Electric valve

Abstract

To provide an electric valve in which a stopper arranged at a magnet rotor can be eliminated, and which can stop the rotation of the magnet rotor when the movement of a valve body is stopped.SOLUTION: An electric valve 1 has a valve main body 10, a valve body 40, a valve shaft 34, a stepping motor 66 and a control device 80. A male screw 34c is formed at the valve shaft 34, and a female screw 13c is formed at the valve main body 10. The valve shaft 34 is fixed to a magnet rotor 31, and a lower end of the valve shaft 34 is connected to the valve body 40. When the magnet rotor 31 rotates in a valve closing direction, the valve body 40 moves toward a valve port 15. When the valve body 40 is connected to a valve seat 16, the movement of the valve body 40 toward the valve port 15 is regulated. The control device 80 detects that the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction is regulated on the basis of a reverse voltage which is generated at a stator 60 when the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 is regulated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor-operated valve. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional motor-operated valve. Such a motor-operated valve is incorporated into a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner or the like. The motor-operated valve has a valve body, a valve element, and a stepping motor for moving the valve element. The stepping motor has a magnet rotor and a stator. When a pulse is input to the stepping motor, the magnet rotor rotates. The valve element moves in response to the rotation of the magnet rotor, and the flow rate of the fluid (refrigerant) flowing through the valve opening of the valve body changes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP2018-179133A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional motor-operated valves, when the magnet rotor rotates in the valve closing direction, it moves downward and pushes the valve disc toward the valve port via the spring member. When the valve disc moves downward and contacts the valve seat of the valve body, the downward movement of the valve disc is restricted, but the spring member contracts and the magnet rotor continues to rotate in the valve closing direction. For this reason, a stopper is provided on the magnet rotor, and the position of the magnet rotor when the stopper restricts the rotation of the magnet rotor in the valve closing direction is set as the reference position.

[0005] Such a stopper is not related to the original function of the motor-operated valve, which is to control the fluid, and because the stopper has a relatively large shape, it hinders the miniaturization of the motor-operated valve and increases the manufacturing cost of the motor-operated valve. In addition, the timing at which the rotation of the magnet rotor stops is different from the timing at which the movement of the valve body stops, so complex position control of the valve body is required.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an electrically operated valve which does not require a stopper on the magnet rotor and which is capable of stopping the rotation of the magnet rotor when the movement of the valve body stops. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an electric valve according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electric valve having a valve body having a valve orifice and a valve seat surrounding the valve orifice, a valve element facing the valve orifice, a valve shaft, and a stepping motor, wherein the valve shaft and the valve body or the valve element form a feed screw mechanism, the valve shaft is coaxially fixed to a magnet rotor of the stepping motor, an end of the valve shaft is connected to the valve element, and when the magnet rotor rotates in a valve closing direction, the valve element is moved toward the valve orifice, and when the valve element comes into contact with the valve seat, the valve seat restricts the movement of the valve element toward the valve orifice.

[0008] In the present invention, it is preferable that the valve shaft and the valve body constitute the feed screw mechanism, a male thread is formed on the valve shaft, and a female thread is formed on the valve body into which the male thread is screwed, and the male thread and the female thread constitute the feed screw mechanism.

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the valve shaft and the valve body constitute the feed screw mechanism, a male thread is formed on the valve shaft, and a female thread is formed on the valve body into which the male thread is screwed, and the male thread and the female thread constitute the feed screw mechanism.

[0010] In the present invention, it is preferable that the valve shaft and the valve body constitute a feed screw mechanism, a female thread is formed on the valve shaft, a male thread is formed on the valve body into which the female thread is screwed, and the male thread and the female thread constitute the feed screw mechanism.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the valve shaft and the valve body constitute a feed screw mechanism, a female thread is formed on the valve shaft, and a male thread is formed on the valve body into which the female thread is screwed, and the male thread and the female thread constitute the feed screw mechanism.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that the valve body has a stem hole arranged coaxially with the valve port, the female thread is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the stem hole, and the end of the valve stem is integrally connected to the valve body.

[0013] In the present invention, it is preferable that the valve body has a valve stem hole arranged coaxially with the valve orifice, the female thread is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the valve stem hole, the end of the valve stem contacts the valve element, and when the magnet rotor rotates in the valve closing direction, the valve stem pushes the valve element toward the valve orifice.

[0014] In the present invention, it is preferable that the valve body has a bearing that rotatably supports the valve shaft, the bearing is arranged coaxially with the valve port, the valve element has a valve shaft hole, and the female thread is formed on an inner surface of the valve shaft hole.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the electric valve has a control device that controls the stepping motor, and that in an initialization operation mode, the control device rotates the magnet rotor in the valve closing direction, obtains the position of the magnet rotor when the rotation of the magnet rotor in the valve closing direction is restricted as a reference position, and in a normal operation mode, controls the position of the magnet rotor based on the reference position.

[0016] In the present invention, it is preferable that the control device has a magnetic sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation of the magnet rotor, and detects that the rotation of the magnet rotor in the valve closing direction has been restricted based on the signal output by the magnetic sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the valve shaft and the valve body or the valve element constitute a feed screw mechanism. The valve shaft is coaxially fixed to the magnet rotor of the stepping motor, and the end of the valve shaft is connected to the valve element. When the magnet rotor rotates in the valve closing direction, the valve element moves toward the valve port. When the valve element comes into contact with the valve seat, the valve seat restricts the movement of the valve element toward the valve port. As a result, the valve shaft and the valve element are moved by the feed screw mechanism composed of the valve shaft and the valve body. Alternatively, the valve element is moved by the feed screw mechanism composed of the valve shaft and the valve element. When the magnet rotor rotates in the valve closing direction, the valve shaft is also rotated in the valve closing direction. When the valve element comes into contact with the valve seat, the valve seat restricts the movement of the valve element toward the valve port, and the movement of the valve element stops. This stops the feed screw mechanism, restricts the rotation of the valve shaft in the valve closing direction, and stops the rotation of the magnet rotor. Therefore, a stopper provided on the magnet rotor can be omitted, and the rotation of the magnet rotor can be stopped when the movement of the valve element stops.

