Expansion valve mounting part

Abstract

To provide an expansion valve mounting section that can improve productivity. [Solution] An expansion valve 100, which has a valve body portion 10 having a valve body for adjusting the opening degree of the refrigerant flow path and being inserted into an insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300, and a coil portion 50 for driving the valve body, is attached to the manifold 300. The attachment portion of the expansion valve 100 is provided with a retainer 400 having a through hole 412 and a flange portion 42. The through hole 412 is fixed to flanges 32 and 114 formed on the outer circumference of the manifold 300 and the outer circumference of the valve body portion 10, respectively, and the flange portion 42 is fixed to grooves 35 and 112 formed on the other outer circumference of the manifold 300 and the outer circumference of the valve body portion 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment part for attaching an expansion valve to a heat pump module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, Patent Document 1 describes an attachment structure of an expansion valve in which a plurality of expansion valves of a vehicle heat pump cycle are attached to a housing. In this prior art, a refrigerant flow path of the heat pump cycle is formed in the housing, and the expansion valve opens and closes the refrigerant flow path of the housing. Thereby, space saving is achieved when installing a plurality of expansion valves in a vehicle.

[0003] In this prior art, the expansion valve is fixed to a retaining plate by a bracket and bolts, and the retaining plate is fixed to the housing so that the expansion valve is attached to the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above prior art, the number of parts required to attach the expansion valve to the housing is large, and the man-hours for attaching the expansion valve to the housing are also large, so an improvement in productivity is desired.

[0006] In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide an attachment part for an expansion valve that can improve productivity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the expansion valve mounting portion described in claim 1 is an expansion valve mounting portion for attaching an expansion valve body (100) to a manifold, the expansion valve body having a valve body that adjusts the opening degree of the refrigerant flow path and is inserted into an insertion hole (30) of the manifold (300), and a coil portion (50) that drives the valve body, A retainer (400) having a first locking portion (412) and a second locking portion (42) is provided. The first locking portion is fixed to a flange (32, 114) formed on either the outer circumference of the manifold or the outer circumference of the valve body. The second locking portion is fixed to grooves (35, 112) formed on the outer circumference of the manifold and the other outer circumference of the valve body.

[0008] According to this, by using a retainer (400) having a first locking portion (412) and a second locking portion (42) to attach the expansion valve body (100) to the manifold (300), the number of parts required to attach the expansion valve body to the manifold can be reduced. Therefore, productivity can be improved.

[0009] The reference numerals in parentheses next to each means described in this section and in the claims indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the mounting portion of the expansion valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting portion of the expansion valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the manifold in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the valve body in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the valve body in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view taken from VI-VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing a retainer in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory view for explaining the attachment structure of the expansion valve and the retainer in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory view for explaining the attachment method of the expansion valve and the retainer in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory view for explaining the attachment structure of the expansion valve and the manifold in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory view for explaining the attachment method of the expansion valve and the manifold in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory view for explaining the attachment structure of the expansion valve and the manifold in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory view for explaining the attachment structure of the expansion valve and the retainer in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing the attachment portion of the expansion valve according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment portion of the expansion valve according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the manifold in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] It is an enlarged front view showing a part of the manifold in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] It is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the valve body in the third embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a front view showing the valve body in the third embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view showing the retainer in the third embodiment. [Figure 22] It is an explanatory view for explaining the attachment structure of the manifold and the retainer in the third embodiment. [Figure 23] It is an explanatory view for explaining the attachment method of the manifold and the retainer in the third embodiment. [Figure 24] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the attachment structure between the expansion valve and the manifold in the third embodiment. [Figure 25] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the attachment method between the expansion valve and the manifold in the third embodiment. [Figure 26] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the attachment structure between the expansion valve and the manifold in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the attachment structure between the expansion valve and the retainer in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] It is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment portion of the expansion valve according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 29] It is a front view showing the coil portion in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 30] It is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment portion of the expansion valve according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 31] It is a front view showing the coil portion in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 32] It is a perspective view showing the retainer in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 33] It is a cross-sectional view showing the valve body in other embodiment (1). [Figure 34] It is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the attachment portion of the expansion valve according to other embodiment (1). [Figure 35] It is a perspective view showing the retainer in other embodiment (1). [Figure 36] It is a plan view showing the attachment portion of the expansion valve according to other embodiment (1). [Figure 37] It is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the manifold in other embodiment (2). [Figure 38] It is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the valve body in other embodiment (2).

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same or equivalent to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0012] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The expansion valve 100 of this embodiment is applied to a heat pump module. The heat pump module includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve 100, evaporator, and casing 200 that constitute the heat pump.

[0013] The heat pump module includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve 100, and an evaporator. The compressor draws in a refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it. The condenser dissipates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and condenses it. The expansion valve 100 depressurizes and expands the refrigerant condensed in the condenser. The evaporator absorbs heat from the refrigerant that has been depressurized and expanded in the expansion valve 100 and evaporates it.

