Electric valve and electric valve body

Abstract

This improves the sealing performance of axial-flow type electric valves when they are closed. [Solution] The electric valve 1 comprises a valve body 10 having a cylindrical shape with a first pipe 8 connected to one end in the axial direction and a second pipe 9 connected to the other end; a rotor (magnetic rotor 30) disposed inside the valve body 10; a stator 60 disposed outside the valve body 10 and constituting a motor together with the rotor; a support member 12 disposed inside the valve body 10 at one end and converting the rotation of the rotor into linear motion along the axial direction; a valve seat member 13 disposed inside the valve body 10 at the other end and having a valve seat 17; a valve element 41 that moves linearly toward the valve seat 17 in accordance with the linear motion of the rotor; and a spring member 51 disposed between the rotor and the valve element 41, which is compressed in accordance with the linear motion of the rotor when the valve is closed, and presses the valve element 41 toward the valve seat 17.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric valve and an electric valve body.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a cylindrical electric valve (so-called axial flow type electric valve) incorporated in series in a linear flow path is known. The axial flow type electric valve is incorporated in, for example, an air conditioner and used to control the flow rate of a fluid such as a refrigerant.

[0003] The axial flow type electric valve is mainly composed of a cylindrical electric valve body and a stator unit arranged around the electric valve body. Inside the electric valve body, for example, a magnet rotor is arranged. The stator unit has a stator arranged outside the electric valve body at the position of the magnet rotor. The magnet rotor and the stator constitute a stepping motor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an electric valve, in order to suppress leakage of fluid from the valve, high sealing performance in the closed valve state is required. In this regard, in Patent Document 1, it is said that when the valve is closed, the force of being pulled by a coil spring is applied to the valve body toward the valve seat, so that the impact at the time of seating is alleviated. However, regarding the sealing performance in the closed valve state, Patent Document 1 has not particularly considered it. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the technology for improving the sealing performance in the closed valve state in Patent Document 1.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, this disclosure provides a technology that can improve the sealing performance of an axial flow type electric valve in the closed state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electric valve according to the first embodiment comprises a valve body having a cylindrical shape with a first pipe connected to one end in the axial direction and a second pipe connected to the other end; a rotor disposed inside the valve body; a stator disposed outside the valve body and constituting a motor together with the rotor; a support member disposed inside the valve body on the side of the one end and converting the rotation of the rotor into linear motion along the axial direction; a valve seat member disposed inside the valve body on the side of the other end and having a valve seat; a valve body that moves linearly toward the valve seat in accordance with the linear motion of the rotor; and a spring member disposed between the rotor and the valve body, which is compressed in accordance with the linear motion of the rotor when the valve is closed and presses the valve body toward the valve seat.

[0008] In the electric valve according to the first embodiment, when the valve is closed, the spring member is compressed by the linear motion of the rotor. The valve body is pressed toward the valve seat by the compressed spring member. Therefore, the sealing performance in the closed state of the axial flow type electric valve can be improved.

[0009] In the second embodiment, the electric valve according to the first embodiment includes a connecting portion that connects the rotor and the valve body, the end of the spring member on the valve seat side in the axial direction is attached to the connecting portion that connects the rotor and the valve body, and the end of the spring member on the opposite side of the valve seat in the axial direction is attached to the rotor.

[0010] In the second embodiment, an electric valve can be realized in which the spring member is positioned between the connecting portion and the rotor.

[0011] In the third embodiment, the electric valve according to the first embodiment includes a connecting portion that connects the rotor and the valve body, the end of the spring member on the valve seat side in the axial direction is attached to the valve body side, and the end of the spring member on the opposite side of the valve seat in the axial direction is attached to the connecting portion.

[0012] In the third embodiment, an electric valve can be realized in which the spring member is positioned between the valve body and the connecting portion.

[0013] In the fourth embodiment, in the electric valve according to any of the first to third embodiments, the valve body is rotatably supported around its axis.

[0014] In the fourth embodiment, the resistance that the valve body receives from the fluid flowing inside can be reduced in an axial flow type electric valve.

[0015] The electric valve body according to the fifth embodiment comprises: a valve body having a cylindrical shape with a first pipe connected to one end in the axial direction and a second pipe connected to the other end; a rotor disposed inside the valve body; a support member disposed inside the valve body on the side of the one end and converting the rotation of the rotor into linear motion along the axial direction and supporting the rotor so as to be able to move back and forth along the axial direction; a valve seat member disposed inside the valve body on the side of the other end and having a valve seat; a valve body that moves linearly toward the valve seat in accordance with the linear motion of the rotor; and a spring member disposed between the rotor and the valve body, which is compressed in accordance with the linear motion of the rotor when the valve is closed and presses the valve body toward the valve seat.

