Electric valve

Abstract

To provide a technique for a motor valve having a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms as a speed reduction device to enable the recombination of the planetary gear mechanism arranged on the side closest to the feed screw mechanism according to a load, thus dissolving the above concern.SOLUTION: A motor valve 10 includes a feed screw mechanism 24, a rotor 42 rotatably supported on the inner periphery part of a can 48 and adapted to be rotationally driven by a stator 36 arranged on the outer periphery part of the can 48, and a speed reduction device 50 having a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms 52 arranged side by side in the axial direction and having the same fixation elements for transmitting torque in sequence from a first planetary gear mechanism 52A to a third planetary gear mechanism 52C and transmitting the torque to the feed screw mechanism 24 with a reduction in the rotating speed of the rotor 42, the speed reduction device 50 having the third planetary gear mechanism 52C and the second planetary gear mechanism 52B adjacent thereto in the axial direction, out of the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms 52, constructed in a separable manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor-operated valve. [Background technology]

[0002] In the motor-operated valve with a reduction gear disclosed in Patent Document 1, a valve stem with a valve disc is inserted into the motor-operated valve body. A rotor is mounted inside a can fixed to the body, and a reduction gear is housed inside the rotor. The output of the rotor is input to the sun gear and transmitted to the planetary gear. The planetary gear simultaneously meshes with a fixed gear and an output gear, reducing and driving the output gear at a large reduction ratio. The output of the output gear is transmitted to the screw shaft via the driver, converted into linear motion, and transmitted to the valve stem. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-226369 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an electric valve having multiple planetary gear mechanisms as a reduction device that transmits torque to a feed screw mechanism, there is a concern that the gear of the planetary gear mechanism located closest to the feed screw mechanism may be damaged.

[0005] In order to alleviate the above concerns, the present disclosure aims to provide technology for an electric valve that has multiple planetary gear mechanisms as reduction devices, in which the planetary gear mechanism located closest to the feed screw mechanism can be rearranged depending on the load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect of the motor-operated valve comprises a valve body having a valve chamber and a valve seat, a cylindrical can extending in the axial direction and arranged on one side of the valve body in the axial direction, a valve disc arranged in the valve chamber, a feed screw mechanism that moves the valve disc axially back and forth relative to the valve seat, a rotor rotatably supported on the inner periphery of the can, and a reduction gear device that has a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms arranged side by side in the axial direction and all of which have the same fixed elements, and that transmits torque sequentially from the planetary gear mechanism farther from the feed screw mechanism to the planetary gear mechanism closer to the feed screw mechanism, reducing the rotational speed of the rotor and transmitting the torque to the feed screw mechanism, and that is configured so that the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism and the planetary gear mechanism adjacent to it in the axial direction are separable from each other among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms.

[0007] In an electrically operated valve equipped with a reduction gear device having multiple planetary gear mechanisms, the gear of the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism generally receives the greatest torque. In this electrically operated valve, the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism among the multiple planetary gear mechanisms is separable from the axially adjacent planetary gear mechanism. Therefore, this electrically operated valve allows the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism to be rearranged depending on the load. This provides an electrically operated valve in which damage to the reduction gear device is suppressed compared to a reduction gear device having multiple planetary gear mechanisms in which the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism is integrally formed with the axially adjacent planetary gear mechanism.

[0008] The electric valve of the second aspect is the electric valve of the first aspect, in which the gear that is the fixed element is an internal gear, and further includes an integration member that integrates the internal gears in each of the planetary gear mechanisms in the axial direction.

[0009] This motor-operated valve has a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms in which the sun gear and the internal gear are arranged side by side in the axial direction, and the internal gears of each planetary gear mechanism are integrated in the axial direction by an integrated member. Therefore, with this motor-operated valve, it is possible to fix the plurality of internal gears integrally to the valve body.

[0010] The third aspect of the electric valve is the electric valve described in the second aspect, wherein the internal gears in each of the planetary gear mechanisms have an engaging portion on their end faces in the axial direction, and the internal gears in adjacent planetary gear mechanisms in the axial direction engage with each other at the engaging portion.

[0011] In this motor-operated valve, the internal gears of each planetary gear mechanism have engaging portions on their axial end faces, and the internal gears of adjacent planetary gear mechanisms engage with each other at the engaging portions, thereby restricting their rotation. Therefore, with this motor-operated valve, compared to motor-operated valves in which the internal gears are integrated with only an integrated member, the function of restricting the circumferential rotation of the internal gears can be shared by the internal gears.

[0012] The fourth aspect of the electric valve is the electric valve described in the third aspect, wherein the integrating member is a crimping member that abuts against and integrates a contact portion formed on the internal gear on the side farthest from the feed screw mechanism and a contact portion formed on the internal gear on the side closest to the feed screw mechanism.

[0013] In this motor-operated valve, the integrating member is a crimped member that integrates each planetary gear mechanism by crimping it in the axial direction. Therefore, with this motor-operated valve, multiple planetary gear mechanisms can be integrated by crimping them in the axial direction in advance during the manufacturing process.

[0014] The electric valve of a fifth aspect is the electric valve described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a reduction means for reducing the pressure acting on the gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms.

[0015] In a motor-operated valve equipped with a reduction gear device having multiple planetary gear mechanisms, the gear of the planetary gear mechanism located closest to the feed screw mechanism generally receives the greatest torque. This motor-operated valve is equipped with a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of the planetary gear mechanism located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the multiple planetary gear mechanisms. This motor-operated valve provides a motor-operated valve that is less susceptible to damage to the reduction gear device compared to a case in which the planetary gear mechanism located closest to the feed screw mechanism in a reduction gear device having multiple planetary gear mechanisms is the same as the other planetary gear mechanisms.

