An electrically operated valve

Abstract

The electric valve provided by the application is characterized in that a stator assembly of the electric valve is in position-limiting connection or fixed connection with a valve body, a valve seat is in fixed connection with a sleeve, the valve seat has at least two grooves, the valve seat is in fixed connection with the valve body through thread cooperation, a supporting member of the electric valve is sleeved on an outer periphery of a valve component, a lower end surface of a main body portion and one end surface on an upper side of the valve seat are in abutment, and a convex portion is located in the groove; along a radial direction of the electric valve, a first sealing ring of the electric valve is compressed between the sleeve and the stator assembly, and along an axial direction of the electric valve, the first sealing ring is located between the stator assembly and the supporting member; in this way, the sleeve is in fixed connection with the valve seat, the valve component is in direct fixed connection with the valve body through thread cooperation of the valve seat, an external threaded member is not needed to be arranged to cooperate with the valve body to compress the valve component to the valve seat, the assembly process can be simplified, the cost can be saved, meanwhile, the grooves arranged on the valve seat facilitate assembly of the supporting member, the circumferential rotation of the supporting member can be prevented, and the sealing performance of the first sealing ring can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an electric valve, specifically an electric valve for automotive, household, and commercial thermal management systems. Background Technology

[0002] Electric valves are used in air conditioning refrigeration systems. An electric valve includes a stator assembly, a valve body and an external threaded part, and a valve seat assembly. The external threaded part and the valve seat assembly are set separately. The valve body has an internal threaded part that is threadedly engaged with the external threaded part of the external threaded part. The external threaded part presses against the valve seat assembly to fix the valve body and the valve seat assembly. However, this setting makes assembly more complicated and is not conducive to cost reduction. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides an electric valve that simplifies the assembly process and reduces costs.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] An electric valve includes a valve component, a valve body, and a stator assembly. The valve component includes a valve seat and a sleeve. The stator assembly is located on the outer periphery of the sleeve and is limited or fixedly connected to the valve body. The valve seat is fixedly connected to the sleeve and has at least two grooves. The valve seat and the valve body are threaded together. The electric valve also includes a support member sleeved on the outer periphery of the valve component. The support member includes a main body and a protrusion. The lower end face of the main body abuts against one end face of the upper side of the valve seat, and the protrusion is located in the groove. The electric valve also includes a first sealing ring. Along the radial direction of the electric valve, the first sealing ring is pressed between the sleeve and the stator assembly. Along the axial direction of the electric valve, the first sealing ring is located between the stator assembly and the support member.

[0006] In one technical solution provided in this application, the valve component of the electric valve includes a valve seat and a sleeve. A stator assembly is located on the outer periphery of the sleeve and is either limited or fixedly connected to the valve body. The valve seat and sleeve are fixedly connected, and the valve seat has at least two grooves. The valve seat and valve body are fixedly connected by a threaded connection. The electric valve also includes a support member, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the valve component. The support member includes a main body and a protrusion. The lower end face of the main body abuts against one end face of the upper side of the valve seat, and the protrusion is located in a groove. The electric valve also includes a first sealing ring, which is positioned along the electric valve... In the radial direction, the first sealing ring is pressed between the sleeve and the stator assembly. In the axial direction of the electric valve, the first sealing ring is located between the stator assembly and the support. In this way, the sleeve is fixedly connected to the valve seat, and the valve component is fixedly connected to the valve body through the direct threaded engagement of the valve seat. There is no need to set a separate external threaded part to engage with the valve body to press the valve component to the valve seat, which can simplify the assembly process and save costs. At the same time, the groove set on the valve seat facilitates the assembly of the support, prevents the circumferential rotation of the support, and also ensures the sealing performance of the first sealing ring. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of one embodiment of an electric valve;

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified cross-section diagram of point A in the middle;

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of the stator assembly;

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0011] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the support component. Detailed Implementation

[0012] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the utility model and are not intended to limit the utility model.

