Valve device

Abstract

The invention provides a valve device which can realize light weight and improvement of pressure resistance by adopting a valve main body made of resin materials and a flange part deformation suppression mechanism. A valve device (100a) housed in a housing (H) is provided with: a valve body (20) made of a resin material; a seal fitting (10) having an annular flange section (12), the inner peripheral side of which is fitted and molded into the valve body (20); a housing (71) defining a housing space (3); and a flange part deformation suppression mechanism that suppresses deformation of the flange part (12). A seal member (O1) provided in a seal member housing groove (Gs) of a housing (H) is sandwiched between a flange portion (12) and the seal member housing groove (Gs), thereby sealing a housing space (3) from the external environment, and the flange portion deformation suppression mechanism fixes a housing (71) to the other end surface of the flange portion (12) adjacent along the inner peripheral edge of the seal member (O1) when viewed from the direction of an axis (L).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve body made of a resin material and a valve device having a flange deformation suppression mechanism. Background Art

[0002] In the valve device, when being fixed to a housing or the like, flange connection is performed so as to sandwich a sealing member.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, Fig.10 As shown in the patent document 1, a valve device 1000 (hereinafter referred to as "conventional valve device") is described, which includes: a guide body 1020, which is made of a metal material; a plunger 1040, which can move in the guide body 1020; a valve core part 1050, which is fixed to the front end of the plunger 1040; and a driving part 1070, which drives the plunger 1040 in the axial direction. In addition, the valve device 1000 in the patent document 1 further includes: a shaft seal member O10, which is accommodated in a seal frame part 1014 provided at the outer peripheral part of the lower end of the guide body 1020; and a flange part 1012, which is fixed to the outer peripheral part of the guide body 1020 and is made of a metal material. In order to install the valve device 1000 in a sealed state on the valve housing unit H10, the flange part 1012 is flange-coupled to the valve seat member 1030 via a fastening screw 1012f while clamping the shaft seal member O10 in the radial direction.

[0004] Among them, the valve device is arranged in, for example, the engine room or motor room of a car in an operating environment that is not exposed to moisture. From the perspective of improving fuel efficiency, in order to achieve lightweight and improve versatility, it is expected to improve pressure resistance (be able to withstand relatively high pressure, such as operating conditions of about 3MPa).

[0005] Therefore, first, in the existing valve device, in order to reduce the number of parts and make the guide body 1020 lighter, it is considered to form the guide body 1020 with resin material instead of metal material, and embed the flange portion 1012 and the sealing frame portion 1014 formed of metal material into the guide body 1020 formed of the resin material.

[0006] However, in the existing valve device, in the valve device that adopts resin material and implements lightweight, if a relatively high-pressure fluid is introduced, the joint strength between the guide body 1020 and the insert-molded flange portion 1012 and the sealing frame portion 1014 is not strong, so the sealing frame portion 1014 is offset upward together with the shaft seal component O10, and the inner peripheral side of the flange portion 1012 is rolled up. As a result, leakage to the external environment occurs through the shaft seal component O10, and the sealing performance may be reduced (hereinafter referred to as "conventional problem (deformation of the inner peripheral side of the flange portion due to lightweight and high-pressure fluid)"). As a result, the existing valve device cannot fully respond to the desire to improve lightweight and pressure resistance.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-169795 Summary of the invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a valve device which can achieve weight reduction and improved pressure resistance by adopting a valve body and a flange deformation suppression mechanism made of a resin material.

[0012] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a valve device housed in a shell comprises: a valve body, which is made of resin material; a sealing metal part, which has a flange part in an annular shape, and the inner peripheral side of the flange part is embedded and molded in the valve body; an outer shell, which defines a storage space; and a flange part deformation suppression mechanism, which suppresses deformation of the flange part, and a sealing part arranged in a sealing part storage groove of the shell is clamped between the flange part and the sealing part storage groove, so that the storage space and the external environment are sealed, and when viewed from the axial direction, the flange part deformation suppression mechanism fixes the outer shell to the other end face of the flange part adjacent to the inner peripheral edge of the sealing part.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above valve device, the flange portion deformation suppression mechanism may include at least one pressure equalizing hole provided in the flange portion located on the inner peripheral side of the housing when viewed from the axial direction.

[0015] In addition, in the above-mentioned valve device, the flange deformation suppression mechanism may be provided with a circular step portion on the flange portion adjacent to the inner peripheral side of the sealing component, and the inner peripheral side of the flange portion may be offset toward the other end side relative to the outer peripheral side with the step portion as a boundary.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above valve device, the flange portion deformation suppression mechanism may include a cylindrical portion extending and continuously formed toward one end side in the axial direction on the inner peripheral side of the flange portion.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above valve device, the flange portion deformation suppression mechanism may fix a valve seat member to one end of the cylindrical portion.

[0018] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned valve device, the flange portion deformation suppression mechanism may be provided with at least one through hole in a region of the cylindrical portion buried in the valve body.

[0019] Furthermore, in the above valve device, the flange portion deformation suppression mechanism may include a fixing plate for sandwiching the flange portion between the flange portion and the housing, and the fixing plate may overlap with the sealing member when viewed in the axial direction.

[0020] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned valve device, the fixing plate may include a bracket fixing mechanism for the coil.

[0021] Furthermore, in the above valve device, the resin material may be PPS to which glass fiber or carbon fiber is added as a reinforcing agent.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a valve device which can achieve weight reduction and improved pressure resistance by adopting a valve body and a flange deformation suppression mechanism made of a resin material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing a valve device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 It means that Figure 1 The valve device is shown in a cross-sectional view in a state where it is mounted on a housing.

[0026] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 The upper surface of the flange portion shown corresponds to an enlarged view of the III-III cross section.

