a second valve part 143, and a third valve part 144, a single valve body is used. An example of an oil pump device 405 including a pressure regulating valve 404 provided with a valve 404c will be described. Note that, in the fourth embodiment, the same components as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the pressure regulating valve 404 of the fourth embodiment (an example of a "valve" in the claims) includes a housing 404a, a cap 4b, a valve body 404c, and a biasing member 4d. and an oil outflow space 404e.

A concave valve body storage space 41 recessed in the X2 direction is formed in the housing 404a. Here, the valve body storage space 41 has a slide space 41a and a hydraulic pressure supply space 41b.

The slide space 41a is configured to accommodate the valve body 404c in a state where it can slide in the X direction. The oil pressure supply space 41b is a space into which oil in the second flow path 7 connected to the VVT 22a flows.The oil pressure supply space 41b is a space where the oil in the second flow path 7 connected to the VVT 22a flows. It communicates with the first flow path 6 (an example of the "outflow flow path" in the claims). In this way, in the hydraulic pressure supply space 41b, a hydraulic pressure corresponding to the hydraulic pressure flowing through the second flow path 7 is generated by allowing the oil supplied to the VVT 22a to flow therein.

The housing 404a is formed with an inlet 442 and an outlet 443 through which oil discharged from the oil pump 3 flows. The inlet 442 is configured so that oil from the oil pump 3 flows therein. The inflow port 442 penetrates from the outer surface of the housing 404a to the hydraulic pressure supply space 41b. The outlet 443 is configured to supply oil to the main oil gallery 21a. The outlet 443 penetrates from the outer surface of the housing 404a to the slide space 41a.

The valve body 404c is movably provided within the housing 404a, and is configured to be moved forward and backward by the oil that flows in from the inflow port 442. In other words, the valve body 404c is configured to adjust the opening/closing state of the outlet 443. Specifically, the valve body 404c moves to a position where the urging force in the X2 direction from the urging member 4d and the pressing force in the X1 direction from the hydraulic pressure supply space 41b are balanced, so that the valve body 404c opens the outflow port 443. The opening/closing state is configured to be adjusted.

The valve body 404c is disposed at the position closest to the X2 direction in the slide space 41a by the biasing force in the X2 direction from the biasing member 4d before the engine is started. After the engine is started, the valve body 404c is disposed at a position closest to the X1 direction in the slide space 41a due to the pressing force of the oil pressure in the oil pressure supply space 41b.

When the valve body 404c is located closest to the X2 direction in the slide space 41a, the entire outflow port 443 is closed by the valve body 404c. When the valve body 404c is located closest to the X2 direction side in the slide space 41a, the entire outflow port 443 is opened by the valve body 404c.

Here, a state in which only the oil that has passed through the oil outflow space 404e flows out from the outflow port 443 is defined as an initial state. Further, the final state is a state in which the valve body 404c is located closest to the X1 direction and at least the oil that has passed through a location other than the oil outflow space 404e flows out from the outflow port 443.

Further, the area of the opening through which oil flows out from the outlet 443 in the initial state is defined as an initial opening area 410 ("opening area of the outlet" in the claims). Further, a state in which the opening area of the outlet 443 is the initial opening area 410 is defined as an initial opening state.

<Oil spill space>
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the oil outflow space 404e of the fourth embodiment is provided in the valve body 404c along the X direction and allows oil to flow toward the outflow port 443 in the initial open state of the outflow port 443. It is configured to drain.

Specifically, the oil outflow space 404e has a groove shape. That is, the oil outflow space 404e has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the X2 direction side. The oil outflow space 404e is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 404c along the X direction. The oil outflow space 404e extends in the X direction. The oil outflow space 404e is formed by being surrounded by the outer surface of the valve body 404c and the inner surface of the housing 404a.

(Effects of the fourth embodiment)
The effects of the fourth embodiment will be explained.

In the fourth embodiment, as described above, the oil outflow space 404e is provided in the valve body 404c to allow oil to flow out toward the outflow port 443 in the initial open state of the outflow port 443. This suppresses variations in the oil pressure of the oil flowing out from the outlet 443 in the initial opening state when the oil flows out from the outlet 443, thereby suppressing the surplus oil pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 3. As a result, the workload of the pump can be reduced. Note that other effects of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, the configuration of an oil pump device 505 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. In the fifth embodiment, unlike the oil pump device 405 of the fourth embodiment, which includes a pressure regulating valve 404 in which an oil outflow space 404e is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 404c, an oil outflow space 504e is formed inside the valve body 504c. An example of an oil pump device 505 including the pressure regulating valve 504 will be described. Note that, in the fifth embodiment, the same components as in the fourth embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the pressure regulating valve 504 of the fifth embodiment (an example of a "valve" in the claims) includes a housing 404a, a cap 4b, a valve body 504c, and a biasing member 4d. and an oil outflow space 504e.

A concave valve body storage space 41 recessed in the X2 direction is formed in the housing 404a. Here, the valve body storage space 41 has a slide space 41a and a hydraulic pressure supply space 41b.

The valve body 504c is movably provided within the housing 404a, and is configured to be moved forward and backward by the oil that flows in from the inflow port 442. The valve body 504c has a reduced portion 514 having a smaller diameter than other portions. Specifically, the reduced portion 514 has a smaller length in the direction perpendicular to the X direction than the other portions.

Here, a state in which only the oil that has passed through the oil outflow space 504e flows out from the outflow port 443 is defined as an initial state. The final state is defined as a state in which the valve body 504c is located closest to the X1 direction and at least the oil that has passed through a portion other than the oil outflow space 504e flows out from the outflow port 443.

