JP5824546B2

JP5824546B2 - Valve timing control device

Info

Publication number: JP5824546B2
Application number: JP2014068101A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 祐司野口; 智弘野澤
Original assignee: Aisin Seiki Co Ltd; Daiichi Kasei Co Ltd; Aisin Corp
Current assignee: Daiichi Kasei Co Ltd; Aisin Corp
Priority date: 2014-03-28
Filing date: 2014-03-28
Publication date: 2015-11-25
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-26
Also published as: JP2014132175A

Description

本発明は、自動車等の内燃機関の吸気弁および排気弁の開閉タイミングを、運転状態に応じて調節する弁開閉時期制御装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a valve opening / closing timing control device that adjusts the opening / closing timing of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine such as an automobile in accordance with an operating state.

従来、クランクシャフトに対して同期回転する駆動側回転体と、駆動側回転体に対して同軸上に配置され、内燃機関の弁開閉用のカムシャフトに同期回転する従動側回転体と、で流体圧室を形成し、従動側回転体に設けられた仕切部によって流体圧室を遅角室と進角室とに仕切り、遅角室及び進角室に対して作動流体を給排して、駆動側回転体に対する従動側回転体の相対回転位相を制御する弁開閉時期制御装置がある。 Conventionally, a drive-side rotator that rotates synchronously with a crankshaft, and a driven-side rotator that is arranged coaxially with the drive-side rotator and rotates synchronously with a camshaft for opening and closing a valve of an internal combustion engine, Forming a pressure chamber, partitioning the fluid pressure chamber into a retard chamber and an advance chamber by a partition provided on the driven side rotating body, supplying and discharging working fluid to and from the retard chamber and the advance chamber; There is a valve opening / closing timing control device for controlling the relative rotation phase of the driven side rotating body with respect to the driving side rotating body.

この種の弁開閉時期制御装置においては、遅角室と進角室との間での作動流体の漏洩を防止する必要があり、例えば、特許文献１に記載の弁開閉時期制御装置は、仕切部（文献では「ベーン」）のうち駆動側回転体（文献では「ハウジング」）もしくは従動側回転体（文献では「ベーン部材」）に対向する位置と、駆動側回転体もしくは従動側回転体のうち仕切部に対向する位置と、にシール部材（文献では「シール材」）を配設し、弾性変形して付勢機能を発揮する付勢部材（文献では「金属性バネ」）によって、仕切部に配設されたシール部材を仕切部の側から駆動側回転体もしくは従動側回転体の側へ付勢すると共に、駆動側回転体もしくは従動側回転体の側に配設されたシール部材を駆動側回転体もしくは従動側回転体の側から仕切部へ付勢している。 In this type of valve opening / closing timing control device, it is necessary to prevent leakage of the working fluid between the retard chamber and the advance chamber. For example, the valve opening / closing timing control device described in Patent Document 1 Portion (in the literature, “vane”), the position facing the driving side rotating body (in the literature, “housing”) or the driven side rotating body (in the literature, “vane member”), the driving side rotating body or the driven side rotating body A seal member ("Seal material" in the literature) is disposed at a position facing the partition portion, and the partition is formed by an urging member ("Metallic spring" in the literature) that is elastically deformed to exert an urging function. The seal member disposed on the drive portion is biased from the partition portion side to the drive side rotating body or the driven side rotating body, and the seal member disposed on the drive side rotating body or the driven side rotating body is provided. Partition from drive side or driven side rotary body It is urged fart.

さらに、特許文献１に記載の弁開閉時期制御装置では、シール部材に付勢部材を一体固着することにより、シール部材と付勢部材とを駆動側回転体もしくは従動側回転体に組付ける際の作業性の向上や、付勢部材の組付けし忘れ防止を図っている。シール部材と金属製バネとの一体固着としては、インサート成形や、シール部材に突起を形成し、その突起を金属性バネに形成したルーズホールに嵌合させた後に突起の先端部を熱によって潰して抜け止めを行う等する方法が挙げられている。 Furthermore, in the valve opening / closing timing control device described in Patent Document 1, the urging member is integrally fixed to the seal member so that the seal member and the urging member are assembled to the driving side rotating body or the driven side rotating body. It improves workability and prevents forgetting to install the biasing member. The seal member and the metal spring can be integrally fixed by insert molding or by forming a protrusion on the seal member and fitting the protrusion into a loose hole formed on the metal spring, and then crushing the tip of the protrusion with heat. For example, there is a method of preventing the removal.

また、特許文献２にも同様の技術が開示されている。特許文献２に記載の弁開閉時期制御装置では、シール部材と付勢部材とを合成樹脂によって一体として射出成形してある。さらに、合成樹脂の材料として、ポリフェニレンサルファイド樹脂、炭素繊維、及びポリテトラフルオロエチレンを適用することにより、シール部材の耐油性の向上、付勢部材の付勢力向上、及び、シール部材の摩擦係数低減を実現できるとしている。 Patent Document 2 also discloses a similar technique. In the valve opening / closing timing control device described in Patent Document 2, the seal member and the biasing member are injection-molded integrally with a synthetic resin. Furthermore, by applying polyphenylene sulfide resin, carbon fiber, and polytetrafluoroethylene as the synthetic resin material, the oil resistance of the sealing member is improved, the urging force of the urging member is improved, and the friction coefficient of the sealing member is reduced. Can be realized.

特開２０００−２６５８１５号公報JP 2000-265815 A 特開２０００−２６５８１４号公報JP 2000-265814 A

しかしながら、特許文献１の技術において、インサート成形を行う場合、単にシール部材のみを射出成形するのと比較して、設備が大掛かりとなる上、金属製バネの材質が熱に強いものに限定される等の不利な点がある。特許文献１の技術において、シール部材に金属製バネをセットした後に突起に対して熱処理を行う場合、シール部材のうち突起周辺部分が熱焼けして脆くなったり、熱溶解した突起の樹脂がルーズホールを塞ぎ込んでしまい、ルーズホールが機能しなくなったりする可能性もある。また、熱処理工程と冷却工程が必要であるため、製造時間が延長されてしまう虞もある。 However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, when insert molding is performed, the equipment becomes large compared to simply injection molding only the seal member, and the material of the metal spring is limited to heat resistant material. There are disadvantages such as. In the technique of Patent Document 1, when a heat treatment is performed on the protrusion after setting a metal spring on the seal member, the peripheral portion of the protrusion of the seal member becomes hot and brittle, or the resin of the heat-dissolved protrusion is loose. There is a possibility that the hole will be blocked and the loose hole will not function. Moreover, since a heat treatment process and a cooling process are required, there is a possibility that the manufacturing time is extended.

また、特許文献２の技術であると、付勢部材が樹脂製であるため、金属製バネと比較して耐久性に劣る可能性がある。さらに、特許文献２の技術においては、シール部材と付勢部材との取り合い部分の仕上がり精度や、付勢部材のうち付勢力を発揮する部分の厚みの精度が重要であると考えられるが、自動車用の内燃機関における弁開閉時期制御装置のシール部材の製品寸法を鑑みると、シール部材と付勢部材の製品寸法は上記精度を達成するには小さいものである。よって、製造管理において過度の負担を強いられる虞もある。 Moreover, since it is the technique of patent document 2, since a biasing member is resin, it may be inferior to durability compared with a metal spring. Furthermore, in the technique of Patent Document 2, it is considered that the finishing accuracy of the portion where the sealing member and the biasing member are engaged and the thickness accuracy of the portion of the biasing member that exerts the biasing force are important. In view of the product size of the seal member of the valve opening / closing timing control device for the internal combustion engine for use, the product size of the seal member and the biasing member is small to achieve the above accuracy. Therefore, there is a possibility that an excessive burden is imposed on the production management.

本発明の目的は、遅角室と進角室との間での作動流体の漏洩を防止するシール部材及びシール部材を付勢する付勢部材の製造がしやすく、シール部材への付勢部材の組付けが迅速、簡易かつ確実な弁開閉時期制御装置を提供することにある。 An object of the present invention is to easily manufacture a sealing member that prevents leakage of a working fluid between a retard chamber and an advance chamber, and a biasing member that biases the seal member. Is to provide a valve opening / closing timing control device that is quick, simple and reliable.

本発明に係る弁開閉時期制御装置の第一特徴構成は、クランクシャフトに対して同期回転する駆動側回転体と、駆動側回転体に対して同軸上に配置され、内燃機関の弁開閉用のカムシャフトに同期回転する従動側回転体と、前記駆動側回転体と前記従動側回転体とで形成された流体圧室を遅角室と進角室とに仕切るよう前記駆動側回転体及び前記従動側回転体の少なくとも一方に設けられた仕切部と、前記仕切部のうち前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体に対向する位置、または、前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体のうち前記仕切部に対向する位置に配設されて、前記駆動側回転体と前記従動側回転体との相対回転に基づく前記遅角室と前記進角室との間での作動流体の漏洩を防止するシール部材と、弾性変形に基づく付勢力によって、自身を前記シール部材に係止すると共に、前記シール部材を前記仕切部の側から前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体の側へ、または、前記シール部材を前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体の側から前記仕切部の側へ付勢する付勢部材と、を備え、前記付勢部は、前記シール部材を前記仕切部の側から前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体の側へ、または、前記シール部材を前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体の側から前記仕切部の側へ付勢する第一付勢部と、自身の弾性変形に基づく付勢力によって自身を前記シール部材に係止する第二付勢部とを有し、前記シール部材に凸部を形成し、前記凸部は平行な２面を有し、前記第二付勢部は前記平行な２面に当接する部分を有し、前記第二付勢部は前記当接する部分で自身の弾性変形に基づく付勢力を発揮して前記平行な２面を挟持することにより前記付勢部材を前記シール部材に対して係止させ、前記第一付勢部が変形して付勢力を発揮した状態において、前記第二付勢部は前記凸部の前記平行な２面に当接した状態を維持する点にある。 A first characteristic configuration of a valve opening / closing timing control device according to the present invention is a drive-side rotator that rotates synchronously with a crankshaft, and is arranged coaxially with respect to the drive-side rotator, and is used for opening and closing a valve of an internal combustion engine. The drive-side rotator and the driven-side rotator that rotate synchronously with the camshaft, and the hydraulic chamber formed by the drive-side rotator and the driven-side rotator are divided into a retard chamber and an advance chamber, and A partition provided on at least one of the driven-side rotator, and a position of the partition facing the drive-side rotator or the driven-side rotator, or the drive-side rotator or the driven-side rotator Among them, the working fluid is disposed between the retarding chamber and the advance chamber based on the relative rotation of the driving side rotating body and the driven side rotating body. Sealing member to prevent and attachment based on elastic deformation While locking itself to the sealing member by force, the sealing member is moved from the partitioning portion side to the driving side rotating body or the driven side rotating body, or the sealing member is driven to the driving side rotating body. Or an urging member that urges the driven-side rotating body from the driven-side rotating body side to the partitioning section side, and the urging section moves the seal member from the partitioning-part side to the driving-side rotating body or the driven body. A first urging portion for urging the seal member toward the side rotator or the drive-side rotator or the driven-side rotator toward the partition portion; A second urging portion for locking itself to the seal member by a force, forming a convex portion on the seal member, the convex portion having two parallel surfaces, and the second urging portion is The second urging portion has a portion that abuts against the two parallel surfaces. The urging member is engaged with the seal member by exerting an urging force based on its own elastic deformation at the abutting portion to sandwich the two parallel surfaces, and the first urging portion is deformed. Then, in the state where the urging force is exerted, the second urging portion is in a state of maintaining a state where it abuts against the two parallel surfaces of the convex portion.

