Motor-operated valve and method of assembling the same

Abstract

To provide a motor valve and a method of assembling the same capable of reducing steps to fix a housing storing a stator to a valve body.SOLUTION: The motor valve includes a body part 11A, a cylindrical can 28 joined to the body part 11A, and a housing 70 storing a stator 60 inside which the can 28 is arranged, the body part 11A being mounted to a flow path block 11B, the body part 11A having a valve chest 14 and a port 17, the housing 70 having a mounting plate 82 extending along an axis L to the flow path block 11B, the mounting plate 82 engaging with the flow path block 11B so as to restrict the movement of the housing 70 with respect to the flow path block 11B in the direction of rotation around the axis L and in the direction of separation from the flow path block 11B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor-operated valve and a method for assembling the motor-operated valve. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a conventional motor-operated valve is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The motor-operated valve of Patent Document 1 has a valve body provided with a valve chamber. A valve disc is disposed in the valve chamber. A cylindrical can is joined to the valve body. The motor-operated valve has a magnet rotor and a stator. The magnet rotor and stator form a stepping motor. The magnet rotor is disposed inside the can. The stator is disposed outside the can. The stator is accommodated in a housing. The housing is fixed to the valve body with screws. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-173102 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, assembling the motor-operated valve described above requires a step for fixing the housing to the valve body with screws, which increases the manufacturing cost of the motor-operated valve.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a motor-operated valve and an assembly method for the motor-operated valve that can reduce the number of steps for fixing a housing that accommodates a stator to a valve body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the electric valve of the present invention is an electric valve having a valve body, a cylindrical stator, a cylindrical can joined to the valve body and arranged coaxially inside the stator, and a housing that accommodates the stator, wherein one of the valve body and the housing is a first member and the other is a second member, the first member has a notch, the second member has a rotation prevention portion arranged inside the notch, the notch has an opening at the end on the second member side, and the rotation prevention portion engages with the first member so as to restrict movement of the rotation prevention portion toward the opening.

[0007] According to the present invention, when assembling an electric valve, when the can is inserted into the stator, the anti-rotation portion passes through the opening of the notch and is inserted into the notch. By locating the anti-rotation portion inside the notch, rotation of the housing around the axis of the can relative to the valve body is restricted. By engaging the anti-rotation portion of the second member with the first member, movement of the housing in a direction away from the valve body is restricted. Therefore, the housing can be fixed to the valve body without using screws. Therefore, the number of steps for fixing the housing to the valve body can be reduced.

[0008] In the present invention, it is preferable that the valve body is the first member and has a retaining groove that is the notch, and the housing is the second member and has a mounting plate that is the anti-rotation portion, the mounting plate extending toward the valve body along the axis of the can. In this way, the mounting plate engages with the valve body within the retaining groove and restricts movement of the housing in a direction away from the valve body. Therefore, the housing can be fixed to the valve body without using screws. This reduces the number of steps required to fix the housing to the valve body.

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the valve body has a recess and the mounting plate has a protrusion that engages with the recess. This makes it possible to fix the housing to the valve body with a simple structure.

[0010] In the present invention, it is preferable that when the protrusion contacts the inner surface of the retaining groove, the mounting plate elastically deforms, and when the protrusion engages with the recess, the mounting plate recovers from the elastic deformation. By doing so, when inserting the can into the inside of the stator during assembly of the motor-operated valve, the mounting plate passes through the opening of the retaining groove, is inserted into the inside of the retaining groove, and moves within the retaining groove in the insertion direction. When the protrusion contacts the inner surface of the retaining groove, the mounting plate elastically deforms, and when the protrusion engages with the recess, the mounting plate recovers from the elastic deformation. This further reduces the number of steps required to secure the housing to the valve body.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the valve body has a protrusion and the mounting plate has a recess that engages with the protrusion. This makes it possible to fix the housing to the valve body with a simple structure.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that the mounting plate elastically deforms when it is in contact with the convex portion (excluding when the convex portion is engaged with the concave portion), and recovers from the elastic deformation when the convex portion is engaged with the concave portion. By doing so, when inserting the can into the inside of the stator during assembly of the motor-operated valve, the mounting plate passes through the opening of the retaining groove, is inserted into the inside of the retaining groove, and moves within the retaining groove in the insertion direction. When the mounting plate comes into contact with the convex portion, the mounting plate elastically deforms, and when the convex portion engages with the concave portion, the mounting plate recovers from the elastic deformation. This further reduces the number of steps required to fix the housing to the valve body.

[0013] In the present invention, it is preferable that the mounting plate has a claw portion, and the valve body has a claw-receiving portion with which the claw portion engages. This makes it possible to fix the housing to the valve body with a simple configuration.

[0014] In the present invention, it is preferable that when the claws contact the inner surface of the retaining groove, the mounting plate elastically deforms, and when the claws engage with the claw-receiving portions, the mounting plate recovers from the elastic deformation. By doing so, when inserting the can into the inside of the stator during assembly of the motor-operated valve, the mounting plate passes through the opening of the retaining groove, is inserted into the retaining groove, and moves within the retaining groove in the insertion direction. When the claws contact the inner surface of the retaining groove, the mounting plate elastically deforms, and when the claws engage with the claw-receiving portions, the mounting plate recovers from the elastic deformation. This further reduces the number of steps required to secure the housing to the valve body.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the valve body has a claw portion, and the mounting plate has a claw-receiving portion with which the claw portion engages. This makes it possible to fix the housing to the valve body with a simple configuration.

[0016] In the present invention, it is preferable that when the mounting plate contacts the claw portion (excluding when the claw portion is engaged with the claw receiving portion), the mounting plate elastically deforms, and when the claw portion is engaged with the claw receiving portion, the mounting plate recovers from the elastic deformation. By doing so, when inserting the can into the inside of the stator during assembly of the motor-operated valve, the mounting plate passes through the opening of the retaining groove, is inserted into the inside of the retaining groove, and moves within the retaining groove in the insertion direction. When the mounting plate contacts the claw portion, the mounting plate elastically deforms, and when the claw portion engages with the claw receiving portion, the mounting plate recovers from the elastic deformation. This further reduces the number of steps required to fix the housing to the valve body.

[0017] In the present invention, it is preferable that the width of the mounting plate is the same as the width of the retaining groove, which more effectively restricts rotation of the housing relative to the valve body around the axis of the can.

