Motor-operated valve and motor-operated valve unit

Abstract

To provide a motor-operated valve and a motor-operated valve unit, each of which can secure versatility and enables improvement of extensibility of control.SOLUTION: In a motor-driven valve which can input a detection signal from a sensor detecting at least one of a pressure and a temperature of a fluid entering the motor-driven valve or discharged from the motor-driven valve, the sensor has flexible wiring capable of outputting the detection signal, a second terminal connected to the wiring, and a second connector connectable to a first connector of the motor-driven valve. When the first connector and the second connector are connected, a first terminal and the second terminal of the motor-driven valve are engaged in a manner that a signal can be transmitted, and a control portion of the motor-driven valve inputs the detection signal output from the sensor via the first terminal and the second terminal, and outputs a driving signal for driving a motor of the motor-driven valve on the basis of the detection signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motorized valve and a motorized valve unit. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a so-called motor-operated valve in which an electric motor is used to open and close a valve, in which the rotation of a rotor is transmitted to a screw mechanism to open and close the valve.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an electric valve having a stator unit including a main board arranged parallel to the vertical direction, a sub-board arranged perpendicular to the main board, and a magnetic sensor provided on the sub-board.

[0004] When controlling the valve opening in such a conventional motor-operated valve, the magnetic sensor detects the current valve opening (including a signal corresponding to the current valve opening) and outputs it to a higher-level system ECU via a sub-board and a main board. In parallel with this, a pressure / temperature sensor arranged in a flow path through which the fluid controlled by the motor-operated valve passes detects the pressure / temperature of the fluid and outputs corresponding pressure / temperature signals to the system ECU. The system ECU, which receives the current valve opening and the pressure / temperature signals, calculates the required valve opening based on them and generates a control signal, and outputs the control signal to the stator via the main board of the motor-operated valve, thereby rotating the rotor by the desired angle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 168651 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In this way, since the pressure / temperature sensor outputs the pressure / temperature signals necessary to control the valve opening of the motor-operated valve, integration of the pressure / temperature sensor with the motor-operated valve is being considered. However, for example, if the pressure / temperature sensor and the motor-operated valve are incorporated in the same housing, a dedicated housing design is required for each part to which the pressure / temperature sensor and the motor-operated valve are attached, which creates a problem of losing versatility. In addition, there is also a demand for expandability in the control of the motor-operated valve.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a motorized valve and a motorized valve unit that ensure versatility and can enhance the expandability of control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the motor-operated valve according to the present invention comprises: An electric valve capable of receiving a detection signal from a sensor for detecting at least one of a pressure and a temperature of a fluid flowing into or flowing out of the electric valve, a valve body including a valve port and a valve seat surrounding the valve port; A cylindrical can attached to a valve body; A rotor disposed inside the can; A stator disposed outside the can; a cover that covers the stator and has a first connector; a valve body that is axially movable toward and away from the valve seat; a feed screw mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the rotor into the axial movement of the valve body; a substrate disposed within the cover and including a control unit connected to the first terminal; the sensor includes a flexible wiring capable of outputting a detection signal, a second terminal connected to the wiring, and a second connector connectable to the first connector; When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the first terminal and the second terminal are engaged to be capable of transmitting signals, the control unit receives a detection signal output from the sensor via the first terminal and the second terminal, and outputs a drive signal for driving the motor based on the detection signal. It is characterized by:

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the motor-operated valve unit according to the present invention comprises: An electric valve unit having a sensor for detecting at least one of a pressure and a temperature of a fluid flowing into or out of a motor-operated valve, and an electric valve to which a detection signal can be input from the sensor, The sensor includes: Flexible wiring capable of outputting a detection signal; A second terminal connected to the wiring; A second connector, The motor-operated valve is a valve body including a valve port and a valve seat surrounding the valve port; A cylindrical can attached to a valve body; a rotor disposed inside the can; A stator disposed outside the can; a cover covering the stator and including a first connector connectable to the second connector; a valve body that is axially movable toward and away from the valve seat; a feed screw mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the rotor into the axial movement of the valve body; a substrate disposed within the cover and including a control unit and a first terminal connected to the control unit; When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the first terminal and the second terminal are engaged to be capable of transmitting signals, the control unit receives a detection signal output from the sensor via the first terminal and the second terminal, and outputs a drive signal for driving the motor based on the detection signal. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a motorized valve and a motorized valve unit that ensure versatility and can enhance the expandability of control. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a control circuit including a motor-operated valve according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the motor-operated valve according to this embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the motor-operated valve of this embodiment attached to a flow path block. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the motor-operated valve according to the first modified example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a motor-operated valve according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, a motor-operated valve according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, a pressure / temperature sensor refers to a sensor that detects at least one of pressure and temperature and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected pressure / temperature. However, a sensor other than a pressure / temperature sensor (such as a position sensor or an encoder) may be combined with the motor-operated valve. A combination of a motor-operated valve and a sensor is referred to as a motor-operated valve unit.