本構成によると、シール部材と付勢部材とは別々な部材であり、製造がし易い。また、シール部材に付勢部材を組付ける際には、付勢部材を弾性変形させて、その弾性変形に基づく付勢力により、シール部材に付勢部材を係止させる。即ち、付勢部材は、作動流体の漏洩を防止するようシール部材を付勢する付勢力と、シール部材への自身の係止のための付勢力と、を有する。これにより、特別な加工、例えば、インサート成形や熱処理等を行うことなく、シール部材に付勢部材を迅速、簡易かつ確実に組付けることができる。 According to this configuration, the seal member and the urging member are separate members and are easy to manufacture. Further, when the urging member is assembled to the seal member, the urging member is elastically deformed, and the urging member is locked to the seal member by an urging force based on the elastic deformation. That is, the urging member has an urging force for urging the seal member to prevent leakage of the working fluid, and an urging force for locking itself to the seal member. Accordingly, the urging member can be quickly and easily and reliably assembled to the seal member without performing special processing such as insert molding or heat treatment.

本構成によると、付勢部材は、凸部を挟み込むことでシール部材に係止する。例えば、付勢部材のうち二箇所の部位の幅を凸部の幅よりも狭く形成すれば、付勢部材を凸部の所定位置まで押し込むことにより、付勢部材は弾性変形する。即ち、付勢部材の弾性変形に基づいて付勢力が発生して、付勢部材は凸部を挟持する。この結果、付勢部材はシール部材に係止する。このように、シール部材への付勢部材の組付けが迅速かつ簡易となる。なお、シール部材に対する付勢部材の係止は、一箇所の凸部に対して付勢部材が一箇所だけ係止する構成であっても、一箇所の凸部に対して付勢部材が複数箇所で係止する構成であっても、複数箇所の凸部に対して付勢部材が複数箇所で係止する構成であっても良い。 According to this configuration, the urging member is locked to the seal member by sandwiching the convex portion. For example, if the width of two portions of the biasing member is formed to be narrower than the width of the convex portion, the biasing member is elastically deformed by pushing the biasing member to a predetermined position of the convex portion. That is, an urging force is generated based on the elastic deformation of the urging member, and the urging member sandwiches the convex portion. As a result, the urging member is locked to the seal member. Thus, the assembly of the urging member to the seal member is quick and simple. In addition, even if the urging member is locked with respect to the seal member, even if the urging member is locked to only one place with respect to one protrusion, a plurality of the urging members are provided with respect to one protrusion. Even if it is the structure latched in the location, the structure which a biasing member latches in multiple locations with respect to the convex part of multiple locations may be sufficient.

本発明に係る弁開閉時期制御装置の第二特徴構成は、前記シール部材の二箇所に凸部を形成し、前記付勢部材を、前記付勢部材のうち二箇所の部位が夫々各別に二箇所の前記凸部に係止する状態で弾性変形に基づく付勢力によって二箇所の前記凸部を挟持して前記シール部材に係止するよう構成した点にある。 According to the second characteristic configuration of the valve timing control device of the present invention, convex portions are formed at two locations of the seal member, and the urging member is divided into two portions of the urging member. In the state of being engaged with the convex portions at the locations, the convex portions at the two locations are sandwiched by the urging force based on elastic deformation to be engaged with the seal member.

本構成によると、付勢部材は、二箇所の凸部を大きく外側から一気に挟み込むことでシール部材に係止する。例えば、付勢部材の幅を二箇所の凸部の外側面同士の距離よりも狭く形成すれば、付勢部材を凸部の所定位置まで押し込むことにより、付勢部材は弾性変形する。即ち、弾性変形に基づいて付勢力が発生して、付勢部材は凸部を挟持する。この結果、付勢部材はシール部材に係止する。このように、シール部材への付勢部材の組付けが迅速かつ簡易となる。また、付勢部材の形状及び大きさに応じて二箇所の凸部の離間距離を調整するだけで、付勢部材をシール部材に対してバランスよく配設することができる。即ち、シール部材に対して付勢部材が安定する。なお、二箇所の凸部に対する付勢部材の二箇所の部位の係止は、一箇所であっても、複数箇所であっても良い。 According to this configuration, the urging member is locked to the seal member by sandwiching two convex portions at a stretch from the outside. For example, when the width of the biasing member is formed to be narrower than the distance between the outer surfaces of the two convex portions, the biasing member is elastically deformed by pushing the biasing member to a predetermined position of the convex portion. That is, an urging force is generated based on the elastic deformation, and the urging member holds the convex portion. As a result, the urging member is locked to the seal member. Thus, the assembly of the urging member to the seal member is quick and simple. Further, the urging member can be disposed in a balanced manner with respect to the seal member only by adjusting the distance between the two convex portions according to the shape and size of the urging member. That is, the biasing member is stabilized with respect to the seal member. Note that the two portions of the urging member with respect to the two convex portions may be locked at one location or at multiple locations.

本発明に係る弁開閉時期制御装置の第三特徴構成は、前記付勢部材を線バネで構成した点にある。 A third characteristic configuration of the valve timing control apparatus according to the present invention is that the urging member is constituted by a wire spring.

線バネは、略円形の断面形状であるため、その断面二次モーメントはどの方向に対しても略同じ値である。本構成のごとく、付勢部材を線バネで構成すると、どの方向にも自在に曲げ加工を行うことができ、付勢部材の形状の選択の幅が広がる。よって、シール部材の形状が複雑になっても対応が可能である。また、線バネを幾重かにすることで、既存の材料を使って、付勢力の大きさを変更することが容易である。さらに、シール部材に係止する部分の付勢力は小さくし、シール部材を付勢する部分の付勢力は大きくする、といった付勢力の部分的な調整も容易である。 Since the wire spring has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional secondary moment has substantially the same value in any direction. If the urging member is configured by a wire spring as in this configuration, bending can be performed freely in any direction, and the range of selection of the shape of the urging member is expanded. Therefore, even if the shape of the seal member becomes complicated, it is possible to cope with it. In addition, by making the wire springs several layers, it is easy to change the magnitude of the urging force using an existing material. Further, partial adjustment of the urging force is easy, such as reducing the urging force of the portion engaged with the seal member and increasing the urging force of the portion urging the seal member.

本発明に係る弁開閉時期制御装置の第四特徴構成は、前記付勢部材を板バネで構成した点にある。 A fourth characteristic configuration of the valve opening / closing timing control device according to the present invention is that the urging member is configured by a leaf spring.

板バネは、略矩形の断面形状であるため、その厚みや幅によって付勢力の調整がしやすい。本構成のごとく、付勢部材を板バネで構成すると、付勢部材の形状に制限がある中で、シール部材を付勢する付勢力を大きくする必要がある場合等において、付勢部材の形状を複雑にすることなく付勢力の調整が容易である。 Since the leaf spring has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, it is easy to adjust the urging force depending on its thickness and width. If the urging member is configured with a leaf spring as in this configuration, the shape of the urging member is required when the urging force for urging the seal member needs to be increased while the shape of the urging member is limited. It is easy to adjust the urging force without complicating.

本発明に係る弁開閉時期制御装置の第五特徴構成は、前記付勢部材が前記シール部材と前記仕切部とに挟まれて塑性変形しないよう、前記付勢部材の弾性変形範囲を規制する規制部を前記シール部材と前記仕切部とに亘って備えた点にある。 A fifth characteristic configuration of the valve timing control device according to the present invention is a restriction that regulates an elastic deformation range of the urging member so that the urging member is not plastically deformed by being sandwiched between the seal member and the partition portion. A portion is provided over the seal member and the partition portion.

弁開閉時期制御装置を組立てる際は、付勢部材を仕切部の側に向けつつシール部材を仕切部に押付けて組付けることとなるが、その押付け力が大きすぎると、付勢部材の変形が降伏点を越えてしまい、付勢部材が塑性変形する虞がある。この場合、付勢部材は、シール部材を付勢するのに必要な付勢力を失ってしまうこととなる。本構成であると、付勢部材の弾性変形範囲が規制されているため、付勢部材がシール部材と仕切部とに挟まれて塑性変形することがない。よって、付勢部材の付勢力のうちシール部材を付勢するのに必要な適正な付勢力を失わせることなく、弁開閉時期制御装置を組立てることができる。 When assembling the valve opening / closing timing control device, the sealing member is pressed against the partitioning portion while the biasing member is directed toward the partitioning portion, and if the pressing force is too large, the biasing member is deformed. The yield point may be exceeded, and the biasing member may be plastically deformed. In this case, the biasing member loses the biasing force necessary to bias the seal member. With this configuration, since the elastic deformation range of the urging member is regulated, the urging member is not plastically deformed by being sandwiched between the seal member and the partition portion. Therefore, the valve opening / closing timing control device can be assembled without losing an appropriate biasing force necessary for biasing the seal member among the biasing force of the biasing member.