[0018] In the present invention, it is preferable that the mounting plate is press-fitted into the retaining groove, thereby enabling the housing to be fixed to the valve body with a simple structure.

[0019] In the present invention, it is preferable that the mounting plate has at least one barb formed to bite into the valve body, thereby enabling the housing to be more securely fixed to the valve body.

[0020] In the present invention, it is preferable that the housing has a housing main body made of synthetic resin and a metal bracket fixed to the housing main body, and the bracket has a circular plate-shaped bracket main body and the mounting plate connected to the inner peripheral edge of the bracket main body. This makes it possible to save metal plate, which is the material for the bracket, compared to a configuration in which the mounting plate is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the bracket main body.

[0021] A method for assembling a motor-operated valve includes a valve body, a cylindrical stator, a cylindrical can joined to the valve body and inserted coaxially inside the stator, and a housing that accommodates the stator. One of the valve body and the housing is a first member, and the other is a second member. The first member has a notch, and the second member has a rotation prevention portion disposed inside the notch, with the notch having an opening at its end facing the second member. The valve body with the joined can and the housing that accommodates the stator are brought close together along the axis of the can, and the can is inserted inside the stator while the rotation prevention portion is inserted into the notch through the opening, and the rotation prevention portion is engaged with the first member to restrict movement of the rotation prevention portion toward the opening. This allows the housing to be fixed to the valve body without using screws. This reduces the number of steps required to fix the housing to the valve body.

[0022] The motor-operated valve includes a valve body, a cylindrical can joined to the valve body, a cylindrical stator into which the can is inserted, and a housing that accommodates the stator. The housing has a mounting plate extending along the axis of the can, and the valve body has a retaining groove into which the mounting plate is inserted along the axis, and the mounting plate and the retaining groove are configured to restrict movement of the mounting plate within the retaining groove in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0023] In an electric valve, a cylindrical can joined to a valve body is inserted inside a stator along the axis of the can. A housing that accommodates the stator has a mounting plate that extends along the axis of the can. The valve body has a retaining groove into which the mounting plate is inserted along the axis. The mounting plate and the retaining groove are configured to restrict movement of the mounting plate within the retaining groove in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. As a result, the mounting plate and the retaining groove restrict movement of the housing away from the valve body (in a direction opposite to the insertion direction). Therefore, the housing can be fixed to the valve body without using screws. This reduces the number of steps required to fix the housing to the valve body.

[0024] In the motor-operated valve, it is preferable that one of the valve body and the mounting plate has a recess, and the other of the valve body and the mounting plate has a protrusion that engages with the recess. This allows the housing to be fixed to the valve body with a simple structure.

[0025] The motor-operated valve is preferably configured such that, when the mounting plate moves in the insertion direction within the retaining groove, the mounting plate elastically deforms, causing the recessed portion and the protruding portion to engage with each other. In this way, during the process of inserting the can into the stator, the mounting plate is inserted into the retaining groove and moves within the retaining groove in the insertion direction. The mounting plate then elastically deforms, causing the recessed portion and the protruding portion to engage with each other. This further reduces the number of steps required to secure the housing to the valve body.

[0026] In the motor-operated valve, it is preferable that one of the valve body and the mounting plate has a claw portion, and the other of the valve body and the mounting plate has a claw-receiving portion with which the claw portion engages. This allows the housing to be fixed to the valve body with a simple structure.

[0027] The motor-operated valve is preferably configured such that, when the mounting plate moves in the insertion direction within the retaining groove, the mounting plate elastically deforms, causing the claws and the claw receivers to engage with each other. In this way, during the process of inserting the can into the stator, the mounting plate is inserted into the retaining groove and moves within the retaining groove in the insertion direction. The mounting plate then elastically deforms, causing the claws and the claw receivers to engage with each other. This further reduces the number of steps required to secure the housing to the valve body.

[0028] In the motor-operated valve, it is preferable that the width of the mounting plate is the same as the width of the retaining groove, thereby restricting the rotation of the housing relative to the valve body around the axis of the can.

[0029] In the motor-operated valve, the mounting plate is preferably press-fitted into the retaining groove, thereby enabling the housing to be fixed to the valve body with a simple structure.

[0030] In the motor-operated valve, the mounting plate preferably has one or more barbs formed to bite into the valve body, thereby enabling the housing to be more securely fixed to the valve body.

[0031] In the motor-operated valve, the housing preferably has a housing main body made of synthetic resin and a metal bracket fixed to the housing main body, and the bracket preferably has a bracket main body in the shape of an annular plate formed by pressing, and the mounting plate connected to the inner peripheral edge of the bracket main body. This makes it possible to save metal plate used as the material for the bracket compared to a configuration in which the mounting plate is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the bracket main body.

[0032] A method for assembling a motor-operated valve includes a valve body, a cylindrical can joined to the valve body, a cylindrical stator into which the can is inserted, and a housing that accommodates the stator. The housing has a mounting plate extending along the axis of the can, and the valve body has a retaining groove into which the mounting plate is inserted along the axis. The method for assembling the motor-operated valve includes bringing the can and the housing close together along the axis, inserting the can into the inside of the stator and inserting the mounting plate into the retaining groove, and holding the mounting plate in the retaining groove so as to restrict movement of the mounting plate within the retaining groove in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0033] The assembly method for the motor-operated valve involves bringing the can joined to the valve body and the housing containing the stator close together along the axis of the can, inserting the can inside the stator, and inserting the mounting plate into the retaining groove.The mounting plate is then held in the retaining groove so that it is restricted from moving in the direction opposite to the insertion direction within the retaining groove.In this way, the housing can be fixed to the valve body without using screws.This reduces the number of steps required to fix the housing to the valve body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the present invention, the number of steps for fixing the housing that accommodates the stator to the valve body can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a motor-operated valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a view showing a bracket included in the housing of the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing a fixing structure of the valve body and housing of the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first modified example of the fixing structure of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second modified example of the fixing structure of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a third modified example of the fixing structure of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 8] 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fourth modified example of the fixing structure of FIG. [Figure 9] 4. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fifth modified example of the fixing structure of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a modified example of the motor-operated valve of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] A motor-operated valve according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a front view of a motor-operated valve according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is also a cross-sectional view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) taken along the axis of the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a bracket provided on a housing of the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the bracket seen from above. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the bracket seen from below. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a fixing structure of the valve body and housing of the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the mounting plate of the housing and its vicinity seen from the rear side. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVB-IVB in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the mounting plate is elastically deformed.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the motor-operated valve 1 includes a valve body 10, a can 28, a drive mechanism 30, a valve element 40, and a stator unit 50.