[0018] According to the present invention, the control device rotates the magnet rotor in the valve closing direction in the initialization operation mode, and acquires the position of the magnet rotor when the rotation of the magnet rotor in the valve closing direction is restricted as a reference position. Then, the control device controls the position of the magnet rotor based on the reference position in the normal operation mode. In this way, the control device rotates the magnet rotor in the valve closing direction, and when the magnet rotor reaches the reference position, the rotation of the magnet rotor can be stopped. Therefore, the magnet rotor can be prevented from rotating in the valve closing direction beyond the reference position, and wear of the valve seat and power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, the control device rotates the magnet rotor in the valve opening direction, and when the magnet rotor reaches a predetermined fully open position, the rotation of the magnet rotor can be stopped. Therefore, the magnet rotor can be prevented from rotating in the valve opening direction beyond the fully open position, and the male screw and female screw of the feed screw mechanism can be prevented from coming off. This makes it possible to omit a stopper that restricts the rotation of the magnet rotor in the valve opening direction and a coil spring that returns the male screw and female screw to their original engagement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a motor-operated valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a stator unit of the motor-operated valve. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body and its vicinity when the valve body of the motor-operated valve is in contact with the valve seat. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body and its vicinity when the valve body of the motor-operated valve is separated from the valve seat. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the valve opening degree and the flow rate in a motor-operated valve. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the motor-operated valve. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a modified example of the motor-operated valve of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a motor-operated valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a motor-operated valve according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] (First embodiment) A motor-operated valve 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. The motor-operated valve 1 is incorporated in the refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner, for example, and operates in response to commands from a control unit 400 of the air conditioner. The control unit 400 is an external device located outside the motor-operated valve 1.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a motor-operated valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a stator unit of the motor-operated valve. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are cross-sectional views of the valve disc of the motor-operated valve and its vicinity. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the valve disc is in contact with the valve seat. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the valve disc is separated from the valve seat. In FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the valve stem and valve disc of the motor-operated valve are shown as viewed from the front. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the valve opening and the flow rate in the motor-operated valve. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the motor-operated valve. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a modified example of the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the motor-operated valve 1 includes a valve body 10, a can 20, a drive mechanism 30, a valve element 40, and a control device 80. The motor-operated valve 1 includes a valve body 10, a can 20, a drive mechanism 30, a valve element 40, and a control device 80.

[0023] The valve body 10 is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, and includes a main body member 11, a flow path block 12, and a support member 13.

[0024] The main body member 11 has a cylindrical shape. The main body member 11 has a valve chamber 14, a valve port 15, and a valve seat 16. The valve port 15 opens to the valve chamber 14. The valve seat 16 has an inwardly tapered surface in an annular shape. The valve seat 16 surrounds the valve port 15 in the valve chamber 14. An inner peripheral edge 16a of the valve seat 16 is connected to an upper end 15a of the valve port 15. The main body member 11 has a first mounting hole 11a. The first mounting hole 11a is disposed on an upper surface 11b of the main body member 11.

[0025] The flow path block 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The flow path block 12 has a second mounting hole 12a. The second mounting hole 12a is disposed on an upper surface 12b of the flow path block 12. The main body member 11 is disposed in the second mounting hole 12a. The main body member 11 is attached to the flow path block 12 by a screw structure. The upper surface 11b of the main body member 11 and the upper surface 12b of the flow path block 12 are on the same plane. The main body member 11 and the flow path block 12 are provided with a flow path 17 and a flow path 18. The flow path 17 is connected to the valve chamber 14. The flow path 18 is connected to the valve chamber 14 via a valve port 15. Note that in the motor-operated valve 1, the flow path block 12 may be omitted and the main body member 11 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0026] The support member 13 has a cylindrical shape. The support member 13 is disposed in the first mounting hole 11a. The support member 13 is attached to the main body member 11 by a screw structure. An upper portion of the support member 13 protrudes upward from the upper surface 11b of the main body member 11. The support member 13 has a stem hole 13a penetrating in the vertical direction (axis L direction). The stem hole 13a faces the valve port 15 in the vertical direction. The stem hole 13a is disposed coaxially with the valve port 15. The support member 13 has a female thread 13c. The female thread 13c is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the stem hole 13a.

[0027] The can 20 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The can 20 has a cylindrical shape. The lower end of the can 20 is open and the upper end is closed. The lower end of the can 20 is fixed to the upper part of the support member 13 via a connecting member 25 in the shape of an annular plate.

[0028] 7, the support member 13A may be attached to the main body member 11A by a press-fit structure. In the motor-operated valve 1A, the upper part of the main body member 11A protrudes upward from the upper surface 12b of the flow path block 12, and the lower end of the can 20 is fixed to the upper part of the main body member 11A.

[0029] The drive mechanism 30 moves the valve body 40 in the vertical direction. The drive mechanism 30 has a magnet rotor 31, a valve shaft 34, and a stator unit 50.

[0030] The magnet rotor 31 has a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the magnet rotor 31 is open and the lower end is closed. The outer diameter of the magnet rotor 31 is smaller than the inner diameter of the can 20. The magnet rotor 31 has a plurality of N poles and a plurality of S poles. The plurality of N poles and the plurality of S poles are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the magnet rotor 31. The plurality of N poles and the plurality of S poles extend in the vertical direction. The plurality of N poles and the plurality of S poles are arranged alternately at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The magnet rotor 31 has, for example, 12 N poles and 12 S poles.

[0031] The valve shaft 34 has a cylindrical shape. An upper end (one end) of the valve shaft 34 is coaxially fixed to a lower end of the magnet rotor 31. The valve shaft 34 has a male thread 34c. The male thread 34c is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the valve shaft 34. The valve shaft 34 is arranged in a valve shaft hole 13a, and the male thread 34c is screwed into the female thread 13c. The female thread 13c and the male thread 34c form a feed screw mechanism 33. When the valve shaft 34 rotates, the valve shaft 34 moves up and down according to the direction of rotation.

[0032] The valve element 40 is disposed in the valve chamber 14. The valve element 40 faces the valve port 15 in the up-down direction. The valve element 40 is connected to the lower end (the other end) of the valve shaft 34. The valve shaft 34 and the valve element 40 are integrally formed, for example, by cutting a cylindrical workpiece.

[0033] The valve body 40 has a control portion 45 and a seating portion 47. The control portion 45 has a tapered shape (frustum shape) that gradually becomes smaller in diameter toward the valve orifice 15. The seating portion 47 has a tapered shape that gradually becomes smaller in diameter toward the valve orifice 15. The taper angle of the control portion 45 is smaller than the taper angle of the seating portion 47. The upper end of the control portion 45 is connected to the lower end of the seating portion 47. The outer peripheral surface of the control portion 45 is a control surface 46. The outer peripheral surface of the seating portion 47 is a seating surface 48. The control surface 46 and the seating surface 48 are outwardly tapered surfaces.