本発明に係る弁開閉時期制御装置の第六特徴構成は、前記付勢部材が前記シール部材と前記仕切部が対向する前記駆動側回転体または前記従動側回転体とに挟まれて塑性変形しないよう、前記付勢部材の弾性変形範囲を規制する規制部を前記シール部材と前記仕切部が対向する前記駆動側回転体または前記従動側回転体とに亘って備えた点にある。 According to a sixth characteristic configuration of the valve opening / closing timing control device according to the present invention, the biasing member is sandwiched between the driving-side rotating body or the driven-side rotating body facing the seal member and the partition portion, and does not undergo plastic deformation. As described above, a restriction portion for restricting the elastic deformation range of the biasing member is provided over the driving-side rotating body or the driven-side rotating body facing the seal member and the partitioning portion.

弁開閉時期制御装置を組立てる際は、付勢部材を駆動側回転体または従動側回転体の側に向けつつシール部材を駆動側回転体または従動側回転体に押付けて組付けることとなるが、その押付け力が大きすぎると、付勢部材の変形が降伏点を越えてしまい、付勢部材が塑性変形する虞がある。この場合、付勢部材は、シール部材を付勢するのに必要な付勢力を失ってしまうこととなる。本構成であると、付勢部材の弾性変形範囲が規制されているため、付勢部材がシール部材と仕切部とに挟まれて塑性変形することがない。よって、付勢部材の付勢力のうちシール部材を付勢するのに必要な適正な付勢力を失わせることなく、弁開閉時期制御装置を組立てることができる。 When assembling the valve opening and closing timing control device, the sealing member is pressed against the driving side rotating body or the driven side rotating body while the biasing member is directed toward the driving side rotating body or the driven side rotating body. If the pressing force is too large, the biasing member may be deformed beyond the yield point, and the biasing member may be plastically deformed. In this case, the biasing member loses the biasing force necessary to bias the seal member. With this configuration, since the elastic deformation range of the urging member is regulated, the urging member is not plastically deformed by being sandwiched between the seal member and the partition portion. Therefore, the valve opening / closing timing control device can be assembled without losing an appropriate biasing force necessary for biasing the seal member among the biasing force of the biasing member.

本発明に係る弁開閉時期制御装置の全体構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the valve timing control apparatus which concerns on this invention. 図１のＩＩ-ＩＩ断面図であって、ロック状態のときの弁開閉時期制御装置の断面図である。It is II-II sectional drawing of FIG. 1, Comprising: It is sectional drawing of the valve timing control apparatus at the time of a locked state. 内部ロータ側の仕切部周辺の拡大断面図である。It is an expanded sectional view of the partition part periphery by the side of an internal rotor. 図３のＩＶ-ＩＶ断面図である。It is IV-IV sectional drawing of FIG. 本発明に係るシール部材及び線バネを示す図であって、（ａ）は組付け時の斜視図、（ｂ）は組付け後の横断面図である。It is a figure which shows the sealing member and wire spring which concern on this invention, Comprising: (a) is a perspective view at the time of an assembly | attachment, (b) is a cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment. 第一別実施形態に係るシール部材及び線バネを示す図であって、（ａ）は分解斜視図、（ｂ）は組付け後の横断面図である。It is a figure which shows the sealing member and wire spring which concern on 1st another embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a disassembled perspective view, (b) is a cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment. 第二別実施形態に係るシール部材及び線バネを示す図であって、（ａ）は分解斜視図、（ｂ）は組付け後の横断面図、（ｃ）は組付け後の縦断面図である。It is a figure which shows the sealing member and wire spring which concern on 2nd another embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a disassembled perspective view, (b) is a cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment, (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment. It is. 第三別実施形態に係るシール部材及び線バネを示す図であって、（ａ）は分解斜視図、（ｂ）は組付け後の横断面図、（ｃ）は組付け後の縦断面図である。It is a figure which shows the sealing member and wire spring which concern on 3rd another embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a disassembled perspective view, (b) is a cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment, (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment. It is. 第四別実施形態に係るシール部材及び線バネを示す図であって、（ａ）は分解斜視図、（ｂ）は組付け後の横断面図、（ｃ）は組付け後の縦断面図である。It is a figure which shows the sealing member and wire spring which concern on 4th another embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a disassembled perspective view, (b) is a cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment, (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment. It is. 第五別実施形態に係るシール部材及び線バネを示す図であって、（ａ）は分解斜視図、（ｂ）は組付け後の横断面図、（ｃ）は組付け後の縦断面図である。It is a figure which shows the sealing member and wire spring which concern on 5th another embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a disassembled perspective view, (b) is a cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment, (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment. It is. 第六別実施形態に係るシール部材及び板バネを示す図であって、（ａ）は分解斜視図、（ｂ）は組付け後の横断面図、（ｃ）は組付け後の縦断面図である。It is a figure which shows the sealing member and leaf | plate spring which concern on 6th another embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a disassembled perspective view, (b) is a cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment, (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment. It is. 第七別実施形態に係るシール部材及び板バネを示す図であって、（ａ）は分解斜視図、（ｂ）は組付け後の横断面図、（ｃ）は組付け後の縦断面図である。It is a figure which shows the sealing member and leaf | plate spring which concern on 7th another embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a disassembled perspective view, (b) is a cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment, (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment. It is. 第八別実施形態に係るシール部材及び板バネを示す図であって、（ａ）は分解斜視図、（ｂ）は組付け後の横断面図、（ｃ）は組付け後の縦断面図である。It is a figure which shows the sealing member and leaf | plate spring which concern on 8th another embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a disassembled perspective view, (b) is a cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment, (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment. It is. 第九別実施形態に係るシール部材及び板バネを示す図であって、（ａ）は分解斜視図、（ｂ）は組付け後の横断面図、（ｃ）は組付け後の縦断面図である。It is a figure which shows the sealing member and leaf | plate spring which concern on 9th another embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a disassembled perspective view, (b) is a cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment, (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment. It is. 第十別実施形態に係るシール部材及び板バネを示す図であって、（ａ）は分解斜視図、（ｂ）は組付け後の横断面図、（ｃ）は組付け後の縦断面図である。It is a figure which shows the sealing member and leaf | plate spring which concern on 10th another embodiment, Comprising: (a) is a disassembled perspective view, (b) is a cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment, (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after an assembly | attachment. It is.

以下に、自動車用エンジンにおける吸気弁側の弁開閉時期制御装置として本発明を適応した実施形態について、図１乃至図５に基づいて説明する。本実施形態においては、自動車用エンジンが「内燃機関」に相当する。 Hereinafter, an embodiment to which the present invention is applied as a valve opening / closing timing control device on an intake valve side in an automobile engine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In the present embodiment, the automobile engine corresponds to an “internal combustion engine”.

〔全体構成〕
この弁開閉時期制御装置は、図１に示すごとく、不図示のエンジンのクランクシャフトに対して同期回転する「駆動側回転体」としてのハウジング１と、ハウジング１に対して同軸上に配置され、カムシャフト１０１と同期回転する「従動側回転体」としての内部ロータ２とを備えている。カムシャフト１０１は、エンジンの吸気弁の開閉を制御する不図示のカムの回転軸である。なお、カムシャフト１０１は、不図示のエンジンのシリンダヘッドに回転自在に組み付けられている。〔overall structure〕
As shown in FIG. 1, this valve opening / closing timing control device is arranged coaxially with respect to the housing 1 as a “drive side rotating body” that rotates synchronously with a crankshaft of an engine (not shown), An internal rotor 2 as a “driven rotor” that rotates in synchronization with the camshaft 101 is provided. The camshaft 101 is a rotating shaft of a cam (not shown) that controls opening and closing of the intake valve of the engine. The camshaft 101 is rotatably assembled to a cylinder head of an engine (not shown).

〔内部ロータ及びハウジング〕
内部ロータ２は、図１に示すごとく、カムシャフト１０１の先端部に一体的に組付けられている。ハウジング１は、カムシャフト１０１が接続される側とは反対側のフロントプレート１１と、タイミングスプロケット１５を一体的に備えた外部ロータ１２と、カムシャフト１０１が接続される側のリアプレート１３と、を備えている。 [Internal rotor and housing]
As shown in FIG. 1, the internal rotor 2 is assembled integrally with the tip of the camshaft 101. The housing 1 includes a front plate 11 on the side opposite to the side to which the camshaft 101 is connected, an external rotor 12 integrally provided with a timing sprocket 15, a rear plate 13 on the side to which the camshaft 101 is connected, It has.

クランクシャフトが回転駆動すると、動力伝達部材１０２を介してタイミングスプロケット１５にその回転駆動力が伝達され、ハウジング１が図２に示す回転方向Ｓに回転駆動する。ハウジング１の回転駆動に伴い、内部ロータ２が回転方向Ｓに回転駆動してカムシャフト１０１が回転し、カムシャフト１０１に設けられたカムがエンジンの吸気弁を押し下げて開弁させる。 When the crankshaft is rotationally driven, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the timing sprocket 15 via the power transmission member 102, and the housing 1 is rotationally driven in the rotational direction S shown in FIG. As the housing 1 rotates, the internal rotor 2 rotates in the rotational direction S to rotate the camshaft 101, and the cam provided on the camshaft 101 pushes down the intake valve of the engine to open it.

図２に示すごとく、外部ロータ１２に、径内方向に突出する複数個の突出部１４を回転方向Ｓに沿って互いに離間させて形成することにより、外部ロータ１２と内部ロータ２とによって流体圧室４を形成してある。突出部１４は、内部ロータ２の外周面２ａに対するシューとしても機能する。外周面２ａのうち流体圧室４に面する部分に、突出部２１を形成してある。流体圧室４は、突出部２１によって、回転方向Ｓに沿って進角室４１と遅角室４２とに仕切られている。即ち、突出部２１が、本発明の「仕切部」に相当する。流体圧室４を進角室４１と遅角室４２とに仕切るという点で、突出部１４も本発明の「仕切部」に相当する。なお、本実施形態においては、流体圧室４が四箇所となるよう構成してあるが、これに限られるものではない。 As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of projecting portions 14 projecting in the radially inward direction are formed on the outer rotor 12 so as to be spaced apart from each other along the rotational direction S, thereby allowing fluid pressure between the outer rotor 12 and the inner rotor 2. A chamber 4 is formed. The protruding portion 14 also functions as a shoe for the outer peripheral surface 2 a of the inner rotor 2. A protruding portion 21 is formed on a portion of the outer peripheral surface 2 a facing the fluid pressure chamber 4. The fluid pressure chamber 4 is divided into an advance chamber 41 and a retard chamber 42 along the rotation direction S by the protrusion 21. That is, the protruding portion 21 corresponds to a “partition portion” of the present invention. The protruding portion 14 corresponds to the “partition portion” of the present invention in that the fluid pressure chamber 4 is partitioned into the advance chamber 41 and the retard chamber 42. In the present embodiment, the fluid pressure chamber 4 is configured to have four locations, but is not limited thereto.

