Valve device, expansion valve, method for manufacturing valve device and method for manufacturing expansion valve

Abstract

Provided are a valve device, an expansion valve, a method for manufacturing the valve device, and a method for manufacturing the expansion valve, with which it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs without increasing the number of steps associated with manufacturing. In a valve device having a valve main body, one side surface of the valve main body is provided with a base surface portion which is a flat surface on which an object to be fixed can be attached and which is formed by performing a predetermined cutting process or grinding process, and an adjacent portion which is adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the base surface portion. The adjacent portion has a shape that does not protrude from the base surface portion in the normal direction of the base surface portion without being subjected to the predetermined cutting or grinding. Due to the adoption of the valve main body, the amount of raw materials which are cut off and abandoned during processing is reduced, burrs are not formed between the basic surface part and the adjacent part, and a burr removing process is not needed, so that the number of processes is not increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device, an expansion valve, a method for manufacturing the valve device and a method for manufacturing the expansion valve. Background Art

[0002] An expansion valve with a solenoid valve as one type of valve device is applied to, for example, a refrigeration cycle having a plurality of evaporators connected in parallel, and has a circuit shutoff function in the refrigeration cycle in addition to a superheat control function of the refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator.

[0003] As shown in patent documents 1 and 2, such an expansion valve with a solenoid valve (solenoid valve integrated expansion valve) has a throttling flow path for reducing pressure and expanding the refrigerant on the high-pressure side, a valve core for adjusting the opening of the throttling flow path, a power element for displacing the valve core, an outlet flow path for supplying the refrigerant after the reduction in pressure and expansion to the evaporator, and a solenoid valve for opening and closing the outlet flow path.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-164207

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-91566

[0008] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] Here, so-called power-on closed (normally open) solenoid valves are mostly screwed to the valve body at two locations via a housing that holds the coil. In this case, in order to form a good magnetic circuit through the housing and a metal attraction element disposed on the valve body, the housing and the attraction element need to be in contact.

[0010] In order to properly bring the housing and the suction element into contact with each other, it is necessary to sufficiently ensure the dimensional accuracy of the mounting portion of the suction element in the valve body.

[0011] The valve body is formed by, for example, subjecting an intermediate product formed by extrusion forming an aluminum alloy to mechanical processing for forming a flow path, a hole, etc. However, when the surface formed by extrusion forming is used as the mounting surface of the housing, it is difficult to fully ensure the dimensional accuracy of the mounting portion. Therefore, the mounting surface is formed by subjecting the surface formed by extrusion forming to cutting processing, for example, using a milling cutter, so as to fully ensure the dimensional accuracy of the mounting portion.

[0012] Generally speaking, one side surface of the valve body of an expansion valve with a solenoid valve becomes the mounting surface of the solenoid valve. However, since the area of ​​the one side surface of the valve body is larger than the area required for the installation of the solenoid valve, if the entire one side surface of the valve body is cut, the processing time becomes longer and there are cost problems such as an increase in the amount of raw materials removed due to processing and increased waste.

[0013] On the other hand, as shown in Patent Document 2, it is also possible to form a mounting surface by machining only the range required for mounting the solenoid valve on one side surface of the valve body. However, when a locally lower mounting surface is formed on one side surface of the valve body by milling, for example, burrs are generated on the step portion between the mounting surface and the face portion adjacent to the mounting surface on the one side surface. The burrs can be removed by post-machining, but this will increase the number of steps and the machining time. Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and an object thereof is to provide a valve device, an expansion valve, a method for manufacturing a valve device, and a method for manufacturing an expansion valve that can reduce manufacturing costs without increasing the number of manufacturing-related steps.

[0015] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0016] The valve device of the present invention is characterized in that

[0017] In a valve device having a valve body,

[0018] One side surface of the valve body includes a base surface portion and an adjacent portion, wherein the base surface portion is a flat surface on which a fixed object can be mounted by performing a predetermined cutting process or a grinding process, and the adjacent portion is adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the base surface portion.

[0019] The adjacent portion is not subjected to the predetermined cutting process or grinding process and has a shape that does not protrude relative to the base surface portion in the normal direction of the base surface portion.

[0020] The valve device of the present invention is characterized in that

[0021] In a valve device having a valve body,

[0022] One side surface of the valve body includes a base surface and an adjacent surface. The base surface is a plane on which a fixed object can be mounted, and the adjacent surface is adjacent to the base surface.

[0023] The adjacent surface portion is located at the same position as the base surface portion in the normal direction of the base surface portion, or is located inside the valve body relative to the base surface portion.

[0024] The average surface roughness of the base surface portion is different from the average surface roughness of the adjacent surface portion.

[0025] The expansion valve of the present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0026] a valve body, the valve body having a valve chamber, a throttle hole, a supply side flow path, a discharge side flow path, and a return flow path, the throttle hole being formed on the upper surface of the valve chamber, the supply side flow path being connected with the valve chamber and the outside and supplying refrigerant to the valve chamber, the discharge side flow path being connected with the throttle hole and the outside and discharging the refrigerant from the throttle hole to the outside, and the return flow path allowing the refrigerant discharged from the discharge side flow path to flow;

[0027] a valve core, the valve core being arranged in the valve chamber;

[0028] A power element, which is disposed on the upper surface of the valve body and generates a driving force for driving the valve core;

[0029] an operating rod that transmits the driving force of the power element to the valve core; and

[0030] a fixed object, the fixed object being mounted on one side surface of the valve body,

[0031] The supply side flow path extends from the front surface of the valve body to the valve chamber,

[0032] The discharge side flow path extends from the back side of the valve body to the throttle hole,

[0033] The return flow path extends from the front surface to the back surface,

[0034] The discharge side flow path is located above the supply side flow path,

[0035] The return flow path is located above the discharge side flow path,

[0036] The side surface includes a recessed portion formed along the return flow path and a base surface portion which is a flat surface on which the object to be fixed can be mounted by performing a predetermined cutting process or a grinding process from the lower end side of the side surface to the recessed portion.

[0037] The manufacturing method of the valve device of the present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0038] In a first step, an intermediate product of a valve body is formed from a raw material, wherein one side of the intermediate product has a pre-processing base surface portion and an adjacent portion adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the pre-processing base surface portion, and has a shape in which the pre-processing base surface portion protrudes relative to the adjacent portion; and

[0039] In the second step, cutting or grinding is performed on the pre-processed basic surface portion to form a basic surface portion which is a flat surface capable of fixing the object to be fixed.

[0040] The manufacturing method of the expansion valve of the present invention comprises:

[0041] a valve body, the valve body having a valve chamber, a throttle hole, a supply side flow path, a discharge side flow path, and a return flow path, the throttle hole being formed on the upper surface of the valve chamber, the supply side flow path being connected with the valve chamber and the outside and supplying refrigerant to the valve chamber, the discharge side flow path being connected with the throttle hole and the outside and discharging the refrigerant from the throttle hole to the outside, and the return flow path allowing the refrigerant discharged from the discharge side flow path to flow;

[0042] a valve core, the valve core being arranged in the valve chamber;

[0043] A power element, which is disposed on the upper surface of the valve body and generates a driving force for driving the valve core;

[0044] an operating rod that transmits the driving force of the power element to the valve core; and

[0045] a fixed object, the fixed object being mounted on one side surface of the valve body,

[0046] The supply side flow path extends from the front surface of the valve body to the valve chamber,

[0047] The discharge side flow path extends from the back side of the valve body to the throttle hole,

[0048] The return flow path extends from the front surface to the back surface,

[0049] The discharge side flow path is located above the supply side flow path,

[0050] The return flow path is located above the discharge side flow path, and is characterized by having:

[0051] In a first step, an intermediate product of the valve body is formed from a raw material, wherein one side of the intermediate product has a pre-processing base surface portion and an adjacent portion adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the pre-processing base surface portion, and has a shape in which the pre-processing base surface portion protrudes relative to the adjacent portion; and

[0052] In the second step, cutting or grinding is performed on the pre-processed basic surface portion to form a basic surface portion which is a flat surface capable of fixing the object to be fixed.

