Electric valve

Abstract

An electric valve 100 according to the present invention comprises: a first valve element 83 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening part 85 and a first center axis X5; a second valve element 84 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening part 86 and a second center axis X6; and a first engagement part 81 disposed coaxially with the first center axis X5 and in a state of being unable to rotate relative to the first valve element 83, wherein the first valve element 83 and the second valve element 84 are disposed coaxially with the first center axis X5 and the second center axis X6, the second valve element 84 has a second engagement part 91 formed in a shape with which the first engagement part 81 can engage, and the first valve element 83 and the second valve element 84 can be coupled at a plurality of angles relative to the angle of rotation with the first center axis X5 and the second center axis X6 serving as centers of rotation.

Description

Motor-operated valve

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrically operated valve for adjusting the flow rate of a fluid.

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-218763, motor-operated valves that adjust the flow rate according to predetermined conditions have been used. The motor-operated valve of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-218763 has an inlet for coolant, which is a fluid that cools a device, and multiple outlets for sending out the inlet coolant, and the coolant is sent to each device through pipes connected to the respective outlets. The motor-operated valve of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-218763 is provided in a cylinder head of an automobile engine, and coolant is introduced into the valve device through the inlet.

[0003] The motor-operated valve disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-218763 includes a motor and a valve mechanism including a valve element whose opening and closing is controlled by the motor via a reduction mechanism. Coolant is delivered from the motor-operated valve to a heating heat exchanger, an oil cooler, and a radiator, and delivery of the coolant to the motor-operated valve is controlled by a valve element provided in the motor-operated valve. The valve element is electrically controlled by an on-board electronic controller in accordance with the coolant temperature, vehicle operating conditions, etc., and opens and closes the valve element to deliver the introduced coolant to the heating heat exchanger, the oil cooler, and the radiator.

[0004] The valve disc is cylindrical and has two valve openings for delivering cooling water to each device. The valve openings are located on the outer periphery of the valve disc, offset in the direction of the central axis. The valve disc rotates integrally with the motor, so the two valve openings rotate integrally in the same direction. Therefore, the relative rotational angles of the respective valve openings and the sizes of the valve openings are determined so that the openings of the two valve openings can be controlled to open and close according to the cooling water temperature. This configuration enables the motor-operated valve to deliver cooling water to each device at the optimal timing.

[0005] JP 2015-218763 A

[0006] However, the relative positions and lengths of the multiple valve openings in the valve body in the rotational direction differ depending on the vehicle in which the motor-operated valve is installed, the type of device connected to the motor-operated valve, etc. Therefore, it was necessary to manufacture each valve body with a different relative angle in the rotational direction of the multiple valve openings, which was time-consuming to develop and manufacture.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a motor-operated valve in which the position of the valve opening can be easily changed when manufactured.

[0008] The motor-operated valve according to the present invention comprises a first valve body formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening and a first central axis; a second valve body formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening and a second central axis; and a first engagement portion that is coaxial with the first central axis and is arranged so as not to rotate relative to the first valve body, wherein the first valve body and the second valve body are arranged coaxially with the first central axis and the second central axis, and the second valve body has a second engagement portion that is formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion to engage with the first central axis and at a plurality of relative angles in rotational directions centered on the first central axis and the second central axis.

[0009] In the motor-operated valve according to the present invention, the first engagement portion can be engaged with the second engagement portion at a plurality of relative rotational angles, and therefore the first valve body, which cannot rotate relative to the first engagement portion, can also be attached to the second valve body at a plurality of relative rotational angles. Therefore, the positions of the valve openings of the first valve body and the second valve body can be easily changed in manufacturing.

[0010] Furthermore, in the electric valve of the present invention, it is preferable that either one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has a first engaging element formed on the surface that contacts the other, protruding from one side to the other side, and that the other of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has a second engaging element formed on the surface that contacts the other, recessed so that the first engaging element can engage.

[0011] According to the motor-operated valve of the present invention, the first and second engagement portions can be configured with simple shapes, such as protrusions and recesses, that allow them to engage at a plurality of relative rotational angles around the first and second central axes as rotation centers, thereby enabling the motor-operated valve to be manufactured with the position of the valve opening easily changed.

[0012] In addition, it is preferable that the cross section of the first engagement portion of the motor-operated valve according to the present invention, taken perpendicular to the first central axis, is polygonal.

[0013] By making the cross-sectional shape of the first engagement part of the motor-operated valve according to the present invention polygonal, the engagement shape of the first engagement part can be configured with flat surfaces that are easy to process, making it easy to manufacture the first engagement part. In addition, since the corners of the polygon become protruding parts, the mechanical strength of the protruding parts is relatively high.

[0014] In addition, it is preferable that the first valve body of the electric valve according to the present invention is formed in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the second valve body, and that the first engagement portion is a protruding portion formed integrally with the first valve body.

[0015] When the first valve body of the electric valve of the present invention is formed into a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the second valve body, the first engagement portion can be made into a protruding portion integrally formed with the first valve body, making it easier to ensure the flow path area inside the cylindrical shape of the first valve body.

