Valve device

Abstract

To provide a valve device which enables secure joint between an elastic seal member and a valve base material to maintain predetermined functions in a structure including a valve body formed by the elastic seal member which contacts with a valve seat and the valve base material which fixes the elastic seal member.SOLUTION: A valve device includes: a housing 10 in which an upstream side passage 12a and downstream side passages 13a, 14a in which fluid passes and valve seats 11d, 11e disposed between the upstream side passage and the downstream side passage are defined; a shaft 60 which reciprocates along a predetermined axis S; and valve bodies 20, 30 which are fixed to the shaft and seated on or separated from the valve seats. The valve bodies 20, 30 include: valve base materials 21, 31 having uneven surfaces and fixed to the shaft; and elastic seal members 22, 32 each of which is fixed to the valve base material through an area including the uneven surface and contacts with the valve seat when seated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device having a valve body that seats on a valve seat to close the valve, and in particular to a valve device having a valve body formed by an elastic seal member that contacts the valve seat and a valve substrate to which the elastic seal member is fixed. [Background technology]

[0002] A known conventional valve device is a check valve which comprises a housing (curved pipe, valve box) having an inlet passage, an outlet passage, and a planar valve seat interposed between the inlet passage and the outlet passage, a valve body (valve base material) formed integrally with a valve stem that reciprocates within the housing, a flat packing member attached to the valve body so as to contact the valve seat when the valve is closed, and a spring body that biases the valve body in the valve closing direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this check valve, the packing member is attached in a planar manner to the flat surface of the valve body (valve base material). Therefore, if the packing member repeatedly seats on and disengages from the valve seat, a gap will form between the packing member and the valve body, compromising the sealing performance and there is also the risk of the packing member peeling off from the valve body.

[0003] Another known valve device is an electromagnetically controlled valve which includes a housing having an intake port, an exhaust port, and a valve seat interposed between the intake port and the exhaust port, a shaft which reciprocates within the housing, a valve member (valve base material) fixed to the end of the shaft, a rubber member (elastic sealing member) provided to cover the valve member so as to contact the valve seat when the valve is closed, a compression spring which urges the valve member in the valve closing direction, and a solenoid including a movable iron core, a fixed iron core, and an electromagnetic coil fixed to the shaft (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this electromagnetic control valve, the valve member is formed in a disk shape with flat surfaces on both sides, and the rubber member is formed to cover one flat surface and the outer peripheral surface of the valve member, as well as to cover the outer peripheral edge region of the flat surface facing the valve seat. Therefore, if the rubber member repeatedly seats on and off the valve seat, a gap will form between the valve member and the rubber member, compromising the sealing performance, and there is also a risk of the rubber member peeling off from the valve member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-75357 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-56679 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a valve device having a valve body formed from an elastic sealing member in contact with a valve seat and a valve base material to which the elastic sealing member is fixed, which ensures reliable bonding between the elastic sealing member and the valve base material and maintains the intended function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The valve device of the present invention is a valve device comprising a housing defining an upstream passage and a downstream passage through which a fluid passes and a valve seat interposed between the upstream passage and the downstream passage, a shaft which reciprocates along a predetermined axis, and a valve body fixed to the shaft and which seats on and disengages from the valve seat, wherein the valve body includes a valve base material having an uneven surface and fixed to the shaft, and an elastic sealing member which is fixed to the valve base material via an area including the uneven surface and which contacts the valve seat when seated against the valve seat.

[0007] In the above valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the valve substrate includes a hub portion fixed to the shaft and an annular plate portion extending radially from the outer periphery of the hub portion perpendicular to the axis and having an uneven surface, and the elastic sealing member is joined to cover the annular plate portion.

[0008] In the above valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the elastic seal member and the hub portion are formed to have the same thickness dimension in the axial direction.

[0009] In the above valve device, the valve substrate may include a plurality of concentric annular ridge portions centered on the axis on both axial sides, and an uneven surface may be defined by peaks and valleys defined by the plurality of annular ridge portions.

[0010] In the above valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the valley portion is formed to have a curved concave surface.

[0011] In the above valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the top portion is formed to have a curved convex surface.

[0012] In the above valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the elastic seal member is molded onto the valve base material.

[0013] In the above valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the valve body is formed to be rotationally symmetric about the axis and plane-symmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0014] In the above valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the downstream passage includes a first downstream passage and a second downstream passage branching off from the upstream passage, the valve seat includes a first valve seat facing the first downstream passage and a second valve seat facing the second downstream passage, and the valve bodies are arranged spaced apart from each other in the axial direction and include a first valve body corresponding to the first valve seat and a second valve body corresponding to the second valve seat.

[0015] In the above valve device, the first valve body and the second valve body may have the same shape.

[0016] In the above valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the first valve body is in a closed state with the second valve body seated on the second valve seating surface and in an open state with the first valve body disengaged from the first valve seating surface, and the second valve body is in an open state with the first valve body seated on the first valve seating surface and in an open state with the second valve body disengaged from the second valve seating surface.

[0017] The valve device may further include a drive unit that drives the shaft.

[0018] In the above valve device, the drive unit may include a mover to which a shaft is fixed, an excitation coil, and a stator that forms a magnetic path, and the shaft may be made of a non-magnetic material.

[0019] In the above valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the valve base material is made of a non-magnetic material, and the elastic seal member is made of a rubber material.

[0020] In the above valve device, the first valve body and the second valve body may be fixed to the shaft by fitting, and the housing may include a housing main body including a joining surface for joining the drive unit, a first opening formed on the inside of the joining surface so as to allow the first valve body to be inserted from one side in the axial direction, a first valve seat and a second valve seat arranged sequentially in the axial direction following the first opening, and a second opening formed so as to allow the second valve body to be inserted from the other side in the axial direction, and a housing cover connected to the housing main body so as to close the second opening.

