Electrically driven valve and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present application provides an electrically driven valve and a manufacturing method thereof, which can suppress material cost and processing cost of a valve core, and reduce manufacturing cost. The solenoid valve (1) has a cylindrical valve body (10) with a closed upper end, a valve seat member (20) engaged with a lower end of the valve body (10), and a valve core (40) accommodated in the valve body (10). The valve seat member (20) has a cylindrical valve seat body (21) provided with a valve seat (22) at an upper end, and a circular ring plate-shaped flange (23) engaged with the valve body (10), which is continuously provided with a lower end of the valve seat body (21). The valve core (40) has a cylindrical body portion (41) and a circular ring plate-shaped valve portion (42) in contact with and separated from the valve seat (22), which is continuously provided with the body portion (41). Furthermore, the valve body (10), the valve seat member (20), and the valve core (40) are formed by metal stamping processing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an electrically driven valve and a manufacturing method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a conventional solenoid valve as an electrically driven valve. The solenoid valve of Patent Literature 1 has a valve main body of a cylindrical shape with one end closed, a base member joined to the other end of the valve main body, and a spool housed in the valve main body and brought into contact with and separated from a valve seat of the base member.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-185603

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] The solenoid valve of Patent Literature 1 is manufactured by cutting processing of a brass material to make the columnar spool. Therefore, the material cost and processing cost increase, resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost of the solenoid valve. SUMMARY

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an electrically driven valve and a manufacturing method thereof capable of suppressing the material cost and processing cost of a spool and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0009] TECHNICAL MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] To achieve the above object, an electrically driven valve of one embodiment of the present application has a valve main body of a cylindrical shape with one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve main body, and a spool housed in the valve main body, characterized in that the valve seat member has a valve seat main body of a cylindrical shape with a valve seat provided at one end thereof, and a flange of a circular ring plate shape joined to the valve main body, the flange being continuously provided at the other end of the valve seat main body, the spool has a main body portion of a cylindrical shape and a valve portion of a circular ring plate shape or a circular plate shape brought into contact with and separated from the valve seat, the valve portion being continuously provided to the main body portion, and the valve main body, the valve seat member, and the spool are formed by metal press processing.

[0011] In the present application, it is also possible that a flow-through hole is provided in the spool so that fluid flows from a valve chamber of the valve main body to a valve port of the valve seat member through the inside of the spool in a closed valve state in which the valve portion is in contact with the valve seat, and a flow rate limiting member is provided in the inside of the spool, the flow rate limiting member limiting the flow rate of the passing fluid.

[0012] To achieve the above object, an electrically driven valve according to another aspect of the present application has a valve body of a cylindrical shape with one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve core housed in the valve body, and is characterized in that the valve seat member has a valve seat body of a cylindrical shape with a valve seat provided at one end thereof, and a flange of a circular ring plate shape joined to the valve body and continuously provided at the other end of the valve seat body, the valve core has a main body portion of a cylindrical shape and a valve member of a circular ring plate shape or a circular plate shape which contacts and separates from the valve seat and is mounted to the main body portion, the valve body and the valve seat member are formed by metal press working, the main body portion of the valve core is formed by metal press working or cutting working of a cylindrical pipe, and the valve member of the valve core is formed by cutting working.

[0013] To achieve the above object, a method of manufacturing an electrically driven valve according to another aspect of the present application has a valve body of a cylindrical shape with one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve core housed in the valve body, and is characterized in that the valve body is formed by metal press working of a metal material, the valve seat member is formed by metal press working of a metal material, the valve seat member has a valve seat body of a cylindrical shape with a valve seat provided at one end thereof, and a flange of a circular ring plate shape joined to the valve body and continuously provided at the other end of the valve seat body, the valve core is formed by metal press working of a metal material, and the valve core has a main body portion of a cylindrical shape and a valve member of a circular ring plate shape or a circular plate shape which contacts and separates from the valve seat and is continuously provided at the main body portion.

[0014] To achieve the above object, a method of manufacturing an electrically driven valve according to another aspect of the present application has a valve body of a cylindrical shape with one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve core housed in the valve body, and is characterized in that the valve body is formed by metal press working of a metal material, the valve seat member is formed by metal press working of a metal material, the valve seat member has a valve seat body of a cylindrical shape with a valve seat provided at one end thereof, and a flange of a circular ring plate shape joined to the valve body and continuously provided at the other end of the valve seat body, the valve core is formed by metal press working of a metal material, and the valve core has a main body portion of a cylindrical shape and a valve member of a circular ring plate shape or a circular plate shape which contacts and separates from the valve seat and is continuously provided at the main body portion.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the present application, material and processing costs of the valve core can be reduced, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a sectional view of an electromagnetic valve of a first embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 2 is a sectional view showing a structure of a first modification example of the electromagnetic valve of Figure 1

[0019] Figure 3 is a sectional view showing a structure of a second modification example of the electromagnetic valve of Figure 1

[0020] Figure 4 is a sectional view showing a structure of a third modification example of the electromagnetic valve of Figure 1

[0021] Figure 5 is a sectional view showing a structure of a fourth modification example of the electromagnetic valve of Figure 1

[0022] Figure 6 is a sectional view showing a structure of a fifth modification example of the electromagnetic valve of Figure 1

[0023] Figure 7 is a sectional view showing a structure of a sixth modification example of the electromagnetic valve of Figure 1

[0024] Figure 8 is a sectional view of an electromagnetic valve of a second embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 9 is a sectional view showing a structure of a modification example of the electromagnetic valve of Figure 8

[0026] Figure 10 is a sectional view of an electromagnetic valve of a third embodiment of the electrically driven valve of the present application.

[0027] Figure 11 is an enlarged sectional view of the electromagnetic valve of Figure 10

[0028] Figure 12 is an enlarged sectional view showing a structure of a modification example of the electromagnetic valve of Figure 10

[0029] SYMBOL EXPLANATION

[0030] (First Embodiment)

[0031] ​​​​​​​​​1 solenoid valve, 10 valve main body, 11 small diameter portion, 11a top portion, 12 large diameter portion, 13 step portion, 14 valve chamber, 15 first conduit, 16 second conduit, 20 valve seat member, 21 valve seat main body, 22 valve seat, 22a drain groove, 23 flange, 24 valve port, 30 plunger, 31 first portion, 32 second portion, 33 step portion, 35 pressure equalizing hole, 40 spool, 41 main body portion, 42 valve portion, 43 spring retainer member mounting portion, 44 spring retainer member, 45 seating surface, 50 guide member, 51 flat plate portion, 51a through hole, 52 guide portion, 55 valve opening spring, 60 solenoid coil, 61 housing, 62 coil holder, 63 coil, 64 stopper, L axis, LI length of the second portion of the plunger in the axial direction, L2 distance from the position of the open valve state of the spool to the position of the closed valve state (first modification example of the first embodiment)

[0032] 1A solenoid valve, 30A plunger, 35A pressure equalizing hole, 36A partition wall, 36a mounting hole, 40A spool, 41A main body portion, 42A valve portion, 45A seating surface, 46A end portion of the main body portion on the upper side

[0033] (second modification example of the first embodiment)