図１，図２に示すごとく、各進角室４１と後述する流体制御弁５３の所定のポートとを接続する進角通路４３を内部ロータ２及びカムシャフト１０１に形成してある。また、各遅角室４２と流体制御弁５３の所定のポートとを接続する遅角通路４４を内部ロータ２及びカムシャフト１０１に形成してある。流体制御弁５３を制御し、進角通路４３及び遅角通路４４を介して進角室４１及び遅角室４２に作動流体を供給、排出、またはその給排を遮断して、ベーン２２にその作動流体の流体圧力を作用させる。このようにして、相対回転位相を進角方向または遅角方向へ変位させ、或いは、任意の位相に保持する。進角方向とは、進角室４１の容積が大きくなる方向であり、図２に矢印Ｓ１で示してある。遅角方向Ｓ２とは、遅角室４２の容積が大きくなる方向であり、図２に矢印Ｓ２で示してある。なお、遅角室４２の容積が最大となったときの相対回転位相が最遅角位相であり、進角室４１の容積が最大となったときの相対回転位相が最進角位相である。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an advance passage 43 that connects each advance chamber 41 and a predetermined port of a fluid control valve 53 described later is formed in the internal rotor 2 and the camshaft 101. Further, a retard passage 44 for connecting each retard chamber 42 to a predetermined port of the fluid control valve 53 is formed in the internal rotor 2 and the camshaft 101. The fluid control valve 53 is controlled, and the working fluid is supplied to the advance chamber 41 and the retard chamber 42 through the advance passage 43 and the retard passage 44, and the supply or exhaust thereof is shut off. The fluid pressure of the working fluid is applied. In this way, the relative rotational phase is displaced in the advance angle direction or the retard angle direction, or held at an arbitrary phase. The advance direction is a direction in which the volume of the advance chamber 41 is increased, and is indicated by an arrow S1 in FIG. The retarding direction S2 is a direction in which the volume of the retarding chamber 42 increases, and is indicated by an arrow S2 in FIG. The relative rotation phase when the volume of the retard chamber 42 is maximized is the most retarded phase, and the relative rotation phase when the volume of the advance chamber 41 is maximized is the most advanced angle phase.

〔ロック機構〕
弁開閉時期制御装置は、ハウジング１に対する内部ロータ２の相対回転移動を拘束することにより、ハウジング１に対する内部ロータ２の相対回転位相を最遅角位相と最進角位相との間の所定位相（以下、「ロック位相」と称する）に拘束可能なロック機構６を備えている。エンジンの始動直後において作動流体の流体圧力が安定しない状況において、相対回転位相をロック位相に拘束することによって、クランクシャフトの回転位相に対するカムシャフト１０１の回転位相を適正に維持し、エンジンの安定的な回転を現出することができる。例えば、ロック位相を、不図示の吸気弁と排気弁との開弁時期が一部重複する位相とすると、エンジン始動時の炭化水素（ＨＣ）の低減が図られ、低エミッションのエンジンとすることができる。 [Lock mechanism]
The valve opening / closing timing control device restricts the relative rotational movement of the inner rotor 2 with respect to the housing 1, thereby changing the relative rotational phase of the inner rotor 2 with respect to the housing 1 to a predetermined phase between the most retarded phase and the most advanced angle phase ( Hereinafter, a lock mechanism 6 that can be restrained to “lock phase”) is provided. In a situation where the fluid pressure of the working fluid is not stable immediately after the engine is started, the rotational phase of the camshaft 101 is properly maintained with respect to the rotational phase of the crankshaft by restricting the relative rotational phase to the lock phase, and the engine is stable. Can make a big turn. For example, if the lock phase is a phase in which the valve opening timings of the intake valve and exhaust valve (not shown) partially overlap, hydrocarbon (HC) at the time of engine start can be reduced, and the engine should be low emission. Can do.

ロック機構６は、図１，図２に示すごとく、第一ロック部６Ａ及び第二ロック部６Ｂ、内部ロータ２の外周面２ａに形成されたロック溝６２と、ロック溝６２と後述する流体切換弁５４の所定のポートとを接続するロック通路６１と、を備えている。第一ロック部６Ａ、及び第二ロック部ロ６Ｂは、外部ロータ１２に形成された収容部６３と、収容部６３の形状に沿って径方向に出退可能なロック部材６４と、ロック部材６４をロック溝６２の側に付勢するスプリング６５と、を夫々備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lock mechanism 6 includes a first lock portion 6 A, a second lock portion 6 B, a lock groove 62 formed on the outer peripheral surface 2 a of the internal rotor 2, a lock groove 62, and a fluid switching described later. And a lock passage 61 that connects a predetermined port of the valve 54. The first lock portion 6 A and the second lock portion B 6 B include a storage portion 63 formed in the external rotor 12, a lock member 64 that can be withdrawn and retracted in the radial direction along the shape of the storage portion 63, and the lock member 64. And a spring 65 urging the lock groove 62 toward the lock groove 62.

図２に示すごとく、両ロック部６Ａ，６Ｂのロック部材６４がロック溝６２に係入すると、内部ロータ２の相対回転移動が拘束されて、相対回転位相がロック位相に拘束される。流体切換弁５４を制御して、ロック溝６２に作動流体を供給すると、図示はしないが、両ロック部６Ａ，６Ｂのロック部材６４がロック溝６２から収容部６３の側へ引退し、相対回転位相の拘束は解除される。その後は、内部ロータ２はハウジング１に対して相対回転移動でき、運転状態に応じた相対回転位相を現出できる。 As shown in FIG. 2, when the lock members 64 of both the lock portions 6A and 6B are engaged with the lock grooves 62, the relative rotational movement of the inner rotor 2 is constrained, and the relative rotational phase is constrained to the lock phase. When the working fluid is supplied to the lock groove 62 by controlling the fluid switching valve 54, although not shown, the lock members 64 of both the lock portions 6A and 6B are retracted from the lock groove 62 toward the accommodating portion 63, and are rotated relative to each other. The phase constraint is released. Thereafter, the internal rotor 2 can move relative to the housing 1 and can exhibit a relative rotation phase corresponding to the operating state.

〔流体給排機構〕
流体給排機構５は、図１に示すごとく、「作動流体」の一例であるエンジンオイルを貯留するオイルパン５１と、クランクシャフトの回転駆動力が伝達されることにより駆動する機械式のオイルポンプ５２と、進角通路４３及び遅角通路４４に対するエンジンオイルの供給、排出、及び給排の遮断を制御する電磁制御型の流体制御弁（ＯＣＶ）５３と、ロック通路６１に対するエンジンオイルの供給及び排出を制御する電磁制御型の流体切換弁（ＯＳＶ）５４と、を備えている。流体制御弁５３と流体切換弁５４とはＥＣＵ７で制御される。 [Fluid supply / discharge mechanism]
As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid supply / discharge mechanism 5 includes an oil pan 51 that stores engine oil, which is an example of “working fluid”, and a mechanical oil pump that is driven by transmission of the rotational driving force of the crankshaft. 52, an electromagnetic control type fluid control valve (OCV) 53 that controls the supply, discharge, and shutoff of supply / discharge of engine oil to the advance passage 43 and retard passage 44, and supply of engine oil to the lock passage 61 And an electromagnetically controlled fluid switching valve (OSV) 54 for controlling discharge. The fluid control valve 53 and the fluid switching valve 54 are controlled by the ECU 7.

流体制御弁５３は、スプール式に構成され、ＥＣＵ７（エンジンコントロールユニット）による給電量の制御に基づいて動作する。流体制御弁５３の切換えによって、進角室４１への作動油供給・遅角室４２からの作動油排出、進角室４１からの作動油排出・遅角室４２への作動油供給、進角室４１及び遅角室４２への作動油給排遮断、といった制御が可能である。 The fluid control valve 53 is configured as a spool type, and operates based on control of the amount of power supplied by the ECU 7 (engine control unit). By switching the fluid control valve 53, hydraulic oil is supplied to the advance chamber 41, hydraulic oil is discharged from the retard chamber 42, hydraulic oil is discharged from the advance chamber 41, hydraulic oil is supplied to the retard chamber 42, and advanced. It is possible to perform control such as supply / discharge of hydraulic oil to / from the chamber 41 and the retard chamber 42.

夫々の凸部ＳＥｄは、夫々の脚部ＳＥｅと所定の間隔を隔てつつ、両側の脚部ＳＥｅ同士の間に位置している。凸部ＳＥｄの幅は摺接部ＳＥａの幅よりも小さい。凸部ＳＥｄの高さは脚部ＳＥｅの高さよりも低い。 Each convex part SEd is located between the leg parts SEe on both sides while being spaced apart from each leg part SEe by a predetermined distance. The width of the convex part SEd is smaller than the width of the sliding contact part SEa. The height of the convex part SEd is lower than the height of the leg part SEe.

〔トーションスプリング〕
図１に示すごとく、内部ロータ２とフロントプレート１１とに亘ってトーションスプリング３を設けてある。トーションスプリング３は、相対回転位相が進角側に変位するよう、ハウジング１及び内部ロータ２に付勢力を作用させる。通常、エンジン運転中は、カムシャフト１０１のトルク変動に基づく遅角方向及び進角方向の変位力が従動側回転体に作用する。この変位力は平均すると遅角方向に働き、従動側回転体は遅角方向に変位しようとする。しかし、トーションスプリング３を備えることにより、カムシャフト１０１のトルク変動に基づく遅角方向への平均変位力に拘らず、相対回転位相を円滑かつ迅速に進角方向へ変位させることが可能である。 [Torsion spring]
As shown in FIG. 1, a torsion spring 3 is provided across the inner rotor 2 and the front plate 11. The torsion spring 3 applies a biasing force to the housing 1 and the inner rotor 2 so that the relative rotational phase is displaced to the advance side. Normally, during engine operation, the retarding force and the displacing force in the advance direction based on the torque fluctuation of the camshaft 101 act on the driven side rotating body. This displacement force, on average, works in the retarding direction, and the driven-side rotator tends to be displaced in the retarding direction. However, by providing the torsion spring 3, the relative rotational phase can be smoothly and rapidly displaced in the advance direction regardless of the average displacement force in the retard direction based on the torque fluctuation of the camshaft 101.

