Patent Description:
The use of angle sensors to detect the valve opening degree of electrically operated valves is known.

As an example of a related technique, Patent Document <NUM> discloses a valve opening degree detection device for an electrically operated valve. The valve opening degree detection device described in Patent Document <NUM> includes a magnetic drum in which north and south poles fixed to a rotation axis are equally divided on the circumference, a rotation angle detection magnetic sensor provided on the circumference of the outer side of a can opposite to the north-south pole, a magnet provided on the end of the rotation axis, a vertical position detection magnetic sensor provided on the outer side of the can opposite to the magnet, and a valve opening degree calculation means for calculating a valve opening degree based on the detected values of the rotation angle detection magnetic sensor and the vertical position detection magnetic sensor.

Also, Patent Document <NUM> discloses an electrically operated valve that utilizes a stepping motor. The electrically operated valve disclosed in Patent Document <NUM> includes a stator, a rotor rotationally driven by the stator, a detection rotor for detecting a rotational position of the rotor, and a Hall IC disposed outside the detection rotor. In the electrically operated valve described in Patent Document <NUM>, the rotational position of the rotor is detected based on an output signal detected by a Hall IC disposed on an outer side of the detection rotor.

<CIT> discloses a valve opening sensor in a motor-driven valve, in which a stepping motor has a rotary shaft, an armature and a stator, and the rotary shaft and the armature are driven by drive part provided in a can which isolates coolant from the ambient air. A magnetic drum is secured to the rotary shaft and is magnetized on its outer periphery with N poles and S poles at equal intervals, a rotating angle detecting magnetic sensor is provided on the outer periphery of the can opposing to the N and S poles, a magnet is provided to one end of the rotary shaft, a vertical position detecting magnetic sensor is provided on the outside of the can opposing the magnet, and a valve opening degree computing means for computing a valve opening from values detected by the magnetic sensors are provided. <CIT> discloses a rotary position sensor for determining the rotary position of a rotary component, including a sensor and a magnet. The sensor is responsive to a characteristic of a magnetic field that changes as the magnetic field moves. The magnet can be carried by the rotary component for rotation with the rotary component. A buffer may be provided around the magnet to limit distortion of the magnetic field. <CIT> discloses a motor operated valve including a valve body with an inlet and outlet and a valve seat therebetween. A valve core reciprocates between open and closed positions by threads of the valve core cooperating with threads on a shaft which rotates with the armature of the motor. The armature has a plurality of spaced apart permanent magnets, a bearing assembly, and is enclosed by a magnetically transparent enclosure closed at one end and hermetically sealed at its other end to the valve body. Lying closely outside the enclosure is a drive stator that includes drive windings and plural Hall-effect devices for commutation of the windings.

In the electrically operated valve described in Patent Documents <NUM> and <NUM>, the rotation angle of a rotating body such as a rotor is detected by a magnetic sensor disposed in the radially outer direction of the rotating body. However, when the rotation angle of the rotating body is detected by a magnetic sensor disposed in the radially outer direction of the rotating body, it is difficult to accurately detect the rotation angle of the rotating body unless a large number of magnetic sensors are disposed in the radially outer direction of the rotating body. Disposing a large number of magnetic sensors, however, increases the cost. In addition, it becomes necessary to secure sufficient space for disposing a large number of magnetic sensors, and there is a risk that the support mechanism for supporting the large number of magnetic sensors may become complicated. In addition when the magnetic sensor detects the rotation angle by increasing or decreasing the Hall current, the rotation angle information is lost when the power is turned off, and when the power is turned on again, the absolute rotation angle of the rotating body may not be known.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electrically operated valve capable of more accurately detecting the position of the valve body by more accurately detecting the rotation angle of a rotation shaft.

In order to achieve the above object, the electrically operated valve according to the present invention comprises the features of claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined by the subclaims.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrically operated valve capable of more accurately detecting the position of a valve body.

Hereinafter, an electrically operated valve according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that in the following description of the embodiments, parts and members having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repetitive descriptions of parts and members denoted by the same reference numerals are omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, a description will be provided of an electrically operated valve A according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an overview of an electrically operated valve A according to the first embodiment. It should be noted that, in <FIG>, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, a portion of the electrically operated valve A is omitted.

The electrically operated valve A includes a valve body <NUM>, a driver <NUM>, a rotation shaft <NUM>, a power source <NUM> for transmitting power to the rotation shaft <NUM>, a permanent magnet member <NUM> that includes a permanent magnet <NUM>, and an angle sensor <NUM> for detecting a rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>.

The valve body <NUM> closes the flow path by contacting the valve seat <NUM>, and opens the flow path by separating from the valve seat <NUM>.

The driver <NUM> is a member for moving the valve body <NUM> along the first axis Z. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, an external thread <NUM> is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the driver <NUM>. The external thread <NUM> is screwed to an internal thread <NUM> provided on a guide member <NUM> for guiding the driver. As the driver <NUM> rotates relative to the guide member <NUM>, the driver <NUM> moves along the first axis Z. The driver <NUM> and the valve body <NUM> are mechanically connected to each other. Accordingly, when the driver <NUM> moves along the first axis Z, the valve body <NUM> also moves along the first axis Z. It should be noted that the driver <NUM> and the valve body <NUM> may be integrally formed or may be separately formed.

The rotation shaft <NUM> is a member for rotating the driver <NUM> about the first axis Z. The rotation shaft <NUM> receives power from a power source <NUM> and rotates about the first axis Z. The rotation shaft <NUM> and the driver <NUM> are mechanically connected to each other. Accordingly, when the rotation shaft <NUM> rotates about the first axis Z, the driver <NUM> also rotates about the first axis Z. The rotation shaft <NUM> and the driver <NUM> may be integrally formed or may be separately formed.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the valve body <NUM>, the driver <NUM>, and the rotation shaft <NUM> are arranged on a straight line (i.e., on the first axis Z). Accordingly, the motion conversion mechanism for converting the rotational motion of the rotation shaft <NUM> into the axial motion of the valve body <NUM> is simplified. It should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to an arrangement in which the valve body <NUM>, the driver <NUM>, and the rotation shaft <NUM> form a straight line.

