Electric valve and its manufacturing method

Abstract

An electric valve and its manufacturing method are disclosed, comprising a valve core, the valve core including a valve core wall, the valve core wall having a thin-walled structure, and the valve core having a flow path for achieving channel communication or selective communication with the electric valve. In this way, compared with the valve core made of solid steel ball in related technologies, the valve core has a thin-walled structure, which is beneficial to reducing the weight of the valve core, thereby contributing to the lightweighting of the electric valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically to an electric valve and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] In automotive air conditioning or thermal management systems, electric valves are often used to switch fluids such as refrigerant. These electric valves often use solid steel balls as valve cores, which results in a relatively large valve core weight and consequently, a relatively large electric valve weight. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide an electric valve and a method for manufacturing the same, which is beneficial for the lightweight design of the electric valve.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A manufacturing method, the manufacturing method comprising:

[0006] Provide boards;

[0007] The valve core wall is formed by drawing the plate.

[0008] An electric valve, applicable to the aforementioned manufacturing method, includes a valve core, the valve core including a valve core wall, the valve core wall having a thin-walled structure, the valve core having a valve core cavity, the valve core having a connecting port and a flow opening in the valve core wall, the flow opening and the connecting port respectively communicating with the valve core cavity, the flow opening, the valve core cavity and the connecting port forming a flow path, the flow path being able to communicate with or selectively communicate with the channel of the electric valve.

[0009] This application provides an electric valve and a method for manufacturing the same, including a valve core, the valve core including a valve core wall, the valve core wall having a thin-walled structure, the valve core having a flow path for achieving channel communication or selective communication with the electric valve. In this way, compared with the valve core made of a solid steel ball in the related technology, the valve core wall has a thin-walled structure, which is beneficial to reducing the weight of the valve core, thereby contributing to the lightweighting of the electric valve. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the first implementation of the electric valve;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve core;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of the valve core;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the first core component;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the second core;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Another cross-sectional structural diagram of the electric valve;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the second implementation of the valve core;

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of the valve core;

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the first and second cores. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0020] See Figure 1 The electric valve 100 can be applied to vehicle thermal management systems, such as those for new energy vehicles. The electric valve 100 includes a control component 1, a valve stem 2, a valve core 3, and a valve body assembly 4. The valve core 3 is located in the valve body cavity 40 formed by the valve body assembly 4. The first end of the valve stem 2 is driveably connected to the control component 1, and the second end 21 of the valve stem 2 is located in the valve body cavity 40 and is driveably connected to the valve core 3. The control component 1 outputs torque to the valve stem 2, which drives the valve core 3 to rotate. In this embodiment, the control component 1 also includes a transmission component 11. The control component 1 is driveably connected to the valve stem 2 through the transmission component 11. The transmission component 11 can be a gear transmission mechanism. The motor of the control component 1 outputs torque to the transmission component 11, which increases the output torque of the motor and drives the valve stem 2 to rotate, thus driving the valve core 3 to rotate. Of course, when the output torque of the motor is sufficient, the control component 1 may not include the transmission component 11.

