Electric valves and valve devices

Abstract

To provide a compact motorized valve in which a force for moving a valve body is large and which can finely control the position of the valve body, and to provide a valve device.SOLUTION: A motorized valve 1 comprises: a valve main body 10; a rotor case 30 attached to the valve main body 10; a rotor 35 disposed inside the rotor case 30; a stator 90 disposed inside the rotor 35; a drive member 60 disposed inside the valve main body 10; a reduction gear mechanism 50 that transmits rotation of the rotor 35 to the drive member 60; and a valve body 20 that moves in response to rotation of the drive member 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric valve and a valve device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional electric valve. The electric valve has a valve body, a valve element, a case, a magnet rotor, and a stator. The case has a cylindrical shape and is joined to the valve body. The magnet rotor is disposed inside the case. The stator is disposed outside the case. The magnet rotor and the stator constitute a motor. When the magnet rotor rotates, the valve element moves.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The electric valve of Patent Document 1 is used, for example, in the valve device 803 shown in FIG. 19. The valve device 803 has a plurality of electric valves 801 and a flow path block 850. The flow path block 850 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a mounting surface 851 on which the plurality of electric valves 801 are arranged. Since the stator of the electric valve 801 is disposed outside the case, the outer diameter is large, and a large space for arranging the electric valve 801 is required. Therefore, in the flow path block 850, a relatively large mounting surface 851 is required.

[0005] By placing the stator inside the magnetic rotor, the size of the motorized valve can be reduced. However, because the inner diameter of the magnetic rotor is relatively small, it is difficult to provide strong magnetic poles and a large number of magnetic poles on the inner surface of the magnetic rotor. As a result, in motorized valves, the motor torque is small, and the force that moves the valve body is small. Furthermore, if the motor is a stepping motor, the rotation angle of the magnetic rotor per pulse (step angle) is large, making it difficult to precisely control the position of the valve body in the motorized valve.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a compact electric valve and valve device that can exert a large force to move the valve body and can precisely control the position of the valve body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, an electric valve according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a valve body; a cylindrical rotor case attached to the valve body; a cylindrical magnet rotor disposed inside the rotor case; a stator disposed inside the magnet rotor; a drive member disposed inside the valve body; a reduction gear mechanism that transmits the rotation of the magnet rotor to the drive member; and a valve body that moves in accordance with the rotation of the drive member.

[0008] In the present invention, it is preferable that the electric valve further comprises an inner case integrally having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion, a disc-shaped bottom wall portion connected to a first end of the peripheral wall portion, and an annular portion whose inner peripheral edge is connected to a second end of the peripheral wall portion, wherein the outer peripheral edge of the annular portion is joined to one end of the rotor case, the peripheral wall portion and the bottom wall portion are arranged inside the magnet rotor, and the stator is arranged inside the peripheral wall portion.

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the reduction gear mechanism comprises a first gear and an intermediate gear body, the first gear being coaxially fixed to the magnet rotor, the intermediate gear body comprising a second gear meshing with the first gear and a third gear coaxially fixed to the second gear, and the drive member comprising a fourth gear meshing with the third gear.

[0010] In the present invention, it is preferable that the drive member is arranged coaxially with the magnet rotor, the reduction gear mechanism further comprises a beam member, a gear shaft, and a pin, the beam member is arranged between the magnet rotor and the drive member, the gear shaft passes through the first gear, the bottom wall portion has a gear bearing that supports one end of the gear shaft, the beam member has a gear shaft hole that supports the other end of the gear shaft and a first pin hole that supports one end of the pin, and the drive member has a second pin hole that supports the other end of the pin.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that when the pin contacts the bottom surface of the first pin hole, the drive member is separated from the beam member and the movement of the drive member toward the beam member is restricted.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that the drive member is arranged coaxially with the magnet rotor, the reduction gear mechanism is a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, a gear shaft, and a rotation output unit, the sun gear is fixed coaxially to the magnet rotor, the gear shaft passes through the sun gear, the rotation output unit is connected to the drive member, the bottom wall portion has a gear bearing that supports one end of the gear shaft, and the drive member has a gear shaft hole that supports the other end of the gear shaft.

[0013] In the present invention, it is preferable that when the gear shaft is in contact with the bottom wall, the magnet rotor is separated from the bottom wall and the movement of the drive member toward the bottom wall is restricted.

[0014] In the present invention, it is preferable that the reduction gear mechanism further comprises a fixed internal gear, a planetary gear, a carrier, and a rotating internal gear, wherein the fixed internal gear is fixed to the valve body, the planetary gear meshes with the sun gear and the fixed internal gear, the carrier rotatably supports the planetary gear, and the rotating internal gear is the rotating output section and meshes with the planetary gear.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the reduction gear mechanism further comprises a fixed internal gear, a planetary gear, and a carrier, wherein the fixed internal gear is fixed to the valve body, the planetary gear meshes with the sun gear and the fixed internal gear, and the carrier is the rotating output section that rotatably supports the planetary gear.

[0016] To achieve the above objective, another aspect of the present invention provides a valve device comprising the electric valve and a flow path block having a mounting surface on which the electric valve is arranged. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, the stator is positioned inside the magnet rotor. This allows the motorized valve to be made smaller. Furthermore, the reduction gear mechanism transmits the rotation of the magnet rotor to the drive member, and the valve body moves in accordance with the rotation of the drive member. The reduction gear mechanism reduces the rotation of the magnet rotor and increases the torque. Therefore, the force that moves the valve body can be increased and the position of the valve body can be precisely controlled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a front view of an electric valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of the electric valve. [Figure 5]It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is another enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the stator unit of the electric valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the first modification of the electric valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of the electric valve of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the second modification of the electric valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of the electric valve of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the third modification of the electric valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of the electric valve of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view of the valve device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is a plan view of a conventional valve device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the electric valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. The electric valve according to this embodiment is used, for example, to control the refrigerant flow rate in an automotive air conditioner.

[0020] Figure 1 is a front view of an electric valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the axis L of the electric valve. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a direction perpendicular to the axis L of the electric valve. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of the electric valve in Figure 1. Figures 5 and 6 are enlarged cross-sectional views of the reduction gear mechanism and its vicinity in the valve body assembly of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the stator unit of the electric valve in Figure 1. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. In each figure, the X direction indicated by arrow X is the left-right direction, the Y direction indicated by arrow Y is the front-back direction, and the Z direction indicated by arrow Z is the up-down direction (axis L direction). In arrow X, the direction with the letter "X" is to the right, in arrow Y, the direction with the letter "Y" is to the front, and in arrow Z, the direction with the letter "Z" is to the up.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the electric valve 1 according to the first embodiment includes a valve body assembly 5 and a stator unit 8.