[0053] Effects of the Invention

[0054] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a valve device, an expansion valve, a method for manufacturing a valve device, and a method for manufacturing an expansion valve that can reduce manufacturing costs without increasing the number of steps involved in manufacturing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an expansion valve with a solenoid valve in the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 2 is relative to Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of an expansion valve with a solenoid valve in a section whose phase is changed by 90 degrees about the axis L.

[0057] Figure 3 It is cut along the AA line Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the structure.

[0058] Figure 4A It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body and is a side view of a molded product after extrusion molding.

[0059] Figure 4B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body and is a front view of a molded product after extrusion molding.

[0060] Figure 5A It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body and is a diagram showing a state during milling.

[0061] Figure 5B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body and is a diagram showing a state during milling.

[0062] Figure 5C It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body and is a diagram showing a state during milling.

[0063] Fig. 6A It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body and is a side view of a molded product after milling.

[0064] Figure 6B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body and is a front view of a molded product after milling.

[0065] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body and is a diagram showing a state during machining.

[0066] Fig. 8A It is a side view of the molded product after milling according to the modification.

[0067] Figure 8BIt is a side view of the molded product after milling according to the modification.

[0068] Fig. 9A It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the molded product according to the first comparative example and is a side view of the molded product after extrusion molding.

[0069] Fig. 9B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the molded product according to the first comparative example and is a front view of the molded product after extrusion molding.

[0070] Fig. 10A It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the molded product according to the first comparative example and is a side view of the molded product after the milling process.

[0071] Fig. 10B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the molded product according to the first comparative example and is a front view of the molded product after the milling process.

[0072] Fig.11A It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the molded product according to the second comparative example and is a side view of the molded product after the milling process.

[0073] Fig. 11B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the molded product according to the second comparative example and is a front view of the molded product after the milling process.

[0074] Fig. 12A It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body of the second embodiment and is a side view of a molded product after extrusion molding.

[0075] Fig. 12B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body of the second embodiment and is a front view of a molded product after extrusion molding.

[0076] Fig.13A It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body of the third embodiment and is a side view of a molded product after extrusion molding.

[0077] Fig. 13B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body of the third embodiment and is a front view of a molded product after extrusion molding.

[0078] Fig.14A It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body of the fourth embodiment and is a rear view of a molded product after extrusion molding.

[0079] Fig. 14B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body of the fourth embodiment and is a left side view of a molded product after extrusion molding.

[0080] Fig. 14C It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body of the fourth embodiment and is a front view of a molded product after extrusion molding.

[0081] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram for explaining a valve body according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] (First Embodiment)

[0083] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an expansion valve with a solenoid valve as a type of valve device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The expansion valve ESV with a solenoid valve is composed of an expansion valve unit 1 and a solenoid valve unit 100, but the expansion valve unit 1 and the solenoid valve unit 100 share a common valve body 2. In this embodiment, as an example, the up-down direction is set with the power element 8 side relative to the valve body 2 as the upper side, the direction in which the valve body 2 and the solenoid valve unit 100 are arranged in the direction orthogonal to the up-down direction is set as the width direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the up-down direction and the width direction is set as the front-back direction.

[0084] (Structure of expansion valve unit)

[0085] First, refer to Figure 1 The structure of the expansion valve unit 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0086] Figure 1 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an expansion valve ESV with a solenoid valve in the present embodiment. The structure of the expansion valve unit 1 in the expansion valve ESV with a solenoid valve is described. The axis of the valve body 2 is set to L. Here, the axis L refers to the center line of the actuating rod 5, that is, a line parallel to the up and down direction and passing through the center of the valve chamber VS described later.

[0087] The expansion valve unit 1 includes a valve body 2 having a valve chamber VS, a valve core 3, a biasing device 4, an actuating rod 5, an annular spring 6, and a power element 8. The axis of the expansion valve unit 1 is set to L. The power element 8 side is set to the upper side relative to the valve core 3, and the valve core 3 side is set to the lower side relative to the power element 8.

[0088] In addition to the valve chamber VS, the valve body 2 also includes a first flow path 21, a second flow path 22, and a return flow path 23 extending from the front surface of the valve body 2 to the back surface. The first flow path 21 is a supply side flow path extending from the front surface of the valve body 2 to the valve chamber VS, and refrigerant (also called fluid) is supplied to the valve chamber VS via the supply side flow path. The second flow path 22, together with the intermediate passage 221, constitutes a discharge side flow path extending from the back surface of the valve body 2 to the actuating rod insertion hole 27, and the fluid in the valve chamber VS is discharged to the outside of the expansion valve via the actuating rod insertion hole (throttling hole) 27 and the discharge side flow path. Here, the discharge side flow path is located above the supply side flow path, and the above-mentioned return flow path is located above the above-mentioned discharge side flow path. The first flow path 21 and the valve chamber VS are connected via the high-pressure side flow path 112 and the low-pressure side flow path 113 (described later). Figure 3 ) and connected.

[0089] The valve body 2 includes an upper surface UL, a lower surface LL, a front surface FTL, a back surface BTL, a left surface LTL, and a right surface RTL. The valve body 2 is made of metal, for example.

[0090] The upper surface UL and the lower surface LL are formed as planes perpendicular to the up-down direction, for example. The front surface FTL and the back surface BTL are formed as planes perpendicular to the front-back direction, for example.

[0091] The left side surface LTL is an example of a side surface to which the electromagnetic valve unit 100 is fixed. A side surface refers to one of the surfaces along the axis of the valve body 2 among the outer surfaces of the valve body 2. The left side surface LTL has a first surface PL1 (base surface), a second surface PL2 (adjacent surface), and a third surface PL3 (another plane portion). Although described in detail below, the left side surface LTL has a recessed portion D formed along the return flow path 23 and a first surface PL1 which is a plane on which a fixed object can be mounted formed by performing a predetermined cutting process or grinding process from the lower end side of the left side surface LTL to the recessed portion D.

[0092] The first surface PL1 is a range in the left side surface LTL in which the solenoid valve unit 100 can be installed, and is formed as a plane. The area of ​​the range required for the installation of the solenoid valve unit 100 is smaller than the area of ​​the left side surface LTL. The first surface PL1 is formed, for example, as a plane orthogonal to the width direction. The first surface PL1 is opposite to the valve chamber VS in the width direction, for example, and is formed in the left side surface LTL in the range from the middle part to the lower end in the up and down direction. In order to fully ensure the dimensional accuracy of the circular opening portion 114 as the mounting portion of the solenoid valve unit 100, cutting is performed to form the first surface PL1.

[0093] The second surface PL2 is an adjacent portion to the first surface PL1. The second surface PL2 is a surface located inside the valve body 2 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1 relative to the first surface PL1. The surface located inside the valve body 2 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1 relative to the first surface PL1, in other words, is a surface located on the center side of the valve body 2 relative to the first surface PL1. The surface located inside the valve body 2 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1 relative to the first surface PL1, in other words, is a surface lower than the first surface PL1.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the second surface PL2 is a surface along a recess D of a return flow path 23 described later. The recess D extends linearly from the front surface FTL of the valve body 2 to the back surface BTL. That is, Figure 2 The cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion D shown is substantially the same from the front surface FTL to the back surface BTL of the valve body 2 .

[0095] The length of the edge of the second face PL2 on the first face PL1 side is set to a dimension greater than the length of the edge of the first face PL1 on the second face PL2 side. By setting the length of the edge of the second face PL2 on the first face PL1 side to a dimension greater than the length of the edge of the first face PL1 on the second face PL2 side, when the left side surface LTL is viewed from the bottom to the top, the first face PL1 is included in the second face PL2. In the present embodiment, since both the first face PL1 and the second face PL2 are formed from the front surface FTL to the back surface BTL, the edge of the second face PL2 on the first face PL1 side and the edge of the first face PL1 on the second face PL2 side are the same length.