[0016] In addition, in the electric valve of the present invention, a central hole is formed in the first valve body coaxially with the first central axis, and the central hole is formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion to engage at multiple rotational relative angles around the first central axis, and it is preferable that the first engagement portion is a rotating shaft that fits into the central hole and the second engagement portion.

[0017] In the motor-operated valve according to the present invention, the first valve body has a central hole formed coaxially with the first central axis, and the first engagement portion is a rotary shaft that fits into the central hole and the second engagement portion. Therefore, the rotary shaft that rotates the first valve body and the second valve body can be used as the first engagement portion, allowing for an efficient motor-operated valve configuration. This allows for a motor-operated valve in which the position of the valve opening can be easily changed.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a cooling system including a motor-operated valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first valve body and a second valve body included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a central shaft included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a top view showing a relative angle in the rotational direction between the first valve body and the second valve body included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first engagement portion included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a second engagement portion included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a modified first engagement portion included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a modified second engagement portion included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing another modified second engagement portion included in the motor-operated valve of FIG. 1.

[0019] An electric valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall cooling system including an electric valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the electric valve 100.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1 , an automotive cooling system incorporating an electrically operated valve 100 will be described. The electrically operated valve 100 can be used as a flow control valve in a cooling system, such as an automotive cooling system. The electrically operated valve 100 used in an automotive cooling system is attached to a cylinder head CH on top of an internal combustion engine (ENG) installed in a vehicle. Cooling system fluid, i.e., coolant, pressurized by a water pump (WP) installed in the internal combustion engine (ENG) is introduced into the electrically operated valve 100. The electrically operated valve 100 adjusts and distributes the coolant to a radiator (RAD) and a coolant utilization device. The electrically operated valve 100 includes a valve body 80 that adjusts the flow rate of the coolant delivered from the electrically operated valve 100. The up-down direction in FIG. 2 will be referred to as the up-down direction of the electrically operated valve 100.

[0021] The motor-operated valve 100 has a flow path for flowing coolant to the radiator RAD. This flow path is a second flow path B. The automotive cooling system controls the opening and closing of the motor-operated valve 100 using a control device (not shown). The motor-operated valve 100 is controlled not only based on the coolant temperature Tx but also in response to the vehicle running state, etc.

[0022] The coolant introduced into the motor-operated valve 100 is sent to a radiator RAD, which is a heat radiator, and to a plurality of coolant utilization devices. The coolant utilization devices include, for example, a heater HT, a transmission TM such as an AT or a CVT, and an exhaust gas recirculation device EGR, and the required devices are provided depending on the vehicle.

[0023] A pipe L1 is connected between the motor-operated valve 100 and the radiator RAD. Coolant to the radiator RAD is sent from the valve device 100 through the feed pipe L1. The radiator RAD is equipped with a blower fan FAN that blows air into the radiator RAD to dissipate heat. The coolant dissipates heat as it passes through the radiator RAD, lowering its temperature. After passing through the radiator RAD, the coolant is returned to the internal combustion engine ENG through the return pipe L1.

[0024] The motor-operated valve 100 is connected to the heater HT, the transmission TM, and the exhaust gas recirculation system EGR through feed-side pipes L2, L3, and L4, respectively. After passing through each coolant utilization device, the coolant is returned to the internal combustion engine ENG through return-side pipes L2, L3, and L4. The coolant returned to the internal combustion engine ENG is pressurized by a water pump WP and sent out again, circulating between the radiator RAD and each coolant utilization device. The coolant utilization devices may include one or more of the above-described coolant utilization devices, rather than all of them. Alternatively, the coolant utilization devices may include devices other than those described above, such as an oil cooler. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the pipes L2, L3, and L4 share some common portions on the feed and return sides, respectively. However, the pipes L2, L3, and L4 may also be independent pipes with no common portions.

[0025] The configuration of the motor-operated valve 100 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The motor-operated valve 100 includes a housing 10 that forms the main body of the motor-operated valve 100, a motor (not shown), a reduction gear 66, and a valve element 80, all of which are housed in the housing 10.

[0026] The housing 10 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The housing 10 includes a first outlet 11 through which coolant is delivered to the radiator RAD, a second outlet 12 and a third outlet 13 through which coolant is delivered to each coolant utilization device, and an inlet 18 through which coolant is introduced from the internal combustion engine ENG. The housing 10 also includes a valve housing 20, a motor housing (not shown), and a reduction gear housing 27. The motor housing 26 is provided on a side of the valve housing 20, and the reduction gear housing 27 is provided on an upper portion of the valve housing 20. The valve device 100 is fixed by abutting the lower surface of the valve housing 20 against the cylinder head CH.

[0027] The housing 10 is integrally formed from a resin material. By forming the housing 10 from a resin material or a lightweight metal material, the motor-operated valve 100 can be made lighter. This reduces the fuel consumption of the vehicle to which the motor-operated valve 100 is attached. Alternatively, the valve housing 20, the motor housing 26, and the reduction gear housing 27 may be formed individually or individually and then assembled. Alternatively, one or more of the valve housing 20, the motor housing 26, and the reduction gear housing 27 may be formed from a material other than a resin material, for example, an aluminum alloy.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2, the first outlet 11 and the second outlet 12, which are cooling water outlets, will be described. A first adapter 23 and a second adapter 24 are fixed to the first outlet 11 and the second outlet 12, respectively. The first adapter 23 to the second adapter 24 are members having hollow cylindrical portions to which one or more of the pipes L1 to L4 are connected. One end 31 of the first adapter 23 is inserted into the first opening 14 of the first outlet 11. One end 32 of the second adapter 24 is inserted into the second opening 15 of the second outlet 12.