[0013] [Control circuit] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a control circuit including a motor-operated valve according to this embodiment. Here, an example in which the motor-operated valve is applied to a refrigeration cycle (air conditioner) using a refrigerant as a fluid will be described. In Fig. 1, a motor-operated valve 1, a solenoid valve 200, and a pressure / temperature sensor 300 are attached along a flow path PS through which the refrigerant flows as a fluid. The entire refrigeration cycle is controlled by a system ECU (simply referred to as ECU) 400. The motor-operated valve 1 has a function of narrowing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path PS through which the refrigerant passes.

[0014] The motor-operated valve 1 has a stator 50 including a main board 100. On the main board 100, there are mounted a microcomputer 101 equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, timer, A / D, I / O, etc., a memory 102 capable of storing numerical values, a solenoid driver 103, a motor driver 104, and a regulator 105 for supplying power to each part of the main board.

[0015] The solenoid valve 200 has a switching valve element 201 that opens or closes the flow path PS, and a coil 202 that drives the switching valve element 201. However, the solenoid valve 200 is not necessarily provided.

[0016] The pressure / temperature sensor 300 has a detection element 301 that detects at least one of the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant passing through the flow path PS and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected value.

[0017] The microcomputer 101, which is the control unit, is capable of inputting and outputting numerical values ​​to and from the memory 102, and can input a detection signal from the detection element 301, determine the valve opening degree of the motor-operated valve 1 based on the detection signal, and accordingly drive-control a stepping motor (also called a motor) 5 via a motor driver 104 to displace the valve element 4 of the motor-operated valve 1. The microcomputer 101 also outputs the input detection signal from the detection element 301 to the ECU 400 via a bus BS, and can also input a control signal from the ECU 400. Furthermore, the microcomputer 101 can open or close the flow path PS by displacing the switching valve element 201 via a solenoid driver 103.

[0018] A sensor 107 disposed on the sub-board 106 can magnetically detect the angle of the rotor of the stepping motor 5. The microcomputer 101 can input a detection signal from the sensor 107 and output it to the ECU 400.

[0019] [Motor-operated valve] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the motor-operated valve 1 according to this embodiment, together with the pressure / temperature sensor 300. In this specification, the direction from the rotor to the valve seat is defined as the downward direction, and the direction from the valve seat to the rotor is defined as the upward direction.

[0020] The motor-operated valve 1 mainly comprises a valve body 2, a can 3, a valve element 4 arranged in the internal space of the valve body 2, a stepping motor 5 which generates a rotational torque for driving the valve element 4, a speed reduction mechanism 6 arranged inside the can 3 which reduces the rotational torque of the stepping motor 5 and transmits the driving force to the valve element 4 via an output shaft 7, and a feed screw mechanism 9. The speed reduction mechanism 6 may be omitted.

[0021] A pair of bobbins 52 and a stator coil 53 are arranged on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion of the can 3, and a yoke 51 surrounding them is arranged on the outer periphery of the can 3. The stator 50 is formed by covering the outer periphery with a resin molded cover 56. The stepping motor 5 is composed of the stator 50 and a rotor 57 described later.

[0022] A hollow housing portion 56a is connected by a part of the outer periphery of the resin molded cover 56 protruding outward in the radial direction, and the opening is shielded by the lid member 58. The lid member 58 becomes a part of the resin molded cover 56 by being joined to the housing portion 56a. The lid member 58 has a plate portion 58a that covers the opening of the housing portion 56a, and a hollow cylindrical portion 58b that protrudes outward from the plate portion 58a perpendicular to the axis L. The internal space of the hollow cylindrical portion 58b penetrates the plate portion 58a. The hollow cylindrical portion 58b constitutes the first connector. Note that the resin molded cover 56 other than the lid member 58 can be used in common by preparing lid members 58 having hollow cylindrical portions 58b of different shapes and selecting one according to the second connector described later. A single plate portion 58a may be provided with multiple hollow cylindrical portions 58b.

[0023] Inside the housing 56a, a main board 100 is disposed parallel to the axis L. The rear side of the main board 100 is supported by a support 56f extending from the outer periphery of the stator coil 53. A female terminal (first terminal) 108 connected to the microcomputer 101 is disposed on the main board 100 so as to face the hollow cylindrical portion 58b. When a plurality of hollow cylindrical portions 58b are provided, a plurality of female terminals 108 can be formed accordingly.

[0024] A male terminal (second terminal) 303 is attached to the tip of a flexible wiring 302 extending from the pressure / temperature sensor 300, and a resin connector part (second connector) 304 is fixed around the wiring 302 in the vicinity of the male terminal 303. That is, the wiring 302 passes through the center of the connector part 304, and the male terminal 303 is connected to its end.