[0021] In the above valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the shaft includes a positioning portion that positions the second valve body in the axial direction. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the valve device having the above-mentioned configuration, the elastic seal member and the valve base material are securely joined together, so that the desired function can be maintained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from a drive unit side; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of an external appearance of a valve device according to an embodiment, as viewed from the opposite side to a drive unit. [Diagram 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to one embodiment, taken along a plane passing through an axis line. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a drive unit constituting a part of the valve device according to the embodiment, exploded along an axis line. [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a drive unit that constitutes a part of a valve device according to one embodiment, taken along a plane including an axis line. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a housing that constitutes a part of the valve device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a housing forming a part of a valve device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a partial view showing valve bodies (a first valve body and a second valve body) fixed to a shaft in a valve device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing valve bodies (first valve body and second valve body) included in a valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a valve body (a first valve body and a second valve body) included in a valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view showing a valve substrate forming a part of a valve body (first valve body and second valve body) included in a valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve substrate forming a part of a valve body (first valve body and second valve body) included in a valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an open / closed state of valve bodies (first valve body and second valve body) when a drive unit is in a non-energized rest position in a valve device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an open / closed state of valve bodies (a first valve body and a second valve body) when a drive unit is energized and in an actuated position in a valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] 5A to 5C are process diagrams illustrating an assembly operation of the valve device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] 5A to 5C are process diagrams illustrating an assembly operation of the valve device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] 5A to 5C are process diagrams illustrating an assembly operation of the valve device according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] 5A to 5C are process diagrams illustrating an assembly operation of the valve device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the valve body (first valve body and second valve body). [Figure 20] 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve substrate forming a part of the valve body (first valve body and second valve body) shown in FIG. 19. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The valve device of the present invention is applied to, for example, a cooling water circulation system of a vehicle, in order to adjust the flow of cooling water as a fluid. A valve device according to one embodiment includes a housing 10, a first valve body 20 and a second valve body 30 as valve bodies, a seal member 40, and a drive unit U fixed to the housing 10, as shown in FIGS.

[0025] The housing 10 is made of a resin material or the like, and is composed of a housing main body 10a and a housing cover 10b. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing body 10a includes a cylindrical portion 11, an upstream pipe portion 12, a first downstream pipe portion 13, a second downstream pipe portion 14, a flange portion 15, and a cover connecting portion 16.

[0026] The tubular portion 11 is formed in an approximately cylindrical shape centered on the axis S, and includes a side wall 11a, a first opening 11b, a second opening 11c, a first valve seat 11d, a second valve seat 11e, a central chamber 11f, a first working chamber 11g, and a second working chamber 11h.

[0027] The first opening 11b is a circular hole centered on the axis S inside the joining surface 15a of the flange portion 15 so as to face the first working chamber 11g, and is formed so that the first valve body 20 can be inserted from one side in the direction of the axis S. The first opening 11b is closed by joining the drive unit U with the seal member 40 sandwiched therebetween. The second opening 11c is a circular hole centered on the axis S inside the cover connecting portion 16 so as to face the second working chamber 11h, and is formed so that the second valve body 30 can be inserted from the other side in the direction of the axis S. Then, after the second valve body 30 is assembled, the second opening 11c is closed by connecting the housing cover 10b.

[0028] The first valve seat 11d is an area where the first valve body 20 is seated, and is formed into a part of a conical surface centered on the axis S and into an annular tapered surface that widens toward the first opening 11b. The second valve seat 11e is an area where the second valve body 30 is seated, and is formed into a part of a conical surface centered on the axis S and into an annular tapered surface that widens toward the second opening 11c.

[0029] The central chamber 11f is formed between the first valve seat 11d and the second valve seat 11e in the direction of the axis S, and is connected to the upstream passage 12a defined by the upstream pipe section 12. The central chamber 11f also functions as an upstream passage located upstream of the first valve seat 11d and the second valve seat 11e. The first working chamber 11g is formed downstream of the first valve seat 11d and is an area in which the first valve body 20 reciprocates in the direction of the axis S. The first working chamber 11g is connected to the first downstream passage 13a defined by the first downstream pipe section 13 and also functions as the first downstream passage located downstream of the first valve seat 11d. The second working chamber 11h is formed downstream of the second valve seat 11e and is an area in which the second valve body 30 reciprocates in the direction of the axis S. The second working chamber 11h is connected to the second downstream passage 14a defined by the second downstream pipe section 14 and also functions as a second downstream passage located downstream of the second valve seat 11e.

[0030] The upstream pipe section 12 is an area to which the fluid inlet piping of the application object (here, the inlet piping that is part of a cooling water circulation system) is connected, and defines an upstream passage 12a with a circular cross-section centered on an axis L1 perpendicular to the axis S. The first downstream pipe section 13 is an area to which the fluid outlet piping of the application object (here, the outlet piping that is part of a cooling water circulation system) is connected, and defines a first downstream passage 13a with a circular cross-section centered on an axis L2 perpendicular to the axis S. The second downstream pipe section 14 is an area to which other fluid outlet piping of the application object (here, other outlet piping that is part of a cooling water circulation system) is connected, and defines a second downstream passage 14a of circular cross-section centered on an axis L3 perpendicular to the axis S.

[0031] The flange portion 15 is an area where the drive unit U is joined and fixed, and is formed with a roughly rectangular contour around the first opening 11b. It has a joining surface 15a which forms a flat surface perpendicular to the axis S, an annular groove 15b into which the sealing member 40 is fitted, a positioning protrusion 15c which protrudes from the joining surface 15a in the direction of the axis S, and four female threaded holes 15d into which the fastening screws b are screwed.