[0039] The valve body 10 is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy. The valve body 10 has a main body portion 11, a cylindrical portion 12, and a flange portion 13. The main body portion 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cylindrical portion 12 protrudes from an upper surface 11a of the main body portion 11. The cylindrical portion 12 is attached to the main body portion 11 by a screw structure. The main body portion 11 is provided with a valve chamber 14 and flow paths 15 and 16. The flow path 15 is connected to the valve chamber 14. The flow path 16 is connected to the valve chamber 14 via a port 17. The flange portion 13 has an annular plate shape. The inner peripheral edge of the flange portion 13 is joined to the upper end portion of the cylindrical portion 12. In this embodiment, the valve body 10 is a first member.

[0040] A holding groove 21 is provided on the back surface of the main body 11. The holding groove 21 is formed to extend downward from the top surface 11a. The holding groove 21 extends in the up-down direction (the direction of the axis L). A recess 21b, which is a circular hole, is provided on the bottom surface 21a of the holding groove 21 and extends from the back side to the front side (from the right side to the left side in FIG. 2).

[0041] The retaining groove 21 is a notch in the valve body 10. The upper end of the retaining groove 21 has no wall surface, and the upper end of the retaining groove 21 is open in the extension direction of the retaining groove 21. In other words, the retaining groove 21 has an opening 21k at the upper end.

[0042] The can 28 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The can 28 has a cylindrical shape with a closed upper end. The lower end of the can 28 is joined to the outer periphery of the flange portion 13. An axis L in FIG. 2 passes through the center axis of the can 28.

[0043] The drive mechanism 30 moves the valve element 40 in the vertical direction. The drive mechanism 30 has a magnet rotor 31, a valve stem holder 32, a guide bush 33, and a valve stem .

[0044] The magnet rotor 31 has a cylindrical shape. The magnet rotor 31 is disposed inside the can 28. The outer diameter of the magnet rotor 31 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the can 28. The outer peripheral surface of the magnet rotor 31 is provided with a plurality of north poles and a plurality of south poles. The plurality of north poles and a plurality of south poles extend in the vertical direction and are arranged alternately at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the magnet rotor 31 has 12 north poles and 12 south poles.

[0045] The valve stem holder 32 has a cylindrical shape with a closed upper end. A support ring 35 is fixed to the upper end of the valve stem holder 32. The magnet rotor 31 and the valve stem holder 32 are integrally joined via the support ring 35. A female thread 32c is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the valve stem holder 32.

[0046] The guide bush 33 integrally has a first cylindrical portion 33a and a second cylindrical portion 33b. The outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 33b is smaller than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 33a. The second cylindrical portion 33b is coaxially connected to the upper end of the first cylindrical portion 33a. An external thread 33c is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 33b. The external thread 33c is threadedly engaged with the internal thread 32c of the valve stem holder 32. The first cylindrical portion 33a is press-fitted into a fitting hole 12a provided in the cylindrical portion 12 of the valve body 10. The guide bush 33 is connected to the valve body 10.

[0047] The valve stem 34 has a cylindrical shape. The upper end 34a of the valve stem 34 passes through the valve stem holder 32. A push nut 36 is attached to the upper end 34a of the valve stem 34 to prevent it from coming off. The valve stem 34 is inserted into the guide bush 33 and the cylindrical portion 12. The lower end of the valve stem 34 is disposed in the valve chamber 14. The valve stem 34 has a step portion 34b, which is an upward-facing annular flat surface. A valve-closing spring 37 is disposed between the valve stem holder 32 and the step portion 34b. The valve-closing spring 37 is a compression coil spring. The valve-closing spring 37 presses the valve stem 34 downward.

[0048] The valve element 40 is provided integrally with the lower end of the valve shaft 34. The valve element 40 is disposed in the valve chamber 14. The valve element 40 is moved in the vertical direction by the drive mechanism 30. The movement of the valve element 40 opens and closes the port 17.

[0049] The stator unit 50 includes a stator 60 and a housing 70 .

[0050] The stator 60 has a cylindrical shape. The stator 60 is disposed outside the can 28. The stator 60 constitutes a stepping motor together with the magnet rotor 31. The stator 60 has an upper stator 61, a lower stator 62, and a mold 63 made of synthetic resin.

[0051] The upper stator 61 is coaxially disposed above the lower stator 62. The upper stator 61 and the lower stator 62 have a plurality of claw-pole type pole teeth arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. A mold 63 is filled inside the upper stator 61 and the lower stator 62. The mold 63 forms the inner peripheral surface of the stator 60. The mold 63 has a terminal support portion 64.

[0052] In this embodiment, the upper stator 61 has 24 pole teeth, the lower stator 62 has 24 pole teeth, and the stator 60 has a total of 48 pole teeth. The lower stator 62 is disposed at a position rotated about the axis L by half the angle between the pole teeth ((360 / 24) / 2 = 7.5 degrees) relative to the upper stator 61 from the position where the pole teeth of the upper stator 61 and the pole teeth of the lower stator 62 are aligned vertically. When 96 pulses are input to the stator 60, the magnet rotor 31 rotates once. The rotation angle (step angle) of the magnet rotor 31 per pulse is 3.75 degrees.

[0053] The terminal support portion 64 extends laterally from the upper stator 61 and the lower stator 62. The terminal support portion 64 supports a plurality of terminals 65. The plurality of terminals 65 protrude laterally from the tip of the terminal support portion 64. The plurality of terminals 65 are connected to the coils of the upper stator 61 and the lower stator 62.

[0054] The housing 70 has a housing main body 71 and a bracket 80. In this embodiment, the housing 70 is the second member.

[0055] The housing body 71 is made of synthetic resin and houses the stator 60. The housing body 71 integrally includes a peripheral wall portion 72, an upper wall portion 73, a dome portion 74, a cylindrical portion 75, and a connector portion 76.

