WO2024225076A1 - Expansion valve attachment part - Google Patents

Abstract

This expansion valve attachment part is for attaching, to a manifold (300), an expansion valve body (100) for adjusting the opening degree of a refrigerant flow path. The expansion valve attachment part is provided with a retainer (400) having a locking part (42, 42A). The locking part is fixed to either the outer circumference of the manifold or the outer circumference of the expansion valve body. By attaching the expansion valve body to the manifold by using the retainer having the locking part, it is possible to reduce the number of components needed for attaching the expansion valve body to the manifold. As a result, productivity can be improved.

Description

Expansion valve mounting part CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-71637, filed on April 25, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This disclosure relates to a mounting portion for mounting an expansion valve to a heat pump module.

　Patent Document 1 describes a mounting structure for an expansion valve in which multiple expansion valves for a heat pump cycle for a vehicle are mounted to a housing. In the mounting structure for an expansion valve in Patent Document 1, a flow path for the refrigerant of the heat pump cycle is formed in the housing, and the expansion valve opens and closes the flow path for the refrigerant in the housing. This aims to save space when installing multiple expansion valves in a vehicle.

In addition, in the expansion valve mounting structure of Patent Document 1, the expansion valve is fixed to a retaining plate by a bracket and a bolt, and the retaining plate is fixed to the housing, thereby mounting the expansion valve to the housing.

JP 2021-160680 A

In the above conventional technology, a large number of parts are required to attach the expansion valve to the housing, and the labor required to attach the expansion valve to the housing is also large, so there is a demand for improved productivity.

In view of the above, the present disclosure aims to provide an expansion valve mounting part that can improve productivity.

In order to achieve the above object, an expansion valve mounting portion according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an expansion valve mounting portion that mounts an expansion valve main body that adjusts an opening degree of a refrigerant flow path to a manifold, the expansion valve mounting portion comprising:
A retainer having a locking portion is provided,
The engaging portion is fixed to one of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body.

By using a retainer with a locking portion to attach the expansion valve body to the manifold, the number of parts required to attach the expansion valve body to the manifold can be reduced. This makes it possible to improve productivity.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a mounting portion of the expansion valve according to the first embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting portion of the expansion valve according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the manifold in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of a valve body in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the valve body in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5 . FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a retainer in the first embodiment. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mounting structure of an expansion valve and a retainer in the first embodiment. FIG. 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams for explaining a method of attaching the expansion valve and the retainer in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mounting structure of an expansion valve and a manifold in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of attaching an expansion valve and a manifold in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mounting structure of an expansion valve and a manifold in a second embodiment. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mounting structure of an expansion valve and a retainer in a second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a mounting portion of an expansion valve according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting portion of an expansion valve according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a manifold in a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an enlarged front view showing a portion of a manifold in a third embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII of Figure 17. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of a valve body in a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a valve body in a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a retainer in a third embodiment. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mounting structure of a manifold and a retainer in a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of attaching a manifold and a retainer in the third embodiment. FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mounting structure between an expansion valve and a manifold in a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of attaching an expansion valve and a manifold in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mounting structure between an expansion valve and a manifold in a fourth embodiment. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mounting structure of an expansion valve and a retainer in a fourth embodiment. FIG. A cross-sectional view showing a mounting portion of an expansion valve according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a coil portion in a fifth embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing a mounting portion of an expansion valve according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a front view showing a coil portion in a sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a retainer in a sixth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve body in another embodiment (1). FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a mounting portion of an expansion valve according to another embodiment (1). FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a retainer in another embodiment (1). FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a mounting portion of an expansion valve according to another embodiment (1). FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a manifold in another embodiment (2). FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of a valve body in another embodiment (2). FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a mounting portion of the expansion valve according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting portion of an expansion valve according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a manifold in a seventh embodiment. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a retainer in a seventh embodiment. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a mounting structure of an expansion valve and a retainer in a seventh embodiment. FIG. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a retainer in an eighth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a retainer in the eighth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a side view showing a retainer in the eighth embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing the mounting portion of the expansion valve according to the 9th embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a mounting portion of an expansion valve according to a ninth embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing the mounting portion of the expansion valve according to the tenth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a mounting portion of the expansion valve according to the tenth embodiment.

Below, several embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration. In addition to combinations of parts that are specifically specified as being possible in each embodiment, it is also possible to partially combine embodiments even if not specified, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

First Embodiment
The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The expansion valve 100 of this embodiment is applied to a heat pump module. The heat pump module has a compressor, a condenser, the expansion valve 100, an evaporator, and a casing 200 that constitute a heat pump.

The heat pump module has a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve 100, and an evaporator. The compressor draws in, compresses, and discharges refrigerant. The condenser condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor by dissipating heat. The expansion valve 100 reduces the pressure and expands the refrigerant condensed by the condenser. The evaporator causes the refrigerant reduced in pressure and expanded by the expansion valve 100 to absorb heat and evaporate.

The compressor, condenser, expansion valve 100 and evaporator are fixed to a casing 200 to form a heat pump module. Inside the casing 200, a refrigerant flow path is formed through which the refrigerant of the heat pump flows.

Hereinafter, the axial direction of the expansion valve 100 will be simply referred to as the "axial direction." The radial direction of the expansion valve 100 will be simply referred to as the "radial direction." The circumferential direction of the expansion valve 100 will be simply referred to as the "circumferential direction."

The expansion valve 100 is fixed to a manifold 300 formed in the casing 200 by a retainer 400. The manifold 300 is an expansion valve fixing portion formed in a portion of the casing 200 of the heat pump module where the expansion valve 100 is fixed. The retainer 400 is a fixing member that fixes the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300.

The expansion valve 100 has a valve body portion 10 and a coil portion 50. The expansion valve 100 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of an expansion valve body.

The valve body 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300. The opening 30a of the insertion hole 30 in the manifold 300 is located higher than other parts of the manifold 300.

The valve body 10 includes a valve body 11. The valve body 11 is a cylindrical member made of an aluminum alloy or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the valve body 11 is formed with a refrigerant flow path 13 that connects a refrigerant inlet 12 and an outlet 16. Furthermore, inside the valve body 10, a valve chamber 14 is formed on the refrigerant flow path 13, and a valve body (not shown) is housed inside the valve chamber 14 in a slidable manner.

The inlet 12 is formed on one side of the valve body 10 and is the portion through which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle flows into the inside of the expansion valve 100. The inlet 12 is connected to the valve chamber 14 via a refrigerant flow path 13.

