Electrically operated valve

Abstract

An electrically actuated valve 10 comprises a feed spindle mechanism 24, a rotor 42 rotatably mounted on the inner circumference of a can 48 and driven by a stator 36 arranged on the outer circumference of the can 48, and a reduction gear 50 with several planetary gear mechanisms 52 arranged in the axial direction, the fixed elements of which all consist of the same element, wherein the torque is transmitted successively from the first planetary gear mechanism 52A to the third planetary gear mechanism 52C, and the torque is transmitted to the feed spindle mechanism 24 by reducing the rotational speed of the rotor 42, and among the several planetary gear mechanisms 52, the third planetary gear mechanism 52C and an axially adjacent planetary gear mechanism 52B are designed to be separable.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrically operated valve. background

[0002] In the motor-driven valve with reduction gear disclosed in Japanese patent application no. 2006-226369, a valve stem with a valve body is inserted into the main body of the motor-driven valve. A rotor is installed in a housing attached to the main body, and a reduction gear is housed within the rotor. The rotor's output is transmitted to a sun gear and then to planet gears. The planet gear meshes simultaneously with a fixed gear and an output gear, and the output gear is reduced and driven with a high reduction ratio. The output of the output gear is transmitted via a driver to a screw shaft, converted into linear motion, and transmitted to a valve stem. Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0003] In the case of an electrically operated valve that has several planetary gear mechanisms as reduction gears that transmit torque to the feed spindle mechanism, it should be considered that the gear of the planetary gear mechanism located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism may be damaged.

[0004] To address the aforementioned concerns, the present disclosure aims to provide a technique for an electrically actuated valve with multiple planetary gear mechanisms as reduction gears, wherein a planetary gear mechanism located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism can be combined depending on the load. Solution to the problem

[0005] An electrically actuated valve according to a first aspect comprises a valve body with a valve chamber and a valve seat, a can extending in an axial direction and having a cylindrical shape and arranged on one side of the valve body in the axial direction, a valve body arranged within the valve chamber, a feed spindle mechanism for advancing and retracting the valve body in the axial direction towards the valve seat, a rotor rotatably mounted on the inner circumference of the can, and a reduction gear with several planetary gear mechanisms arranged in the axial direction, the fixed elements of which all consist of the same element, wherein the torque is applied successively from the side furthest from the feed spindle mechanism in the several planetary gear mechanisms to the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism.is transmitted and the torque is transmitted to the feed spindle mechanism by reducing the rotational speed of the rotor, and among the several planetary gear mechanisms, a planetary gear mechanism located closest to the feed spindle mechanism and a planetary gear mechanism adjacent in the axial direction are designed to be separable.

[0006] In an electrically actuated valve comprising a reduction gear with multiple planetary gear mechanisms, the greatest torque is generally exerted on the gear of the planetary gear mechanism located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism. This electrically actuated valve is designed such that, among the multiple planetary gear mechanisms, the one closest to the feed spindle mechanism and those axially adjacent to it can be separated. Therefore, in this electrically actuated valve, it is possible to recombine, depending on the load, the planetary gear mechanism located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism among the multiple planetary gear mechanisms that make up the reduction gear.This results in an electrically actuated valve being provided, in contrast to a case where the planetary gear mechanism, which is arranged on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism in a reduction gear with several planetary gear mechanisms, is integrally formed with the axially adjacent planetary gear mechanism, thus suppressing damage to a reduction gear.

[0007] An electrically actuated valve according to a second aspect is, in the electrically actuated valve according to the first aspect, a gear which represents the fixed element, an internal gear, further comprising an integrating element which integrates the internal gears in each planetary gear mechanism in the axial direction.

[0008] This electrically actuated valve comprises several planetary gear mechanisms in which a sun gear and an internal gear are arranged parallel in the axial direction, and the internal gear is a fixed element, being integrated in the axial direction by the integrating element in each planetary gear mechanism. Therefore, according to this electrically actuated valve, it is possible to integrally attach multiple internal gears to the main valve body.

[0009] An electrically actuated valve according to a third aspect comprises, in the electrically actuated valve according to the second aspect, the internal gear in each planetary gear mechanism which has an engagement section at an end face in the axial direction, wherein the internal gears in the axially adjacent planetary gear mechanisms mesh at the engagement section.

[0010] In this electrically actuated valve, the internal gear in each planetary gear mechanism includes a meshing section at an end face in the axial direction, and the internal gears in axially adjacent planetary gear mechanisms mesh at this meshing section, thereby mutually regulating the rotation through the meshing of the meshing sections. Therefore, according to this electrically actuated valve, in contrast to an electrically actuated valve where the internal gears are integrated only by an integrating element, the regulating function of the rotation between internal gears in the circumferential direction can be shared with the internal gears.

[0011] An electrically actuated valve according to a fourth aspect has in the electrically actuated valve according to the third aspect the integrating element, which is a riveting element that contacts and integrates a contact section formed on the internal gear on the side furthest from the feed spindle mechanism and a contact section formed on the internal gear on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism.

[0012] In this electrically actuated valve, the integrating element is a riveting element that integrates each planetary gear mechanism by riveting in the axial direction. Therefore, according to this electrically actuated valve, multiple planetary gear mechanisms can be riveted and integrated axially in advance during the manufacturing process.

[0013] An electrically actuated valve according to a fifth aspect further comprises, in the electrically actuated valve according to one of the first to fourth aspects, a means for reducing the pressure of one of the several planetary gear mechanisms, which is arranged on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism.