[0016] The sixth aspect of the motor-operated valve is the motor-operated valve described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms is formed of a material that has a larger modulus of longitudinal elasticity than the material of the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms, or is harder than the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms.

[0017] This motor-operated valve has multiple planetary gear mechanisms, and the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is closest to the feed screw mechanism is made of a material that has a greater modulus of longitudinal elasticity than the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms, or is harder than the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms. This provides a motor-operated valve that reduces damage to the reduction gear device compared to a reduction gear device that has multiple planetary gear mechanisms and in which the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is closest to the feed screw mechanism is made of the same material as the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the motor-operated valve is the motor-operated valve according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the teeth of the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms have a surface treatment layer that has a larger Young's modulus or is harder than the material of the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms.

[0019] This motor-operated valve has multiple planetary gear mechanisms, and the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is closest to the feed screw mechanism has a surface treatment layer that has a larger Young's modulus or is harder than the material forming the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms.This provides a motor-operated valve that reduces damage to the reduction gear device compared to a reduction gear device having multiple planetary gear mechanisms in which the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is closest to the feed screw mechanism has a Young's modulus or hardness similar to the material forming the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms.

[0020] An eighth aspect of the motor-operated valve is the motor-operated valve according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a stator disposed on an outer periphery of the can and configured to rotate the rotor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, in an electric valve having multiple planetary gear mechanisms as reduction devices, a technology for an electric valve is provided in which the planetary gear mechanism located closest to the feed screw mechanism can be rearranged according to the load. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a motor-operated valve according to a first example of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged view of a reduction gear transmission in the motor-operated valve according to the first example of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an internal gear of a reduction gear device included in the motor-operated valve according to the first example of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a reduction gear device in a motor-operated valve according to a second example of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a reduction gear device in a motor-operated valve according to a third example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] [First Example of the Present Disclosure] (composition) 1 to 3, a motor-operated valve 10 according to a first example of the present disclosure will be described. The motor-operated valve 10 is used, for example, to adjust the flow rate of a fluid (refrigerant) in the refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the motor-operated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure adjusts the flow rate of a fluid flowing from an inlet 11 connected to a valve body 14 to an outlet 12 by adjusting the opening amount of an opening 18. The motor-operated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure has the valve body 14, a valve element 22, an adjustment mechanism 21, and a drive mechanism 33.

[0024] (Valve body 14) As shown in Fig. 1, the valve body 14 is a substantially cylindrical body with an inlet 11 formed on one side thereof. The various components described above that drive the valve element 22 are located on one axial side (the upper side in Fig. 1), and an outlet pipe 82 is connected to an outlet 12 on the other axial side (the lower side in Fig. 1). The inlet 11 is located on one radial side (the left side in Fig. 1) of the valve body 14, and an inlet pipe 80 is connected to the inlet 11. The valve element 22 is accommodated in a valve chamber 16, which is a space formed inside the valve body 14, and is axially drivable by a drive mechanism 33. An opening 18, which has a smaller diameter than the outlet 12, is formed between the valve chamber 16 and the outlet 12. The periphery of the opening 18 is a valve seat 20 that comes into contact with the valve element 22, which will be described later. The valve element 22 adjusts the opening amount of the opening 18 (the flow path area through which the fluid flows), as will be described later.

[0025] (Adjustment mechanism 21) The adjustment mechanism 21 is arranged in the valve chamber 16 and includes a valve element 22 that adjusts the opening amount of the opening 18, a guide portion 23 that guides the valve element 22, a plunger 30 connected to one axial side of the valve element 22, and a feed screw mechanism 24 that is arranged on one axial side of the plunger 30.

[0026] 1, the valve element 22 is a substantially cylindrical member extending in the axial direction, and the outer diameter on the other axial side is larger than the inner diameter of the opening 18. The part on the other axial side abuts against the valve seat 20 to close the opening 18, thereby separating the valve chamber 16 and the outlet port 12. In other words, the valve element 22 is arranged so as to be able to open and close the opening 18.

[0027] 1, the guide portion 23 is a stepped cylindrical member whose other axial end is reduced in diameter, and is fixed to one axial side of the valve chamber 16 in the valve body 14. The inner circumferential surface of the reduced-diameter portion of the guide portion 23 comes into contact with the valve disc 22, guiding the axial movement of the valve disc 22. In addition, a compression coil spring 32 is housed on one axial side of the reduced-diameter portion of the guide portion 23, and supports the other axial side of the compression coil spring 32.

[0028] The plunger 30 is a member that grips one axial side of the valve body 22 on the other axial side, and is urged toward one axial side relative to the guide portion 23 by a compression coil spring 32 disposed radially outward. Furthermore, the plunger 30 is in contact with the spindle 26 of the feed screw mechanism 24 via a ball on one axial side, as will be described later.

[0029] As will be described later, the feed screw mechanism 24 converts torque output from a reduction gear 50 included in a drive mechanism 33 disposed on one axial side of the valve body 14 into axial linear motion. As shown in Fig. 1, the feed screw mechanism 24 has a nut 28 fixed to the valve body 14, and a spindle 26 disposed radially inside the nut 28 and receiving the torque output from the reduction gear 50 on one axial side.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the nut 28 is a substantially cylindrical member having a female screw formed on its radially inner circumferential surface, and the spindle 26 is in rotatable contact with the female screw.

