Expansion valve

Abstract

To provide an expansion valve which can inhibit vibration occurring in a valve body.SOLUTION: An expansion valve 1 includes a valve main body 10, a valve body 20, a coil spring 41, a valve body support member 30, a power element 50, and an operation rod 60. The valve main body 10 has a valve chamber 11 and an orifice 12. The valve body 20 is disposed in the valve chamber 11. The coil spring 41 is provided at the opposite side of the orifice 12 across the valve body 20 in the valve chamber 11 and urges the valve body 20 toward the orifice 12. The valve body support member 30 is provided between the valve body 20 and the coil spring 41 and supports the valve body 20. The operation rod 60 is disposed in a hole 16 of the valve body 10 and slidably contacts with a second hole part 18 of the hole 16. The valve body 20 has a through hole 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an expansion valve. [Background technology]

[0002] Expansion valves have long been used in refrigeration cycles for air conditioning. A known expansion valve is equipped with a vibration-damping spring that suppresses vibration of a valve disc arranged in a valve chamber. A known vibration-damping spring is equipped with multiple legs that are integrally formed with the valve disc. The multiple legs are in pressure contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber and act as a leaf spring. This type of vibration-damping spring displaces integrally with the valve disc, and during this displacement, the multiple legs slide in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber. Vibrations generated in the valve disc are absorbed and suppressed by the multiple legs sliding in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6697976 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to improve the vibration damping effect of the vibration damping spring having the above-mentioned multiple legs, it is conceivable to increase the load of the multiple legs on the circumferential surface inside the valve chamber.

[0005] However, the valve body, which contains the valve chamber, is generally made primarily of aluminum. On the other hand, the vibration damping spring is made primarily of stainless steel. As such, the hardness of the vibration damping spring is greater than the hardness of the valve chamber's circumferential surface. Therefore, increasing the load of the multiple legs on the valve chamber's circumferential surface may increase wear on the valve chamber's circumferential surface.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an expansion valve that can suppress vibrations occurring in the valve body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The expansion valve of the present invention comprises a valve body, a valve element, a coil spring, a support member, a power element, an actuating rod, and a guide portion. The valve body has a valve chamber and an orifice. The valve element is disposed in the valve chamber. The coil spring is disposed in the valve chamber on the opposite side of the orifice from the valve element and biases the valve element toward the orifice. The support member is disposed between the valve element and the coil spring and supports the valve element. The power element is disposed in the valve body on the opposite side of the orifice from the coil spring and generates a driving force that opens the valve element from a closed state. The actuating rod is disposed between the power element and the valve element and abuts against the valve element, transmitting the driving force generated by the power element to the valve element. The guide portion is disposed in the valve body and guides the displacement of the actuating rod. The actuating rod slides against the guide portion as the actuating rod displaces. At least one of the valve body and the support member has a through hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an expansion valve capable of suppressing vibrations occurring in the valve body can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an expansion valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve element and a valve element support member of an expansion valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views showing a part of a process for manufacturing the expansion valve. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve element and a valve element support member of an expansion valve according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views showing a part of a process for manufacturing an expansion valve according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the valve element and the valve element support member of the expansion valve according to the first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [First embodiment] An expansion valve 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an expansion valve 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the expansion valve 1 includes a valve body 10, a valve element 20, a valve element support member 30, a biasing device 40, a power element 50, an actuation rod 60, a first vibration damping spring 70, and a second vibration damping spring 75. The expansion valve 1 is part of a refrigeration cycle used in, for example, a vehicle. The expansion valve 1 forms part of the flow path between the condenser and the evaporator and part of the flow path between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0011] For convenience of explanation, the direction from the valve body 20 to the orifice 12 (described later) is defined as the up direction, and a linear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction is defined as the width direction. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view along the up-down direction and the width direction.

[0012] The valve body 10 has a valve chamber 11, an orifice 12, an inlet passage 13, an outlet passage 14, a return passage 15, and a hole 16. A hole 10a is formed in the lower part of the valve body 10. The hole 10a opens to the lower end of the valve body 10. A female thread 10b is formed in the lower end of the inner circumferential surface of the hole 10a. A part of the hole 10a forms the valve chamber 11.