[0027] Figure 4 express Figure 2 The valve device is shown in a front view in the installed state.

[0028] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing a valve device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 is used for Figure 5An illustration of a fixing plate of a valve device, wherein (a) is a top view and (b) is a front view.

[0030] Figure 7 It means that Figure 5 The valve device is shown in a cross-sectional view in a state where it is mounted on a housing.

[0031] Figure 8 Representation and Figure 7 An enlarged view of the VIII-VIII cross section corresponding to the upper surface of the shell and the upper surface of the flange portion is shown.

[0032] Fig. 9 express Figure 7 The valve device is shown in a front view in the installed state.

[0033] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view showing a valve device and a valve housing unit before installation according to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The embodiment of the present invention is described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. The valve device is described below, but the valve body and flange deformation suppression mechanism of the valve device of the present invention made of resin material can be applied to electric valves, mechanical expansion valves, mechanical pressure regulating valves, manual on-off valves and solenoid valves.

[0035] <About Terminology>

[0036] In the description of this specification and claims, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” mean Figure 1-2 , Figure 4-5 , Figure 6 (b) Figure 7 , Fig. 9 In the description of this specification and claims, "one end" and "the other end" mean the "lower end" and "upper end" in the drawings. In the description of this specification and claims, "flange deformation suppression mechanism" means "mechanism for suppressing deformation of the flange portion". In addition, in the description of this specification and claims, "guide body" means a structure having a guide portion for guiding a component (for example, a drive shaft, a valve core portion, etc.) that moves in the axial direction. Moreover, in the description of this specification and claims, "valve body" constitutes at least a part of the outline of the valve device and means a structure including a guide body.

[0037] (First Embodiment)

[0038] <About the structure of the valve device>

[0039] use Figure 1A valve device 100a according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The valve device 100a is mainly composed of a sealing metal member 10, a guide body 20 (valve body), a valve seat member 30, a drive shaft 40, a valve core portion 50, a coil member 60, and a stepping motor 70. The following will describe the respective structures of the valve device 100a and the housing H (see FIG. 1 ) to which the valve device 100a is mounted. Figure 2 Here, the details will be described later. The valve device 100a of the first embodiment can eliminate the previous problems (deformation of the inner circumference of the flange due to light weight and high-pressure fluid) by adopting the guide body 20 and the flange deformation suppression mechanism made of resin material, and suppress leakage to the external environment, resulting in light weight and improved pressure resistance.

[0040] The sealing metal member 10 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, and includes a cylindrical portion 11 extending in the direction of the axis L and having a cylindrical shape, and a flange portion 12 formed continuously with the cylindrical portion 11. An opening 12a defining a side port 1b is formed on the side wall of the cylindrical portion 11. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, when viewed from the axis L, the flange portion 12 has a shape of approximately three circular ring shapes connected in parallel in the length direction, and a pair of mounting holes 12b are provided in the center of the circular ring shapes on both end sides. A pair of fastening screws 12f are inserted into the pair of mounting holes 12b via fastening washers 12g. Before the stator coil 73 is fixedly arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 71, the pair of fastening screws 12f are inserted into the fastening washers 12g and the pair of mounting holes 12b.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , as an action of mounting the valve device 100a on the housing H, the pair of fastening screws 12f are screwed into the pair of threaded holes Sh formed on the upper surface H1 of the housing H, while the valve device 100a is moved toward one end side in the direction of the axis L until the outer peripheral portion of one end side of the flange portion 12 abuts against the upper surface H1 of the housing H, which will be described in detail later. As a result, the flange sealing member O1 is clamped between the sealing member receiving groove Gs and the outer peripheral portion of one end side of the flange portion 12, and the gap between the valve device 100a and the housing H in the direction of the axis L is sealed.

[0042] The guide body 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is made of a resin material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and the sealing metal member 10 is integrally insert-molded at one end of the guide body 20 .

[0043] In addition, the guide body 20 in the first embodiment may also be PPS to which glass fiber or carbon fiber is added as a reinforcing agent. The PPS to which the reinforcing agent is added has a very high tensile strength (e.g., 150 MPa). In addition, the guide body 20 in the first embodiment may also be PPS to which polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is added. The PPS to which the PTFE is added has good sliding properties, and thus the durability of the guide body 20 can be improved.

[0044] The guide body 20 is arranged in such a manner that its axis overlaps with the axis L. In the center of the guide body 20, a threaded hole 23, a bearing hole 24, and a sliding hole 25 are formed on concentric circles so as to penetrate the guide body 20 and be arranged in the direction of the axis L. An internal threaded portion 23a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the threaded hole 23, and is screwed with an external threaded portion 41a of the drive shaft 40 described later. The guide portion 42 of the drive shaft 40 described later is slidably engaged with the inner circumferential surface of the bearing hole 24. The sliding hole 25 is arranged on one end side and is formed to have a larger diameter than the bearing hole 24. The valve core portion 50 described later is slidably engaged with the sliding hole 25.

[0045] A guide rail 26 composed of spiral ridges is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide body 20. The adjacent winding parts of the guide rail 26 are arranged at intervals. The guide rail 26 is arranged in a manner that its axis overlaps the axis L, and is screwed with the coil part 61 of the coil component 60 described later, so that the coil component 60 can rotate in the circumferential direction. Guide each winding part of the coil part 61 from one side or both sides.

[0046] The valve seat member 30 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, and includes a boss portion 31, an annular groove 32 for accommodating the shaft seal member O2, and an outer peripheral surface 33 provided between the boss portion 31 and the annular groove 32. In addition, a valve port 1a is opened at the center of the valve seat member 30. The boss portion 31 is formed to have an outer diameter smaller than the outer peripheral surface 33, and after being fitted with the cylindrical portion 11 of the sealing metal member 10, the valve seat member 30 is joined to the sealing metal member 10 via a welding portion W2 based on arc welding or the like. As a result, the valve chamber 2 is defined inside the cylindrical portion 11.

