Valve device

Abstract

A valve device includes a housing having an open lower portion and a receiving space formed therein, a bottom plate covering the open lower portion of the housing, an inlet pipe connected to the bottom plate and into which a refrigerant is introduced, a boss installed at the bottom plate and including a plurality of refrigerant introduction / discharge holes through which the introduced refrigerant is introduced or discharged, a plurality of introduction / discharge pipes connected to the plurality of refrigerant introduction / discharge holes and through which the introduced refrigerant is introduced or discharged, and a pad located above the boss and including an opening cavity formed therein to selectively open one of the plurality of refrigerant introduction / discharge holes and a connection cavity formed therein to selectively connect two of the plurality of refrigerant introduction / discharge holes.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve device having an improved structure. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a general refrigeration device applying a refrigeration cycle, a refrigerant is circulated through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator to produce cool air.

[0003] The refrigerant compressed in the compressor is sent to the condenser to be condensed, and the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is sent to the expansion device to be expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the expansion device is sent to the evaporator, and cool air is produced in the evaporator by heat exchange.

[0004] In the case of a refrigerator, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is sent to the expansion device through a refrigerant pipe, and in this case, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is sent to the expansion device directly or via a heat pipe through a branch pipe branched from the refrigerant pipe.

[0005] The heat pipe is a pipe installed to prevent dew formation caused in a gasket portion of a refrigerator door, which is a portion susceptible to temperature in the refrigerator. Specifically, the high-temperature refrigerant of a high-pressure portion of the refrigeration cycle passes through the heat pipe to prevent dew formation in the gasket portion of the refrigeration door. The heat pipe only needs to maintain the temperature above the dew point based on humidity in outside air, but when maintaining the temperature above the dew point in the refrigerator, it can act as a heat load in the refrigerator, thereby increasing power consumption of the refrigerator.

[0006] Therefore, depending on the driving conditions, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is sent to the expansion device through the heat pipe or directly to the expansion device without passing through the heat pipe. When the refrigerant does not need to be sent to the heat pipe, it is necessary to avoid sending the refrigerant to a branch pipe connected to the heat pipe, thereby improving energy efficiency. To this end, a three-way valve is installed at a portion where the branch pipe is branched from the refrigerant pipe.

[0007] However, some of the refrigerant directly sent to the expansion device without passing through the heat pipe in the refrigerant flows into the branch pipe at a point where the branch pipe and the refrigerant pipe converge, and is then sent to the heat pipe. That is, some of the refrigerant flows back to the heat pipe from the point where the branch pipe and the refrigerant pipe converge. To prevent this, a check valve needs to be installed between the point where the branch pipe and the refrigerant pipe converge and the heat pipe, or an additional three-way valve needs to be installed at the point where the branch pipe and the refrigerant pipe converge, which incurs additional costs. In addition, since the check valve does not have a perfect backflow prevention function, it can not work well. In addition, when an additional three-way valve is installed, there can be a problem of requiring a space for installation of the three-way valve and complicated pipe connection. SUMMARY

[0008] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a valve device having an improved structure capable of preventing refrigerant from flowing back to a heat pipe when the refrigerant condensed in a condenser is directly sent to an expansion device without passing through the heat pipe.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a valve device includes a housing having an open bottom and a receiving space formed therein, a rotor disposed in the receiving space and including a rotor shaft, a pinion coupled to the rotor shaft and rotating with the rotor, a spur gear disposed at one side of the pinion to be engaged with the pinion and rotated by the pinion, the spur gear including a pad valve shaft which is a rotation axis of the spur gear, a bottom plate covering the open bottom of the housing, an inflow pipe coupled to the bottom plate to introduce refrigerant into the receiving space therethrough, a boss installed to the bottom plate and including a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes through which the introduced refrigerant flows in / out, a plurality of inflow / outflow pipes coupled to the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes and through which the introduced refrigerant flows in / out, and a pad disposed on the boss to be coupled to the pad valve shaft, the pad including an opening cavity formed therein to selectively open one of the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes and a connection cavity formed therein to selectively connect two of the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes.

[0012] The boss can include a plurality of insertion holes into which the plurality of inflow / outflow pipes are inserted, and the plurality of insertion holes can be formed to be connected to the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes.

[0013] The opening cavity and the connection cavity can be formed in a shape of each having a groove recessed upward from a bottom surface of the pad.

[0014] The opening cavity can be formed to extend to an edge of the pad in a radial direction of the pad.

[0015] The connection cavity can connect two adjacent refrigerant inflow / outflow holes among the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes.

[0016] The plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes can include a first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole, a second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole, a third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole, and a fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole formed at positions rotated counterclockwise by 90 degrees in order from the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole.

[0017] The plurality of inflow / outflow tubes can include a first inflow / outflow tube coupled to the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole, a second inflow / outflow tube coupled to the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole, a third inflow / outflow tube coupled to the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole, and a fourth inflow / outflow tube coupled to the fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole.