[0013] The orifice 12 is formed at the upper end of the valve chamber 11. A throat portion that is continuous with the orifice is formed downstream of the orifice 12. The periphery of the orifice 12 is a valve seat on which the valve element 20 is seated. The inflow passage 13 is formed at the bottom of the valve body 10. The inflow passage 13 is a flow path that allows the refrigerant to flow into the valve chamber 11. The inflow passage 13 extends in the width direction.

[0014] The outflow passage 14 is formed in the vertical middle of the valve body 11. The outflow passage 14 is a flow path that allows the refrigerant that has passed through the orifice 12 to flow out of the valve body 10. The outflow passage 14 extends in the width direction. Furthermore, the outflow passage 14 includes a throat portion. The return flow path is formed in the upper part of the valve body 10. The return flow path 15 is a flow path that allows the refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator to flow. The return flow path is part of the flow path that connects the evaporator and the compressor. The return flow path extends in the width direction.

[0015] The hole 16 is formed between the return flow path 15 and the outflow path 14, and extends in the vertical direction. The end of the hole 16 on the return flow path 15 side opens to the return flow path 15. The end of the hole 16 on the outflow path 14 side opens to the outflow path 14. An operating rod 60 is arranged in the hole 16 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the operating rod 60.

[0016] The hole 16 has a first hole portion 17 and a second hole portion 18. The first hole portion 17 is a portion of the hole 16 adjacent to the return flow path 15. A second vibration damping spring 75 is provided in the first hole portion 17.

[0017] The second hole portion 18 is a portion below the first hole portion 17. The second hole portion 18 has a smaller cross section than the first hole portion 17. The cross-sectional shape and size of the second hole portion 18 are such that the actuating rod 60 can slide against the inner circumferential surface of the first hole portion 17. In this embodiment, since the actuating rod 60 is cylindrical, the cross-sectional shape of the second hole portion 18 is circular. The inner diameter of the second hole portion 18 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the actuating rod 60. The second hole portion 18 is an example of a guide portion that guides the displacement of the actuating rod 60 by the actuating rod 60 sliding against it.

[0018] The valve element 20 is disposed in the valve chamber 11. The valve element 20 is, for example, spherical. A through hole 21 is formed in the valve element 20. The through hole 21 is a linear hole that passes through the center of the valve element 20. The entire upper edge 22 of the through hole 21 is disposed in the same plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 21.

[0019] The valve element 20 is disposed in a position where the axis of the through hole 21 is aligned with the axis of the orifice 12. Here, an orientation aligned with the axis of the orifice 12 means an orientation where the valve element 20 is coaxial with the orifice 12 or approximately coaxial with the orifice 12. Here, approximately coaxial allows for deviation due to manufacturing errors. Alternatively, approximately coaxial allows for positional deviation due to influences during operation of the expansion valve 1, such as the influence of the refrigerant flow or the influence of vibrations occurring in the valve element 20.

[0020] The valve element support member 30 has a main body 31 and a flange 32. The main body 31 supports the lower part of the valve element 20. The main body 31 is columnar, for example, cylindrical, extending in the vertical direction. The valve element 20 is fixed to the upper surface of the main body 31 in an orientation in which the axis of the through hole 21 is coaxial with the axis of the main body 31. The valve element 20 is fixed to the main body 31 by, for example, welding or adhesive. A portion of the main body 31 is disposed within a coil spring 41 (described later) of the biasing device 40. The flange 32 is formed, for example, on the upper part of the outer circumferential surface of the main body 31. The flange 32 is annular, for example, circular, extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the main body 31.

[0021] The biasing device 40 biases the valve body 20 toward the orifice 12. In this embodiment, the biasing device 40 biases the valve body 20 toward the orifice 12 via the valve body support member 30. The biasing device 40 includes a coil spring 41, an adjustment member 42, and a seal member 45.

[0022] The adjustment member 42 has a lid portion 43 and a support portion 44. The lid portion 43 closes the opening at the lower end of the hole 10a of the valve body 10. A male thread 43a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lid portion 43. The male thread 43a is screwed into a female thread 10b formed in the hole 10a of the valve body 10, thereby fixing the lid portion 43 to the opening at the lower end of the hole 10a.