[0014] In an electrically actuated valve comprising a reduction gear with multiple planetary gear mechanisms, the greatest torque is generally exerted on the gear of the planetary gear mechanism located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism. This electrically actuated valve with multiple planetary gear mechanisms includes a reducing means that reduces the pressure on one of the planetary gear mechanisms located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism.This results in an electrically actuated valve being provided, in contrast to a case where the planetary gear mechanism, which is located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism in a reduction gear with multiple planetary gear mechanisms, is similar to other planetary gear mechanisms, thus suppressing damage to a reduction gear.

[0015] An electrically actuated valve according to a sixth aspect is the electrically actuated valve according to one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a sun gear of one of the several planetary gear mechanisms, which is arranged on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism, is made of a material with a higher longitudinal modulus of elasticity than the material of the sun gears of other planetary gear mechanisms or is harder than the sun gears of other planetary gear mechanisms.

[0016] In this electrically actuated valve, in the electrically actuated valve with multiple planetary gear mechanisms, a sun gear of one of the multiple planetary gear mechanisms, which is located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism, is made of a material with a higher longitudinal modulus of elasticity than the material of the sun gears of other planetary gear mechanisms or is harder than the sun gears of other planetary gear mechanisms.This results in an electrically actuated valve being provided, in contrast to a case where the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism, which is located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism in a reduction gear with multiple planetary gear mechanisms, is made of the same material as a sun gear of other planetary gear mechanisms, thus suppressing damage to a reduction gear.

[0017] An electrically actuated valve according to a seventh aspect is the electrically actuated valve according to one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein teeth of the sun gear of one of the several planetary gear mechanisms, which is located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism, have a material with a higher longitudinal modulus of elasticity or with a surface treatment layer than the material of the sun gears of other planetary gear mechanisms.

[0018] In this electrically actuated valve, in the electrically actuated valve with multiple planetary gear mechanisms, a sun gear of one of the multiple planetary gear mechanisms, which is located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism, has a material with a higher longitudinal modulus of elasticity or with a surface treatment layer than the material of the sun gears of other planetary gear mechanisms.This results in an electrically actuated valve being provided, in contrast to a case where the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism, which is located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism in a reduction gear with multiple planetary gear mechanisms, is made of the same material with the same longitudinal modulus of elasticity or with the same hardness as a sun gear of other planetary gear mechanisms, thus suppressing damage to a reduction gear.

[0019] An electrically actuated valve according to an eighth aspect comprises, in the electrically actuated valve according to one of the first to seventh aspects, a stator which is arranged on the outer circumference of the can and drives the rotor in a rotating manner. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0020] According to the present invention, in an electrically actuated valve with several planetary gear mechanisms as reduction gears, a technique for an electrically actuated valve is provided, wherein a planetary gear mechanism, which is arranged on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism, can be combined depending on the load. List of characters Fig. Figure 1 is a sectional view showing an electrically operated valve according to a first example of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a reduction gear in the electrically actuated valve according to the first example of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of an internal gear of a reduction gear contained in the electrically actuated valve according to the first example of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a reduction gear in an electrically actuated valve according to a second example of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a reduction gear in an electrically actuated valve according to a third example of the present disclosure. Description of the embodiments [First example of the present disclosure] (construction)

[0021] An electrically operated valve 10 according to a first example of the present disclosure is described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 described. The electrically operated valve 10 is used, for example, in a cooling circuit of an air conditioner or the like to adjust the flow rate of fluid (refrigerant). As described in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure adjusts the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the inlet port 11, which is connected to the valve main body 14, to the outlet port 12 by the opening amount of the port 18. The electrically actuated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure comprises a valve main body 14, a valve body 22, an adjusting mechanism 21, and an actuating mechanism 33. (Valve body 14)

[0022] The main valve body 14 is an essentially cylindrical body with a laterally formed inlet opening 11, as shown in Fig. 1 shown. The various components described above, which define the valve body 22 on one side in the axial direction (the upper side of the drawing in Fig. 1) Drive, are on the other side in the axial direction connected to the drain pipe 82 to the outlet opening 12 (the lower side in the drawing in Fig. 1) Furthermore, on one side of the valve main body 14 in the radial direction (the left side in Fig. 1) An inlet port 11 is formed, and an inlet pipe 80 is connected to the inlet port 11. The valve body 22 is housed in the valve chamber 16, which is a space formed inside the main valve body 14, and is movable in the axial direction by a drive mechanism 33. Between the valve chamber 16 and the outlet port 12, the opening 18 is formed with a smaller diameter than the outlet port 12. The circumference of the opening 18 is a valve seat 20, which is in contact with a valve body 22, which will be described later, and the opening amount (flow path area through which fluid flows) of the opening 18 is set by the valve body 22, as described later. (Adjustment mechanism 21)

[0023] The adjusting mechanism 21 is arranged in the valve chamber 16 and comprises a valve body 22 which adjusts the opening amount of the opening 18, a guide section 23 which guides the valve body 22, a piston 30 which is connected to one side of the valve body 22 in the axial direction, and a feed spindle mechanism 24 which is arranged on one side of the piston 30 in the axial direction.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the valve body 22 is a substantially cylindrical element extending in the axial direction, with its outer diameter being larger in the axial direction than the inner diameter of the opening 18. By closing off the opening 18 against the valve seat 20, which the other side abuts in the axial direction, the valve chamber 16 and the outlet opening 12 are separated. That is, the valve body 22 is arranged such that it can open and close the opening 18.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the guide section 23 is a stepped cylindrical element whose diameter decreases axially on one side and which is fixed on one side axially to the valve chamber 16 in the valve main body 14. The guide section 23 is in contact with the valve body 22 at the inner circumferential surface of the reduced-diameter section and guides the movement of the valve body 22 in the axial direction. Furthermore, a compression spring 32 is located on one side axially of the reduced-diameter section of the guide section 23 and supports the other side axially.

