Expansion valve

Abstract

The invention comprises: a cylindrical partition wall component (213) for accommodating a rotor (25); a housing (22) which is arranged outside the partition wall component (213), accommodates an electric substrate (28), and has a cylindrical portion (22a) coaxial with the partition wall component (213); an O-ring (29) arranged between the cylindrical portion (22a) and the partition wall component (213); and a bracket which has a main body side portion (24a) and a housing side portion (24b), the main body side portion being arranged along the partition wall. The component (213) extends in a direction parallel to the axis and is fastened to the main body (211), and the shell side portion extends in a direction different from the axial direction of the partition wall component (213) and is installed on the shell (22); and a fastening component (30) that fastens the bracket (24) to the main body (211) at the main body side portion (24a), and the shell (22) and the bracket (24) form an allowable structure that allows the bracket (24) to move relative to the shell (22) in the fastening direction of the fastening component (30).

Description

[0001] Cross-references of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-19562 filed on February 10, 2022, and the contents described therein are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to an expansion valve for regulating the flow of refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle. Background Art

[0004] In the past, Patent Document 1 described an electronic expansion valve equipped with an electric substrate. In this prior art, a rotor that drives a valve core of the electronic expansion valve is arranged in a space formed inside a cylindrical bushing. An electric substrate that controls the operation of the electronic expansion valve is arranged outside the bushing. The electric substrate is arranged in a space formed between the bushing and the housing. In the internal space of the bushing, there is a high-pressure refrigerant that is decompressed by the electronic expansion valve. The bushing is a component that forms a partition wall for the high-pressure refrigerant.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 106711533

[0008] In the above-mentioned prior art, in order to prevent the intrusion of moisture into the electric substrate, it is necessary to provide a sealing structure between the bushing and the housing. For example, as a sealing structure, it is considered to provide an O-ring in the gap between the bushing and the housing.

[0009] However, when the housing is assembled to the main body of the electronic expansion valve, the housing may be eccentric relative to the bushing due to manufacturing errors. When the housing is eccentric relative to the bushing, the compression of the O-ring becomes uneven, which may lead to reduced sealing performance. Summary of the invention

[0010] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an expansion valve having a structure capable of suppressing eccentricity of a casing.

[0011] An expansion valve according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a body, a valve element, a rotor, an electric substrate, a partition wall member, a casing, an O-ring, a bracket, and a fastening member.

[0012] The main body forms a refrigerant flow path. The valve core adjusts the opening of the refrigerant flow path inside the main body. The rotor drives the valve core. The electric substrate controls the rotation of the rotor. The partition wall component is cylindrical for accommodating the rotor, and is fixed to the main body coaxially with the valve core. The shell is arranged outside the partition wall component, accommodates the electric substrate, and has a cylindrical portion coaxial with the partition wall component. The O-ring is arranged between the cylindrical portion and the partition wall component to inhibit the intrusion of liquid into the interior of the shell. The bracket has a main body side portion and a shell side portion, the main body side portion extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the partition wall component and is fastened to the main body, and the shell side portion extends in a direction different from the axial direction of the partition wall component and is installed on the shell side portion. The fastening component fastens the bracket to the main body at the main body side portion.

[0013] The housing and the bracket form an allowance structure that allows movement of the bracket relative to the housing in a fastening direction of the fastening member.

[0014] By forming such an allowance structure, when the bracket is fastened to the body, it is possible to absorb manufacturing errors and easily assemble the housing and the partition wall member coaxially. Therefore, it is possible to suppress eccentricity of the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above-mentioned object and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 It is an overall configuration diagram of the vapor compression refrigeration cycle according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a front view showing the expansion valve according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the expansion valve according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the expansion valve according to the first embodiment, and shows a state in which the gap between the lower casing and the valve body is within the tolerance.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the expansion valve according to the first embodiment, and shows a state in which the gap between the lower casing and the valve body exceeds the tolerance.

[0021] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view showing the expansion valve according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing a rotation-stopping structure of a lower casing and a bracket in the expansion valve according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a front view showing a state where the bracket is pressed toward the body side by a clamp during assembly of the expansion valve according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing a rotation-stopping structure of a lower casing and a bracket in an expansion valve according to a second embodiment.

[0025] Fig.10 It is a perspective view showing a rotation-stopping structure of a lower casing and a bracket in an expansion valve according to a second embodiment.

