JP2007332904A - Valve device and idle air quantity control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a valve device capable of surly performing opening and closing operation while attaining a more simple structure, smaller size, lower cost, lighter weight or the like. <P>SOLUTION: In the valve device including a valve element 20 defining a female thread 25c' in a predetermined outer circumferential surface 22 and its axial direction L, a rotary member 32 defining a male thread 32a screwed to the female thread 25c' of the valve element 20, and a driving source 30 driving the rotary member 32, in which a passage 13 is opened and closed by the outer circumferential surface 22a of the valve element 20, the valve element 20 includes a cylindrical valve member 21 defining the outer circumferential surface 22a, and a screw member 25 connected with the valve member 21 to be relatively movable only in a predetermined quantity in the axial direction L and defining the female thread 25c'. According to this, the valve element 20 can surely perform opening and closing operation without being locked by meshing or engagement. Since accurate management of dimensional accuracy is dispensed with, manufacturing cost can be reduced, and resinification of the valve element can be also facilitated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a valve device for opening and closing a passage through which a fluid passes, and an engine idle air amount control device using the valve device.

  As an idle air amount control device equipped with a conventional valve device, an air inlet hole for passing air introduced from an intake passage upstream of the throttle valve, and an axis in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the air inlet hole A space for storing air guided from the air inflow hole and a cylindrical control hole member defining two control holes on its side surface, and air flowing out from the control hole of the control hole member to the intake passage downstream of the throttle valve The guide passage member and the control hole member are provided with a valve device etc. that is reciprocally movable in the axial direction thereof and opens and closes the control hole, and bypasses the throttle valve arranged in each intake passage when idling. One that guides air from the upstream side to the downstream side of the passage is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Here, the valve device includes a valve body and a valve that are formed integrally on the inner side of the outer cylindrical portion and the outer cylindrical portion that slide on the inner peripheral surface of the control hole member, and have an inner cylindrical portion. A lead screw having a male screw that engages with a female screw of the body (inner cylindrical portion), a stepping motor that rotates the lead screw, a coil spring that biases the valve body in the axial direction, and the like are provided.
And by starting a stepping motor and rotating a lead screw, a valve body is reciprocated and the control hole is opened and closed.

However, in this valve device, when the valve body moves to the moving end in the axial direction and the end surface of the outer cylindrical portion is seated, the female screw is excessively pressed against the male screw due to the reaction force, and the screw is engaged. The valve body may lock and become inoperable.
Further, the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion are formed in an integral double cylindrical shape having the same axis (concentric), and the outer cylindrical portion slides on the inner peripheral surface of the control hole member to form the control hole. Since the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion, the inner peripheral surface of the control hole member, the female screw of the inner cylindrical portion, and the lead screw are not aligned with high accuracy, the sliding surface In such a case, a phenomenon such as a sticking (stick) may occur, resulting in inoperability. Therefore, in order to avoid this, it is necessary to manage the coaxiality with high accuracy, resulting in an increase in cost.
Furthermore, when a load or the like is applied to the valve body from the outside, stress may be generated at the screwed portion of the female screw and the male screw, and the valve body may similarly become inoperable.

JP 2006-37916 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances of the above-described conventional apparatus, and the object of the present invention is that high-precision management of manufacturing dimensions and the like is unnecessary while achieving cost reduction, downsizing, and the like. An object of the present invention is to provide a valve device that can prevent a load or stress from being applied, reliably guarantee the opening / closing operation of the valve body, and has excellent durability, and an idle air amount control device using the valve device.

The valve device of the present invention includes a valve body that defines a predetermined outer peripheral surface and one of a female screw and a male screw in an axial direction thereof, and a female screw and a male screw that are screwed into one of the female screw and the male screw of the valve body. A valve device that includes a rotating member that defines the other, and a drive source that drives the rotating member, and that opens and closes the passage by the outer peripheral surface of the valve body, the valve body including a cylindrical valve member that defines the outer peripheral surface; The screw member includes a screw member that is movably connected to the valve member by a predetermined amount in the axial direction and that defines one of the female screw and the male screw.
According to this configuration, when the rotary member is rotationally driven by the drive source, the screw member moves in the axial direction by the feed screw mechanism by screwing of the male screw and the female screw, and the valve member moves in conjunction with the screw member. Moving. Here, since the screw member and the valve member are formed as separate members and connected so as to interlock with play by a predetermined amount, the load (load) or stress received by one does not transmit to the other, Further, since the mutual coaxiality is not so required, the screw member can be reliably screwed with the rotating member, and the valve member can reliably open and close the passage. Thus, the valve body can be reliably opened and closed without being locked due to biting or biting. Further, since it is not necessary to manage the dimensional accuracy with high accuracy, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the valve body can be easily made into a resin.