[0032] The cover joining portion 16 is a region for joining the housing cover 10b, and includes an annular groove 16a centered on the axis S around the second opening 11c, and an annular joint surface 16b around the annular groove 16a. The housing cover 10b is connected to the cover connecting portion 16 to close the second operating chamber 11h, and has a disk-shaped lid portion 10b1 that fits into the second opening 11c, an annular protrusion portion 10b2 that fits into the annular groove 16a, and an annular connecting surface 10b3 that is connected to the annular connecting surface 16b. When assembling the valve device, the housing cover 10b is fitted into the cover connecting portion 16 of the housing main body 10a after the second valve body 30 is fitted and fixed to the shaft 60 of the drive unit U, and is also joined by gluing, welding, or the like, as necessary.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 8, the first valve body 20 is fitted and fixed at a predetermined position on the shaft 60 of the drive unit U, and is composed of a valve base material 21 formed using a metal material such as stainless steel or a resin material, and an elastic sealing member 22 molded to cover the valve base material 21.

[0034] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the valve substrate 21 is formed of a hub portion 21a fixed to the shaft 60, and an annular plate portion 21b extending radially perpendicular to the axis S from the outer periphery of the hub portion 21a. The hub portion 21a is formed in a cylindrical shape that defines a fitting hole 21a1 centered on the axis S. The annular plate portion 21b is provided with a plurality of annular ridges 21b1 that are concentric about the axis S on both sides in the direction of the axis S. The peaks P and valleys V defined by the plurality of annular ridges 21b1 define uneven surfaces on both sides of the valve substrate 21. Here, the valleys V are formed to form a curved concave surface.

[0035] The elastic seal member 22 is made of a rubber material or the like and is bonded to cover the annular plate portion 21b of the valve substrate 21, and is formed to include convex curved surfaces 22a that are convex outward on both sides in the direction of the axis S. In other words, the elastic seal member 22 is molded to the valve substrate 21 so as to be fixed to the valve substrate 21 via a region that includes the uneven surfaces of the annular plate portion 21b.

[0036] In the first valve body 20 having the above-mentioned configuration, the convex curved surface 22a of the elastic seal member 22 is in close contact with the first valve seat 11d in the closed position. That is, the first valve body 20 is separated from the first valve seat 11d to open in the rest position shown in Fig. 13, and is seated on the first valve seat 11d to close in the actuated position shown in Fig. 14. Here, since the first valve body 20 is joined and fixed to the valve substrate 21 via an area in which the elastic sealing member 22 includes an uneven surface, the contact surface area is increased compared to when the first valve body 20 is simply joined to a flat surface, and the mechanical bonding strength can be increased by the anchor effect, etc. Furthermore, the elastic seal member 22 and the hub portion 21a are formed to have the same thickness dimension in the direction of the axis S. In other words, the outer contour of the first valve body 20 is formed as a continuous, integrated surface, which makes it possible to increase the bonding strength between them while achieving a thinner and more compact design compared to a configuration having discontinuous steps. Moreover, the first valve body 20 is formed to be rotationally symmetric about the axis S and plane symmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis S. Therefore, the first valve body 20 has no directionality and can be assembled to the first valve seat 11d so that either one of the convex curved surfaces 22a on both sides faces the first valve seat 11d, making the assembly work easier. Furthermore, since the valley portion V defined by the multiple annular protrusion portions 21b1 is formed to form a curved concave surface, stress concentration can be suppressed or prevented in the thin thickness areas of the annular plate portion 21b, and sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured against impacts, etc., when the first valve body 20 seats on the first valve seat 11d.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 8, the second valve body 30 is fitted and fixed at a position where it abuts against the positioning portion 61 of the shaft 60 of the drive unit U, and is composed of a valve base material 31 formed using a metal material such as stainless steel or a resin material, and an elastic sealing member 32 molded to cover the valve base material 31.

[0038] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the valve substrate 31 is formed of a hub portion 31a fixed to the shaft 60, and an annular plate portion 31b extending radially perpendicular to the axis S from the outer periphery of the hub portion 31a. The hub portion 31a is formed in a cylindrical shape defining a fitting hole 31a1 centered on the axis S. The annular plate portion 31b is provided with a plurality of annular ridges 31b1 concentrically arranged about the axis S on both sides in the direction of the axis S. The peaks P and valleys V defined by the plurality of annular ridges 31b1 define uneven surfaces on both sides of the valve substrate 31. Here, the valleys V are formed to form a curved concave surface.

[0039] The elastic seal member 32 is made of a rubber material or the like and is bonded to cover the annular plate portion 31b of the valve substrate 31, and is formed to include convex curved surfaces 32a that are convex outward on both sides in the direction of the axis S. In other words, the elastic seal member 32 is molded to the valve substrate 31 so as to be fixed to the valve substrate 31 via a region that includes the uneven surfaces of the annular plate portion 31b.

