Solenoid valve and solenoid valve device

Abstract

[Task] Provide an electric valve and an electric valve device with which the direction of rotation of a stepper motor can be detected. [Solution] A magnetic rotor 31 of an electric valve 5 has a drive rotor 311 and a sensing rotor 312 connected coaxially to the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface on which a plurality of sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 are arranged circumferentially. A magnetic sensor 91 of the electric valve 5 detects magnetic fields of the plurality of sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp6. At least three of the sensing magnetic poles of the plurality of sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 have different lengths in the circumferential direction.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric valve and an electric valve device comprising an electric valve and an electric valve control device. Technical background

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an example of a conventional solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is installed, for example, in an air conditioning system. The solenoid valve comprises a housing, a rotor, a stator, and a Hall-effect integrated circuit (Hall effect). The rotor is located inside the housing. The rotor has a drive rotor and a sensing rotor. The stator is located on the outside of the housing. The rotor and the stator together form a stepper motor. The Hall-effect integrated circuit is located on the outside of the housing. The output signal of the Hall-effect integrated circuit is a signal (binary signal) corresponding to the direction of the magnetic field generated by the sensing rotor. State of the art document (patent document)

[0003] Patent Document 1: JP 2003-329698 A Summary of the invention Problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] The solenoid valve is controlled by the air conditioning control unit. The air conditioning control unit sends pulses to the stepper motor to rotate the rotor. North and south poles are evenly spaced around the circumference of the sensing rotor, and the output signal of the Hall-effect IC changes at specific intervals, independent of the rotor's direction of rotation. Therefore, the air conditioning control unit cannot detect the rotor's direction of rotation based on the Hall-effect IC's output signal and thus cannot determine whether the rotor is rotating in the correct direction.

[0005] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide an electric valve and an electric valve device with which the direction of rotation of a stepper motor can be detected. Means of solving the task

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the solenoid valve according to the present invention comprises a valve body with a valve opening, a stepper motor with a drive rotor and a stator, a valve body which displaces with respect to the valve opening in accordance with the rotation of the drive rotor, a sensing rotor connected coaxially to the drive rotor, and a magnetic sensor, wherein the solenoid valve is characterized in that the sensing rotor has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface on which a plurality of sensing magnetic poles are arranged in the circumferential direction, that the magnetic sensor detects magnetic fields of the plurality of sensing magnetic poles, and that at least three of the plurality of sensing magnetic poles have different lengths in the circumferential direction.

[0007] According to the present invention, the magnetic fields of the plurality of sensing magnet poles are sequentially detected by the magnetic sensor as the sensing rotor rotates together with the drive rotor. The output signal of the magnetic sensor contains the signal components corresponding to the at least three sensing magnet poles with their different circumferential lengths. The sequence in which the respective signal components appear when the sensing rotor rotates in the first direction differs from the sequence in which they appear when the sensing rotor rotates in the second direction. Therefore, the direction of rotation of the drive rotor can be detected based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor.

[0008] In the present invention, it is preferred that the plurality of detection magnet poles are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the detection rotor in the circumferential direction with alternating polarity and differ from each other in polarity and / or length in the circumferential direction.

[0009] According to the present invention, the magnetic fields of the plurality of sensing magnet poles are alternately detected by the magnetic sensor as the sensing rotor rotates together with the drive rotor. The output signal of the magnetic sensor contains the signal components corresponding to the plurality of sensing magnet poles. Since the plurality of sensing magnet poles differ from one another in polarity and / or circumferential length, the corresponding signal components also differ from one another in signal value and / or length. The sequence in which the corresponding signal components appear when the sensing rotor rotates in the first direction differs from the sequence in which the corresponding signal components appear when the sensing rotor rotates in the second direction. Therefore, the direction of rotation of the drive rotor can be detected based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor.

[0010] Furthermore, the positions (angles) of the boundaries between the multiple detection magnetic poles (north pole, south pole) on the outer circumferential surface of the detection rotor are predefined. As the detection rotor rotates and the relevant boundary crosses the detection range of the magnetic sensor, the output signal changes from the first signal value to the second signal value, or vice versa. In the version where the magnetic sensor outputs a binary signal corresponding to the direction of the magnetic field, the first signal value is, for example, "H" and the second signal value is "L". In the version where the magnetic sensor outputs an analog signal corresponding to the direction of the magnetic field, the first signal value is, for example, a positive value and the second signal value is a negative value. Therefore, the rotation angle of the drive rotor can be determined based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferred that the plurality of sensing magnetic poles are arranged circumferentially in order of their lengths. In this way, the length of the signal portion corresponding to the sensing magnetic pole in the output signal of the magnetic sensor gradually increases or decreases depending on the direction of rotation of the sensing rotor. Therefore, the direction of rotation of the drive rotor can be more easily detected based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferred that the solenoid valve further comprises a stop mechanism that restricts the rotation of the drive rotor in a first direction when the drive rotor is in a reference position, and that the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field from one of the plurality of sensing magnetic poles (hereinafter referred to as the "reference sensing magnetic pole") when the drive rotor is in the reference position. In this way, the output of the signal portion corresponding to the reference sensing magnetic pole in the output signal of the magnetic sensor is not terminated when the drive rotor is restricted from rotating in the first direction at the reference position. This allows it to be assumed that the drive rotor is in the reference position if a signal portion corresponding to the reference sensing magnetic pole is not included in the output signal of the magnetic sensor.Therefore, based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor, it can be determined that the drive rotor is in the reference position.

[0013] In the present invention, it is preferred that the reference detection magnet pole is a detection magnet pole having the shortest circumferential length of the plurality of detection magnet poles. This makes it possible to determine relatively quickly whether the output of the signal portion corresponding to the reference detection magnet pole in the output signal of the magnetic sensor is complete or not. Therefore, based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor, it can be determined relatively quickly that the drive rotor is in the reference position.

[0014] In the present invention, it is preferred that the drive rotor has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface and a plurality of drive magnet poles, wherein the plurality of drive magnet poles are arranged circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface of the drive rotor with alternating polarity and each has the same length in the circumferential direction, that the lengths of the reference detection magnet poles in the circumferential direction are equal to or less than the lengths of the drive magnet poles in the circumferential direction, and that a line passing through the center of the reference detection magnet pole in the circumferential direction passes through the center of one of the plurality of drive magnet poles in the circumferential direction. In this way, it is possible to determine more quickly whether the output of the signal portion corresponding to the reference detection magnet pole in the output signal of the magnetic sensor is complete or not.Therefore, based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor, it can be detected more quickly that the drive rotor is in the reference position.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferred that a central angle corresponding to the length of the reference sensing magnet pole in the circumferential direction is smaller than twice the step angle of the stepper motor. In this way, the signal portion corresponding to the reference sensing magnet pole in the output signal of the magnetic sensor has a length approximately equivalent to a single pulse, and it is possible to determine even more quickly whether the output of the signal portion corresponding to the reference sensing magnet pole in the output signal of the magnetic sensor is complete or not. Therefore, it can be determined even more quickly, based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor, that the drive rotor is in the reference position.

[0016] To achieve the aforementioned goal, the solenoid valve device, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, is a solenoid valve device comprising a solenoid valve and a solenoid valve control unit that controls the solenoid valve, wherein the solenoid valve control unit receives a direction of rotation of the drive rotor based on an output signal from the magnetic sensor. According to the present invention, the solenoid valve control unit can detect the direction of rotation of the drive rotor of the solenoid valve by means of a simple control.

[0017] In the present invention, it is preferred that the solenoid valve control device inputs a pulse into the stepper motor such that the drive rotor rotates, and detects a synchronization loss of the stepper motor based on a rotation angle of the drive rotor obtained from the output signal of the magnetic sensor and a rotation angle of the drive rotor corresponding to the pulse input into the stepper motor. In this way, the solenoid valve control device can detect the synchronization loss of the stepper motor through a simple control.