[0096] The surface roughness of the second surface portion PL2 is different from the surface roughness of the first surface portion PL1. In the present embodiment, average roughness is used as an example of surface roughness.

[0097] In this embodiment, since the recessed portion D is formed by extrusion molding, the second surface portion PL2 is a surface formed by extrusion molding. The first surface portion PL1 is a surface formed by milling as an example of cutting. In this way, since the first surface portion PL1 and the second surface portion PL2 are formed by different methods, the surface roughness is different.

[0098] Depending on the method of forming the first surface portion PL1 and the method of forming the second surface portion PL2 , the surface roughness of the second surface portion PL2 may be greater than that of the first surface portion PL1 , or the surface roughness of the second surface portion PL2 may be less than that of the first surface portion PL1 .

[0099] The third face portion PL3 is formed to be the same plane or substantially the same plane as the first face portion PL1. "Formed to be the same plane" means that the third face portion PL3 and the first face portion PL1 are included in a common plane (referred to as a virtual plane) that is hypothetically formed in three-dimensional space. Here, substantially the same plane is not limited to a completely identical plane, and as described later, is a plane that can stably clamp the valve body 2 over the first face portion PL1 and the third face portion PL3 when the valve body 2 is clamped by the chuck CK. In this way, the third face portion PL3 can be, for example, a plane that is slightly higher than the first face portion PL1 in the normal direction of the first face portion PL1, or a plane that is slightly lower than the first face portion PL1 in the normal direction of the first face portion PL1. Alternatively, the third face portion PL3 can also be a plane that is slightly inclined relative to the first face portion PL1. Alternatively, the third face portion PL3 can also be a curved surface.

[0100] The right side surface RTL is formed, for example, as a surface that can be abutted when the valve body 2 is clamped by the chuck CK. The right side surface RTL has, for example, a fourth surface PL4 close to the upper surface UL and a sixth surface PL6 formed in the middle position in the up-down direction. The fourth surface PL4 and the sixth surface PL6 are formed as surfaces that can be contacted by the chuck CK over the fourth surface PL4 and the sixth surface PL6. The fourth surface PL4 and the sixth surface PL6 are formed, for example, on the same plane orthogonal to the width direction.

[0101] Between the fourth surface PL4 and the sixth surface PL6, a recess D is formed which is recessed toward the return flow path 23, and its surface is set as the fifth surface PL5. Here, the fifth surface PL5 adjacent to the fourth surface PL4 and the sixth surface PL6 is a curved surface, which is tangent to the imaginary plane passing through the fourth surface PL4 and the sixth surface PL6 or exists in a direction closer to the center of the valve body 2 than the imaginary plane.

[0102] A seventh surface PL7 is formed between the sixth surface PL6 and the lower surface LL. The seventh surface PL7 is located on the inner side of the valve body 2 than the sixth surface PL6. The right side RTL is formed by the fourth surface PL4 to the seventh surface PL7.

[0103] The spherical valve core 3 is arranged in the valve chamber VS. When the valve core 3 is seated on the annular valve seat 20 of the valve body 2, the valve chamber VS and the second flow path 22 are in a non-connected state. On the other hand, when the valve core 3 is separated from the valve seat 20, the valve chamber VS and the second flow path 22 are in a connected state.

[0104] The lower end of the actuating rod 5 inserted through the actuating rod insertion hole 27 with a gap contacts the upper surface of the valve core 3. In addition, the actuating rod 5 can overcome the force of the force applying device 4 and press the valve core 3 in the valve opening direction. When the actuating rod 5 moves toward the valve core side, the valve core 3 leaves the valve seat 20, and the expansion valve unit 1 becomes an open state.

[0105] The operating rod 5 extends from the valve core 3 to the power element 8 along the axis L through the operating rod insertion hole 27, the central hole 28, the annular portion 26, the return flow path 23, and the communication path 2b formed coaxially with the valve body 2. The inner diameter of the annular portion 26 is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the central hole 28 for keeping the operating rod 5 slidable. The operating rod anti-vibration spring 6 having the anti-vibration function of the operating rod 5 is arranged on the annular portion 26.

[0106] The operating rod anti-vibration spring 6 is described in detail in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-25332, and therefore its description is omitted here.

[0107] Next, the power element 8 will be described. The power element 8 is mounted in a recess 2a provided on the top of the valve body 2. The recess 2a communicates with a return flow path 23 in the valve body 2 through a communication path 2b, and the return flow path 23 allows the refrigerant from the evaporator to pass through.

[0108] The power element 8 includes a plug 81 , an upper cover member 82 , a diaphragm 83 , a stopper member 84 , and a support member 86 .

[0109] A hole 82 a is formed at the top of the upper cover member 82 , and the hole 82 a can be sealed by a plug 81 .

[0110] The diaphragm 83 is formed of a thin plate material having a plurality of concentric circular concave and convex shapes formed thereon.

[0111] The stopper member 84 includes a disk portion and a cylindrical portion provided coaxially connected to the lower surface of the disk portion, and a fitting hole 84c is formed at the center of the lower end of the cylindrical portion.

[0112] The support member 86 includes a flange portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the upper cover member 82 and a hollow cylindrical portion connected to the lower end of the flange portion. An external thread 86 c is formed on the outer periphery of the hollow cylindrical portion.

[0113] When assembling the power element 8, first, the outer peripheries of the upper cover member 82, the diaphragm 83, and the flange of the support member 86 are overlapped and then welded to form an integrated whole by, for example, TIG welding, laser welding, plasma welding, or the like.

[0114] Next, after the working gas is sealed into the space surrounded by the upper cover member 82 and the diaphragm 83 (called the pressure operating chamber PA) from the hole 82a formed in the upper cover member 82, the hole 82a is sealed by the plug 81, and the plug 81 is fixed to the upper cover member 82 by, for example, projection welding.

[0115] At this time, since the diaphragm 83 receives pressure in the form of extending toward the support member 86 side due to the working gas sealed in the pressure operating chamber PA, the diaphragm 83 is supported by contacting with the upper surface of the stopper member 84 disposed in the lower space LS surrounded by the diaphragm 83 and the receiving member 86. In addition, since the disc portion of the stopper member 84 is held by the supporting member 86, the stopper member 84 is not pulled out of the power element 8.

[0116] When assembling the power element 8 to the valve body 2, the upper end of the operating rod 5 is fitted into the fitting hole 84c of the stopper member 84, and the operating rod 5 is inserted into the valve body 2 through the operating rod vibration-proof spring 6 assembled to the valve body 2. Furthermore, the external thread 86c of the support member 86 is screwed and screwed into the internal thread of the recessed portion 2a of the valve body 2, thereby fixing the power element 8 to the valve body 2. In this state, since the lower space LS of the power element 8 is connected to the return flow path 23, the internal pressure of the lower space L becomes the same as the internal pressure of the return flow path 23.

[0117] Next, the urging device 4 will be described. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the urging device 4 includes a coil spring 41 formed by winding a round wire into a spiral shape, a valve core support 42 mounted on the upper end of the coil spring 41 and supporting the valve core 3, and a spring support component 43 supporting the lower end of the coil spring 41 and mounted on the valve body 2. The spring support component 43 has the function of sealing the valve chamber VS of the valve body 2 and supporting the end of the coil spring 41 that urges the valve core 3 toward the valve seat 20.

[0118] The spherical valve element 3 is welded to the upper surface of the valve element support member 42 , and the valve element support member 42 and the valve element 3 are integrated.

[0119] (Structure of solenoid valve unit)

[0120] Next, refer to Figure 2 , 3 Next, the structure of the electromagnetic valve unit (also simply referred to as an electromagnetic valve) 100 of the present embodiment will be described. The electromagnetic valve unit 100 is an example of an object to be fixed to the valve body 2.