[0056] The peripheral wall portion 72 has a cylindrical shape. The upper wall portion 73 is connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 72. The dome portion 74 protrudes upward from the center of the upper wall portion 73. The can 28 is inserted into the stator 60 and the dome portion 74. The tubular portion 75 has a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the peripheral wall portion 72. The tubular portion 75 protrudes downward from the peripheral wall portion 72. The tubular portion 75 is arranged to surround the cylindrical portion 12 of the valve body 10. A ring-shaped sealing member 90 is arranged between the cylindrical portion 75 and the cylindrical portion 12. The sealing member 90 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The connector portion 76 has an elliptical cylindrical shape. The connector portion 76 extends laterally from the peripheral wall portion 72. A terminal support portion 64 and multiple terminals 65 are arranged inside the connector portion 76.

[0057] The bracket 80 is made of metal. As shown in FIG. 3 , the bracket 80 integrally includes a bracket main body 81 and a mounting plate 82. The bracket main body 81 has an annular plate shape. The bracket main body 81 is fixed to the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 72 of the housing main body 71. The mounting plate 82 has a rectangular plate shape. The mounting plate 82 is connected to the inner peripheral edge of the bracket main body 81 and extends downward. The mounting plate 82 extends toward the valve body 10. The bracket 80 is formed by stamping a metal plate into the shapes of the bracket main body 81 and the mounting plate 82 using a press process, and then bending the mounting plate 82 along the central axis (axis L) of the bracket main body 81. The bracket 80 may be welded to the stator 60.

[0058] The width of the mounting plate 82 (the size in the left-right direction in FIG. 4A ) is the same as the width of the retaining groove 21 of the main body 11. The width of the mounting plate 82 may be smaller than the width of the retaining groove 21. The angular misalignment around the axis L between the valve main body 10 and the housing 70, resulting from the difference between the widths of the mounting plate 82 and the retaining groove 21, is preferably smaller than the step angle of the stepping motor. The mounting plate 82 extends in the vertical direction. The mounting plate 82 is inserted downward from the top surface 11a of the main body 11 into the retaining groove 21. The mounting plate 82 passes through the opening 21k at the upper end of the retaining groove 21 and is inserted into the retaining groove 21. The housing 70 is disposed above the valve main body 10, and the upper end of the retaining groove 21 is the end of the retaining groove 21 on the housing 70 side (the second member side). The mounting plate 82 is retained within the retaining groove 21. The mounting plate 82 is a rotation prevention portion of the housing 70.

[0059] The mounting plate 82 has a protrusion 82a. The protrusion 82a protrudes from the back side to the front side. The protrusion 82a fits into the recess 21b of the main body 11. When the protrusion 82a fits into the recess 21b, the recess 21b and the protrusion 82a catch on each other (i.e., engage with each other), and movement of the mounting plate 82 toward the opening 21k (upward) within the retaining groove 21 is restricted. In this way, the housing 70 is fixed to the valve main body 10.

[0060] In the electric valve 1, the central axes of the cylindrical portion 12 of the valve body 10, the port 17, the can 28, the magnet rotor 31, the valve shaft holder 32, the guide bush 33, the valve shaft 34, the valve body 40, the stator 60, and the housing 70 (dome portion 74, cylindrical portion 75, bracket body 81) each coincide with the axis L.

[0061] Next, the operation of the motor-operated valve 1 will be described.

[0062] In the motor-operated valve 1, current is applied to the upper stator 61 and the lower stator 62 so that the magnet rotor 31 rotates in one direction. The valve stem holder 32 rotates together with the magnet rotor 31. The valve stem holder 32 moves downward due to the screw feed action between the female thread 32c of the valve stem holder 32 and the male thread 33c of the guide bush 33. The valve stem 34 also moves downward together with the valve stem holder 32, and the valve element 40 closes the port 17 (valve closed state).

[0063] In the motor-operated valve 1, current is applied to the upper stator 61 and the lower stator 62 so that the magnet rotor 31 rotates in the other direction. The valve stem holder 32 rotates together with the magnet rotor 31. The valve stem holder 32 moves upward due to the screw feed action between the female thread 32c of the valve stem holder 32 and the male thread 33c of the guide bush 33. The valve stem 34 also moves upward together with the valve stem holder 32, and the valve element 40 opens the port 17 (open state).

[0064] Next, an example of an assembly method for fixing the housing 70 to the valve body 10 will be described.

[0065] The can 28 joined to the valve body 10 and the housing 70 accommodating the stator 60 are brought close together along the axis L, and the can 28 is inserted inside the stator 60 and the dome portion 74. At the same time, the mounting plate 82 of the housing 70 is inserted downward into the retaining groove 21 of the valve body 10 from the top surface 11a side. The downward direction is the insertion direction for inserting the mounting plate 82 into the retaining groove 21. The mounting plate 82 passes through the opening 21k and is inserted into the retaining groove 21. Then, as the mounting plate 82 is further inserted into the retaining groove 21, the convex portion 82a of the mounting plate 82 rides on the bottom surface 21a of the retaining groove 21, as shown in FIG. 4C, and the mounting plate 82 is elastically deformed so as to bend. Then, as the mounting plate 82 is further inserted, it returns to its original shape, and the convex portion 82a fits into the concave portion 21b of the retaining groove 21, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. As a result, the recessed portion 21b and the protruding portion 82a catch on each other, and the mounting plate 82 is held in the holding groove 21 so as to restrict upward movement of the mounting plate 82 (towards the opening 21k) within the holding groove 21. Furthermore, because the width of the holding groove 21 and the width of the mounting plate 82 are the same, rotation of the housing 70 around the axis L relative to the valve body 10 is restricted. In this manner, the housing 70 is fixed to the valve body 10.

[0066] As described above, the motor-operated valve 1 of this embodiment includes the valve body 10, the cylindrical stator 60, the cylindrical can 28 joined to the valve body 10 and disposed inside the stator 60, and the housing 70 that accommodates the stator 60. The valve body 10 has a retaining groove 21. The housing 70 has a mounting plate 82 disposed inside the retaining groove 21. The retaining groove 21 has an opening 21k at its upper end. The mounting plate 82 engages with the valve body 10 so as to restrict movement of the mounting plate 82 toward the opening 21k.

[0067] As a result, when assembling the motor-operated valve 1, when inserting the can 28 into the inside of the stator 60, the mounting plate 82 passes through the opening 21k of the retaining groove 21 and is inserted into the inside of the retaining groove 21. By disposing the mounting plate 82 inside the retaining groove 21, rotation of the housing 70 around the axis L relative to the valve body 10 is restricted. By engaging the mounting plate 82 of the housing 70 with the valve body 10, movement of the housing 70 in a direction away from the valve body 10 is restricted. Therefore, the housing 70 can be fixed to the valve body 10 without using screws. Therefore, the number of steps for fixing the housing 70 to the valve body 10 can be reduced.