[0034] 1B solenoid valve, 30B plunger, 31B first portion, 32B second portion, 33B step portion, 40B spool, 41B main body portion, 42B valve portion, 43B protruding portion, 45B seating surface, 46B pressure equalizing hole (third modification example of the first embodiment) 1C solenoid valve, 30C plunger, 31C first portion, 32C second portion, 33C step portion, 40C spool, 41C main body portion, 42C valve portion, 45C seating surface, 46C pressure equalizing hole

[0035] (fourth modification example of the first embodiment)

[0036] 1D solenoid valve, 30D plunger, 31D first portion, 32D second portion, 33D step portion, 40D spool, 41D main body portion, 42D valve portion, 45D seating surface, 47D pressure equalizing hole (fifth modification of the first embodiment) 1E solenoid valve, 30E plunger, 31E first portion, 32E second portion, 33E step portion, 35E pressure equalizing hole, 40E spool, 41E main body portion, 42E valve portion, 45E seating surface, 47E pressure equalizing hole (sixth modification of the first embodiment) 1F solenoid valve, 30F plunger, 31F first portion, 32F second portion, 33F step portion, 40F spool, 41F main body portion, 42F valve portion, 45F seating surface, 46F flow passage hole, 47F flow passage hole, 70 flow restriction member, 71 pressing member, 72, 74 filter, 73 flow restriction plate

[0037] (Second Embodiment)

[0038] 1G solenoid valve, 30C plunger, 40G spool, 41G main body portion, 42G valve portion, 45G seating surface, 46G pressure equalizing hole (modification of the second embodiment) 1H solenoid valve, 30C plunger, 40H spool, 41H main body portion, 42H valve portion, 45H seating surface, 46H pressure equalizing hole

[0039] (Third Embodiment)

[0040] 1, 1A solenoid valve, 10 valve body, 11 valve chamber, 12 valve port, 13 valve seat, 13a drain groove, 14 housing mounting hole, 15 spring support portion, 16 support portion, 17 guide, 17a spring support portion, 17b guide portion, 18 first conduit, 19 second conduit, 20 housing, 21 lower end, 22 upper end, 30 plunger, 31 plunger body, 32 spool mounting portion, 33 spool advancing surface, 34 gasket, 40 cover, 41 large diameter portion, 42 small diameter portion, 50 spool, 51 main body portion, 51a flow passage hole, 52, 52A valve portion, 52a flow passage hole, 53 protruding portion, 54 seating surface, 55 valve-opening spring, 60 flow restriction member, 61 retaining member, 62, 64 filter, 63 flow restriction plate, 70 solenoid coil, 71 housing, 72 coil holder, 73 coil, 74 bolt DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] (First Embodiment)

[0042] Hereinafter, referring to Figures 1-7The structure of the electromagnetic valve of the first embodiment of the present application will be described. Further, the electromagnetic valve described in this specification has a structure that allows a small amount of refrigerant (fluid) to flow in a closed valve state. The present application can also be applied to an electromagnetic valve that completely stops the flow of refrigerant in a closed valve state.

[0043] Figure 1 is a sectional view (longitudinal sectional view) of the electromagnetic valve of the first embodiment of the present application along the axis of the valve body. Figures 2-7 is a sectional view of the first modification to the sixth modification of the structure of the electromagnetic valve of Figure 1 Further, in this specification, "up and down" is used to indicate the relative positional relationship of the components in each drawing, and does not indicate the absolute positional relationship. "Axial direction" refers to the direction along the axis of the valve body, and "radial direction" refers to the radial direction of the valve body.

[0044] The electromagnetic valve 1 of the first embodiment is an electromagnetic valve that drives a spool by magnetic force, and is used as, for example, a dehumidification valve that throttles refrigerant during dehumidification operation of an air conditioner. The same applies to the electromagnetic valve of the second embodiment described later.

[0045] Figure 1 As shown in the drawing, the electromagnetic valve 1 has a valve body 10, a valve seat member 20, a plunger 30, a spool 40, a guide member 50, and an electromagnetic coil 60.

[0046] The valve body 10 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape having a small-diameter portion 11 whose upper end (one end) is closed by a top 11a and a large-diameter portion 12 that is continuously provided with the lower end (the other end) of the small-diameter portion 11. A valve chamber 14 is provided inside the large-diameter portion 12. A first conduit 15 that penetrates in a direction orthogonal to the axis L direction is joined to the valve chamber 14 by brazing.

[0047] The valve seat member 20 has a valve seat body 21, a valve seat 22, and a flange 23. The valve seat body 21 is disposed inside the large-diameter portion 12 of the valve body 10. A valve port 24 is provided inside the valve seat body 21. The valve seat 22 is provided at the upper end of the valve seat body 21. The valve seat 22 is a conical tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter toward the radial inner side as it goes from the upper side to the lower side. A plurality of bleed grooves 22a are provided in the valve seat 22. In the closed valve state in which the valve seat 22 is in contact with the spool 40, a small amount of refrigerant flows between the valve chamber 14 and the valve port 24 through the plurality of bleed grooves 22a. The flange 23 is formed in a circular ring plate shape, and the inner periphery of the flange 23 is continuously provided with the lower end of the valve seat body 21. The flange 23 is joined to the lower end of the large-diameter portion 12 by welding. A second conduit 16 that is connected to the valve port 24 is connected to the valve seat member 20 by brazing.

[0048] The plunger 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially the same as an inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11 of the valve body 10. The plunger 30 is housed by the small-diameter portion 11 so as to be movable in the axial direction L. The plunger 30 has a first portion 31 having a small inner diameter and a second portion 32 having a large inner diameter, which is continuously provided with the lower end of the first portion 31. A stepped portion 33 as an annular flat surface is provided between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. The first portion 31 is provided with an equalizing hole 35 that penetrates from an outer peripheral surface to an inner peripheral surface.

[0049] The spool 40 has a cylindrical main body portion 41 having a closed upper end, and a circular ring plate-shaped valve portion 42 continuously provided with an inner peripheral edge of the lower end (end portion on the valve seat 22 side) of the main body portion 41. A spring retainer member mounting portion 43 is provided near the upper end of the main body portion 41. The outer diameter of the spring retainer member mounting portion 43 is smaller than the outer diameter of a portion other than the spring retainer member mounting portion 43 in the main body portion 41. The valve portion 42 is provided with a seating surface 45 that comes into contact with the valve seat 22 in the closed valve state. The seating surface 45 is a conical tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter toward the radial outer side as it goes downward from the upper side. A spring retainer member 44 composed of an E-shaped retainer ring is mounted to the spring retainer member mounting portion 43. The spring retainer member 44 moves in the axial direction L together with the main body portion 41 by being mounted to the spring retainer member mounting portion 43. The outer diameter of the spring retainer member 44 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the second portion 32 of the plunger 30. The spring retainer member 44 is housed by the second portion 32 so as to be movable in the axial direction L. The spring retainer member 44 is disposed so as to come into contact with the stepped portion 33 of the plunger 30.

