Valve device and control valve

Abstract

To improve ease of assembling a control valve and a passage body using a simple method.SOLUTION: A control valve according to an aspect comprises a valve body 24 and a drive unit that drives a valve part to open and close. The valve body 24 has a locking portion 29 that faces axially a step portion 22 provided in a mounting hole 21. The locking portion 29 is locked by the step portion 22, thereby restricting insertion of the valve body 24 into the mounting hole 21, and the valve body is fixed to a passage body 4 by a fixing member 5. The fixing member 5 has a cylindrical main body that is fitted onto the valve body 24 to be rotatable relative to the valve body, and a male screw 25 that is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body and that screws into a female screw of the mounting hole 21. By screwing the main body into the mounting hole 21, while pressing the locking portion 29 toward the step portion 22, the valve body 24 and the passage body 4 are fastened together.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device, and more particularly to a structure for assembling a control valve to a passage body. [Background technology]

[0002] Automotive air conditioning systems typically include a refrigeration cycle that includes a compressor, an external heat exchanger, an expansion device, an evaporator, and other components. These refrigeration cycles are equipped with multiple control valves for switching the refrigerant passage depending on the operating mode. To improve the performance of refrigeration cycles, the number of control valves is increasing. Therefore, it is important to conserve space in the vehicle by arranging the various control valves in the refrigerant circulation passage and the refrigerant circulation passage itself as compactly as possible.

[0003] Therefore, it has been proposed to provide multiple passages that constitute a refrigerant circulation passage in a block-shaped piping body and to assemble one or more control valves to the piping body to form a control valve unit (valve device) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] The motor-operated valve of Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a rotor unit containing a valve portion and a rotor, and a stator unit containing a stator are separately manufactured and each unit is fixed to a piping body separately, thereby indirectly assembling the two units. Specifically, a male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body of the rotor unit, and a female thread is formed in the mounting hole of the piping body. The rotor unit can be fastened to the piping unit by screwing these threads together. The stator unit is then assembled in a manner that it is fitted onto the rotor unit, and the stator unit is fixed to the piping body with bolts to obtain a control valve unit.

[0005] With this configuration, when assembling the control valve unit, it is only necessary to rotate the rotor unit, which has a small external diameter, and there is no need to rotate the stator unit, which has a large external diameter, which improves workability. Furthermore, even when multiple control valves are arranged adjacent to each other on a piping block, the stator units can be assembled without interfering with each other, so workability is not impaired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-53708 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] While adopting such a configuration improves the ease of assembly of the control valve unit, it is still cumbersome because the entire rotor unit must be rotated during assembly. Furthermore, with such a configuration, it is necessary to form a male thread directly on the outer periphery of the valve body. Because the valve body has a complex outer periphery shape due to the need to assemble it with other components, it is difficult to machine a male thread by rolling, for example, and this places limitations on the method of thread machining.

[0008] The above problems are not limited to motor-operated valves, but can occur when a control valve is fastened to a piping body (a passage body in which a fluid passage is formed) by a screw structure provided on the valve body.

[0009] One object of the present invention is to improve the ease of assembling a control valve and a passage body by a simple method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a valve device constructed by assembling a control valve and a passage body. In this valve device, the passage body has a fluid passage through which a fluid flows, a mounting hole communicating with the fluid passage, and a female thread formed in the mounting hole. The control valve includes a valve body assembled to the passage body by being inserted into the mounting hole, a drive unit that drives the valve unit to open or close to open or close the fluid passage, and a seal unit interposed between the mounting hole and the valve body and restricts leakage of fluid from the fluid passage to the outside. The valve body has a locking portion that faces a step formed in the mounting hole in the axial direction, and the locking portion is locked by the step to restrict insertion of the valve body, and is fixed to the passage body by a fixing member. The fixing member has a cylindrical main body that is externally fitted onto the valve body so as to be rotatable relative to the valve body, and a male thread formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body that threadably engages with the female thread. By threading the main body into the mounting hole, the locking portion is pressed toward the step, fastening the valve body to the passage body.

[0011] According to this aspect, the control valve can be fixed to the passage body by threading the fixing member into the mounting hole. At this time, threading the fixing member into the mounting hole allows the locking portion to be pushed toward the stepped portion, thereby assembling the control valve to the passage body. Since it is sufficient to rotate the fixing member and not the drive portion of the control valve, interference between components is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, because a male thread can be provided on a fixing member prepared separately from the valve body, the simple shape of the fixing member increases the freedom of choice in thread processing methods. In other words, according to this aspect, the ease of assembling the control valve and the passage body can be improved by the simple technique of providing a fixing member that is fitted onto the valve body.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is a control valve that is attached to a mounting hole of a passage body that has a mounting hole communicating with a fluid passage and controls the flow of fluid in the fluid passage. The control valve includes a valve body that contains a valve portion and is assembled to the passage body by being inserted into the mounting hole, a drive unit that is assembled to the valve body, and a fixing member for fixing the valve body to the passage body. When inserted into the mounting hole, the valve body has a locking portion that axially faces a step provided in the mounting hole, and the locking portion is locked by the step, restricting the insertion of the valve body. The fixing member has a cylindrical main body that is externally fitted onto the valve body so as to be rotatable relative to the valve body, and a male thread provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body that threadably engages with a female thread provided in the mounting hole. The fixing member is held in an annular recess formed between the locking portion and the drive unit. By threading the main body into the mounting hole, the locking portion is pressed toward the step, fastening the valve body to the passage body.

[0013] In this embodiment, the control valve can be fixed to the passage body by threading the fixing member into the mounting hole. By threading the fixing member into the mounting hole, the locking portion can be pushed toward the stepped portion, allowing the control valve to be assembled to the passage body. Since it is sufficient to rotate the fixing member and not the drive portion of the control valve, interference between components is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, since a male thread can be provided on a fixing member prepared separately from the valve body, the simple shape of the fixing member increases the flexibility of thread machining methods. In other words, this embodiment facilitates assembly of the control valve and the passage body by providing a fixing member that is fitted onto the valve body. Furthermore, since the fixing member is retained in the annular recess and forms part of the control valve, it also facilitates management of the fixing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the ease of assembling the control valve and the passage body can be improved by a simple method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a valve device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. [Figure 3] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a method of assembling the valve device. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a valve device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a solenoid valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For convenience, the following description may refer to the positional relationship of each structure based on the illustrated state. In the following embodiments and their modifications, substantially identical components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0017] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve device according to a first embodiment. The valve device 1 is applied to the refrigeration cycle of an automotive air conditioner (not shown). The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor, an external heat exchanger, an expansion valve, an evaporator, etc., and the refrigerant circulation passage is switched depending on the operating state of the air conditioner. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor is cooled by passing through the external heat exchanger. The refrigerant then adiabatically expands as it passes through the expansion valve, becoming low-temperature and low-pressure, and is then guided to the evaporator where it evaporates. The latent heat of evaporation cools the air inside the vehicle cabin.