[0121] Figure 2 is relative to Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of an expansion valve ESV with a solenoid valve in a section whose phase is changed by 90 degrees about the axis L. Figure 3 Cut along line AA Figure 2 , but the coil spring 41, the valve core support 42, the valve core 3 and the operating rod 5 are omitted from the figure. The axis of the solenoid valve unit 100 is set to O.

[0122] like Figure 2 , 3As shown, the solenoid valve unit 100 includes a valve body 2 , an attraction element 140 , a plunger 150 , a pilot valve element 160 , a main valve element 170 , and a coil unit 180 .

[0123] A high-pressure side flow path 112 ( Figure 3 ), a low-pressure side flow path 113 connected to the valve chamber VS, and a circular opening 114 communicating with the high-pressure side flow path 112 and the low-pressure side flow path 113. A cylindrical portion 113a forming the low-pressure side flow path 113 inside protrudes coaxially in the circular opening 114. The top end of the cylindrical portion 113a serves as a main valve seat 113b.

[0124] The first surface portion (base surface portion) PL1 forming part of one side surface of the valve body 2 is a plane perpendicular to the axis O. The circular opening portion 114 opens in the first surface portion PL1 coaxially with the axis O. Although not shown, a screw hole is formed in the first surface portion PL1.

[0125] An attraction element 140 is provided in the circular opening 114. The attraction element 140 includes a disc-shaped base 141 and a shaft 142 having a smaller diameter than the base 141, and the base 141 and the shaft 142 are coaxially connected. The base 141 includes a circular opening 141a formed at the center of the end portion on the valve body side. A guide hole 141b is formed across the base 141 and the shaft 142 and penetrates in the axial direction and is connected to the center of the opening 141a.

[0126] In the opening 141a, the main valve core 170 is arranged to be slidable along the axis O. The valve body side end surface of the main valve core 170 can be seated on the main valve seat 113b of the cylindrical portion 113a. A pilot valve port 171 is formed in the center of the main valve core 170 and passes through in parallel with the axis O, and a pressure equalization passage is formed at a position adjacent to the pilot valve port 171 and passes through along the axis O. The main valve core 170 is urged toward the shaft portion 142 side relative to the base portion 141 of the attraction element 140 by the spring 173.

[0127] The external thread formed on the outer periphery of the base 141 is screwed with the internal thread on the inner periphery of the circular opening 114, so that the suction element 140 is fixed to the valve body 2 while the outer periphery thereof abuts against the inner periphery step of the circular opening 114. At this time, an O-ring is arranged between the base 141 and the circular opening 114. The O-ring prevents leakage of the fluid through the gap between the base 141 and the circular opening 114.

[0128] When the base 141 is mounted on the circular opening 114, the shaft 142 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface (first surface PL1). Near the end of the shaft 142, the end of a thin-walled cylindrical housing member 144 with a top is coaxially joined to the shaft 142 by welding or brazing. A plunger 150 and a pilot valve core 160 are arranged inside the housing member 144.

[0129] The hollow cylindrical plunger 150 is slidably disposed relative to the housing member 144 in the direction of the axis O. The cylindrical pilot valve element 160 includes a head 161, a body 162 having a smaller diameter than the head 161, and a tapered portion 163 formed at the end of the body 162.

[0130] When the pilot valve core 160 is assembled inside the plunger 150, the head 161 is locked to the reduced diameter portion of the inner circumference of the end of the plunger 150, so that the pilot valve core 160 is held relative to the plunger 150. In this state, the trunk 162 of the pilot valve core 160 protrudes from the plunger 150 to the valve body side, and the trunk 162 is inserted through the guide hole 141b of the shaft portion 142 of the suction element 140. Furthermore, the tapered portion 163 protrudes into the opening 141a and faces the pilot valve port 171 of the main valve core 170.

[0131] The spring 151 is disposed between the top of the housing member 144 and the head of the pilot valve core 160. The spring 151 urges the pilot valve core 160 toward the valve body. In addition, an intermediate spring 152 is disposed between the shaft portion 142 and the end of the plunger 150. The intermediate spring 152 urges the plunger 150 toward the side away from the valve body.

[0132] exist Figure 2 , 3 In the embodiment, the coil unit 180 includes a hollow cylindrical electromagnetic coil 181 and a housing 182 that holds the electromagnetic coil 181 .

[0133] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 182 is formed by press forming into a shape (substantially U-shaped) in which two metal plates are arranged substantially parallel to each other and one of the edges facing each other is connected to each other via another metal plate.

[0134] In a state where the solenoid valve unit 100 is assembled, the solenoid coil 181 is located radially outside the plunger 150 via the housing member 144 .

[0135] (Valve body manufacturing process)

[0136] The manufacturing process of the valve body 2 will be described.

[0137] Figures 4A to 7It is a schematic diagram explaining the manufacturing process of the valve body 2. The manufacturing process includes a first step, a second step, and a third step.

[0138] [First process]

[0139] The first step is a step of forming a molded product MA as an intermediate processed product of the valve element 3 .

[0140] First, a raw material such as an aluminum alloy is extruded to form a long strip, and then the long strip is cut in parallel at a predetermined interval to form a Figure 4A , 4B The molded product MA shown. The molded product MA may have an opening OP (corresponding to the return flow path 23) formed along the molding direction.

[0141] Here, in the molded product MA, the molding direction is referred to as the X direction, and the directions orthogonal to the X direction are referred to as the Y direction and the Z direction. The Y direction and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0142] The X direction corresponds to the front-rear direction of the valve body 2, the Y direction corresponds to the width direction of the valve body 2, and the Z direction corresponds to the up-down direction of the valve body 2. The upper surface UL and the lower surface LL of the molded product MA extend, for example, in parallel with the XY plane, which is a plane orthogonal to the Z direction. In addition, the front surface FTL and the back surface BTL (overlapping with the front surface FTL) of the molded product MA extend, for example, in parallel with the YZ plane, which is a plane orthogonal to the X direction.

[0143] The molded product MA includes an upper surface UL, a lower surface LL, a front surface FTL, a back surface BTL, a left side surface LTL1 before processing, and a right side surface RTL. That is, in this embodiment, the outer surface of the valve body 2 except the left side surface LTL is formed by extrusion molding.

[0144] The left side LTL1 before processing of the molded product MA formed by extrusion molding has a first surface before processing (base surface before processing) PL11 close to the lower surface LL and a third surface PL3 close to the upper surface UL. The first surface before processing PL11 and the third surface PL3, which are respectively planes, are formed parallel to the ZX plane orthogonal to the Y direction, and the first surface before processing PL11 is offset in the direction (-Y direction) away from the center of the molded product MA by a distance Δ relative to the third surface PL3 in the normal direction thereof. In addition, since the first surface before processing PL11 is subjected to the cutting process described later, it is not necessarily parallel to the third surface PL3 after extrusion molding.

[0145] By extrusion molding, a concave portion D (which may also serve as a concave wall portion) that is recessed toward the opening OP is formed between the first surface portion PL11 and the third surface portion PL3 before processing, and its surface is set as the second surface portion PL2. Here, the second surface portion (adjacent portion) PL2 adjacent to the first surface portion PL11 and the third surface portion PL3 before processing is a curved surface, which is curved compared to the first surface portion PL1 (refer to Figure 2 , 3 ) is located in a direction (+Y direction) close to the center of the molded article MA. Preferably, at least a portion of the second surface PL2 is located at the same position as the third surface PL3 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1, or exists in a direction (+Y direction) closer to the center of the molded article MA than the third surface PL3.

[0146] The right side surface RTL of the molded product MA has a fourth surface PL4 close to the upper surface UL and a sixth surface PL6 formed in the middle of the molded product MA. The fourth surface PL4 and the sixth surface PL6 are formed parallel to the ZX plane and formed in a common virtual plane.