[0029] An open end of the first adapter 23 is connected to a pipe L1 (not shown) that delivers coolant to the radiator RAD. An open end of the second adapter 24 is connected to one of the coolant utilization devices, for example, a pipe L2 (not shown) that delivers coolant to the heater HT. The coolant utilization device connected to the second adapter 24 is selected appropriately depending on the vehicle in which the valve device 100 is installed, and may be, for example, an exhaust gas recirculation device EGR. Furthermore, the second adapter 24 can be connected to two or more coolant utilization devices via bifurcated pipes that branch the flow path, rather than just one.

[0030] One end 31 of the first adapter 23 and one end 32 of the second adapter 24 each have a sealing device including a seal and a spring. One end 31 of the first adapter 23 has a seal 33 and a spring 76, and one end 32 of the second adapter 24 has a seal 37 and a spring 77. The seals 33 and 37 are made of an elastic material, such as a resin material or rubber.

[0031] The ends 31, 32 are formed in a cylindrical shape with openings. Springs 76, 77, each formed with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the ends 31, 32, are inserted into the openings of the ends 31, 32. The inner surfaces of the openings of the ends 31, 32 are provided with annular surfaces perpendicular to the central axes X1, X2 of the ends 31, 32, respectively.

[0032] Cylindrical members 34, 38 are disposed between the one ends 31, 32 and the valve body 80, respectively. The cylindrical members 34, 38 are in contact with the corresponding portions of the valve body 80. The cylindrical members 34, 38 are attached with one end of springs 76, 77 abutting against them. That is, the cylindrical members 34, 38 are pressed against the corresponding curved surfaces of the valve body 80 by the springs 76, 77. Therefore, even when the valve body 80 is actuated and rotates, the cylindrical members 34, 38, biased by the springs 76, 77, follow and maintain contact with the valve body 80. Therefore, the cooling water flowing out from the valve body 80 can flow through the first adapter 23 and the second adapter 24, respectively, without leaking due to the cylindrical members 34, 38 and the seals 33, 37.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2, the abutment portion 17 provided at the bottom of the valve accommodating portion 20 will be described. The cylinder head CH of the internal combustion engine ENG is provided with a cylinder head opening OP that opens upward. The abutment portion 17 has a flat surface so that it can abut against the mounting portion of the cylinder head CH on the housing 10. The abutment portion 17 is provided with an inlet portion 18 that corresponds to the opening shape of the cylinder head opening OP. The valve device 100 is fixed to the cylinder head CH with bolts (not shown) in a state where the inlet portion 18 is aligned with the cylinder head opening OP and abuts against the top surface of the cylinder head CH. The inlet portion 18 is an opening formed in the abutment portion 17.

[0034] The contact portion 17 has a seal 19 provided so as to surround the outside of the inlet portion 18 at the contact portion 17. Cooling water pressurized by the water pump WP is sealed by the seal 19 and introduced into the inlet portion 18 from a cylinder head opening OP of the internal combustion engine ENG without leaking.

[0035] The motor-operated valve 100 has an internal space 22 formed therein that communicates with the inlet portion 18 and extends to the top of the valve housing portion 20. The internal space 22 houses a valve body 80.

[0036] The motor (not shown) is accommodated in a motor accommodation section (not shown), which is an enclosed space provided on the side of the valve accommodation section 20. As shown in FIG. 2 , the reduction gear 66 is accommodated in a reduction gear accommodation section 27 formed in the upper part of the valve device 100. The reduction gear accommodation section 27 is an enclosed space sealed by an upper cover section 28. The reduction gear 66 has a plurality of gears 67, and a multi-stage reduction mechanism is formed from a first-stage gear 67 to which the driving force of the motor 65 is input, to a final-stage gear 67. The plurality of gears 67 are formed as spur gears with different diameters and numbers of teeth, and are rotatably supported by rotational axes (not shown) that are parallel to each other.

[0037] The rotation shaft 87 of the valve element 80 is fitted into a fitting hole provided in the center of the final-stage gear 67. An output shaft (not shown) of a motor (not shown) is fitted into a fitting hole provided in the center of the first-stage gear 67, and the rotation of the motor (not shown) is controlled by a control device, and rotational torque is transmitted by a reduction gear 66. The rotational force transmitted to the final-stage gear 67 rotates the valve element 80 by a predetermined rotation angle in one direction or the other direction.

[0038] The reduction gear 66 can be configured in other ways as well. The shape, size, number of teeth, orientation of the rotation axis of the multiple gears 67 that make up the reduction gear 66, and arrangement within the reduction gear housing 27 are determined appropriately depending on the required output torque, the size of the reduction gear housing 27, etc.