[0013] Figure 1This is one embodiment of the electric valve 100, which can be applied to an air conditioning system for flow adjustment and on / off control, and is particularly suitable for automotive air conditioning systems. The electric valve 100 includes a stator assembly 1, a circuit board 2, a valve component 3, and a valve body 4. The valve component 3 includes a rotor assembly 31, a sleeve 9, and a valve core 32. The stator assembly 1 is located on the outer periphery of the sleeve 9, and the sleeve 9 is located on the outer periphery of the rotor assembly 31. The stator assembly 1 and the rotor assembly 31 can directly or indirectly drive the valve core 32 to move axially. The stator assembly 1 is limited or fixedly connected to the valve body 4, and the stator assembly 1 is electrically / signally connected to the circuit board 2. The stator assembly 1 includes a winding 12 located inside the stator assembly 1. The valve component 3 includes a valve seat 33, which is fixedly connected to the sleeve 9 and limitedly connected to the valve body 4. The electric valve also has a valve port 331. In this embodiment, the valve port 331 is located on the valve seat 33. In other embodiments, the valve port can be directly disposed on the valve body, omitting the valve seat. When the electric valve 100 is working, it controls the current flowing through the winding 12 of the stator assembly 1 according to a predetermined pattern, thereby controlling the stator assembly 1 to generate a changing excitation magnetic field. The rotor assembly 31 rotates under the action of this excitation magnetic field. The rotor assembly 31 can directly or indirectly drive the valve core 32 to move relative to the valve port 331, and adjust the opening degree of the valve port 331, thus realizing the flow adjustment and on / off control of the system. It should be noted that if the stator assembly 1 is located on the outer periphery of the sleeve 9, it means the rotor assembly is located outside the sleeve wall, not on the sleeve wall. The same understanding applies to other references to the outer periphery in this document.

[0014] The electric valve 100 includes a support member 34, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the support member 34 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the valve component 3. The support member 34 includes a main body 342 and a protrusion 341. The lower end face of the main body 342 abuts against one end face of the upper side of the valve seat 33. The lower end face of the sleeve 9 abuts against one end face of the upper side of the valve seat 33 and is welded and fixed. The valve seat 33 has at least two grooves 381. The protrusion 341 is located in the grooves 381. Furthermore, the electric valve 100 also includes a first sealing ring 5. Along the radial direction of the electric valve 100, the first sealing ring 5 is pressed between the sleeve 9 and the stator assembly 1. Along the axial direction of the electric valve, the first sealing ring 5 is located between the stator assembly 1 and the support member 34. This arrangement can not only reduce the circumferential rotation of the support member 34 through the cooperation of the protrusion 341 and the groove 381, but also ensure the sealing performance of the first sealing ring 5 by reducing the rotation of the support member 34. Specifically, the outer peripheral wall of the valve seat 33 has external threads, and the inner peripheral wall of the valve body 4 has internal threads. An external tool can cooperate with the groove 381 to achieve threaded fixation between the valve seat 33 and the valve body 4. In this way, the sleeve 9 is directly fixed to the valve seat 33, and the external thread on the outer peripheral wall of the valve seat 33 is directly fixed to the internal thread of the valve body 4. It is not necessary to set up a separate external threaded part, simplifying the assembly process and saving costs.

[0015] In this embodiment, there are two grooves 381, which are symmetrically distributed along the circumference of the electric valve. The external tool has at least two mating protrusions located in the grooves 381. The number and position of the mating protrusions are adapted to the grooves 381. That is, in this embodiment, there are two mating protrusions. The transverse cross-sectional shape of the mating protrusions is adapted to the transverse cross-sectional shape of the grooves. For example, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the mating protrusions is circular, and the transverse cross-sectional shape of the grooves 381 is also circular. In other embodiments, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the mating protrusions and the transverse cross-sectional shape of the grooves 381 can also be other adapted shapes. The protrusion 341 and the groove 381 are configured with corresponding transverse cross-sectional shapes, that is, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 341 is circular. In other embodiments, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 341 can also be other feasible shapes. The circumferential thickness of the groove 381 is greater than the radial thickness. In this embodiment, there are two protrusions 341, and the circumferential positions of the protrusions 341 and the groove 381 are configured with corresponding positions. Of course, in other embodiments, there can be other numbers of protrusions, and the protrusions are evenly distributed along the circumference.