[0018] The inflow tube can be coupled to an outlet tube of the condenser to receive refrigerant from the condenser therethrough, the second inflow / outflow tube can be coupled to an inlet of the heat pipe, the third inflow / outflow tube can be coupled to an outlet of the heat pipe, and the first inflow / outflow tube and the fourth inflow / outflow tube can be coupled to the capillary tube.

[0019] When the opening cavity is located between the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole and the fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole, the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes can be all closed, which corresponds to a valve closed state.

[0020] When the pad is rotated counterclockwise by 45 degrees around the center of the boss, the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole can be opened by the opening cavity, the fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole can be closed, and the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole and the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole can be connected by the connection cavity.

[0021] Refrigerant flowing into the receiving space through the inflow tube flows out to the first inflow / outflow tube through the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole and flows into the capillary tube, and the fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole can be closed, thereby closing the outflow to the fourth inflow / outflow tube.

[0022] When the pad is rotated counterclockwise by 135 degrees around the center of the boss, the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole can be opened by the opening cavity, the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole can be closed, and the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole and the fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole can be connected by the connection cavity.

[0023] Refrigerant flowing into the receiving space through the inflow tube flows out to the second inflow / outflow tube through the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole and flows into the third inflow / outflow tube through the heat pipe, and the refrigerant flowing into the third inflow / outflow tube flows out to the fourth inflow / outflow tube through the fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole connected to the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole by the connection cavity and flows into the capillary tube.

[0024] One end of the heat pipe is an inlet into which refrigerant flows from the receiving space, and the other end of the heat pipe is an outlet from which refrigerant flows in the heat pipe.

[0025] A valve device includes a housing having a receiving space formed therein, an inflow hole, and a boss hole; a rotor installed in the receiving space and including a rotor shaft; a pinion coupled to the rotor shaft and rotated by the rotor; a pad gear engaged with the pinion to rotate together with the pinion, the pad gear including a pad valve shaft; an inflow tube coupled to the inflow hole to introduce a refrigerant therethrough into the receiving space; a boss installed to the boss hole and including a plurality of inflow / outflow holes; a plurality of inflow / outflow tubes respectively coupled to the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes and through which the introduced refrigerant flows in / out; and a pad coupled to the pad gear such that the pad is rotatable with respect to the boss to selectively open or close the plurality of inflow / outflow holes, the pad including an opening cavity formed therein to selectively open one of the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes and a connection cavity formed therein to selectively connect two of the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes.

[0026] Advantageous Effects

[0027] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, backflow of refrigerant can be prevented by a single valve device without the need for additional installation of a check valve or other valve device, thereby eliminating the need to secure a space in which the valve device is installed and minimizing an increase in additional expenses. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a pad gear coupled to a pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 shows a pad arranged on a boss according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 shows a bottom side of a boss according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 is a sectional view of a pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7 is a side sectional view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 8 shows a valve closed state in which a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes are all blocked by a pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 9 A plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown, wherein the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the pad, the fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is blocked by the pad, and the second and third refrigerant inflow / outflow holes are connected by the pad.

[0037] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view schematically showing a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the pad, and the second and third refrigerant inflow / outflow holes are connected by the pad.

[0038] Figure 11 A plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown, wherein the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the pad, the third and fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow holes are connected by the pad.

[0039] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view schematically showing a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the pad, and the third and fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow holes are connected by the pad.

[0040] Figure 13 An exploded perspective view of a valve device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 14 A pad arranged on a boss according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 15 A bottom side of a boss according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 16 A valve closed state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes are all blocked by the pad.

[0044] Figure 17 A plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are shown, wherein the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the pad, the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is blocked by the pad, and the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is blocked by the connecting cavity.

[0045] Figure 18 A cross-sectional view schematically showing a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the pad, the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is blocked by the pad, and the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is blocked by the connecting cavity.

[0046] Figure 19 A plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet ports according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are shown, wherein a third refrigerant inlet / outlet port is opened by a gasket, and a first refrigerant inlet / outlet port and a second refrigerant inlet / outlet port are connected by a gasket.

[0047] Figure 20 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet holes according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a third refrigerant inlet / outlet hole is opened by a gasket, and a first refrigerant inlet / outlet hole and a second refrigerant inlet / outlet hole are connected by a gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The embodiments and features described and illustrated in this disclosure are merely examples, and various modifications to the embodiments and drawings may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0049] Throughout the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar parts or components.

[0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. It will be understood that the singular forms “a” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including…” as used in this specification indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0051] Ordinal terms such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe various components, but components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer, or space discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or part. When items are described using conjunctions such as “~ and / or ~”, the description should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0052] The terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “top,” and “bottom” used herein are defined relative to the accompanying drawings, but these terms may not limit the shape and position of the corresponding components.