[0025] By inserting the male terminal 303 and the connector portion 304 into the hollow cylindrical portion 58b, the male terminal 303 can be engaged with the female terminal 108 so as to be capable of transmitting signals, and thus the detection signal output from the pressure / temperature sensor 300 can be input to the microcomputer 101 via the wiring 302. At this time, the outer periphery of the connector portion 304 is in close contact with the inner periphery of the hollow cylindrical portion 58b, thereby preventing external foreign matter from entering the housing portion 56a. With the connector portion 304 inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 58b, the two may be fixed with an adhesive.

[0026] A hollow connector section 56b is formed on the upper part of the housing section 56a. A terminal 56c is arranged inside the connector section 56b and is connected to a bus BS connected to the ECU 400 (FIG. 1). The terminal 56c is connected to the main board 100 so as to be capable of transmitting signals.

[0027] Inside the housing 56a, a sub-board 106 having a sensor 107 attached thereto is disposed so as to extend from the main board 100 toward the can 3. The sub-board 106 is connected to the main board 100 so as to be capable of transmitting signals. The sensor 107 has a function of magnetically detecting the angle of the rotor 57 located adjacent to it across the can 3. An angle signal of the rotor 57 detected by the sensor 107 is output to the microcomputer 101 of the main board 100 via the sub-board 106.

[0028] The microcomputer 101 of the main board 100 is connected to the stator coil 53 via a motor driver 104 (FIG. 1) and a wiring 56d.

[0029] The can 3 is made of a non-magnetic metal such as stainless steel, and has a cylindrical shape with a spherical top. The open lower end of the can 3 is fixed by welding to the upper end of the valve body unit 20, as described below. The thickness of the lower end of the can 3 is made thicker than the thickness of the other parts. Specifically, the other parts of the can 3 than the lower end are made thinner by ironing or the like.

[0030] A valve chamber VC is defined inside the valve body 2. The valve body 2 has a vertical opening 21 that passes through the valve chamber VC along the axis L, and a horizontal opening 22 that extends from the side toward the valve chamber VC in a direction perpendicular to the axis L. A hollow cylindrical valve seat member 30 is press-fitted into the inner periphery of the vertical opening 21 near the lower end of the vertical opening 21. The inner periphery of the valve seat member 30 forms an orifice passage (valve port), and its upper end constitutes a valve seat 31 that surrounds the valve port.

[0031] A cylindrical spring receiving member 26 is press-fitted into the center of the vertical opening 21 of the valve body 2. The spring receiving member 26 has a central opening 26b penetrating in the axial direction L, a flange portion 26c abutting against the step portion 21a of the vertical opening 21, and a spring receiving seat 26d formed around the upper end of the central opening 26b.

[0032] A hollow cylindrical base material 27 is fitted into the upper part of the vertical opening 21 of the valve body 2 so that its lower end abuts against the upper end of the spring receiving member 26. A male thread 27a formed on the outer periphery of the lower end of the base material 27 is screwed into an internal thread 21b formed on the inner periphery of the vertical opening 21, thereby fastening and fixing the base material 27 to the valve body 2. The base material 27 has a large diameter cylindrical portion 27b on the lower side and a reduced diameter cylindrical portion 27c on the upper side. The inner periphery of an annular plate 28 is fitted into the outer periphery step at the upper end of the large diameter cylindrical portion 27b by press fitting. The outer periphery of the annular plate 28 is fixed to the lower end of the can 3 by welding or brazing.

[0033] A cylindrical rotor 57 is disposed radially inside the stator 50 across the can 3, and its upper end is covered by a rotor support member 59. The lower end of the resin molded cover 56 is attached to the valve body 2 by a rotation stopper (not shown) so as not to rotate around the axis.

[0034] The reduction mechanism 6 has a sun gear 61 formed integrally with the rotor support member 59 on the inner side of the rotor 57, a fixed ring gear 62 fixed via a thin-walled cylindrical body 66 fixed to the outer periphery of the upper end of the base material 27, a planetary gear 63 arranged between the sun gear 61 and the fixed ring gear 62 and meshing with each other, a carrier 64 that supports the planetary gear 63 for free rotation, and a bottomed cylindrical output gear member 65 having teeth on its inner circumference that mesh with the planetary gear 63.

[0035] The number of teeth of the fixed ring gear 62 is set to be different from the number of teeth of the output gear member 65, so that the reduction mechanism 6 constitutes a paradox planetary gear reduction mechanism.

[0036] The upper end of the output shaft 7 is fitted and fixed in a central opening formed in the center of the carrier 64, and the two are capable of rotating integrally.

[0037] The lower end of shaft member 8 is fitted into a hole formed in the center of the upper end of output shaft 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end of shaft member 8 is inserted into a central hole of support member 81. Support member 81 has an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of can 3, and is disposed above rotor support member 59 so as to be inscribed in can 3. Shaft member 8 passes through rotor support member 59 and carrier 64, and holds them so as to be rotatable relative to one another. Rotor 57 itself is held by support member 81 etc. so as not to move up and down inside can 3, and its positional relationship with stator 50 fitted and fixed to the outside of can 3 is always maintained constant.