[0031] The spindle 26 is a generally cylindrical member that extends in the axial direction and has a male thread formed on the other axial side that engages with the female thread of the nut 28. When the spindle 26 receives torque from one axial side and rotates around the central axis O of the shaft body 44, it undergoes linear motion in the axial direction while being guided by the female thread of the nut 28. The spindle 26 also transmits linear motion to the plunger 30 by contacting the plunger 30 via a ball on the other axial side. Note that the shape of the spindle 26 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of receiving the torque output from the reduction gear device 50 and moving in the axial direction. However, in the first example of the present disclosure, as an example, serrations are formed on one axial end.

[0032] (Drive mechanism 33) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive mechanism 33 includes a cover 46, a can 48, the motor 34, the shaft 44, and a reduction gear 50.

[0033] The cover 46 is disposed on one axial side of the valve body 14, and is a member that covers the motor 34, the can 48, and the reduction gear 50, as will be described later.

[0034] 1 and 2, the can 48 is a cylindrical member extending in the axial direction, and accommodates the rotor 42, shaft support member 45, shaft body 44, and reduction gear 50 (described later) therein, and is joined on the other axial side to the valve body 14 using a joining material 49. One axial side of the can 48 is sealed in a bag-like shape, and in the first example of the present disclosure, the can 48 also serves as a member that covers the valve body 14 from one axial side. The can 48 may be made of any material as long as it does not shield a magnetic field, but as an example, it is made of an aluminum alloy.

[0035] 1 and 2, the shaft support member 45 is fixed to the can 48 at one axial side inside the can 48. The shaft support member 45 non-rotatably supports one end of a shaft extending from one axial side to the other axial side of the drive mechanism 33. The shaft 44 is a member that determines the rotational axis of the motor 34 and the reduction gear 50. The shaft 44 in the first example of the present disclosure also rotatably supports the spindle 26 of the feed screw mechanism 24.

[0036] The motor 34 is, for example, a claw-pole stepping motor whose rotation angle and speed are controlled by a driver (not shown). The motor 34 is composed of a stator 36 disposed outside a can 48 and a rotor 42 disposed inside the can 48.

[0037] 1 is shown with the stator 36 disposed outside the can 48, the stator 36 is easily attached to and detached from the can 48, and the motor-operated valve 10 is often sold with the stator 36 removed. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 10 in this disclosure includes both a state in which the stator 36 is not provided and a state in which the stator 36 is provided.

[0038] The stator 36 is an example of a rotating means according to the present disclosure that rotates the rotor 42. As shown in FIG. 1 , the stator 36 includes an A-phase stator 36A and a B-phase stator 36B, which are coaxially arranged side by side in the axial direction on the outer periphery of the can 48. The number of coils included in the stator 36 is determined appropriately based on the specifications of the motor-operated valve 10 and the motor 34. The stator 36 in this embodiment may be configured to be separable from the can 48. That is, the motor-operated valve 10 according to the present disclosure may not include the stator 36. In this configuration, for example, the stator 36 and the parts of the motor-operated valve 10 other than the stator 36 can be shipped separately, and then assembled into the motor-operated valve 10 at the user's site. In this configuration, for example, the stator 36 can be replaced with one having different specifications.

[0039] The rotor 42 is a member that is rotationally driven by a rotating means, and includes a plurality of permanent magnets 41 that extend in the axial direction and have south and north poles arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The rotor 42 is disposed on the inner periphery of the can 48, radially inward of the stator 36, and rotatably relative to the shaft 44. The permanent magnets 41 are fixed radially inward to the shaft 44 via a first sun gear 54A, which is the torque input side of a reduction gear device 50 (described later). The rotor 42 has a hole formed on its radially inner side with a groove that meshes with a serrated portion of the first sun gear 54A (described later). When the coils of the A-phase stator 36A and the B-phase stator 36B are excited, the permanent magnets 41 disposed on the rotor 42 are attracted to or repelled by the coils, and are thereby driven to rotate in the circumferential direction.

[0040] (Decelerator 50) As shown in FIG. 1 , the reduction gear device 50 is a component that is coaxial with the rotor 42, has multiple planetary gear mechanisms 52 arranged in the axial direction, and reduces the rotational speed of the rotor 42 to transmit torque to the feed screw mechanism 24. In the first example of the present disclosure, the reduction gear device 50 has three planetary gear mechanisms 52: a first planetary gear mechanism 52A, a second planetary gear mechanism 52B, and a third planetary gear mechanism 52C that are adjacent to each other in the axial direction. In other words, the first planetary gear mechanism 52A is an example of the "planetary gear mechanism 52 farther from the feed screw mechanism 24" in the present disclosure, and the third planetary gear mechanism 52C is an example of the "planetary gear mechanism 52 closest to the feed screw mechanism 24." In other words, the second planetary gear mechanism 52B is an example of the "planetary gear mechanism 52 axially adjacent to the planetary gear mechanism 52 closest to the feed screw mechanism 24" relative to the third planetary gear mechanism 52C.

[0041] In the description of the first example of the present disclosure, when the planetary gear mechanisms 52 are to be distinguished from one another, they are distinguished by adding A, B, or C to the end of their reference numerals. The first planetary gear mechanism 52A, the second planetary gear mechanism 52B, and the third planetary gear mechanism 52C each have a sun gear 54, a planet gear 56, a planet carrier 58, and an internal gear 60. Similarly, when the components of the planetary gear mechanisms 52 are to be particularly distinguished from one another, they are distinguished by adding A, B, or C to the end of their reference numerals. Note that all of the planetary gear mechanisms 52 in the first example of the present disclosure are 2K-H type gear mechanisms.