[0016] See Figure 1 , 2 The stator assembly 1 also includes a stator housing 11, a frame 13, and an injection molding part 14. The winding 12 is located inside the stator housing 11. The frame 13 provides support for the winding 12. The injection molding part 14 is integrally injection molded with the winding 12, the frame 13, the stator housing 11, etc. as injection molding inserts. The injection molding part 14 has a first cavity 141 and a second cavity 142. The first cavity 141 and the second cavity 142 are not connected. The first cavity 141 is located above the winding 12, and the second cavity 142 is located in the middle of the stator assembly 1. The first cavity 141 and the second cavity 142 are separated by a first cover 143 of the injection molding part 14. Circuit board 2 is located in the first cavity 141. Winding 12 is electrically / signally connected to circuit board 2. A cover plate 15 is also provided above the first cavity 141. The cover plate 15 is fixed to the injection molding part 14 by welding. A second sealing ring 6 is provided between the cover plate 15 and the injection molding part 14 to seal the first cavity 141 and prevent external moisture, impurities, etc. from entering and affecting the normal operation of circuit board 2. Valve component 3 is at least partially located in the second cavity 142. Stator assembly 1 also has a recess 144, which is formed by injection molding in the injection molding part 14. At least part of the opening of the recess 144 faces the support member 34. The recess 144 is located between valve component 3 and stator assembly 1, and the recess 144 is located on the outer periphery of sleeve 9.

[0017] Viewed axially, the recess 144 is located between the support member 34 and the injection part 14; viewed radially, the recess 144 is located between the sleeve 9 and the injection part 14, and the first sealing ring 5 is located within the recess 144. (See also...) Figure 4The recess 144 has a second mounting surface 1442, which is inclined and faces the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 9. The outer side of the first sealing ring 5 abuts against the second mounting surface 1442 in the radial direction, and the inner side of the first sealing ring 5 abuts against the side wall of the sleeve 9. The first sealing ring 5 is located above the support member 34 and abuts against the upper surface of the support member 34. The upper surface of the support member 34 is an annular plane. The first sealing ring 5 undergoes radial deformation due to compression by the sleeve 9, stator assembly 1, and valve body 4, which supports the first sealing ring 5 and prevents it from falling out of the recess. Even in a vibration environment, the position of the first sealing ring 5 remains unchanged, improving its sealing performance. In other embodiments, the first sealing ring 5 can also be clearance-fitted with the upper end face of the support member 34 to prevent it from falling out of the recess and to avoid significant movement of the first sealing ring 5. In this embodiment, the recess 144 also has a first mounting surface 1441 and a connecting portion 1443. The first mounting surface 1441 is approximately perpendicular to the main sidewall of the sleeve 9 and is disposed opposite to the valve body 4. The second mounting surface 1442 is connected to the first mounting surface 1441 through the connecting portion 1443, which is arc-shaped. Of course, the recess 144 may also omit the connecting portion 1443, and the second mounting surface 1442 may be directly connected to the first mounting surface 1441. In the axial direction, the first sealing ring 5 passes through the first mounting surface 1441. In this embodiment, the upper end of the first sealing ring 5 abuts against the first mounting surface 1441, and the lower end of the first sealing ring 5 abuts against the support member 34, adding an extra seal. This further restricts the axial position of the first sealing ring 5, reduces the movement of the first sealing ring 5, and further ensures the sealing performance of the first sealing ring 5. In other embodiments, the first mounting surface 1441 may not be provided. In this case, the second mounting surface 1442 may be inclined along the inner circumference of the injection molding part 14. In this case, the first sealing ring 5 can be axially limited by the second mounting surface 1442.