〔シール部材・付勢部材〕
外部ロータ１２は、円筒形状の材料から内周側に突出部１４を削り出す構成であり、内部ロータ２は、円柱形状の材料から外周側に突出部２１を削り出す構成である。よって、精度良く加工したとしても、外部ロータ１２のうち流体圧室４に面する側面と、内部ロータ２のうち流体圧室４に面する側面と、に多少の凹凸が残る可能性がある。したがって、突出部１４と内部ロータ２との間や、突出部２１と外部ロータ１２との間に隙間ができ、その隙間を介して遅角室４２と進角室４１との間で作動流体が漏洩する虞がある。遅角室４２と進角室４１との間で作動流体が漏洩すると、相対回転位相の制御の精度が落ち、エンジンの運転状態に応じた吸気弁の開閉タイミングを実現できなくなる。 [Seal member / Biasing member]
The outer rotor 12 is configured to cut out the protruding portion 14 from the cylindrical material to the inner peripheral side, and the inner rotor 2 is configured to cut out the protruding portion 21 from the columnar material to the outer peripheral side. Therefore, even if processed accurately, some unevenness may remain on the side surface of the outer rotor 12 facing the fluid pressure chamber 4 and the side surface of the inner rotor 2 facing the fluid pressure chamber 4. Therefore, a gap is formed between the protrusion 14 and the inner rotor 2 or between the protrusion 21 and the outer rotor 12, and the working fluid is transferred between the retard chamber 42 and the advance chamber 41 via the gap. There is a risk of leakage. If the working fluid leaks between the retard chamber 42 and the advance chamber 41, the accuracy of control of the relative rotational phase is lowered, and the intake valve opening / closing timing according to the operating state of the engine cannot be realized.

そこで、図２に示すごとく、作動流体の漏洩を防止するべく、突出部１４のうち内部ロータ２に対向する部分、及び、突出部２１のうち外部ロータ１２に対向する部分にシール部材ＳＥを配設してある。さらに、シール部材ＳＥのシール性を高めるために、シール部材ＳＥを内部ロータ２の側もしくは外部ロータ１２の側に付勢する「付勢部材」としての線バネＳＰ１を備えている。以下に、シール部材ＳＥ及び線バネＳＰ１の詳細を説明する。なお、突出部１４のうち内部ロータ２に対向する部分に配設したシール部材ＳＥ及び線バネＳＰ１と、突出部２１のうち外部ロータ１２に対向する部分に配設したシール部材ＳＥ及び線バネＳＰ１と、の構成は同じであるため、ここでは突出部２１のうち外部ロータ１２に対向する部分に配設したシール部材ＳＥ及び線バネＳＰ１についてのみ説明する。 Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, in order to prevent the leakage of the working fluid, seal members SE are arranged on the portion of the protrusion 14 facing the inner rotor 2 and the portion of the protrusion 21 facing the outer rotor 12. It is set up. Furthermore, in order to improve the sealing performance of the seal member SE, a wire spring SP1 is provided as an “urging member” that urges the seal member SE toward the inner rotor 2 or the outer rotor 12. Details of the seal member SE and the wire spring SP1 will be described below. It should be noted that the seal member SE and the wire spring SP1 disposed in a portion of the projecting portion 14 facing the inner rotor 2, and the seal member SE and the wire spring SP1 disposed in a portion of the projecting portion 21 facing the outer rotor 12 are provided. Therefore, only the seal member SE and the wire spring SP1 disposed in the portion of the protruding portion 21 facing the external rotor 12 will be described here.

図３，図４に示すごとく、突出部２１のうち外部ロータ１２に対向する先端部に、回転軸芯Ｘに沿ってフロントプレート１１の側からリアプレート１３の側までに亘る取付溝２２（突出部１４においては取付溝１６）を形成してある。取付溝２２は矩形断面形状を有している。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a mounting groove 22 (protrusion) extending from the front plate 11 side to the rear plate 13 side along the rotation axis X is formed at the tip portion of the protrusion portion 21 facing the external rotor 12. In the part 14, an attachment groove 16) is formed. The mounting groove 22 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

シール部材ＳＥは、取付溝２２の形状に沿って、径方向に摺動可能な形状である。シール部材ＳＥは、図３乃至図５に示すごとく、摺接部ＳＥａと、周壁部ＳＥｃと、脚部ＳＥｅと、凸部ＳＥｄと、を備えている。摺接部ＳＥａの底面ＳＥｂが外部ロータ１２の内周面に対して摺接する。摺接部ＳＥａの底面ＳＥｂは、図５（ａ）に示すごとく、円弧形状の断面形状となるよう形成してある。周壁部ＳＥｃは、摺接部ＳＥａの四方周囲を垂直に立ち上げて箱形状に形成してある。脚部ＳＥｅは、周壁部ＳＥｃのうち、フロントプレート１１及びリアプレート１３に接する部分をさらに垂直に立ち上げて形成してある。凸部ＳＥｄは、摺接部ＳＥａに対して垂直に立設するよう、二箇所形成してある。以下、図５における摺接部ＳＥａの長辺方向の寸法を「長さ」と称し、図５における摺接部ＳＥａの短辺方向の寸法を「幅」と称し、図５における脚部ＳＥｅの立上り方向の寸法を「高さ」と称する。 The seal member SE has a shape that can slide in the radial direction along the shape of the mounting groove 22. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the seal member SE includes a sliding contact part SEa, a peripheral wall part SEc, a leg part SEe, and a convex part SEd. The bottom surface SEb of the sliding contact portion SEa is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer rotor 12. As shown in FIG. 5A, the bottom surface SEb of the sliding contact portion SEa is formed to have an arcuate cross-sectional shape. The peripheral wall portion SEc is formed in a box shape by vertically rising around the four sides of the sliding contact portion SEa. The leg part SEe is formed by further vertically raising the part of the peripheral wall part SEc that is in contact with the front plate 11 and the rear plate 13. The convex portions SEd are formed at two locations so as to stand vertically with respect to the sliding contact portion SEa. Hereinafter, the dimension in the long side direction of the sliding contact part SEa in FIG. 5 is referred to as “length”, the dimension in the short side direction of the sliding contact part SEa in FIG. 5 is referred to as “width”, and the dimension of the leg part SEe in FIG. The dimension in the rising direction is referred to as “height”.

夫々の凸部ＳＥｄは、夫々の脚部ＳＥｅと所定の間隔を隔てつつ、両側の脚部ＳＥｅ同士の間に位置している。凸部ＳＥｄの幅は摺設部の幅よりも小さい。凸部ＳＥｄの高さは脚部ＳＥｅの高さよりも低い。 Each convex part SEd is located between the leg parts SEe on both sides while being spaced apart from each leg part SEe by a predetermined distance. The width of the convex part SEd is smaller than the width of the sliding part. The height of the convex part SEd is lower than the height of the leg part SEe.

線バネＳＰ１は、図３乃至図５に示すごとく、円弧形状に湾曲した第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａと、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａの両端部に夫々連なると共に高さ方向に延在する連接部ＳＰ１ｃと、夫々の連接部ＳＰ１ｃに連なると共にＵ字形状に湾曲した第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂと、を備えている。第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａと第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂとは、弾性変形により夫々付勢力を発揮する。第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａが弾性変形する面と第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂが弾性変形する面とが直交するよう線バネＳＰ１を構成してある。夫々の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂを夫々凸部ＳＥｄに係止させることにより、線バネＳＰ１をシール部材ＳＥに係止させることができる。線バネＳＰ１をシール部材ＳＥに係止した状態において、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａはその付勢力を発揮することができる。 As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the wire spring SP1 includes a first urging portion SP1a that is curved in an arc shape, and a connecting portion SP1c that extends to both ends of the first urging portion SP1a and extends in the height direction. And a second urging portion SP1b that is continuous with each connecting portion SP1c and is curved in a U shape. The first urging portion SP1a and the second urging portion SP1b each exert an urging force by elastic deformation. The wire spring SP1 is configured so that the surface on which the first urging portion SP1a is elastically deformed and the surface on which the second urging portion SP1b is elastically deformed are orthogonal to each other. The wire spring SP1 can be locked to the seal member SE by locking each second urging portion SP1b to the convex portion SEd. In a state where the wire spring SP1 is locked to the seal member SE, the first urging portion SP1a can exert its urging force.

第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂのうちＵ字形状の両側部の間隔は、凸部ＳＥｄの幅よりもやや小さく設定してある。また、線バネＳＰ１の全体長さは、二つの凸部ＳＥｄの長さ方向外側面同士の距離よりもやや大きく設定してある。よって、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂを凸部ＳＥｄの所定の位置まで押し込めば、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂはその弾性変形に基づく幅方向内側への付勢力によって凸部ＳＥｄを挟持する。あるいは、Ｕ字形状の両側部が開くように第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂを押し広げた状態で凸部ＳＥｄにあてがった後、その押し広げる力を解放すれば、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂはその弾性変形に基づく幅方向内側への付勢力によって凸部ＳＥｄを挟持する。この結果、線バネＳＰ１はシール部材ＳＥに係止する。また、二箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂ材が二箇所の凸部ＳＥｄを各別に挟持するため、線バネＳＰ１はシール部材ＳＥに確実に係止される。 The distance between the U-shaped side portions of the second urging portion SP1b is set slightly smaller than the width of the convex portion SEd. Further, the overall length of the wire spring SP1 is set to be slightly larger than the distance between the lengthwise outer surfaces of the two convex portions SEd. Therefore, if the second urging portion SP1b is pushed to a predetermined position of the convex portion SEd, the second urging portion SP1b sandwiches the convex portion SEd by the urging force inward in the width direction based on the elastic deformation. Alternatively, after the second urging portion SP1b is spread so as to open both sides of the U-shape, the second urging portion SP1b is elastic if it is applied to the convex portion SEd and then released. The convex part SEd is clamped by the biasing force inward in the width direction based on the deformation. As a result, the wire spring SP1 is locked to the seal member SE. Further, since the two second urging portions SP1b material sandwich the two convex portions SEd separately, the wire spring SP1 is reliably locked to the seal member SE.

