CN113251157A - Electrically driven valve and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an electrically driven valve and a manufacturing method thereof, which can restrain material cost and processing cost of a valve core and reduce manufacturing cost. The solenoid valve (1) is provided with: the valve comprises a cylindrical valve body (10) with the upper end closed, a valve seat component (20) jointed with the lower end of the valve body (10), and a valve core (40) accommodated in the valve body (10). A valve seat member (20) comprises: the valve body (10) is provided with a cylindrical valve seat body (21) having a valve seat (22) at the upper end thereof, and an annular plate-shaped flange (23) joined to the valve body and provided continuously with the lower end of the valve seat body (21). The valve body (40) has: the valve comprises a cylindrical main body (41) and a circular plate-shaped valve part (42) which is in contact with and separated from a valve seat (22), and the valve part is provided continuously with the main body (41). The valve body (10), the valve seat member (20), and the valve body (40) are formed by metal press working.

Description

Electrically driven valve and method for manufacturing the same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electrically driven valve and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses a conventional solenoid valve as an electrically driven valve. The electromagnetic valve of patent document 1 includes: the valve includes a cylindrical valve body having one end closed, a base member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve element accommodated in the valve body and coming into contact with and separating from a valve seat of the base member.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2013-185603

Problems to be solved by the invention

The solenoid valve of patent document 1 is manufactured by cutting a brass material to form a columnar valve body. Therefore, the material cost and the machining cost increase, and the manufacturing cost of the solenoid valve increases.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric drive valve and a method for manufacturing the same, which can reduce the material cost and the machining cost of a valve body and can reduce the manufacturing cost.

Means for solving the problems

In order to achieve the above object, an electrically driven valve according to an aspect of the present invention includes: the electrically driven valve includes a cylindrical valve body having one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve body housed in the valve body, and is characterized in that the valve seat member includes: a cylindrical valve seat body having a valve seat provided at one end thereof; and an annular plate-shaped flange joined to the valve main body, the flange being provided continuously with the other end of the valve seat main body, the valve element having: and a valve portion of a circular plate shape or a circular plate shape that is in contact with and separated from the valve seat, the valve portion being provided continuously with the main body portion, and the valve main body, the valve seat member, and the valve element being formed by metal press working.

In the present invention, the valve body may be provided with a flow hole through which a fluid flows from a valve chamber of the valve body to a valve port of the valve seat member through an inside of the valve body in a closed valve state in which the valve portion is in contact with the valve seat, and a flow rate restriction member that restricts a flow rate of the fluid that passes through the flow hole may be provided inside the valve body.

In order to achieve the above object, an electrically driven valve according to another aspect of the present invention includes: the electrically driven valve includes a cylindrical valve body having one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve body housed in the valve body, and is characterized in that the valve seat member includes: a cylindrical valve seat body having a valve seat provided at one end thereof; and an annular plate-shaped flange joined to the valve main body, the flange being provided continuously with the other end of the valve seat main body, the valve element having: the valve member is attached to the main body, the valve body and the valve seat member are formed by metal press working, the main body of the valve body is formed by metal press working or by cutting a cylindrical pipe, and the valve member of the valve body is formed by cutting.

In order to achieve the above object, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an electrically driven valve, including: the method for manufacturing an electrically driven valve includes a cylindrical valve body having one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve body housed in the valve body, and is characterized in that the valve body is formed by metal press working a metal material, and the valve seat member includes: a cylindrical valve seat body having a valve seat provided at one end thereof; and a circular plate-shaped flange joined to the valve body, the flange being provided continuously to the other end of the valve seat body, the valve body being formed by metal-pressing a metal material, the valve body including: and a circular plate-shaped or circular plate-shaped valve part which is in contact with and separated from the valve seat, and which is provided continuously with the main body.

In order to achieve the above object, a method of manufacturing an electrically driven valve according to another aspect of the present invention includes: the method for manufacturing an electrically driven valve includes a cylindrical valve body having one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve body housed in the valve body, and is characterized in that the valve body is formed by metal press working a metal material, and the valve seat member includes: a cylindrical valve seat body having a valve seat provided at one end thereof; and an annular plate-shaped flange joined to the valve body, the flange being provided continuously to the other end of the valve seat body and being formed by metal pressing of a metal material or by cutting of a cylindrical pipe to form a cylindrical body portion of the valve element, and the annular plate-shaped or annular plate-shaped valve member attached to the body portion being formed by cutting of a metal material or a resin material.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, the material cost and the machining cost of the valve body can be suppressed, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a solenoid valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a first modification of the solenoid valve of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing a structure of a second modification of the solenoid valve of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing a structure of a third modification of the solenoid valve of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a fourth modification of the solenoid valve of fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a fifth modification of the solenoid valve of fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing a structure of a sixth modification of the solenoid valve of fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a solenoid valve of a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a structure of a modification of the solenoid valve of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a solenoid valve of a third embodiment of an electrically driven valve of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of the solenoid valve of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a structure of a modification of the solenoid valve of fig. 10.

Description of the symbols

(first embodiment)

1 … solenoid valve, 10 … valve body, 11 … small diameter part, 11a … top part, 12 … large diameter part, 13 … step part, 14 … valve chamber, 15 … first conduit, 16 … second conduit, 20 … valve seat component, 21 … valve seat body, 22 … valve seat, 22a … relief groove, 23 … flange, 24 … valve port, 30 … plunger, 31 … first part, 32 … second part, 33 … step part, 35 … pressure equalizing hole, 40 … valve body, 41 … main body, 42 … valve portion, 43 … spring holder member mounting portion, 44 … spring holder member, 45 … seating surface, 50 … guide member, 51 … flat plate portion, 51a … through hole, 52 … guide portion, 55 … spring for opening valve, 60 … electromagnetic coil, 61 … case, 62 … bobbin, 63 … coil, 64 … stopper, L … axial line, length of the second portion of L1 … plunger in axial direction, and distance of L2 … from the position of valve body in valve-opened state to the position of valve-closed state (first modification of first embodiment).

1a … solenoid valve, 30a … plunger, 35a … pressure equalizing hole, 36a … partition wall, 36a … mounting hole, 40a … valve body, 41a … body portion, 42a … valve portion, 45a … seating surface, and upper end portion of 46a … body portion

(second modification of the first embodiment)

1B … solenoid valve, 30B … plunger, 31B … first portion, 32B … second portion, 33B … stepped portion, 40B … valve body, 41B … main body portion, 42B … valve portion, 43B … protruding portion, 45B … seating surface, 46B … pressure equalizing hole (third modification of first embodiment) 1C … solenoid valve, 30C … plunger, 31C … first portion, 32C … second portion, 33C … stepped portion, 40C … valve body, 41C … main body portion, 42C … valve portion, 45C … seating surface, 46C … pressure equalizing hole

(fourth modification of the first embodiment)

1D solenoid valve, 30D plunger, 31D first portion, 32D second portion, 33D stepped portion, 40D valve body, 41D body portion, 42D valve portion, 45D seating surface, 47D pressure equalizing hole (fifth modification of first embodiment), 1E solenoid valve, 30E plunger, 31E first portion, 32E second portion, 33E stepped portion, 35E pressure equalizing hole, 40E valve body, 41E body portion, 42E valve portion, 45E seating surface, 47E pressure equalizing hole (sixth modification of first embodiment), 1F solenoid valve, 30F plunger, 31F first portion, 32F second portion, 33F stepped portion, 40F valve body, 41F body portion, 42F, 45F seating surface, 46F flow hole, 47F hole, 70 flow rate regulating member, 71 flow rate regulating member pressing member, 72. 74 … filter, 73 … flow restrictor plate