[0026] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a rotation-stopping structure of a lower casing and a bracket in an expansion valve according to a third embodiment.

[0027] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing a rotation-stopping structure of a lower casing and a bracket in an expansion valve according to a fourth embodiment.

[0028] Fig.13 It is a front view showing an expansion valve according to a fifth embodiment.

[0029] Fig.14 It is a front view showing an expansion valve according to a sixth embodiment.

[0030] Fig.15 It is a side view showing an expansion valve according to a sixth embodiment.

[0031] Fig.16 It is a plan view showing a bracket of an expansion valve according to a sixth embodiment.

[0032] Fig.17 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the expansion valve according to the seventh embodiment, and shows a state in which the gap between the lower casing and the valve body is within the tolerance.

[0033] Fig.18 This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the expansion valve according to the seventh embodiment, showing a state in which the gap between the lower casing and the valve body exceeds the tolerance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, a plurality of modes for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each embodiment, sometimes the same reference numerals are given to portions corresponding to matters described in the previous embodiment, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In the case where only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, other embodiments described previously can be applied to other parts of the configuration. Not only can the portions that are specifically and clearly indicated as being combinable in each embodiment be combined with each other, but also, as long as there is no particular obstacle to the combination, the embodiments can be partially combined with each other even if not clearly indicated.

[0035] (First Embodiment)

[0036] The expansion valve of this embodiment is applied to Figure 1 The expansion valve 20 of the vapor compression refrigeration cycle 10 shown in FIG. The vapor compression refrigeration cycle 10 is applied to a vehicle air conditioner. The vehicle air conditioner is applied to an electric vehicle that obtains a driving force for the vehicle from a driving motor.

[0037] The vapor compression refrigeration cycle 10 includes a compressor 11, a condenser 12, an expansion valve 20, and an evaporator 14. The compressor 11 is an electric compressor that sucks in, compresses, and discharges a refrigerant. As a refrigerant circulating in the vapor compression refrigeration cycle, a fluorine-based refrigerant (e.g., R134a) is used. The vapor compression refrigeration cycle is a subcritical cycle in which the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant.

[0038] The condenser 12 condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 by exchanging heat with cooling water or air. The expansion valve 20 decompresses and expands the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 12. The evaporator 14 evaporates the refrigerant decompressed and expanded by the expansion valve 20 by exchanging heat with air.

[0039] The expansion valve 20 is an electric expansion valve in which a valve core is driven by an electric actuator. Figure 2 As shown, the expansion valve 20 includes a main body 21, a lower shell 22, an upper shell 23, and a bracket 24. Figure 3 As shown, the main body 21 includes a valve body 211, a valve element 212, a partition wall member 213, etc. The valve body 211 is a block-shaped member.

[0040] A refrigerant inlet 211a, a refrigerant flow path 211b, a valve seat 211c, and a refrigerant outlet 211d are formed in the valve body 211. The valve body 211 accommodates a valve element 212 and a screw mechanism (not shown).

[0041] The driving force from the rotor 25 is transmitted to the valve core 212 via a screw mechanism (not shown). The screw mechanism converts the rotational motion of the rotor 25 into a linear motion and transmits it to the valve core 212. The valve core 212 is moved axially (in the direction of the axis) by the driving force from the rotor 25. Figure 3 The valve core 212 moves in the vertical direction (in the vertical direction), thereby the valve core approaches the valve seat 211c or moves away from the valve seat 211c, thereby adjusting the opening of the refrigerant flow path 211b. When the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path 211b, the gap between the valve core 212 and the valve seat 211c is decompressed and expanded by the throttling effect.

[0042] The partition wall member 213 is a rotor housing member that houses the rotor 25. The partition wall member 213 is formed into a cylindrical shape by a metal such as stainless steel. The partition wall member 213 is arranged coaxially with the valve core 212. One end of the partition wall member 213 (at Figure 3 The other end of the partition wall member 213 (at Figure 3 The valve body 211 is opened at the lower end and is in close contact with the valve body 211. Therefore, the high-pressure refrigerant before decompression exists in the internal space of the partition wall member 213, and the partition wall member 213 becomes a partition wall between the refrigerant sealing circuit containing the high-pressure refrigerant and the outside.