[0021] See Figures 2 to 5The valve core includes a valve core wall, which is a thin-walled structure. A thin-walled structure refers to a structure formed from a thin sheet metal, where the thickness is much smaller than its length or width. For example, the wall thickness D of the valve core is 0.3mm to 2mm. The maximum radial length of the valve core is defined as L, where 20D≤L≤35D. In this embodiment, the valve core 3 includes a first core 31 and a second core 32. Both the first core 31 and the second core 32 are thin-walled structures. The first core 31 and the second core 32 can be formed by deep drawing thin sheet metal using a mold. The first core 31 and the second core 32 cooperate to form the valve core 3, and the walls of the first core 31 and the second core 32 form the valve core wall. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first core 31 includes a first cylindrical portion 311, a first transition arc segment 312, and a first arc-shaped top 313. Along the axial direction of the first core 31, the first transition arc segment 312 is located between the first cylindrical portion 311 and the first arc-shaped top 313, and the first transition arc segment 312 is connected to both the first cylindrical portion 311 and the first arc-shaped top 313. Of course, in other embodiments, the first core 31 may not include the first transition arc segment 312, that is, the first cylindrical portion 311 is connected to the first arc-shaped top 313. The first core 31 also includes a connecting portion 314 that is drivenly connected to the valve stem 2. The connecting portion 314 is connected and fixed to the first cylindrical portion 311 or is an integral structure. Specifically, along the radial direction of the first cylindrical portion 311, the connecting portion 314 protrudes outward from the first cylindrical portion 311. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 314 and the first core 31 are integrally drawn and formed by a mold. The connecting part 314 has a connecting cavity 315 for accommodating the second end 21 of the valve stem 2, which is drively connected to the valve core 3 (see...). Figure 1 The shape of the connecting cavity 315 can be adapted to the shape of the second end 21. Specifically, at least a portion of the second end 21 is located in the connecting cavity 315, and the shape of the second end 21 is a non-rotating body. In this way, during the rotation of the valve stem 2, the second end 21 can abut against the connecting portion 314, thereby driving the valve core 3 to rotate. Of course, as another embodiment, the connecting portion 314 can also be provided in the second core 32, or the first core 31 and the second core 32 can together form at least a part of the connecting portion 314. The first core 31 has a first core cavity 310, which is formed by at least the inner wall surface of the first cylindrical portion 311 and the first arcuate top 313.

[0022] The second core 32 includes a second cylindrical portion 321, a second transition arc segment 322, and a second arcuate top 323, similar to the first core 31. In other embodiments, the second core 32 may not include the second transition arc segment 322. In this embodiment, along the axial direction of the second core 32, the second transition arc segment 322 is located between the second cylindrical portion 321 and the second arcuate top 323, and is connected to both the second cylindrical portion 321 and the second arcuate top 323. The second core 32 has a second core cavity 320, which is formed by at least the inner wall surfaces of the second cylindrical portion 321 and the second arcuate top 322. The second core 32 also has a connecting opening 324, which is located at the top 322 of the second arc. The connecting opening 324 can be integrally formed by drawing during the formation of the second core 32 using a mold. Specifically, along the axial direction of the second core 32, the connecting opening 324 is formed by turning the wall of the top 322 of the second arc inward. With respect to the second core 32, the connecting opening 324 communicates with the second core cavity 320. Of course, as another embodiment, the connecting opening 324 can also be formed by machining, and the connecting opening 324 penetrates through the top 322 of the second arc.