[0034] The valve element 40 is moved in the vertical direction by the drive mechanism 30. The movement of the valve element 40 opens and closes the valve orifice 15. As shown in FIG. 3, when the seating surface 48 comes into contact with the inner peripheral edge 16a of the valve seat 16, the valve orifice 15 closes. As shown in FIG. 4, when the seating surface 48 moves away from the inner peripheral edge 16a of the valve seat 16, the valve orifice 15 opens. When the seating surface 48 moves away from the inner peripheral edge 16a, an annular gap (throttled flow passage) is formed between the inner peripheral edge 16a and the valve element 40. The area of ​​the throttle flow passage is closely related to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the valve orifice 15.

[0035] The graph in FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the valve opening and the flow rate in the motor-operated valve 1. The valve opening indicates the position of the valve element 40 relative to the valve seat 16 (the amount of movement from the position where the valve element 40 contacts the valve seat 16) as a percentage. The position of the valve element 40 corresponds to the position of the magnet rotor 31. In the motor-operated valve 1, the position of the magnet rotor 31 when the seating surface 48 contacts the inner peripheral edge 16a of the valve seat 16 is set as a reference position Rx, and the valve opening when the magnet rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx is set as 0%. The position of the magnet rotor 31 that is a predetermined rotation angle away from the reference position Rx is set as a fully open position Rz, and the valve opening when the magnet rotor 31 is in the fully open position Rz is set as 100%. The flow rate indicates the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the valve port 15 as a percentage. The flow rate when the magnet rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx is set as 0%, and the flow rate when the magnet rotor 31 is in the fully open position Rz is set as 100%.

[0036] When the magnet rotor 31 is rotated in the valve opening direction, the feed screw mechanism 33 moves the valve shaft 34 and the valve body 40 upward. When the magnet rotor 31 is rotated in the valve closing direction, the feed screw mechanism 33 moves the valve shaft 34 and the valve body 40 downward. When the valve body 40 moves downward and the seating surface 48 comes into contact with the inner peripheral edge 16a of the valve seat 16, the downward movement of the valve body 40 and the valve shaft 34 is restricted. When the downward movement of the valve shaft 34 is restricted, the male thread 34c and the female thread 13c are tightened, and the feed screw mechanism stops. As a result, the feed screw mechanism 33 restricts the rotation of the valve shaft 34 and the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction.

[0037] The stator unit 50 includes a stator 60 and a housing 70 .

[0038] The stator 60 has a cylindrical shape and includes an A-phase stator 61, a B-phase stator 62, and a mold 63 made of synthetic resin.

[0039] The A-phase stator 61 has a plurality of claw-pole type pole teeth 61a, 61b on the inner periphery. The tip of the pole tooth 61a faces downward, and the tip of the pole tooth 61b faces upward. The pole teeth 61a and the pole teeth 61b are alternately arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The A-phase stator 61 has, for example, 12 pole teeth 61a and 12 pole teeth 61b. The angle between the pole teeth 61a and the pole teeth 61b adjacent to each other is 15 degrees. When the coil 61c of the A-phase stator 61 is energized, the pole teeth 61a and the pole teeth 61b have polarities different from each other.

[0040] The B-phase stator 62 has a plurality of claw-pole-shaped pole teeth 62a, 62b on the inner circumferential side. The tip of the pole tooth 62a faces downward, and the tip of the pole tooth 62b faces upward. The pole teeth 62a and the pole teeth 62b are alternately arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The B-phase stator 62 has, for example, 12 pole teeth 62a and 12 pole teeth 62b. The angle between the pole teeth 62a and the pole teeth 62b adjacent to each other is 15 degrees. When the coil 62c of the B-phase stator 62 is energized, the pole teeth 62a and the pole teeth 62b have polarities different from each other.

[0041] The A-phase stator 61 and the B-phase stator 62 are arranged coaxially. The A-phase stator 61 and the B-phase stator 62 are in contact with each other. When viewed from the axis L direction, the angle between the pole teeth 61a of the A-phase stator 61 and the pole teeth 62a of the B-phase stator 62 that are adjacent to each other is 7.5 degrees.

[0042] The mold 63 is filled inside the A-phase stator 61 and the B-phase stator 62. The mold 63, together with the pole teeth 61a, 61b and the pole teeth 62a, 62b, constitutes the stator inner peripheral surface 60a. The diameter of the stator inner peripheral surface 60a is the same as the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the can 20. The mold 63 has a terminal support portion 64.

[0043] The terminal support portion 64 extends laterally (in a direction perpendicular to the axis L) from the A-phase stator 61 and the B-phase stator 62. The terminal support portion 64 supports a plurality of terminals 65. The plurality of terminals 65 protrude laterally from the tip of the terminal support portion 64. The plurality of terminals 65 are connected to the coil 61c of the A-phase stator 61 and the coil 62c of the B-phase stator 62.

[0044] In the electric valve 1, the main body member 11 (valve port 15, valve seat 16), support member 13 (valve shaft hole 13a), can 20, magnet rotor 31, valve shaft 34, valve body 40 (control portion 45, seat portion 47), and stator 60 (A-phase stator 61, B-phase stator 62) each have a central axis that coincides with the axis L.

[0045] The can 20 is disposed inside the stator 60. The magnet rotor 31 is disposed inside the can 20. The magnet rotor 31 and the stator 60 constitute a stepping motor 66.

[0046] In the motor-operated valve 1, when the seating surface 48 is in contact with the inner peripheral edge 16a of the valve seat 16, the magnet rotor 31 is in a reference position Rx. When the magnet rotor 31 is in the reference position Rx and a maximum number of z pulses are input to the stepping motor 66, the magnet rotor 31 moves from the reference position Rx to the fully open position Rz. The maximum number z is set in advance, and in this embodiment, the maximum number z is 500. The step angle of the stepping motor 66 is 3.75 degrees. In this specification, "inputting a pulse to the stepping motor 66" is synonymous with "supplying a drive current corresponding to the pulse to the stator 60 of the stepping motor 66."

[0047] In the motor-operated valve 1, the position of the magnet rotor 31 corresponds to the number of pulses input to the stepping motor 66. Specifically, the rotation angle from the reference position Rx to the fully open position Rz is divided by the maximum number z, and each position obtained is assigned a number from 0 to z. In this embodiment, each position is indicated as position "0" to "500."

