Expansion valve

Abstract

To provide an expansion valve that can suppress vibrations caused by pulsation occurring in a valve chamber.SOLUTION: An expansion valve 1 comprises a valve body 10 having a valve chamber 11 and an orifice 12, a valve element 20 arranged in the valve chamber 11, a coil spring 41 that is provided in the valve chamber 11 on the opposite side of the orifice 12 across the valve element 20 and urges the valve element 20 toward the orifice 12, and a valve element support member 30. The valve body support member 30 comprises a flange portion 22 that supports the valve element 20 in the axial direction of the orifice 12 at the orifice 12 side end of the coil spring 41, and an inserted portion 35 that is provided to be movable integrally with the valve element 20 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the orifice 12 and is inserted into the coil spring. A bottom wall portion 38 of the inserted portion 35 deforms in response to the pressure inside the valve chamber 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an expansion valve.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an expansion valve has been used in a refrigeration cycle for air conditioning. As an expansion valve, a configuration including a vibration damping spring for suppressing the vibration of a valve body disposed in a valve chamber is known. As the vibration damping spring, a configuration integrally formed with the valve body and including a plurality of legs is known. The plurality of legs are in pressure contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber and act as a leaf spring. This type of vibration damping spring is displaced integrally with the valve body, and when this displacement occurs, the plurality of legs are in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber. The vibration generated in the valve body is suppressed by being absorbed by the sliding contact of the plurality of legs with the inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One of the factors causing the vibration of the valve body is the pulsation generated in the valve chamber.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an expansion valve capable of suppressing vibration caused by pulsation generated in a valve chamber.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The expansion valve of the present invention comprises a valve body, a valve element, a coil spring, a support portion, and an insertion portion. The valve body has a valve chamber and an orifice. The valve element is disposed in the valve chamber. The coil spring is provided in the valve chamber on the opposite side of the orifice from the valve element and biases the valve element toward the orifice. The support portion supports the valve element on the coil spring. The insertion portion is provided so as to be movable integrally with the valve element in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the orifice and is inserted into the coil spring. The insertion portion has a sealed space inside, and a part of the wall facing the space is a deformable portion that deforms in accordance with the pressure inside the valve chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, an expansion valve capable of suppressing vibrations caused by pulsations occurring in the valve chamber can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view showing an expansion valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view showing the main part of the expansion valve. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view showing an expansion valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view showing an expansion valve according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view showing a valve body, valve body support, and vibration damping spring according to a modified example of the expansion valve of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view showing a valve body and a valve body support member according to another modified example of the expansion valve of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view showing an expansion valve according to a modified example of the expansion valve of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First Embodiment] An expansion valve 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the expansion valve 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the expansion valve 1. Figure 2 shows the valve body 20 and its vicinity. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the expansion valve 1 comprises a valve body 10, a valve body 20, a valve body support member 30, a biasing device 40, a power element 50, an operating rod 60, a vibration damping spring 70, and an O-ring 75. The expansion valve 1 is part of a refrigeration cycle used, for example, in a vehicle. The expansion valve 1 constitutes part of the flow path between the condenser and the evaporator, and part of the flow path between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0010] For the sake of explanation, the direction from the valve body 20 towards the orifice 12 (described later) is defined as the upward direction, and this is considered the vertical direction. A straight line perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as the width direction. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view along both the vertical and width directions. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along both the vertical and width directions.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the valve body 10 comprises a valve chamber 11, an orifice 12, an inlet passage 13, an outlet passage 14, and a return passage. Flow channel It has a 15 and a hole 16. A hole 10a is formed in the lower part of the valve body 10. The hole 10a opens at the lower end of the valve body 10. A female thread 10b is formed at the lower end of the inner circumferential surface of the hole 10a. A part of the hole 10a constitutes the valve chamber 11.

[0012] The orifice 12 is formed at the upper end of the valve chamber 11. Downstream of the orifice 12, a throat continuous with the orifice is formed. The area around the orifice 12 is a valve seat on which the valve body 20 is seated. The inlet passage 13 is formed at the lower part of the valve body 10. The inlet passage 13 is a flow path that allows the refrigerant to flow into the valve chamber 11. The inlet passage 13 extends in the width direction.