[0018] In this embodiment, a gas cooler is provided as an external heat exchanger because carbon dioxide, which has a high operating pressure, is used as the refrigerant. When a condensable refrigerant such as HFO-1234yf is used, a condenser is provided instead of the gas cooler.

[0019] The valve device 1 is constructed by assembling an electric valve 2 and a passage body 4. The passage body 4 is provided with a refrigerant passage 20 (fluid passage) that forms a refrigerant circulation passage. The electric valve 2 is a combined valve that has a large-diameter first valve 6 (large-diameter valve) and a small-diameter second valve 8 (small-diameter valve) arranged coaxially, and these valves are driven by a shared motor. The first valve 6 functions as an on-off valve, and the second valve 8 functions as an expansion valve.

[0020] The motor-operated valve 2 is configured by assembling a rotor unit 10 and a stator unit 12 via a connecting member 14. The connecting member 14 includes metal plates that are fixed to the rotor unit 10 and the stator unit 12, respectively. The motor-operated valve 2 is assembled to a passage body 4, and is fixed to the passage body 4 by a fixing member 5 that is held between the rotor unit 10 and the stator unit 12 (described in detail below).

[0021] The passage body 4 is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy and has a generally rectangular columnar shape. An inlet port 16 opens at the bottom of the passage body 4, and an outlet port 18 opens at the upper side of the passage body 4. A refrigerant passage 20 is formed in the passage body 4, connecting the inlet port 16 and the outlet port 18. Refrigerant from the upstream side is introduced into the refrigerant passage 20 through the inlet port 16, passes through a valve, and is then discharged downstream from the outlet port 18.

[0022] A mounting hole 21 in the form of a stepped circular hole is provided in the center of the upper half of the passage body 4, and communicates with the refrigerant passage 20. A seal ring 30 is disposed on the upper surface of a step 22 of the mounting hole 21. By interposing the seal ring 30 between the mounting hole 21 and the valve body 24, it is possible to prevent refrigerant leakage from the inside of the passage body 4 to the outside and to prevent moisture and the like from entering the inside of the passage body 4 and, ultimately, the motor-operated valve 2 from the external atmosphere. The seal ring 30 functions as a "sealing portion" and is a gasket with a rectangular cross section in this embodiment. A metal gasket that is highly resistant to high-temperature and high-pressure environments may also be used. A female thread 23 is provided above the step 22 in the mounting hole 21.

[0023] The rotor unit 10 has a valve body 24 that houses a valve portion. In this embodiment, the valve body 24 is made of brass, but any material with a higher machinability index than stainless steel (hereinafter referred to as "SUS") may be used. The "machinability index" is an index that indicates the ease or difficulty of cutting a metallic material, and specifically refers to a value that indicates the ease of cutting a material compared to sulfur free-cutting steel (AISI-B1112) (see, for example, JP 2005-335091 A). The higher the machinability index, the easier it is to cut a material.

[0024] A valve seat member 26 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the lower end of the valve body 24, and a seal ring 28 (O-ring) is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the valve body 24. By interposing the seal ring 28 between the mounting hole 21 and the valve body 24, leakage of refrigerant from the upstream side to the downstream side of the first valve 6 is restricted.

[0025] A flange portion 29 extending radially outward is provided at the axial center of the valve body 24. The flange portion 29 has an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the open end of the mounting hole 21, and is disposed within the mounting hole 21 so that its lower surface abuts against the upper surface of a seal ring 30. The flange portion 29 is engaged with the step portion 22 via the seal ring 30, thereby restricting insertion of the valve body 24 into the mounting hole 21. The flange portion 29 functions as a "locking portion" that faces the step portion 22 in the axial direction via the seal ring 30. A seal ring 31 (O-ring) is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the valve body 24, and a seal ring 32 (O-ring) is fitted onto the upper end surface.

[0026] A first valve element 33 is housed in the lower half of the valve body 24 and is supported so as to be slidable in the axial direction. A first valve hole 34 is formed inside the valve seat member 26. A first valve seat 36 is formed at the downstream open end of the first valve hole 34. The first valve element 33 is attached to and detached from the first valve seat 36 to open and close the first valve 6.

[0027] An internal passage is formed in the first valve element 33, and a second valve hole 38 is formed in the middle of this internal passage. A second valve seat 40 is formed at the upstream open end of the second valve hole 38. An actuating rod 42 extending from the rotor 60 of the rotor unit 10 is inserted into the interior of the valve body 24. The lower part of the actuating rod 42 is inserted coaxially into the first valve element 33. The actuating rod 42 is obtained by cutting a rod made of a non-magnetic metal, and a needle-shaped second valve element 44 is provided integrally with the lower part of the actuating rod 42.

[0028] The second valve 8 is opened and closed by the second valve element 44 being attached to and detached from the second valve seat 40 from the upstream side. The second valve element 44 moves toward or away from the second valve hole 38 from the side opposite the first valve hole 34 to adjust the opening degree of the second valve 8. By opening and closing the first valve 6 and the second valve 8, the refrigerant passage 20 can be opened or closed.

[0029] A guide member 46 that slidably supports the actuation rod 42 is erected at the center of the upper part of the valve body 24. The guide member 46 is obtained by cutting a tube made of a non-magnetic metal (brass in this embodiment) into a stepped cylindrical shape, and a male thread 48 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the axial center portion. The lower end of the guide member 46 has a large diameter, and this large-diameter portion 50 is located inside the upper end of the valve body 24. The guide member 46 supports the actuation rod 42 slidably in the axial direction with its inner peripheral surface, and supports the rotating shaft 61 of the rotor 60 slidably and rotatably with its outer peripheral surface. The rotating shaft 61 is made of a non-magnetic metal.

[0030] The rotating shaft 61 is a cylindrical shaft with a bottom, and is fitted onto the guide member 46 with its open end facing downward. A female thread 52 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower part of the rotating shaft 61, and meshes with a male thread 48 of the guide member 46. The rotational motion of the rotor 60 is converted into axial motion of the operating rod 42 by a screw feed mechanism 54 formed by these threaded portions.

[0031] The upper part of the actuating rod 42 has a reduced diameter, and the reduced diameter portion 90 penetrates the bottom of the rotary shaft 61. An annular stopper 92 (push nut) is fixed to the tip of the reduced diameter portion 90. Meanwhile, a spring 94 that urges the actuating rod 42 downward (i.e., in the valve closing direction) is interposed between the base end of the reduced diameter portion 90 and the bottom of the rotary shaft 61. With this configuration, when the valve is opened, the actuating rod 42 is displaced integrally with the rotor 60 with the stopper 92 engaged with the bottom of the rotary shaft 61. Meanwhile, when the valve is closed, the spring 94 is compressed by the reaction force that the second valve element 44 receives from the second valve seat 40. The elastic reaction force of the spring 94 at this time can press the second valve element 44 against the second valve seat 40, improving the seating performance (valve closing performance) of the second valve element 44.