[0042] The sun gear 54 is rotatably supported by the shaft 44. A plurality of planetary gears 56 mesh with the sun gear 54 and the internal gear 60 and are provided circumferentially. These planetary gears 56 are rotatably supported by a planetary carrier 58. The first sun gear 54A is serrated on one axial side, similar to the spindle 26, and is capable of transmitting torque by meshing with a groove formed in a radially inner hole of the rotor 42 (a flat-plate bearing portion on one axial side supported by the shaft 44). Similarly, the second sun gear 54B and the third sun gear 54C are also serrated on one axial side. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the planetary carrier 58 is provided with three planetary gears 56, for example. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the planetary carrier 58 and the planetary gears 56 are shown in cross-sectional views of their rotation, which differ from the actual situation.

[0043] The first planetary carrier 58A has a hole on the other axial side with a groove formed on its radially inner side that meshes with the second sun gear 54B, and torque can be transmitted by the meshing of the first planetary carrier 58A and the second sun gear 54B. The second planetary carrier 58B has a hole on the other axial side with a groove formed on its radially inner side that meshes with the third sun gear 54C, and torque can be transmitted by the meshing of the second planetary carrier 58B and the third sun gear 54C. The third planetary carrier 58C has a hole on the other axial side with a groove formed on its radially inner side that meshes with the spindle 26 (serrated portion), and torque can be transmitted by the meshing of the third planetary carrier 58C and the spindle 26. That is, in the first example of the present disclosure, the sun gear 54 is an element that inputs torque to the planetary gear mechanism 52, and the planetary carrier 58 is an output element of the planetary gear mechanism 52.

[0044] In the first example of the present disclosure, the grooves of the holes formed in the planetary carrier 58 and the rotor 42 all have the same shape. In other words, the multiple planetary carriers 58 are configured to be connectable to and detachable from the sun gear 54 that has serrations that correspond to the grooves of the holes.

[0045] Furthermore, in the first example of the present disclosure, as will be described later, the rotation of the internal gear 60 relative to the valve body 14 is restricted in all cases. That is, in the first example of the present disclosure, it can be said that the fixed elements in the planetary gear mechanisms 52 of the reduction gear devices 50 are all the same.

[0046] 1 and 2, the internal gear 60 is divided in the axial direction and integrated in the axial direction by a caulking member 62, which is an example of an integrated member. The first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C in the present disclosure have a convex portion 66M or a concave portion 66F, which is an example of an engagement portion 66.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the first internal gear 60A has a recess 66F formed on its other axial end face. The second internal gear 60B has a protrusion 66M and a recess 66F formed on its one and other axial end faces, respectively. The third internal gear 60C has a protrusion 66M formed on its one axial end face. The protrusion 66M is formed to protrude from the surface of each internal gear 60 on one axial side. The recess 66F is formed as a recess into which the protrusion 66M of an adjacent internal gear 60 fits. The internal gears 60 engage with each other as the protrusion 66M fits into the recess 66F.

[0048] The specific shapes and numbers of the convex portions 66M and concave portions 66F are not limited as long as they are shaped so that the internal gears 60 do not rotate in the circumferential direction when fitted together. In the first example of the present disclosure, as an example, four convex portions 66M and four concave portions 66F are formed in the circumferential direction, as shown in FIG.

[0049] In the first example of the present disclosure, a first abutment portion 64A recessed toward the other axial side is formed on one axial end face of the first internal gear 60A as an example of abutment portion 64. Similarly, a second abutment portion 64B recessed toward one axial side is formed on the other axial end face of the third internal gear 60C as an example of abutment portion 64. In the first example of the present disclosure, the first abutment portion 64A of the first internal gear 60A and the second abutment portion 64B of the third internal gear 60C are formed at the same circumferential position when the respective internal gears 60 are engaged, as shown in FIG.

[0050] 1 and 2, the crimping member 62 is, for example, a rod-shaped member that extends in the axial direction and is bent so that both axial ends fit into the first abutment portion 64A and the second abutment portion 64B, respectively. Then, as shown in Fig. 2, the crimping member 62 is crimped (crimped) so that both ends engage with the first abutment portion 64A and the second abutment portion 64B, thereby axially integrating the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C. In other words, the crimping member 62 abuts against the first abutment portion 64A formed on the first internal gear 60A and the second abutment portion 64B formed on the third internal gear 60C, thereby integrating the internal gears 60A and 60C.

[0051] In the first example of the present disclosure, the second internal gear 60B, which is a fixed element of the second planetary gear mechanism 52B, and the third internal gear 60C, which is a fixed element of the third planetary gear mechanism 52C, are connectable and separable. In the first example of the present disclosure, the second planetary carrier 58B, which is an output element of the second planetary gear mechanism 52B, and the third sun gear 54C, which is an input element of the third planetary gear mechanism 52C, are connectable and separable. Thus, in the present disclosure, "separable planetary gear mechanisms" means that the fixed elements of adjacent planetary gear mechanisms 52 are connectable and separable, and that the output element of one adjacent planetary gear mechanism 52 and the input element of the other adjacent planetary gear mechanism 52 are connectable and separable. The second planetary gear mechanism 52B and the third planetary gear mechanism 52C are an example of a configuration in which "the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism and the planetary gear mechanism adjacent to it in the axial direction are separable" in the present disclosure.