[0018] In this embodiment, the second mounting surface 1442 is a plane. An angle α is formed between the second mounting surface 1442 and the main body sidewall of the sleeve 9. This angle α is greater than 0° and less than 90°. The second mounting surface 1442 is located on the side away from the sleeve 9. In the direction shown in the attached drawing, the recess 144 is narrower at the end near the winding 12 and wider at the end near the valve body 4 support 34, exhibiting a structure that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. (See attached drawing...) Figure 1 In the electric valve structure shown, to keep other structural dimensions of the electric valve as constant as possible and to ensure that the first sealing ring achieves a certain compression rate, such as 25%~35%, the included angle α can be selected between 5~18° while meeting structural constraints. The included angle α can be adjusted appropriately according to different electric valve structural dimensions.

[0019] Figure 4The included angle α is specifically 10°. Figure 4 Some parts omitted Figure 3 The lines that exist in the middle. Of course, the first mounting surface 1441 and the second mounting surface 1442 are not limited to planes (the plane in this specification is a generalized plane, including smooth planes, surfaces that are flat to the naked eye with roughness, etc.), and can also be curved surfaces with arcs. In this case, the included angle α between the second mounting surface and the sleeve is the included angle between the tangent of the second mounting surface and the sleeve.

[0020] The valve seat 33 can be integrally formed, in which case the sleeve 9 is directly welded and fixed to the integrally formed valve seat 33. In this embodiment, refer to Figure 1 , 2 The valve seat 33 includes a connector 35 and a fixing member 38. The fixing member 38 is fixedly connected to or limited by the connector 35. A support member 34 is supported by the fixing member 38. The fixing member 38 is threadedly connected to the valve body 4. The first sealing ring 5 is supported by the support member 34. The outer peripheral wall of the fixing member 38 has external threads (not shown in the attached drawing), and two grooves 381 are located on the fixing member 38. The fixing member 38 is an integral structure and is welded to the sleeve 9. The support member 34 mainly supports the first sealing ring 5. The first sealing ring 5 is axially limited by the first mounting surface 1441 and radially limited by the stator assembly 1 and the sleeve 9, making the first sealing ring 5 more stable and secure, thus ensuring the sealing performance of the first sealing ring 5. To limit the rotation of the support member 34 relative to the fixed member 38, the protrusion 341 at the lower end of the support member 34 matches the groove 381 of the fixed member 38. Pressing the protrusion 341 of the support member into the groove 381 of the fixed member 38 can play a circumferential limiting role for the support member 34, reducing the damage to the first sealing ring 5 caused by the shaking or rotation of the support member 34 during the vibration of the electric valve, and further ensuring the sealing performance of the first sealing ring 5. At the same time, the groove 381 of the fixed member 38 can cooperate with the protrusion of the external tool to realize the threaded fixation of the valve component 3 and the valve body 4. This can avoid the need for additional parts to realize the threaded fixation of the valve component 3 and the valve body 4, making the structure more compact, simplifying the assembly process, and reducing costs.