In the valve device having the above-described configuration, the valve member has a cylindrical portion that defines an outer peripheral surface, a bottom portion that defines an opening opened in the axial direction, and a screw member is inserted into the opening from the inside of the valve member to be a bottom portion. A configuration having a threaded portion that defines the other of the flange portion, the female screw, and the male screw that are engaged with the outer end surface of the outer peripheral surface can be adopted.
According to this configuration, the threaded portion of the screw member is passed through the opening provided in the bottom portion of the valve member and engaged with the outer end surface of the bottom portion. It can be connected to the member and can be assembled easily.

In the valve device having the above-described configuration, the bottom portion of the valve member may adopt a configuration in which a concave portion that receives a predetermined amount of the flange portion in the axial direction is defined on the outer end surface thereof.
According to this configuration, in a state in which the screw member is connected to the valve member, the amount of protrusion in the axial direction can be reduced by fitting the flange portion into the recess of the bottom portion, and the valve body can be reduced in size. . Further, by matching the shape of the concave portion with the shape of the collar portion, the relative rotation of the two around the axis can be prevented.

In the valve device having the above-described configuration, the bottom portion of the valve member may adopt a configuration in which a protruding piece that guides the flange portion that moves in the axial direction is defined on the outer end surface thereof.
According to this configuration, when the screw member moves relative to the valve member in the protruding direction, the flange portion is guided by the protruding piece, so that the relative position other than the axial direction of the screw member and the valve member. The relationship is maintained. In addition, when the fluid flows so as to oppose (impact) the bottom from the axial direction, this projecting piece stirs the flow of the fluid and mixes the slow flow and the fast flow to prevent separation of the flow, and the flow pressure Resistance can be reduced.

In the valve device configured as described above, a configuration including a spring that biases the valve member in one direction with respect to the rotating member can be employed.
According to this configuration, the biasing force of the spring can prevent the backlash between the female screw and the male screw in the screwed relationship between the screw member and the rotating member while preventing the screw member from coming into contact with the valve member. It is possible to obtain a smooth screw feeding operation without impact or rattling noise.

In the valve device having the above-described configuration, the screw member has an enlarged diameter portion at a position spaced apart from the bottom portion in the axial direction inside the valve member, and is elastically deformable between the bottom portion and the enlarged diameter portion. A configuration in which a buffer member is interposed can be employed.
According to this configuration, when a buffer member (for example, an O-ring or a spring) is interposed between the bottom portion and the enlarged diameter portion, the valve member moves in the axial direction and the end surface thereof is seated. It is possible to prevent the impact force from being absorbed by the buffer member and transmitted to the screw member. If an O-ring is used as the buffer member, the connection region between the valve member and the screw member can be sealed.

In the valve device having the above-described configuration, a configuration in which a female screw is formed on the screw portion of the valve member and a male screw is formed on the rotating member can be adopted.
According to this configuration, by forming the female screw on the valve body and the male screw on the rotating member, the valve body and the rotating member can be formed compactly, and as a result, the valve device can be downsized.

