Electric valve and electric valve body

Abstract

This disclosure aims to provide an electric valve and an electric valve body that can reduce pressure loss and control large flow rates. [Solution] The electric valve 100 comprises a cylindrical member 102, a rotor 162 inside the cylindrical member 102, a stator 180 on the outer circumference of the cylindrical member 102, a first joint member 122 and a second joint member 120 having an inlet passage 198 and an outlet passage 196 whose central axes are parallel to the axis in which the rotor 162 rotates, a flow path forming section 129, a first valve body 130 that adjusts the opening degree of the first valve port 128 and has a through passage 133 and a second valve port 134, a second valve body 136 that adjusts the opening degree of the second valve port 134 and can move relative to the second valve port 134 while the first valve body 130 is in contact with the first valve port 128, and a drive mechanism 160 that moves the second valve body 136 in the axial direction as the rotor 162 rotates, and when the second valve body 136 moves beyond a predetermined position, it moves the first valve body 130 together with the second valve body 136.

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 the 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. According to the electrically operated control valve device of Patent Document 1, since the fluid in the valve chamber can be made to flow in a nearly straight line, an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-127256 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, in the electrically operated control valve device of Patent Document 1, there is a portion where the flow of fluid is greatly bent in the valve chamber, so the reduction of pressure loss has not been sufficient. Further, it is difficult to expand the valve diameter, and it is not suitable for flow rate control of a large flow rate.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a motor-operated valve that can reduce pressure loss and perform flow rate control of a large flow rate, and a motor-operated valve main body. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The electric valve of the first embodiment includes a cylindrical member extending in the axial direction through which fluid flows from one side in the axial direction to the other; a rotor disposed inside the cylindrical member and rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical member; a stator provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical member for rotating the rotor; a first joint member having a first passage that penetrates in the axial direction with its central axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, and closing the other side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, to which a connecting pipe is connected; and a second passage having a central axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, and closing one side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, to which a connecting pipe is connected. The device comprises a second connecting member, a valve seat fixed inside the cylindrical member and having a first valve opening, a first valve body that moves in the axial direction to adjust the opening of the first valve opening of the valve seat and has a through passage that penetrates in the axial direction and a second valve opening smaller than the first valve opening, a second valve body that moves in the axial direction to adjust the opening of the second valve opening of the first valve body and can move relative to the second valve opening while the first valve body is in contact with the first valve opening, and a drive mechanism that moves the second valve body in the axial direction as it rotates from the rotor and moves the first valve body together with the second valve body when the second valve body moves beyond a predetermined position.

[0007] In this embodiment of the electric valve, the first valve body and the second valve body are arranged inside the cylindrical member. Furthermore, 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, the electric valve according to this embodiment reduces pressure loss compared to the case where the fluid flow bends within the valve chamber.

[0008] Furthermore, the second valve opening is smaller than the first valve opening, and the second valve body can move relative to the second valve opening while the first valve body is in contact with the first valve opening. Therefore, according to this embodiment of the electric valve, the second valve body can adjust the opening degree of the second valve opening, that is, control can be performed when the flow rate is small. Also, according to this embodiment of the electric valve, the first valve body can adjust the opening degree of the first valve opening, that is, control can be performed when the flow rate is large.

[0009] The electric valve of the second embodiment is an electric valve of the first embodiment, wherein the drive mechanism includes a support member that supports the second valve body and moves linearly in the axial direction as the rotor rotates, a coil spring disposed between the support member and the first valve body and biasing the first valve body in the closing direction, and a hooking part that, when the second valve body reaches the predetermined position, hooks onto the support member or the second valve body and interlocks the first valve body.

[0010] According to this embodiment of the electric valve, a state in which the first valve body adjusts the opening degree of the first valve port, and a state in which the second valve body adjusts the opening degree of the second valve port can be obtained with a simple configuration.