[0014] The compressor, condenser, expansion valve 100, and evaporator are fixed to the casing 200 to constitute a heat pump module. Inside the casing 200, a refrigerant flow path is formed through which the refrigerant of the heat pump flows.

[0015] Hereafter, the axial direction of the expansion valve 100 will simply be referred to as the "axial direction." The radial direction of the expansion valve 100 will simply be referred to as the "radial direction." The circumferential direction of the expansion valve 100 will simply be referred to as the "circumferential direction."

[0016] The expansion valve 100 is fixed to a manifold 300 formed in the casing 200 by a retainer 400. The manifold 300 is an expansion valve fixing part formed in the part of the casing 200 of the heat pump module where the expansion valve 100 is fixed. The retainer 400 is a fixing member that fixes the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300.

[0017] The expansion valve 100 includes a valve body 10 and a coil 50, etc. The expansion valve 100 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of an expansion valve body.

[0018] The valve body 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300. The opening 30a of the insertion hole 30 in the manifold 300 is located higher than other parts of the manifold 300.

[0019] The valve body 10 includes a valve body 11, etc. The valve body 11 is a cylindrical member made of an aluminum alloy or the like. As shown in Figure 2, the valve body 11 has a refrigerant flow path 13 that connects the refrigerant inlet 12 and outlet 16. Furthermore, a valve chamber 14 is formed inside the valve body 10 on the refrigerant flow path 13, and a valve body (not shown) is slidably housed inside the valve chamber 14.

[0020] The inlet 12 is formed on one side of the valve body 10 and is the part through which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle flows into the expansion valve 100. The inlet 12 is connected to the valve chamber 14 via the refrigerant flow path 13.

[0021] An outlet 16 is formed on the lower surface of the valve body 10, allowing the refrigerant that has flowed through the valve chamber 14 to flow out of the expansion valve 100. A valve seat (not shown) is formed at the lower part of the valve chamber 14, connecting the valve chamber 14 and the outlet 16 via a refrigerant flow path 13.

[0022] In the first embodiment, an inlet 12 was formed on the side surface of the valve body 10 and an outlet 16 was formed on the lower surface of the valve body 10, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which an inlet is formed on the lower surface of the valve body 10 and an outlet is formed on the side surface of the valve body 10. In this configuration, the components for driving the valve body (i.e., a motor, etc.) may be placed on the low-pressure side.

[0023] Furthermore, a through-hole 17 is formed in the upper part of the valve body 10. The through-hole 17 is formed to connect the upper surface of the valve body 10 with the central portion of the upper surface of the valve chamber 14. Inside the through-hole 17 is a part of the valve body that moves vertically by the driving force transmitted via the output shaft of a motor (not shown) and a power transmission unit.

[0024] The valve body receives driving force from a rotor (not shown) of a motor located above the valve body portion 10, via a through hole 17 and a power transmission unit located above it. The power transmission unit includes a lead screw mechanism, which converts the rotational motion generated by the rotor into linear motion and transmits it to the valve body.

[0025] The valve body moves axially (up and down in Figure 2) due to the driving force from the rotor, moving closer to or away from the valve seat. In the expansion valve 100, the refrigerant flow path can be closed by bringing the valve body into contact with the valve seat.

[0026] The expansion valve 100 adjusts the opening of the refrigerant flow path by the relative movement of the valve body with respect to the valve seat. As the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path 13, it expands under reduced pressure due to the throttling action in the gap between the valve body and the valve seat. Therefore, the expansion valve 100 can adjust the amount of refrigerant pressure reduction in accordance with the adjustment of its opening.

[0027] A coil section 50 is fixed to the upper surface of the valve body section 10. The coil section 50 includes a stator, can, can cover, can collar 28, mold 53, etc. (not shown).

[0028] The can is a rotor housing member formed in a cylindrical shape from a metal such as stainless steel, and it houses the rotor. The can is positioned coaxially with the valve body.

[0029] One end of the can (the upper end in Figure 1) is closed by the can cover. The other end of the can (the lower end in Figure 1) is open and in close contact with the can collar 28. The can collar 28 is formed in a cylindrical shape from a metal such as stainless steel and is arranged coaxially with the valve body. The other end of the can collar 28 (the lower end in Figure 1) is in close contact with the valve body portion 10.

[0030] Therefore, high-pressure refrigerant is present in the internal space of the can before depressurization, and the can acts as a partition between the refrigerant-filled circuit containing the high-pressure refrigerant and the outside. Specifically, a first O-ring 56 is placed between the can collar 28 and the valve body 10, and the can collar 28 and the valve body 10 are sealed and fixed together by fastening a male screw formed on the outer circumferential surface of the can collar 28 with a female screw formed on the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 10.