[0040] In the second valve body 30 having the above-mentioned configuration, the convex curved surface 32a of the elastic seal member 32 is in close contact with the second valve seat 11e in the closed position. That is, the second valve body 30 is seated on the second valve seat 11e to close the valve in the rest position shown in Fig. 13, and is separated from the second valve seat 11e to open the valve in the actuated position shown in Fig. 14. Here, since the second valve body 30 is joined and fixed to the valve substrate 31 via an area in which the elastic sealing member 32 includes an uneven surface, the contact surface area is increased compared to when the second valve body 30 is simply joined to a flat surface, and the mechanical bonding strength can be increased by the anchor effect, etc. Furthermore, the elastic seal member 32 and the hub portion 31a are formed to have the same thickness dimension in the direction of the axis S. In other words, the outer contour of the second valve body 30 is formed as a continuous, integrated surface, which makes it possible to increase the bonding strength between them while achieving a thinner and more compact design compared to a configuration having discontinuous steps. Moreover, the second valve body 30 is formed to be rotationally symmetric about the axis S and plane symmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis S. Therefore, the second valve body 30 has no direction and can be assembled to the second valve seat 11e so that either one of the convex curved surfaces 32a on both sides faces the second valve seat 11e, making the assembly work easier. Furthermore, since the valley portion V defined by the multiple annular protrusion portions 31b1 is formed to form a curved concave surface, stress concentration can be suppressed or prevented in the thin thickness areas of the annular plate portion 31b, and sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured against impacts, etc., when the second valve body 30 seats on the second valve seat 11e.

[0041] Here, as described above, the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30 are formed of valve base materials 21, 31 having the same structure and shape, and elastic seal members 22, 32 having the same structure and shape. In other words, since the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30 are parts having the same shape (shape), the number of management steps can be reduced and costs can be reduced compared to the case where separate parts are used. Furthermore, the first valve body and the second valve body do not need to be the same component, and may be formed in different shapes depending on the specifications of the valve device, so long as they have a structure including a valve base material having an uneven surface and an elastic sealing member fixed to the valve base material via an area including the uneven surface.

[0042] As described above, the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30 are arranged at a distance from each other in the direction of the axis S relative to the shaft 60, and as the shaft 60 reciprocates, the first valve body 20 reciprocates within the first working chamber 11g to seat on and disengage from the first valve seat 11d, and the second valve body 30 reciprocates within the second working chamber 11h to seat on and disengage from the second valve seat 11e.

[0043] The seal member 40 is formed in a disk shape from an elastically deformable thin-film rubber material or the like, and includes an annular fitting portion 41, a central connecting portion 42, and a communication hole 43, as shown in FIG. The communication hole 43 is formed to a size that does not allow foreign matter to pass therethrough, and serves as an air hole to contribute to the pressure regulation function. The sealing member 40 is connected by having the shaft 60 of the drive unit U pass through the central connecting portion 42, and the annular fitting portion 41 is fitted into the annular groove 15b of the housing 10, so that the flat yoke 100 of the drive unit U is joined and clamped. In this assembled state, the seal member 40 performs a sealing function at the joint interface between the housing 10 and the drive unit U, and also elastically deforms to move integrally with the shaft 60, preventing foreign matter in the fluid from entering the drive unit U. When the seal member 40 elastically deforms, it regulates pressure through the communication hole 43 so as not to impede the movement of the shaft 60.

[0044] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the drive unit U includes a mover 50, a shaft 60, a first inner yoke 70, a second inner yoke 80, a cylindrical yoke 90, a flat yoke 100, a biasing spring 110, a coil module 120, a tubular member 130, and a sealing member Sr. The coil module 120 includes a bobbin 121, an excitation coil 122, and a molded portion 123 in which the bobbin 121 and the coil 122 are embedded. Moreover, the first inner yoke 70, the second inner yoke 80, the cylindrical yoke 90, and the flat yoke 100 function as a stator that forms a magnetic path.

[0045] The mover 50 functions as a magnetic path through which magnetic lines pass, and also functions as a movable core that moves in the direction of the axis S when current is applied to the coil 122. It is formed into a cylindrical shape by machining or forging using free-cutting steel (SUM) or the like, and has an outer circumferential surface 51, a fitting hole 52, a spring support portion 53, a convex portion 54, and an annular end surface 55, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The outer circumferential surface 51 is formed as a cylindrical surface centered on the axis S, and is in slidable contact with the inner wall of the tubular member 130 . The fitting hole 52 is a through hole centered on the axis S, into which one end side region of the shaft 60 is press-fitted, and is formed with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the shaft 60. The spring receiving portion 53 is formed in a circular recess centered on the axis S, and receives one end 111 of the biasing spring 110 and positions the one end 111 in a direction perpendicular to the axis S. The protrusion 54 is formed in a truncated cone shape so as to fit into the recess 83 of the second inner yoke 80 without contacting it. The annular end surface 55 is formed as a flat surface perpendicular to the axis S, and faces an annular end surface 84 of the second inner yoke 80 in the direction of the axis S. In order to facilitate smooth movement of the mover 50, for example, a groove extending in the direction of the axis S may be formed on the outer circumferential surface so that the pressure before and after the mover 50 is adjusted as it moves.

[0046] The shaft 60 is made of a non-magnetic material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel or a resin material, and is formed into a long cylindrical shape in the direction of the axis S, and is provided with a positioning portion 61 near the other end side. As shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 8, the positioning portion 61 is formed in a flange shape that protrudes in the radial direction, and abuts against the second valve body 30 to position it in the direction of the axis S. In this way, by providing the positioning portion 61, when the second valve body 30 is fitted and fixed to the shaft 60 inside the housing main body 10a, the second valve body 30 can be easily positioned at a predetermined position on the shaft 60 simply by abutting it against the positioning portion 61. One end region of the shaft 60 is fitted into the fitting hole 52 and fixed to the movable element 50. The central connecting portion 42 of the seal member 40 is connected to the shaft 60 at approximately the center in the direction of the axis S, and the first valve body 20 is fixed by fitting at a position closer to the other end (free end) side than the center in the direction of the axis S, and the second valve body 30 is fixed by fitting at the other end side so as to abut against the positioning portion 61. The shaft 60 reciprocates in the direction of the axis S integrally with the movable element 50, the first valve body 20, and the second valve body 30.