第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂのうち連接部ＳＰ１ｃとは反対側の端部に、連接部ＳＰ１ｃと平行な立上り部ＳＰ１ｄを備えてある。凸部ＳＥｄは、連接部ＳＰ１ｃとこの立上り部ＳＰ１ｄとによっても挟持される。また、両連接部ＳＰ１ｃは、直面に配置されるのではなく、対角に配置されている。即ち、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａは、両側の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂに対して斜めに架けられた状態である。よって、線バネＳＰ１に対して倒伏する方向の力が加えられても、線バネＳＰ１は倒伏せず安定した状態を保つ。 A rising portion SP1d parallel to the connecting portion SP1c is provided at the end of the second urging portion SP1b opposite to the connecting portion SP1c. The convex part SEd is also sandwiched between the connecting part SP1c and the rising part SP1d. In addition, the two connecting portions SP1c are not diagonally arranged, but are diagonally arranged. That is, the first urging portion SP1a is in a state of being slanted with respect to the second urging portions SP1b on both sides. Therefore, even when a force in the direction of falling is applied to the wire spring SP1, the wire spring SP1 does not fall down and maintains a stable state.

このように、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂの付勢力によって、線バネＳＰ１はシール部材ＳＥに係止される。この状態において、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａに高さ方向の押圧力が作用すると、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａが高さ方向及び長さ方向に弾性変形し、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａの付勢力が発揮される。この際、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂは凸部ＳＥｄに付勢力によって係止しているだけであって、凸部ＳＥｄに沿って長さ方向にスライド移動可能であるため、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａの長さ方向の弾性変形は阻害されない。上述したように、脚部ＳＥｅと凸部ＳＥｄとが所定の距離を隔てて形成されているため、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａの弾性変形によって線バネＳＰ１が長さ方向に長くなっても、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂが脚部ＳＥｅに当接することはない。 Thus, the wire spring SP1 is locked to the seal member SE by the urging force of the second urging portion SP1b. In this state, when a pressing force in the height direction acts on the first urging portion SP1a, the first urging portion SP1a is elastically deformed in the height direction and the length direction, and the urging force of the first urging portion SP1a is increased. Demonstrated. At this time, the second urging portion SP1b is merely locked to the convex portion SEd by the urging force, and is slidable in the length direction along the convex portion SEd. The elastic deformation in the longitudinal direction is not hindered. As described above, since the leg part SEe and the convex part SEd are formed at a predetermined distance, even if the linear spring SP1 becomes longer in the length direction due to the elastic deformation of the first biasing part SP1a, the first The second urging portion SP1b does not contact the leg portion SEe.

また、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂによる挟持の方向と、連接部ＳＰ１ｃ及び立上り部ＳＰ１ｄによる挟持の方向と、が直交しているため、線バネＳＰ１がガタつかず、線バネＳＰ１の長さ方向の弾性変形が安定する。 Moreover, since the direction of clamping by the second urging portion SP1b and the direction of clamping by the connecting portion SP1c and the rising portion SP1d are orthogonal, the wire spring SP1 does not rattle, and the length direction of the wire spring SP1 Elastic deformation is stable.

線バネＳＰ１は、全体の高さが脚部ＳＥｅよりも高く、かつ、連接部ＳＰ１ｃの高さが脚部ＳＥｅよりも低くなるよう設定してある。即ち、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａが押圧されて弾性変形した際、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａの天端が脚部ＳＥｅの天端の高さとなるまでは、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａは弾性変形可能である。第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａの変形が降伏点を越えて、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａが塑性変形しないよう、脚部ＳＥｅの高さを設定してある。つまり、脚部ＳＥｅの天端が取付溝２２の底部に当接することによって、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａの弾性変形範囲が規制される。即ち、脚部ＳＥｅが、本発明に係る「規制部」に相当する。 The wire spring SP1 is set so that the overall height is higher than the leg part SEe and the height of the connecting part SP1c is lower than the leg part SEe. That is, when the first urging portion SP1a is pressed and elastically deformed, the first urging portion SP1a can be elastically deformed until the top end of the first urging portion SP1a reaches the height of the top end of the leg SEe. It is. The height of the leg SEe is set so that the deformation of the first urging portion SP1a does not exceed the yield point and the first urging portion SP1a is not plastically deformed. That is, the elastic deformation range of the first urging portion SP1a is restricted by the top end of the leg portion SEe coming into contact with the bottom portion of the mounting groove 22. That is, the leg part SEe corresponds to a “regulator part” according to the present invention.

シール部材ＳＥを弁開閉時期制御装置に組付けた際には、図３，図４に示すごとく、周壁部ＳＥｃが取付溝２２の内面、フロントプレート１１、及びリアプレート１３に沿うと共に、シール部材ＳＥが線バネＳＰ１によって対向する外部ロータ１２に付勢されるため、シール部材ＳＥによるシール性は確実となる。 When the seal member SE is assembled to the valve opening / closing timing control device, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the peripheral wall portion SEc extends along the inner surface of the mounting groove 22, the front plate 11, and the rear plate 13. Since SE is urged to the opposed external rotor 12 by the wire spring SP1, the sealing performance by the seal member SE is ensured.

なお、シール部材ＳＥは、例えば、耐磨耗性・耐油性に優れた樹脂を材料として、射出成形すると良い。線バネＳＰ１は、例えば、ステンレス製とすると良い。 The seal member SE may be injection-molded using, for example, a resin having excellent wear resistance and oil resistance. For example, the wire spring SP1 may be made of stainless steel.

本構成であると、シール部材ＳＥと線バネＳＰ１とを別個に製造しても、シール部材ＳＥへの線バネＳＰ１を組付け作業が迅速かつ簡易となる。また、シール部材ＳＥへの線バネＳＰ１の係止が確実となる。 With this configuration, even if the seal member SE and the wire spring SP1 are manufactured separately, the assembly work of the wire spring SP1 to the seal member SE becomes quick and simple. Further, the wire spring SP1 is securely locked to the seal member SE.

本実施形態では、二箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂが二箇所の凸部ＳＥｄを夫々挟持するよう構成したが、図５（ｂ）において二箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂが各別に二箇所の凸部ＳＥｄに係止する状態で、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａの長さ方向の弾性変形に基づく付勢力によって二箇所の凸部ＳＥｄを一気に挟持するよう構成してあっても良い。この場合は、線バネＳＰ１が変形していない状態において、線バネＳＰ１の全体長さは、二つの凸部ＳＥｄの長さ方向の外側面同士の距離よりも小さく設定する。 In the present embodiment, the two second urging portions SP1b are configured to sandwich the two convex portions SEd, respectively. However, in FIG. 5B, the two second urging portions SP1b are provided at two locations, respectively. The two convex portions SEd may be sandwiched at a stretch by the urging force based on the elastic deformation in the longitudinal direction of the first urging portion SP1a while being locked to the convex portion SEd. In this case, in a state where the wire spring SP1 is not deformed, the overall length of the wire spring SP1 is set to be smaller than the distance between the outer surfaces in the length direction of the two convex portions SEd.

〔第一別実施形態〕
シール部材と付勢部材との構成は、上述の実施形態に限られるものではない。別の実施形態を図面に基づいて説明する。上述の実施形態と同様の構成に関する説明は省略する。また、同じ構成の箇所には同じ符号を付すこととする。 [First embodiment]
The configuration of the seal member and the biasing member is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Another embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. A description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

例えば、図６に示すごとく、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂの幅方向に広がろうとする付勢力を利用して、線バネＳＰ１をシール部材ＳＥに係止させても良い。第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂのうちＵ字形状の両端部の間隔は、周壁部ＳＥｃの内幅よりもやや大きく設定してある。よって、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂを、互いに対向する周壁部ＳＥｃの間の所定の位置まで押し込めば、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂはその弾性変形に基づく幅方向外側への付勢力によって両側の周壁部ＳＥｃを突っ張る。あるいは、線バネＳＰ１のうち二箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂの幅を周壁部ＳＥｃの内幅よりも押し縮めた状態で、互いに対向する周壁部ＳＥｃ同士の内側に線バネＳＰ１をあてがった後、線バネＳＰ１を押し縮める力を解放すれば、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂはその弾性変形に基づく幅方向外側への付勢力によって両側の周壁部ＳＥｃを突っ張る。この結果、線バネＳＰ１はシール部材ＳＥに係止する。なお、周壁部ＳＥｃのうち第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂが係止する部分と摺接部ＳＥａとで構成される凹部ＳＥｆが、本発明の「凹部」に相当する。 For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the wire spring SP1 may be locked to the seal member SE by using an urging force that tends to spread in the width direction of the second urging portion SP1b. The space | interval of the U-shaped both ends of 2nd urging | biasing part SP1b is set a little larger than the inner width of surrounding wall part SEc. Therefore, if the second urging portion SP1b is pushed to a predetermined position between the circumferential wall portions SEc facing each other, the second urging portion SP1b has both circumferential wall portions by the urging force outward in the width direction based on the elastic deformation. Stretch SEc. Alternatively, after the wire springs SP1 are applied to the inner sides of the circumferential wall portions SEc facing each other in a state where the widths of the two second urging portions SP1b of the wire springs SP1 are compressed more than the inner width of the circumferential wall portion SEc. If the force that pushes and shrinks the wire spring SP1 is released, the second urging portion SP1b stretches the peripheral wall portions SEc on both sides by the urging force outward in the width direction based on the elastic deformation. As a result, the wire spring SP1 is locked to the seal member SE. In addition, the recessed part SEf comprised by the part which 2nd urging | biasing part SP1b latches among peripheral wall parts SEc, and the sliding contact part SEa is equivalent to the "recessed part" of this invention.

〔第二別実施形態〕
例えば、図７に示すごとく、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａの長さ方向に広がろうとする付勢力と、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂの長さ方向に広がろうとする付勢力と、の両方を利用して、線バネＳＰ１をシール部材ＳＥに係止させても良い。この場合、周壁部ＳＥｃのうち長さ方向において互いに対向する部分と周接部ＳＥａとで構成される凹部ＳＥｆが、本発明の「凹部」に相当する。第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａに高さ方向の押圧力が作用すると、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａが高さ方向及び長さ方向に弾性変形すると共に、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂが長さ方向に弾性変形する。 [Second Embodiment]
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, both the urging force that tries to spread in the length direction of the first urging portion SP1a and the urging force that tries to spread in the length direction of the second urging portion SP1b are used. Then, the wire spring SP1 may be locked to the seal member SE. In this case, the recessed part SEf comprised by the part which mutually opposes in the length direction among the surrounding wall parts SEc, and the surrounding contact part SEa is equivalent to the "recessed part" of this invention. When a pressing force in the height direction acts on the first urging portion SP1a, the first urging portion SP1a is elastically deformed in the height direction and the length direction, and the second urging portion SP1b is elastically deformed in the length direction. To do.