[0047] The drive shaft 40 is formed into a cylindrical rod shape using a metal such as stainless steel as a material. The drive shaft 40 is provided with a threaded portion 41, a guide portion 42, and a flange portion 43 arranged at one end of the guide portion 42, which are arranged along the axis L direction. An external threaded portion 41a is formed on the threaded portion 41, and the external threaded portion 41a is screwed with the internal threaded portion 23a of the guide body 20, thereby converting the rotational motion of the drive shaft 40 into a linear motion. The guide portion 42 guides the movement of the drive shaft 40 in the direction of the axis L by slidably engaging with the inner circumferential surface of the bearing hole 24. The drive shaft 40 moves in the direction of the axis L by the thread feed action generated by the rotation. The flange portion 43 rotatably locks the valve core portion 50 described later. In addition, in the first embodiment, the internal threaded portion 23a and the external threaded portion 41a are right-handed threads.

[0048] The valve body portion 50 includes a valve holder 51 , a valve body 52 , a gasket 53 , a spring seat 54 , and a compression coil spring 55 .

[0049] The valve holder 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of the sliding hole 25 of the guide body 20. The valve holder 51 is engaged along the sliding hole 25 so as to be slidable in the axis L direction.

[0050] The valve core 52 has a truncated cone shape at one end, and is fixed to one end 51a of the valve holder 51 in such a manner that the front end of the truncated cone is opposite to the valve port 1a. The valve core 52 adjusts the flow rate by increasing or decreasing the opening of the valve port 1a and the valve seat between the maximum opening of the valve and the minimum opening of the valve (or the fully closed state).

[0051] The flange portion 43 of the drive shaft 40 is rotatably engaged with the other end portion 51b of the valve holder 51. Specifically, a gasket 53 is inserted between the flange portion 43 of the drive shaft 40 and the other end portion 51b of the valve holder 51, and the other end portion 51b of the valve holder 51 is rotatably engaged with the drive shaft 40 through the flange portion 43. Through this engagement, the valve holder 51 is supported by the drive shaft 40 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis L and rotatable around the axis L. In addition, an opening portion larger than the movable range in the radial direction of the drive shaft 40 is formed at the other end portion 51b of the valve holder 51. In addition, a spring seat 54 is movably provided in the valve holder 51 in the direction of the axis L. A compression coil spring 55 is installed between the spring seat 54 and the valve core 52 in a compressed state with a predetermined load applied thereto. As a result, the spring seat 54 is pressed toward the other end side and abuts against the gasket 53 and one end portion of the drive shaft 40.

[0052] The coil component 60 integrally includes a coil portion 61 in the shape of a spiral spring and a claw portion 62 protruding radially outward from one end of the coil portion 61. The coil portion 61 is screwed to the guide rail 26 of the guide body 20 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The coil component 60 can be easily manufactured by molding a metal wire such as stainless steel.

[0053] The stepping motor 70 includes a housing 71 , a magnetic rotor 72 , and a stator coil 73 .

[0054] The housing 71 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, and has a generally bottomed cylindrical shape with the upper end blocked. An open end of the housing 71 is airtightly joined to the inner circumference of the flange 12 of the sealing metal member 10 via a weld W1 based on arc welding or the like, thereby defining the storage space 3.

[0055] The magnetic rotor 72 integrally includes a cylindrical magnet portion 74 whose outer circumference is multi-polarly magnetized, a disk portion 75 that blocks the other end thereof, and a protrusion 77. The magnetic rotor 72 is fixedly mounted on the drive shaft 40 via a metal fitting 76 that is molded into the center of the disk portion 75. Thus, the magnetic rotor 72 is rotatably disposed in the housing 71 around the axis L of the drive shaft 40. Among them, the protrusion 77 of the magnetic rotor 72 can abut against the claw portion 62 of the coil component 60. Therefore, by the rotation of the magnetic rotor 72, the coil component 60 is pressed and rotated in the circumferential direction via the claw portion 62. As a result, the coil component 60 abuts against the upper limit stopper (not shown) or the lower limit stopper (not shown), the rotation of the coil component 60 is restricted, and the rotation of the magnetic rotor 72 is also restricted. Therefore, the valve core portion 50 is restricted from moving beyond the position of the maximum opening or the position of the minimum opening (or the closed valve state).

[0056] The stator coil 73 is fixedly disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 71 , and when a pulse signal is given to the stator coil 73 , the magnetic rotor 72 is rotated according to the number of pulses.

[0057] When the magnetic rotor 72 rotates, the drive shaft 40 rotates together with the magnetic rotor 72, and the drive shaft 40 moves in the direction of the axis L due to the thread feeding action based on the external thread portion 41a and the internal thread portion 23a, and the valve core portion 50 moves forward and backward relative to the valve port 1a. As a result, the opening of the valve seat with respect to the valve port 1a changes, and the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the valve port 1a to the side port 1b (or from the side port 1b to the valve port 1a) is controlled.

[0058] use Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The shape of the housing H will be described. Figure 3 is with Figure 2The enlarged view of the III-III section corresponding to the upper surface of the flange portion 12 (a plane where the inner peripheral side of the flange portion 12 is offset toward the other end side compared to the outer peripheral side with the other end side step portion 12s1 as the boundary) is shown. For the sake of convenience, the illustration of the valve core portion 50 is omitted, and the sealing component storage groove Gs, the flange sealing component O1, and the C-shaped guide body 20 (located at the other end side) which are not originally shown as a cross-sectional view are respectively illustrated using dotted lines as in a perspective view. Figure 3 The guide body 20 at the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 11 in the embodiment of the present invention, and the first receiving groove G1.