[0023] The support portion 44 is formed on the valve chamber 11 side of the lid portion 43. The support portion 44 is cylindrical and at least the lower part of the coil spring 41 is disposed thereon. The support portion 44 is coaxial or approximately coaxial with the orifice 12. The approximately coaxial position allows for manufacturing errors. The outer peripheral surface of the support portion 44 is, for example, cylindrical.

[0024] The coil spring 41 is disposed within the support portion 44. The outer diameter of the coil spring 41 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the support portion 44. "Slightly smaller" means that there is a slight gap between the coil spring 41 and the inner peripheral surface of the support portion 44. The slight gap is a gap that allows the coil spring 41 to be inserted into the support portion 44 and does not hinder the expansion and contraction of the coil spring 41. The upper end of the coil spring 41 abuts against the lower surface of the flange portion 32 of the valve body support member 30 via the first vibration damping spring 70.

[0025] The seal member 45 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 44 and the inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber 11 .

[0026] The power element 50 is fixed to the upper surface of the valve body 10. The power element 50 generates a driving force that displaces the valve body 20 in the valve opening direction. The power element 50 includes a housing 51 fixed to the valve body 10, a diaphragm 52 provided within the housing 51, and a stopper member 53 that restricts deformation of the diaphragm 52.

[0027] The housing 51 has an opening at its bottom that communicates with the return flow path 15. The diaphragm 52 is provided inside the housing 51. The diaphragm 52 divides the interior of the housing 51 into upper and lower sections. This defines a pressure actuated chamber 54 and a communication chamber 55 inside the housing 51. The pressure actuated chamber 54 is filled with working fluid. The communication chamber 55 is located below the diaphragm 52 and communicates with the return flow path 15.

[0028] The stopper member 53 is disposed within the communication chamber 55. An upper portion of the stopper member 53 abuts against the diaphragm 52. When the diaphragm 52 displaces downward to bulge, the stopper member 53 displaces downward in response to this displacement. The stopper member 53 has a flange portion, and when the flange portion abuts against the housing 51, the stopper member 53 is restricted from moving downward beyond a predetermined position. By restricting the downward movement of the stopper member 53, deformation of the diaphragm 52 is restricted.

[0029] The actuating rod 60 transmits the driving force generated by the power element 50 to the valve body 20. The actuating rod 60 is provided between the stopper member 53 and the valve body 20. The actuating rod 60 has a linear rod shape extending in the vertical direction. The actuating rod 60 is, for example, cylindrical. The upper end of the actuating rod 60 is supported by the stopper member 53. The actuating rod 60 displaces integrally with the stopper member 53.

[0030] A portion of the actuating rod 60 is disposed in the return flow path 15, the hole 16, and the outflow path 14. The portion of the actuating rod 60 disposed in the second hole portion 18 of the hole 16 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second hole portion 18. The lower end surface 61 of the actuating rod 60 is a plane perpendicular to the axis of the actuating rod 60. The lower end surface 61 of the actuating rod 60 abuts against the entire circumference of the upper edge 22 of the through hole 21 of the valve body 20.

[0031] The first vibration damping spring 70 suppresses or prevents vibration of the valve body 20. The first vibration damping spring 70 includes a base 71 and a plurality of legs 72. The base 71 is provided between the flange 32 of the valve body support member 30 and the coil spring 41. The base 71 is formed in an annular shape and has a hole. The hole is located at the center of the base 71. A part of the base 31 of the valve body support member 30 is located in the hole.

[0032] The multiple legs 72 are formed continuously with the base 71. The multiple legs 72 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the hole 71a of the base 71. For example, eight legs 72 are formed. The legs 72 extend downward from the base 71 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the base 71. The direction perpendicular to the axis of the base 71 is, in other words, an example of a direction intersecting the direction in which the valve body 20 and the coil spring 41 are aligned. The lower ends of the legs 72 are in pressure contact with the inner circumferential surface 11a of the valve chamber 11.

[0033] When the first vibration damping spring 70 is installed in the valve chamber 11, the legs 72 come into contact with the inner peripheral surface 11a of the valve chamber 11, causing the legs 72 to bend inward in the radial direction of the hole 71a compared to the initial state. The initial state refers to a state in which the spring is not installed in the valve chamber 11.