[0016] In the fifth embodiment, when the valve is closed, the spring member is compressed by the linear motion of the rotor. The valve body is pressed toward the valve seat by the compressed spring member. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electric valve body used together with a stator that constitutes an axial flow type electric valve with improved sealing performance in the closed state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present disclosure, a technique capable of improving the sealing performance of an axial flow type electric valve in a valve closed state can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view for explaining by cutting a part of the electric valve body of the electric valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a plane including the axis in the valve open state. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining by cutting the electric valve according to this embodiment in a plane including the axis in the valve open state. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view for explaining the valve body unit of the electric valve according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a left side view of the side where the valve body of the valve body unit of the electric valve according to this embodiment is located. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining by cutting the valve body unit of the electric valve according to this embodiment in a plane including the axis. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view for explaining by cutting a part of the electric valve according to this embodiment in a plane including the axis. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining by cutting the electric valve according to this embodiment in a plane including the axis in the valve closed state. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view for explaining by cutting the electric valve body of the electric valve according to a modification of this embodiment in a plane including the axis in the valve open state. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining by cutting the electric valve according to the modification in a plane including the axis in the valve open state. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining by cutting the electric valve according to the modification in a plane including the axis in the valve closed state. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view for explaining another example of the valve body unit of the electric valve according to the modification. [Figure 12] It is a front view for explaining another example of the valve body unit of the electric valve according to the modification. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining by cutting another example of the valve body unit of the electric valve according to the modification in a plane including the axis. [Figure 14]This is a perspective view illustrating the open state of the electric valve body of an electric valve according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, by cutting it in a plane that includes the axis. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the open state of an electric valve according to another embodiment, cut across a plane including the axis. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the closed state of an electric valve according to another embodiment, cut across a plane including the axis. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] This embodiment is described below. In the following drawings, identical and similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between thickness and planar dimensions, the ratio of the thickness of each device and component, etc., may differ from reality. Therefore, specific thicknesses and dimensions should be determined by referring to the following description. Furthermore, there may be parts where the relationships and ratios of dimensions differ between drawings. Also, unless otherwise specified in the specification, the number of each component in this disclosure is not limited to one, and there may be multiple.

[0020] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating shapes such as "cylinder" and "column" are also used to refer to members or parts of members that substantially have the shape of those terms. For example, "cylindrical member" includes both cylindrical members and substantially cylindrical members. Also, in this specification, the term "same" may include cases where they are strictly the same and cases where they are substantially the same.

[0021] <Configuration of the electric valve> The following description of the electric valve 1 according to this embodiment will mainly refer to Figures 1 to 7. The electric valve 1 according to this embodiment is used, for example, to control the flow rate of a fluid in an automotive air conditioner. The fluid is, for example, a high-pressure refrigerant F.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric valve 1 according to this embodiment comprises a valve body 10, a magnet rotor 30, a stator 60, a valve seat member 13, a support member 12, and a valve body unit 40. The electric valve 1 is, for example, incorporated in series into a straight pipe of an air conditioner and used to control the flow rate of refrigerant F. In Figure 1, the refrigerant F flowing inside the electric valve 1 is illustrated by solid arrows. The electric valve 1 of this embodiment is composed of an electric valve body 5 and a stator unit 6.

[0023] (Valve body) The valve body 10 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 2, the valve body 10 has a first pipe 8 connected to one end in the axial direction (the right end in Figure 2) and a second pipe 9 connected to the other end (the left end in Figure 2). The axial direction is the left-right direction along which the axis L extends in Figure 2. The valve body 10 includes a case 11, a support member 12, and a valve seat member 13. The case 11, support member 12, and valve seat member 13 are made of metal, such as stainless steel or an aluminum alloy.

[0024] The case 11, support member 12, and valve seat member 13 form a valve chamber 18. A first pipe 8 is joined to the outer surface 12C (i.e., end face) of the support member 12. The first pipe 8 is connected to the valve chamber 18 through the flow path of the support member 12. A second pipe 9 is joined to the outer surface 14C (i.e., end face) of the cover portion 14. The second pipe 9 is connected to the valve chamber 18 through the valve opening 16. The first pipe 8 and the second pipe 9 are pipes that form the flow path of the air conditioner.

[0025] (case) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the case 11 has a cylindrical shape. The case 11 is positioned along axis L.

[0026] (Support member) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support member 12 is cylindrical overall. The support member 12 is located inside the valve body 10, at one end in the axial direction (the right side in Figure 2). The support member 12 integrally comprises a cover portion 12A and a support portion 12B.

[0027] The lid 12A has a disc shape or a cylindrical shape. The lid 12A is coaxially joined to one end of the case 11 on the right side in Figure 2. The lid 12A closes one end of the case 11 on the right side in Figure 2.

[0028] The support portion 12B has a cylindrical shape. The support portion 12B extends from the lid portion 12A toward the valve body unit 40. The support portion 12B is located inside the case 11. A male screw 12B1 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support member 12.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the support member 12 converts the rotation of the magnet rotor 30 into linear motion along the axial direction through a screw connection between the male thread 12B1 on the outer circumferential surface of the support member 12 and the female thread 33A on the third portion 33 of the magnet rotor 30. The support member 12 supports the magnet rotor 30 so that it can move back and forth along the axial direction. A screw feed mechanism is formed between the support member 12 and the magnet rotor 30.

