Electric valve

Abstract

To provide an electric valve which can be manufactured by easily changing a position of a valve opening part.SOLUTION: An electric valve 100 includes: a first valve body 83 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening part 85 and a first center axial line X5; a second valve body 84 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 86 and a second center axial line X6; and a first engagement part 81 which is coaxial with the first center axial line X5 and is provided in a state where a relative rotation with the first valve body 83 is not available. The first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are arranged coaxially with the first center axial line X5 and the second center axial line X6. The second valve body 84 includes a second engagement part 91 formed in a shape engageable with the first engagement part 81. The first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be coupled at a plurality of rotation direction relative angles with the first center axial line X5 and the second center axial line X6 as a rotational center.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrically operated valve for adjusting the flow rate of a fluid. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, motorized valves that adjust the flow rate according to predetermined conditions have been used, as described in Patent Document 1. The motorized valve in Patent Document 1 has an inlet for cooling water, which is a fluid that cools devices, and multiple outlets for sending out the inlet cooling water, and the cooling water is sent to each device through pipes connected to each outlet. The motorized valve in Patent Document 1 is provided in the cylinder head of an automobile engine, and cooling water is introduced into the valve device through the inlet.

[0003] The motor-operated valve of Patent Document 1 has a motor and a valve mechanism including a valve body that is controlled to open and close by the motor via a reduction mechanism. Cooling water is sent from the motor-operated valve to a heating heat exchanger, an oil cooler, and a radiator, and the sending of cooling water to the motor-operated valve is controlled by a valve body provided in the motor-operated valve. The valve body is electrically controlled by an on-board electronic controller according to the cooling water temperature and the vehicle operating state, etc., and the valve body is opened and closed to send the introduced cooling water to the heating heat exchanger, the oil cooler, and the radiator.

[0004] The valve disc is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has two valve openings for sending cooling water to each device. The valve openings are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the valve disc, offset in the direction of the central axis. The valve disc rotates as a unit with the motor, so the valve openings of the two systems rotate as a unit in the same direction. Therefore, the relative angles of the rotational directions of the respective valve openings and the sizes of the valve openings are determined so that the openings of the two systems can be controlled to open and close according to the cooling water temperature. With this configuration, the motor-operated valve can send cooling water to each device at the optimal timing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-218763 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the relative positions and lengths in the rotational direction of the multiple valve openings in the valve body differ depending on the vehicle in which the motor-operated valve is installed, the type of device connected to the motor-operated valve, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to manufacture each valve body with a different relative angle in the rotational direction of the multiple valve openings, which is time-consuming to develop and manufacture.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a motor-operated valve in which the position of the valve opening can be easily changed when manufactured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The motor-operated valve of the present invention comprises a first valve body formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening and a first central axis, a second valve body formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening and a second central axis, and a first engagement portion arranged coaxially with the first central axis and unable to rotate relative to the first valve body, wherein the first valve body and the second valve body are arranged coaxially with the first central axis and the second central axis, and the second valve body has a second engagement portion formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion to engage with the first valve body at a plurality of rotational relative angles centered on the first central axis and the second central axis.

[0009] In the motor-operated valve according to the present invention, the first engagement portion can be engaged with the second engagement portion at a plurality of relative angles in the rotational direction, and therefore the first valve body that cannot rotate relative to the first engagement portion can also be attached to the second valve body at a plurality of relative angles in the rotational direction. Therefore, the positions of the valve openings of the first valve body and the second valve body can be easily changed to produce a motor-operated valve.

[0010] In addition, it is preferable that in the electric valve of the present invention, either one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion has a first engagement element formed on a surface that contacts the other, protruding from one side to the other side, and that the other of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion has a second engagement element formed on a surface that contacts the other, recessed so that the first engagement element can engage.

[0011] According to the motor-operated valve of the present invention, the first and second engagement parts can be configured with a simple shape of a protrusion and a recess, which allows them to engage at a plurality of relative angles in rotational directions around the first and second central axes as the rotation center. Therefore, the position of the valve opening can be easily changed in the manufacture of the motor-operated valve.

[0012] Moreover, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion of the motor-operated valve according to the present invention perpendicular to the first central axis is polygonal.

[0013] By making the cross-sectional shape of the first engagement part of the motor-operated valve according to the present invention polygonal, the engagement shape of the first engagement part can be configured with a flat surface that is easy to process, so that the first engagement part can be easily manufactured. In addition, since the corners of the polygon become the protrusions, the mechanical strength of the protrusions is relatively high.

[0014] In addition, it is preferable that the first valve body of the motor-operated valve according to the present invention is formed in a cylindrical shape having a smaller diameter than the second valve body, and the first engagement portion is a protruding portion formed integrally with the first valve body.

[0015] When the first valve body of the motor-operated valve of the present invention is formed into a cylindrical shape having a smaller diameter than the second valve body, the first engagement portion can be made into a protruding portion integrally formed with the first valve body, making it easier to ensure the flow path area inside the cylindrical shape of the first valve body.

