Electrically operated valve and valve device

Abstract

The present application provides a small electric valve and valve device capable of moving a valve core with a large force and finely controlling the position of the valve core. The electric valve (1) has: a valve body (10); a rotor housing (30) mounted to the valve body (10); a rotor (35) disposed inside the rotor housing (30); a stator (90) disposed inside the rotor (35); a drive member (60) disposed inside the valve body (10); a reduction gear mechanism (50) that transmits rotation of the rotor (35) to the drive member (60); and a valve core (20) that moves in accordance with rotation of the drive member (60).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electric valve and valve device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an example of a conventional electric valve. The electric valve includes: a valve body, a valve core, a housing, a magnetic rotor, and a stator. The housing has a cylindrical shape and is joined to the valve body. The magnetic rotor is disposed inside the housing. The stator is disposed outside the housing. The magnetic rotor and stator constitute an electric motor. When the magnetic rotor rotates, the valve core moves.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-83453

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The electric valve in Patent Document 1 is used, for example, for Figure 19 The valve assembly 803 is shown. The valve assembly 803 includes a plurality of electrically operated valves 801 and a flow path block 850. The flow path block 850 has a cuboid shape and a mounting surface 851 for arranging the plurality of electrically operated valves 801. Because the stators of the electrically operated valves 801 are located on the outside of the housing, their outer diameter is large, requiring a large space for arranging the electrically operated valves 801. Therefore, a large mounting surface 851 is required in the flow path block 850.

[0008] By arranging the stator inside the magnetic rotor, electric valves can be miniaturized. However, due to the small inner diameter of the magnetic rotor, it is difficult to set strong magnetic poles on the inner circumference of the magnetic rotor, and it is also difficult to set multiple magnetic poles on the inner circumference of the magnetic rotor. Therefore, in electric valves, the torque of the motor is small, resulting in a small force required to move the valve core. In addition, when the motor is a stepper motor, the rotation angle (step angle) of the magnetic rotor per pulse is large, making it impossible to achieve precise control of the valve core position in electric valves. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a small electric valve and valve device that can increase the force that moves the valve core and can precisely control the position of the valve core.

[0010] Technical means for solving problems

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention relates to an electric valve comprising: a valve body; a cylindrical rotor housing mounted on the valve body; a cylindrical magnetic rotor disposed inside the rotor housing; a stator disposed inside the magnetic rotor; a drive member disposed inside the valve body; a reduction gear mechanism that transmits rotation of the magnetic rotor to the drive member; and a valve core that moves according to rotation of the drive member.

[0012] In this invention, preferably, the electric valve further comprises an inner housing integrally having: a cylindrical peripheral wall portion, a disc-shaped bottom wall portion, the bottom wall portion being connected to a first end of the peripheral wall portion, and an annular portion, the inner periphery of the annular portion being connected to a second end of the peripheral wall portion, the outer periphery of the annular portion being joined to one end of the rotor housing, the peripheral wall portion and the bottom wall portion being disposed inside the magnetic rotor, and the stator being disposed inside the peripheral wall portion.

[0013] In this invention, preferably, the reduction gear mechanism has a first gear and an intermediate gear body, the first gear is fixed coaxially with the magnetic rotor, the intermediate gear body has a second gear and a third gear, the second gear meshes with the first gear, the third gear is fixed coaxially with the second gear, and the driving component has a fourth gear, which meshes with the third gear.

[0014] In this invention, preferably, the driving component is coaxially configured with the magnetic rotor, and the reduction gear mechanism further includes a support component, a gear shaft, and a pin. The support component is configured between the magnetic rotor and the driving component. The gear shaft passes through the first gear. The bottom wall has a gear bearing that supports the first end of the gear shaft. The support component has a gear shaft hole and a first pin hole. The gear shaft hole supports the second end of the gear shaft, and the first pin hole supports the first end of the pin. The driving component has a second pin hole that supports the second end of the pin.

[0015] In this invention, preferably, when the pin contacts the bottom surface of the first pin hole, the driving component separates from the supporting component, and the movement of the driving component toward the supporting component is restricted.

[0016] In this invention, preferably, the driving component is coaxially configured with the magnetic rotor, the reduction gear mechanism is a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, a gear shaft and a rotation output part, the sun gear is coaxially fixed with the magnetic rotor, the gear shaft passes through the sun gear, the rotation output part is connected to the driving component, the bottom wall has a gear bearing that supports the first end of the gear shaft, and the driving component has a gear shaft hole that supports the second end of the gear shaft.

[0017] In this invention, preferably, when the gear shaft contacts the bottom wall portion, the magnetic rotor separates from the bottom wall portion, and the movement of the driving component toward the bottom wall portion is restricted.

[0018] In this invention, preferably, the reduction gear mechanism further comprises: a fixed internal gear, a planetary gear, a planetary gear carrier, and a rotating internal gear. The fixed internal gear is fixed relative to the valve body. The planetary gear meshes with the sun gear and the fixed internal gear. The planetary gear carrier supports the planetary gear so that it can rotate. The rotating internal gear is the rotating output part and meshes with the planetary gear.

[0019] In this invention, preferably, the reduction gear mechanism further comprises: a fixed internal gear, a planetary gear, and a planetary gear carrier, wherein the fixed internal gear is fixed relative to the valve body, the planetary gear meshes with the sun gear and the fixed internal gear, and the planetary gear carrier is the rotary output part and supports the planetary gear to be rotatable.

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of the present invention relates to a valve device comprising: the electric valve; and a flow path block having a mounting surface for arranging the electric valve.

[0021] The effects of the invention

[0022] According to the present invention, a stator is arranged inside the magnetic rotor. Therefore, the electric valve can be miniaturized. Furthermore, a reduction gear mechanism transmits the rotation of the magnetic rotor to the drive component, and the valve core moves according to the rotation of the drive component. Through the reduction gear mechanism, the rotation of the magnetic rotor is slowed down, and the torque is increased. Therefore, the force required to move the valve core can be increased, and the position of the valve core can be precisely controlled. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a front view of the electric valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II.

[0025] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of an electric valve.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged sectional view of the valve body assembly.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Another enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly.

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the stator unit of an electric valve.

[0030] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of line VIII-VIII.

[0031] Figure 9 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the first modified example of the electric valve.

[0032] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of an electric valve.

[0033] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An enlarged sectional view of the valve body assembly.

[0034] Figure 12 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure of a second modified example of an electric valve.

[0035] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of an electric valve.