(second embodiment)

1G … solenoid valve, 30C … plunger, 40G … valve body, 41G … body, 42G … valve member, 45G … seating surface, 46G … pressure equalizing hole (modification of the second embodiment) 1H … solenoid valve, 30C … plunger, 40H … valve body, 41H … body, 42H … valve member, 45H … seating surface, 46H … pressure equalizing hole

(third embodiment)

1. 1a … solenoid valve, 10 … valve body, 11 … valve chamber, 12 … valve port, 13 … valve seat, 13a … drain groove, 14 … housing mounting hole, 15 … spring holder portion, 16 … support portion, 17 … guide, 17a … spring holder portion, 17b … guide portion, 18 … first conduit, 19 … second conduit, 20 … housing, 21 … lower end, 22 … upper end, 30 … plunger, 31 … plunger body, 32 … spool mounting portion, 33 … spool urging surface, 34 … washer, 40 … cover, 41 … large diameter portion, 42 … small diameter portion, 50 … spool, 51 … main portion, 51a … hole, 52a … flow hole, 53 … protrusion, 3654 seating surface, 55 … spring for opening valve, 60 … flow limiting component, 61 … holding component, 62, … flow limiting component, filter …, …flow limiting plate 72, … flow hole, … flow limiting component, … flowlimiting plate 72, … flow limiting component, and electromagnetic coil …, 72 … coil former, 73 … coil, 74 … bolt

Detailed Description

(first embodiment)

The structure of a solenoid valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to fig. 1 to 7. The solenoid valve described in the present specification has a structure in which a small amount of refrigerant (fluid) flows in a closed state. The present invention can also be applied to an electromagnetic valve that completely stops the flow of refrigerant in a valve-closed state.

Fig. 1 is a sectional view (longitudinal sectional view) along an axis of a valve main body of a solenoid valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 to 7 are sectional views showing the structures of first to sixth modifications of the solenoid valve of fig. 1. In the present specification, "upper and lower" are used to indicate relative positional relationships between members in the drawings, and do not indicate absolute positional relationships. "axial" refers to a direction along the axis of the valve body, and "radial" refers to a radial direction of the valve body.

The solenoid valve 1 according to the first embodiment is a solenoid valve in which a valve body is magnetically driven, and is used as a dehumidification valve for throttling a refrigerant during a dehumidification operation of an air conditioner, for example. The same applies to a solenoid valve of the second embodiment described later.

As shown in fig. 1, a solenoid valve 1 includes: the valve includes avalve body 10, avalve seat member 20, aplunger 30, avalve body 40, aguide member 50, and anelectromagnetic coil 60.

Thevalve body 10 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape having a cylindricalsmall diameter portion 11 and a cylindricallarge diameter portion 12, an upper end (one end) of thesmall diameter portion 11 is closed by atop portion 11a, and thelarge diameter portion 12 is provided continuously with a lower end (the other end) of thesmall diameter portion 11. Avalve chamber 14 is provided inside thelarge diameter portion 12. Afirst pipe 15 is joined to thelarge diameter portion 12 by brazing, and thefirst pipe 15 penetrates in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the axis L and is connected to thevalve chamber 14.

Thevalve seat member 20 has: a cylindricalvalve seat body 21, avalve seat 22, and aflange 23. Thevalve seat body 21 is disposed in thelarge diameter portion 12 of thevalve body 10. Avalve port 24 is provided inside the valve seatmain body 21. Thevalve seat 22 is provided at the upper end of the valve seatmain body 21. Thevalve seat 22 is a conical tapered surface whose diameter gradually decreases from the top toward the bottom toward the radially inner side. Thevalve seat 22 is provided with a plurality ofrelief grooves 22 a. In the closed state where thevalve seat 22 and thevalve body 40 are in contact with each other, a small amount of refrigerant flows between thevalve chamber 14 and thevalve port 24 through the plurality ofrelief grooves 22 a. Theflange 23 is formed in an annular plate shape, and the inner peripheral edge of theflange 23 is provided continuously with the lower end of the valve seatmain body 21. Theflange 23 is joined to the lower end of thelarge diameter portion 12 by welding. Thevalve seat member 20 is connected to thesecond conduit 16 by brazing, and thesecond conduit 16 is connected to thevalve port 24.

Theplunger 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of thesmall diameter portion 11 of thevalve body 10. Theplunger 30 is housed in the small-diameter portion 11 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis L. Theplunger 30 has afirst portion 31 having a small inner diameter and asecond portion 32 having a large inner diameter, and thesecond portion 32 is provided continuously with a lower end of thefirst portion 31. Astep 33 as an annular flat surface is provided between thefirst portion 31 and thesecond portion 32. Thefirst portion 31 is provided with apressure equalizing hole 35, and thepressure equalizing hole 35 penetrates from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface.

Thevalve body 40 has: acylindrical body portion 41 having a closed upper end, and a circular plate-shapedvalve portion 42 having an inner peripheral edge continuous with a lower end (end portion on thevalve seat 22 side) of thebody portion 41. A spring holdermember attachment portion 43 is provided near the upper end of themain body portion 41. The outer diameter of the spring holdermember mounting portion 43 is smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of thebody portion 41 other than the spring holdermember mounting portion 43. Thevalve portion 42 is provided with aseating surface 45, and theseating surface 45 is in contact with thevalve seat 22 in the valve closed state. Theseating surface 45 is a conical tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter radially outward from the top toward the bottom. Aspring holder member 44 formed of an E-shaped retainer ring is attached to the spring holdermember attachment portion 43. Thespring bearing member 44 moves in the direction of the axis L together with themain body portion 41 by being attached to the spring bearingmember attachment portion 43. The outer diameter of thespring support member 44 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of thesecond portion 32 of theplunger 30. Thespring holder member 44 is housed by thesecond portion 32 so as to be movable in the axis L direction. Thespring receiver member 44 is disposed to contact thestep portion 33 of theplunger 30.

Theguide member 50 has the same shape as the guide member of patent document 1. Theguide member 50 has aflat plate portion 51 and aguide portion 52. Theflat plate portion 51 has a shape in which a circular plate having a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of thelarge diameter portion 12 of the valvemain body 10 is cut along a chord. Theflat plate portion 51 is provided with a plurality of throughholes 51 a. Theguide portion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape protruding upward from the center of theflat plate portion 51. The inner diameter of theguide portion 52 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of themain body portion 41 of thevalve body 40. Theguide portion 52 guides the movement of thebody portion 41 in the direction of the axis L. Theguide member 50 is fixed to the upper portion of thelarge diameter portion 12 of thevalve body 10. Avalve opening spring 55 as a compression coil spring is disposed between theflat plate portion 51 and thespring receiver member 44. Theguide portion 52 is disposed inside thevalve opening spring 55.

