Electric valve and electric valve body

Abstract

This disclosure aims to provide an electric valve and an electric valve body that, when the valve mechanism is located inside a cylindrical member, minimize differences in fluid flow rate and flow pattern regardless of which side of the cylindrical member the fluid flows into. [Solution] The electric valve 100 comprises a cylindrical member 102 that extends in the axial direction and through which fluid flows in the axial direction, a rotor 142 disposed inside the cylindrical member 102 and rotatable around the axis of the cylindrical member 102, a stator 180 attached to the outer circumference of the cylindrical member 102 and rotating the rotor 142, a first valve seat 124A and a second valve seat 124B arranged facing each other in the axial direction and having a symmetrical shape, a first valve member 156A and a second valve member 156B provided between the first valve seat 124A and the second valve seat 124B, and a feed screw mechanism 190 that moves the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B in the axial direction as the rotor 142 moves in the axial direction.

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-controlled 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 the tip end portion of the valve body and a valve seat.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, since it is assumed that the refrigerant flows only in one direction, when the flow direction is different, the flow rate and flow pattern of the refrigerant change.

[0005] 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, a difference is less likely to occur in the flow rate and flow pattern of fluid regardless of which side of the cylindrical member the fluid flows in from.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The electric valve of the first embodiment comprises a cylindrical member extending in the axial direction through which fluid flows in the axial direction; a rotor disposed inside the cylindrical member and rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical member; a stator attached to the outer circumference of the cylindrical member and rotating the rotor; a pair of valve seats arranged inside the cylindrical member facing each other in the axial direction and having a symmetrical shape; a valve body provided between the pair of valve seats; and a feed screw mechanism that moves the valve body in the axial direction as the rotor moves in the axial direction.

[0007] According to this embodiment of the electric valve, differences in fluid flow rate and flow pattern are less likely to occur regardless of which side of the cylindrical member the fluid flows into.

[0008] The electric valve of the second embodiment is the electric valve of the first embodiment, wherein when the rotor rotates, the valve body moves closer to one of the pair of valve seats and away from the other of the pair of valve seats.

[0009] According to this embodiment of the electric valve, the configuration is simpler compared to the case in which the valve body is moved in different axial directions.

[0010] The electric valve of the third embodiment is the electric valve of the first embodiment, wherein the valve body portion comprises a pair of valve bodies facing opposite directions in the axial direction, and the pair of valve bodies move in different directions in the axial direction when the rotor rotates.

[0011] According to this embodiment of the electric valve, the fluid flow can be controlled by both of the pair of valve bodies.

[0012] In the fourth embodiment, the electric valve is such that, in the electric valve described in the third embodiment, the distances between the pair of valve bodies and the pair of valve seats that move with the rotation of the rotor are equal.

[0013] In this embodiment of the electric valve, the distance between the pair of valve bodies and the pair of valve seats is equal. Therefore, with this embodiment of the electric valve, the state of the fluid flowing through the valve opening can be made equal regardless of which side of the cylindrical member the fluid flows in from.

[0014] The electric valve body of the fifth embodiment comprises a cylindrical member extending in the axial direction through which fluid flows in the axial direction, a rotor disposed inside the cylindrical member and rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical member, a pair of symmetrically shaped valve seats arranged facing each other in the axial direction inside the cylindrical member, a valve body provided between the pair of valve seats, and a feed screw mechanism that moves the valve body in the axial direction as the rotor moves in the axial direction.

[0015] According to this embodiment of the electric valve body, differences in fluid flow rate and flow pattern are less likely to occur regardless of which side of the cylindrical member the fluid flows into. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this disclosure, when the valve mechanism is arranged inside a cylindrical member, an electric valve and an electric valve body are provided that minimize differences in fluid flow rate and flow pattern regardless of which side of the cylindrical member the fluid flows into. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating the electric valve and electric valve body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electric valve and electric valve body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the electric valve body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view illustrating the valve section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the valve portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the electric valve and electric valve body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view continuing from FIG. 6 for explaining the operation of the motor-operated valve and the motor-operated valve main body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view illustrating the motor-operated valve and the motor-operated valve main body according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the motor-operated valve main body according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view illustrating the valve portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view illustrating the valve mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the motor-operated valve and the motor-operated valve main body according to the second embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. In addition, dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of description, and may differ from actual ratios.