[0039] A support portion 40 is fitted into the inlet portion 18. The support portion 40 is a member that supports the lower end portion of the rotation shaft 87. The support portion 40 has a plurality of rod-shaped portions 41 and a central portion 43 that is coaxial with the rotation shaft 87. When viewed from above, the support portion 40 is formed such that the rod-shaped portions 41 protrude radially from the central portion 43. In this embodiment, three rod-shaped portions 41 are provided at 120-degree intervals around the center of the central portion 43, and the support portion 40 is formed in a substantially Y-shape.

[0040] Because the rod-shaped portions 41 are disposed in a space through which cooling water flows, each rod-shaped portion 41 is formed thin while having the necessary strength. The number of rod-shaped portions 41 may be other than three. For example, a total of two rod-shaped portions 41 may be provided at 180-degree intervals around the center of the central portion 43, so that the support portion 40 is formed in an I-shape. Alternatively, a total of four rod-shaped portions 41 may be provided at 90-degree intervals around the center of the central portion 43, so that the support portion 40 is formed in a cross shape.

[0041] [Configuration of Valve Disk 80] The configuration of the valve disk 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the valve disk 80 having a first valve disk 83 and a second valve disk 84. The valve disk 80 includes the first valve disk 83, the second valve disk 84, and a rotating shaft 87. The valve disk 80 is an on-off valve operated by the driving force of the motor 65 transmitted via the reduction gear 66. The valve disk 80 is accommodated in the internal space 22, which is the internal space of the valve accommodating portion 20. The valve disk 80 includes the first valve disk 83 having a first central axis X5 and the second valve disk 84 having a second central axis X6. The outer circumferential surfaces of the first valve disk 83 and the second valve disk 84 are formed to protrude in an arc shape in side view. The first valve disk 83 and the second valve disk 84 are arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 and are arranged in contact with each other. The first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6, which are coaxially arranged, form the central axis X3 of the valve body 80.

[0042] The motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention includes a valve element 80 and a motor (not shown) that drives the valve element 80 .

[0043] The second valve body 84 below the valve body 80 is located on a longitudinal extension of the first adapter 23. The first valve body 85 above the valve body 80 is located on a longitudinal extension of the second adapter 24. The first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 each have a valve opening 85, 86 formed on their outer circumferential surfaces, respectively, that communicate with the internal space of the valve body 80. The valve openings 85, 86 are formed as elongated holes that are long in the circumferential direction and open within a predetermined angular range on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84, respectively, when viewed from above, with their respective central axes X5, X6 as their centers.

[0044] The first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are configured to rotate integrally by the driving force of the rotary shaft 87 of the reduction gear 66. Meanwhile, the temperature range of the coolant delivered to the radiator RAD connected to the motor-operated valve 100 and each coolant utilization device differs depending on the coolant utilization device. Therefore, the opening angles of the elongated holes of the valve openings 85 and 86 and the circumferential opening ranges on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are determined so that the valve opening / closing state is optimized for each radiator RAD and each coolant utilization device.

[0045] The first valve body 83 has a first engagement portion 81 that is a protruding portion coaxial with the first central axis X5. The second valve body 84 has a second engagement portion 91 that is coaxial with the second central axis X6 and that is shaped to be engageable with the first engagement portion 81. The first valve body 83 is connected by the protruding first engagement portion 81 engaging with the second engagement portion 91.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a second engagement portion 91 corresponding to the first engagement portion 81. The second engagement portion 91 has a central hole 92 into which the first engagement portion 81 can fit. The cross-sectional shape of the central hole 92 perpendicular to the first central axis X5 is formed as a regular decagon composed of ten surface portions 99 corresponding to the first engagement portion 81. The central hole 92 is formed as a through hole with the same length as the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 81 fits. The second engagement portion 91 is formed by the central hole 92, and one second engagement element 98 (a corner of the regular decagon) is disposed between each two adjacent surface portions 99. Note that the central hole 92 may be formed longer than the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 81 fits. Alternatively, the central hole 92 may be a blind hole with one side closed. The first engagement portion 81 is formed in a shape that allows it to engage with the second engagement portion 91 at multiple rotational angular positions around the second central axis X5 of the second engagement portion 91.

[0047] The first engagement portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention is a protruding portion that is integrally formed with the first valve body 83. Therefore, the first engagement portion 81 easily and reliably engages with the second valve body 84 at any relative angle in the rotational direction. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured so that the positions of the valve openings 85, 86 can be easily changed.

[0048] The engagement state of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the rotating shaft 87. The valve body 80 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with an internal space, and has a first engagement portion 81 with a central hole 82, and a rotating shaft 87 that fits into the central hole 82. A space that serves as a cooling water flow path is formed inside the valve body 80, except for the first engagement portion 81. The rotating shaft 87 is fitted into the central hole 82 with the first engagement portion 81 engaged with the second engagement portion 91, and rotates the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84. The shape of the central hole 82 and the shape of the portion of the rotating shaft 87 that abuts against the central hole 82 are formed to be able to fit together. 4, the fitting portion 78 of the rotating shaft 87 has a circular cross section, and the portion of the outer circumferential surface that extends beyond a pair of opposing parallel flat surfaces is cut off, in other words, the fitting portion 78 has a shape formed by a pair of opposing parallel flat surfaces connected by an arc at both ends. Because the outer surface of the fitting portion 78 is formed into a shape having a pair of parallel flat surfaces, the rotating shaft 87 can be fitted into the central hole 82 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. This allows the rotating shaft 87 to transmit rotational driving force to the central hole 82 without slipping.