[0032] Meanwhile, the rotor 60 of the rotor unit 10 and the stator 62 of the stator unit 12 constitute a two-phase stepping motor. The rotor unit 10 has a cylindrical can 64 with a bottom, and the rotor 60 is disposed inside the can 64. The stator 62 is disposed outside the can 64. The can 64 is a cylindrical member with a bottom that covers the space in which the second valve body 44 and its drive mechanism are disposed and that contains the rotor 60, and defines an inner pressure space (internal space) where the pressure of the refrigerant acts and an outer non-pressure space (external space) where the pressure of the refrigerant does not act.

[0033] The rotor 60 includes a stepped cylindrical rotor core 66 coaxially mounted on the upper part of the actuation rod 42, a rotor magnet 68 coaxially mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the rotor core 66, and a sensor magnet 70 provided on the upper end surface of the rotor core 66. The rotor magnet 68 is cylindrical, and its upper end is fixed so as to fit into the outer circumferential surface of the rotor core 66. With this configuration, a relatively large annular space S is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the rotor magnet 68 and the outer circumferential surface of the actuation rod 42.

[0034] The sensor magnet 70 has an annular shape and is coaxially attached to the rotor core 66. The rotor magnet 68 is magnetized (magnetized) with multiple poles in the circumferential direction. The sensor magnet 70 is also magnetized (magnetized) with multiple poles.

[0035] The stator 62 is constructed by assembling a bobbin 74, around which the coil 72 is wound, to a yoke 76 having a plurality of pole teeth. The stator 62 is provided integrally with a case 78 of the stator unit 12. That is, the case 78 is obtained by injection molding (also called "insert molding" or "mold molding") of a corrosion-resistant resin material. The stator 62 is covered with the molded resin obtained by the injection molding. The stator unit 12 is a molded product of the stator 62 and the case 78. The stator unit 12 is assembled to the valve body 24 and functions as a "drive unit" that drives the rotor 60.

[0036] The stator unit 12 has a hollow structure and is assembled to the valve body 24 with the can 64 coaxially inserted therethrough. A seal ring 31 is interposed between the upper outer peripheral surface of the valve body 24 and the lower inner peripheral surface of the case 78, preventing the external atmosphere (water, etc.) from entering the gap between the can 64 and the stator 62.

[0037] The stator unit 12 has a circuit board 82 on the outside of the can 64. The circuit board 82 is fixed inside the case 78. Various circuits that function as a control unit and a communication unit are mounted on the underside of the circuit board 82. Specifically, a drive circuit for driving the motor, a control circuit (microcomputer) that outputs control signals to the drive circuit, a communication circuit for the control circuit to communicate with an external device, a power supply circuit for supplying power to each circuit and the motor (coil 72), etc. are mounted on the circuit board 82. The upper end of the case 78 is closed by a lid 84. The circuit board 82 is disposed in the space below the lid 84 of the case 78.

[0038] A magnetic sensor 85 is provided on the surface of the circuit board 82 facing the sensor magnet 70. The magnetic sensor 85 faces the sensor magnet 70 in the axial direction via the bottom end wall of the can 64. The magnetic flux generated by the sensor magnet 70 changes as the rotor 60 rotates. The magnetic sensor 85 detects the amount of displacement of the rotor 60 (the rotation angle of the rotor 60 in this embodiment) by detecting this change in magnetic flux. The control unit calculates the axial position of the second valve body 44 and therefore the opening degree of the second valve 8 based on the amount of displacement of the rotor 60.

[0039] Terminals 86 connected to the coil 72 extend from the bobbin 74 and are connected to the circuit board 82. A power supply terminal, a ground terminal, and a communication terminal (collectively referred to as "connection terminals 88") extend from the circuit board 82 and are each drawn out to the outside through the side wall of the case 78. A connector portion 89 is integrally provided on the side of the case 78, and the connection terminals 88 are arranged inside the connector portion 89.

[0040] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. A communication hole 104 that connects the inside and outside of the valve body 24 is provided in the lower part of the valve body 24. A guide hole 106 is formed by the inner peripheral surface of the upper half of the valve body 24. The guide hole 106 is provided coaxially with the first valve hole 34. The first valve element 33 is cylindrical with a bottom and is slidably supported in the guide hole 106. The first valve element 33 is cylindrical with a bottom and has a sufficiently thick bottom. A back pressure chamber 108 is formed above the first valve element 33. The back pressure chamber 108 is a space surrounded by the valve body 24 and the first valve element 33. A valve chamber 110 is formed inside the first valve element 33 (above the bottom). A stepped disc-shaped operating connecting member 112 is coaxially inserted and fixed into the upper part of the first valve element 33.

[0041] The actuation connecting member 112 has an insertion hole 114 in the center of its bottom. The actuation rod 42 passes coaxially through the insertion hole 114. The actuation connecting member 112 is provided with a plurality of communication holes 116 that communicate between the inside and outside of the first valve body 33. The communication holes 116 communicate between the valve chamber 110 and the back pressure chamber 108. The actuation connecting member 112 is fixed to the first valve body 33 by fitting its upper end into the opening at the top end of the first valve body 33 and caulking a convex portion around the periphery of the opening at the top end of the first valve body 33 inward.

[0042] An annular seal accommodating portion 120 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of the first valve body 33, and a seal ring 122 (O-ring) is fitted into the seal accommodating portion 120. The seal ring 122 prevents or suppresses refrigerant leakage through the clearance between the valve body 24 and the first valve body 33. A spring 126 (functioning as a "biasing member") is interposed between the valve body 24 and the operating connecting member 112 to bias the first valve body 33 in the valve closing direction.

[0043] A radially protruding locking portion 129 is provided on the actuation rod 42 slightly above the second valve body 44. The locking portion 129 is formed, for example, of an E-ring. By hooking this locking portion 129 onto the first valve body 33 (the actuation connecting member 112), the first valve body 33 can be pulled up in the valve-opening direction against the biasing force of the spring 126. A mechanism that operatively connects the first valve body 33 and the actuation rod 42 (i.e., the second valve body 44) in this way so that they can be displaced together is called an "actuation connecting mechanism."

[0044] The operating connection member 112 also functions as a spring bearing that supports the spring 126. The biasing force of the spring 126 is transmitted to the first valve body 33 via the operating connection member 112. Furthermore, when the second valve body 44 is opened, the locking portion 129 is displaced relative to the first valve body 33 and comes into contact with the bottom surface of the operating connection member 112, pushing it up, thereby operating the first valve body 33 in the valve opening direction.