[0018] To achieve the aforementioned goal, the solenoid valve device, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, is a solenoid valve device comprising a solenoid valve and a solenoid valve control unit that controls the solenoid valve. During the process of positioning the drive rotor into the reference position, the solenoid valve control unit inputs a pulse to the stepper motor to rotate the drive rotor in the first direction, and stops inputting the pulse to the stepper motor if a signal component corresponding to the reference detection magnet pole is not included in the output signal of the magnetic sensor. According to the present invention, after positioning the drive rotor in the reference position, the solenoid valve control unit can stop the stepper motor by means of a simple control. Advantages of the invention

[0019] According to the present invention, the direction of rotation of the stepper motor can be detected with a simple setup. Brief description of the drawings [ Fig. Figure 1] is a block view of an air conditioning system comprising the solenoid valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. Figure 2] is a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve device. [ Fig. Figure 3] is a perspective view of the magnetic rotor. [ Fig. Figure 4] is a bottom view and a top view of the magnetic rotor. [ Fig. Figure 5] is a top view in which the outer circumferential surface of the magnetic rotor is developed flat. [ Fig. Figure 6] is a cross-sectional view of a stator unit. [ Fig. Figure 7] is a perspective view of the sensor board and the board support element. [ Fig. Figure 8] is another perspective view of the sensor board and the board support element. [ Fig. Figure 9] is a view that explains the arrangement of the magnetic sensor. [ Fig. Figure 10] is a view that schematically shows the positional relationship between the pole tooth of the stator and the magnetic sensor. [ Fig. Figure 11] is a perspective view of the control board. [ Fig. Figure 12] is a view showing the connection relationship between the microcomputer, the stepper motor and the magnetic sensor. [ Fig.

[13] is a view that shows an example of the relationship between momentum and driving current. [ Fig. Figure 14] is a view that schematically shows the positional relationship between the magnetic rotor and the stator (upon input of the pulse P[1]). [ Fig. Figure 15] is a view that schematically shows the positional relationship between the magnetic rotor and the stator (upon input of the pulse P[2]). [ Fig. 16] is a view that schematically shows the positional relationship between the magnetic rotor and the stator (upon input of the pulse P[3]). [ Fig. 17] is a view that schematically shows the positional relationship between the magnetic rotor and the stator (upon input of the pulse P[4]). [ Fig. 18] is a view that schematically shows the positional relationship between the magnetic rotor and the stator (upon input of the pulse P[5]). [ Fig. 19] is a view that schematically shows the positional relationship between the magnetic rotor and the stator (upon input of the pulse P[6]). [ Fig. 20] is a view that schematically shows the positional relationship between the magnetic rotor and the stator (upon input of the pulse P[7]). [ Fig. 21] is a view that schematically shows the positional relationship between the magnetic rotor and the stator (upon input of the pulse P[8]). [ Fig.

[22] is a view showing an example of the output signal of the magnetic sensor. [ Fig.

[23] is a view showing an example of the relationship between time, the pulse input into the stepper motor, the direction and angle of rotation of the magnetic rotor, and the output signal of the magnetic sensor. [ Fig. 24] is a view that explains the movement of the magnetic rotor in the state in which the rotation of the magnetic rotor in the first direction is restricted. [ Fig.

[25] is a view that explains the motion of the magnetic rotor in the state where the rotation of the magnetic rotor in the first direction is restricted. (Continued from Fig. 24.) [ Fig.

[26] is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the solenoid valve control device. [ Fig. 27] is a bottom view and a top view of the construction of a first modified example of the magnetic rotor. [ Fig. 28] is a bottom view and a top view of the construction of a second modified example of the magnetic rotor. embodiment of the invention

[0020] The following is an explanation of an exemplary embodiment of the solenoid valve device of the present invention with reference to the Fig. 1 to 26.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 is a block view of an air conditioning system comprising an electric valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve device, which includes a solenoid valve and a solenoid valve control device. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a magnetic rotor of the solenoid valve. Fig. 4A is a bottom view of a magnetic rotor. Fig. 4B is a top view of the magnetic rotor. Fig. Figure 5 is a top view showing the outer circumferential surface of the magnetic rotor as flat. Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a magnetic pole of the drive rotor and a magnetic pole of the detection rotor of the magnetic rotor. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a stator unit of the solenoid valve. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a sensor board and a board support element of the solenoid valve. Fig. Figure 8 is another perspective view of the sensor board and the board support element. Fig. Figure 9 is a view that explains the arrangement of the magnetic sensor of the solenoid valve. Fig. Figure 10 is a view that schematically shows the positional relationship between a pole tooth of the stator and the magnetic sensor. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the control board of the solenoid valve control unit. Fig. Figure 12 is a view that schematically shows the connection relationship between the microcomputer of the solenoid valve control unit, the stepper motor of the solenoid valve and the magnetic sensor. Fig. Figure 13 is a view showing an example of the relationship between the impulse and the driving current supplied to the stators (A-phase stator, B-phase stator). Fig. Figures 14 to 21 are views that schematically show the positional relationship between the magnet rotor and the stator. Fig. 14 to 21 correspond to the cases of inputting the pulses P[1] to P[8] to the stepper motor. Fig. Figure 22A is a view showing an example of the output signal of the magnetic sensor when the magnetic rotor is rotated in the first direction. Fig. Figure 22B is a view showing an example of the output signal of the magnetic sensor when the magnetic rotor is rotated in the second direction. Fig. Figure 23 is a view showing an example of the relationship between time, the pulse input to the stepper motor, the direction and angle of rotation of the magnetic rotor, and the output signal of the magnetic sensor. Fig. 24, Fig. 25 are views that explain the movement of the magnetic rotor in the state in which the rotation of the magnetic rotor in the first direction is restricted. Fig. Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the behavior of the solenoid valve control device. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 6 shows the magnetic sensor with a dashed line. Fig. 2, Fig. 6 to 9 and Fig. In diagram 11, the X direction indicated by arrow X is a transverse direction, the Y direction indicated by arrow Y is a longitudinal direction, and the Z direction indicated by arrow Z is a vertical direction. In the case of arrow X, the side with the letter "X" indicates a direction to the right, in the case of arrow Y, the side with the letter "Y" indicates a direction forward, and in the case of arrow Z, the side with the letter "Z" indicates a direction upward.

[0022] The solenoid valve device 1 according to the present embodiment comprises a solenoid valve 5 and a solenoid valve control unit (hereinafter referred to as "control unit 100").

[0023] The solenoid valve device 1 is, for example, installed in an air conditioning system 400 according to Fig. The air conditioning system 400 includes a compressor 401, a condenser 402, an electric valve 1 (an electric valve 5), and an evaporator 403. The compressor 401, the condenser 402, the electric valve 5, and the evaporator 403 are connected in series via a pipe 405. The air conditioning system 400 includes the air conditioning control unit 410. The air conditioning control unit 410 is connected to the electric valve 1 (the control unit 100) via the communication bus 420. The air conditioning control unit 410 controls the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing through the pipe 405 using the electric valve 1.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the solenoid valve 5 comprises a valve main body 10, a canned tube 20, a drive mechanism 30, a valve body 40, a stator unit 50, a sensor board 90 and a magnetic sensor 91.

[0025] The valve body 10 is made, for example, of a metal such as an aluminum alloy. The valve body 10 comprises a main body element 11, a support element 12, and a connecting element 13. The main body element 11 is cuboid in shape. The main body element 11 has a mounting hole 11a. The mounting hole 11a is located on the upper surface 11b of the main body element 11. The support element 12 is cylindrical in shape. The lower part of the support element 12 is located at the mounting hole 11a. The support element 12 is attached to the main body element 11 by a threaded connection. The upper part of the support element 12 protrudes from the upper surface 11b of the main body element 11. The support element 12 has an adjustment hole 12a. The adjustment hole 12a is located on the upper surface of the support element 12.The main body element 11 has a valve chamber 14, a flow channel 15, a flow channel 16, a valve opening 17, and a valve seat 18. The flow channel 15 is connected to the valve chamber 14. The flow channel 16 is connected to the valve chamber 14 via the valve opening 17. The valve seat 18 surrounds the valve opening 17 in the valve chamber 14. The connecting element 13 has a round, annular disc shape. The inner circumferential edge of the connecting element 13 is joined to the upper part of the support element 12.

[0026] The split tube 20 is made, for example, of a metal such as stainless steel. The split tube 20 has a cylindrical shape. One end of the split tube 20 is closed, and the other end is open. The lower end of the split tube 20 is joined to an outer circumferential edge of the connecting element 13. The split tube 20 forms a casing.

[0027] The drive mechanism 30 moves the valve body 40 in a vertical direction (along the axis L). The drive mechanism 30 is located inside the can 20. The drive mechanism 30 comprises a magnetic rotor 31, a valve stem holder 32, and a guide bushing 33.

[0028] Fig. Figures 3 to 5 show the magnetic rotor 31. The magnetic rotor 31 has a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the magnetic rotor 31 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the slotted tube 20. The magnetic rotor 31 comprises a drive rotor 311 and a detection rotor 312 as a single unit.