[0013] The outflow passage 14 is formed in the middle part in the vertical direction of the valve body 10. The outflow passage 14 is a passage for allowing the refrigerant that has passed through the orifice 12 to flow out from the valve body 10. The outflow passage 14 extends in the width direction. Further, the outflow passage 14 includes a throat portion that extends in the vertical direction and is located immediately downstream of the orifice 12. The return passage 15 is formed in the upper part of the valve body 10. The return passage 15 is a passage for flowing the refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator. The return passage is a part of the passage connecting the evaporator and the compressor. The return passage extends in the width direction.

[0014] The hole 16 is formed between the return passage 15 and the outflow passage 14 and extends in the vertical direction. The end of the hole 16 on the return passage 15 side opens into the return passage 15. The end of the hole 16 on the outflow passage 14 side opens into the outflow passage 14. An operating rod 60 is disposed in the hole 16 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the operating rod 60.

[0015] The hole 16 has a first hole portion 17 and a second hole portion 18. The first hole portion 17 is a portion adjacent to the return passage 15 of the hole ......

[0016] The second hole portion 18 is a portion below the first hole portion 17. The second hole portion 18 has a smaller cross-section than the first hole portion 17. The shape and size of the cross-section of the second hole portion 18 are such that the operating rod 60 can be in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second hole portion 18. In the present embodiment, since the operating rod 60 is cylindrical, the cross-sectional shape of the second hole portion 18 is circular. The inner diameter of the second hole portion 18 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the operating rod 60. The second hole portion 18 is an example of a guide portion that guides the displacement of the operating rod 60 when the operating rod 60 is in sliding contact.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the valve element 20 is disposed in the valve chamber 11. The valve element 20 is, for example, spherical.

[0018] The valve element support member 30 includes a first member 31 and a second member 32. The first member 31 constitutes a support portion that supports the valve element 20 on a coil spring 41 (described later) of the biasing device 40.

[0019] The first member 31 includes a mounting portion 33 and a flange portion 34. The mounting portion 33 is where the valve body 20 is mounted. The mounting portion 33 is, for example, columnar extending in the vertical direction and, as an example, is cylindrical. The upper end surface of the mounting portion 33 is recessed, for example, in a conical shape. The valve body 20 is mounted in this recess. The mounting portion 33 may be fixed to the valve body 20. The fixing means is, for example, welding or an adhesive.

[0020] The flange portion 34 extends outward, for example, from the lower end of the mounting portion 33. The flange portion 34 is annular and, for example, is circular-ring-shaped. The flange portion 34 functions as a support portion that supports the valve body 20 on the orifice 12 side end of a coil spring 41 described later in the axial direction of the orifice 12.

[0021] In this embodiment, the flange portion 34 is indirectly supported by the coil spring 41 via a flange portion 36 and a vibration damping spring 70 of the second member 32 described later. Here, support includes directly supporting, that is, abutting, and indirectly supporting, that is, abutting via other members or the like in between. The lower surface of the first member 31 is, for example, a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the mounting portion 33.

[0022] The second member 32 is fixed to the lower end surface of the first member 31. The second member 32 constitutes an inserted portion to be inserted into the coil spring 41. The second member 32 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, for example, a bottomed cylindrical inserted portion 35 and a flange portion 36 formed at the upper end opening of the inserted portion 35.

[0023] The second member 32 is arranged coaxially with the first member 31. Here, coaxially means that the center line of the first member 31, in this embodiment, the axis of the mounting portion 33, and the center line of the inserted portion 35, in this embodiment, the axis of the inserted portion 35, coincide. Or it may be substantially coaxially. Substantially coaxially means, for example, allowing for a deviation due to manufacturing errors.

[0024] The insertion portion 35 has a cylindrical portion 37 and a bottom wall portion 38. The cylindrical portion 37 is cylindrical, for example, a cylinder. The bottom wall portion 38 is provided at the lower end opening of the cylindrical portion 37 and closes the lower end opening.

[0025] The insertion portion 35 is inserted into the coil spring 41 from the upper end of the coil spring 41. The flange portion 36 is placed on the upper end of the coil spring 41 via the vibration damping spring 70. The axial length of the insertion portion 35 is set to a length that prevents the valve body support member 30 from falling off the coil spring 41, even if the valve body support member 30 is tilted relative to the coil spring 41 during the assembly of the expansion valve 1, by ensuring that the insertion portion 35 abuts against the inner circumference of the coil spring 41.