An outlet 16 is formed on the underside of the valve body 10, and the refrigerant that has flowed through the valve chamber 14 flows out to the outside of the expansion valve 100. A valve seat (not shown) is formed at the bottom of the valve chamber 14, and connects the valve chamber 14 to the outlet 16 via the refrigerant flow path 13.

In the first embodiment, the inlet 12 is formed on the side of the valve body 10, and the outlet 16 is formed on the bottom surface of the valve body 10, but this is not limited to the above. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the inlet is formed on the bottom surface of the valve body 10, and the outlet is formed on the side of the valve body 10. In this configuration, the mechanism for driving the valve body (i.e., a motor, etc.) may be located on the low pressure side.

Then, a through hole 17 is formed in the upper part of the valve body portion 10. The through hole 17 is formed so as to connect the upper surface of the valve body portion 10 to the central part of the upper surface of the valve chamber 14. Inside the through hole 17, a part of the valve body that moves up and down by the driving force transmitted via the output shaft of a motor (not shown) and a power transmission part is disposed.

The driving force from a rotor (not shown) of a motor located above the valve body portion 10 is transmitted to the valve body via the through hole 17 and the power transmission portion located above it. The power transmission portion includes a feed screw mechanism, and converts the rotational motion generated by the rotor into linear motion and transmits it to the valve body.

The valve disc moves axially (up and down in Figure 2) due to the driving force from the rotor, approaching or moving away from the valve seat. In the expansion valve 100, the valve disc can be brought into contact with the valve seat to close the refrigerant flow path.

In the expansion valve 100, the opening of the refrigerant flow path is adjusted by the relative movement of the valve body with respect to the valve seat. As the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path 13, it is reduced in pressure and expanded by the throttling action in the gap between the valve body and the valve seat, so the expansion valve 100 can adjust the amount of pressure reduction of the refrigerant by adjusting the opening.

The coil section 50 is fixed to the upper surface of the valve body section 10. The coil section 50 has a stator, a can, a can cover, a can collar 28, a mold 53, etc. (not shown).

The can is made of a metal such as stainless steel and is cylindrical in shape, and is a rotor housing member that houses the rotor. The can is arranged coaxially with the valve body.

One end of the can (upper end in FIG. 1) is closed by a can cover. The other end of the can (lower end in FIG. 1) is open and in close contact with the can collar 28. The can collar 28 is made of a metal such as stainless steel and is cylindrically shaped, and is arranged coaxially with the valve body. The other end of the can collar 28 (lower end in FIG. 1) is in close contact with the valve body portion 10.

Therefore, the high-pressure refrigerant before pressure reduction is present in the internal space of the can, and the can acts as a partition between the refrigerant sealed circuit containing the high-pressure refrigerant and the outside. Specifically, a first O-ring 56 is placed between the can collar 28 and the valve body 10, and the can collar 28 and the valve body 10 are sealed together by fastening a male thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the can collar 28 to a female thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 10.

The rotor is the rotating part of the motor, and rotates when electricity is passed through the coil of the stator, which is the stationary part. As the rotor rotates, it generates a driving force for driving the valve body. The motor is made up of a rotor and a stator, and is used as an electric actuator that displaces the valve body.

The stator is arranged coaxially with the rotor and the can, radially outward of the rotor and the can. The stator is provided with a coil, and when electricity is passed through the coil, a rotating magnetic field is generated to rotate the rotor.

The mold 53 is made of resin and covers the can and stator from the outside, and is a housing member that houses the can and stator. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), which has excellent durability, is used as the resin that forms the mold 53. Note that instead of the mold 53, a resin case formed to cover the coil may be used.

The bottom of the mold 53 is in close contact with the valve body 11. A sealing structure using an annular packing 55 is provided in the gap between the bottom of the mold 53 and the valve body 11. The packing 55 prevents liquid from entering the inside of the mold 53 and the inside of the valve body 11.

The gap between the can collar 28 and the valve body 11 is provided with a seal structure using a first O-ring 56. The first O-ring 56 prevents liquid from entering the inside of the valve body 11.

A seal structure using a second O-ring 57 is provided in the gap between the valve body 11 and the manifold 300. The second O-ring 57 prevents liquid from entering the inside of the manifold 300. In addition, the second O-ring 57 has elasticity, so it prevents the expansion valve 100 from rattling when the internal pressure rises.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the manifold 300 has a protrusion 31 that protrudes toward the coil section 50 at its end on the coil section 50 side (the upper side in Figure 2). As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the valve body 11 has a recess 111 that fits with the protrusion 31 of the manifold 300.

The projection 31 of the manifold 300 and the recess 111 of the valve body 11 engage with each other, so that the expansion valve 100 is circumferentially locked to the manifold 300. This prevents the expansion valve 100 from rotating relative to the manifold 300. In other words, the expansion valve 100 is constrained in the rotational direction (i.e., the circumferential direction) relative to the manifold 300. Therefore, the projection 31 of the manifold 300 and the recess 111 of the valve body 11 in this embodiment correspond to an example of a main body rotation prevention portion.

In the first embodiment, two convex portions 31 are formed on the manifold 300, and two concave portions 111 are formed on the valve body 11, but this is not limited to the above. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one or three or more convex portions 31 are formed on the manifold 300, and one or three or more concave portions 111 are formed on the valve body 11.

The manifold 300 has a flange 32 that protrudes radially outward at the end on the coil section 50 side (upper side in FIG. 2). The flange 32 is provided on the opposite side of the coil section 50 from the protruding portion 31 (lower side in FIG. 2). The flange 32 is tapered so that its radial length becomes shorter as it approaches the coil section 50.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a groove portion 112 extending in the circumferential direction is provided at the end of the valve body 11 on the coil portion 50 side (the upper side in Figure 6). The groove portion 112 is formed only in a part of the circumferential direction. In other words, a non-groove portion 113 where the groove portion 112 is not formed is provided at the end of the valve body 11 on the coil portion 50 side.

In this embodiment, two groove portions 112 are provided. A non-groove portion 113 is disposed between the two groove portions 112. In other words, the valve body 11 is provided with two groove portions 112 and two non-groove portions 113. The two groove portions 112 are disposed so as to be symmetrical with respect to a virtual reference line extending in the radial direction in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.

As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the retainer 400 is a fixing member that fixes the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300. The retainer 400 is made of stainless steel (SUS) or the like. The retainer 400 can be formed, for example, by subjecting a plate-shaped member to press processing or punching processing.