The permanent magnet member <NUM> rotates about the first axis Z together with the rotation shaft <NUM>. The permanent magnet member <NUM> includes a permanent magnet <NUM>, and the permanent magnet <NUM> includes a north pole and a south pole in a cross section perpendicular to the first axis Z. The permanent magnet member <NUM> may be fixed to the rotation shaft <NUM>. Alternatively, as illustrated in the third embodiment to be described later, the permanent magnet member <NUM> may be non-rotatable relative to the rotation shaft <NUM> and may be movable relative to the rotation shaft <NUM> in the first axis Z direction.

The angle sensor <NUM> detects the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> included in the permanent magnet member <NUM>. The angle sensor <NUM> is disposed above the permanent magnet <NUM>. Since the angle sensor <NUM> is a sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>, it is arranged separately from the rotating body that includes the permanent magnet <NUM>. The angle sensor <NUM> includes a magnetic detection element <NUM> for detecting a magnetic flux density or the like. As the permanent magnet <NUM> rotates about the first axis Z, the magnetic flux passing through the magnetic detection element <NUM> changes. In this way, the magnetic detection element <NUM> (the angle sensor <NUM>) detects the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> about the first axis Z.

As the permanent magnet <NUM> rotates about the first axis Z, the angle of the magnetic flux passing through the magnetic detection element <NUM> located above the permanent magnet continuously changes. As a result, the magnetic detection element <NUM> (angle sensor <NUM>) can continuously detect the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> about the first axis Z. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the change in the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> about the first axis Z is proportional to the change in the position of the valve body <NUM> in a direction along the first axis Z. Therefore, the angle sensor <NUM> detects the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> about the first axis Z, whereby the position of the valve body <NUM> in the direction along the first axis Z, that is, the opening degree of the valve can be calculated. The electrically operated valve A may include a computing device that converts the angle data output from the angle sensor <NUM> into position data of the valve body <NUM> in a direction along the first axis Z, that is, opening degree data for the valve. The computing device may be disposed on a control substrate <NUM>.

In the present specification, the end of the rotation shaft <NUM> on the valve body <NUM> side is referred to as a second end, and the end of the rotation shaft <NUM> on the opposite side to the valve body is referred to as a first end. Also, in the present specification, "upward" is defined as the direction extending from the second end toward the first end. Accordingly, in reality, even in a case in which the second end portion were to be further downward from the first end portion, the direction extending from the second end portion toward the first end portion is referred to as "upward" in this specification. It should be noted that, in the present specification, the direction opposite to the upward direction, that is, the direction extending from the first end to the second end is referred to as "downward. " Further, the angle sensor <NUM> is not limited to an arrangement in which the center coincides with the rotation axis of the rotation shaft <NUM>, and the mounting position may be changed in accordance with the measurement sensitivity.

Next, an optional additional configuration example that can be employed in the first embodiment will be described. In Configuration Example <NUM>, the valve body <NUM>, the rotation shaft <NUM>, the permanent magnet <NUM>, and the angle sensor <NUM> are arranged in a straight line. By arranging the valve body <NUM>, the rotation shaft <NUM>, the permanent magnet <NUM>, and the angle sensor <NUM> in a straight line, it is possible to make the entire electrically operated valve A, including the drive mechanism of the valve body and the rotation angle detection mechanism of the permanent magnet (put differently, the position detection mechanism of the valve body), compact.

In Configuration Example <NUM>, the angle sensor <NUM> is supported by a control substrate <NUM> that controls the rotational operation of the rotation shaft <NUM>. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to separately prepare a support member for supporting the angle sensor <NUM>. As a result, the structure of the electrically operated valve A can be simplified, and the size of the electrically operated valve A can be reduced. It should be noted that the control substrate <NUM> transmits a control signal to the power source <NUM> to control the operation of the power source.

In Configuration Example <NUM>, the electrically operated valve A includes a case (for example, a metal can <NUM>) for accommodating the permanent magnet <NUM>. The end wall <NUM> of the case is disposed between the angle sensor <NUM> and the permanent magnet member <NUM>. In other words, the angle sensor <NUM> and the permanent magnet member <NUM> are disposed to face each other with the end wall <NUM> of the case interposed therebetween. It should be noted that the case is not a rotating body that rotates about the first axis Z. Accordingly, when the electrically operated valve A operates, the permanent magnet <NUM> rotates relative to the case, which is in a stationary state. When a rotating body such as the permanent magnet <NUM> rotates within the case, there is a possibility that the vibration of the rotating body is transmitted to the case. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, since the angle sensor <NUM> is disposed apart from the case, the vibration of the rotating body is suppressed from being transmitted to the angle sensor <NUM>. Therefore, the angle detection accuracy of the permanent magnet by the angle sensor <NUM> is improved.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the end wall <NUM> of the case covers the upper surface of the permanent magnet member <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the end wall <NUM> has an upwardly convex dome shape. Also, a cylindrical side wall <NUM> extends downward from the end wall <NUM> of the case.

It should be noted that in the first embodiment, it is possible for Configuration Examples <NUM> to <NUM> to be employed in combination. For example, in the first embodiment, Configuration Example <NUM> and Configuration Example <NUM>, Configuration Example <NUM> and Configuration Example <NUM>, or Configuration Examples <NUM> to <NUM> may be employed. In addition, Configuration Examples <NUM> to <NUM> may be employed in the embodiments to be described later (the second embodiment, not representing the present invention, and the third embodiment, representing the present invention).

Referring to <FIG>, a description will be provided of an electrically operated valve B according to the second embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrically operated valve B according to the second embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the electrically operated valve B according to the second embodiment. <FIG> is a further enlarged view of a portion of <FIG>.