[0049] Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 78 of the rotating shaft 87 may be a so-called D-cut cross section, in which the circular outer circumferential surface is cut by a single plane parallel to the rotating shaft 87. In this case, the central hole 82 is also formed to have a D-shaped cross section, and the rotating shaft 87 having a D-cut cross section is fitted into the central hole 82.

[0050] Referring to Figure 5, the fact that the first engagement portion 81 and the second engagement portion 91 can be engaged at a plurality of relative rotational angles F3 about the second central axis X3 will be described. Figure 5 is a top view of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 connected together. In this figure, the valve opening 85 of the first valve body 83 faces rightward, and the valve opening 86 of the second valve body 84 faces leftward. The valve openings 85, 86 are formed as elongated holes. If the rotational position of the center of the valve opening 85 of the first valve body 83 is E1 and the rotational position of the center of the valve opening 86 of the second valve body 84 is E2, the relative rotational angle between the two is F3. In the case of Figure 5, F3 is approximately 180 degrees. In the valve device 100 of the present invention, when assembling the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84, the relative rotational angle F3 between the valve opening 85 of the first valve body 83 and the valve opening 86 of the second valve body 84 can be set to a desired angle.

[0051] 3, the connection state of the first engaging portion 81 and the second engaging portion 91 will be described. The first engaging portion 81 and the second engaging portion 91 fix the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 at a desired rotational direction relative angle F3.

[0052] The first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are arranged so that a first central axis X5 and a second central axis X6 are coaxial. A first engaging portion 81 that is coaxial with the central axis X5, X6 of either the first valve body 83 or the second valve body 84 and that protrudes is provided on either the first valve body 83 or the second valve body 84. Furthermore, a second engaging portion 91 that is coaxial with the central axis X5, X6 of either the first valve body 83 or the second valve body 84 and that is formed in a shape that allows the first engaging portion 81 to engage with is provided on the other of the first valve body 83 or the second valve body 84.

[0053] 6 and 7, the configurations of the first engagement portion 81 and the second engagement portion 91 will be described. The first engagement portion 81 has a polygonal cross section perpendicular to the first central axis X5. The polygon may be any regular polygon such as an equilateral triangle, a regular square, a regular pentagon, or a regular hexagon.

[0054] FIG. 6 shows a first engagement portion 81 having a regular decagonal cross section. The first engagement portion 81 has a central hole 82 in its center. The central hole 82 is formed as a through hole with the same length as the portion where the rotating shaft 87 is fitted. The first engagement portion 81 has, on its outer surface, first engagement elements 88 and surface portions 89, one of which is located between each pair of adjacent first engagement elements 88. If the polygon is an n-gon, there will be n first engagement elements 88 and n surface portions 89. The central hole 82 may be longer than the portion where the rotating shaft 87 is fitted. Alternatively, the central hole 82 may be a blind hole with one side closed. In this case, the rotating shaft 87 is supported at the other end.

[0055] The cross section perpendicular to the first central axis X5 of the first engagement portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention is polygonal. Therefore, the engagement shape of the first engagement portion 81 can be configured with a flat surface that is easy to process, and the first engagement portion 81 can be easily manufactured. Therefore, the solenoid valve 100 can be manufactured so that the relative angle in the rotational direction of the valve openings 85, 86 can be easily changed.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows a second engagement portion 91 corresponding to the first engagement portion 81. The second engagement portion 91 has a central hole 92 into which the first engagement portion 81 can fit. The cross-sectional shape of the central hole 92 perpendicular to the first central axis X5 is formed as a regular decagon corresponding to the first engagement portion 81. The central hole 92 is formed as a through hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 81 fits. The second engagement portion 91 has second engagement elements 98 and surface portions 99 disposed one on each side of the second engagement elements 98 in the central hole 92. Note that the central hole 92 may be formed longer than the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 81 fits. Alternatively, the central hole 92 may be a blind hole with one side closed.

[0057] The motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention includes a first valve body 83 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 85 and a first central axis X5, a second valve body 84 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 86 and a second central axis X6, and a first engagement portion 81 arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and unable to rotate relative to the first valve body 83, the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 being arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6, the second valve body 84 having a second engagement portion 91 formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion 81 to engage with, and the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be coupled to each other at a plurality of relative angles in rotational directions around the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 as the rotation centers. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured so that the relative angles in the rotational directions of the valve openings 85, 86 of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be easily changed.

[0058] The relative rotational angle F3 between the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be set to a desired value by selecting the relative rotational angle when engaging the first engagement portion 81 with the second engagement portion 91. If the cross section of the first engagement portion 81 perpendicular to the first central axis X5 is formed as a regular decagon, the relative rotational angle F3 can be adjusted in increments of 360 degrees / 10 = 36 degrees. If the polygon of the cross section is an n-gon, the relative rotational angle F3 can be adjusted in increments of 360 degrees / n degrees. The larger the number n of the polygon, the more time and effort is required for processing, but the smaller the angle can be adjusted.