The retainer 400 has a clip portion 41 and a flange portion 42. The clip portion 41 has a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction that is U-shaped. Two side portions 411 of the clip portion 41 that face each other in the radial direction of the expansion valve 100 each have a through hole 412.

The flange 32 formed on the outer periphery of the manifold 300 is engaged and fixed in the through hole 412. This restrains the expansion valve 100 in the removal direction (i.e., the axial direction) relative to the manifold 300. The through hole 412 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a second engagement portion. In this embodiment, the through hole 412 is formed in an elongated hole shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

The flange 42 is connected to the coil portion 50 side of the clip portion 41 (the upper side in FIG. 7). The flange 42 is formed in a plate shape that extends from the end of the coil portion 50 side of each side portion 411 of the clip portion 41 toward the radial inside of the expansion valve 100. Two flanges 42 are provided facing each other with the valve body 11 in between.

The flange 42 is engaged and fixed in a groove 112 formed on the outer periphery of the valve body 11. This restrains the retainer 400 in the removal direction (i.e., the axial direction) relative to the valve body 11. The flange 42 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a first engagement portion.

Here, since the groove portion 112 is formed only in a portion of the circumferential direction, when the flange portion 42 is fixed to the groove portion 112, the retainer 400 is engaged in the circumferential direction to the valve body 11. This prevents the retainer 400 from rotating relative to the valve body portion 10. In other words, the retainer 400 is restrained in the rotational direction (i.e., the circumferential direction) relative to the valve body 11. Therefore, the non-groove portion 113 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a retainer rotation prevention portion. In other words, the groove portion 112 formed only in a portion of the circumferential direction corresponds to an example of a retainer rotation prevention portion.

The radially inner end surface 421 of the flange 42 is formed in an arc shape that corresponds to the groove 112. The flange 42 is provided with a hole 422 into which the tip of a bent-tip pliers or a dedicated jig can be inserted.

Here, the retainer 400 has a first abutment portion 413 and a second abutment portion 423. The first abutment portion 413 is an axial abutment portion that abuts against the manifold 300 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the first abutment portion 413 is configured by the end portion of the clip portion 41 opposite the coil portion 50 (the lower end portion in FIG. 7).

The second abutment portion 423 is an axially perpendicular abutment portion that abuts against the valve body 11 in an abutment direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction. The second abutment portion 423 is configured by the end of the flange portion 42 on the U-shaped opening side of the clip portion 41. In this embodiment, the second abutment portion 423 is provided on each of the two opposing flange portions 42. The second abutment portions 423 are formed in a tapered shape such that the distance between the opposing second abutment portions 423 increases toward the U-shaped opening side.

The retainer 400 is configured to elastically deform when assembled. Specifically, the retainer 400 has an elastic deformation portion 414 that elastically deforms radially outward when an axial force acts on the first abutment portion 413. The elastic deformation portion 414 also elastically deforms radially outward when a force acts in the abutment direction on the second abutment portion 423. Therefore, the elastic deformation portion 414 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of an axial side elastic deformation portion and an abutment side elastic deformation portion.

In this embodiment, the elastic deformation portion 414 is provided in a portion of the clip portion 41 other than the two side portions 411. The entire retainer 400 may be configured to be elastically deformable.

Next, we will explain how to attach the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 in this embodiment.

First, the coil portion 50 is fixed to the valve body portion 10. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body portion 10 from the abutment direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction. Specifically, the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body portion 10 from the U-shaped opening side of the clip portion 41. More specifically, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 is inserted into the groove portion 112 of the valve body portion 10 from the abutment direction.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, when a force acts on the retainer 400 in the contact direction and the second contact portion 423 of the flange 42 comes into contact with the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11, the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward (i.e., in the direction in which the two flanges 42 move away from each other). If the force in the contact direction continues to be applied in this state, the two flanges 42 of the retainer 400 open radially outward, and the flanges 42 of the retainer 400 are inserted along the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11.

When the flange 42 is inserted all the way into the groove 112, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state with the arc-shaped end surface 421 of the flange 42 in contact with the groove 112. This causes the flange 42 of the retainer 400 to engage with the groove 112 of the valve body 11.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the valve body 10 to which the retainer 400 is fixed is attached to the manifold 300. Specifically, the valve body 10 is inserted axially into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, when the valve body 11 is axially inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300, the first abutment portion 413 of the clip portion 41 of the retainer 400 abuts against the flange 32 of the manifold 300. Then, with the first abutment portion 413 abutting against the flange 32, an axial force acts, and the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward (i.e., in the direction in which the two side portions 411 move away from each other) along the tapered surface of the flange 32.

Then, with the inner surface of the side portion 411 of the retainer 400 and the flange 32 in contact, the retainer 400 slides in a direction away from the coil portion 50 (toward the bottom of the paper in FIG. 11), and the flange 32 is locked in the through hole 412. When the flange 32 is locked in the through hole 412, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state.

When removing the expansion valve 100 from the manifold 300, the following method can be used. That is, first, the tip of a bent-tip pliers or a special tool is inserted into the hole 422 of the retainer 400, and the retainer 400 is elastically deformed in the direction in which the two flanges 42 move apart (i.e., radially outward). The expansion valve 100 can then be removed from the manifold 300 by pulling it out from the gap between the two flanges 42.

As described above, in this embodiment, the expansion valve 100 is attached to the manifold 300 using the retainer 400 having the through hole 412 and the flange portion 42. At this time, there is no need to use a dedicated jig for assembling the retainer 400 to the expansion valve 100 and the manifold 300. In other words, the expansion valve 100 can be attached to the manifold 300 by a simple process of engaging the through hole 412 of the retainer 400 with the flange 32 of the manifold 300 and engaging the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 with the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11. Therefore, the number of parts and the number of steps required to attach the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to improve productivity.

In addition, in this embodiment, the flange 32 of the manifold 300 is formed in a tapered shape. When the expansion valve 100 is attached to the manifold 300, the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body 11 in advance. This allows the expansion valve 100 to be attached to the manifold 300 with a single touch by simply pushing the expansion valve 100 in the insertion direction against the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300. At this time, a dedicated jig for attaching the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 is not required. Therefore, the number of parts and the number of steps required to attach the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 can be reduced. As a result, the manifold 300 can be made smaller. This allows the heat pump module to be made smaller and the mountability to be improved.

In addition, in this embodiment, the expansion valve 100 is circumferentially engaged with the manifold 300 by fitting the convex portion 31 of the manifold 300 into the concave portion 111 of the valve body 11. This prevents the refrigerant flow path of the expansion valve 100 from being misaligned with the refrigerant flow path on the manifold 300 side. In addition, since the direction of the connector is regulated, it becomes easier to automate the assembly of the harness.