[0036] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 An enlarged sectional view of the valve body assembly.

[0037] Figure 15 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the third modified example of the electric valve.

[0038] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of an electric valve.

[0039] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 An enlarged sectional view of the valve body assembly.

[0040] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 19 This is a top view of a conventional valve device. Detailed Implementation

[0042] (First Embodiment)

[0043] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 8 The electric valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The electric valve according to this embodiment is used, for example, in an automotive air conditioning system to control the refrigerant flow.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a front view of the electric valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view along the axis L of the electric valve. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line III-III. Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view along a direction orthogonal to the axis L of the electric valve. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of an electric valve. Figure 5 , Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An enlarged sectional view of the reduction gear mechanism of the valve body assembly and its vicinity. Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the stator unit of an electric valve. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII. In each drawing, the X direction indicated by arrow X is the left-right direction, the Y direction indicated by arrow Y is the front-back direction, and the Z direction indicated by arrow Z is the up-down direction (axis L direction). In arrow X, the side where the "X" is located is the right direction, in arrow Y, the side where the "Y" is located is the front direction, and in arrow Z, the side where the "Z" is located is the up direction.

[0045] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the electric valve 1 involved in the first embodiment has a valve body assembly 5 and a stator unit 8.

[0046] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the valve body assembly 5 includes: valve body 10, valve core 20, bearing body 25, rotor housing 30, rotor 35, inner housing 40, reduction gear mechanism 50, and drive component 60.

[0047] The valve body 10 includes: a main body component 11, a sleeve 18, and a valve core support plate 19.

[0048] The main body component 11 is made of metal such as aluminum alloy. The main body component 11 has: valve chamber 12, valve port 13, valve seat 14, first connection passage 15, second connection passage 16 and mounting hole 17.

[0049] The main body component 11 has a head 11a. The head 11a has a hexagonal shape and is disposed at the upper end of the main body component 11. A manufacturing tool for rotating the main body component 11 about axis L is mounted on the head 11a.

[0050] Valve port 13 is connected to valve chamber 12. Valve port 13 is surrounded by valve seat 14 within valve chamber 12. First connection passage 15 extends from valve chamber 12 in the left-right and front-back directions. Second connection passage 16 extends downward from valve port 13.

[0051] Mounting hole 17 is disposed on the upper surface 11c of the main body component 11. Mounting hole 17 is connected to valve chamber 12. The main body component 11 has a first retaining surface 11d and a second retaining surface 11e. The first retaining surface 11d and the second retaining surface 11e are upward-facing annular planes. The first retaining surface 11d is disposed at the connection between valve chamber 12 and mounting hole 17. The second retaining surface 11e is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of mounting hole 17.

[0052] The main body component 11 has an external thread 11f and an internal thread 11g. The external thread 11f is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body component 11. The internal thread 11g is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 17.

[0053] The sleeve 18 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The sleeve 18 integrally comprises a sleeve body 18a and a flange portion 18b. The sleeve body 18a has a stepped cylindrical shape. The upper inner diameter of the sleeve body 18a is larger than the lower outer diameter. The flange portion 18b has an annular plate shape. The inner periphery of the flange portion 18b is connected to the upper end of the sleeve body 18a. The sleeve body 18a is disposed in the valve chamber 12. The flange portion 18b contacts the first retaining surface 11d.

[0054] The valve core support plate 19 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The valve core support plate 19 has an annular shape. The outer periphery of the valve core support plate 19 is circular, and the inner periphery is oblong. The valve core support plate 19 is pressed into the lower part of the mounting hole 17. A flange portion 18b of the sleeve 18 is held between the valve core support plate 19 and the first retaining surface 11d of the main body component 11.

[0055] The valve core 20 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The valve core 20 integrally has a shaft portion 21 and a valve portion 22.

[0056] The shaft portion 21 has an elongated cylindrical shape. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion 21 is the same as the inner periphery of the valve core support plate 19, being an elongated oval. The major axis of the cross-section of the shaft portion 21 is the same as the inner diameter of the lower part of the sleeve body 18a. The shaft portion 21 has a threaded hole 21h and an internal thread 21k. The threaded hole 21h is located on the upper end face of the shaft portion 21. The internal thread 21k is located on the inner circumferential surface of the threaded hole 21h. The shaft portion 21 has an upward-facing spring bearing surface 21r. The spring bearing surface 21r is located on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 21.

[0057] The shaft portion 21 is disposed inside the sleeve 18 and inside the valve core support plate 19. The shaft portion 21 is supported by the sleeve 18 and the valve core support plate 19 and is able to move in the vertical direction. The rotation of the shaft portion 21 about the axis L is limited by the valve core support plate 19. Furthermore, the shape of the shaft portion 21 and the shape of the valve core support plate 19 can be any shape that can limit the rotation of the shaft portion 21 about the axis L.

[0058] The valve portion 22 has a frustum-shaped cone whose diameter decreases from top to bottom. The valve portion 22 is coaxially connected to the lower end of the shaft portion 21. The valve portion 22 is disposed between the valve chamber 12 and the valve port 13. The valve portion 22 is vertically opposed to the valve port 13 and the valve seat 14. When the valve portion 22 contacts the valve seat 14, the valve port 13 is closed. When the valve portion 22 leaves the valve seat 14, the valve port 13 is opened, forming a throttling flow path between the valve portion 22 and the valve port 13.

[0059] The bearing body 25 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The bearing body 25 has a cylindrical shape. An annular protrusion 25a is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the bearing body 25. The bearing body 25 is disposed in the mounting hole 17, and the lower surface of the annular protrusion 25a contacts the second retaining surface 11e. The bearing body 25 has a gear shaft hole 25d. The gear shaft hole 25d is disposed on the upper end face of the bearing body 25. The bearing body 25 has a support surface 25p and a spring receiving surface 25r. The support surface 25p and the spring receiving surface 25r are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the bearing body 25. The support surface 25p is an upward-facing annular plane. The spring receiving surface 25r is a downward-facing annular plane. A valve closing spring 28 is disposed between the spring receiving surface 21r of the valve core 20 and the spring receiving surface 25r of the bearing body 25. The valve closing spring 28 is a compression helical spring that pushes the valve core 20 downward.

[0060] The rotor housing 30 is made of a non-magnetic material. For example, the rotor housing 30 is made of a non-magnetic metal such as stainless steel. In this specification, "non-magnetic material" means a material that is not magnetized when placed in a magnetic field (including materials that are substantially unmagnetized). The rotor housing 30 may also be made of synthetic resin. The rotor housing 30 has a generally cylindrical shape. The rotor housing 30 integrally comprises a first housing portion 31, a second housing portion 32, and a connecting portion 33.