[0059] In the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention, either the first engaging portion 81 or the second engaging portion 91 has a first engaging element 88, 103, 133 formed on a surface that contacts the other, protruding from one side to the other side, and the other of the first engaging portion 81 or the second engaging portion 91 has a second engaging element 98, 113, 123 formed on a surface that contacts the other, and recessed so that the first engaging element 88, 103, 133 can engage with it. Therefore, the first engaging portion 81 and the second engaging portion 91 can be configured with a simple shape, consisting of protrusions and recesses, to enable engagement at multiple relative angles in rotational directions around the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6. This allows the solenoid valve 100 to be manufactured with easily adjustable positions of the valve openings 85, 86.

[0060] [Operation of Valve Disk 80] The operation of the valve disk 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The valve disk 80 opens and closes in response to the coolant temperature Tx.

[0061] <Modifications of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion> The engaging shapes of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion may be shapes other than those described above. Below, first to fifth modified examples relating to the engaging shapes of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion will be described.

[0062] [First Modification] The first engagement portion 81 may be formed on the rotating shaft 87 instead of being a protruding portion integrally formed on the first valve body 83. The rotating shaft 87 may be fitted into both the central hole 82 of the first valve body 83 and the second engagement portion 91 of the second valve body 84, and the rotating shaft 87 may directly support the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84, respectively. The fitting portion 78 of the rotating shaft 87 is provided over an area where the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 91 abut, and the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 78 is formed into a shape that fits into the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 91 and can engage with the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 91 so as to be non-rotatable relative to each other. The cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 78 may be a polygon including a regular polygon, a shape obtained by cutting a circular outer periphery by a pair of parallel planes, a D-cut shape obtained by cutting a circular outer periphery by a single plane, or the like. The central hole 82 and the second engaging portion 91 are formed to have a hole shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 78 .

[0063] In the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention, the first valve body 83 has a central hole 82 formed coaxially with the first central axis X5, and the first engagement portion 81 is a rotary shaft 87 that fits into the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 91. Therefore, the rotary shaft 87 that rotates the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be used as the first engagement portion 81, allowing the motor-operated valve 100 to be efficiently constructed. This allows the positions of the valve openings 85, 86 to be easily changed in the manufacture of the motor-operated valve 100. Furthermore, by using the rotary shaft 87 as the first engagement portion 81, there is no need to form a protruding portion on the first valve body 83, and the first valve body 83 can be easily manufactured.

[0064] [Second Modification] A second modification will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The second modification differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 described above in the shapes of the first engagement portion 101 and the second engagement portion 111. The cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion 101 perpendicular to the first central axis X5 is formed into a shape that combines a circle with a plurality of protrusions.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows the first engagement portion 101. The cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion 101 perpendicular to the first central axis X5 is formed in a shape in which a plurality of first engagement elements 103, which are protrusions, are arranged at equal intervals on a circular circumference. The first engagement portion 101 has a central hole 82 at its center. The central hole 82 is formed as a through-hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the rotation shaft 87 is fitted. The first engagement portion 101 has, on its outer surface, a plurality of first engagement elements 103 and surface portions 105, each of which is disposed between two adjacent first engagement elements 103. The central hole 82 may be formed longer than the length of the portion into which the rotation shaft 87 is fitted. Alternatively, the central hole 82 may be a blind hole with one side closed.

[0066] FIG. 9 shows a second engagement portion 111 corresponding to the first engagement portion 101. The second engagement portion 111 has a central hole 112 into which the first engagement portion 101 can fit. The cross-sectional shape of the central hole 112 perpendicular to the first central axis X6 is formed into a shape that combines a circle with a plurality of second engagement elements 113, which correspond to the first engagement portion 101. The central hole 112 is formed as a through hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 101 fits. The second engagement portion 111 has, in the central hole 112, the second engagement elements 113 and surface portions 115, each disposed between two adjacent second engagement elements 113. Note that the central hole 112 may be formed longer than the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 101 fits. Alternatively, the central hole 112 may be a blind hole with one side closed. Furthermore, the contour shape of the tip end of the first engaging element 103 and the innermost part of the second engaging element 113 may be an arc shape or an acute-angle shape in which planes intersect at an acute angle, as long as they have the same outline shape.

[0067] The rotational direction relative angle F3 between the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be set to a desired rotational direction relative angle F3 by selecting the second engagement elements 113 of the second engagement portion 111 into which the first engagement elements 103 of the first engagement portion 101 respectively fit. If, for example, eight pairs of first engagement elements 103 and second engagement elements 113 are provided, the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be selected in increments of 360 degrees / 8 = 45 degrees. If the number of pairs of first engagement elements 103 and second engagement elements 113 is n, the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be selected in increments of 360 degrees / n degrees. While increasing the number n requires more processing effort, the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be selected from a wider range of options and can be adjusted in finer increments.