[0147] Between the fourth face PL4 and the sixth face PL6, a recessed portion D is formed which is recessed toward the opening OP, and its surface is set as the fifth face PL5. Here, the fifth face PL5 adjacent to the fourth face PL4 and the sixth face PL6 is a curved surface, which is tangent to the imaginary plane passing through the fourth face PL4 and the sixth face PL6, or exists in a direction (-Y direction) closer to the molded product MA than the imaginary plane.

[0148] A seventh surface PL7 is formed between the sixth surface PL6 and the lower surface LL and is located closer to the pre-processing left side surface LTL1 than the sixth surface PL6 (-Y direction). The right side RTL is formed by the fourth to seventh surfaces PL4 to PL7.

[0149] On the left side surface LTL1, the right side surface RTL, the upper surface UL, and the lower surface LL before processing, hook lines STR are formed in parallel along the forming direction at unequal intervals on the surface in contact with the forming die (not shown) of the molded product MA. The first surface PL11 before processing formed with the hook lines STR is not suitable as a surface for mounting the housing 182 of the solenoid valve unit 100. Therefore, by performing milling processing as an example of cutting processing on the first surface PL11 before processing after extrusion molding, the dimensional accuracy of the circular opening 114 is improved.

[0150] [Second step]

[0151] The second step is a step of performing cutting processing on the pre-processed first surface portion PL11 of the pre-processed left side surface LTL1 to form the first surface portion PL1 to which the solenoid valve unit 100 can be fixed.

[0152] More specifically, if Figure 5A As shown, the molded product MA is fixed in such a way that the left side surface LTL1 is exposed before processing, and the rotating milling tool FT approaches the molded product MA from the lower surface LL side toward the +Z direction. At this time, it is assumed that the lower end of the cutting edge rotates in the ZX plane. In addition, the molded product MA is fixed, for example, by clamping the front surface FL and the back surface BTL by the chuck CK. The fixing of the molded product MA is not limited to the chuck. In another example, the molded product MA can also be fixed by an adhesive.

[0153] Then, the lower end of the cutting edge of the milling tool FT is located at a distance Δ from the first surface PL11 before machining in the +Y direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B As shown in FIG. 1 , the milling tool FT is moved in the +Z direction. While the entire first surface PL11 before machining is removed, as shown in FIG. Figure 5C As shown, the milling tool FT is moved until the cutting edge reaches the position of the second face PL2 (but does not reach the position of the third face PL3). As a result, a portion of the first face PL11 and the second face PL2 before processing is removed, and the first face PL1 is generated on the left side LTL of the molded product MA. The first face PL1 is formed to be the same plane or substantially the same plane as the third face (another plane) PL3 (refer to Figure 6B The first surface portion PL1 is offset in a direction (-Y direction) away from the center of the molded article MA relative to the second surface portion PL2 in the normal direction thereof.

[0154] like Fig. 6A As shown in FIG. 1 , a tool mark TM corresponding to the rotation trajectory of the cutting edge is formed on the first face PL1 as the cutting face by milling. Therefore, the flatness and dimensional accuracy on the first face PL1 can be improved compared to the flatness and average surface roughness of the second face PL2 and the third face PL3 formed with the hook line STR. The average surface roughness of the first face PL1 is different from the average surface roughness of the second face PL2 and the third face PL3. Here, the "average surface roughness" is the arithmetic mean roughness Ra specified in the JIS standard and the ISO standard.

[0155] In addition, the molded product MA can be fixed when the first surface PL1 is milled, as long as it does not hinder the processing, and is not limited to the fixation using the chuck CK. Examples of fixation without using the chuck CK include bonding and adsorption. The bonding and adsorption location of the molded product MA is preferably a location that does not hinder post-processing.

[0156] [Third step]

[0157] The third step is a step of forming the valve body 2 from the molded product MA by performing processing other than the processing performed in the first step and the second step on the molded product MA.

[0158] After the molded product MA is separated from the chuck CK, the molded product MA is re-fixed so that the surface processed in the subsequent process is exposed. Figure 7 As shown, the flat surface of the chuck CK1 on one side is brought into contact with the first face PL1 and the third face PL3, and the flat surface of the chuck CK2 on the other side is brought into contact with the fourth face PL4 and the sixth face PL6. Since the first face PL1 and the third face PL3 exist in a common imaginary plane, the fourth face PL4 and the sixth face PL6 also exist in a common imaginary plane, and the two imaginary planes are parallel, the molded product MA can be stably fixed by the chucks CK1 and CK2.

[0159] In the state fixed by the chucks CK1 and CK2, from the front surface FTL side or the back surface BTL side of the molded product MA, the first flow path 21, the return path 23 around the opening OP, and the second flow path 22 ( Figure 1 )、Intermediate passage 221( Figure 1 ), machining of the threaded hole 2e and the mounting hole 2f used when the expansion valve ESV with solenoid valve is mounted on other components. Figure 7 Although not shown in the figure, the concave portion 2a, the communication path 2b, the annular portion 26, the central hole 28, the actuating rod insertion hole 27, the valve chamber VS, etc., for mounting the power element 8 are machined from the upper surface UL side or the lower surface LL side. Then, a threaded hole is formed in the first surface portion PL1. By machining the molded product MA in this way, the valve body 2 is manufactured.

[0160] By assembling the above-mentioned components to the valve body 2, the expansion valve ESV with a solenoid valve is completed.

[0161] The milling process is not limited to the above-mentioned method. For example, the milling tool FT can be rotated while moving in the X direction relative to the molded product MA to form Fig. 8A Alternatively, a milling tool FT having a small-diameter cutting edge may be rotated while reciprocating in the Z direction relative to the molded product MA, thereby forming a large-area first face PL1 even with a small milling tool FR. Figure 8B Shown are multiple rows (here 2 rows) of knife marks TM.

[0162] (Comparative Example)

[0163] A description will be given of a manufacturing process of the valve body molded products MA1 and MA2 according to the comparative example.

[0164] Figures 9A to 11B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the molded products MA1 and MA2, but the XYZ directions are the same as those used in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0165] In this comparative example, after a raw material such as an aluminum alloy is extruded into a long strip, the long strip is cut in parallel at a predetermined interval to form a Fig. 9A , 9B The molded product MA1 shown in FIG. However, the left side surface LTL1 of the molded product MA1 is a single plane except for the joints with the upper surface UL and the lower surface LL. The right side surface RTL of the molded product MA1 has the same shape as that of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0166] The hook line STR is formed on the entire left side surface LTL1. By performing milling processing on the entire left side surface LTL11 before processing, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10A , 10B As shown, a cutting surface CPL1 can be formed. Thus, in the cutting surface CPL1 extending over the entire left side surface LTL1, the flatness and sufficient dimensional accuracy of the surface of the housing 182 on which the electromagnetic valve unit 100 is mounted can be ensured. However, since the amount of material removed and discarded by milling increases and the processing time also becomes longer, there is a problem of increased manufacturing cost. In addition, since the range of the housing 182 on which the electromagnetic valve unit 100 is mounted is a part of the left side surface LTL1, there is no need to perform milling on the entire left side surface LTL1.

[0167] On the other hand, a part of the left side surface may be cut away by milling. Fig.11A , 11B Indicates that Fig. 9A , 9B The molded product after extrusion molding shown in the figure is another comparative example, in which only the lower part of the left side surface LTL2 is subjected to milling to form a cut surface CPL2. According to the molded product MA2, there is an advantage that the amount of raw materials cut off and discarded by milling is reduced, and the processing time is also shortened. However, a step STP is formed between the milled cut surface CPL2 and the left side surface LTL2 that is not milled, and burrs are generated on the upper edge EG of the step STP, and a process for removing the burrs is required, which is troublesome.

[0168] In contrast, according to this embodiment, Figure 4A , 4BAs shown, between the first face PL11 before processing and the third face PL3 of the molded product MA just after extrusion forming, a second face PL2 is formed which is lower than the first face PL11 before processing (located in the direction close to the center of the molded product MA (+Y direction)). Therefore, even when a part of the first face PL11 and the second face PL2 before processing is removed by milling, the remaining part of the second face PL2 is not removed, the amount of raw materials removed and discarded is reduced, and the processing time is also shortened, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, the generation of burrs between the first face PL1 and the second face PL2 is suppressed. That is, the manufacturing cost can be reduced without increasing the number of processes.

