Valve device

Abstract

To provide a valve device that can simultaneously solve conventional problems 1 to 3 by organically combining valve device assembling means for a valve body and a stator coil unit, and axial movement restricting means for restricting axial movement of the valve device relative to a housing.SOLUTION: A valve device 100a, where the valve device assembling means is configured such that, with a valve body 40 attached to an accommodation space via seal members O1, O2, a recess 40ba of the valve body 40 is engaged with a protrusion 96a of a bracket 96, and a retaining ring 31 is arranged so as to be in radial contact with each of an outer edge of the bracket 96 and an inner circumferential surface of an accommodation groove G, and to be in contact with the valve body 40 in an axial direction L. The axial movement restricting means is configured such that a snap ring 32 is disposed in a snap ring mounting groove Ms formed on the inner circumferential surface of the accommodation groove G so as to be capable of contacting the other end surface of the retaining ring 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device having a valve device assembly means and an axial movement restricting means. [Background technology]

[0002] An automotive air conditioner is equipped with a refrigeration circuit consisting of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, etc. This expansion valve widely uses a valve device with a motor as its drive unit. This valve device is constructed by assembling a valve body and a stator coil unit, which are separate components.

[0003] In recent years, efforts have been made to make vehicles lighter and more compact in order to further reduce CO2 emissions from automobiles. For this reason, in automotive air conditioners, part of the flow path is formed in a housing made of lightweight metal such as aluminum, and a valve device is attached to this housing.

[0004] This valve device is mainly made by assembling a valve body and a stator coil unit, which are separate bodies, along the axial direction, and then attaching the assembled valve device to a housing. However, because valve devices used in automotive air conditioners are repeatedly subjected to vibrations and shocks associated with driving, etc., the assembly of the separate valve body and stator coil unit, and the attachment of the assembled valve device to the housing, must be firmly fixed, particularly to prevent axial separation.

[0005] As an example of this, Patent Document 1 describes a valve device 1300 (hereinafter referred to as the "conventional valve device") that is attached to the storage space within the storage groove G13 of the housing H13, as shown in Figure 13, and that includes a valve body 1340 consisting of a main body 1340a and a can 1340c and having a bottomed cylindrical shape extending in the direction of the axis L, a stator coil unit 1390 that is separate from the valve body 1340, a bracket 1396 that fixes the valve body 1340 and the stator coil unit 1390 to each other, and an annular sealing member O13 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 1340a.

[0006] In this conventional valve device 1300, first, as shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the valve body 1340 and the stator coil unit 1390 are assembled via a bracket 1396 along the direction of the axis L. This bracket 1396 is fitted to the valve body 1340 and is also welded and fixed to the stator coil unit 1390, so that the valve body 1340 and the stator coil unit 1390 are fixed together so that they cannot be detached from each other. Furthermore, in the conventional valve device 1300, as shown in Figure 14(c), the valve device 1300 is inserted into the accommodation space (see Figure 13) in the accommodation groove G13 of the housing H13 along the direction of the axis L, and then the valve device 1300 and the housing H13 are attached via two pins P13. This pin P13 is fitted into fitting recesses Fr13 formed in the valve device 1300 and the housing H13, respectively, via a pair of mounting holes M13 formed in the housing H13, as shown in Figure 13, so that the valve device 1300 and the housing H13 are fixed to each other in an undetachable and unrotatable manner.

[0007] Here, in Patent Document 1, a bracket 1396 and a pin P13 are employed for assembling the valve body 1340 and the stator coil unit 1390 and for attaching the valve device 1300 to the housing H13. For this reason, the conventional valve device 1300 requires a bracket with a complex shape, and also requires additional attachment work such as drilling, fitting, welding and fixing, and press-fitting of pins, which may reduce the productivity of the valve device 1300 and reduce work efficiency at the installation site (hereinafter referred to as "Conventional Problem 1 (reduced productivity and work efficiency of the valve device)").

[0008] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, when attaching the valve device 1300 to the housing H13, as shown in Figures 13 and 14(b), the valve device 1300 must be inserted into the accommodation space within the accommodation groove G13 of the housing H13 along the axis L, and then the pin P13 must be fitted radially through the mounting hole M13 of the housing H13 into the fitting recesses Fr13 formed in the valve device 1300 and the housing H13. Furthermore, after the attachment work, the bracket 1396 and the pin P13 require visual confirmation of the fixed state from both the axis L and the radial directions. Thus, access from two directions was required for the attachment work and visual confirmation. In addition, the valve body 1340 is prevented from coming out of the housing H13 by two pins P13, but in order to position the valve body 1340 so that it does not come out, the pins P13 must be made larger in diameter, which results in the valve body 1340 and the housing H13 becoming larger and heavier, which could reduce design freedom (hereinafter referred to as ``Conventional problem 2 (reduced design freedom due to ensuring two-way access and increasing the size of the valve body)'').

[0009] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the valve device 1300 and the housing H13, and the valve body 1340 and the stator coil unit 1390 are fixed to each other in an undetachable manner, so that, for example, when only the stator coil unit 1390 needs to be replaced, it is impossible to remove the valve device 1300 from the housing H13, or the stator coil unit 1390 from the valve body 1340 (hereinafter referred to as "Conventional Problem 3 (Inability to replace components constituting the valve device)"). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-184474 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a valve device that can simultaneously solve problems 1 to 3 of the conventional art by organically combining the valve device assembly means for the valve body and stator coil unit, and the axial movement restriction means that restricts the axial movement of the valve device relative to the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, a valve device is provided which is detachably mounted in an accommodating space within an accommodating groove of a housing, the valve device comprising: a valve body having a bottomed cylindrical shape extending in an axial direction; a stator coil unit which is separate from the valve body; a bracket attached to the stator coil unit and extending to one end; a seal member attached to the outer peripheral surface of the valve body; valve device assembling means for detachably fixing the valve body and the stator coil unit to each other and assembling the valve device; and axial movement restricting means for restricting axial movement of the valve device relative to the housing, the valve device assembling means being formed on the bracket. a protrusion formed on the bracket, a recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body, and a cylindrical retaining ring; and when the valve body is attached to the accommodating space via the sealing member, the recess and the protrusion are engaged and the retaining ring is arranged to abut against the outer edge of the bracket and the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating groove in the radial direction and to abut against the valve body in the axial direction, and the axial movement restricting means has a retaining ring that has a biasing force in the radial direction, and the retaining ring is arranged in a retaining ring mounting groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating groove so that it can abut against the other end face of the retaining ring.

[0013] The above valve device may further include a connector for the power supply terminal of the stator coil unit and a connector direction adjustment means for adjusting the direction in which the connector is pulled out, and the connector direction adjustment means may be configured so that the sealing member is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the valve body and the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating groove so that the valve device can rotate and maintain its rotational position relative to the housing.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above valve device, the connector direction adjustment means may include a dynamic friction force reduction means, which may be provided on at least one sliding surface of the sealing member, the housing, and the valve body, to reduce the dynamic friction force generated between the valve device and the sealing member when the valve device rotates relative to the housing via the sealing member.

[0015] In the valve device, the dynamic friction force reducing means may be refrigerating machine oil applied to the seal member.

[0016] In the above valve device, the dynamic friction force reducing means may be PTFE provided on a surface of at least one of the housing and the valve body.

[0017] In the above valve device, the inner diameter of the one end of the retaining ring may be configured to increase continuously toward the one end opening.

[0018] In the above valve device, the retainer ring may be formed of a plurality of rings divided in the circumferential direction.

[0019] In addition, in the above valve device, the stator coil unit may include a case body having an opening at one end into which the valve body can be fitted, and a case body sealing member that can seal the gap between the case body and the valve body, and the case body sealing member and the bracket may be provided on the inner surface and outer surface of one end side of the case body, respectively.

[0020] Moreover, the above valve device may further include a rotation restriction means for restricting rotation of the valve device relative to the housing, and the rotation restriction means may increase the static friction force of the valve device against the retaining ring by applying an axial pressure force toward the outside that is generated in the valve device when the working fluid is pressurized to the retaining ring via the retaining ring.