[0031] The rotor is the rotor of a motor and rotates when current is supplied to the coils of the stator, which is the stationary component. The rotation of the rotor generates the driving force necessary to drive the valve body. A motor, consisting of a rotor and a stator, is used as an electric actuator to displace the valve body.

[0032] The stator is located radially outside the rotor and can, and is arranged coaxially with the rotor and can. The stator is equipped with coils, and energizing these coils generates a rotating magnetic field that rotates the rotor.

[0033] The mold 53 is formed of resin to cover the can and stator from the outside and is a housing member that contains the can and stator. Polyphenylene sulfide (so-called PPS), which has excellent durability, is used as the resin for forming the mold 53. Alternatively, a resin case formed to cover the coil may be used instead of the mold 53.

[0034] The bottom of the mold 53 is in close contact with the valve body 11. A sealing structure consisting of an annular packing 55 is provided in the gap between the bottom of the mold 53 and the valve body 11. The packing 55 prevents liquid from entering the inside of the mold 53 and the inside of the valve body 11.

[0035] A sealing structure consisting of a first O-ring 56 is provided in the gap between the can color 28 and the valve body 11. The first O-ring 56 prevents liquid from entering the interior of the valve body 11.

[0036] A sealing structure using a second O-ring 57 is provided in the gap between the valve body 11 and the manifold 300. The second O-ring 57 prevents liquid from entering the inside of the manifold 300. In addition, since the second O-ring 57 is elastic, it suppresses rattling of the expansion valve 100 when the internal pressure rises.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the end of the manifold 300 on the coil section 50 side (upper side in Figure 2) is provided with a protrusion 31 that projects toward the coil section 50. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the valve body 11 is provided with a recess 111 that fits with the protrusion 31 of the manifold 300.

[0038] The expansion valve 100 is locked to the manifold 300 in the circumferential direction by the engagement of the protrusion 31 of the manifold 300 and the recess 111 of the valve body 11. This prevents the expansion valve 100 from rotating relative to the manifold 300. In other words, the expansion valve 100 is constrained to the manifold 300 in the rotational direction (i.e., the circumferential direction). Therefore, the protrusion 31 of the manifold 300 and the recess 111 of the valve body 11 in this embodiment correspond to an example of a main body rotation prevention part.

[0039] In the first embodiment, two protrusions 31 were formed on the manifold 300 and two recesses 111 were formed on the valve body 11, but the invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one or more protrusions 31 are formed on the manifold 300 and one or more recesses 111 are formed on the valve body 11.

[0040] The manifold 300 is provided with a flange 32 that protrudes radially outward at the end on the coil section 50 side (upper side in Figure 2). The flange 32 is located on the opposite side of the convex portion 31 from the coil section 50 (downward side in Figure 2). The flange 32 is tapered, with its radial length decreasing as it approaches the coil section 50.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a groove 112 extending in the circumferential direction is provided at the end of the valve body 11 on the coil portion 50 side (upper side in Figure 6). The groove 112 is formed only in a portion of the circumferential direction. That is, a non-grooved portion 113 is provided at the end of the valve body 11 on the coil portion 50 side, where the groove 112 is not formed.

[0042] In this embodiment, two grooves 112 are provided. A non-grooved section 113 is positioned between the two grooves 112. That is, the valve body 11 is provided with two grooves 112 and two non-grooved sections 113. The two grooves 112 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual reference line extending radially in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the retainer 400 is a fixing member that secures the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300. The retainer 400 is made of stainless steel (SUS) or the like. The retainer 400 can be formed, for example, by pressing or punching a plate-shaped member.

[0044] The retainer 400 has a clip portion 41 and a flange portion 42. The clip portion 41 has a U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. Through holes 412 are formed in each of the two side portions 411 of the clip portion 41 that are radially opposite to the expansion valve 100.

[0045] A flange 32 formed on the outer circumference of the manifold 300 is locked and fixed into the through hole 412. This restrains the expansion valve 100 from the manifold 300 in the withdrawal direction (i.e., axial direction). The through hole 412 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of the first locking portion. In this embodiment, the through hole 412 is formed in an elongated shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0046] The flange portion 42 is connected to the coil portion 50 side (upper side in Figure 7) of the clip portion 41. The flange portion 42 is formed in a plate shape that extends radially inward from the end of the coil portion 50 side of each side portion 411 of the clip portion 41 toward the expansion valve 100. Two flange portions 42 are provided facing each other on either side of the valve body 11.

[0047] The flange portion 42 is locked and fixed in a groove portion 112 formed on the outer circumference of the valve body 11. This restrains the retainer 400 from the valve body 11 in the withdrawal direction (i.e., axial direction). The flange portion 42 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a second locking portion.