[0050] The guide member 50 has the same shape as the guide member of Patent Document 1. The guide member 50 has a flat plate portion 51 and a guide portion 52. The flat plate portion 51 has a shape in which a circular plate having a diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 12 of the valve body 10 is cut along a chord. A plurality of through holes 51a are provided in the flat plate portion 51. The guide portion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes upward from the center of the flat plate portion 51. The inner diameter of the guide portion 52 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the main body portion 41 of the spool 40. The guide portion 52 guides movement of the main body portion 41 in the axial direction L. The guide member 50 is fixed to the upper portion of the large-diameter portion 12 of the valve body 10. A valve-opening spring 55 as a compression coil spring is disposed between the flat plate portion 51 and the spring retainer member 44. The guide portion 52 is disposed inside the valve-opening spring 55.

[0051] The electromagnetic coil 60 has a housing 61, a coil holder 62 housed in the housing 61, and a coil 63 composed of an electric wire wound around the coil holder 62. The electromagnetic coil 60 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the small-diameter portion 11 of the valve body 10 is fitted inside. A stopper 64 in the shape of a plate spring having a semispherical protrusion is fixed to the upper portion of the housing 61. The electromagnetic coil 60 is fixed with respect to the small-diameter portion 11 by fitting the semispherical protrusion of the stopper 64 into any one of the semispherical recesses provided at multiple positions (for example, four positions) of the small-diameter portion 11.

[0052] The electromagnetic valve 1 is configured such that the axes of the valve body 10 (the small-diameter portion 11, the large-diameter portion 12), the valve seat member 20 (the valve seat body 21, the valve seat 22, the flange 23), the plunger 30, the spool 40 (the body portion 41, the valve portion 42), and the guide portion 52 of the guide member 50 are aligned on the axis line L. That is, these are all coaxially arranged. The axis line L direction coincides with the up-down direction.

[0053] Next, an example of the manufacturing method of the electromagnetic valve 1 of the first embodiment described above will be described.

[0054] A metal press working is performed on a metal plate such as stainless steel, thereby forming the valve body 10 having a stepped cylindrical shape having the small-diameter portion 11 and the large-diameter portion 12.

[0055] A metal press working is performed on a metal plate such as stainless steel, thereby forming the valve seat member 20 having the valve seat body 21 in which the valve port 24 is formed inside, the valve seat 22 provided at the upper end of the valve seat body 21, and the flange 23 provided continuously with the lower end of the valve seat body 21 in the shape of a circular ring plate.

[0056] A metal press working is performed on a metal plate such as stainless steel, thereby forming the spool 40 having the body portion 41 in the shape of a cylinder, the valve portion 42 provided continuously with the lower end of the body portion 41, and the spring bracket member mounting portion 43 provided near the upper end of the body portion 41.

[0057] Further, the metal press working in this specification means a working in which a metal plate is sandwiched between a pair of dies (die set) and is pressed, thereby plastically deforming the plate. The metal press working can make the plate (one metal plate) into the shape of the spool 40 (or the valve body 10, the valve seat member 20) by one die set, or a plurality of die sets can be prepared and plastic working can be performed in multiple stages.

[0058] A metal press working is performed on a metal plate such as stainless steel, thereby forming the guide member 50 having the flat plate portion 51 and the guide portion 52 in the shape of a cylinder provided at the center of the flat plate portion 51.

[0059] The first conduit 15 is brazed to the valve body 10 . The second conduit 16 is brazed to the valve seat member 20 . The plunger 30 is housed in the small-diameter portion 11 of the valve body 10 .

[0060] The main body 41 of the valve element 40 is inserted into the guide portion 52 of the guide member 50. The valve opening spring 55 is inserted into the main body 41 and the guide portion 52. With the valve opening spring 55 compressed, the spring support member 44 is attached to the spring support member mounting portion 43 of the main body 41. This positions the valve opening spring 55 between the spring support member 44 and the flat plate 51 of the guide member 50. While the main body 41, with the spring support member 44 attached, is inserted into the second portion 32 of the plunger 30, the guide member 50 is accommodated in the valve body 10 so that the flat plate 51 contacts the step 13 between the small diameter portion 11 and the large diameter portion 12 of the valve body 10. Then, a punch is used to strike the outer circumference of the large diameter portion 12 at multiple locations to secure the guide member 50 to the valve body 10.

[0061] The valve seat body 21 of the valve seat member 20 is positioned within the large-diameter portion 12, and the flange 23 is welded to the lower end of the large-diameter portion 12, thereby attaching the valve seat member 20 to the valve body 10. The small-diameter portion 11 is then fitted into the inner side of the electromagnetic coil 60. This completes the electromagnetic valve 1.

[0062] Next, an example of the operation of the above-mentioned solenoid valve 1 will be described.

[0063] When the coil 63 of the solenoid valve 1 is not energized (de-energized), the plunger 30 and spring support member 44 are pushed upward by the valve-opening spring 55. The plunger 30 abuts the top 11a of the valve body 10. The valve element 40 also moves upward along with the spring support member 44, causing the seating surface 45 of the valve portion 42 to separate from the valve seat 22, resulting in an open valve state. In this open valve state, refrigerant can flow freely between the first conduit 15 and the second conduit 16 through the valve chamber 14 and the valve port 24.

[0064] When the coil 63 of the solenoid valve 1 is energized (when energized), the plunger 30 is magnetized by the magnetic field generated by the coil 63. The plunger 30 and the spring support member 44 overcome the valve-opening spring 55 and move downward together with the spring support member 44. Furthermore, the valve element 40 also moves downward together with the spring support member 44, causing the seating surface 45 of the valve portion 42 to contact the valve seat 22, resulting in a closed valve state. In this closed valve state, a small amount of refrigerant flows from the valve chamber 14 to the valve port 24 through the drain groove 22a, restricting the flow of refrigerant between the first conduit 15 and the second conduit 16.

[0065] As can be seen from the above, according to the solenoid valve 1 of this embodiment, the valve body 10 has a cylindrical shape with a closed upper end. The valve seat component 20 includes a cylindrical valve seat body 21 with a valve seat 22 provided at its upper end, and an annular plate-shaped flange 23 mounted on the valve body 10, the flange 23 being continuous with the lower end of the valve seat body 21. The valve core 40 includes a cylindrical main body 41 and an annular plate-shaped valve portion 42 that contacts and separates from the valve seat 22, the valve portion 42 being continuous with the lower end of the main body 41. Furthermore, the valve body 10, valve seat component 20, and valve core 40 are formed by metal stamping. Thus, since the valve core 40 is formed by metal stamping in addition to the valve body 10 and valve seat component 20, material and processing costs can be reduced compared to solenoid valves in which the valve core 40 is formed by cutting. Therefore, the material and processing costs of the valve core 40 are reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0066] Furthermore, in the solenoid valve 1, the length L1 of the second portion 32 of the plunger 30 in the direction of the axis L (i.e., the length in the direction of the axis L from the lower end of the plunger 30 to the step portion 33) is longer than the distance L2 between the valve element 40 in the open and closed positions. Consequently, even if the valve element 40 remains in contact with the valve seat 22 for some reason and only the plunger 30 moves upward, the spring support member 44 is prevented from falling off from the inside of the second portion 32.