[0068] [Third Modification] A third modification will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The third modification differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 described above in the shapes of the first engagement portion 121 and the second engagement portion 131. The cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion 121 perpendicular to the first central axis X5 is formed into a shape that combines a circle with a plurality of recesses.

[0069] FIG. 10 shows the first engagement portion 121. The cross-sectional shape of the first engagement portion 121 perpendicular to the first central axis X5 is formed in a shape in which a plurality of second engagement elements 123, which are recesses, are equally spaced around a circular circumference. The first engagement portion 121 has a center hole 82 at its center. The center hole 82 is formed as a through-hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the rotating shaft 87 is fitted. The first engagement portion 121 has, on its outer surface, a plurality of second engagement elements 123 and surface portions 125, each of which is disposed between two adjacent second engagement elements 123. The center hole 82 may be formed longer than the length of the portion into which the rotating shaft 87 is fitted. Alternatively, the center hole 82 may be a blind hole with one side closed. In this case, the rotating shaft 87 is pivotally supported by the housing 10 at the other end.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows a second engagement portion 131 corresponding to the first engagement portion 121. The second engagement portion 131 has a central hole 132 into which the first engagement portion 121 can fit. The cross-sectional shape of the central hole 132 perpendicular to the first central axis X6 is a combination of a circle and a plurality of first engagement elements 133, which are protrusions, corresponding to the first engagement portion 101. The central hole 132 is formed as a through hole having the same length as the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 121 fits. The second engagement portion 131 has, in the central hole 132, second engagement elements 133 and surface portions 135, each disposed between two adjacent second engagement elements 133. Note that the central hole 132 may be formed longer than the length of the portion into which the first engagement portion 121 fits. Alternatively, the central hole 132 may be a blind hole with one side closed. Furthermore, the contour shapes of the innermost portion of the first engaging element 123 and the tip end portion of the second engaging element 133 may be arc shapes or acute-angle shapes in which planes intersect at an acute angle, as long as they are both outline shapes.

[0071] The rotational direction relative angle F3 between the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be set to a desired rotational direction relative angle F3 by selecting the second engaging elements 123 of the first engaging portion 121 into which the first engaging elements 133 of the second engaging portion 131 respectively fit. If, for example, eight pairs of first engaging elements 133 and second engaging elements 123 are provided, the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be selected in increments of 360 degrees / 8 = 45 degrees. If the number of pairs of first engaging elements 133 and second engaging elements 123 is n, the rotational direction relative angle F3 can be selected in increments of 360 degrees / n degrees. The larger the number n, the more time and effort is required for processing, but the smaller the angle increments that can be adjusted.

[0072] [Fourth Modification] Although not shown, the shapes of the first engaging portion 81 and the second engaging portion 91 in FIGS. 6 and 7 described above can be modified as follows. The cross-sectional shape of the first engaging portion 81 may also be a polygon other than a regular polygon. For example, in FIG. 6, the first engaging portion may have an octagonal cross section cut by a line connecting the first engaging elements 88a and 88b adjacent to a pair of opposing corners of the first engaging element 88c. The second engaging portion 91 shown in FIG. 7 may be used as is, and the first engaging portion may have an engaging shape that engages with each other. Alternatively, the first engaging portion may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Even in this engaging shape, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can engage with each other at multiple relative rotational angles F3 about the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6. Reducing the number of corners of the first engaging portion makes it easier to fabricate the first engaging portion.

[0073] The motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention includes a first valve body 83 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 85 and a first central axis X5, a second valve body 84 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 86 and a second central axis X6, and a first engagement portion 81 arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and unable to rotate relative to the first valve body 83, the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 being arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6, the second valve body 84 having a second engagement portion 91 formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion 81 to engage with, and the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be coupled to each other at a plurality of relative angles in rotational directions around the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 as the rotation centers.

[0074] The motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention includes a first valve body 83 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 85 and a first central axis X5, a second valve body 84 formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening 86 and a second central axis X6, and a first engagement portion 81 arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and unable to rotate relative to the first valve body 83, the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 being arranged coaxially with the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6, the second valve body 84 having a second engagement portion 91 formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion 81 to engage with, and the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be coupled to each other at a plurality of relative angles in rotational directions around the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6 as the rotation centers. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured so that the relative angles in the rotational directions of the valve openings 85, 86 of the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be easily changed.

[0075] Furthermore, in the electric valve 100 according to the present invention, it is preferable that either the first engaging portion 81 or the second engaging portion 91 has a first engaging element 88, 103, 133 formed on the surface that contacts the other, protruding from one side to the other side, and that the other of the first engaging portion 81 or the second engaging portion has a second engaging element 98, 113, 123 formed on the surface that contacts the other, recessed so that the first engaging element can engage.

[0076] In the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention, either the first engaging portion 81 or the second engaging portion 91 has a first engaging element 88, 103, 133 formed on a surface that contacts the other, protruding from one side to the other side, and the other of the first engaging portion 81 or the second engaging portion 91 has a second engaging element 98, 113, 123 formed on a surface that contacts the other, and recessed so that the first engaging element 88, 103, 133 can engage with it. Therefore, the first engaging portion 81 and the second engaging portion 91 can be configured with a simple shape, consisting of protrusions and recesses, to enable engagement at multiple relative angles in rotational directions around the first central axis X5 and the second central axis X6. This allows the motor-operated valve 100 to be manufactured with easily adjustable positions of the valve openings 85, 86.