[0048] Here, since the groove 112 is formed only on a part of the circumferential direction, when the flange 42 is fixed to the groove 112, the retainer 400 is locked to the valve body 11 in the circumferential direction. This prevents the retainer 400 from rotating relative to the valve body 10. In other words, the retainer 400 is constrained relative to the valve body 11 in the rotational direction (i.e., the circumferential direction). Therefore, the non-grooved portion 113 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a retainer rotation prevention portion. In other words, the groove 112 formed only on a part of the circumferential direction corresponds to an example of a retainer rotation prevention portion.

[0049] The radially inner end face 421 of the flange portion 42 is formed in an arc shape corresponding to the groove portion 112. The flange portion 42 is provided with a hole 422 into which the tip of a bent-tip pliers or a special jig can be inserted.

[0050] Here, the retainer 400 has a first contact portion 413 and a second contact portion 423. The first contact portion 413 is an axial contact portion that contacts the manifold 300 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the first contact portion 413 is formed by the end of the clip portion 41 opposite to the coil portion 50 (the lower end in Figure 7).

[0051] The second contact portion 423 is an axially perpendicular contact portion that contacts the valve body 11 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The second contact portion 423 is formed by the end of the clip portion 41 on the U-shaped opening side of the flange portion 42. In this embodiment, the second contact portion 423 is provided on each of the two opposing flange portions 42. The second contact portion 423 is tapered so that the distance between the opposing second contact portions 423 increases as it approaches the U-shaped opening side.

[0052] The retainer 400 is configured to elastically deform during assembly. Specifically, the retainer 400 has an elastically deformable portion 414 that elastically deforms radially outward when an axial force is applied to the first contact portion 413. The elastically deformable portion 414 also elastically deforms radially outward when a force in the contact direction is applied to the second contact portion 423. Therefore, the elastically deformable portion 414 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of an axial-side elastically deformable portion and a contact-side elastically deformable portion.

[0053] In this embodiment, the elastically deformable portion 414 is provided in a part of the clip portion 41 other than the two side portions 411. The entire retainer 400 may also be configured to be elastically deformable.

[0054] Next, the method for attaching the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 in this embodiment will be described.

[0055] First, the coil portion 50 is fixed to the valve body portion 10. Next, as shown in Figure 8, the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body portion 10 from the contact direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction. Specifically, the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body portion 10 from the U-shaped opening side of the clip portion 41. More specifically, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 is inserted into the groove portion 112 of the valve body portion 10 from the contact direction.

[0056] At this time, as shown in Figure 9, when a force in the contact direction is applied to the retainer 400 and the second contact portion 423 of the flange portion 42 contacts the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11, the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward (i.e., in the direction in which the two flange portions 42 move apart). If the force in the contact direction continues to be applied in this state, the two flange portions 42 of the retainer 400 will each open radially outward, and the flange portions 42 of the retainer 400 will be inserted along the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11.

[0057] When the flange portion 42 is inserted to the deepest part of the groove portion 112, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state with the arc-shaped end face 421 of the flange portion 42 in contact with the groove portion 112. As a result, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 is locked into the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11.

[0058] Next, as shown in Figure 10, the valve body 10 to which the retainer 400 is fixed is attached to the manifold 300. Specifically, the valve body 10 is inserted axially into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300.

[0059] At this time, as shown in Figure 11, when the valve body 11 is inserted axially into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300, the first contact portion 413 of the clip portion 41 of the retainer 400 comes into contact with the flange 32 of the manifold 300. Then, with the first contact portion 413 in contact with the flange 32, an axial force is applied, and the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward along the tapered surface of the flange 32 (i.e., in the direction in which the two side portions 411 move away from each other).

[0060] Subsequently, with the inner surface of the side portion 411 of the retainer 400 in contact with the flange 32, the retainer 400 slides away from the coil portion 50 (downward in Figure 11), and the flange 32 is locked into the through hole 412. Once the flange 32 is locked into the through hole 412, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state.

[0061] The following method can be used to remove the expansion valve 100 from the manifold 300. First, the tip of a pair of bent pliers or a special jig is inserted into the hole 422 of the retainer 400, and the retainer 400 is elastically deformed in a direction that separates the two flanges 42 (i.e., radially outward). Then, the expansion valve 100 can be removed from the manifold 300 by pulling it out through the gap between the two flanges 42.