[0023] There are various ways in which the first core 31 and the second core 32 can be matched. For example, in this embodiment, part of the first core 31 is located in the second core cavity 320 of the second core 32. More specifically, at least part of the first cylindrical part 311 is located in the second core cavity 320 of the second core 32. The first core 31 and the second core 32 are connected and fixed. The connection and fixing can be achieved by limiting connection, detachable connection, welding, bonding, interference fit, or fastening. At this time, the first core cavity 310 of the first core 31 and the part of the second core cavity 320 that is not filled by the first cylindrical part 311 together form the valve core cavity 30 of the valve core 3. The valve core cavity 30 is connected to the communication port 324. In this embodiment, since the first cylindrical portion 311 is inserted into the second core cavity 320 for mating, and the connecting portion 314 is disposed in the first cylindrical portion 311, to avoid the two being constrained or obstructed by the second cylindrical portion 321 during mating, the second core 32 further includes a first receiving groove 325 for accommodating the connecting portion 314 during mating. The first receiving groove 325 is located in the second cylindrical portion 321, and the first receiving groove 325 allows the first core 31 and the second core 32 in this embodiment to be assembled in place. As another embodiment, when the connecting portion 314 is disposed in the second core 32, the first cylindrical portion 311 can be directly inserted into the second core cavity 320, that is, the first receiving groove 325 is not required in this case. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first core 31 and the second core 32 can be configured in reverse, that is, the second cylindrical portion 321 of the second core 32 can be inserted into the first core cavity 310 of the first core 31. In this case, the second core cavity 320 and the portion of the first core cavity 310 that is not filled with the second cylindrical portion 321 together form the valve core cavity 30 of the valve core 3, and the communication port 324 is also connected to the valve core cavity 30.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first core 31 further includes a first opening 316, which forms a first opening 317. Along the radial direction of the first cylindrical portion 311, the first opening 317 extends inward from the outer wall of the first cylindrical portion 311, penetrating the first cylindrical portion 311. The first opening 317 communicates with the first core cavity 310. Correspondingly, the second core 32 includes a second opening 326, which forms a second opening 327. Along the radial direction of the second cylindrical portion 321, the second opening 327 extends inward from the outer wall of the second cylindrical portion 321, penetrating the second cylindrical portion 321. The second opening 327 communicates with the second core cavity 320. The first opening 317 and / or the second opening 327 can exist in the form of a groove or a through hole. The shapes of the first opening 317 and the second opening 327 can be varied and are not limited here. When the first core 31 and the second core 32 are fitted together to form the valve core 3, at least a portion of the first opening 317 overlaps with at least a portion of the second opening 327. That is, the first opening 317 and the second opening 327 together form the flow opening 33 of the valve core 3. The flow opening 33 communicates with the valve core cavity 30, and the connecting port 324 communicates with the valve core cavity 30. In this way, the connecting port 324 can communicate with the flow opening 33 through, but not limited to, the valve core cavity 30, thereby forming a flow path for the working fluid on the valve core 3. As another embodiment, the second core 32 may not include the second opening 327, as long as it is ensured that when the first core 31 and the second core 32 are fitted together, at least a portion of the first opening 317 is exposed outside the second core 32, or in other words, at least a portion of the first opening 317 is located outside the second core cavity 320. In this case, the portion of the first opening 317 located outside the second core cavity 320 forms the flow opening 33 of the valve core 3. Alternatively, in other embodiments, when the first core 31 and the second core 32 are configured in opposite directions, at least a portion of the first opening 317 and at least a portion of the second opening 327 can overlap, with the overlapping portion forming a flow opening 33; or the first core 31 does not include the first opening 317, at least a portion of the first opening 317 is located outside the first core cavity 310, and the portion of the first opening 317 located outside the first core cavity 310 forms the flow opening 33; moreover, the flow opening 33 can also be formed through the fitting gap between the first core 31 and the second core 32, that is, in this case, neither the first core 31 nor the second core 32 includes an opening.

[0025] Furthermore, to reduce flow resistance during fluid flow, in this embodiment, the first opening 316 includes a first arcuate wall 3161, and correspondingly, the second opening 326 includes a second arcuate wall 3261. After the first core 31 and the second core 32 are assembled, the first arcuate wall 3161 and the second arcuate wall 3261 spatially enclose each other, or in other words, define a plane. This plane can be a plane passing through the central axis of the valve core 3. This plane is spatially opposite to the first arcuate wall 3161 and the second arcuate wall 3261, respectively. The projection of the first arcuate wall 3161 on this plane connects with the projection of the second arcuate wall 3261 on this plane, and both projections on this plane are circular or approximately circular. The first arcuate wall 3161 and the second arcuate wall 3261 enclose and form the flow opening 33 of the valve core 3. The above structure is also applicable to the case where the first core 31 and the second core 32 are configured in opposite directions.

[0026] See Figure 1 and Figure 6 The valve body assembly 4 includes a valve body 41, a cover 42, and a valve core seat 43. The valve body 41 is connected to the cover 42, and the valve body 41 and the cover 42 are assembled to form a valve body cavity 40. Furthermore, a sealing arrangement can be provided between the cover 42 and the valve body 41 to prevent working fluids such as refrigerant from leaking out through the assembly gap between them. The valve core 3 is located in the valve body cavity 40, and the valve core seat 43 is located in the valve body cavity 40 and on both sides of the valve core 3. The valve core seat 43 is provided with an arc-shaped surface that mates with the outer surface of the arc-shaped top of the valve core 3. The valve core 3 can slide with the valve core seat 43. The valve core 3 rotates to a first working state and a second working state. When the valve core 3 rotates to the first working state and the second working state, at least part of the outer surface of the arc-shaped top is in contact with the arc-shaped surface of the valve core seat, and the valve core seat 43 supports and seals the valve core 3. In this embodiment, the arc-shaped top includes a first arc-shaped top 313 located on the first core 31 and a second arc-shaped top 313 located on the second core 32. Of course, as other embodiments, the valve core 3 can also be formed in other forms besides the cooperation of the first core 31 and the second core 32. For example, the valve core can be formed directly by deep drawing, or the valve core can also include a third core, with the first core, second core, and third core working together to form the valve core, etc. The valve body assembly 4 has channels, including a first channel 44, a second channel 45, and a third channel 46. By rotating the valve core 3, when the valve core 3 is in the first working state, the flow path of the valve core 3 can connect the first channel 44 and the second channel 45. When the valve core 3 is in the second working state, the flow path of the valve core 3 can connect the first channel 44 and the third channel 46, thereby implementing the switching of the flow path.