[0169] Furthermore, by forming the third surface portion PL3 into the same plane or substantially the same plane as the first surface portion PL1, the first surface portion PL1 and the third surface portion PL3 can be clamped by the chuck CK in a subsequent machining process, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0170] By attaching the solenoid valve unit 100 to the first surface portion PL1 subjected to cutting in this manner, the housing 182 and the suction unit 140 can be brought into close contact with each other, thereby forming a good magnetic circuit when the solenoid valve unit 100 is operated.

[0171] (Second Embodiment)

[0172] The shape of the molded product of the valve body is not necessarily limited to the shape of the above-mentioned embodiment. In the first embodiment, an example is described in which the second surface PL2 is formed as a surface located on the inner side of the valve body 2 relative to the first surface PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1, but for example, the second surface PL2 may be formed as a plane at the same position as the first surface PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1 or a substantially identical plane. Fig. 12A , 12B In addition, Fig. 12B , the first surface portion PL1 is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and an example is shown in which the second surface portion PL2 is substantially flush with the first surface portion PL1.

[0173] Here, the substantially identical plane is not limited to a completely identical plane, but is a plane that can stably clamp the valve body 2 over the first surface PL1 and the second surface PL2 when the valve body 2 is clamped by the chuck CK. In this way, the second surface PL2 may be, for example, a surface that is slightly lower than the first surface PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1. Alternatively, the second surface PL2 may be a plane that is slightly inclined relative to the first surface PL1. Alternatively, the second surface PL2 may be a curved surface.

[0174] Thus, in this embodiment, the second surface portion PL2 can also be used as the third surface portion described in connection with the first embodiment. That is, the second surface portion PL2 can be used as a surface to be chucked by the chuck CK.

[0175] exist Fig. 12A , 12B In the second embodiment shown, the left side surface LTL3 before processing of the molded product MA3 after extrusion molding can have a first face PL11 before processing, a second face PL2, and an inclined surface (a plane, i.e., a second surface) SL connecting the first face PL11 before processing and the second face PL2 before processing. The first face PL11 before processing is formed as a surface offset in a direction away from the center of the molded product MA (-Y direction) relative to the second face PL2. The first face PL11 before processing is formed, for example, as a plane parallel to the second face PL2. The right side surface RTL3 of the molded product MA3 is, for example, a planar shape. The outline is omitted in the illustration.

[0176] By performing a cutting process such as a milling process on the first face PL1 of the molded product MA3 before processing, as shown by the double-dashed line, the first face PL1 is formed to be the same plane or approximately the same plane as the second face PL2. Here, the second face PL2 becomes an adjacent face adjacent to the mounting surface (base face). Thus, the first face PL1 can be formed as a plane with sufficient dimensional accuracy as the surface of the housing 182 for mounting the solenoid valve unit 100. In addition, compared with the case where the left side surface LTL3 is subjected to milling processing as a whole, the amount of raw material that is cut off and discarded is reduced, and the processing time is also shortened. In addition, the generation of burrs between the first face PL1 and the second face PL2 is suppressed.

[0177] (Third Embodiment)

[0178] In the first embodiment, an example is described in which the molded product MA is formed by extrusion molding and the recessed portion D is formed by extrusion molding, but the recessed portion D may be formed by cutting the molded product MA. Fig.13A , 13B This example is described.

[0179] exist Fig.13A , 13BIn the third embodiment shown, a linear groove portion SGV as a modified example of the recess D may be formed between the first surface PL11 and the third surface PL3 before processing in the left side surface LTL4 of the molded product MA4 after extrusion molding. The first surface PL11 before processing is parallel to the third surface PL3 and is formed on a surface offset in a direction away from the center of the molded product MA (-Y direction) relative to the third surface PL1. The first surface PL11 before processing is formed, for example, as a plane parallel to the third surface PL3. The right side surface RTL4 of the molded product MA4 is a planar shape. The outline is omitted in the illustration.

[0180] By performing milling on the molded product MA4, a first surface PL1 that is coplanar with the third surface PL1 is formed as shown by the dotted line. Here, the surface of the remaining linear groove portion SGV becomes an adjacent surface adjacent to the mounting surface (base surface). Thus, the first surface PL1 can be formed as a plane with sufficient dimensional accuracy as the surface of the housing 182 for mounting the solenoid valve unit 100. In addition, compared with the case where the left side surface LTL4 is subjected to milling as a whole, the amount of raw material that is cut off and discarded is reduced, and the processing time is also shortened. In addition, the generation of burrs between the first surface PL1 and the linear groove portion SGV can be suppressed.

[0181] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0182] In addition, in the first embodiment and the third embodiment, an example in which the recessed portion D or the linear groove portion SG having the second surface PL2 is formed in a linear shape is described, but the shape of the recessed portion D or the linear groove portion SG having the second surface PL2 is set according to the first surface PL1. For example, the recessed portion may be formed in a curved shape when viewed from above, or may be formed in a shape in which a plurality of linear portions are connected when viewed from above. Furthermore, in the first embodiment and the third embodiment, an example in which the recessed portion having the second surface PL2 is connected to a pair of opposite edges of the left side surface LTL of the valve body 2 is described, but in other examples, the recessed portion having the second surface PL2 may be connected to two adjacent edges of the side surface of the valve body 2.

[0183] use Fig.14A , 14B 14C illustrates these multiple variations. Fig.14A , 14B, The molded product MA5 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 14C can be formed, for example, by forging. More specifically, the left side surface LTL5 of the molded product MA5 has: a third face PL3 having an L-shaped plane and a rectangular first face PL11 before processing, and an L-shaped groove portion LGV is formed between the first face PL11 before processing and the third face PL3, which is bent at a right angle and extends in two directions (X direction and Y direction). The first face PL1 is parallel to the third face PL3, and is formed as a face that is offset in a direction (-Y direction) away from the center of the molded product MA relative to the third face PL1. The first face PL11 before processing is formed, for example, as a plane parallel to the third face PL3. In addition, the molded product MA5 is not limited to forging, and can be formed by casting, die casting, or other processing using a mold. The hook line is omitted in the figure.

[0184] By performing milling as an example of cutting on the first surface PL11 before processing, a first surface PL1 that is the same plane as the third surface PL1 is formed as shown by the dotted line. Here, the surface of the remaining L-shaped groove portion LGV becomes an adjacent surface adjacent to the mounting surface (base surface). In the present embodiment, by performing cutting on the first surface PL11 before processing, the first surface Pl1 can also be formed into a plane with sufficient dimensional accuracy as the surface of the housing 182 for mounting the solenoid valve unit 100. In addition, compared with the case where milling is performed on the entire left side surface LTL5, the amount of raw material that is cut off and discarded is reduced, and the processing time is also shortened. In addition, the generation of burrs between the first surface PL1 and the L-shaped groove portion LGV can be suppressed.

[0185] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0186] In the first embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment, an example is described in which the valve body 2 includes the first face portion PL1, the second face portion PL2, and the third face portion PL3. In the second embodiment, an example is described in which the valve body 2 includes the first face portion PL1 and the second face portion PL2 but does not include the third face portion PL3, and the second face portion PL2 is formed as a plane located at the same position as the first face portion PL1 in the normal direction of the first face portion PL1 or as a plane substantially the same as the first face portion PL1. In other examples, it is also possible that, for example, Fig.15As in the fifth embodiment shown in the figure, the valve body 2 has a first surface PL1 and a second surface PL2 but does not have a third surface PL3, and the second surface PL2 is a surface located on the inner side of the valve body 2 relative to the first surface PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1. As this example, the left side surface LTL has a first surface PL1 and a second surface PL2, and the second surface PL2 is formed as a surface inclined toward the inner side of the valve body 2 relative to the first surface PL1 along the normal direction of the first surface PL1. The method of forming the second surface PL2 is not limited. The second surface PL2 may also be formed by extrusion molding, for example.