[0034] The restoring force against this deflection causes the multiple legs 72 of the first vibration damping spring 70 to press against the inner circumferential surface 11a of the valve chamber 11. This pressing force urges the valve element support member 30 to a position where the base 31 is coaxial with the support portion 44. As a result, the valve element 20 is positioned via the valve element support member 30 at a position where it is coaxial with the orifice 12, which is coaxial with the support portion 44.

[0035] The second vibration damping spring 75 is provided in the first hole portion 17 of the hole 16. The second vibration damping spring 75 suppresses or prevents vibration of the actuation rod 60. The second vibration damping spring 75 has a base portion 76 and multiple leg portions 77. The base portion 76 is tubular and fixed to the first hole portion 17. The base portion 76 is, for example, cylindrical because the first hole portion 17 is a cylindrical hole. The base portion 76 has a size such that its outer circumferential surface is in surface contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first hole portion 76. The multiple leg portions 77 extend from the base portion 76 toward the center of the base 76. The tip portions of the multiple leg portions 77 are in pressure contact with the actuation rod 60. The multiple leg portions 77 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the base portion 76. As the actuation rod 60 is displaced, the multiple leg portions 77 come into sliding contact with the actuation rod 60. The second vibration damping spring 75 is an example of a guide portion that guides the displacement of the operating rod 60.

[0036] Next, a portion of the operation of the expansion valve 1 will be described. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the communication chamber 55 of the power element 50 are transmitted to the diaphragm 52 directly or via the stopper member 53. The volume of the working fluid in the pressure actuated chamber 54 changes depending on the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant received through the diaphragm 52. The diaphragm 52 deforms in response to this volume change, and the working rod 60 is displaced in accordance with this deformation. As the working rod 60 is displaced, the outer peripheral surface of the working rod 60 comes into sliding contact with the multiple legs 77 of the second vibration damping spring 75. The outer peripheral surface of the working rod 60 also comes into sliding contact with the inner periphery of the second hole portion 18 of the hole 16.

[0037] Furthermore, as the actuation rod 60 is displaced, the valve element 20 is displaced between the closed state and the maximum open state. As the valve element 20 is displaced, the valve element support member 30 and the first vibration damping spring 70 are displaced integrally with the valve element 20. As the first vibration damping spring 70 is displaced, the multiple legs 72 come into sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface 11a of the valve chamber 11.

[0038] Vibrations occur in the valve disc 20 due to various causes. The expansion valve 1 has a structure that acts to suppress vibrations after the valve disc 20 starts to vibrate. In this embodiment, this structure is, for example, sliding contact of the multiple legs 72 of the first vibration damping spring 70 against the inner circumferential surface 11a of the valve chamber 11, sliding contact of the second hole 18 of the hole 16 of the operating rod 60, and sliding contact of the operating rod 60 against the multiple legs 77 of the second vibration damping spring 75.

[0039] These structures suppress the vibrations of the valve disc 20 even after it starts to vibrate. For example, the vibration component in the vertical direction of the vibrations is absorbed by the sliding contact of the multiple legs 72 of the first vibration-damping spring 70 with the inner circumferential surface 11a of the valve chamber 11. The vibration component in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vibrations is absorbed by the deflection of the first vibration-damping spring 70.

[0040] In this expansion valve 1, the valve element 20 has a through hole 21. Therefore, the mass of the valve element 20 is lighter than a configuration without the through hole 21, in other words, a solid configuration. Therefore, the vibration suppression effect after vibration starts due to the above-mentioned vibration suppression structure is higher than a configuration without the through hole 21. As a result, vibration generated in the valve element 20 can be suppressed without increasing the spring load of the first vibration damping spring 70, that is, while suppressing wear on the inner circumferential surface of the valve chamber 11.

[0041] Furthermore, the valve element 20 is fixed to the valve element support member 30 with the axis of the through hole 21 coaxial or approximately coaxial with the main body 31 of the valve element support member 30. The approximately coaxial position allows for manufacturing errors. That is, the through hole 21 is disposed in the valve chamber 11 coaxial or approximately coaxial with the orifice 12. The lower end surface 61 of the actuating rod 60 is formed on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the actuating rod 60, and the actuating rod 60 is disposed coaxial or approximately coaxial with the orifice 12. The approximately coaxial position allows for manufacturing errors and misalignment due to influences during operation of the expansion valve 1. Therefore, the lower end surface 61 of the actuating rod 60 is in line contact with the entire upper edge 22 of the through hole 21. As a result, lateral vibration of the valve element 20 can be suppressed compared to when a valve element 20 without a through hole 21 is used.