[0047] The first inner yoke 70 is formed by machining or forging using soft iron or the like and functions as a magnetic path through which magnetic lines of force pass. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first inner yoke 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a first outer peripheral surface 71, an inner peripheral surface 72, and a first annular flange portion 73. The first outer peripheral surface 71 is formed as a cylindrical surface centered on the axis S, and is formed so that the inner peripheral surface 91a of the small diameter cylindrical portion 91 of the cylindrical yoke 90 is fitted thereto, and also so that the bobbin 121 of the coil module 120 is fitted thereto. The inner peripheral surface 72 is formed as a cylindrical surface centered on the axis S, and is formed so that the tubular member 130 is fitted therein. The first annular flange portion 73 is formed in a disk shape protruding from the first outer circumferential surface 71 in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis S, and includes an annular flat surface 73a and an annular tapered surface 73b. The annular flat surface 73a is a flat surface perpendicular to the axis S, and is joined to an annular joining surface 94a of the cylindrical yoke 90 in the direction of the axis S. The annular tapered surface 73b is formed on the opposite side to the annular flat surface 73a, and is formed so as to widen toward the annular joint surface 94a of the cylindrical yoke 90.

[0048] The second inner yoke 80 is formed by machining or forging using soft iron or the like, and functions as a magnetic path for passing magnetic lines of force as well as a fixed iron core that attracts the mover 50 when current is applied to the coil 122. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second inner yoke 80 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a second outer circumferential surface 81, a second annular flange portion 82, a recess 83, an annular end surface 84, a spring accommodating recess 85, and a guide hole 86.

[0049] The second outer peripheral surface 81 is formed as a cylindrical surface centered on the axis S, and is formed so that the bobbin 121 of the coil module 120 is fitted into it via the tubular member 130, and the fitting hole 103 of the flat yoke 100 is also fitted into it. The second annular flange portion 82 is formed in a disk shape protruding from the second outer circumferential surface 81 in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis S, and includes an annular flat surface 82a and an annular tapered surface 82b. The annular flat surface 82a is a flat surface perpendicular to the axis S, and is joined to the annular joining surface 101a of the flat yoke 100 in the direction of the axis S. The annular tapered surface 82b is formed on the opposite side to the annular flat surface 82a, and is formed so as to widen toward the annular joint surface 101a of the flat yoke 100. The recess 83 is formed in a truncated cone shape so as to receive the protrusion 54 of the mover 50 in a non-contact manner in the direction of the axis S. The annular end surface 84 is formed as a flat surface perpendicular to the axis S, and faces the annular end surface 55 of the mover 50 in the direction of the axis S. The spring accommodating recess 85 is formed with a smaller diameter than the recess 83 to receive the biasing spring 110 and includes a spring receiving portion 85 a that receives the other end 112 of the biasing spring 110 . The guide hole 86 is formed as a cylindrical hole centered on the axis S, and guides the shaft 60 slidably in the direction of the axis S.

[0050] The cylindrical yoke 90 is a press-molded product that is pressed (deep-drawn) into a cylindrical shape with a bottom using a metal plate such as soft iron of a specified thickness so as to function as a magnetic path for passing magnetic lines of force, and as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, it has a small-diameter cylindrical portion 91, a bottom wall 92, a large-diameter cylindrical portion 93, an annular flat portion 94, a flange portion 95, and a notched portion 96.

[0051] The small diameter cylindrical portion 91 defines an inner circumferential surface 91a centered on the axis S. The first outer circumferential surface 71 of the first inner yoke 70 is fitted into the inner circumferential surface 91a. That is, the first inner yoke 70 is joined and fixed to the cylindrical yoke 90 in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis S via the inner circumferential surface 91a of the small diameter cylindrical portion 91. The bottom wall 92 is formed continuously with the end of the small diameter cylindrical portion 91 in the direction of the axis S, and is disposed in a non-contact manner with the tubular member 130. The large diameter cylindrical portion 93 defines an inner circumferential surface 93a centered on the axis S. A molded portion 123 of the coil module 120 is fitted onto the inner circumferential surface 93a.

[0052] The annular flat portion 94 is formed continuously with the boundary region between the small diameter cylindrical portion 91 and the large diameter cylindrical portion 93, and defines an annular joining surface 94a where the annular flat surface 73a of the first inner yoke 70 is joined in the axis S direction. The flange portion 95 is formed in a generally rectangular shape continuing from the end of the large diameter cylindrical portion 93, and has four circular holes 95a through which the fastening screws b are passed. In the assembled state, the flange portion 95 is joined to the flat yoke 100 to form a magnetic path. The cutout portion 96 is formed so as to expose the connector 123a of the coil module 120 to the outside.

[0053] The flat yoke 100 is formed by punching and bending a metal plate such as soft iron of a specified thickness so that it can be joined to the open end of the cylindrical yoke 90 and function as a magnetic path for passing magnetic lines of force. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the flat yoke 100 has a substantially rectangular flat portion 101, an attachment portion 102 bent from the flat portion 101 and extending in the direction of the axis S, and a fitting hole 103.

[0054] The flat plate portion 101 has an annular joint surface 101a to which the annular flat surface 82a of the second inner yoke 80 is tightly joined in the direction of the axis S, an annular joint surface 101b to which the flange portion 95 of the cylindrical yoke 90 is tightly joined in the direction of the axis S, and four circular holes 101c through which the fastening screws b pass. The mounting portion 102 is used to mount the valve device to an application object, and is provided with two circular holes 102a through which fixing bolts pass. The fitting hole 103 is an area into which the second outer peripheral surface 81 of the second inner yoke 80 is fitted, and defines a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 103a centered on the axis S. The inner peripheral surface 103a is closely joined to the second outer peripheral surface 81 of the second inner yoke 80 in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis S. That is, the second inner yoke 80 is joined and fixed to the flat yoke 100 in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis S via the inner circumferential surface 103a of the fitting hole 103.