[0029] The drive rotor 311 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The drive rotor 311 has a plurality of drive magnet poles cp. The plurality of drive magnet poles cp is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the drive rotor 311. The plurality of drive magnet poles cp extends in a vertical direction. The plurality of drive magnet poles cp comprises the plurality of north poles and the plurality of south poles. The plurality of north poles and the plurality of south poles are arranged alternately at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the drive rotor 311 has 12 north poles and 12 south poles, and the total number of drive magnet poles cp is 24. The length of the drive magnet poles cp in the circumferential direction is equal. The central angle α1, which corresponds to the length of the drive magnet poles cp in the circumferential direction, is 15 degrees.The multitude of drive magnet poles cp is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the drive rotor 311 in the circumferential direction with alternating polarity and each has the same length in the circumferential direction.

[0030] The sensing rotor 312 is connected to the upper end of the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312 can also be connected to the lower end of the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312 is arranged coaxially with the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312 rotates together with the drive rotor 311. The outer diameter of the sensing rotor 312 is equal to the outer diameter of the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface.

[0031] The detection rotor 312 has a plurality of detection magnetic poles dp1 to dp6. These detection magnetic poles are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the detection rotor 312. The plurality of detection magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 represents the plurality of north poles and the plurality of south poles. Detection magnetic poles dp1, dp3, and dp5 are north poles. Detection magnetic poles dp2, dp4, and dp6 are south poles. The detection magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 are arranged circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface of the detection rotor 312 with alternating polarity.

[0032] The central angle β1, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp1 in the circumferential direction, is 10 degrees.

[0033] The central angle β2, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp2 in the circumferential direction, is 30 degrees.

[0034] The central angle β3, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp3 in the circumferential direction, is 45 degrees.

[0035] The central angle β4, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp4 in the circumferential direction, is 50 degrees.

[0036] The central angle β5, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp5 in the circumferential direction, is 100 degrees.

[0037] The central angle β6, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp6 in the circumferential direction, is 125 degrees.

[0038] The detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6 differ in polarity and / or circumferential length. The detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6 can have the same circumferential length as long as they have different polarities.

[0039] The lengths of the detection magnet poles dp1, dp3, dp5 in the circumferential direction differ from each other. When the lengths of the detection magnet poles dp1, dp3, and dp5 in the circumferential direction are set to B1, B3, and B5, the formula B1 applies. <B3<B5. Die Längen der Erfassungsmagnetpole dp2, dp4, dp6 in der Umfangsrichtung unterscheiden sich voneinander. Wenn die Längen der Erfassungsmagnetpole dp2, dp4 und dp6 in der Umfangsrichtung auf B2, B4 und B6 eingestellt sind, gilt die Formel B2<B4<B6. Beim Elektroventil 5 gilt die Formel B1<B2<B3<B4<B5<B6. Von den Längen der Erfassungsmagnetpole dp1 bis dp6 in der Umfangsrichtung ist die Länge des Erfassungsmagnetpols dp1 in der Umfangsrichtung die kürzeste und die Länge des Erfassungsmagnetpols dp6 in der Umfangsrichtung die längste. Der Erfassungsmagnetpol dp1 ist der minimale Erfassungsmagnetpol. Der Erfassungsmagnetpol dp6 ist der maximale Erfassungsmagnetpol.

[0040] The detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6 are arranged next to each other in the circumferential direction in order of their lengths. Fig. In 4B, the detection magnet poles are arranged counterclockwise (to the left) in the sequence dp1, dp2, dp3, dp4, dp5, and dp6. The lengths of the detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6 in the circumferential direction gradually increase counterclockwise. The lengths of the detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6 in the circumferential direction can also gradually increase clockwise.

[0041] In the case of the solenoid valve 5, the circumferential length of the sensing magnet pole dp1 is smaller than the circumferential length of the drive magnet poles cp. When the circumferential length of the drive magnet poles cp is set to A1, formula B1 applies. <A1. Es wird bevorzugt, dass die Formel B1≤A1 gilt. Die Länge in der Umfangsrichtung des Erfassungsmagnetpols dp1 kann größer als die Länge der Antriebsmagnetpole cp in der Umfangsrichtung sein. Beim Elektroventil 5 verläuft die Linie E1 als Gerade, die durch die Mitte des Erfassungsmagnetpols dp1 in der Umfangsrichtung verläuft, durch die Mitte des Antriebsmagnetpols cp1 von der Vielzahl der Antriebsmagnetpole cp in der Umfangsrichtung. Die Linie E1 kann von der Mitte des Antriebsmagnetpols cp1 in der Umfangsrichtung versetzt sein.

[0042] When the center of the detection magnet pole dp1 is set to 0 degrees in the circumferential direction on the detection rotor 312, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the boundary between the sensing magnet pole dp1 and the sensing magnet pole dp6 is located at a position rotated by 5 degrees around the axis L, the boundary between the sensing magnet pole dp6 and the sensing magnet pole dp5 is located at a position rotated by 130 degrees around the axis L, the boundary between the sensing magnet pole dp5 and the sensing magnet pole dp4 is located at a position rotated by 230 degrees around the axis L, the boundary between the sensing magnet pole dp4 and the sensing magnet pole dp3 is located at a position rotated by 280 degrees around the axis L, the boundary between the sensing magnet pole dp3 and the sensing magnet pole dp2 is located at a position rotated by 325 degrees around the axis L, and the boundary between the sensing magnet pole dp2 and the sensing magnet pole dp1 is located at a position that rotated 355 degrees around the L axis.

[0043] The valve stem holder 32 has a cylindrical shape. One end of the valve stem holder 32 is closed, and the other end is open. A support ring 35 is fixed to the upper wall of the valve stem holder 32. The support ring 35 connects the magnetic rotor 31 to the valve stem holder 32. The inner circumferential surface of the valve stem holder 32 is provided with an internal thread 32c.

[0044] The guide bushing 33 comprises a foundation 33a and a support 33b formed in one piece. The foundation 33a is cylindrical. The support 33b is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the support 33b is smaller than the outer diameter of the foundation 33a. The support 33b is connected coaxially to the upper end of the foundation 33a. The outer circumferential surface of the support 33b is provided with an external thread 33c. The external thread 33c is screwed into the internal thread 32c of the valve stem holder 32. The foundation 33a is pressed into the adapter hole 12a of the support element 12 of the valve body 10. The guide bushing 33 is coupled to the valve body 10.

[0045] A movable stop 32s is attached to the valve stem holder 32. A fixed stop 33s is attached to the base 33a of the guide bushing 33. When the movable stop 32s comes into contact with the fixed stop 33s, the rotation of the valve stem holder 32 (i.e., the magnetic rotor 31) is restricted in the first direction. The movable stop 32s and the fixed stop 33s form a stop mechanism 38. The stop mechanism 38 restricts the rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the first direction.

[0046] The valve body 40 integrally comprises a first stem section 41, a second stem section 42, and a valve section 43. The first stem section 41 is columnar in shape. It is located within the guide bushing 33 and within the support element 12. The lower end of the first stem section 41 is located in the valve chamber 14. The second stem section 42 is also columnar in shape. The diameter of the second stem section 42 is smaller than the diameter of the first stem section 41. The second stem section 42 is coaxially connected to the upper end of the first stem section 41. The second stem section 42 passes through a hole provided in the upper wall section of the valve stem holder 32. A pressure nut 36 is attached to the second stem section 42 to secure it against falling out.The valve section 43 has a conical shape, the diameter of which gradually decreases from the upper end to the lower end. The valve section 43 is connected coaxially to the lower end of the first stem section 41. The valve section 43 is located in the valve chamber 14. The valve section 43 is vertically opposite the valve opening 17. The valve section 43 opens and closes the valve opening 17. When the valve section 43 comes into contact with the valve seat 18, the valve opening 17 is closed. When the valve section 43 leaves the valve seat 18, the valve opening 17 opens. The valve body 40 has a step 44. The step 44 is an upwardly directed, annular, flat surface. The step 44 is located at the junction between the first stem section 41 and the second stem section 42. A valve closing spring 37 is located between the step 44 and the upper wall portion of the valve stem holder 32.The valve closing spring 37 is a helical compression spring. The valve closing spring 37 pushes the valve body 40 downwards. The valve body 40 is formed, for example, by machining a cylindrical workpiece.

[0047] The stator unit 50 comprises a stator 60, a housing 70, and a casing 80.

[0048] The stator 60 has a cylindrical shape. The stator 60 comprises an A-phase stator 61 and a B-phase stator 62.

[0049] The A-phase stator 61 has a plurality of claw-type pole teeth 61a and 61b on its inner circumference. The tips of the pole teeth 61a point downwards, while the tips of the pole teeth 61b point upwards. The pole teeth 61a and 61b are arranged alternately at equal intervals around the circumference. In the present embodiment, the A-phase stator 61 has 12 pole teeth 61a and 12 pole teeth 61b. The angle between adjacent pole teeth 61a and 61b is 15 degrees. When the coil 61c of the A-phase stator 61 is energized, the pole teeth 61a and 61b are polarized differently.