[0011] The electric valve body of the third embodiment includes a cylindrical member extending in the axial direction through which fluid flows from one side in the axial direction to the other, a rotor disposed inside the cylindrical member and rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical member, a first joint member having a first passage that penetrates in the axial direction with its central axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, and closing the other side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, to which a connecting pipe is connected, and a second joint member having a second passage that penetrates in the axial direction with its central axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, and closing one side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, to which a connecting pipe is connected, and The valve body comprises: a valve seat portion fixed inside the cylindrical member and having a first valve opening formed therein; a first valve body that moves in the axial direction to adjust the opening degree of the first valve opening of the valve seat portion and has a through passage that penetrates in the axial direction and a second valve opening smaller than the first valve opening formed therein; a second valve body that moves in the axial direction to adjust the opening degree of the second valve opening of the first valve body and can move relative to the second valve opening while the first valve body is in contact with the first valve opening; and a drive mechanism that moves the second valve body in the axial direction as the rotor rotates and moves the first valve body together with the second valve body when the second valve body moves beyond a predetermined position.

[0012] In this embodiment of the electric valve body, the first valve body and the second valve body are arranged inside the cylindrical member. Furthermore, 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, the electric valve body according to this embodiment reduces pressure loss compared to the case where the fluid flow bends within the valve chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, the second valve opening is smaller than the first valve opening, and the second valve body can move relative to the second valve opening while the first valve body is in contact with the first valve opening. Therefore, according to this embodiment of the electric valve body, control can be performed when the second valve body adjusts the opening degree of the second valve opening, i.e., when the flow rate is small. Also, according to this embodiment of the electric valve body, flow rate control can be performed when the first valve body adjusts the opening degree of the first valve opening, i.e., when the flow rate is large. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, an electric valve and an electric valve body are provided that can reduce pressure loss and control large flow rates. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating the electric valve and electric valve body according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the electric valve body according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the electric valve body according to an embodiment, viewed from the second side in the axial direction. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view illustrating the second joint member according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view illustrating the second joint member according to the embodiment, as seen from the second side in the axial direction. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view illustrating the first valve body and the second valve body according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view illustrating the first and second valve bodies according to the embodiment, viewed from the second side in the axial direction. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the motor-operated valve and the motor-operated valve main body according to the embodiment, showing a state where the first valve port and the second valve port are closed. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view continuing from FIG. 8, illustrating the operation of the motor-operated valve and the motor-operated valve main body according to the embodiment, showing a state where the first valve port is closed and the second valve port is opened. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view continuing from FIG. 9, illustrating the operation of the motor-operated valve and the motor-operated valve main body according to the embodiment, showing a state where the first valve port and the second valve port are opened. [Figure 11] In the motor-operated valve according to the embodiment, it is a diagram showing the relationship between the position of the second valve body and the flow rate from the state where the first valve body and the second valve body are in contact with the first valve port and the second valve port respectively until the first valve body separates from the first opening and reaches a fully opened state. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may differ from actual ratios.

[0017] In the description of the present disclosure, the direction of arrow Z is the moving direction of the valve element in each embodiment. In addition, the direction of arrow Z is the direction in which fluid flows inside the cylindrical member 102 in the motor-operated valve 100. The direction of arrow Z may be referred to as the flow direction of the fluid hereinafter. In addition, in the following description, one side relative to any reference in any direction is defined as a "first side", and the side opposite to the first side is defined as a "second side".

[0018] (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 connecting pipe 194 is connected to the electric valve body 101 on the second side in the direction of arrow Z. A connecting pipe 192 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 a fluid. In the following description, the connecting pipe 194 will be described as the inlet pipe 194 (first connecting pipe) and the connecting pipe 192 as the outlet pipe 192 (second connecting pipe), but it may also be used so that the fluid flows in from the connecting pipe 192 and flows out from the connecting pipe 194.

[0019] (Electric valve body 101) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the electric valve body 101 comprises a cylindrical member 102, a rotor 162 positioned inside the cylindrical member 102, a valve mechanism 155, a first coupling member 122, and a second coupling member 120. The electric valve body 101 also includes a drive mechanism 160, which is composed of a cylindrical portion 116 of the second coupling member 120, a support member 140 of the valve mechanism 155, a coil spring 158, a claw portion 139, a first valve body 130, and a second valve body 136. Note that the stator 180 is not shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0020] 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 body 130 and the second valve body 136, and coincides with the direction of fluid flow. In the following explanation, "axial direction" will coincide with the direction of arrow Z.

[0021] 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 one side in the axial direction from the cylindrical portion 104 (the left rear 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.