[0016] In addition, in the electric valve of the present invention, it is preferable that the first valve body has a central hole formed coaxially with the first central axis, the central hole is formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion to engage at a plurality of rotational relative angles centered on the first central axis, and the first engagement portion is a rotating shaft that fits into the central hole and the second engagement portion.

[0017] In the motor-operated valve according to the present invention, the first valve body has a central hole formed coaxially with the first central axis, and the first engagement portion is a rotating shaft that fits into the central hole and the second engagement portion. Therefore, the rotating shaft that rotates the first valve body and the second valve body can be used as the first engagement portion, and the motor-operated valve can be efficiently configured. Therefore, the motor-operated valve can be manufactured by easily changing the position of the valve opening. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a cooling system including a motor-operated valve according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a first valve body and a second valve body provided in the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view showing a central shaft of the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a top view showing a relative angle in a rotational direction between a first valve body and a second valve body included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a vertical sectional view of a first engagement portion of the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a vertical sectional view of a second engagement portion of the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing a modified example of a first engagement portion included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing a modified example of a second engagement portion included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing another modified example of the first engagement portion included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. [Figure 11]1. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing another modified example of the second engagement portion included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] A motor-operated valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a cooling system including a motor-operated valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the motor-operated valve 100.

[0020] With reference to FIG. 1, an automotive cooling system to which an electric motor valve 100 is applied will be described. The electric motor valve 100 can be used as a flow rate control valve in a cooling system, and can be used in, for example, an automotive cooling system. The electric motor valve 100 used in an automotive cooling system is attached to, for example, a cylinder head CH on the upper part of an internal combustion engine ENG provided in a vehicle. A fluid of the cooling system, i.e., coolant, pressurized by a water pump WP provided in the internal combustion engine ENG is introduced into the electric motor valve 100. The electric motor valve 100 adjusts and distributes the supply amount of the coolant to a radiator RAD and a coolant utilization device. The electric motor valve 100 has a valve body 80 that is a valve that adjusts the flow rate of the coolant delivered from the electric motor valve 100. The vertical direction in FIG. 2 will be described as the vertical direction of the electric motor valve 100.

[0021] The motor-operated valve 100 has a flow path for flowing the coolant to the radiator RAD. This flow path is a second flow path B. The automotive cooling system controls the opening and closing of the motor-operated valve 100 with a control device (not shown). The motor-operated valve 100 is controlled not only in accordance with the coolant temperature Tx but also in accordance with the vehicle running state and the like.

[0022] The cooling water introduced into the motor-operated valve 100 is sent to a radiator RAD, which is a heat radiator, and a plurality of cooling water utilization devices. The cooling water utilization devices include, for example, a heater HT, a transmission TM such as an AT or a CVT, and an exhaust gas recirculation device EGR, and are provided with devices required by the vehicle.

[0023] A pipe L1 is connected between the motor-operated valve 100 and the radiator RAD. The cooling water to the radiator RAD is sent from the valve device 100 through the feed-side pipe L1. The radiator RAD is equipped with a blower fan FAN that blows air to the radiator RAD for heat dissipation. The cooling water dissipates heat while passing through the radiator RAD, and the temperature drops. The cooling water that has passed through the radiator RAD is returned to the internal combustion engine ENG through the return-side pipe L1.

[0024] The motor-operated valve 100 is connected to the heater HT, the transmission TM, and the exhaust gas recirculation device EGR through feed-side pipes L2, L3, and L4. The cooling water that has passed through each cooling water utilization device is returned to the internal combustion engine ENG through return-side pipes L2, L3, and L4. The cooling water that has returned to the internal combustion engine ENG is pressurized by the water pump WP and sent out again, and circulates between the radiator RAD and each cooling water utilization device. The cooling water utilization device may be provided by selecting one or more of the above cooling water utilization devices, rather than all of them. Alternatively, the cooling water utilization device may include devices other than those described above, for example, an oil cooler. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the pipes L2, L3, and L4 have parts that are shared with each other on the feed side and the return side, but the pipes L2, L3, and L4 may be independent pipes that do not share any parts.

[0025] The configuration of the motor-operated valve 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The motor-operated valve 100 includes a housing 10 forming a main body of the motor-operated valve 100, a motor (not shown) housed in the housing 10, a reduction gear 66, and a valve body 80.

[0026] The housing 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The housing 10 includes a first outlet section 11 through which the cooling water is sent to the radiator RAD, a second outlet section 12 and a third outlet section 13 through which the cooling water is sent to each cooling water utilization device, and an inlet section 18 through which the cooling water is introduced from the internal combustion engine ENG. The housing 10 further includes a valve accommodating section 20, a motor accommodating section (not shown), and a reduction gear accommodating section 27. The motor accommodating section 26 is provided on a side of the valve accommodating section 20, and the reduction gear accommodating section 27 is provided on an upper portion of the valve accommodating section 20. The valve device 100 is fixed by abutting the lower surface of the valve accommodating section 20 against the cylinder head CH.