[0021] In the above valve device, the rotation restricting means may be configured to increase the static friction force of the valve device against the retaining ring by providing uneven portions on one end surface and the other end surface of the retaining ring. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, by organically combining the valve device assembly means for the valve body and the stator coil unit, and the axial movement restriction means for restricting the axial movement of the valve device relative to the housing, it is possible to provide a valve device that can simultaneously solve the conventional problems 1 to 3. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are exploded views of the valve device shown in FIG. 1, where FIG. 2A is an overall view, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIb-IIb shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an explanatory diagram of a means for attaching the valve device main body shown in FIG. 2 to a housing. [Figure 4] 4 is an explanatory diagram of a valve device assembling means (engagement of a recessed portion and a protruding portion) for assembling a stator coil unit to the valve device main body shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is an explanatory diagram of a valve device assembling means (where a retaining ring is arranged) for assembling a stator coil unit to the valve device main body shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of the axial movement restricting means and the connector direction adjusting means relative to the housing of the valve device shown in FIG. 5, where (a) is an overall view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIb-VIb shown in (a). [Figure 7] 7 is an explanatory diagram of a rotation restricting means for the housing of the valve device shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of the valve device assembly means, axial movement restricting means, and rotation restricting means in the first embodiment and a modified recessed portion, where (a) is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by dashed line VIIIa shown in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, and (b) is an enlarged view of a portion corresponding to (a) in a modified recessed portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]10 is an explanatory diagram (corresponding to FIG. 4) of a valve device assembly means (engagement of a recessed portion with a protruding portion) for assembling a stator coil unit to a valve device main body in a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of the axial movement restricting means and the connector direction adjusting means relative to the housing of the valve device in the second embodiment, where (a) is an overall view (corresponding to FIG. 6A), and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIb-XIb shown in (a) (corresponding to FIG. 6B). [Figure 12] 8 is an explanatory diagram of a rotation restricting means for a housing of a valve device according to a second embodiment (a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7). [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a valve device according to a conventional technology is attached to a housing. [Figure 14] 14 shows a bottom perspective view illustrating a means for attaching the valve device shown in FIG. 13 to a housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In the following description, a motor-operated valve (motor-operated flow control valve) is used as the valve device, but the valve device assembly means and axial movement restricting means in the valve device of the present invention can be applied to a solenoid valve (electromagnetic flow control valve, electromagnetic on-off valve, electromagnetic flow path switching valve) instead of the motor-operated valve.

[0025] <Terminology> In this specification and the claims, the terms "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" refer to the directions shown in Figures 1, 2(a), 3-5, 6(a), 7-10, 11(a), and 12. In this specification and the claims, the terms "one end" and "other end" refer to the "lower end" and "upper end" in the drawings. In this specification and the claims, the term "valve body" refers to "a unit consisting of a main body, a guide body, and a can." In this specification and the claims, the term "valve device assembly means" refers to "a unit that detachably fixes the valve body and the stator coil unit to each other to assemble the valve device." In this specification and the claims, the term "axial movement restriction means" refers to "a unit that restricts (prevents) axial movement of the valve device outward from the housing." In this specification and claims, the term "connector direction adjusting means" refers to "something that adjusts the circumferential direction of a connector for a power supply terminal connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), for example." In this specification and claims, the term "dynamic friction reducing means" refers to "something that reduces the dynamic friction between the valve device and the seal member when the valve device rotates relative to the housing through the seal member." In this specification and claims, the term "rotation restricting means" refers to "something that restricts the valve device from rotating relative to the housing when the air conditioning system is in use." In this specification and claims, the term "recess" refers not only to a recessed shape but also to an open shape, as long as it has a shape corresponding to a protrusion. In this specification and claims, the term "outer edge of the bracket" refers to "the edge of the protrusion-forming portion of the bracket provided on the stator coil unit that is farthest radially from the axis of the stator coil unit."

[0026] (First embodiment) <Valve device configuration> A valve device 100a according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 2(a), the valve device 100a is composed of a valve device main body 10 and a stator coil unit 90. Each component of the valve device 100a will be described below in order.

[0027] <About the valve device main body> 1, the valve device main body 10 is mainly composed of a support member 20, a valve body 40, a drive shaft 50, a valve body 60, a coil member 70, and a rotor unit 80. Each component of the valve device main body 10 will be described below in order.

[0028] Although details will be described later, in the first embodiment, by simultaneously employing a valve device assembly means and an axial movement restriction means, it is possible to simultaneously solve conventional problem 1 (reduced productivity and reduced work efficiency of the valve device), conventional problem 2 (reduced design freedom due to ensuring two-way access and increasing the size of the valve body), and conventional problem 3 (inability to replace components that make up the valve device).

[0029] The support member 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is made of a resin material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and the fixing bracket 21 is integrally insert-molded into the other end of a cylindrical portion 27 (described below) of the support member 20. The fixing bracket 21 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel and has an annular shape with an inner periphery curved toward one end in the direction of the axis L, and has at least one through-hole 21a (four in this example) in the area where it is embedded in the support member 20. When the fixing bracket 21 is insert-molded into the support member 20, the resin material is solidified while filled in at least one through-hole 21a, thereby improving the bonding strength between them.

[0030] The support member 20 is arranged so that its axis overlaps with the axis L. A screw hole 23, a bearing hole 24, and a slide hole 25 are formed concentrically in the center of the support member 20 and aligned in the direction of the axis L so as to pass through the support member 20. A female thread portion 23a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the screw hole 23, and a male thread portion 51a of the drive shaft 50, which will be described later, is threadedly engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole 24. A guide portion 52 of the drive shaft 50, which will be described later, is slidably engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole 24. The slide hole 25 is arranged on one end side and is formed with a larger diameter than the bearing hole 24. A valve body portion 60, which will be described later, is slidably engaged with the slide hole 25.

[0031] A guide rail 26 consisting of a spiral ridge is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the support member 20. Adjacent winding portions of the guide rail 26 are arranged with a gap between them. The guide rail 26 is arranged so that its axis overlaps with the axis L, and guides each winding portion of the coil portion 71 from one or both sides so that the coil portion 71 of the coil member 70 (described later) is threadedly engaged with the guide rail 26 and can rotate in the circumferential direction.

[0032] Furthermore, a cylindrical portion 27 is integrally formed at one end of the support member 20. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 27 has a diameter that decreases toward one end in the direction of the axis L, and the cylindrical portion 27 can be inserted into an insertion hole 41 of the main body 40a (described later). A portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 27 has a shape that corresponds to the insertion hole 41 of the main body 40a.

[0033] The valve body 40 includes a body 40a, a guide body 40b, and a can 40c.

[0034] The main body 40a is made of a metal material such as aluminum, and has an insertion hole 41 that defines the valve chamber 2 and a valve port 1a that are aligned concentrically in the direction of the axis L, penetrating the main body 40a. A valve seat 42 is formed on the inner circumferential edge at the boundary between the insertion hole 41 and the valve port 1a. An opening 43 that defines the side port 1b and communicates with the valve chamber 2 is formed in the side wall of the main body 40a. A first annular groove 46 that accommodates a first axial seal member O1 (seal member) and a second annular groove 47 that accommodates a second axial seal member O2 (seal member) are formed in the outer circumferential surface 44 of the main body 40a. A female threaded portion (not shown) that constitutes the threaded portion Sc is formed in the inner circumferential surface at the other end of the main body 40a.

[0035] The guide body 40b has a generally cylindrical shape with an inner circumferential surface that tapers toward one end in the direction of the axis L and is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The outer circumferential surface at one end is formed with a male threaded portion (not shown) that constitutes a threaded portion Sc, which is threadably fixed to a female threaded portion (not shown) of the body 40a. The inner circumferential portion at the other end of the guide body 40b is fixed to the support member 20 via a fixture 21 that is joined by arc welding or the like. As will be described in detail later, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the outer circumferential surface at the other end of the guide body 40b is formed with a recess 40ba that is recessed radially inward. This recess 40ba is engageable with a protrusion 96a of a bracket 96 that is fixed to a stator 95 (described later).

[0036] The can 40c is made of a metal material such as stainless steel and has a generally cylindrical shape with a closed top end. One open end of the can 40c is airtightly joined to the other outer peripheral end of the guide body 40b by arc welding or the like, thereby defining the sealed space 3.