[0022] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the valve body assembly 5 includes a valve body 10, a valve element 20, a bearing body 25, a rotor case 30, a rotor 35, an inner case 40, a reduction gear mechanism 50, and a drive member 60.

[0023] The valve body 10 comprises a main body member 11, a sleeve 18, and a valve body support plate 19.

[0024] The main body member 11 is made of metal, such as an aluminum alloy. The main body member 11 has a valve chamber 12, a valve port 13, a valve seat 14, a first connecting passage 15, a second connecting passage 16, and a mounting hole 17.

[0025] The main body member 11 has a head portion 11a. The head portion 11a has a hexagonal shape and is positioned at the upper end of the main body member 11. A jig for rotating the main body member 11 around the axis L is attached to the head portion 11a.

[0026] The valve opening 13 is connected to the valve chamber 12. The valve opening 13 is surrounded by the valve seat 14 in the valve chamber 12. The first connecting passage 15 has a cross shape and extends from the valve chamber 12 in the left-right and front-back directions. The second connecting passage 16 extends downward from the valve opening 13.

[0027] The mounting hole 17 is located on the upper surface 11c of the main body member 11. The mounting hole 17 is connected to the valve chamber 12. The main body member 11 has a first retaining surface 11d and a second retaining surface 11e. The first retaining surface 11d and the second retaining surface 11e are annular planes facing upward. The first retaining surface 11d is located at the connection point between the valve chamber 12 and the mounting hole 17. The second retaining surface 11e is located on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 17.

[0028] The main body member 11 has a male thread 11f and a female thread 11g. The male thread 11f is located on the outer circumferential surface of the main body member 11. The female thread 11g is located on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 17.

[0029] The sleeve 18 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The sleeve 18 integrally comprises a sleeve body 18a and a flange portion 18b. The sleeve body 18a has a stepped cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the upper part of the sleeve body 18a is larger than the outer diameter of the lower part of the sleeve body 18a. The flange portion 18b has an annular plate shape. The inner periphery of the flange portion 18b is connected to the upper end of the sleeve body 18a. The sleeve body 18a is positioned in the valve chamber 12. The flange portion 18b is in contact with the first retaining surface 11d.

[0030] The valve support plate 19 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The valve support plate 19 has an annular plate shape. The outer edge of the valve support plate 19 is circular and the inner edge is oval. The valve support plate 19 is press-fitted into the lower part of the mounting hole 17. The flange portion 18b of the sleeve 18 is held between the valve support plate 19 and the first retaining surface 11d of the main body member 11.

[0031] The valve body 20 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The valve body 20 integrally comprises a shaft portion 21 and a valve portion 22.

[0032] The shaft portion 21 has an elongated cylindrical shape. The outer shape of the cross-section of the shaft portion 21 is the same elongated shape as the inner circumference of the valve body support plate 19. The major axis of the cross-section of the shaft portion 21 is the same as the inner diameter of the lower part of the sleeve body 18a. The shaft portion 21 has a screw hole 21h and a female thread 21k. The screw hole 21h is located on the upper end surface of the shaft portion 21. The female thread 21k is located on the inner circumference of the screw hole 21h. The shaft portion 21 has an upward-facing spring receiving surface 21r. The spring receiving surface 21r is located on the outer circumference of the shaft portion 21.

[0033] The shaft portion 21 is positioned inside the sleeve 18 and inside the valve support plate 19. The shaft portion 21 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction by the sleeve 18 and the valve support plate 19. The rotation of the shaft portion 21 around the axis L is restricted by the valve support plate 19. The shape of the shaft portion 21 and the shape of the valve support plate 19 do not need to be such as to restrict the rotation of the shaft portion 21 around the axis L.

[0034] The valve portion 22 has a frustoconical shape, with its diameter decreasing from top to bottom. The valve portion 22 is coaxially connected to the lower end of the shaft portion 21. The valve portion 22 is positioned in the valve chamber 12 and the valve port 13. The valve portion 22 faces the valve port 13 and the valve seat 14 in the vertical direction. When the valve portion 22 contacts the valve seat 14, the valve port 13 closes. When the valve portion 22 moves away from the valve seat 14, the valve port 13 opens, and a throttling passage is formed between the valve portion 22 and the valve port 13.

[0035] The bearing body 25 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The bearing body 25 has a cylindrical shape. An annular projection 25a is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the bearing body 25. The bearing body 25 is positioned in the mounting hole 17, and the lower surface of the annular projection 25a is in contact with the second retaining surface 11e. The bearing body 25 has a gear shaft hole 25d. The gear shaft hole 25d is positioned on the upper end surface of the bearing body 25. The bearing body 25 has a support surface 25p and a spring receiving surface 25r. The support surface 25p and the spring receiving surface 25r are positioned on the inner circumferential surface of the bearing body 25. The support surface 25p is an annular plane facing upward. The spring receiving surface 25r is an annular plane facing downward. A valve closing spring 28 is positioned between the spring receiving surface 21r of the valve body 20 and the spring receiving surface 25r of the bearing body 25. The valve closing spring 28 is a compression coil spring that pushes the valve body 20 downwards.

[0036] The rotor case 30 is made of a metal such as non-magnetic stainless steel. In this specification, "non-magnetic" means that it does not become magnetized even when placed in a magnetic field (including the property of not becoming substantially magnetized). The rotor case 30 may also be made of synthetic resin. The rotor case 30 has an overall cylindrical shape. The rotor case 30 integrally comprises a first case portion 31, a second case portion 32, and a connecting portion 33.

[0037] The first case portion 31 has a cylindrical shape. The first case portion 31 has a male screw 31g. The male screw 31g is located at the lower part of the outer circumferential surface of the first case portion 31. The first case portion 31 is placed in the mounting hole 17 of the main body member 11, and the male screw 31g is screwed into the female screw 11g. The first case portion 31 is attached to the main body member 11 with a screw structure. In the mounting hole 17, the space between the main body member 11 and the first case portion 31 is sealed with an O-ring 34. The lower end of the first case portion 31 is in contact with the upper surface of the annular projection 25a of the bearing body 25. The annular projection 25a is held between the lower end of the first case portion 31 and the second holding surface 11e of the main body member 11. The first case portion 31 has an arrangement surface 31h. The arrangement surface 31h is an annular plane facing upward. The arrangement surface 31h is located on the inner circumferential surface of the first case portion 31.