[0061] The first housing portion 31 has a cylindrical shape. The first housing portion 31 has an external thread 31g. The external thread 31g is disposed on the lower part of the outer peripheral surface of the first housing portion 31. The first housing portion 31 is disposed in the mounting hole 17 of the main body component 11, and the external thread 31g engages with the internal thread 11g. The first housing portion 31 is mounted to the main body component 11 via a threaded structure. An O-ring 34 seals between the main body component 11 and the first housing portion 31 in the mounting hole 17. The lower end of the first housing portion 31 contacts the upper surface of the annular protrusion 25a of the bearing body 25. The annular protrusion 25a is held between the lower end of the first housing portion 31 and the second retaining surface 11e of the main body component 11. The first housing portion 31 has a mounting surface 31h. The mounting surface 31h is an upward-facing annular plane. The mounting surface 31h is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the first housing portion 31.

[0062] The second housing portion 32 has a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the second housing portion 32 is larger than the outer diameter of the first housing portion 31. The connecting portion 33 has an annular plate shape. The inner periphery of the connecting portion 33 is connected to the upper end of the first housing portion 31, and the outer periphery of the connecting portion 33 is connected to the lower end of the second housing portion 32. The first housing portion 31, the second housing portion 32, and the connecting portion 33 are coaxially arranged.

[0063] The rotor 35 has a generally cylindrical shape. The rotor 35 is disposed inside the second housing portion 32 of the rotor housing 30. The rotor 35 integrally has a cylindrical portion 36, a bottom portion 37, and a connecting portion 38.

[0064] The cylindrical portion 36 has multiple magnetic poles (multiple N poles and multiple S poles). The multiple N poles and multiple S poles are arranged alternately at equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 36. The multiple N poles and multiple S poles extend in the vertical direction. For example, the cylindrical portion 36 has five N poles and five S poles. The bottom 37 has an annular plate shape. The outer periphery of the bottom 37 is connected to the lower end of the cylindrical portion 36. The connecting portion 38 has a disk shape. The outer periphery of the connecting portion 38 is connected to the inner periphery of the bottom 37. The connecting portion 38 is coaxially arranged with the bottom 37. The rotor 35 is a magnetic rotor.

[0065] The inner housing 40 is made of a non-magnetic material. For example, the inner housing 40 may be made of a non-magnetic metal such as stainless steel. The inner housing 40 may also be made of synthetic resin. The inner housing 40 integrally comprises a peripheral wall portion 41, a bottom wall portion 42, and an annular portion 43.

[0066] The peripheral wall portion 41 has a cylindrical shape. Multiple protrusions 41a are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 41.

[0067] The bottom wall portion 42 has a disc shape. The outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 42 is connected to the lower end (first end) of the peripheral wall portion 41. A recess 42a is provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 42. The recess 42a is located at the center of the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 42. The bottom wall portion 42 has a gear bearing 44. The gear bearing 44 is disposed in the recess 42a. The gear bearing 44 is fitted into the recess 42a. The gear bearing 44 has a shaft hole 44d.

[0068] The annular portion 43 has a circular ring plate shape. The inner periphery of the annular portion 43 is connected to the upper end (second end) of the peripheral wall portion 41. The outer periphery of the annular portion 43 is joined to the upper end (one end) of the second housing portion 32 of the rotor housing 30. The peripheral wall portion 41, the bottom wall portion 42, and the annular portion 43 are coaxially arranged.

[0069] The peripheral wall portion 41 and the bottom wall portion 42 are disposed inside the rotor 35. The second housing portion 32 of the rotor housing 30 and the inner housing 40 form the rotor space 45. The rotor 35 is disposed in the rotor space 45. The rotor space 45 is externally sealed relative to the electric valve 1. The rotor space 45 communicates with the valve chamber 12 through the gaps between the components of the valve body assembly 5. The refrigerant in the valve chamber 12 is introduced into the rotor space 45.

[0070] A reduction gear mechanism 50 is disposed between the rotor 35 and the drive component 60. The reduction gear mechanism 50 reduces the rotation of the rotor 35 and transmits it to the drive component 60. The reduction gear mechanism 50 has a first gear 51, an intermediate gear body 54 having a second gear 52 and a third gear 53, a support component 55, a first gear shaft 56, a second gear shaft 57, and a pin 58.

[0071] The first gear 51 is coaxially disposed on the lower surface of the connecting portion 38 of the rotor 35. The first gear 51 is integrally formed with the connecting portion 38. The first gear 51 rotates together with the rotor 35.

[0072] The second gear 52 meshes with the first gear 51. The second gear 52 has more teeth than the first gear 51. The third gear 53 is coaxially connected to the second gear 52. The third gear 53 and the second gear 52 are integrally formed. The third gear 53 has fewer teeth than the second gear 52.

[0073] The support member 55 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The support member 55 has a disc shape. The support member 55 may also have a column shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the axis L. The support member 55 is disposed inside the first housing portion 31. The lower surface of the support member 55 contacts the mounting surface 31h. The support member 55 is fixed to the first housing portion 31.

[0074] The support member 55 has a hole 55a. A third gear 53 is disposed in the hole 55a and passes through the support member 55. The support member 55 has a gear shaft hole 55d and a first pin hole 55e. The gear shaft hole 55d is disposed on the upper surface of the support member 55. The first pin hole 55e is disposed on the lower surface of the support member 55.

[0075] The first gear shaft 56 has a cylindrical shape. The first gear shaft 56 passes through the first gear 51 and the connecting portion 38. The upper end (first end) of the first gear shaft 56 is disposed in the shaft hole 44d of the gear bearing 44. The lower end (second end) of the first gear shaft 56 is disposed in the gear shaft hole 55d. The first gear 51 is supported by the gear bearing 44, the support member 55 and the first gear shaft 56 to enable it to rotate.

[0076] The second gear shaft 57 has a cylindrical shape. The second gear shaft 57 passes through the intermediate gear body 54. The lower end of the second gear shaft 57 is disposed in the gear shaft hole 25d of the bearing body 25. The second gear shaft 57 is fixed to the bearing body 25. The intermediate gear body 54 is supported by the bearing body 25 and the second gear shaft 57 to be rotatable.