[0019] In the description of the present disclosure, the direction of arrow Z is the moving direction of the valve body in each embodiment. Further, the direction of arrow Z is the direction in which fluid flows inside the cylindrical member in the motor-operated valve. The direction of arrow Z may be referred to as the flow direction of the fluid. In the following description, one side with respect to any reference in any direction is defined as a "first side", and the opposite side to the first side is defined as a "second side".

[0020] [First Embodiment] (Configuration) Figure 1 shows an electric valve 100 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the electric valve 100 comprises an electric valve body 101 and a stator 180. Also as shown in Figure 1, a first pipe 134 into which fluid flows is connected to the electric valve body 101 on the second side in the direction of arrow Z. A second pipe 136 out which fluid flows is connected to the electric valve body 101 on the first side in the direction of arrow Z. The electric valve 100 in this embodiment is incorporated in series in a straight pipeline of an air conditioning system, for example, and is used to control the flow rate of refrigerant in an air conditioning system as an example of fluid.

[0021] (Electric valve body 101) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the electric valve body 101 comprises a cylindrical member 102, a rotor 142 positioned inside the cylindrical member 102, a valve mechanism 155, and a first cover member 120 and a second cover member 122.

[0022] 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 first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B, and coincides with the direction of fluid flow. In the following explanation, "axial direction" will coincide with the direction of arrow Z.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 multi-pole magnetized tubular permanent magnet, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0025] 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, a first valve member 156A, and a second valve member 156B.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 portion 146, which screws into the male thread portion 128 of the first lid member 120, which will be described later. The way in which the inner member 144 and the male thread portion 128 of the first lid member 120 fit together will be described later.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, in the valve mechanism 155 of this embodiment, the inner annular portion 154 that holds the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B 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.

[0031] Furthermore, in the valve mechanism 155 of this embodiment, the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B are rotatably held with respect to the inner annular portion 154. More specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first valve member 156A has a cylindrical handle portion 156S extending in the axial direction, a large-diameter portion 156L whose first axial end relative to the handle portion 156S is widened, and a projection portion 156P that protrudes from the large-diameter portion 156L to the first axial side. The first valve member 156A also has a valve portion 156T on the second axial side of the handle portion 156S that tapers in the axial direction and contacts the first valve seat 124A, which will be described later. The second valve member 156B has a handle portion 156S whose first axial side is tapered, and a fitting portion 156C formed at the first axial end relative to the handle portion 156S and having a hole into which the projection portion 156P fits. Furthermore, the second valve member 156B has a valve portion 156T on the first axial side of the shank portion 156S that is tapered in the axial direction and contacts the second valve seat 124B, which will be described later.

[0032] Furthermore, the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B are configured such that the protruding portion 156P is inserted inside the inner annular portion 154, and the protruding portion 156P fits into the hole of the fitting portion 156C. As a result, the axial movement of the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B relative to the inner annular portion 154 is restricted, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In this embodiment, the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B are rotatable relative to the inner annular portion 154.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the combined state of the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B is symmetrical in the axial direction. More specifically, the shapes of the shank portion 156S and valve portion 156T of the first valve member 156A and the shapes of the shank portion 156S and valve portion 156T of the second valve member 156B are symmetrical in the axial direction, as shown in Figure 5. In this way, the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B constitute the "valve body" in this embodiment.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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. The lid portion 118 has a first flow path 138 through which fluid flows from the second side in the axial direction to the first side in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 116. Also, as shown in Figure 2, a first pipe 134 into which fluid flows is connected to the second side in the axial direction of the lid portion 118. When the first pipe 134 is connected to the lid portion 118, the first pipe 134 is connected to the first flow path 138, as shown in Figure 2.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Furthermore, the first axial end of the cylindrical portion 116 functions as a first valve seat 124A, with which the valve portion 156T of the first valve member 156A makes contact. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the first axial end of the first flow path 138 is the first valve opening 126A, and the opening degree of the first valve opening 126A is adjusted by the movement of the first valve member 156A relative to the first valve seat 124A.