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment, the expansion valve 100 is attached to the manifold 300 using a retainer 400 having a through hole 412 and a flange portion 42. In this case, there is no need to use a special jig for assembling the retainer 400 to the expansion valve 100 and the manifold 300. That is, the expansion valve 100 can be attached to the manifold 300 in a simple process of engaging the through hole 412 of the retainer 400 with the flange 32 of the manifold 300 and engaging the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 with the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11. Therefore, the number of parts and man-hours required to attach the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 can be reduced. As a result, productivity can be improved.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flange 32 of the manifold 300 is formed in a tapered shape. When attaching the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300, the retainer 400 is pre-assembled to the valve body 11. With this, the expansion valve 100 can be attached to the manifold 300 with a single touch simply by pushing the expansion valve 100 into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300 in the insertion direction. At this time, a special jig for attaching the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 is not required. Therefore, the number of parts and man-hours required to attach the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 can be reduced. As a result, the manifold 300 can be made smaller. This allows for a smaller heat pump module and improved mountability.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the expansion valve 100 is circumferentially locked to the manifold 300 by fitting the convex portion 31 of the manifold 300 with the concave portion 111 of the valve body 11. This prevents misalignment between the refrigerant flow path of the expansion valve 100 and the refrigerant flow path on the manifold 300 side. In addition, since the direction of the connector is restricted, the automation of harness assembly becomes easier.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elastically deformable portion 414 of the retainer 400 is provided in a location other than the two side portions 411 of the clip portion 41. In other words, in this embodiment, the portion of the retainer 400 that undergoes elastic deformation during assembly and the portion that receives force during locking are composed of different parts. This makes it possible to achieve both improved ease of assembly and improved holding strength.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening 30a of the insertion hole 30 in the manifold 300 is located higher than other parts of the manifold 300. As a result, the mating surface between the valve body 11 and the manifold 300 is higher than the surrounding upper surface of the manifold 300, thereby suppressing water accumulation on the mating surface. Consequently, corrosion between the valve body 11 and the manifold 300 can be suppressed.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the fastening portion of the retainer 400 is located on the outer circumference of the manifold 300, the expansion valve 100 can be easily removed. This improves serviceability, such as replacement during repairs.

[0068] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the method of attaching the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300.

[0069] In this embodiment, first, as shown in Figure 12, the valve body 10 to which the coil 50 is fixed is inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300. Next, as shown in Figure 13, with the valve body 10 inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300, the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body 10 and the manifold 300.

[0070] Specifically, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 is inserted radially into the groove portion 112 of the valve body portion 10. At this time, a force in the contact direction is applied to the retainer 400, and when the second contact portion 423 of the flange portion 42 contacts the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11, the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward. If the force in the contact direction is continued to be applied in this state, the two flange portions 42 of the retainer 400 will each open radially outward, and the flange portions 42 of the retainer 400 will be inserted along the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11.

[0071] When the flange portion 42 is inserted to the deepest part of the groove portion 112, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state with the arc-shaped end face 421 of the flange portion 42 in contact with the groove portion 112. As a result, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 is locked into the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11, and the flange 32 of the manifold 300 is locked into the through hole 412 of the clip portion 41 of the retainer 400.

[0072] The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in the mounting portion of the expansion valve 100 in the second embodiment.

[0073] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the method of attaching the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300.

[0074] As shown in Figures 14 to 16, in this embodiment, the manifold 300 has a cylindrical portion 34 formed in a cylindrical shape. An insertion hole 30 is formed inside the cylindrical portion 34. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 34 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0075] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, a groove 35 extending in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 34. The groove 35 is formed only on a portion of the circumferential direction. That is, the cylindrical portion 34 has a non-grooved portion 36 where the groove 35 is not formed.

[0076] In this embodiment, two grooves 35 are provided. A non-groove portion 36 is positioned between the two grooves 35. The two grooves 35 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual reference line extending radially in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0077] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, a flange 114 is provided at the end of the outer circumference of the valve body 11 on the coil portion 50 side (upper side in Figure 15), projecting radially outward. In this embodiment, the flange 114 is formed in a plate shape perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0078] As shown in Figures 15 and 21, the retainer 400 of this embodiment has a clip portion 41, a flange portion 42, and a tapered portion 43. A flange 114 formed on the outer circumference of the valve body 11 is locked and fixed into the through hole 412 of the clip portion 41. This restrains the expansion valve 100 from the manifold 300 in the withdrawal direction (i.e., axial direction). The through hole 412 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of a first locking portion.

[0079] The flange portion 42 is connected to the clip portion 41 on the side opposite to the coil portion 50 (the lower side in Figure 21). The flange portion 42 is formed in a plate shape that extends radially inward from the end of each side portion 411 of the clip portion 41 that is opposite to the coil portion 50 to the expansion valve 100. Two flange portions 42 are provided so as to face each other on either side of the cylindrical portion 34 of the manifold 300.

[0080] The flange portion 42 is locked and fixed in a groove portion 35 formed on the outer circumference of the manifold 300. This restrains the expansion valve 100 from the manifold 300 in the withdrawal direction (i.e., axial direction). The flange portion 42 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a second locking portion.

[0081] Here, since the groove 35 is formed only on a part of the circumferential direction, when the flange 42 is fixed to the groove 35, the retainer 400 is locked to the manifold 300 in the circumferential direction. This prevents the retainer 400 from rotating relative to the manifold 300. In other words, the retainer 400 is constrained to the manifold 300 in the rotational direction (i.e., the circumferential direction). Therefore, the non-grooved portion 36 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a retainer rotation prevention portion. In other words, the groove 35 formed only on a part of the circumferential direction corresponds to an example of a retainer rotation prevention portion.