[0026] In this embodiment, the insertion portion 35, when positioned inside the coil spring 41, has a size that allows for a circumferential gap between it and the coil spring 41. This gap is, for example, sufficient to allow the insertion portion 35 to be inserted into the coil spring 41 without hindering the expansion and contraction of the coil spring 41. In this embodiment, since the insertion portion 35 is cylindrical, the diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 35 is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the coil spring 41.

[0027] The bottom wall portion 38 of the insertion portion 35 is flexible. Here, flexibility means that it can deform in response to pressure fluctuations within the valve chamber 11. In this embodiment, the second member 32 is a single member, that is, the cylindrical portion 37 and the bottom wall portion 38 of the insertion portion 35 are integrally formed. As an example, the second member 32 can be constructed by press-forming a plate member. In another example, the bottom wall portion 38 may be constructed by fixing a separate member to the cylindrical portion 37. The bottom wall portion 38 is an example of a deformable portion.

[0028] The flange portion 36 extends outward from the upper edge of the insertion portion 35. The flange portion 36 is annular, for example, circular. The outer diameter of the flange portion 36 is, for example, the same as the outer diameter of the flange portion 34 of the first member 31. The flange portion 36 is fixed to the lower surface of the flange portion 34. The flange portion 36 functions as a fixed part for fixing the insertion portion 35 to the flange portion 34. The fixing means for fixing the flange portion 36 and the flange portion 34 is, for example, welding. In other examples, the fixing means may be adhesive. The fixing portion 39 that fixes the flange portion 36 and the flange portion 34 seals the internal space of the insertion portion 35. The fixing portion 39 is composed of the fixing means described above. The fixing portion 39 is an annular shape that is continuous around the insertion portion 35.

[0029] The biasing device 40 biases the valve body 20 toward the orifice 12. In this embodiment, the biasing device 40 biases the valve body 20 toward the orifice 12 via the valve body support member 30. The biasing device 40 comprises a coil spring 41, an adjustment screw 42, and a sealing member 45.

[0030] The adjustment screw 42 comprises a cover portion 43 and a support portion 44. The cover portion 43 closes the opening at the lower end of the hole 10a of the valve body 10. A male thread 43a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover portion 43. The male thread 43a opens the valve body 10. In your mouth By screwing it into the formed female thread 10b, the lid portion 43 is fixed to the opening at the lower end of the hole 10a.

[0031] The support portion 44 is formed on the valve chamber 11 side of the cover portion 43. The support portion 44 is cylindrical in shape, and at least the lower end of the coil spring 41 is positioned within it. In this embodiment, the lower end of the coil spring 41 is positioned within the support portion 44. Here, the lower end includes the lower end and its vicinity. The support portion 44 is coaxial with the orifice 12.

[0032] The coil spring 41 is positioned within the support portion 44. The outer diameter of the coil spring 41 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the support portion 44. Slightly smaller means that there is a small gap between the coil spring 41 and the inner circumferential surface of the support portion 44. This small gap is sufficient to allow the coil spring 41 to be inserted into the support portion 44 without hindering the expansion and contraction of the coil spring 41. The upper end of the coil spring 41 contacts the lower surface of the flange portion 34 of the valve body support member 30 via the vibration damping spring 70.

[0033] The sealing member 45 is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the support portion 44 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve chamber 11.

[0034] The power element 50 is fixed to the upper surface of the valve body 10. The power element 50 generates a driving force that displaces the valve body 20 in the opening direction. The power element 50 comprises a housing 51 fixed to the valve body 10, a diaphragm 52 provided inside the housing 51, and a stopper member 53 that restricts the deformation of the diaphragm 52.

[0035] The housing 51 has an opening at its lower part that communicates with the return passage 15. The diaphragm 52 is located inside the housing 51. The diaphragm 52 divides the inside of the housing 51 into upper and lower sections. As a result, the housing 51 is configured with a pressure working chamber 54 and a communication chamber 55. The pressure working chamber 54 is filled with working fluid. The communication chamber 55 is located below the diaphragm 52 and communicates with the return passage 15.