[0038] 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.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 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 2, 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.

[0040] In this embodiment, the lid portion 132 is a part whose outer diameter is approximately the same as that of the small diameter portion 106, as shown in Figure 2. A second fluid passage 140 is formed in the lid portion 132, through which fluid flows from the first axial side to the second axial side of the cylindrical portion 130. Also, as shown in Figure 2, a second pipe 136 is connected to the lid portion 132, through which fluid flows out to the first axial side. When the second pipe 136 is connected to the lid portion 132, the second pipe 136 is connected to the second fluid passage 140, as shown in Figure 2.

[0041] In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 130 shares the same axis as the small-diameter portion 106. Furthermore, the second axial end of the cylindrical portion 130 functions as a second valve seat 124B in contact with the second valve member 156B. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the second axial end of the second flow path 140 is a second valve opening 126B in contact with the second valve member 156B, and the opening degree of the second valve opening 126B is adjusted by the movement of the second valve member 156B.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the shape of the second valve seat 124B is axially symmetrical to that of the first valve seat 124A. In other words, the first valve seat 124A and the second valve seat 124B are an example of a "pair of valve seats" in this embodiment.

[0043] Furthermore, the first valve seat 124A and the second valve seat 124B are positioned facing each other in the axial direction. Therefore, the way in which the first valve member 156A adjusts the opening degree of the first valve port 126A of the first valve seat 124A and the way in which the second valve member 156B adjusts the opening degree of the second valve port 126B of the second valve seat 124B are equivalent. Regardless of the direction from which the fluid flows, the flow pattern is the same (or approximately the same).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In this embodiment, the stator 180 is a component provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104, as shown in Figure 2. More specifically, the stator 180 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 2.

[0047] 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 together constitute a so-called stepping motor.

[0048] 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 second tube 136. Therefore, the stator 180 is designed so that the second tube 136 can pass through the notch 182.

[0049] (Adjustment of the opening of the first valve port 126A and the second valve port 126B) 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 electric valve 100 in this embodiment has a feed screw mechanism 190 that moves the valve mechanism 155 axially in accordance with the rotation of the rotor 142. The feed screw mechanism 190 allows adjustment of the opening degree of the first valve port 126A of the first valve seat 124A and the opening degree of the second valve port 126B of the second valve seat 124B, which are a pair of valve seats, in accordance with the rotation of the rotor 142.

[0050] For example, when the rotor 142 rotates and the valve mechanism 155 moves to the first axial side, the first valve member 156A moves from a state in contact with the first valve port 126A, as shown in Figure 2, to a state separated from the first valve port 126A, as shown in Figure 6. In this state, the first valve port 126A is not blocked by the first valve member 156A, so the flow paths from the first flow path 138 to the second flow path 140 are connected. In other words, in the state shown in Figure 6, fluid can flow from the first flow path 138 to the second flow path 140, or from the second flow path 140 to the first flow path 138.

[0051] Then, as the rotor 142 continues to rotate from the state shown in Figure 6, if the valve mechanism 155 moves to the first side in the axial direction, the second valve member 156B comes into contact with the second valve opening 126B, as shown in Figure 7. In this state, the second valve opening 126B is blocked by the second valve member 156B, interrupting the flow from the first flow path 138 to the second flow path 140. In other words, in the state shown in Figure 7, fluid cannot flow from the first flow path 138 to the second flow path 140, or from the second flow path 140 to the first flow path 138.

[0052] For example, in the electric valve 100 of this embodiment, when the fluid flows from the first passage 138 to the second passage 140, the opening degree of the first valve port 126A is controlled by the first valve member 156A in order to control the flow. On the other hand, when the fluid flows from the second passage 140 to the first passage 138, the opening degree of the second valve port 126B is controlled by the second valve member 156B in order to control the flow.

[0053] Thus, in the electric valve 100 of this embodiment, the rotation of the rotor 142 causes the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B to move in the same axial direction, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the first valve port 126A or the second valve port 126B. By adjusting the opening degree of the first valve port 126A or the second valve port 126B, the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the first pipe body 134 to the second pipe body 136, or from the second pipe body 136 to the first pipe body 134, is adjusted.