[0082] The tapered portion 43 is formed in a flat plate shape. The tapered portion 43 is connected to the coil portion 50 side (upper side in Figure 21) of the clip portion 41. Specifically, the tapered portion 43 is connected to the coil portion 50 side end of each side portion 411 of the clip portion 41. The tapered portion 43 is formed in a tapered shape that extends radially outward as it approaches the coil portion 50.

[0083] In this embodiment, the retainer 400 has a third contact portion 43 and a fourth contact portion 424. The third contact portion 43 contacts the valve body 11 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the third contact portion 43 is composed of a tapered portion 43.

[0084] The fourth contact portion 424 contacts the manifold 300 in a contact direction which is perpendicular to the axial direction. The fourth contact portion 424 is formed by the end of the clip portion 41 on the U-shaped opening side of the flange portion 42. In this embodiment, the fourth contact portion 424 is provided on each of the two opposing flange portions 42. The fourth contact portion 424 is tapered so that the distance between the opposing fourth contact portions 424 increases as it approaches the U-shaped opening side.

[0085] Furthermore, the retainer 400 has an elastically deformable portion 415 that elastically deforms radially outward when an axial force is applied to the third contact portion 43. The elastically deformable portion 415 also elastically deforms radially outward when a force in the contact direction is applied to the fourth contact portion 424. In this embodiment, the elastically deformable portion 415 is provided in a part of the clip portion 41 other than the two side portions 411. The entire retainer 400 may be configured to be elastically deformable.

[0086] Next, the method for attaching the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 in this embodiment will be described.

[0087] First, as shown in Figure 22, the retainer 400 is attached to the cylindrical portion 34 of the manifold 300 from the radial direction. Specifically, the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body portion 10 from the U-shaped opening side of the clip portion 41. More specifically, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 is slid into the groove portion 112 of the valve body portion 10 from the radial direction.

[0088] At this time, as shown in Figure 23, when a force in the contact direction is applied to the retainer 400 and the fourth contact portion 424 of the flange portion 42 comes into contact with the groove portion 35 of the manifold 300, the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward (i.e., in the direction in which the two flange portions 42 move apart). If the force in the contact direction continues to be applied in this state, the two flange portions 42 of the retainer 400 will each open radially outward, and the flange portions 42 of the retainer 400 will be inserted along the groove portion 35 of the manifold 300.

[0089] When the flange portion 42 is inserted to the deepest part of the groove portion 35, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state with the arc-shaped end face 421 of the flange portion 42 in contact with the groove portion 35. As a result, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 is locked into the groove portion 35 of the manifold 300.

[0090] Next, as shown in Figure 24, the valve body 10, to which the coil 50 is fixed, is attached to the manifold 300, to which the retainer 400 is locked. Specifically, the valve body 10 is inserted axially into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300.

[0091] At this time, as shown in Figure 25, when the valve body 11 is inserted axially into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300, the third contact portion 43 of the tapered portion 43 of the retainer 400 comes into contact with the flange 114 of the valve body 11. Then, with the third contact portion 43 in contact with the flange 114, an axial force is applied, and the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward along the tapered surface of the tapered portion 43 (i.e., in the direction in which the two side portions 411 move away from each other).

[0092] Subsequently, with the inner surfaces of the tapered portion 43 and the side portion 411 of the retainer 400 in contact with the flange 114, the valve body 11 slides axially downward (downward in Figure 25), and the flange 114 is locked into the through hole 412. Once the flange 114 is locked into the through hole 412, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state.

[0093] The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in the mounting portion of the expansion valve 100 of the third embodiment.

[0094] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in the method of attaching the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300.

[0095] In this embodiment, first, as shown in Figure 26, the valve body 10 to which the coil portion 50 is fixed is inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the cylindrical portion 34 of the manifold 300. Next, as shown in Figure 27, with the valve body 10 inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300, the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body 10 and the manifold 300.

[0096] Specifically, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 is inserted into the groove portion 35 of the manifold 300 from the contact direction. When a force in the contact direction acts on the retainer 400 and the fourth contact portion 424 of the flange portion 42 comes into contact with the groove portion 35 of the manifold 300, the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward. If the force in the contact direction continues to be applied in this state, the two flange portions 42 of the retainer 400 will each open radially outward, and the flange portions 42 of the retainer 400 will be inserted along the groove portion 35 of the manifold 300.

[0097] When the flange portion 42 is inserted to the deepest part of the groove portion 35, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state with the arc-shaped end face 421 of the flange portion 42 in contact with the groove portion 35. As a result, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 is locked into the groove portion 35 of the manifold 300, and the flange 114 of the valve body 11 is locked into the through hole 412 of the clip portion 41 of the retainer 400.