[0030] A flow path for the refrigerant F is formed inside the support member 12. The formed flow path penetrates the lid portion 12A and the support portion 12B. The opening 12D on the side of the flow path inside the support member 12 opposite the first pipe 8 is inside the spring member 51 and faces the valve body unit 40. The opening 12D is provided at the tip of the support portion 12B (the left end in Figure 2). The opening 12D communicates with the first pipe 8 on one end (the right side in Figure 2). The lid portion 12A, the support portion 12B, and the opening 12D are arranged coaxially with each other.

[0031] (Valve seat member) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the valve seat member 13 is cylindrical overall. The valve seat member 13 is located inside the valve body 10, on the other end side in the axial direction (left side in Figure 2). The valve seat member 13 integrally includes a cover portion 14 and a support portion 15.

[0032] The valve seat member 13 has a valve opening 16 and a valve seat 17. The valve opening 16, which is the flow path for the refrigerant F, penetrates the cover portion 14 and the support portion 15. The valve seat 17 is provided at the tip of the support portion 15 (the right end in Figure 2). The valve seat 17 communicates with the second pipe 9 on the other end. The valve seat 17 surrounds the valve opening 16. The cover portion 14, the support portion 15, the valve opening 16, and the valve seat 17 are arranged coaxially.

[0033] The lid 14 has a disc shape or a cylindrical shape. The lid 14 is coaxially joined to the other end of the case 11. The lid 14 closes the left end of the case 11 in Figure 2.

[0034] The support portion 15 has a cylindrical shape. The support portion 15 extends from the lid portion 14 toward the support member 12. The support portion 15 is located inside the case 11.

[0035] (Magnetic rotor) In this embodiment, the magnetic rotor 30 is positioned inside the valve body 10, at one end (right side in Figure 2). The magnetic rotor 30 corresponds to the rotor in this disclosure. In this disclosure, it is not essential that the rotor be positioned inside the valve body 10, at one end. The rotor may be positioned inside the valve body 10, away from one end, for example, at the axial center.

[0036] The magnet rotor 30 has a cylindrical shape. The magnet rotor 30 is positioned in the valve chamber 18 coaxially with the axis L along the axis L. The magnet rotor 30 is rotatable about its axis relative to the valve body 10. The magnet rotor 30 has a first portion 31, a second portion 32, and a third portion 33, extending radially from the inside out. The first portion 31, the second portion 32, and the third portion 33 are fixed together as a single unit.

[0037] The first part 31 has a cylindrical shape. The first part 31 is made of, for example, ferrite. The first part 31 has multiple magnetic poles (at least multiple north poles and multiple south poles). The multiple north poles and multiple south poles are arranged alternately at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The multiple north poles and multiple south poles extend in a direction along the axis L. The first part 31 has, for example, 12 north poles and 12 south poles. The angle between two adjacent magnetic poles about the axis L is 15 degrees.

[0038] The second part 32 has a cylindrical shape and is positioned inside the first part 31, coaxially with the first part 31. The second part 32 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is integrally molded with the first part 31. A step 32C is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second part 32. The second part 32 has a first cylindrical portion 32A located on the left side in Figure 2, and a second cylindrical portion 32B located on the right side in Figure 2, with the step 32C in between.

[0039] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 32A is the same as that of the second cylindrical portion 32B, while the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 32A is smaller than that of the second cylindrical portion 32B. A vertical step 32C is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 32A and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 32B in Figure 2. The valve body unit 40 is in contact with the bottom surface of the step 32C.

[0040] The third portion 33 has a cylindrical shape. The third portion 33 is positioned inside the second portion 32, coaxially with the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. The third portion 33 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The outer circumferential surface of the third portion 33 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 32B of the second portion 32. The third portion 33 is positioned axially apart from the first cylindrical portion 32A of the second portion 32. A female thread 33A is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the third portion 33. The female thread 33A is screw-connected to a male thread 12B1 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support member 12.

[0041] A peripheral wall portion 33B is provided on the left end surface of the third portion 33 in the axial direction, extending toward the left valve body unit 40. The outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 33B is located inward from the outer circumferential surface of the third portion 33 and the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 32. Therefore, a groove portion 33C is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 33B and the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 32. One end of the spring member 51 is attached to the groove portion 33C. The groove portion 33C functions as a spring receiving portion.

[0042] Inside the third portion 33, an inner space 35 for the magnet rotor 30 is formed. The inner space 35 is a flow path that connects to the first pipe 8, the internal flow path of the support member 12, the through hole 49 of the valve body unit 40, the valve opening 16, and the second pipe 9.

[0043] (Stator unit) The stator unit 6 is positioned along the axis L. The stator unit 6 is attached to the electric valve body 5. The stator unit 6 includes a stator 60 and a cover (not shown).

[0044] (Stator) The stator 60 is positioned radially outside the valve body 10. In this embodiment, the stator 60, together with the magnet rotor 30, constitutes a stepping motor. The rotor and stator of this disclosure may constitute a motor other than a stepping motor. The stator 60 has a stator core (not shown) and a plurality of coils (not shown).

[0045] The stator core is formed, for example, by stacking multiple thin electromagnetic steel sheets. The stator core includes a back yoke (not shown), multiple main poles (not shown), and multiple auxiliary poles (not shown).