[0054] Next, the operation and effects of the electric valve 100 and the electric valve body 101 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0055] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) The electric valve 100 according to this embodiment includes a first valve member 156A and a second valve member 156B, which are a pair of symmetrically shaped first valve members 156A and second valve members 156B arranged inside the cylindrical member 102, with the first valve member 156A and second valve member 156B positioned between the first valve seat 124A and the second valve seat 124B. Furthermore, when the rotor 142 rotates, the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B move axially inside the cylindrical member 102. At least one of the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B adjusts the opening degree of the first valve port 126A in the first valve seat 124A or the opening degree of the second valve port 126B in the second valve seat 124B. In this way, the electric valve 100 according to this embodiment controls the flow rate inside the cylindrical member 102 from the first side in the axial direction to the second side, or from the second side in the axial direction to the first side.

[0056] Therefore, according to this embodiment of the electric valve 100, when fluid flows into the cylindrical member 102 from either side, the opening degree of the first valve port 126A or the second valve port 126B can be adjusted in accordance with the direction of the fluid flow. In other words, according to this embodiment of the electric valve 100, the difference between the fluid flow (i.e., flow resistance) when the direction of the fluid flow inside the cylindrical member 102 is from the first side to the second side and the fluid flow when the direction of the fluid flow inside the cylindrical member 102 is from the second side to the first side becomes smaller.

[0057] Furthermore, since there is no difference in flow rate or flow pattern even when the direction of fluid flow changes, there is no need to change the control when using it for both flow modes. In other words, with the electric valve 100, the flow rate can be adjusted regardless of which side the fluid flowing through the cylindrical member 102 is flowing in.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the electric valve 100, the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B move in the same axial direction when the rotor 142 rotates. In other words, in this embodiment of the electric valve 100, either the first valve member 156A or the second valve member 156B controls the fluid flow by adjusting the opening degree of the first valve port 126A or the second valve port 126B.

[0059] Therefore, the electric valve 100 according to this embodiment has a simpler configuration compared to the case in which the first valve member 156A and the second valve member 156B are moved in different axial directions.

[0060] Next, an electric valve according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. In the description of the electric valve according to this embodiment, components similar to those in the electric valve according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their description may be omitted.

[0061] [Second Embodiment] (composition) (Electric valve body 201) As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the electric valve body 201 comprises a cylindrical member 202, a first rotor 242A and a second rotor 242B arranged axially inside the cylindrical member 202, a first valve mechanism 255A and a second valve mechanism 255B, and a first cover member 220A and a second cover member 220B.

[0062] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cylindrical member 202 in this embodiment differs from the cylindrical member 102 in the first embodiment in that its diameter is the same from one end in the axial direction to the other. In other words, the cylindrical member 202 in this embodiment differs from the cylindrical member 102 in the first embodiment in that it does not have a small diameter portion 106.

[0063] The first valve mechanism 255A, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, is positioned inside the first rotor 242A and moves in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 202 as the first rotor 242A rotates. More specifically, the first valve mechanism 255A comprises a first inner member 244A, a leaf spring 250, and a valve member 256A. The specific shape of the first rotor 242A is equivalent to that of the rotor 142 in the first embodiment.

[0064] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first inner member 244A fits onto the inner circumferential surface of the first rotor 242A and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotor 242A. The first inner member 244A also has a first female threaded portion 246A inside, which screws into the first male threaded portion 228A of the first lid member 220A, which will be described later. In this embodiment, as an example, the first female threaded portion 246A is a right-hand thread. The way in which the first inner member 244A and the first male threaded portion 228A of the first lid member 220A fit together will be described later.

[0065] Furthermore, in the first valve mechanism 255A of this embodiment, the leaf spring 250 is held by being crimped to the first inner member 244A. As shown in Figure 10, the leaf spring 250 has an annular outer ring portion 251, an inner ring portion 254 which has a smaller diameter than the outer ring portion 251, and three legs 253 which connect the outer ring portion 251 and the inner ring portion 254.