[0037] The drive shaft 50 is formed into a cylindrical rod shape using a metal such as stainless steel. The drive shaft 50 is formed with a threaded portion 51, a guide portion 52, and a flange portion 53 disposed at one end of the guide portion 52, which are aligned in the axial direction L. The threaded portion 51 is formed with a male threaded portion 51a, which is threadedly engaged with a female threaded portion 23a of the support member 20, thereby converting the rotational motion of the drive shaft 50 into linear motion. The guide portion 52 slidably engages with the inner circumferential surface of the bearing hole 24, thereby guiding the movement of the drive shaft 50 in the axial direction L. The drive shaft 50 is moved in the axial direction L by a screw feed action due to rotation. The flange portion 53 rotatably engages a valve body portion 60, which will be described later. In the first embodiment, the female threaded portion 23a and the male threaded portion 51a are right-handed threads.

[0038] The valve body portion 60 includes a valve holder 61 , a valve body 62 , a washer 63 , a spring bearing 64 , and a compression coil spring 65 .

[0039] The valve holder 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter that is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the slide hole 25 of the support member 20. The valve holder 61 is engaged with the slide hole 25 so as to be slidable in the axial direction L along the slide hole 25.

[0040] The valve element 62 has a truncated cone shape on one end, and the tip of this truncated cone is fixed to one end 61a of the valve holder 61 so that it faces the valve port 1a. The valve element 62 adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the opening of the valve port 1a relative to the valve seat 42 between the maximum opening and the minimum opening (or fully closed state) of the valve.

[0041] The flange 53 of the drive shaft 50 is rotatably engaged with the other end 61b of the valve holder 61. Specifically, a washer 63 is sandwiched between the flange 53 of the drive shaft 50 and the other end 61b of the valve holder 61, and the drive shaft 50 rotatably engages the other end 61b of the valve holder 61 via the flange 53. Due to this engagement, the valve holder 61 is supported by the drive shaft 50 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis L and rotatable about the axis L. An opening larger than the radial movement range of the drive shaft 50 is formed in the other end 61b of the valve holder 61. A spring retainer 64 is provided within the valve holder 61 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis L. A compression coil spring 65 is attached between the spring retainer 64 and the valve body 62 in a compressed state with a predetermined load applied. As a result, the spring receiver 64 is biased toward the other end and comes into contact with one end of the drive shaft 50 .

[0042] The coil member 70 integrally includes a coil spring-shaped coil portion 71 and claw portions 72 that protrude radially outward from one end of the coil portion 71. The coil portion 71 is threadedly engaged with the guide rail 26 of the support member 20 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The coil member 70 can be easily manufactured by forming a metal wire such as stainless steel.

[0043] The rotor unit 80 integrally includes a cylindrical magnet portion 84 whose outer periphery is magnetized with multiple poles, a disk portion 85 that closes the other end, and a protrusion 87. The rotor unit 80 is fixed to the drive shaft 50 via a metal fitting 86 insert-molded into the center of the disk portion 85. This allows the rotor unit 80 to rotate around the axis L of the drive shaft 50 within the can 40c. The protrusion 87 can abut against the claw portion 72 of the coil member 70. Thus, rotation of the rotor unit 80 pushes and rotates the coil member 70 in the circumferential direction via the claw portion 72. This causes the coil member 70 to strike an upper limit stopper (not shown) or a lower limit stopper (not shown), restricting the rotation of the coil member 70 and the rotor unit 80. This restricts the valve body 60 from moving beyond the maximum or minimum opening position (or the valve closed state).

[0044] When the rotor unit 80 rotates, the drive shaft 50 rotates together with the rotor unit 80, and the screw feed action of the male thread portion 51a and the female thread portion 23a causes the drive shaft 50 to move in the direction of the axis L, moving the valve body portion 60 forward and backward relative to the valve port 1a. This changes the opening of the valve port 1a relative to the valve seat 42, and controls the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the valve port 1a to the side port 1b (or from the side port 1b to the valve port 1a).

[0045] <About the stator coil unit> Next, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the stator coil unit 90 is mainly composed of a stator 95 having a circular ring shape, a bobbin 94 incorporated into the stator 95, a stator coil 93 wound around the outer periphery of the bobbin 94, a power supply terminal 98a attached to the bobbin 94 and connected to the stator coil 93, and a bracket 96.

[0046] The stator coil unit 90 also includes a grommet 98b attached to protect the terminal 98a, a sealing resin part 97 that seals the outer periphery of the grommet 98b and the bobbin 94, a connector 98c and a cable 98d as a connector for a power supply terminal attached to the terminal 98a, and a connector resin part 98e that seals the connector 98c. When pulse signals are given from the outside, the stator coil unit 90 rotates the rotor unit 80 in accordance with the number of pulses.

[0047] Furthermore, the stator coil unit 90 includes an L-shaped bracket 96 made of a metal material such as stainless steel, which is welded to one end of the stator 95. As will be described in detail later, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the bracket 96 is formed with a single protrusion 96a that protrudes radially inward, and this protrusion 96a engages with a recess 40ba of the guide body 40b, thereby positioning the stator coil unit 90 in the circumferential direction and the axial direction L with respect to the valve device body 10.

[0048] <Installing the valve device body to the housing> First, the housing H will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The housing H is made of a metal material such as aluminum, and has a housing groove G formed therein, the housing groove G having a plurality of annular steps whose diameter gradually decreases from the other end to the one end along the axis L. The plurality of annular steps are formed, in order, with a first housing groove G1, a second housing groove G2, a third housing groove G3, and a fourth housing groove G4. The fourth housing groove G4 is formed with a first flow path Fp1 that communicates with the side (left side in FIG. 3), and the third housing groove G3 is formed with a second flow path Fp2 that communicates with the side (right side in FIG. 3). A threaded hole Sh is formed in the side wall (left wall in FIG. 3) of the housing H, adjacent to the first flow path Fp1. A first pipe (not shown) is attached to the first flow path Fp1 and the threaded hole Sh via a seal joint (not shown) and a fastening bolt (not shown), thereby fluidly connecting the first pipe to the first flow path Fp1. Similarly, a threaded hole Sh is formed in the side wall (the right wall in FIG. 3) of the housing H near the second flow path Fp2, and a second pipe (not shown) is attached to this second flow path Fp2 and the threaded hole Sh via a seal joint (not shown) and a fastening bolt (not shown), thereby fluidly connecting the second pipe to the second flow path Fp2. Furthermore, a retaining ring mounting groove Ms is formed on the other end side of the first accommodating groove G1, in which a retaining ring 32 is accommodated. In addition, a step portion St is formed between the second accommodating groove G2 and the third accommodating groove G3, which is positioned so as to be able to abut against the step portion 48 of the main body 40a.

[0049] In the first embodiment, the shape of the housing H as shown in Figure 3 has been described, but this is just one example, and the housing H may have any shape as long as it has an accommodating groove G and has an outer shape that allows the valve device main body 10 to be inserted into the accommodating space defined by this accommodating groove G.

[0050] Next, a method for attaching the valve device main body 10 to the housing H will be described. The main body 40a of the valve device main body 10 is inserted into the first housing groove G1 along the axial L direction of the housing H (see M1 in FIG. 3). Then, the main body 40a is moved toward one end in the axial L direction until the stepped portion 48 of the main body 40a abuts against a stepped portion St provided in the housing H between the second housing groove G2 and the third housing groove G3. This positions the valve device main body 10 in the axial L direction relative to the housing H. With the valve device main body 10 attached in this state, the valve port 1a defined by the main body 40a communicates with the first flow path Fp1 to which primary pressure is introduced, and the side port 1b defined by the main body 40a communicates with the second flow path Fp2 to which secondary pressure is introduced. At this time, the second shaft seal member O2 is sandwiched between the fourth accommodating groove G4 and the second annular groove 47 of the main body 40a, sealing the gap between the third accommodating groove G3 and the fourth accommodating groove G4, and the first shaft seal member O1 is sandwiched between the second accommodating groove G2 and the first annular groove 46, sealing the gap between the second accommodating groove G2 and the external environment. Furthermore, the valve device main body 10 is restricted from moving radially within the accommodating groove G of the housing H by being sandwiched between the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2.

[0051] <Valve device assembly method> 4 to 6, a valve device assembling means for assembling the valve device 100a by detachably fixing the valve body 40 and the stator coil unit 90 to each other will be described. A retaining ring 31 is used as the valve device assembling means.

[0052] The retaining ring 31 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel and has a cylindrical shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction. As shown in Fig. 6(b), the outer diameter of the retaining ring 31 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the first accommodating groove G1, and the inner diameter of the retaining ring 31 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the imaginary circumscribing circle of the bracket 96. Furthermore, a tapered portion 31a is provided on the inner peripheral surface of one end of the retaining ring 31, where the inner diameter of the one end continuously increases toward the opening of the one end.