[0055] The biasing spring 110 is a compression type coil spring, and is disposed compressed in the direction of the axis S with one end 111 abutting against the spring receiving portion 53 of the mover 50 and the other end 112 abutting against the spring receiving portion 85a of the second inner yoke 80. The biasing spring 110 biases the mover 50 in the direction of the axis S toward the rest position.

[0056] As described above, the coil module 120 includes the bobbin 121, the excitation coil 122, and the molded portion 123. The bobbin 121 is made of a resin material, and as shown in FIG. 5, includes a small diameter cylindrical portion 121a centered on the axis S, a large diameter cylindrical portion 121b, an annular stepped portion 121c, a flange portion 121d, a flange portion 121e, and a recess 121f. The small diameter cylindrical portion 121a is formed so that the tubular member 130 is fitted inside the small diameter cylindrical portion 121a and the coil 122 is wound around the outside of the small diameter cylindrical portion 121a. The large diameter cylindrical portion 121b is formed so that the first outer circumferential surface 71 of the first inner yoke 70 is fitted on the inside thereof, and the coil 122 is wound around the outside thereof. The annular step portion 121c abuts against an end face of the first inner yoke 70 so as to be positioned in the direction of the axis S in an assembled state.

[0057] The flange portion 121d is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis S and is arranged so as to face the first annular flange portion 73 (annular tapered surface 73b) of the first inner yoke 70 and the annular flat portion 94 of the cylindrical yoke 90 in the direction of the axis S. The flange portion 121e is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis S, defines an annular tapered surface 121e1 at its base region, faces the flat yoke 100 in the direction of the axis S, and is disposed so as to receive the flange portion 133 of the tubular member . The recess 121f is formed to receive the flange portion 133 of the cylindrical member 130 and to receive the seal member Sr.

[0058] The coil 122 is for excitation, generating a magnetic force when energized, and is wound around the small diameter cylindrical portion 121a and the large diameter cylindrical portion 121b of the bobbin 121, and is connected to two terminals 122a. Molded portion 123 is molded using a resin material, and is molded so as to cover the entire bobbin 121 with coil 122 wound around it and terminal 122a connected thereto, while exposing terminal 122a within connector 123a.

[0059] The tubular member 130 is formed by pressing (deep drawing) a thin metal plate made of a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel into a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, it has a cylindrical portion 131 centered on the axis S, a bottom wall 132, and a flange portion 133. The cylindrical portion 131 is formed so that the outer peripheral surface 51 of the mover 50 is slidably inserted into its inside and the second outer peripheral surface 81 of the second inner yoke 80 is fitted into it, and so that the inner peripheral surface 72 of the first inner yoke 70 and the small diameter cylindrical portion 121a of the bobbin 121 of the coil module 120 are fitted into its outside. The bottom wall 132 is disposed so that the mover 50 and the shaft 60 are not in contact with each other in the rest state. The flange portion 133 abuts against a flange portion 121e of the bobbin 121 of the coil module 120 so as to be positioned in the axis S direction.

[0060] In the assembled state, the tubular member 130 accommodates the movable member 50 and the second inner yoke 80, and exposes the shaft 60 fixed to the movable member 50 to the outside, in this case to the internal space of the housing 10 (the first working chamber 11g, the central chamber 11f, and the second working chamber 11h). That is, the cylindrical member 130 guides the mover 50 so that it can slide freely, and also isolates the internal region in which the mover 50 operates from the external region, thereby providing a seal to prevent fluids and the like from leaking out to the outside.

[0061] The seal member Sr is an O-ring made of a rubber material, and in an assembled state, is interposed between the flange portion 133 of the tubular member 130 and the flat yoke 100 to provide a seal to prevent fluids and the like from leaking out to the outside.

[0062] Next, the assembly operation of the valve device having the above-mentioned structure will be described with reference to FIGS. First, prior to the assembly of the valve device, the drive unit U is assembled. In this assembly process, the first valve body 20 is fitted and fixed in a predetermined position on the shaft 60, and the central connecting portion 42 of the seal member 40 is connected. Thereafter, the shaft 60 is fitted and fixed to the movable element 50. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, a drive unit U incorporating the first valve body 20 and the seal member 40, a housing main body 10a, a second valve body 30, a housing cover 10b, and four fastening screws b are prepared.

[0063] Next, the shaft 60 and the first valve body 20 are inserted into the housing body 10a through the first opening 11b, the annular fitting portion 41 of the seal member 40 is fitted into the annular groove 15b, and the flat portion 101 of the flat yoke 100 is joined to the joining surface 15a of the flange portion 15 as shown in Fig. 16. Then, the fastening screw b is screwed into the female screw hole 15d of the housing body 10a through the circular holes 95a and 101c.

[0064] Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the second valve body 30 is inserted into the housing main body 10a through the second opening 11c, and is fitted and fixed to the shaft 60 so as to abut against the positioning portion 61 while holding the shaft 60 using a predetermined jig inserted from the upstream passage 12a or the first downstream passage 13a. 18, the housing cover 10b is fitted and fixed to the cover joining portion 16 of the housing main body 10a. The housing cover 10b may be fixed using an appropriate adhesive or the like. The above procedure completes the assembly of the valve device. This assembly procedure is merely an example, and other methods and procedures may be used for assembly.