[0038] 2, the feed screw mechanism 9 includes a cylindrical bearing 91, a screw shaft 92, and balls 93. The cylindrical bearing 91 has a lower end portion fixed to the inner periphery of the upper end side of the base material 27.

[0039] The cylindrical bearing 91 supports the lower surface of the carrier 64 at its upper end surface, and the output shaft 7 is inserted into the upper inner periphery of the cylindrical bearing 91 so as to be rotatable relative to the carrier 64. The cylindrical bearing 91 and the carrier 64 are preferably made of different materials. A male screw portion 92a formed on the outer periphery of the screw shaft 92 is screwed into a female screw portion 91a formed on the lower inner periphery of the cylindrical bearing 91. A convex portion 92b, which is a flat driver portion provided on the screw shaft 92, is inserted into a slit-shaped recess 7b formed on the lower end of the output shaft 7, and the output shaft 7 and the screw shaft 92 are configured to be movable relative to each other in the axial direction but rotate together. A recess is formed at the lower end of the screw shaft 92, and a ball 93 is fixed to the screw shaft 92 while being fitted into the recess.

[0040] The rotation of the screw shaft 92 is converted into axial movement by the screw action between it and the cylindrical bearing 91, and is transmitted to the valve body 4 via balls 93 and a ball receiving member 94. The ball receiving member 94 is fitted and fixed into a valve body holding member 95 which is press-fitted into the upper end of the valve body 4 to form an integrated unit. Note that a recess may be provided in the screw shaft 92, and a protrusion to be inserted into the recess may be provided on the output shaft 7.

[0041] In order to remove backlash between the female thread portion 91a and the male thread portion 92a in the feed screw mechanism 9, a coil spring 70 that biases the valve body 4 in the valve opening direction via the valve body holding member 95 is provided inside the base material 27. The upper end of the coil spring 70 abuts against the lower surface of the flange of the valve body holding member 95, and the other end abuts against the spring receiving seat 26d of the spring receiving member 26.

[0042] The shaft portion 41 of the valve body 4 is fitted into the central opening 26b of the spring receiving member 26 so as to be slidable in the direction of the axis L, and the umbrella portion 42 connected to the lower end of the shaft portion 41 has a tapered surface 43 on its outer periphery. The tapered surface 43 is capable of being seated on the valve seat 31.

[0043] The valve body 4 is always biased in the valve opening direction (towards the feed screw mechanism 9) by the spring force of the coil spring 70 which is held in a compressed state, and when the valve body 4 is pushed down in the valve closing direction by the driving force from the feed screw mechanism 9, the valve body 4 is pushed down against the spring force of the coil spring 70, causing the tapered surface 43 to seat on the valve seat 31 and close the orifice passage.

[0044] The screw shaft 92 can rotate at a reduced rotation speed relative to the rotation of the rotor 57, and the axial displacement of the screw shaft 92 corresponding to that rotation can be controlled to a small displacement, so that the axial position of the valve body 4 relative to the valve seat 31 can be positioned with high resolution by the speed reduction mechanism 6. As a result, the flow path area between the tapered surface 43 and the valve seat 31 can be controlled with high precision, and the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through can be adjusted with high precision, that is, high-resolution valve opening control is achieved. When the feed screw mechanism 9 is operated in the valve opening direction, the spring force of the coil spring 70 causes the valve shaft 60 to move in response to the upward movement of the screw shaft 92.

[0045] In the motor-operated valve shown in FIG. 2, a refrigerant is introduced into the can 3 through the inner and outer periphery communicating holes of the spring receiving member 26 and the gaps between the members.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the motor-operated valve 1 of this embodiment attached to a flow passage block PB, but the solenoid valve is omitted. In Fig. 3, the flow passage block PB has an attachment opening OP having a female thread for attaching the motor-operated valve 1, a first flow passage PS1 extending coaxially with the attachment opening OP, and a second flow passage PS2 extending in a direction intersecting the attachment opening OP.

[0047] The motor-operated valve 1 can be attached to the flow passage block PB by screwing the male thread formed on the outer periphery of the upper part of the valve body 2 into the female thread of the installation opening OP and inserting the outer periphery of the lower part of the valve body 2 into the first flow passage PS1. At this time, the gap between the valve body 2 and the installation opening OP and the first flow passage PS1 is sealed by O-rings OR1 and OR2. With the motor-operated valve 1 attached to the flow passage block PB, the vertical opening 21, i.e., the orifice passage, communicates with the first flow passage PS1, and the horizontal opening 22 communicates with the second flow passage PS2. Here, the refrigerant flows from the second flow passage PS2 through the valve chamber VC to the first flow passage PS1, but the refrigerant may also flow from the first flow passage PS1 to the second flow passage PS2.