[0027] See Figures 7 to 9The structure of valve core 3' in the second embodiment is as follows: In the second embodiment, the first opening 317' of the first core 31' and the second opening 327' of the second core 32' both exist in the form of a groove cavity. In this embodiment, the first opening 317' and the second opening 327' cooperate to form a flow opening 33' with a projected rectangular or approximately rectangular shape. Of course, in the second embodiment, the flow opening 33' can also be other shapes, such as in the first embodiment, where the first opening 317' and the second opening 327' cooperate to form a projected circular or approximately circular shape. In the second embodiment, the connecting portion 314' of the valve core 3' is not integrally drawn and formed with the first core 31' or the second core 32'. Specifically, the first core 31' includes a first receiving groove 312' which is arranged through the first cylindrical portion along the radial direction of the first cylindrical portion. The second core 32' includes a second receiving groove 322' which is arranged through the second cylindrical portion along the radial direction of the second cylindrical portion. The first receiving groove 312' and the second receiving groove 322' cooperate to form a receiving cavity. A portion of the connecting portion 314' is located in the receiving cavity. The connecting portion 314' is connected and fixed to the first receiving groove 312' and the second receiving groove 322' respectively. The structure of the connecting portion 314' can be of various forms, as long as it can drive the valve core 3 to rotate in a transmission cooperation with the valve stem 2. Of course, as a variation of other embodiments, the connecting portion 314' can also be connected and fixed to one of the first receiving groove 312' and the second receiving groove 322', or only the first receiving groove 312' or the second receiving groove 322' can be provided, with a portion of the connecting portion 314' located in the receiving cavity formed by the first receiving groove 312' or the second receiving groove 322', and the connecting portion 314' is connected and fixed to the first receiving groove 312' or the second receiving groove 322'. By having the first core 31' and the second core 32' jointly form the receiving cavity for the connecting portion 314', the valve core 3' can be miniaturized, thereby miniaturizing the valve body cavity that accommodates the valve core 3', and further miniaturizing the valve body assembly and the electric valve. In the second embodiment, other structures are not significantly different from those in the first embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0028] See Figures 1 to 9 The manufacturing method of the electric valve is further described below. The manufacturing method of the electric valve includes:

[0029] Provide boards;

[0030] The valve core wall of the valve core is formed by drawing the sheet metal with a die. Specifically, the valve core wall of the first core (31, 31') and the valve core wall of the second core (32, 32') are formed by drawing.

[0031] The first core (31, 31') and the second core (32, 32') are fixedly connected to form at least part of the valve core. Specifically, the fixed connection includes assembly fixation by means of limiting connection, detachable connection, welding, bonding, interference fit, or fastening.

[0032] The valve core also includes a connecting part (314, 314'), which can be integrally drawn with the first core (31, 31') by a die during the formation of the first core (31, 31'); or the connecting part (314, 314') can be integrally drawn with the second core (32, 32') by a die during the formation of the second core (32, 32'); or the connecting part (314, 314') can also be assembled and fixed with the first core (31, 31') and / or the second core (32, 32').