The idle air amount control device of the present invention includes a suction passage for sucking air, a plurality of discharge passages for discharging air, and a communication having a plurality of communication ports on the inner peripheral surface thereof so as to communicate with the suction passage and the plurality of discharge passages. A housing that defines a passage, an outer peripheral surface that opens and closes the communication port, a valve body that defines one of a female screw and a male screw in the axial direction thereof, a female screw that is screwed into one of the female screw and the male screw of the valve body, and An idle air amount control device that includes a rotating member that defines the other of the male screws, and a drive source that drives the rotating member, and controls the amount of air that flows through the throttle valve in an engine intake system, Includes a cylindrical valve member that defines an outer peripheral surface, and a screw member that is movably connected to the valve member by a predetermined amount in the axial direction and that defines one of a female screw and a male screw. Has become
According to this configuration, in an intake system formed by an intake pipe and a throttle valve communicating with each cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine and one surge tank (or an air cleaner, an outside air introduction duct) connecting the intake pipes, etc. The intake passage, the communication passage, and the discharge passage of the engine are introduced into the intake pipes downstream of the throttle valves by introducing air from a common surge tank upstream of the throttle valves so as to bypass the throttle valves. Connected to guide. During idling, the valve element is opened, and the air guided to the suction passage flows into the discharge passage from the communication passage and is then guided to each intake pipe. In such an air passage, when the rotary member is rotationally driven by the drive source, the screw member moves in the axial direction by a feed screw mechanism by screwing of the male screw and the female screw, and the valve member is interlocked with the screw member. Moves in the communication path and opens and closes the communication port.
Here, since the screw member and the valve member are formed as separate members and connected so as to interlock with play by a predetermined amount, the load (load) or stress received by one does not transmit to the other, Further, since the mutual coaxiality is not so required, the screw member can be reliably screwed with the rotating member, and the valve member can reliably open and close the passage. As a result, the opening and closing operation of the communication port can be reliably performed without causing the valve body to bite or bite and lock. Further, since it is not necessary to manage the dimensional accuracy with high accuracy, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the valve body can be easily made into a resin.

In the idle air amount control device having the above-described configuration, the valve member has a cylindrical portion that defines an outer peripheral surface, a bottom portion that defines an opening opened in the axial direction, and a screw member is inserted into the opening from the inside of the valve member. A configuration having a threaded portion that defines the other of the flange portion, the female screw, and the male screw that is engaged with the outer end surface of the bottom portion can be employed.
According to this configuration, the screw member is placed in the cylindrical portion in a state where the screw portion is disposed in the cylindrical portion by engaging the flange portion of the screw member at the bottom portion of the valve member or through the opening and engaging the outer end surface of the bottom portion. It can be connected to the member and can be assembled easily.

In the idle air amount control device having the above-described configuration, the bottom portion of the valve member may adopt a configuration in which a concave portion that receives a predetermined amount of the flange portion in the axial direction is defined on the outer end surface thereof.
According to this configuration, in a state in which the screw member is connected to the valve member, the amount of protrusion in the axial direction can be reduced by fitting the flange portion into the recess of the bottom portion, and the valve body can be reduced in size. . Further, by matching the shape of the concave portion with the shape of the collar portion, the relative rotation of the two around the axis can be prevented.

In the idle air amount control device configured as described above, a configuration in which the bottom portion of the valve member defines a protruding piece that guides the flange portion moving in the axial direction on the outer end surface thereof can be adopted.
According to this configuration, when the screw member moves relative to the valve member in the protruding direction, the flange portion is guided by the protruding piece, so that the relative position other than the axial direction of the screw member and the valve member. The relationship is maintained. In addition, when the fluid flows so as to oppose (impact) the bottom from the axial direction, this projecting piece stirs the flow of the fluid and mixes the slow flow and the fast flow to prevent separation of the flow, and the flow pressure Resistance can be reduced.

In the idle air amount control device having the above-described configuration, a configuration including a spring that biases the valve member in one direction with respect to the rotating member can be adopted.
According to this configuration, the biasing force of the spring can prevent the backlash between the female screw and the male screw in the screwed relationship between the screw member and the rotating member while preventing the screw member from coming into contact with the valve member. It is possible to obtain a smooth screw feeding operation without impact or rattling noise.

In the idle air amount control device configured as described above, the screw member has an enlarged diameter portion at a position spaced apart from the bottom portion in the axial direction on the inner side of the valve member, and an elastic portion is provided between the bottom portion and the enlarged diameter portion. A configuration in which a deformable buffer member is interposed can be employed.
According to this configuration, when a buffer member (for example, an O-ring or a spring) is interposed between the bottom portion and the enlarged diameter portion, the valve member moves in the axial direction and the end surface thereof is seated. It is possible to prevent the impact force from being absorbed by the buffer member and transmitted to the screw member. If an O-ring is used as the buffer member, the connection region between the valve member and the screw member can be sealed.