[0048] Here, a first pressure / temperature sensor 300A arranged on the side of the flow path block PB is inserted into a detection hole DH1 communicating with the first flow path PS1, which is downstream (after narrowing) of the orifice passage, and is capable of detecting the pressure / temperature of the refrigerant in the first flow path PS1.

[0049] In addition, a second pressure / temperature sensor 300B arranged on the underside of the flow path block PB is inserted into a detection hole DH2 communicating with the second flow path PS2, which is on the upstream side of the orifice passage (before it is narrowed), and can detect the pressure / temperature of the refrigerant in the second flow path PS2.

[0050] Furthermore, a third pressure / temperature sensor 300C arranged on the upper surface of the flow path block PB is inserted into a detection hole DH3 communicating with the second flow path PS2, which is on the upstream side of the orifice passage (before it is narrowed), and can detect the pressure / temperature of the refrigerant in the second flow path PS2.

[0051] According to this embodiment, since the first connector and the second connector are common to each other, any of the first pressure / temperature sensor 300A to the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C can be connected to the motor-operated valve 1 using the flexible wiring 302, thereby improving versatility. Therefore, when a pressure / temperature signal before or after passing through the orifice passage is required to control the motor-operated valve 1, any of the first pressure / temperature sensor 300A to the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C that outputs a desired pressure / temperature signal can be selected, and the microcomputer 101 can perform processing based on the detection signal. Alternatively, when there are multiple first connectors, the microcomputer 101 may perform processing based on detection signals from the multiple pressure / temperature sensors. As a result, the expandability of control is improved.

[0052] Furthermore, when the flow passage block PB is installed in a narrow space, it is possible that the pressure / temperature sensor cannot be installed later due to other components nearby. In such a case, the flow passage block PB with the pressure / temperature sensor already attached thereto can be installed, and then the wiring 302 extending from the pressure / temperature sensor can be connected to the motor-operated valve 1, thereby improving ease of assembly.

[0053] (Operation of motor-operated valve) The operation of the motor-operated valve 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Here, it is assumed that the motor-operated valve 1 is connected to a third pressure / temperature sensor 300C.

[0054] In the open valve state, the microcomputer 101 of the motor-operated valve 1 receives a control signal requesting a desired valve opening from the external ECU 400 and a detection signal from the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C. The microcomputer 101 compares these signals to determine whether the valve opening of the motor-operated valve 1 in response to the request from the ECU 400 is excessive or insufficient (i.e., whether the current flow rate is high or low compared to the allowable range of the flow rate passing through the orifice passage). Note that instead of the control signal requesting the desired valve opening input by the microcomputer 101 of the motor-operated valve 1, a control signal requesting a desired flow rate may be used, and whether the flow rate is excessive or low may be determined.

[0055] When the microcomputer 101 determines that the valve opening of the motor-operated valve 1 is too small in response to a request from the ECU 400, the microcomputer 101 controls to increase the valve opening in order to ensure a flow rate that corresponds to the shortage. Specifically, the microcomputer 101 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the shortage to the motor driver 104, causing the stator 50 of the stepping motor 5 to generate a magnetic force. The rotor 57 is driven to rotate based on the magnetic force, generating a rotational force in a predetermined direction. The rotational force is transmitted to the reduction mechanism 6 via the rotor support member 59.

[0056] 2, the planetary gears 63 revolve around the axis L along the fixed ring gear 62 upon receiving a rotational force transmitted from a sun gear 61 integral with the rotor support member 59, whereby the carrier 64 rotates around the axis L while being decelerated. Furthermore, since the fixed ring gear 62 with which the planetary gears 63 mesh and the output gear member 65 have different numbers of teeth, the output gear member 65 can be rotated at a high reduction ratio relative to the rotational speed of the sun gear 61.

[0057] Therefore, the rotational force of the rotor 57 is highly decelerated by the reduction mechanism 6 before being transmitted to the output shaft 7. Furthermore, the rotational movement of the output shaft 7 is converted into the upward movement of the screw shaft 92 via the feed screw mechanism 9, so that the valve disc 4, biased by the spring force of the coil spring 70, follows the upward movement of the screw shaft 92, and the tapered surface 43 of the valve disc 4 moves away from the valve seat 31 to allow the refrigerant to pass through. As a result, the amount of refrigerant that flows into the valve chest VC from the second passage PS2 of the flow path block PB through the side opening 22 increases, and the refrigerant that passes between the valve seat 31 and the valve disc 4 flows out from the first passage PS1 to the outside.

[0058] When the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the second passage PS2 increases, the detection signal output from the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C changes accordingly. Therefore, the microcomputer 101 obtains the increased flow rate of the refrigerant based on the detection signal output from the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C and compares it with the previously calculated refrigerant shortage. If the microcomputer 101 determines that the increased flow rate is insufficient to compensate for the shortage, the microcomputer 101 rotates the rotor 57 in the same direction via the motor driver 104 to further separate the valve body 4 from the valve seat 31. On the other hand, if the microcomputer 101 determines that the increased flow rate is approximately equal to the shortage, the microcomputer 101 stops the rotation of the rotor 57.