〔第三別実施形態〕
図８に示すごとく、線バネＳＰ１を幅方向に二重に折り返すと共に、折り返し部で二箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂを形成しても良い。本実施形態では、シール部材ＳＥに二箇所の凸部ＳＥｄを形成し、夫々の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂが夫々凸部ＳＥｄを幅方向で挟持するよう構成してある。ただし、夫々の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂが夫々各別に凸部ＳＥｄに係止する状態で、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａの長さ方向の弾性変形に基づく付勢力によって二箇所の凸部ＳＥｄを一気に挟持する構成であっても良い。本構成であると、第一付勢部ＳＰ１ａが取付溝２２に対して二点で接触することとなり、一点で接触する場合と比較して、取付溝２２とシール部材ＳＥとの間で付勢力が安定して伝わる。 [Third Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 8, the wire spring SP1 may be folded back in the width direction, and two second urging portions SP1b may be formed by the folded portion. In the present embodiment, two convex portions SEd are formed on the seal member SE, and each second urging portion SP1b is configured to sandwich the convex portion SEd in the width direction. However, in a state where the respective second urging portions SP1b are respectively engaged with the convex portions SEd, the two convex portions SEd are moved at once by the urging force based on the elastic deformation in the length direction of the first urging portion SP1a. The structure which pinches | interposes may be sufficient. With this configuration, the first urging portion SP1a comes into contact with the mounting groove 22 at two points, and the urging force between the mounting groove 22 and the seal member SE is compared with the case of contacting at one point. Is transmitted stably.

〔第四別実施形態〕
図９に示すごとく、線バネＳＰ１を幅方向及び高さ方向に夫々二重に折り返すと共に、折り返し部で二箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂを構成しても良い。本実施形態では、シール部材ＳＥに二箇所の凸部ＳＥｄを形成し、夫々の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂが夫々凸部ＳＥｄを幅方向で挟持するよう構成してある。 [Fourth embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 9, the wire spring SP1 may be folded back twice in the width direction and the height direction, and two second urging portions SP1b may be formed by the folded portion. In the present embodiment, two convex portions SEd are formed on the seal member SE, and each second urging portion SP1b is configured to sandwich the convex portion SEd in the width direction.

〔第五別実施形態〕
図１０に示すごとく、線バネＳＰ１を幅方向及び高さ方向に夫々二重に折り返すと共に、折り返し部で一箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂを構成しても良い。本実施形態では、シール部材ＳＥに一箇所の凸部ＳＥｄを形成し、第二付勢部ＳＰ１ｂが凸部ＳＥｄを長さ方向で挟持するよう構成してある。本実施形態において、凸部ＳＥｄの長さを大きくすることにより、シール部材ＳＥに線バネＳＰ１を安定して組付けることができる。 [Fifth embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 10, the wire spring SP1 may be folded back twice in the width direction and the height direction, and one second urging portion SP1b may be formed by the folded portion. In the present embodiment, one convex portion SEd is formed on the seal member SE, and the second urging portion SP1b is configured to sandwich the convex portion SEd in the length direction. In the present embodiment, the wire spring SP1 can be stably assembled to the seal member SE by increasing the length of the convex part SEd.

〔第六別実施形態〕
これまで、付勢部材を線バネで構成する例を示したが、これに限られるものではなく、付勢部材を板バネで構成しても良い。例えば、図１１に示すごとく、板材を湾曲させて第一付勢部ＳＰ２ａを形成した板バネＳＰ２において、その両端部分を図中長さ方向内側下方に折り返して二箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂを形成しても良い。本実施形態では、シール部材ＳＥに一箇所の凸部ＳＥｄを形成し、二箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂが凸部ＳＥｄを長さ方向で挟持するよう構成してある。さらに、凸部ＳＥｄのうち第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂが係止する面に、第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂの幅よりも僅かに大きい幅を有するガイド溝ＳＥｇを形成してある。これにより、シール部材ＳＥの定位置に板バネＳＰ２を組付けることができると共に、板バネＳＰ２をガイド溝ＳＥｇに沿って安定して弾性変形させることができる。 [Sixth Embodiment]
The example in which the urging member is configured with a wire spring has been shown so far, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the urging member may be configured with a leaf spring. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, in the leaf spring SP2 in which the plate member is bent to form the first urging portion SP2a, both end portions thereof are folded back inward in the length direction in the drawing to provide two second urging portions SP2b. May be formed. In the present embodiment, one convex portion SEd is formed on the seal member SE, and the two second urging portions SP2b are configured to sandwich the convex portion SEd in the length direction. Further, a guide groove SEg having a width slightly larger than the width of the second urging portion SP2b is formed on the surface of the convex portion SEd where the second urging portion SP2b is locked. Accordingly, the plate spring SP2 can be assembled at a fixed position of the seal member SE, and the plate spring SP2 can be elastically deformed stably along the guide groove SEg.

〔第七別実施形態〕
同様に、図１２に示すごとく、板材を湾曲させて第一付勢部ＳＰ２ａを形成した板バネＳＰ２において、その両端部分を図中長さ方向内側下方に折り返して二箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂを形成し、さらに、第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂの先端部に長孔形状の切欠きを設けても良い。本実施形態では、シール部材ＳＥに二箇所のピン形状の凸部ＳＥｄを形成し、夫々の第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂが夫々各別に凸部ＳＥｄに係止する状態で、第一付勢部ＳＰ２ａの長さ方向の弾性変形に基づく付勢力によって二箇所の凸部ＳＥｄを一気に挟持するよう構成してある。第一付勢部ＳＰ２ａに高さ方向の押圧力が作用すると、板バネＳＰ２は長さ方向に広がるように弾性変形するが、切欠きがルーズホールの役割をなすため、第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂが凸部ＳＥｄから逸脱することはない。 [Seventh embodiment]
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12, in the leaf spring SP2 in which the plate member is curved to form the first urging portion SP2a, the two second urging portions are folded back at both ends in the longitudinal direction in the drawing. SP2b may be formed, and a long hole-shaped notch may be provided at the tip of the second urging portion SP2b. In the present embodiment, two pin-shaped convex portions SEd are formed on the seal member SE, and the respective first urging portions SP2a are engaged with the respective second urging portions SP2b. The two convex portions SEd are sandwiched at once by an urging force based on the elastic deformation in the length direction. When a pressing force in the height direction acts on the first urging portion SP2a, the leaf spring SP2 is elastically deformed so as to spread in the length direction, but the notch serves as a loose hole, so the second urging portion SP2b. Does not deviate from the convex part SEd.

〔第八別実施形態〕
図１３に示すごとく、板材を湾曲させて第一付勢部ＳＰ２ａを形成した板バネＳＰ２において、第一付勢部ＳＰ２ａよりも幅広の両端部分を図中幅方向内側上方に夫々折り返して二箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂを形成しても良い。本実施形態においては、夫々の第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂが、互いに幅方向に対向する周壁部ＳＥｃを幅方向外側に押圧するよう構成してある。この場合、周壁部ＳＥｃのうち幅方向において互いに対向する部分と摺接部ＳＥａとで構成される凹部ＳＥｆが、本発明の「凹部」に相当する。 [Eighth embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 13, in the leaf spring SP2 in which the plate member is curved to form the first urging portion SP2a, the two end portions wider than the first urging portion SP2a are folded back inward in the width direction in the drawing, and The second urging portion SP2b may be formed. In the present embodiment, each of the second urging portions SP2b is configured to press the circumferential wall portions SEc facing each other in the width direction outward in the width direction. In this case, the recessed part SEf comprised by the part which mutually opposes in the width direction among the surrounding wall parts SEc, and the sliding contact part SEa is equivalent to the "recessed part" of this invention.

〔第九別実施形態〕
図１４に示すごとく、板材を湾曲させつつ、その両端部分を図中長さ方向内側上方に夫々折り返して第一付勢部ＳＰ２ａを形成した板バネＳＰ２において、第一付勢部ＳＰ２ａよりも幅広の中央部分を幅方向内側上方に折り返して一箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂを形成しても良い。本実施形態においては、第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂが、互いに幅方向に対向する周壁部ＳＥｃを幅方向外側に押圧するよう構成してある。さらに、周壁部ＳＥｃのうち第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂが係止する面に、第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂの幅よりもやや大きい幅を有するガイド溝ＳＥｇを形成してある。ガイド溝ＳＥｇにより、シール部材ＳＥの定位置に板バネＳＰ２を組付けることができると共に、シール部材ＳＥに対して板バネＳＰ２を安定させることができる。即ち、本実施形態においては、ガイド溝ＳＥｇが凹部ＳＥｆとしても機能する。 [Ninth embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 14, in the leaf spring SP2 in which the first urging portion SP2a is formed by bending both ends of the plate material in the longitudinal direction in the drawing and forming the first urging portion SP2a as shown in FIG. The second urging portion SP 2 b may be formed by folding the center portion of the center portion inward in the width direction. In the present embodiment, the second urging portion SP2b is configured to press the circumferential wall portions SEc facing each other in the width direction outward in the width direction. Further, a guide groove SEg having a width slightly larger than the width of the second urging portion SP2b is formed on the surface of the peripheral wall portion SEc where the second urging portion SP2b is locked. With the guide groove SEg, the plate spring SP2 can be assembled at a fixed position of the seal member SE, and the plate spring SP2 can be stabilized with respect to the seal member SE. That is, in the present embodiment, the guide groove SEg also functions as the recess SEf.