[0038] The second case portion 32 has a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the second case portion 32 is larger than the outer diameter of the first case portion 31. The connecting portion 33 has an annular plate shape. The inner periphery of the connecting portion 33 is connected to the upper end of the first case portion 31, and the outer periphery of the connecting portion 33 is connected to the lower end of the second case portion 32. The first case portion 31, the second case portion 32, and the connecting portion 33 are arranged coaxially.

[0039] The rotor 35 has an overall cylindrical shape. The rotor 35 is located inside the second case portion 32 of the rotor case 30. The rotor 35 integrally comprises a cylindrical portion 36, a bottom portion 37, and a connecting portion 38.

[0040] The cylindrical portion 36 has multiple magnetic poles (multiple north poles and multiple south poles). The multiple north poles and multiple south poles are arranged alternately at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 36. The multiple north poles and multiple south poles extend in the vertical direction. The cylindrical portion 36 has, for example, 5 north poles and 5 south poles. The bottom portion 37 has an annular plate shape. The outer edge of the bottom portion 37 is connected to the lower end of the cylindrical portion 36. The connecting portion 38 has a disc shape. The outer edge of the connecting portion 38 is connected to the inner edge of the bottom portion 37. The connecting portion 38 is arranged coaxially with the bottom portion 37. The rotor 35 is a magnetic rotor.

[0041] The inner case 40 is made of a metal such as non-magnetic stainless steel, for example. The inner case 40 may also be made of synthetic resin. The inner case 40 integrally comprises a peripheral wall portion 41, a bottom wall portion 42, and an annular portion 43.

[0042] The peripheral wall portion 41 has a cylindrical shape. Multiple protrusions 41a are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 41.

[0043] The bottom wall portion 42 has a disc shape. The outer edge of the bottom wall portion 42 is connected to the lower end (first end) of the peripheral wall portion 41. A recess 42a is provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 42. The recess 42a is located in the center of the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 42. The bottom wall portion 42 has a gear bearing 44. The gear bearing 44 is located in the recess 42a. The gear bearing 44 is fitted into the recess 42a. The gear bearing 44 has a shaft hole 44d.

[0044] The annular portion 43 has a circular plate shape. The inner periphery of the annular portion 43 is connected to the upper end (second end) of the peripheral wall portion 41. The outer periphery of the annular portion 43 is joined to the upper end (one end) of the second case portion 32 of the rotor case 30 along its entire circumference. The peripheral wall portion 41, the bottom wall portion 42, and the annular portion 43 are arranged coaxially.

[0045] The peripheral wall portion 41 and the bottom wall portion 42 are located inside the rotor 35. The second case portion 32 and the inner case 40 of the rotor case 30 form the rotor space 45. The rotor 35 is positioned in the rotor space 45. The rotor space 45 is sealed from the outside of the electric valve 1. The rotor space 45 is connected to the valve chamber 12 through gaps in the members. The refrigerant from the valve chamber 12 is introduced into the rotor space 45.

[0046] The reduction gear mechanism 50 is positioned between the rotor 35 and the drive member 60. The reduction gear mechanism 50 reduces the rotation of the rotor 35 and transmits it to the drive member 60. The reduction gear mechanism 50 includes a first gear 51, an intermediate gear body 54 having a second gear 52 and a third gear 53, a beam member 55, a first gear shaft 56, a second gear shaft 57, and a pin 58.

[0047] The first gear 51 is coaxially positioned on the lower surface of the connection portion 38 of the rotor 35. The first gear 51 is integrally formed with the connection portion 38. The first gear 51 rotates together with the rotor 35.

[0048] The second gear 52 meshes with the first gear 51. The second gear 52 has more teeth than the first gear 51. The third gear 53 is coaxially connected to the second gear 52. The third gear 53 is integrally formed with the second gear 52. The third gear 53 has fewer teeth than the second gear 52.

[0049] The beam member 55 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The beam member 55 has a disc shape. The beam member 55 may also have a column shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis L. The beam member 55 is positioned inside the first case portion 31. The lower surface of the beam member 55 is in contact with the positioning surface 31h. The beam member 55 is fixed to the first case portion 31.

[0050] The beam member 55 has a hole 55a. A third gear 53 is positioned in the hole 55a, and the third gear 53 penetrates the beam member 55. The beam member 55 has a gear shaft hole 55d and a first pin hole 55e. The gear shaft hole 55d is located on the upper surface of the beam member 55. The first pin hole 55e is located on the lower surface of the beam member 55.

[0051] The first gear shaft 56 has a cylindrical shape. The first gear shaft 56 passes through the first gear 51 and the connecting portion 38. The upper end of the first gear shaft 56 is positioned in the shaft hole 44d of the gear bearing 44. The lower end of the first gear shaft 56 is positioned in the gear shaft hole 55d. The first gear 51 is rotatably supported by the gear bearing 44, the beam member 55 and the first gear shaft 56.

[0052] The second gear shaft 57 has a cylindrical shape. The second gear shaft 57 passes through the intermediate gear body 54. The lower end of the second gear shaft 57 is positioned in the gear shaft hole 25d of the bearing body 25. The second gear shaft 57 is fixed to the bearing body 25. The intermediate gear body 54 is rotatably supported by the bearing body 25 and the second gear shaft 57.

[0053] The pin 58 has a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the pin 58 is positioned in the first pin hole 55e of the beam member 55. The lower end of the pin 58 is positioned in the second pin hole 60e of the drive member 60. The second pin hole 60e is located on the upper end surface of the drive member 60. The pin 58 is fixed to the drive member 60. The upper part 60a of the drive member 60 is rotatably supported by the beam member 55 and the pin 58.

[0054] The drive member 60 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The drive member 60 has an overall cylindrical shape.

[0055] The drive member 60 has a fourth gear 64. The fourth gear 64 is integrally formed with the upper part 60a of the drive member 60. The fourth gear 64 meshes with the third gear 53. The number of teeth on the fourth gear 64 is greater than the number of teeth on the third gear 53.

[0056] The central portion 60b of the drive member 60 is located inside the bearing body 25. The drive member 60 has a receiving surface 60p. The receiving surface 60p is located at the connection point between the upper portion 60a and the central portion 60b on the outer circumferential surface of the drive member 60. The receiving surface 60p is an annular plane facing downward and is in slidable contact with the support surface 25p of the bearing body 25. The central portion 60b is rotatably supported by the bearing body 25.