[0043] Specifically, an O-ring is arranged between the partition wall member 213 and the valve body 211 , and the external thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the partition wall member 213 is fastened to the internal thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 211 , whereby the partition wall member 213 and the valve body 211 are sealed and fixed.

[0044] When the coil 26 is energized, the rotor 25 rotates, generating a driving force for driving the valve core 212. The rotor 25 has a plurality of magnetic poles in the rotation direction of the rotor 25 itself. When the coil 26 is energized, a magnetic field is generated to rotate the rotor 25. The rotor 25 and the coil 26 constitute a stepping motor.

[0045] The lower case 22 is a member that accommodates the coil 26, the partition wall member 213, the magnetic flux sensor 27, and the control board 28. The lower case 22 is arranged outside the partition wall member 213, and forms a waterproof case together with the upper case 23.

[0046] The cylindrical portion 22a of the lower housing 22 is opened at the bottom, and the partition wall member 213 is coaxially inserted into the cylindrical portion 22a. A sealing structure based on an O-ring 29 is provided in the gap between the cylindrical portion 22a of the lower housing 22 and the partition wall member 213. The O-ring 29 is provided between the cylindrical portion 22a and the partition wall member 213, and is a sealing member that suppresses the intrusion of liquid into the interior of the lower housing 22.

[0047] The lower housing 22 has an outer peripheral surface formed with an insertion groove 22b into which the bracket 24 is inserted. The insertion groove 22b extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve core 212 (in Figure 3 The middle direction is left-right direction).

[0048] like Figures 4-5 As shown, a main body groove 211e into which the lower end of the lower housing 22 is inserted is formed on the upper surface of the valve main body 211. The depth dimension Dc of the main body groove 211e is the same as the clearance tolerance between the valve main body 211 and the lower housing 22.

[0049] Thus, in the quality inspection process of the expansion valve 20, it is possible to reliably inspect whether the gap dimension Dg between the valve body 211 and the lower shell 22 is below the tolerance. The inspection of whether the gap dimension Dg between the valve body 211 and the lower shell 22 is below the tolerance is performed by Figures 4-5It is determined by whether the light irradiated from the side is transmitted through the opposite side as shown by the hollow arrow.

[0050] That is, when the gap dimension Dg between the valve body 211 and the lower housing 22 exceeds the tolerance, Figure 5 As shown, the lower end of the lower case 22 is not located in the main body groove 211e of the valve main body 211, so the light irradiated from the side passes through the opposite side.

[0051] On the other hand, when the gap dimension Dg between the valve body 211 and the lower housing 22 is below the tolerance, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the lower end of the lower housing 22 is located in the main body groove 211e of the valve body 211, so the light irradiated from the side does not pass through the opposite side. Therefore, it is possible to reliably check whether the gap dimension Dg between the valve body 211 and the lower housing 22 is below the tolerance.

[0052] The coil 26 is arranged coaxially with the rotor 25 and the partition wall member 213 on the radially outer side of the rotor 25 and the partition wall member 213. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the coil 26 is provided with a holding portion 26a for holding the magnetic flux sensor 27. The holding portion 26a is integrally formed of a molded resin enclosing the metal wire of the coil 26.

[0053] The magnetic flux sensor 27 is a magnetic flux density detector that detects magnetic flux density. In other words, the magnetic flux sensor 27 is a magnetic flux change detector that detects a change in magnetic flux accompanying the rotation of the rotor 25.

[0054] Since the magnetic flux sensor 27 is held by the coil 26, the position accuracy of the magnetic flux sensor 27 relative to the rotor 25 can be improved compared to the case where the magnetic flux sensor 27 is held by the lower housing 22. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the magnetic flux density by the magnetic flux sensor 27 can be improved.

[0055] The control board 28 is an electrical board that controls the energization of the coil 26 based on the detection signal of the magnetic flux sensor 27 .

[0056] The upper housing 23 is a cover member for closing the lower housing 22. The lower housing 22 and the upper housing 23 are formed of resin. The lower housing 22 and the upper housing 23 are fixed by laser welding. Thus, the lower housing 22 and the upper housing 23 are sealed liquid-tightly, preventing water from entering the control substrate 28, the magnetic flux sensor 27 and other electronic control components.