[0068] Furthermore, the valve body 10 has a recess 21b. The mounting plate 82 has a protrusion 82a that catches on the recess 21b. This allows the housing 70 to be fixed to the valve body 10 with a simple structure.

[0069] Furthermore, when the mounting plate 82 moves in the insertion direction (downward) within the retaining groove 21 during assembly of the motor-operated valve 1, the mounting plate 82 elastically deforms, causing the recessed portion 21b and the protruding portion 82a to catch on each other. Specifically, when the protruding portion 82a contacts the bottom surface 21a of the retaining groove 21, the mounting plate 82 elastically deforms. When the protruding portion 82a engages with the recessed portion 21b, the mounting plate 82 returns to its original state. By doing so, when the can 28 is inserted into the stator 60 during assembly of the motor-operated valve 1, the mounting plate 82 passes through the opening of the retaining groove 21 and is inserted into the retaining groove 21, moving in the insertion direction within the retaining groove 21. When the protruding portion 82a contacts the bottom surface 21a of the retaining groove 21, the mounting plate 82 elastically deforms. When the protruding portion 82a engages with the recessed portion 21b, the mounting plate 82 returns to its original state. This further reduces the number of steps required to secure the housing 70 to the valve body 10.

[0070] Furthermore, the width of the mounting plate 82 is the same as the width of the retaining groove 21. By doing so, rotation of the housing 70 around the axis L relative to the valve body 10 can be more effectively restricted.

[0071] The housing 70 has a housing main body 71 made of synthetic resin and a metal bracket 80 fixed to the housing main body 71. The bracket 80 has an annular plate-shaped bracket main body 81 formed by pressing, and a mounting plate 82 connected to the inner peripheral edge of the bracket main body 81. This makes it possible to save the metal plate that is the material for the bracket 80.

[0072] In the motor-operated valve 1 described above, the valve body 10 has a recess 21b, and the mounting plate 82 of the housing 70 has a protrusion 82a. In the motor-operated valve 1, the valve body 10 may have a protrusion, and the mounting plate 82 of the housing 70 may have a recess that engages with the protrusion. In this configuration, the mounting plate 82 may be configured to elastically deform when the mounting plate 82 is in contact with the protrusion (except when the protrusion is engaged with the recess), and to recover from the elastic deformation when the protrusion is engaged with the recess.

[0073] Furthermore, in the motor-operated valve 1 described above, the valve body 10 has a retaining groove 21 that is a notch, and the housing 70 has an attachment plate 82 that is a rotation prevention portion. In the motor-operated valve 1, the housing 70 may have a notch, and the valve body 10 may have a rotation prevention portion disposed inside the notch. For example, the motor-operated valve 1 may have a configuration in which the valve body 10 has a convex strip (rotation prevention portion) extending in the vertical direction on its back surface, and the attachment plate 82 of the housing 70 has a slit (cutout) extending in the vertical direction, the convex strip is disposed inside the slit, and the attachment plate 82 engages with the valve body 10 so as to restrict movement of the convex strip toward the opening of the slit. In this configuration, the housing 70 is the first member, and the valve body 10 is the second member. The convex strip of the valve body 10 may be press-fitted into the slit of the attachment plate 82. This restricts movement of the housing 70 in a direction away from the valve body 10. Furthermore, rotation of the housing 70 around the axis L relative to the valve body 10 is more effectively restricted. Alternatively, a protrusion may be provided on the edge of the slit in the mounting plate 82, and a recess may be provided for the protrusion to engage with the ridge of the valve body 10. Alternatively, a claw may be provided on the edge of the slit in the mounting plate 82, and a claw receiver may be provided for the protrusion of the valve body 10 to engage with the claw.

[0074] Next, the configuration of a modified example of the fixing structure of the valve body 10 and housing 70 of the motor-operated valve 1 described above will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 9. In Figures 5 to 9, the same components as (including components that are substantially the same as) those of the motor-operated valve 1 described above will be assigned the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first modified example of the fixing structure of Fig. 4. Fig. 5A is an enlarged view of the mounting plate of the housing and its vicinity as seen from the rear side. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VB-VB in Fig. 5A. Fig. 5C is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting plate in an elastically deformed state.

[0076] The fixing structure shown in FIG. 5 has a retaining groove 21 provided in the valve body 10 and a mounting plate 83 provided in the housing 70.

[0077] The mounting plate 83 has a rectangular plate shape. The width of the mounting plate 83 is the same as the width of the holding groove 21. The mounting plate 83 extends in the up-down direction. A rectangular opening 83a is provided in the mounting plate 83. The mounting plate 83 has a claw portion 83b extending upward from the lower edge of the opening 83a. The claw portion 83b protrudes from the back side to the front side. The claw portion 83b enters a recess 21b (claw receiving portion) of the main body 11. The claw portion 83b is positioned inside the recess 21b. The entry of the claw portion 83b into the recess 21b restricts the mounting plate 83 from moving toward the opening 21k within the holding groove 21. The mounting plate 83 is a rotation prevention portion that the housing 70 has.

[0078] When fixing the housing 70 to the valve body 10, the mounting plate 83 is inserted downward into the retaining groove 21 from the upper surface 11a of the main body 11. The mounting plate 83 passes through the opening 21k and is inserted into the retaining groove 21. As the mounting plate 83 is further inserted into the retaining groove 21, the claws 83b of the mounting plate 83 ride up onto the bottom surface 21a of the retaining groove 21, causing the mounting plate 83 to elastically deform and curve, as shown in FIG. 5C. As the mounting plate 83 is further inserted, it returns to its original shape, and the claws 83b enter the recesses 21b of the retaining groove 21, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In other words, when the claws 83b contact the bottom surface 21a of the retaining groove 21, the mounting plate 83 elastically deforms, and when the claws 83b engage with the recesses 21b, the mounting plate 83 returns to its original shape. As a result, the recessed portion 21b and the claw portion 83b catch on each other (i.e., engage with each other), and the mounting plate 83 is held in the holding groove 21 so as to restrict the mounting plate 83 from moving upward within the holding groove 21. As a result, the housing 70 is fixed to the valve body 10.