[0066] In this embodiment, the outer annular portion 251 has three holes 260, as shown in Figure 10. The projections 247 of the first inner member 244A are inserted into the holes 260 and crimped so that the projections 247 expand in diameter. As a result, the leaf spring 250 is held by the first inner member 244A, as shown in Figure 11. The leg portion 253 is elastic and allows deformation such that the outer annular portion 251 and the inner annular portion 254 are axially misaligned. The leaf spring 250 may be made of any material, but as an example, it is made of stainless steel.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, in the first valve mechanism 255A of this embodiment, the inner annular portion 254 that holds the valve member 256A is connected to the outer annular portion 251 by three legs 253. In other words, the space between each of the three legs 253 is a hole 252 that passes through the leaf spring 250 in the axial direction. In other words, the leaf spring 250 allows fluid to flow through the hole 252.

[0068] Furthermore, in the first valve mechanism 255A of this embodiment, the valve member 256A is held by being crimped to the inner annular portion 254. More specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the valve member 256A has a cylindrical handle portion 256S extending in the axial direction and a cap portion 256P whose first axial end relative to the handle portion 256S is enlarged. The valve member 256A also has a valve portion 256T on the second axial side of the handle portion 256S that tapers in the axial direction and contacts the first valve seat 224A, which will be described later. The valve member 256A is crimped to form the cap portion 256P with the handle portion 256S inserted inside the inner annular portion 254. As a result, the valve member 256A is restricted from moving in the axial direction relative to the inner annular portion 254, as shown in Figures 8 and 11. In this embodiment, the valve member 256A is rotatable relative to the inner annular portion 254.

[0069] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second valve mechanism 255B is positioned inside the second rotor 242B and moves in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 202 as the second rotor 242B rotates. The specific shape of the second rotor 242B is the same as that of the rotor 142 in the first embodiment.

[0070] The second valve mechanism 255B comprises a second inner member 244B, a leaf spring 250, and a valve member 256B.

[0071] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second inner member 244B fits onto the inner circumferential surface of the second rotor 242B and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotor 242B. The second inner member 244B also has a second female threaded portion 246B inside, which screws into the second male threaded portion 228B of the first lid member 220A, which will be described later. In this embodiment, as an example, the second female threaded portion 246B is a left-hand thread. The way in which the second inner member 244B and the second male threaded portion 228B of the first lid member 120 fit together will be described later. The pitch of the female threaded portion 228B is the same as that of the female threaded portion 228A.

[0072] The other components of the second inner member 244B are the same as those of the first inner member 244A, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Therefore, the leaf spring 250 is held in place by the second inner member 244B.

[0073] In other words, in this embodiment, the first valve mechanism 255A and the second valve mechanism 255B are symmetrical in the axial direction. That is, the valve members 256A and 256B of the first valve mechanism 255A and the second valve mechanism 255B, respectively, are examples of a "pair of valve bodies" in this embodiment.

[0074] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first lid member 220A in this embodiment has a first lid portion 218A and a cylindrical portion 216A.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first lid portion 218A is a portion with an outer diameter similar to that of the cylindrical member 202, as shown in Figure 8. The first lid portion 218A has a first fluid passage 238A formed therein, through which fluid flows from the second side in the axial direction to the first side in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 216A. Also, as shown in Figure 8, a first pipe 134 into which fluid flows is connected to the second side in the axial direction of the first lid portion 218A. When the first pipe 134 is connected to the first lid portion 218A, the first pipe 134 is connected to the first fluid passage 238A, as shown in Figure 8.

[0076] In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 216A has the same axis as the cylindrical member 202. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 216A has a first male threaded portion 228A on its outer surface, which has a male thread that engages with the female thread of the second inner member 244B. In this embodiment, as an example, the first male threaded portion 228A is a right-hand thread.

[0077] Furthermore, the first axial end of the cylindrical portion 216A functions as a first valve seat 224A, with which the valve portion 256T of the valve member 256A makes contact. More specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the first axial end of the first flow path 238A is the first valve opening 226A, and the opening degree of the first valve opening 226A is adjusted by the movement of the valve member 256A relative to the first valve seat 224A.