[0036] The stopper member 53 is positioned within the communication chamber 55. The upper part of the stopper member 53 is in contact with the diaphragm 52. When the diaphragm 52 is displaced to bulge downward, the stopper member 53 is displaced downward in response to this displacement. The stopper member 53 has a flange, and this flange contacts the housing 51, thereby restricting the stopper member 53 from moving downward beyond a predetermined position. By restricting the downward movement of the stopper member 53, the deformation of the diaphragm 52 is restricted.

[0037] The actuator rod 60 transmits the driving force generated by the power element 50 to the valve body 20. The actuator rod 60 is provided between the stopper member 53 and the valve body 20. The actuator rod 60 is a straight rod extending in the vertical direction. The actuator rod 60 is, for example, cylindrical. The upper end of the actuator rod 60 is supported by the stopper member 53. The actuator rod 60 is displaced integrally with the stopper member 53. A portion of the actuator rod 60 is positioned in the return passage 15, the hole 16, and the outflow passage 14. The portion of the actuator rod 60 positioned in the second hole 18 of the hole 16 slides against the inner circumferential surface of the second hole 18. The lower end of the actuator rod 60 abuts against the valve body 20. The actuator rod 60 is maintained in a state of being sandwiched between the stopper member 53 and the valve body 20 by the biasing force of the biasing device 40 input via the valve body 20.

[0038] The vibration damping spring 70 suppresses or prevents vibration of the valve body 20. The vibration damping spring 70 comprises a base portion 71 and a plurality of legs 72. The base portion 71 is provided between the flange portion 36 of the valve body support member 30 and the coil spring 41.

[0039] The base 71 is formed in an annular shape and has a hole. The hole is located in the center of the base 71. A portion of the insertion part 35 of the valve body support member 30 is placed in the hole. Multiple legs 72 are formed continuously with respect to the base 71. Multiple legs 72 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the hole in the base 71. For example, eight legs 72 are formed.

[0040] The leg portion 72 extends downward from the base portion 71 and in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the base portion 71. In other words, the direction perpendicular to the axis of the base portion 71 is an example of a direction that intersects the direction in which the valve body 20 and the coil spring 41 are aligned. The base portion 71 is, for example, inflow channel It extends below the opening in the valve chamber 11. The lower end of the leg portion 72 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface 11a of the valve chamber 11.

[0041] When assembled within the valve chamber 11, the vibration-damping spring 70 contacts the inner circumferential surface 11a of the valve chamber 11, causing it to deflect inward in the radial direction of the hole in the base 71 compared to its initial state. The initial state is when the spring is not assembled within the valve chamber 11.

[0042] Due to the restoring force against this deflection, the multiple legs 72 of the vibration damping spring 70 press against the inner circumferential surface 11a of the valve chamber 11. Due to the pressing force from this contact, the base of the valve body support member 30 71 The valve body is biased to a position coaxial with the support portion 44. As a result, the valve body 20 is positioned coaxial with the orifice 12, which is coaxial with the support portion 44, via the valve body support member 30.

[0043] The O-ring 75 is provided in the first hole 17 of the hole 16. The O-ring 75 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first hole 17 and the outer circumferential surface of the operating rod 60. The operating rod 60 slides against the O-ring 75. The O-ring 75 is an example of a guide part that guides the displacement of the operating rod 60.

[0044] Next, a part of the operation of the expansion valve 1 will be described. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the communication chamber 55 of the power element 50 are transmitted to the diaphragm 52 directly or via the stopper member 53. The working fluid in the pressure working chamber 54 undergoes a volume change in response to the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant received through the diaphragm 52. The diaphragm 52 deforms in response to this volume change, and the operating rod 60 is displaced as a result of this deformation. As the operating rod 60 is displaced, its outer circumferential surface slides against the O-ring 75. In addition, the outer circumferential surface of the operating rod 60 slides against the inner circumference of the second hole 18 of the hole 16.

[0045] Furthermore, as the operating rod 60 is displaced, the valve body 20 is displaced between the closed state and the fully open state. As the valve body 20 is displaced, the valve body support member 30 and the vibration damping spring 70 are displaced together with the valve body 20. As the vibration damping spring 70 is displaced, the multiple legs 72 slide against the outer circumferential surface of the support part 44.