[0042] In the above description, the valve element 20 is configured to be fixed to the valve element support member 30. In other examples, the valve element 20 does not have to be fixed to the valve element support member 30. Even in a configuration in which the valve element 20 is not fixed to the valve element support member 30, the valve element 20 is sandwiched between the actuation rod 60 and the valve element support member 30, so that the lower end surface 61 of the actuation rod 60 can be maintained in line contact with the entire upper edge 22 of the through hole 21 of the valve element 20.

[0043] In the above description, the valve body 20 is described as being spherical as an example. This is one example of the shape of the valve body 20 so that the entire upper edge 22 of the through hole 21 is disposed in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 21. The valve body 20 may have a shape other than spherical as long as the upper edge 22 is disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 21. As another example, the valve body 20 may be columnar with a hemispherical upper portion.

[0044] In the above description, the lower end surface 61 of the actuating rod 60 is described as being a flat surface perpendicular to the axis. The lower end surface 61 being a flat surface perpendicular to the axis of the actuating rod 60 is an example of a shape that allows the lower end surface 61 to make line contact with the entire upper edge 22 of the through hole 21 of the valve body 20. In another example, the lower end surface 61 may be a curved convex surface that protrudes downward. A curved convex surface is a surface that is rotationally symmetric with respect to the axis of the actuating rod 60. In other words, when the downwardly protruding lower end surface 61 is cut in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the actuating rod 60, the cut surface is rotationally symmetric about the axis. Examples of such a surface include a hemispherical surface, a conical surface, and a truncated conical surface. Even if the lower end surface 61 is a curved convex surface, the lower end surface 61 can make line contact with the entire upper edge 22.

[0045] In the above description, a configuration in which the through hole 21 is formed in the valve body 20 and no through hole is formed in the valve body support member 30 has been described as an example. In another example, a through hole may also be formed in the valve body support member 30, as in the second embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3. An example in which a through hole is also formed in the valve body support member 30 will be described using Figures 2 and 3.

[0046] The expansion valve according to the second embodiment differs from the expansion valve 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a valve element support member 30A instead of the valve element support member 30. Other configurations are the same as those of the expansion valve 1 of the first embodiment. For this reason, the expansion valve of the second embodiment will be described using the cross-sectional view of the valve element 20 and the valve element support member 30A shown in FIG. 2 and the diagram showing part of the manufacturing process shown in FIG. 3.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the valve body support member 30A includes a main body 31A and a flange portion 32. The main body 31A is vertically elongated in the shape of a column, for example, a cylinder. The valve body 20 is placed on the upper surface of the main body 31A. The upper surface of the main body 31A is, for example, in the shape of a truncated cone concave downward. A through hole 33 is formed in the main body 31A. The through hole 33 is a linear hole that extends along the axis of the main body 31A. In this embodiment, the through hole 33 is coaxial or approximately coaxial with the main body 31A. Here, approximately coaxial allows for manufacturing errors. The cross-sectional shape of the through hole 33 perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 33 is, for example, a circle.

[0048] The valve element 20 is fixed to the upper surface of the main body 31A in a position where the axis of the through hole 21 is coaxial or approximately coaxial with the axis of the main body 31. Here, approximately coaxial means allowing for manufacturing errors. The fixing means for fixing the valve element 20 to the main body 31 is, for example, welding or an adhesive. The cross section of the through hole 21 perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 21 is, for example, a circle. The inner diameter of the through hole 33 and the inner diameter of the through hole 21 are, for example, the same.

[0049] Next, an example of the process for fixing the valve body 20 and the valve body support member 30A will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, this process uses a base 80, a first electrode 90, and a second electrode 100. The base 80 has a hole 81 in which a portion of the main body 31A of the valve body support member 30A can be placed.