The electrically operated valve B includes a valve body <NUM>, a valve seat <NUM>, a driver <NUM>, a rotation shaft <NUM>, a power source <NUM> for transmitting power to the rotation shaft <NUM>, a permanent magnet member <NUM> that includes a permanent magnet <NUM>, and an angle sensor <NUM> for detecting a rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>.

The electrically operated valve B includes a first flow path <NUM> and a second flow path <NUM>. When the valve body <NUM> and the valve seat <NUM> are separated from each other, that is, when the valve body <NUM> is in the upward position, the fluid flows into the valve chamber <NUM> via the first flow path <NUM>, and the fluid in the valve chamber <NUM> is discharged via the second flow path <NUM>. In contrast, when the valve body <NUM> and the valve seat <NUM> are in contact with each other, that is, when the valve body <NUM> is in the downward position, the first flow path <NUM> and the second flow path <NUM> are in a state of non-communication with each other.

It should be noted that in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the first flow path <NUM>, the valve seat <NUM>, and the second flow path <NUM> are provided in a lower base member <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the electrically operated valve B includes a power source <NUM> and a power transmission mechanism <NUM>. The power source <NUM> includes a stator member <NUM> that includes a coil <NUM> and a rotor member <NUM>. A pulse signal is input to the coil <NUM> from an electric wire <NUM> connected to the power source. Then, when a pulse signal is input to the coil <NUM>, the rotor member <NUM> rotates by a rotation angle corresponding to the number of pulses of the pulse signal. That is, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the stator member <NUM> and the rotor member <NUM> constitute a stepping motor.

The power transmission mechanism <NUM> is a member for connecting the rotor member <NUM> and the rotation shaft <NUM> so as to enable power transmission. The power transmission mechanism <NUM> includes a plurality of gears. The power transmission mechanism <NUM> may include a planetary gear mechanism. Details of the planetary gear mechanism will be described later.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the electrically operated valve B includes a housing member <NUM>. An accommodation space SP (for example, a liquid-tight closed space) is formed in the housing member <NUM>, and the above-described stator member <NUM>, the can <NUM>, the control substrate <NUM>, and the like are accommodated in the accommodation space SP.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the control substrate <NUM> is supported by the housing member <NUM>. More specifically, the housing member <NUM> includes a cylindrical member 4a constituting a side wall and a cover member 4b, and the control substrate <NUM> is supported by the cover member 4b.

The control substrate <NUM> (more specifically, a circuit on the control substrate) controls the number of pulses supplied to the coil <NUM>. When a predetermined number of pulses is supplied to the coil <NUM>, the rotor member <NUM> rotates by a rotation angle corresponding to the number of pulses. The rotor member <NUM> and the rotation shaft <NUM> are connected via a power transmission mechanism <NUM> so as to enable power transmission. Accordingly, when the rotor member <NUM> rotates, the rotation shaft <NUM> rotates by a rotation angle proportional to the rotation angle of the rotor member <NUM>.

The rotation shaft <NUM> rotates the driver <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the second end <NUM> (that is, a shaft-side engagement member) of the rotation shaft <NUM> and the upper end <NUM> (that is, the driver-side engagement member) of the driver <NUM> are mechanically connected to each other so as not to be capable of rotation relative to each other. In addition, the second end <NUM> of the rotation shaft <NUM> and the upper end <NUM> of the driver <NUM> are movable relative to each other along the first axis Z. Accordingly, the rotation shaft <NUM> can move the driver <NUM> up and down without changing the vertical position of the rotation shaft <NUM> itself.

The permanent magnet member <NUM> is disposed at the first end <NUM> of the rotation shaft <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the position of the rotation shaft <NUM> in the vertical direction is not changed by the rotation operation of the rotation shaft <NUM>. Accordingly, the position of the permanent magnet member <NUM> in the vertical direction, as well, is also not changed by the rotation operation of the rotation shaft <NUM>. As a result, the distance between the permanent magnet member <NUM> and the angle sensor <NUM> is kept constant during the operation of the electrically operated valve B.

That is, in the second embodiment, since the rotation shaft <NUM> and the driver <NUM> are separate bodies, and the rotation shaft <NUM> and the driver <NUM> are movable relative to each other along the first axis Z, it is possible to maintain a constant distance between the permanent magnet member <NUM> disposed on the rotation shaft <NUM> and the angle sensor <NUM>. As a result, the accuracy of the detection of the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> by the angle sensor <NUM> is improved. In cases where the rotation shaft <NUM> and the permanent magnet <NUM> move up and down along with the vertical movement of the driver <NUM>, there is a risk that the detection accuracy of the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> by the angle sensor <NUM> may be lowered. In contrast, the second embodiment is innovative in that the rotation shaft <NUM> and the permanent magnet <NUM> are prevented from moving up and down even when the driver <NUM> moves vertically.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, it can also be said that the rotation shaft <NUM> itself functions as a permanent magnet positioning member that maintains a constant distance between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the angle sensor <NUM>. In the second embodiment, the connection between the rotation shaft <NUM> and the permanent magnet member <NUM> may be any connection as long as the rotation shaft <NUM> and the permanent magnet member <NUM> are directly or indirectly connected so that they cannot move relative to each other. However, from the viewpoint of further ensuring the prevention of relative movement, it is preferable that the rotation shaft <NUM> and the permanent magnet member <NUM> be directly fixed to each other.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, a partition member <NUM> for partitioning the inside of the can into an upper space and a lower space is disposed inside the can <NUM>. The permanent magnet member <NUM> is disposed in an upper space formed by the partition member <NUM>; that is, a space between the partition member <NUM> and the end wall <NUM> of the can <NUM>. Accordingly, even if chipping or the like occurs in the permanent magnet member <NUM>, there is no risk that magnetic particles or the like may enter the lower space. It should be noted that the partition member <NUM> may be a bearing member that rotatably supports the rotation shaft <NUM> with respect to the can <NUM>. In cases where the partition member <NUM> is a bearing member, the partition member <NUM> has both a function as a partition for separating the upper space in which the permanent magnet member <NUM> is disposed from the lower space in which the rotor member <NUM> and the like are disposed, as well as a function as a bearing. The partition member <NUM> has a disk shape, for example.