[0079] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second modified example of the fixing structure of Fig. 4. Fig. 6A is an enlarged view of the mounting plate of the housing and its vicinity as seen from the rear side. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB in Fig. 6A. Fig. 6C is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting plate in an elastically deformed state.

[0080] The fixing structure shown in FIG. 6 has a retaining groove 22 provided in the valve body 10 and a mounting plate 84 provided in the housing 70.

[0081] The retaining groove 22 is formed to extend downward from the upper surface 11a of the main body 11. The retaining groove 22 extends in the up-down direction. There is no wall surface at the upper end of the retaining groove 22, and the upper end of the retaining groove 22 is open in the extension direction of the retaining groove 22. In other words, the retaining groove 22 has an opening 22k at the upper end. The main body 11 has a claw portion 22b that protrudes from the bottom surface 22a of the retaining groove 22 toward the back side (the right side in Figure 6B). The claw portion 22b has an inclined surface 22c and a retaining surface 22d. The inclined surface 22c is formed to gradually increase from the front side to the back side as it extends from top to bottom. The retaining surface 22d is formed to face downward. The retaining groove 22 is a notch in the valve main body 10.

[0082] The mounting plate 84 has a rectangular plate shape. The width of the mounting plate 84 is the same as the width of the holding groove 22. The mounting plate 84 extends in the vertical direction. A rectangular opening 84a is provided in the mounting plate 84. The claw portion 22b enters the inside of the opening 84a. The claw portion 22b is arranged inside the opening 84a. The lower edge 84b (claw receiving portion) of the opening 84a of the mounting plate 84 comes into contact with the holding surface 22d of the claw portion 22b, thereby restricting the mounting plate 84 from moving toward the opening 22k within the holding groove 22. The mounting plate 84 is a rotation prevention portion that the housing 70 has.

[0083] When fixing the housing 70 to the valve body 10, the mounting plate 84 is inserted downward into the retaining groove 22 from the upper surface 11a side. The mounting plate 84 passes through the opening 22k and is inserted into the retaining groove 22. As the mounting plate 84 is further inserted into the retaining groove 22, the lower end of the mounting plate 84 rides on the inclined surface 22c of the claw portion 22b, causing the mounting plate 84 to elastically deform and curve, as shown in FIG. 6C. As the mounting plate 84 is further inserted, the mounting plate 84 returns to its original shape, and the claw portion 22b enters the opening 84a of the mounting plate 84, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In other words, when the mounting plate 84 is in contact with the claw portion 22b (except when the claw portion 22b is engaged with the lower edge 84b of the opening 84a of the mounting plate 84), the mounting plate 84 elastically deforms, and when the claw portion 22b is engaged with the lower edge 84b of the opening 84a of the mounting plate 84, the mounting plate 84 returns to its original shape. As a result, the holding surfaces 22d of the claw portions 22b and the lower edges 84b of the mounting plate 84 catch on (i.e., engage with) each other, and the mounting plate 84 is held in the holding groove 22 so as to restrict upward movement of the mounting plate 84 within the holding groove 22. As a result, the housing 70 is fixed to the valve body 10.

[0084] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a third modified example of the fixing structure of Fig. 4. Fig. 7A is an enlarged view of the mounting plate of the housing and its vicinity as seen from the rear side. Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIB-VIIB in Fig. 7A. Fig. 7C is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting plate in an elastically deformed state.

[0085] The fixing structure shown in FIG. 7 has a retaining groove 23 provided in the valve body 10 and a mounting plate 85 provided in the housing 70.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 7A, the retaining groove 23 has a first portion 23a extending downward from the upper surface 11a of the main body 11 and two second portions 23b (claw-receiving portions) extending laterally from the lower end of the first portion 23a. The first portion 23a extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the first portion 23a has no wall surface and is open in the direction in which the first portion 23a extends. In other words, the first portion 23a has an opening 23k at its upper end. The second portion 23b is located below the step 11b provided in the main body 11. The retaining groove 23 is a notch in the valve main body 10.

[0087] The mounting plate 85 has a generally rectangular plate shape. The width of the mounting plate 85 is the same as the width of the first portion 23a of the holding groove 23. The mounting plate 85 extends in the vertical direction. The mounting plate 85 has four arms 85a and two claws 85b. The four arms 85a extend from top to bottom. The four arms 85a are aligned horizontally at intervals from one another. Claws 85b are connected to the lower ends of two central arms 85a of the four arms 85a. The two claws 85b extend horizontally away from the points where they are connected to the arms 85a. The claws 85b enter the second portion 23b of the holding groove 23. The two claws 85b are positioned inside the two second portions 23b. The claws 85b enter the second portions 23b, thereby restricting the attachment plate 85 from moving toward the openings 23k within the holding grooves 23. The attachment plate 85 is a rotation prevention portion that the housing 70 has.

[0088] When fixing the housing 70 to the valve body 10, the mounting plate 85 is inserted downward into the first portion 23a of the retaining groove 23 from the upper surface 11a side. The mounting plate 85 passes through the opening 23k and is inserted into the first portion 23a. As the mounting plate 85 is further inserted into the first portion 23a, the two claws 85b of the mounting plate 85 ride up onto the step portion 11b, causing the mounting plate 85 to elastically deform and curve, as shown in FIG. 7C. As the mounting plate 85 is further inserted, it returns to its original shape, and the claws 85b enter the second portion 23b of the retaining groove 23, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. As a result, the claws 85b and the second portion 23b hook onto each other (i.e., engage with each other), and the mounting plate 85 is held in the retaining groove 23 so as to restrict upward movement of the mounting plate 85 within the retaining groove 23. This fixes the housing 70 to the valve body 10.

[0089] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fourth modified example of the fixing structure of Fig. 4. Fig. 8A is an enlarged view of the mounting plate of the housing and its vicinity as viewed from the rear side. Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB in Fig. 8A. Fig. 8C is an enlarged view of the mounting plate of the housing and its vicinity as viewed from the rear side, showing the mounting plate in an elastically deformed state.

[0090] The fixing structure shown in Fig. 8 has a retaining groove 23 provided in the valve body 10 and a mounting plate 86 provided in the housing 70. The retaining groove 23 is the same as that of the third modified example shown in Fig. 7.