[0052] The first abutment portion 64A and the second abutment portion 64B are not limited in specific shape and number as long as they are shaped so that the respective internal gears 60 do not rotate in the circumferential direction when the crimping member 62 is crimped. In the first example of the present disclosure, as an example, as shown in FIG. 3, four abutment portions 64 are formed in a row in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the crimping member 62 is not limited in specific shape and material as long as it can integrate the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C in the axial direction. In the first example of the present disclosure, as an example, the crimping member 62 is formed of a material such as steel.

[0053] Furthermore, the internal gear 60 is restricted from rotating in the circumferential direction relative to the can 48 and the valve body 14. There are no particular limitations on the method for restricting this rotation, but in the first example of the present disclosure, as an example, the other axial side of the internal gear 60 is joined to the can 48 and the valve body 14 by a joining material 49.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the materials of the components constituting the planetary gear mechanism 52 are not particularly limited. As an example, the sun gear 54, planet carrier 58, and internal gear 60 are formed from synthetic resin, and the planetary gear 56 is formed from a hard material such as metal. In other words, the planetary gear 56 is formed from a different material from the sun gear 54 and the internal gear 60. In the first example of the present disclosure, the teeth of the sun gear 54 and the internal gear 60 of the planetary gear 56 have a spur gear shape.

[0055] The reduction gear device 50 functions as a reduction gear device by transmitting torque in this order from the first planetary gear mechanism 52A to the second planetary gear mechanism 52B and the third planetary gear mechanism 52C due to the rotation of the rotor 42 described above, and outputting the torque from the third planetary gear mechanism 52C. In other words, the planet carrier 58 in the third planetary gear mechanism 52C transmits the torque to the spindle 26 of the feed screw mechanism 24, and the reduction gear device 50 inputs the torque to the feed screw mechanism 24.

[0056] In the first example of the present disclosure, the first sun gear 54A, the second sun gear 54B, and the third sun gear 54C are all similar in terms of specifications such as axial length, module, number of teeth, etc. The first planetary gear 56A, the second planetary gear 56B, and the third planetary gear 56C are all similar in terms of axial length, module, number of teeth, etc. teeth The first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C are all the same in terms of axial length, module, teeth In other words, the specifications of the gears in the first planetary gear mechanism 52A, the specifications of the gears in the second planetary gear mechanism 52B, and the specifications of the gears in the third planetary gear mechanism 52C are all the same.

[0057] In the above description, the materials of the components constituting the planetary gear mechanism 52 are not particularly limited, but the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 that receives the highest load among the gears of the planetary gear mechanism 52 may be formed from a material that is more durable than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52. For example, the planetary gear mechanism 52 that receives the highest load in this embodiment is the third planetary gear mechanism 52C that is closest to the feed screw mechanism 24 among the multiple planetary gear mechanisms 52, and the third sun gear 54C may be formed from a material that is more durable than the other sun gears 54.

[0058] Specifically, the third sun gear 54C may be made of a material with a larger modulus of longitudinal elasticity (also known as Young's modulus) than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52, or may be made harder than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52. Alternatively, the teeth of the third sun gear 54C may be subjected to surface treatment such as plating or vapor deposition, so that the third sun gear 54C is made into a member having a surface treatment layer that is larger in modulus of longitudinal elasticity or harder than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52.

[0059] When a planetary gear mechanism 52 with a reduction ratio of less than 1 is included, the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 with the highest load may be the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 other than the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 closest to the feed screw mechanism 24. Even in this case, the durability of the reduction gear device 50 can be improved by using a material (including the surface treatment layer) of the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 with the highest load that has a larger modulus of longitudinal elasticity or is harder than the materials of the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52.

[0060] The "hardness" refers to, for example, Vickers hardness measured by the method specified in JIS Z 2244-1.

[0061] In this way, the durability of the reduction gear transmission 50 can be improved by using a member with higher durability for the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 that receives the highest load than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52. In particular, tooth root fracture and tooth surface wear caused by the impact when the valve disc 22 hits the valve seat 20 can be suppressed.

[0062] As described above, the third planetary gear mechanism 52C in the present disclosure can be separated from the second planetary gear mechanism 52B and replaced with one having different specifications. Second and third examples of the motor-operated valve 10 in which the third planetary gear mechanism 52C is replaced will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5 as appropriate.

[0063] [Second Example of the Present Disclosure] A second example in which the third planetary gear mechanism 52C of the planetary gear mechanism 52 in the present disclosure is rearranged will be described with appropriate reference to Figure 4. Note that in the motor-operated valve 10 in the second example of the present disclosure, the same components as those in the motor-operated valve 10 in the first example of the present disclosure are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first example of the present disclosure, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0064] (composition) As shown in FIG. 4 , in contrast to the motor-operated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure, a third sun gear 154C according to a second example of the present disclosure has the same number of teeth as the first sun gear 54A but a larger module than the first sun gear 54A. In other words, the third sun gear 154C has a larger diameter than the first sun gear 54A. Similarly, the third planetary gear 156C has the same number of teeth as the first planetary gear 56A but a larger module than the first planetary gear 56A, and the third internal gear 160C has the same number of teeth as the first internal gear 60A but a larger module than the first internal gear 60A. In addition, in accordance with the shape of the third sun gear 154C, a third planetary carrier 158C rotatably supports the third planetary gear 156C radially outward of the first planetary carrier 58A.

[0065] The other specifications of the gears in the third planetary gear mechanism 152C are the same as those of the first planetary gear mechanism 52A and the second planetary gear mechanism 52B. The other configurations are the same as those of the motor-operated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure.

