Electric valve and electric valve body

Abstract

This disclosure aims to provide an electric valve and an electric valve body in which, when the valve mechanism is arranged inside a cylindrical member, the protrusions created by welding when attaching the stator are less likely to interfere with the stator compared to when the cover member is welded to a cylindrical member of the same diameter to the end. [Solution] The electric valve 100 comprises a cylindrical member 102 having a cylindrical portion 104 and a small-diameter portion 106 connected to the first axial side of the cylindrical portion 104 and having a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical portion 104; a rotor 142 disposed inside the cylindrical portion 104; a stator 180 provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 104; a valve mechanism 155 disposed inside the cylindrical portion 104 and controlling the flow rate of fluid flowing inside the cylindrical member 102 by the rotational drive of the rotor 142; a first lid member 120 to which an inlet pipe 134 is connected and which closes the second axial side of the cylindrical member 102; and a second lid member 122 to which an outlet pipe 136 is connected, which is welded to the small-diameter portion 106 and which closes the first axial side of the cylindrical member 102.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a motor-operated valve and a motor-operated valve main body.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electrically operated control valve device in which a refrigerant inflow portion, a flow rate control portion, and a refrigerant outflow portion form a substantially linear flow path, and the flow rate of refrigerant is controlled by moving a valve body in a linear direction along with rotation of a magnet of a stepping motor to adjust the opening degree between a tip end portion of the valve body and a valve seat. According to the electrically operated control valve device of Patent Document 1, since fluid in a valve chamber can be made to flow in an approximately straight line, an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a motor-operated valve and a motor-operated valve main body in which, when a valve mechanism is arranged inside a cylindrical member, protrusions generated by welding are less likely to interfere with a stator when the stator is attached, compared to a case where a lid member is welded to a cylindrical member having the same diameter all the way to the end.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] The electric valve of the first embodiment comprises a cylindrical member having a cylindrical portion and a small-diameter portion connected to one side of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction and having a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical portion; a rotor disposed inside the cylindrical portion and rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical portion; a stator provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion and rotating the rotor; a valve mechanism disposed inside the cylindrical portion and controlling the flow rate of fluid flowing inside the cylindrical member by the rotational drive of the rotor; a first lid member to which a connecting pipe is connected and which closes the other side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction; and a second lid member to which a connecting pipe is connected and which is welded to the small-diameter portion and which closes the one side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction.

[0006] In this embodiment of the electric valve, even if a protrusion is generated at the welded joint between the second cover member and the cylindrical member, the protrusion occurs in the smaller diameter portion, so when viewed from the axial direction, the protrusion is less likely to protrude beyond the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion. For this reason, in an electric valve according to this embodiment, in an electric valve where the valve mechanism is arranged inside the cylindrical member, compared to a case where the cover member is welded to the cylindrical member of the same diameter to the end, the protrusion generated by welding when attaching the stator is less likely to interfere with the stator.

[0007] In the second embodiment of the electric valve, the rotor moves linearly in the axial direction by a lead screw mechanism located inside the cylindrical member, and the valve mechanism adjusts the valve opening degree by a valve body that moves axially together with the rotor.

[0008] In this embodiment of the electric valve, the rotor moves linearly in the axial direction by a lead screw mechanism located inside a cylindrical member. The valve mechanism adjusts the valve opening by moving axially together with the rotor. Therefore, this embodiment of the electric valve can achieve axial flow.

[0009] The third embodiment of the electric valve is an electric valve according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the central axis of the flow path that penetrates the first cover member in the axial direction and the central axis of the flow path that penetrates the second cover member in the axial direction are parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor.

[0010] In this embodiment of the electric valve, since the central axis of each flow path is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, the fluid flowing into and out of the electric valve can be made to flow in a nearly straight line. In other words, with this embodiment of the electric valve, pressure loss can be reduced compared to the case where the central axis of each flow path intersects the axis of rotation of the rotor at an angle.

[0011] The fourth embodiment of the electric valve is an electric valve according to any one embodiment of the first to third embodiments, wherein at least one of the first cover member or the second cover member has a pipe joint portion.

[0012] The electric valve according to this embodiment has a pipe joint in at least one of the first cover member or the second cover member. Therefore, the electric valve according to this embodiment can be connected to other pipes by the pipe joint.

[0013] The fifth embodiment of the electric valve is the electric valve described in the fourth embodiment, wherein the pipe joint is a flare joint.