[0057] The bracket 24 is a member for fixing the lower housing 22 to the valve body 211. The bracket 24 has a flat plate shape bent into an L-shape. Specifically, the bracket 24 has a body side portion 24a extending toward the valve body 211 side and a housing side portion 24b extending toward the lower housing 22 side. The body side portion 24a extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the partition wall member 213. The housing side portion 24b extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the partition wall member 213.

[0058] The bracket 24 has a bending angle of 90 degrees (in other words, a right angle). The outer shape of the bracket 24 is a line-symmetrical shape. The bracket 24 is formed of stainless steel.

[0059] The main body side portion 24 a is provided with a screw hole 24 c. The side surface of the valve main body 211 is provided with a screw hole 211 f. The bracket 24 is fastened and fixed to the valve main body 211 by the main body side screw 30 .

[0060] The case side portion 24b is formed with a cutout portion 24d having a shape corresponding to the insertion groove 22b of the lower case 22. The vicinity of the cutout portion 24d in the case side portion 24b is inserted into the insertion groove 22b of the lower case 22.

[0061] The cutout portion 24d of the bracket 24 and the insertion groove 22b of the lower housing 22 form a rotation-stopping structure. Figure 7 As shown, the cutout portion 24d of the bracket 24 and the insertion groove 22b of the lower case 22 have polygonal shapes corresponding to each other, thereby forming a rotation-stopping structure.

[0062] The notch 24d of the bracket 24 and the polygonal shape of the insertion groove 22b of the lower case 22 are regular polygonal shapes, so that the bracket 24 can be inserted into the insertion groove 22b of the lower case 22 from multiple directions. As a result, the bracket 24 and the lower case 22 can be used in other products to achieve commonality of parts.

[0063] The fitting of the bracket 24 to the insertion groove 22b of the lower case 22 is a gap fitting that allows the bracket 24 to move in the insertion direction. In other words, a gap is provided between the insertion groove 22b of the lower case 22 and the bracket 24 in both the width direction and the thickness direction of the bracket 24.

[0064] When the bracket 24 is inserted into the insertion groove 22b of the lower housing 22, the bracket 24 protrudes from the lower housing 22 when viewed from the axial direction of the valve core 212. The portion 24e (hereinafter referred to as the protruding portion 24e) of the housing side portion 24b of the bracket 24 that protrudes from the insertion groove 22b is line-symmetrical.

[0065] Next, the assembly steps of the expansion valve 20 are described. First, in the bracket insertion process, the bracket 24 is inserted into the insertion groove 22b of the lower shell 22. The fitting of the bracket 24 with respect to the insertion groove 22b of the lower shell 22 is a clearance fitting, so in this state, the bracket 24 can move relative to the lower shell 22 in the insertion direction.

[0066] In the next lower housing assembly step, the lower housing 22 and the bracket 24 are assembled to the valve body 211 of the main body 21. Figure 8 As shown by the hollow arrow in FIG. 1 , the extending portion 24e of the bracket 24 is moved toward the valve body 211 side (at Figure 8 The bracket 24 is pressed against the valve body 211 while being fastened and fixed to the valve body 211. Specifically, the bracket 24 is fastened and fixed by the body side screw 30 by using the threaded hole 24c of the bracket 24 and the internal threaded hole 211f of the valve body 211.

[0067] In this way, since the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211 while the bracket 24 has freedom in the insertion direction relative to the lower housing 22, the manufacturing error can be absorbed and the lower housing 22 and the partition wall member 213 can be coaxially assembled. Therefore, the compression displacement of the O-ring 29 can be suppressed.

[0068] When the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211, the bracket 24 is moved toward the valve body 211 side (at the Figure 8 The lower housing 22 is pressed toward the valve body 211 while being fixed to the valve body 211. Thus, after the bracket 24 is fixed to the valve body 211, the lower housing 22 can be prevented from moving in the fastening direction (in the fastening direction). Figure 8 Move in the left and right directions.

[0069] In the next coil assembly process, the coil 26 is assembled to the lower housing 22. Next, the magnetic flux sensor 27 is assembled to the holding portion 26a of the coil 26. Next, the control board 28 is assembled to the lower housing 22. At this time, the terminal portion of the control board 28 is connected to the terminal portion of the coil 26, and the lead wire of the magnetic flux sensor 27 is soldered to the control board 28.