[0045] The can 64 is connected to the valve body 24 via a connecting member 65. The connecting member 65 is made of the same type of non-magnetic metal as the can 64 (SUS in this embodiment), and has a cylindrical main body 150 and a flange portion 152 extending radially outward from the upper end of the main body 150. The outer periphery of the upper surface of the flange portion 152 is cut out to form a step portion 153, into which the lower end of the can 64 is fitted. In other words, the lower end of the can 64 is fitted coaxially onto the upper end of the connecting member 65 so as to be externally fitted thereto. The can 64 and the connecting member 65 are fixed and sealed together by performing a full-circumference weld along the boundary between the lower end of the can 64 and the upper end of the connecting member 65 (not shown).

[0046] A male thread 154 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 150. Meanwhile, a female thread 156 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end of the valve body 24. The male thread 154 is threadedly engaged with the female thread 156, and the connecting member 65 is fastened to the valve body 24, thereby fixing the can 64 to the valve body 24. The large diameter portion 50 of the guide member 46 is disposed inside the main body 150. A seal ring 32 is interposed between the connecting member 65 and the valve body 24, thereby preventing the refrigerant in the rotor unit 10 from leaking to the stator unit 12.

[0047] A plurality of communication holes 130 (small holes) are provided through the bottom of the first valve body 33 in a direction parallel to the axis (only one is shown in the figure). The lower end openings of these communication holes 130 serve as inlet ports 132. The communication holes 130 communicate between the upstream side of the first valve seat 36 in the first valve hole 34 and the valve chest 110. The communication holes 130, the valve chest 110, and the communication hole 116 form a "communication passage" that communicates between the upstream side of the first valve seat 36 and the back pressure chamber 108. This communication passage communicates between the valve chest 110 and the first valve hole 34 at a position different from that of the second valve hole 38.

[0048] A downstream passage 134 extending perpendicular to the axis is provided at the bottom of the first valve body 33. The open end of the downstream passage 134 serves as an outlet port 136, which communicates with the outlet port 18 (see FIG. 1) via a communication hole 104.

[0049] The second valve hole 38 communicates between the valve chamber 110 and the downstream passage 134. The communication hole 130 is disposed so as not to intersect with the downstream passage 134. The flow path cross section of the downstream passage 134 is sufficiently larger than the flow path cross section of the communication hole 130. The multiple communication holes 130, the valve chamber 110, the second valve hole 38, and the downstream passage 134 form an internal passage of the first valve body 33. The tip of the second valve body 44 passes through the second valve hole 38, and is detachably attached to the second valve seat 40 via a tapered surface.

[0050] When the first valve 6 is closed or slightly opened as shown in the figure, the pressure on the upstream side of the first valve seat 36 (upstream pressure P1) is higher than the pressure on the downstream side of the first valve seat 36 (downstream pressure P2). Meanwhile, because the back pressure chamber 108 communicates with the upstream side of the first valve seat 36 via the valve chamber 110 and the communication hole 130, the pressure in the back pressure chamber 108 (also referred to as "back pressure") is approximately equal to the upstream pressure P1. As a result, the fluid pressure acting on the first valve body 33 is almost canceled out.

[0051] In this embodiment, to improve the valve closing performance of the first valve 6, the effective pressure-receiving diameter d1 of the sliding portion of the first valve body 33 is slightly larger than the seal portion diameter d2 of the detachable portion of the first valve body 33 (d1 > d2). The effective pressure-receiving diameter d1 is the outer diameter of the sliding portion of the first valve body 33 relative to the guide hole 106. The seal portion diameter d2 is the outer diameter of the detachable portion of the first valve body 33 relative to the first valve seat 36. However, because the difference in diameter is minimal, as described above, the fluid pressure acting on the first valve body 33 is almost canceled out. This reduces the resistance when the first valve body 33 is pulled in the valve opening direction, and reduces the rotational torque (rotational driving force) of the motor required to open the first valve 6. This pressure-receiving structure of the first valve body 33 is called a "back pressure cancellation structure."

[0052] Meanwhile, a pressure difference (P1-P2) between the upstream pressure P1 and the downstream pressure P2 occurs in the gap between the first valve body 33 and the guide hole 106. In this regard, in this embodiment, the provision of the seal ring 122 prevents the refrigerant from leaking through the gap.

[0053] The motor-operated valve 2 configured as described above is fixed to the passage body 4 via a fixing member 5. The fixing member 5 has a cylindrical main body 160 that is fitted onto the valve body 24 so as to be rotatable relative to the valve body 24, and a flange portion 162 that extends radially outward from the upper end of the main body 160. A male thread 25 that can be threaded into the female thread 23 of the mounting hole 21 is formed on the outer periphery of the main body 160. A notch, such as an H-cut, is formed on the outer periphery of the flange portion 162 to make it easier to grip a screw tightening tool.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a method for assembling the valve device 1. As shown in FIG. Before assembling the stator unit 12 and rotor unit 10 of the motor-operated valve 2, the fixing member 5 is fitted onto the valve body 24 of the rotor unit 10. At this time, the fixing member 5 is loosely fitted into the valve body 24, so that a clearance CL is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 5 and the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 24 (see FIG. 2).

[0055] Next, the rotor unit 10 and the stator unit 12 are assembled and fixed with the connecting member 14, thereby completing the assembly of the motor-operated valve 2. At this time, the fixing member 5 is held in an annular recess 170 formed between the flange portion 29 of the valve body 24 and the stator unit 12. The flange portion 29 engages the lower end surface of the main body 160 in the axial direction, thereby preventing the fixing member 5 from falling off the motor-operated valve 2.

[0056] When assembling the valve device 1, the seal ring 30 is placed on the step 22 of the mounting hole 21, and then the motor-operated valve 2 is assembled to the passage body 4. At this time, the main body 160 of the fixing member 5 is screwed into the mounting hole 21 while the valve body 24 is inserted into the mounting hole 21. The flange portion 29 faces the step 22 of the mounting hole 21 in the axial direction. In other words, the fixing member 5 is screwed into the mounting hole 21 with the seal ring 30 interposed axially between the step 22 of the mounting hole 21 and the flange portion 29 of the valve body 24.

[0057] 2, at this time, the fixing member 5 presses against the flange portion 29 from the side opposite the seal ring 30, appropriately crushing the seal ring 30. This allows the seal ring 30 to perform its sealing function and fastens the valve body 24 to the passage body 4. As shown in the figure, the depth of the step 22 in the mounting hole 21, the thickness of the flange portion 29 in the valve body 24, and the height of the main body 160 in the fixing member 5 are set so that a gap is formed between the upper surface of the passage body 4 and the flange portion 162 even when the fixing member 5 is fully fastened. This ensures sufficient fastening force by the fixing member 5 and ensures the sealing performance of the seal ring 30.