[0014] Therefore, this embodiment of the electric valve makes it easy to connect to other pipes. In other words, it makes it easy to install and remove the electric valve.

[0015] The electric valve body of the sixth embodiment comprises a cylindrical member having a cylindrical portion and a small-diameter portion having a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical portion and connected to one side of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction; a rotor disposed inside the cylindrical portion and rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical portion; a valve mechanism disposed inside the cylindrical portion and controlling the flow rate of fluid flowing inside the cylindrical member by rotational driving of the rotor; a first lid member to which a connecting pipe is connected and which closes the other side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction; and a second lid member to which a connecting pipe is connected and which is welded to the small-diameter portion and which closes the one side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction.

[0016] In the motor-driven valve body according to this aspect, even if a protrusion is formed at the welded position between the second lid member and the cylindrical member, the protrusion is formed on the small-diameter portion, so that the protrusion is less likely to protrude beyond the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion when viewed from the axial direction. Therefore, in the motor-driven valve body in which the valve mechanism according to this aspect is arranged inside the cylindrical member, the protrusion generated by welding is less likely to interfere with the stator when the stator is attached, compared to a case where the lid member is welded to the cylindrical member having the same diameter up to the end. Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present disclosure, there are provided a motor-driven valve and a motor-driven valve body in which, when a valve mechanism is arranged inside a cylindrical member, a protrusion generated by welding is less likely to interfere with a stator when attaching the stator, compared to a case where a lid member is welded to a cylindrical member having the same diameter up to the end. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view illustrating the motor-driven valve and the motor-driven valve body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view illustrating the motor-driven valve and the motor-driven valve body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the motor-driven valve body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view illustrating a state of attaching a stator to the motor-driven valve body according to the first embodiment and assembling the motor-driven valve. [Figure 5] Following FIG. 4, it is a perspective view illustrating a state of attaching a stator to the motor-driven valve body according to the first embodiment and assembling the motor-driven valve. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view illustrating the motor-driven valve and the motor-driven valve body according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view illustrating a state of attaching a stator to the motor-driven valve body according to the second embodiment and assembling the motor-driven valve. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, an example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of description, and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0020] In the description of the present disclosure, the arrow Z direction is the moving direction of the valve body in each embodiment. In addition, the arrow Z direction is the direction in which fluid flows inside the cylindrical member of the motorized valve. The arrow Z direction may be referred to as the flow direction of the fluid. Furthermore, in the following description, one side with respect to any reference in any direction is defined as "the first side", and the side opposite to the first side is defined as "the second side".

[0021] [First Embodiment] (Configuration) Figure 1 shows a motorized valve 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the motorized valve 100 includes a motorized valve main body 101 and a stator 180. As also shown in Figure 1, a connection pipe 134 is connected to the motorized valve main body 101 of the motorized valve 100 on the second side in the arrow Z direction. Further, a connection pipe 136 is connected to the motorized valve main body 101 on the first side in the arrow Z direction. The motorized valve 100 of the present embodiment is, for example, incorporated in series in a linear pipe line of an air conditioning facility, and is used to control the flow rate of refrigerant in the air conditioning facility as an example of a fluid. In the following description, the connection pipe 134 is explained as an inflow pipe 134 (a first connection pipe) and the connection pipe 136 (a second connection pipe) as an outflow pipe 136, but the motorized valve may be used such that fluid flows in from the connection pipe 136 and flows out from the connection pipe 134.