[0048] The housing 70 is made of synthetic resin and accommodates the stator 60 and the control device 80. The housing 70 has a peripheral wall portion 71, an upper wall portion 72, and a connector 73.

[0049] The peripheral wall portion 71 has a cylindrical shape. The stator 60 is embedded in the peripheral wall portion 71. The diameter of the inner peripheral surface 71a of the peripheral wall portion 71 is the same as the diameter of the stator inner peripheral surface 60a. The inner peripheral surface 71a is connected to the stator inner peripheral surface 60a without any step. The upper wall portion 72 has a dome shape. The upper wall portion 72 is connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 71. The connector 73 is disposed at the upper portion of the housing 70. The inner peripheral surface 71a of the peripheral wall portion 71, the inner surface 72a of the upper wall portion 72, and the stator inner peripheral surface 60a define an inner space 74 of the stator unit 50. The can 20 is disposed in the inner space 74.

[0050] The housing 70 has a board space 75. The board space 75 is adjacent to the inner space 74. A partition wall 76 is disposed between the inner space 74 and the board space 75. The partition wall 76 separates the inner space 74 from the board space 75. The housing 70 has an opening 70a that communicates with the board space 75, and the opening 70a is closed by a cover member 77.

[0051] The control device 80 is disposed in the board space 75 of the housing 70. The control device 80 has a main board 90, a sub-board 100, a magnetic sensor 110, and a microcomputer 120.

[0052] The main board 90 is a printed circuit board on which electronic components are mounted. The main board 90 is accommodated in the board space 75. The main boards 90 are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction. A microcomputer 120 is mounted on the main board 90. A plurality of terminals 65 of the stator 60 are connected to the main board 90.

[0053] The sub-board 100 is a printed circuit board on which electronic components are mounted. The sub-board 100 is accommodated in the board space 75. The sub-board 100 is disposed at a right angle to the main board 90. A first end 100a of the sub-board 100 is disposed near the main board 90. A second end 100b of the sub-board 100 is disposed near the partition wall 76. The sub-board 100 is connected to the main board 90 via an inter-board connector.

[0054] The magnetic sensor 110 is, for example, a Hall IC. The magnetic sensor 110 is disposed at the second end 100b of the sub-substrate 100. The magnetic sensor 110 is aligned laterally with the magnet rotor 31 via the can 20 and the partition wall 76. The magnetic sensor 110 outputs a signal (on signal, off signal) according to the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet rotor 31. The motor-operated valve 1 may have a permanent magnet that rotates together with the magnet rotor 31, and the magnetic sensor 110 may output a signal according to the direction of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet.

[0055] The microcomputer 120 is, for example, a microcomputer for embedded devices that integrates a central processing unit, a non-volatile memory, a working memory, a communication module, a motor driver, and the like in one package. The microcomputer 120 controls the motor-operated valve 1. The non-volatile memory, the working memory, the communication module, and the motor driver may be individual electronic components externally connected to the microcomputer 120.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 80 has a storage unit 210, a communication unit 220, and a rotation control unit 230. The non-volatile memory constitutes the storage unit 210. The central processing unit executes a program stored in the non-volatile memory and functions as the communication unit 220 and the rotation control unit 230. The working memory stores variables used in the rotation control unit 230. The communication module is connected to the air conditioner control unit 400 via a cable (not shown) connected to the connector 73. The motor driver is connected to the stepping motor 66. Specifically, the motor driver is connected to the coil 61c of the A-phase stator 61 and the coil 62c of the B-phase stator 62. The motor driver supplies a driving current corresponding to the pulse to the coil 61c and the coil 62c.

[0057] The memory unit 210 stores, for example, the current position Rc of the magnet rotor 31 immediately before the power supply to the motor-operated valve 1 is cut off. The current position Rc is stored in a working memory when the motor-operated valve 1 is operating.

[0058] The communication unit 220 communicates with the control unit 400 through the communication module. The communication unit 220 receives various commands from the control unit 400 and transfers them to the rotation control unit 230. The communication unit 220 obtains the state of the motor-operated valve 1 from the rotation control unit 230 and transmits it to the control unit 400.

[0059] The communication section 220 receives a valve element movement command from the control unit 400. The valve element movement command includes information about the target position Rt of the magnet rotor 31. The information indicates a target valve opening. The information may also indicate a relative rotation angle from the current position Rc of the magnet rotor 31 (such as the number of pulses input to the stepping motor 66 and the rotation direction of the magnet rotor 31). Based on the information, the rotation control section 230 obtains the target position Rt of the magnet rotor 31.

[0060] In the motor-operated valve 1, the valve opening of 0[%] to 100[%] corresponds to the positions "0" to "500" of the magnet rotor 31. The position "0" is the reference position Rx, and the position "500" is the fully open position Rz. For example, when the valve opening included in the valve disc movement command is 0%, the target position Rt is the position "0". When the valve opening included in the valve disc movement command is 25%, the target position Rt is the position "125". When the valve opening included in the valve disc movement command is 50%, the target position Rt is the position "250". When the valve opening included in the valve disc movement command is 75%, the target position Rt is the position "375". When the valve opening included in the valve disc movement command is 100%, the target position Rt is the position "500".

[0061] When the communication unit 220 receives a valve element movement command, the rotation control unit 230 acquires the position of the magnet rotor 31 corresponding to the valve opening included in the valve element movement command as the target position Rt. For example, when the valve opening is 20[%], the rotation control unit 230 acquires the position "100" as the target position Rt, when the valve opening is 80[%], the position "400" as the target position Rt, and when the valve opening is 100[%], the position "500" as the target position Rt.

[0062] When the number indicating the target position Rt of the magnet rotor 31 is greater than the number indicating the current position Rc, the rotation control unit 230 inputs the number of pulses obtained by subtracting the number indicating the current position Rc from the number indicating the target position Rt to the stepping motor 66, thereby rotating the magnet rotor 31 in the valve opening direction.

[0063] When the number indicating the target position Rt of the magnet rotor 31 is smaller than the number indicating the current position Rc, the rotation control unit 230 inputs the number of pulses obtained by subtracting the number indicating the target position Rt from the number indicating the current position Rc to the stepping motor 66, thereby rotating the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction.