[0067] Next, refer to Figures 2-7 , the solenoid valves 1A to 1F of the modified examples of the solenoid valve 1 of the first embodiment are described. The solenoid valves 1A to 1F have the following structure: in the solenoid valve 1 of the first embodiment, the plunger 30 and the valve core 40 are replaced with plungers 30A to 30F and valve cores 40A to 40F having different structures from these. In addition, the solenoid valves 1B to 1F have the following structure: in place of the guide member 50, a guide member 56 having a different structure from the guide member 50 is provided. In addition, in Figures 2-7 In the drawings, the same components (including substantially the same components) as those of the solenoid valve 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0068] (First Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, the solenoid valve 1A according to the first modified example has a structure in which a valve element 40A is attached to a partition wall 36A of a plunger 30A.

[0070] The plunger 30A is formed into a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11 of the valve body 10. The plunger 30A is accommodated in the small-diameter portion 11 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis L. The plunger 30A is provided with a partition wall 36A that divides the inner space in the direction of the axis L. The plunger 30A is provided with a pressure equalizing hole 35A that penetrates from the outer circumferential surface to the inner circumferential surface.

[0071] The valve core 40A includes a cylindrical main body 41A with a closed upper end and a circular plate-shaped valve portion 42A whose inner circumference is continuous with the lower end of the main body 41A. The valve portion 42A is provided with a seating surface 45A, which contacts the valve seat 22 in the closed state. The seating surface 45A is a conical surface whose diameter gradually decreases radially outward from the top toward the bottom. The outer diameter of the upper end 46A of the main body 41A is smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the main body 41A other than the end 46A. When the upper end 46A of the main body 41A is inserted into the mounting hole 36a provided in the partition 36A of the plunger 30A, the upper end of the end 46A deforms to expand the diameter, thereby fixing the valve core 40A to the plunger 30A. The valve opening spring 55 is arranged between the partition wall 36A of the plunger 30A and the flat plate portion 51 of the guide member 50 .

[0072] (Second Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the solenoid valve 1B of the second modified example has a structure in which the lower end of the plunger 30B is covered by the valve element 40B. The plunger 30B is not fixed to the valve element 40B.

[0074] The plunger 30B is cylindrical in shape. It is housed in the small-diameter portion 11 of the valve body 10 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis L. The plunger 30B includes a first portion 31B having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11, and a second portion 32B having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first portion 31B. The second portion 32B is continuous with the lower end of the first portion 31B. An annular flat step 33B is provided between the first portion 31B and the second portion 32B.

[0075] The valve core 40B has a cylindrical main body 41B and a disc-shaped valve portion 42B that closes the lower end of the main body 41B. A circular ring-shaped protrusion 43B that protrudes radially outward is provided at the upper end of the main body 41B. A seating surface 45B is provided on the valve portion 42B, and the seating surface 45B is in contact with the valve seat 22 in the closed valve state. The seating surface 45B is a conical surface whose diameter gradually decreases radially outward from the top to the bottom. The second part 32B of the plunger 30B is arranged on the inner side of the main body 41B. The protrusion 43B is arranged to be in contact with the step portion 33B of the plunger 30B. A pressure equalizing hole 46B is provided in the main body 41B that passes through from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface.

[0076] The guide member 56 includes a cylindrical guide portion 57 and an annular mounting portion 58 whose inner circumference is continuous with the upper end of the guide portion 57. The inner diameter of the guide portion 57 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the main body 41B of the valve element 40B. The guide portion 57 guides the movement of the main body 41B in the direction of the axis L. The guide member 56 is housed in the valve chamber 14, and the mounting portion 58 is fixed to the step 13 of the valve body 10. A valve opening spring 55, a compression coil spring, is disposed between the guide member 56 and the protrusion 43B of the valve element 40B. The main body 41B of the valve element 40B is disposed inside the valve opening spring 55. The valve opening spring 55 applies an upward thrust to the plunger 30B via the protrusion 43B. The guide member 56 is also used in the solenoid valves 1C to 1F of the third to sixth modifications described below, guiding the movement of the valve elements 40C to 40F in the direction of the axis L.

[0077] In the solenoid valve 1B of the second modified example, the length L1 of the second portion 32B of the plunger 30B in the direction of the axis L (i.e., the length in the direction of the axis L from the lower end of the plunger 30B to the step portion 33B) is longer than the distance L2 between the valve element 40B's open and closed positions. This prevents the main body 41B of the valve element 40B from falling off the second portion 32B, even if the valve element 40B remains in contact with the valve seat 22 for some reason and only the plunger 30B moves upward.

[0078] (Third Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the solenoid valve 1C according to the third modification has a structure in which a valve element 40C is engaged with the lower end of a plunger 30C.

[0080] The plunger 30C is cylindrical in shape. It is accommodated in the small-diameter portion 11 of the valve body 10 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis L. The plunger 30C includes a first portion 31C having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11, and a second portion 32C having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first portion 31C. The second portion 32C is continuous with the lower end of the first portion 31C. An annular flat step 33C is provided between the first portion 31C and the second portion 32C.

[0081] The valve core 40C includes a cylindrical main body 41C and a disc-shaped valve portion 42C that closes the lower end of the main body 41C. The outer diameter of the main body 41C is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the second portion 32C of the plunger 30C. The upper end of the main body 41C is welded to the lower end of the second portion 32C. The valve portion 42C is provided with a seating surface 45C that contacts the valve seat 22 when the valve is closed. The seating surface 45C is a conical surface whose diameter gradually decreases radially outward from the top to the bottom. The main body 41C is provided with a pressure equalizing hole 46C that extends from the outer circumference to the inner circumference. A valve opening spring 55 is disposed between the guide member 56 and the step portion 33C of the plunger 30C. The main body 41C of the valve core 40C is disposed inside the valve opening spring 55. The valve opening spring 55 urges the plunger 30C upward.

[0082] (Fourth Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, the solenoid valve 1D according to the fourth modification has a structure in which a valve element 40D is joined to the lower end of a plunger 30D whose upper end is closed.

[0084] The plunger 30D is cylindrical with a closed upper end. The plunger 30D is housed in the small-diameter portion 11 of the valve body 10 so that it can move in the direction of the axis L. The plunger 30D includes a first portion 31D having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11, and a second portion 32D having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first portion 31D. The second portion 32D is continuous with the lower end of the first portion 31D. A stepped portion 33D, which is an annular flat surface, is provided between the first portion 31D and the second portion 32D.

[0085] The valve core 40D comprises a cylindrical main body 41D and an annular valve portion 42D whose outer circumference is continuous with the lower end of the main body 41D. The outer diameter of the main body 41D is approximately the same as that of the second portion 32D of the plunger 30D. The upper end of the main body 41D is welded to the lower end of the second portion 32D. The valve portion 42D is provided with a seating surface 45D, which contacts the valve seat 22 when the valve is closed. The seating surface 45D has a conical surface whose diameter gradually decreases radially outward from top to bottom. The inner side of the inner circumference of the valve portion 42D serves as a pressure equalizing hole 47D. A valve opening spring 55 is disposed between the guide member 56 and the step 33D of the plunger 30D. The main body 41D of the valve core 40D is disposed within the valve opening spring 55. The valve opening spring 55 urges the plunger 30D upward.