[0026] The piston 30 is an element that engages the valve body 22 on one side in the axial direction and on the other side in the axial direction. It is moved axially towards one side relative to the guide section 23 by a compression spring 32 arranged radially on the outside. Furthermore, the piston 30 is in axial contact with a spindle 26 of the feed spindle mechanism 24 via a ball on one side, as will be described later.

[0027] As will be described later, the feed spindle mechanism 24 converts the torque delivered by the reduction gear 50 of the drive mechanism 33, which is arranged on an axial side of the valve body 14, into a linear movement in the axial direction. As described in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the feed spindle mechanism 24 comprises a nut 28 which is attached to the valve main body 14, and a spindle 26 which is arranged radially inside the nut 28 and which receives on one side in the axial direction the torque delivered by the reduction gear 50.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the nut 28 is an essentially cylindrical element with an internal thread formed on its radially inner circumferential surface, and the spindle 26 is in rotatable contact with the internal thread.

[0029] The spindle 26 is an essentially cylindrical element extending axially and having an external thread on the other side in the axial direction, which engages with the internal thread of the nut 28. When the spindle 26 receives a torque in the axial direction from one side and rotates about the central axis O of the shaft body 44, it moves linearly in the axial direction while being guided by the internal thread of the nut 28. Furthermore, the spindle 26 transmits a linear motion to the piston 30 by making axial contact with the piston 30 via a ball on the other side.The spindle 26 is not limited to a specific shape, as long as it absorbs the torque delivered by the reduction gear 50 and is movable in the axial direction, and in the present embodiment, by way of example, the serration is applied to the end on one side in the axial direction. (Drive mechanism 33)

[0030] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the drive mechanism 33 comprises a cover 46, a can 48, a motor 34, a shaft body 44 and a reduction gear 50.

[0031] The cover 46 is an element that is arranged on one side of the valve main body 14 in the axial direction and covers the motor 34, the can 48 and the reduction gear 50, as will be described later.

[0032] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the can 48 is an axially extending cylindrical element that accommodates a rotor 42, a shaft support element 45, a shaft body 44, and a reduction gear 50, which will be described later, and is connected on the other side in the axial direction to the main valve body 14 by a connecting material 49. One side of the can 48 is integrated in the axial direction into a pouch-like shape, and in the present embodiment, the can 48 is also an element that covers the main valve body 14 from one side in the axial direction. The can 48 may be made of any material, as long as the material does not shield the magnetic field; an aluminum alloy is used as an example.

[0033] The shaft support element 45 is attached to the can 48 on one side in the axial direction inside the can 48, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that the shaft support element 45 non-rotatably supports one end in the axial direction of a shaft body that extends axially from one side of the drive mechanism 33 to the other side. The shaft body 44 is an element that defines the axes of rotation of the motor 34 and the reduction gear 50. In the present embodiment, the shaft body 44 also rotatably supports the spindle 26 of the feed spindle mechanism 24.

[0034] Motor 34, for example, is a claw-pole stepper motor whose angle of rotation and speed are controlled by a driver not shown in the figure. Motor 34 comprises a stator 36, which is arranged outside the housing 48, and a rotor 42, which is arranged further inside than the housing 48.

[0035] Although the electrically operated valve 10 in Fig. Figure 1 is shown in a state where the stator 36 is arranged outside the can 48. The stator 36 can be easily mounted and dismounted with respect to the can 48, and it is often referred to as the electrically actuated valve 10 in a state where the stator 36 is dismounted. Therefore, the electrically actuated valve 10 in the present disclosure includes both a state where the stator 36 is not provided and a state where the stator 36 is provided.

[0036] The stator 36 is an example of a rotary means according to the present disclosure, which rotates the rotor 42, and as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, it comprises an A-phase stator 36A and a B-phase stator 36B, which are arranged coaxially and parallel in the axial direction on the outer circumference of the can 48. The number of coils contained in the stator 36 is determined according to the specifications of the electrically actuated valve 10 and the motor 34. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the stator 36 can be configured to be separable from the can 48. That is, the electrically actuated valve 10 in the present disclosure can have a design that does not include the stator 36. In such a design, for example, the parts of the electrically actuated valve 10, with the exception of the stator 36, and the stator 36 itself can be shipped separately and assembled at the place of use as the electrically actuated valve 10. Moreover, in such a configuration, it is also possible, for example, to replace the stator 36 with one having a different specification.