[0027] The housing 10 is integrally formed from a resin material. By forming the housing 10 from a resin material or a lightweight metal material, the motor-operated valve 100 can be formed lighter. Therefore, the fuel consumption of the vehicle to which the motor-operated valve 100 is attached can be reduced. Alternatively, the valve accommodating portion 20, the motor accommodating portion 26, and the reduction gear accommodating portion 27 may be formed separately, or may be formed one by one and then assembled. Alternatively, any one or more of the valve accommodating portion 20, the motor accommodating portion 26, and the reduction gear accommodating portion 27 may be formed from a material other than a resin material, for example, an aluminum alloy.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 2, the first outflow section 11 and the second outflow section 12, which are cooling water outlets, will be described. A first adaptor 23 and a second adaptor 24 are fixed to the first outflow section 11 and the second outflow section 12, respectively. The first adaptor 23 to the second adaptor 24 are members having hollow cylindrical portions to which any one or more of the pipes L1 to L4 are connected. One end 31 of the first adaptor 23 is inserted into a first opening 14 of the first outflow section 11. One end 32 of the second adaptor 24 is inserted into a second opening 15 of the second outflow section 12.

[0029] An open end of the first adapter 23 is connected to a pipe L1 (not shown) for sending cooling water to the radiator RAD. An open end of the second adapter 24 is connected to a pipe L2 (not shown) for sending cooling water to one of the cooling water utilization devices, for example, the heater HT. The cooling water utilization device connected to the second adapter 24 is appropriately selected depending on the vehicle equipped with the valve device 100, and may be connected to an exhaust gas recirculation device EGR, for example. In addition, the cooling water utilization device connected to the second adapter 24 can be not only one, but two or more via a bifurcated pipe that branches the flow path.

[0030] One end 31 of the first adapter 23 and one end 32 of the second adapter 24 each have a sealing device including a seal and a spring. One end 31 of the first adapter 23 has a seal 33 and a spring 76, and one end 32 of the second adapter 24 has a seal 37 and a spring 77. The seals 33 and 37 are made of an elastic material, such as a resin material or rubber.

[0031] One end 31, 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an opening. Springs 76, 77 formed with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of one end 31, 32 are inserted into the opening of one end 31, 32. An annular surface perpendicular to the central axis X1, X2 of one end 31, 32 is provided on the inner surface of the opening of one end 31, 32, respectively.

[0032] Between the one end 31, 32 and the valve body 80, the cylindrical members 34, 38 are disposed. The cylindrical members 34, 38 are in contact with the corresponding portions of the valve body 80. The cylindrical members 34, 38 are attached by abutting one end of the springs 76, 77. That is, the cylindrical members 34, 38 are pressed against the corresponding curved surfaces of the valve body 80 by the springs 76, 77. Therefore, even if the valve body 80 is actuated and rotated, the cylindrical members 34, 38 biased by the springs 76, 77 follow and maintain contact with the valve body 80. Therefore, the cooling water flowing out from the valve body 80 can flow through the first adaptor 23 and the second adaptor 24, respectively, without leaking due to the cylindrical members 34, 38 and the seals 33, 37.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 2, the abutment portion 17 provided at the bottom of the valve housing portion 20 will be described. The cylinder head CH of the internal combustion engine ENG is provided with a cylinder head opening OP that opens upward. The abutment portion 17 has a flat surface so that it can abut against a mounting portion of the cylinder head CH of the housing 10. The abutment portion 17 is provided with an inflow portion 18 that corresponds to the opening shape of the cylinder head opening OP. With the inflow portion 18 aligned with the cylinder head opening OP, the valve device 100 abuts against the upper surface of the cylinder head CH and is fixed to the cylinder head CH with bolts (not shown). The inflow portion 18 is an opening formed in the abutment portion 17.

[0034] The contact portion 17 has a seal 19 provided so as to surround the outside of the inlet portion 18 at the contact portion 17. The cooling water pressurized by the water pump WP is sealed by the seal 19 and introduced into the inlet portion 18 from a cylinder head opening OP of the internal combustion engine ENG without leaking.

[0035] The motor-operated valve 100 has an internal space 22 inside, which communicates with the inlet portion 18 and is formed up to the upper part of the valve accommodating portion 20. The internal space 22 accommodates a valve body 80.

[0036] The motor (not shown) is accommodated in a motor accommodation section (not shown), which is a sealed space provided on the side of the valve accommodation section 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the reduction gear 66 is accommodated in a reduction gear accommodation section 27 formed in the upper part of the valve gear 100. The reduction gear accommodation section 27 is a sealed space sealed by an upper cover section 28. The reduction gear 66 has a plurality of gears 67, and a multi-stage reduction mechanism is formed by a first-stage gear 67 to which the driving force of the motor 65 is input to a final-stage gear 67. The plurality of gears 67 are formed of spur gears having different diameters and numbers of teeth, and are rotatably supported by rotation shafts (not shown) that are provided parallel to each other.

[0037] A rotating shaft 87 of the valve body 80 is fitted into a fitting hole provided in the center of the final-stage gear 67. An output shaft (not shown) of a motor (not shown) is fitted into a fitting hole provided in the center of the first-stage gear 67, and the rotation of the motor (not shown) is controlled by a control device, and the rotational torque is transmitted by a reduction gear 66. The rotational force transmitted to the final-stage gear 67 rotates the valve body 80 a predetermined rotation angle in one direction or the other direction.