[0046] The back yoke has a roughly cylindrical shape and, when viewed from a direction along the axis L, has a C-shape (i.e., an arc shape). Multiple main poles and multiple auxiliary poles protrude from the inner surface of the back yoke toward the axis L. Multiple coils are wound around the multiple main poles.

[0047] Although not shown in the illustration, the cover has a shape that conforms to the outer shape of the stator 60 and covers the stator 60. When viewed from a direction along the axis L, the cover has a C shape (i.e., an arc shape). The cover is made of synthetic resin and is integrally molded with the stator 60. The inner surface of the cover, together with the tips of the main pole and the auxiliary pole, forms the inner surface 6D of the stator unit 6. In this disclosure, the cover may be omitted in the stator unit 6.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the stator unit 6 has an inner space 6S and an opening (not shown) for inserting the first pipe 8 or the second pipe 9 into the inner space 6S. The inner space 6S extends from one end face to the other end face in the axial direction of the stator unit 6. The opening is provided on the outer surface 6C of the stator unit 6, extends from one end face to the other end face, and communicates with the inner space 6S. The inner space 6S is defined by the inner surface 6D of the stator unit 6. The diameter of the inner space 6S is the same as the diameter of the motor valve body 5. The motor valve body 5 is positioned in the inner space 6S. The width of the opening is greater than the outer diameter of the first pipe 8 and the outer diameter of the second pipe 9.

[0049] In this embodiment, the central axes of the electric valve body 5, the stator unit 6, the first pipe 8, and the second pipe 9 all coincide in the direction along the axis L. The electric valve body 5 is composed of a valve body 10, a magnet rotor 30, and a valve body unit 40. The stator unit 6 is composed of an inner space 6S, a stator 60, and a cover.

[0050] When the stator unit 6 is attached to the electric valve body 5, first, the first pipe 8 and the second pipe 9 are connected to the electric valve body 5. Then, with the opening of the stator unit 6 facing the first pipe 8, the stator unit 6 is moved toward the first pipe 8.

[0051] The first pipe 8 is inserted into the inner space 6S through the opening of the stator unit 6. The first pipe 8 is coaxially positioned in the inner space 6S of the stator unit 6. By moving the stator unit 6 in the direction along the axis L, the electric valve body 5 can be inserted into the inner space 6S of the stator unit 6. Then, the stator unit 6 can be attached to the electric valve body 5 using a mounting mechanism (not shown).

[0052] (Valve body unit) The valve body unit 40 is arranged coaxially with the axis L in the inner space 35 of the magnet rotor 30 along the axis L. The valve body unit 40 includes a first connecting portion 45, a spring member 51, a cylindrical portion 47A, a second connecting portion 47B, and a valve body 41.

[0053] (first connection part) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first connecting portion 45 is ring-shaped. In this disclosure, the shape of the connecting portion can be changed as appropriate. The first connecting portion 45 corresponds to the connecting portion of this disclosure. The connecting portion of this disclosure may be composed of the first connecting portion 45, the cylindrical portion 47A, and the second connecting portion 47B.

[0054] The first connecting portion 45 can be made of, for example, metal or resin. The surface of the first connecting portion 45 on the side facing the support member 12 is provided with a peripheral wall portion 46 that extends toward the support member 12. The outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 46 is located inside the outer circumferential surface of the third portion 33 and the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 32. For this reason, a groove portion 45A is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 46 and the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 32.

[0055] The other end of the spring member 51 is attached to the groove 45A. The groove 45A functions as a spring receiving portion. Therefore, the spring member 51 is connected to the first connecting portion 45. Thus, the valve body unit 40 having the first connecting portion 45 in this embodiment is connected to the magnet rotor 30 via the spring member 51.

[0056] The surface of the first connecting portion 45 on the valve seat 17 side is in contact with the bottom surface of the step 32C of the second portion 32 of the magnet rotor 30. The first connecting portion 45 is not fixed to the magnet rotor 30. In the open valve state shown in Figure 2, the first connecting portion 45 is pressed against the bottom surface of the step 32C of the second portion 32 of the magnet rotor 30 by the spring member 51.

[0057] (Spring component) As shown in Figure 2, the spring member 51 in this embodiment is a coil spring. The spring member 51 is elastically deformable. In this embodiment, the spring member 51 is sandwiched between the first connecting portion 45 and the magnet rotor 30. In this disclosure, the position of the spring member 51 is not limited to between the first connecting portion 45 and the magnet rotor 30, but can be changed as appropriate.

[0058] The spring member 51 is positioned between the magnet rotor 30 and the valve body 41. Specifically, in this embodiment, the spring member 51 is positioned in the axial direction between the magnet rotor 30 and the valve portion 43 of the valve body 41. The spring member 51 is compressed by the linear motion of the magnet rotor 30 toward the second pipe 9 after the valve portion 43 of the valve body 41 has seated on the valve seat 17. The compressed spring member 51 presses the valve body unit 40 toward the valve seat 17.