Theelectromagnetic coil 60 has: acase 61, abobbin 62 housed in thecase 61, and acoil 63 formed of a wire wound around thebobbin 62. Theelectromagnetic coil 60 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and thesmall diameter portion 11 of thevalve body 10 is fitted inside. A plate spring-like stopper 64 having a hemispherical convex portion is fixed to an upper portion of thehousing 61. Theelectromagnetic coil 60 is fixed to thesmall diameter portion 11 by fitting the hemispherical convex portion of thestopper 64 into any one of hemispherical concave portions provided at a plurality of locations (for example, four locations) of thesmall diameter portion 11.

The solenoid valve 1 is arranged such that the axes of the valve main body 10 (thesmall diameter portion 11, the large diameter portion 12), the valve seat member 20 (the valve seatmain body 21, thevalve seat 22, the flange 23), theplunger 30, the valve body 40 (themain body portion 41, the valve portion 42), and theguide portion 52 of theguide member 50 coincide with each other on the axis L. I.e. all of these are arranged coaxially. The axis L direction coincides with the up-down direction.

Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the solenoid valve 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

A metal plate material made of metal such as stainless steel is subjected to metal press working to form a steppedcylindrical valve body 10 having asmall diameter portion 11 and alarge diameter portion 12.

Avalve seat member 20 is formed by metal press working a metal plate material such as stainless steel, and thevalve seat member 20 includes: avalve seat body 21 having avalve port 24 formed therein, avalve seat 22 provided at an upper end of thevalve seat body 21, and a circular plate-like flange 23 provided continuously with a lower end of thevalve seat body 21.

Thevalve core 40 is formed by metal press working a metal plate material such as stainless steel, and thevalve core 40 includes: acylindrical body portion 41, avalve portion 42 provided continuously with the lower end of thebody portion 41, and a spring bearingmember attachment portion 43 provided near the upper end of thebody portion 41.

In the present specification, the metal press working refers to a working in which a metal plate material is sandwiched between a pair of dies (die set) and pressed to be plastically deformed. The metal press working may be performed by forming a plate material (one plate material made of stainless steel) into the shape of the valve body 40 (or the valvemain body 10, the valve seat member 20) by one die set, or may be performed by plastic working in multiple stages by preparing a plurality of die sets.

Theguide member 50 is formed by metal-pressing a metal plate material such as stainless steel, and theguide member 50 includes aflat plate portion 51 and acylindrical guide portion 52 provided at the center of theflat plate portion 51.

Thefirst conduit 15 is brazed to thevalve body 10. Thesecond conduit 16 is brazed to thevalve seat member 20. Theplunger 30 is accommodated in thesmall diameter portion 11 of thevalve body 10.

Thebody portion 41 of thevalve body 40 is inserted into theguide portion 52 of theguide member 50. Themain body 41 and theguide 52 are inserted into thevalve opening spring 55. Thevalve opening spring 55 is compressed, and thespring holder member 44 is attached to the spring holdermember attachment portion 43 of themain body portion 41. Thereby, thevalve opening spring 55 is disposed between thespring receiver member 44 and theflat plate portion 51 of theguide member 50. While themain body portion 41 to which thespring receiver member 44 is attached is inserted inside thesecond portion 32 of theplunger 30, theguide member 50 is housed in the valvemain body 10 such that theflat plate portion 51 is in contact with thestep portion 13 between thesmall diameter portion 11 and thelarge diameter portion 12 of the valvemain body 10. Then, theguide member 50 is fixed to thevalve body 10 by punching a plurality of portions of the outer peripheral surface of thelarge diameter portion 12 with punches.

Thevalve seat body 21 of thevalve seat member 20 is disposed in thelarge diameter portion 12, and theflange 23 is joined to the lower end of thelarge diameter portion 12 by welding, whereby thevalve seat member 20 is attached to thevalve body 10. Then, thesmall diameter portion 11 is fitted inside theelectromagnetic coil 60. Thereby completing the solenoid valve 1.

Next, an example of the operation of the solenoid valve 1 will be described.

In a state where thecoil 63 of the solenoid valve 1 is not energized (non-energized state), theplunger 30 and thespring holder member 44 are pushed up by thevalve opening spring 55 and move upward. Theplunger 30 abuts against thetop portion 11a of the valvemain body 10. Thevalve body 40 also moves upward together with thespring receiver member 44, and theseating surface 45 of thevalve portion 42 is separated from thevalve seat 22 to become an open valve state. In the valve-opened state, the refrigerant can freely flow between thefirst pipe 15 and thesecond pipe 16 through thevalve chamber 14 and thevalve port 24.

In a state where thecoil 63 of the solenoid valve 1 is energized (at the time of energization), theplunger 30 is magnetized by the magnetic field generated by thecoil 63, and theplunger 30 and thespring holder member 44 move downward together with thespring holder member 44 against thevalve opening spring 55. Thevalve body 40 also moves downward together with thespring receiver member 44, and theseating surface 45 of thevalve portion 42 comes into contact with thevalve seat 22 to be in a valve closed state. In the valve-closed state, a small amount of refrigerant flows from thevalve chamber 14 to thevalve port 24 through thebleed groove 22a, and the flow of refrigerant between thefirst conduit 15 and thesecond conduit 16 is restricted.

As is apparent from the above, according to the solenoid valve 1 of the present embodiment, the valvemain body 10 has a cylindrical shape with the upper end closed. Thevalve seat member 20 includes a cylindricalvalve seat body 21 having avalve seat 22 at an upper end thereof, and an annular plate-shapedflange 23 attached to thevalve body 10, and theflange 23 is provided continuously with a lower end of thevalve seat body 21. Thevalve body 40 includes acylindrical body portion 41 and a circular plate-shapedvalve portion 42 that contacts and separates from thevalve seat 22, and thevalve portion 42 is provided continuously with the lower end of thebody portion 41. Thevalve body 10, theseat member 20, and thevalve body 40 are formed by metal press working. Accordingly, since thevalve body 10 and thevalve seat member 20 are formed by metal press working as well as thevalve body 40, material cost and machining cost can be reduced as compared with those of the electromagnetic valve having a structure in which thevalve body 40 is formed by cutting. Therefore, material cost and machining cost of thevalve body 40 are suppressed, and manufacturing cost can be reduced.

In the solenoid valve 1, the length L1 of thesecond portion 32 of theplunger 30 in the direction of the axis L (i.e., the length of thesecond portion 32 from the lower end of theplunger 30 to thestep portion 33 in the direction of the axis L) is longer than the distance L2 from the position of thevalve core 40 in the valve-open state to the position of the valve-closed state. Thus, even when thevalve body 40 is kept in contact with thevalve seat 22 for some reason and only theplunger 30 moves upward, thespring receiver member 44 can be prevented from falling off from the inside of thesecond portion 32.

Next,solenoid valves 1A to 1F according to modifications of the solenoid valve 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 2 to 7. Thesolenoid valves 1A to 1F have the following structures: the solenoid valve 1 according to the first embodiment includesplungers 30A to 30F andvalve bodies 40A to 40F having different configurations from those described above, instead of theplunger 30 and thevalve body 40. Thesolenoid valves 1B to 1F have the following structures: instead of theguide member 50, aguide member 56 having a different structure from theguide member 50 is provided. In fig. 2 to 7, the same components as (including substantially the same components as) the solenoid valve 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

(first modification of the first embodiment)

As shown in fig. 2, thesolenoid valve 1A of the first modification has a structure in which avalve body 40A is attached to apartition wall 36A of aplunger 30A.