[0037] The rotor 42 is a rotating element driven by a rotating means and comprises several permanent magnets 41 extending axially and having alternating S-poles and N-poles arranged circumferentially. It is arranged radially in the inner circumference of the housing 48 relative to the stator 36 so that it can rotate with respect to the shaft body 44. Furthermore, the permanent magnets 41 are rotatably mounted radially on the inside of the shaft body 44 and a first sun gear 54A, which is an input side for the torque of a reduction gear 50, which will be described later. The rotor 42 has a radially oriented hole on its inner surface in which a groove is formed that engages with the gear teeth of the first sun gear 54A.When the respective coils of the A-phase stator 36A and the B-phase stator 36B are excited, the respective permanent magnets 41, which are arranged on the rotor 42, are attracted or repelled by the respective coils and driven to rotate in the circumferential direction. (Reduction gear 50)

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the reduction gear 50 is a part that is coaxial with the rotor 42 and comprises several planetary gear mechanisms 52 arranged in the axial direction, wherein the rotational speed of the rotor 42 is reduced in order to transmit a torque to the feed spindle mechanism 24. In the first example of the present disclosure, it comprises three planetary gear mechanisms 52, namely a first planetary gear mechanism 52A, a second planetary gear mechanism 52B, and a third planetary gear mechanism 52C, which are arranged side by side in the axial direction.In other words, the first planetary gear mechanism 52A is an example of the “planetary gear mechanism 52 that is arranged on the side furthest from the feed spindle mechanism 24” in the present disclosure, and the third planetary gear mechanism 52C is an example of the “planetary gear mechanism 52 that is arranged on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism 24”. In yet another way, the second planetary gear mechanism 52B is an example of “a planetary gear mechanism 52 that is axially adjacent to a planetary gear mechanism 52 that is closest to the feed spindle mechanism 24” with respect to the third planetary gear mechanism 52C.

[0039] If each planetary gear mechanism 52 is to be explained separately in the description of the present embodiment, A, B or C shall be added to the end of the reference numerals to distinguish them.

[0040] The first planetary gear mechanism 52A, the second planetary gear mechanism 52B, and the third planetary gear mechanism 52C each comprise a sun gear 54, a planet gear 56, a planet carrier 58, and an internal gear 60. If the components of each planetary gear mechanism 52 are to be specifically distinguished, A, B, or C is added to the end of the reference numerals for differentiation. The planetary gear mechanism 52 in the present embodiment is in each case a 2K-H type gear mechanism.

[0041] Furthermore, the sun gear 54 is rotatably supported by the shaft body 44. The planet gears 56 mesh with the sun gear 54 and the internal gear 60, and several planet gears 56 are provided in the circumferential direction. These multiple planet gears 56 are rotatably supported by the planet carrier 58. In addition, the first sun gear 54A has an equivalent gear machining operation on one side in the axial direction as on the spindle 26 and is able to transmit torque by engaging in a groove formed in a hole on the inner radial side of the rotor 42 (a bearing section on a flat plate on one side in the axial direction, which is supported by the shaft body 44). Furthermore, the second sun gear 54B and the third sun gear 54C also have a similar gear machining operation on one side in the axial direction. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that, for example, three planet gears 56 are provided in the planet carrier 58. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the planet carrier 58 and the planet gear 56 in a rotational cross-sectional view, which is not the case in reality.

[0042] The first planet carrier 58A has a hole on its opposite side in the axial direction, in which a groove is formed on the inside in the radial direction. This groove engages with the second sun gear 54B, allowing torque to be transmitted through the engagement of the first planet carrier 58A and the second sun gear 54B. The second planet carrier 58B has a hole on its opposite side in the axial direction, in which a groove is formed on the inside in the radial direction. This groove engages with the third sun gear 54C, allowing torque to be transmitted through the engagement of the second planet carrier 58B and the third sun gear 54C.The third planet carrier 58C has a hole on its opposite side in the axial direction, in which a groove is formed on the inside in the radial direction. This groove engages with the spindle 26 (gear-cutting element), allowing torque to be transmitted through the engagement of the third planet carrier 58C and the spindle 26. That is to say, in the first example of the present disclosure, the sun gear 54 is an element that transmits torque to the planetary gear mechanism 52, and the planet carrier 58 is an output element of the planetary gear mechanism 52.

[0043] In the first example of the present disclosure, the grooves of the holes formed in the planet carrier 58 and in the rotor 42 each have the same shape. In other words, the multiple planet carriers 58 are designed such that they can be connected to and separated from the sun gear 54, on which the gear machining corresponding to the grooves of the holes is carried out.

[0044] Furthermore, in the first example of the present disclosure, the rotation of the internal gear 60 relative to the valve body 14 is regulated, as will be described later. That is to say, in the first example of the present disclosure, all fixed elements in the planetary gear mechanism 52, which is contained in the reduction gear 50, are identical.

[0045] Furthermore, in the first example of the present disclosure, the internal gear 60 is split in the axial direction and integrated in the axial direction by a riveting element 62, which is an example of an integrating element, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown. Furthermore, the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B and the third internal gear 60C in the present disclosure have a convex section 66M or a concave section 66F as an example of the engagement section 66.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first internal gear 60A has a concave section 66F extending axially from the other end face. Furthermore, the second internal gear 60B has a convex section 66M and a concave section 66F, each extending axially from one end face and the other end face. Additionally, the third internal gear 60C has a convex section 66M extending axially from one end face. The convex section 66M projects axially from a surface of each internal gear 60. The concave section 66F is designed as a recess into which the convex section 66M of the adjacent internal gear 60 fits. The convex section 66M engages with each other when it fits into the concave section 66F.

[0047] The specific shape and number of the convex section 66M and the concave section 66F are not limited, as long as they are shaped such that the respective inner gears 60 do not rotate circumferentially when fitted together. In the first example of the present disclosure, for instance, as shown in Figure 3, four convex sections 66M and four concave sections 66F are formed circumferentially.