[0064] The rotation control unit 230 also obtains the rotation angle of the magnet rotor 31 based on the signal output by the magnetic sensor 110, and determines the state (rotating state, non-rotating state) of the magnet rotor 31. When the magnet rotor 31 rotates, the magnetic sensor 110 alternately outputs an on signal and an off signal. When the magnet rotor 31 does not rotate, the magnetic sensor 110 continuously outputs an on signal or an off signal. The control device 80 detects the rotation angle of the magnet rotor 31 based on the number of times the on signal and the off signal are switched. When there is a signal change (switching between an on signal and an off signal), the control device 80 determines that the magnet rotor 31 is in a rotating state, i.e., a "rotating state". When there is no signal change, the control device 80 determines that the magnet rotor 31 is in a non-rotating state, i.e., a "non-rotating state", i.e., a non-rotating state, when the magnet rotor 31 is rotating in the valve closing direction. When the rotation control unit 230 determines that the magnet rotor 31 is in a non-rotating state while rotating in the valve closing direction, it detects that the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction has been restricted.

[0065] The rotation control unit 230 also judges whether the valve element movement command is successful. Specifically, the rotation control unit 230 compares the rotation angle (calculated rotation angle) of the magnet rotor 31 obtained by multiplying the number of pulses input to the stepping motor 66 by the step angle with the rotation angle (measured rotation angle) of the magnet rotor 31 acquired based on the signal of the magnetic sensor 110. If these rotation angles match, the rotation control unit 230 transmits information indicating that the valve element movement command has been successful as the command execution result to the control unit 400 via the communication unit 220. If these rotation angles do not match, the rotation control unit 230 transmits information indicating that the valve element movement command has failed as the command execution result to the control unit 400 via the communication unit 220.

[0066] Next, an example of the operation of the motor-operated valve 1 will be described.

[0067] The control device 80 of the motor-operated valve 1 goes into a start-up mode when power is applied.

[0068] In the start-up mode, when the current position Rc of the magnet rotor 31 is stored in the memory unit 210, the control device 80 reads out the current position Rc from the memory unit 210 and stores it in the working memory, and then transitions to the normal operation mode. In the normal operation mode, the control device 80 waits for a command from the control unit 400.

[0069] In the start-up mode, when the current position Rc is not stored in the memory unit 210, the control device 80 transitions to the initialization operation mode. Alternatively, in the normal operation mode, when an initialization command is received from the control unit 400, the control device 80 transitions to the initialization operation mode.

[0070] In the initialization operation mode, the control device 80 inputs a pulse to the stepping motor 66 to rotate the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction. The control device 80 determines that the motor is in a rotating state when there is a change in the signal of the magnetic sensor 110. The control device 80 determines that the motor is in a non-rotating state when there is no change in the signal of the magnetic sensor. When the control device 80 determines that the motor is in a non-rotating state, it detects that the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction has been restricted. The control device 80 then stores the reference position Rx, which is position "0", in the working memory as the current position Rc, and transitions to the normal operation mode.

[0071] In the normal operation mode, when the control device 80 receives a valve element movement command from the control unit 400, it rotates the magnet rotor 31 and moves the valve element 40 so as to achieve the valve opening degree included in the valve element movement command.

[0072] For example, when the current position Rc is position "0" and the valve opening included in the valve element movement command is 80%, the control device 80 acquires position "400" as the target position Rt. The control device 80 inputs 400 (400=400-0) pulses to the stepping motor 66 to rotate the magnet rotor 31 in the valve opening direction. As a result, the valve shaft 34 and the magnet rotor 31 move upward by the feed screw mechanism 33, and the valve element 40 moves away from the valve seat 16 and is positioned at a valve element position corresponding to position "400" (valve opening 80%). When the input of pulses to the stepping motor 66 is completed, the control device 80 stores the position "400" in the working memory as the current position Rc. In addition, the control device 80 judges whether the valve element movement command is successful or not, and transmits the command execution result to the control unit 400. Then, the control device 80 waits for the next command from the control unit 400.

[0073] For example, when the current position Rc is position "400" and the valve opening included in the valve element movement command is 30%, the control device 80 acquires position "150" as the target position Rt. The control device 80 inputs 250 (250=400-150) pulses to the stepping motor 66 to rotate the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction. As a result, the valve shaft 34 and the magnet rotor 31 move downward by the feed screw mechanism 33, and the valve element 40 approaches the valve seat 16 and is positioned at the valve element position corresponding to position "150" (valve opening 30%). When the input of pulses to the stepping motor 66 is completed, the control device 80 stores the position "150" in the working memory as the current position Rc. In addition, the control device 80 judges whether the valve element movement command is successful or not, and transmits the command execution result to the control unit 400. Then, the control device 80 waits for the next command from the control unit 400.

[0074] For example, when the current position Rc is position "150" and the valve opening included in the valve element movement command is 100%, the control device 80 acquires position "500" as the target position Rt. The control device 80 inputs 350 (350=500-150) pulses to the stepping motor 66 to rotate the magnet rotor 31 in the valve opening direction. As a result, the valve shaft 34 and the magnet rotor 31 move upward by the feed screw mechanism 33, and the valve element 40 is separated from the valve seat 16 and positioned at the valve element position corresponding to position "500" (valve opening 100%). When the input of pulses to the stepping motor 66 is completed, the control device 80 stores the position "500" in the working memory as the current position Rc. In addition, the control device 80 judges whether the valve element movement command is successful or not, and transmits the command execution result to the control unit 400. Then, the control device 80 waits for the next command from the control unit 400.

[0075] For example, when the current position Rc is position "500" and the valve opening included in the valve element movement command is 0%, the control device 80 acquires position "0" as the target position Rt. The control device 80 inputs 500 (500=500-0) pulses to the stepping motor 66 to rotate the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction. As a result, the valve shaft 34 and the magnet rotor 31 move downward by the feed screw mechanism 33, and the valve element 40 contacts the valve seat 16 and is positioned at a valve element position corresponding to position "0" (valve opening 0%). When the control device 80 finishes inputting pulses to the stepping motor 66, it stores position "0" in the working memory as the current position Rc. In addition, the control device 80 judges whether the valve element movement command is successful or not, and transmits the command execution result to the control unit 400. Then, the control device 80 waits for the next command from the control unit 400.

[0076] When the valve opening included in the valve body movement command is less than 0% (i.e., a negative value) or exceeds 100%, the control device 80 transmits a command execution result to the control unit 400 indicating that an invalid valve opening was received. Then, the control device 80 waits for the next command from the control unit 400.

[0077] When the control device 80 receives a power-off command from the control unit 400, it stores the current position Rc in the working memory in the storage unit 210 to prepare for power-off.