[0057] The drive member 60 has a male screw 60k. The male screw 60k is located on the outer circumferential surface of the lower part 60c of the drive member 60. The male screw 60k is screwed into the female screw 21k of the valve body 20. Alternatively, the drive member 60 may have a female screw and the valve body 20 may have a male screw. The female screw 21k and the male screw 60k form a feed screw mechanism that moves the valve body 20 in the vertical direction.

[0058] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the stator unit 8 includes a housing 80, a stator 90, a control device 100, and a magnetic sensor 110.

[0059] The housing 80 is made of synthetic resin. The housing 80 has a housing body 81 and a lid 85.

[0060] The housing body 81 integrally comprises a wall portion 82, a base portion 83, and a support portion 84. The wall portion 82 has a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the wall portion 82 is larger than the outer diameter of the second case portion 32 of the rotor case 30. The base portion 83 has a disc shape. The base portion 83 is connected to the lower end of the wall portion 82. The support portion 84 has a cylindrical shape. The support portion 84 is connected to the lower surface of the base portion 83. The outer diameter of the support portion 84 is the same as the inner diameter of the peripheral wall portion 41 of the inner case 40. Multiple recesses 84a are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the support portion 84. The support portion 84 is positioned inside the peripheral wall portion 41, and multiple protrusions 41a of the peripheral wall portion 41 are fitted into the multiple recesses 84a. The support portion 84 is fitted into the inner case 40. The space between the base portion 83 and the annular portion 43 of the inner case 40 is sealed with an O-ring 89. The wall portion 82, the base portion 83, and the support portion 84 are arranged coaxially.

[0061] The cover 85 integrally comprises a cover portion 86 and a connector portion 87. The cover portion 86 has a disc shape. The outer edge of the cover portion 86 is joined to the upper end of the wall portion 82. The connector portion 87 has an elongated cylindrical shape. The connector portion 87 extends upward from the center of the upper surface of the cover portion 86. The cover portion 86 and the connector portion 87 are arranged coaxially. The wall portion 82, the base portion 83, and the cover portion 86 form a control device space 88.

[0062] The stator 90 includes a laminated core 91, a bobbin 92, a plurality of coils 93, and a plurality of coil terminals 94.

[0063] The laminated core 91 integrally comprises a central portion 91a and a plurality of pole portions 91b. The central portion 91a has a cylindrical shape. The central portion 91a is arranged coaxially with the rotor 35. The plurality of pole portions 91b extend radially (in a direction perpendicular to the axis L) from the central portion 91a. The plurality of pole portions 91b are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the central portion 91a.

[0064] The bobbin 92 is made of synthetic resin. The bobbin 92 has multiple sleeve portions 92a that cover multiple pole portions 91b. The pole portions 91b are positioned inside the sleeve portions 92a. The multiple coils 93 are wires wound around the multiple sleeve portions 92a. The multiple coils 93 are positioned on the multiple pole portions 91b. The multiple coil terminals 94 extend upward from the bobbin 92. The multiple coil terminals 94 are electrically connected to the multiple coils 93.

[0065] The stator 90 is embedded in the support portion 84 of the housing 80. The housing 80 (support portion 84) is integrally molded with the stator 90. The stator 90, together with the support portion 84, is positioned inside the peripheral wall portion 41 of the inner case 40. The rotor 35 is positioned outside the peripheral wall portion 41. The rotor 35 and the stator 90 face each other radially with the peripheral wall portion 41 in between. The rotor 35 and the stator 90 constitute a stepping motor 98. Note that the electric valve 1 may have other types of motors, such as a brushless DC motor.

[0066] The control device 100 is located in the control device space 88. The control device 100 includes a circuit board 101, terminal components 102, and a computer (not shown). The circuit board 101 is a printed circuit board on which electronic components, including the computer, are mounted. Multiple coil terminals 94 of the stator 90 are connected to the circuit board 101. The terminal components 102 have multiple connector terminals 103. One end of each of the multiple connector terminals 103 is connected to the circuit board 101, and the other end is located inside the connector section 87. The computer controls the electric valve 1.

[0067] The magnetic sensor 110 is a sensor having a Hall element that outputs a signal (digital signal) corresponding to the direction of the magnetic field. The magnetic sensor 110 is located at the bottom of the support portion 84 of the housing 80. The magnetic sensor 110 is positioned between adjacent pole portions 91b on the support portion 84. The magnetic sensor 110 and the magnetic poles of the rotor 35 face each other radially, with the peripheral wall portion 41 of the inner case 40 in between. The magnetic sensor 110 detects the magnetism of the rotor 35. The magnetic sensor 110 is electrically connected to the substrate 101, and the computer detects the rotational position of the rotor 35 based on the signal from the magnetic sensor 110.

[0068] In the electric valve 1, the main body member 11 (valve chamber 12, valve port 13, valve seat 14, mounting hole 17), sleeve 18, valve body support plate 19, valve body 20, rotor case 30, rotor 35, inner case 40, first gear 51, beam member 55, first gear shaft 56, pin 58, drive member 60, housing body 81, cover 85, and stator 90 each have their central axes coincide with the axis L.

[0069] Next, we will explain the operation of the electric valve 1.

[0070] In the electric valve 1, current is supplied to multiple coils 93 of the stator 90 to rotate the rotor 35 in a first direction. The first gear 51 rotates together with the rotor 35. The rotation of the first gear 51 is reduced by the second gear 52, third gear 53, and fourth gear 64 and transmitted to the drive member 60. When the drive member 60 rotates, the feed screw action between the male screw 60k of the drive member 60 and the female screw 21k of the valve body 20 causes the valve body 20 to move downward, reducing the opening area of ​​the valve port 13 (throttling passage). When the valve body 20 contacts the valve seat 14 and the valve port 13 closes, the electric valve 1 becomes fully closed.

[0071] In the electric valve 1, current is supplied to multiple coils 93 of the stator 90 to rotate the rotor 35 in a second direction. The first gear 51 rotates together with the rotor 35. The rotation of the first gear 51 is reduced by the second gear 52, the third gear 53, and the fourth gear 64 and transmitted to the drive member 60. When the drive member 60 rotates, the feed screw action between the male screw 60k of the drive member 60 and the female screw 21k of the valve body 20 causes the valve body 20 to move upward, away from the valve seat 14, and the opening area of ​​the valve port 13 increases. When the valve body 20 is furthest away from the valve port 13, the electric valve 1 is fully open. When the electric valve 1 is fully open, the opening area of ​​the valve port 13 is at its maximum.