[0086] (Fifth Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0087] like Figure 6 As shown, the solenoid valve 1E of the fifth modification has a structure in which a valve element 40E is engaged with the lower end of a plunger 30E whose lower end is closed.

[0088] The plunger 30E is cylindrical with a closed lower end. The plunger 30E is housed in the small-diameter portion 11 of the valve body 10 and is movable in the direction of the axis L. The plunger 30E comprises a first portion 31E having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11, and a second portion 32E having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first portion 31E. The second portion 32E is continuous with the lower end of the first portion 31E. A stepped portion 33E, which is an annular flat surface, is provided between the first and second portions 31E. A pressure-equalizing hole 35E is provided in the upper portion of the first portion 31E, extending from the outer circumference to the inner circumference.

[0089] The valve core 40E has a cylindrical main body 41E and a circular plate-shaped valve portion 42E whose outer circumference is continuous with the lower end of the main body 41E. The outer diameter of the main body 41E is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the second portion 32E of the plunger 30E. The upper end of the main body 41E is welded to the lower end of the second portion 32E. The valve portion 42E is provided with a seating surface 45E, which contacts the valve seat 22 when the valve is closed. The seating surface 45E is a conical surface whose diameter gradually decreases radially outward from top to bottom. The inner side of the inner circumference of the valve portion 42E serves as a pressure equalizing hole 47E. A valve opening spring 55 is disposed between the guide member 56 and the step portion 33E of the plunger 30E. The main body 41E of the valve core 40E is disposed inside the valve opening spring 55. The valve opening spring 55 urges the plunger 30E upward.

[0090] (Sixth Modification of the First Embodiment)

[0091] As Figure 7 shown, the electromagnetic valve 1F of the sixth modification example has a structure in which the spool 40F is engaged with the lower end of the plunger 30F, and a flow rate restriction member 70 is provided inside the spool 40F. The electromagnetic valve 1F omits the plurality of bleed grooves 22a of the valve seat 22, and a small amount of refrigerant flows inside the spool 40F in the closed valve state.

[0092] The plunger 30F is formed in a cylindrical shape. The plunger 30F is housed by the small diameter portion 11 of the valve main body 10 so as to be movable in the axial line L direction. The plunger 30F has a first portion 31F having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 11, and a second portion 32F having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion 31F, which is continuously provided with the lower end of the first portion 31F. A stepped portion 33F, which is an annular flat surface, is provided between the first portion 31F and the second portion 32F.

[0093] The spool 40F has a main body portion 41F in a cylindrical shape, and a valve portion 42F in a circular ring plate shape, which is continuously provided with the lower end of the main body portion 41F. The outer diameter of the main body portion 41F is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second portion 32F of the plunger 30F. The upper end of the main body portion 41F is engaged with the lower end of the second portion 32F by welding. A seating surface 45F is provided in the valve portion 42F, which is in contact with the valve seat 22 in the closed valve state. The seating surface 45F is a conical tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter toward the radial outer side as it goes from the upper side toward the lower side. A flow passage hole 46F is provided in the main body portion 41F, which penetrates from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface. The inner side of the inner peripheral edge of the valve portion 42F becomes a flow passage hole 47F. A valve opening spring 55 is disposed between the guide member 56 and the stepped portion 33F of the plunger 30F. The main body portion 41F of the spool 40F is disposed inside the valve opening spring 55. The valve opening spring 55 exerts an upward thrust on the plunger 30F.

[0094] The flow rate restriction member 70 is disposed inside the spool 40F. The flow rate restriction member 70 has a pressing member 71, a filter 72, a flow rate restriction plate 73, and a filter 74, which are sequentially stacked in the axial line L direction. The pressing member 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the main body portion 41F of the spool 40F. The filter 72, the flow rate restriction plate 73, and the filter 74 are sandwiched between the pressing member 71 and the valve portion 42F. The filters 72 and 74 are formed by tightly stacking mesh materials made of, for example, fine diameter metal wires. The flow rate restriction plate 73 is disposed in a manner that divides the space inside the spool 40F in the axial line L direction. The flow rate restriction plate 73 has a small diameter through hole that allows a small amount of refrigerant to flow.

[0095] In the closed state of the electromagnetic valve 1F, refrigerant flows from the valve chamber 14 to the inside of the spool 40F through the flow passage hole 46F, and the refrigerant flows from the flow passage hole 47F to the valve port 24 through the inside of the spool 40F. Also, when the refrigerant passes through the inside of the spool 40F, the flow rate is restricted by the flow rate restriction member 70.

[0096] (Second Embodiment)

[0097] Hereinafter, the structure of the electromagnetic valve of the second embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figure 8 , Figure 9 . Figure 8 is a sectional view (longitudinal sectional view) of the electromagnetic valve of the second embodiment of the present application along the axis of the valve body. Figure 9 is a sectional view showing a modification of the structure of the electromagnetic valve of the second embodiment of Figure 8 .

[0098] The electromagnetic valve of the second embodiment has a structure in which a part of the spool is formed by cutting processing.

[0099] The electromagnetic valve 1G of the second embodiment and the electromagnetic valve 1H of the modification thereof are different from the spool 40G, 40H of these structures in place of the spool 40C in the electromagnetic valve 1C of the third modification of the first embodiment. Further, in the electromagnetic valve 1G of the second embodiment and the electromagnetic valve 1H of the modification thereof, Figure 8 , Figure 9 , the same symbols are attached to the same (including substantially the same) structures as the electromagnetic valve 1C of the third modification of the first embodiment and the description thereof is omitted.

[0100] As shown in Figure 8 , in the electromagnetic valve 1G of the second embodiment, the spool 40G has a structure in which the valve member 42G formed by cutting processing is attached to the body portion 41G formed by metal press processing.

[0101] The spool 40G has the body portion 41G of a cylindrical shape whose lower end is closed and the valve member 42G attached to the lower end of the body portion 41G by riveting. The outer diameter of the body portion 41G is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second portion 32C of the plunger 30C. The upper end of the body portion 41G is joined to the lower end of the second portion 32C by welding. The valve member 42G is provided with a seating surface 45G which is in contact with the valve seat 22 in the closed state. The seating surface 45G is a tapered surface of a conical shape which gradually decreases in diameter toward the radial outside as it goes downward from the upper side. The body portion 41G is provided with a pressure equalizing hole 46G which penetrates from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface.

[0102] The manufacturing method of the valve core 40G is described. A metal plate such as stainless steel is subjected to metal stamping to form a cylindrical main body 41G with a closed lower end. A metal material such as brass is cut to form a disc-shaped valve component 42G. Then, the valve component 42G is mounted on the lower end of the main body 41G by riveting, thereby manufacturing the valve core 40G. In addition, the valve component 42G can also be formed of a resin material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In this case, the valve component 42G formed of the resin material is fixed to the main body 41G by press-fitting or insert molding.

[0103] The solenoid valve 1G of the second embodiment also exhibits the same operational effects as those of the solenoid valve 1 of the first embodiment.