Theplunger 30A is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of thesmall diameter portion 11 of thevalve body 10. Theplunger 30A is housed in the small-diameter portion 11 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis L. Theplunger 30A is provided with apartition wall 36A that divides the space inside in the direction of the axis L. Theplunger 30A is provided with apressure equalizing hole 35A penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface.

Thevalve body 40A includes: acylindrical body portion 41A having a closed upper end, and a circular plate-shapedvalve portion 42A provided so that an inner peripheral edge thereof is continuous with a lower end of thebody portion 41A. Thevalve portion 42A is provided with aseating surface 45A, and theseating surface 45A contacts thevalve seat 22 in the valve closed state. Theseating surface 45A is a conical tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter radially outward from the top toward the bottom. The outer diameter of theupper end 46A of thebody 41A is smaller than the outer diameter of thebody 41A except for theend 46A. When theupper end portion 46A of thebody 41A is inserted into the mountinghole 36A of thepartition wall 36A provided in theplunger 30A, the upper end of theend portion 46A deforms so as to expand and deform, thereby fixing thevalve body 40A to theplunger 30A. The valve-openingspring 55 is disposed between thepartition wall 36A of theplunger 30A and theflat plate portion 51 of theguide member 50.

(second modification of the first embodiment)

As shown in fig. 3, asolenoid valve 1B according to a second modification has a structure in which the lower end of aplunger 30B is covered with avalve body 40B. Theplunger 30B is not fixed to thevalve core 40B.

Theplunger 30B is formed in a cylindrical shape. Theplunger 30B is housed movably in the axis L direction by thesmall diameter portion 11 of thevalve body 10. Theplunger 30B has: afirst portion 31B having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11, and asecond portion 32B having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of thefirst portion 31B, thesecond portion 32B being provided continuously with the lower end of thefirst portion 31B. Astep portion 33B as an annular flat surface is provided between thefirst portion 31B and thesecond portion 32B.

Thevalve body 40B includes acylindrical body portion 41B and a disc-shapedvalve portion 42B that closes the lower end of thebody portion 41B. An annular projectingportion 43B projecting radially outward is provided at the upper end of thebody portion 41B. Thevalve portion 42B is provided with aseating surface 45B, and theseating surface 45B contacts thevalve seat 22 in the valve closed state. Theseating surface 45B is a conical tapered surface gradually decreasing in diameter radially outward as it goes downward from above. Thesecond portion 32B of theplunger 30B is disposed inside thebody portion 41B. The protrudingportion 43B is disposed to abut against thestep portion 33B of theplunger 30B. Thebody portion 41B is provided with apressure equalizing hole 46B penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface.

Theguide member 56 has acylindrical guide portion 57 and an annular plate-shaped mountingportion 58 whose inner peripheral edge is continuous with the upper end of theguide portion 57. The inner diameter of theguide portion 57 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of thebody portion 41B of thevalve body 40B. Theguide portion 57 guides the movement of thebody portion 41B in the direction of the axis L. Theguide member 56 is housed in thevalve chamber 14, and the mountingportion 58 is fixed to thestep portion 13 of thevalve body 10. Avalve opening spring 55 as a compression coil spring is disposed between theguide member 56 and the projectingportion 43B of thevalve body 40B. Thebody 41B of thevalve body 40B is disposed inside thevalve opening spring 55. The valve-openingspring 55 applies an upward urging force to theplunger 30B via the protrudingportion 43B. Theguide member 56 is also used for thesolenoid valves 1C to 1F of the third to sixth modifications described later, and guides the movement of thevalve bodies 40C to 40F in the axis L direction.

In thesolenoid valve 1B of the second modification, the length L1 in the axis L direction of thesecond portion 32B of theplunger 30B (i.e., the length in the axis L direction from the lower end of theplunger 30B to thestep portion 33B) is longer than the distance L2 from the position of thevalve core 40B in the valve-open state to the position of the valve-closed state. Thus, even when thevalve body 40B is kept in contact with thevalve seat 22 for some reason and only theplunger 30B is moved upward, thebody portion 41B of thevalve body 40B can be prevented from coming off thesecond portion 32B.

(third modification of the first embodiment)

As shown in fig. 4, asolenoid valve 1C according to a third modification has a structure in which avalve body 40C is joined to a lower end of aplunger 30C.

Theplunger 30C is formed in a cylindrical shape. Theplunger 30C is housed movably in the axis L direction by thesmall diameter portion 11 of thevalve body 10. Theplunger 30C has: afirst portion 31C having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11, and asecond portion 32C having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of thefirst portion 31C, thesecond portion 32C being provided continuously with the lower end of thefirst portion 31C. Astep 33C as an annular flat surface is provided between thefirst portion 31C and thesecond portion 32C.

Thevalve body 40C includes: acylindrical body portion 41C and a disc-shapedvalve portion 42C that closes the lower end of thebody portion 41C. The outer diameter of thebody portion 41C is substantially the same as the outer diameter of thesecond portion 32C of theplunger 30C. The upper end of themain body portion 41C is joined to the lower end of thesecond portion 32C by welding. Thevalve portion 42C is provided with aseating surface 45C, and theseating surface 45C contacts thevalve seat 22 in the valve closed state. Theseating surface 45C is a conical tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter radially outward from the top toward the bottom. Thebody portion 41C is provided with apressure equalizing hole 46C penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface. Avalve opening spring 55 is disposed between theguide member 56 and the steppedportion 33C of theplunger 30C. Thebody 41C of thevalve body 40C is disposed inside thevalve opening spring 55. Thevalve opening spring 55 applies an upward urging force to theplunger 30C.

(fourth modification of the first embodiment)

As shown in fig. 5, asolenoid valve 1D of a fourth modification has a structure in which avalve body 40D is joined to a lower end of aplunger 30D whose upper end is closed.

Theplunger 30D is formed in a cylindrical shape with the upper end closed. Theplunger 30D is accommodated movably in the axis L direction by thesmall diameter portion 11 of thevalve body 10. Theplunger 30D has: afirst portion 31D having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11, and asecond portion 32D having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of thefirst portion 31D, thesecond portion 32D being provided continuously with the lower end of thefirst portion 31D. Astep 33D as an annular flat surface is provided between thefirst portion 31D and thesecond portion 32D.

Thevalve body 40D includes: acylindrical body portion 41D and a circular plate-shapedvalve portion 42D provided with an outer peripheral edge continuous with a lower end of thebody portion 41D. The outer diameter of thebody portion 41D is substantially the same as the outer diameter of thesecond portion 32D of theplunger 30D. The upper end of thebody portion 41D is joined to the lower end of thesecond portion 32D by welding. Thevalve portion 42D is provided with aseating surface 45D, and theseating surface 45D contacts thevalve seat 22 in the valve closed state. Theseating surface 45D has a conical tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter radially outward from the top toward the bottom. The inner side of the inner peripheral edge of thevalve portion 42D forms apressure equalizing hole 47D. Avalve opening spring 55 is disposed between theguide member 56 and thestep portion 33D of theplunger 30D. Themain body 41D of thevalve body 40D is disposed inside thevalve opening spring 55. The valve-openingspring 55 applies an upward urging force to theplunger 30D.

(fifth modification of the first embodiment)

As shown in fig. 6, asolenoid valve 1E according to a fifth modification has a structure in which avalve body 40E is joined to a lower end of aplunger 30E whose lower end is closed.