In addition, in this embodiment, the elastic deformation portion 414 of the retainer 400 is provided in a portion other than the two side portions 411 of the clip portion 41. That is, in this embodiment, the portion of the retainer 400 that elastically deforms during assembly and the portion that receives force during engagement are configured in separate portions. This makes it possible to achieve both improved ease of assembly and improved holding strength.

In addition, in this embodiment, the opening 30a of the insertion hole 30 in the manifold 300 is located higher than other parts of the manifold 300. This makes the mating surface between the valve body 11 and the manifold 300 higher than the surrounding upper surface of the manifold 300, preventing water from pooling on the mating surface. As a result, corrosion between the valve body 11 and the manifold 300 can be suppressed.

In addition, in this embodiment, the fastening portion of the retainer 400 is located on the outer periphery of the manifold 300, making it easy to remove the expansion valve 100. This improves serviceability, such as replacement during repairs.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the method of mounting the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300.

In this embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 12, the valve body portion 10 to which the coil portion 50 is fixed is inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300. Next, as shown in FIG. 13, with the valve body portion 10 inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300, a retainer 400 is attached to the valve body portion 10 and the manifold 300.

Specifically, the flange 42 of the retainer 400 is inserted radially into the groove 112 of the valve body 10. At this time, a force in the contact direction acts on the retainer 400, and when the second contact portion 423 of the flange 42 comes into contact with the groove 112 of the valve body 11, the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward. If the force in the contact direction continues to be applied in this state, the two flanges 42 of the retainer 400 each open radially outward, and the flanges 42 of the retainer 400 are inserted along the groove 112 of the valve body 11.

When the flange 42 is inserted all the way into the groove 112, the arc-shaped end surface 421 of the flange 42 comes into contact with the groove 112, and the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state. This causes the flange 42 of the retainer 400 to engage with the groove 112 of the valve body 11, and the flange 32 of the manifold 300 to engage with the through hole 412 of the clip portion 41 of the retainer 400.

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the mounting portion of the expansion valve 100 in the second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the method of mounting the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300.

As shown in Figures 14 to 16, in this embodiment, the manifold 300 has a tubular portion 34 formed into a cylindrical shape. An insertion hole 30 is formed inside the tubular portion 34. In this embodiment, the tubular portion 34 is formed into a cylindrical shape.

As shown in Figures 16 to 18, a groove portion 35 extending in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 34. The groove portion 35 is formed only in a part of the circumferential direction. In other words, the cylindrical portion 34 is provided with a non-groove portion 36 where the groove portion 35 is not formed.

In this embodiment, two groove portions 35 are provided. A non-groove portion 36 is disposed between the two groove portions 35. The two groove portions 35 are disposed so as to be symmetrical with respect to a virtual reference line extending in the radial direction in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.

As shown in Figures 19 and 20, a flange 114 that protrudes radially outward is provided at the end of the outer periphery of the valve body 11 on the coil section 50 side (the upper side in Figure 15). In this embodiment, the flange 114 is formed in a plate shape perpendicular to the axial direction.

As shown in Figures 15 and 21, the retainer 400 of this embodiment has a clip portion 41, a flange portion 42, and a tapered portion 43. A flange 114 formed on the outer periphery of the valve body 11 is engaged and fixed in the through hole 412 of the clip portion 41. This restrains the expansion valve 100 in the removal direction (i.e., the axial direction) relative to the manifold 300. The through hole 412 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of a second engagement portion.

The flange portion 42 is connected to the side of the clip portion 41 opposite the coil portion 50 (the lower side in FIG. 21). The flange portion 42 is formed in a plate shape extending from the end of each side portion 411 of the clip portion 41 opposite the coil portion 50 toward the radial inside of the expansion valve 100. Two flange portions 42 are provided facing each other with the cylindrical portion 34 of the manifold 300 in between.

The flange 42 is engaged and fixed in a groove 35 formed on the outer periphery of the manifold 300. This restrains the expansion valve 100 in the removal direction (i.e., the axial direction) relative to the manifold 300. The flange 42 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a first engagement portion.

Here, since the groove portion 35 is formed only in a portion of the circumferential direction, when the flange portion 42 is fixed to the groove portion 35, the retainer 400 is engaged in the circumferential direction with the manifold 300. This prevents the retainer 400 from rotating relative to the manifold 300. In other words, the retainer 400 is restrained in the rotational direction (i.e., the circumferential direction) relative to the manifold 300. Therefore, the non-grooved portion 36 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a retainer rotation prevention portion. In other words, the groove portion 35 formed only in a portion of the circumferential direction corresponds to an example of a retainer rotation prevention portion.

The tapered portion 43 is formed in a flat plate shape. The tapered portion 43 is connected to the coil portion 50 side of the clip portion 41 (the upper side in FIG. 21). Specifically, the tapered portion 43 is connected to the end of each side portion 411 of the clip portion 41 on the coil portion 50 side. The tapered portion 43 is formed in a tapered shape that extends radially outward as it approaches the coil portion 50.

Here, the retainer 400 of this embodiment has a third abutment portion 43 and a fourth abutment portion 424. The third abutment portion 43 abuts against the valve body 11 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the third abutment portion 43 is configured by a tapered portion 43.

The fourth abutment portion 424 abuts against the manifold 300 in an abutment direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction. The fourth abutment portion 424 is configured by the end of the flange portion 42 on the U-shaped opening side of the clip portion 41. In this embodiment, the fourth abutment portion 424 is provided on each of the two opposing flange portions 42. The fourth abutment portions 424 are formed in a tapered shape such that the distance between the opposing fourth abutment portions 424 increases toward the U-shaped opening side.

The retainer 400 also has an elastic deformation portion 415 that elastically deforms radially outward when an axial force acts on the third abutment portion 43. The elastic deformation portion 415 also elastically deforms radially outward when a force acts on the fourth abutment portion 424 in the abutment direction. In this embodiment, the elastic deformation portion 415 is provided in a portion other than the two side portions 411 of the clip portion 41. The entire retainer 400 may be configured to be elastically deformable.