In the idle air amount control device having the above-described configuration, a configuration in which a female screw is formed on the screw portion of the valve member and a male screw is formed on the rotating member can be adopted.
According to this configuration, the valve body and the rotating member can be formed compactly by forming the female screw on the valve body and the male screw on the rotating member, and as a result, the idle air amount control device can be miniaturized. .

  According to the valve device and the idle air amount control device having the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent a load or stress from being applied without requiring high-precision management such as manufacturing dimensions while achieving cost reduction and downsizing. Thus, it is possible to reliably assure the opening / closing operation of the valve body, and to obtain a valve device having excellent durability and an idle air amount control device using the valve device.

  FIGS. 1 to 7 show an embodiment of an idle air amount control device M provided with a valve device according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a system diagram in which this device M is applied to an intake system of a four-cylinder engine. 2 is an external perspective view of the device M, FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device M, FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view of the device M (a valve body is omitted), and FIG. 5 shows a valve body included in the device M. FIG. 6 is a side view, an end view, and a longitudinal sectional view of a valve member that forms part of the valve body, and FIG. 7 is a plan view, a side view, and a screw member that forms part of the valve body. It is an end view and a longitudinal sectional view.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the intake system of the engine E includes four intake pipes 1 communicating with the respective cylinders, one surge tank (or air cleaner) 2 connecting the upstream ends of the four intake pipes 1, and a surge tank. 2, an outside air introduction duct 3 connected to the upstream side, a throttle valve 4 disposed in each intake pipe 1 so as to be freely opened and closed, a throttle shaft 5 for coaxially supporting the four throttle valves 4 to be opened and closed, and a throttle shaft 5, an actuator 6 for driving 5, a suction side connector pipe (suction passage) 40 of the idle air amount control device M and one pipe 7 for connecting the surge tank 2, and four discharge side connector pipes (discharge) of the idle air amount control device M (Passage) 50 and four pipes 8 for connecting the intake pipes 1 on the downstream side of the throttle valve 4 and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the idle air amount control device M includes a suction passage 11 that sucks air, four discharge passages 12 that discharge air, and a communication that connects the suction passage 11 and the four discharge passages 12. The housing 10 defining the passage 13 and the like, the valve body 20 provided in the housing 10 so as to reciprocate to open and close the communication passage 13, the stepping motor 30 as a drive source for driving the valve body 20, and the suction passage 11 are fitted. The suction side connector pipe 40, the four discharge side connector pipes 50 fitted in the discharge passage 12, the two retaining members 60 that restrict the removal of the discharge side connector pipe 50, and the like are provided.

  The housing 10 is formed of an aluminum material or a resin material. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the suction passage 11, the four discharge passages 12, the communication passage 13 formed coaxially with the suction passage 11, the communication passage 13, and the like. A recess 14 formed adjacent to the same axis and having an enlarged diameter, two screw holes 15 for fastening the retaining member 60 with screws B, and 2 for fastening a cover 35 of a stepping motor 30 described later with screws B A flange 16 having one screw hole 16a, a mounting flange 17 having a through hole 17a, a reinforcing rib 18 and the like are provided.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the suction passage 11 is formed by a fitting passage 11 a for fitting the suction-side connector pipe 40 and a reduced diameter passage 11 b formed with a diameter smaller than that of the fitting passage 11 a. Yes. The step portion 11b ′ that defines the reduced diameter passage 11b also serves as a seating surface on which a valve member 21 of the valve body 20 described later is seated.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the communication passage 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape coaxially and diameter-expanding following the reduced diameter passage 12 b of the suction passage 12, and in the axis L direction on the inner peripheral surface thereof. It has four communication ports 13a that are formed radially so as to communicate with the discharge passages 12 in a vertical plane. The communication passage 13 guides the cylindrical valve body 20 to be slidably fitted in the direction of the axis L so as to open and close the communication port 13a formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof. .
That is, the air sucked into the suction passage 11 is guided from the communication passage 13 through the communication port 13a to the four discharge passages 12, and the valve body 20 opens / closes or opens the communication port 13a. By adjusting, the amount of air flowing from the suction passage 11 to the discharge passage 12 is controlled.
The recess 14 is formed so as to accommodate the stepping motor 30 and to position the stepping motor 30 at a predetermined position in the direction of the axis L.