Theplunger 30E is formed in a cylindrical shape with a closed lower end. Theplunger 30E is accommodated movably in the axis L direction by thesmall diameter portion 11 of thevalve body 10. Theplunger 30E has: afirst portion 31E having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11, and asecond portion 32E having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of thefirst portion 31E, thesecond portion 32E being provided continuously with the lower end of thefirst portion 31E. Astep 33E as an annular flat surface is provided between thefirst portion 31E and thesecond portion 32E. Apressure equalizing hole 35E penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface is provided in an upper portion of thefirst portion 31E.

Thevalve body 40E includes acylindrical body portion 41E and an annular plate-shapedvalve portion 42E provided with an outer peripheral edge continuous with a lower end of thebody portion 41E. The outer diameter of thebody portion 41E is substantially the same as the outer diameter of thesecond portion 32E of theplunger 30E. The upper end of themain body portion 41E is joined to the lower end of thesecond portion 32E by welding. Thevalve portion 42E is provided with aseating surface 45E, and theseating surface 45E contacts thevalve seat 22 in the valve closed state. Theseating surface 45E is a conical tapered surface gradually decreasing in diameter radially outward as it goes downward from above. The inner side of the inner peripheral edge of thevalve portion 42E forms apressure equalizing hole 47E. Avalve opening spring 55 is disposed between theguide member 56 and the steppedportion 33E of theplunger 30E. Themain body 41E of thevalve body 40E is disposed inside thevalve opening spring 55. Thevalve opening spring 55 applies an upward urging force to theplunger 30E.

(sixth modification of the first embodiment)

As shown in fig. 7, asolenoid valve 1F of a sixth modification has the following structure: thevalve body 40F is joined to the lower end of theplunger 30F, and a flowrate restricting member 70 is provided inside thevalve body 40F. Thesolenoid valve 1F omits the plurality ofrelief grooves 22a of thevalve seat 22, and a small amount of refrigerant flows inside thevalve body 40F in the valve-closed state.

Theplunger 30F is formed in a cylindrical shape. Theplunger 30F is accommodated movably in the axis L direction by thesmall diameter portion 11 of thevalve body 10. Theplunger 30F has: afirst portion 31F having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 11, and asecond portion 32F having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of thefirst portion 31F, thesecond portion 32F being provided continuously with the lower end of thefirst portion 31F. A step 33F as an annular flat surface is provided between thefirst portion 31F and thesecond portion 32F.

Thevalve body 40F has: acylindrical body portion 41F and a circular plate-shapedvalve portion 42F provided with an outer peripheral edge continuous with a lower end of thebody portion 41F. Themain body portion 41F has an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of thesecond portion 32F of theplunger 30F. The upper end of themain body portion 41F is joined to the lower end of thesecond portion 32F by welding. Thevalve portion 42F is provided with aseating surface 45F, and theseating surface 45F contacts thevalve seat 22 in the valve closed state. Theseating surface 45F is a conical tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter radially outward from the top toward the bottom. Thebody portion 41F is provided with aflow hole 46F penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface. The inner side of the inner peripheral edge of thevalve portion 42F forms aflow hole 47F. Avalve opening spring 55 is disposed between theguide member 56 and the step portion 33F of theplunger 30F. Thebody 41F of thevalve body 40F is disposed inside thevalve opening spring 55. The valve-openingspring 55 applies an upward urging force to theplunger 30F.

The flowrate restriction member 70 is disposed inside thevalve body 40F. The flowrate regulating member 70 includes a pressingmember 71, afilter 72, a flowrate regulating plate 73, and afilter 74, which are stacked in this order in the direction of the axis L. The pressingmember 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of thebody portion 41F of thevalve body 40F. Thefilter 72, the flowrate regulating plate 73, and thefilter 74 are sandwiched between the pressingmember 71 and thevalve portion 42F. Thefilters 72 and 74 are formed by closely laminating mesh materials made of, for example, fine-diameter metal wires. The flowrate limiting plate 73 is disposed so as to divide the space inside thevalve body 40F in the direction of the axis L. The flowrate regulating plate 73 has a small-diameter through hole through which a small amount of refrigerant can flow.

In the valve-closed state of theelectromagnetic valve 1F, the refrigerant flows from thevalve chamber 14 into thevalve body 40F through theflow hole 46F, and the refrigerant flows out from theflow hole 47F to thevalve port 24 through the inside of thevalve body 40F. When the refrigerant passes through the inside of thevalve body 40F, the flow rate of the refrigerant is restricted by the flowrate restricting member 70.

(second embodiment)

Hereinafter, the structure of a solenoid valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 8 and 9. Fig. 8 is a sectional view (longitudinal sectional view) of a solenoid valve of a second embodiment of the present invention along an axis of a valve main body. Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a modification of the solenoid valve of the second embodiment of fig. 8.

The solenoid valve of the second embodiment has a structure in which a part of the valve body is formed by cutting.

Thesolenoid valve 1G and thesolenoid valve 1H according to the second embodiment are thesolenoid valve 1C according to the third modification of the first embodiment, and havevalve bodies 40G and 40H having different structures from those described above, instead of thevalve body 40C. In fig. 8 and 9, the same components as (including substantially the same components as) thesolenoid valve 1C according to the third modification of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in fig. 8, in theelectromagnetic valve 1G of the second embodiment, thevalve body 40G has the following structure: avalve member 42G formed by cutting is attached to amain body portion 41G formed by metal press working.

Thevalve body 40G has: acylindrical body 41G having a closed lower end, and avalve member 42G attached to the lower end of thebody 41G by caulking. The outer diameter of thebody portion 41G is substantially the same as the outer diameter of thesecond portion 32C of theplunger 30C. The upper end of thebody portion 41G is joined to the lower end of thesecond portion 32C by welding. Thevalve member 42G is provided with aseating surface 45G, and theseating surface 45G contacts thevalve seat 22 in a valve-closed state. Theseating surface 45G is a conical tapered surface gradually decreasing in diameter radially outward as it goes downward from above. Thebody portion 41G is provided with apressure equalizing hole 46G penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface.

A method of manufacturing thevalve body 40G will be described. A metal plate material made of metal such as stainless steel is subjected to metal press working to form acylindrical body portion 41G whose lower end is closed. A metal material such as brass is cut to form a disc-shapedvalve member 42G. Then, thevalve member 42G is attached to the lower end of thebody 41G by caulking, thereby producing thevalve body 40G. Thevalve member 42G may be formed of a resin material such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In this case, thevalve member 42G made of a resin material is fixed to thebody 41G by press-fitting or insert molding.

Thesolenoid valve 1G of the second embodiment also has the same operational effects as the solenoid valve 1 of the first embodiment.

Further, by forming thevalve member 42G by cutting, it is possible to achieve both reduction in manufacturing cost and improvement in machining accuracy.

(modification of the second embodiment)

As shown in fig. 9, in asolenoid valve 1H according to a modification of the second embodiment, avalve body 40H has the following structure: thevalve member 42H formed by cutting is joined to thebody 41H formed by cutting the cylindrical pipe.

Thevalve body 40H has: acylindrical body portion 41H having a closed lower end, and avalve member 42H joined to the lower end of thebody portion 41H by welding. The outer diameter of thebody portion 41H is substantially the same as the outer diameter of thesecond portion 32C of theplunger 30C. The upper end of thebody portion 41H is joined to the lower end of thesecond portion 32C by welding. Thevalve member 42H is provided with aseating surface 45H, and theseating surface 45H contacts thevalve seat 22 in a valve-closed state. Theseating surface 45H is a conical tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter radially outward from the top toward the bottom. Thebody portion 41H is provided with apressure equalizing hole 46H.