[0078] The motor-operated valve 1 includes a valve body 10 having a valve port 15 and a valve seat 16 surrounding the valve port 15, a valve element 40 facing the valve port 15, a valve shaft 34, and a stepping motor 66. A male screw 34c is formed on the valve shaft 34. The valve body 10 has a valve shaft hole 13a arranged coaxially with the valve port 15. A female screw 13c into which the male screw 34c is screwed is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the valve shaft hole 13a. The male screw 34c and the female screw 13c constitute a feed screw mechanism 33. The upper end of the valve shaft 34 is coaxially fixed to the magnet rotor 31 of the stepping motor 66. The lower end (end portion) of the valve shaft 34 is integrally connected to the valve element 40. When the magnet rotor 31 rotates in the valve closing direction, the valve element 40 is moved toward the valve port 15. When the valve body 40 comes into contact with the valve seat 16 , the valve seat 16 restricts the movement of the valve body 40 toward the valve port 15 .

[0079] As a result of this, the valve shaft 34 and the valve element 40 are moved by the feed screw mechanism 33. When the magnet rotor 31 rotates in the valve closing direction, the valve shaft 34 is also rotated in the valve closing direction. When the valve element 40 comes into contact with the valve seat 16, the movement of the valve element 40 toward the valve port 15 is restricted, and the movement of the valve element 40 and the valve shaft 34 stops. The male thread 34c and the female thread 13c are tightened, and the feed screw mechanism 33 stops. As a result, the feed screw mechanism 33 restricts the rotation of the valve shaft 34 in the valve closing direction, and the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 stops. Therefore, a stopper provided on the magnet rotor 31 can be omitted, and the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 can be stopped when the movement of the valve element 40 stops.

[0080] The motor-operated valve 1 also has a control device 80 that controls the stepping motor 66. In an initialization operation mode, the control device 80 rotates the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction, and acquires the position of the magnet rotor 31 when the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction is restricted as a reference position Rx. In a normal operation mode, the control device 80 controls the position of the magnet rotor 31 based on the reference position Rx. In the normal operation mode, the control device 80 does not rotate the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction beyond the reference position Rx, and does not rotate the magnet rotor 31 in the valve opening direction beyond the fully open position Rz. The control device 80 manages the position of the magnet rotor 31 based on the rotation angle from the reference position Rx (the number of pulses input to the stepping motor 66).

[0081] As a result of this, when the control device 80 rotates the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction and the magnet rotor 31 reaches the reference position Rx, the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 can be stopped. Therefore, the magnet rotor 31 can be prevented from rotating in the valve closing direction beyond the reference position Rx, and wear on the valve seat 16 and power consumption can be suppressed. In addition, when the control device 80 rotates the magnet rotor 31 in the valve opening direction and the magnet rotor 31 reaches the fully open position Rz, the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 can be stopped. Therefore, the magnet rotor 31 can be prevented from rotating in the valve opening direction beyond the fully open position Rz, and the male screw 34c and the female screw 13c can be prevented from coming off. This makes it possible to omit a stopper that restricts the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 in the valve opening direction and a coil spring that returns the screw engagement between the male screw 34c and the female screw 13c.

[0082] The control device 80 also has a magnetic sensor 110 that outputs a signal according to the rotation of the magnet rotor 31. The control device 80 detects that the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction has been restricted based on the signal output by the magnetic sensor 110. In this manner, it is possible to detect whether or not the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction has been restricted with a relatively simple configuration. The control device 80 may detect that the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 in the valve closing direction has been restricted based on the back electromotive voltage generated in the stator 60 when the rotation of the magnet rotor 31 is restricted.

[0083] (Second Example) A motor-operated valve 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the motor-operated valve according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] 8, the motor-operated valve 2 has a valve body 10B, a can 20, a drive mechanism 30B, a valve body 40B, and a control device 80. In the following description, the same components as those in the motor-operated valve 1 (including those that are substantially the same) are given the same reference numerals as those in the motor-operated valve 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] The valve body 10B is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, etc. The valve body 10B includes a main body member 11, a flow path block 12, and a support member 13B.

[0086] The support member 13B has a first support part 131 and a second support part 132. The first support part 131 has a cylindrical shape. The first support part 131 is disposed in the first mounting hole 11a. The first support part 131 is attached to the main body member 11 by a screw structure. The second support part 132 is fixed to the upper part of the first support part 131. The second support part 132 has a valve stem hole 132a penetrating in the vertical direction. The valve stem hole 132a faces the upper end surface 40b (one end surface) of the valve body 40B in the vertical direction. The valve stem hole 132a is disposed coaxially with the valve port 15. The second support part 132 has a female thread 132c. The female thread 132c is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the valve stem hole 132a.

[0087] The drive mechanism 30B moves the valve body 40B in the vertical direction. The drive mechanism 30B has a magnet rotor 31B, a valve shaft 34B, and a stator unit 50.

[0088] The magnet rotor 31B has a cylindrical shape. A wall portion 31d is disposed inside the magnet rotor 31B. The wall portion 31d is disposed in the center of the magnet rotor 31B in the up-down direction. The magnet rotor 31B and the stator 60 constitute a stepping motor 66B.

[0089] The valve shaft 34B has a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the valve shaft 34B is coaxially fixed to the wall portion 31d of the magnet rotor 31B. The valve shaft 34B has a male thread 34c. The male thread 34c is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve shaft 34B. The valve shaft 34B is disposed in a valve shaft hole 132a, and the male thread 34c is screwed into the female thread 132c. The female thread 132c and the male thread 34c constitute a feed screw mechanism 33B. When the valve shaft 34B rotates, the valve shaft 34B moves up and down according to the direction of rotation.

[0090] The valve body 40B has a cylindrical shape. The valve body 40B is supported by the first support part 131 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The upper part of the valve body 40B is disposed inside the first support part 131, and the lower part of the valve body 40B is disposed in the valve chamber 14. The valve body 40B faces the valve port 15 in the vertical direction. The control part 45 and the seat part 47 are formed in the lower part of the valve body 40B. The valve body 40B is connected to the lower end of the valve shaft 34B. Specifically, the lower end of the valve shaft 34B contacts the upper end surface 40b of the valve body 40B. The upper end of the valve body 40B is formed with a flange-shaped spring receiving part 49 that protrudes radially outward. The valve-opening spring 37 is disposed between the spring receiving part 49 and the first support part 131. The valve-opening spring 37 is a compression coil spring, and presses the valve body 40B upward.