[0065] Next, the operation of the valve device according to the embodiment will be described. First, when the coil 122 is not energized, the movable element 50 and the shaft 60 are positioned at a rest position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 110, as shown in Fig. 13. In this rest position, the first valve body 20 is separated from the first valve seat 11d and is in an open state, and the second valve body 30 is seated on the second valve seat 11e and is in a closed state. Therefore, the fluid that has flowed in from the upstream passage 12a flows through the central chamber 11f and the first working chamber 11g into the first downstream passage 13a.

[0066] 14, the mover 50 is attracted to the second inner yoke 80, and the mover 50 and the shaft 60 are positioned at the actuated position against the biasing force of the biasing spring 110. In this actuated position, the first valve body 20 is seated on the first valve seat 11d to be in a closed state, and the second valve body 30 is separated from the second valve seat 11e to be in an open state. Therefore, the fluid that has flowed in from the upstream passage 12a flows through the central chamber 11f and the second working chamber 11h into the second downstream passage 14a.

[0067] In this way, by switching between energizing and de-energizing the coil 122, the fluid can be made to flow from the first downstream passage 13a toward an external fluid discharge pipe, or from the second downstream passage 14a toward another external fluid discharge pipe.

[0068] Here, in a configuration including a first valve body 20 formed of an elastic seal member 22 in contact with the first valve seat 11d and a valve substrate 21 to which the elastic seal member 22 is fixed, and a second valve body 30 formed of an elastic seal member 32 in contact with the second valve seat 11e and a valve substrate 31 to which the elastic seal member 32 is fixed, the elastic seal members 22, 32 and the valve substrates 21, 31 can be reliably joined together to maintain the intended function. In addition, the drive unit U having the above configuration can obtain a desired drive force while reducing power consumption, and the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30 can be opened and closed reliably and smoothly.

[0069] Figures 19 and 20 show a first valve body 220 and a second valve body 230 according to another embodiment, and the same components as the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30 according to the previously described embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described. The first valve body 220 is composed of a valve base material 221 and an elastic seal member 22 . The valve base material 221 is formed by a hub portion 21a and an annular plate portion 221b extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis S from the outer periphery of the hub portion 21a. The annular plate portion 221b is provided with a plurality of annular ridge portions 221b1 concentrically arranged about the axis S on both sides in the direction of the axis S. The peaks P2 and valleys V2 defined by the plurality of annular ridge portions 221b1 define uneven surfaces on both sides of the valve substrate 221. Here, the peaks P2 are formed so as to form a curved convex surface, and the valleys V2 are formed so as to form a curved concave surface.

[0070] The first valve body 220 configured as above has an increased contact surface area, and can increase the mechanical bonding strength by an anchor effect or the like, as well as the joining strength between the two, facilitating assembly work. In addition, since the valley portion V2 defined by the multiple annular protrusions 221b1 is formed to have a curved concave surface, stress concentration can be suppressed or prevented in the thin wall region of the annular plate portion 221b, and sufficient mechanical strength can be secured against impacts, etc., when the first valve body 220 is seated on the first valve seat 11d. Furthermore, since the apex P2 defined by the multiple annular protrusions 221b1 is formed to have a curved convex surface, stress concentration can be suppressed or prevented in the contact area with the apex P2 of the elastic sealing member 22, which is subjected to a compressive load, compared to when the apex has an edge shape, and the occurrence of cracks, etc. in the elastic sealing member 22 can be prevented.

[0071] The second valve body 230 is composed of a valve base material 231 and an elastic seal member 32 . The valve base material 231 is formed by a hub portion 31a and an annular plate portion 231b extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis S from the outer periphery of the hub portion 31a. The annular plate portion 231b is provided with a plurality of annular ridge portions 231b1 on both sides in the direction of the axis S, which are concentric about the axis S. The peaks P2 and valleys V2 defined by the plurality of annular ridge portions 231b1 define uneven surfaces on both sides of the valve substrate 231. Here, the peaks P2 are formed so as to form a curved convex surface, and the valleys V2 are formed so as to form a curved concave surface.

[0072] The second valve body 230 configured as above has an increased contact surface area, and can increase the mechanical bonding strength by the anchor effect, etc., as with the above-mentioned second valve body 30, and can increase the joining strength between the two, facilitating the assembly work. In addition, since the valley portion V2 defined by the multiple annular protrusions 231b1 is formed to have a curved concave surface, stress concentration can be suppressed or prevented in the thin wall region of the annular plate portion 231b, and sufficient mechanical strength can be secured against impacts, etc., when the second valve body 230 is seated on the second valve seat 11e. Furthermore, since the apex P2 defined by the multiple annular protrusions 231b1 is formed to have a curved convex surface, stress concentration can be suppressed or prevented in the contact area with the apex P2 of the elastic sealing member 32, which is subjected to a compressive load, compared to when the apex has an edge shape, and the occurrence of cracks, etc. in the elastic sealing member 32 can be prevented.

[0073] Here, as described above, the first valve body 220 and the second valve body 230 are formed by the valve base materials 221, 231 having the same structure and shape and the elastic seal members 22, 32 having the same structure and shape. In other words, the parts as the first valve body 220 and the second valve body 230 are parts having the same shape (shape), so that the number of management steps can be reduced and costs can be reduced compared to the case where separate parts are used.

[0074] In the above embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the first valve body 20, 220 and the second valve body 30, 230 have a plurality of annular protrusions 21b1, 221b1, 31b1, 231b1 that define an uneven surface to which the elastic sealing members 22, 32 are joined, but this is not limited to this, and other forms may be adopted as long as they define an uneven surface.