[0058] Next, the operation of the motor-operated valve 2 will be described with reference to FIG. When the motor is driven to rotate the rotor 60 in the normal direction and move the actuating rod 42 upward, the actuating rod 42 is displaced axially relative to the first valve body 33. That is, the second valve body 44 is separated from the second valve seat 40, and the second valve 8 opens. At this time, refrigerant from the upstream side flows through the internal passage of the first valve body 33 and is discharged downstream via the second valve 8. The second valve 8 can be made to function as an expansion valve by adjusting it to a predetermined opening.

[0059] When the actuating rod 42 is further actuated in the valve opening direction, and the displacement of the actuating rod 42 from the closed state of the second valve 8 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the locking portion 129 engages with the actuating connecting member 112, and the actuating rod 42 and the first valve body 33 are operatively connected. The actuating rod 42 then pulls up the first valve body 33 against the biasing force of the spring 126. This causes the first valve body 33 to separate from the first valve seat 36, and the first valve 6 opens. The refrigerant flows downstream via both the first valve 6 and the second valve 8. At this time, a large flow rate of refrigerant can be allowed to flow, but the flow rate can be adjusted by adjusting the opening of the first valve 6.

[0060] On the other hand, when the motor is driven to rotate the rotor 60 in the reverse direction, the actuating rod 42 moves downward. At this time, the first valve body 33 moves in the valve closing direction while maintaining the operative connection with the actuating rod 42 due to the biasing force of the spring 126. First, the first valve body 33 seats on the first valve seat 36, and the first valve 6 is in the closed state. When the actuating rod 42 is further actuated in the valve closing direction, the locking portion 129 disengages from the operative connection member 112, and the operative connection between the actuating rod 42 and the first valve body 33 is released. Thereafter, the second valve body 44 seats on the second valve seat 40, and the second valve 8 is in the closed state.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, the valve body 24 (i.e., the rotor unit 10) and the stator unit 12 are fixed together prior to assembling the motor-operated valve 2 to the passage body 4, so that high assembly accuracy (positional accuracy) between the two can be maintained. Even when assembling the valve device 1, the positional relationship between the sensor magnet 70 provided on the rotor unit 10 and the magnetic sensor 85 provided on the stator unit 12 can be accurately maintained, so that the detection accuracy of the magnetic sensor 85 can be easily maintained.

[0062] Meanwhile, a seal ring 30 is axially interposed between a step 22 provided in the mounting hole 21 of the passage body 4 and a flange 29 of the valve body 24. The motor-operated valve 2 can be fixed to the passage body 4 by threading the fixing member 5 into the mounting hole 21. By threading the fixing member 5 into the mounting hole 21, the flange 29 can be pressed toward the step 22, and the amount of compression of the seal ring 30 can be adjusted by the amount of threading. In other words, a pressing force sufficient to fully demonstrate the sealing performance of the seal ring 30 can be applied during the assembly process of the valve device 1 to the passage body 4. Since it is sufficient to rotate the fixing member 5 and there is no need to rotate the stator unit 12, interference between parts during assembly does not occur. In other words, when assembling the motor-operated valve 2 to the passage body 4, sealing performance is ensured and assembly is made easier. Furthermore, since the fixing member 5 is held in the annular recess 170 as part of the motor-operated valve 2, handling of the fixing member 5 is also simplified.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fixing member 5 having a simple shape is prepared separately from the valve body 24, and a male thread is provided on this fixing member 5. This increases the freedom of choice in thread processing methods, for example by making it easier to process the male thread by rolling. In other words, according to this embodiment, the ease of assembling the motor-operated valve 2 and the passage body 4 can be improved by the simple method of providing a fixing member 5 that is fitted onto the valve body 24.

[0064] [Second embodiment] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve device according to a second embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the control valve constituting the valve device 201 is a solenoid valve 202. The valve device 201 is configured by assembling the solenoid valve 202 and a passage body 204. The solenoid valve 202 is fixed to the passage body 204 via a fixing member 5. An inlet port 16 is provided at the upper part of one side surface of the passage body 204, and an outlet port 18 is provided at the lower part of the opposite side surface.

[0065] The solenoid valve 202 is a pilot-operated solenoid valve, and includes a main valve 206 and a pilot valve 208. The solenoid valve 202 is configured by assembling a valve body 205 and a solenoid 210. The valve body 205 is in the shape of a stepped cylinder, and is configured by coaxially assembling a first body 212 and a second body 214. An inlet port 215 that communicates with the introduction port 16 is provided on one side of the second body 214, and an outlet port 217 that communicates with the discharge port 18 is provided on the bottom surface of the second body 214. The solenoid valve 202 is a normally-open valve in which the main valve 206 is fully open when the solenoid 210 is off.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the solenoid valve 202. As shown in FIG. The inner diameter of the lower part of the second body 214 is reduced, and a valve hole 216 is formed inside this reduced diameter. A valve seat 218 is formed at the upstream open end of the valve hole 216, and an outlet port 217 is formed at the downstream open end of the valve hole 216. The valve hole 216 functions as the "main valve hole," and the valve seat 218 functions as the "main valve seat." A valve chest 220 is formed upstream of the valve hole 216. A passage that directly connects the inlet port 215 and the outlet port 217 via the valve hole 216 is the main passage 211.

[0067] On the other hand, the first body 212 has a stepped cylindrical shape with a small-diameter portion 219 with a small inner diameter at the top and a large-diameter portion 221 with a large inner diameter at the bottom. A male thread is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the first body 212, and a female thread is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the second body 214. By screwing these threads together, the first body 212 and the second body 214 are fastened together in the axial direction to form the valve body 205.

[0068] The upper part of the second body 214 is coaxially assembled to the large diameter part 221 of the first body 212, and the valve hole 216 and the outlet port 217 are formed in the lower part of the second body 214. A valve element 222 is disposed inside the valve body 205. The valve element 222 functions as the "main valve element."

[0069] A flange portion 29 is provided in the axial center of the first body 212. As in the first embodiment, the flange portion 29 is engaged with the step portion 22 via the seal ring 30, thereby restricting insertion of the valve body 205 into the mounting hole 21. The flange portion 29 functions as a "locking portion" that faces the step portion 22 in the axial direction via the seal ring 30 (see FIG. 4). A seal ring 28 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the second body 214.