[0066] [Third Example of the Present Disclosure] Next, a third example in which the third planetary gear mechanism 52C of the planetary gear mechanism 52 of the present disclosure is rearranged will be described with appropriate reference to Fig. 5. Note that in the motor-operated valve 10 according to the third example of the present disclosure, the same components as those in the motor-operated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first example of the present disclosure, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0067] (composition) As shown in FIG. 5, in the third example of the present disclosure, the third planetary carrier 258C has serrations on one side in the axial direction, similar to those of the spindle 26. DepartmentThe third sun gear 254C has a radially inner hole with a groove formed therein that meshes with the spindle 26. In other words, in the third planetary gear mechanism 252C of the third example of the present disclosure, the torque output from the second planetary gear mechanism 52B is input to the third planetary carrier 258C, and the third sun gear 254C outputs the torque to the other axial side. The third internal gear 260C is fixed, as are the first internal gear 60A and the second internal gear 60B. In other words, in the third example of the present disclosure, the third planetary carrier 258C is an element that inputs torque to the third planetary gear mechanism 252C, and the second planetary carrier 58B is an output element of the second planetary gear mechanism 52B. . words In other words, in the reduction gear transmission 250 in the third example of the present disclosure, the first planetary gear mechanism 52A and the second planetary gear mechanism 52B are configured as reduction mechanisms, and the third planetary gear mechanism 252C is configured as a speed-increasing mechanism. However, the reduction gear transmission 50 is a device that reduces the speed so that the output rotation speed is lower than the input rotation speed as a whole.

[0068] The specifications of the other gears in the third planetary gear mechanism 252C are the same as those of the first planetary gear mechanism 52A and the second planetary gear mechanism 52B. The other configurations are the same as those of the motor-operated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure.

[0069] Next, the operation and effects of the motor-operated valve 10 according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0070] (Action and effect) In an electrically operated valve 10 equipped with a reduction gear device 50 having a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms 52, the greatest torque is generally applied to the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 52C. In this electrically operated valve 10 having a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms 52, the third planetary gear mechanism 52C of the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms 52 is separable from the second planetary gear mechanism 52B. Therefore, in this electrically operated valve 10, for a reduction gear device 50 having a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms 52, it is possible to rearrange the planetary gear mechanism 52 arranged closest to the feed screw mechanism 24 so as to achieve the desired performance depending on the load. As a result, with this electrically operated valve 10, it is easier to select specifications that will reduce damage to the reduction gear device 50 compared to a reduction gear device 50 having a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms 52 in which the third planetary gear mechanism 52C is integrally formed with the second planetary gear mechanism 52B.

[0071] Next, the operation and effect of the motor-operated valve 10 in the first example will be described.

[0072] In an electric valve 10 in which multiple planetary gear mechanisms 52 are integrated with a reduction gear 50, if the multiple planetary gear mechanisms 52 were combinable, it would be time-consuming to fix the gears of the fixed elements to the valve body 14. The electric valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure has multiple planetary gear mechanisms 52 in which the sun gear 54, planetary gears 56, and internal gear 60 are each arranged side by side in the axial direction, and the internal gear 60 is a fixed element. Furthermore, the electric valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure has the internal gear 60 of each planetary gear mechanism 52 integrated in the axial direction by an integrated member. Therefore, this electric valve 10 makes it possible to fix the multiple internal gears 60 integrally to the valve body 14.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the motor-operated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure, the internal gear 60 in each planetary gear mechanism 52 has an engaging portion 66 on its axial end face, and the internal gears 60 in adjacent planetary gear mechanisms 52 engage with each other at the engaging portion 66. Therefore, the internal gears 60 in the planetary gear mechanisms 52 of the motor-operated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure are restricted from rotating relative to each other by engaging with each other at the engaging portions 66. Therefore, according to this motor-operated valve 10, the internal gears 60 can share the function of restricting the circumferential rotation of the internal gears 60 relative to each other, compared to motor-operated valves 10 in which the internal gears 60 are integrated with each other in the axial direction using only an integrated member.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the motor-operated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure, the crimping member 62 crimps the respective planetary gear mechanisms 52 in the axial direction to integrate them. Therefore, according to this motor-operated valve 10, it is possible to integrate the multiple planetary gear mechanisms 52 in the axial direction in advance during the manufacturing process.

[0075] Furthermore, in the motor-operated valve 10 having a reduction mechanism using multiple planetary gear mechanisms 52, the gears that make up the planetary gear mechanism 52, namely the sun gear 54, planetary gears 56, planet carrier 58, and internal gear 60, are inserted sequentially into the can 48. In this case, all of these gears are assembled in the assembly process of the motor-operated valve 10, which increases the manufacturing time of the motor-operated valve 10. As described above, according to the motor-operated valve 10 in the first example of the present disclosure, the multiple planetary gear mechanisms 52 can be axially crimped in advance, which improves the design freedom of the assembly process.

[0076] Next, the operation and effect of the motor-operated valve 10 in the second example will be described.

[0077] When the drive mechanism 33 is driven to adjust the opening amount of the opening 18, the valve disc 22 may hit the valve seat 20 or the speed at which the valve disc 22 moves back and forth may change suddenly, causing an impact on the adjustment mechanism 21. This impact is transmitted via the adjustment mechanism 21 to the gear of the planetary gear mechanism 152 that outputs torque in the reduction gear device 150. For this reason, in an electrically operated valve 10 having multiple planetary gear mechanisms 152, the gear of the planetary gear mechanism 152 closest to the feed screw mechanism 24 is more likely to be damaged.