[0050] The B-phase stator 62 has a plurality of claw-type pole teeth 62a and 62b around its inner circumference. The tips of the pole teeth 62a point downwards, while the tips of the pole teeth 62b point upwards. The pole teeth 62a and 62b are arranged alternately at equal intervals around the circumference. In the present embodiment, the B-phase stator 62 has 12 pole teeth 62a and 12 pole teeth 62b. The angle between adjacent pole teeth 62a and 62b is 15 degrees. When the coil 62c of the B-phase stator 62 is energized, the pole teeth 62a and 62b are polarized differently. The B-phase stator 62 has the same (including the meaning "essentially the same") construction as the A-phase stator 61.

[0051] The A-phase stator 61 and the B-phase stator 62 are arranged coaxially. The A-phase stator 61 and the B-phase stator 62 are in contact with each other. The angle between the pole teeth 61a of the A-phase stator 61 and the pole teeth 62a of the B-phase stator 62, arranged side by side in the direction of the axis L, is 7.5 degrees. This angle is half the angle between adjacent pole teeth 61a and 61b, and half the angle between adjacent pole teeth 62a and 62b. The coil 61c of the A-phase stator 61 and the coil 62c of the B-phase stator 62 are connected to the multiple terminals 65.

[0052] The housing 70 is made of synthetic resin. The housing 70 has a cylindrical shape. The housing 70 is injection-molded. The housing 70 accommodates the stator 60. The housing 70 and the stator 60 are formed in one piece (using the insert-molding process). The stator 60 and the housing 70 can be manufactured separately to fit the stator 60 into the housing 70.

[0053] The stator unit 50 has an interior space 74, which is delimited by the inner surface of the housing 70 and the inner circumferential surface of the stator 60. The can 20 is arranged in the interior space 74. The stator 60 and the magnetic rotor 31 (drive rotor 311) form a stepper motor 66. When the stator 60 (coils 61c, 62c) is energized, attractive and repulsive forces act between the drive magnet pole cp of the drive rotor 311 and the pole teeth 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b of the stator 60, causing the drive rotor 311 to rotate.

[0054] The housing 70 has a circuit board compartment 75. The circuit board compartment 75 extends horizontally (in the direction orthogonal to the axis L). The circuit board compartment 75 is located adjacent to the interior space 74. A partition 76 is provided between the interior space 74 and the circuit board compartment 75. The partition 76 separates the interior space 74 from the circuit board compartment 75. The cross-section (the section that is orthogonal to the direction of the axis L) of the partition 76 has a circular arc shape along the outer circumferential surface of the slot tube 20.

[0055] The casing 80 is made of synthetic resin. The casing 80 has a rectangular box shape. The casing 80 is attached to the housing 70. The space 85 inside the casing 80 is connected to the circuit board space 75 via the opening 80a. A connection 83 is provided on the upper part of the casing 80.

[0056] Fig. 7, Fig. Figure 8 shows a sensor board 90. The sensor board 90 is a printed circuit board on which electronic components are mounted. The sensor board 90 is housed in the board space 75. The sensor board 90 is arranged horizontally. The first end 90a of the sensor board 90 is located in the space 85 of the housing 80. The second end 90b of the sensor board 90 is located near the partition 76. A board support element 95 is attached to the sensor board 90. A hub 87 of the housing 80 is located inside the cylindrical part 97 of the board support element 95. The sensor board 90 is attached to the hub 87 via the board support element 95. A magnetic sensor 91 is mounted on the sensor board 90.

[0057] The magnetic sensor 91 is a Hall-effect IC. The output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 is a binary signal. The magnetic sensor 91 is located at the second end 90b of the sensor board 90.

[0058] The magnetic sensor 91 is arranged radially to the sensing rotor 312 of the magnetic rotor 31 via the slotted tube 20 and the partition 76. In other words, the magnetic sensor 91 is arranged radially (horizontally) relative to the sensing rotor 312 via the slotted tube 20 and the partition 76. The magnetic sensor 91 detects the magnetic field on which one of the sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 is generated, which is radially opposite the magnetic sensor 91. The magnetic sensor 91 can also be arranged vertically relative to the sensing rotor 312.

[0059] The output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 corresponds to the direction of the magnetic field generated by the detection magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 of the detection rotor 312. Specifically, this means that the magnetic sensor 91 outputs an H signal (first signal value) as output signal K when it has detected a magnetic field associated with the north pole, and an L signal (second signal value) as output signal K when it has detected a magnetic field associated with the south pole.

[0060] The output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 can be an analog signal corresponding to the direction of the magnetic field. The solenoid valve 5 can have two or more magnetic sensors 91.

[0061] In Fig. Figure 9 shows an example of the arrangement of the magnetic sensor 91. Fig. Figure 9 is a top view of the slotted tube 20, the magnet rotor 31, the stator 60, the sensor board 90 and the magnetic sensor 91. Fig. Figure 9 shows the slotted tube 20 and the magnetic rotor 31, which are cut in a plane that includes the upper surface of the stator 60. Fig. Figure 9 shows the sensor board 90 and the magnetic sensor 91 with a dashed line. Fig. 9 connects line M1 with axis L and the magnetic sensing part of the magnetic sensor 91. Line M1 is a straight line that runs orthogonally to axis L. Line M1 passes through the center of pole tooth 61a of the A-phase stator 61 in the circumferential direction ( Fig. 14).

[0062] Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic example of the positional relationship between the A-phase stator 61, the B-phase stator 62, and the magnetic sensor 91. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, from the perspective of the A-phase stator 61 and the B-phase stator 62, the center of the pole tooth 61a of the A-phase stator 61 and the magnet detection part of the magnetic sensor 91 are arranged radially on line L1. Line L1 is a straight line that runs parallel to the axis L. Line L1 is orthogonal to line M1.

[0063] In the case of the solenoid valve 5, the central axis of the main body element 11 (valve opening 17, valve seat 18), of the support element 12, of the connecting element 13, of the canned tube 20, of the magnetic rotor 31 (drive rotor 311, sensing rotor 312), of the valve body 40 and of the stator 60 (A-phase stator 61, B-phase stator 62) coincides with the axis L.

[0064] When the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the solenoid valve 5 in the first direction, the magnetic rotor 31 and the valve stem holder 32 move downwards due to the thrust effect of the internal thread 32c of the valve stem holder 32 and the external thread 33c of the guide bushing 33. The valve stem holder 32 pushes the valve body 40 downwards via the valve closing spring 37. The valve body 40 moves downwards and comes into contact with the valve seat 18. The position of the magnetic rotor 31 at this point is in the closed valve position Rc. If the magnetic rotor 31 continues to rotate in the first direction from this state, the valve closing spring 37 is compressed, and the magnetic rotor 31 and the valve stem holder 32 continue to move downwards. The valve body 40 does not move downwards.When the movable stop 32s comes into contact with the fixed stop 33s, the rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the first direction is restricted. The position of the magnetic rotor 31 at this time is in the reference position Rx.

[0065] As the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the solenoid valve 5 in the second direction, the magnetic rotor 31 and the valve stem holder 32 move upwards due to the thrust effect of the internal thread 32c of the valve stem holder 32 and the external thread 33c of the guide bushing 33. The valve stem holder 32 pushes the pressure nut 36 upwards. The valve body 40 moves upwards and leaves the valve seat 18. As the magnetic rotor 31 continues to rotate in the valve opening direction, it reaches the fully open position Rz. When the magnetic rotor 31 is in the fully open position Rz, the valve body 40 is furthest away from the valve opening 17.

[0066] The solenoid valve 5 can be designed such that the valve body 40 is located away from the valve seat 18 when the magnetic rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx.

[0067] When the magnetic rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx at the solenoid valve 5, the center of the sensing magnet pole dp1 is positioned circumferentially on line M1, and the sensing magnet pole dp1 is aligned radially with the magnetic sensor 91 next to the magnetic sensor 91. The sensing magnet pole dp1 is the reference sensing magnet pole. When the magnetic rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx, any one of the sensing magnet poles dp2 to dp6 can be aligned radially with the magnetic sensor 91. The rotation angle of the magnetic rotor 31 is 0 degrees when the magnetic rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx. When the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the second direction, the rotation angle increases, and when the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the first direction, the rotation angle decreases.

[0068] When the magnetic rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx at the solenoid valve 5, the drive magnet pole cp1 is aligned next to the pole tooth 61a of the A-phase stator 61 in the radial direction of the magnetic rotor 31.

[0069] The control unit 100 includes a control board 110 and a microcomputer 120.