[0053] First, in the valve device assembling means, as shown in Fig. 4, in order to detachably fix the valve body 40 and the stator coil unit 90 to each other, the stator coil unit 90 is moved in the direction of the axis L so as to approach the valve body 40 with the retaining ring 31 and the retaining ring 32 interposed between the valve body 40 and the stator coil unit 90 (see M2 in Fig. 4). Then, as shown in Fig. 5(a), the convex portion 96a of the bracket 96 is engaged with the concave portion 40ba of the guide body 40b.

[0054] Next, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the valve device assembling means moves only the retaining ring 31 toward one end in the direction of the axis L (see M3 in FIG. 5(a)). At this time, the inner diameter of the retaining ring 31 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the imaginary circumscribing circle of the bracket 96. Therefore, if the inner diameter of the retaining ring 31 is constant, the inner diameter of the retaining ring 31 abutting against the outer edge of the bracket 96 will be shifted to the right in the radial direction. As a result, the outer diameter of the retaining ring 31 abuts against the other end face of the housing H, making it difficult to insert the retaining ring 31 into the inner diameter of the first accommodating groove G1. However, as shown in FIG. 5(b), because the retaining ring 31 has a tapered portion 31a, the outer peripheral surface of the retaining ring 31 is inserted into the inner circumference of the first accommodating groove G1 with the tapered portion 31a of the retaining ring 31 abutting against the outer edge of the bracket 96. Thereafter, the retaining ring 31 is further moved toward one end in the direction of the axis L, and the outer edge of the bracket 96 slides from the tapered portion 31a of the retaining ring 31 toward the inner diameter, thereby deforming and pressing at least the outer edge of the bracket 96 radially inward (see FIG. 6(b)), and positioning it so that it abuts against the main body 40a of the valve body 40 in the direction of the axis L (see FIG. 6(a)). As a result, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the retaining ring 31 is positioned so that its axis overlaps the axis L, and it can radially press the protrusion 96a and the recess 40ba. Furthermore, because the retaining ring 31 has the tapered portion 31a, unnecessary physical interference with the bracket 96 can be avoided, facilitating insertion.

[0055] By employing this valve device assembling means, the valve body 40 and the stator coil unit 90 can be detachably fixed to each other, and the valve device 100a can be assembled.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of one end of the retaining ring 31 is provided with a tapered portion 31a having a straight cross section. However, this is not limited to this, and the inner peripheral surface may be, for example, chamfered to have a curved cross section. Furthermore, while the retaining ring 31 in the first embodiment has a cylindrical shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction, this is not limited to this, and the retaining ring 31 may be, for example, composed of multiple rings divided in the circumferential direction. This eliminates the need to interpose the retaining ring 31 between the valve body 40 and the stator coil unit 90 in advance, thereby improving work efficiency at the installation site.

[0057] <Regarding the axial movement restriction means> 6, a description will be given of an axial movement restricting means for restricting movement of the valve device 100a in the direction of the axis L relative to the housing H. A retaining ring 32 is employed as this axial movement restricting means.

[0058] The retaining ring 32 is made of a thin metal plate such as stainless steel, has a C-shape, and applies a biasing force in the radial direction (for example, a C-ring). When no external force is applied to the retaining ring 32, the outer diameter of the retaining ring 32 is larger than the inner diameter of the retaining ring mounting groove Ms, but when an external force is applied to the retaining ring 32 and the diameter is reduced, the outer diameter of the retaining ring 32 becomes smaller than the inner diameter of the first accommodating groove G1.

[0059] First, as shown in FIG. 6( a), the axial movement restricting means moves the retaining ring 32, which has been positioned radially outward of the valve body 40, toward one end in the direction of the axis L while being reduced in diameter using a jig or the like (see M4 in FIG. 6( a)). The retaining ring 32 is then positioned in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms so that it can abut against the other end face of the retaining ring 31. The jig or the like is then removed from the retaining ring 32, and the retaining ring 32 is expanded in diameter. At this time, a relatively large biasing force is generated in the retaining ring 32 radially outward, so the retaining ring 32 is firmly fixed in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms. Even when the valve device 100a rotates relative to the housing H, the retaining ring 32 does not rotate with the valve device 100a. The retaining ring 32 can be removed by reducing its diameter, making it easy to remove the valve device 100a from the housing H.

[0060] By adopting this axial movement restriction means, even if the valve device 100a attempts to move toward the other end in the direction of the axis L, it is firmly fixed to the housing H via the retaining ring 31 and the retaining ring 32, thereby restricting the movement of the valve device 100a in the direction of the axis L.

[0061] In this way, in the first embodiment, by simultaneously employing the valve device assembly means and the axial movement restricting means, it is possible to simultaneously solve the conventional problems 1 to 3, as described below. First, the valve device 100a only requires machining to form the convex portion 96a and the concave portion 40ba, and by employing the retaining ring 31 and the retaining ring 32, which have a relatively simple shape, the manufacture of the retaining ring 31 and the retaining ring 32 is easier than with conventional assembly mechanisms, and assembly of the valve body 40 and the stator coil unit 90, and attachment of the valve device 100a to the housing H becomes extremely easy, thereby solving the conventional problem 1 (reduced productivity of the valve device and reduced work efficiency). Furthermore, when attaching the valve device 100a to the housing H, the attachment work and visual inspection can be performed with access from one direction, and by using a thin plate-shaped retaining ring 32 to restrict the axial movement of the valve body 40, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the valve device 100a and the housing H, thereby solving the conventional problem 2 (reduced design freedom due to ensuring access from two directions and increasing the size of the valve body). Furthermore, the valve device 100a and the housing H, and the valve body 40 and the stator coil unit 90 are each detachably fixed to each other, which solves the conventional problem 3 (inability to replace components that make up the valve device).

[0062] In addition, in the first embodiment, the valve device assembly means and the axial movement restricting means are simultaneously adopted and organically combined with each other, that is, the axial movement restricting means (retaining ring 32) restricts the position of the valve device assembly means (retaining ring 31) in the axial L direction, thereby achieving a synergistic effect of reliably maintaining the engagement state of the valve device assembly means (the convex portion 96a of the bracket 96 and the concave portion 40ba of the guide body 40b).

[0063] <Regarding concerns (reduced freedom of connector direction adjustment)> 13 and 14, two pins P13 are fitted into fitting recesses Fr13 formed in the valve device 1300 and the housing H13 via a pair of mounting holes M13 formed in the housing H13, thereby fixing the valve device 1300 and the housing H13 so that they cannot be detached from each other or rotated. For this reason, there was a concern that after the valve device 1300 was fixed to the housing H13, the pull-out direction of the connector 1392 could not be freely adjusted (hereinafter referred to as "concern (reduced degree of freedom in adjusting the connector direction)").

[0064] In contrast to this, in the first embodiment, the connector direction adjusting means is employed, thereby making it possible to eliminate the concern (reduced freedom in adjusting the connector direction).

[0065] <Mechanism for adjusting connector direction> 6(a), a description will be given of the connector direction adjusting means for adjusting the direction in which the connector 98c is pulled out when the retaining ring 32 is fixed in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms. Here, when the retaining ring 32 is fixed in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms, the rotation of the valve device 100a is not restricted via the pressing ring 31.

[0066] This connector direction adjustment means sandwiches the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2 between the outer peripheral surface 44 of the main body 40a and the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating groove G so that the valve device 100a can rotate and maintain its rotational position relative to the housing H. As a result, the connector direction adjustment means rotates the valve device 100a relative to the housing H via the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2, thereby adjusting the direction in which the connector 98c is pulled out to the ECU or the like (see M5 in FIG. 6(a)), thereby eliminating the concern (reduced freedom in adjusting the connector direction). After the connector direction adjustment means rotates and adjusts the valve device 100a relative to the housing H, the elastic force of the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2 prevents the valve device 100a from easily rotating, and maintains the direction in which the connector 98c is pulled out.

[0067] Here, when the valve device 100a is rotated relative to the housing H using this connector direction adjustment means, the hardness of the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2 may change due to, for example, temperature changes, which could result in a relatively large dynamic friction force, i.e., sliding resistance, being generated between the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2 and the housing H.

[0068] In contrast, the connector direction adjustment means of the first embodiment preferably includes a dynamic friction force reduction means for reducing the dynamic friction force generated between the valve device 100a and the housing H via the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2.