[0059] The housing H is made of a metal material such as aluminum. Figure 2 As shown, a through hole having a plurality of annular step portions that are successively reduced in diameter from the other end side to the one end side is formed along the axis L. A first receiving groove G1 and a second receiving groove G2 are successively formed in the plurality of annular step portions. Figure 2 The first flow path Fp1 is connected to the front side of the paper, and the first receiving groove G1 is formed with a side ( Figure 2 The second flow path (not shown) is connected to the valve core 52 on the inner side of the paper. Figure 3 As shown, a sealing member receiving groove Gs for receiving the flange sealing member O1 (sealing member) is formed on the outer peripheral side of the first receiving groove G1 on the upper surface H1 of the housing H. Furthermore, a pair of threaded holes Sh are formed on the upper surface H1 of the housing H at symmetrical positions across the first receiving groove G1.

[0060] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Although the shape of the housing H shown in the figure has been described, this is only an example, and the housing H may have any shape as long as it has an insertion hole and an outer shape that allows the valve device 100a to be inserted into the insertion hole.

[0061] <About the installation action of the valve device>

[0062] use Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 , the installation operation of the valve device 100a to the housing H is described. First, Figure 2As shown, the valve device 100a is inserted from the first receiving groove G1 along the axis L direction of the housing H. Then, a pair of fastening screws 12f are screwed into a pair of threaded holes Sh while being moved toward one end side in the axis L direction until the outer peripheral portion of one end side of the flange portion 12 abuts against the upper surface H1 of the housing H. At this time, the shaft seal component O2 is clamped between the second receiving groove G2 and the annular groove 32 of the valve seat component 30, the first receiving groove G1 and the second receiving groove G2 are sealed, and the flange seal component O1 is clamped between the seal component receiving groove Gs and the outer peripheral portion of one end side of the flange portion 12, the gap in the axis L direction between the valve device 100a and the housing H is set to a predetermined value, and the first receiving groove G1 and the external environment are sealed.

[0063] Then, if Figure 4 As shown, the stator coil 73 is fixed to the housing H by screwing the fastening screw 73b into the mounting hole (not shown) of the coil bracket 73a made of metal material and the threaded hole (not shown) formed in the side wall of the housing H. In the mounted state of the valve device 100a, the valve port 1a defined by the valve seat member 30 is communicated with the first pipe Pl1 via the first flow path Fp1 and the sealing joint Pf fixed to the housing H by the fastening bolt Fb, and the side port 1b defined by the opening 12a of the cylindrical portion 11 is communicated with the second pipe (not shown) via the second flow path.

[0064] <About flange deformation suppression mechanism>

[0065] As mentioned earlier, in Fig.10 In the conventional valve device shown, a resin material is used instead of a metal material as the material of the guide body 1020. This has the problem of the past (deformation of the inner circumferential side of the flange portion due to lightweight and high-pressure fluid), so leakage to the external environment may occur through the shaft sealing component O10, thereby reducing the sealing performance.

[0066] In contrast, the valve device 100a of the first embodiment adopts a flange deformation suppression mechanism for suppressing the deformation of the flange 12 in addition to the guide body 20 made of a resin material, thereby being able to eliminate the conventional problem (deformation of the inner circumference of the flange due to light weight and high-pressure fluid), suppress leakage to the external environment, and as a result, achieve light weight and improved pressure resistance. The flange deformation suppression mechanism in the first embodiment is composed of a flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (housing fixing), a flange deformation suppression mechanism (2) (pressure equalizing hole), a flange deformation suppression mechanism (3) (step portion), a flange deformation suppression mechanism (4) (cylindrical portion), a flange deformation suppression mechanism (5) (valve seat member fixing) and a flange deformation suppression mechanism (6) (through hole), and will be described in sequence below.

[0067] <Flange Deformation Suppression Mechanism (1) (Casing Fixation)>

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the direction of the axis L, the flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (housing fixing) fixes the housing 71 to the other end face of the flange 12 (i.e., the deformation area rolled up due to high pressure in the existing valve device) adjacent to the inner periphery of the flange sealing member O1 via the annular weld W1. The flange 12 is provided with a second end side step 12s1, and the outer diameter of the second end side step 12s1 is set to be equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of one end of the housing 71. Thus, the housing 71 is fixed after being positioned on the flange 12 via the second end side step 12s1.

[0069] In the first embodiment, by adopting the flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (housing fixing), the flange 12 fixing the housing 71 has a relatively high structural rigidity, and the pressure resistance of the inner circumference of the flange 12 is improved, thereby eliminating the conventional problem (deformation of the inner circumference of the flange due to light weight and high-pressure fluid). Figure 3 As shown, the pressing force generated by a pair of fastening screws 12f acts reliably on the entire circumference of the flange sealing component O1 not only along the area of ​​the flange sealing component O1 adjacent to the pair of fastening screws 12f, but also along the fixing portion of the shell 71 with improved rigidity in structure, thereby suppressing leakage to the external environment, resulting in weight reduction and improved pressure resistance.

[0070] <Flange deformation suppression mechanism (2) (pressure equalization hole)>

[0071] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the axis L direction, the flange portion deformation suppression mechanism (2) (pressure equalizing hole) is provided with at least one pressure equalizing hole 12d in the flange portion 12 located on the inner peripheral side of the housing 71.