[0070] Fig. Figure 11 shows a control board 110. The control board 110 is a printed circuit board on which electronic components are mounted. The control board 110 is located in space 85 of the housing 80. The control board 110 is arranged vertically. The control board 110 is arranged at a right angle to the sensor board 90. The control board 110 is located near the first end 90a of the sensor board 90. The control board 110 is connected to the sensor board 90 via the terminal block 93. The plurality of terminals 65 of the stator 60 are connected to the control board 110. The hub 87 of the housing 80 is positioned at the through-hole 112 of the control board 110. The control board 110 is attached to the hub 87. The microcomputer 120 is mounted on the control board 110.

[0071] As in Fig. 1, Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the microcomputer 120, for example, is a microcomputer for built-in devices in which a CPU 121 as the central processing unit, a non-volatile memory 122, a motor driver 123, a working memory 124, and a communication module 125, etc., are integrated into a single bundle. The microcomputer 120 controls the solenoid valve 5. The non-volatile memory, the working memory, the communication module, and the motor driver can be separate electronic components that are externally connected to the microcomputer 120.

[0072] The CPU 121 executes the program stored in the non-volatile memory 122 and functions as various functional units. The main memory 124 stores the variables used by the various functional units. The communication module 125 is connected to the air conditioning control unit 410 via the communication bus 420. The motor driver 123 is connected to the stepper motor 66. Specifically, this means that the motor driver 123, as shown in Fig. Figure 12 shows the connection between coil 61c of the A-phase stator 61 and coil 62c of the B-phase stator 62. The motor driver 123 supplies a drive current to coils 61c and 62c corresponding to the pulse P.

[0073] The pulses P (P[1] to P[8]) are input to the stepper motor 66, causing the magnetic rotor 31 to rotate. Specifically, this means that, according to the pulses P, the drive current is supplied to the stator 60 of the stepper motor 66, causing the magnetic rotor 31 to rotate. In this description, the phrase "the pulses P are input to the stepper motor 66" is synonymous with the phrase "the drive current is supplied to the stator 60 of the stepper motor 66 according to the pulses P". The pulses P are repeatedly input to the stepper motor 66 in ascending or descending order. The pulses P[1] to P[8] are pulses P for one cycle and represent a plurality of pulses P that are repeatedly input to the stepper motor 66 in a predefined sequence.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the excitation mode of the stepper motor 66 is 1-2 phase excitation, and the step angle of the stepper motor 66 is 3.75 degrees. When the magnetic rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx, the movable stop 32s rests against the fixed stop 33s, and the rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the first direction is restricted. The required number of pulses P (initialization count) is 500 to rotate the magnetic rotor 31 from the reference position Rx to the fully open position Rz.

[0075] The stepper motor 66 receives the pulses P[1] to P[8] successively from Fig. 13 entered. In Fig. Figures 14 to 21 are schematic examples of the positional relationship between the magnetic rotor 31 and the stator 60 when pulses P[1] to P[8] are input. Fig. Figure 14 shows the state in which the magnetic rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx. Fig. The rotation angle of the magnetic rotor is 310 degrees. Fig. 14 to Fig. Figure 21 schematically shows the magnetic poles of the magnetic rotors 31 (drive rotor 311, detection rotor 312) and the pole teeth of the stator 60. Fig. 14 to Fig. 21 For better understanding of the positional relationship between the magnetic rotor 31 and the stator 60 (A-phase stator 61, B-phase stator 62), the pole tooth 61a is marked as a reference and the magnetic pole of the magnetic rotor 31 (drive magnetic pole cp1) is marked with a symbol (a black dot).

[0076] If the pulses P are input into the stepper motor 66 in ascending order (in the sequence P[1] to P[8]), the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the second direction (counterclockwise). Fig. 14 to 21).

[0077] If the pulses P are input into the stepper motor 66 in descending order (in the order P[8] to P[1]), the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the first direction (clockwise). Fig. 14 to 21).

[0078] As the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the first and second directions, the magnetic sensor 91 repeatedly outputs the H and L signals sequentially, corresponding to the detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6. The H and L signals corresponding to the detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6 are the signal components corresponding to these poles in the output signal K. Since the polarity and / or circumferential length differ between the detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6, the signal value and / or length of the signal components corresponding to these poles in the output signal K also differ.

[0079] The magnetic sensor 91 outputs the H-signal according to the detection magnet pole dp1, where the length of the H-signal corresponds to approximately 3 pulses P. The magnetic sensor 91 outputs the L-signal according to the detection magnet pole dp2, where the length of the L-signal corresponds to approximately 8 pulses P. The magnetic sensor 91 outputs the H-signal according to the detection magnet pole dp3, where the length of the H-signal corresponds to approximately 12 pulses P. The magnetic sensor 91 outputs the L signal according to the detection magnet pole dp4, where the length of the L signal corresponds to approximately 13 pulses P. The magnetic sensor 91 outputs the H-signal according to the detection magnet pole dp5, where the length of the H-signal corresponds to approximately 27 pulses P. The magnetic sensor 91 outputs the L signal according to the detection magnet pole dp6, where the length of the L signal corresponds to approximately 33 pulses P.

[0080] Fig. Figure 22A shows an example of the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 during rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the first direction at a constant speed. In the waveform of the output signal K corresponding to one rotation (360 degrees) of the magnetic rotor 31, the lengths of the H signal and the L signal gradually increase. The corresponding waveform is repeated for each revolution of the magnetic rotor 31.

[0081] Fig. Figure 22B shows an example of the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 during rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the second direction at a constant speed. In the waveform of the output signal K corresponding to one rotation (360 degrees) of the magnetic rotor 31, the lengths of the H signal and the L signal gradually decrease. The corresponding waveform is repeated for each revolution of the magnetic rotor 31.

[0082] The magnetic sensor 91 outputs a signal K corresponding to the direction of rotation of the magnetic rotor 312. This means that the waveform of the output signal K differs when the sensing rotor 312 rotates in the first direction from the waveform of the output signal K when the sensing rotor 312 rotates in the second direction. Therefore, the control unit 100 can detect the direction of rotation of the magnetic rotor 312 based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91.

[0083] Furthermore, the positions (angles) of the boundaries between the detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6 (north pole, south pole) on the outer circumferential surface of the detection rotor 312 are predefined. When the boundary passes a position where it is aligned radially with the magnetic sensor 91, the output signal K changes from the high signal to the low signal or vice versa. Therefore, the control unit 100 can obtain the rotation angle of the magnetic rotor 31 based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91. In particular, the control unit 100 can obtain the absolute rotation angle (0 to 360 degrees) of the magnetic rotor 31 at the time of the second change based on the signal value and the duration of the output signal K between the first and second changes.The control unit 100 can calibrate the rotation angle (variable) of the magnetic rotor 31, which is used for control, using the absolute rotation angle of the magnetic rotor 31.

[0084] Next, the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 of the solenoid valve device 1 is measured at the time of rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the first direction based on the Fig. 23 to Fig. 25 explained. Fig. Figure 23 shows an example of the pulses P, direction and angle of rotation of the magnetic rotor 31, and the output signal K, which are input into the stepper motor 66 at times T1 to T113. Fig. 24, Fig. Figure 25 describes views that explain the behavior of the magnetic rotor 31 in the state where the rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the first direction is restricted. Fig. 24, Fig. For better understanding of the positional relationship between the magnetic rotor 31 and the stator 60 (A-phase stator 61, B-phase stator 62), the pole tooth 61a and the drive magnet pole cp1 (south pole) of the drive rotor 311 are marked with a symbol (a black dot) in Figure 25. Fig. 24, Fig. 25 is the direction to the right, the first direction, and the direction to the left, the second direction. Fig. 24A to Fig. 24D and Fig. 25A to Fig. 25D correspond to time points T105 to T113 in Fig. 23.

[0085] If the control unit 100 repeatedly inputs pulses P in descending order into the stepper motor 66 at predetermined time intervals (time T1 to T113), the magnetic rotor 31 rotates by the step angle in the first direction. If pulse P[1] is input into the stepper motor 66 at time T1, the rotation angle of the magnetic rotor 31 is 390 degrees.

[0086] If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 between times T1 and T7 (rotation angle: 390.00 to 367.50 degrees), the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the L signal. If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 at time T8, the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the first direction and the output signal K changes from the L signal to the H signal at the time when the magnetic rotor 31 passes the position at which the rotation angle is 365 degrees.

[0087] If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 between times T8 and T10 (rotation angle: 363.75 to 356.25 degrees), the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the H signal. The H signal between times T8 and T10 corresponds to the sensing magnetic pole dp1. If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 at time T11, the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the first direction, and the output signal K changes from the H signal to the L signal at the time when the magnetic rotor 31 passes the position at which the rotation angle is 355 degrees.