Next, we will explain how to attach the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 in this embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 22, the retainer 400 is attached to the cylindrical portion 34 of the manifold 300 from the radial direction. Specifically, the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body portion 10 from the U-shaped opening side of the clip portion 41. More specifically, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 is slid radially into the groove portion 112 of the valve body portion 10 to attach it.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 23, when a force acts on the retainer 400 in the contact direction and the fourth contact portion 424 of the flange portion 42 comes into contact with the groove portion 35 of the manifold 300, the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward (i.e., in the direction in which the two flange portions 42 move away from each other). If the force in the contact direction continues to be applied in this state, the two flange portions 42 of the retainer 400 open radially outward, and the flange portions 42 of the retainer 400 are inserted along the groove portion 35 of the manifold 300.

When the flange 42 is inserted all the way into the groove 35, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state with the arc-shaped end surface 421 of the flange 42 in contact with the groove 35. This causes the flange 42 of the retainer 400 to engage with the groove 35 of the manifold 300.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24, the valve body 10 with the coil portion 50 fixed thereto is attached to the manifold 300 to which the retainer 400 is engaged. Specifically, the valve body 10 is inserted axially into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 25, when the valve body 11 is axially inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300, the third abutment portion 43 of the tapered portion 43 of the retainer 400 abuts against the flange 114 of the valve body 11. Then, with the third abutment portion 43 abutting against the flange 114, an axial force acts, and the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward (i.e., in the direction in which the two side portions 411 move away from each other) along the tapered surface of the tapered portion 43.

Then, with the tapered portion 43 and the inner surface of the side portion 411 of the retainer 400 in contact with the flange 114, the valve body 11 slides axially downward (toward the bottom of the paper in FIG. 25) and the flange 114 is locked in the through hole 412. When the flange 114 is locked in the through hole 412, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state.

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the mounting portion of the expansion valve 100 in the third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in the method of mounting the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300.

In this embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 26, the valve body portion 10 to which the coil portion 50 is fixed is inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the cylindrical portion 34 of the manifold 300. Next, as shown in FIG. 27, with the valve body portion 10 inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300, a retainer 400 is attached to the valve body portion 10 and the manifold 300.

Specifically, the flange 42 of the retainer 400 is inserted into the groove 35 of the manifold 300 from the contact direction. At this time, a force in the contact direction acts on the retainer 400, and when the fourth contact portion 424 of the flange 42 comes into contact with the groove 35 of the manifold 300, the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward. If the force in the contact direction continues to be applied in this state, the two flanges 42 of the retainer 400 each open radially outward, and the flanges 42 of the retainer 400 are inserted along the groove 35 of the manifold 300.

When the flange 42 is inserted all the way into the groove 35, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state with the arc-shaped end surface 421 of the flange 42 in contact with the groove 35. This causes the flange 42 of the retainer 400 to engage with the groove 35 of the manifold 300, and the flange 114 of the valve body 11 to engage with the through hole 412 of the clip portion 41 of the retainer 400.

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the third embodiment. Therefore, the mounting portion of the expansion valve 100 in the fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as in the third embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the shape of the coil portion 50, etc.

28 and 29, in this embodiment, the coil portion 50 has a retainer locking portion 51 at its end on the valve body portion 10 side (the lower end in FIG. 24) to which the retainer 400 is locked. The retainer locking portion 51 locks the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 and the end of the valve body 11 on the coil portion 50 side (the upper end in FIG. 24). At this time, the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400 and the end of the valve body 11 on the coil portion 50 side are inserted into the coil portion 50.

According to this embodiment, the retainer locking portion 51 of the coil portion 50 can fix the coil portion 50 and the retainer 400, and can also fix the coil portion 50 and the valve body 11. This makes it possible to eliminate the coil fastening bracket that fixes the coil portion 50 and the valve body portion 10, thereby reducing the number of parts and the assembly man-hours.

Sixth Embodiment
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The sixth embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in the shapes of the coil portion 50 and the retainer 400, etc.

As shown in Figures 30 and 31, in this embodiment, a flange 52 is formed at the end of the coil section 50 on the valve body section 10 side (the lower end in Figure 24). The flange 52 is formed in a disk shape perpendicular to the axial direction.

As shown in Figures 30 and 32, the retainer 400 has a coil side flange 44, which is located closer to the coil section 50 (upper side in Figure 32) than the flange 42 on the clip section 41.

The coil side flange 44 is formed in the same shape as the flange 42. That is, the coil side flange 44 is formed in a plate shape extending from the end of the coil section 50 side of each side section 411 of the clip section 41 toward the radial inside of the valve body 11. Two coil side flanges 44 are provided facing each other with the valve body 11 in between.

The coil side flange 44 is engaged with the flange 52 of the coil section 50. The coil section 50 is fixed to the valve body 11 by the coil side flange 44. The coil side flange 44 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a coil engagement section to which the coil section 50 is fixed. The radially inner end surface 441 of the coil side flange 44 is formed in an arc shape that corresponds to the flange 52 of the coil section 50.

According to this embodiment, the coil portion 50 and the valve body 11 can be fixed by the coil side flange portion 44 of the retainer 400. This makes it possible to eliminate the coil fastening bracket that fixes the coil portion 50 and the valve body portion 10, thereby reducing the number of parts and the assembly labor.

Seventh Embodiment
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the seventh embodiment, as shown in Figures 39 to 42, an example will be described in which the through hole 412 is eliminated from the retainer 400 of the first embodiment, and a lower flange portion 42B is added to the manifold 300 side.

Specifically, the retainer 400 of this embodiment has an upper flange 42A and a lower flange 42B. The upper flange 42A is connected to the coil portion 50 side of the clip portion 41 (the upper side in FIG. 40). The upper flange 42A is formed in a plate shape extending from the end of the coil portion 50 side of each side portion 411 of the clip portion 41 toward the radial inside of the expansion valve 100. Two upper flanges 42A are provided facing each other with the valve body 11 in between.

The upper flange 42A is engaged and fixed in a groove 112 formed on the outer periphery of the valve body 11. This restrains the retainer 400 in the removal direction (i.e., the axial direction) relative to the valve body 11. The upper flange 42A in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a first engagement portion.

As an example, in this embodiment, a manifold side anti-rotation portion and a retainer side anti-rotation portion 425 (not shown) are provided as the retainer rotation prevention portion. That is, a manifold side anti-rotation portion having a non-arc shape is formed in a part of the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11. And a retainer side anti-rotation portion 425 having a non-arc shape is formed in a part of the upper flange portion 42A of the retainer 400. The manifold side anti-rotation portion and the retainer side anti-rotation portion 425 may each have a planar shape.