[0077] Pin 58 has a cylindrical shape. The upper end (first end) of pin 58 is disposed in a first pin hole 55e of the support member 55. The lower end (second end) of pin 58 is disposed in a second pin hole 60e of the drive member 60. The second pin hole 60e is disposed on the upper end face of the drive member 60. Pin 58 is fixed to the drive member 60. The upper part 60a of the drive member 60 is supported by the support member 55 and pin 58, allowing it to rotate.

[0078] The drive component 60 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The drive component 60 has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0079] The drive component 60 has a fourth gear 64. The fourth gear 64 is integrally formed on the upper part 60a of the drive component 60. The fourth gear 64 meshes with the third gear 53. The fourth gear 64 has more teeth than the third gear 53.

[0080] The central portion 60b of the drive component 60 is disposed inside the bearing housing 25. The drive component 60 has a bearing surface 60p. The bearing surface 60p is disposed at the connection between the upper portion 60a and the central portion 60b on the outer peripheral surface of the drive component 60. The bearing surface 60p is a downward-facing annular plane that can slidably contact the support surface 25p of the bearing housing 25. The central portion 60b is supported by the bearing housing 25 and is rotatable.

[0081] The drive component 60 has an external thread 60k. The external thread 60k is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part 60c of the drive component 60. The external thread 60k engages with the internal thread 21k of the valve core 20. Alternatively, the drive component 60 may have an internal thread and the valve core 20 may have an external thread. The internal thread 21k and the external thread 60k form a feed thread mechanism that moves the valve core 20 in the vertical direction.

[0082] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the stator unit 8 includes: a housing 80, a stator 90, a control device 100, and a magnetic sensor 110.

[0083] The outer casing 80 is made of synthetic resin. The outer casing 80 has an outer casing body 81 and a cover 85.

[0084] The outer casing 81 integrally comprises a wall portion 82, a base portion 83, and a support portion 84. The wall portion 82 is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the wall portion 82 is larger than the outer diameter of the second housing portion 32 of the rotor housing 30. The base portion 83 is disc-shaped and is connected to the lower end of the wall portion 82. The support portion 84 is cylindrical and is connected to the lower surface of the base portion 83. The outer diameter of the support portion 84 is the same as the inner diameter of the peripheral wall portion 41 of the inner housing 40. Multiple recesses 84a are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 84. The support portion 84 is disposed inside the peripheral wall portion 41, and multiple protrusions 41a of the peripheral wall portion 41 engage with multiple recesses 84a. The support portion 84 is fitted into the inner housing 40. The base portion 83 and the annular portion 43 of the inner housing 40 are sealed by an O-ring 89. The wall portion 82, the base portion 83, and the support portion 84 are coaxially arranged.

[0085] The cover 85 integrally comprises a cover portion 86 and a connector portion 87. The cover portion 86 has a disc shape. The outer periphery of the cover portion 86 is joined to the upper end of the wall portion 82. The connector portion 87 has an elongated cylindrical shape. The connector portion 87 extends upward from the center of the upper surface of the cover portion 86. The cover portion 86 and the connector portion 87 are coaxially arranged. The wall portion 82, the base portion 83, and the cover portion 86 form a control device space 88.

[0086] The stator 90 has a stacked iron core 91, a coil frame 92, multiple coils 93 and multiple coil terminals 94.

[0087] The laminated iron core 91 integrally has a central portion 91a and a plurality of pole portions 91b. The central portion 91a has a cylindrical shape. The central portion 91a is configured to be coaxial with the rotor 35. The plurality of pole portions 91b extend radially from the central portion 91a (in a direction orthogonal to the axis L). The plurality of pole portions 91b are arranged at equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the central portion 91a.

[0088] The coil holder 92 is made of synthetic resin. The coil holder 92 has multiple bushing portions 92a covering multiple pole portions 91b. The pole portions 91b are disposed inside the bushing portions 92a. Multiple coils 93 are wires wound around the multiple bushing portions 92a. The multiple coils 93 are disposed on the multiple pole portions 91b. Multiple coil terminals 94 extend upward from the coil holder 92. The multiple coil terminals 94 are electrically connected to the multiple coils 93.

[0089] The stator 90 is embedded in the support portion 84 of the housing 80. The housing 80 (support portion 84) and the stator 90 are integrally formed. The stator 90 and the support portion 84 are disposed together on the inner side of the peripheral wall portion 41 of the inner housing 40. The rotor 35 is disposed on the outer side of the peripheral wall portion 41. The rotor 35 and the stator 90 are radially opposite each other across the peripheral wall portion 41. The rotor 35 and the stator 90 constitute a stepper motor 98. Alternatively, the electric valve 1 may also have other types of motors such as a brushless DC motor.

[0090] A control device 100 is disposed in a control device space 88. The control device 100 includes a substrate 101, a terminal component 102, and a computer (not shown). The substrate 101 is a printed circuit board on which electronic components, including the computer, are mounted. Multiple coil terminals 94 of the stator 90 are connected to the substrate 101. The terminal component 102 has multiple connector terminals 103. One end of each connector terminal 103 is connected to the substrate 101, and the other end is disposed inside a connector portion 87. The computer controls the electric valve 1.

[0091] The magnetic sensor 110 is a sensor with a Hall element that outputs a signal (digital signal) based on the direction of the magnetic field. The magnetic sensor 110 is disposed in the lower part of the support portion 84 of the housing 80. The magnetic sensor 110 is disposed between adjacent pole portions 91b in the support portion 84. The magnetic sensor 110 and the magnetic poles of the rotor 35 are radially opposed to each other through the peripheral wall portion 41 of the inner housing 40. The magnetic sensor 110 detects the magnetism of the rotor 35. The magnetic sensor 110 is electrically connected to the substrate 101, and the computer detects the rotational position of the rotor 35 based on the signal from the magnetic sensor 110.

[0092] In the electric valve 1, the central axis of each of the following components is aligned with axis L: main body 11 (valve chamber 12, valve port 13, valve seat 14, mounting hole 17), sleeve 18, valve core support plate 19, valve core 20, rotor housing 30, rotor 35, inner housing 40, first gear 51, support component 55, first gear shaft 56, pin 58, drive component 60, outer shell 81, cover 85, and stator 90.

[0093] Next, the operation of electric valve 1 will be explained.