[0046] The valve body 20 vibrates due to various causes. The expansion valve 1 has a structure that suppresses this vibration after the valve body 20 starts vibrating. In this embodiment, this structure includes, for example, the sliding contact of multiple legs 72 of the vibration damping spring 70 with the inner circumferential surface 11a of the valve chamber 11, the sliding contact of the second hole 18 of the hole 16 of the operating rod 60, and the sliding contact of the operating rod 60 with the O-ring 75.

[0047] These vibration-suppressing structures can suppress the generation of vibrations in the valve body 20. Furthermore, these vibration-suppressing structures suppress vibrations even after the valve body 20 starts to vibrate. For example, the vertical vibration component of this vibration is absorbed by the sliding contact of the multiple legs 72 of the first vibration damping spring 70 with the inner circumferential surface 11a of the valve chamber 11. The vibration component in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is absorbed by the bending of the vibration damping spring 70.

[0048] In such an expansion valve 1, the valve body support member 30 is connected to the first member 31 and the 2 The valve body support member 30 is divided into two parts: the first member 32 and the second member 32. Furthermore, the second member 32 is made into a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the bottom wall portion 38 is made flexible. As a result, the valve body support member 30 is lighter than a configuration in which the second member 32 is solid. Therefore, the vibration suppression effect after the start of vibration by the vibration suppression structure described above is enhanced. As a result, vibrations generated in the valve body 20 can be suppressed without increasing the spring load of the vibration damping spring 70, that is, while suppressing wear on the inner circumferential surface of the valve chamber 11. Furthermore, because the bottom wall portion 38 of the second member 32 is flexible, the deformation of the bottom wall portion 38 makes it possible to absorb pulsations within the valve chamber 11. As a result, the generation of vibrations in the valve body 20 caused by these pulsations can also be suppressed.

[0049] [Second Embodiment] Next, an expansion valve 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 3. Components having the same function as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and their description is omitted. In this embodiment, the configuration of the valve body and the configuration of the valve body support member differ from those of the first embodiment. Other components are the same as in the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the vertical and width directions showing the main part of the expansion valve 1A. Figure 3 shows the valve chamber 11 of the expansion valve 1A and its vicinity.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the expansion valve 1A comprises a valve body 10, a valve element 20A, a valve element support member 30A, a biasing device 40, a power element 50 (omitted in Figure 3), an operating rod 60, a vibration damping spring 70, and an O-ring 75 (omitted in Figure 3).

[0051] The valve body 20A has a shape that opens downward and, for example, has a valve body 21 and a flange portion 22. The valve body 21 is, for example, a top-cylindrical shape and has a body portion 23 and an upper wall portion 24. The body portion 23 is, for example, cylindrical. However, the body portion 23 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. In other examples, it may be cylindrical with a polygonal cross-section or cylindrical with an elliptical cross-section. The upper wall portion 24 has, for example, a shape that bulges upward. The upper wall portion 24 is, for example, hemispherical.

[0052] The flange portion 22 is formed on the lower end edge of the body portion 23. The flange portion 22 has a size and shape that allows the valve body 20A to be supported on the upper end of the coil spring 41. In this embodiment, the flange portion 22 is formed in an annular shape, for example, a ring shape. Such a valve body 20A can be constructed, for example, by press-forming a single plate member. The flange portion 22 is indirectly supported by the coil spring 41 via the valve body support member 30A and the vibration damping spring 70. The flange portion 22 is an example of a support portion that supports the valve body 20A on the coil spring 41.

[0053] The valve support member 30A has an insertable portion 35 that is inserted into the coil spring 41 and a fixed portion that is fixed to the flange portion 22 of the valve body 20A. The fixed portion is fixed to the flange portion 22, for example. The valve support member 30A is, for example, composed only of the second member 32 of the first embodiment.

[0054] The valve body support member 30A has an insertion portion 35 and a flange portion 36 as a fixing portion. The flange portion 36 is fixed to the lower surface of the flange portion 22 of the valve body 20A by fixing means such as welding or adhesive. The insertion portion 35 is arranged coaxially with the body portion 23, or it may be approximately coaxial. Approximately coaxial means that deviation due to manufacturing errors, for example, is permitted. The internal space of the insertion portion 35 is in communication with the internal space of the valve body 20A. The fixing portion 39 that fixes the flange portion 36 and the flange portion 22 is made of, for example, a welded part or adhesive. The fixing portion 39 is formed in an annular shape that is continuous around the insertion portion 35. The fixing portion 39 seals the internal space of the insertion portion 35 and the internal space of the valve body 20A.