[0021] Combination Figure 2The valve component 3 also includes a nut 36 and a lead screw 37. A sleeve 9 is located within the second cavity 142, and a portion of the sleeve 9 is located between the rotor assembly 31 and the stator assembly 1, serving as an isolation element. The rotor assembly 31 is fixedly connected to one end of the lead screw 37. The inner wall of the nut 36 has an internal thread section 361. The other end of the lead screw 37 passes through the nut 36 and connects to the valve core 32. The outer peripheral wall of the lead screw 37 has an external thread section that mates with the internal thread section 361. The interaction between the external thread section of the lead screw 37 and the internal thread section 361 of the nut 36 allows the rotation of the rotor assembly to be converted into axial movement of the valve core 32. In this embodiment, the valve seat 33 is located within the valve body 4, and the valve core 32 is at least partially located within the valve seat 33. The nut 36 is fixedly connected to the fixing member 38, specifically by welding. The fixing member 38 is fixedly connected to the connecting member 35, specifically by welding. The valve port 331 is located within the connecting member 35. The fixing member 38 has a flange portion 351, the lower end face of which abuts against the valve body 4. The fixing member 38 and the valve body 4 are connected by threads, so that the connecting member 35 is fixedly connected to the valve body 4. The electric valve also includes a pressure plate 7. The stator assembly 1 is fixedly connected to the valve body 4 through the pressure plate 7. The cross-sectional shape of the pressure plate 7 is approximately L-shaped. A part of the pressure plate 7 is fixedly connected to the stator assembly 1, and the other part of the pressure plate 7 can be fixedly connected to the valve body 4 by means of threaded connection or other methods. When the stator assembly 1 generates an excitation magnetic field, the rotor assembly 31 drives the lead screw 37 to rotate together under the action of the excitation magnetic field. At the same time, the lead screw 37 and the nut 36 are threaded together, which can drive the valve core 32 to move axially. The valve core 32 changes the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the working medium at the valve port 331 by moving closer to and further away from the valve port 331, thereby forming throttling and / or on / off of the working medium at the valve port 331.

[0022] This technical solution also provides an assembly method for the above-mentioned electric valve, including the following steps:

[0023] The installation of the valve assembly and valve body includes: limiting or fixing the lead screw 37 to the valve core 32, fixing the rotor assembly 31 to the lead screw 37, threading the lead screw 37 to the nut 36, then fixing the valve seat 33 to the nut 36, and then welding the sleeve 9 to the valve seat 33 to form the valve component 3; threading the valve component 3 to the valve body 4 through the groove 381, then fixing the pressure plate 7 to the stator assembly 1, aligning the second cavity 142 of the stator assembly 1 with the sleeve 9, aligning the recess 144 with the location of the first sealing ring 5, and applying a downward force to the stator assembly 1 until it abuts against the support 34 and the first sealing ring 5 is located in the recess 144, and then fixing the pressure plate 7 to the valve body 4 with the screw 8.

[0024] The assembly of the electric valve also includes the following steps: assembling the stator assembly 1 with the circuit board 2, and sealing and welding the cover plate 15 and the injection molding part 14 with the second sealing ring 6; this step can be placed before or after the stator assembly and valve body limiting connection.

[0025] This embodiment, by setting an included angle α, facilitates the expulsion of air from the recess 144 during the process of pushing the first sealing ring 5 into the recess 144, reducing assembly difficulty and wear during assembly. The assembled first sealing ring 5 can, to a certain extent, isolate the metal material inside the stator assembly injection molding part 14 from the outside, reducing the possibility of external moisture or impurities entering the stator assembly 1, and lowering the risk of corrosion of the winding 12, stator housing 11, and other metal materials, as well as damage to the circuit board 2. If the second mounting surface 1442 of the recess 144 does not deviate from the included angle α of the sleeve, when installing the stator assembly 1 and sliding it downwards towards the valve seat assembly, an air spring can easily form between the recess 144 of the stator assembly and the valve seat assembly, making it increasingly difficult to slide the stator assembly 1 off. Even if the stator assembly 1 and valve seat assembly are assembled by brute force, after tightening the screws 8 of the pressure plate 7, the resulting air spring will cause a long-term force that separates the stator assembly and valve seat assembly. This results in the pressure plate 7, which is responsible for fixing the stator assembly 1 and valve body 4, being under continuous stress. Over time, the pressure plate 7 will deform, increasing the relative distance between the stator assembly and valve seat assembly. In other embodiments, the protrusion 341 of the support member 34 can be directly fitted circumferentially with the groove 381 of the valve seat 33, and then the first sealing ring 5 can be fitted onto the outer circumference of the sleeve 9. Subsequently, the stator assembly 1 can be fitted onto the outer circumference of the sleeve 9, pressing and fixing the first sealing ring 5. In other embodiments, an annular groove can be provided at the upper end of the support member 34, with at least a portion of the opening of the annular groove facing the sleeve 9, and at least a portion of the first sealing ring 5 located in the annular groove.