[0088] If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 between times T11 and T18 (rotation angle: 352.50 to 326.25 degrees), the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the L signal. The L signal between times T11 and T18 corresponds to the sensing magnetic pole dp2. If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 at time T19, the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the first direction, and the output signal K changes from the L signal to the H signal at the time when the magnetic rotor 31 passes the position at which the rotation angle is 325 degrees.

[0089] If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 between times T19 and T30 (rotation angle: 322.50 to 281.25 degrees), the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the H signal. The H signal between times T19 and T30 corresponds to the sensing magnetic pole dp3. If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 at time T31, the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the first direction, and the output signal K changes from the H signal to the L signal at the time when the magnetic rotor 31 passes the position where the rotation angle is 280 degrees.

[0090] If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 between times T31 and T43 (rotation angle: 277.50 to 232.50 degrees), the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the L signal. The L signal between times T31 and T43 corresponds to the sensing magnetic pole dp4. If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 at time T44, the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the first direction, and the output signal K changes from the L signal to the H signal at the time when the magnetic rotor 31 passes the position where the rotation angle is 230 degrees.

[0091] If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 between times T44 and T70 (rotation angle: 228.75 to 131.25 degrees), the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the H signal. The H signal between times T44 and T70 corresponds to the sensing magnetic pole dp5. If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 at time T71, the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the first direction, and the output signal K changes from the H signal to the L signal at the time when the magnetic rotor 31 passes the position where the rotation angle is 130 degrees.

[0092] If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 between times T71 and T103 (rotation angle: 127.50 to 7.50 degrees), the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the L signal. The L signal between times T71 and T103 corresponds to the sensing magnetic pole dp6. If the pulse P is applied to the stepper motor 66 at time T104, the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the first direction, and the output signal K changes from the L signal to the H signal at the time when the magnetic rotor 31 passes the position where the rotation angle is 5 degrees.

[0093] When the pulse P[1] is input into the stepper motor 66 at time T105, the magnetic rotor 31 is positioned in the reference position Rx and its rotation angle is 0 degrees. The magnetic sensor 91 outputs the H-signal at time T105. The H-signal at time T105 corresponds to the sensing magnetic pole dp1. When the magnetic rotor 31 is positioned in the reference position Rx, as shown in Fig. As shown in 24A, the movable stop 32s comes into contact with the fixed stop 33s and the rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the first direction is restricted.

[0094] If the pulses P[8], P[7], P[6] and P[5] are input into the stepper motor 66 at times T106, T107, T108 and T109, as in Fig. 24B, Fig. 24C, Fig. 24D and Fig. As shown in 25A, the magnetic rotor 31 does not rotate. Therefore, the rotation angle of the magnetic rotor 31 after input of the pulses P at times T106, T107, T108 and T109 is 0 degrees and the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the H signal.

[0095] If the pulse P[4] is input into the stepper motor 66 at time T110, the magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the second direction by an angle three times the step angle and the output signal K changes from the H signal to the L signal, as shown in Fig. Figure 25B shows the magnetic rotor 31 passing the position where the rotation angle is 5 degrees. The magnetic rotor 31 is in the same position as at time T102 (rotation angle: 11.25 degrees). Time T102 is the time at which pulse P[4] was applied immediately before time T110. After pulse P is applied at time T110, the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the L signal. The L signal immediately after time T110 corresponds to the detection magnet pole dp6.

[0096] If the pulses P[3], P[2] and P[1] are input into the stepper motor 66 at times T111, T112 and T113, as shown in Fig. 25°C, Fig. 25D and Fig. As shown in Figure 24A, the magnetic rotor 31 rotates by the step angle in the first direction. After input of pulse P at time T111 (rotation angle: 7.50 degrees), the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the L signal. After input of pulse P at time T112 (rotation angle: 3.75 degrees), the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the H signal. After input of pulse P at time T113 (rotation angle: 0.00 degrees), the magnetic sensor 91 outputs the H signal. At times T111 to T113, the output signal K changes from the L signal to the H signal when the magnetic rotor 31 passes the position at which the rotation angle is 5 degrees.

[0097] Subsequently, the output signal K repeats the same changes as at times T106 to T113, corresponding to the input of pulses P[8] to P[1]. This means that the magnetic sensor 91 is alternately aligned radially next to the detection magnet pole dp1 and the detection magnet pole dp6 and repeatedly outputs an H-signal corresponding to approximately 6 pulses P and an L-signal corresponding to approximately 2 pulses P. The lengths of these H- and L-signals differ from each of the lengths of the signal components (H-signals and L-signals) corresponding to the detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6.

[0098] While the magnetic rotor 31 rotates normally, the output signal K of the magnetic rotor 91 contains only the H and L signals corresponding to the detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6. If the rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the first direction is restricted, the H signals (times T104 to T109) are output after the L signals corresponding to detection magnet pole dp6 (times T71 to T103). The length of these H signals differs from that of the H signals corresponding to detection magnet pole dp1. That is to say: If the rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the first direction is restricted, the output of the signal components corresponding to detection magnet pole dp1 is not terminated, and these signal components do not appear in the output signal K.Therefore, the control unit 100 can detect that the magnetic rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx by assessing whether the signal parts corresponding to the detection magnetic pole dp1 are included in the output signal K or not.

[0099] Next, an example of the process of control unit 100 (process in which the magnetic rotor 31 is brought into the reference position Rx) will be shown using the flowchart of the Fig. 26 explained.

[0100] The control unit 100 (specifically, CPU 121) inputs a pulse P into the stepper motor 66 in descending order (S110). The magnetic rotor 31 rotates in the first direction. The control unit 100 receives the output signal K from the magnetic sensor 91 (S120). If the signal component corresponding to the sensing magnetic pole dp1 (reference sensing magnetic pole) is included in the output signal K (J at S130), the control unit 100 determines that the magnetic rotor 31 is rotating in the first direction and inputs the next pulse P (returning to S110). If the signal component corresponding to the sensing magnetic pole dp1 is not included in the output signal K (N at S130), the control unit 100 determines that the magnetic rotor 31 is not rotating and detects that the rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the first direction is restricted (S140).This causes the control unit 100 to terminate its operation, assuming that the magnetic rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx.

[0101] The control unit 100 can detect, based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91, that the rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 in the first direction has been restricted by the stop mechanism 38. The control unit 100 can also detect, based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91, for example, that the rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 has been restricted by foreign matter or the like mixed into the cooling medium.

[0102] In addition, the control unit 100 detects the direction of rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 based on the sequence of occurrence of the signal parts corresponding to the detection magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 in the output signal K.

[0103] Furthermore, the control unit 100 receives the rotation angle (the current rotation angle) of the magnetic rotor 31 based on the times of the transition between the H signals and the L signals in the output signal K. The control unit 100 calculates the rotation angle (the calculated rotation angle) of the magnetic rotor 31 based on the pulse P input to the stepper motor. Based on the current rotation angle and the calculated rotation angle, the control unit 100 detects the synchronization loss of the stepper motor 66.

[0104] The solenoid valve device 1 according to the present embodiment comprises a solenoid valve 5 and a control unit 100. The solenoid valve 5 has a valve body 10 with a valve opening 17, a stepper motor 66 with a drive rotor 311 and a stator 60, a valve body 40 which displaces relative to the valve opening 17 in accordance with the rotation of the drive rotor 311, a sensing rotor 312 with a cylindrical outer circumferential surface which is coaxially connected to the drive rotor 311, and a magnetic sensor 91 oriented radially next to the sensing rotor 312. The output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 is a binary signal corresponding to the direction of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 91. The sensing rotor 312 has a plurality of sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp6. A magnetic sensor 91 detects magnetic fields of the multitude of detection magnetic poles dp1 to dp6.The plurality of detection magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 comprises a plurality of north poles and a plurality of south poles, thus arranging the plurality of detection magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 on the outer circumferential surface of the detection rotor 312 with alternating polarity. The plurality of north poles have different lengths in the circumferential direction. The plurality of south poles also have different lengths in the circumferential direction.

[0105] According to the solenoid valve 5, the sensing rotor 312 rotates, thereby aligning the plurality of sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 alternately in a radial direction next to the magnetic sensor 91. The magnetic fields of the plurality of sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 are alternately detected by the magnetic sensor 91. The output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 contains the signal components (H-signal, L-signal) corresponding to the plurality of sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp6. Since the polarity and / or length in the circumferential direction differ for the plurality of sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp6, the signal value and / or the length of the respective signal components also differ. The sequence in which the signal components appear from the sensing rotor 312 when rotating in the first direction (i.e., the waveform of the output signal K) differs from the sequence in which the signal components appear from the sensing rotor 312 when rotating in the second direction.Therefore, the direction of rotation of the drive rotor 311 can be detected based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91.