[0094] In the electric valve 1, current is supplied to multiple coils 93 of the stator 90, causing the rotor 35 to rotate in a first direction. A first gear 51 rotates together with the rotor 35. The rotation of the first gear 51 is reduced in speed by a second gear 52, a third gear 53, and a fourth gear 64 before being transmitted to the drive component 60. When the drive component 60 rotates, the external thread 60k of the drive component 60 interacts with the internal thread 21k of the valve core 20, causing the valve core 20 to move downwards, thereby reducing the opening area of ​​the valve port 13 (throttling flow path). When the valve core 20 contacts the valve seat 14 and the valve port 13 closes, the electric valve 1 is in a fully closed state.

[0095] In the electric valve 1, current is supplied to multiple coils 93 of the stator 90, causing the rotor 35 to rotate in a second direction. The first gear 51 rotates together with the rotor 35. The rotation of the first gear 51 is reduced in speed by the second gear 52, the third gear 53, and the fourth gear 64 before being transmitted to the drive component 60. When the drive component 60 rotates, the external thread 60k of the drive component 60 interacts with the internal thread 21k of the valve core 20, causing the valve core 20 to move upwards and away from the valve seat 14, thereby increasing the opening area of ​​the valve port 13. When the valve core 20 is furthest from the valve port 13, the electric valve 1 is fully open. When the electric valve 1 is fully open, the opening area of ​​the valve port 13 is at its maximum.

[0096] Figure 5 This indicates that pin 58 is not in contact with the bottom surface of the first pin hole 55e. Figure 6 This indicates the state in which pin 58 contacts the bottom surface of the first pin hole 55e. For example, in the fully closed state of electric valve 1 ( Figure 4 , Figure 5 In this process, when the refrigerant pressure at valve port 13 is higher than the refrigerant pressure in valve chamber 12, an upward force is applied to valve core 20. When this force exceeds the force of the closing spring 28 pushing valve core 20 downward, valve core 20 and drive component 60 move upward. When pin 58, fixed to drive component 60, also moves upward and abuts against the bottom surface of first pin hole 55e... Figure 6 The upward movement of the drive member 60 is restricted. At this time, the support member 55 separates from the fourth gear 64. Thus, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the drive member 60 that would be hindered by contact between the drive member 60 and the support member 55.

[0097] As described above, the electric valve 1 includes: a valve body 10, a cylindrical rotor housing 30 mounted on the valve body 10, a cylindrical rotor 35 disposed inside the rotor housing 30, a stator 90 disposed inside the rotor 35, a drive member 60 disposed inside the valve body 10, a reduction gear mechanism 50 that transmits the rotation of the rotor 35 to the drive member 60, and a valve core 20 that moves according to the rotation of the drive member 60. Thus, because the stator 90 is disposed inside the rotor 35, the electric valve 1 can be miniaturized. Furthermore, the reduction gear mechanism 50 transmits the rotation of the rotor 35 to the drive member 60, and the valve core 20 moves according to the rotation of the drive member 60. Through the reduction gear mechanism 50, the rotation of the rotor 35 is slowed down, and the torque is increased. Therefore, the force required to move the valve core 20 can be increased, and the position of the valve core 20 can be precisely controlled.

[0098] Furthermore, the electric valve 1 has an inner housing 40, which integrally comprises: a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 41, a disc-shaped bottom wall portion 42 connected to the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 41, and an annular portion 43 whose inner periphery is connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 41. The outer periphery of the annular portion 43 is engaged with the upper end of the rotor housing 30. The peripheral wall portion 41 and the bottom wall portion 42 are disposed inside the rotor 35. The stator 90 is disposed inside the peripheral wall portion 41. Thus, the rotor housing 30 and the inner housing 40 form a rotor space 45 in which the rotor 35 is disposed. The rotor space 45 is sealed relative to the space inside the peripheral wall portion 41 in which the stator 90 is disposed. Therefore, the space in which the stator 90 is disposed can be separated from the rotor space 45.

[0099] Furthermore, the reduction gear mechanism 50 has a first gear 51 and an intermediate gear body 54. The first gear 51 is fixed coaxially to the rotor 35. The intermediate gear body 54 has a second gear 52 that meshes with the first gear 51, and a third gear 53 that is fixed coaxially to the second gear 52. The drive member 60 has a fourth gear 64 that meshes with the third gear 53. Thus, the rotation of the rotor 35 can be transmitted to the drive member 60 through the reduction gear mechanism 50 with a relatively simple structure.

[0100] Furthermore, the drive component 60 is coaxially arranged with the rotor 35. The reduction gear mechanism 50 includes a support component 55, a first gear shaft 56, and a pin 58. The support component 55 is disposed between the rotor 35 and the drive component 60. The first gear shaft 56 passes through the first gear 51. The bottom wall portion 42 of the inner housing 40 has a gear bearing 44 supporting the upper end of the first gear shaft 56. The support component 55 has a gear shaft hole 55d supporting the lower end of the first gear shaft 56 and a first pin hole 55e supporting the upper end of the pin 58. The drive component 60 has a second pin hole 60e supporting the lower end of the pin 58. Thus, the first gear 51 and the drive component 60 can be supported for rotation with a relatively simple structure.

[0101] Furthermore, when pin 58 contacts the bottom surface of the first pin hole 55e, the drive member 60 separates from the support member 55, and the upward movement of the drive member 60 (movement toward the support member 55) is restricted. Thus, the upward movement of the drive member 60 is restricted before it contacts the support member 55, thereby preventing the drive member 60 from being hindered from rotating due to contact with the support member 55.

[0102] Additionally, the electric valve 1 has a housing 80 made of synthetic resin. The housing 80 has a cylindrical support portion 84 in which the stator 90 is embedded. The support portion 84 is fitted into the inner housing 40. Thus, the stator 90 can be protected by the support portion 84. Furthermore, by fitting the support portion 84 into the inner housing 40, the stator 90 can be properly positioned inside the inner housing 40.

[0103] Additionally, the housing 80 has a connector portion 87 in the shape of an elongated cylinder. The connector portion 87 extends along the axial direction (axis L direction) of the rotor 35. As a result, the installation area (area viewed from the axis L direction) of the electric valve 1 can be reduced.

[0104] Next, refer to Figures 9-11 The first modified example of electric valve 1 will be described.

[0105] Figure 9 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the first modified example of the electric valve. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of an electric valve. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An enlarged sectional view of the reduction gear mechanism of the valve body assembly and its vicinity.

[0106] The electric valve 1A in the first modification has the same (including substantially the same) structure as the electric valve 1, except that the valve body assembly 5A, which includes the reduction gear mechanism 150 and the drive component 160, is replaced by a valve body assembly 5A, which includes the reduction gear mechanism 150 and the drive component 160. In the electric valve 1A, the same symbols are used for the structures that are the same as those in the electric valve 1, and the descriptions are omitted.