[0048] In the first example of the present disclosure, a first contact section 64A, which is concave towards the other side in the axial direction, is formed on the end face on one side of the first internal gear 60A as an example of the contact section 64. Similarly, a second contact section 64B, which is concave towards one side in the axial direction, is formed on the end face on the other side of the third internal gear 60C as an example of the contact section 64. In the first example of the present disclosure, the first contact section 64A of the first internal gear 60A and the second contact section 64B of the third internal gear 60C are formed in the same position in the circumferential direction, with the respective 60 internal gears in mesh, as shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0049] The caulking element 62 is, for example, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a rod-shaped element extending in the axial direction and bent such that both ends fit axially into the first contact section 64A and the second contact section 64B. Then, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C being integrated in the axial direction by clamping (stapling) the two ends of the riveting element 62 onto the first contact section 64A and the second contact section 64B. In other words, the riveting element 62 contacts the first contact section 64A, which is formed on the first internal gear 60A, and the second contact section 64B, which is formed on the third internal gear 60C, to integrate the internal gear 60.

[0050] Furthermore, in the first example of the present disclosure, it is constructed such that the second internal gear 60B, which is a fixed element in the second planetary gear mechanism 52B, and the third internal gear 60C, which is a fixed element in the third planetary gear mechanism 52C, can be connected and disconnected from each other. In addition, in the first example of the present disclosure, the second planet carrier 58B, which is an output element in the second planetary gear mechanism 52B, and the third sun gear 54C, which is an input element in the third planetary gear mechanism 52C, can be connected and disconnected from each other.As described above, “the planetary gear mechanisms separable” in the present disclosure means that the fixed elements of adjacent planetary gear mechanisms 52 can be connected and separated from one another, and that the output element of one of the adjacent planetary gear mechanisms 52 and the input element of the other planetary gear mechanism 52 can be connected and separated from one another. The second planetary gear mechanism 52B and the third planetary gear mechanism 52C are an example of a design in which, in the present disclosure, “a planetary gear mechanism located closest to the feed spindle mechanism and a planetary gear mechanism adjacent in the axial direction are separable.”

[0051] The specific shape and number of the first contact section 64A and the second contact section 64B are not limited, as long as the respective internal gears 60 do not rotate circumferentially when the riveting element 62 rivets. In the first example of the present disclosure, for instance, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows four contact sections 64 arranged parallel in the circumferential direction. The specific shape and number of the riveting element 62 are not limited as long as the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C can be integrated in the axial direction. In the first example of the present disclosure, the riveting element 62 is, for instance, made of a material such as steel.

[0052] Furthermore, the rotation of the internal gear 60 in the circumferential direction with respect to the housing 48 and the valve main body 14 is regulated. Although there is no particular restriction regarding the method for regulating this rotation, in the first example of the present disclosure, for instance, the other side of the internal gear 60 is connected to the housing 48 and the valve main body 14 in the axial direction by a connecting material 49.

[0053] In this embodiment, the material of each component of the planetary gear mechanism 52 is not subject to any particular restrictions. For example, the sun gear 54, the planet carrier 58, and the internal gear 60 are made of synthetic resin, and the planet gear 56 is made of a hard material such as metal. That is, the planet gear 56 is made of a different material than the sun gear 54 and the internal gear 60. In the present embodiment, the planet gear 56, the sun gear 54, and the internal gear 60 have teeth shaped like spur gears.

[0054] The reduction gear 50 functions as a reduction gear by transmitting torque, based on the aforementioned rotary motion of the rotor 42, to the first planetary gear mechanism 52A, the second planetary gear mechanism 52B, and the third planetary gear mechanism 52C, in that order, with the torque being delivered by the third planetary gear mechanism 52C. In other words, the planet carrier 58 in the third planetary gear mechanism 52C transmits torque to the spindle 26 of the feed spindle mechanism 24, so that the reduction gear 50 transmits torque to the feed spindle mechanism 24.

[0055] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first sun gear 54A, the second sun gear 54B, and the third sun gear 54C are similar with respect to their axial length, module, number of teeth, and other specifications. Furthermore, the first planet gear 56A, the second planet gear 56B, and the third planet gear 56C are similar with respect to their axial length, module, number of teeth, and other specifications. Furthermore, the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C are similar with respect to their axial length, module, number of teeth, and other specifications.In other words, the specifications of the gears in the first planetary gear mechanism 52A, the specifications of the gears in the second planetary gear mechanism 52B, and the specifications of the gears in the second planetary gear mechanism 52C are each similar.

[0056] In the above description, the material of each component comprising the planetary gear mechanism 52 is not subject to any particular restrictions, but the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 with the highest load among the several planetary gear mechanisms 52 may be made of a material with higher durability than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52. For example, the planetary gear mechanism 52 with the highest load in this embodiment is the third planetary gear mechanism 52C, which is located closest to the feed spindle mechanism 24 among the several planetary gear mechanisms 52, and the third sun gear 54C may be made of a material with higher durability than the other sun gears 54.

[0057] In particular, the third sun gear 54C is made of a material with a higher longitudinal modulus of elasticity (also called Young's modulus) than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52, or it is made harder than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52. In addition, the teeth of the third sun gear 54C can be subjected to a surface treatment such as plating or vapor deposition to make it an element with a larger longitudinal modulus of elasticity than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52 or with a harder surface.

[0058] If a planetary gear mechanism 52 with a reduction ratio of less than 1 is included, a sun gear 54 other than the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 closest to the feed spindle mechanism 24 can be the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 with the highest load. In this case as well, the durability of the reduction gear 50 can be improved by using a material with a higher longitudinal modulus of elasticity or a harder material than the materials of the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52 for the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 with the highest load.