[0106] Furthermore, the positions (angles) of the boundaries between the detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6 (north pole, south pole) on the outer circumferential surface of the detection rotor 312 are predefined. When the boundary passes a position where it is aligned radially next to the magnetic sensor 91, the output signal K changes from the high signal to the low signal or vice versa. Therefore, the rotation angle of the magnetic rotor 31 can be determined based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91.

[0107] Furthermore, the multiple detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6 are arranged circumferentially in order of their lengths. In this way, the length of the signal segment corresponding to the detection magnet pole dp1 to dp6 in the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 gradually increases or decreases depending on the direction of rotation of the detection rotor 312. Therefore, the direction of rotation of the drive rotor 311 can be more easily detected based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91.

[0108] Furthermore, the solenoid valve 5 has a stop mechanism 38 that restricts the rotation of the drive rotor 311 in a first direction when the drive rotor 311 is in a reference position Rx. When the drive rotor 311 is in the reference position Rx, a sensing magnet pole dp1 (reference sensing magnet pole) from the plurality of sensing magnet poles dp1 to dp6 is aligned radially next to the magnetic sensor 91, so that the magnetic sensor 91 detects the magnetic field of the sensing magnet pole dp1. In this way, the output of the signal part (H signal) corresponding to the sensing magnet pole dp1 in the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 is not completed when the drive rotor 311 is restricted from rotating in the first direction at the reference position Rx.This allows us to assume that the drive rotor 311 is in the reference position Rx if a signal component corresponding to the detection magnet pole dp1 is not included in the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91. Therefore, based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91, it can be determined that the drive rotor 311 is in the reference position Rx.

[0109] Furthermore, the reference detection magnet pole is a detection magnet pole dp1 that has the smallest length of the plurality of detection magnet poles dp1 to dp6 in the circumferential direction (minimal detection magnet pole). In this way, it is possible to determine relatively quickly whether the output of the signal part corresponding to the detection magnet pole dp1 in the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 is complete or not. Therefore, based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91, it can be determined relatively quickly that the drive rotor 311 is in the reference position Rx.

[0110] Furthermore, the drive rotor 311 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface and a plurality of drive magnet poles cp. The plurality of drive magnet poles cp comprises a plurality of north poles and a plurality of south poles, thus arranging the plurality of drive magnet poles cp on the outer circumferential surface of the drive rotor 311 with alternating polarity. The plurality of drive magnet poles cp each have the same length in the circumferential direction. The circumferential length of the sensing magnet pole dp1 is equal to or less than the circumferential length of the plurality of drive magnet poles cp. The line E1, which passes through the center of the sensing magnet pole dp1 in the circumferential direction, passes through the center of a drive magnet pole cp1 in the circumferential direction of the plurality of drive magnet poles cp.In this way, it is possible to determine more quickly whether the output of the signal part corresponding to the detection magnet pole dp1 in the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 is complete or not. Therefore, based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91, it can be determined more quickly that the drive rotor 311 is in the reference position Rx.

[0111] Furthermore, it is preferred that a central angle β1, corresponding to the circumferential length of the sensing magnet pole dp1, is smaller than twice the step angle of the stepper motor 66. In this way, the signal portion corresponding to the sensing magnet pole dp1 in the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 has a length approximately equivalent to a single pulse P, and it is possible to determine even more quickly whether the output of the signal portion corresponding to the sensing magnet pole dp1 in the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 is complete or not. Therefore, based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91, it can be determined even more quickly that the drive rotor 311 is in the reference position Rx.

[0112] Furthermore, the control unit 100 inputs a pulse P into the stepper motor 66 to rotate the drive rotor 311. The control unit 100 receives the direction of rotation of the drive rotor 311 based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91. The control unit 100 can detect the direction of rotation of the magnetic rotor 31 of the solenoid valve 5 through a simple control.

[0113] Furthermore, the control unit 100 inputs a pulse P into the stepper motor 66 to rotate the drive rotor 311. The control unit 100 detects a synchronization loss of the stepper motor 66 based on a rotation angle of the magnetic rotor 31 obtained from the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 and a rotation angle of the magnetic rotor 31 corresponding to the pulse P input into the stepper motor 66. The control unit 100 can detect the synchronization loss of the stepper motor 66 of the solenoid valve 5 through a simple control operation.

[0114] Furthermore, during the process of positioning the drive rotor 311 in the reference position Rx, the control unit 100 inputs a pulse P into the stepper motor 66 to rotate the drive rotor 311 in the first direction. The control unit 100 stops inputting the pulse P into the stepper motor 66 if a signal component corresponding to the sensing magnet pole dp1 is not included in the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91. The control unit 100 can stop the stepper motor 66 after positioning the drive rotor 311 in the reference position Rx by means of a simple control.

[0115] According to the solenoid valve device 1, the direction of rotation, the angle of rotation and the synchronization loss of the stepper motor 66 (magnetic rotor 31) can be detected in the inexpensive solenoid valve having only one magnetic sensor 91.

[0116] In the present embodiment, the solenoid valve device 1 has a magnetic rotor 31. Six sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the sensing rotor 312 of the magnetic rotor 31, extending over the entire circumferential direction. The solenoid valve device 1 can be equipped with a magnetic rotor 31A instead of the magnetic rotor 31, according to [reference to relevant section]. Fig. 27 or a magnetic rotor 31B according to Fig. 28.

[0117] Fig. Figure 27 shows the construction of the magnetic rotor 31A as a first modified example of the magnetic rotor 31 of the solenoid valve device 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 27A is a bottom view of the magnetic rotor 31A. Fig. 27B is a top view of the magnetic rotor 31A.

[0118] The magnetic rotor 31A comprises a drive rotor 311 and a detection rotor 312A as a single unit. The drive rotor 311 of the magnetic rotor 31A has the same construction as the drive rotor 311 of the magnetic rotor 31.

[0119] The sensing rotor 312A is connected to the upper end of the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312A can also be connected to the lower end of the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312A is arranged coaxially with the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312A rotates together with the drive rotor 311. The outer diameter of the sensing rotor 312A is equal to the outer diameter of the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312A has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface.

[0120] The sensing rotor 312A has multiple sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp3. These sensing magnetic poles are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the sensing rotor 312A. Sensing magnetic poles dp1 and dp3 are north poles, and dp2 is a south pole. The sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp3 are arranged side-by-side on the outer circumferential surface of the sensing rotor 312A with alternating polarity. The sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp3 of the sensing rotor 312A have the same structure as the sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp3 of the sensing rotor 312 of the magnetic rotor 31.

[0121] The sensing rotor 312A has an unmagnetized section NP. The unmagnetized section NP is located between the sensing magnet pole dp1 and the sensing magnet pole dp3 on the outer circumferential surface of the sensing rotor 312A. The unmagnetized section NP is a non-magnetized area on the outer circumferential surface of the sensing rotor 312A. No magnet pole is provided on the unmagnetized section NP.

[0122] The sensing rotor 312A has 3 sensing magnet poles (sensing magnet poles dp1 to dp3) and 1 unmagnetized part NP. The sensing magnet poles dp1 to dp3 and the unmagnetized part NP are arranged side by side on the outer circumferential surface of the sensing rotor 312A. The central angle βn, which corresponds to the length of the unmagnetized part NP in the circumferential direction, is 275 degrees.

[0123] The sensing rotor 312A has the same structure as the sensing rotor 312 of the magnetic rotor 31, except that the sensing rotor 312A has an unmagnetized part NP instead of the sensing magnetic poles dp4 to dp6.

[0124] When the sensing rotor 312A rotates together with the drive rotor 311, the magnetic fields of the plurality of sensing magnet poles dp1 to dp3 are alternately detected by the magnetic sensor 91. The output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 contains the signal components corresponding to the sensing magnet poles dp1 to dp3 with their different lengths in the circumferential direction. The sequence in which the signal components from the sensing rotor 312A appear when rotating in the first direction differs from the sequence in which they appear when rotating in the second direction. Therefore, the control unit 100 can detect the direction of rotation of the drive rotor 311 based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91.

[0125] Fig. Figure 28 shows the construction of the magnetic rotor 31B as a second modified example of the magnetic rotor 31 of the solenoid valve device 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 28A is a bottom view of the magnetic rotor 31B. Fig. 28B is a top view of the magnetic rotor 31B.

[0126] The magnetic rotor 31B comprises a drive rotor 311 and a detection rotor 312B as a single unit. The drive rotor 311 of the magnetic rotor 31B has the same construction as the drive rotor 311 of the magnetic rotor 31.

[0127] The sensing rotor 312B is connected to the upper end of the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312B can also be connected to the lower end of the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312B is arranged coaxially with the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312B rotates together with the drive rotor 311. The outer diameter of the sensing rotor 312B is equal to the outer diameter of the drive rotor 311. The sensing rotor 312B has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface.