[0107] The valve body assembly 5A includes: valve body 10, valve core 20, bearing body 25, rotor housing 30, rotor 35, inner housing 40, reduction gear mechanism 150, and drive component 160.

[0108] The reduction gear mechanism 150 is a 3K type planetary gear mechanism. The reduction gear mechanism 150 is positioned between the rotor 35 and the drive component 160. The reduction gear mechanism 150 reduces the rotational speed of the rotor 35 and transmits it to the drive component 160. The reduction gear mechanism 150 includes: a gear housing 151, a fixed gear ring 152, a sun gear 153, multiple planetary gears 154, a planetary gear carrier 155, an output gear 156, and a gear shaft 157.

[0109] The gear housing 151 has a cylindrical shape. The gear housing 151 is coaxially joined to the upper part of the bearing body 25. The fixed gear ring 152 is a fixed internal gear. The fixed gear ring 152 is fixed to the upper end of the gear housing 151. The fixed gear ring 152 is fixed relative to the valve body 10.

[0110] The sun gear 153 is coaxially disposed on the lower surface of the connecting portion 38 of the rotor 35. The sun gear 153 is integrally formed with the connecting portion 38. The sun gear 153 rotates together with the rotor 35. The gear shaft 157 passes through the sun gear 153 and the connecting portion 38. The upper end (first end) of the gear shaft 157 is disposed in the shaft hole 44d of the gear bearing 44. The lower end (second end) of the gear shaft 157 is disposed in the gear shaft hole 160d of the drive member 160. The gear shaft hole 160d is disposed on the upper end face of the drive member 160. The gear shaft 157 is fixed to the drive member 160 or contacts the bottom surface of the gear shaft hole 160d. The sun gear 153 is supported by the gear bearing 44, the drive member 160, and the gear shaft 157 to enable rotation.

[0111] Multiple planetary gears 154 mesh with a fixed ring gear 152 and a sun gear 153. A planetary gear carrier 155 rotatably supports the multiple planetary gears 154. The planetary gear carrier 155 is rotatable about a gear shaft 157. The output gear 156 has a bottomed cylindrical shape. The output gear 156 is a rotating internal gear and is a rotating output part.

[0112] The upper portion 160a of the drive component 160 is fixed to the bottom of the output gear 156. The central portion 160b of the drive component 160 is disposed inside the bearing housing 25. The drive component 160 has a bearing surface 160p. The bearing surface 160p is disposed at the connection between the upper portion 160a and the central portion 160b on the outer peripheral surface of the drive component 160. The bearing surface 160p is a downward-facing annular plane that can slidably contact the support surface 25p of the bearing housing 25. The central portion 160b is supported by the bearing housing 25 and is rotatable. Furthermore, the bearing housing 25 of the electric valve 1A does not have a gear shaft hole 25d.

[0113] The drive component 160 has an external thread 160k. The external thread 160k is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part 160c of the drive component 160. The external thread 160k is screwed into the internal thread 21k of the valve core 20. The internal thread 21k and the external thread 160k are a feed thread mechanism that moves the valve core 20 in the vertical direction.

[0114] Next, the operation of electric valve 1A will be explained.

[0115] In the electric valve 1A, current is supplied to multiple coils 93 of the stator 90, causing the rotor 35 to rotate. The sun gear 153 rotates together with the rotor 35. The rotation of the sun gear 153 is reduced in speed and transmitted to the drive component 160 through the fixed gear ring 152, multiple planetary gears 154, planetary gear carrier 155, and output gear 156. When the drive component 160 rotates, the valve core 20 moves downward or upward through the feed thread of the external thread 160k of the drive component 160 and the internal thread 21k of the valve core 20.

[0116] Furthermore, in the fully closed electric valve 1A, when the refrigerant pressure at the valve port 13 is higher than the refrigerant pressure in the valve chamber 12, an upward force is applied to the valve core 20. When this force exceeds the force of the closing spring 28 pushing the valve core 20 downward, the valve core 20 and the drive member 160 move upward. When the sun gear 153, planetary gear 154, planetary gear carrier 155, output gear 156, gear shaft 157, and rotor 35 move upward together with the drive member 160, and the gear shaft 157 abuts against the bottom wall portion 42 (bottom surface of the recess 42a) of the inner housing 40, the upward movement of the drive member 160 is restricted. That is, the upward movement of the rotor 35 is restricted. At this time, the rotor 35 separates from the bottom wall portion 42 (including the gear bearing 44). In addition, the fixed gear ring 152 separates from the output gear 156. Thus, it is possible to suppress the rotor 35 from being hindered from rotating due to contact between the rotor 35 and the bottom wall portion 42.

[0117] In electric valve 1A, it also has the same effect as electric valve 1.

[0118] Furthermore, the drive component 160 is coaxially arranged with the rotor 35. The reduction gear mechanism 150 is a planetary gear mechanism having: a fixed ring gear 152, a sun gear 153, a planetary gear 154, a planetary gear carrier 155, an output gear 156, and a gear shaft 157. The fixed ring gear 152 is fixed relative to the valve body 10. The sun gear 153 is coaxially fixed with the rotor 35. The gear shaft 157 passes through the sun gear 153. The planetary gear 154 meshes with the sun gear 153 and the fixed ring gear 152. The planetary gear carrier 155 supports the planetary gear 154 so that it can rotate. The output gear 156 meshes with the planetary gear 154 and is connected to the drive component 160. The bottom wall portion 42 of the inner housing 40 has a gear bearing 44 supporting the upper end of the gear shaft 157. The drive component 160 has a gear shaft hole 160d supporting the lower end of the gear shaft 157. Thus, a relatively large reduction ratio can be obtained by the reduction gear mechanism 150. In addition, the sun gear 153 can be supported in a relatively simple structure so that it can rotate.

[0119] Furthermore, when the gear shaft 157 contacts the bottom wall portion 42, the rotor 35 separates from the bottom wall portion 42, and the upward movement of the drive member 160 (movement toward the bottom wall portion 42) is restricted. Thus, the upward movement of the drive member 160 is restricted before the rotor 35 contacts the bottom wall portion 42, which can suppress the rotor 35 from being hindered from rotating due to contact with the bottom wall portion 42.

[0120] Next, refer to Figures 12-14 A second variation of the electric valve 1 will be described.

[0121] Figure 12 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure of a second modified example of an electric valve. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of an electric valve. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 An enlarged sectional view of the reduction gear mechanism of the valve body assembly and its vicinity.