[0038] The reduction gear 66 can be configured in other ways than those described above. The shape, size, number of teeth, and orientation of the rotation axis of the multiple gears 67 constituting the reduction gear 66, as well as the arrangement within the reduction gear accommodating section 27, are determined appropriately depending on the required output torque, the size of the reduction gear accommodating section 27, and the like.

[0039] A support portion 40 is fitted into the inlet portion 18. The support portion 40 is a member that supports the lower end portion of the rotating shaft 87. The support portion 40 has a plurality of rod-shaped portions 41 and a central portion 43 that is coaxial with the rotating shaft 87. The support portion 40 is formed such that the rod-shaped portions 41 protrude radially from the central portion 43 when viewed from above. In this embodiment, three rod-shaped portions 41 are provided at 120 degree intervals around the center of the central portion 43, and the support portion 40 is formed in an approximately Y shape.

[0040] Since the rod-shaped portions 41 are disposed in a space through which cooling water flows, each rod-shaped portion 41 is formed thin while having the necessary strength. The number of rod-shaped portions 41 may be other than three. For example, two rod-shaped portions 41 may be provided around the center of the central portion 43 at 180 degree intervals, and the support portion 40 may be formed in an I-shape. Alternatively, four rod-shaped portions 41 may be provided around the center of the central portion 43 at 90 degree intervals, and the support portion 40 may be formed in a cross shape.

[0041] [Configuration of valve body 80] The configuration of the valve body 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the valve body 80 having a first valve body 83 and a second valve body 84. The valve body 80 has a first valve body 83, a second valve body 84, and a rotating shaft 87. The valve body 80 is an opening / closing valve that operates by the driving force of the motor 65 transmitted through the reduction gear 66. The valve body 80 is accommodated in the internal space 22 that is the internal space of the valve accommodating section 20. The valve body 80 has a first valve body 83 having a first central axis X5 and a second valve body 84 having a second central axis X6. The first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are each formed so that their outer circumferential surfaces protrude in an arc shape in a side view. The first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 and are arranged in contact with each other. The first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6, which are coaxially arranged, form a central axis X3 of the valve body 80.

[0042] The motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention includes a valve element 80 and a motor (not shown) that drives the valve element 80.

[0043] The second valve body 84 on the lower side of the valve body 80 is located on the longitudinal extension of the first adaptor 23. The first valve body 85 on the upper side of the valve body 80 is located on the longitudinal extension of the second adaptor 24. The first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 each have a valve opening 85, 86 on their outer circumferential surfaces, respectively, which communicate with the internal space of the valve body 80. The valve openings 85, 86 are formed as elongated holes that are long in the circumferential direction, and open within a predetermined angular range on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 in a top view, centered on the respective central axes X5, X6.

[0044] The first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are configured to rotate integrally by the driving force of the rotating shaft 87 of the reduction gear 66. Meanwhile, the temperature range of the coolant discharged to the radiator RAD connected to the motor-operated valve 100 and each coolant utilization device differs for each coolant utilization device. Therefore, the opening angles of the elongated holes of the valve opening 85 and the valve opening 86 and the circumferential opening ranges on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are determined so that the opening and closing state of the valve is optimized for each radiator RAD and each coolant utilization device.

[0045] The first valve body 83 has a first engagement portion 81 which is a protruding portion and is coaxial with the first central axis X5. The second valve body 84 has a second engagement portion 91 which is coaxial with the second central axis X6 and is shaped so that the first engagement portion 81 can engage with it. The first valve body 83 is connected by the first engagement portion 81 which is protruding and engages with the second engagement portion 91.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a second engagement portion 91 corresponding to the first engagement portion 81. The second engagement portion 91 has a center hole 92 into which the first engagement portion 81 can be fitted. The cross-sectional shape of the center hole 92 perpendicular to the first center axis X5 is formed as a regular decagon consisting of ten surface portions 99 corresponding to the first engagement portion 81. The center hole 92 is formed as a through hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 81 is fitted. The second engagement portion 91 is formed of the center hole 92, and one second engagement element 98 (corner portion of the regular decagon) is disposed between each two adjacent surface portions 99. The center hole 92 may be formed to be longer than the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 81 is fitted. The center hole 92 may also be a non-through hole with one side closed. The first engagement portion 81 is formed in a shape that can be engaged with the second engagement portion 91 at a plurality of rotational angle positions centered on the second center axis X5 of the second engagement portion 91.

[0047] The first engagement portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention is a protruding portion that is integrally formed with the first valve body 83. Therefore, the first engagement portion 81 easily and reliably engages with the second valve body 84 at any relative angle in the rotational direction. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured with the positions of the valve openings 85, 86 easily changed.