[0055] In this embodiment, the operation and effects of the first embodiment are obtained. Furthermore, by connecting the internal space of the valve body 20A and the internal space of the insertion portion 35, the space that contributes to absorbing pulsations in the valve chamber 11 can be increased. As a result, the pulsation absorption performance in the valve chamber 11 can be improved.

[0056] [Third Embodiment] Next, an expansion valve 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. Components having the same function as in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. In this embodiment, the configuration of the valve body support member differs from that of the second embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the expansion valve 1B cut along the vertical and width directions. Figure 4 shows the valve chamber 11 of the expansion valve 1B and its vicinity.

[0057] As shown in Figure 4, the expansion valve 1B comprises a valve body 10, a valve element 20A, a valve element support member 30B, a biasing device 40, a power element 50 (not shown), an operating rod 60, a vibration damping spring 70, and an O-ring 75 (not shown). The valve body support member 30B has an insertion portion 35B and a flange portion 36. The insertion portion 35B has a cylindrical portion 37B and a bottom wall portion 38B. The cylindrical portion 37B is a bellows. The cylindrical portion 37B is expandable and contractible in response to the pressure in the valve chamber 11. The cylindrical portion 37B is an example of a deformable portion. The insertion portion 35B is coaxial with the body portion 23 of the valve body 20A. Or it may be approximately coaxial. Approximately coaxial means that deviation due to manufacturing errors, for example, is tolerable.

[0058] The insertion portion 35B is inserted into the coil spring 41 from the upper end of the coil spring 41. The flange portion 36 is formed on the upper edge of the cylindrical portion 37B. The flange portion 36 is placed on the upper end of the coil spring 41 via the vibration damping spring 70. The axial length of the insertion portion 35B is set to a length that prevents the valve body support member 30 from falling off the coil spring 41 even if the valve body support member 30 is tilted relative to the coil spring 41 during the assembly of the expansion valve 1, by ensuring that the insertion portion 35B abuts against the inner circumference of the coil spring 41.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the inserted portion 35B is positioned inside the coil spring 41, it has a size that allows for a gap around its entire circumference between itself and the coil spring 41. This gap is, for example, sufficient to allow the inserted portion 35B to be inserted into the coil spring 41 without hindering the expansion and contraction of the coil spring 41. In this embodiment, since the inserted portion 35B is cylindrical, the diameter of the outer surface of the inserted portion 35B is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the coil spring 41.

[0060] The bottom wall portion 38B is fixed to the lower end opening of the cylindrical portion 37B. The lower end opening of the cylindrical portion 37B is sealed by the bottom wall portion 38B. The bottom wall portion 38B may have flexibility that allows it to deform in response to the pressure inside the valve chamber 11.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the same functions and effects as in the second embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, to describe the functions unique to this embodiment, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 37B expands and contracts in response to the pressure in the valve chamber 11, thereby suppressing pulsation in the valve chamber 11. Note that the second member 32 of the expansion valve 1 in the first embodiment may have an insertable portion 35B of this embodiment instead of the insertable portion 35.

[0062] In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the flange portion 36 of the second member 32 is fixed to the lower surface of the flange portion 34 of the first member 31. In other examples, as shown in the modified example in Figure 5, the base portion 71 of the vibration damping spring 70 may be fixed to the lower surface of the flange portion 34, and the second flange portion 36 may be fixed to the lower surface of the base portion 71. That is, the second flange portion 36 is indirectly fixed to the flange portion 34 via the base portion 71. The statement that the inserted portion 35 is fixed to the flange portion 34 includes this indirect fixing via the base portion 71.

[0063] In this configuration, the base portion 71 is fixed to the flange portion 34 by welding, adhesive, or other fixing means. The fixing portion 39 that fixes the base portion 71 to the flange portion 34 is formed in an annular shape that is continuous around the hole in the base portion 71. The flange portion 36 is also fixed to the base portion 71 by welding, adhesive, or other fixing means. The fixing portion 39 that fixes the flange portion 36 to the base portion 71 is formed in an annular shape that is continuous around the insertion portion 35. These fixing portions 39 seal the internal space of the insertion portion 35.