[0059] On the other hand, when the microcomputer 101 determines that the valve opening of the motor-operated valve 1 is excessive in response to the request from the ECU 400, the microcomputer 101 performs control to reduce the valve opening in order to reduce the flow rate corresponding to the excess. Specifically, the microcomputer 101 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the excess to the motor driver 104, causing the stator 50 of the stepping motor 5 to generate a magnetic force with reverse characteristics. Based on this magnetic force, the rotor 57 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction to generate a rotational force. This rotational force is transmitted to the reduction mechanism 6 via the rotor support member 59, which causes the valve body 4 to approach the valve seat 31 and restrict the passage of the refrigerant. As a result, the amount of refrigerant passing between the valve seat 31 and the valve body 4 is reduced.

[0060] When the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the second passage PS2 decreases, the detection signal output from the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C changes accordingly. Therefore, the microcomputer 101 obtains the decreased flow rate of the refrigerant based on the detection signal output from the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C and compares it with the previously calculated excess amount of the refrigerant. If it is determined that the decreased flow rate does not reach the excess amount, the microcomputer 101 rotates the rotor 57 via the motor driver 104 to move the valve body 4 closer to the valve seat 31. On the other hand, if it is determined that the decreased flow rate is almost equal to the excess amount, the microcomputer 101 stops the rotation of the rotor 57.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the microcomputer 101 performs rotation control of the rotor 57 by correcting the control signal from the ECU 400 based on the detection signal output from the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C. However, the microcomputer 101 may autonomously perform rotation control of the rotor 57 based only on the detection signal output from the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C, regardless of the control signal from the ECU 400. Even in this case, the microcomputer 101 can output the detection signal output from the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C to the ECU 400.

[0062] Furthermore, the microcomputer 101 can also detect, for example, an abnormality in the motor-operated valve 1 by comparing and monitoring the detection signals output from the first pressure / temperature sensor 300A and the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C. Specifically, referring to Fig. 1, when the change in pressure / temperature before and after throttling, which is obtained based on the detection signals output from the first pressure / temperature sensor 300A and the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C, exceeds an allowable range for the valve opening degree of the motor-operated valve 1 corresponding to the control signal to the motor driver 104, the microcomputer 101 can determine that an abnormality has occurred in the motor-operated valve 1. The microcomputer 101, which has determined that an abnormality has occurred in the motor-operated valve 1, can drive and control the solenoid valve 200 (Fig. 1) via the solenoid driver 103, and close the refrigerant flow path PS by the switching valve body 201. In addition, the microcontroller 101 may compare the detection signal output from the first pressure / temperature sensor 300A or the third pressure / temperature sensor 300C in response to the valve opening degree of the electric valve 1 with a threshold value obtained by simulation, experiment, etc. to determine the presence or absence of an abnormality.

[0063] (First Modification) 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the motor-operated valve 1A according to the first modified example, and shows the motor-operated valve 1A attached to the flow path block PBA. In the motor-operated valve 1A of this modified example, only the configurations of the resin mold cover 56A, the cover member 58A, and the main board 100A are different from those of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the other configurations are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment, so that the same reference numerals are used and the duplicated description will be omitted.

[0064] Further, the main board 100A has female terminals 108A in different positions, but other configurations are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, so that a duplicated description of the common configurations will be omitted.

[0065] A hollow housing part 56Aa is connected by a part of the outer periphery of the resin mold cover 56A protruding radially outward, and the opening part is covered by the cover member 58A. The cover member 58A is a plate-like member that covers the opening part of the housing part 56Aa, and a hollow cylindrical part is not connected. Instead, a hollow cylindrical part 56Ac is formed protruding downward from the housing part 56Aa in parallel with the axis L toward the flow path block PBA.

[0066] A main board 100A is disposed inside the housing 56Aa. A female terminal 108A connected to the microcomputer 101 (see FIG. 1) is disposed on the main board 100A so as to face the hollow cylindrical portion 56Ac.

[0067] In this modification, a male terminal 303 and a connector portion 304 are attached to an end of a wire 302 extending upward through a hole HL formed in the flow path block PBA. The wire 302 is connected to a pressure / temperature sensor not shown in FIG.

[0068] Of course, the motor-operated valve 1A may be attached to a flow path block that does not have the hole HL. In this case, the wire 302 passes through the gap between the lower end of the hollow cylindrical portion 56Ac and the upper surface of the flow path block (the upper surface of the portion of the flow path block PBA where the hole HL is formed). Therefore, even if the wire 302 is pulled, the male terminal 303 and the connector portion 304 are unlikely to come off. Note that the wire 302 may be sandwiched and fixed between the lower end of the hollow cylindrical portion 56Ac and the upper surface of the flow path block to enhance the effect of preventing the male terminal 303 and the connector portion 304 from coming off.