[0022] The first joint member 122, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, is a member that closes the first axial side of the electric valve body 101. As shown in Figure 1, the first joint member 122 has a cover portion 124 that closes the second axial side of the cylindrical member 102, and a flow path forming portion 129 that extends from the cover portion 124 and is inserted into the inside of the cylindrical member 102. The flow path forming portion 129 is an example of a "valve seat portion" in this embodiment.

[0023] In this embodiment, the lid portion 124 is a part whose outer diameter is approximately the same as that of the small diameter portion 106, as shown in Figure 2. A first flow path 198 is formed in the lid portion 124 through which fluid flows from the first side to the second side in the axial direction, and an inlet pipe 194 is connected to it. Also, as shown in Figure 2, the inlet passage 198 is formed to penetrate the first joint member 122 in the axial direction. In the following description, the first flow path 198 will be described as the inlet passage 198 (first flow path), and the second flow path 196, which will be described later, will be described as the outlet passage 196 (second flow path). However, it may also be used so that fluid flows in from the second flow path 196 and flows out from the first flow path 198.

[0024] The flow path forming section 129 functions as a first valve seat 126, into which the first valve portion 131 of the first valve body 130 (described later) makes contact. More specifically, the flow path forming section 129 has an inlet passage 198 connected to the cover portion 124. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first axial end of the inlet passage 198 is the first valve opening 128, and the opening degree is adjusted by the movement of the first valve body 130 relative to the first valve seat 126.

[0025] The first joint member 122 is fixed by welding the second axial end of the small diameter portion 106 to the outer circumferential surface of the cover portion 124.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second joint member 120 is a member that closes the first axial side of the electric valve body 101. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first joint member 122 has a cover portion 118 that closes the first axial side of the cylindrical member 102, a cylindrical portion 116 that extends from the cover portion 118 to the second axial side inside the cylindrical member 102, and three legs 117 that connect the cover portion 118 and the cylindrical portion 116.

[0027] 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 an outflow passage 196 (second flow path) through which fluid flows out, from the first side in the axial direction to the second side. Also, as shown in Figure 2, an outflow pipe 192 through which fluid flows out is connected to the first side in the axial direction of the lid portion 118. When the inflow pipe 194 is connected to the lid portion 118, the outflow pipe 192 is connected to the outflow passage 196, as shown in Figure 2.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 116 has the same axis as the cylindrical portion 104. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 116 has a female threaded portion 114 on its inner circumferential surface, which has a female thread that engages with the male thread of the second valve body 136, which will be described later.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, there is a gap 119 between each of the three legs 117. In other words, the second joint member 120 allows fluid to flow from the second side to the first side in the axial direction.

[0030] The second joint member 120 may be fixed to the cylindrical member 102 in any way, but as an example, the first axial end of the cylindrical member 102 is welded to the outer circumferential surface of the lid portion 118 of the second joint member 120.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a rotor 162, which rotates due to the magnetic field generated from the stator 180, is housed inside the cylindrical portion 104. In this embodiment, the rotor 162 is a multi-pole magnetized tubular permanent magnet, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electric valve 100 has a central axis of the inlet passage 198 that passes through the first joint member 122 that is concentric with the central axis of the outlet passage 196 that passes through the second joint member 120. Also, the axial center of the cylindrical member 102, that is, the rotation axis center of the rotor 162, is concentric with the central axis of the inlet passage 198 and the central axis of the outlet passage 196.

[0033] (Valve mechanism 155) The valve mechanism 155, as shown in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 7, is a component located inside the rotor 162 and moves axially within the cylindrical portion 104 as the rotor 162 rotates. More specifically, the valve mechanism 155 comprises a support member 140, a first valve body 130, a second valve body 136, and a coil spring 158. Note that the coil spring 158 is not shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0034] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the support member 140 is a member having an outer annular portion 142, an inner annular portion 146, and three beam portions 144 connecting the outer annular portion 142 and the inner annular portion 146.

[0035] The inner annular portion 146 is connected to beam portions 144 that extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface. Each beam portion 144 is connected to an outer annular portion 142. The outer annular portion 142 has its outer circumferential surface fitted onto the inner circumferential surface of the rotor 162 and rotates together with the rotor 162. In other words, when the rotor 162 rotates around the axis of the cylindrical portion 104, the support member 140 rotates together with the rotor 162 around the axis of the cylindrical portion 104.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferable that the beam portion 144 is elastic and allows deformation such that the outer annular portion 142 and the inner annular portion 146 are misaligned in the axial direction. The support member 140 may be made of any material, but as an example, it is made of stainless steel.