The material of the partition member <NUM> will be described. The partition member <NUM> of the present embodiment is made of, for example, a resin (e.g., polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)). Alternatively, the partition member <NUM> may be formed of a soft magnetic material. Examples of the soft magnetic material include iron, silicon steel, a resin having magnetism, and the like. The member for partitioning the inside of the can into the upper space and the lower space is made of a soft magnetic material, whereby interference between the magnetism of the permanent magnet member <NUM> and other magnetism, for example, the magnetism of the rotor member <NUM>, can be prevented. In particular, the permanent magnet member <NUM> is magnetized at two poles in the circumferential direction, and the rotor member <NUM> is magnetized in such a manner that magnetic poles of four or more poles (for example, eight poles) alternate in the circumferential direction. Therefore, by preventing the interference between the magnetism of the permanent magnet member <NUM> and the magnetism of the rotor member <NUM>, the deviation of the angle measured by the angle sensor <NUM> and the slight torque variation of the rotation of the rotor member <NUM> can be prevented. It is needless to say that the partition member <NUM> of the third embodiment described later may also be formed of a soft magnetic material.

An example of a mechanism for transmitting power from the power source <NUM> to the valve body <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the electrically operated valve B of the second embodiment.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the stator member <NUM> that forms a portion of the power source <NUM> is fixed to the side wall <NUM> of the can <NUM>. The stator member <NUM> includes a bobbin <NUM> and a coil <NUM> wound around the bobbin.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the rotor member <NUM> that constitutes a portion of the power source <NUM> is disposed inside the side wall <NUM> of the can <NUM> so as to be freely rotatable with respect to the can <NUM>. The rotor member <NUM> is formed of a magnetic material. The rotor member <NUM> is (fixedly) connected to a power transmission mechanism <NUM>, such as the sun gear member <NUM>, for example.

The sun gear member <NUM> includes a coupling portion <NUM> coupled to the rotor member <NUM> and a sun gear <NUM>. The coupling portion <NUM> extends along a radial direction (that is, a direction perpendicular to the first axis Z), and the sun gear <NUM> extends along the first axis Z. In the axial hole of the sun gear <NUM>, the rotation shaft <NUM> is disposed so as to be freely rotatable relative to the inner wall of the sun gear.

The external teeth of the sun gear <NUM> mesh with the plurality of planetary gears <NUM>. Each planetary gear <NUM> is rotatably supported by a shaft <NUM> that is supported by a carrier <NUM>. The outer teeth of each planetary gear <NUM> mesh with an annular ring gear <NUM> (internal tooth fixed gear).

The ring gear <NUM> is a member that cannot rotate relative to the can <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the ring gear <NUM> is supported by a holder <NUM> (to be described later) via a cylindrical support member <NUM>.

In addition, the planetary gear <NUM> also meshes with an annular second ring gear <NUM> (an internal tooth movable gear). In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the second ring gear <NUM> functions as an output gear fixed to the rotation shaft <NUM>. Alternatively, an output gear different from the second ring gear <NUM> may be fixed to the rotation shaft <NUM>, and power from the second ring gear <NUM> may be transmitted to the rotation shaft <NUM> via the output gear. It should be noted that fixing of the rotation shaft <NUM> to the output gear may be performed by press-fitting the rotation shaft <NUM> to the output gear.

The above-described gear configuration (the sun gear, planetary gear, internal tooth fixed gear, and internal tooth movable gear) constitutes a so-called eccentric planetary gear mechanism. In a reduction gear using an eccentric planetary gear mechanism, by setting the number of teeth of the second ring gear <NUM> to be slightly different from the number of teeth of the ring gear <NUM>, the rotational speed of the sun gear <NUM> can be reduced at a large reduction gear ratio and transmitted to the second ring gear <NUM>.

It should be noted that in the example illustrated in <FIG>, an eccentric planetary gear mechanism is employed as the power transmission mechanism <NUM>. However, in embodiments, any power transmission mechanism can be employed as the power transmission mechanism between the rotor member <NUM> and the rotation shaft <NUM>. As the power transmission mechanism <NUM>, a planetary gear mechanism other than the eccentric planetary gear mechanism may be utilized.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the rotation shaft <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the rotation shaft <NUM> includes a rotation shaft body having a first end <NUM> and a shaft-side engagement member having a second end <NUM>. The rotation shaft main body and the shaft-side engagement member are fixed to each other by, for example, welding or the like. The shaft-side engagement member engages with the driver-side engagement member formed by the upper end portion <NUM> of the driver <NUM> so as not to be rotatable relative to the driver-side engagement member while also being movable relative to the driver-side engagement member along the first axis Z direction.

An external thread <NUM> is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the driver <NUM>. The external thread <NUM> is screwed to an internal thread <NUM> provided on a guide member <NUM> for guiding the driver. Accordingly, when the rotation shaft <NUM> and the driver <NUM> rotate about the first axis Z, the driver <NUM> moves up and down while being guided by the guide member <NUM>. In contrast, the rotation shaft <NUM> is rotatably supported by a shaft receiving member such as the sun gear <NUM> or the guide member <NUM>, and cannot move in the first axis Z direction.

It should be noted that in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the guide member <NUM> for guiding the driver <NUM> is supported by a holder <NUM> to be described later.

The lower end <NUM> of the driver <NUM> is rotatably connected to the upper end <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> via a ball <NUM> or the like. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, when the driver <NUM> moves downward while rotating about the first axis Z, the valve body <NUM> moves downward without rotating about the first axis Z. In addition, when the driver <NUM> moves upward while rotating about the first axis Z, the valve body <NUM> moves upward without rotating about the first axis Z.