[0072] In the first embodiment, by adopting a flange deformation suppression mechanism (2) (pressure equalizing hole), the space at one end side and the other end side of the flange portion 12 (the storage space 3 and the first storage groove G1) is pressurized equally, thereby suppressing the application of differential pressure to the flange portion 12. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate previous problems (deformation of the inner circumference of the flange portion due to lightweight and high-pressure fluid), and suppress leakage to the external environment, resulting in lightweight and improved pressure resistance.

[0073] <Flange Deformation Suppression Mechanism (3) (Step)>

[0074] like Figure 2As shown, the flange deformation suppression mechanism (3) (step portion) is provided with a circumferential step portion 12s composed of a second end step portion 12s1 and a first end step portion 12s2 at a position adjacent to the inner circumference of the flange sealing member O1 in the flange 12. The flange 12 is bordered by the step portion 12s, and the inner circumference of the flange 12 is offset toward the second end than the outer circumference. The step portion 12s can be formed by, for example, stamping the flange 12.

[0075] In the first embodiment, by adopting the flange deformation suppression mechanism (3) (step portion), the rigidity of the step portion 12s of the flange portion 12 becomes relatively high due to work hardening caused by plastic deformation, and the pressure resistance of the inner circumference of the flange portion 12 is improved, thereby eliminating the conventional problem (deformation of the inner circumference of the flange portion due to weight reduction and high-pressure fluid). Figure 3 As shown, the pressing force generated by a pair of fastening screws 12f acts reliably on the entire circumference of the flange sealing component O1 not only along the area adjacent to the pair of fastening screws 12f of the flange sealing component O1, but also along the step portion 12s that improves the rigidity in the structure, thereby suppressing leakage to the external environment, resulting in weight reduction and improved pressure resistance.

[0076] <Flange Deformation Suppression Mechanism (4) (Cylindrical Part)>

[0077] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the flange deformation suppression mechanism (4) (cylindrical portion) has a cylindrical portion 11 which is continuously formed and extends toward one end side in the axis L direction on the inner peripheral side of the flange portion 12.

[0078] In the first embodiment, by adopting the flange deformation suppression mechanism (4) (cylindrical portion), the flange portion 12 formed continuously from the cylindrical portion 11 has a relatively high structural rigidity, and the pressure resistance of the inner circumference of the flange portion 12 is improved, thereby eliminating the conventional problem (deformation of the inner circumference of the flange portion due to weight reduction and high-pressure fluid). Figure 3 As shown, the pressing force generated by the pair of fastening screws 12f not only acts on the flange sealing member O1 along the area adjacent to the pair of fastening screws 12f, but also reliably acts on the entire circumference of the flange sealing member O1 along the cylindrical portion 11 with improved rigidity in structure, thereby suppressing leakage to the external environment, and as a result, achieving weight reduction and improved pressure resistance. Furthermore, the radial pressure resistance of the guide body 20 with the cylindrical portion 11 insert-molded can also be improved.

[0079] <Flange deformation suppression mechanism (5) (valve seat component fixing)>

[0080] like Figure 2As shown, the flange deformation suppression mechanism (5) (valve seat member fixing) fixes the valve seat member 30 to one end of the cylindrical portion 11 via the welding portion W2. A boss portion 31 is formed on the other end side of the valve seat member 30, and the outer diameter of the boss portion 31 is set to be equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of one end of the cylindrical portion 11. Thus, the valve seat member 30 is fixed after being positioned on the cylindrical portion 11 via the boss portion 31.

[0081] In the first embodiment, by adopting the flange deformation suppression mechanism (5) (valve seat member fixing), the cylindrical portion 11 to which the valve seat member 30 is fixed has a relatively high structural rigidity. Therefore, the flange portion 12 formed continuously with the cylindrical portion 11 also has a further improved structural rigidity, and the pressure resistance of the inner circumference of the flange portion 12 is improved, thereby eliminating the previous problem (deformation of the inner circumference of the flange portion due to lightweight and high-pressure fluid). In addition, as a result, Figure 3 As shown, the pressing force generated by the pair of fastening screws 12f not only acts on the entire circumference of the flange sealing member O1 along the area adjacent to the pair of fastening screws 12f, but also along the cylindrical portion 11 with improved rigidity in structure, thereby reliably acting on the flange sealing member O1, thereby suppressing leakage to the external environment, and as a result, achieving weight reduction and improved pressure resistance. In addition, by fixing the valve seat member 30 at one end of the cylindrical portion 11, the radial pressure resistance of the guide body 20 can be further improved. Furthermore, by setting the valve seat member 30 as a component different from the sealing metal member 10, it is not necessary to form the valve port 1a on the sealing metal member 10, so the processing of the sealing metal member 10 is simplified, and the wall thickness of the valve seat of the valve port 1a can be formed thicker, so that stable valve leakage performance can be obtained.

[0082] <Flange Deformation Suppression Mechanism (6) (Through Hole)>

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the flange deformation suppression mechanism (6) (through hole) is provided with at least one through hole 12e in the buried area of ​​the cylindrical portion 11 buried in the guide body 20. When the sealing metal member 10 is insert-molded relative to the guide body 20, the resin material is cured in a state of filling the at least one through hole 12e.

[0084] In the first embodiment, by adopting the flange deformation suppression mechanism (6) (through hole), the flange 12 whose joining strength with the guide body 20 is improved through the through hole 12e of the cylindrical portion 11 has a relatively high structural rigidity, and the pressure resistance of the inner circumference of the flange 12 is improved, thereby eliminating the conventional problems (weight reduction and deformation of the inner circumference of the flange due to high-pressure fluid). Figure 3As shown, the pressing force generated by a pair of fastening screws 12f acts reliably on the entire circumference of the flange sealing component O1 not only along the area adjacent to the pair of fastening screws 12f of the flange sealing component O1, but also along the cylindrical portion 11 with improved rigidity in the structure, thereby suppressing leakage to the external environment, resulting in weight reduction and improved pressure resistance.