[0037] Furthermore, three grooves 143 are formed circumferentially on the inner surface of the outer ring portion 142, extending axially and guiding the legs 138 of the first valve body 130, which will be described later. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the spaces between each of the three beam portions 144 are holes 152 that penetrate the support member 140 axially. In other words, the support member 140 allows fluid to flow through the holes 152.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first valve body 130 is a member having a first valve portion 131, three legs 138 extending from the first valve portion 131 toward the first side in the axial direction, a through passage 133, and a second valve seat 132 formed on the first side in the axial direction of the through passage 133.

[0039] The first valve portion 131 of the first valve body 130 is a tapered portion in the axial direction that contacts the first valve seat 126 and adjusts the opening degree of the first valve opening 128.

[0040] The leg portion 138 guides the first valve body 130 axially by the groove 143 of the support member 140, which has a width slightly smaller than the width of the groove 143 of the support member 140. In other words, by being guided by the groove 143 of the support member 140, the leg portion 138 allows axial movement of the first valve body 130 while restricting circumferential movement relative to the support member 140. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the leg portion 138 has a claw portion 139 at its first axial end that engages with the support member 140. Therefore, the length over which the leg portion 138 and the support member 140 can move relative to each other is determined by the length of the leg portion 138. Note that the claw portion 139 is an example of a "hooking portion" in this disclosure.

[0041] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the through passage 133 penetrates the first valve section 131 in the axial direction. In other words, even when the first valve section 131 is in contact with the first valve seat 126, fluid can flow through the through passage 133 from the first side to the second side in the axial direction of the first valve seat 126. As shown in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 7, the through passage 133 is formed axially aligned with the first valve section 131.

[0042] Furthermore, the first axial side of the through passage 133 is a second valve opening 134 that the second valve body 136 contacts, as will be described later. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first axial side of the first valve body 130 functions as a second valve seat 132.

[0043] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second valve body 136 is a member that contacts the second valve seat 132 in the through passage 133 of the first valve body 130 and adjusts the opening degree of the second valve opening 134. In this embodiment, the second valve body 136 is a member having a second valve portion 137 and a shaft portion 148.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second valve body 136 contacts the first axial side of the first valve body 130. More specifically, the second valve portion 137 has a roughly conical shape with its second axial side tapering, and closes the second valve opening 134 when it contacts the second valve seat 132.

[0045] The shaft portion 148 is the part that extends from the first axial side of the second valve body 136. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the shaft portion 148 has a male threaded portion 150 that engages with the female threaded portion 114 of the aforementioned cylindrical portion 116.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second valve body 136 is supported by the inner annular portion 146 on its shaft 148. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the male threaded portion 150 on the shaft 148 is screwed into the female threaded portion 114. Therefore, when the rotor 162 rotates, the support member 140 and the second valve body 136 are guided by the female threaded portion 114 and move in the axial direction.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the coil spring 158 is positioned between the first valve body 130 and the support member 140. More specifically, the first end of the coil spring 158 contacts the first axial side of the second valve body 136, and the second end contacts the beam portion 144 of the support member 140. In other words, the coil spring 158 is positioned radially outward relative to the second valve body 136 and radially inward relative to the leg portion 138 of the first valve body 130 when viewed from the axial direction.

[0048] Therefore, when the coil spring 158 is compressed by being sandwiched between the support member 140 and the first valve body 130, the coil spring 158 biases the first valve body 130 toward the second side in the axial direction. In other words, when the coil spring 158 is compressed by being sandwiched between the support member 140 and the first valve body 130, it biases the first valve body 130 in the closing direction. The natural length of the coil spring 158 is designed as appropriate, but it is preferable that in the operation of the electric valve 100 described later, the length be such that the biasing of the first valve body 130 ceases when the second valve body 136 is separated from the second valve opening 134 by a predetermined distance.