  3 and 5, the valve body 20 includes a valve member 21 formed in a cylindrical shape, a screw member 25 disposed inside the valve member 21 and connected with a gap in the direction of the axis L, a valve member 21 and an O-ring 28 serving as a buffer member incorporated so as to be interposed between the screw member 25 and the screw member 25.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the valve member 21 includes a cylindrical portion 22 that defines a cylindrical outer peripheral surface 22 a, a bottom portion 23 that is integrally formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 22, and the like.
As shown in FIG. 3, the outer peripheral surface 22a of the cylindrical portion 22 slides on the inner peripheral surface of the communication path 13 to open and close the communication port 13a.
As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom portion 23 defines an annular end surface 23a, an opening 23b, two concave portions 23c, and two projecting pieces 23d on the outer end surface thereof.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the annular end surface 23 a is seated on a step portion 11 b ′ that defines the reduced diameter passage 11 b of the suction passage 11.
As shown in FIG. 6C, the opening 23 b is opened so as to penetrate the bottom 23 in the direction of the axis L so as to have a shape in which a circle is superimposed on the center of a substantially rectangular shape.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the recess 23c is formed so as to sandwich the opening 23b in the Y direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the opening 23b, and is formed so as to receive a flange portion 25a of the screw member 25 described later. Has been.
The two projecting pieces 23d are formed so as to project outward by a predetermined amount from the outer end surface of the bottom 23 (downward in the direction of the axis L in FIG. 6). Guided.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the screw member 25 includes a flange portion 25 a positioned on the outer side of the valve member 22, a neck portion 25 b positioned on the opening 23 b of the valve member 21, and a screw portion 25 c positioned on the inner side of the valve member 21. And an enlarged diameter portion 25d formed so as to protrude in the radial direction above the neck portion 22b.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flange portion 25 a is passed through the opening 23 b of the valve portion 21 and rotated approximately 90 degrees to be received by the recessed portion 23 c in the axis L direction by a predetermined amount (that is, the bottom portion). 23).
As shown in FIG. 5A, the neck portion 25b is formed in such a size that a gap is formed between the neck portion 25b and the opening 23b in a state of being passed through the opening 23b.
As shown in FIG. 7, the screw portion 25c is formed so as to demarcate a female screw 25c ′ in the direction of the axis L and a two-sided width portion 25c ″ on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The screw portion 25c is inserted into a guide portion 34 of the stepping motor 30 described later, and is guided so as to be movable in the direction of the axis L while being restricted in rotation.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the enlarged diameter portion 25 d has a conical shape at a position separated from the bottom 23 (inner side surface) in the axis L direction by a predetermined amount in a state where the screw member 25 is connected to the valve member 21. It is formed in a trapezoidal shape. The enlarged diameter portion 25d is configured to sandwich the O-ring 28 in cooperation with the bottom portion 23.

The valve body 20 having the above configuration is assembled by compressing the O-ring 28 from the inside of the valve member 21 to the opening 23b with the flange portion 25a of the screw member 25 in a state where the O-ring 28 is fitted into the neck portion 25b of the screw member 25. Then, the screw member 25 is rotated by approximately 90 degrees so that the flange portion 25a enters the recess portion 23c, that is, engages with the outer end surface of the bottom portion 23.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the screw member 25 is relative to the valve member 21 so as not to be detached and in the axis L direction by a predetermined amount (in a range in which the O-ring 28 can be compressed and deformed). It is movably connected to. As described above, the valve member 21 and the screw member 25 can be easily assembled, and can be interlocked with play by a predetermined amount by a combination of the valve member 21, the screw member 25, and the O-ring 28. Is formed.

Therefore, when the screw member 25 receives an impact force (or pressing force) downward in FIG. 5A in the direction of the axis L, the O-ring 28 is elastic so as to absorb the impact force (or pressing force). Due to the deformation, the flange 25a can be slightly separated from the bottom 23 of the valve member 21 along the protruding piece 23d. Thereby, unnecessary impact force etc. can be prevented from being transmitted to the valve member 21, and the valve member 21 can reliably open and close the communication port 13a.
When the valve member 21 is seated on the stepped portion 11b ′ of the housing 10 and receives an impact force (or pressing force) upward in FIG. 5A in the direction of the axis L, the O-ring 28 has its impact force. The flange portion 25a can be slightly separated from the bottom portion 23 of the valve member 21 along the protruding piece 23d by elastic deformation so as to absorb (or pressing force). Thereby, unnecessary impact force etc. can be prevented from being transmitted to the screw member 25, and the screw member 25 can normally maintain the screwing relationship with the rotor screw portion 32 described later.