[0059] (Cylinder part, second connecting part) The valve body unit 40 of this embodiment has a cylindrical portion 47A positioned inside the first connecting portion 45. The cylindrical portion 47A is connected to the first connecting portion 45 by four rod-shaped or plate-shaped second connecting portions 47B. In this disclosure, the shape of the second connecting portions is arbitrary. Four through holes 49, which function as flow paths, are formed between adjacent second connecting portions 47B. The first connecting portion 45 of this embodiment, which constitutes the frame of the flow path, functions as a flow straightening plate. In this disclosure, the number of second connecting portions and the number of through holes can be set arbitrarily.

[0060] The valve body 41 is supported by the first connecting portion 45. Specifically, in this embodiment, the diameter of the main body portion 42 of the valve body 41 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the through hole 47A1 inside the cylindrical portion 47A. The main body portion 42 is rotatably inserted into the through hole 47A1. Therefore, the valve body 41 is rotatably supported around its axis by the first connecting portion 45. In this disclosure, it is not essential that the valve body 41 is rotatably supported around its axis by the first connecting portion 45.

[0061] (valve body) As shown in Figure 5, the valve body 41 is positioned inside the through hole 47A1 of the cylindrical portion 47A. The valve body 41 has an overall cylindrical shape. The valve body 41 integrally comprises a main body portion 42, a valve portion 43, and a base portion 44. The valve body 41 extends axially between the base portion 44 at the right end in Figure 5 and the valve portion 43 at the left end. The valve body 41 is made of a metal such as stainless steel or brass. The tip of the valve portion 43 on the valve seat 17 side has a tapered shape. The tip of the valve portion 43 faces the valve opening 16 and the valve seat 17.

[0062] The main body 42, valve portion 43, base portion 44, and first connecting portion 45 are arranged coaxially with respect to each other. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the valve body unit 40 other than a part of the tip of the valve portion 43 is located inside the magnet rotor 30, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the arrangement position of the valve body unit 40 can be changed as appropriate.

[0063] When the electric valve 1 is in the closed state, the valve body 41 is pressed toward the valve seat 17 by a spring member 51 that is compressed by the linear motion of the magnet rotor 30, via the first connecting portion 45, the second connecting portion 47B, and the cylindrical portion 47A.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, a flange portion 44A, which is larger in diameter than the main body portion 42, is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 42 in the region closer to the base portion 44 than the first connecting portion 45. The flange portion 44A prevents the valve body 41 from falling out of the through hole 47A1 towards the magnet rotor 30. The flange portion is not essential in this disclosure.

[0065] (stopper) As shown in Figure 4, the stopper 48 is a C-shaped plate-like member. The stopper 48 has a base portion 48A and a pair of arm portions 48B arranged symmetrically on either side of the base portion 48A in Figure 4. One end of each arm portion 48B on the base portion 48A side is attached to the base portion 48A. The material of the stopper 48 in this embodiment is elastic. The base portion 48A and the pair of arm portions 48B are integrally formed.

[0066] The ends of each arm portion 48B opposite to the base portion 48A are separated by a gap. A notch 48C is formed between the ends of the opposing arm portions 48B. As shown in Figure 4, the base portion 48A, one of the pair of arm portions 48B, the notch 48C, and the other arm portion 48B are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the base portion 48A has a projection 48A1 that protrudes toward the axis L passing through the center. Each of the pair of arm portions 48B has a projection 48B1 that protrudes toward the axis L passing through the center. A groove portion 42A is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 42 in the region on the valve portion 43 side of the first connecting portion 45.

[0068] The protrusion 48A1 of the base portion 48A and the respective protrusions 48B1 of the pair of arm portions 48B are fitted into the groove portion 42A. The stopper 48 can be inserted into the groove portion 42A of the valve body 41 using the notch 48C. The stopper 48 prevents the valve body 41 from falling out of the through hole 47A1 towards the magnet rotor 30. In this disclosure, the flange portion 44A and the stopper 48 are not essential.

[0069] <Operation of the electric valve> As shown in Figure 6, when the valve is closed, the magnetic rotor 30 moves in a straight line toward the valve seat 17, and the spring member 51 connected to the magnetic rotor 30 is compressed by the magnetic rotor 30. Pushed by the compressed spring member 51, the valve body unit 40 moves toward the valve seat 17. When the valve portion 43 of the valve body 41 of the valve body unit 40 sits on the valve seat 17, the first connecting portion 45, which is integrated with the main body portion 42, stops. The valve closed state is formed.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, after the valve is closed, the magnetic rotor 30 is rotated by a predetermined angle to move linearly toward the second pipe 9, thereby increasing the force pressing the valve body 41 against the valve seat 17 via the spring member 51. In other words, so-called tightening can be performed.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the magnet rotor 30 moves further toward the second pipe 9 due to tightening, in the valve body unit 40 in which the valve portion 43 is in contact with the valve seat 17 and is not fixed to the second portion 32 of the magnet rotor 30, the first connecting portion 45 separates from the bottom surface of the step 32C of the second portion 32 of the magnet rotor 30. Then, the compressed spring member 51 presses the valve body 41 against the valve seat 17 via the first connecting portion 45. In this embodiment, the pressing force of the magnet rotor 30 is transmitted to the valve body 41 via the spring member 51 and the first connecting portion 45.