[0085] As described above, in addition to the guide body 20 made of resin material, the valve device 100a of the first embodiment also adopts a flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (shell fixing), a flange deformation suppression mechanism (2) (pressure equalizing hole), a flange deformation suppression mechanism (3) (step portion), a flange deformation suppression mechanism (4) (cylindrical portion), a flange deformation suppression mechanism (5) (valve seat component fixing), and a flange deformation suppression mechanism (6) (through hole) to suppress the deformation of the flange 12, thereby eliminating the previous problems (deformation of the inner circumference of the flange due to lightweight and high-pressure fluid), suppressing leakage to the external environment, and achieving lightweight and improved pressure resistance.

[0086] The valve device 100a of the first embodiment uses a guide body 20 made of resin material and all of the parts from the flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (fixed to the outer shell) to the flange deformation suppression mechanism (6) (through hole), but is not limited to this. For example, a guide body 20 made of resin material and at least one of the parts from the flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (fixed to the outer shell) to the flange deformation suppression mechanism (6) (through hole) (for example, the flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (fixed to the outer shell)) may also be used.

[0087] (Second Embodiment)

[0088] use Figure 5 The valve device 100b of the second embodiment is described. The valve device 100b of the second embodiment is different from the valve device 100a of the first embodiment mainly in the outer shape of the flange portion 12B of the sealing metal member 10B and the use of the fixing plate 13, but the other basic structures are roughly the same as those of the first embodiment. Among them, the same symbols are marked for the same structures, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, the housing 71B and the coil bracket 73Ba of the stator coil 73B in the second embodiment (see Fig. 9 ) is slightly different from the first embodiment in length of the housing 71 and the coil bracket 73a of the stator coil 73 in the direction of the axis L, but the structure is the same, so the description is omitted.

[0089] The valve device 100b of the second embodiment mainly comprises a sealing metal member 10B, a fixing plate 13, a guide body 20 (valve body), a valve seat member 30, a drive shaft 40, a valve core 50, a coil member 60, and a stepping motor 70B. The sealing metal member 10B, the fixing plate 13, and the housing HB to which the valve device 100b is mounted, which are different in structure from those of the first embodiment, are described in sequence below (see Figure 7 ).

[0090] <About Sealing Metal Parts>

[0091] The sealing metal member 10B is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, and includes a cylindrical portion 11 extending in the direction of the axis L and having a cylindrical shape, and a flange portion 12B formed continuously with the cylindrical portion 11. An opening 12a defining a side port 1b is formed on the side wall of the cylindrical portion 11. Figure 8 As shown, when viewed from the axis L direction, the flange portion 12B has a circular ring shape.

[0092] <About the fixing plate>

[0093] The fixing plate 13 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, stainless steel, plated steel plate, or a resin material such as Figure 6 As shown in (a), when viewed from the axis L, the fixing plate 13 has a substantially rhombus shape with rounded corners. The fixing plate 13 has an insertion hole 13a provided with the axis L as the center, and a pair of mounting holes 13b provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Figure 6 As shown in (b), the threaded hole 13c (bracket fixing mechanism) for the coil bracket in the second embodiment is formed on the side wall of the fixing plate 13 instead of the side wall of the housing H in the first embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, before the stator coil 73B is fixedly arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 71B, the housing 71B is inserted into the insertion hole 13a of the fixing plate 13. In addition, a pair of fastening screws 12f are inserted into the pair of mounting holes 13b via fastening washers 12g.

[0094] The housing HB is made of a metal material such as aluminum. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The shape of the housing HB will be described. Figure 8 is with Figure 7The upper surface H1 of the housing HB and the upper surface of the flange 12B (a plane where the inner peripheral side of the flange 12B is offset from the outer peripheral side to the other end side with the other end side step 12s1 as the boundary) are shown in the enlarged view of the VIII-VIII section. For the sake of convenience, the valve core 50 is omitted, and the fixing plate 13, the sealing component receiving groove Gs, the flange sealing component O1, and the C-shaped guide body 20 (located at the other end side) which are not originally shown as a cross-sectional view are respectively shown in dotted lines as in a perspective view. Figure 8 The guide body 20 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 11 in the embodiment of the present invention, and the first receiving groove G1 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 11 in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] like Figure 7 As shown, a through hole having a plurality of annular step portions that are gradually reduced in diameter from the other end side to the one end side is formed in the housing HB along the axis L direction. The plurality of annular step portions are sequentially formed with a flange receiving groove Gf, a first receiving groove G1, and a second receiving groove G2. Among them, a flange receiving groove Gf is formed in the second receiving groove G2 with a side ( Figure 7 The first flow path Fp1 is connected to the front side of the paper, and the first receiving groove G1 is formed with a side ( Figure 7 The second flow path (not shown) is connected to the valve core 52 on the inner side of the paper. Figure 8 As shown, a sealing member receiving groove Gs for receiving the flange sealing member O1 (sealing member) is formed in the annular step portion between the flange receiving groove Gf and the first receiving groove G1 in the upper surface H1 of the housing HB. Furthermore, a pair of threaded holes Sh are formed in symmetrical positions across the first receiving groove G1 in the upper surface H1 of the housing HB.

[0096] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 Although the shape of the housing HB shown in the figure has been described, this is only an example, and the housing HB may have any shape as long as it has an insertion hole and an outer shape that allows the valve device 100b to be inserted into the insertion hole.