[0104] Furthermore, by forming the valve member 42G by cutting, it is possible to simultaneously achieve a reduction in manufacturing cost and an improvement in processing accuracy.

[0105] (Variation of the Second Embodiment)

[0106] like Figure 9 As shown, in a solenoid valve 1H according to a modified example of the second embodiment, a valve element 40H has a structure in which a valve member 42H formed by cutting is joined to a main body portion 41H formed by cutting a cylindrical tube.

[0107] The valve core 40H includes a cylindrical main body 41H with a closed lower end, and a valve member 42H welded to the lower end of the main body 41H. The outer diameter of the main body 41H is approximately the same as that of the second portion 32C of the plunger 30C. The upper end of the main body 41H is welded to the lower end of the second portion 32C. The valve member 42H is provided with a seating surface 45H, which contacts the valve seat 22 in the closed valve state. The seating surface 45H is a conical surface whose diameter gradually decreases radially outward from the top toward the bottom. The main body 41H is provided with a pressure equalizing hole 46H.

[0108] The manufacturing method of the valve core 40H is described. A cylindrical tube made of a metal such as stainless steel is cut to form a cylindrical main body 41H. A metal material such as brass is cut to form a disc-shaped valve member 42H. Then, the valve member 42H is welded to the lower end of the main body 41H by welding, thereby producing the valve core 40H. In addition, the valve member 42H can also be formed of a resin material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In this case, the valve member 42H formed of the resin material is fixed to the main body 41H by bonding, pressing or insert molding.

[0109] The solenoid valves in the aforementioned embodiments have only a plunger as a magnetized component. However, alternative designs may include an attracting element, fixed within the valve body, that attracts the plunger by magnetization. Furthermore, while the embodiments describe solenoid valves as electrically driven valves, the present invention is also applicable to motor-driven electric valves as electrically driven valves.

[0110] (Third embodiment)

[0111] Below, refer to Figures 10-12 The structure of a solenoid valve, one embodiment of an electrically driven valve according to the present invention, is described. The solenoid valve described herein has a structure that allows a small amount of refrigerant (fluid) to flow when the valve is closed. The present invention can also be applied to a solenoid valve that completely stops the flow of refrigerant when the valve is closed.

[0112] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the solenoid valve of one embodiment of the electrically driven valve of the present invention. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve. Figure 12 Yes Figure 10 An enlarged sectional view of the structure of a modified example of the solenoid valve. Figure 11 、 Figure 12 In the figure, the description of the electromagnetic coil is omitted.

[0113] The solenoid valve 1 of the present embodiment is a solenoid valve that drives a valve element by magnetic force, and is used as a dehumidification valve that throttles the flow rate of refrigerant during dehumidification operation of an air conditioner, for example.

[0114] like Figure 10 As shown, the solenoid valve 1 includes a valve body 10 , a housing 20 , a plunger 30 , a cover 40 , a valve element 50 , a flow rate limiting member 60 , and a solenoid coil 70 .

[0115] The valve body 10 is manufactured by machining a material such as brass or aluminum. The valve body 10 is formed into a roughly cylindrical shape. The valve body 10 includes a valve chamber 11, a valve port 12 opening into the valve chamber 11, and a valve seat 13 arranged to surround the valve port 12. The valve seat 13 has a conical surface whose diameter gradually decreases radially inward from top to bottom. A housing mounting hole 14 communicating with the valve chamber 11 is provided on the upper surface 10a of the valve body 10. A circular spring support portion 15 protruding radially inward is provided on the inner circumference of the housing mounting hole 14. A first conduit 18 and a second conduit 19 are joined to the valve body 10 by brazing or the like. The first conduit 18 is arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis L. The first conduit 18 is connected to the valve chamber 11. The second conduit 19 is arranged to extend in the direction of the axis L. The second conduit 19 is connected to the valve port 12.

[0116] The housing 20 is made by cutting a circular pipe made of, for example, non-magnetic (i.e., a property that does not magnetize even if placed in a magnetic field) stainless steel. The housing 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The lower end 21 of the housing 20 is inserted into the housing mounting hole 14 of the valve body 10. The lower end 21 of the housing 20 abuts against the spring support portion 15 of the valve body 10. The housing 20 is joined to the valve body 10 by brazing or the like.

[0117] The plunger 30 is a movable core. The plunger 30 is made by cutting a metal material such as a paramagnetic (a property that magnetizes if placed in a magnetic field and demagnetizes if the magnetic field is removed) iron material, a stainless steel material, or the like. The plunger 30 integrally has a plunger body 31 and a spool mounting portion 32. The plunger body 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the housing 20. The spool mounting portion 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the plunger body 31. The spool mounting portion 32 is continuously provided with the lower end (one end) of the plunger body 31. A spool advancing surface 33, which is a circular ring plane facing downward, is provided between the plunger body 31 and the spool mounting portion 32. A gasket 34 made of, for example, resin or the like that is non-magnetic is disposed on the inner side of the plunger body 31. The gasket 34 is formed in a circular ring plate shape. The plunger 30 is disposed on the inner side of the housing 20 so as to be movable in the axial direction L. The plunger 30 is moved in the axial direction L while contacting the outer peripheral surface of the plunger body 31 with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 20.

[0118] The cover 40 is a fixed core. The cover 40 is made by cutting a metal material such as an iron material or a stainless steel material that has paramagnetism. The cover 40 integrally has a large-diameter portion 41 that is cylindrical and a small-diameter portion 42 that is cylindrical and continuously provided coaxially with the lower end of the large-diameter portion. The large-diameter portion 41 is disposed so as to close the upper end 22 of the housing 20. The small-diameter portion 42 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 41. The small-diameter portion 42 is inserted into the inner side of the plunger body 31. The cover 40 is joined to the housing 20 by welding. A gap is provided between the plunger 30 and the cover 40.

[0119] The spool 50 is made by metal press working a metal material such as non-magnetic stainless steel material. The spool 50 integrally has a main body portion 51, a valve portion 52, and a circular ring-shaped protruding portion 53. The main body portion 51 is formed in a circular cylinder shape having an inner diameter substantially the same as an outer diameter of the spool mounting portion 32. The main body portion 51 has a flow-through hole 51a. The valve portion 52 is formed in a circular ring plate shape. An outer periphery of the valve portion 52 is continuously provided with a lower end (one end) of the main body portion 51. A seating surface 54 is provided in the valve portion 52. The seating surface 54 is a tapered surface in a circular cone shape that gradually becomes smaller toward a radial direction outer side as going from an upper side toward a lower side. The seating surface 54 is in contact with the valve seat 13 in a closed valve state. That is, in the closed valve state, the valve port 12 disposed inside the valve seat 13 is closed by the spool 50. An inner side of an inner periphery of the valve portion 52 is a flow-through hole 52a. The protruding portion 53 is continuously provided with an upper end (the other end) of the main body portion 51 in a manner of protruding toward the radial direction outer side. The protruding portion 53 is in abutment with the spool advancing surface 33 of the plunger 30. The spool 50 is advanced and retracted with respect to the valve port 12 by the plunger 30.

