Valve drive device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerant valve devices experience motor step-out and noise due to restricted reverse rotation, and existing power switching mechanisms reduce responsiveness and increase time lag in power transmission switching.
Innovation Solution
A valve drive device with a power transmission switching unit that includes convex units on the drive gear and a rotation restriction unit on the driven gear, allowing for efficient switching between power transmission and non-transmission states by engaging convex units with the rotation restriction unit based on the magnetic poles of the drive magnet, enhancing responsiveness and preventing collision noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pinion is rotated in the reverse rotation direction to return the motor from the second rotation-restricted position to the first rotation-restricted position, then the valve element can adjust the supply amount of the refrigerant, but the arm unit of the output gear abuts on the abutted unit of the pinion, restricting the rotation of the pinion and causing the motor to step-out and generate collision noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from the continuous gear meshing by introducing a power transmission switching unit. This unit separates the power transmission path during forward rotation from the power transmission path during reverse rotation, allowing the pinion to rotate freely in reverse without being constrained by the output gear, thereby preventing step-out and collision noise while maintaining valve adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the power transmission state dynamic by introducing a power transmission switching unit that can change the meshing state between the pinion and output gear based on the rotation direction. The switching unit engages the pinion with the output gear during forward rotation for power transmission, but disengages them during reverse rotation to allow free rotation, thus adapting the transmission system to different operational requirements
2Reliability
If a clutch mechanism or power switching means is introduced to cut off power transmission at the first rotation-restricted position, then the motor step-out and collision noise can be prevented, but the responsiveness of power transmission switching is reduced due to the time lag required for the pinion to reach the optimal phase of meshing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the switching unit in the engaged state before reverse rotation begins. The switching unit is designed to disengage the pinion from the output gear immediately when reverse rotation is initiated, rather than requiring the pinion to first reach a specific phase position. This eliminates the time lag associated with phase alignment while still achieving the necessary power transmission cutoff
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution improves the responsiveness of power switching in the valve drive mechanism, reduces noise, and ensures smooth operation by allowing quick and efficient power transmission switching without motor step-out.
Implementation Method 1
a drive coil, and a rotor provided with a drive magnet
Implementation Method 2
a power transmission switching unit configured to switch between a power transmission state where the drive gear and the driven gear mesh with each other and a power non-transmission state where a meshing state between the drive gear and the driven gear is released
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a valve drive device comprising: a motor including a stator with a core member and a drive coil, and a rotor provided with a drive magnet; a drive gear configured to rotate together with the rotor, a driven gear configured to rotate a valve element; and a power transmission switching unit configured to switch between a power transmission state where the drive gear and the driven gear mesh with each other and a power non-transmission state where a meshing state between the drive gear and the driven gear is released. The power transmission switching unit includes a plurality of convex units formed on the drive gear, and a rotation restriction unit provided in the driven gear and configured to engage with each of the convex units to perform switching of the power transmission.