[0048] The engagement state of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the rotating shaft 87. The valve body 80 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a space inside, and has a first engagement part 81 with a central hole 82, and a rotating shaft 87 that fits into the central hole 82. A space that is a flow path for cooling water is formed inside the valve body 80 except for the first engagement part 81. The rotating shaft 87 is fitted into the central hole 82 with the first engagement part 81 engaged with the second engagement part 91, and rotates the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84. The shape of the central hole 82 and the shape of the part of the rotating shaft 87 that abuts against the central hole 82 are formed to be mutually fittable. 4, the fitting portion 78 of the rotating shaft 87 is formed in a shape in which the portion of the outer circumferential surface having a circular cross section that protrudes from a pair of opposing parallel flat surfaces is cut off, in other words, in a shape in which a pair of opposing parallel flat surfaces are connected by a circular arc at both ends. Since the outer surface of the fitting portion 78 is formed in a shape having a pair of parallel flat surfaces, the rotating shaft 87 can be fitted into the central hole 82 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. This allows the rotating shaft 87 to transmit a rotational driving force to the central hole 82 without slipping.

[0049] Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of fitting portion 78 of rotating shaft 87 may be a so-called D-cut shape in which a circular outer circumferential surface is cut by a single plane parallel to rotating shaft 87. In that case, center hole 82 is also formed to have a D-shaped cross section, and rotating shaft 87 with a D-cut cross section is fitted into it.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 5, the first engagement portion 81 and the second engagement portion 91 can be engaged at a plurality of rotational relative angles F3 about the second central axis X3. FIG. 5 is a top view of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 in a connected state. In the figure, the valve opening 85 of the first valve body 83 faces rightward, and the valve opening 86 of the second valve body 84 faces leftward. The valve openings 85, 86 are formed as elongated holes. If the rotational position of the center of the valve opening 85 of the first valve body 83 is E1 and the rotational position of the center of the valve opening 86 of the second valve body 84 is E2, the rotational relative angle between the two is F3. In the case of FIG. 5, F3 is about 180 degrees. In the valve device 100 of the present invention, when assembling the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84, the rotational relative angle F3 between the valve opening 85 of the first valve body 83 and the valve opening 86 of the second valve body 84 can be set to a desired angle.

[0051] 3, a description will be given of a connection state between the first engagement portion 81 and the second engagement portion 91. The first engagement portion 81 and the second engagement portion 91 fix the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 at a desired rotational direction relative angle F3.

[0052] The first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are arranged so that the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 are coaxial. Either the first valve body 83 or the second valve body 84 is provided with a first engagement portion 81 that is coaxial with the central axis X5, X6 of the either one and that is provided so as to protrude. The other of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 is provided with a second engagement portion 91 that is coaxial with the central axis X5, X6 of the either one and that is formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion 81 to engage with.

[0053] 6 and 7, the configurations of the first engagement portion 81 and the second engagement portion 91 will be described. The first engagement portion 81 has a polygonal cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the first central axis X5. The polygon may be any regular polygon such as an equilateral triangle, a regular square, a regular pentagon, or a regular hexagon.

[0054] FIG. 6 shows the first engagement portion 81 whose cross-sectional shape is formed as a regular decagon. The first engagement portion 81 has a center hole 82 in the center. The center hole 82 is formed as a through hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the rotating shaft 87 is fitted. The first engagement portion 81 has a first engagement element 88 and a surface portion 89 disposed between two adjacent first engagement elements 88 on the outer surface of the first engagement portion 81. If the polygon is an n-sided polygon, n first engagement elements 88 and n surface portions 89 are provided. The center hole 82 may be formed to be longer than the length of the portion into which the rotating shaft 87 is fitted. The center hole 82 may also be a non-through hole with one side closed. In this case, the rotating shaft 87 is supported at the end on the other side.

[0055] The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the first central axis X5 of the first engagement portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention is polygonal. Therefore, the engagement shape of the first engagement portion 81 can be configured with a flat surface that is easy to process, so that the first engagement portion 81 can be easily manufactured. Therefore, the solenoid valve 100 can be manufactured by easily changing the relative angle in the rotational direction of the valve openings 85, 86.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows a second engagement portion 91 corresponding to the first engagement portion 81. The second engagement portion 91 has a center hole 92 into which the first engagement portion 81 can be fitted. The cross-sectional shape of the center hole 92 perpendicular to the first center axis X5 is formed as a regular decagon corresponding to the first engagement portion 81. The center hole 92 is formed as a through hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 81 is fitted. The second engagement portion 91 has, in the center hole 92, second engagement elements 98 and surface portions 99 arranged one by one between two adjacent second engagement elements 98. The center hole 92 may be formed to be longer than the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 81 is fitted. The center hole 92 may also be a non-through hole with one side closed.

[0057] The motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention includes a first valve body 83 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 85 and a first central axis X5, a second valve body 84 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 86 and a second central axis X6, and a first engagement portion 81 arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and in a state in which it cannot rotate relative to the first valve body 83, the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6, the second valve body 84 has a second engagement portion 91 formed in a shape with which the first engagement portion 81 can be engaged, and the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be coupled at a plurality of relative angles in rotational directions with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 as the rotation centers. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured by easily changing the relative angles in the rotational directions of the valve openings 85, 86 of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84, respectively.