[0070] The valve element 222 has a stepped cylindrical shape, with the upper part slightly enlarged in diameter to form a partition 224. The valve element 222 is obtained by cutting an aluminum alloy material and then performing a hard anodizing treatment (surface treatment). A pilot passage 226 is formed so as to pass through the valve element 222 along its axis. The pilot passage 226 opens toward the valve hole 216. The upper part of the pilot passage 226 is narrowed in diameter to form a valve hole 228, and a valve seat 230 is formed at the open end of the valve hole 228. The valve hole 228 functions as the "pilot valve hole," and the valve seat 230 functions as the "pilot valve seat."

[0071] A packing 232 is fitted to the lower part of the valve element 222. The packing 232 is made of a ring-shaped elastic body (rubber in this embodiment) and functions as a "sealing member." The packing 232 is fixed to the valve element 222 by crimping the lower end of the valve element 222. The valve element 222 is displaced within the valve chamber 220, and the packing 232 is attached to and detached from the valve seat 218, thereby opening and closing the main valve 206. A spring 233 (which functions as a "biasing member") that urges the valve element 222 upward is interposed between the valve element 222 and the second body 214.

[0072] The partitioning portion 224 divides the space surrounded by the valve body 205 and the solenoid 210 into a high-pressure chamber 234 and a back-pressure chamber 236. The high-pressure chamber 234 communicates with the inlet port 215 and also communicates with the back-pressure chamber 236 via a leak passage 238 provided in the valve element 222. The leak passage 238 functions as an orifice. The back-pressure chamber 236 communicates with the interior of the solenoid 210. The downstream side of the valve hole 216 forms a low-pressure chamber 240, which communicates with the outlet port 217. The partitioning portion 224 is inserted into a guide hole 242 provided in the large-diameter portion 221 of the first body 212. With the partitioning portion 224 slidably supported in the guide hole 242, the valve element 222 operates stably in the opening and closing directions of the main valve 206.

[0073] On the other hand, the solenoid 210 has a cylindrical core 244 (fixed iron core) fixed to the second body 214, a cylindrical sleeve 246 with a bottom that closes the upper end opening of the core 244, a cylindrical plunger 248 (movable iron core) housed inside the sleeve 246, a bobbin 250 that is inserted into the sleeve 246, an electromagnetic coil 252 wound around the bobbin 250, and a case 253 that contains the bobbin 250 and the electromagnetic coil 252.

[0074] Case 253 is obtained by injection molding (also called "insert molding" or "mold molding") of a corrosion-resistant resin material. Electromagnetic coil 252 is covered with the molded resin obtained by the injection molding. Case 253 is made of the molded resin.

[0075] A yoke 255 having a U-shaped cross section is provided from the outside of the case 253 so as to sandwich the electromagnetic coil 252 from above and below. The yoke 255 is a magnetic body that forms a magnetic circuit together with the core 244 and the plunger 248. A connector portion 289 extends laterally from the case 253. The connector portion 289 includes a terminal 257 that connects to the electromagnetic coil 252 (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the bobbin 250, the electromagnetic coil 252, the case 253, and the yoke 255 are integrated to form a coil unit 270. The coil unit 270 is assembled to the valve body 205 and functions as a "drive unit" that drives the plunger 248.

[0076] The sleeve 246 is made of a non-magnetic metal material (stainless steel in this embodiment). The lower part of the sleeve 246 is fitted onto the upper part of the core 244 and fixed by circumferential welding. The sleeve 246, together with the core 244, constitutes a can that closes the internal pressure chamber. The plunger 248 is a magnetic body made of electromagnetic stainless steel (e.g., SUS304S) and is arranged coaxially with the core 244. A back pressure chamber 254 is formed between the bottom of the sleeve 246 and the plunger 248. The core 244, the sleeve 246, and the plunger 248 constitute an operating unit 272.

[0077] The core 244 is a magnetic body made of electromagnetic stainless steel (e.g., SUS304S), and is inserted into the electromagnetic coil 252. The upper end of the core 244 faces the plunger 248 in the axial direction, and the lower end protrudes below the yoke 255. A back pressure chamber 236 is formed so as to be surrounded by the core 244, the first body 212, and the valve element 222.

[0078] A spring seat 288 that protrudes radially inward is provided at the axial center of core 244. A spring 286 (functioning as a "biasing member") that biases plunger 248 in a direction separating it from core 244 is interposed between plunger 248 and spring seat 288. Complementary tapered surfaces are provided on the opposing surfaces of core 244 and plunger 248, ensuring a large stroke of plunger 248 while also generating sufficient magnetic attractive force.

[0079] An annular seal receiving portion 276 is formed in the upper opening of case 253, and an O-ring 278 (seal ring) is fitted into it. An annular seal receiving portion 280 is also formed in the lower opening of case 253, and an O-ring 282 (seal ring) is fitted into it. By interposing O-rings 278, 282 between coil unit 270 and actuation unit 272, outside air (moisture) is prevented from entering through the gap between them.

[0080] A shaft 283 extends coaxially from the lower end of the plunger 248. The shaft 283 extends inward of the core 244 and passes through a spring receiving portion 288, with a pilot valve body 284 provided at its tip. The pilot valve body 284 is shaped like a stepped cylinder, and the lower end of the shaft 283 is coaxially press-fitted into the upper half of the pilot valve body 284. The pilot valve body 284 is made of stainless steel (SUS), and a seal member 290 is fixed to its lower end. The seal member 290 is made of rubber.

[0081] The pilot valve element 284 is disposed in the back pressure chamber 236. The pilot valve 208 is opened and closed by the seal member 290 of the pilot valve element 284 being attached to and detached from the valve seat 230. The pressure in the back pressure chamber 236 is introduced into the back pressure chamber 254 via the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the pilot valve element 284 and the inner circumferential surface of the core 244, and the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the plunger 248 and the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 246.

[0082] The first body 212 is obtained by cutting an aluminum alloy material and then performing a hard anodizing treatment (surface treatment), and has excellent corrosion resistance. The small diameter portion 219 of the first body 212 is inserted into the lower part of the core 244. The opening at the lower end of the small diameter portion 219 is slightly enlarged to form a step, while the lower end of the core 244 is provided with a flange portion 247 that protrudes radially outward. The flange portion 247 engages with the step, thereby ensuring that the relative positional relationship in the axial direction between the core 244 and the first body 212 is maintained as designed. The open end of the small diameter portion 219 is crimped inward (not shown), thereby fixing the first body 212 to the core 244.

[0083] An annular groove 259 is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of core 244, and an O-ring 265 (seal ring) is fitted into the groove. O-ring 265 is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of core 244 and the inner peripheral surface of small diameter portion 219, thereby preventing refrigerant from leaking through the gap between them.

[0084] An annular groove 292 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the partition portion 224 of the valve body 222, and a piston ring 294 is fitted into the groove. The piston ring 294 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The partition portion 224 is slidably supported in the guide hole 242 at the position of the piston ring 294.