[0091] The mounting plate 86 has a generally rectangular plate shape. The width of the mounting plate 86 is the same as the width of the first portion 23a of the holding groove 23. The mounting plate 86 extends in the up-down direction. The mounting plate 86 has two arms 86a and two claws 86b. The two arms 86a extend from above to below. The two arms 86a are aligned laterally with a gap between them. Claws 86b are connected to the lower ends of the two arms 86a at locations closer to the inside in the width direction. The two claws 86b extend laterally away from the locations where they are connected to the arms 86a. The claws 86b enter the second portions 23b of the holding groove 23. The two claws 86b are arranged inside the two second portions 23b. The claws 86b enter the second portion 23b, thereby restricting the attachment plate 86 from moving toward the opening 23k within the holding groove 23. The attachment plate 86 is a rotation prevention portion that the housing 70 has.

[0092] When fixing the housing 70 to the valve body 10, the mounting plate 86 is inserted downward into the first portion 23a of the retaining groove 23 from the upper surface 11a side. The mounting plate 86 passes through the opening 23k and is inserted into the first portion 23a. As the mounting plate 86 is further inserted into the first portion 23a, the two claws 86b of the mounting plate 86 abut against the step portion 11b, causing the arms 86a and claws 86b to elastically deform and bend inward in the width direction, as shown in FIG. 8C . As the mounting plate 86 is further inserted, the arms 86a and claws 86b return to their original state, and the claws 86b enter the second portion 23b of the retaining groove 23, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B . This causes the claws 86b and the second portion 23b to hook together (i.e., engage) with each other, holding the mounting plate 86 in the retaining groove 23 so as to restrict upward movement of the mounting plate 86 within the retaining groove 23. This fixes the housing to the valve body.

[0093] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fifth modified example of the fixing structure of Fig. 4. Fig. 9A is an enlarged view of the mounting plate of the housing and its vicinity as viewed from the rear side. Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXB-IXB in Fig. 9A. Fig. 9C is an enlarged view of the mounting plate of the housing.

[0094] The fixing structure shown in FIG. 9 has a retaining groove 24 provided in the valve body 10 and a mounting plate 87 provided in the housing 70.

[0095] As shown in Figure 9A, the retaining groove 24 is formed to extend downward from the upper surface 11a of the main body 11. The retaining groove 24 extends in the up-down direction. The upper end of the retaining groove 24 has no wall surface, and the upper end of the retaining groove 24 is open in the extension direction of the retaining groove 24. In other words, the retaining groove 24 has an opening 24k at the upper end. The retaining groove 24 is a notch in the valve body 10.

[0096] The mounting plate 87 has a rectangular plate shape. The width of the mounting plate 87 is slightly larger than the width of the holding groove 24. The mounting plate 87 extends in the vertical direction. The mounting plate 87 has two arms 87a and multiple barbs 87b. The two arms 87a extend from top to bottom. The two arms 87a are aligned horizontally at a distance from each other. Multiple barbs 87b are disposed on the outer edges of the two arms 87a in the width direction. The multiple barbs 87b are formed into a wedge shape with their tips facing downward. The mounting plate 87 is press-fitted into the holding groove 24. The multiple barbs 87b are embedded in the inner surface of the holding groove 24 (i.e., the main body 11). This prevents the mounting plate 87 from moving toward the opening 24k within the holding groove 24. The mounting plate 87 is a rotation-preventing portion of the housing 70.

[0097] When fixing the housing 70 to the valve body 10, the mounting plate 87 is inserted downward into the retaining groove 24 from the upper surface 11a side. The mounting plate 87 passes through the opening 24k and is inserted into the retaining groove 24. As the mounting plate 87 is further inserted into the retaining groove 24, the mounting plate 87 is press-fit into the retaining groove 24, and the multiple barbs 87b bite into the inner surface of the retaining groove 24. This holds the mounting plate 87 in the retaining groove 24 so as to restrict upward movement of the mounting plate 87 within the retaining groove 24. This fixes the housing 70 to the valve body 10.

[0098] The mounting plate 87 is press-fitted into the retaining groove 24, which allows the housing 70 to be fixed to the valve body 10 with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the mounting plate 87 has multiple barbs 87b formed to bite into the main body 11, which allows the housing 70 to be more reliably fixed to the valve body 10. Note that the mounting plate 87 may have multiple barbs 87b on only one arm portion 87a. The mounting plate 87 may also have only one barb 87b. The mounting plate 87 does not necessarily have to have any barbs 87b.

[0099] 5 to 9 also provide the same effects as the above-described motor-operated valve 1. In each of the above-described fixing structures, the mounting plate may be elastically deformed manually when fixing the housing 70 to the valve body 10.

[0100] Next, the configuration of a modified example of the motor-operated valve 1 described above will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The motor-operated valve 1A shown in Fig. 10 has the same configuration (including being substantially the same) as the motor-operated valve 1 described above, except that it has a valve body 10A equipped with a body 11A and a flow path block 11B instead of the body 11. In Fig. 10, the same components as those in the motor-operated valve 1 described above are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0101] The valve body 10A is made of metal such as an aluminum alloy, and includes a main body portion 11A, a flow path block 11B, a cylindrical portion 12, and a flange portion 13.

[0102] The main body 11A has a cylindrical shape. The main body 11A is disposed so as to protrude from the upper surface 11c of the flow path block 11B. The main body 11A is attached to the flow path block 11B by a screw structure. The flow path block 11B is provided with a flow path 18 and a flow path 19. The flow path 18 is connected to the flow path 15 of the main body 11A. The flow path 19 is connected to the flow path 16 of the main body 11A.

[0103] A holding groove 21A is provided on the back surface of the flow path block 11B. The holding groove 21A is formed to extend downward from the top surface 11c. A recess 21b, which is a circular hole extending from the back surface side to the front surface side (from the right side to the left side in FIG. 10), is provided on the bottom surface 21a of the holding groove 21A. A mounting plate 82 of the housing 70 is inserted downward from the top surface 11c side into the holding groove 21A. The mounting plate 82 passes through the opening 21k and is inserted into the holding groove 21A. The recess 21b and the protrusion 82a are hooked (i.e., engaged) with each other within the holding groove 21A, and the mounting plate 82 is held within the holding groove 21A so as to restrict movement of the mounting plate 82 within the holding groove 21A toward the opening 21k.

[0104] The motor-operated valve 1A shown in FIG. 10 also provides the same effects as the motor-operated valve 1 described above.