[0058] The rotational direction relative angle F3 between the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be set to a desired rotational direction relative angle F3 by selecting the rotational direction relative angle when the first engagement portion 81 engages with the second engagement portion 91. If the cross section perpendicular to the first central axis X5 of the first engagement portion 81 is formed as a regular decagon, the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be adjusted in increments of 360 degrees / 10=36 degrees. If the polygon of the cross section is an n-sided polygon, the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be adjusted in increments of 360 degrees / n degrees. The larger the n number of the polygon, the more time and effort is required for processing, but the smaller the angle can be adjusted.

[0059] In the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention, one of the first engaging portion 81 and the second engaging portion 91 has a first engaging element 88, 103, 133 formed on a surface in contact with the other, protruding from the one side to the other side, and the other of the first engaging portion 81 and the second engaging portion 91 has a second engaging element 98, 113, 123 formed on a surface in contact with the other, recessed so that the first engaging element 88, 103, 133 can engage with it. Therefore, the shape that allows the first engaging portion 81 and the second engaging portion 91 to engage at a plurality of rotational relative angles around the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 as the rotation center can be configured by a simple shape of a protruding portion and a recessed portion. Therefore, the solenoid valve 100 can be manufactured by easily changing the positions of the valve openings 85, 86.

[0060] [Operation of valve body 80] The operation of the valve body 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The valve body 80 opens and closes in response to the coolant temperature Tx.

[0061] <Modifications of the First Engagement Portion and the Second Engagement Portion> The engaging shapes of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion may be shapes other than those described above. Below, first to fifth modified examples relating to the engaging shapes of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion will be described.

[0062] [First Modification] The first engagement portion 81 may be formed on the rotating shaft 87 instead of a protruding portion integrally formed on the first valve body 83. The rotating shaft 87 may be fitted into both the central hole 82 of the first valve body 83 and the second engagement portion 91 of the second valve body 84, and the rotating shaft 87 may directly support the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84, respectively. The fitting portion 78 of the rotating shaft 87 is provided over a range where the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 91 abut, and the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 78 is formed into a shape that fits into the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 91 and can engage with the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 91 so as not to rotate relative to each other. The cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 78 is formed into a polygon including a regular polygon, a shape obtained by cutting a circular outer circumferential surface with a pair of parallel planes, a D-cut shape obtained by cutting a circular outer circumferential surface with a single plane, or the like. The central hole 82 and the hole shape of the second engagement portion 91 are formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 78 .

[0063] In the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention, the first valve body 83 has a central hole 82 formed coaxially with the first central axis X5, and the first engagement portion 81 is a rotating shaft 87 that fits into the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 91. Therefore, the first engagement portion 81 can be formed by using the rotating shaft 87 that rotates the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84, and the motor-operated valve 100 can be efficiently configured. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured by easily changing the positions of the valve openings 85, 86. In addition, by forming the first engagement portion 81 as the rotating shaft 87, it is not necessary to form a protruding portion on the first valve body 83, and the first valve body 83 can be easily manufactured.

[0064] [Second modified example] The second modified example will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The second modified example differs from the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 described above in the shapes of the first engagement portion 101 and the second engagement portion 111. The cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion 101 perpendicular to the first central axis X5 is formed into a shape combining a circle with a plurality of protrusions.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows the first engagement portion 101. The cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion 101 perpendicular to the first central axis X5 is formed in a shape in which a plurality of first engagement elements 103, which are protrusions, are arranged at equal intervals on a circular circumference. The first engagement portion 101 has a center hole 82 at the center. The center hole 82 is formed as a through hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the rotating shaft 87 is fitted. The first engagement portion 101 has a plurality of first engagement elements 103 on the outer surface of the first engagement portion 101, and surface portions 105 arranged one by one between two adjacent first engagement elements 103. The center hole 82 may be formed to be longer than the length of the portion into which the rotating shaft 87 is fitted. The center hole 82 may also be a non-through hole with one side closed.

[0066] FIG. 9 shows a second engagement portion 111 corresponding to the first engagement portion 101. The second engagement portion 111 has a central hole 112 into which the first engagement portion 101 can be fitted. The cross-sectional shape of the central hole 112 perpendicular to the first central axis X6 is formed into a shape that combines a circle and a second engagement element 113 that is a plurality of recesses corresponding to the first engagement portion 101. The central hole 112 is formed as a through hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 101 is fitted. The second engagement portion 111 has the second engagement element 113 and surface portions 115 arranged between two adjacent second engagement elements 113 in the central hole 112. The central hole 112 may be formed to be longer than the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 101 is fitted. The central hole 112 may also be a non-through hole with one side closed. Furthermore, so long as the contour shape of the tip of the first engagement element 103 and the innermost part of the second engagement element 113 have the same outer shape, they may be an arc shape or an acute angle shape in which planes intersect at an acute angle.

[0067] The rotational direction relative angle F3 between the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be set to a desired rotational direction relative angle F3 by selecting the second engagement element 113 of the second engagement portion 111 into which the first engagement element 103 of the first engagement portion 101 is fitted. When, for example, eight pairs of the first engagement element 103 and the second engagement element 113 are provided, the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be selected in increments of 360 degrees / 8=45 degrees. When the number of pairs of the first engagement element 103 and the second engagement element 113 is n, the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be selected in increments of 360 degrees / n degrees. The larger the number n, the more time and effort is required for processing, but the more options for the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be selected from, and the angle can be adjusted in finer increments.