The downward movement of the valve body <NUM> is performed as a result of the valve body <NUM> being pushed by the driver <NUM>. The upward movement of the valve body <NUM> is performed by pushing the valve body <NUM> upward by a spring member <NUM> such as a coil spring while the driver <NUM> is moving upward. That is, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the valve body <NUM> is constantly urged upward by the spring member <NUM> disposed between the spring bearing member <NUM> and the valve body <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the valve body <NUM> and the driver <NUM> may be connected by a rotary joint, such as a ball joint, so that they cannot move relative to each other in a direction along the first axis Z. In this case, the spring member <NUM> may be omitted.

With the above configuration, it is possible to drive the valve body <NUM> by using the power from the power source <NUM>. The amount of movement of the valve body <NUM> in the direction along the first axis Z is proportional to the amount of rotation of the rotation shaft <NUM> and the permanent magnet <NUM>. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, by measuring the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> about the first axis Z by the angle sensor <NUM>, it is possible to accurately determine the position of the valve body <NUM> in the direction along the first axis Z. It should be noted that the electrically operated valve B may include a computing device that converts the angle data output from the angle sensor <NUM> into position data of the valve body <NUM> in the direction along the first axis Z; that is, the opening degree data for the valve.

In the second embodiment, the rotation shaft <NUM> and the permanent magnet <NUM> do not move up and down with respect to the angle sensor <NUM>. In other words, the distance between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the angle sensor <NUM> is maintained at a constant distance during the operation of the electrically operated valve B. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, it is possible to accurately calculate the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> and the position of the valve body <NUM> along the first axis Z using the angle sensor <NUM>.

It should be noted that, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> is disposed in the concave portion of the lower base member <NUM>. In addition, a first seal member <NUM> such as an O-ring is disposed between the holder <NUM> and the lower base member <NUM>. Further, the holder <NUM> defines an internal space in which the upper end portion <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> can move. Accordingly, the holder <NUM> has a function of accommodating the upper end portion <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> in addition to a sealing function of preventing the liquid from entering the space in which the stator member <NUM> and the like are disposed.

In addition, as described above, the holder <NUM> may have a function of supporting at least one of the cylindrical support member <NUM> or the guide member <NUM>.

Further, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> is disposed so as to be in contact with the side wall portion of the housing member <NUM>. A second seal member <NUM> such as an O-ring is disposed between the holder <NUM> and the side wall of the housing member <NUM>. Accordingly, the holder <NUM> can further prevent liquid from entering the space in which the stator member <NUM> and the like are disposed.

It should be noted that each configuration of the electrically operated valve B in the second embodiment may be adopted in the electrically operated valve A of the first embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, as well.

Referring to <FIG>, a description will be provided of an electrically operated valve C according to the third embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the electrically operated valve B of the third embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in <FIG>. <FIG> is a further enlarged view of a portion of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in <FIG>.

In the electrically operated valve C of the third embodiment, the configuration of the rotation shaft 50a and the support mechanism of the permanent magnet member <NUM> are different from the configuration of the rotation shaft and the support mechanism of the permanent magnet member in the first and second embodiments. Accordingly, in the third embodiment, the configuration of the rotation shaft 50a and the support mechanism of the permanent magnet member <NUM> will be primarily described, and the description of other repeated configurations will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the rotation shaft <NUM> is a member that does not move up and down with respect to the can <NUM>, whereas in the third embodiment, the rotation shaft 50a is a member that moves up and down with respect to the can <NUM> and the permanent magnet member <NUM>. It should be noted that in the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the permanent magnet member <NUM> is a member that does not move up and down with respect to the can <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of a mechanism for allowing relative movement of the rotation shaft 50a with respect to the permanent magnet member <NUM> will be described. As illustrated in <FIG>, the permanent magnet member <NUM> has a second engagement portion <NUM> that engages with the first engagement portion <NUM> of the rotation shaft 50a. The first engagement portion <NUM> and the second engagement portion <NUM> engage with each other (contact each other) when the rotation shaft 50a rotates about the first axis Z. In contrast, the first engagement portion <NUM> and the second engagement portion <NUM> do not engage with each other in the direction along the first axis Z. Accordingly, the rotation shaft 50a cannot rotate relative to the permanent magnet member <NUM>, and can move up and down relative to the permanent magnet member <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the permanent magnet member <NUM> may include a hole <NUM>, which may be a through hole or a non-through hole. The cross-sectional shape of the hole portion <NUM> perpendicular to the first axis Z is a non-circular shape (for example, a letter D-shape). The cross-sectional shape of the portion of the rotation shaft 50a that enters the hole portion <NUM> is complementary to the wall surface defining the inner surface of the hole portion <NUM>, and has a non-circular shape (for example, a letter D-shape).

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the permanent magnet member <NUM> includes a permanent magnet <NUM> and a collar member <NUM> fixed to the permanent magnet <NUM>. The collar member <NUM> is disposed inside the permanent magnet <NUM> (on the radial direction side). The collar member <NUM> is provided with the above-described second engagement portion <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, it is not the permanent magnet <NUM>, but the collar member <NUM> that comes into contact with the rotation shaft 50a. Accordingly, the permanent magnet <NUM> is not worn by the contact between the rotation shaft 50a and the permanent magnet <NUM>. The material of the collar member <NUM> is, for example, SUS304.

Next, a permanent magnet positioning member <NUM> that maintains a constant distance between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the angle sensor <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. The permanent magnet positioning member <NUM> is disposed inside the can <NUM>, which serves as a case. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the permanent magnet positioning member <NUM> includes a ball <NUM> that functions as a bearing member and a leaf spring <NUM>. In other words, the permanent magnet positioning member <NUM> is constituted by a ball <NUM> and a leaf spring <NUM> arranged so as to sandwich the permanent magnet member <NUM>.