[0077] Furthermore, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the first engaging portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention, taken perpendicular to the first central axis X5, is polygonal.

[0078] The cross section perpendicular to the first central axis X5 of the first engagement portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention is polygonal. Therefore, the engagement shape of the first engagement portion 81 can be configured with a flat surface that is easy to process, and the first engagement portion 81 can be easily manufactured. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured so that the relative angle of the rotational directions of the valve openings 85, 86 can be easily changed.

[0079] Furthermore, the first engagement portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention is preferably a protruding portion that is integrally formed with the first valve body 83 .

[0080] The first engagement portion 81 of the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention is a protruding portion formed integrally with the first valve body 83. Therefore, the first engagement portion 81, which protrudes from the portion where the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 are adjacent to each other, easily and reliably engages with the second valve body 84 at any relative angle in the rotational direction. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured so that the positions of the valve openings 85, 86 can be easily changed.

[0081] In addition, in the electric valve 100 according to the present invention, a central hole 82 is formed in the first valve body 83 coaxially with the first central axis X5, and it is preferable that the first engagement portion 81 is a rotating shaft 87 that fits into the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 92.

[0082] In the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention, the first valve body 83 has a central hole 82 formed therein coaxially with the first central axis X5, and the first engagement portion 81 is a rotary shaft 87 that fits into the central hole 82 and the second engagement portion 91. Therefore, the rotary shaft 87 that rotates the first valve body 83 and the second valve body 84 can be used as the first engagement portion 81, and the motor-operated valve 100 can be efficiently constructed. Therefore, the motor-operated valve 100 can be manufactured with the positions of the valve openings 85, 86 easily changed.

[0083] Furthermore, the motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention preferably includes a motor (not shown) that drives the valve element 80 .

[0084] The motor-operated valve 100 according to the present invention includes a motor (not shown) that drives the valve element 80. This makes it possible to easily configure the motor-operated valve 100 so that it can be engaged at a plurality of relative rotational angles. This allows the motor-operated valve 100 to be manufactured so that the relative rotational angles of the valve openings 85, 86 can be easily changed.

[0085] Other Embodiments The valve device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. For example, the motor-operated valve 100 may be applied to devices other than vehicles equipped with only an internal combustion engine ENG as a drive source, and may be applied to devices for vehicles or non-vehicles that are cooled by fluid, such as internal combustion engines ENG equipped in hybrid vehicles and motors for generating drive force equipped in electric vehicles.

[0086] The motor-operated valve 100 of the present invention may also be provided with a bypass passage with a thermostat installed. The materials of the components, the positions of the various pipes, and the arrangement of the devices in the pipe route described in the above embodiment may also be changed as appropriate.

[0087] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Housing 11 First outlet portion 12 Second outlet portion 13 Third outlet portion 18 Inlet portion 22 Internal space 23 First adapter 24 Second adapter 25 Third adapter 31, 32 One end portion 34, 38 Cylindrical member 40 Support portion 41 Rod-shaped portion 43 Central portion 65 Motor 66 Reduction device 80 Valve body 81 First engagement portion 82 Central hole 83 First valve body 84 Second valve body 85, 86 Valve opening 87 Rotating shaft 88, 103, 133 First engagement element 91 Second engagement portion 98, 113, 123 Second engagement element 100 Motor-operated valve 112 Central hole T1 First temperature T2 Second temperature Tx Fluid temperature (coolant temperature) ENG Internal combustion engine CH Cylinder head WP Water pump RAD Radiator HT Heater TM Transmission EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Device

Claims

1. An electrically-operated valve comprising: a first valve body formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening and a first central axis; a second valve body formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve opening and a second central axis; and a first engagement portion arranged coaxially with the first central axis and unable to rotate relative to the first valve body, wherein the first valve body and the second valve body are arranged coaxially with the first central axis and the second central axis; and the second valve body has a second engagement portion formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion to engage with the first valve body at a plurality of rotational relative angles around the first central axis and the second central axis.

2. An electric valve as described in claim 1, wherein one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion has a first engagement element formed on a surface that contacts the other, protruding from the one side to the other side, and the other of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion has a second engagement element formed on a surface that contacts the other, the second engagement element being recessed so that the first engagement element can engage with it.

3. The motor-operated valve according to claim 2, wherein the cross-sectional shape of said first engagement portion perpendicular to said first central axis is polygonal.

4. The motor-operated valve as described in claim 3, wherein the first valve body is formed in a cylindrical shape having a smaller diameter than the second valve body, and the first engagement portion is a protruding portion formed integrally with the first valve body.

5. The electric valve as described in claim 3, wherein the first valve body has a central hole formed coaxially with a first central axis, the central hole is formed in a shape that allows the first engagement portion to engage at a plurality of rotational relative angles centered on the first central axis, and the first engagement portion is a rotating shaft that fits into the central hole and the second engagement portion.

6. The motor-operated valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a motor for driving the first valve body and the second valve body.

Images