[0050] The first electrode 90 has an electrode portion 91 and an inserted portion 92. The electrode portion 91 is cylindrical. The inserted portion 92 is insulating. The inserted portion 92 has a linear shape. The inserted portion 92 is fixed within the electrode portion 91, and a portion of it protrudes outward from the electrode portion 91. A portion 93 of the inserted portion 92 that is exposed outward from the electrode portion 91 is cylindrical and has a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 21 of the valve body 20 and the inner diameter of the through hole 33 of the valve body support member 30A.

[0051] The portion 93 has a dimension such that when the portion 93 is inserted into the integrated valve body 20 and valve body support member 30A, which are positioned so that the through holes 21 and 33 are coaxial or approximately coaxial, from the valve body 20 side until the electrode portion 91 abuts against the valve body 20, a part of the portion 93 is disposed in the through hole 33. The second electrode 100 is cylindrical in shape so that the main body 31A of the valve body support member 30 can be disposed inside.

[0052] Next, as an example of a process for fixing the valve element 20 to the valve element support member 30A, first, the valve element support member 30A is placed on the base 80. The flange 32 of the valve element support member 30A is placed on the upper surface of the base 80 with the upper surface on which the valve element 20 is placed facing downward. At this time, the main body 31A is placed in the hole 81 of the base 80.

[0053] Next, the valve element 20 is brought into contact with the main body 31A in an orientation in which the through holes 21 and 33 are coaxial or approximately coaxial. The valve element 20 is placed in the hole 81 of the base 80. Next, the portion 93 of the first electrode 90 is inserted into the through holes 21 and 33 from the valve element 20 side until the electrode portion 91 comes into contact with the valve element 20. Next, the end face of the second electrode 100 is brought into contact with the flange portion 32 of the valve element support member 30 so that the main body 31A of the valve element support member 30A is placed within the second electrode 100. Next, current is passed between the first electrode 90 and the second electrode 100, thereby resistance welding the valve element 20 and the valve element support member 30A.

[0054] In this embodiment, the same actions and effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, since the valve element support member 30A can be made lighter than the valve element support member having a solid structure, i.e., the valve element support member 30 of the first embodiment, the occurrence of vibration in the valve element 20 can be further suppressed.

[0055] The order of the steps performed to secure the valve disc 20 and the valve disc support member 30 described above is an example and is not limited to this. For example, after the valve disc support member 30A is placed on the base 80, the valve disc 20 is brought into contact with the valve disc support member 30, and then the step of inserting the first electrode 91 is performed. In another example, before placing the valve disc support member 30A on the base 80, the valve disc 20 may be brought into contact with the valve disc support member 30, the first electrode 91 may be inserted into this integrated assembly, and the integrated assembly of the valve disc support member 30A, valve disc 20, and first electrode 91 may be placed on the base 80 as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, after inserting the first electrode 91 into the valve disc 20, the integrated assembly of the valve disc 20 and first electrode 91 may be assembled to the valve disc support member 30A.

[0056] Next, an expansion valve according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The expansion valve 1B of this embodiment includes an actuating rod 60A instead of the actuating rod 60. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0057] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of the expansion valve 1B along the vertical and width directions. As shown in Fig. 4, the expansion valve 1B includes a valve body 10, a valve element 20, a valve element support member 30, a biasing device 40, a power element 50 (not shown), an actuating rod 60A, a first vibration damping spring 70, and a second vibration damping spring 75 (not shown).

[0058] The actuating rod 60A transmits the driving force generated by the power element 50 to the valve body 20. The actuating rod 60A is provided between the stopper member 53 (not shown) and the valve body 20. The actuating rod 60A has a linear rod shape that extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the actuating rod 60A is fixed to the stopper member 53.

[0059] The lower surface 61 of the actuation rod 60A has a protrusion 62 and an annular portion 63. The protrusion 62 is disposed at the center of the lower surface 61. The protrusion 62 has a shape that fits into the through-hole 21 of the valve body 20. The protrusion 62 is, for example, cylindrical. Note that it is sufficient that the protrusion 62 can prevent movement of the actuation rod 60 relative to the valve body 20 in a direction intersecting the axis of the actuation rod 60 by fitting a portion of the protrusion 62 into the through-hole 21. Other examples of the protrusion 62 include a cylindrical shape, a polygonal prism shape, and a polygonal tube shape. Alternatively, the protrusion 62 may have a conical shape, a truncated conical shape, a polygonal pyramid shape, or a truncated polygonal pyramid shape.