[0068] [Third Modification] A third modified example will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The third modified example differs from the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 described above in the shapes of the first engagement portion 121 and the second engagement portion 131. The cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion 121 perpendicular to the first central axis X5 is formed into a shape that combines a circle with a plurality of recesses.

[0069] FIG. 10 shows the first engagement portion 121. The cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion 121 perpendicular to the first central axis X5 is formed in a shape in which a plurality of second engagement elements 123, which are recesses, are arranged at equal intervals on a circular circumference. The first engagement portion 121 has a center hole 82 at the center. The center hole 82 is formed as a through hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the rotating shaft 87 is fitted. The first engagement portion 121 has a plurality of second engagement elements 123 on the outer surface of the first engagement portion 121, and surface portions 125 arranged one by one between two adjacent second engagement elements 123. The center hole 82 may be formed to be longer than the length of the portion into which the rotating shaft 87 is fitted. The center hole 82 may also be a non-through hole with one side closed. In this case, the rotating shaft 87 is supported by the housing 10 at the end on the other side.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows a second engagement portion 131 corresponding to the first engagement portion 121. The second engagement portion 131 has a central hole 132 into which the first engagement portion 121 can be fitted. The cross-sectional shape of the central hole 132 perpendicular to the first central axis X6 is formed into a shape that combines a circle and a first engagement element 133 that is a plurality of protrusions, corresponding to the first engagement portion 101. The central hole 132 is formed as a through hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 121 is fitted. The second engagement portion 131 has, in the central hole 132, the second engagement element 133 and surface portions 135 arranged one by one between two adjacent second engagement elements 133. The central hole 132 may be formed to be longer than the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 121 is fitted. The central hole 132 may also be a non-through hole with one side closed. Furthermore, as long as the contour shapes of the innermost portion of the first engagement element 123 and the tip end portion of the second engagement element 133 are both outline shapes, they may be arc shapes or acute-angle shapes in which planes intersect at an acute angle.

[0071] The rotational direction relative angle F3 between the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be set to a desired rotational direction relative angle F3 by selecting the second engagement elements 123 of the first engagement portion 121 into which the first engagement elements 133 of the second engagement portion 131 respectively fit. If, for example, eight pairs of the first engagement elements 133 and the second engagement elements 123 are provided, the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be selected in increments of 360 degrees / 8=45 degrees. If the number of pairs of the first engagement elements 133 and the second engagement elements 123 is n, the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be selected in increments of 360 degrees / n degrees. The larger the number n, the more time and effort is required for processing, but the finer the angle can be adjusted.

[0072] [Fourth Modification] Although not shown, the shapes of the first engagement portion 81 and the second engagement portion 91 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 described above can be modified as follows. The cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion 81 may also be a polygon other than a regular polygon. For example, in FIG. 6, the first engagement portion may have an octagonal cross section cut by a straight line connecting the first engagement element 88c, which is a pair of opposing corners, on both sides of the first engagement element 88a, 88b, and the second engagement portion 91 shown in FIG. 7 may be used as it is to have an engagement shape that engages with each other. Alternatively, the first engagement portion may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Even in the case of this engagement shape, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion can be engaged with each other at a plurality of rotational relative angles F3 with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 as the rotation center. When the first engagement portion, i.e., the corners, are reduced, the first engagement portion can be more easily manufactured.

[0073] The motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention includes a first valve body 83 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 85 and a first central axis X5, a second valve body 84 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 86 and a second central axis X6, and a first engagement portion 81 arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and in a state in which it cannot rotate relative to the first valve body 83, the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6, the second valve body 84 has a second engagement portion 91 formed in a shape with which the first engagement portion 81 can be engaged, and the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be coupled at a plurality of relative angles in rotational directions with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 as the rotation centers.

[0074] The motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention includes a first valve body 83 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 85 and a first central axis X5, a second valve body 84 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 86 and a second central axis X6, and a first engagement portion 81 arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and in a state in which it cannot rotate relative to the first valve body 83, the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6, the second valve body 84 has a second engagement portion 91 formed in a shape with which the first engagement portion 81 can be engaged, and the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be coupled at a plurality of relative angles in rotational directions with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 as the rotation centers. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured by easily changing the relative angles in the rotational directions of the valve openings 85, 86 of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84, respectively.

[0075] Furthermore, in the electric valve 100 of the present invention, it is preferable that either the first engagement portion 81 or the second engagement portion 91 has a first engagement element 88, 103, 133 formed on a surface that contacts the other and protrudes from one side to the other side, and that the other of the first engagement portion 81 or the second engagement portion has a second engagement element 98, 113, 123 formed on a surface that contacts the other and is recessed so that the first engagement element can engage with it.