[0091] When the magnet rotor 31B is rotated in the valve opening direction, the valve shaft 34B moves upward by the feed screw mechanism 33B, and the valve element 40B is pushed by the valve opening spring 37 and moves upward. When the magnet rotor 31B is rotated in the valve closing direction, the valve shaft 34B moves downward by the feed screw mechanism 33B, and the valve element 40B is pushed by the valve shaft 34B and moves downward. When the valve element 40B moves downward and the seating surface 48 comes into contact with the inner peripheral edge 16a of the valve seat 16, the downward movement of the valve element 40B and the valve shaft 34B is restricted. As a result, the feed screw mechanism 33B restricts the rotation of the valve shaft 34B and the magnet rotor 31B in the valve closing direction.

[0092] The motor-operated valve 2 includes a valve body 10B having a valve port 15 and a valve seat 16 surrounding the valve port 15, a valve element 40B facing the valve port 15, a valve shaft 34B, and a stepping motor 66B. A male screw 34c is formed on the valve shaft 34B. The valve body 10B has a valve shaft hole 132a arranged coaxially with the valve port 15. A female screw 132c into which the male screw 34c is screwed is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the valve shaft hole 132a. The male screw 34c and the female screw 132c constitute a feed screw mechanism 33B. The upper end of the valve shaft 34B is coaxially fixed to the magnet rotor 31B of the stepping motor 66B. The lower end (end portion) of the valve shaft 34B contacts the valve element 40B and is connected to the valve element 40B. When the magnet rotor 31B rotates in the valve closing direction, the valve shaft 34B pushes the valve element 40B toward the valve orifice 15, and the valve element 40B moves toward the valve orifice 15. When the valve element 40B comes into contact with the valve seat 16, the valve seat 16 restricts the movement of the valve element 40B toward the valve orifice 15.

[0093] As a result of this, the valve shaft 34B and the valve body 40B are moved by the feed screw mechanism 33B. When the magnet rotor 31B rotates in the valve closing direction, the valve shaft 34B is also rotated in the valve closing direction. When the valve body 40B comes into contact with the valve seat 16, the movement of the valve body 40B toward the valve port 15 is restricted, and the movement of the valve body 40B and the valve shaft 34B stops. The male thread 34c and the female thread 132c are tightened, and the feed screw mechanism 33B stops. As a result, the feed screw mechanism 33B restricts the rotation of the valve shaft 34B in the valve closing direction, and the rotation of the magnet rotor 31B stops. Therefore, a stopper provided on the magnet rotor 31B can be omitted, and the rotation of the magnet rotor 31B can be stopped when the movement of the valve body 40B stops.

[0094] The motor-operated valve 2 exerts the same effects as (including substantially the same effects as) the motor-operated valve 1.

[0095] (Third Example) A motor-operated valve 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the motor-operated valve according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] 9, the motor-operated valve 3 has a valve body 10C, a can 20, a drive mechanism 30C, a valve body 40C, and a control device 80. In the following description, the same components as those in the motor-operated valve 1 (including those that are substantially the same) are given the same reference numerals as those in the motor-operated valve 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] The valve body 10C is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, and includes a main body member 11, a flow path block 12, a support member 13C, and a bearing 19C.

[0098] The support member 13C has a cylindrical shape. The support member 13C is disposed in the first mounting hole 11a. The support member 13C is attached to the main body member 11 by a screw structure. An upper portion of the support member 13C protrudes upward from the upper surface 11b of the main body member 11.

[0099] The bearing 19C is a ball bearing. The bearing 19C is coaxially fixed to the upper part of the support member 13C. The bearing 19C is disposed coaxially with the valve port 15. The bearing 19C rotatably supports the valve shaft 34C.

[0100] The drive mechanism 30C moves the valve body 40C in the vertical direction. The drive mechanism 30C includes a magnet rotor 31C, a valve shaft 34C, and a stator unit 50.

[0101] The magnet rotor 31C has a cylindrical shape. A wall portion 31e is disposed inside the magnet rotor 31C. The wall portion 31e is disposed near the lower end of the magnet rotor 31C. The magnet rotor 31C and the stator 60 constitute a stepping motor 66C.

[0102] The valve shaft 34C has a cylindrical shape. An upper end of the valve shaft 34C is coaxially fixed to a wall portion 31e of the magnet rotor 31C via a connecting member 34e. The valve shaft 34C has a male thread 34c. The male thread 34c is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve shaft 34C.

[0103] The valve body 40C has a cylindrical shape. The valve body 40C is supported by the support member 13C so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The rotation of the valve body 40C around the central axis is restricted. The upper part of the valve body 40C is disposed inside the support member 13C, and the lower part of the valve body 40C is disposed in the valve chamber 14. The valve body 40C faces the valve port 15 in the vertical direction. The valve body 40C has a valve stem hole 40a. The valve stem hole 40a is disposed on the upper end surface 40b of the valve body 40C. The valve body 40C has a female thread 40c. The female thread 40c is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the valve stem hole 40a. A control portion 45 and a seat portion 47 are formed on the lower part of the valve body 40C. The valve body 40C is connected to the lower end of the valve stem 34C. Specifically, the valve shaft 34C is disposed in the valve shaft hole 40a, and the male screw 34c is screwed into the female screw 40c. The female screw 40c and the male screw 34c form a feed screw mechanism 33C. The feed screw mechanism 33C connects the valve shaft 34C and the valve body 40C. When the valve shaft 34C rotates, the valve body 40C moves up and down according to the rotation direction of the valve shaft 34C. The valve shaft 34C does not move up and down.

[0104] When the magnet rotor 31C is rotated in the valve opening direction, the valve shaft 34C is also rotated in the valve opening direction, and the valve element 40C is moved upward by the feed screw mechanism 33C. When the magnet rotor 31C is rotated in the valve closing direction, the valve shaft 34C is also rotated in the valve closing direction, and the valve element 40C is moved downward by the feed screw mechanism 33C. When the valve element 40C moves downward and the seating surface 48 comes into contact with the inner peripheral edge 16a of the valve seat 16, the downward movement of the valve element 40C is restricted. As a result, the feed screw mechanism 33C restricts the rotation of the valve shaft 34C and magnet rotor 31C in the valve closing direction.