[0122] The electric valve 1B involved in the second modification has the same (including substantially the same) structure as the electric valve 1A, except that it replaces the valve body assembly 5A with a valve body assembly 5B that further includes a rolling bearing 126. In the electric valve 1B, the same symbols are used for the structures that are the same as those in the electric valve 1A, and the descriptions are omitted.

[0123] The valve body assembly 5B includes: valve body 10, valve core 20, bearing body 25, rotor housing 30, rotor 35, inner housing 40, rolling bearing 126, reduction gear mechanism 150, and drive component 160.

[0124] Rolling bearing 126 is a radial bearing. Rolling bearing 126 can also be a thrust bearing. Rolling bearing 126 is disposed on the inner side of the upper portion of bearing housing 25. The lower end of the outer ring of rolling bearing 126 contacts the support surface 25p of bearing housing 25. An anti-disengagement component (not shown) is disposed on the inner side of the upper portion of bearing housing 25, contacting the upper end of the outer ring of rolling bearing 126. The central portion 160b of drive component 160 is disposed on the inner side of the inner ring of rolling bearing 126. The central portion 160b is pressed into the inner ring of rolling bearing 126. The central portion 160b is supported by rolling bearing 126 to be rotatable. Furthermore, the bearing housing 25 of electric valve 1B does not have a gear shaft hole 25d and a spring bearing surface 25r. Electric valve 1B does not have a closing spring 28.

[0125] In electric valve 1B, it also has the same effect as electric valve 1A.

[0126] Next, refer to Figures 15-17 A third variation of the electric valve 1 will be described.

[0127] Figure 15 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the third modified example of the electric valve. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of an electric valve. Figure 17 yes Figure 16 An enlarged sectional view of the reduction gear mechanism of the valve body assembly and its vicinity.

[0128] The electric valve 1C involved in the third modification has the same (including substantially the same) structure as the electric valve 1A, except that the valve body assembly 5A, which includes the reduction gear mechanism 150, is replaced by a valve body assembly 5C, which includes the reduction gear mechanism 250. In the electric valve 1C, the same symbols are used for the structures that are the same as those in the electric valve 1A, and the descriptions are omitted.

[0129] The valve body assembly 5C includes: valve body 10, valve core 20, bearing body 25, rotor housing 30, rotor 35, inner housing 40, reduction gear mechanism 250, and drive component 160.

[0130] The reduction gear mechanism 250 is a 2K-H type planetary gear mechanism. The reduction gear mechanism 250 is positioned between the rotor 35 and the drive component 160. The reduction gear mechanism 250 reduces the rotational speed of the rotor 35 and transmits it to the drive component 160. The reduction gear mechanism 250 includes: a gear housing 151, a fixed gear ring 152, a sun gear 153, multiple planetary gears 154, a planetary gear carrier 255, and a gear shaft 157.

[0131] The planetary gear carrier 255 supports a plurality of planetary gears 154 so that they can rotate. The planetary gear carrier 255 is rotatable about the gear shaft 157. The planetary gear carrier 255 is a rotation output part. The upper part 160a of the drive unit 160 is fixed to the planetary gear carrier 255.

[0132] Next, the operation of electric valve 1C will be explained.

[0133] In the electric valve 1C, current is supplied to multiple coils 93 of the stator 90, causing the rotor 35 to rotate. The sun gear 153 rotates together with the rotor 35. The rotation of the sun gear 153 is reduced in speed by the fixed gear ring 152, multiple planetary gears 154, and planetary gear carrier 255 before being transmitted to the drive component 160. When the drive component 160 rotates, the valve core 20 moves downward or upward through the feed thread of the external thread 160k of the drive component 160 and the internal thread 21k of the valve core 20.

[0134] Furthermore, in the fully closed electric valve 1C, when the refrigerant pressure at the valve port 13 is higher than the refrigerant pressure in the valve chamber 12, an upward force is applied to the valve core 20. When this force exceeds the force of the valve closing spring 28 pushing the valve core 20 downward, the valve core 20 and the drive member 160 move upward. When the sun gear 153, planetary gear 154, planetary gear carrier 255, gear shaft 157, and rotor 35 move upward together with the drive member 160, and the gear shaft 157 abuts against the bottom wall portion 42 (bottom surface of the recess 42a) of the inner housing 40, the upward movement of the drive member 160 is restricted. That is, the upward movement of the rotor 35 is restricted. At this time, the rotor 35 separates from the bottom wall portion 42 (including the gear bearing 44). Thus, it is possible to suppress the rotor 35 from being hindered from rotating due to contact with the bottom wall portion 42.

[0135] In electric valve 1C, it also has the same effect as electric valve 1A.

[0136] Furthermore, the drive component 160 is coaxially arranged with the rotor 35. The reduction gear mechanism 250 is a planetary gear mechanism having a fixed ring gear 152, a sun gear 153, a planetary gear 154, a planetary gear carrier 255, and a gear shaft 157. The fixed ring gear 152 is fixed relative to the valve body 10. The sun gear 153 is coaxially fixed with the rotor 35. The gear shaft 157 passes through the sun gear 153. The planetary gear 154 meshes with the sun gear 153 and the fixed ring gear 152. The planetary gear carrier 255 supports the planetary gear 154 so that it can rotate and is connected to the drive component 160. The bottom wall portion 42 of the inner housing 40 has a gear bearing 44 supporting the upper end of the gear shaft 157. The drive component 160 has a gear shaft hole 160d supporting the lower end of the gear shaft 157. Thus, a relatively large reduction ratio can be obtained by the reduction gear mechanism 250. In addition, the sun gear 153 can be supported to rotate with a relatively simple structure.

[0137] Furthermore, when the gear shaft 157 contacts the bottom wall portion 42, the rotor 35 separates from the bottom wall portion 42, and the upward movement of the drive member 160 (movement toward the bottom wall portion 42) is restricted. Thus, the upward movement of the drive member 160 is restricted before the rotor 35 contacts the bottom wall portion 42, which can suppress the rotor 35 from being hindered from rotating due to contact with the bottom wall portion 42.

[0138] (Second Embodiment)

[0139] Next, refer to Figure 18 The valve device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0140] like Figure 18 As shown, the valve device 2 in the second embodiment includes the electric valve 1 and flow path block 550 in the first embodiment.

[0141] The flow path block 550 has a cuboid shape. The flow path block 550 is made of metal such as aluminum alloy. The upper surface of the flow path block 550 is the mounting surface 551 for the electric valve 1.