[0072] On the other hand, when the valve opens, a spring member 51 connected to a magnet rotor 30 that moves linearly away from the valve seat 17 pulls the first connecting portion 45 connected to the spring member 51 towards the first pipe 8. As a result of the movement of the first connecting portion 45, the valve body 41 connected to the first connecting portion 45 moves away from the valve seat 17. As a result, the valve opens.

[0073] (Effects of this embodiment) In the electric valve 1 according to this embodiment, when the valve is closed, the spring member 51 is compressed by the linear motion of the magnet rotor 30. The valve body 41 is pressed toward the valve seat 17 by the compressed spring member 51. This improves the sealing performance of the axial flow type electric valve 1 when it is closed. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electric valve body 5 used together with a stator 60 that constitutes an axial flow type electric valve 1 with improved sealing performance when it is closed.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the axial end of the spring member 51 on the valve seat 17 side is attached to the first connecting portion 45. The axial end of the spring member 51 opposite to the valve seat 17 is attached to the magnet rotor 30. As a result, an electric valve can be realized in which the spring member 51 is positioned sandwiched between the first connecting portion 45 and the magnet rotor 30.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the valve body 41 is rotatably supported around its axis. This reduces the resistance that the valve body 41 receives from the fluid flowing inside it in the axial flow type electric valve 1.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the valve body 41 is supported by a rigid first connecting portion 45 made of metal, resin, or the like. In this respect, for example, if the valve body is supported by an elastic member, the length of the valve connecting portion along the axial direction tends to increase as the elastic member deforms along the axial direction. In this embodiment, since the valve body 41 is supported by a rigid first connecting portion 45, it is easy to shorten the length of the valve connecting portion along the axial direction.

[0077] Furthermore, since the adjacent second connecting portions 47B are spaced apart, a through-hole 49 is formed between the first connecting portion 45 and the valve body 41, which serves as a flow path for the refrigerant F. Therefore, the flow of the refrigerant F is not obstructed by the valve body unit 40.

[0078] (modified version) Next, a modified electric valve 1A will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. The modified electric valve 1A differs from this embodiment in that the spring member 51A is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 42.

[0079] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, on the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 42 of the valve body 41, on the side facing the valve seat 17 rather than the first connecting portion 45, a flange portion 42B with a larger diameter than the main body portion 42 is formed as a spring receiving portion. The spring member 51A is positioned wound around the main body portion 42 between the flange portion 42B of the valve body 41 and the cylindrical portion 47A of the first connecting portion 45. Therefore, the end of the spring member 51A on the valve seat 17 side in the axial direction is attached to the flange portion 42B. The end of the spring member 51A opposite to the valve seat 17 in the axial direction is attached to the cylindrical portion 47A of the first connecting portion 45.

[0080] The spring member 51A is positioned between the magnet rotor 30 and the valve body 41. As shown in Figure 9, in a specific modified example, the spring member 51A is positioned in the axial direction between the magnet rotor 30 and the valve portion 43 of the valve body 41.

[0081] Furthermore, the modified electric valve 1A differs from this embodiment in that the valve body 41 is slidable along the axial direction. Also, the modified electric valve 1A differs from this embodiment in that the shape of the base portion 44B of the main body portion 42 is enlarged.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, in the modified example, the flange portion 44A and the stopper 48, which were positioned on either side of the first connecting portion 45 in the present embodiment, are not provided. Therefore, in the modified example, the main body portion 42 of the valve body 41 and the first connecting portion 45 are configured to slide against each other. In addition, the base portion 44B of the modified example has a larger diameter than the main body portion 42 of the valve body 41. The base portion 44B prevents the valve body 41 from falling out of the through hole 47A1 towards the magnet rotor 30.

[0083] Furthermore, in the modified electric valve 1A, the valve body unit 40A is fixed to the magnet rotor 30, which is different from this embodiment. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the right end surface of the first connecting portion 45 is in contact with the left end surface of the third portion 33. The left end surface of the first connecting portion 45 is in contact with the right end surface of the first cylindrical portion 32A of the second portion 32.

[0084] The first connecting portion 45 is directly fixed to the magnet rotor 30 by being sandwiched between the third portion 33 and the second portion 32. Therefore, the relative position between the valve body 41 and the magnet rotor 30 does not change whether the valve is open or closed.

[0085] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 32A of the second portion 32 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 32B. Also, the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 32A is smaller than the inner diameter of the first portion 31. Therefore, a gap is formed between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 at the position of the first cylindrical portion 32A. Other components of the modified electric valve 1A are the same as those of the electric valve 1 according to this embodiment, so a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0086] <Operation of the electric valve> As shown in Figure 10, when the valve is closed, the magnetic rotor 30 moves in a straight line toward the valve seat 17, and the valve body unit 40, which is integrated with the magnetic rotor 30, also moves toward the valve seat 17. When the valve portion 43 of the valve body 41 of the valve body unit 40 sits on the valve seat 17, the valve is closed. The spring member 51 connected to the magnetic rotor 30 is compressed by the magnetic rotor 30. The first connecting portion 45, which is integrated with the main body portion 42, stops due to being pushed by the compressed spring member 51.