[0069] When the valve device 100a is rotated relative to the housing H, sliding resistance, which is a dynamic friction force, occurs not only between the valve device 100a and the housing H via the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2, but also between the outer peripheral surface of the pressing ring 31, which is biased radially outward by a reaction force pressing against the outer edge of the bracket 96, and the inner peripheral surface of the first accommodating groove G1 in the housing H, as shown in FIG. 6(b). However, the sliding resistance between the outer peripheral surface of the pressing ring 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the first accommodating groove G1 is extremely small compared to the sliding resistance between the valve device 100a and the housing H via the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2, and therefore is not considered here. Furthermore, the retaining ring 32 does not abut against the bracket 96, as shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0070] <Means for reducing dynamic friction> The kinetic friction force reducing means is provided on at least one sliding surface of the seal members (first shaft seal member O1 and second shaft seal member O2), the inner circumferential surface of the accommodation groove G of the housing H (see FIG. 3), and the outer circumferential surface 44 of the main body 40a of the valve body 40 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the kinetic friction force reducing means is at least one of refrigeration oil applied to the seal members consisting of the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) provided on the surface of the accommodation groove G of the housing H (particularly, the second accommodation groove G2 and the fourth accommodation groove G4), and PTFE provided on the surface of the first annular groove 46 and the second annular groove 47 of the valve body 40. In the first embodiment, the PTFE provided on the surfaces of the accommodating groove G of the housing H and / or the first annular groove 46 and the second annular groove 47 of the valve body 40 is applied, for example, in the form of lubricating anodized aluminum in which solid PTFE is filled into the fine pores of hard anodized aluminum, a coating in which a PTFE-containing paint is applied and baked, or a protective film formed by cleaning with a PTFE-containing cleaning coating agent.

[0071] In this way, by providing the connector direction adjustment means with a dynamic friction reduction means, sliding properties during rotation are improved, and the valve device 100a can be rotated without being affected by temperature changes or the like, without placing load on the seal members (first shaft seal member O1 and second shaft seal member O2) and bracket 96, i.e., without damage. Furthermore, when refrigeration oil applied to the seal members is used as the dynamic friction reduction means, low costs can be achieved and the effects on the compressor, condenser, and evaporator that make up the refrigeration circuit can be minimized. Furthermore, when PTFE is used in the receiving groove G of the housing H and / or the main body 40a of the valve body 40, weather resistance and heat resistance are provided, allowing repeated adjustment of the withdrawal direction with reliability. In addition, by employing a dynamic friction force reduction means, the sealing members (first shaft sealing member O1 and second shaft sealing member O2) slide even when attached to the housing H of the valve device main body 10 as shown in FIG. 3, making it easier to insert them into the accommodation space within the accommodation groove G of the housing H, thereby preventing damage to the sealing members such as tearing or twisting.

[0072] Needless to say, the connector direction adjusting means can rotate the valve device 100a relative to the housing H via the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2, not only when the retaining ring 32 is fixed in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms as described above, but also before the retaining ring 32 is fixed in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms as shown in Fig. 6(a), thereby adjusting the direction in which the cable 98d connected to the connector 98c is pulled out. Furthermore, the connector direction adjusting means does not necessarily need to be configured to include a dynamic friction force reducing means, and the valve device 100a can be rotated relative to the housing H via the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2.

[0073] <Regarding concerns (rotational movement of the valve device during use)> In this way, the connector direction adjusting means allows the valve device 100a to be intentionally rotated relative to the housing H at the installation site.

[0074] Here, there was a concern that even if unintentional, vibrations caused by driving or the like when the air conditioning system is actually in use may repeatedly be applied to the valve device 100a, causing the valve device 100a to rotate relative to the housing H (hereinafter referred to as "concern (rotational movement of the valve device during use)"). This is particularly true when a kinetic friction force reduction means is provided, but it is also true when a kinetic friction force reduction means is not provided.

[0075] In contrast to this, in the first embodiment, by employing a rotation restricting means (large normal force), it is possible to eliminate the concern (rotational movement of the valve device during use).

[0076] <About rotation control measures (large normal force)> 7 to 8(a), a rotation restricting means (large normal force) that restricts the rotation of the valve device 100a relative to the housing H will be described.

[0077] First, before the rotation restriction means (large normal force) is adopted, the axial gap Gp is ​​normally zero as shown in Fig. 7, that is, the step portion 48 of the main body 40a is in contact with the step portion St of the housing H (see Fig. 6). Note that a slight axial gap Gp may occur due to variations in the insertion load of the valve device 100a into the housing H, a reaction force of the elastic force of the seal members (first shaft seal member O1 and second shaft seal member O2), etc.

[0078] In this state, in the rotation restricting means (large normal force), pressurization of the working fluid occurs through the first flow path Fp1 and the second flow path Fp2 in the housing H. This pressure difference between the pressure of the working fluid acting on the first shaft seal member O1 accommodated in the first annular groove 46 of the main body 40a and the external pressure (atmospheric pressure) generates an outward pressing force on the valve device 100a in the direction of the axis L. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the valve device 100a moves toward the other end in the direction of the axis L (see M6 in FIG. 7), creating an axial gap Gp. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the outward pressing force on the valve device 100a in the direction of the axis L is applied to the retaining ring 32 via the main body 40a and the retaining ring 31, so that the retaining ring 32 securely abuts against the other end of the retaining ring mounting groove Ms. This increases the normal force N in the static friction force F=μN of the valve device 100a against the retaining ring 32, and as a result, the static friction force F can be increased, thereby eliminating the concern (rotational movement of the valve device during use) and reliably restricting axial movement of the valve device 100a. Note that a relatively large biasing force is generated in the retaining ring 32 in the radially outward direction, so that the retaining ring 32 is firmly fixed in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms.

[0079] <About rotation restriction measures (increasing the static friction coefficient)> Furthermore, in the rotation restricting means (increasing the static friction coefficient), by providing uneven portions on one end face and the other end face of the retaining ring 31, it is possible to increase the static friction coefficient μ of the static friction force F=μN of the valve device 100a against the retaining ring 32, and as a result, it is possible to increase the static friction force F. Specifically, the uneven portions are formed by shot blasting, machining, etching, or the like, and preferably have an arithmetic mean roughness Ra that satisfies the range of 50≦Ra≦400.

[0080] By adopting this rotation restriction means (large normal force), (preferably, and rotation restriction means (large static friction coefficient)), the valve device 100a can be restricted from moving in the axial direction L and rotational direction relative to the housing H, and can be firmly fixed.

[0081] <Regarding modified recesses> Here, a modified recess of the first embodiment will be described using FIG. 8(b). The modified recess of the first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the recess 40ba is formed in the guide body 40b in that the recess 40c'a is formed in the can 40c', but the other basic configuration is the same as the first embodiment. Here, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Note that the modified recess of the first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the lengths of the pressing ring 31 and the first accommodating groove G1 in the direction of the axis L, and in that no recess is provided in the guide body 40b'.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8(b), in a valve device 100a' according to a modified example of the recess of the first embodiment, a recess 40c'a is formed in the can 40c'. This recess 40c'a can be formed by pressing or the like on the can 40c', which allows for lower costs compared to the first embodiment, in which the recess 40ba is formed in the guide body 40b. Furthermore, by forming the recess 40c'a in the can 40c', the rigidity around the recess 40c'a can be increased, so that the protrusion 96a of the bracket 96 can be firmly fixed between the recess 40c'a and the retaining ring 31, as in the first embodiment.

[0083] As described above, in the first embodiment (including the recess modified example of the first embodiment), by simultaneously employing a valve device assembly means and an axial movement restricting means, it is possible to simultaneously solve the conventional problems 1 to 3, as described below. First, the valve device 100a, 100a' requires only machining to form the convex portion 96a and the concave portions 40ba, 40c'a, and by employing the retaining ring 31 and the retaining ring 32, which have a relatively simple shape, manufacturing the retaining ring 31 and the retaining ring 32 is easier than with conventional assembly mechanisms, and assembling the valve body 40 and the stator coil unit 90, and attaching the valve device 100a, 100a' to the housing H becomes extremely easy, thereby solving the conventional problem 1 (reduced productivity of the valve device and reduced work efficiency). Furthermore, when attaching the valve devices 100a, 100a' to the housing H, the attachment work and visual inspection can be performed by accessing from one direction, and a thin plate-shaped retaining ring 32 is used to restrict axial movement, thereby solving the conventional problem 2 (reduced design freedom due to ensuring access from two directions and increasing the size of the valve body). Furthermore, the valve devices 100a, 100a' and the housing H, and the valve body 40 and the stator coil unit 90 are each detachably fixed to each other, thereby solving the conventional problem 3 (inability to replace components that make up the valve device).