[0120] A valve-opening spring 55 as a compression coil spring is disposed between the spring support portion 15 of the valve body 10 and the protruding portion 53 of the spool 50. The main body portion 51 of the spool 50 is disposed inside the valve-opening spring 55. The valve-opening spring 55 presses the spool 50 upward.

[0121] A flow restriction member 60 is disposed inside the spool 50. The flow restriction member 60 has, in order from an upper side toward a lower side, a holding member 61, a filter 62, a flow restriction plate 63, and a filter 64. The holding member 61 is formed in a circular cylinder shape having an outer diameter substantially the same as an inner diameter of the main body portion 51 of the spool 50. The holding member 61 sandwiches the filter 62, the flow restriction plate 63, and the filter 64 between the valve portion 52. The holding member 61 is fixed to an inner side of the main body portion 51. The filters 62 and 64 are configured by closely stacking mesh materials formed of, for example, fine-diameter metal wires. The filters 62 and 64 can also be configured by porous materials made by metal sintering. The filter 62 is disposed adjacent to the flow-through hole 51a. The filter 64 is disposed adjacent to the flow-through hole 52a. The flow restriction plate 63 is disposed in a manner of dividing a space inside the spool 50 in the axis L direction. The flow restriction plate 63 has a small-diameter through hole through which a small amount of refrigerant can flow.

[0122] In the electromagnetic valve 1, in the closed valve state, refrigerant flows from the valve chamber 11 through the flow-through hole 51a into an inner side of the spool 50, and flows from the flow-through hole 52a toward the valve port 12 through the inner side of the spool 50. Also, when the refrigerant passes through the inner side of the spool 50, a flow amount thereof is restricted by the flow restriction member 60.

[0123] The electromagnetic coil 70 has a housing 71, a coil holder 72 housed in the housing 71, and a coil 73 composed of an electric wire wound around the coil holder 72. The electromagnetic coil 70 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the housing 20 is fitted inside the electromagnetic coil 70. The electromagnetic coil 70 is fixed to the cover 40 by a bolt 74.

[0124] The electromagnetic valve 1 is configured so that the axes of the valve body 10 (valve port 12, valve seat 13), the housing 20, the plunger 30 (plunger body 31, spool mounting portion 32), the cover 40 (large diameter portion 41, small diameter portion 42), and the spool 50 (body portion 51, valve portion 52, protruding portion 53) are aligned with the axis line L. That is, these are all coaxially arranged. The axis line L direction is aligned with the up-down direction of each drawing.

[0125] Next, an example of a manufacturing method of the electromagnetic valve 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0126] The valve body 10 is formed by cutting processing of a metal material such as brass material or aluminum material.

[0127] The housing 20 is formed by cutting processing of a round pipe made of stainless steel.

[0128] The plunger 30 is formed by cutting processing of a stainless steel material, and has a cylindrical plunger body 31 and a cylindrical spool mounting portion 32 provided continuously with the lower end of the plunger body 31.

[0129] The spool 50 is formed by metal press processing of a plate material made of stainless steel, and has a cylindrical body portion 51, a valve portion 52 provided continuously with the lower end of the body portion 51, and a protruding portion 53 provided continuously with the upper end of the body portion 51.

[0130] The first conduit 18, the second conduit 19, and the housing 20 are brazed to the valve body 10.

[0131] The open valve spring 55 is arranged so as to abut against the spring support portion 15 on the inner side of the housing 20. The body portion 51 of the spool 50 is inserted into the open valve spring 55, and the open valve spring 55 is arranged between the spring support portion 15 of the valve body 10 and the protruding portion 53 of the spool 50. The spool mounting portion 32 of the plunger 30 is inserted into the other end of the body portion 51 of the spool 50. The gasket 34 is arranged on the inner side of the plunger body 31.

[0132] The small diameter portion 42 of the cover 40 is arranged on the inner side of the plunger body 31, and the large diameter portion 41 of the cover 40 is welded to the upper end 22 of the housing 20.

[0133] However, the housing 20 is fitted inside the electromagnetic coil 70. The electromagnetic coil 70 is fastened to the cover 40 by the bolt 74. Thus, the electromagnetic valve 1 is completed.

[0134] Next, an example of the operation of the electromagnetic valve 1 described above will be described.

[0135] In a state where the coil 73 of the electromagnetic valve 1 is not energized (non-energized), the plunger 30 and the spool 50 are pressed upward by the opening spring 55. The plunger 30 abuts against the small diameter portion 42 of the cap 40 via the gasket 34. The seating surface 54 of the valve portion 52 of the spool 50 is separated from the valve seat 13 to become an open valve state. In the open valve state, the valve port 12 is open, and the refrigerant can flow freely between the first conduit 18 and the second conduit 19 through the valve chamber 11 and the valve port 12.

[0136] In a state where the coil 73 of the electromagnetic valve 1 is energized (energized), the plunger 30 and the cap 40 are magnetized by the magnetic field generated by the coil 73. Thereby, the plunger 30 and the spool 50 are moved downward against the opening spring 55. Also, the seating surface 54 of the valve portion 52 of the spool 50 abuts against the valve seat 13 to become a closed valve state. In the closed valve state, the valve port 12 is closed, and a small amount of the refrigerant flows from the valve chamber 11 to the valve port 12 through the inside of the spool 50. In the closed valve state, the flow of the refrigerant between the first conduit 18 and the second conduit 19 is restricted.

[0137] According to the above, in the electromagnetic valve 1 of the present embodiment, the spool 50 is formed by metal press working. Thereby, the electromagnetic valve 1 can suppress the material cost and the processing cost compared to the electromagnetic valve in which the spool is formed by cutting processing. Therefore, the material cost and the processing cost of the spool 50 can be suppressed, and the manufacturing cost of the electromagnetic valve 1 can be reduced. Also, in the electromagnetic valve 1, the spool mounting portion 32 of the plunger 30 is inserted into the upper end of the main body portion 51 of the spool 50. Thereby, the spool 50 can be easily mounted to the plunger 30.

[0138] Also, the spool 50 has a protruding portion 53 which is provided continuously with the upper end of the main body portion 51 and protrudes outward in the radial direction. The protruding portion 53 abuts against the spool pushing surface 33 of the plunger 30. Also, the electromagnetic valve 1 has the opening spring 55 which is disposed between the spring support portion 15 of the valve body 10 and the protruding portion 53 of the spool 50 and presses the spool 50 upward so as to be separated from the valve port 12. Thereby, in the electromagnetic valve 1, the spool 50 can be pressed toward the plunger 30 by the opening spring 55. Therefore, in the electromagnetic valve 1, it is not necessary to fix the spool 50 to the plunger 30 by welding, riveting, or the like, and thus the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

[0139] Further, the spool 50 is provided with flow-through holes 51a, 52a so that in the closed valve state in which the valve port 12 is closed, fluid flows from the valve chamber 11 of the valve main body 10 through the inside of the spool 50 to the valve port 12. Further, on the inside of the spool 50, a flow rate restricting member 60 is provided which restricts the flow rate of fluid passing therethrough. Thus, in the closed valve state, a small amount of fluid can flow through the inside of the spool 50, and compared to a structure in which a drain groove is provided in the valve seat 13, variation in the flow rate of refrigerant due to wear of the valve seat 13 can be prevented.