[0105] The motor-operated valve 3 includes a valve body 10C having a valve port 15 and a valve seat 16 surrounding the valve port 15, a valve element 40C facing the valve port 15, a valve shaft 34C, and a stepping motor 66C. The valve body 10C includes a bearing 19C that rotatably supports the valve shaft 34C. The bearing 19C is arranged coaxially with the valve port 15. A male screw 34c is formed on the valve shaft 34C. The valve element 40C includes a valve shaft hole 40a. A female screw 40c into which the male screw 34c is screwed is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the valve shaft hole 40a. The male screw 34c and the female screw 40c constitute a feed screw mechanism 33C. The upper end of the valve shaft 34C is coaxially fixed to a magnet rotor 31C of the stepping motor 66C. The lower end (end) of the valve shaft 34C is connected to the valve element 40C. When the magnet rotor 31C rotates in the valve closing direction, the valve element 40C is moved toward the valve port 15. When the valve element 40C comes into contact with the valve seat 16, the valve seat 16 restricts the movement of the valve element 40C toward the valve port 15.

[0106] As a result of this, the valve body 40C is moved by the feed screw mechanism 33C. When the magnet rotor 31C rotates in the valve closing direction, the valve shaft 34C is also rotated in the valve closing direction. When the valve body 40C comes into contact with the valve seat 16, the movement of the valve body 40C toward the valve port 15 is restricted, and the movement of the valve body 40C stops. The male thread 34c and the female thread 40c are tightened, and the feed screw mechanism 33C stops. As a result, the feed screw mechanism 33C restricts the rotation of the valve shaft 34C in the valve closing direction, and the rotation of the magnet rotor 31C stops. Therefore, a stopper provided on the magnet rotor 31C can be omitted, and the rotation of the magnet rotor 31C can be stopped when the movement of the valve body 40C stops.

[0107] The motor-operated valve 3 exerts the same effects as (including substantially the same effects as) the motor-operated valve 1.

[0108] In the above-mentioned motor-operated valves 1 to 3, a male thread is formed on the valve shaft, and a female thread is formed on the valve body or valve disc into which the male thread is screwed, and the male thread and the female thread form a feed screw mechanism. In the motor-operated valve according to the present invention, a female thread may be formed on the valve shaft, and a male thread is formed on the valve body or valve disc into which the female thread is screwed, and the male thread and the female thread form a feed screw mechanism. In other words, the motor-operated valve according to the present invention may be one in which the valve shaft and the valve body or valve disc form a feed screw mechanism.

[0109] In this specification, terms indicating a shape, such as "cylinder" or "column", are also used to refer to members or portions of members that have substantially the shape of the term. For example, a "cylindrical member" includes both cylindrical members and substantially cylindrical members.

[0110] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. Any addition, deletion, or design change of components by a person skilled in the art to the above-mentioned embodiments, or any combination of features of the embodiments as appropriate, is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it does not go against the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] (First embodiment) 1, 1A... motor-operated valve, 10... valve body, 11, 11A... body member, 11a... first mounting hole, 11b... upper surface, 12... flow passage block, 12a... second mounting hole, 12b... upper surface, 13, 13A... support member, 13a... valve stem hole, 13c... female thread, 14... valve chamber, 15... valve port, 15a... upper end, 16... valve seat, 16a... inner periphery, 17... flow passage, 18... flow passage, 20... 3, 25...connecting member, 30...driving mechanism, 31...magnet rotor, 31d...wall portion, 31e...wall portion, 33...feed screw mechanism, 34...valve shaft, 34c...male screw, 34e...connecting member, 40...valve body, 45...control portion, 46...control surface, 47...seating portion, 48...seating surface, 50...stator unit, 60...stator, 60a...stator inner peripheral surface, 6 1...A-phase stator, 61a...pole teeth, 61b...pole teeth, 61c...coil, 62...B-phase stator, 62a...pole teeth, 62b...pole teeth, 62c...coil, 63...mold, 64...terminal support portion, 65...terminal, 66...stepping motor, 70...housing, 70a...opening, 71...circumferential wall portion, 71a...inner peripheral surface, 72...upper wall portion, 72a...inner surface, 73...connector, 74...inner space, 75...substrate space, 76...partition wall, 77...cover member, 80...control device, 90...main board, 100...substrate, 100a...first end portion, 100b...second end portion, 110...magnetic sensor, 120...microcomputer, 210...storage portion, 220...communication portion, 230...rotation control portion, 400...control unit, L...axis (Second Example) 2...motor-operated valve, 10B...valve body, 13B...support member, 30B...drive mechanism, 31B...magnet rotor, 33B...feed screw mechanism, 34B...valve shaft, 37...valve-opening spring, 40B...valve body, 40b...upper end surface, 49...spring receiving portion, 66B...stepping motor, 131...first support portion, 132...second support portion, 132a...valve shaft hole, 132c...female thread (Third Example) 3...motor-operated valve, 10C...valve body, 13C...support member, 19C...bearing, 30C...drive mechanism, 31C...magnet rotor, 33C...feed screw mechanism, 34C...valve shaft, 40C...valve body, 40a...valve shaft hole, 40b...upper end surface, 40c...female screw, 66C...stepping motor

Claims

[Claim 1] An electrically operated valve including a valve body having a valve port and a valve seat surrounding the valve port, a valve element facing the valve port, a valve stem, a stepping motor, and a control device for controlling the stepping motor, the valve shaft and the valve body or the valve element constitute a feed screw mechanism, The valve shaft is coaxially fixed to the magnet rotor of the stepping motor, An end of the valve shaft is connected to the valve body, When the magnet rotor rotates in a valve closing direction, the valve body moves toward the valve port, When the valve body comes into contact with the valve seat, the valve seat restricts the movement of the valve body toward the valve port, the control device, in an initialization operation mode, inputs a pulse to the stepping motor to rotate the magnet rotor in the valve closing direction, and acquires, as a reference position, a position of the magnet rotor when the rotation of the magnet rotor in the valve closing direction is restricted; the control device, in a normal operation mode, controls the position of the magnet rotor based on the reference position, and manages the position of the magnet rotor by the number of pulses input to the stepping motor; When the magnet rotor is at the reference position, if a maximum number of pulses is input to the stepping motor, the magnet rotor rotates from the reference position to a fully open position, the valve element movement command received by the control device includes a valve opening corresponding to a target position of the magnet rotor, the valve opening of 0 [%] corresponds to the reference position, and the valve opening of 100 [%] corresponds to the fully open position, The control device, receiving the valve body movement command from an external device; When the valve opening degree is equal to or greater than 0% and equal to or less than 100%; rotating the magnet rotor so that the position of the magnet rotor is the target position corresponding to the valve opening degree; When the valve opening degree is less than 0% or greater than 100% the motor-operated valve transmits to the external device a command execution result indicating that an invalid valve opening degree has been received.

Images