[0142] The flow path block 550 has a first passage 555, a second passage 556, and a mounting hole 557. The mounting hole 557 is disposed on the mounting surface 551. The first passage 555 extends forward from the mounting hole 557. The second passage 556 extends downward from the mounting hole 557.

[0143] The flow path block 550 has an internal thread 550f. The internal thread 550f is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 557. The main body component 11 of the electric valve 1 is disposed in the mounting hole 557, and the external thread 11f of the main body component 11 engages with the internal thread 550f. The electric valve 1 is mounted to the flow path block 550 by means of a threaded structure by mounting a manufacturing tool on the head 11a of the main body component 11 and rotating it about the axis L. The connector portion 87 of the electric valve 1 faces upward. In the mounting hole 557, the main body component 11 and the flow path block 550 are sealed by O-rings 558 and 559. The first passage 555 is connected to the valve chamber 12 of the electric valve 1 via the mounting hole 557 and the first connecting passage 15. The second passage 556 is connected to the valve port 13 of the electric valve 1 via the second connecting passage 16.

[0144] Alternatively, the valve device 2 may have the following structure: the electric valve 1 does not have a main body component 11, and the rotor housing 30 of the electric valve 1 is directly mounted on the flow path block 550. In this structure, the flow path block 550 has a valve chamber, valve port, valve seat, and mounting hole that are the same as (or substantially the same as) those of the electric valve 1.

[0145] Alternatively, the valve device 2 may have the following structure: the flow path block 550 has multiple mounting holes 557 disposed on the mounting surface 551, and an electric valve 1 is disposed in each mounting hole 557. In this structure, the connector portion 87 of each of the multiple electric valves 1 faces the same direction (upward). Therefore, in a system equipped with the valve device 2 of this structure, only space needs to be provided above the valve device 2 for arranging the cables connected to the connector portions 87 of the multiple electric valves, allowing the valve device 2 to be disposed in a relatively small space.

[0146] In valve device 2, it also has the same effect as electric valve 1.

[0147] In this specification, the terms "cylinder," "cylindrical," "cuboid," etc., are also used for parts or portions of parts that have a shape substantially that is described by the term. For example, "cylindrical-shaped part" includes both cylindrical-shaped parts and parts that are substantially cylindrical.

[0148] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the structure of the embodiments. Any additions, deletions, design changes, or appropriate combinations of features of the embodiments made by those skilled in the art, provided they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention, are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0149] Symbol Explanation

[0150] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C… Electric valve, 5, 5A, 5B, 5C… Valve body assembly, 10… Valve body, 11… Main body component, 20… Valve core, 25… Bearing body, 30… Rotor housing, 35… Rotor, 40… Inner housing, 44… Gear bearing, 50, 150, 250… Reduction gear mechanism, 51… First gear, 52… Second gear, 53… Third gear, 54… Intermediate gear body, 55… Support component, 56… First gear shaft, 57… Second gear shaft, 58… Pin, 60, 160… Drive component, 64… Fourth gear, 8… Stator unit, 80… Housing, 81… Housing body, 85… Cover, 90… Stator, 98… Stepper motor, 100… Control device, 2… Valve device, 550… Flow path block.

Claims

1. An electric valve, characterized in that, have: Valve body; A cylindrical rotor housing is mounted on the valve body; A cylindrical magnetic rotor is disposed inside the rotor housing; A stator, which is disposed inside the magnetic rotor; A drive component is disposed inside the valve body; A reduction gear mechanism that transmits the rotation of the magnetic rotor to the drive component; and The valve core moves according to the rotation of the drive component.

2. The electric valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric valve also has an inner housing integrally comprising: a cylindrical peripheral wall portion; a disc-shaped bottom wall portion connected to a first end of the peripheral wall portion; and an annular portion, the inner periphery of which is connected to a second end of the peripheral wall portion. The outer periphery of the annular portion is joined to one end of the rotor housing. The peripheral wall portion and the bottom wall portion are disposed on the inner side of the magnetic rotor. The stator is disposed on the inner side of the peripheral wall portion.

3. The electric valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reduction gear mechanism has a first gear and an intermediate gear body. The first gear is fixed coaxially with the magnetic rotor. The intermediate gear body has a second gear and a third gear. The second gear meshes with the first gear, and the third gear is fixed coaxially with the second gear. The drive component has a fourth gear that meshes with the third gear.

4. The electric valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive component is coaxially configured with the magnetic rotor. The reduction gear mechanism also includes a support component, a gear shaft, and a pin. The support component is disposed between the magnetic rotor and the drive component. The gear shaft passes through the first gear. The bottom wall portion has a gear bearing that supports the first end of the gear shaft. The support component has a gear shaft hole and a first pin hole, the gear shaft hole supporting the second end of the gear shaft and the first pin hole supporting the first end of the pin. The drive component has a second pin hole that supports a second end of the pin.

5. The electric valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the pin contacts the bottom surface of the first pin hole, the driving component separates from the supporting component, and the movement of the driving component toward the supporting component is restricted.

6. The electric valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive component is coaxially configured with the magnetic rotor. The reduction gear mechanism is a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, a gear shaft, and a rotary output section. The sun gear is fixed coaxially with the magnetic rotor. The gear shaft passes through the sun gear. The rotary output section is connected to the drive component. The bottom wall portion has a gear bearing that supports the first end of the gear shaft. The drive component has a gear shaft hole that supports the second end of the gear shaft.

7. The electric valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the gear shaft contacts the bottom wall portion, the magnetic rotor separates from the bottom wall portion, and the movement of the drive component toward the bottom wall portion is restricted.

8. The electric valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The reduction gear mechanism also includes: a fixed internal gear, a planetary gear, a planetary gear carrier, and a rotating internal gear. The fixed internal gear is fixed relative to the valve body. The planetary gear meshes with the sun gear and the fixed internal gear. The planetary gear carrier supports the planetary gears so that they can rotate. The rotating internal gear is the rotating output part and meshes with the planetary gear.

9. The electric valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The reduction gear mechanism further includes: a fixed internal gear, a planetary gear, and a planetary gear carrier, wherein the fixed internal gear is fixed relative to the valve body. The planetary gear meshes with the sun gear and the fixed internal gear. The planetary gear carrier is the rotary output section and supports the planetary gears so that they can rotate.

10. A valve device, characterized in that, have: The electric valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and A flow path block having a mounting surface for configuring the electric valve.

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