[0140] Further, in the electromagnetic valve 1, the length LI of the spool mounting portion 32 of the plunger 30 in the axial direction L (i.e., the length of the axial direction L from the lower end of the plunger 30 to the spool advancing face 33) is longer than the distance L2 from the position of the open valve state of the spool 50 to the position of the closed valve state. Thus, even in the case where the spool 50 remains in contact with the valve seat 13 due to some reason and only the plunger 30 moves upward, the body portion 51 of the spool 50 can be prevented from falling off the spool mounting portion 32 of the plunger 30.

[0141] In the above-described electromagnetic valve 1, only the spool mounting portion 32 of the plunger 30 is inserted into the other end of the body portion 51 of the spool 50, and the spool 50 is not fixed to the plunger 30. In the electromagnetic valve 1, a structure in which the spool 50 and the plunger 30 are joined by welding or the like can also be employed. In this case, the protruding portion 53 can also be omitted, and the open valve spring 55 can be disposed between the spring support portion 15 and the spool advancing face 33 of the plunger 30.

[0142] Further, in the above-described electromagnetic valve 1, it is a structure in which in the closed valve state, a small amount of refrigerant flows through the inside of the spool 50. Other than this, it can also be a structure in which, for example Figure 12 the electromagnetic valve 1A shown in FIG. 8, in the closed valve state, a small amount of refrigerant is caused to flow through the plurality of drain grooves 13a provided in the valve seat 13. The electromagnetic valve 1A does not have the flow rate restricting member 60. The spool 50 of the electromagnetic valve 1A has a circular plate-shaped valve portion 52A instead of the circular ring plate-shaped valve portion 52. The valve main body 10 of the electromagnetic valve 1A has a circular ring-shaped support portion 16 which protrudes toward the radially inner side and a guide 17 which is supported by the support portion 16, instead of the spring support portion 15. The guide 17 integrally has a circular ring plate-shaped spring support portion 17a and a cylindrical guide portion 17b which is provided continuously with the inner periphery of the spring support portion 17a. The spring support portion 17a is sandwiched between the support portion 16 and the lower end 21 of the housing 20. The spring support portion 17a abuts against the lower end of the open valve spring 55. The inner diameter of the guide portion 17b is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the body portion 51 of the spool 50. The body portion 51 of the spool 50 is inserted through the guide portion 17b.

[0143] The above describes the embodiments of the present application, and the present application is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the gist of the present application is not deviated from, the embodiments in which the structural elements are added, deleted, or designed to be changed, or the embodiments in which the features of the embodiments are appropriately combined, by those skilled in the art, are also included in the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrically driven valve comprising: a cylindrical valve body with one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve core accommodated in the valve body, wherein: The valve seat component comprises: a cylindrical valve seat body, a valve seat being provided at one end of the valve seat body; and an annular plate-shaped flange engaged with the valve body, the flange being provided continuously with the other end of the valve seat body. The valve core comprises a cylindrical main body and an annular plate-shaped valve portion that contacts and separates from the valve seat, wherein the inner peripheral edge of the valve portion is continuously provided with the end portion of the main body on the valve seat side. The valve body, the valve seat member, and the valve core are formed by metal stamping. The outer peripheral edge of the valve portion is further away from the valve seat toward one end of the valve body than the inner peripheral edge. The diameter of the valve portion increases from the inner periphery to the outer periphery, The electrically driven valve includes: a cylindrical plunger housed in the valve body so as to be movable in the axial direction; an electromagnetic coil fixed to the valve body; and a valve opening spring. The plunger has a first portion and a second portion provided continuously with the first portion. The inner diameter of the second portion is larger than the inner diameter of the first portion, A step portion as an annular plane is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the plunger between the first portion and the second portion. The main body is provided with a spring support member mounting portion, wherein the outer diameter of the spring support member mounting portion is smaller than the outer diameter of a portion of the main body other than the spring support member mounting portion. A spring support component is installed on the spring support component installation portion. The spring support member is accommodated in the second portion so as to be movable in the axial direction and is arranged so as to be in contact with the step portion. When the electromagnetic coil is not energized, the plunger and the spring support member are pushed upward by the valve opening spring and move in a direction away from the valve seat, so that the valve portion moves away from the valve seat and enters the valve open state. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, the plunger overcomes the valve opening spring and moves together with the spring support member toward the valve seat, so that the valve portion contacts the valve seat and enters a closed valve state. The length of the second portion in the axial direction is longer than a distance from a position of the valve element in a valve-open state to a position of the valve element in a valve-closed state.

2. The electrically driven valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: A seating surface is provided on or near the outer periphery of the valve portion. The seating surface is a tapered surface whose diameter gradually decreases radially outward as it approaches the valve seat.

3. The electrically driven valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core is provided with a flow hole so that, in a closed valve state where the valve portion is in contact with the valve seat, fluid flows from the valve chamber of the valve body through the inner side of the valve core to the valve port of the valve seat member. A flow rate limiting component is provided inside the valve core to limit the flow rate of the fluid passing therethrough.

4. A method for manufacturing an electrically driven valve, the electrically driven valve comprising: a cylindrical valve body with one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve core accommodated in the valve body, the method for manufacturing the electrically driven valve being characterized by: The valve body is formed by performing metal stamping on a metal material. The valve seat component is formed by metal stamping a metal material, and comprises: a cylindrical valve seat body, a valve seat being provided at one end of the valve seat body; and an annular plate-shaped flange joined to the valve body, the flange being provided continuously with the other end of the valve seat body. The valve core is formed by metal stamping a metal material, and the valve core comprises: a cylindrical main body and an annular plate-shaped valve portion that contacts and separates from the valve seat, wherein the inner peripheral edge of the valve portion is continuously provided with the end portion of the main body on the valve seat side. The valve portion is formed such that an outer peripheral edge of the valve portion is further away from the valve seat toward one end of the valve body than the inner peripheral edge, and a diameter increases from the inner peripheral edge toward the outer peripheral edge. The electrically driven valve includes a cylindrical plunger housed in the valve body so as to be movable in the axial direction, an electromagnetic coil fixed to the valve body, and a valve opening spring. The plunger is formed to have a first portion and a second portion provided continuously with the first portion, The inner diameter of the second portion is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the first portion, A step portion as an annular plane is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the plunger between the first portion and the second portion. A spring support member mounting portion is formed on the main body, and an outer diameter of the spring support member mounting portion is formed to be smaller than an outer diameter of a portion of the main body other than the spring support member mounting portion. A spring support component is formed on the spring support component mounting portion, The spring support member is formed to be accommodated in the second portion so as to be movable in the axial direction and is arranged to be in contact with the step portion. When the electromagnetic coil is not energized, the plunger and the spring support member are pushed upward by the valve opening spring and move in a direction away from the valve seat, so that the valve portion moves away from the valve seat and enters the valve open state. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, the plunger overcomes the valve opening spring and moves together with the spring support member toward the valve seat, so that the valve portion contacts the valve seat and enters a closed valve state. The length of the second portion in the axial direction is formed to be longer than a distance from a position of the valve element in a valve-open state to a position of the valve element in a valve-closed state.

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