A method of manufacturing thevalve body 40H will be described. A cylindrical tube made of metal such as stainless steel is cut to form acylindrical body portion 41H. A metal material such as brass is cut to form a disc-shapedvalve member 42H. Then, thevalve member 42H is welded to the lower end of thebody portion 41H by welding, thereby producing thevalve body 40H. Thevalve member 42H may be formed of a resin material such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In this case, thevalve member 42H made of a resin material is fixed to thebody 41H by bonding, press-fitting, or insert molding.

The solenoid valve of each of the embodiments described above has only the plunger as a magnetized member, but may have a structure including, in addition to the plunger, an attracting element that is fixed in the valve main body and attracts the plunger by being magnetized. In addition, although the solenoid valve as the electrically driven valve is described in each embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a motor-driven motor-operated valve as the electrically driven valve.

(third embodiment)

The structure of a solenoid valve according to an embodiment of an electrically driven valve according to the present invention will be described below with reference to fig. 10 to 12. The electromagnetic valve described in this specification has a structure in which a small amount of refrigerant (fluid) flows in a closed state. The present invention can also be applied to an electromagnetic valve that completely stops the flow of refrigerant in a valve-closed state.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of an embodiment of an electrically driven valve of the present invention along an axial direction of a solenoid valve. Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of the solenoid valve of fig. 10. Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a structure of a modification of the solenoid valve of fig. 10. In fig. 11 and 12, the solenoid is not shown.

The solenoid valve 1 of the present embodiment is a solenoid valve in which a valve body is driven by magnetic force, and is used as a dehumidification valve for throttling a refrigerant flow rate during a dehumidification operation of an air conditioner, for example.

As shown in fig. 10, the solenoid valve 1 includes: the valve includes avalve body 10, ahousing 20, aplunger 30, acap 40, avalve spool 50, aflow restriction member 60, and anelectromagnetic coil 70.

The valvemain body 10 is manufactured by cutting a brass material, an aluminum material, or the like. Thevalve body 10 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The valvemain body 10 has: thevalve chamber 11, avalve port 12 opening to thevalve chamber 11, and avalve seat 13 disposed so as to surround thevalve port 12. Thevalve seat 13 is a conical tapered surface whose diameter gradually decreases radially inward from the top toward the bottom. Ahousing mounting hole 14 communicating with thevalve chamber 11 is provided in theupper surface 10a of the valvemain body 10. An annularspring receiving portion 15 protruding radially inward is provided on the inner peripheral surface of thecase mounting hole 14. The valvemain body 10 is joined to afirst pipe 18 and asecond pipe 19 by brazing or the like. Thefirst duct 18 is disposed so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the axis L. Thefirst conduit 18 is connected to thevalve chamber 11. Thesecond duct 19 is disposed so as to extend in the direction of the axis L. Thesecond conduit 19 is connected to thevalve port 12.

Thecase 20 is manufactured by cutting a circular tube made of, for example, non-magnetic (non-magnetized even when placed in a magnetic field) stainless steel. Thehousing 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Thelower end 21 of thehousing 20 is inserted into thehousing mounting hole 14 of the valvemain body 10. Thelower end 21 of thehousing 20 abuts thespring holder portion 15 of the valvemain body 10. Thehousing 20 is joined to the valvemain body 10 by brazing or the like.

Theplunger 30 is a movable iron core. Theplunger 30 is manufactured by cutting a metal material such as an iron material or a stainless material which is paramagnetic (magnetized when placed in a magnetic field and demagnetized when the magnetic field is removed). Theplunger 30 integrally has a plungermain body 31 and aspool mount 32. Theplunger body 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of thehousing 20. The valvebody mounting portion 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of theplunger body 31. The valvebody mounting portion 32 is provided continuously with the lower end (one end) of theplunger body 31. Aspool advancing surface 33 is provided between theplunger body 31 and thespool mounting portion 32, and thespool advancing surface 33 is a downward annular flat surface. Awasher 34 made of a non-magnetic resin or the like is disposed inside theplunger body 31. Thewasher 34 is formed in a circular ring plate shape. Theplunger 30 is disposed inside thehousing 20 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis L. Theplunger 30 moves in the direction of the axis L while the outer peripheral surface of theplunger body 31 contacts the inner peripheral surface of thehousing 20.

Thecover 40 is a fixed core. Thecover 40 is manufactured by cutting an iron material or a stainless material having paramagnetism. Thecap 40 integrally has a cylindricallarge diameter portion 41 and a cylindricalsmall diameter portion 42 provided coaxially and continuously with the lower end of the large diameter portion. Thelarge diameter portion 41 is disposed so as to close theupper end 22 of thehousing 20. Thesmall diameter portion 42 has an outer diameter smaller than that of thelarge diameter portion 41. Thesmall diameter portion 42 is inserted inside theplunger body 31. Thecover 40 is joined to thehousing 20 by welding. A gap is provided between theplunger 30 and thecap 40.

Thevalve body 50 is manufactured by metal press working a metal material such as a nonmagnetic stainless steel material. Thevalve body 50 integrally includes amain body 51, avalve portion 52, and anannular projection 53. Thebody portion 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an inner diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the valvebody mounting portion 32. Thebody 51 has aflow hole 51 a. Thevalve portion 52 is formed in a circular plate shape. Thevalve portion 52 has an outer peripheral edge continuous with a lower end (one end) of themain body portion 51. Thevalve portion 52 is provided with aseating surface 54. Theseating surface 54 is a conical tapered surface gradually decreasing in diameter radially outward from the top toward the bottom. The seating surface 54 contacts thevalve seat 13 in a closed state. That is, in the valve-closed state, thevalve port 12 disposed inside thevalve seat 13 is closed by thevalve body 50. Inside the inner peripheral edge of thevalve portion 52 is aflow hole 52 a. The projectingportion 53 is provided continuously at the upper end (the other end) of themain body portion 51 so as to project radially outward. Theprojection 53 abuts on thespool advancing surface 33 of theplunger 30. Thevalve element 50 moves forward and backward with respect to thevalve port 12 by theplunger 30.

Avalve opening spring 55 as a compression coil spring is disposed between thespring holder portion 15 of the valvemain body 10 and the projectingportion 53 of thevalve body 50. Themain body 51 of thevalve body 50 is disposed inside thevalve opening spring 55. Thevalve opening spring 55 presses thevalve body 50 upward.

The flowrate restriction member 60 is disposed inside thevalve body 50. The flowrate regulating member 60 includes a holdingmember 61, afilter 62, a flowrate regulating plate 63, and afilter 64 stacked in this order from the top to the bottom. The holdingmember 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of thebody portion 51 of thevalve body 50. Thefilter 62, the flowrate regulating plate 63, and thefilter 64 are sandwiched between the holdingmember 61 and thevalve portion 52. The holdingmember 61 is fixed to the inside of thebody 51. Thefilters 62 and 64 are constructed by closely laminating mesh materials formed of fine-diameter metal wires, for example. Thefilters 62, 64 may also be constructed of a porous material made by metal sintering. Thefilter 62 is disposed adjacent to theflow hole 51 a. Thefilter 64 is disposed adjacent to theflow hole 52 a. The flowrate regulating plate 63 is disposed so as to divide the space inside thevalve body 50 in the direction of the axis L. The flowrate regulating plate 63 has a small-diameter through hole through which a small amount of refrigerant can flow.