The ball <NUM> is disposed between the end wall <NUM> of the can <NUM> and the permanent magnet member <NUM>. The ball <NUM> functions as a bearing for the permanent magnet member <NUM>, and also functions as a positioning member that defines the vertical position of the permanent magnet member <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the leaf spring <NUM> is disposed between the partition member <NUM> (the bearing member) and the permanent magnet member <NUM>. The leaf spring <NUM> biases the permanent magnet member <NUM> toward the end wall <NUM> of the can <NUM>. It should be noted that, in order to account for the assembly error of the electrically operated valve C, there are cases in which the partition member <NUM> (bearing member) may be disposed so as to be movable up and down by a small distance with respect to the can <NUM>. Since the leaf spring <NUM> urges the permanent magnet member <NUM> against the end wall <NUM> even when the partition member can move up and down with respect to the can <NUM>, the vertical position of the permanent magnet member <NUM> is preferably maintained.

It should be noted that a suitable bearing member different from the ball <NUM> may be disposed between the end wall <NUM> of the can <NUM> and the permanent magnet member <NUM>. In addition, instead of the leaf spring <NUM>, an optional bearing member may be disposed between the partition member <NUM> and the permanent magnet member <NUM>. Even in this case, the distance between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the angle sensor <NUM> is kept constant by the suitable bearing member.

In the examples illustrated in <FIG>, the rotation shaft 50a itself can move up and down. Accordingly, the rotation shaft 50a itself can be used as the driver <NUM>. That is, the rotation shaft 50a has both a function of rotating the permanent magnet member <NUM> and a function as a driver for moving the valve body <NUM> toward the valve seat <NUM>.

In the first and second embodiments, an example in which the rotation shaft <NUM> is fixed to the output gear has been described. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the output gear <NUM> and the rotation shaft 50a are not fixed to each other. Instead, the output gear <NUM> and the rotation shaft 50a are engaged with each other about the first axis Z so as not to be capable of rotation relative to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of an engagement mechanism for engaging the output gear <NUM> and the rotation shaft 50a so as not to be capable of rotation relative to each other will be described. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the output gear <NUM> has a fourth engagement portion <NUM> that engages with the third engagement portion <NUM> of the rotation shaft 50a. The third engagement portion <NUM> and the fourth engagement portion <NUM> engage with each other (contact each other) when the rotation shaft 50a rotates about the first axis Z. In contrast, the third engagement portion <NUM> and the fourth engagement portion <NUM> do not engage with each other in the direction along the first axis Z. Accordingly, the rotation shaft 50a cannot rotate relative to the output gear <NUM>, and can move up and down relative to the output gear <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the output gear <NUM> includes a rotation shaft receiving portion <NUM>, such as a hole or slit. The cross-sectional shape of the rotation shaft receiving portion <NUM> is a non-circular shape (for example, a rectangular shape). The cross-sectional shape of the portion of the rotation shaft 50a that enters the rotation shaft receiving portion <NUM> is complementary to the wall surface that defines the inner surface of the rotation shaft receiving portion <NUM>, and is a non-circular shape (for example, a rectangular shape).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the output gear <NUM> is rotatably supported about the first axis Z by a support member such as the guide member <NUM>.

In the third embodiment, the output gear <NUM> is rotated by the power from the power source <NUM>. As the power transmission mechanism from the power source <NUM> to the output gear <NUM>, a power transmission mechanism such as the planetary gear mechanism described in the second embodiment may be utilized.

When the output gear <NUM> rotates, the rotation shaft 50a rotates. In the third embodiment, the rotation shaft 50a and the driver <NUM> are integrally formed as one member, or are integrally fixed to each other. In addition, an external thread <NUM> is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the driver <NUM>, and the external thread <NUM> is screwed to an internal thread <NUM> provided on the guide member <NUM> for guiding the driver.

Accordingly, when the rotation shaft 50a rotates, the rotation shaft 50a (the rotation shaft 50a including the driver) moves along the first axis Z. The rotation shaft 50a and the valve body <NUM> are mechanically connected to each other. Accordingly, when the rotation shaft 50a moves along the first axis Z, the valve body <NUM> also moves along the first axis Z.

With the above configuration, it is possible to drive the valve body <NUM> by using the power from the power source <NUM>. The amount of movement of the valve body <NUM> in the direction along the first axis Z is proportional to the amount of rotation of the rotation shaft 50a and the permanent magnet <NUM>. Accordingly, in the third embodiment, by measuring the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> about the first axis Z by the angle sensor <NUM>, it is possible to accurately determine the position of the valve body <NUM> in the direction along the first axis Z. It should be noted that the electrically operated valve C may include a computing device that converts the angle data output from the angle sensor <NUM> into position data of the valve body <NUM> in the direction along the first axis Z; that is, opening degree data for the valve.

In the third embodiment, it is not necessary to fix the permanent magnet member <NUM> to the rotation shaft 50a. In addition, it is not necessary to fix the rotation shaft 50a to the output gear. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently assemble the electrically operated valve C.

An example of the angle sensor <NUM> of each embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> are diagrams schematically illustrating the placement relationship between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the angle sensor <NUM>, in which a bottom view is illustrated on the top side and a partially cut-away perspective view is illustrated on the lower side.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the permanent magnet <NUM> has a north pole and a south pole in a top view. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, in the top view, the number of north poles of the permanent magnet <NUM> is <NUM> and the number of south poles of the permanent magnet <NUM> is <NUM>. Alternatively, the number of north poles of the permanent magnet and the number of south poles of the permanent magnet may be two or more, respectively, in the top view. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the permanent magnet <NUM> includes a north pole and a south pole interface <NUM>, and this interface <NUM> is a plane perpendicular to the first axis Z, passing through the first axis Z coinciding with the central axis of the rotation shaft (<NUM>; 50a). A north pole is disposed on one side of the interface <NUM>, and a south pole is disposed on the other side of the interface <NUM>. It should be noted that the permanent magnet <NUM> is, for example, a magnet having a disk shape. In addition, the permanent magnet <NUM> may be a plastic magnet obtained by molding a mixture of magnetic powder and a resin binder.