In this embodiment, the second abutment portion 423 is formed by the end of the upper flange portion 42A on the side of the U-shaped opening of the clip portion 41. The second abutment portion 423 is provided on each of the two opposing upper flange portions 42A. The second abutment portions 423 are formed in a tapered shape in which the distance between the opposing second abutment portions 423 increases toward the U-shaped opening side. In addition, the upper flange portion 42A is provided with a hole portion 422 into which the tip of a bent tip pliers or a dedicated jig or the like can be inserted.

The lower flange 42B is connected to the side of the clip portion 41 opposite the coil portion 50 (the lower side in FIG. 40). The lower flange 42B is formed in a plate shape extending from the end of each side portion 411 of the clip portion 41 opposite the coil portion 50 toward the radial inside of the expansion valve 100. Two lower flanges 42B are provided facing each other across the cylindrical portion 34 of the manifold 300.

The lower flange 42B is engaged and fixed in a groove 35 formed on the outer periphery of the manifold 300. This restrains the expansion valve 100 in the removal direction (i.e., the axial direction) relative to the manifold 300. As an example, in this embodiment, the radially inner end face of the lower flange 42B extends perpendicular to the axial direction. More specifically, the radially inner end face of the lower flange 42B extends parallel to the retainer side anti-rotation portion 425 of the upper flange 42A. The lower flange 42B in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a third engagement portion.

As an example, in this embodiment, the groove portion 35 is formed only on a portion of the manifold 300 in the circumferential direction. As a result, when the lower flange portion 42B is fixed to the groove portion 35, the retainer 400 is engaged with the manifold 300 in the circumferential direction. As a result, the retainer 400 is prevented from rotating relative to the manifold 300. In other words, the retainer 400 is restrained in the rotational direction (i.e., the circumferential direction) relative to the manifold 300. Therefore, the non-grooved portion 36 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a retainer rotation prevention portion. In other words, the groove portion 35 formed only on a portion of the circumferential direction corresponds to an example of a retainer rotation prevention portion.

Next, we will explain how to attach the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 in this embodiment.

First, the coil portion 50 is fixed to the valve body portion 10. Then, the valve body portion 10 with the coil portion 50 fixed thereto is attached to the manifold 300. Specifically, the valve body portion 10 is inserted axially into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300.

Next, as shown in FIG. 43, the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body 10 and manifold 300 from the abutment direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Specifically, the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body 10 and manifold 300 from the U-shaped opening side of the clip portion 41. More specifically, the upper flange 42A of the retainer 400 is inserted into the groove 112 of the valve body 10 from the abutment direction, and the lower flange 42B of the retainer 400 is inserted into the groove 35 of the manifold 300 from the abutment direction.

At this time, when a force acts on the retainer 400 in the contact direction and the second contact portion 423 of the upper flange portion 42A contacts the groove portion 112 of the valve body portion 10, the retainer 400 elastically deforms radially outward (i.e., in the direction in which the two upper flange portions 42A move away from each other).

If force is continued to be applied in this state in the contact direction, the two upper flanges 42A of the retainer 400 open radially outward, and the upper flanges 42A of the retainer 400 are inserted along the grooves 112 of the valve body 11. At the same time, the two lower flanges 42B of the retainer 400 open radially outward, and the lower flanges 42B of the retainer 400 are inserted along the grooves 35 of the manifold 300.

When the upper flange 42A is inserted all the way into the groove 112 of the valve body 10 and the lower flange 42B is inserted all the way into the groove 35 of the manifold 300, the elastic deformation of the retainer 400 returns to its original state. As a result, the upper flange 42A of the retainer 400 is engaged with the groove 112 of the valve body 10 and the lower flange 42B of the retainer 400 is engaged with the groove 35 of the manifold 300.

When removing the expansion valve 100 from the manifold 300, the following method can be used. That is, first, the tip of a bent-tip pliers or a special tool is inserted into the hole 422 of the retainer 400, and the retainer 400 is elastically deformed in a direction in which the two upper flanges 42A move apart (i.e., radially outward). The expansion valve 100 can then be removed from the manifold 300 by pulling it out from the gap between the two upper flanges 42A.

As described above, in this embodiment, the expansion valve 100 is attached to the manifold 300 using the retainer 400 having the upper flange 42A and the lower flange 42B. At this time, there is no need to use a dedicated jig for assembling the retainer 400 to the expansion valve 100 and the manifold 300. That is, the expansion valve 100 can be attached to the manifold 300 by a simple process of engaging the upper flange 42A of the retainer 400 with the groove 112 of the valve body portion 10 and engaging the lower flange 42B of the retainer 400 with the groove 35 of the manifold 300. Therefore, the number of parts and the number of steps required to attach the expansion valve 100 to the manifold 300 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to improve productivity.

Eighth embodiment
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this eighth embodiment, an example in which the shape of the retainer 400 of the seventh embodiment is modified will be described as shown in Fig. 44 to Fig. 46. Fig. 45 is a view of the retainer 400 as seen from the axial direction, and Fig. 46 is a view of the retainer 400 as seen from the radial direction (i.e., the left-right direction in Fig. 45).

Specifically, in this embodiment, the clip portion 41 of the retainer 400 is provided with a connection portion 416, an inner protrusion 417, and an outer protrusion 418. The connection portion 416 connects the radial ends of the two side portions 411. The inner protrusion 417 extends from the connection portion 416 toward the radial inside of the expansion valve 100. The outer protrusion 418 extends from the connection portion 416 toward the radial outside of the expansion valve 100. An elastic deformation portion 414 may be interposed between the side portion 411 and the connection portion 416.

As an example, the connection portion 416 in this embodiment is formed in a plate shape extending perpendicular to the radial direction. The connection portion 416 extends perpendicular to each side portion 411. The elastic deformation portion 414 is formed in an arc shape that protrudes radially outward when viewed from the axial direction. The radial end of the side portion 411 and the radial end of the connection portion 416 are connected via the elastic deformation portion 414.

The inner protrusion 417 is a plate-like member that is connected to the connection portion 416 and protrudes radially inward from the connection portion 416. The outer protrusion 418 is a plate-like member that is connected to the connection portion 416 and protrudes radially outward from the connection portion 416.

As an example, the inner protrusion 417 and the outer protrusion 418 in this embodiment are each formed in a plate shape extending perpendicular to the axial direction. The inner protrusion 417 is connected to the end of the connection part 416 on the coil part 50 side (upper side in Figures 44 and 46). The outer protrusion 418 is connected to the end of the connection part 416 on the opposite side to the coil part 50 (lower side in Figures 44 and 46).