Thus, the load (load) or stress received by one of the valve member 21 and the screw member 25 is not transmitted to the other, and the degree of mutual coaxiality is not so much required. The valve member 21 can reliably open and close the communication passage 13 (communication port 13a).
As a result, the valve body 20 can reliably perform the opening / closing operation of the communication port 13a without being locked due to biting or biting. Further, since it is not necessary to manage the dimensional accuracy with high accuracy, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the valve body 20 can be easily made into a resin.

Here, the amount of protrusion in the direction of the axis L can be reduced by providing the bottom 23 (outer end surface) of the valve member 21 with the recess 23c for receiving the flange 25a by a predetermined amount in the direction of the axis L. The body 20 can be reduced in size, and the relative rotation of both around the axis L can be prevented.
In addition, at the bottom 23 of the valve member 21, by providing a protruding piece 23 d that guides the flange portion 25 a that moves in the axis L direction, the screw member 25 moves relative to the valve member 21 in the protruding direction. At this time, since the flange portion 25a is guided by the protruding piece 23d, the relative positional relationship of the screw member 25 and the valve member 21 other than the direction of the axis L (around the axis L) is maintained.
Furthermore, when the projecting piece 23d is provided, when the fluid flows so as to oppose (collision) from the axial direction to the bottom 23, the projecting piece 23d stirs the flow of the fluid and mixes the slow flow and the fast flow. Thus, separation of the flow can be prevented and the pressure resistance of the flow can be reduced.

  Here, the O-ring 28 is used only as a buffer member. However, if a member having a size that completely closes the opening 23b is used, it can be used as a seal member, and a sealing function for blocking the opening 23b can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the stepping motor 30 includes a case 31, a rotor (not shown) that is rotatably supported around the axis L in the case 31, and two stators that are stacked around the rotor in the direction of the axis L. (Not shown), a guide portion 34 that guides the screw portion 22 of the valve body 20 in the direction of the axis L, a cover 35 that is joined to the housing 10 and that defines an electrical connection connector 35a, the guide portion 34 and the valve portion 21 And a coil spring 36 fitted in a compressed state.

The rotor is integrally provided with a cylindrical magnetized portion magnetized in multiple poles on the outer peripheral surface thereof and a rotor screw portion 32 as a rotating member formed with a male screw 32a.
The male screw 32a of the rotor screw portion 32 is screwed into the female screw 25c 'of the valve body 20 (screw member 25). When the rotor (the magnetized portion and the rotor screw portion 32) rotates, the valve body 20 is moved in the direction of the axis L.
Each of the two stators is formed by an exciting coil, a bobbin around which the coil is wound, and a yoke including a pair of components that are joined by sandwiching the bobbin.
The guide portion 34 has a substantially frustoconical appearance, and is formed so that the screw member 25 (screw portion 25c) of the valve body 20 is slidably received therein. Is guided so as to be reciprocally movable in the direction of the axis L.
The cover 35 covers a substantially half of the case 31 and defines a connection connector 35 a for energizing the coil. The cover 35 is fastened to the flange 16 of the housing 10 with screws B.

The coil spring 36 is in contact with the root region of the guide portion 34 and the valve member 21 (the bottom portion 23 thereof) and biases the valve member 21 in one direction (downward in FIG. 3) against the rotor screw portion 32. It is assembled in a compressed state so as to exert an urging force.
Accordingly, the coil spring 36 prevents backlash between the female screw 25c ′ of the screw member 25 and the male screw 32a of the rotor screw portion 32 while preventing the valve member 21 and the screw portion 22 from rattling. Yes.