[0098] The other configurations are the same as in the third embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as in the third embodiment can be obtained in the mounting portion of the expansion valve 100 in the fourth embodiment.

[0099] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the coil portion 50, etc.

[0100] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the end of the coil portion 50 on the valve body portion 10 side (the lower end in Figure 24) of this embodiment is provided with a retainer locking portion 51 into which the retainer 400 is locked. The flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 and the end of the valve body 11 on the coil portion 50 side (the upper end in Figure 24) are locked into the retainer locking portion 51. At this time, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 and the end of the valve body 11 on the coil portion 50 side are inserted into the coil portion 50.

[0101] According to this embodiment, the retainer locking portion 51 of the coil portion 50 can fix the coil portion 50 and the retainer 400, as well as the coil portion 50 and the valve body 11. Therefore, the coil fastening bracket that fixes the coil portion 50 and the valve body portion 10 can be eliminated, thereby reducing the number of parts and the assembly man-hours.

[0102] (Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in the shape of the coil portion 50 and the retainer 400, etc.

[0103] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, a flange 52 is formed at the end of the coil portion 50 on the valve body portion 10 side (the lower end in Figure 24) of this embodiment. The flange 52 is formed in a disc shape perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0104] As shown in Figures 30 and 32, the retainer 400 has a coil-side flange portion 44, which is located on the coil portion 50 side (upward in Figure 32) than the flange portion 42 of the clip portion 41.

[0105] The coil-side flange portion 44 is formed in the same shape as the flange portion 42. That is, the coil-side flange portion 44 is formed as a plate that extends radially inward from the end of the coil portion 50 on each side portion 411 of the clip portion 41 toward the inside of the valve body 11. Two coil-side flange portions 44 are provided facing each other on either side of the valve body 11.

[0106] The coil-side flange 44 is locked to the flange 52 of the coil portion 50. The coil portion 50 is fixed to the valve body 11 by the coil-side flange 44. In this embodiment, the coil-side flange 44 corresponds to an example of a third locking portion to which the coil portion 50 is fixed. The radially inner end face 441 of the coil-side flange 44 is formed in an arc shape corresponding to the flange 52 of the coil portion 50.

[0107] According to this embodiment, the coil portion 50 and the valve body 11 can be fixed by the coil-side flange portion 44 of the retainer 400. Therefore, the coil fastening bracket that fixes the coil portion 50 and the valve body portion 10 can be eliminated, thereby reducing the number of parts and the assembly man-hours.

[0108] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the means disclosed in each of the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate to the extent that they are feasible.

[0109] (1) For example, in the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the valve body 11 is provided with two grooves 112 and two non-groove portions 113, and the two non-groove portions 113 are used as retainer rotation prevention portions, but the retainer rotation prevention portion is not limited to this embodiment.

[0110] For example, as shown in Figure 33, one non-groove portion 113 may be used as the retainer rotation prevention portion. That is, the valve body 11 may be provided with one groove portion 112 and one non-groove portion 113.

[0111] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 34 and 35, a manifold-side anti-rotation portion 115 and a retainer-side anti-rotation portion 425 may be used as retainer rotation prevention parts. That is, a manifold-side anti-rotation portion 115 having a non-arc shape may be formed in a part of the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11. And a retainer-side anti-rotation portion 425 having a non-arc shape may be formed in a part of the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400. The manifold-side anti-rotation portion 115 and the retainer-side anti-rotation portion 425 may each have a planar shape.

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 36, a protrusion 33 that projects radially outward may be formed on a part of the flange 32 of the manifold 300 to serve as a retainer rotation prevention part. In other words, a flange 32 provided with a protrusion 33 may be used as a retainer rotation prevention part. The protrusion 33 may be provided on the part of the flange 32 that engages with the through hole 412.

[0113] (2) In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the convex portion 31 of the manifold 300 and the concave portion 111 of the valve body 11 were used as the main body rotation prevention part, but the main body rotation prevention part is not limited to this embodiment.

[0114] For example, as shown in Figures 37 and 38, a recess 37 in the manifold 300 and a protrusion 116 in the valve body 11 may be used as the main body rotation prevention part. That is, a recess 37 may be provided at the end of the manifold 300 on the coil section 50 side (upper side in Figure 37), with the recess being on the opposite side from the coil section 50. The valve body 11 may also be provided with a protrusion 116 that fits into the recess 37 of the manifold 300.

[0115] (3) In addition, although the above-described embodiment described an example in which the heat pump module has a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve 100, and an evaporator, the configuration of the heat pump module is not limited to this embodiment. That is, the heat pump module does not necessarily have to include a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. For example, a heat pump module may be one in which only the expansion valve 100 and valves such as solenoid valves are modularized.