[0078] In the third planetary gear mechanism 152C according to the second example of the present disclosure, the modules of the third sun gear 154C, the third planetary gear 156C, and the third fixed gear are larger than the modules of the first sun gear 54A, the first planetary gear 56A, and the first fixed gear. Therefore, compared to when the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C have the same shape as the gears of the first planetary gear mechanism 52A, the tooth thickness of the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C is larger, and the impact resistance of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C is improved. Furthermore, by increasing the gear modules, the contact areas of the tooth surfaces of the third sun gear 154C and the third planetary gear 156C are also increased. In other words, the reduction means according to the second example of the present disclosure reduces the pressure (load per unit area) applied to the surfaces of the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C by increasing the modules of the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C.

[0079] Furthermore, according to this motor-operated valve 10, the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C have greater durability than when the gears have the same shape as the gears of the first planetary gear mechanism 52A, and therefore damage to the third planetary gear mechanism 152C is suppressed. In other words, according to the motor-operated valve 10 according to the second example of the present disclosure, pressure on the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 152C is reduced, and therefore damage to the reduction gear device 150 is suppressed.

[0080] In the motor-operated valve 10 according to the present disclosure, as in the second example of the present disclosure, it is possible to change the specifications of any one of the planetary gear mechanisms 152 in the reduction gear device 50 having multiple planetary gear mechanisms 152.

[0081] Next, the operation and effect of the motor-operated valve 10 in the third example will be described.

[0082] As described above, in the motor-operated valve 10 having a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms 252, the gear of the planetary gear mechanism 252 closest to the feed screw mechanism 24 is more likely to be damaged.

[0083] Here, in the third planetary gear mechanism 252C according to the third example of the present disclosure, the third planetary carrier 258C inputs torque, and the third solar gear 254C Since the third planetary gear mechanism 252C outputs torque, it is a speed-increasing mechanism. In other words, in the motor-operated valve 10 according to the third example of the present disclosure, the torque applied to the gears is reduced compared to when the third planetary gear mechanism 252C is a speed-reducing mechanism like the first planetary gear mechanism 52A and the second planetary gear mechanism 52B. In other words, the reduction means according to the third example of the present disclosure reduces the pressure of the third planetary gear mechanism 252C by making the third planetary gear mechanism 252C a speed-increasing mechanism.

[0084] Furthermore, with this motor-operated valve 10, the torque associated with the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 252C is reduced compared to when the gears of the third planetary gear mechanism 252C are a reduction mechanism similar to the gears of the first planetary gear mechanism 52A. In other words, with the motor-operated valve 10 according to the third example of the present disclosure, the probability of damage to the planetary gear mechanism 252 is distributed between the third planetary gear mechanism 252C and the second planetary gear mechanism 52B. Therefore, with the motor-operated valve 10 according to the third example of the present disclosure, damage to the third planetary gear mechanism 252C is suppressed compared to when the third planetary gear mechanism 252C is a planetary gear mechanism 52 similar to the first planetary gear mechanism 52A. In other words, with the motor-operated valve 10 according to the third example of the present disclosure, damage to the reduction gear device 250 is suppressed.

[0085] In the motor-operated valve 10 according to the present disclosure, as in the third example of the present disclosure, it is possible to change any one of the planetary gear mechanisms 252 of the reduction gear device 50 having a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms 252 into a speed increasing mechanism.

[0086] (Variation) In the above description, all three planetary gear mechanisms 52 have the same axial length, but they may be replaced with one planetary gear mechanism 52 whose axial length is different from the other planetary gear mechanisms 52 as long as it falls within the range of axial lengths inside the reduction gear device 50. Also, in the above description, all reduction gear devices 50 have three planetary gear mechanisms 52, but the number of planetary gear mechanisms 52 may be four or more, or may be two, as long as it falls within the range of axial lengths inside the reduction gear device 50.

[0087] In the above description, the reduction gear device 50 has been described as an example in which the third planetary gear mechanism 52C of the three planetary gear mechanisms 52 is rearranged, but the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first planetary gear mechanism 52A or the second planetary gear mechanism 52B may be rearranged.

[0088] In the above description, the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C are each described as separate components, but the shape of the internal gear 60 in the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second internal gear 60B and either the first internal gear 60A or the third internal gear 60C may be an integrated component. In this case, the same effects as those of the motor-operated valve 10 according to the first example of the present disclosure can be obtained.

[0089] In the above description, the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C each have an engaging portion 66, but the shape of the internal gears 60 in the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as long as it is possible to restrict the rotation of the internal gears 60 in the circumferential direction by friction between the internal gears 60 while they are axially integrated with the caulking member 62, the internal gears 60 may not have the engaging portion 66.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above description, the integral member is the crimping member 62 that crimps the internal gear 60 in the axial direction, but the integral member in the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a pin extending from the first internal gear 60A to the third internal gear 60C may be the integral member. In this case, a through hole that passes through the first internal gear 60A, the second internal gear 60B, and the third internal gear 60C in the axial direction is provided, and the internal gear 60 is integrated by press-fitting the pin into the through hole. Other integration methods include bonding using an adhesive or screwing, and integration may be achieved by these methods.

[0091] (Other variations) In addition, in the above description, the reduction gear device 50 has three planetary gear mechanisms 52, but the number of planetary gear mechanisms 52 in the motor-operated valve 10 according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. The number of planetary gear mechanisms 52 may be four or more, or may be two.