[0072] Figure 5 shows the state in which the pin 58 is not in contact with the bottom surface of the first pin hole 55e, and Figure 6 shows the state in which the pin 58 is in contact with the bottom surface of the first pin hole 55e. For example, in the fully closed state of the electric valve 1 (Figures 4 and 5), when the refrigerant pressure at the valve port 13 is higher than the refrigerant pressure in the valve chamber 12, an upward force is applied to the valve body 20. If this force exceeds the force exerted by the closing spring 28 to push the valve body 20 downward, the valve body 20 and the drive member 60 move upward. When the pin 58 fixed to the drive member 60 also moves upward and abuts against the bottom surface of the first pin hole 55e (Figure 6), the upward movement of the drive member 60 is restricted. At this time, the beam member 55 and the fourth gear 64 are separated. This prevents the rotation of the drive member 60 from being hindered by contact between the drive member 60 and the beam member 55.

[0073] As described above, the electric valve 1 comprises a valve body 10, a cylindrical rotor case 30 attached to the valve body 10, a cylindrical rotor 35 positioned inside the rotor case 30, a stator 90 positioned inside the rotor 35, a drive member 60 positioned inside the valve body 10, a reduction gear mechanism 50 that transmits the rotation of the rotor 35 to the drive member 60, and a valve body 20 that moves in accordance with the rotation of the drive member 60. In this manner, since the stator 90 is positioned inside the rotor 35, the electric valve 1 can be made smaller. Furthermore, the reduction gear mechanism 50 transmits the rotation of the rotor 35 to the drive member 60, and the valve body 20 moves in accordance with the rotation of the drive member 60. The reduction gear mechanism 50 reduces the rotation of the rotor 35 and increases the torque. Therefore, the force that moves the valve body 20 can be increased and the position of the valve body 20 can be precisely controlled.

[0074] Furthermore, the electric valve 1 has an inner case 40 which integrally includes a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 41, a disc-shaped bottom wall portion 42 connected to the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 41, and an annular portion 43 whose inner peripheral edge is connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 41. The outer peripheral edge of the annular portion 43 is joined to the upper end of the rotor case 30. The peripheral wall portion 41 and the bottom wall portion 42 are arranged inside the rotor 35. The stator 90 is arranged inside the peripheral wall portion 41. In this way, the rotor case 30 and the inner case 40 form a rotor space 45 in which the rotor 35 is arranged. The rotor space 45 is sealed from the space inside the peripheral wall portion 41 in which the stator 90 is arranged. Therefore, the space in which the stator 90 is arranged can be separated from the rotor space 45.

[0075] Furthermore, the reduction gear mechanism 50 includes a first gear 51 and an intermediate gear body 54. The first gear 51 is fixed coaxially to the rotor 35. The intermediate gear body 54 includes a second gear 52 that meshes with the first gear 51 and a third gear 53 that is fixed coaxially to the second gear 52. The drive member 60 includes a fourth gear 64 that meshes with the third gear 53. In this way, the rotation of the rotor 35 can be transmitted to the drive member 60 by a reduction gear mechanism 50 with a relatively simple configuration.

[0076] Furthermore, the drive member 60 is arranged coaxially with the rotor 35. The reduction gear mechanism 50 includes a beam member 55, a first gear shaft 56, and a pin 58. The beam member 55 is positioned between the rotor 35 and the drive member 60. The first gear shaft 56 passes through the first gear 51. The bottom wall portion 42 of the inner case 40 has a gear bearing 44 that supports the upper end of the first gear shaft 56. The beam member 55 has a gear shaft hole 55d that supports the lower end of the first gear shaft 56 and a first pin hole 55e that supports the upper end of the pin 58. The drive member 60 has a second pin hole 60e that supports the lower end of the pin 58. In this way, the first gear 51 and the drive member 60 can be rotatably supported with a relatively simple configuration.

[0077] Furthermore, when the pin 58 contacts the bottom surface of the first pin hole 55e, the drive member 60 is separated from the beam member 55 and its upward movement (movement toward the beam member 55) is restricted. In this way, the upward movement of the drive member 60 is restricted before it contacts the beam member 55, and it is possible to prevent the rotation of the drive member 60 from being hindered by contact with the beam member 55.

[0078] Furthermore, the electric valve 1 has a housing 80 made of synthetic resin. The housing 80 has a cylindrical support portion 84 into which the stator 90 is embedded. The support portion 84 is fitted into the inner case 40. In this way, the stator 90 can be protected by the support portion 84. Also, by fitting the support portion 84 into the inner case 40, the stator 90 can be properly positioned inside the inner case 40.

[0079] Furthermore, the housing 80 has a long cylindrical connector portion 87. The connector portion 87 extends in the axial direction (axis L direction) of the rotor 35. This reduces the installation area of ​​the electric valve 1 (area when viewed from the axis L direction).

[0080] Next, a first modified example of the electric valve 1 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

[0081] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first modified example of the electric valve of Figure 1. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of the electric valve of Figure 9. Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the reduction gear mechanism and its vicinity in the valve body assembly of Figure 10.

[0082] The first modified electric valve 1A has the same configuration as (including substantially the same configuration as) the electric valve 1, except that it has a valve body assembly 5A including a reduction gear mechanism 150 and a drive member 160 instead of the valve body assembly 5 including a reduction gear mechanism 50 and a drive member 60. In the electric valve 1A, components identical to those in the electric valve 1 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0083] The valve body assembly 5A includes a valve body 10, a valve element 20, a bearing body 25, a rotor case 30, a rotor 35, an inner case 40, a reduction gear mechanism 150, and a drive member 160.

[0084] The reduction gear mechanism 150 is a 3K type planetary gear mechanism. The reduction gear mechanism 150 is positioned between the rotor 35 and the drive member 160. The reduction gear mechanism 150 reduces the rotation of the rotor 35 and transmits it to the drive member 160. The reduction gear mechanism 150 includes a gear case 151, a fixed ring gear 152, a sun gear 153, a plurality of planetary gears 154, a carrier 155, an output gear 156, and a gear shaft 157.

[0085] The gear case 151 has a cylindrical shape. The gear case 151 is coaxially joined to the upper part of the bearing body 25. The fixed ring gear 152 is a fixed internal gear. The fixed ring gear 152 is fixed to the upper end of the gear case 151. The fixed ring gear 152 is fixed to the valve body 10.