[0070] In the next upper casing assembly step, the upper casing 23 and the lower casing 22 are assembled by laser welding to form a cover. Through the above steps, the assembly of the expansion valve 20 is completed.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the bracket 24 includes a main body side portion 24a extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the partition wall member 213 and fastened to the valve main body 211 by the fastening member 30, and a shell side portion 24b extending in a direction different from the axial direction of the partition wall member 213 and attached to the lower shell 22. The bracket 24 is fastened to the valve main body 211 by the fastening member 30 in the main body side portion 24a in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the partition wall member 213.

[0072] Then, the lower case 22 and the bracket 24 form a permissive structure that permits movement of the bracket 24 relative to the lower case 22 in the fastening direction of the fastening member 30 .

[0073] By forming such an allowance structure, when the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211, the manufacturing error can be absorbed and the lower case 22 and the partition wall member 213 can be easily assembled coaxially. Therefore, the eccentricity of the lower case 22 can be suppressed.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the bracket 24 has a protruding portion 24e that protrudes from the lower housing 22 when viewed from the axial direction of the partition wall member 213. Thus, when the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211, the protruding portion 24e can be pressed toward the valve body 211 by an external force while the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211. Therefore, after the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211, the lower housing 22 can be prevented from moving in the fastening direction (in the direction of the fastening direction). Figure 8 Move in the left and right directions).

[0075] In this embodiment, the allowing structure for allowing the movement of the bracket 24 has an insertion groove 22b. The insertion groove 22b is formed in the lower housing 22, and the bracket 24 is inserted. The fitting of the bracket 24 and the insertion groove 22b is a gap fitting that allows the bracket 24 to move relative to the lower housing 22 in the fastening direction. Thus, the movement of the bracket 24 relative to the lower housing 22 in the fastening direction of the fastening member 30 can be allowed.

[0076] In this embodiment, the insertion groove 22b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower case 22, and the notch 24d corresponding to the shape of the insertion groove 22b is formed in the bracket 24. Thus, the structure for allowing the movement of the bracket 24 can be simplified.

[0077] In this embodiment, the insertion groove 22b and the cutout portion 24d form a rotation-stopping structure that prevents the bracket 24 from rotating relative to the lower housing 22 in the axial direction of the partition wall member 213. Thus, the lower housing 22 can be prevented from rotating relative to the valve body 211 in the axial direction of the partition wall member 213 after assembly.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the coil 26 is provided with a holding portion 26a for holding the magnetic flux sensor 27. Thus, the magnetic flux sensor 27 is held by the coil 26, and thus, the position accuracy of the magnetic flux sensor 27 relative to the rotor 25 can be improved compared to the case where the magnetic flux sensor 27 is held by the lower housing 22. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the magnetic flux density by the magnetic flux sensor 27 can be improved.

[0079] (Second Embodiment)

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the cutout portion 24 d of the bracket 24 and the insertion groove 22 b of the lower case 22 have polygonal shapes corresponding to each other, thereby forming a rotation-stopping structure.

[0081] In this embodiment, if Figures 9-10 As shown, the cutout portion 24d of the bracket 24 and the insertion groove 22b of the lower case 22 have concave and convex shapes that mesh with each other, thereby forming a rotation-stopping structure.

[0082] exist Fig. 9 In the first embodiment shown, the notch portion 24d of the bracket 24 is formed with a concave shape, and the insertion groove 22b of the lower case 22 is formed with a convex shape. Fig.10 In the second embodiment shown, a convex shape is formed in the notch portion 24d of the bracket 24, and a concave shape is formed in the insertion groove 22b of the lower case 22. According to these embodiments, the anti-rotation function can be reliably exerted.

[0083] (Third Embodiment)

[0084] In the above embodiment, the cutout portion 24d of the bracket 24 and the insertion groove 22b of the lower housing 22 have mutually corresponding polygonal shapes, thereby forming a rotation-stopping structure. Fig.11 As shown, a rotation-stopping structure is formed by fastening the housing side screws 31 to the lower housing 22 .

[0085] A pedestal 22d is formed on the lower housing 22. An internal threaded hole 22c for tightening the housing side screw 31 is formed on the pedestal 22d. A pedestal hole 24f is formed on the bracket 24 for inserting the pedestal 22d. The thickness of the pedestal 22d is greater than the thickness of the bracket 24. The inner diameter of the pedestal hole 24f is greater than the outer diameter of the pedestal 22d.