[0084] In addition, in the first embodiment, the valve device assembly means and the axial movement restricting means are simultaneously adopted and organically combined with each other, that is, the axial movement restricting means (retaining ring 32) restricts the position of the valve device assembly means (retaining ring 31) in the axial L direction, thereby achieving a synergistic effect of reliably maintaining the engagement state of the valve device assembly means (the convex portion 96a of the bracket 96 and the concave portion 40ba of the guide body 40b or the concave portion 40c'a of the can 40c').

[0085] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, by employing a connector direction adjustment means including a dynamic friction force reduction means, the concern (reduced freedom in connector direction adjustment) is resolved, and the seal member and bracket 96 can be rotated without being damaged. In addition, in the first embodiment, when refrigeration oil applied to the seal member is employed as the dynamic friction force reduction means, costs can be reduced and the impact on the refrigeration circuit can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when PTFE provided in the accommodating groove G and / or the main body 40a is employed as the dynamic friction force reduction means, the weather resistance and heat resistance ensure repeated adjustment of the connector pull-out direction.

[0086] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the rotation restricting means (increases normal force) employs a pressing force generated by pressurization of the working fluid, thereby increasing the normal force N and increasing the static friction force F=μN of the valve device 100a, 100a' relative to the retaining ring 32, thereby eliminating the concern (rotational movement of the valve device during use). Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the rotation restricting means (increases static friction coefficient) employs uneven portions on one end face and the other end face of the retaining ring 31, thereby increasing the static friction coefficient μ and increasing the static friction force F=μN of the valve device 100a, 100a' relative to the retaining ring 32. As a result, in the first embodiment, by employing the rotation restricting means (increases normal force) (preferably, and rotation restricting means (increases static friction coefficient)), movement of the valve device 100a, 100a' relative to the housing H in the axial direction L and the rotational direction can be restricted and the valve device 100a, 100a' can be firmly fixed.

[0087] In addition, in the first embodiment, the inner diameter of one end of the retaining ring 31 continuously expands toward the opening at one end, thereby preventing the retaining ring 31 from causing unnecessary physical interference with the bracket 96 when engaging the convex portion 96a of the bracket 96 with the concave portion 40ba of the guide body 40b or the concave portion 40c'a of the can 40c'.

[0088] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when a ring divided into a plurality of parts in the circumferential direction is used as the retainer ring 31, the work efficiency at the installation site can be improved.

[0089] (Second embodiment) A valve device 100b according to a second embodiment will be described using Figure 9. The valve device 100b according to the second embodiment differs from the valve device 100a of the first embodiment mainly in that the configuration of the stator coil unit 90B is different, that a bracket 96B is fixed to the case main body 91, and that a recess 40Baa is formed in the main body 40Ba, but the other basic configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. Here, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0090] <Regarding concerns (reduction in sealing performance due to thermal effects)> In recent years, valve devices equipped with a control board have been adopted. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a stator coil unit 1390 in a conventional valve device 1300 includes a control board 1398 in a housing space 1391f that controls a drive signal to a stator coil 1393. Because electronic components such as semiconductor elements and IC chips are mounted on this control board 1398, it is required to be housed in a state isolated from the external environment. For this reason, in the conventional valve device 1300, a case body seal member Oc13 is sandwiched between the main body 1340a and the stator coil unit 1390 to seal the housing space 1391f.

[0091] Here, in the conventional valve device 1300, as shown in FIG. 13, the bracket 1396 is welded and fixed to the stator coil unit 1390 at a position close to the case body seal member Oc13 (see FIG. 14(b)), and there was a concern that the thermal effects caused by the welding would cause the case body seal member Oc13 to deteriorate and its sealing performance to deteriorate (hereinafter referred to as "concern (deterioration of sealing performance due to thermal effects)").

[0092] In contrast, in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, by simultaneously employing a valve device assembly means and an axial movement restricting means, it is possible to simultaneously solve the conventional problems 1 to 3. In addition, as will be described in detail later, by arranging the valve device assembly means (bracket 96B) that secures the valve body 40B and the stator coil unit 90B in proximity to the case body seal member Oc that is sandwiched between the valve body 40B and the stator coil unit 90B, the case body seal member Oc is not affected by heat and is firmly fixed, thereby solving the concern (reduction in sealing performance due to thermal effects) and reliably maintaining the sealed state of the accommodation space 91f.

[0093] <Valve device configuration> 9 and 10, the valve device 100b is made up of a valve device main body 10B and a stator coil unit 90B. Each component of the valve device 100b will be described below in order.

[0094] <About the valve device main body> First, the valve device main body 10B is mainly composed of a support member 20, a valve body 40B, a drive shaft 50, a valve body 60, a coil member 70, and a rotor unit 80. Below, the configuration of the main body 40Ba of the valve body 40B, which differs from the first embodiment, will be described.

[0095] The valve body 40B includes a body 40Ba, a guide body 40Bb, and a can 40c.

[0096] 10, a single recess 40Baa recessed radially inward is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the main body 40Ba, and this recess 40Baa can be engaged with a protrusion 96Ba of a bracket 96B fixed to a case main body 91 (described later). The main body 40Ba has the same configuration as the main body 40a of the first embodiment except for the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the other end, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] Unlike the first embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the guide body 40Bb does not have a recessed portion formed thereon, but has a cylindrical surface.

[0098] <About the stator coil unit> Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the stator coil unit 90B is mainly composed of a case body 91, a connector 92 as a connector for the power supply terminal in the second embodiment, a stator coil 93, a bobbin 94, a stator 95, a bracket 96B, a control board 98, and a lid body 99.

[0099] In the stator coil unit 90B of the second embodiment, in addition to the stator coil 93, bobbin 94, stator 95, and cable 98d having the same configuration as in the first embodiment, a control board 98 connected to the cable 98d and the connector 92 is accommodated in an accommodation space 91f defined by a case body 91 in which a connector 92 is provided and a lid 99, all in a sealed state. Therefore, the following will describe the configurations of the case body 91, connector 92, control board 98, lid 99, and bracket 96B that differ from those of the first embodiment.

[0100] The case body 91 is made of a resin material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and as shown in FIG. 10, has a first end opening 91a into which the valve device main body 10B can be fitted and a second end opening 91b sealed by a lid 99. The inner diameter increases along the axis L from the first end opening 91a to the second end opening 91b. A seal member accommodating groove 91c for accommodating a case body seal member Oc is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first end opening 91a. Four support members 91d (only some of which are shown) with reduced diameters at their tips are provided on the second end of the case body 91.

[0101] The connector 92 is attached to a power supply terminal on the control board 98 .

[0102] 9, the control board 98 is electrically connected to the stator coil 93 via terminals 98a and cables 98d, and controls the drive signals to the stator coil 93. The control board 98 is supported by four support portions 91d of the case body 91.

[0103] The lid 99 is made of a resin material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), has a rectangular shape when viewed from the direction of the axis L, and seals the other end opening 91b of the case body 91.

[0104] The bracket 96B is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, has an L-shape, and is insert-molded into one end of the case main body 91. As will be described in detail later, as shown in Fig. 10, the bracket 96B is formed with one protrusion 96Ba that protrudes radially inward, and this protrusion 96Ba engages with a recess 40Baa of the main body 40Ba, thereby positioning the stator coil unit 90B in the circumferential direction and the axial direction L with respect to the valve device main body 10B.

[0105] <Installing the valve device body to the housing> The attachment of the valve device main body 10B to the housing H in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that Fig. 10 shows the state after the valve device main body 10B has been attached to the housing H.

[0106] <Valve device assembly method> 10 and 11, a valve device assembly means for detachably fixing the valve body 40B and the stator coil unit 90B to each other and assembling the valve device 100b will be described. As in the first embodiment, a retaining ring 31B is used for this valve device assembly means. Note that the retaining ring 31B has the same configuration as the retaining ring 31 of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] First, in the valve device assembling means, as shown in Fig. 10, in order to detachably fix the valve body 40B and the stator coil unit 90B to each other, the stator coil unit 90B is moved in the direction of the axis L so as to approach the valve body 40B with the retaining ring 31B and the retaining ring 32 interposed between them (see M2' in Fig. 10). Then, as shown in Fig. 11(a), the convex portion 96Ba of the bracket 96B is engaged with the concave portion 40Baa of the body 40Ba.