  The operation of the idle air amount control device having the above configuration will be described. When the engine E is in an idling state, the stepping motor 30 is driven and the valve body 20 (valve member 21) opens the communication port 13a. That is, due to the feed screw action of the rotor screw portion 32 and the screw member 25 of the rotor, the screw member 25 starts to move upward in the direction of the axis L in FIG. 3, and interlocks with the screw member 25 (substantially simultaneously with the screw member 25). The valve member 21 begins to move upward, and the outer peripheral surface 22a opens the plurality of communication ports 13a. At this time, even if the axial centers of the screw member 25 and the valve member 21 are slightly deviated, the screwing relationship between the screw member 25 and the rotor screw portion 32 is maintained normally, and the valve member 21 smoothly moves the communication path 13. The valve can be opened by sliding.

  The air guided from the surge tank 2 upstream of the throttle valve 4 to the suction passage 11 via the pipe 7 collides with the end face of the valve body 20 sliding in the communication passage 13 from the direction of the axis L. Are bent in a substantially vertical direction and guided radially, and flow into the corresponding discharge passages 12 from the four communication holes 13a.

  The air flowing into the four discharge passages 12 is supplied into the four intake pipes 1 located downstream of the throttle valve 4 via the pipe 8. Thereby, in each cylinder, the stable combustion which does not have dispersion | variation is obtained, and the engine E can be idling stably.

  On the other hand, when an operating state other than idling is entered, the stepping motor 30 is driven, and the valve body 20 (valve member 21) closes the communication port 13a. That is, due to the reverse feed screw action of the rotor screw portion 32 and the screw member 25 of the rotor, the screw member 25 begins to move downward in the direction of the axis L in FIG. 3, and in conjunction with the screw member 25 (with the screw member 25 and At substantially the same time, the valve member 21 begins to move downward, and its outer peripheral surface 22a closes the plurality of communication ports 13a. At this time, even if the axial centers of the screw member 25 and the valve member 21 are slightly deviated, the screwing relationship between the screw member 25 and the rotor screw portion 32 is maintained normally, and the valve member 21 smoothly moves the communication path 13. The valve can be closed by sliding.

Here, even if the annular end surface 23a of the valve member 21 contacts the stepped portion 11b ′ of the housing 10, the impact force is absorbed by the O-ring 28, and the screwing relationship between the screw member 25 and the rotor screw portion 32 is normal. Maintained.
In addition, since the annular end surface 23a comes into contact with the stepped portion 11b ′ (seat surface) after the valve member 21 closes the communication port 13a, the valve body 20 normally has a position learning to the stepping motor 30. Thus, the drive control is performed so that the valve body 20 stops before coming into contact with the stepped portion 11b ′.

In the embodiment described above, the valve body 20 is configured by the valve member 21, the screw member 25, and the O-ring 28. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the relative relationship between the valve member 21 and the screw member 25 is shown. If the general movement is limited to a predetermined amount, a configuration in which the O-ring 28 is omitted may be adopted.
In the said embodiment, although the case where O-ring 28 was employ | adopted as a buffer member was shown, it is not limited to this, A coil spring etc. may be employ | adopted.
In the above embodiment, the case where the valve device is applied to the engine idle air amount control device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other fluids may be used as long as the passage needs to be opened and closed. The present invention may be applied to a passage structure that requires a fluid control device or other piping element.

  As described above, the valve device and the idle air amount control device of the present invention do not require high-precision management such as manufacturing dimensions and achieve load, stress, etc. while achieving cost reduction and downsizing. This can be applied to control the amount of air in engines mounted on motorcycles, automobiles, etc., and it is necessary to open and close the passage through which the fluid passes. Some are useful in other fields.

1 is a system diagram showing an embodiment in which an idle air amount control device including a valve device according to the present invention is applied to a four-cylinder engine. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the idle air quantity control apparatus provided with the valve apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the idle air amount control apparatus shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view of the idle air amount control device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a valve body incorporated in the idle air amount control device shown in FIG. 2, (a) is a longitudinal sectional view thereof, and (b) is an end view thereof. The valve member which makes a part of valve body is shown, (a) is the side view, (b) is the end view, (c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view in E1-E1 in (a). 1 shows a screw member forming a part of a valve body, (a) is a plan view thereof, (b) is a side view thereof, (c) is an end view thereof, and (d) is an E2- in (b). It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view in E2.