[0060] The annular portion 63 is the portion of the lower surface 61 other than the convex portion 62. The annular portion 63 is shaped so that it comes into contact with the entire upper edge 22 of the through hole 21 when the convex portion 62 is fitted into the through hole 21 of the valve body 20 and the actuation rod 60A and the through hole 21 are coaxial. As an example, the annular portion 63 is a flat surface perpendicular to the axis of the actuation rod 60A.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the functions and effects of Embodiment 1 can be obtained. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the protrusion 62 of the actuating rod 60A fits into the through-hole 21 of the valve body 21, so that the valve body 20 can be supported more firmly by the actuating rod 60, and therefore vibration of the valve body 20 can be further suppressed.

[0062] In the present embodiment, an example in which the lower end surface 61 of the actuating rod 60A has a convex portion 62 and an annular portion 63 has been described as an example of a shape in which a portion of the actuating rod 60A fits into the through hole 21 of the valve body 20. The shape in which the actuating rod 60 fits into the valve body 20 is not limited to a configuration in which the lower end surface 61 has a convex portion 62 and an annular portion 63. In another example, for example, the lower end of the actuating rod 60 may have a shape that tapers toward the bottom end, and this tapered portion may fit into the through hole 21. As an example, the lower end of the actuating rod 60 may have a conical shape, a truncated conical shape, a polygonal pyramid shape, or a truncated polygonal pyramid shape. In this configuration, even if the annular portion 63 is not provided, the entire upper edge 22 of the through hole 21 abuts against the lower end of the actuating rod 60.

[0063] Next, an expansion valve according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Note that components having the same functions as those of the first and second embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The expansion valve of this embodiment has a valve body 20C instead of the valve body 20. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the expansion valve of this embodiment will be described using an example of a process for fixing the valve body 20C and the valve body support member 30. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a manufacturing process for fixing the valve body 20C and the valve body support member 30.

[0064] 5, the valve body 20C is, for example, spherical, and has a recess 23. The recess 23 has a shape that allows the insertion of a first electrode 90A that is used in the process of fixing the valve body 20C to the valve body support member 30. The recess 23 has, for example, a circular cross section. The recess 23 is disposed at a position where the axis of the recess 23 passes through the center of the valve body 20C.

[0065] The process of fixing the valve body 20C to the valve body support member 30 uses a base 80, a first electrode 90A, and a second electrode 100. The first electrode 90A has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the recess 23 and its tip to abut against the bottom surface of the recess 23. The first electrode 90A is, for example, in the shape of a rod that extends linearly.

[0066] Next, an example of a process for fixing the valve body 20C to the valve body support member 30 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the valve body support member 30 is placed on a base 80. Specifically, the flange 32 of the valve body support member 30 is placed on the upper surface of the base 80 with the upper surface on which the valve body 20 is placed facing downward. At this time, the main body 31 is placed in the hole 81 of the base 80.

[0067] Next, the valve element 20 is brought into contact with the main body 31 of the valve element support member 30 in an orientation in which the recess 23 is coaxial or approximately coaxial with the valve element support member 30. Next, the first electrode 90A is inserted into the recess 23 until its tip abuts against the bottom surface of the recess 23. Next, the end face of the second electrode 100 is brought into contact with the flange 32 of the valve element support member 30 so that the main body 31 of the valve element support member 30 is positioned within the second electrode 100. Next, electricity is passed between the first electrodes 90A and 100, thereby resistance welding the valve element 20C and the valve element support member 30 together.

[0068] In this embodiment, since the first electrode 90 is inserted into the recess 23, adhesion of sputters to the surface of the valve body 20 can be suppressed. The order of the steps performed to secure the valve disc 20C and the valve disc support member 30 described above is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, after the valve disc support member 30 is placed on the base 80, the valve disc 20C is brought into contact with the valve disc support member 30, and then the step of inserting the first electrode 90A is performed. In another example, before placing the valve disc support member 30 on the base 80, the valve disc 20C may be brought into contact with the valve disc support member 30, the first electrode 90A may be inserted into the integrated assembly, and the integrated assembly of the valve disc support member 30, valve disc 20C, and first electrode 90A may be placed on the base 80 as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, after inserting the first electrode 90A into the valve disc 20C, the integrated assembly of the valve disc 20C and the first electrode 90A may be assembled to the valve disc support member 30.