[0059] “Hardness” refers to Vickers hardness, which is measured, for example, using a method specified in JIS Z 2244-1.

[0060] Thus, the durability of the reduction gear 50 can be improved by making the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52, which is subject to the highest load, a more durable element than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52. In particular, it is possible to suppress tooth root fractures and tooth surface wear due to impacts when the valve body 22 strikes the valve seat 20.

[0061] Here, as described above, the third planetary gear mechanism 52C in the present disclosure can be separated from the second planetary gear mechanism 52B and recombined with a planetary gear mechanism having different specifications. A second and a third example of the electrically actuated valve 10, in which the third planetary gear mechanism 52C is recombined, will be described, if applicable, with reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described. [Second example of the present revelation]

[0062] A second example, in which the third planetary gear mechanism 52C of the planetary gear mechanism 52 is recombined in the present disclosure, is described with appropriate reference to Fig. 4 described. In the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the second example of the present disclosure, the similar constructions as in the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure are provided with the same reference numerals as in the first example of the present disclosure and their explanation is omitted. (Construction)

[0063] In contrast to the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 4, the third sun gear 154C according to the second example of the present disclosure has the same number of teeth as the first sun gear 54A, but a larger module than the first sun gear 54A. In other words, the third sun gear 154C has a larger diameter than the first sun gear 54A. Similarly, the third planet gear 156C has the same number of teeth as the first planet gear 56A, but a larger module than the first planet gear 56A, and the third internal gear 160C has the same number of teeth as the first internal gear 60A, but a larger module than the first internal gear 60A. Furthermore, according to the shape of the third sun gear 154C, the third planet carrier 158C rotatably supports the third planet gear 156C on its outer surface in the radial direction, compared to the first planet carrier 58A.

[0064] The remaining specifications of the gears in the third planetary gear mechanism 152C are the same as those of the first planetary gear mechanism 52A and the second planetary gear mechanism 52B. Furthermore, the remaining designs are similar to the design of the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure. [Third example of the present revelation]

[0065] Next, a third example, in which the third planetary gear mechanism 52C of the planetary gear mechanism 52 in the present disclosure is recombined, is described with appropriate reference to Fig. 5 described. In the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the third example of the present disclosure, the similar constructions as in the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure are provided with the same reference numerals as in the first example of the present disclosure and their explanation is omitted. (Construction)

[0066] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 5, in the third example of the present disclosure, the third planet carrier 258C has a similar gear-machining section to the spindle 26 and engages with the second planet carrier 58B. Furthermore, the third sun gear 254C has a hole in which a groove is formed on the inside in a radial direction, which engages with the spindle 26. In other words, in the third planetary gear mechanism 252C of the third example of the present disclosure, the torque delivered by the second planetary gear mechanism 52B is introduced into the third planet carrier 258C, and the third sun gear 254C delivers torque laterally. Furthermore, the third internal gear 260C is mounted in the same way as the first internal gear 60A and the second internal gear 60B.That is, in the third example of the present disclosure, the planet carrier 258C is an element that transmits torque to the third planetary gear mechanism 252C, and the second planet carrier 58B is an output element of the second planetary gear mechanism 52B. In other words, in the reduction gear 250 in the third example of the present disclosure, the first planetary gear mechanism 52A and the second planetary gear mechanism 52B are speed-reducing mechanisms, and the third planetary gear mechanism 252C is a speed-increasing mechanism. The reduction gear 50, however, is overall a gear that reduces the speed, so that the number of output revolutions is less than the number of input revolutions.

[0067] The remaining specifications of the gears in the third planetary gear mechanism 252C are the same as those of the first planetary gear mechanism 52A and the second planetary gear mechanism 52B. Furthermore, the remaining designs are similar to the design of the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure.

[0068] The function and effect of the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the present disclosure will be explained below. (Function and effect)

[0069] In an electrically actuated valve 10 comprising a reduction gear 50 with multiple planetary gear mechanisms 52, the greatest torque is generally applied to the gear of the third planetary gear mechanism 52C. This electrically actuated valve 10 can disengage the third planetary gear mechanism 52C from the second planetary gear mechanism 52B within the reduction gear 50 with multiple planetary gear mechanisms 52. Therefore, this electrically actuated valve 10 can recombine the planetary gear mechanism 52 located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism 24 in order to achieve the desired power output depending on the load.This means that, according to this electrically actuated valve 10, compared to a case in which the third planetary gear mechanism 52C is integral with the second planetary gear mechanism 52B in the reduction gear 50 with multiple planetary gear mechanisms 52, it is easier to select a specification that prevents damage to the reduction gear 50.

[0070] Furthermore, the function and effect of the electrically operated valve 10 is explained in the first example.