[0187] In the first to fifth embodiments, an example is described in which the first surface PL1 is separated by the edge of the left surface LTL and the recess D having the second surface PL2. However, in other examples, the recess having the second surface PL2 may be formed in an annular shape, and the periphery of the first surface PL1 may be surrounded by the recess. The annular shape of the recess having the second surface PL2 is not limited, and may be a circular annular shape or a rectangular annular shape.

[0188] (Expansion valve operation)

[0189] Reference Figure 1 , an operation example when the expansion valve ESV with a solenoid valve is assembled in a refrigeration cycle is described. The refrigerant pressurized by the compressor is liquefied in the condenser of the refrigeration cycle and sent to the expansion valve unit 1. In addition, the refrigerant adiabatically expanded by the expansion valve unit 1 is sent to the evaporator of the refrigeration cycle and exchanges heat with the air flowing around the evaporator. The refrigerant returned from the evaporator returns to the compressor side through the expansion valve unit 1 (more specifically, the return flow path 23). At this time, by passing through the evaporator, the fluid pressure in the second flow path 22 is greater than the fluid pressure in the return flow path 23.

[0190] The high-pressure refrigerant is supplied from the condenser 102 to the expansion valve unit 1. More specifically, the high-pressure refrigerant from the condenser 102 is supplied to the first flow path 21. Here, it is assumed that the solenoid valve unit 100 is in an open valve state. In this case, the refrigerant supplied to the first flow path 21 reaches the valve chamber VS via the high-pressure side flow path 112, the circular opening 114, and the low-pressure side flow path 113.

[0191] When the valve core 3 is seated on the valve seat 20, the first flow path 21 on the upstream side of the valve chamber VS and the second flow path 22 on the downstream side of the valve chamber VS are in a non-connected state. On the other hand, when the valve core 3 is separated from the valve seat 20, the refrigerant supplied to the valve chamber VS is sent to the evaporator through the operating rod insertion hole 27 and the second flow path 22. In addition, the switching between the closed state and the open state of the expansion valve unit 1 is performed by the operating rod 5 connected to the power element 8.

[0192] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, a pressure action chamber PA and a lower space LS separated by a diaphragm 83 are provided inside the power component 8. Therefore, when the working gas in the pressure action chamber PA is liquefied, the action rod 5 moves toward the diaphragm side, and when the liquefied working gas is gasified, the action rod 5 moves toward the valve core side. In this way, the expansion valve unit 1 is switched between the open state and the closed state.

[0193] Furthermore, the lower space LS of the power unit 8 is connected to the return flow path 23. Therefore, the phase (gas phase, liquid phase, etc.) of the working gas in the pressure action chamber PA changes according to the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing in the return flow path 23, and the action rod 5 is driven. Figure 1 In the described expansion valve unit 1 , the amount of refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve unit 1 to the evaporator is automatically adjusted according to the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant returning to the expansion valve unit 1 from the evaporator.

[0194] On the other hand, when the solenoid valve unit 100 is in the closed valve state, since the communication between the circular opening 114 and the low-pressure side flow path 113 is cut off, the refrigerant supplied to the first flow path 21 is not supplied from the first flow path 21 to the valve chamber VS, and its flow is cut off.

[0195] (Opening and closing action of solenoid valve)

[0196] Next, the valve opening and closing operation of the solenoid valve unit 100 will be described. Figure 2 , 3 In the figure, when power is supplied to the electromagnetic coil 181 from a power source not shown, a magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 181 generates a magnetic circuit passing through the plunger 150, the attracting element 140 and the housing 182, and generates a magnetic force that overcomes the force of the intermediate spring 152 and presses the plunger 150 toward the valve body 2. When the plunger 150 is pressed, the pilot valve core 160 moves in the same direction, closes the pilot valve port 171 of the main valve core 170, and presses down the main valve core 170 to cover the end of the cylindrical portion 113a (the main valve seat 113b). In this state, since the pressure in the plunger side space of the main valve core 170 connected to the high-pressure side flow path 112 via the pressure equalizing passage 172 is greater than the internal pressure of the cylindrical portion 113a connected to the low-pressure side flow path 113, the main valve core 170 overcomes the force of the spring and maintains a state of being seated on the end of the cylindrical portion 113a, that is, the solenoid valve unit 100 is in a closed valve state, and the flow of refrigerant from the high-pressure side flow path 112 to the low-pressure side flow path 113 is cut off.

[0197] On the other hand, when the power supply from the power source (not shown) to the electromagnetic coil 181 is interrupted, the magnetic force pressing the plunger 150 toward the valve body 2 disappears, and the plunger 150 is pressed back by the intermediate spring 152, so that the pilot valve core 160 is separated from the main valve core 170, and the pilot valve port 171 is opened. As a result, the fluid flows from the high-pressure side flow path 112 to the low-pressure side flow path 113 through the pilot valve port 171, and the internal pressure of the cylindrical portion 113a rises, so that the pressure of the space in the axial direction of the main valve core 170 and the pressure of the space are opposed to each other. Therefore, the main valve core 170 is separated from the valve body 2 by the force of the spring 173, and a gap is generated between the main valve core 170 and the end of the cylindrical portion 113a, and the fluid flows from the high-pressure side flow path 112 to the low-pressure side flow path 113 through the gap.

[0198] In addition, the third surface P portion L3 does not necessarily have to be a plane, and can be a curved surface as long as it can abut against the chuck CK together with the first surface PL1 to support the chuck CK. In addition, the first surface PL1 can be not only a surface that is subjected to milling processing, but also a surface that is subjected to other cutting processing. As an example of the valve device of the present invention, an expansion valve with a solenoid valve having a solenoid valve unit 100 is described, but as another example of the valve device of the present invention, a valve device having an electric valve as a fixed object may also be used. In this way, the fixed object fixed to the valve body is not limited to the solenoid valve unit 100, but may also be other components or other devices possessed by the valve device. Alternatively, the fixed object may also be a component or device other than the structure of the valve device. For example, other devices set near the place where the valve device is set may also be used as the fixed object.

[0199] In addition, in the first to fifth embodiments, the examples in which the second face PL2 and the third face PL3 in the left side LTL are formed by extrusion molding are described, but in other examples, the second face PL2 and the third face PL3 may be subjected to grinding, cutting, etc. after being formed by extrusion molding. Similarly, the upper surface UL, the lower surface LL, the right side RTL, the front surface FTL, and the back surface BTL may be subjected to grinding, cutting, etc. after being formed by extrusion molding.

[0200] In addition, in the first to fifth embodiments, an example of performing processing in the order of the first process, the second process, and the third process is described, but the order of processing is not limited to this example. In other examples, the third process may be performed after the first process, and the second process may be performed after the third process.

[0201] In the first to fifth embodiments, the second surface PL2 of the valve body 2 is formed as a surface that is located at the same position as the first surface PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1 or is located inside the valve body 2 relative to the first surface PL1. In other words, the second surface PL2 is formed as a surface that does not protrude relative to the first surface PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1.

[0202] However, the second surface PL2 is not limited to a shape in which the entire area is formed to not protrude relative to the first surface PL1. The adjacent portion adjacent to at least a portion of the edge of the first surface PL1 may be a shape that does not protrude relative to the first surface PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1 (i.e., is located at the same position as the first surface PL1 or is closer to the inner side of the valve body 2 than the first surface PL1). The second surface PL2 is an example of a surface including the adjacent portion.