[0086] The sun gear 153 is coaxially positioned on the lower surface of the connection portion 38 of the rotor 35. The sun gear 153 is integrally formed with the connection portion 38. The sun gear 153 rotates together with the rotor 35. The gear shaft 157 passes through the sun gear 153 and the connection portion 38. The upper end of the gear shaft 157 is positioned in the shaft hole 44d of the gear bearing 44. The lower end of the gear shaft 157 is positioned in the gear shaft hole 160d of the drive member 160. The gear shaft hole 160d is positioned on the upper end surface of the drive member 160. The gear shaft 157 is fixed to the drive member 160 or in contact with the bottom surface of the gear shaft hole 160d. The sun gear 153 is rotatably supported by the gear bearing 44, the drive member 160 and the gear shaft 157.

[0087] Multiple planetary gears 154 mesh with a fixed ring gear 152 and a sun gear 153. A carrier 155 rotatably supports the multiple planetary gears 154. The carrier 155 is rotatable around a gear shaft 157. The output gear 156 has a bottomed cylindrical shape. The output gear 156 is a rotating internal gear and is the rotating output section.

[0088] The upper part 160a of the drive member 160 is fixed to the bottom of the output gear 156. The central part 160b of the drive member 160 is located inside the bearing body 25. The drive member 160 has a receiving surface 160p. The receiving surface 160p is located at the connection point between the upper part 160a and the central part 160b on the outer circumferential surface of the drive member 160. The receiving surface 160p is an annular plane facing downward and is in slidable contact with the support surface 25p of the bearing body 25. The central part 160b is rotatably supported by the bearing body 25. Note that in the bearing body 25 of the electric valve 1A, the gear shaft hole 25d is omitted.

[0089] The drive member 160 has a male screw 160k. The male screw 160k is located on the outer circumferential surface of the lower part 160c of the drive member 160. The male screw 160k is screwed into the female screw 21k of the valve body 20. The female screw 21k and the male screw 160k form a feed screw mechanism that moves the valve body 20 in the vertical direction.

[0090] Next, we will explain the operation of the electric valve 1A.

[0091] In the electric valve 1A, current is supplied to multiple coils 93 of the stator 90 to rotate the rotor 35. The sun gear 153 rotates together with the rotor 35. The rotation of the sun gear 153 is reduced by the fixed ring gear 152, multiple planetary gears 154, carrier 155 and output gear 156, and transmitted to the drive member 160. When the drive member 160 rotates, the valve body 20 moves downward or upward due to the feed screw action between the male screw 160k of the drive member 160 and the female screw 21k of the valve body 20.

[0092] Furthermore, in the fully closed state of the electric valve 1A, when the refrigerant pressure at the valve port 13 is higher than the refrigerant pressure in the valve chamber 12, an upward force is applied to the valve body 20. When this force exceeds the downward force exerted by the closing spring 28 on the valve body 20, the valve body 20 and the drive member 160 move upward. The sun gear 153, planetary gear 154, carrier 155, output gear 156, gear shaft 157, and rotor 35 move upward together with the drive member 160, and when the gear shaft 157 abuts against the bottom wall portion 42 (bottom surface of the recess 42a) of the inner case 40, the upward movement of the drive member 160 is restricted. That is, the upward movement of the rotor 35 is restricted. At this time, the rotor 35 and the bottom wall portion 42 (including the gear bearing 44) are separated. Also, the fixed ring gear 152 and the output gear 156 are separated. This prevents the rotor 35 from being hindered from rotating due to contact with the bottom wall portion 42.

[0093] The electric valve 1A also produces the same effect as the electric valve 1.

[0094] Furthermore, the drive member 160 is arranged coaxially with the rotor 35. The reduction gear mechanism 150 is a planetary gear mechanism having a fixed ring gear 152, a sun gear 153, a planetary gear 154, a carrier 155, an output gear 156, and a gear shaft 157. The fixed ring gear 152 is fixed to the valve body 10. The sun gear 153 is fixed coaxially to the rotor 35. The gear shaft 157 passes through the sun gear 153. The planetary gear 154 meshes with the sun gear 153 and the fixed ring gear 152. The carrier 155 rotatably supports the planetary gear 154. The output gear 156 meshes with the planetary gear 154 and is connected to the drive member 160. The bottom wall portion 42 of the inner case 40 has a gear bearing 44 that supports the upper end of the gear shaft 157. The drive member 160 has a gear shaft hole 160d that supports the lower end of the gear shaft 157. In this way, a relatively large reduction ratio can be obtained by the reduction gear mechanism 150. In addition, the sun gear 153 can be rotatably supported with a relatively simple configuration.

[0095] Furthermore, when the gear shaft 157 contacts the bottom wall 42, the rotor 35 is separated from the bottom wall 42 and the upward movement of the drive member 160 (movement toward the bottom wall 42) is restricted. In this way, the upward movement of the drive member 160 is restricted before the rotor 35 contacts the bottom wall 42, and it is possible to prevent the rotation of the rotor 35 from being hindered by contact with the bottom wall 42.

[0096] Next, a second modified example of the electric valve 1 will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14.

[0097] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a second modified example of the electric valve of Figure 1. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of the electric valve of Figure 12. Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the reduction gear mechanism and its vicinity in the valve body assembly of Figure 13.

[0098] The electric valve 1B according to the second modified example has the same configuration as (including substantially the same configuration as) the electric valve 1A, except that it has a valve body assembly 5B that further includes a rolling bearing 126 instead of the valve body assembly 5A. In the electric valve 1B, components identical to those of the electric valve 1A are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0099] The valve body assembly 5B includes a valve body 10, a valve element 20, a bearing body 25, a rotor case 30, a rotor 35, an inner case 40, a rolling bearing 126, a reduction gear mechanism 150, and a drive member 160.

[0100] The rolling bearing 126 is a radial bearing. The rolling bearing 126 may also be a thrust bearing. The rolling bearing 126 is located inside the upper part of the bearing body 25. The lower end of the outer ring of the rolling bearing 126 is in contact with the support surface 25p of the bearing body 25. A retaining member (not shown) is located inside the upper part of the bearing body 25, in contact with the upper end of the outer ring of the rolling bearing 126. The central portion 160b of the drive member 160 is located inside the inner ring of the rolling bearing 126. The central portion 160b is press-fitted into the inner ring of the rolling bearing 126. The central portion 160b is rotatably supported by the rolling bearing 126. Note that in the bearing body 25 of the electric valve 1B, the gear shaft hole 25d and the spring bearing surface 25r are omitted. In the electric valve 1B, the valve closing spring 28 is also omitted.