[0049] The drive mechanism 160 in this disclosure is formed by the combination of the female threaded portion 114 formed on the fixed cylindrical portion 116, the support member 140, the coil spring 158, and the claw portion 139. The specific operation and function of the drive mechanism 160 will be described later as the operation of the electric valve 100.

[0050] (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.

[0051] 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 162, which is located inside the cylindrical section 104, to rotate, and the rotor 162 and the stator 180 together constitute a so-called motor.

[0052] 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 192. Therefore, the stator 180 is designed so that the outflow pipe 192 can pass through the notch 182.

[0053] Next, with reference to Figures 8 to 10, we will explain how the electric valve 100 according to this disclosure operates, adjusting the opening of the first valve port 128 and the second valve port 134, and controlling the flow of fluid from the inlet passage 198 to the outlet passage 196.

[0054] (Operation of the electric valve 100) First, in the state shown in Figure 8, the first valve body 130 is in contact with the first valve opening 128, and the second valve body 136 is in contact with the second valve opening 134. Therefore, in the state shown in Figure 8, the flow path from the inlet passage 198 to the outlet passage 196 is blocked, and the fluid does not flow.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the rotor 162 rotates due to the magnetic field generated by the stator 180, the valve mechanism 155 located inside the rotor 162 also rotates. As described above, since the male threaded portion 150 of the second valve body 136 engages with the female threaded portion 114 of the second joint member 120, the rotation of the rotor 162 causes the valve mechanism 155 and the rotor 162 to move axially. In other words, in the electric valve 100 of this embodiment, the rotation of the rotor 162 causes the support member 140 and the second valve body 136 to move axially.

[0056] Then, when the support member 140 and the second valve body 136 move toward the second side in the axial direction, the second valve portion 137 of the second valve body 136 moves away from the second valve seat 132, as shown in Figure 9. In other words, as the support member 140 and the second valve body 136 move toward the second side in the axial direction, fluid can flow from between the second valve opening 134 of the second valve seat 132 and the second valve body 136 toward the outflow passage 196.

[0057] Here, as shown in Figure 9, a coil spring 158 is positioned between the support member 140 and the first valve portion 131 of the first valve body 130. As shown in Figure 9, the coil spring 158 biases the first valve portion 131 toward the first axial direction. Therefore, in the state shown in Figure 9, the first valve opening 128 remains blocked by the first valve portion 131 of the first valve body 130.

[0058] In the state shown in Figure 9, the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the inlet passage 198 to the outlet passage 196 is adjusted by the second valve section 137 at the end of the through passage 133 by adjusting the opening of the second valve port 134. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, when the first valve port 128 is blocked and the opening of the second valve port 134 is adjusted, the electric valve 100 functions as an opening adjustment valve (i.e., a valve capable of continuously controlling the flow rate). In this state, as shown as the "opening adjustment range" in Figure 11, the flow rate controlled by the electric valve 100 corresponds to the position of the second valve body 136. In other words, within the "opening adjustment range," it is possible to finely control the flow rate even when the diameters of the inlet pipe 194 and outlet pipe 192 are large.

[0059] Furthermore, if the support member 140 and the second valve body 136 move further axially toward the second side from the state shown in Figure 9, the claw portion 139 formed at the end of the leg portion 138 of the first valve body 130 will catch on the outer annular portion 142. In this case, the first valve body 130 moves axially toward the first side in conjunction with the support member 140 and the second valve body 136.

[0060] In other words, the position where the support member 140 and the second valve body 136 move and the claw portion 139 of the first valve body 130 catches on the support member 140 is an example of a "predetermined position" in this disclosure. Furthermore, the movement of the second valve body 136 axially toward the first side beyond the position where the claw portion 139 of the first valve body 130 catches on the support member 140 is an example of a "movement beyond a predetermined position" in this disclosure.

[0061] Then, as shown in Figure 10, the first valve body 130 moves away from the first valve seat 126. That is, as the support member 140 and the first valve body 130 move toward the second side in the axial direction, fluid can flow from between the first valve opening 128 of the first valve seat 126 and the first valve body 130 toward the outflow passage 196.