[0022] (Motorized valve main body 101) As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the motorized valve main body 101 includes a cylindrical member 102, a rotor 142 arranged inside the cylindrical member 102, a valve mechanism 155, a first lid member 120, and a second lid member 122.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cylindrical member 102 is a member with openings on both sides in the direction of arrow Z. Also, in each figure, the axial direction of the cylindrical member 102 (i.e., the direction in which the cylindrical member 102 extends) coincides with the direction of movement of the valve body 156 and coincides with the direction of fluid flow. In the following explanation, "axial direction" will coincide with the direction of arrow Z.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cylindrical member 102 has a cylindrical portion 104 and a smaller diameter portion 106 that is smaller in diameter than the cylindrical portion 104 on the first axial side (left side in Figure 2). The cylindrical member 102 may be made of any material, but as will be described later, it is made of a non-magnetic material. As an example, the cylindrical member 102 is made of stainless steel. The difference in diameter between the cylindrical portion 104 and the smaller diameter portion 106 is set as appropriate, but the protrusions such as weld marks that occur at the welding location with the second lid member 122, which will be described later, are smaller than those of the cylindrical portion 104.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a rotor 142, which rotates due to the magnetic field generated from the stator 180, is housed inside the cylindrical portion 104. In this embodiment, the rotor 142 is a tubular permanent magnet with multiple magnetic poles.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the valve mechanism 155 is positioned inside the rotor 142 and is a member that moves axially in the cylindrical portion 104 as the rotor 142 rotates. More specifically, the valve mechanism 155 comprises an outer member 148, an inner member 144, a leaf spring 150, and a valve body 156.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the outer member 148 is a cylindrical member having a first cylindrical portion 157 that fits onto the inner circumferential surface of the rotor 142, and a second cylindrical portion 158 that is smaller in diameter than the first cylindrical portion 157 and is located on the first axial side of the first cylindrical portion 157. As shown in Figure 2, the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 158 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 157, and a shoulder portion 159 is formed between the first cylindrical portion 157 and the second cylindrical portion 158. As shown in Figure 2, the inside of the second cylindrical portion 158 functions as a fluid passage.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the inner member 144 fits inside the first cylindrical portion 157 of the outer member 148 and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 142. The inner member 144 also has an internal female thread 146 that screws into the male thread 128 of the first lid member 120, which will be described later. The way in which the inner member 144 and the male thread 128 of the first lid member 120 fit together will be described later.

[0029] Furthermore, in the valve mechanism 155 of this embodiment, the leaf spring 150 is held between the shoulder portion 159 of the outer member 148 and the inner member 144 inside the first cylindrical portion 157 of the outer member 148. As shown in Figure 3, the leaf spring 150 has an annular outer ring portion 151, an inner ring portion 154 which has a smaller diameter than the outer ring portion 151, and three legs 153 which connect the outer ring portion 151 and the inner ring portion 154.

[0030] In this embodiment, the outer annular portion 151 is held by being sandwiched between the outer member 148 and the inner member 144, as described above. The leg portion 153 is elastic and allows deformation such that the outer annular portion 151 and the inner annular portion 154 are axially misaligned. The leaf spring 150 may be made of any material, but as an example, it is made of stainless steel.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, in the valve mechanism 155 of this embodiment, the inner annular portion 154 that holds the valve body 156 is connected to the outer annular portion 151 by three legs 153. In other words, the space between each of the three legs 153 is a hole 152 that passes through the leaf spring 150 in the axial direction. In other words, the leaf spring 150 allows fluid to flow through the hole 152.

[0032] Furthermore, in the valve mechanism 155 of this embodiment, the valve body 156 is held by the inner annular portion 154. More specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the valve body 156 has a cylindrical shank portion 156S extending in the axial direction and a cap portion 156P whose first axial end relative to the shank portion 156S is widened. The valve body 156 also has a valve portion 156T on the second axial side of the shank portion 156S that tapers in the axial direction and contacts the valve seat 124, which will be described later. The valve body 156 is supported by the inner annular portion 154, into which the shank portion 156S is inserted. The valve body 156 may be rotatably held relative to the inner annular portion 154. As a result, the axial movement of the valve body 156 relative to the inner annular portion 154 is restricted, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first cover member 120 is a member that closes the second axial side of the electric valve body 101. As shown in Figure 2, the first cover member 120 has a cover portion 118 that closes the second axial side of the cylindrical member 102, and a cylindrical portion 116 that extends from the cover portion 118 to the first axial side inside the cylindrical member 102.

[0034] In this embodiment, the lid portion 118 is a part with an outer diameter similar to that of the cylindrical portion 104, as shown in Figure 2. A fluid passage 138 is formed in the lid portion 118, extending from the second axial side to the first axial side of the cylindrical portion 116. Also, as shown in Figure 2, an inlet pipe 134 into which fluid flows is connected to the second axial side of the lid portion 118. When the inlet pipe 134 is connected to the lid portion 118, the inlet pipe 134 is connected to the fluid passage 138, as shown in Figure 2. In the following description, the fluid passage 138 will be referred to as the inlet passage 138 (first fluid passage), and the fluid passage 140 (second fluid passage), which will be described later, will be referred to as the outlet passage 140. However, it may also be used so that fluid flows in from the fluid passage 140 and flows out from the fluid passage 138.