[0108] At the same time, the case body seal member Oc is clamped in the gap between the seal member accommodating groove 91c of the one end opening 91a and the outer peripheral surface of the guide body 40Bb, thereby sealing the accommodating space 91f from the external environment.

[0109] Next, the valve device assembling means moves only the pressing ring 31B toward one end in the direction of the axis L (see M2' in FIG. 10). At this time, because the pressing ring 31B has a tapered portion 31Ba, as shown in FIG. 10, the outer peripheral surface of the pressing ring 31B is inserted into the inner periphery of the first accommodating groove G1 with the tapered portion 31Ba of the pressing ring 31B abutting against the outer edge of the bracket 96B, as in the first embodiment. Thereafter, the pressing ring 31B is further moved toward one end in the direction of the axis L, and the outer edge of the bracket 96B slides from the tapered portion 31Ba of the pressing ring 31B toward the inner diameter, thereby deforming and pressing at least the outer edge of the bracket 96B radially inward (see FIG. 11(b)). The bracket 96B is also positioned so as to abut against the main body 40Ba of the valve main body 40B in the direction of the axis L (see FIG. 11(a)). 11(b), the retaining ring 31B is positioned so that its axis overlaps with the axis L, and can radially press the protrusion 96Ba and the recess 40Baa. In this way, because the retaining ring 31B has the tapered portion 31Ba, it is possible to avoid unnecessary physical interference with the bracket 96B, making insertion easier.

[0110] By employing this valve device assembling means, the valve body 40B and the stator coil unit 90B can be detachably fixed to each other, and the valve device 100b can be assembled.

[0111] The retaining ring 31B in the second embodiment has a tapered portion 31Ba with a linear cross section, as in the first embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the retaining ring 31B may have a curved cross section, for example, by chamfering. The retaining ring 31B in the second embodiment has a cylindrical shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction, as in the first embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the retaining ring 31B may be formed of a plurality of rings divided in the circumferential direction. This eliminates the need to interpose the retaining ring 31B between the valve body 40B and the stator coil unit 90B in advance, thereby improving work efficiency at the installation site.

[0112] <Regarding the axial movement restriction means> 11, an axial movement restricting means for restricting movement of the valve device 100b in the direction of the axis L relative to the housing H will be described. As in the first embodiment, a retaining ring 32 is used as this axial movement restricting means. Note that the retaining ring 32 has the same configuration as the retaining ring 32 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0113] First, as shown in FIG. 11 , the axial movement restricting means moves the retaining ring 32, which is previously positioned radially outward of the stator coil unit 90B, toward one end in the direction of the axis L while being reduced in diameter using a jig or the like (see M4′ in FIG. 11 ). The retaining ring 32 is then positioned in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms so that it can abut against the other end surface of the retaining ring 31B. The jig or the like is then removed from the retaining ring 32, and the retaining ring 32 is expanded in diameter. At this time, a relatively large biasing force is generated in the retaining ring 32 radially outward, so the retaining ring 32 is firmly fixed in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms. Even when the valve device 100b rotates relative to the housing H, the retaining ring 32 does not rotate with the valve device 100b. The retaining ring 32 can be removed by reducing its diameter, which facilitates removal of the valve device 100b from the housing H.

[0114] By adopting this axial movement restriction means, even if the valve device 100b attempts to move toward the other end in the direction of the axis L, it is firmly fixed to the housing H via the retaining ring 31B and the retaining ring 32, thereby restricting the movement of the valve device 100b in the direction of the axis L.

[0115] In the second embodiment, the case body seal member Oc and the bracket 96B are disposed adjacent to the inner peripheral surface and outer peripheral surface of one end of the case body 91. This allows the valve device assembly means, the axial movement restricting means, and the case body seal member Oc to be organically coupled to each other. Specifically, the case body seal member Oc and the valve device assembly means (bracket 96B) both act (seal and fix) between the same components (the valve body 40B and the stator coil unit 90B). This allows the case body seal member Oc to be stably held without being affected by heat by the valve device assembly means and the axial movement restricting means disposed adjacent to it, thereby eliminating a concern (reduction in sealing performance due to thermal effects) and achieving a synergistic effect of reliably maintaining the sealed state of the accommodation space 91f.

[0116] In this way, in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the valve device assembly means and the axial movement restricting means are simultaneously adopted and organically combined with each other, that is, the axial movement restricting means (snap ring 32) restricts the position of the valve device assembly means (retaining ring 31B) in the axial L direction, thereby achieving a synergistic effect of reliably maintaining the engagement state of the valve device assembly means (protrusion 96Ba of bracket 96B and recess 40Baa of main body 40Ba). In addition, in the second embodiment, by arranging the case body sealing member Oc and the bracket 96B close to the inner peripheral surface and outer peripheral surface of one end of the case body 91, the case body sealing member Oc can be organically linked to the valve device assembly means and the axial movement restriction means, as well as to each other.As a result, the case body sealing member Oc is stably held without being affected by heat by the valve device assembly means and axial movement restriction means that are arranged close to it, thereby eliminating concerns (reduction in sealing performance due to thermal effects) and achieving the synergistic effect of reliably maintaining the sealed state of the storage space 91f.

[0117] <Mechanism for adjusting connector direction> The connector direction adjustment means in the second embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted, but in Fig. 11(a), with the retaining ring 32 fixed in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms, the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2 are sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface 44 of the main body 40Ba and the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating groove G so that the valve device 100b can rotate and maintain its rotational position relative to the housing H. In this way, the connector direction adjustment means rotates the valve device 100b relative to the housing H via the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2, and can adjust the direction in which the connector 92 is pulled out to the ECU or the like (see M5' in Fig. 11(a)), thereby eliminating the concern (reduced freedom in adjusting the connector direction). Furthermore, after the valve device 100b is rotated and adjusted relative to the housing H using this connector direction adjustment means, the elastic force of the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2 prevents the valve device 100b from easily rotating, and the withdrawal direction of the connector 92 is maintained.

[0118] <Means for reducing dynamic friction> The dynamic friction force reduction means in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described in detail, but is at least one of refrigeration oil applied to the sealing members (first shaft sealing member O1 and second shaft sealing member O2), the inner surface of the accommodating groove G of the housing H, and PTFE provided on the surface of the outer surface of the main body 40Ba of the valve body 40B.

[0119] In this way, by providing the connector direction adjustment means with dynamic friction force reduction means, the seal members (first shaft seal member O1 and second shaft seal member O2) and bracket 96B can be rotated without applying load. Furthermore, when refrigerating machine oil is used as the dynamic friction force reduction means, it is low cost and the effects on the compressor, condenser, and evaporator that make up the refrigeration circuit can be suppressed, and when PTFE is used, its weather resistance and heat resistance allow repeated adjustment of the withdrawal direction to be reliably achieved.

[0120] In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, not only when the retaining ring 32 is fixed in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms, but also before the retaining ring 32 is fixed in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms as shown in Fig. 11(a), the valve device 100b can be rotated relative to the housing H via the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2 to adjust the withdrawal direction of the connector 92. Furthermore, the connector direction adjustment means does not necessarily need to be configured to include a dynamic friction force reduction means, and the valve device 100b can be rotated relative to the housing H via the first shaft seal member O1 and the second shaft seal member O2.

[0121] <About rotation control measures (large normal force)> The rotation restriction means (large normal force) in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed description will be omitted. However, when the working fluid is pressurized, the valve device 100b moves toward the other end in the axial direction L (see M6' and Gp in FIG. 12). This pressing force is applied to the retaining ring 32 via the main body 40Ba and the retaining ring 31B, so that the retaining ring 32 securely abuts against the other end of the retaining ring mounting groove Ms. This increases the normal force N of the static friction force F = μN of the valve device 100b against the retaining ring 32. As a result, the static friction force F can be increased and axial movement of the valve device 100b is securely restricted. Note that a relatively large radially outward biasing force is generated in the retaining ring 32, so that it is firmly fixed in the retaining ring mounting groove Ms.

[0122] <About rotation restriction measures (increasing the static friction coefficient)> The rotation control means (increasing the static friction coefficient) in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but by providing uneven portions on one end face and the other end face of the retaining ring 31B, the static friction coefficient μ of the static friction force F=μN of the valve device 100b against the retaining ring 32 can be increased, and as a result, the static friction force F can be increased.