[0062] In the state shown in Figure 10, the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the inlet passage 198 to the outlet passage 196 is mainly controlled by the first valve section 131, which adjusts the opening degree of the first valve port 128 at the end of the inlet passage 198. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the state in which the opening degree of the first valve port 128 is adjusted is the state in which the electric valve 100 functions as an on / off valve (i.e., a valve capable of rapidly increasing the flow rate). In other words, the state shown in Figure 10 is the state in which the flow rate is at its maximum in the electric valve 100. In this state, as shown as the "fully open state" in Figure 11, the flow rate controlled by the electric valve 100 is at its maximum regardless of the position of the second valve body 136. In other words, in the "fully open state," it is possible to flow fluid at a flow rate corresponding to the diameter of the inlet pipe 194 and the outlet pipe 192.

[0063] Thus, the electric valve 100 according to this disclosure switches between a state in which it functions as an opening degree adjustment valve and a state in which it functions as an on / off valve by moving the second valve body 136.

[0064] The above description concerns the change from a state where no fluid flows to a state where the flow rate is at its maximum, and is an operation that increases the flow rate. For operations that decrease the flow rate, the state changes as each component of the electric valve 100 moves in the reverse order of the above description.

[0065] Next, the operation and effects of the electric valve 100 and the electric valve body 101 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0066] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) The electric valve 100 according to this embodiment includes a flow path forming section 129 having a first valve port 128 fixed inside a cylindrical member 102. The opening degree of the first valve port 128 is adjusted by a first valve body 130 having a second valve port 134. The opening degree of the second valve port 134 is adjusted by a second valve body 136. As the rotor 162 rotates, the drive mechanism 160 moves the second valve body 136 in the axial direction. When the second valve body 136 moves beyond a predetermined position toward the first side in the axial direction, the drive mechanism 160 moves the first valve body 130 in conjunction with the second valve body 136.

[0067] Therefore, the electric valve 100 can adjust the flow rate in two states: one in which the first valve body 130 adjusts the opening degree of the first valve port 128, and another in which the second valve body 136 adjusts the opening degree of the second valve port 134. In other words, the electric valve 100 according to this embodiment can adjust the flow rate by changing between two different states.

[0068] Furthermore, since the central axes of the inlet passage 198 and the outlet passage 196 of the electric valve 100 are parallel to the rotating axis of the rotor 162, 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 is reduced compared to the case where the fluid flow bends within the valve chamber. In other words, the increase in pressure loss can be suppressed compared to the case where the central axes of the inlet passage 198 and the outlet passage 196 are at an angle to the rotating axis of the rotor 162.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the electric valve 100, the second valve port 134 is smaller than the first valve port 128. The electric valve 100 is able to move the second valve body 136 relative to the second valve port 134 while the first valve body 130 is in contact with the first valve port 128.

[0070] Therefore, the electric valve 100 has a state in which the second valve body 136 adjusts the opening degree of the second valve port 134, that is, a state in which it controls the flow rate when it is small. In other words, the electric valve 100 can control minute flow rates even when connected to large-diameter inlet pipes 194 and outlet pipes 192. Furthermore, the electric valve 100 can have a state in which the first valve body 130 adjusts the opening degree of the first valve port 128, that is, a state in which it controls the flow rate when it is large. Therefore, the electric valve 100 can quickly obtain the desired setting even when the flow rate changes rapidly from a low state to a state requiring a particularly large flow rate.

[0071] Furthermore, the electric valve 100 according to this embodiment includes a drive mechanism 160 which includes a support member 140 that supports the second valve body 136 and moves linearly in the axial direction as the rotor rotates, a coil spring 158 that is positioned between the support member 140 and the first valve body 130 and biases the first valve body 130 in the closing direction, and a claw portion 139 that, when the second valve body 136 reaches a predetermined position, engages with the support member 140 and interlocks the first valve body 130.

[0072] With this electric valve 100, a state in which the first valve body 130 adjusts the opening degree of the first valve port 128, and a state in which the second valve body 136 adjusts the opening degree of the second valve port 134 can be obtained with a simple configuration.

[0073] (modified version) In the above explanation, the center of the rotor 162's axis of rotation was assumed to be concentric with the central axis of the outflow passage 196 and the central axis of the inflow passage 198. However, it is sufficient that the center of the rotor 162's axis of rotation is at least parallel to the central axis of the outflow passage 196 and the central axis of the inflow passage 198. In other words, the position of the center of the rotor 162's axis of rotation may be offset from the central axis of the outflow passage 196 and the central axis of the inflow passage 198. The concentricity of the rotor 162's axis of rotation with the central axis of the outflow passage 196 and the central axis of the inflow passage 198 is an example of being considered parallel.