[0035] In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 116 has the same axis as the cylindrical portion 104. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 116 has a male threaded portion 128 on its outer surface, which has a male thread that engages with the female thread of the inner member 144.

[0036] In the cylindrical portion 116, the first axial end functions as a valve seat 124 with which the valve portion 156T of the valve body 156 contacts. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, in the inlet passage 138, the first axial end is a valve opening 126, and the opening of the valve opening 126 is adjusted by the movement of the valve body 156 relative to the valve seat 124.

[0037] The first lid member 120 may be fixed to the cylindrical member 102 in any way, but as an example, the second axial end of the cylindrical member 102 is welded to the outer circumferential surface of the lid portion 118 of the first lid member 120.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second cover member 122 is a member that closes the first axial side of the electric valve body 101. As shown in Figure 1, the second cover member 122 has a cover portion 132 that closes the first axial side of the cylindrical member 102, and a cylindrical portion 130 that extends from the cover portion 132 to the second axial side inside the cylindrical member 102.

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the outer diameter of the lid portion 132 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 106. The lid portion 132 has an outflow passage 140 (second flow path) through which fluid flows, from the first side in the axial direction to the second side in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 130. Also, as shown in Figure 2, an outflow pipe 136 is connected to the first side in the axial direction of the lid portion 132 through which fluid flows out. When the outflow pipe 136 is connected to the lid portion 132, as shown in Figure 2, the outflow pipe 136 is connected to the outflow passage 140.

[0040] In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 130 has the same axis (concentricity) as the small-diameter portion 106. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the cylindrical portion 130 has a gap that allows the second cylindrical portion 158 of the aforementioned outer member 148 to slide (rotate and move back and forth) inward, and by arranging it so as to overlap with the cylindrical portion 130 in the axial direction, the fluid flow is straightened in the axial direction.

[0041] The second lid member 122 is fixed by welding the first axial end of the small diameter portion 106 to the outer circumferential surface of the lid portion 132.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electric valve 100 has a central axis of the first flow path 138 that passes through the first cover member 120 that is concentric with the central axis of the second flow path 140 that passes through the second cover member 122. Also, the axial center of the cylindrical member 102, that is, the rotation axis center of the rotor 142, is concentric with the central axis of the first flow path 138 and the central axis of the second flow path 140.

[0043] (Stator 180) In this embodiment, the stator 180 is a component provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104. More specifically, the stator 180 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 104 and is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104.

[0044] Furthermore, the stator 180 generates a magnetic field around the axis of the cylindrical section 104 based on the control of a control unit (not shown). The magnetic field generated by the stator 180 causes the rotor 142, which is located inside the cylindrical section 104, to rotate, and the rotor 142 and the stator 180 constitute a motor.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the stator 180 in this embodiment has a circumferentially connected notch 182 that is connected in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 1, the width of the notch 182 (i.e., the length of the circumferential gap formed in the stator 180) is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outflow pipe 136. For this reason, as will be described later, the stator 180 is designed so that the outflow pipe 136 can pass through the notch 182.

[0046] (Adjustment of the opening of valve port 126) In this embodiment, when the rotor 142 rotates due to the magnetic field generated by the stator 180, the valve mechanism 155 located inside the rotor 142 also rotates. Since the female thread portion 146 of the inner member 144 engages with the male thread portion 128 of the first cover member 120, the rotation of the inner member 144 causes the valve mechanism 155 and the rotor 142 to move axially. In other words, the female thread portion 146 of the inner member 144 and the male thread portion 128 of the first cover member 120 constitute the feed screw mechanism 160 in this disclosure.

[0047] In other words, in the electric valve 100 of this embodiment, the rotor 142 rotates and the valve body 156 moves axially, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the valve port 126. This adjusts the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the inlet pipe 134 to the outlet pipe 136.

[0048] (Assembly Instructions) Here, the assembly procedure for the electric valve 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0049] When the electric valve 100 in this embodiment is assembled, first the inlet pipe 134 and the outlet pipe 136 are connected to the electric valve body 101. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the inlet pipe 134 is connected to the lid portion 118 of the first lid member 120, and the outlet pipe 136 is connected to the lid portion 132 of the second lid member 122.

[0050] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 5, the inlet pipe 134 and outlet pipe 136 are connected to other devices (such as heat exchangers) by brazing or welding. Therefore, it is generally difficult to attach the stator 180 to the electric valve body 101 from the outside after the refrigeration cycle piping has been connected.