[0101] The electric valve 1B also produces the same effect as the electric valve 1A.

[0102] Next, a third modified example of the electric valve 1 will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17.

[0103] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a third modified example of the electric valve of Figure 1. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of the electric valve of Figure 15. Figure 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the reduction gear mechanism and its vicinity in the valve body assembly of Figure 16.

[0104] The third modified electric valve 1C has the same configuration as the electric valve 1A (including substantially the same configuration), except that it has a valve body assembly 5C including a reduction gear mechanism 250 instead of the valve body assembly 5A including a reduction gear mechanism 150. In the electric valve 1C, components identical to those of the electric valve 1A are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0105] The valve body assembly 5C includes a valve body 10, a valve element 20, a bearing body 25, a rotor case 30, a rotor 35, an inner case 40, a reduction gear mechanism 250, and a drive member 160.

[0106] The reduction gear mechanism 250 is a 2K-H type planetary gear mechanism. The reduction gear mechanism 250 is positioned between the rotor 35 and the drive member 160. The reduction gear mechanism 250 reduces the rotation of the rotor 35 and transmits it to the drive member 160. The reduction gear mechanism 250 includes a gear case 151, a fixed ring gear 152, a sun gear 153, a plurality of planetary gears 154, a carrier 255, and a gear shaft 157.

[0107] The carrier 255 rotatably supports multiple planetary gears 154. The carrier 255 is rotatable around the gear shaft 157. The carrier 255 is the rotational output section. The upper part 160a of the drive member 160 is fixed to the carrier 255.

[0108] Next, we will explain the operation of the electric valve 1C.

[0109] In the electric valve 1C, current is supplied to multiple coils 93 of the stator 90 to rotate the rotor 35. The sun gear 153 rotates together with the rotor 35. The rotation of the sun gear 153 is reduced by the fixed ring gear 152, multiple planetary gears 154 and carrier 255 and transmitted to the drive member 160. When the drive member 160 rotates, the valve body 20 moves downward or upward due to the feed screw action between the male screw 160k of the drive member 160 and the female screw 21k of the valve body 20.

[0110] Furthermore, when the electric valve 1C is in a fully closed state, if the refrigerant pressure at the valve port 13 is higher than the refrigerant pressure in the valve chamber 12, an upward force is applied to the valve body 20. If this force exceeds the force exerted by the closing spring 28 to push the valve body 20 downward, the valve body 20 and the drive member 160 move upward. The sun gear 153, planetary gear 154, carrier 255, gear shaft 157, and rotor 35 move upward together with the drive member 160, and when the gear shaft 157 abuts against the bottom wall portion 42 (bottom surface of the recess 42a) of the inner case 40, the upward movement of the drive member 160 is restricted. In other words, the upward movement of the rotor 35 is restricted. At this time, the rotor 35 and the bottom wall portion 42 (including the gear bearing 44) are separated. This prevents the rotor 35 from being hindered from rotating by contact with the bottom wall portion 42.

[0111] The electric valve 1C also produces the same effect as the electric valve 1A.

[0112] Furthermore, the drive member 160 is arranged coaxially with the rotor 35. The reduction gear mechanism 250 is a planetary gear mechanism having a fixed ring gear 152, a sun gear 153, a planetary gear 154, a carrier 255, and a gear shaft 157. The fixed ring gear 152 is fixed to the valve body 10. The sun gear 153 is fixed coaxially to the rotor 35. The gear shaft 157 passes through the sun gear 153. The planetary gear 154 meshes with the sun gear 153 and the fixed ring gear 152. The carrier 255 rotatably supports the planetary gear 154 and is connected to the drive member 160. The bottom wall portion 42 of the inner case 40 has a gear bearing 44 that supports the upper end of the gear shaft 157. The drive member 160 has a gear shaft hole 160d that supports the lower end of the gear shaft 157. In this way, a relatively large reduction ratio can be obtained with the reduction gear mechanism 250. Furthermore, the sun gear 153 can be rotatably supported with a relatively simple configuration.

[0113] Furthermore, when the gear shaft 157 contacts the bottom wall 42, the rotor 35 is separated from the bottom wall 42 and the upward movement of the drive member 160 (movement toward the bottom wall 42) is restricted. In this way, the upward movement of the drive member 160 is restricted before the rotor 35 contacts the bottom wall 42, and it is possible to prevent the rotation of the rotor 35 from being hindered by contact with the bottom wall 42.

[0114] (Second example) Next, a valve device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 18.

[0115] As shown in Figure 18, the valve device 2 according to the second embodiment includes the electric valve 1 according to the first embodiment and a flow path block 550.

[0116] The flow path block 550 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The flow path block 550 is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy. The upper surface of the flow path block 550 is the mounting surface 551 on which the electric valve 1 is placed.

[0117] The flow path block 550 has a first passage 555, a second passage 556, and a mounting hole 557. The mounting hole 557 is located on the mounting surface 551. The first passage 555 extends forward from the mounting hole 557. The second passage 556 extends downward from the mounting hole 557.

[0118] The flow path block 550 has a female thread 550f. The female thread 550f is located on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 557. The main body member 11 of the electric valve 1 is placed in the mounting hole 557, and the male thread 11f of the main body member 11 is screwed into the female thread 550f. The electric valve 1 is attached to the flow path block 550 by a screw structure when a jig is attached to the head portion 11a of the main body member 11 and rotated around the axis L. The connector portion 87 of the electric valve 1 faces upward. In the mounting hole 557, the space between the main body member 11 and the flow path block 550 is sealed with O-rings 558 and 559. The first passage 555 is connected to the valve chamber 12 of the electric valve 1 via the mounting hole 557 and the first connecting passage 15. The second passage 556 is connected to the valve port 13 of the electric valve 1 via the second connecting passage 16.

[0119] The valve device 2 may also have a configuration in which the main body member 11 of the electric valve 1 is omitted and the rotor case 30 is directly attached to the flow path block 550. In this configuration, the flow path block 550 has the same (including substantially the same) valve chamber, valve port, valve seat, and mounting holes as those of the electric valve 1.

[0120] Furthermore, the valve device 2 may have a configuration in which the flow path block 550 has a plurality of mounting holes 557 on the mounting surface 551, and an electric valve 1 is attached to each mounting hole 557. In this configuration, the connector portions 87 of each of the multiple electric valves 1 face in the same direction (upward). Therefore, in a system in which the valve device 2 of this configuration is incorporated, space for arranging cables connected to the connector portions 87 of the multiple electric valves 1 only needs to be provided above the valve device 2, and the valve device 2 can be placed in a relatively small space.