[0064] Similarly, in the second embodiment, the base 71 of the vibration damping spring 70 may be fixed to the lower surface of the flange portion 22 of the valve body 20A, and the flange portion 36 of the valve body support member 30A may be fixed to the lower surface of the base 71. Similarly, in the third embodiment, the base 71 of the vibration damping spring 70 may be fixed to the lower surface of the flange portion 22 of the valve body 20A, and the flange portion 36 of the valve body support member 30B may be fixed to the lower surface of the base 71.

[0065] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a configuration in which the valve body support member 30 and the vibration damping spring 70 are separate components was described. In other examples, as shown in the modified example in Figure 6, the valve body support member 30 and the vibration damping spring 70 may be integrally configured. Integral here means that the valve body support member 30 and the vibration damping spring 70 are composed of a single component. In other words, the valve body support member 30 has the leg portion 72 of the vibration damping spring 70. This example will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 shows the valve body 20 and the valve body support member 30, and shows the valve body support member 30 cut in cross-section along the vertical and width directions.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the flange portion 36 of the second member 32 of the valve body support member 30 in this modified example includes the leg portion 72 of the vibration damping spring 70 described in the above embodiment. In other words, the flange portion 36 also functions as the base portion 71 of the vibration damping spring 70. The same applies to the second embodiment, in which the flange portion 36 of the valve body support member 30A may be integrally configured with the base portion 71 of the vibration damping spring 70. The same applies to the third embodiment, in which the flange portion 36 of the valve body support member 30B may be integrally configured with the base portion 71 of the vibration damping spring 70.

[0067] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, it was explained that the insertion portion 35 of the second member 32 of the valve body support member 30 has dimensions that prevent the valve body support member 30 from falling off the coil spring 41 during the assembly of the expansion valve 1. As an example, the insertion portion 35 is positioned vertically relative to the biasing device 40. adjustment The dimensions are such that the screw 42 does not reach the upper end of the support portion 44.

[0068] In other examples, as shown in the modified example in Figure 7, the lower end of the insertion portion 35 may be positioned below the upper end of the support portion 44 when the valve body 20 is in its maximum open state. The insertion portion 35 is sized so as not to contact the bottom surface of the internal space of the support portion 44, allowing the valve to open to the set maximum open state. The set maximum open state is the maximum open state required as a performance characteristic of the expansion valve 1, and is, for example, the open state when the flange portion of the stopper member 53 contacts the housing 51, stopping the downward movement of the stopper member 53. With the insertion portion 35 having such dimensions, the insertion portion 35 is positioned inside the coil spring 41 exposed from the support portion 44 when the valve is in its maximum open state. The insertion portion 35 then prevents the refrigerant from passing radially through the coil spring 41.

[0069] In other words, the ingress of refrigerant into the coil spring 41 is suppressed. As a result, the vibration of the coil spring 41 that was caused by the refrigerant passing through the coil spring 41 is suppressed, and thus the generation of noise caused by the vibration of the coil spring 41 is suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, in this modified example, the valve body 20 Cylinder part The lower end of 37 is also located below the upper end of the support portion 44 when the valve body 20 is in its maximum open state. The diameter is constant. Cylinder part Since 37 is located below the upper end of the support portion 44, Cylinder part The gap between 37 and the coil spring 41 can be reduced, making it even more difficult for the refrigerant to penetrate into the coil spring 41. 。

[0071] In the modified example shown in Figure 7, an example was described in which the inserted portion 35 has dimensions such that, in the fully open valve state, the lower end of the inserted portion 35 is located below the upper end of the support portion 44 in the vertical direction. In other examples, the inserted portion 35 may have dimensions such that, in the fully open valve state, the lower end of the inserted portion 35 is at the same position as the upper end of the support portion 44 in the vertical direction. Alternatively, in the fully open valve state, Cylinder part The lower end of 37 may have dimensions such that it is in the same position vertically as the upper end of the support portion 44.