[0116] (others) The features of the mounting portion of the expansion valve disclosed herein are as follows: (Item 1) An expansion valve mounting part for attaching an expansion valve body (100) to a manifold (300), the expansion valve body having a valve element that adjusts the opening degree of the refrigerant flow path and a valve element portion (10) that is inserted into an insertion hole (30) of the manifold (300), and a coil portion (50) that drives the valve element, A retainer (400) having a first locking portion (412) and a second locking portion (42) is provided. A flange (32, 114) formed on either the outer circumference of the manifold or the outer circumference of the valve body is fixed to the first locking portion. The second locking portion is a mounting portion for an expansion valve that is fixed to grooves (35, 112) formed on the outer circumference of the manifold and the other outer circumference of the valve body portion. (Item 2) A flange (32) formed on the outer circumference of the manifold is fixed to the first locking portion. The second locking portion is fixed to a groove (112) formed on the other side of the outer circumference of the valve body portion, which is the mounting portion for the expansion valve according to item 1. (Item 3) The retainer has an axial contact portion (413) that abuts against the manifold in the axial direction of the expansion valve body, The mounting portion for the expansion valve according to item 2, comprising an axial elastic deformation portion (414) that elastically deforms radially outward of the expansion valve body when an axial force is applied to the axial contact portion. (Item 4) The retainer has an axially perpendicular contact portion (423) that contacts the manifold in a contact direction which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the expansion valve body, The mounting portion for the expansion valve according to item 2, having a contact-side elastic deformation portion (414) that elastically deforms radially outward of the expansion valve body when a force in the contact direction is applied to the shaft-perpendicular contact portion. (Item 5) Furthermore, the expansion valve body is provided with a body rotation prevention section (31, 37, 111, 116) to prevent rotation of the expansion valve body relative to the manifold, An expansion valve mounting part according to any one of items 1 to 4, comprising retainer rotation prevention parts (32, 33, 35, 36, 112, 113, 115, 425) that prevent the retainer from rotating relative to the expansion valve body or the manifold. (Item 6) The retainer rotation prevention portion is the mounting portion for the expansion valve described in item 5, which is provided in the groove. (Item 7) The retainer rotation prevention portion is the mounting portion for the expansion valve described in item 5, which is provided on the flange. (Item 8) The mounting portion for the expansion valve according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the opening (30a) of the insertion hole in the manifold is located above other parts of the manifold. (Item 9) The retainer is an expansion valve mounting part according to any one of items 1 to 8, having a third locking part (44) to which the coil part is fixed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 10 Valve body 30 insertion holes 32 flange 42 Flange (second locking part) 50 Coil section 100 Expansion valve (expansion valve body) 112 Groove 300 Manifold 400 retainer 412 Through hole (first locking part)

Claims

1. An expansion valve mounting part for attaching an expansion valve body (100) to a manifold (300), the expansion valve body having a valve element that adjusts the opening degree of the refrigerant flow path and a valve element portion (10) that is inserted into an insertion hole (30) of the manifold (300), and a coil portion (50) that drives the valve element, A retainer (400) having a first locking portion (412) and a second locking portion (42) is provided. A flange (32, 114) formed on either the outer circumference of the manifold or the outer circumference of the valve body is fixed to the first locking portion. The second locking portion is a mounting portion for an expansion valve that is fixed to grooves (35, 112) formed on the outer circumference of the manifold and the other outer circumference of the valve body portion.

2. A flange (32) formed on the outer circumference of the manifold is fixed to the first locking portion. The mounting portion for the expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein the second locking portion is fixed to a groove (112) formed on the other side of the outer circumference of the valve body portion.

3. The retainer has an axial contact portion (413) that abuts against the manifold in the axial direction of the expansion valve body, The mounting portion for an expansion valve according to claim 2, further comprising an axial elastic deformation portion (414) that elastically deforms radially outward of the expansion valve body when an axial force is applied to the axial contact portion.

4. The retainer has an axially perpendicular contact portion (423) that contacts the manifold in a contact direction which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the expansion valve body, The mounting portion for an expansion valve according to claim 2, further comprising: a contact-side elastic deformation portion (414) that elastically deforms radially outward of the expansion valve body when a force in the contact direction is applied to the shaft-perpendicular contact portion.

5. Furthermore, the expansion valve body is provided with a body rotation prevention section (31, 37, 111, 116) to prevent rotation of the expansion valve body relative to the manifold, An expansion valve mounting portion according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising retainer rotation prevention parts (32, 33, 35, 36, 112, 113, 115, 425) for preventing the retainer from rotating relative to the expansion valve body or the manifold.

6. The retainer rotation prevention portion is provided in the groove portion, which is the mounting portion for the expansion valve according to claim 5.

7. The retainer rotation prevention portion is provided on the flange, which is the mounting portion for the expansion valve according to claim 5.

8. The mounting portion for an expansion valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening (30a) of the insertion hole in the manifold is located above other parts of the manifold.

9. The mounting portion for an expansion valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retainer has a third locking portion (44) to which the coil portion is fixed.

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