[0097] <About the installation action of the valve device>

[0098] use Figure 7 as well as Fig. 9 , the installation operation of the valve device 100b to the housing HB is described. Figure 7As shown, the valve device 100b is inserted from the first receiving groove G1 along the axis L direction of the housing HB. Then, while a pair of fastening screws 12f are screwed into a pair of threaded holes Sh via fastening washers 12g and a pair of mounting holes 13b, the valve device 100b is moved toward one end side in the axis L direction until the outer peripheral portion of one end side of the flange portion 12B is received in the flange receiving groove Gf and abuts against the upper surface H1 of the housing HB. At this time, the shaft sealing component O2 is clamped between the second receiving groove G2 and the annular groove 32 of the valve seat component 30, the first receiving groove G1 and the second receiving groove G2 are sealed, and the flange sealing component O1 is clamped between the sealing component receiving groove Gs and the outer peripheral portion of one end side of the flange portion 12B, the clearance in the axis L direction between the valve device 100b and the housing HB is a predetermined value, and the first receiving groove G1 and the external environment are sealed.

[0099] Then, if Fig. 9 As shown, by screwing the fastening screw 73Bb into the mounting hole (not shown) of the coil bracket 73Ba made of metal material and the threaded hole 13c for the coil bracket formed on the side wall of the fixing plate 13 (see Figure 6 (b)), thereby fixing the stator coil 73B to the housing HB. As a result, the stator coil 73B can be reliably fixed to the housing HB via the fixing plate 13. In addition, there is no need to provide a threaded hole as a bracket fixing mechanism in the housing HB, so the design freedom of the housing HB is improved. In the installed state of the valve device 100b, the valve port 1a defined by the valve seat component 30 is connected to the first piping Pl1 via the first flow path Fp1 and the sealing joint Pf fixed to the housing HB by the fastening bolts Fb. On the other hand, the side port 1b defined by the opening portion 12a of the cylindrical portion 11 is connected to the second piping (not shown) via the second flow path.

[0100] <Regarding Concerns (Management of Pressing Force on Flange Seal)>

[0101] The valve device 100a of the first embodiment adopts a flange deformation suppression mechanism for suppressing deformation of the flange 12 in addition to the guide body 20 made of a resin material. For example, in the valve device 100a of the first embodiment, when any one of the flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (housing fixing), the flange deformation suppression mechanism (3) (step portion), and the flange deformation suppression mechanism (4) (cylindrical portion) is adopted, as Figure 3 As shown, in the flange portion 12, the radial region and the circumferential region where the rigidity is enhanced are slightly different depending on the structure (the fixing portion fixed to the housing 71, the step portion 12s or the cylindrical portion 11) and processing accuracy.

[0102] Among them, the tightening force generated by the pair of tightening screws 12f acts on the entire circumference of the flange sealing component O1 through each flange deformation suppression mechanism, so the pressing force on the flange sealing component O1 slightly deviates in the radial direction and the circumferential direction through the flange deformation suppression mechanism (combination) adopted. Therefore, in the valve device 100a of the first embodiment, it is necessary to manage the different pressing forces (the total) on the flange sealing component O1 through the flange deformation suppression mechanism (combination) adopted so that the different pressing forces (the total) on the flange sealing component O1 are greater than the required value (hereinafter referred to as "concern (management of the pressing force on the flange sealing component)").

[0103] In contrast, the valve device 100b of the second embodiment adopts a flange deformation suppression mechanism (7) (fixing plate) for suppressing the deformation of the flange 12 in addition to the guide body 20 made of a resin material, thereby eliminating the worry (management of the pressing force on the flange sealing member) and reliably suppressing leakage to the external environment. In addition, in the valve device 100b of the second embodiment, as the flange deformation suppression mechanism, the flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (housing fixation), the flange deformation suppression mechanism (2) (pressure equalization hole), the flange deformation suppression mechanism (3) (step portion), the flange deformation suppression mechanism (4) (cylindrical portion), the flange deformation suppression mechanism (5) (valve seat member fixation), and the flange deformation suppression mechanism (6) (through hole) are adopted, but the description thereof is omitted due to duplication.

[0104] <Flange Deformation Suppression Mechanism (7) (Fixed Plate)>

[0105] First, the fixing plate 13 is a relatively thick plate made of a high-rigidity material (for example, a metal material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or a coated steel plate, or a resin material). Figure 6 As shown in (a), when viewed from the axis L direction, it has a substantially rhombus shape with rounded corners, and includes an insertion hole 13a provided with the axis L as the center and a pair of mounting holes 13b provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The housing 71B is inserted into the insertion hole 13a. In addition, a pair of fastening screws 12f are inserted into the pair of mounting holes 13b via fastening washers 12g.

[0106] In the second embodiment, when the fixing plate 13 is made of a resin material, PPS is used. In addition, in this case, the fixing plate 13 can have a very high tensile strength (for example, 150 MPa) by using PPS added with glass fiber or carbon fiber as a reinforcing agent.

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown, the flange deformation suppression mechanism (7) (fixing plate) has a fixing plate 13 that clamps the flange 12B between the housing HB, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from the axis L, the fixing plate 13 overlaps with the flange sealing member O1. Figure 8 As shown, the insertion hole 13a (two-dot chain line in the figure) of the fixing plate 13 is arranged along the circumference between the inner peripheral edge of the flange seal member O1 and the outer peripheral edge of the housing 71B.

[0108] Thus, in the second embodiment, by adopting the flange deformation suppression mechanism (7) (fixing plate), the tightening force generated by the pair of tightening screws 12f is reliably applied to the entire circumference of the flange sealing member O1 via the fixing plate 13 made of a high-rigidity material, so that the pressing force applied to the flange sealing member O1 can be made uniform and relatively large in the radial direction and the circumferential direction compared to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, instead of managing the different pressing forces applied to the entire circumference of the flange sealing member O1 by the flange deformation suppression mechanism (combination) adopted as in the first embodiment, the flange deformation suppression mechanism (7) (fixing plate) is adopted, and the pressing forces applied to the entire circumference of the flange sealing member O1 are uniformly managed in a manner such that they are equal to or greater than the required value, thereby eliminating concerns (management of the pressing force applied to the flange sealing member) and further reliably suppressing leakage to the external environment.