[0087] In the modified configuration, after the valve portion 43 is seated, tightening causes the magnet rotor 30 to move further linearly toward the second pipe 9. The magnet rotor 30, which is integrated with the first connecting portion 45 that is slidable relative to the main body portion 42 and in contact with the valve seat 17, moves linearly toward the second pipe 9. The magnet rotor 30 moves linearly while resisting the force received from the compressed spring member 51.

[0088] The linear motion of the magnet rotor 30 compresses the spring member 51, which presses the valve body 41 against the valve seat 17 via the flange portion 42B. In a modified example, the pressing force of the magnet rotor 30 is transmitted to the valve body 41 via the first connecting portion 45, the spring member 51, and the flange portion 42B.

[0089] On the other hand, when the valve opens, the first connecting portion 45, which is connected to the magnet rotor 30 that moves linearly away from the valve seat 17, comes into contact with the base portion 44B. As the first connecting portion 45, which is in contact with the base portion 44B, moves further linearly away from the valve seat 17, the valve body 41 connected to the first connecting portion 45 also moves away from the valve seat 17. As a result, the valve opens.

[0090] (Effects of torture) In the modified electric valve 1A, as in this embodiment, the spring member 51A is compressed in conjunction with the linear motion of the magnet rotor 30 when the valve is closed. The compressed spring member 51A presses the valve body 41 toward the valve seat 17. This improves the sealing performance of the axial flow type electric valve when it is closed.

[0091] In the modified example, the axial end of the spring member 51A of the valve body unit 40A on the valve seat 17 side is attached to the valve body 41 side. The axial end of the spring member 51A opposite to the valve seat 17 is attached to the first connecting portion 45. As a result, an electric valve can be realized in which the spring member 51A is positioned sandwiched between the valve body 41 and the first connecting portion 45. The other effects and advantages of the electric valve 1A according to the modified example are the same as those of the electric valve 1 according to this embodiment, so a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0092] (Other examples of valve units) In a modified example, the limit position of the sliding range of the valve body 41 on the first pipe 8 side is set by the base portion 44, but in this disclosure, the limit position of the sliding range of the valve body 41 on the first pipe 8 side may be set by other configurations. For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, a valve body unit 40B according to another example has a first connecting portion 45, a cylindrical portion 47A, a valve body 41, a stopper 48, and a spring member 51A. The stopper 48 of the valve body unit 40B according to the other example has the same configuration as the stopper 48 of this embodiment.

[0093] As shown in Figure 13, a groove 42A1 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 42 of the valve body 41 on the base 44 side. In other examples, the width of the groove 42A1 measured along the left-right direction in Figure 5 is set to be greater than the plate thickness of the stopper 48. The protruding part of the base of the stopper 48 (not shown) and the respective protruding parts of the pair of arm parts 48B are fitted into the groove 42A1.

[0094] In an electric valve using the valve body unit 40B according to another example, the groove 42A1 and the stopper 48 can be used to set the limit position of the sliding range of the valve body 41 on the first pipe 8 side. The other effects of the electric valve using the valve body unit 40B according to another example are the same as those of the electric valve 1 according to this embodiment and the electric valve 1A according to a modified example, so a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0095] (Other embodiments) Next, an electric valve 1C according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 16. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the electric valve 1C of the other embodiment comprises a valve body 10, a magnet rotor 30, a stator 60, a support member 12, a valve seat member 13, a valve body unit 40C, and a spring member 51B. The valve body unit 40C has a first connecting portion 45 connected to the magnet rotor 30 and a valve body 41 supported by the first connecting portion 45.

[0096] The spring member 51B is connected to the magnet rotor 30 and is compressed as the magnet rotor 30 moves in a straight line. When the valve is closed, the valve body 41 is pressed toward the opposite side of the valve seat 17 by the compressed spring member 51B.

[0097] Specifically, in the valve body unit 40C of the electric valve 1C of another embodiment, the valve body 41, the first connecting portion 45, the cylindrical portion 47A, and the second connecting portion 47B are manufactured integrally. That is, the valve body 41 does not slide axially with respect to the first connecting portion 45, nor does it rotate around its axis. The valve body unit 40C is sandwiched between the second portion 32 and the third portion 33 of the magnet rotor 30, similar to the valve body unit 40A of the modified example.

[0098] In another embodiment, the spring member 51B is positioned within the valve chamber 18, sandwiched between the valve seat member 13 and the magnet rotor 30. In Figure 15, the left end of the spring member 51B on the second pipe 9 side in the axial direction of the valve body unit 40C is in contact with the right end surface of the cover portion 14. Also, in Figure 15, the right end of the spring member 51B on the first pipe 8 side is inserted into the gap formed between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 of the magnet rotor 30.