[0071] In the electrically actuated valve 10, wherein several planetary gear mechanisms 52 are integrated into the reduction gear 50, a greater effort is required to attach the gears, which constitute the fixed elements, to the main valve body 14 if each of the several planetary gear mechanisms 52 can be combined. According to the electrically actuated valve 10 of the first example of the present disclosure, the sun gear 54, the planet gear 56, and the internal gear 60 are each arranged in a line in the axial direction, the internal gear 60 comprising the several planetary gear mechanisms 52, which have as fixed elements. Furthermore, according to the electrically actuated valve 10 of the first example of the present disclosure, the internal gear 60 in each planetary gear mechanism 52 is integrated in the axial direction by the integrating element.Therefore, according to this electrically actuated valve 10, it is possible to integrally attach several internal gears 60 to the main valve body 14.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the electrically actuated valve 10 of the first example of the present disclosure, the internal gear 60 in each planetary gear mechanism 52 has a meshing section 66 at its end face in the axial direction, and the internal gears 60 in the axially adjacent planetary gear mechanisms 52 mesh with each other at the meshing section 66. Therefore, the rotation of the internal gear 60 in the planetary gear mechanism 52 of the electrically actuated valve 10 of the first example of the present disclosure is mutually regulated by the meshing of the meshing sections 66. Therefore, according to this electrically actuated valve 10, in contrast to an electrically actuated valve 10 in which the internal gears 60 are integrated only by an integrating element, the regulating function of the rotation between the internal gears 60 in the circumferential direction can be shared with the internal gears 60.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure, the riveting element 62 integrates each planetary gear mechanism 52 by riveting in the axial direction. Therefore, according to this electrically actuated valve 10, several planetary gear mechanisms 52 can be riveted and integrated in advance in the axial direction during the manufacturing process.

[0074] Furthermore, the electrically actuated valve 10, with a speed reduction mechanism composed of several planetary gear mechanisms 52, inserts the gears forming the planetary gear mechanism 52—namely, the sun gear 54, the planet gear 56, the planet carrier 58, and the internal gear 60—sequentially into the housing 48. In this case, all these gears are assembled during the assembly of the electrically actuated valve 10, which increases the manufacturing time of the electrically actuated valve 10. As described above, according to the electrically actuated valve 10 in the first example of the present disclosure, several planetary gear mechanisms 52 can be pre-crimped in the axial direction during the manufacturing process, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing the assembly process.

[0075] Furthermore, the function and effect of the electrically operated valve 10 will be explained in the second example.

[0076] When the actuating mechanism 33 is driven to adjust the opening amount of the orifice 18, the valve body 22 may strike the valve seat 20, or the feed and retraction speed of the valve body 22 may change rapidly, which can cause an impact on the adjusting mechanism 21. This impact is transmitted via the adjusting mechanism 21 to the gears of the planetary gear mechanism 152, which delivers a torque to the reduction gear 150. Therefore, in the electrically actuated valve 10 with multiple planetary gear mechanisms 152, the gear of the planetary gear mechanism 152 located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism 24 is more likely to be damaged.

[0077] In the third planetary gear mechanism 152C of the present embodiment, the modules of the third sun gear 154C, the third planet gear 156C, and the third fixed gear are larger than those of the first sun gear 54A, the first planet gear 56A, and the first fixed gear. Therefore, the tooth thickness of the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C is greater, and the impact resistance of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C is increased, compared to when the gears of the third planet gear 152C have a similar shape to those of the first planet gear 52A. Furthermore, the increased gear module enlarges the contact area between the tooth faces of the third sun gear 154C and the third planet gear 156C.This means that, in the present embodiment, the reducing means reduces the pressure (load per unit area) on the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C by increasing the module of the gear of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C.

[0078] With this electrically actuated valve 10, the pressure on the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C is lower than when the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C have a similar shape to the gears of the first planetary gear mechanism 52A, thus preventing damage to the third planetary gear mechanism 152C. In other words, with the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the present embodiment, the pressure on the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C is reduced, thus preventing damage to the reduction gear 150.

[0079] In the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the present disclosure, it is possible, as in the second example of the present disclosure, to change the specifications of any one of the planetary gear mechanisms 152 under the reduction gear 50 with multiple planetary gear mechanisms 152.

[0080] Furthermore, the function and effect of the electrically operated valve 10 will be explained in the third example.

[0081] As described above, in the case of the electrically operated valve 10 with multiple planetary gear mechanisms 252, it is more likely that the gear of the planetary gear mechanism 252, which is on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism 24, will be damaged.

[0082] In this embodiment, the third planet carrier 258C in the third planetary gear mechanism 252C applies torque, and the third aspect gear outputs torque, making the third planetary gear mechanism 252C a speed-increasing mechanism. In other words, with the electrically actuated valve 10 in the present embodiment, the torque exerted on the gears is less than when the third planetary gear mechanism 252C, like the first planetary gear mechanism 52A and the second planetary gear mechanism 52B, is a speed-reducing mechanism. In other words, the reducing means in the present embodiment reduces the pressure on the third planetary gear mechanism 252C, thus making the third planetary gear mechanism 252C a speed-increasing mechanism.

[0083] With this electrically actuated valve 10, the torque on the gear of the third planetary gear mechanism 252C is lower than when the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 252C are a similar speed reduction mechanism to the gears of the first planetary gear mechanism 52A. In other words, with the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the present embodiment, the probability of damage to the planetary gear mechanism 252 is distributed between the third planetary gear mechanism 252C and the second planetary gear mechanism 52B. Therefore, with the third planetary gear 252C according to the electrically actuated valve 10 in this embodiment, damage to the third planetary gear mechanism 252C is suppressed compared to a case in which the third planetary gear mechanism 252C is a similar planetary gear mechanism 52 to the first planetary gear mechanism 52A.In other words, with the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the present embodiment, damage to the reduction gear 250 is suppressed.

[0084] In the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the present disclosure, it is possible, as in the third example of the present disclosure, to convert any one of the planetary gear mechanisms 252 under the reduction gear 50 with several planetary gear mechanisms 252 to a speed increase mechanism. (Modified example)

[0085] In the description above, the three planetary gear mechanisms 52 all have the same length in the axial direction, but a planetary gear mechanism 52 that has a different length in the axial direction than the other planetary gear mechanisms 52 can be recombined as long as it lies within the axial length in the reduction gear 50. Furthermore, in the description above, each of the reduction gears 50 has three planetary gear mechanisms 52, but the number of planetary gear mechanisms 52 can be four or more, or even two, as long as it lies within the axial length in the reduction gear 50.