[0203] The adjacent portion is formed by cutting the first surface PL11 before processing of the molded product MA, MA3, MA4, MA5 to form the first surface PL1, and is formed with the adjacent portion (adjacent portion) before processing adjacent to at least a part of the edge of the first surface PL11 before processing as a base. The adjacent portion before processing can be formed in a shape that can prevent tool interference and suppress the generation of burrs when cutting the first surface PL11 before processing. That is, the adjacent portion before processing adjacent to at least a part of the edge of the first surface PL11 before processing is formed in a shape lower than the first surface PL11 before processing, and the adjacent portion before processing can suppress the interference of the tool for cutting with the part of the left side LTL1 before processing other than the first surface PL11 before processing. The adjacent portion before processing of the first surface PL11 before processing has the above-mentioned shape, so that when the first surface PL1 is cut and formed by cutting the first surface PL11 before processing, the adjacent portion adjacent to at least a part of the edge of the first surface PL1 is a shape that does not protrude relative to the first surface PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1.

[0204] In other words, the first surface PL11 before processing has a shape that protrudes from the adjacent portion before processing that is adjacent to at least a portion of the edge of the first surface PL11 before processing in the left surface LTL1 before processing of the molded product, and the adjacent portion before processing can function as a release portion that releases the tool for cutting processing. Release means not to interfere with the tool for cutting processing.

[0205] For example, the second surface portion PL2 may have a shape in which a portion on the opposite side to the first surface portion PL1 protrudes more than the first surface portion PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface portion PL1 .

[0206] Alternatively, in the first embodiment, the second surface PL2 is formed as a surface located inside the first surface PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1, but for example, a part of the second surface PL2 may be located at the same position as the first surface PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1. For example, a part of the second surface PL2 has a shape along the return flow path 23 and is formed as a curved surface protruding outward. Alternatively, the top of the second surface PL2 may be located at the same position as the first surface PL1 in the normal direction of the first surface PL1.

[0207] In the first to fifth embodiments, the first surface PL11 before processing is subjected to milling as an example of cutting processing. Cutting processing is not limited to milling processing, and may be cutting processing other than milling processing. In the first to fifth embodiments, the first surface PL1 is formed by cutting the molded products MA, MA3, MA4, and MA5, but the first surface PL1 may be formed by grinding processing instead of cutting processing or in addition.

[0208] Explanation of symbols

[0209] 1: Expansion valve unit

[0210] 2: Valve body

[0211] 3: Valve core

[0212] 4: Force application device

[0213] 5: Action Bar

[0214] 6: Action rod anti-vibration spring

[0215] 8: Power components

[0216] 20: Valve seat

[0217] 21: First flow path

[0218] 22: Second flow path

[0219] 23: Return flow

[0220] 26: Annular part

[0221] 27: Actuating rod insertion hole

[0222] 41: Coil spring

[0223] 100: Solenoid valve unit

[0224] 140: Attractor

[0225] 150: Plunger

[0226] 160: Pilot valve core

[0227] 170: Main valve core

[0228] 180: Coil unit

[0229] 181: Solenoid coil

[0230] 182: Shell

[0231] ESV: Expansion valve with solenoid valve

[0232] MA, MA3, MA4, MA5: Molded products.

Claims

1. A valve device, comprising a valve body, characterized in that: One side surface of the valve body includes a base surface portion and an adjacent portion, wherein the base surface portion is a flat surface on which a fixed object can be mounted by performing a predetermined cutting process or a grinding process, and the adjacent portion is adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the base surface portion. The adjacent portion is not subjected to the predetermined cutting process or grinding process and has a shape that does not protrude relative to the base surface portion in the normal direction of the base surface portion.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that A knife mark is formed on the base surface portion, and a hook line formed by extrusion molding is formed on the adjacent portion.

3. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that The one side surface has another planar portion formed to be coplanar or substantially coplanar with the base surface portion, and the adjacent portion is a recessed portion located between the base surface portion and the other planar portion.

4. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The valve device includes a solenoid valve as the fixed object.

5. A valve device having a valve body, characterized in that: One side surface of the valve body includes a base surface and an adjacent surface. The base surface is a plane on which a fixed object can be mounted, and the adjacent surface is adjacent to the base surface. The adjacent surface portion is located at the same position as the base surface portion in the normal direction of the base surface portion, or is located inside the valve body relative to the base surface portion. The average surface roughness of the base surface portion is different from the average surface roughness of the adjacent surface portion.

6. The valve device according to claim 5, characterized in that The base surface portion is a surface that has been subjected to cutting or grinding.

7. An expansion valve, characterized in that: have: a valve body, the valve body having a valve chamber, a throttle hole, a supply side flow path, a discharge side flow path, and a return flow path, the throttle hole being formed on the upper surface of the valve chamber, the supply side flow path being connected with the valve chamber and the outside and supplying refrigerant to the valve chamber, the discharge side flow path being connected with the throttle hole and the outside and discharging the refrigerant from the throttle hole to the outside, and the return flow path allowing the refrigerant discharged from the discharge side flow path to flow; a valve core, the valve core being arranged in the valve chamber; A power element, which is disposed on the upper surface of the valve body and generates a driving force for driving the valve core; an operating rod, the operating rod transmitting the driving force of the power element to the valve core; as well as a fixed object, the fixed object being mounted on one side surface of the valve body, The supply side flow path extends from the front surface of the valve body to the valve chamber, The discharge side flow path extends from the back side of the valve body to the throttle hole, The return flow path extends from the front surface to the back surface, The discharge side flow path is located above the supply side flow path, The return flow path is located above the discharge side flow path, The side surface includes a recessed portion formed along the return flow path and a base surface portion which is a flat surface on which the object to be fixed can be mounted by performing a predetermined cutting process or a grinding process from the lower end side of the side surface to the recessed portion.

8. A method for manufacturing a valve device, characterized in that: have: In a first step, an intermediate product of a valve body is formed from a raw material, wherein one side of the intermediate product has a pre-processing base surface portion and an adjacent portion adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the pre-processing base surface portion, and has a shape in which the pre-processing base surface portion protrudes relative to the adjacent portion; as well as In the second step, cutting or grinding is performed on the pre-processed basic surface portion to form a basic surface portion which is a flat surface capable of fixing the object to be fixed.

9. The method for manufacturing a valve device according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the second step, the base surface portion is formed by performing milling on the pre-processed base surface portion.

10. The method for manufacturing a valve device according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the first step, another planar portion is formed, which faces the pre-processed base surface portion with the adjacent portion interposed therebetween and is flush with or substantially flush with the base surface portion.

11. The method for manufacturing a valve device according to claim 10, characterized in that: In the first step, the pre-processing base surface portion, the adjacent portion, and the other planar portion are formed by extrusion molding.

12. A method for manufacturing an expansion valve, the expansion valve comprising: a valve body, the valve body having a valve chamber, a throttle hole, a supply side flow path, a discharge side flow path, and a return flow path, the throttle hole being formed on the upper surface of the valve chamber, the supply side flow path being connected with the valve chamber and the outside and supplying refrigerant to the valve chamber, the discharge side flow path being connected with the throttle hole and the outside and discharging the refrigerant from the throttle hole to the outside, and the return flow path allowing the refrigerant discharged from the discharge side flow path to flow; a valve core, the valve core being arranged in the valve chamber; A power element, which is disposed on the upper surface of the valve body and generates a driving force for driving the valve core; an operating rod, the operating rod transmitting the driving force of the power element to the valve core; as well as a fixed object, the fixed object being mounted on one side surface of the valve body, The supply side flow path extends from the front surface of the valve body to the valve chamber, The discharge side flow path extends from the back side of the valve body to the throttle hole, The return flow path extends from the front surface to the back surface, The discharge side flow path is located above the supply side flow path, The return flow path is located above the discharge side flow path, and is characterized by having: In a first step, an intermediate product of the valve body is formed from a raw material, wherein one side of the intermediate product has a pre-processing base surface portion and an adjacent portion adjacent to at least a portion of an edge of the pre-processing base surface portion, and has a shape in which the pre-processing base surface portion protrudes relative to the adjacent portion; as well as In the second step, cutting or grinding is performed on the pre-processed basic surface portion to form a basic surface portion which is a flat surface capable of fixing the object to be fixed.

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