[0075] In the above embodiment, a configuration including the first valve body 20, 220 and the second valve body 30, 230 is shown as the valve body, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a single valve body is provided on the shaft may be adopted. In this case, the valve base material of the valve body and the shaft may be integrally formed from a resin material, and the elastic seal member may be molded onto the valve base material of the integrally formed shaft.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the valve bodies (first valve body 20, 220, second valve body 30, 230) are shown to be rotationally symmetric about the axis S and plane-symmetric with respect to the plane perpendicular to the axis S, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be formed asymmetrically with respect to the plane perpendicular to the axis S as long as it has the configuration of the present invention.

[0077] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been shown in which the sealing member 40 having a structure similar to a diaphragm is used as a component of the valve gear to prevent foreign matter in the fluid from entering the drive unit U side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a lip-type seal may be fitted into the end of the guide hole 86 of the second inner yoke to seal the periphery of the shaft 60. In this way, the pressure of the fluid does not act on the moving parts, so that the moving element and the valve body can be driven by a smaller electromagnetic force.

[0078] As described above, the valve device of the present invention can ensure reliable bonding between the elastic sealing member and the valve base material and maintain the intended functionality, and is therefore applicable not only as a valve device in the cooling water circulation systems of vehicles, etc., but also as a valve device in other fields. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] S axis 10. Housing 10a Housing body 10b Housing cover 11b 1st opening 11c 2nd opening 11d First valve seat 11e Second valve seat 12a Upstream Passage 13a 1st downstream passage 14a Second downstream passage 15a Joint surface 20 First valve body 21 Valve base material 21a Hub section 21a1 fitting hole 21b Annular plate portion 21b1 Circular protrusion P Top V Tanibe 22 Elastic sealing member 22a Convex curved surface 30 Second valve body 31 Valve base material 31a Hub section 31a1 fitting hole 31b Annular plate part 31b1 Circular protrusion 32 Elastic sealing member 32a Convex curved surface 40 Sealing material U Drive Unit 50 mover 60 Shaft 61 Positioning part 70 First inner yoke (stator) 80 Second inner yoke (stator) 90 Cylindrical yoke (stator) 100 Flat yoke (stator) 110 Spring 120 Coil Module 121 Bobbin 122 Excitation coil 123 Molding section 130 Cylinder member Sr sealing material 220 First valve body 221b Annular plate 221b1 Circular protrusion P2 top V2 Tanibe 230 Second valve body 231b Annular plate 231b1 Circular protrusion

Claims

1. a housing defining an upstream passage and a downstream passage through which a fluid passes, and a valve seat interposed between the upstream passage and the downstream passage; A shaft that reciprocates along a predetermined axis; a valve body fixed to the shaft and adapted to be seated on and removed from the valve seat; A valve device comprising: The valve body includes a valve base material having an uneven surface and fixed to the shaft, and an elastic seal member fixed to the valve base material via a region including the uneven surface and contacting the valve seat when seated against the valve seat. A valve device characterized in that

2. The valve base material includes a hub portion fixed to the shaft, and an annular plate portion extending from an outer periphery of the hub portion in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis and having the uneven surface formed thereon, The elastic seal member is joined to cover the annular plate portion.

2. The valve device according to claim 1.

3. The elastic seal member and the hub portion are formed to have the same thickness dimension in the axial direction.

3. The valve arrangement according to claim 2.

4. The valve base material includes a plurality of annular protrusions concentrically arranged about the axis on both sides in the axial direction, The uneven surface is defined by peaks and valleys defined by the plurality of annular protrusions.

2. The valve device according to claim 1.

5. The valley portion is formed to have a curved concave surface.

5. The valve arrangement according to claim 4.

6. The top portion is formed to have a curved convex surface.

5. The valve arrangement according to claim 4.

7. The resilient seal member is molded to the valve base.

2. The valve device according to claim 1.

8. The valve body is formed to be rotationally symmetric about the axis and plane-symmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis.

2. The valve device according to claim 1.

9. the downstream passage includes a first downstream passage and a second downstream passage branched from the upstream passage, the valve seat includes a first valve seat facing the first downstream passage and a second valve seat facing the second downstream passage, The valve bodies are disposed apart from each other in the axial direction and include a first valve body corresponding to the first valve seat and a second valve body corresponding to the second valve seat.

9. A valve device according to claim 1, wherein the valve device is a valve member.

10. The first valve body and the second valve body have the same shape.

10. The valve arrangement according to claim 9.

11. The first valve body is in a closed state in which the second valve body is seated on the second valve seat surface and in an open state in which the first valve body is separated from the first valve seat surface, The second valve body is in a closed state in which the first valve body is seated on the first valve seat surface and in an open state in which the second valve body is separated from the second valve seat surface.

10. The valve arrangement according to claim 9.

12. a drive unit for driving the shaft; 12. The valve arrangement according to claim 11.

13. The drive unit includes a mover to which the shaft is fixed, an excitation coil, and a stator that forms a magnetic path, The shaft is made of a non-magnetic material.

13. The valve arrangement according to claim 12.

14. The valve substrate is made of a non-magnetic material, The elastic seal member is made of a rubber material.

14. The valve arrangement according to claim 13.

15. the first valve body and the second valve body are fixed to the shaft by fitting, the housing includes a housing main body including a joint surface for joining the drive unit, a first opening formed inside the joint surface so that the first valve body can be inserted from one side in the axial direction, the first valve seat and the second valve seat sequentially arranged in the axial direction following the first opening, and a second opening formed so that the second valve body can be inserted from the other side in the axial direction; and a housing cover coupled to the housing main body so as to close the second opening.

13. The valve arrangement according to claim 12.

16. The shaft includes a positioning portion that positions the second valve body in the axial direction.

16. The valve arrangement according to claim 15.

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