[0051] In this embodiment, the assembly procedure for the electric valve 100 involves passing the outlet pipe 136 through the notch 182 in the stator 180, as shown in Figure 4.

[0052] Next, with the outflow pipe 136 (or inflow pipe 134) passing through the notch 182, the stator 180 is moved axially toward the electric valve body 101, as shown in Figure 5. The stator 180 is then moved past the small-diameter portion 106 of the electric valve body 101 and fixed in place on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104. In the case of a cylindrical stator without a notch 182, the stator is installed by sequentially inserting the outflow pipe 136 (or inflow pipe 134), the small-diameter portion 106, and the cylindrical portion 104 through the through hole in the center of the stator and moving them in that order.

[0053] Then, with the stator 180 positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104 of the electric valve body 101, the rotor 142 and the stator 180 constitute the motor, as described above. In other words, by providing the stator 180 on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104, the assembly of the electric valve 100 is completed as shown in Figure 1.

[0054] Furthermore, the stator 180 can be removed from the electric valve 100 by reversing the assembly procedure described above. For example, to replace only the stator 180 in the electric valve 100, first remove the stator 180 from the electric valve body 101 by reversing the assembly procedure described above. Then, using another stator 180, the electric valve 100 can be obtained by performing the assembly procedure described above.

[0055] Next, the operation and effects of the electric valve 100 and the electric valve body 101 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0056] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) In this embodiment, the electric valve 100 has a cylindrical member 102 having a cylindrical portion 104 and a small-diameter portion 106 having a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical portion 104. The rotor 142 and valve mechanism 155 are arranged inside the cylindrical portion 104. Furthermore, the cover portion 132 is welded to the small-diameter portion 106 of the cylindrical member 102, thereby closing the first axial side of the cylindrical member 102. Then, by moving the stator 180 relative to the cylindrical portion 104, the stator 180 is provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 104.

[0057] If the cylindrical member 102 is composed only of the cylindrical portion 104, then both sides of the cylindrical member 102 will be closed in the axial direction by the lid portion 132 welded to the cylindrical portion 104. In such a case, if there are weld marks at the welded joint between the cylindrical portion 104 and the lid portion 132, the weld marks will interfere with the stator 180 when attaching the stator 180 to the cylindrical member 102, making it difficult to attach the stator 180.

[0058] In this embodiment of the electric valve 100, the first axial side of the cylindrical member 102 is made into a small-diameter portion 106. The weld marks between the second cover member 122 and the cylindrical member 102 do not protrude as much as the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 104 when viewed from the axial direction. Therefore, in this embodiment of the electric valve 100, in an electric valve where the valve mechanism 155 is arranged inside the cylindrical member 102, compared to the case where the second cover member 122 is welded to the cylindrical member 102 of the same diameter to its end, the protrusions created by welding when installing the stator 180 are less likely to interfere with the stator 180.

[0059] According to this embodiment of the electric valve 100, the distance between the rotor 142 and the stator 180 does not tend to increase, so the torque can be increased compared to the case where the second cover member 122 is welded to the cylindrical member 102 of the same diameter to its end.

[0060] The valve mechanism 155 adjusts the valve opening by moving axially together with the rotor 142 by the lead screw mechanism 160. Therefore, according to this embodiment of the electric valve 100, axial flow can be achieved.

[0061] In this embodiment, the electric valve 100 has the central axis of the first passage 138 and the central axis of the second passage 140 parallel to the rotating axis of the rotor 142. Therefore, the fluid flowing into the electric valve 100 and out of the electric valve 100 can be made to flow in a nearly straight line. In other words, pressure loss can be reduced compared to the case where the central axis of the first passage 138 or the central axis of the second passage 140 intersects the rotating axis of the rotor 142 at an angle.

[0062] (modified version) In the above explanation, the center of the rotor 142's axis of rotation was assumed to be concentric with the central axis of the first flow path 138 and the central axis of the second flow path 140. However, it is sufficient that the center of the rotor 142's axis of rotation is at least parallel to the central axis of the first flow path 138 and the central axis of the second flow path 140. In other words, the position of the center of the rotor 142's axis of rotation may be offset from the central axis of the first flow path 138 and the central axis of the second flow path 140. The concentricity of the rotor 142's axis of rotation with the central axis of the first flow path 138 and the central axis of the second flow path 140 is an example of being parallel.