〔第十別実施形態〕
図１５に示すごとく、板材を湾曲させつつ、その両端部分を図中長さ方向内側上方に夫々折り返して第一付勢部ＳＰ２ａを形成した板バネＳＰ２において、両端部分をさらに長さ方向内側上方に夫々折り返して二箇所の第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂを形成しても良い。本実施形態においては、第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂが、互いに長さ方向に対向する脚部ＳＥｅを長さ方向外側に押圧するよう構成してある。さらに、脚部ＳＥｅのうち第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂが係止する面に、第二付勢部ＳＰ２ｂの幅よりもやや大きい幅を有するガイド溝ＳＥｇを形成してある。シール部材ＳＥの定位置に板バネＳＰ２を組付けることができると共に、シール部材ＳＥに対して板バネＳＰ２を安定させることができる。即ち、本実施形態においては、ガイド溝ＳＥｇが凹部ＳＥｆとしても機能する。 [Tenth embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 15, in the leaf spring SP2 in which the first biasing portion SP2a is formed by bending both ends of the plate material in the longitudinal direction in the drawing and forming the first biasing portion SP2a as shown in FIG. The two second urging portions SP2b may be formed by folding back each other. In the present embodiment, the second urging portion SP2b is configured to press the leg portions SEe opposed to each other in the length direction outward in the length direction. Furthermore, a guide groove SEg having a width slightly larger than the width of the second urging portion SP2b is formed on the surface of the leg portion SEe where the second urging portion SP2b is locked. The plate spring SP2 can be assembled at a fixed position of the seal member SE, and the plate spring SP2 can be stabilized with respect to the seal member SE. That is, in the present embodiment, the guide groove SEg also functions as the recess SEf.

〔その他の実施形態〕
上述の実施形態において、仕切部として突出部２１を内部ロータ２に形成したが、これに限られるものではない。例えば、図示はしないが、内部ロータ２にベーン溝を形成し、ベーン溝に仕切部としてのプレート形状のベーンを配設した構成であっても良い。この場合、ベーン自体が外部ロータ１２の側に付勢され、シール部材としての役割をなす。よって、外部ロータ１２の側の仕切部としての突出部１４にのみ、本発明に係るシール部材及び付勢部材を配設する構成とする。 [Other Embodiments]
In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the protrusion part 21 was formed in the internal rotor 2 as a partition part, it is not restricted to this. For example, although not illustrated, a configuration in which a vane groove is formed in the internal rotor 2 and a plate-shaped vane as a partitioning portion is provided in the vane groove may be employed. In this case, the vane itself is urged toward the external rotor 12 and serves as a seal member. Therefore, the sealing member and the urging member according to the present invention are disposed only in the protruding portion 14 as the partitioning portion on the external rotor 12 side.

なお、本発明は、弁開閉時期制御装置のうち、シール部材及び付勢部材の構成に特徴を有するものであるため、その他の構成は上述の構成に限定されるものではない。例えば、本発明に係るシール部材及び付勢部材を排気弁側の弁開閉時期制御装置に適用しても良い。また、ロック機構を備えていなくても、あるいはロック機構の構成が異なっていても良い。 In addition, since this invention has the characteristics in the structure of a sealing member and a biasing member among valve | bulb opening / closing timing control apparatuses, other structures are not limited to the above-mentioned structure. For example, the seal member and the urging member according to the present invention may be applied to a valve opening / closing timing control device on the exhaust valve side. Further, the lock mechanism may not be provided, or the structure of the lock mechanism may be different.

さらに、上述の実施形態では、付勢部材を線バネで構成するか、板バネで構成するかしたが、これに限られるものではない。例えば、図示はしないが、線バネと板バネとの混合部材で付勢部材を構成してあっても、コイルバネで付勢部材を構成してあっても良い。 Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the urging member is constituted by a wire spring or a leaf spring, but is not limited thereto. For example, although not illustrated, the urging member may be constituted by a mixed member of a wire spring and a leaf spring, or the urging member may be constituted by a coil spring.

本発明は、自動車その他の内燃機関の弁開閉時期制御装置に利用することができる。 The present invention can be used for a valve opening / closing timing control device of an automobile or other internal combustion engine.

１ハウジング（駆動側回転部材）
２内部ロータ（従動側回転部材）
４流体圧室
１４突出部（仕切部）
２１突出部（仕切部）
４１進角室
４２遅角室
ＳＥシール部材
ＳＥｄ凸部
ＳＥｅ脚部（規制部）
ＳＥｆ凹部
ＳＰ１線バネ（付勢部材）
ＳＰ２板バネ（付勢部材） 1 Housing (drive side rotating member)
2 Internal rotor (driven side rotating member)
4 Fluid pressure chamber 14 Projection (partition)
21 Projection (partition)
41 Advance chamber 42 Delay chamber SE Seal member SEd Protrusion SEe Leg (regulation)
SEf recess SP1 wire spring (biasing member)
SP2 leaf spring (biasing member)

Claims

クランクシャフトに対して同期回転する駆動側回転体と、
駆動側回転体に対して同軸上に配置され、内燃機関の弁開閉用のカムシャフトに同期回転する従動側回転体と、
前記駆動側回転体と前記従動側回転体とで形成された流体圧室を遅角室と進角室とに仕切るよう前記駆動側回転体及び前記従動側回転体の少なくとも一方に設けられた仕切部と、
前記仕切部のうち前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体に対向する位置、または、前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体のうち前記仕切部に対向する位置に配設されて、前記駆動側回転体と前記従動側回転体との相対回転に基づく前記遅角室と前記進角室との間での作動流体の漏洩を防止するシール部材と、
弾性変形に基づく付勢力によって、自身を前記シール部材に係止すると共に、前記シール部材を前記仕切部の側から前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体の側へ、または、前記シール部材を前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体の側から前記仕切部の側へ付勢する付勢部材と、を備え、
前記付勢部材は、前記シール部材を前記仕切部の側から前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体の側へ、または、前記シール部材を前記駆動側回転体もしくは前記従動側回転体の側から前記仕切部の側へ付勢する第一付勢部と、自身の弾性変形に基づく付勢力によって自身を前記シール部材に係止する第二付勢部とを有し、
前記シール部材は四方を囲むように連続して形成された周壁部により区画される凹部に前記付勢部材を収容し、
前記周壁部は長さ方向に沿って対向する一対の第１内周面と、幅方向に沿って対向する一対の第２内周面とを有し、
前記付勢部材が前記シール部材に収容されたとき、前記付勢部材は、前記第一付勢部の付勢力発揮による変形の有無に関係なく前記第２内周面から離間し、且つ、前記第二付勢部が前記第１内周面に当接することにより前記シール部材に対して係止される弁開閉時期制御装置。 A drive-side rotating body that rotates synchronously with the crankshaft;
A driven-side rotating body that is coaxially disposed with respect to the driving-side rotating body and rotates synchronously with a camshaft for opening and closing the valve of the internal combustion engine;
A partition provided on at least one of the driving side rotating body and the driven side rotating body so as to partition a fluid pressure chamber formed by the driving side rotating body and the driven side rotating body into a retard chamber and an advance chamber. And
The partition portion is disposed at a position facing the driving side rotating body or the driven side rotating body, or at a position facing the partition portion among the driving side rotating body or the driven side rotating body, and A seal member for preventing leakage of the working fluid between the retard chamber and the advance chamber based on relative rotation between the drive side rotor and the driven side rotor;
The urging force based on elastic deformation locks itself to the seal member, and the seal member is moved from the partition portion side to the drive side rotating body or the driven side rotating body side, or the seal member is An urging member that urges the drive-side rotator or the driven-side rotator from the partition portion side;
The urging member moves the seal member from the partition portion side to the driving side rotating body or the driven side rotating body, or the sealing member moves to the driving side rotating body or the driven side rotating body. A first urging portion for urging from the partition to the side, and a second urging portion for engaging the sealing member with the urging force based on its own elastic deformation,
The seal member accommodates the urging member in a recess defined by a peripheral wall portion formed continuously so as to surround four sides,
The peripheral wall portion has a pair of first inner peripheral surfaces opposed along the length direction, and a pair of second inner peripheral surfaces opposed along the width direction,
When the urging member is accommodated in the seal member, the urging member is separated from the second inner peripheral surface regardless of the presence or absence of deformation due to the exertion of the urging force of the first urging portion, and the A valve opening / closing timing control device that is locked to the seal member by a second urging portion coming into contact with the first inner peripheral surface.

前記付勢部材を線バネで構成してある請求項１に記載の弁開閉時期制御装置。 The valve opening / closing timing control device according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member is constituted by a wire spring.

前記付勢部材を板バネで構成してある請求項１に記載の弁開閉時期制御装置。 The valve opening / closing timing control device according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member is configured by a leaf spring.

前記シール部材は、前記仕切部に形成された取付溝に配設されており、
前記シール部材の前記周壁部のうち前記第２内周面を含む箇所である脚部は、その天端の高さになるまで前記第一付勢部が変形しても弾性変形範囲内となる高さを有しており、
前記脚部は、前記取付溝の底部に当接することにより前記第一付勢部の変形を規制して塑性変形を防止する規制部として作用する請求項１乃至３の何れか一項に記載の弁開閉時期制御装置。 The seal member is disposed in a mounting groove formed in the partition part,
Of the peripheral wall portion of the seal member, the leg portion including the second inner peripheral surface is within the elastic deformation range even if the first urging portion is deformed until the height of the top end thereof is reached. Has a height,
The said leg part acts as a control part which controls a deformation | transformation of a said 1st urging | biasing part by contact | abutting to the bottom part of the said attachment groove | channel, and prevents a plastic deformation . Valve opening / closing timing control device.

前記シール部材は、前記仕切部と対向する前記駆動側回転体または前記従動側回転体に形成された取付溝に配設されており、
前記シール部材の前記周壁部のうち前記第２内周面を含む箇所である脚部は、その天端の高さになるまで前記第一付勢部が変形しても弾性変形範囲内となる高さを有しており、
前記脚部は、前記取付溝の底部に当接することにより前記第一付勢部の変形を規制して塑性変形を防止する規制部として作用する請求項１乃至３の何れか一項に記載の弁開閉時期制御装置。 The seal member is disposed in a mounting groove formed in the driving side rotating body or the driven side rotating body facing the partition portion,
Of the peripheral wall portion of the seal member, the leg portion including the second inner peripheral surface is within the elastic deformation range even if the first urging portion is deformed until the height of the top end thereof is reached. Has a height,
The said leg part acts as a control part which controls a deformation | transformation of a said 1st urging | biasing part by contact | abutting to the bottom part of the said attachment groove | channel, and prevents a plastic deformation . Valve opening / closing timing control device.

一対の前記第１内周面は互いに平行に配置される請求項１乃至５の何れか一項に記載の弁開閉時期制御装置。 The valve opening / closing timing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pair of first inner peripheral surfaces are arranged in parallel to each other.

一対の前記第２内周面は互いに平行に配置される請求項６に記載の弁開閉時期制御装置。 The valve opening / closing timing control device according to claim 6, wherein the pair of second inner peripheral surfaces are arranged in parallel to each other.