[0078] Furthermore, the shape and function of the other parts of the first lid member 220A are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0079] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second lid member 220B in this embodiment has a second lid portion 218B and a cylindrical portion 216B.

[0080] The second cover 218B is axially symmetrical to the first cover 218A. A second pipe 136 into which fluid flows is connected to the first side of the second cover 218B in the axial direction. When the second pipe 136 is connected to the second cover 218B, the second pipe 136 is connected to the second flow path 238B, as shown in Figure 8.

[0081] In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 216B has the same axis as the cylindrical member 202. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 216B has a second male threaded portion 228B on its outer surface, which has a male thread that engages with the female thread of the second inner member 244B. In this embodiment, as an example, the second male threaded portion 228B is a left-hand thread.

[0082] In other words, the second lid member 220B in this embodiment is axially symmetrical to the first lid member 220A. In this embodiment, the first valve seat 224A and the second valve seat 224B are examples of the "pair of valve seats" in this embodiment.

[0083] In this embodiment, the female thread portion 228A of the first inner member 244A and the first male thread portion 228A of the first lid member 220A are right-hand threads. On the other hand, the female thread portion 228B of the second inner member 244B and the second male thread portion 228B of the second lid member 220B are left-hand threads. Therefore, when the first rotor 242A and the second rotor 242B rotate in the same direction, the first valve mechanism 255A and the second valve mechanism 255B move in opposite axial directions to each other. That is, the electric valve 200 in this embodiment has a first feed screw mechanism 290A that moves the first valve mechanism 255A in the axial direction in accordance with the rotation of the first rotor 242A, and a second feed screw mechanism 290B that moves the second valve mechanism 255B in the axial direction in accordance with the rotation of the second rotor 242B. The first feed screw mechanism 290A and the second feed screw mechanism 290B allow the opening degree of the valve port in the pair of valve seats to be adjusted as the first rotor 242A and the second rotor 242B rotate.

[0084] Furthermore, the amount of axial movement of the first valve mechanism 255A and the second valve mechanism 255B are equal. Note that equal axial movement means that the opening degrees of the first valve port 226A and the second valve port 226B are practically equivalent, and industrial errors may be included.

[0085] For example, if the first rotor 242A rotates and the first valve mechanism 255A moves to the first side in the axial direction, the valve member 256A changes from a state in which it was in contact with the first valve opening 226A as shown in Figure 12 to a state in which it is separated from the first valve opening 226A as shown in Figure 8.

[0086] As the first rotor 242A rotates and the second rotor 242B rotates, the second valve mechanism 255B moves to the second side in the axial direction. As a result, the valve member 256B moves from a state in contact with the second valve port 226B, as shown in Figure 12, to a state in which it is separated from the second valve port 226B, as shown in Figure 8. In this state, the flow paths from the first flow path 238A to the second flow path 238B are connected. In other words, in the state shown in Figure 8, fluid can flow from the first flow path 238A to the second flow path 238B, or from the second flow path 238B to the first flow path 238A.

[0087] Thus, in the electric valve 200 of this embodiment, the rotation of the first rotor 242A and the second rotor 242B causes the valve members 256A and 256B to move in different axial directions. As a result, the valve members 256A and 256B adjust the opening of the first valve port 226A and the second valve port 226B. By adjusting the opening of the first valve port 226A and the second valve port 226B, the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the first pipe body 134 to the second pipe body 136, or from the second pipe body 136 to the first pipe body 134, is adjusted.

[0088] Next, the operation and effects of the electric valve 200 and the electric valve body 201 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0089] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) In this embodiment of the electric valve 200, the valve members 256A and 256B of the first valve mechanism 255A and the second valve mechanism 255B, respectively, move in different axial directions when the first rotor 242A and the second rotor 242B rotate. In other words, in this embodiment of the electric valve 200, the valve members 256A and 256B of the first valve mechanism 255A and the second valve mechanism 255B, respectively, control the fluid flow by adjusting the opening degrees of the first valve ports 226A and 226B of the first valve seat 224A and the second valve seat 224B, respectively.