[0128] The sensing rotor 312B has multiple sensing magnetic poles dp1 to dp6. These magnetic poles are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 312B. Magnetic poles dp1, dp3, and dp5 are north poles, while dp2, dp4, and dp6 are south poles. The magnetic poles dp1 to dp6 are arranged circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 312A with alternating polarity.

[0129] The central angle β1, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp1 in the circumferential direction, is 10 degrees.

[0130] The central angle β2, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp2 in the circumferential direction, is 80 degrees.

[0131] The central angle β3, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp3 in the circumferential direction, is 30 degrees.

[0132] The central angle β4, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp4 in the circumferential direction, is 80 degrees.

[0133] The central angle β5, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp5 in the circumferential direction, is 80 degrees.

[0134] The central angle β6, which corresponds to the length of the detection magnet pole dp6 in the circumferential direction, is 80 degrees.

[0135] The lengths of the detection magnet poles dp1, dp3, dp5 in the circumferential direction are different. When the lengths of the detection magnet poles dp1, dp3, and dp5 in the circumferential direction are set to B1, B3, and B5, the formula B1 applies. <B3<B5. Die Längen der Erfassungsmagnetpole dp2, dp4 und dp6 sind gleich. Wenn die Längen der Erfassungsmagnetpole dp2, dp4 und dp6 in der Umfangsrichtung auf B2, B4 und B6 eingestellt sind, gilt die Formel B2=B4=B6. Darüber hinaus ist die Länge des Erfassungsmagnetpols dp5 in der Umfangsrichtung gleich der Länge des Erfassungsmagnetpols dp2 in der Umfangsrichtung.

[0136] The sensing rotor 312B can have three unmagnetized parts NP instead of the sensing magnetic poles dp2, dp4, dp6.

[0137] When the sensing rotor 312B rotates together with the drive rotor 311, the magnetic fields of the multiple sensing magnet poles dp1, dp3, dp5 are alternately detected by the magnetic sensor 91. The output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91 contains the signal components corresponding to the sensing magnet poles dp1, dp3, dp5 with their different lengths in the circumferential direction. The sequence in which the signal components from the sensing rotor 312B appear when rotating in the first direction differs from the sequence in which they appear when rotating in the second direction. Therefore, the control unit 100 can detect the direction of rotation of the drive rotor 311 based on the output signal K of the magnetic sensor 91.

[0138] The detection rotor according to the invention should have at least three detection magnet poles of different lengths in the circumferential direction. It is preferred that the polarity and / or length of the detection magnet poles differ from one another in the circumferential direction. A portion other than the detection magnet poles on the outer circumferential surface of the detection rotor may be unmagnetized.

[0139] The solenoid valve device 1 having a magnetic rotor 31A or a magnetic rotor 31B exhibits the same (including the statement "essentially the same") effect as that in the present embodiment.

[0140] In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the solenoid valve 5, but the air conditioning control unit 410 can control the solenoid valve 5 directly. The air conditioning control unit 410 is a solenoid valve control unit.

[0141] Terms in this description that refer to shapes such as "cylindrical shape," "column shape," etc., are also used for components that essentially have the shape described. For example, "cylindrical component" includes both a cylindrical component and a substantially cylindrical component.

[0142] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been explained above, the present invention is not limited to this example. Inventions in which the person skilled in the art makes additions and deletions to the components and design variants in the embodiment described above, or combines the features of the embodiment as appropriate, also fall within the scope of protection of the present invention, provided that these modifications do not deviate from the essence of the present invention. Reference symbol list

[0143] 1 ... solenoid valve assembly, 5 ... solenoid valve, 10 ... valve body, 11 ... main body element, 11a ... mounting hole, 11b ... top surface, 12 ... support element, 12a ... adjusting hole, 13 ... connecting element, 14 ... valve chamber, 15, 16 ... flow channel, 17 ... valve opening, 18 ... valve seat, 20 ... canned tube, 30 ... actuation mechanism, 31, 31A, 31B ... magnetic rotor, 311 ... actuation rotor, 312, 312A, 312B ... sensing rotor, 32 ... valve stem holder, 32c ... internal thread, 32s ... movable stop, 33 ... guide bushing, 33a ... foundation, 33b ... support, 33c ... external thread, 33s ... fixed stop, 35 ... support ring, 36 ... pressure nut, 37 ... Valve closing spring, 38 ... Stop mechanism, 40 ... Valve body, 41 ... First stem section, 42 ... Second stem section, 43 ... Valve section, 44 ... Stage, 50 ... Stator unit, 60 ... Stator, 61 ... A-phase stator, 61a, 61b ... Pole tooth, 61c ... Coil, 62 ... B-phase stator, 62a, 62b ... Pole tooth, 62c ...Coil, 65 ... Terminal, 66 ... Stepper motor, 70 ... Housing, 74 ... Interior, 75 ... Circuit board compartment, 76 ... Partition, 80 ... Shell, 80a ... Opening, 83 ... Connector, 85 ... Space, 87 ... Hub, 90 ... Sensor board, 90a ... First end, 90b ... Second end, 93 ... Terminal block, 95 ... Circuit board support element, 97 ... Cylinder part, 91 ... Magnetic sensor, 100 ... Solenoid valve control unit, 110 ... Control board, 112 ... Through hole, 120 ... Microcomputer, 121 ... CPU, 122 ... Non-volatile memory, 123 ... Motor driver, 124 ... Working memory, 125 ... Communication module, cp, cp1 ... Drive magnet pole, dp1 to dp6 ... Sensing magnet pole, NP ... Unmagnetized part, L ... Axis, K ... output signal. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2003-329698 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] An electric valve comprising a valve body with a valve opening, a stepper motor with a drive rotor and a stator, a valve body which moves with respect to the valve opening in accordance with the rotation of the drive rotor, a sensing rotor connected coaxially to the drive rotor and a magnetic sensor, wherein characterized in that the detection rotor has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface on which a plurality of detection magnetic poles are arranged in the circumferential direction, that the magnetic sensor detects magnetic fields from the multitude of detection magnetic poles, and that at least three of the multiple detection magnet poles have different lengths in the circumferential direction. [2] Electro-valve according to claim 1, in which the plurality of sensing magnet poles are arranged circumferentially with alternating polarity on the outer circumferential surface of the sensing rotor and the polarity and / or length differ from each other circumferentially. [3] Electro-valve according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of sensing magnet poles are arranged in order of length in the circumferential direction. [4] Electro-valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electro-valve further comprises a stop mechanism which restricts the rotation of the drive rotor in a first direction when the drive rotor is in a reference position, and the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field of a sensing magnet pole (hereinafter referred to as “reference sensing magnet pole”) of the plurality of sensing magnet poles when the drive rotor is in the reference position. [5] Electro-valve according to claim 4, wherein the reference sensing magnet pole is a sensing magnet pole having the smallest length of the plurality of sensing magnet poles in the circumferential direction. [6] Electro-valve according to claim 5, wherein the drive rotor has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface and a plurality of drive magnet poles, the multitude of drive magnet poles on the outer circumferential surface of the drive rotor are arranged in the circumferential direction with alternating polarity and each has the same length in the circumferential direction, the lengths of the reference detection magnet poles in the circumferential direction are equal to or less than the lengths of the drive magnet poles in the circumferential direction, and the line that passes through the center of the reference detection magnet pole in the circumferential direction, passes through the center of a drive magnet pole of the plurality of drive magnet poles in the circumferential direction. [7] Electro-valve according to claim 6, wherein a central angle corresponding to a length of the reference sensing magnet pole in the circumferential direction is less than twice the step angle of the stepper motor. [8] Electro-valve device comprising an electro-valve according to claim 1 and an electro-valve control device which controls the electro-valve, wherein the electro-valve control device receives a direction of rotation of the drive rotor based on an output signal of the magnetic sensor. [9] Electro-valve device according to claim 8, wherein the solenoid valve control unit inputs a pulse into the stepper motor in such a way that the drive rotor rotates, and a synchronization loss of the stepper motor is detected based on a rotation angle of the drive rotor obtained on the basis of an output signal of the magnetic sensor and a rotation angle of the drive rotor corresponding to the pulse input into the stepper motor. [10] Electro-valve device comprising an electro-valve according to claim 4 and an electro-valve control device, which controls the solenoid valve, whereby The solenoid valve control unit, during the process of bringing the drive rotor into the reference position, inputs a pulse into the stepper motor to rotate the drive rotor in the first direction, and The input of the pulse to the stepper motor stops if a signal part corresponding to the reference detection magnet pole is not included in the output signal of the magnetic sensor.

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