[0105] In this specification, terms indicating the shape of a member, such as "cylinder" or "rectangular parallelepiped," are also used to refer to members that substantially have the shape of that term. For example, a "cylindrical member" includes both a cylindrical member and a substantially cylindrical member.

[0106] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art may appropriately add, delete, or modify components of the above-described embodiments, or appropriately combine features of the embodiments, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1, 1A... motor-operated valve, 10, 10A... valve body, 11, 11A... body portion, 11B... flow path block, 11a... upper surface, 11b... step portion, 11c... upper surface, 12... cylindrical portion, 12a... fitting hole, 13... flange portion, 14... valve chamber, 15, 16... flow path, 17... port, 18, 19... flow path, 21, 21A... retaining groove, 21a... bottom surface, 21b... recess, 21k... opening, 22... retaining groove, 22a... bottom surface, 2 2b...claw portion, 22c...inclined surface, 22d...retaining surface, 22k...opening, 23...retaining groove, 23a...first portion, 23b...second portion, 23k...opening, 24...retaining groove, 24k...opening, 28...can, 30...drive mechanism, 31...magnet rotor, 32...valve stem holder, 32c...female thread, 33...guide bush, 33a...first cylindrical portion, 33b...second cylindrical portion, 33c...male thread, 34 ...Valve stem, 34a...upper end portion, 34b...step portion, 35...support ring, 36...push nut, 37...valve closing spring, 40...valve body, 50...stator unit, 60...stator, 61...upper stage stator, 62...lower stage stator, 63...mold, 64...terminal support portion, 65...terminal, 70...housing, 71...housing main body, 72...circumferential wall portion, 73...upper wall portion, 74...dome portion, 75...Cylindrical portion, 76...Connector portion, 80...Bracket, 81...Bracket body, 82...Mounting plate, 82a...Protrusion, 83...Mounting plate, 83a...Opening, 83b...Claw portion, 84...Mounting plate, 84a...Opening, 84b...Lower edge, 85...Mounting plate, 85a...Arm portion, 85b...Claw portion, 86...Mounting plate, 86a...Arm portion, 86b...Claw portion, 87...Mounting plate, 87a...Arm portion, 87b...Barb, 90...Sealing member

Claims

1. An electric valve attached to a flow path block, the motor-operated valve has a main body attached to the flow path block, a cylindrical can joined to the main body, and a housing accommodating a stator with the can disposed inside, the main body portion has a valve chamber in which a valve element is disposed and a port that is opened and closed by the valve element, The housing includes a housing body and a bracket. the housing main body has a peripheral wall portion on which the stator is disposed and a cylindrical portion protruding from the peripheral wall portion toward the flow path block, a ring-shaped sealing member is disposed between the cylindrical portion and the main body portion; the bracket includes a bracket main body having a circular plate shape and fixed to the peripheral wall portion, and a mounting plate connected to an inner peripheral edge of the bracket main body and extending toward the flow path block along an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, The motor-operated valve, wherein the mounting plate engages with the flow path block so as to restrict the housing from moving in a direction in which it rotates about the axis of the can relative to the flow path block and in a direction away from the flow path block.

2. the flow path block has a notch with an opening at an end portion on the housing side, The motor-operated valve according to claim 1 , wherein the mounting plate is disposed inside the notch.

3. the flow path block has a recess, The motor-operated valve according to claim 1 , wherein the mounting plate has a protrusion that engages with the recess.

4. the mounting plate is elastically deformable; The motor-operated valve according to claim 3 , wherein the mounting plate recovers from the elastic deformation when the protrusion is engaged with the recess.

5. the flow path block has a convex portion, 2. The motor-operated valve according to claim 1, wherein the mounting plate has a recess that engages with the protrusion.

6. When the mounting plate is in contact with the protrusion (except when the protrusion is engaged with the recess), the mounting plate is elastically deformed, The motor-operated valve according to claim 5 , wherein the mounting plate recovers from the elastic deformation when the protrusion is engaged with the recess.

7. The mounting plate has a claw portion, The motor-operated valve according to claim 1 , wherein the flow path block has a claw receiving portion with which the claw portion engages.

8. the mounting plate is elastically deformable; The motor-operated valve according to claim 7, wherein the mounting plate recovers from the elastic deformation when the claw portion is engaged with the claw receiving portion.

9. the flow path block has a claw portion, The motor-operated valve according to claim 1 , wherein the mounting plate has a claw-receiving portion with which the claw portion engages.

10. When the mounting plate is in contact with the claw portion (excluding when the claw portion is engaged with the claw receiving portion), the mounting plate is elastically deformed, The motor-operated valve according to claim 9, wherein the mounting plate recovers from the elastic deformation when the claw portion is engaged with the claw receiving portion.

11. 3. The motor-operated valve according to claim 2, wherein the width of the mounting plate is the same as the width of the notch.

12. An electric valve attached to a flow path block, the motor-operated valve has a main body attached to the flow path block, a cylindrical can joined to the main body, and a housing accommodating a stator with the can disposed inside, the main body portion has a valve chamber in which a valve element is disposed and a port that is opened and closed by the valve element, the housing has a mounting plate extending toward the flow path block along the axis of the can; the mounting plate engages with the flow path block to restrict movement of the housing relative to the flow path block in a direction of rotation about the axis and in a direction away from the flow path block; the flow path block has a ridge, The mounting plate has a notch within which the ridge is positioned.

13. A method for assembling an electric valve to be attached to a flow path block, comprising the steps of: the motor-operated valve has a main body attached to the flow path block, a cylindrical can joined to the main body, and a housing accommodating a stator into which the can is inserted, the main body portion has a valve chamber in which a valve element is disposed and a port that is opened and closed by the valve element, The housing includes a housing body and a bracket. the housing main body has a peripheral wall portion on which the stator is disposed and a cylindrical portion protruding from the peripheral wall portion toward the flow path block, the bracket includes a bracket main body having an annular plate shape and fixed to the peripheral wall portion, and an attachment plate connected to an inner peripheral edge of the bracket main body and extending toward the flow path block along an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, the flow path block, to which the can is joined and to which the main body portion, on the outer circumferential surface of which an annular sealing member is arranged, is attached, and the housing are brought close to each other along the axis of the can, the can is inserted inside the stator, and the sealing member is arranged between the cylindrical portion and the main body portion; A method for assembling an electrically operated valve, comprising engaging the mounting plate with the flow path block so as to restrict movement of the housing in a direction away from the flow path block.

Images