[0076] In the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention, either one of the first engaging portion 81 and the second engaging portion 91 has a first engaging element 88, 103, 133 formed on a surface in contact with the other, protruding from the one side to the other side, and either one of the first engaging portion 81 and the second engaging portion 91 has a second engaging element 98, 113, 123 formed on a surface in contact with the other, recessed so that the first engaging element 88, 103, 133 can engage with it. Therefore, the shape that allows the first engaging portion 81 and the second engaging portion 91 to engage with each other at a plurality of rotational relative angles around the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 as the rotation center can be configured by a simple shape of a protruding portion and a recessed portion. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured by easily changing the positions of the valve openings 85, 86.

[0077] Moreover, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention, taken perpendicular to the first central axis X5, is polygonal.

[0078] The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the first central axis X5 of the first engagement portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention is polygonal. Therefore, the engagement shape of the first engagement portion 81 can be configured with a flat surface that is easy to process, so that the first engagement portion 81 can be easily manufactured. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured by easily changing the relative angle in the rotational directions of the valve openings 85, 86.

[0079] Moreover, the first engagement portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention is preferably a projecting portion that is integrally formed with the first valve body 83.

[0080] The first engagement portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention is a protruding portion formed integrally with the first valve body 83. Therefore, the first engagement portion 81, which is provided protruding from a portion where the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are adjacent to each other, easily and reliably engages with the second valve body 84 at any relative angle in the rotational direction. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured by easily changing the positions of the valve openings 85, 86.

[0081] In addition, in the electric valve 100 of the present invention, it is preferable that the first valve body 83 has a central hole 82 formed coaxially with the first central axis X5, and the first engagement portion 81 is a rotating shaft 87 that fits into the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 92.

[0082] In the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention, the first valve body 83 is formed with a central hole 82 coaxial with the first central axis X5, and the first engagement portion 81 is a rotating shaft 87 that fits into the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 91. Therefore, the rotating shaft 87 that rotates the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be used as the first engagement portion 81, and the motor-operated valve 100 can be efficiently configured. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured by easily changing the positions of the valve openings 85, 86.

[0083] Moreover, the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention preferably includes a motor (not shown) for driving the valve element 80.

[0084] The motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention includes a motor (not shown) that drives the valve element 80. Therefore, it is possible to easily configure the motor-operated valve 100 that can be engaged at a plurality of relative angles in the rotational direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture the motor-operated valve 100 by changing the relative angle in the rotational direction of the valve openings 85, 86.

[0085] <Other embodiments> The valve device of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. For example, the motor-operated valve 100 may be applied to vehicles other than those equipped with only an internal combustion engine ENG as a drive source, and may be applied to vehicles or devices other than vehicles that are cooled by fluid, such as an internal combustion engine ENG equipped in a hybrid vehicle or a motor for generating drive force equipped in an electric vehicle.

[0086] The motor-operated valve 100 of the present invention may also be provided with a bypass passage with a thermostat interposed therein. The materials of the components, the positions of the various pipes, and the arrangement of the devices in the pipe route described in the above embodiment of the present invention may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10. Housing 11 First Outlet 12 Second Outlet 13 Third Outlet 18 Inlet 22 Interior Space 23 First Adapter 24 Second Adapter 25 Third Adapter 31, 32 One end 34, 38 Cylindrical member 40 Support part 41 Rod-shaped part 43 Central part 65 Motor 66 Reducer 80 Valve body 81 First engagement part 82 Center hole 83 First valve body 84 Second valve body 85,86 Valve opening 87 Rotational Axis 88, 103, 133 First engagement element 91 Second engagement portion 98, 113, 123 Second engagement element 100 Motor-operated valve 112 Center hole T1 1st temperature T2 2nd temperature Tx fluid temperature (cooling water temperature) ENG Internal Combustion Engine CH Cylinder Head WP Water Pump RAD Radiator HT Heater TM Transmission EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation System

Claims

1. a first valve body formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening and a first central axis; a second valve body formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening and a second central axis; and A first engagement portion is arranged coaxially with the first central axis and in a state in which the first engagement portion cannot rotate relatively to the first valve body, The first valve body and the second valve body are arranged so that the first central axis and the second central axis are coaxial with each other, The second valve body has a second engagement portion formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion to engage with the first central axis and a plurality of rotational relative angles about the first central axis.

2. one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has a first engaging element formed on a surface that contacts the other of the first engaging portion and that protrudes from the one side to the other side, 2. The electric valve according to claim 1, wherein the other of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion has a second engagement element formed in a recess on a surface that contacts the other of the first engagement portion so that the first engagement element can engage with the second engagement element.

3. The motor-operated valve according to claim 2 , wherein a cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion perpendicular to the first central axis is polygonal.

4. The first valve body is formed in a cylindrical shape having a smaller diameter than the second valve body, The motor-operated valve according to claim 3 , wherein the first engagement portion is a protruding portion that is integrally formed with the first valve body.

5. The first valve body has a central hole formed coaxially with a first central axis line, the central hole is formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion to be engaged at a plurality of rotational relative angles about the first central axis, The motor-operated valve according to claim 3 , wherein the first engagement portion is a rotating shaft that is fitted into the central hole and the second engagement portion.

6. The motor-operated valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a motor that drives the first valve body and the second valve body.

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