[0109] As described above, the valve device 100b of the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. In addition to the guide body 20 made of resin material, the flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (housing fixation), flange deformation suppression mechanism (2) (pressure equalization hole), flange deformation suppression mechanism (3) (step portion), flange deformation suppression mechanism (4) (cylindrical portion), flange deformation suppression mechanism (5) (valve seat member fixation), and flange deformation suppression mechanism (6) (through hole) for suppressing the deformation of the flange 12B are adopted, thereby eliminating the conventional problem (deformation of the inner circumference of the flange due to weight reduction and high-pressure fluid), suppressing leakage to the external environment, and as a result, achieving weight reduction and improved pressure resistance. In addition, the valve device 100b of the second embodiment adopts the flange deformation suppression mechanism (7) (fixing plate), thereby eliminating the worry (management of the pressing force on the flange sealing member), and reliably suppressing leakage to the external environment.

[0110] The valve device 100b of the second embodiment adopts, in addition to the guide body 20 and the flange deformation suppression mechanism (7) (fixed plate) made of resin material, the entire flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (fixed to the outer shell) to the flange deformation suppression mechanism (6) (through hole), but is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the guide body 20 and the flange deformation suppression mechanism (7) (fixed plate) made of resin material, at least one of the flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (fixed to the outer shell) to the flange deformation suppression mechanism (6) (through hole) (for example, the flange deformation suppression mechanism (1) (fixed to the outer shell) may be adopted.

[0111] <Others>

[0112] The valve devices 100a to 100b of this embodiment can be applied to all fluid devices and fluid circuits including refrigeration cycles. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and appropriate changes and modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.

[0113] Explanation of symbols

[0114] 100a, 100b—valve device; 1a—valve port; 1b—side port; 2—valve chamber; 3—storage space; 10, 10B—sealing metal part; 11—cylindrical part; 12, 12B—flange part; 12a—opening part; 12b—a pair of mounting holes; 12s—stepped part; 12s1—stepped part on the other end side; 12s2—stepped part on one end side; 12d—pressure equalizing hole; 12e—through hole; 12f—a pair of fastening screws; 12g—fastening washer; 1 3—fixing plate; 13a—through hole; 13b—a pair of mounting holes; 13c—threaded hole for coil bracket (bracket fixing mechanism); 20—guide body (valve body); 23—threaded hole; 23a—internal threaded portion; 24—bearing hole; 25—sliding hole; 26—guide rail; 30—valve seat member; 31—boss portion; 32—annular groove; 33—outer peripheral surface; 40—drive shaft; 41—threaded portion; 41a—external threaded portion; 42—guide portion; 43—flange portion ; 50—valve core portion; 51—valve holder; 51a—one end portion; 51b—the other end portion; 52—valve core; 53—gasket; 54—spring seat; 55—compression coil spring; 60—coil component; 61—coil portion; 62—claw portion; 70, 70B—stepping motor; 71, 71B—housing; 72—magnetic rotor; 73, 73B—stator coil; 73a, 73Ba—coil bracket; 73b, 73Bb—fastening screw; 74—magnet portion; 75—disc portion; 76—metal part; 77—projection; Fb—fastening bolt; Fp1—first flow path; G1—first receiving groove; G2—second receiving groove; Gf—flange receiving groove; Gs—sealing component receiving groove; H, HB—housing; H1—upper surface; L—axis line; O1—flange sealing component (sealing component); O2—shaft sealing component; Pf—sealing joint; Pl1—first piping; Sh—a pair of threaded holes; W1—welding portion; W2—welding portion.

Claims

1. A valve device housed in a housing, The valve device is characterized by comprising: a valve body made of a resin material; A sealing metal member having a flange portion in an annular shape, wherein the inner peripheral side of the flange portion is insert-molded in the valve body; a housing defining a storage space; and a flange portion deformation suppression mechanism for suppressing deformation of the flange portion, The sealing member provided in the sealing member receiving groove of the housing is sandwiched between the flange portion and the sealing member receiving groove, so that the receiving space is sealed from the external environment. The flange portion deformation suppression mechanism fixes the housing to the other end surface of the flange portion adjacent to the inner peripheral edge of the sealing member when viewed in the axial direction.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that The flange portion deformation suppression mechanism includes at least one pressure equalizing hole provided in the flange portion located on the inner peripheral side of the housing when viewed from the axial direction.

3. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that The flange deformation suppression mechanism includes a circumferential step portion provided on the flange portion adjacent to the inner peripheral side of the sealing member, and the inner peripheral side of the flange portion is offset toward the other end side relative to the outer peripheral side with the step portion as a boundary.

4. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that The flange portion deformation suppression mechanism includes a cylindrical portion extending and continuously formed toward one end side in the axial direction on the inner peripheral side of the flange portion.

5. The valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that The flange portion deformation suppression mechanism fixes a valve seat member to one end of the cylindrical portion.

6. The valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that The flange portion deformation suppression mechanism is provided with at least one through hole in a region of the cylindrical portion that is buried in the valve body.

7. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that The flange portion deformation suppression mechanism includes a fixing plate for sandwiching the flange portion between the flange portion and the housing, and the fixing plate overlaps the sealing member when viewed in the axial direction.

8. The valve device according to claim 7, characterized in that The fixing plate includes a bracket fixing mechanism for the coil.

9. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that The resin material is PPS with glass fiber or carbon fiber added as a reinforcement.

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