The angle sensor <NUM> is disposed above the permanent magnet <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the angle sensor <NUM> is located on an extension of the rotation shaft (<NUM>; 50a); that is, on the first axis Z. The angle sensor <NUM> includes at least one magnetic detection element <NUM> (for example, a Hall element, a magnetoresistive element, or the like), and more preferably includes two or more or three or more magnetic detection elements.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the angle sensor <NUM> includes four magnetic detection elements (82a to 82d). The magnetic detection elements (82a to 82d) may be elements for detecting a component of the magnetic flux in the direction along the first axis Z. In <FIG>, the magnetic detection element 82a and the magnetic detection element 82d detect the magnetic flux component in the +Z direction, and the magnetic detection element 82b and the magnetic detection element 82c detect the magnetic flux component in the -Z direction. When the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82a (or magnetic detection element 82b) and the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82d (or magnetic detection element 82c) are equal, the interface <NUM> is perpendicular to the X-axis. At this time, the angle sensor <NUM> determines that the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> is, for example, <NUM> degrees.

As illustrated in <FIG>, it is assumed that the permanent magnet <NUM> rotates in the R direction. In <FIG>, the magnetic detection element 82a and the magnetic detection element 82d detect the magnetic flux component in the +Z direction, and the magnetic detection element 82b and the magnetic detection element 82c detect the magnetic flux component in the -Z direction. As the state illustrated in <FIG> shifts to the state illustrated in <FIG>, the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82b and the magnetic detection element 82d increases, and the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82a and the magnetic detection element 82c decreases. For example, based on the ratio of the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82a to the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82d, and the ratio of the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82a to the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82b, the angle sensor <NUM> can determine the inclination of the magnetic force line with respect to the X-axis; that is, the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, it is assumed that the permanent magnet <NUM> further rotates in the R direction. In <FIG>, the magnetic detection element 82d detects the magnetic flux component in the +Z direction, and the magnetic detection element 82b detects the magnetic flux component in the -Z direction. As the state illustrated in <FIG> shifts to the state illustrated in <FIG>, the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82b and the magnetic detection element 82d decreases. Further, the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection elements 82a and 82c decreases. For example, based on the ratio of the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82a to the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82d, and the ratio of the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82a to the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82b, the angle sensor <NUM> can determine the inclination of the magnetic force line with respect to the X-axis; that is, the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, it is assumed that the permanent magnet <NUM> further rotates in the R direction. In <FIG>, the magnetic detection element 82c and the magnetic detection element 82d detect the magnetic flux component in the +Z direction, and the magnetic detection element 82a and the magnetic detection element 82b detect the magnetic flux component in the -Z direction. As the state shifts from the state illustrated in <FIG> to the state illustrated in <FIG>, the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82a and the magnetic detection element 82c increases, and the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82b and the magnetic detection element 82d decreases. For example, based on the ratio of the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82a to the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82d, and the ratio of the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82a to the magnitude of the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic detection element 82b, the angle sensor <NUM> can determine the inclination of the magnetic force line with respect to the X-axis; that is, the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>.

As can be seen from <FIG>, the angle sensor <NUM> can detect the inclination of the permanent magnet <NUM> with respect to the X-axis; that is, the absolute rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>. Put differently, even when the permanent magnet <NUM> does not rotate, the angle sensor <NUM> can calculate the inclination (that is, the rotation angle) of the permanent magnet <NUM> with respect to the X-axis. The calculation of the rotation angle is performed based on, for example, the direction of the magnetic flux passing through at least three of the magnetic detection elements <NUM> and the magnitude of the magnetic flux passing through at least three of the magnetic detection elements <NUM>.

In the examples illustrated in <FIG>, the angle sensor <NUM> can detect the absolute rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>. Accordingly, even when the power of the electrically operated valve is turned off and the rotation angle information of the permanent magnet <NUM> is lost, when the power is turned on again, the angle sensor <NUM> can immediately obtain (output) the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>.

In the examples illustrated in <FIG>, an example has been described in which each magnetic detection element detects the magnetic flux component in a direction along the first axis (Z axis). Alternatively, each magnetic detection element may detect the magnetic flux component in a direction along the X-axis and/or the magnetic flux component in a direction along the Y-axis perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Z-axis.

It should be noted that each of the permanent magnet <NUM> and the angle sensor <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> can be utilized in the electrically operated valve of the first and second embodiments or the electrically operated valve in the third embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a computing device <NUM> for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the operation of the electrically operated valve will be described. <FIG> is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating the function of the computing device <NUM> for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality in the operation of the electrically operated valve.

The electrically operated valve includes a computing device <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> includes, for example, a hardware processor and a storage device <NUM>, and is connected to an output device <NUM> so as to be capable of information transmission. The electrically operated valve may also be an electrically operated valve system that includes the computing device <NUM> (or, alternatively, the computing device and the output device <NUM>).

The electrically operated valves B and C (electrically operated valve systems) include a stator member <NUM> having a coil <NUM> and a rotor member <NUM> as described in the second or third embodiment. The rotation angle of the rotor member <NUM> and the position of the valve body <NUM> proportional to the rotation angle of the rotor member <NUM> (that is, the height from the valve seat <NUM>) are proportional to the number of input pulses input to the coil <NUM>. Accordingly, by monitoring the number of input pulses input to the coil <NUM>, it is possible to calculate the position of the valve body <NUM> (that is, the height from the valve seat <NUM>).

On the other hand, the position of the valve body <NUM> (that is, the height from the valve seat <NUM>) is also proportional to the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>. Accordingly, by monitoring the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>, it is possible to calculate the position of the valve body <NUM> (that is, the height from the valve seat <NUM>). In principle, the position of the valve body <NUM> calculated from the number of pulses input to the coil <NUM> coincides with the position of the valve body <NUM> calculated from the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM>. Accordingly, when the position of the valve body <NUM> calculated from the number of input pulses to the coil <NUM> and the position of the valve body <NUM> calculated from the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> are different from each other, the computing device <NUM> determines that there is some abnormality in the electrically operated valves B and C. That is, the electrically operated valves B and C (electrically operated valve systems) have a self-diagnostic function for detecting the presence or absence of abnormalities in their own operation.