In the solenoid valve 1, in the valve-closed state, the refrigerant flows from thevalve chamber 11 into thevalve body 50 through theflow hole 51a, and flows out from theflow hole 52a to thevalve port 12 through the inside of thevalve body 50. When the refrigerant passes through the inside of thevalve body 50, the flow rate of the refrigerant is restricted by the flowrate restricting member 60.

Theelectromagnetic coil 70 has: acase 71, abobbin 72 housed in thecase 71, and acoil 73 formed of a wire wound around thebobbin 72. Theelectromagnetic coil 70 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and thecase 20 is fitted inside.Solenoid 70 is secured to cover 40 bybolts 74.

The solenoid valve 1 is arranged such that the axes of the valve body 10 (valve port 12, valve seat 13), thehousing 20, the plunger 30 (plunger body 31, valve element attachment portion 32), the cover 40 (large diameter portion 41, small diameter portion 42), and the valve element 50 (main body portion 51,valve portion 52, protruding portion 53) coincide with the axis L. That is, these are all coaxially arranged. The axis L direction coincides with the vertical direction of each drawing.

Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the solenoid valve 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

Thevalve body 10 is formed by cutting a metal material such as a brass material or an aluminum material.

Thehousing 20 is formed by cutting a circular tube made of stainless steel.

Theplunger 30 is formed by cutting a stainless material, and theplunger 30 includes acylindrical plunger body 31 and a columnar valvebody attachment portion 32 provided continuously to a lower end of theplunger body 31.

A stainless steel plate is subjected to a metal press working to form avalve element 50, and thevalve element 50 includes acylindrical body portion 51, avalve portion 52 provided continuously with a lower end of thebody portion 51, and a protrudingportion 53 provided continuously with an upper end of thebody portion 51.

Thefirst conduit 18, thesecond conduit 19, and thehousing 20 are brazed to thevalve body 10.

Avalve opening spring 55 is disposed inside thehousing 20 so that the lower end thereof abuts thespring holder 15. Themain body 51 of thevalve body 50 is inserted into thevalve opening spring 55, and thevalve opening spring 55 is disposed between thespring holder 15 of thevalve body 10 and theprotrusion 53 of thevalve body 50. The valvebody mounting portion 32 of theplunger 30 is inserted into the other end of thebody portion 51 of thevalve body 50. Awasher 34 is disposed inside theplunger body 31.

Thesmall diameter portion 42 of thecap 40 is disposed inside theplunger body 31, and thelarge diameter portion 41 of thecap 40 is welded to theupper end 22 of thehousing 20.

However, thehousing 20 is embedded inside theelectromagnetic coil 70.Solenoid 70 is fastened to cover 40 withbolts 74. Thereby completing the solenoid valve 1.

Next, an example of the operation of the solenoid valve 1 will be described.

In a state where thecoil 73 of the solenoid valve 1 is not energized (non-energized state), theplunger 30 and thevalve body 50 are pushed by thevalve opening spring 55 and move upward. Theplunger 30 abuts against thesmall diameter portion 42 of thecap 40 via thewasher 34. Theseating surface 54 of thevalve portion 52 of thevalve body 50 is separated from thevalve seat 13 to be in an open state. In the valve-open state, thevalve port 12 is opened, and the refrigerant can freely flow between thefirst pipe 18 and thesecond pipe 19 through thevalve chamber 11 and thevalve port 12.

In a state where thecoil 73 of the solenoid valve 1 is energized (at the time of energization), theplunger 30 and thecap 40 are magnetized by a magnetic field generated by thecoil 73. Thereby, theplunger 30 and thevalve body 50 move downward against thevalve opening spring 55. Theseating surface 54 of thevalve portion 52 of thevalve body 50 is in contact with thevalve seat 13 to be in a closed valve state. In the valve-closed state, thevalve port 12 is closed, and a small amount of refrigerant flows from thevalve chamber 11 to thevalve port 12 through the inside of thevalve body 50. In the valve-closed state, the flow of the refrigerant between thefirst conduit 18 and thesecond conduit 19 is restricted.

As described above, in the solenoid valve 1 of the present embodiment, thevalve body 50 is formed by metal press working. Thus, the solenoid valve 1 can reduce material costs and machining costs compared to a solenoid valve having a structure in which a valve body is formed by cutting. Therefore, material costs and machining costs of thevalve body 50 can be suppressed, and the manufacturing cost of the solenoid valve 1 can be reduced. In the solenoid valve 1, the valvebody mounting portion 32 of theplunger 30 is inserted into the upper end of themain body portion 51 of thevalve body 50. This makes it possible to easily attach thevalve element 50 to theplunger 30.

Thevalve body 50 has aprojection 53, and theprojection 53 is provided continuously with the upper end of thebody 51 and projects radially outward. Theprojection 53 abuts on thespool advancing surface 33 of theplunger 30. The solenoid valve 1 further includes a valve-openingspring 55, and the valve-openingspring 55 is disposed between thespring holder 15 of thevalve body 10 and theprotrusion 53 of thevalve body 50, and presses thevalve body 50 upward so as to be separated from thevalve port 12. Thus, in the solenoid valve 1, thevalve body 50 can be pressed against theplunger 30 by thevalve opening spring 55. Therefore, in the solenoid valve 1, it is not necessary to fix thevalve body 50 to theplunger 30 by welding, caulking, or the like, and therefore, the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

Thevalve body 50 is provided withflow holes 51a and 52a so that, in a valve-closed state in which thevalve port 12 is closed, fluid flows from thevalve chamber 11 of thevalve body 10 to thevalve port 12 through the inside of thevalve body 50. Further, a flowrate regulating member 60 for regulating the flow rate of the fluid passing through is provided inside thevalve body 50. Accordingly, a small amount of fluid can be made to flow through the inside of thevalve element 50 in the valve-closed state, and a change in the refrigerant flow rate due to wear of thevalve seat 13 can be prevented as compared with a structure in which a relief groove is provided in thevalve seat 13.

In the solenoid valve 1, the length L1 in the axial L direction of the valvebody mounting portion 32 of the plunger 30 (i.e., the length in the axial L direction from the lower end of theplunger 30 to the valve body thrust surface 33) is longer than the distance L2 from the position of thevalve body 50 in the valve open state to the position of the valve closed state. Thus, even when thevalve element 50 is in contact with thevalve seat 13 for some reason and only theplunger 30 moves upward, themain body portion 51 of thevalve element 50 can be prevented from coming off the valveelement mounting portion 32 of theplunger 30.

In the solenoid valve 1 described above, only the valvebody mounting portion 32 of theplunger 30 is inserted into the other end of themain body portion 51 of thevalve body 50, and thevalve body 50 and theplunger 30 are not fixed to each other. In the solenoid valve 1, thevalve body 50 and theplunger 30 may be joined by welding or the like. In this case, theprojection 53 may be omitted, and thevalve opening spring 55 may be disposed between thespring holder 15 and the valve body thrustsurface 33 of theplunger 30.