[0074] Furthermore, if the central axis of the outflow passage 196 and the central axis of the inflow passage 198 are at least parallel to each other, the increase in pressure loss can be suppressed compared to the case where the central axis of the outflow passage 196 and the central axis of the inflow passage 198 are at an angle to the rotating axis of the rotor 162.

[0075] [Other embodiments] In the above description, the stator 180 was provided at an appropriate position on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 104. In this disclosure, the electric valve 100 may be configured to position the stator 180 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, and this projection is hooked onto the boundary between the small-diameter portion 106 and the cylindrical portion 104.

[0076] 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]

[0077] 100 Electric Valves 101 Electric valve body 102 Cylindrical member 104 Cylindrical section 106 Small diameter section 114 Female thread section 116 Cylinder part 117 Legs 118 Lid 119 Gap 120 Second joint member 122 First joint member 124 Lid 126 First valve seat 128 First Benguchi 130 First valve body 129 Flow channel forming section 131 First valve part 132 Second valve seat 133 Throughway 134 Second valve 136 Second valve body 137 Second valve part 138 Legs 139 Claw part (an example of a hook part) 140 Support member 142 Outer annular portion 143 Groove 144 Beam section 146 Inner annular section 148 Shaft 150 Male threaded section 152 holes 155 Valve mechanism 158 Coil spring 160 Drive mechanism 162 rotors 180 stator 182 Notches 192 Connecting pipe (an example of an outflow pipe) 194 Connecting pipe (an example of an inlet pipe) 196 Outlet channel (an example of a second channel) 198 Inflow channel (an example of the first channel)

Claims

1. A cylindrical member extending in the axial direction, through which fluid flows from one axial direction to the other, A rotor is disposed inside the cylindrical member and is rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical member, A stator is provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical member and rotates the rotor, A first joint member has a central axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor and penetrates the axial direction, and closes the other side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, to which a connecting pipe is connected, A second joint member has a central axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor and penetrates the axial direction, and closes one side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, to which a connecting pipe is connected, A valve seat portion fixed inside the cylindrical member, with a first valve opening formed therein, The first valve body moves in the axial direction to adjust the opening degree of the first valve opening of the valve seat, and has a through passage that penetrates in the axial direction and a second valve opening that is smaller than the first valve opening formed therein. A second valve body moves in the axial direction to adjust the opening degree of the second valve opening of the first valve body, and is movable relative to the second valve opening while the first valve body is in contact with the first valve opening, A drive mechanism that moves the second valve body in the axial direction as the rotor rotates, and moves the first valve body together with the second valve body when the second valve body moves beyond a predetermined position, An electric valve equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned drive mechanism is A support member that supports the second valve body and moves linearly in the axial direction as the rotor rotates, A coil spring is positioned between the support member and the first valve body and biases the first valve body in the closing direction. When the second valve body reaches the predetermined position, a hooking part engages with the support member or the second valve body, causing the first valve body to move in conjunction with it. An electric valve according to claim 1, having the following features.

3. A cylindrical member extending in the axial direction, through which fluid flows from one axial direction to the other, A rotor is disposed inside the cylindrical member and is rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical member, A first joint member has a central axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor and penetrates the axial direction, and closes the other side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, to which a connecting pipe is connected, A second joint member has a central axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor and penetrates the axial direction, and closes one side of the cylindrical member in the axial direction, to which a connecting pipe is connected, A valve seat portion fixed inside the cylindrical member, with a first valve opening formed therein, The first valve body moves in the axial direction to adjust the opening degree of the first valve opening of the valve seat, and has a through passage that penetrates in the axial direction and a second valve opening that is smaller than the first valve opening formed therein. A second valve body moves in the axial direction to adjust the opening degree of the second valve opening of the first valve body, and is movable relative to the second valve opening while the first valve body is in contact with the first valve opening, A drive mechanism that moves the second valve body in the axial direction as the rotor rotates, and moves the first valve body together with the second valve body when the second valve body moves beyond a predetermined position, An electric valve body equipped with the above.

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