Explanation of symbols

L axis 10 housing 11 suction passage 11a fitting passage 11b reduced diameter passage 11b ′ step portion (seat surface)
12 Discharge passage 13 Communication passage 13a Communication port 20 Valve body 21 Valve member (valve body)
22 cylindrical portion 22a outer peripheral surface 23 bottom 23a annular end surface 23b opening 23c recess 23d protruding piece 25 screw member (valve element)
25a collar 25b neck 25c thread 25c 'female thread 25c''double width 25d expanded diameter 28 O-ring (buffer member, valve element)
30 Stepping motor (drive source)
31 Case 32 Rotor screw part (rotating member)
32a Male thread 34 Guide portion 35 Cover 35a Connection connector 36 Coil spring 40 Suction side connector pipe 50 Discharge side connector pipe 60 Retaining member

Claims (14)

A valve body that defines one of a female screw and a male screw in a predetermined outer peripheral surface and its axial direction, and a rotating member that defines the other of the female screw and the male screw that are screwed into one of the female screw and the male screw of the valve body And a valve device that includes a drive source for driving the rotating member, and that opens and closes a passage by an outer peripheral surface of the valve body,
The valve body is connected to a cylindrical valve member that defines the outer peripheral surface, and is movable relative to the valve member by a predetermined amount in the axial direction, and defines one of the female screw and the male screw. Including screw members
A valve device characterized by that. The valve member has a cylindrical portion that defines the outer peripheral surface, a bottom portion that defines an opening opened in the axial direction,
The screw member has a threaded portion that is inserted from the inside of the valve member into the opening and is engaged with an outer end surface of the bottom portion, and defines the other of the female screw and the male screw.
The valve device according to claim 1. The bottom portion of the valve member defines, on the outer end surface thereof, a recess that receives the flange portion in a predetermined amount in the axial direction.
The valve device according to claim 2. The bottom portion of the valve member defines a protruding piece that guides the flange portion that moves in the axial direction on an outer end surface thereof.
The valve device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein A spring that biases the valve member in one direction with respect to the rotating member;
The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The screw member has an enlarged diameter portion at a position separated from the bottom portion in the axial direction by a predetermined amount inside the valve member,
Between the bottom part and the enlarged diameter part, an elastically deformable buffer member is interposed,
The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: A female thread is formed on the threaded portion of the valve member,
The rotating member is formed with a male screw.
The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein A housing that defines a suction passage for sucking air, a plurality of discharge passages for discharging air, and a communication passage having a plurality of communication ports on an inner peripheral surface thereof to connect the suction passage and the plurality of discharge passages; An outer peripheral surface that opens and closes the communication port and a valve body that defines one of a female screw and a male screw in the axial direction thereof, and a female screw and a male screw that are engaged with one of the female screw and the male screw of the valve body are defined An idle air amount control device that controls the amount of air that flows by bypassing the throttle valve in the intake system of the engine, and a rotation source that drives the rotation member.
The valve body is connected to a cylindrical valve member that defines the outer peripheral surface, and is movable relative to the valve member by a predetermined amount in the axial direction, and defines one of the female screw and the male screw. Including screw members
An idle air amount control device characterized by that. The valve member has a cylindrical portion that defines the outer peripheral surface, a bottom portion that defines an opening opened in the axial direction,
The screw member has a threaded portion that is inserted from the inside of the valve member into the opening and is engaged with an outer end surface of the bottom portion, and defines the other of the female screw and the male screw.
The idle air amount control device according to claim 8. The bottom portion of the valve member defines, on the outer end surface thereof, a recess that receives the flange portion in a predetermined amount in the axial direction.
The idle air amount control device according to claim 9. The bottom portion of the valve member defines a protruding piece that guides the flange portion that moves in the axial direction on an outer end surface thereof.
The idle air amount control device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that A spring that biases the valve member in one direction with respect to the rotating member;
The idle air amount control device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein The screw member has an enlarged diameter portion at a position separated from the bottom portion in the axial direction by a predetermined amount inside the valve member,
Between the bottom part and the enlarged diameter part, an elastically deformable buffer member is interposed,
The idle air amount control device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein A female thread is formed on the threaded portion of the valve member,
The rotating member is formed with a male screw.
The idle air amount control device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein

Images