Further, the area of the opening through which oil flows out from the outlet 443 in the initial state is an initial opening area 510 (an example of the "opening area of the outlet" in the claims). Further, a state in which the opening area of the outlet 443 is the initial opening area 510 is defined as an initial opening state.

<Oil spill space>
The oil outflow space 504e of the fifth embodiment includes a first oil outflow space 541 and a second oil outflow space 542. That is, the oil outflow space 504e is formed in a substantially T-shape in a cross section along the X direction. Specifically, the first oil outflow space 541 extends from the end of the portion of the valve body 504c closer to the inlet 442 than the reduced portion 514 to the reduced portion 514. The second oil outflow space 542 passes through the reduced portion 514 from the first oil outflow space 541 in a direction perpendicular to the X direction.

In this way, the inlet 442 and the outlet 443 communicate through the first oil outflow space 541, the second oil outflow space 542, and the space between the reduced portion 514 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 404a. are doing.

(Effects of the fifth embodiment)
The effects of the fifth embodiment will be explained.

In the fifth embodiment, as described above, the oil outflow space 504e is provided in the valve body 504c to allow oil to flow out toward the outflow port 443 in the initial open state of the outflow port 43. This suppresses variations in the oil pressure of the oil flowing out from the outlet 443 in the initial opening state when the oil flows out from the outlet 443, thereby suppressing the surplus oil pressure of the oil discharged from the oil pump 3. As a result, the workload of the pump can be reduced.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, as described above, the inlet 442 and the outlet 443 are connected to the first oil outflow space 541 and the second oil outflow space 542, and the reduced portion 514 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 404a. communicate through the space between. As a result, the length of the oil flow path from the inlet 442 to the outlet 443 can be increased compared to the case where an oil outflow space is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 504c along the traveling direction of the valve body 504c. Can be done. As a result, by increasing the length of the oil outflow space 504e, the amount of oil released from the pressure regulating valve 504 can be reduced, so the amount of oil flowing out from the pressure regulating valve 504 can be controlled more precisely. Can be adjusted. Note that other effects of the fifth embodiment are similar to those of the fourth embodiment.

[Modified example]
The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all changes (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

For example, in the first embodiment, the oil outflow space 4e has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the X2 direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the oil outflow space 604e may be formed by cutting out a part of the valve body 604c as in the modification shown in FIG. The oil outflow space 704e may have a substantially circular shape when viewed from the X2 direction side.

Further, in the first embodiment, the length of the third valve part 144 in the X direction is smaller than the length of the first valve part 142 and the length of the second valve part 143, but the present invention It is not limited to this. In the present invention, the length of the third valve part may be approximately the same as the length of the first valve part and the length of the second valve part in the X direction.

Further, in the second embodiment, the oil outflow space 204e of the relief valve 204 is inclined with respect to the X direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the oil outflow space of the relief valve may be formed linearly along the X direction.

Further, in the third embodiment, the oil outflow space 304e is provided in the housing 304a along the X direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the oil outflow space may be provided in the housing so as to be inclined with respect to the X direction.

Further, in the second embodiment, an example was shown in which the oil flowing out from the oil pump 203 to the relief valve 204 is returned to the suction port 231, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, oil flowing out from the oil pump to the relief valve may be returned to the oil pan.

3, 203 Oil pump 4, 304, 404, 504 Pressure regulating valve (valve)
4a, 204a, 304a, 404a Housing 4c, 304c, 404c, 504c Valve body 4e, 204e, 304e, 404e, 504e, 604e, 704e Oil outflow space 5, 205, 305, 405, 505 Oil pump device 6 First flow path (Outflow channel)
7 Second flow path (outflow flow path)
42b Second inlet (inlet)
43a First outlet (outlet)
43b Second outlet 110 Initial opening area (opening area of the outlet)
111 Channel cross-sectional area of oil outflow space 112 Channel cross-sectional area of first flow channel 142 First valve section 143 Second valve section 144 Third valve section 204 Relief valve (valve)
204c Relief valve (valve body)
206 Discharge channel (outflow channel)
242 Oil relief inlet (inlet)
243 Oil relief outlet (outlet)
342, 442 Inlet 343, 443 Outlet

Claims (6)

An oil pump that discharges oil,
a valve provided on the discharge side of the oil pump;
an outflow channel provided downstream of the valve,
The valve is
a housing formed with an inlet through which oil from the oil pump flows; and an outlet connected to the outflow passage and through which oil flows out;
a valve body that is movably provided within the housing and moves forward and backward in response to oil flowing in from the inlet;
The valve body has an oil outflow space that allows oil to flow out toward the outflow port in an initial open state of the outflow port,
In the oil pump device, the oil outflow space is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body so as to be inclined along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the valve body with respect to the direction in which the valve body advances. The oil pump device according to claim 1 , wherein in the initial opening state, the opening area of the outlet opened by the valve body is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the oil outflow space. 3. The oil pump device according to claim 1 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the oil outflow space is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the outflow path. The oil pump device according to claim 1 , wherein the oil outflow space has a groove shape. The valve includes a pressure regulating valve that is disposed between the oil pump and an oil supply point to which oil from the oil pump is supplied, and adjusts the oil pressure of the oil supplied by the oil pump,
The outflow channel includes a first channel and a second channel provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve,
The outlet of the housing is
a first outlet connected to the first flow path and through which oil flows;
a second outlet connected to the second flow path and through which oil flows out;
The valve body is
a first valve portion that opens and closes the first outlet;
a second valve portion that opens and closes the second outlet;
a third valve part disposed between the first valve part and the second valve part,
The oil pump device according to claim 1, wherein the oil outflow space is formed by the third valve portion and the housing . The valve includes a relief valve that releases oil;
The oil pump according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the relief valve is configured to release oil from the oil outflow space to the outflow passage until the outflow port is opened. Device.

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