In the solenoid valve 1, a small amount of refrigerant passes through the inside of thevalve body 50 in the valve-closed state. In addition, for example, as in thesolenoid valve 1A shown in fig. 12, a small amount of refrigerant may be caused to flow through a plurality ofrelief grooves 13a provided in thevalve seat 13 in a valve-closed state. Thesolenoid valve 1A does not have theflow restricting member 60. Thevalve body 50 of thesolenoid valve 1A has a disc-shapedvalve portion 52A instead of the annular plate-shapedvalve portion 52. The valvemain body 10 of thesolenoid valve 1A includes anannular support portion 16 protruding radially inward and aguide 17 supported by thesupport portion 16, instead of thespring holder portion 15. Theguide 17 integrally includes a ring-plate-shapedspring receiving portion 17a and acylindrical guide portion 17b provided continuously to an inner peripheral edge of thespring receiving portion 17 a. Thespring receiver 17a is sandwiched between thesupport 16 and thelower end 21 of thehousing 20. Thespring holder 17a abuts against the lower end of thevalve opening spring 55. The inner diameter of theguide portion 17b is slightly larger than the outer diameter of thebody portion 51 of thevalve body 50. Thebody 51 of thevalve body 50 is inserted through theguide 17 b.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can appropriately add, delete, and modify the components of the embodiments described above, and can appropriately combine the features of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims (11)

1. An electrically driven valve, comprising:

a valve body having a valve chamber and a valve port; a cylindrical housing attached to the valve main body; a plunger disposed inside the housing so as to be movable in an axial direction; and a valve body that moves forward and backward with respect to the valve port by the plunger, and that is formed by metal press working.

2. Electrically driven valve according to claim 1,

the valve body is cylindrical and one end of the valve body is closed, the valve core is accommodated in the valve body,

the electrically driven valve further has a valve seat member engaged with the other end of the valve main body,

the valve seat member has: a cylindrical valve seat body having a valve seat provided at one end thereof; and a circular plate-like flange engaged with the valve main body, the flange being provided continuously with the other end of the valve seat main body,

the valve core is provided with: a cylindrical main body and a circular plate-like or circular plate-like valve portion that is in contact with and separated from the valve seat, the valve portion being provided continuously with the main body,

the valve main body, the valve seat member, and the valve body are formed by metal press working.

3. Electrically driven valve according to claim 2,

a flow hole is provided in the valve body so that a fluid flows from a valve chamber of the valve main body to a valve port of the valve seat member through an inside of the valve body in a closed valve state in which the valve portion is in contact with the valve seat,

a flow rate regulating member that regulates a flow rate of the fluid passing therethrough is provided inside the valve body.

4. An electrically driven valve having: a cylindrical valve body having one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve body accommodated in the valve body, characterized in that,

the valve seat member has: a cylindrical valve seat body having a valve seat provided at one end thereof; and a circular plate-like flange engaged with the valve main body, the flange being provided continuously with the other end of the valve seat main body,

the valve core is provided with: a cylindrical body part and a valve member in the form of a circular plate or a circular plate which is brought into contact with and separated from the valve seat, the valve member being attached to the body part,

the valve main body and the valve seat member are formed by metal press working,

the main body of the valve body is formed by metal press working or cutting a cylindrical pipe,

the valve member of the valve body is formed by cutting.

5. A method of manufacturing an electrically driven valve, the electrically driven valve having: a cylindrical valve body having one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve body housed in the valve body, characterized in that the valve body is formed of a metal material,

the valve body is formed by metal press working a metal material,

the valve seat member is formed by metal press working a metal material, and includes: a cylindrical valve seat body having a valve seat provided at one end thereof; and a circular plate-like flange engaged with the valve main body, the flange being provided continuously with the other end of the valve seat main body,

the valve element is formed by metal stamping a metal material, and comprises: and a circular plate-shaped or circular plate-shaped valve part which is in contact with and separated from the valve seat, and which is provided continuously with the main body.

6. A method of manufacturing an electrically driven valve, the electrically driven valve having: a cylindrical valve body having one end closed, a valve seat member joined to the other end of the valve body, and a valve body housed in the valve body, characterized in that the valve body is formed of a metal material,

the valve body is formed by metal press working a metal material,

the valve seat member is formed by metal press working a metal material, and includes: a cylindrical valve seat body having a valve seat provided at one end thereof; and a circular plate-like flange engaged with the valve main body, the flange being provided continuously with the other end of the valve seat main body,

a cylindrical body portion formed by metal pressing a metal material or cutting a cylindrical pipe to form the valve element,

the valve member is formed by cutting a metal material or a resin material into a circular plate shape or a circular plate shape and attached to the body.

7. Electrically driven valve according to claim 1,

the valve element has a cylindrical main body and a circular plate-shaped or circular plate-shaped valve portion provided continuously to one end of the main body,

the plunger has: a cylindrical plunger body having an outer peripheral surface contacting the housing, and a cylindrical valve element mounting portion having a diameter smaller than that of the plunger body, the valve element mounting portion being provided continuously with one end of the plunger body,

the valve element mounting portion is inserted into the other end of the main body portion of the valve element.

8. The electrically driven valve according to claim 7,

the valve element further includes a protruding portion provided continuously with the other end of the main body portion and protruding radially outward,

the protruding part is abutted against a valve core advancing surface which is arranged between the plunger main body of the plunger and the valve core mounting part,

the electrically driven valve includes a compression coil spring that is disposed between the valve body and the protruding portion and presses the valve body in a direction away from the valve port.

9. The electrically driven valve according to claim 7 or 8,

a flow hole is provided in the valve body so that fluid flows from a valve chamber of the valve body to the valve port through an inside of the valve body in a closed valve state in which the valve port is closed,

a flow rate regulating member that regulates a flow rate of the fluid passing therethrough is provided inside the valve body.

10. A method of manufacturing an electrically driven valve, the electrically driven valve having: a valve body having a valve chamber and a valve port; a cylindrical housing attached to the valve main body; a plunger disposed inside the housing so as to be movable in an axial direction; and a valve body that moves forward and backward with respect to the valve port by the plunger, characterized in that,

the valve element is formed by metal stamping a metal material, and comprises: a cylindrical body portion, a disc-shaped or disc-shaped valve portion provided continuously with one end of the body portion, and a projecting portion projecting radially outward and provided continuously with the other end of the body portion,

the plunger is formed by cutting a metal material, and includes: a cylindrical plunger body having an outer peripheral surface contacting the housing; a cylindrical valve element mounting portion which is provided continuously with one end of the plunger main body and has a smaller diameter than the plunger main body; and a valve core advancing face provided between the plunger main body and the valve core mounting portion,

a compression coil spring is disposed such that one end of the compression coil spring abuts against the valve main body on the inside of the housing,

inserting the body portion of the valve body into the compression coil spring, and disposing the compression coil spring between the valve body and the protrusion portion of the valve body,

inserting the valve element mounting portion into the other end of the main body portion of the valve element, and abutting the protruding portion of the valve element against the valve element thrust surface of the plunger.

11. The electrically driven valve according to claim 3 or 9,

the flow rate regulating member has a holding member, an upper filter (62), a flow rate regulating plate, and a lower filter (64) stacked in this order from the top to the bottom,

the upper filter, the flow rate restricting plate, and the lower filter are sandwiched between the holding member and the valve portion,

the flow rate regulating plate has a small-diameter through hole through which a refrigerant can flow.

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