[0033] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a valve core, characterized in that: The valve core has a valve core wall, and the valve core includes a first core body and a second core body. The first core body includes a first cylindrical portion and a first arcuate top, and the second core body includes a second cylindrical portion and a second arcuate top. The valve core has a communication port and a flow opening in the valve core wall. The manufacturing method includes: Provide boards; Forming the valve core wall involves drawing the plate to form the valve core wall. At least a portion of the first cylindrical portion is inserted into the second core cavity of the second core, the second core cavity being formed by the second cylindrical portion and the inner wall surface of the second arcuate top; or, at least a portion of the second cylindrical portion is inserted into the first core cavity of the first core, the first core cavity being formed by the first cylindrical portion and the inner wall surface of the first arcuate top. The first cylindrical part is connected and fixed to the second cylindrical part.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The manufacturing method includes: The plate is drawn to form the valve core wall of the first core; The plate is drawn to form the valve core wall of the second core; the first core and the second core are fixedly connected to form at least a portion of the valve core.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The valve core further includes a connecting portion, and the manufacturing method further includes: The connecting part and the first core are integrally drawn together. Alternatively, the connecting portion and the second core can be integrally formed by deep drawing; Alternatively, the connecting portion can be assembled and fixed to the first core and / or the second core.

4. An electric valve, characterized in that: The device includes a valve core, which has a valve core wall. The valve core wall has a thin-walled structure. The valve core has a valve core cavity. The valve core wall has a connecting port and a flow opening. The flow opening and the connecting port are respectively connected to the valve core cavity. The flow opening, the valve core cavity, and the connecting port form a flow path. The flow path can be connected to or selectively connected to the channel of the electric valve. The valve core includes a first core body and a second core body. The first core body includes a first cylindrical portion and a first arc-shaped top and has a first core cavity. The second core body includes a second cylindrical portion and a second arc-shaped top and has a second core cavity. The first core cavity is formed by at least the inner wall surface of the first cylindrical portion and the first arc-shaped top, and the second core cavity is formed by at least the inner wall surface of the second cylindrical portion and the second arc-shaped top. At least a portion of the first cylindrical portion is located in the second core cavity, or at least a portion of the second cylindrical portion is located in the first core cavity; The first cylindrical portion is connected and fixed to the second cylindrical portion.

5. The electric valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The wall thickness D of the valve core is 0.3mm~2mm, and the maximum radial length of the valve core is defined as L, where 20D≤L≤35D.

6. The electric valve according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The electric valve includes a valve core seat located on both sides of the valve core. The valve core seat includes an arcuate surface that is in close contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the first arcuate top or the second arcuate top.

7. The electric valve according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The first core and the second core are respectively formed by deep drawing of thin sheet metal, and the first core and the second core are connected and fixed.

8. The electric valve according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second core has the connecting port, which is located at the top of the second arc along the axial direction of the second core. The connecting port is formed by the inward flange of the wall at the top of the second arc, or the connecting port extends through the top of the second arc.

9. The electric valve according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first core includes a first opening, which extends through the first cylindrical portion along the radial direction of the first cylindrical portion; the second core includes a second opening, which extends through the second cylindrical portion along the radial direction of the second cylindrical portion. The first opening and the second opening cooperate to form the flow opening.

10. The electric valve according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first opening includes a first arcuate wall, and the second opening includes a second arcuate wall. The first arcuate wall and the second arcuate wall spatially enclose the flow opening. Define a plane that passes through the central axis of the valve core. This plane is spatially opposite to the first and second arcuate walls. The projections of the first and second arcuate walls onto this plane form a circle or approximately a circle.

11. The electric valve according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: The valve core includes a connecting portion, which is connected and fixed to the first cylindrical portion or integrally formed therefrom, or the connecting portion is connected and fixed to the second cylindrical portion or integrally formed therefrom. The connecting part has a connecting cavity, and a portion of the valve stem of the electric valve is located in the connecting cavity. The valve stem is kinetically connected to the connecting part.

12. The electric valve according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: The valve core includes a connecting portion; the first core body includes a first receiving groove extending through the first cylindrical portion along its radial direction; the second core body includes a second receiving groove extending through the second cylindrical portion along its radial direction; the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove cooperate to form a receiving cavity; a portion of the connecting portion is located in the receiving cavity; and the connecting portion is connected and fixed to the first receiving groove and / or the second receiving groove. The connecting part has a connecting cavity, and a portion of the valve stem of the electric valve is located in the connecting cavity. The valve stem is kinetically connected to the connecting part.

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