It should be noted that the position of the valve body <NUM> and the rotation angle of the rotation shaft <NUM> are proportional to each other, the position of the valve body <NUM> and the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> are proportional to each other, and the position of the valve body <NUM> and the rotation angle of the output gear are proportional to each other. Accordingly, in the present specification, calculating the position of the valve body <NUM> and calculating the rotation angle of the rotation shaft <NUM> are equivalent, calculating the position of the valve body <NUM> and calculating the rotation angle of the permanent magnet <NUM> are equivalent, and calculating the position of the valve body <NUM> and calculating the rotation angle of the output gear are equivalent.

Referring to <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> will be described in more detail. The computing device <NUM> receives the rotation angle data of the permanent magnet from the angle sensor <NUM> via a wired or wireless communication. In addition, the computing device <NUM> receives data regarding the number of input pulses to the coil <NUM> from the above-described control substrate <NUM> or the like via a wired or wireless communication. The computing device <NUM> stores the received rotation angle data and input pulse number data in the storage device <NUM>.

The storage device <NUM> of the computing device <NUM> stores a first valve body position calculation program for calculating the position α of the valve body <NUM> based on the rotation angle data of the permanent magnet. It should be noted that, in the present specification, the position α of the valve body <NUM> includes a physical quantity proportional to the position of the valve body <NUM>, such as the rotation angle of the rotation shaft <NUM>, the rotation angle of the permanent magnet, or the rotation angle of the output gear, in addition to the position of the valve body <NUM> itself. The computing device <NUM> calculates the position α of the valve body <NUM> from the rotation angle data of the permanent magnet by executing the first valve body position calculation program.

In addition, the storage device <NUM> of the computing device <NUM> stores a second valve body position calculation program for calculating the position β of the valve body <NUM> based on the data of the input pulse number. It should be noted that, in the present specification, the position β of the valve body <NUM> includes a physical quantity proportional to the position of the valve body <NUM> such as the rotation angle of the rotation shaft <NUM>, the rotation angle of the permanent magnet, or the rotation angle of the output gear, in addition to the position of the valve body <NUM> itself. The computing device <NUM> calculates the position β of the valve body <NUM> from the data of the number of pulses input to the coil <NUM> by executing the second valve body position calculation program.

Further, the storage device <NUM> of the computing device <NUM> stores a determination program for comparing the position α of the valve body and the position β of the valve body to determine whether or not there is an operation abnormality of the electrically operated valve (the electrically operated valve system) based on this comparison result. The computing device <NUM> determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the operation of the electrically operated valve (the electrically operated valve system) by executing the determination program. For example, the computing device <NUM> executes the determination program to determine whether or not the difference between the position α of the valve body and the position β of the valve body is equal to or larger than a preset threshold value. Then, by executing the determination program, when the difference between the position α of the valve body and the position β of the valve body is equal to or larger than a preset threshold value, the computing device <NUM> may determine that there is an operation abnormality of the electrically operated valve (the electrically operated valve system). When it is determined that there is an abnormality in the operation of the electrically-operated valve (the electrically-operated valve system), the computing device <NUM> may execute the determination program to transmit a signal to an output device <NUM> such as a display or a warning device in order to provide notification of the abnormal operation. Alternatively or additionally, when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the operation of the electrically-operated valve (the electrically-operated valve system), the computing device <NUM> may store the determination result in the storage device <NUM> by executing the determination program. In this case, the abnormal operation of the electrically operated valve (the electrically-operated valve system) is stored in the storage device <NUM> as log data.

When the electrically operated valve (the electrically-operated valve system) includes the above-described computing device <NUM>, it is possible to double-check the position of the valve body <NUM> using both the number of input pulses to the coil <NUM> and the rotation angle of the permanent magnet measured by the angle sensor. As a result, the reliability of the electrically operated valve (the electrically operated valve system) is dramatically improved.

It should be noted that instead of using the programs such as the first valve body position calculation program, the second valve body position calculation program, and the determination program in the above-described computing device <NUM>, the first valve body position calculation, the second valve body position calculation, and the determination of the presence or absence of the abnormality in the operation of the electrically operated valve (the electrically operated valve system) may be performed by an electronic circuit in a hardware manner. The electronic circuit or the hardware processor of the computing device <NUM> may be mounted on the control substrate <NUM>.

The configuration of the computing device <NUM> and the like described with reference to <FIG> may be employed in the electrically-operated valve B of the second embodiment or the electrically-operated valve C of the third embodiment. In cases where at least a stator member including a coil and a rotor member connected so as to enable power transmission to the rotation shaft are added to the electrically-operated valve A in the first embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the configuration of the computing device <NUM> and the like described with reference to <FIG> may be utilized in the electrically-operated valve A of the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
An electrically operated valve comprising:
a valve body (<NUM>);
a rotation shaft (50a) configured to move the valve body (<NUM>) along a first axis by rotating;
an output gear (<NUM>) configured to rotate the rotation shaft (50a),
a permanent magnet member (<NUM>) disposed on the rotation shaft (50a) and configured to rotate with the rotation shaft (50a);
an angle sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect a rotation angle of a permanent magnet (<NUM>) included in the permanent magnet member (<NUM>); and
a case for housing the permanent magnet member (<NUM>),
wherein:
the angle sensor (<NUM>) is disposed outside of the case, characterized in that
the rotation shaft (50a) is movable relative to the permanent magnet member (<NUM>) in a direction along the first axis, and
the rotation shaft (50a) is engaged so as not to be rotatable relative to the output gear (<NUM>).