[0085] In this configuration, pressure P1 introduced into inlet port 215 (referred to as "upstream pressure P1") becomes pressure P2 (referred to as "downstream pressure P2") by passing through main valve 206 in main passage 211 (see FIG. 4). Furthermore, upstream pressure P1 introduced into high-pressure chamber 234 becomes intermediate pressure Pp in back pressure chamber 236 by passing through leak passage 238, and then becomes downstream pressure P2 by passing through pilot valve 208.

[0086] When assembling the solenoid valve 202, after the actuation unit 272 and the valve body 205 are assembled, the coil unit 270 is fitted onto the actuation unit 272 (sleeve 246 and core 244) and assembled to the valve body 205. Prior to assembling the coil unit 270 and the valve body 205, the fixing member 5 is fitted onto the valve body 205 (first body 212).

[0087] In this embodiment as well, the main body 160 of the fixing member 5 is fitted onto the valve body 205 (first body 212) so as to be rotatable relative to the valve body 205. The fixing member 5 is loosely fitted into the valve body 205. The fixing member 5 is held in an annular recess 170 formed between the flange portion 29 of the valve body 205 and the coil unit 270. The flange portion 29 locks the lower end surface of the main body 160 in the axial direction, thereby preventing the fixing member 5 from falling off the solenoid valve 202.

[0088] 4, when assembling the valve device 201, the seal ring 30 is placed on the step portion 22 of the mounting hole 21, and then the solenoid valve 202 is assembled to the passage body 204. At this time, the fixing member 5 is screwed into the mounting hole 21 while the valve body 205 is inserted into the mounting hole 21. In other words, the fixing member 5 is screwed into the mounting hole 21 with the seal ring 30 interposed axially between the step portion 22 of the mounting hole 21 and the flange portion 29 of the valve body 205.

[0089] Next, the operation of the solenoid valve 202 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 5, when the solenoid 210 is turned off, no solenoid force is applied, and therefore the plunger 248 is urged upward by the spring 286, opening the pilot valve 208. At this time, the refrigerant in the back pressure chamber 236 is discharged downstream through the pilot passage 226, reducing the intermediate pressure Pp. The valve element 222 is urged upward by the differential pressure (P1 - Pp) between the upstream pressure P1 and the intermediate pressure Pp. This causes the main valve 206 to fully open. As a result, the main passage 211 is opened as shown. The refrigerant introduced through the inlet port 215 mainly passes through the main passage 211 and is discharged from the outlet port 217.

[0090] On the other hand, when solenoid 210 is turned on, an attractive force (solenoid force) acts between core 244 and plunger 248, urging plunger 248 downward and closing pilot valve 208. At this time, refrigerant from the upstream side is introduced into back pressure chamber 236 via leak passage 238, so that intermediate pressure Pp becomes upstream pressure P1. As a result, valve element 222 is urged downward by the differential pressure (Pp-P2) between intermediate pressure Pp and downstream pressure P2. This closes main valve 206, blocking main passage 211.

[0091] As described above, in this embodiment as well, the valve body 205 and the solenoid 210 are fixed prior to assembling the solenoid valve 202 to the passage body 204, thereby maintaining high positional accuracy between them. Furthermore, the seal ring 30 is axially interposed between the step portion 22 of the passage body 204 and the flange portion 29 of the valve body 205, and the solenoid valve 202 can be fixed to the passage body 204 by threading the fixing member 5 into the mounting hole 21. The sealing performance of the seal ring 30 can be adjusted during the assembling process of the solenoid valve 202 to the passage body 204. Since it is sufficient to rotate the fixing member 5 at this time, and there is no need to rotate the solenoid 210 of the solenoid valve 202, there is no problem of interference between components during assembly of the valve device 201. In other words, the configuration in which the solenoid valve 202 is assembled to the passage body 204 ensures sealing performance and improves ease of assembly. Furthermore, since the fixed member 5 is held in the annular recess 170 as a part of the solenoid valve 202, the fixed member 5 can be easily managed.

[0092] Also in this embodiment, the male thread is provided on the fixing member 5, which has a simple shape, rather than on the valve body 205, which increases the freedom of choice in thread processing methods. In other words, the simple method of providing the fixing member 5 that is fitted onto the valve body 205 makes it possible to improve the ease of assembling the solenoid valve 202 and the passage body 204.

[0093] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this specific embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0094] [Variations] In the first embodiment described above, a configuration has been exemplified in which the fixing member 5 is held in the annular recess 170 as part of the motor-operated valve 2. In the second embodiment, a configuration has been exemplified in which the fixing member 5 is held in the annular recess 170 as part of the solenoid valve 202. In a modified example, the fixing member 5 may be made independent of the control valve (motor-operated valve 2, solenoid valve 202) and used as a fixing screw part when fixing the control valve to the passage body.

[0095] The configuration of the above embodiment (the structure for fixing to the passage body by a fixing member) may be applied to a control valve in which the stator unit is assembled to the passage body separately from the rotor unit, such as the motor-operated valve of Patent Document 1. Specifically, the valve body of the rotor unit may be inserted into a mounting hole and fixed by a fixing member. The stator unit may be screwed to the passage body via another connecting member (such as a connecting plate).

[0096] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the seal ring 30 is interposed in the axial direction (thrust direction) between the step portion 22 and the flange portion 29 (locking portion) is exemplified. In a modified example, the seal ring may be interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the valve body and the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole. In other words, a configuration in which the seal ring is interposed in the radial direction between the valve body and the mounting hole may be adopted (see, for example, JP 2022-184474 A). The configuration of the above embodiment (a configuration in which the valve body is fixed to the passage body by a fixing member) may be applied to such a configuration.

[0097] When a high-pressure refrigerant such as carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, as in the above embodiment, the problem of refrigerant leakage becomes more pronounced. Carbon dioxide has a small molecular weight and tends to easily permeate rubber members with low density. Therefore, it is preferable to compress the seal ring sufficiently to increase the density of the sealing surface. In this regard, if a configuration in which the seal ring is interposed between the valve body and the mounting hole in the radial direction is adopted, it is difficult to apply a compressive force sufficient to sufficiently compress the seal ring and exhibit sealing performance. On the other hand, if a configuration in which the seal ring is interposed between the valve body and the mounting hole in the thrust direction and is pressed in the thrust direction by a fixing member is adopted as in the above embodiment, the seal ring can be sufficiently compressed, thereby exhibiting excellent sealing performance.

[0098] In the first embodiment, the stator includes a yoke having pole teeth. In a modified example, the stator may include a laminated core.

[0099] In the first embodiment, the stator unit 12 is a two-phase stepping motor, but it may also be configured as a three-phase stepping motor.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the small-diameter second valve is configured as an expansion valve, but it may be configured as an on-off valve without an expansion function. Alternatively, the motor-operated valve of the first embodiment may be configured as an expansion valve without a large-diameter valve, i.e., with only a small-diameter valve.