[0072] In other examples, the inserted portion 35 may have dimensions such that, when the valve is open to a predetermined degree or greater, the lower end of the inserted portion 35 is at the same position as the upper end of the support portion 44 in the vertical direction, or is located below the upper end of the support portion 44. In any configuration with these dimensions, the inserted portion 35 is set to a size that does not contact the bottom surface of the internal space of the support portion 44, so that the valve can open to the set maximum open state. The predetermined opening degree is, in other words, the lift amount of the valve body 20. For example, the predetermined opening degree is half the lift amount of the maximum lift. In other examples, it is the maximum open state or the state immediately after the valve body 20 has separated from the valve seat. The predetermined opening degree can be arbitrarily set according to the quietness required of the expansion valve 1.

[0073] Alternatively, when the valve body 20 is in the closed state, the lower end of the insertion portion 35 may be positioned at the same height as the upper end of the support portion 44 in the vertical direction, or it may be positioned below the upper end of the support portion 44. In this configuration as well, the insertion portion 35 is set to a size that does not come into contact with the bottom surface of the internal space of the support portion 44, so that it can open to the set maximum open state.

[0074] In other words, the lower end of the insertion portion 35 may be located at the same position as the upper end of the support portion 44 in the vertical direction, or within the support portion 44, in either the closed valve state or the state where the valve is open to a predetermined degree or more. Furthermore, for example, if the bottom wall portion has a shape that bulges downward and tapers towards the lower end, Cylinder part The lower end of 37 may be located at the same position as the upper end of the support portion 44 in the vertical direction, or within the support portion 44, in either the closed state or the state where the valve is open to a predetermined degree or more. Regardless of which of the above dimensions the inserted portion 35 has, the inserted portion 35 has dimensions that prevent it from contacting the bottom surface of the internal space of the support portion 44, so that the valve can be opened to the set maximum open state.

[0075] Furthermore, the modified example shown in Figure 7, and the configuration of another modified example related to that example, are the same in the first and third embodiments.

[0076] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it is clear that any person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs could conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these too are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1, 1A, 1B...Expansion valve, 10...Valve body, 11...Valve chamber, 12...Orifice, 20...Valve element, 22...Flange, 30, 30A, 30B...Valve element support member, 31...First member, 32...Second member, 34...Flange (support part), 35...Inserted part, 37...Cylinder part, 37B...Cylinder part (deformable part), 38...Bottom wall part (deformable part), 41...Coil spring, 44...Support part (second support part), 72...Legs.

Claims

1. A valve body having a valve chamber and an orifice, A valve body arranged in the valve chamber, Within the valve chamber, a coil spring is provided on the opposite side of the orifice from the valve body, and biases the valve body toward the orifice. A first support portion that supports the valve body on the coil spring, The inserted portion is fixed to the first support portion and inserted into the coil spring, Equipped with, The insertion portion has a sealed space inside, and a part of the wall facing the space is a deformable portion that deforms in accordance with the pressure inside the valve chamber. Expansion valve.

2. A support member that is a separate component from the valve body and has the first support portion and the portion to be inserted, The expansion valve according to claim 1.

3. The support member comprises a first member that constitutes the first support portion, and a second member that is fixed to the first member and constitutes the insertion portion. The second member comprises a cylindrical portion and a bottom wall portion formed at one end of the cylindrical portion opposite to the orifice, which closes that end and functions as the deformable portion. The expansion valve according to claim 2.

4. The second member comprises a plurality of legs that press against the inner circumferential surface of the valve chamber. The expansion valve according to claim 3.

5. The valve body is hollow and communicates with the part to be inserted. The expansion valve according to claim 1.

6. The valve body comprises a hollow body communicating with the insertion portion and a flange portion extending outward from the body and supported by the coil spring, which serves as the first support portion. The expansion valve according to claim 5.

7. The coil spring is provided with a second support portion located on the side opposite to the orifice, which accommodates at least the end of the coil spring opposite to the orifice and supports the coil spring, The end of the inserted portion on the second support portion side is located in the same position as the end of the second support portion on the orifice side in the axial direction of the orifice, or is located within the second support portion, in either the closed valve state or the state where the valve is open to a predetermined degree or more. The expansion valve according to claim 1.

8. A vibration-damping spring is provided between the valve body and the coil spring, The vibration damping spring has a plurality of legs extending in a direction intersecting the direction in which the valve body and the coil spring are aligned, The expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of legs are pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the valve chamber and slide against the inner circumferential surface as the valve body is displaced.

Images