[0086] In a state where the base 22d is inserted into the base hole 24f of the bracket 24, the housing side screw 31 is tightened into the internal thread hole 22c, thereby the bracket 24 is fixed relative to the lower housing 22. Fig.11 It is assembled to the lower housing 22 in a state where it has freedom in the left-right direction.

[0087] According to the present embodiment, since the bracket 24 is assembled to the lower case 22 using the case-side screws 31 , the bracket 24 can be reliably assembled to the lower case 22 .

[0088] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0089] In the third embodiment described above, the bracket 24 is assembled to the lower housing 22 by the housing side screws 31, but in this embodiment, Fig.12 As shown, the bracket 24 is assembled to the lower housing 22 by thermal welding. Fig.12 In FIG. 1 , the shape of the lower case 22 before thermal welding is performed is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0090] The base 22d of the lower case 22 before thermal welding is formed with a pin 22g. With the base 22d inserted into the base hole 24f of the bracket 24 and the pin 22g inserted into the metal (e.g., stainless steel) washer 32, the pin 22g is heated and melted. Thus, the bracket 24 is fixed relative to the lower case 22. Fig.12 It is assembled to the lower housing 22 in a state where it has freedom in the left-right direction.

[0091] By overlapping the washer 32 with the bracket 24 , it is possible to prevent the pin 22 g that has been heated and melted from entering between the bracket 24 and the base 22 d and becoming stuck.

[0092] According to the present embodiment, since the bracket 24 is assembled to the lower case 22 by thermal welding, the bracket 24 can be reliably assembled to the lower case 22 .

[0093] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0094] In the above embodiment, the bending angle of the bracket 24 is 90 degrees (in other words, a right angle), but in this embodiment, Fig.13 As shown, the bending angle of the bracket 24 is an acute angle.

[0095] The angle formed by the surface of the valve body 211 where the bracket 24 abuts and the extending direction of the insertion groove 22b of the lower shell 22 is 90 degrees. Therefore, the bending angle of the bracket 24 is smaller than the angle formed by the surface of the valve body 211 where the bracket 24 abuts and the extending direction of the insertion groove 22b of the lower shell 22.

[0096] Therefore, when the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211 by the body side screws 30, the bracket 24 moves the lower housing 22 toward the valve body 211 side (at Fig.13 Thus, the fastening member 30 can be pressed in the fastening direction ( Fig.13 The bracket 24 is allowed to move relative to the lower shell 22 (in the left and right direction).

[0097] In this embodiment, the insertion groove 22b extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the partition wall part 213, and the bracket 24 has a plate shape bent between the part fastened to the valve body 211 and the part installed on the lower shell 22, and the bending angle of the bracket 24 is an acute angle.

[0098] Thus, when the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211, the lower housing 22 can be pressed toward the valve body 211 by the bracket 24. Therefore, after the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211, the lower housing 22 can be prevented from moving in the fastening direction (in the direction of the fastening direction). Fig.13 Move in the left and right directions).

[0099] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0100] In the first embodiment, when the bracket 24 is fixed to the valve body 211, the extension 24e of the bracket 24 is pressed toward the valve body 211 by the clamp 40, thereby pressing the lower housing 22 toward the valve body 211. Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the lower housing 22 is moved toward the valve body 211 side (at Figures 14-15 Press the lower side.

[0101] The pressing portion 24g is provided after the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211. Fig.15 The bracket 24 is formed by plastically deforming a part of the bracket 24 in a twisted manner as shown by the arrow. The bracket 24 is formed with a cutout 24h for facilitating plastic deformation.

[0102] In this way, the lower housing 22 is pushed toward the valve body 211 side (at Figures 14-15 The lower housing 22 is pressed in the tightening direction (in the lower side) by pressing the bracket 24 to prevent the lower housing 22 from moving in the tightening direction (in the lower side) after the bracket 24 is tightened and fixed to the valve body 211. Fig.14 Move in the left and right directions).

[0103] In this embodiment, the bracket 24 has a pressing portion 24g that is bent so as to press the lower housing 22 toward the valve body 211. Thus, after the bracket 24 is fastened to the body 211, the lower housing 22 can be prevented from moving in the fastening direction (in the direction of the valve body 211). Fig.14 Move in the left and right directions).