[0101] In the above embodiment, a gasket having a rectangular cross section is exemplified as the seal ring 30, but an O-ring or other seal ring may be used as long as pressure resistance is ensured.

[0102] Although a seal ring is used as the "seal portion" in the above embodiment, a metal seal may also be used. Specifically, an annular protrusion may be formed on at least one of the axially opposing surfaces of the flange portion 29 and the step portion 22 shown in FIG. 2. The annular protrusion may be a continuous protrusion concentric with the mounting hole 21. The metal seal may be realized by appropriately crushing (plastically deforming) the annular protrusion due to the fastening force between the fixing member 5 and the passage body 4. The annular protrusion may be formed on the step portion 22 side or the flange portion 29 side. Alternatively, the metal seal may be realized by forming annular protrusions on both the step portion 22 and the flange portion 29. Alternatively, a metal washer-shaped seal ring (also referred to as a "metal seal ring") may be interposed between the step portion 22 and the flange portion 29. An annular protrusion may be provided on the axially opposing surface of the step portion 22 and the flange portion 29, respectively. It is preferable to use a soft material such as copper for the metal seal ring, that is, a material softer than both the step portion 22 and the flange portion 29. The fastening force between the fixing member 5 and the passage body 4 causes the annular protrusion to bite into the surface of the metal seal ring to an appropriate degree, thereby achieving a metal seal.

[0103] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the valve body has a valve seat has been exemplified. In a modified example, a configuration in which the passage body has a valve seat may be adopted (see, for example, JP 2020-41596 A). Even in such a configuration, a seal portion is interposed between the locking portion provided on the valve body (second body) and the step portion provided on the passage body (opposing surfaces in the axial direction). By screwing a fixing member into the mounting hole, the locking portion is pressed toward the step portion, and the valve body and the passage body are fastened together. This allows for the same effects as in the above embodiment to be obtained.

[0104] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a single control valve (electric valve, solenoid valve) is assembled to the passage body has been exemplified. In a modified example, multiple control valves may be assembled to the passage body. In this case, the same type of control valves may be assembled, or different types of control valves may be assembled. To make effective use of space, multiple control valves may be arranged adjacent to each other. In such a case, by using the fixing member 5 of the above embodiment, interference between drive parts (particularly connector parts) when assembling each control valve to the passage body can be prevented.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the motor-operated valve is applied to the refrigeration cycle of an automotive air conditioner, but the motor-operated valve can be applied to any air conditioner equipped with a motor-operated valve or solenoid valve, not limited to vehicles. The motor-operated valve may also be configured as a control valve (motor-operated valve, solenoid valve) for controlling the flow of fluids other than refrigerants, such as in a hot water supply system or a hydraulic control system.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and the components can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, some components can be omitted from all the components shown in the above-described embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1 valve device, 2 motor-operated valve, 4 passage body, 5 fixing member, 6 first valve, 8 second valve, 10 rotor unit, 12 stator unit, 20 refrigerant passage, 21 mounting hole, 22 step portion, 23 female thread, 24 valve body, 25 male thread, 29 flange portion, 30 seal ring, 33 first valve body, 36 first valve seat, 40 second valve seat, 42 operating rod, 44 second valve body, 54 screw feed mechanism, 60 rotor, 61 rotating shaft, 62 stator, 64 can, 70 sensor magnet, 78 case, 82 circuit board, 85 magnetic sensor, 108 back pressure chamber, 110 valve chamber, 132 inlet port, 136 outlet port, 160 main body, 162 flange portion, 170 annular recess, 201 valve device, 202 solenoid valve, 204 Passage body, 205 valve body, 206 main valve, 208 pilot valve, 210 solenoid, 215 inlet port, 216 valve hole, 217 outlet port, 220 valve chamber, 222 valve body, 226 pilot passage, 228 valve hole, 236 back pressure chamber, 238 leak passage, 242 guide hole, 248 plunger, 252 electromagnetic coil, 253 case, 270 coil unit, 272 operating unit, 283 shaft, 284 pilot valve body, 294 piston ring.

Claims

1. A valve device configured by assembling a control valve and a passage body, the passage body has a fluid passage through which a fluid flows, a mounting hole communicating with the fluid passage, and a female screw formed in the mounting hole; The control valve is a valve body that is assembled to the passage body by being inserted into the mounting hole; a drive unit that drives a valve unit that opens and closes to open or close the fluid passage; a seal portion interposed between the mounting hole and the valve body to restrict leakage of fluid from the fluid passage to the outside; Equipped with The valve body is a locking portion that faces a step portion provided in the mounting hole in the axial direction, and the locking portion is locked by the step portion to restrict insertion of the valve body; fixed to the passage body by a fixing member; The fixing member is a cylindrical main body that is fitted onto the valve body so as to be rotatable relative to the valve body; a male screw provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body and threadedly engaging with the female screw; and The valve device is characterized in that the valve body and the passage body are fastened together by threading the main body into the mounting hole, while pressing the locking portion toward the step portion.

2. the valve body is fixed to the passage body by the fixing member with the seal portion interposed axially between the step portion and the locking portion, 2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member presses the engagement portion from an opposite side to the seal portion, thereby enabling the seal portion to exhibit its sealing function.

3. The drive unit is assembled to the valve body, 3. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is held in an annular recess formed between the locking portion and the drive portion, and the locking portion axially locks the end face of the main body, thereby preventing the fixing member from falling off the valve body.

4. 4. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein the fixing member is loosely fitted onto the valve body prior to assembly of the valve body and the drive portion.

5. A control valve attached to a mounting hole of a passage body having a mounting hole communicating with a fluid passage, the control valve controlling a flow of fluid in the fluid passage, a valve body including a valve portion therein and assembled to the passage body by being inserted into the mounting hole; a drive unit assembled to the valve body; a fixing member for fixing the valve body to the passage body; Equipped with the valve body has a locking portion that faces a step portion provided in the mounting hole in the axial direction when the valve body is inserted into the mounting hole, and the locking portion is locked by the step portion, thereby restricting insertion of the valve body; The fixing member is a cylindrical main body that is fitted onto the valve body so as to be rotatable relative to the valve body; a male screw provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body and adapted to be threadedly engaged with a female screw provided in the mounting hole; and The drive portion is held in an annular recess formed between the locking portion and the drive portion. a control valve in which the valve body and the passage body are fastened together by threading the main body into the mounting hole, while pressing the locking portion toward the step portion.

6. The driving unit is configured as an electric valve including a stator unit, the valve body contains a valve element that opens and closes the valve portion, 6. The control valve according to claim 5, wherein the stator unit includes a sensor for detecting a rotation angle of the valve element.

Images