[0086] Furthermore, the above description included an example in which the third planetary gear mechanism 52C of the three planetary gear mechanisms 52 is recombined in the reduction gear 50, but the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first planetary gear mechanism 52A or the second planetary gear mechanism 52B can be recombined.

[0087] Furthermore, in the description above, the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C are each separate parts, but the shape of the internal gear 60 in the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second internal gear 60B and either the first internal gear 60A or the third internal gear 60C can be an integrated component. Even in this case, similar effects to those achieved with the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure can be obtained.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above description, the engagement section 66 is formed in the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C, respectively, but the shape of the internal gear 60 in the present disclosure is not limited to this. The design need not include the engagement section 66 as long as, for example, in a state integrated in the axial direction by a riveting element 62, the rotation of the internal gears 60 in the circumferential direction can be limited by friction between the internal gears 60.

[0089] Furthermore, in the description above, the integrating element is the riveting element 62, which rivets the internal gear 60 in the axial direction, but the integrating element of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a pin extending from the first internal gear 60A to the third internal gear 60C can be an integrating element. In this case, a through-hole is made through the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C in the axial direction, and a pin is pressed into the through-hole to integrate the internal gears 60. Other integration methods include bonding with an adhesive, screwing together with screws, and the like, and integration can be carried out using these methods. (Other modified examples)

[0090] Furthermore, in the above description, the reduction gear 50 comprises three planetary gear mechanisms 52, but the number of planetary gear mechanisms 52 in the electrically actuated valve 10 according to the present disclosure is not limited to this number. The number of planetary gear mechanisms 52 can be four or more, or even two.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above description, each of the planetary gear mechanisms 52 of the reduction gear 50 comprises three planet gears 56, but the number of planet gears 56 according to the present disclosure is not limited to this number. For example, in the third planetary gear mechanism 52C, the number of third planet gears 56C can be four or more.

[0092] Furthermore, the tooth width and module are described under gear specifications in the above description, but in the present disclosure, the specifications, which are made differently in each planetary gear mechanism 52, are not limited to these, as long as the contact area between the gears is increased. For example, the pressure of the planetary gear mechanism 52 can be reduced by using a helical gear drive in which the gear teeth are shaped helically to increase the contact area between the gears.

[0093] Furthermore, the durability in each of the embodiments described above can be improved by making the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 with the highest load among the planetary gear mechanisms 52 an element with a higher durability than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52.

[0094] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is clear that a person with ordinary knowledge in the field of technology to which the present disclosure belongs may conceive various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0095] The disclosure of Japanese patent application No. 2023-008404, filed on January 23, 2023, is incorporated in full into the present description by reference.

[0096] All documents, patent applications and technical standards mentioned in this description are incorporated into this description by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application and technical standard had been expressly and individually considered to be incorporated by reference. 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 2006-226369

[0002] JP 2023-008404

[0095]

Claims

[1] Electrically operated valve comprising: a valve body comprising a valve chamber and a valve seat; a can which extends in an axial direction and has a cylindrical shape and is arranged on one side of the valve main body in the axial direction; a valve body located within the valve chamber; a feed spindle mechanism for advancing and retracting the valve body in the axial direction towards the valve seat; a rotor that is rotatably mounted on the inner circumference of the can; and a reduction gear with several planetary gear mechanisms arranged in the axial direction, wherein the torque is transmitted successively from the side that is far from the feed spindle mechanism in the several planetary gear mechanisms to the side that is near the feed spindle mechanism, and the torque is transmitted to the feed spindle mechanism by reducing the rotational speed of the rotor, and among the several planetary gear mechanisms a planetary gear mechanism located closest to the feed spindle mechanism and a planetary gear mechanism adjacent in the axial direction are constructed to be separable. [2] Electrically operated valve according to claim 1, wherein a gear representing the fixed element is an internal gear, furthermore, comprising an integrating element that integrates the internal gears in each planetary gear mechanism in the axial direction. [3] Electrically actuated valve according to claim 2, wherein the internal gear in each planetary gear mechanism has an engagement section at an end face in the axial direction, and the internal gears in the axially adjacent planetary gear mechanisms mesh at the engagement section. [4] Electrically actuated valve according to claim 3, wherein the integrating element is a riveting element which contacts and integrates a contact section formed on the internal gear on the side furthest from the feed spindle mechanism and a contact section formed on the internal gear on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism. [5] Electrically actuated valve according to claim 1, further comprising a means for reducing the pressure of one of the several planetary gear mechanisms located on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism. [6] Electrically actuated valve according to claim 1, wherein a sun gear of one of the several planetary gear mechanisms, which is arranged on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism, is made of a material having a higher longitudinal modulus of elasticity than the material of the sun gears of other planetary gear mechanisms or is harder than the sun gears of other planetary gear mechanisms. [7] Electrically actuated valve according to claim 1, wherein teeth of the sun gear of one of the several planetary gear mechanisms, which is arranged on the side closest to the feed spindle mechanism, have a material having a higher longitudinal modulus of elasticity or a surface treatment layer than the material of the sun gears of other planetary gear mechanisms. [8] Electrically actuated valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which has a stator arranged on the outer circumference of the can and drives the rotor in a rotating manner.

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