[0069] When the motor-operated valve 1A is lowered relative to the flow path block PBA in order to attach the valve body 2 of the motor-operated valve 1A to the attachment opening OP, the male terminal 303 and the connector portion 304 can be inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 58b, and the male terminal 303 can be engaged with the female terminal 108 so as to be capable of transmitting signals. This allows the detection signals output from the pressure / temperature sensors to be input to the microcomputer 101.

[0070] The inner diameter of the hole HL is smaller than the outer diameter of the connector portion 304, so that the connector portion 304 is prevented from slipping out of the hole HL. In addition, the entire circumference of the lower end of the hollow cylindrical portion 56Ac is abutted against the upper surface of the flow path block PBA, so that it is possible to prevent external foreign matter from passing between the abutting surfaces and entering the inside.

[0071] (Second Modification) 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the motor-operated valve 1B according to the second modified example. In the motor-operated valve 1B of this modified example, only the cover member 58B, the main board 100B, and the pressure / temperature sensor are different from those of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the other configurations are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment, so that the same reference numerals are used and the duplicated description will be omitted.

[0072] Also, main board 100B is different in that male terminals (first terminals) 108B are provided instead of female terminals, and other configurations are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment, so duplicated explanations of the common configurations will be omitted. Furthermore, pressure / temperature sensor (not shown in FIG. 5) is different in the configuration around connector portion 304D, and other configurations are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment, so duplicated explanations of the common configurations will be omitted.

[0073] A hollow housing part 56a is formed by a part of the outer periphery of the resin molded cover 56 protruding radially outward, and the opening is covered by the lid member 58B. The lid member 58B has a plate part 58Ba that covers the opening of the housing part 56a, and a rectangular tube part (first connector) 58Bb that protrudes outward from the plate part 58Ba. The rectangular tube part 58Bb has a protrusion 58Bc on its outer periphery.

[0074] On the main board 100B, a male terminal 108B connected to the microcomputer 101 (FIG. 1) is disposed opposite the rectangular tube portion 58Bb.

[0075] A female terminal (second terminal) 303D is attached to the tip of a wire 302 extending from the pressure / temperature sensor, and a connector part (second connector) 304D in the shape of a bottomed square tube is fixed around the female terminal 303D. The wire 302 passes through the bottom wall of the connector part 304D, and a through hole 305D corresponding to the protrusion 58Bc is formed in the peripheral wall of the connector part 304D. The protrusion 58Bc and the through hole 305D constitute a prevention device.

[0076] When the connector portion 304D is fitted into the rectangular tube portion 58Bb, the inner circumference of the connector portion 304D comes into close contact with the outer circumference of the rectangular tube portion 58Bb, and the female terminal 303D can be engaged with the male terminal 108B so as to be capable of transmitting signals, whereby the detection signal output from the pressure / temperature sensor 300D can be input to the microcomputer 101. In addition, by pushing the connector portion 304D into the rectangular tube portion 58Bb, the protrusion 58Bc fits into the through hole 305D, thereby preventing the rectangular tube portion 58Bb from slipping out of the connector portion 304D. A similar prevention device can be installed in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples.

[0077] This specification includes the disclosure of the following inventions. (First aspect) An electric valve capable of receiving a detection signal from a sensor for detecting at least one of a pressure and a temperature of a fluid flowing into or flowing out of the electric valve, a valve body including a valve port and a valve seat surrounding the valve port; A cylindrical can attached to a valve body; A rotor disposed inside the can; A stator disposed outside the can; a cover that covers the stator and has a first connector; a valve body that is axially movable toward and away from the valve seat; a feed screw mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the rotor into the axial movement of the valve body; a substrate disposed within the cover and including a control unit connected to the first terminal; the sensor includes a flexible wiring capable of outputting a detection signal, a second terminal connected to the wiring, and a second connector connectable to the first connector; When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the first terminal and the second terminal are engaged to be capable of transmitting signals, the control unit receives a detection signal output from the sensor via the first terminal and the second terminal, and outputs a drive signal for driving the motor based on the detection signal. A motor-operated valve.

[0078] (Second aspect) The motor-operated valve constitutes a part of a refrigeration cycle using the fluid as a refrigerant, The control unit outputs the detection signal input from the sensor to a system ECU of the refrigeration cycle. 10. The motor-operated valve according to claim 1,

[0079] (Third aspect) the first terminal is connectable to the second terminal of one or more sensors among a plurality of sensors; The motor-operated valve according to the first or second aspect,

[0080] (Fourth aspect) The second connector is coupled to the first connector in a state where the second connector is inserted into the first connector. The motor-operated valve according to any one of the first to third aspects, characterized in that:

[0081] (Fifth aspect) The first connector is coupled to the second connector in a state where the first connector is inserted into the second connector. The motor-operated valve according to any one of the first to third aspects, characterized in that:

[0082] (Sixth aspect) When the motor-operated valve is attached to a flow path block having a flow path through which the fluid flows, the connecting portion of the first connector is arranged to face the flow path block side. A fourth aspect of the motor-operated valve.