[0104] (Seventh Embodiment)

[0105] In the first embodiment, a main body groove 211e is formed on the upper surface of the valve main body 211 into which the lower end of the lower shell 22 is inserted. Figure 17-18As shown, a main body cutout portion 211 g into which the lower end of the lower case 22 is inserted is formed on the upper surface of the valve main body 211 .

[0106] The depth dimension Dc of the main body cutout portion 211 g is the same as the clearance tolerance between the valve main body 211 and the lower case 22 .

[0107] Thus, similarly to the above-described first embodiment, in the quality inspection process of the expansion valve 20 , it is possible to reliably inspect whether the gap dimension Dg between the valve body 211 and the lower case 22 is within the tolerance.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0109] In the fifth embodiment, the bending angle of the bracket 24 is an acute angle, and the angle formed by the surface of the valve body 211 in contact with the bracket 24 and the extension direction of the insertion groove 22b of the lower shell 22 is 90 degrees. However, it may also be the opposite, that is, the bending angle of the bracket 24 is 90 degrees, and the angle formed by the surface of the valve body 211 in contact with the bracket 24 and the extension direction of the insertion groove 22b of the lower shell 22 is an obtuse angle.

[0110] The bending angle of the bracket 24 is smaller than the angle formed by the surface of the valve body 211 with which the bracket 24 abuts and the extending direction of the insertion groove 22b of the lower shell 22. Therefore, when the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211 by the body-side screws 30, the bracket 24 presses the lower shell 22 toward the valve body 211. Thus, after the bracket 24 is fastened to the valve body 211, the movement of the valve body 211 can be suppressed.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the valve element 212 is driven by the stepping motor including the rotor 25 and the coil 26 , but various motors may be used as the electric actuator for driving the valve element 212 .

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, vapor compression refrigeration cycle 10 is applied to a vehicle air conditioner, but the application of vapor compression refrigeration cycle 10 is not limited thereto.

[0113] For example, vapor compression refrigeration cycle 10 can also be applied to stationary air-conditioning devices, refrigeration devices, hot water supply devices, and the like.

[0114] The present invention is described based on the embodiments, but it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present invention also includes various modifications and modifications within the scope of equivalents. In addition, various combinations, forms, and even other combinations and methods including only one element, more than one element or less than one element also belong to the scope and thought range of the present invention.

Claims

1. An expansion valve, characterized in that: have: a main body forming a refrigerant flow path; a valve core, the valve core adjusting the opening of the refrigerant flow path; a rotor driving the valve core; an electric substrate that controls the rotation of the rotor; a cylindrical partition wall member fixed to the main body and accommodating the rotor; a housing, which is arranged outside the partition wall member, accommodates the electric substrate, and has a cylindrical portion coaxial with the partition wall member; An O-ring disposed between the cylindrical portion and the partition wall member to inhibit liquid from invading the interior of the housing; a bracket having a main body side portion and a shell side portion, the main body side portion extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the partition wall member and being fixedly secured to the main body, and the shell side portion extending in a direction different from the axial direction of the partition wall member and being mounted to the shell; as well as a fastening member for fastening and fixing the bracket to the main body at the main body side portion, The housing and the bracket form a permissive structure that allows the bracket to move relative to the housing in the fastening direction when the housing is relatively movable relative to the partition wall member in the fastening direction of the fastening member.

2. The expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket has a protruding portion that protrudes from the housing when viewed in the axial direction of the partition wall member.

3. The expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The allowing structure has an insertion groove formed in the housing and into which the bracket is inserted. The cooperation between the bracket and the insertion groove is a clearance cooperation that allows the bracket to move relative to the housing in the fastening direction.

4. The expansion valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The insertion groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, The bracket is formed with a cutout portion corresponding to a shape of the insertion groove.

5. The expansion valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The insertion groove and the cutout portion form a rotation-stopping structure that prevents the bracket from rotating relative to the housing in a direction around the axis of the partition wall member.

6. The expansion valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The insertion groove extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the partition wall member. The bracket has a plate shape bent between a portion fixed to the main body and a portion mounted to the housing. The bending angle of the bracket is an acute angle.

7. The expansion valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The bracket has a pressing portion that is bent so as to press the housing toward the main body.

8. The expansion valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: have: a coil housed in the housing and generating a magnetic field for rotating the rotor; and a magnetic flux sensor that detects a change in magnetic flux accompanying the rotation of the rotor, The coil is formed with a holding portion that holds the magnetic flux sensor.

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