[0092] In addition, in the above description, each planetary gear mechanism 52 of the reduction gear device 50 has three planetary gears 56, but the number of planetary gears 56 according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in the third planetary gear mechanism 52C, the number of third planetary gears 56C may be four or more.

[0093] In the above description, the gear specifications have been described as being limited to the face width and module, but in the present disclosure, the specifications that are made different in each planetary gear mechanism 52 are not limited to these as long as they increase the contact area between the gears. For example, helical gears with slanted teeth may be used to increase the contact area between the gears and reduce the pressure in the planetary gear mechanism 52.

[0094] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, durability may be improved by making the sun gear 54 of the planetary gear mechanism 52 that is the gear with the highest load among the gears of the planetary gear mechanism 52 a more durable member than the sun gears 54 of the other planetary gear mechanisms 52.

[0095] The above describes an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is clear that a person with ordinary knowledge in the field of technology to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10 Motor-operated valve 11 Inlet 12 Outlet 14 Valve body 16 Valve chamber 18 Aperture 20 Valve seat 21 Adjustment mechanism 22 Valve body 23 Guide section 24 Lead screw mechanism 26 Spindle 28 Nut 30 Plunger 32 Coil spring 33 Drive mechanism 34 Motor 36 Stator 40 bobbins 41 Permanent magnets 42 rotor 44 shaft body 45 Shaft support member 46 Cover 48 Can 49 contact composite material 50 Reducer 52 Planetary gear mechanism 54 Sun Gear 56 Planetary gear 58 Career 60 Internal gear 62 Caulking material 64 Contact part 66 Engagement part

Claims

1. a valve body having a valve chamber and a valve seat; a can having a cylindrical shape extending in an axial direction and disposed on one side of the valve body in the axial direction; a valve body disposed in the valve chamber; a feed screw mechanism that moves the valve element forward and backward in the axial direction relative to the valve seat; a rotor rotatably supported on the inner periphery of the can; a reduction gear device that includes a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms that are arranged side by side in the axial direction and all have the same fixed elements, and that transmits torque in order from the planetary gear mechanism farthest from the feed screw mechanism to the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the rotor and transmitting the torque to the feed screw mechanism, and that is configured such that the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism and the planetary gear mechanism adjacent to it in the axial direction are separable from each other; Equipped with the gear serving as the fixed element is an internal gear, The planetary gear mechanism further includes an integral member that integrates the internal gears of the planetary gear mechanisms in the axial direction. Electric valve.

2. the internal gear in each of the planetary gear mechanisms has an engaging portion on an end surface in the axial direction, and the internal gears in the planetary gear mechanisms adjacent in the axial direction engage with each other at the engaging portion; The electrically operated valve according to claim 1 .

3. the integration member is a caulking member that abuts against and integrates a contact portion formed on the internal gear farthest from the feed screw mechanism and a contact portion formed on the internal gear closest to the feed screw mechanism. The motor-operated valve according to claim 2.

4. a reduction unit that reduces the pressure acting on a gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms; The motor-operated valve of claim 1 further comprising:

5. the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms is made of a material with a larger modulus of longitudinal elasticity than the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms or is harder than the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms; The motor-operated valve according to claim 1 .

6. the teeth of the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms have a surface treatment layer that has a larger modulus of longitudinal elasticity or is harder than the materials of the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms; The motor-operated valve according to claim 1 .

7. a valve body having a valve chamber and a valve seat; a can having a cylindrical shape extending in an axial direction and disposed on one side of the valve body in the axial direction; a valve body disposed in the valve chamber; a feed screw mechanism that moves the valve element forward and backward in the axial direction relative to the valve seat; a rotor rotatably supported on the inner periphery of the can; a reduction gear device that includes a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms that are arranged side by side in the axial direction and all have the same fixed elements, and that transmits torque in order from the planetary gear mechanism farthest from the feed screw mechanism to the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the rotor and transmitting the torque to the feed screw mechanism, and that is configured such that the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism and the planetary gear mechanism adjacent to it in the axial direction are separable from each other; Equipped with the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms is made of a material with a larger modulus of longitudinal elasticity than the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms or is harder than the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms; Electric valve.

8. a reduction unit that reduces the pressure acting on a gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms; The motor-operated valve of claim 7 further comprising:

9. the teeth of the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms have a surface treatment layer that has a larger modulus of longitudinal elasticity or is harder than the materials of the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms; The motor-operated valve according to claim 7.

10. a valve body having a valve chamber and a valve seat; a can having a cylindrical shape extending in an axial direction and disposed on one side of the valve body in the axial direction; a valve body disposed in the valve chamber; a feed screw mechanism that moves the valve element forward and backward in the axial direction relative to the valve seat; a rotor rotatably supported on the inner periphery of the can; a reduction gear device that includes a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms that are arranged side by side in the axial direction and all have the same fixed elements, and that transmits torque in order from the planetary gear mechanism farthest from the feed screw mechanism to the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the rotor and transmitting the torque to the feed screw mechanism, and that is configured such that the planetary gear mechanism closest to the feed screw mechanism and the planetary gear mechanism adjacent to it in the axial direction are separable from each other; Equipped with the teeth of the sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms have a surface treatment layer that has a larger modulus of longitudinal elasticity or is harder than the materials of the sun gears of the other planetary gear mechanisms; Electric valve.

11. a reduction unit that reduces the pressure acting on a gear of the planetary gear mechanism that is located closest to the feed screw mechanism among the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms; The motor-operated valve of claim 10 further comprising:

12. a stator disposed on the outer periphery of the can and configured to rotate the rotor; 12. The motor-operated valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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