[0099] In this disclosure, the gap formed between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 is not essential. For example, the spring member 51B may be positioned such that its right end in Figure 15 contacts the valve chamber 18 side end face of any of the first portion 31, second portion 32, and third portion 33 of the magnet rotor 30. Other configurations of the electric valve 1C according to other embodiments are the same as those of the electric valve 1 according to this embodiment and the configuration of the modified electric valve 1A, so a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0100] <Operation of the electric valve> As shown in Figure 16, when the valve is closed, the magnetic rotor 30 moves in a straight line toward the valve seat 17, and the valve body unit 40, which is integrated with the magnetic rotor 30, also moves toward the valve seat 17. The spring member 51 connected to the magnetic rotor 30 is compressed by the magnetic rotor 30. The magnetic rotor 30 moves in a straight line toward the valve seat 17 while resisting the pressing force from the compressed spring member 51B. When the valve portion 43 of the valve body 41 of the valve body unit 40 seats on the valve seat 17, the valve is closed.

[0101] In other words, the spring member 51B mitigates the impact when the valve body 41 is pressed against the valve seat 17. As a result, the valve body 41 remains attached to the valve seat 17 even after the valve opening operation begins, preventing it from becoming difficult to detach from the valve seat 17 immediately (a condition known as valve seizing). Consequently, the driving stability of the electric valve 1C can be improved.

[0102] On the other hand, when the valve opens, the first connecting portion 45, which is connected to the magnet rotor 30 that moves linearly away from the valve seat 17, also moves linearly away from the valve seat 17, causing the valve body 41 connected to the first connecting portion 45 to move away from the valve seat 17. Furthermore, when the valve body 41 moves away from the valve seat 17, a compressed spring member 51 applies a force to the magnet rotor 30 in the direction away from the valve seat 17. Other effects of the electric valve 1C according to other embodiments are the same as those of the electric valve 1 according to this embodiment and the electric valve 1A according to a modified example, so a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0103] Although this disclosure has been described by the embodiments disclosed above, the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting this disclosure. For example, this disclosure may also be constructed by partially combining the configurations illustrated in the attached drawings. This disclosure includes various embodiments not described above, and the technical scope of this disclosure is determined solely by the inventive features of the claims that are reasonable from the above description. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1, 1A, 1C… Electric valve 5…Electric valve body 6… Stator Unit 6C…External surface 6D…Inner Diagram 6S…Inner space 8…First tube 9…Second pipe 10… Valve body 11… Case 12…Support member 12A…Lid part 12B…Support part 12B1... Male screw 12C…External surface 12D…Aperture 13… Valve seat member 14...Lid part 14C…External surface 15...Support part 16… Valve opening 17... Valve seat 18… Valve chamber 30…Magnetic rotor (rotor) 31...first part 32…Second part 32A...First cylindrical part 32B...Second cylindrical section 32C... step 33…Third part 33A...Female thread 33B…Peripheral wall part 33C…Groove 35…Interior space 36… Groove 40, 40A, 40B, 40C… Valve body unit 41… Valve body 42...Main body 42A,42A1…Groove 42B...Flange section 43… Valve 44...Base 44A...Flange section 44B…Base 45...First connection part 45A…Groove 46...Peripheral wall part 47A…Cylinder part 47A1...Through hole 47B…Second connection part 48... Stopper 48A…Base 48A1…Protrusion 48B...Arm section 48B1...Protruding part 48C... Notch 49…Through hole 51, 51A, 51B... Spring components 60... Stator F... Refrigerant L…Axis line

Claims

1. A valve body having a cylindrical shape, with a first pipe connected to one end in the axial direction and a second pipe connected to the other end, A rotor positioned inside the valve body, A stator, which is located outside the valve body and together with the rotor, constitutes a motor. A support member is positioned inside the valve body on the side of one end and converts the rotation of the rotor into linear motion along the axial direction, A valve seat member having a valve seat is positioned inside the valve body on the other end side, A valve body that moves in a straight line toward the valve seat in conjunction with the straight line motion of the rotor, A spring member is positioned between the rotor and the valve body, and in the closed valve state, is compressed by the linear motion of the rotor, pressing the valve body toward the valve seat. An electric valve equipped with the following features.

2. It includes a connecting portion that connects the rotor and the valve body, The end of the spring member on the valve seat side in the axial direction is attached to the connecting portion. The end of the spring member opposite to the valve seat in the axial direction is attached to the rotor. The electric valve according to claim 1.

3. It includes a connecting portion that connects the rotor and the valve body, The end of the spring member on the valve seat side in the axial direction is attached to the valve body side. The end of the spring member opposite to the valve seat in the axial direction is attached to the connecting portion. The electric valve according to claim 1.

4. The valve body is rotatably supported around its axis. The electric valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A valve body having a cylindrical shape, with a first pipe connected to one end in the axial direction and a second pipe connected to the other end, A rotor positioned inside the valve body, A support member is positioned inside the valve body on the side of one end and converts the rotation of the rotor into linear motion along the axial direction, and supports the rotor so that it can move back and forth along the axial direction. A valve seat member having a valve seat is positioned inside the valve body on the other end side, A valve body that moves in a straight line toward the valve seat in conjunction with the straight line motion of the rotor, A spring member is positioned between the rotor and the valve body, and in the closed valve state, is compressed by the linear motion of the rotor, pressing the valve body toward the valve seat. An electric valve body equipped with the above.

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