[0083] (Seventh aspect) a prevention device is provided to prevent the first connector and the second connector from being separated from each other after the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other; The motor-operated valve according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, characterized in that:

[0084] (Eighth aspect) An electric valve unit having a sensor for detecting at least one of a pressure and a temperature of a fluid flowing into or out of a motor-operated valve, and an electric valve to which a detection signal can be input from the sensor, The sensor includes: Flexible wiring capable of outputting a detection signal; A second terminal connected to the wiring; A second connector, The motor-operated valve is a valve body including a valve port and a valve seat surrounding the valve port; A cylindrical can attached to a valve body; a rotor disposed inside the can; A stator disposed outside the can; a cover covering the stator and including a first connector connectable to the second connector; a valve body that is axially movable toward and away from the valve seat; a feed screw mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the rotor into the axial movement of the valve body; a substrate disposed within the cover and including a control unit and a first terminal connected to the control unit; When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the first terminal and the second terminal are engaged to be capable of transmitting signals, the control unit receives a detection signal output from the sensor via the first terminal and the second terminal, and outputs a drive signal for driving the motor based on the detection signal. The motor-operated valve unit is characterized by the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1,1A,1B Motor-operated valve 2 Valve body 3 Can 4 Valve body 5 Stepping motor 6 Reduction mechanism 7 Output shaft 8 Shaft member 9. Lead screw mechanism 58b, 56Ac Hollow cylindrical section 58Bb Square tube part 61 Sun Gear 62 Fixed ring gear 63 Planetary Gear 64 Career 65 Output gear member 100 Main Board 108 Female terminal 108B male terminal 106 Sub-board 200 Solenoid valve 300, 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D Pressure / Temperature Sensors 303 Male terminal 303D female terminal 304, 304D Connector part 400 ECU

Claims

1. An electric valve capable of receiving a detection signal from a sensor for detecting at least one of a pressure and a temperature of a fluid flowing into or flowing out of the electric valve, a valve body including a valve port and a valve seat surrounding the valve port; A cylindrical can attached to a valve body; A rotor disposed inside the can; A stator disposed outside the can; a cover that covers the stator and has a first connector; a valve body that is axially movable toward and away from the valve seat; a feed screw mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the rotor into the axial movement of the valve body; a substrate disposed within the cover and including a control unit connected to the first terminal; the sensor includes a flexible wiring capable of outputting a detection signal, a second terminal connected to the wiring, and a second connector connectable to the first connector; When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the first terminal and the second terminal are engaged to be able to transmit signals, the control unit receives a detection signal output from the sensor via the first terminal and the second terminal, and outputs a drive signal for driving the motor based on the detection signal. A motor-operated valve.

2. The motor-operated valve constitutes a part of a refrigeration cycle using the fluid as a refrigerant, The control unit outputs the detection signal input from the sensor to a system ECU of the refrigeration cycle.

2. The motor-operated valve according to claim 1 .

3. the first terminal is connectable to the second terminal of one or more sensors among a plurality of sensors; 2. The motor-operated valve according to claim 1 .

4. The second connector is coupled to the first connector in a state where the second connector is inserted into the first connector.

2. The motor-operated valve according to claim 1 .

5. The first connector is coupled to the second connector in a state where the first connector is inserted into the second connector.

2. The motor-operated valve according to claim 1 .

6. When the motor-operated valve is attached to a flow path block having a flow path through which the fluid flows, the connecting portion of the first connector is disposed so as to face the flow path block side.

5. The motor-operated valve according to claim 4.

7. a prevention device is provided to prevent the first connector and the second connector from being separated from each other after the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other; The motor-operated valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A motor-operated valve unit having a sensor for detecting at least one of a pressure and a temperature of a fluid flowing into or out of a motor-operated valve, and a motor-operated valve to which a detection signal can be input from the sensor, The sensor includes: Flexible wiring capable of outputting a detection signal; A second terminal connected to the wiring; A second connector, The motor-operated valve is a valve body including a valve port and a valve seat surrounding the valve port; A cylindrical can attached to a valve body; A rotor disposed inside the can; A stator disposed outside the can; a cover covering the stator and including a first connector connectable to the second connector; a valve body that is axially movable toward and away from the valve seat; a feed screw mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the rotor into the axial movement of the valve body; a substrate disposed within the cover and including a control unit and a first terminal connected to the control unit; When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the first terminal and the second terminal are engaged to be able to transmit signals, the control unit receives a detection signal output from the sensor via the first terminal and the second terminal, and outputs a drive signal for driving the motor based on the detection signal. The motor-operated valve unit is characterized by the above.

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