[0123] By adopting this rotation restriction means (large normal force), (preferably, and rotation restriction means (large static friction coefficient)), the valve device 100b can be restricted from moving in the axial direction L and rotational direction relative to the housing H, and can be firmly fixed.

[0124] As described above, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, by simultaneously employing a valve device assembly means and an axial movement restriction means, it is possible to simultaneously solve the conventional problem 1 (reduced productivity and reduced work efficiency of the valve device), the conventional problem 2 (reduced design freedom due to ensuring two-way access and increasing the size of the valve body), and the conventional problem 3 (inability to replace components that make up the valve device).

[0125] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the valve device assembly means and the axial movement restricting means are simultaneously adopted and organically combined with each other, that is, the axial movement restricting means (retaining ring 32) restricts the position of the valve device assembly means (retaining ring 31B) in the axial L direction, thereby achieving a synergistic effect of reliably maintaining the engagement state of the valve device assembly means (the convex portion 96Ba of the bracket 96B and the concave portion 40Baa of the main body 40Ba).

[0126] In addition, in the second embodiment, by arranging the case body sealing member Oc and the bracket 96B close to the inner peripheral surface and outer peripheral surface of one end of the case body 91, the case body sealing member Oc can be organically linked to the valve device assembly means and the axial movement restriction means, as well as to the valve body assembly means and the axial movement restriction means. As a result, the case body sealing member Oc is held stably without being affected by heat, which eliminates concerns (reduction in sealing performance due to thermal effects) and has the synergistic effect of reliably maintaining the sealed state of the storage space 91f.

[0127] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, by employing a connector direction adjustment means including a dynamic friction force reduction means, the concern (reduced freedom of connector direction adjustment) is resolved, and the valve device 100b can be rotated without applying load to the seal member and bracket 96B, i.e., without damaging them. In addition, in the second embodiment, by employing refrigeration oil as the dynamic friction force reduction means, low cost is achieved and the effects on the compressor, condenser, and evaporator that make up the refrigeration circuit can be suppressed, and by employing PTFE, weather resistance and heat resistance are provided, so repeated adjustment of the withdrawal direction can be reliably performed.

[0128] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the pressing force generated by pressurization of the working fluid is used as the rotation restricting means (increasing the normal force), thereby increasing the normal force N and increasing the static friction force F=μN of the valve device 100b relative to the retaining ring 32, thereby eliminating the concern (rotational movement of the valve device during use). Also, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the rotation restricting means (increasing the static friction coefficient) is used, in which uneven portions are provided on one end face and the other end face of the retaining ring 31B, thereby increasing the static friction coefficient μ and increasing the static friction force F=μN of the valve device 100b relative to the retaining ring 32. Therefore, in the second embodiment, by adopting the rotation restricting means (increasing the normal force) (preferably, the rotation restricting means (increasing the static friction coefficient)), movement of the valve device 100b in the axial direction L and the rotational direction relative to the housing H can be restricted and the valve device 100b can be firmly fixed.

[0129] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the inner diameter of one end of the retaining ring 31B continuously increases toward the opening at one end, thereby preventing the retaining ring 31B from causing unnecessary physical interference with the bracket 96B when engaging the convex portion 96Ba of the bracket 96B with the concave portion 40Baa of the main body 40Ba.

[0130] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, if a ring divided into multiple parts in the circumferential direction is used as the retaining ring 31B, work efficiency at the installation site can be improved.

[0131] <Other> It goes without saying that the valve devices 100a, 100a', and 100b of the present embodiment can be applied to any fluid device and fluid circuit, including a refrigeration circuit. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate changes and modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 100a, 100a', 100b valve device 1a Valve port 1b Lateral Port 2 Valve chamber 3 Closed space 10, 10B Valve device main body 20 Support member 21 Fixing bracket 21a Through hole 23 screw hole 23a Female thread 24 bearing hole 25 slide hole 26 Guide rail 27 Cylindrical part 31,31B Retaining ring 31a, 31Ba Tapered section 32 retaining ring 40,40B Valve body 40a, 40Ba body (valve body) 40ba, 40Baa, 40c'a recess 40b, 40b', 40Bb Guide body (valve body) 40c, 40c' Can (valve body) 41 Insertion hole 42 Valve seat 43 Opening 44 Outer surface 46 First annular groove 47 Second annular groove 48 Step 50 drive shaft 51 Threaded part 51a Male thread 52 Guide section 53 Tsuba 60 Valve body 61 Valve holder 61a One end 61b Other end 62 Valve body 63 Washer 64 Spring holder 65 compression coil spring 70 Coil material 71 Coil section 72 Claw 80 rotor unit 84 Magnet part 85 Disc Section 86 Metal fittings 87 protrusion 90,90B stator coil unit 91 Case body 91a One end opening 91b Other end opening 91c Sealing material receiving groove 91d Support part 91st floor storage space 92,98c connector 93 Stator coil 94 Bobbin 95 Stator 96,96B Bracket 96a, 96Ba convex part 97 Sealing resin part 98 Control Board 98a terminal 98b Grommet 98d Cable 98e Connector resin part 99 Lid F Static friction force (=μN) Fp1 First flow path Fp2 Second flow path G Receiving groove G1 First Receiving Groove G2 Second Receiving Groove G3 3rd Receiving Groove G4 4th Receiving Groove Gp Axial clearance H Housing L axis Ms retaining ring mounting groove N Normal force O1 First shaft seal member (seal member) O2 Second shaft seal member (seal member) Oc Case body sealing material Ra: Arithmetic mean roughness Sc threaded part Sh screw hole St step part μ coefficient of static friction

Claims

1. A valve device that is detachably attached to an accommodation space in an accommodation groove of a housing, a valve body having a cylindrical shape with a bottom extending in an axial direction; a stator coil unit that is separate from the valve body; a bracket provided on the stator coil unit and extending toward one end thereof; a seal member provided on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body; a valve device assembling means for detachably fixing the valve body and the stator coil unit to each other and assembling the valve device; an axial movement restricting means for restricting axial movement of the valve device relative to the housing; Equipped with the valve device assembling means has a convex portion formed on the bracket, a concave portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body, and a cylindrical pressing ring, and when the valve body is attached to the accommodating space via the seal member, the concave portion and the convex portion are engaged with each other, and the pressing ring is disposed so as to abut against the outer edge of the bracket and the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating groove in the radial direction and against the valve body in the axial direction; The valve device is characterized in that the axial movement restricting means has a retaining ring having a radial biasing force, and the retaining ring is positioned in a retaining ring mounting groove formed on the inner surface of the accommodating groove so that it can abut against the other end surface of the retaining ring.

2. a connector for a power supply terminal of the stator coil unit; a connector direction adjusting means for adjusting the direction in which the connector is drawn out; Furthermore, The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector direction adjustment means is characterized in that the seal member is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the valve body and the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating groove so that the valve device can rotate and maintain its rotational position relative to the housing.

3. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that the connector direction adjustment means includes a kinetic friction force reduction means, which includes a kinetic friction force reduction means on a sliding surface of at least one of the seal member, the housing, and the valve body, which reduces the kinetic friction force generated between the seal member and the valve device when the valve device rotates relative to the housing via the seal member.

4. 4. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein the dynamic friction force reducing means is refrigerating machine oil applied to the seal member.

5. 4. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein the dynamic friction force reducing means is PTFE provided on the surface of at least one of the housing and the valve body.

6. 2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the one end of the retaining ring increases continuously toward the opening at the one end.

7. 2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining ring is made up of a plurality of rings divided in the circumferential direction.

8. The stator coil unit includes: a case body having an opening at one end into which the valve body can be fitted; a case body seal member capable of sealing a gap between the case body and the valve body; Equipped with 2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the case body seal member and the bracket are provided on an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of one end of the case body, respectively.

9. The valve device further includes a rotation restricting means for restricting rotation of the valve device relative to the housing, 9. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation restricting means increases a static frictional force of the valve device against the retaining ring by applying an axial pressure force toward the outside that is generated in the valve device when the working fluid is pressurized to the retaining ring via the retaining ring.

10. 10. The valve device according to claim 9, wherein the rotation restricting means increases static friction of the valve device against the retaining ring by providing uneven portions on one end surface and the other end surface of the retaining ring.

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