[0121] The valve device 2 also produces the same effect as the electric valve 1.

[0122] In this specification, terms indicating shapes such as "cylinder," "rod," and "cuboid" are also used to refer to members or parts of members that substantially have the shape of those terms. For example, "cylindrical member" includes both cylindrical members and substantially cylindrical members.

[0123] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments. Additions, deletions, design modifications, and combinations of features of the embodiments, as appropriate by those skilled in the art, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they do not contradict the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C... Electric valves, 5, 5A, 5B, 5C... Valve body assembly, 10... Valve body, 11... Body member, 20... Valve body, 25... Bearing body, 30... Rotor case, 35... Rotor, 40... Inner case, 44... Gear bearing, 50, 150, 250... Reduction gear mechanism, 51... First gear, 52... Second gear, 53... Third gear, 54... Intermediate gear body, 55... Beam member, 56... First gear shaft, 57... Second gear shaft, 58... Pin, 60, 160... Drive member, 64... Fourth gear, 8... Stator unit, 80... Housing, 81... Housing body, 85... Cover, 90... Stator, 98... Stepping motor, 100... Control device 2... Valve device, 550... Flow path block

Claims

1. A valve body, A cylindrical rotor case attached to the valve body, A cylindrical magnet rotor is positioned inside the rotor case, A stator is positioned inside the aforementioned magnet rotor, A drive member is disposed inside the valve body, A reduction gear mechanism that transmits the rotation of the magnet rotor to the drive member, A valve body that moves in accordance with the rotation of the drive member, It has an inner case that integrally includes a cylindrical peripheral wall portion, a disc-shaped bottom wall portion connected to the first end of the peripheral wall portion, and an annular portion whose inner peripheral edge is connected to the second end of the peripheral wall portion. The outer edge of the annular portion is joined to one end of the rotor case. The peripheral wall portion and the bottom wall portion are arranged inside the magnet rotor. The stator is positioned inside the peripheral wall portion. The reduction gear mechanism comprises a gear fixed coaxially to the magnet rotor and a gear shaft passing through the gear, An electric valve in which a gear bearing supporting one end of the gear shaft is arranged in a recess provided in the center of the bottom wall.

2. The reduction gear mechanism further comprises a beam member disposed between the magnet rotor and the drive member, The electric valve according to claim 1, wherein the beam member has a gear shaft hole that supports the other end of the gear shaft.

3. The drive member is arranged coaxially with the magnet rotor, The electric valve according to claim 1, wherein the drive member has a gear shaft hole that supports the other end of the gear shaft.

4. Valve body and A cylindrical rotor case attached to the valve body, A cylindrical magnet rotor is positioned inside the rotor case, A stator is positioned inside the aforementioned magnet rotor, A drive member is disposed inside the valve body, A reduction gear mechanism that transmits the rotation of the magnet rotor to the drive member, A valve body that moves in accordance with the rotation of the drive member, It has an inner case that integrally includes a cylindrical peripheral wall portion, a disc-shaped bottom wall portion connected to the first end of the peripheral wall portion, and an annular portion whose inner peripheral edge is connected to the second end of the peripheral wall portion. The outer edge of the annular portion is joined to one end of the rotor case. The peripheral wall portion and the bottom wall portion are arranged inside the magnet rotor. The stator is positioned inside the peripheral wall portion. The reduction gear mechanism comprises a first gear, an intermediate gear body, a beam member, a gear shaft, and a pin. The first gear is fixed coaxially to the magnet rotor, The intermediate gear body comprises a second gear that meshes with the first gear, and a third gear that is fixed coaxially to the second gear. The drive member has a fourth gear that meshes with the third gear, and is arranged coaxially with the magnet rotor. The beam member is positioned between the magnet rotor and the drive member. The gear shaft penetrates the first gear, The bottom wall portion has a gear bearing that supports one end of the gear shaft, The beam member has a gear shaft hole for supporting the other end of the gear shaft and a first pin hole for supporting one end of the pin, An electric valve in which the drive member has a second pin hole that supports the other end of the pin.

5. The electric valve according to claim 4, wherein when the pin contacts the bottom surface of the first pin hole, the drive member is separated from the beam member and the movement of the drive member toward the beam member is restricted.

6. Valve body and A cylindrical rotor case attached to the valve body, A cylindrical magnet rotor is positioned inside the rotor case, A stator is positioned inside the aforementioned magnet rotor, A drive member is disposed inside the valve body, A reduction gear mechanism that transmits the rotation of the magnet rotor to the drive member, A valve body that moves in accordance with the rotation of the drive member, It has an inner case that integrally includes a cylindrical peripheral wall portion, a disc-shaped bottom wall portion connected to the first end of the peripheral wall portion, and an annular portion whose inner peripheral edge is connected to the second end of the peripheral wall portion. The outer edge of the annular portion is joined to one end of the rotor case. The peripheral wall portion and the bottom wall portion are arranged inside the magnet rotor. The stator is positioned inside the peripheral wall portion. The drive member is arranged coaxially with the magnet rotor, The reduction gear mechanism is a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, a gear shaft, and a rotating output unit. The aforementioned sun gear is fixed coaxially to the aforementioned magnet rotor, The gear shaft penetrates the sun gear, The rotation output unit is connected to the drive member, The bottom wall portion has a gear bearing that supports one end of the gear shaft, An electric valve in which the drive member has a gear shaft hole that supports the other end of the gear shaft.

7. The electric valve according to claim 6, wherein when the gear shaft contacts the bottom wall, the magnet rotor is separated from the bottom wall and the movement of the drive member toward the bottom wall is restricted.

8. The reduction gear mechanism further comprises a fixed internal gear, a planetary gear, a carrier, and a rotating internal gear. The fixed internal gear is fixed to the valve body, The planetary gear meshes with the sun gear and the fixed internal gear, The carrier rotatably supports the planetary gear, The electric valve according to claim 6, wherein the rotating internal gear is the rotating output unit and meshes with the planetary gear.

9. The reduction gear mechanism further comprises a fixed internal gear, a planetary gear, and a carrier. The fixed internal gear is fixed to the valve body, The planetary gear meshes with the sun gear and the fixed internal gear, The electric valve according to claim 6, wherein the carrier is the rotating output unit and rotatably supports the planetary gear.

10. A valve device comprising an electric valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a flow path block having a mounting surface on which the electric valve is arranged.

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