The inner protrusion 417 is disposed on the same plane as the two upper flanges 42A. When the retainer 400 is attached to the valve body 10 and the manifold 300, the upper flanges 42A and the inner protrusions 417 of the retainer 400 are engaged with the grooves 112 of the valve body 10.

As described above, in this embodiment, the retainer 400 is provided with an inner protrusion 417 that protrudes radially inward from the connection portion 416. As a result, the retainer 400 comes into contact with the valve body portion 10 at the two upper flange portions 42A and the inner protrusion 417. This results in three-point contact between the retainer 400 and the valve body portion 10, which can suppress rattling of the retainer 400 relative to the valve body portion 10.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the retainer 400 is provided with an outer protrusion 418 that protrudes radially outward from the connection portion 416. This allows the outer protrusion 418 to function as a gripping portion for a jig to grip when assembling the retainer 400. Furthermore, if the process of assembling the retainer 400 is automated, positioning can be performed using the outer protrusion 418. This makes it possible to improve productivity.

Ninth embodiment
Next, a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the ninth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 47 and Fig. 48, an example in which the shape of the coil portion 50 is changed from that of the seventh embodiment will be described.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the mold 53 of the coil portion 50 has a cylindrical portion 531 formed in a cylindrical shape. The central axis of the cylindrical portion 531 is arranged coaxially with the axis of the expansion valve 100. The cylindrical portion 531 extends from the end face of the mold 53 on the manifold 300 side (the lower end face in FIG. 47) toward the manifold 300 side.

The end of the valve body 11 on the coil 50 side is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 531. In other words, the portion of the valve body 11 that is not inserted into the insertion hole 30 of the manifold 300 is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 531.

As an example, in this embodiment, the tip of the cylindrical portion 531 (i.e., the end on the manifold 300 side) is in contact with the end face of the manifold 300 on the coil portion 50 side. The inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 531 is in contact with the outer wall surface of the valve body 11.

Here, a coil side through hole 532 is provided in the cylindrical portion 531 at a location corresponding to the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11. The coil side through hole 532 is formed so that the upper flange portion 42A of the retainer 400 passes through it.

In this embodiment, the upper flange 42A of the retainer 400 passes through the coil side through hole 532 of the coil portion 50 and is engaged with the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11. As a result, both the coil portion 50 and the valve body 11 are engaged and fixed by the upper flange 42A of the retainer 400. In other words, the upper flange 42A is fixed to both the valve body portion 10 and the coil portion 50.

According to this embodiment, both the coil section 50 and the valve body 11 can be fixed to the manifold 300 by the upper flange 42A of the retainer 400. This makes it possible to eliminate the coil fastening bracket that fastens the coil section 50 and the valve body section 10, thereby reducing the number of parts and the assembly man-hours.

Tenth embodiment
Next, a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the tenth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 49 and Fig. 50, an example in which the shape of the coil portion 50 is changed from that of the seventh embodiment will be described.

Specifically, in this embodiment, compared to the valve body 11 of the seventh embodiment, the groove portion 112 is eliminated. Furthermore, an insertion groove 54 into which the upper flange portion 42A of the retainer 400 is inserted is provided at the end of the coil portion 50 on the valve body portion 10 side (the lower end portion in FIG. 49). The upper flange portion 42A of the retainer 400 is inserted into the insertion groove 54 and engaged.

In this embodiment, the coil section 50 is fixed to the manifold 300 by inserting the upper flange 42A of the retainer 400 into the insertion groove 54 of the coil section 50 and the lower flange 42B of the retainer 400 into the groove 35 of the manifold 300. At this time, the valve body 11 is indirectly fixed by being sandwiched between the coil section 50 and the manifold 300.

According to this embodiment, the coil section 50 and the manifold 300 are fixed by the upper flange 42A and the lower flange 42B of the retainer 400, and the valve body 11 is indirectly fixed. This makes it possible to eliminate the coil fastening bracket that fixes the coil section 50 and the valve body section 10, thereby reducing the number of parts and the assembly man-hours.

Other Embodiments
The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made as follows without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

(1) For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which two groove portions 112 and two non-groove portions 113 are provided in the valve body 11, and the two non-groove portions 113 serve as the retainer rotation prevention portion, but the retainer rotation prevention portion is not limited to this form.

For example, as shown in FIG. 33, one non-groove portion 113 may be used as the retainer rotation prevention portion. In other words, one groove portion 112 and one non-groove portion 113 may be provided on the valve body 11.

Also, as shown in Figures 34 and 35, a manifold side anti-rotation portion 115 and a retainer side anti-rotation portion 425 may be used as the retainer rotation prevention portion. That is, a manifold side anti-rotation portion 115 having a non-arc shape may be formed in a part of the groove portion 112 of the valve body 11. And a retainer side anti-rotation portion 425 having a non-arc shape may be formed in a part of the flange portion 42 of the retainer 400. The manifold side anti-rotation portion 115 and the retainer side anti-rotation portion 425 may each have a planar shape.

Also, as shown in FIG. 36, a protrusion 33 that protrudes radially outward may be formed on a part of the flange 32 of the manifold 300 as a retainer rotation prevention part. In other words, a flange 32 provided with a protrusion 33 may be used as the retainer rotation prevention part. The protrusion 33 may be provided on a part of the flange 32 that engages with the through hole 412.

(2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the convex portion 31 of the manifold 300 and the concave portion 111 of the valve body 11 were used as the main body rotation prevention portion, but the main body rotation prevention portion is not limited to this embodiment.

For example, as shown in Figures 37 and 38, the recess 37 of the manifold 300 and the protrusion 116 of the valve body 11 may be used as the main body rotation prevention part. That is, the end of the manifold 300 on the coil section 50 side (the upper side in Figure 37) may be provided with a recess 37 that is recessed on the side opposite the coil section 50 side. The valve body 11 may then be provided with a protrusion 116 that fits into the recess 37 of the manifold 300.

(3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the heat pump module had a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve 100, and an evaporator, but the configuration of the heat pump module is not limited to this. In other words, the heat pump module does not necessarily have to include a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. For example, a heat pump module in which only valves such as the expansion valve 100 and solenoid valves are modularized may be used.