[0026] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of several implementations of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these modifications all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An electric valve, characterized in that: The electric valve includes a valve component (3), a valve body (4), and a stator assembly (1). The valve component (3) includes a valve seat (33) and a sleeve (9). The stator assembly (1) is located on the outer periphery of the sleeve (9). The stator assembly (1) is limited or fixedly connected to the valve body (4). The valve seat (33) is fixedly connected to the sleeve (9). The valve seat (33) has at least two grooves (381). The valve seat (33) and the valve body (4) are threaded together. The electric valve also includes a support member (34), which is sleeved on the valve. The outer periphery of component (3) includes a main body (342) and a protrusion (341). The lower end face of the main body (342) abuts against one end face of the upper side of the valve seat (33). The protrusion (341) is located in the groove (381). The electric valve also includes a first sealing ring (5). Along the radial direction of the electric valve, the first sealing ring (5) is pressed between the sleeve (9) and the stator assembly (1). Along the axial direction of the electric valve, the first sealing ring (5) is located between the stator assembly (1) and the support (34).

2. The electric valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outer peripheral wall of the valve seat (33) has an external thread, the inner peripheral wall of the valve body (4) has an internal thread, and the external tool has at least two mating protrusions. The mating protrusions can cooperate with the groove (381) to achieve threaded fixation between the valve seat (33) and the valve body (4).

3. The electric valve as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The number and cross-sectional shape of the protrusions (341) and the grooves (381) are adapted. There are two grooves (381) and they are symmetrically distributed along the circumference of the electric valve; or, there are more than two grooves (381) and they are evenly distributed along the circumference of the electric valve.

4. The electric valve as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The protrusion (341) has a circular cross-sectional shape, the groove (381) has a circular cross-sectional shape, or the circumferential thickness of the groove (381) is greater than the radial thickness, and the protrusion (341) and the groove (381) have cross-sectional shapes that are adapted to each other.

5. The electric valve according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The stator assembly (1) has a recess (144) with at least a portion of the recess (144) opening toward the support member (34), the first sealing ring (5) is located in the recess (144), the lower end face of the first sealing ring (5) abuts against the support member (34), and the upper surface of the main body (342) is an annular plane.

6. The electric valve as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The recess (144) has a second mounting surface (1442), in the radial direction, the inner side of a portion of the first sealing ring (5) abuts against the outer periphery of the sleeve (9), and the outer side of the first sealing ring (5) abuts against the second mounting surface (1442).

7. The electric valve as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The second mounting surface (1442) and the sleeve (9) have an included angle α, which is greater than 0° and less than 90°, and the second mounting surface (1442) is disposed opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve (9).

8. The electric valve according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that: The valve seat (33) is integrally formed, and the sleeve (9) and the valve seat (33) are welded and fixed. Alternatively, the valve seat (33) includes a connector (35) and a fixing member (38). The outer peripheral wall of the valve seat (33) has an external thread, and the external thread is located on the fixing member (38). The fixing member (38) is an integral structure. The fixing member (38) is welded to the sleeve (9), and the connector (35) is fixedly connected to or limited by the fixing member (38).

9. The electric valve as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The stator assembly (1) further includes a stator housing (11), a winding (12), a frame (13), and an injection molding part (14). The winding (12) is located inside the stator housing (11). The frame (13) provides support for the winding (12). The injection molding part (14) is integrally injection molded with the winding (12), the frame (13), and the stator housing (11) as injection molding inserts. The stator assembly (1) has a recess (144) located in the injection molding part (14).

10. The electric valve according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The support member (34) has an annular groove at its upper end, at least a portion of which opens toward the sleeve (9), and at least a portion of the first sealing ring (5) is located in the annular groove.

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