[0063] Furthermore, if the central axis of the first flow path 138 and the central axis of the second flow path 140 are at least parallel to each other, pressure loss can be reduced compared to the case where the central axis of the first flow path 138 and the central axis of the second flow path 140 intersect at an angle with respect to the rotating axis of the rotor 142.

[0064] Next, the electric valve 200 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the description of the electric valve 200 according to this embodiment, components similar to those of the electric valve 100 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their description may be omitted.

[0065] [Second Embodiment] (composition) As shown in Figure 6, the first lid member 220 in this embodiment has a lid portion 218, a pipe joint portion 260, and a cylindrical portion 116. Note that the outer member 148 is not shown in Figure 6.

[0066] The pipe joint portion 260 is a cylindrical portion extending from the second axial side of the lid portion 218. As shown in Figure 6, the pipe joint portion 260 has a male threaded portion 262 and a tapered surface 264 at the end on the second axial side. Furthermore, an inlet passage 138 is formed from the pipe joint portion 260 to the first axial side of the cylindrical portion 116, similar to the first embodiment. In other words, the pipe joint portion 260 of the first lid member 220 in this embodiment is a so-called flare joint.

[0067] Furthermore, the shape and function of the other parts of the first lid member 220 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6, the second lid member 222 in this embodiment has a lid portion 232, a pipe joint portion 260, and a cylindrical portion 130.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6, the pipe joint portion 260 of the second cover member 222 is a cylindrical portion extending from the cover portion 232, similar to the pipe joint portion 260 of the first cover member 220. Furthermore, an outflow passage 140 is formed from the pipe joint portion 260 to the second axial side of the cylindrical portion 130, similar to the first embodiment. In other words, the pipe joint portion 260 of the second cover member 222 in this embodiment is a so-called flare joint.

[0070] Furthermore, the shape and function of the other parts of the second lid member 222 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0071] (Stator 280) In this embodiment, the stator 280 is a component provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104, as shown in Figure 7. More specifically, the stator 280 is a component provided on the cylindrical portion 104, with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 104, as shown in Figure 7.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, the stator 280 in this embodiment is connected all around in the circumferential direction. In other words, the stator 280 in this embodiment does not have the notch 182 that was formed on the stator 180 of the electric valve 100 in the first embodiment. The shape and function of other parts of the stator 280 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0073] In Figures 6 and 7, the inlet pipe 134 and outlet pipe 136 are omitted from the illustration. Similar to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the inlet pipe 134 is connected to the pipe joint portion 260 of the first lid member 220. Also, similar to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the outlet pipe 136 is connected to the pipe joint portion 260 of the second lid member 222. In this embodiment, the inlet pipe 134 is flared in order to connect to the pipe joint portion 260 of the first lid member 220. Also, in this embodiment, the outlet pipe 136 is flared in order to connect to the pipe joint portion 260 of the second lid member 222.

[0074] (Assembly Instructions) Here, the assembly procedure for the electric valve 200 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7.

[0075] When the electric valve 200 in this embodiment is assembled, the first axial side of the electric valve body 201 is first inserted into the inner circumference of the stator 280. In other words, in this embodiment, the second cover member 222 of the electric valve body 201 is first passed over the stator 280.

[0076] Next, with the second cover member 222 passed over the stator 280, the stator 280 is moved axially toward the electric valve body 201, as shown in Figure 7. The stator 280 is then moved past the small-diameter portion 106 of the electric valve body 201 until it is positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104.

[0077] Then, with the stator 280 positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104 of the electric valve body 201, the rotor 142 and the stator 280 constitute a stepping motor as described above. In other words, by providing the stator 280 on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104, the assembly of the electric valve 200 is completed as shown in Figure 1.

[0078] Subsequently, the inlet pipe 134 is connected to the pipe joint portion 260 of the first cover member 220 of the electric valve 200, and the outlet pipe 136 is connected to the pipe joint portion 260 of the second cover member 222.

[0079] Furthermore, the stator 280 can be removed from the electric valve 200 by reversing the assembly procedure described above. For example, to replace only the stator 280 in the electric valve 200, first, by reversing the assembly procedure described above, the inlet pipe 134 is removed from the pipe joint portion 260 of the first cover member 220, and the outlet pipe 136 is removed from the pipe joint portion 260 of the second cover member 222. Next, the stator 280 in the electric valve 200 is removed from the electric valve body 201. After that, a new electric valve 200 can be obtained by performing the assembly procedure described above using a different stator 280.