The features of the mounting portion of the expansion valve disclosed in this specification are as follows:
(Item 1)
An expansion valve mounting portion for mounting an expansion valve body (100) that adjusts the opening degree of a refrigerant flow path to a manifold (300),
A retainer (400) having a locking portion (42, 42A),
The locking portion is an expansion valve mounting portion that is fixed to one of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body.
(Item 2)
The locking portion is a first locking portion (42),
The first engaging portion is fixed to a groove portion (35, 112) formed in one of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body,
2. The mounting portion for an expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein the retainer has a second engaging portion (412) to which a flange (32, 114) formed on the other of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body is fixed.
(Item 3)
The locking portion is a first locking portion (42A),
The first engaging portion is fixed to a groove portion (54, 112) formed in one of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body,
the retainer has a third engaging portion (42B) fixed to the other of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body,
2. The mounting portion for an expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein the third engaging portion is fixed to a groove portion (35) formed in the other of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body.
(Item 4)
The first engaging portion is fixed to a groove portion (112) formed on the outer periphery of the expansion valve body,
3. The mounting portion of an expansion valve according to claim 2, wherein a flange (32) formed on an outer periphery of the manifold is fixed to the second engaging portion.
(Item 5)
5. The mounting portion of an expansion valve according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the first engaging portion is a flange portion (42, 42A) extending radially inward of the expansion valve body.
(Item 6)
The retainer has an axial abutment portion (413) that abuts against the manifold in the axial direction of the expansion valve body,
an axial side elastic deformation portion (414) that elastically deforms radially outward of the expansion valve body when an axial force acts on the axial abutment portion.
(Item 7)
The retainer has an axially perpendicular abutment portion (423) that abuts against the manifold in a contact direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the expansion valve body,
and an abutment-side elastic deformation portion (414) that elastically deforms radially outward of the expansion valve body when a force in the abutment direction acts on the axially perpendicular abutment portion.
(Item 8)
Furthermore, a main body rotation prevention portion (31, 37, 111, 116) that prevents the expansion valve main body from rotating relative to the manifold;
The mounting portion of the expansion valve according to item 2 or 4, further comprising a retainer rotation prevention portion (32, 33, 35, 36, 112, 113, 115, 425) that prevents the retainer from rotating relative to the expansion valve body or the manifold.
(Item 9)
9. The mounting portion of an expansion valve according to claim 8, wherein the retainer rotation prevention portion is provided in the groove portion.
(Item 10)
9. The mounting portion of an expansion valve according to claim 8, wherein the retainer rotation prevention portion is provided on the flange.
(Item 11)
The manifold has an insertion hole (30) into which a portion of the expansion valve body (10) is inserted,
11. The mounting portion for an expansion valve according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein an opening (30a) of the insertion hole in the manifold is positioned higher than other portions of the manifold.
(Item 12)
The expansion valve body has a coil portion (50) that drives a valve body that adjusts the opening degree of the refrigerant flow path,
12. The mounting portion of an expansion valve according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the retainer has a coil locking portion (44) to which the coil portion is fixed.
(Item 13)
13. The mounting portion for an expansion valve according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the retainer has an inner protrusion (417) extending radially inwardly of the expansion valve body.
(Item 14)
The expansion valve body includes a valve body portion (10) having a valve body for adjusting an opening degree of the refrigerant flow path and being inserted into an insertion hole (30) of the manifold, and a coil portion (50) for driving the valve body,
2. The mounting portion of an expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion (42, 42A) is fixed to both the valve body portion and the coil portion.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the scope of equivalents. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims (14)

1. An expansion valve mounting portion for mounting an expansion valve body (100) that adjusts the opening degree of a refrigerant flow path to a manifold (300),
   A retainer (400) having a locking portion (42, 42A),
   The locking portion is an expansion valve mounting portion that is fixed to one of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body.
2. The locking portion is a first locking portion (42),
   The first engaging portion is fixed to a groove portion (35, 112) formed in one of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body,
   2. The mounting portion for an expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein the retainer has a second engaging portion (412) to which a flange (32, 114) formed on the other of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body is fixed.
3. The locking portion is a first locking portion (42A),
   The first engaging portion is fixed to a groove portion (54, 112) formed in one of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body,
   the retainer has a third engaging portion (42B) fixed to the other of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body,
   2. The mounting portion for an expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein the third engaging portion is fixed to a groove portion (35) formed in the other of the outer periphery of the manifold and the outer periphery of the expansion valve body.
4. The first engaging portion is fixed to a groove portion (112) formed on the outer periphery of the expansion valve body,
   3. The mounting portion of the expansion valve according to claim 2, wherein a flange (32) formed on an outer periphery of the manifold is fixed to the second engaging portion.
5. The mounting portion of an expansion valve according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first engaging portion is a flange portion (42, 42A) that extends radially inward of the expansion valve body.
6. The retainer has an axial abutment portion (413) that abuts against the manifold in the axial direction of the expansion valve body,
   An expansion valve mounting portion as described in claim 5, further comprising an axial side elastic deformation portion (414) that elastically deforms radially outward of the expansion valve body when an axial force acts on the axial abutment portion.
7. The retainer has an axially perpendicular abutment portion (423) that abuts against the manifold in a contact direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the expansion valve body,
   6. An expansion valve mounting portion as described in claim 5, further comprising: an abutment side elastic deformation portion (414) that elastically deforms radially outward of the expansion valve body when a force in the abutment direction acts on the axially perpendicular abutment portion.
8. Furthermore, a main body rotation prevention portion (31, 37, 111, 116) that prevents the expansion valve main body from rotating relative to the manifold;
   5. The mounting portion of an expansion valve according to claim 2 or 4, further comprising a retainer rotation prevention portion (32, 33, 35, 36, 112, 113, 115, 425) that prevents the retainer from rotating relative to the expansion valve body or the manifold.
9. The mounting portion of the expansion valve according to claim 8, wherein the retainer rotation prevention portion is provided in the groove portion.
10. The mounting portion of the expansion valve according to claim 8, wherein the retainer rotation prevention portion is provided on the flange.
11. The manifold has an insertion hole (30) into which a portion of the expansion valve body (10) is inserted,
    5. The mounting portion for an expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein an opening (30a) of the insertion hole in the manifold is positioned higher than other portions of the manifold.
12. The expansion valve body has a coil portion (50) that drives a valve body that adjusts the opening degree of the refrigerant flow path,
    5. The mounting portion of an expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein the retainer has a coil locking portion (44) to which the coil portion is fixed.
13. The mounting portion of an expansion valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retainer has an inner protrusion (417) that extends radially inward of the expansion valve body.
14. The expansion valve body includes a valve body portion (10) having a valve body for adjusting an opening degree of the refrigerant flow path and being inserted into an insertion hole (30) of the manifold, and a coil portion (50) for driving the valve body,
    2. The mounting portion of an expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion (42, 42A) is fixed to both the valve body portion and the coil portion.

Images