[0069] In the first, second, and third embodiments, an example of a configuration in which a through hole is provided in either the valve body 20 or the valve body support member 30 has been described. In the first and third embodiments, a through hole 21 is formed in the valve body 20. In the second embodiment, a through hole 21 is formed in the valve body 20, and a through hole 33 is formed in the valve body support member 30A. As another example, in the first embodiment, instead of forming the through hole 21 in the valve body 20, a through hole may be formed in the valve body support member 30. In other words, as shown in FIG. 6, a valve body support member 30A may be used instead of the valve body support member 30.

[0070] In the fourth embodiment, the valve body support member 30 may be replaced with a valve body support member 30A.

[0071] In the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the through hole 21 of the valve element 20 is arranged in a position coaxial or approximately coaxial with the orifice 12. In another example, the valve element 20 may be arranged in a position in which the axis of the through hole 21 intersects the axis of the orifice 12. As an example, the valve element 20 may be arranged in a position in which the axis of the through hole 21 is at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the axis of the orifice 12. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the through hole 33 of the valve element support member 30A is coaxial or approximately coaxial with the axis of the orifice 12, but in another example, the axis of the through hole 33 may be a hole whose axis intersects the axis of the orifice 12. As an example, the axis of the through hole 33 may be a hole whose axis is perpendicular to the axis of the orifice 12.

[0072] The above describes an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is clear that a person with ordinary knowledge in the field of technology to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0073] The invention including the expansion valve according to the fourth embodiment will be further remarked below. [Appendix 1] A method for manufacturing an expansion valve including a valve body having a recess and a valve body support member to which the valve body is fixed, comprising: The valve body is brought into contact with the valve body support member in a position in which the opening of the recess is exposed, a first electrode is inserted into the recess so that a tip of the first electrode abuts against a bottom surface of the recess; a second electrode is brought into contact with the valve body support member; Applying current between the first electrode and the second electrode; A method for manufacturing an expansion valve. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1... expansion valve, 10... valve body, 11... valve chamber, 12... orifice, 20... valve body, 21... through hole, 22... upper edge, 30, 30A... support member, 31... body, 41... coil spring, 50... power element, 60... operating rod, 61... lower end surface (end surface), 62... convex portion (fitting portion)

Claims

1. a valve body having a valve chamber and an orifice; a valve body disposed in the valve chamber; a coil spring provided in the valve chamber on the opposite side of the valve body from the orifice, the coil spring biasing the valve body toward the orifice; a support member provided between the valve body and the coil spring to support the valve body; a power element provided on the valve body on the opposite side of the orifice from the coil spring, the power element generating a driving force that opens the valve body from a closed state; an actuation rod disposed between the power element and the valve body, contacting the valve body and transmitting the driving force generated by the power element to the valve body; a guide portion provided in the valve body to guide displacement of the actuating rod, the actuating rod slidingly contacting the guide portion as the actuating rod is displaced; Equipped with At least one of the valve body and the support member has a through hole. Expansion valve.

2. the valve element has the through hole, and is disposed in the valve chamber with the through hole aligned along the axis of the orifice; The end surface of the actuation rod on the valve body side is a surface that can abut against the entire edge of the through hole on the actuation rod side. The expansion valve according to claim 1 .

3. The entire edge of the through hole on the surface of the valve body on the actuation rod side is located in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the through hole, The expansion valve according to claim 2 , wherein the end surface of the actuation rod is a plane perpendicular to the axis of the actuation rod.

4. The valve body has the through hole, The actuation rod has a fitting portion that fits into the through hole. The expansion valve according to claim 1 .

5. a vibration damping spring provided between the valve body and the coil spring; the vibration damping spring has a plurality of legs extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which the valve body and the coil spring are arranged, 5. The expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of legs are in pressure contact with an inner circumferential surface of the valve chamber and slide against the inner circumferential surface as the valve body is displaced.

6. The expansion valve according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is a hole formed in the valve body.

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