[0090] In this embodiment, the electric valve 200 has a first valve mechanism 255A and a second valve mechanism 255B, and the distance that the valve members 256A and 256B of the first valve mechanism 255A and the second valve mechanism 255B move with the rotation of the first rotor 242A and the second rotor 242B are both equal. In other words, in this embodiment, the electric valve 200 has a first valve opening 226A and a second valve opening 226B of the first valve seat 224A and the second valve seat 224B are both equal in opening degree.

[0091] Therefore, according to this embodiment of the electric valve 200, the state of the fluid flowing through the first valve ports 226A and 226B can be made equal regardless of which side of the cylindrical member 202 the fluid flows into.

[0092] [Other embodiments] In the above description, the first lid member 120 and the first lid member 220A were both connected to the first pipe body 134, and the second lid member 122 and the second lid member 220B were both connected to the second pipe body 136. The configuration of the electric valve body 101 and the electric valve body 201 in this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the "electric valve body" in this disclosure may be a part provided in the middle of a long pipe body, with the various configurations described above provided therein. In other words, in this disclosure, the "electric valve body" is not limited to a single independent part, but may be a part of a pipe body having a valve function. The same applies to the electric valve 100 and the electric valve 200 to which the stator 180 is attached.

[0093] 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]

[0094] 100, 200 electric valves 101, 201 Electric valve body 102, 202 cylindrical members 104 Cylindrical section 106 Small diameter section 116 Cylinder part 118 Lid 120 First lid member 122 Second lid member 124A First valve seat 124B Second valve seat 126A First valve 126B Second valve port 128 Male threaded section 130 Cylinder part 132 Lid 134 First tube 136 Second section 138 First channel 140 Second flow path 142 Rotor 144 Inner member 146 Female thread section 148 Outer member 150, 250 leaf springs 151, 251 Outer annular section 152, 252 holes 153, 253 Legs 154 Inner annular section 155 Valve mechanism 156A First valve component (part of the valve body) 156B Second valve member (part of the valve body) 156C Fitting part 156L Large Diameter Section 156P protrusion 156S Handle 156T valve part 157 First cylinder part 158 Second cylinder part 159 Shoulder 180 stator 182 Notches 190 Lead screw mechanism 216A First tube part 216B Second cylinder part 218A First lid part 218B Second lid part 220A First lid member 220B Second lid member 224A First valve seat 224B Second valve seat 226A First valve 226B Second valve port 228A First male thread section 228B Second male thread section 242A First Rotor 242B Second Rotor 246A First female thread section 246B Second female thread section 247 Protrusion 254 Inner annular section 256A Valve component (one of a pair of valve bodies) 256B Valve component (one of a pair of valve bodies) 256P Kasabe 256T valve part 260 holes 290A First feed screw mechanism 290B Second feed screw mechanism

Claims

1. A cylindrical member extending in the axial direction, through which fluid flows in the axial direction, A rotor is disposed inside the cylindrical member and is rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical member, A stator is attached to the outer circumference of the cylindrical member and rotates the rotor, A pair of valve seats, which are arranged facing each other in the axial direction and have a symmetrical shape, are located inside the cylindrical member. A valve body provided between the pair of valve seats, A feed screw mechanism that moves the valve body in the axial direction as the rotor rotates, An electric valve equipped with the following features.

2. The valve body moves closer to one of the pair of valve seats and away from the other of the pair of valve seats when the rotor rotates. An electric valve according to claim 1.

3. The valve body portion is composed of a pair of valve bodies facing opposite directions in the axial direction, The pair of valve bodies move in different directions in the axial direction when the rotor rotates. An electric valve according to claim 1.

4. The distances between the pair of valve bodies and the pair of valve seats that move with the rotation of the rotor are equal. An electric valve according to claim 3.

5. A cylindrical member extending in the axial direction, through which fluid flows in the axial direction, A rotor is disposed inside the cylindrical member and is rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical member, A pair of symmetrically shaped valve seats are arranged facing each other in the axial direction inside the cylindrical member, A valve body provided between the pair of valve seats, A feed screw mechanism that moves the valve body in the axial direction as the rotor rotates, An electric valve body equipped with the above.

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