[0080] Next, the operation and effects of the electric valve 200 and the electric valve body 201 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0081] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) The electric valve 200 according to this embodiment is provided with pipe joints 260 on both the axial side. Therefore, according to the electric valve 200 according to this embodiment, it can be connected to other pipes by pipe joints.

[0082] Furthermore, the electric valve 200 according to this embodiment is a flare joint. Therefore, the electric valve 200 according to this embodiment is easy to connect to other pipes. In other words, it is easy to install and remove the electric valve 200 from the inlet pipe 134 and the outlet pipe 136. In other words, it is easy to replace only the stator 280 or only the electric valve body 201 according to this embodiment.

[0083] Furthermore, in the electric valve 200 of this embodiment, the same operation and effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained by using the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

[0084] (modified version) In the above description, both the first cover member 220 and the second cover member 222 had a pipe joint portion 260. However, the configuration of the electric valve body 201 in this embodiment is not limited to this. That is, the pipe joint portion 260 may be formed only on the first side of either the first cover member 220 or the second cover member 222. In this case as well, the same operation and effects as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0085] [Other embodiments] In the above description, the stators 180 and 280 were provided at appropriate positions on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104. In this disclosure, the electric valves 100 and 200 may be configured in such a way that the stator 180 or 280 is positioned using the boundary between the small-diameter portion 106 and the cylindrical portion 104. For example, a projection projecting radially inward is provided at the first axial end of the stator 180 or 280, and this projection is hooked onto the boundary between the small-diameter portion 106 and the cylindrical portion 104.

[0086] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it is clear that any person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs could conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these too are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 100, 200 electric valves 101, 201 Electric valve body 102 Cylindrical member 104 Cylindrical section 106 Small diameter section 116 Cylinder part 118, 218 Lid 120, 220 First lid member 122, 222 Second lid member 124 valve seats 126 valve opening 128 Male threaded section 130 Cylinder part 132, 232 Lid 134 Connecting pipe (an example of an inlet pipe) 136 Connecting pipe (an example of an outflow pipe) 138 Inflow channel 140 Outflow channel 142 Rotor 144 Inner member 146 Female thread section 148 Outer member 150 leaf springs 151 Outer annular section 152 holes 153 Legs 154 Inner annular section 155 Valve mechanism 156 Valve body 156P Kasabe 156S Handle 156T valve part 157 First cylinder part 158 Second cylinder part 160 Lead screw mechanism 180, 280 staters 182 Notches 260 Pipe joint section 262 Male threaded section 264 Tapered surface

Claims

1. A cylindrical member having a cylindrical portion and a smaller diameter portion connected to one side of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction and having a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical portion, A rotor is disposed inside the cylindrical portion and is rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical portion, A stator is provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion and rotates the rotor, A valve mechanism is positioned inside the cylindrical portion and controls the flow rate of the fluid flowing inside the cylindrical member by the rotational drive of the rotor, A connecting pipe is connected to a first lid member that closes the other side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, A connecting pipe is connected and welded to the small diameter portion, and a second lid member closes one side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, An electric valve equipped with the following features.

2. The rotor moves linearly in the axial direction by a feed screw mechanism that rotates while meshing with a male screw with the same axis arranged inside the cylindrical member, The valve mechanism includes a valve body that moves axially together with the rotor, which adjusts the valve opening. The electric valve according to claim 1.

3. The central axis of the flow path that penetrates the first lid member in the axial direction and the central axis of the flow path that penetrates the second lid member in the axial direction are at least parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The electric valve according to claim 1.

4. At least one of the first lid member or the second lid member has a pipe joint portion. An electric valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned pipe joint is a flare joint. The electric valve according to claim 4.

6. A cylindrical member having a cylindrical portion and a smaller diameter portion connected to one side of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction, the smaller diameter portion having a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical portion. A rotor is disposed inside the cylindrical portion and is rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical portion, A valve mechanism is positioned inside the cylindrical portion and controls the flow rate of the fluid flowing inside the cylindrical member by the rotational drive of the rotor, A connecting pipe is connected to a first lid member that closes the other side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, A connecting pipe is connected and welded to the small diameter portion, and a second lid member closes one side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, An electric valve body equipped with the above.

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