[0053] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a valve device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3A pad gear coupled to a pad is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 4 A pad disposed on a boss is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 5 A bottom side of a boss is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 6 is a sectional view of a pad according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 7 is a side sectional view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0055] As Figures 1 to 7 shown, a valve device can include a housing 10, a bottom plate 20 covering an open bottom of the housing 10, an inflow pipe 100 into which a refrigerant flows, a plurality of inflow / outflow pipes 200 through which the refrigerant flows in / out, a boss 80 including a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 through which the refrigerant flows in / out, and a pad 90 rotatably disposed on the boss 80.

[0056] The housing 10 can be provided to be open at a bottom and to have a receiving space 11 formed therein.

[0057] A rotor 30 can be disposed in the receiving space 11 of the housing 10. The rotor 30 can include a rotor shaft 31.

[0058] Further, a pinion 40 can be disposed in the receiving space 11. The pinion 40 can be coupled to the rotor 30. The pinion 40 can be coupled to the rotor shaft 31 and rotate together with the rotor 30.

[0059] Further, a pad gear 50 can be disposed in the receiving space 11. The pad gear 50 can be disposed at a side of the pinion 40. The pad gear 50 can be combined with and meshed with the pinion 40. Thus, when the pinion 40 is rotated by the rotor 30, the pad gear 50 can be rotated by the pinion 40. The pad gear 50 can include a pad valve shaft 51 corresponding to a rotation axis. The pad valve shaft 51 can be coupled to the pad 90 so that the pad 90 can rotate together with the pad gear 50. The pad gear 50 can include a pad coupling protrusion 53 coupled to the pad 90. The pad coupling protrusion 53 can be provided in plural. The pad coupling protrusion 53 can be provided on a bottom surface of the pad gear 50. The pad coupling protrusion 53 can be coupled to a pad gear coupling hole 93 formed at a top surface of the pad 90.

[0060] Further, an elastic support spring 60 can be disposed in the receiving space 11. The elastic support spring 60 can be fixed to the housing 10 in the receiving space 11. The elastic support spring 60 can be of a plate type. The elastic support spring 60 can elastically support a top center of the pad gear 50. The pad gear 50 can be rotatably installed at the elastic support spring 60.

[0061] Further, a rotor support plate spring 70 can be disposed in the receiving space 11. The rotor support plate spring 70 can be fixed to the housing 10 in the receiving space 11. The rotor support plate spring 70 can elastically support the rotor 30. The rotor 30 can be rotatably supported on the rotor support plate spring 70.

[0062] The bottom plate 20 can cover an open bottom of the housing 10. The bottom plate 20 can include a rotor shaft support hole 21 through which the rotor shaft 31 is rotatably supported. The bottom plate 20 can include a refrigerant inflow hole 23 coupled to an inflow pipe 100 through which a refrigerant flows. The bottom plate 20 can include a boss hole 25 through which the boss 80 is installed.

[0063] The boss 80 can be installed in the boss hole 25 of the bottom plate 20. An upper portion of the boss 80 can be disposed in the receiving space 11. A lower portion of the boss 80 can be disposed outside the receiving space 11. The boss 80 can include a pad valve shaft hole 81 into which a pad valve shaft 51 is rotatably inserted. The boss 80 can include a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 through which a refrigerant flows in / out. The plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 can be coupled to a plurality of inflow / outflow pipes 200 through which a refrigerant flows in / out. There can be four refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82. Further, there can be four inflow / outflow pipes 200 coupled to the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82. The boss 80 can include a plurality of insertion holes 82a into which the plurality of inflow / outflow pipes 200 are inserted. There can be four insertion holes 82a to match the number of the plurality of inflow / outflow pipes 200. The plurality of insertion holes 82a can be connected to the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82.

[0064] The pad 90 can be rotatably disposed on top of the boss 80. The pad 90 can include a pad valve shaft coupling hole 91 to which the pad valve shaft 51 is coupled. The pad 90 can include a pad gear coupling hole 93 to which the pad coupling protrusion 53 is coupled. Accordingly, the pad 90 can rotate together with the pad gear 50. The pad 90 can include an open cavity 95 that selectively opens one of the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 formed at the boss 80. The open cavity 95 can be formed at a lower portion of the pad 90. The open cavity 95 can have the form of a groove that is recessed upward from a bottom surface of the pad 90. The open cavity 95 can be formed to extend to an edge of the pad 90 in a radial direction. The pad 90 can rotate together with the pad gear 50 to selectively open one of the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 formed at the boss 80. The pad 90 can include a connection cavity 97 that selectively connects two of the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 formed at the boss 80. The connection cavity 97 can be formed at a lower portion of the pad 90. The connection cavity 97 can have the form of a groove that is recessed upward from a bottom surface of the pad 90. The connection cavity 97 can connect two adjacent ones of the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82.

[0065] The valve device can further include a stator (not shown). The stator can be provided to surround a portion of the housing 10 in which the rotor 30 is disposed from the outside thereof.

[0066] The valve device can further include a bracket (not shown). The bracket can allow the housing 10 to be coupled to the stator. The bracket can allow the valve device to be fixed to an external device.

[0067] Figure 8 A valve closed state in which all of the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes are blocked by the pad is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 9 A plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes in which a first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the pad, a fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is blocked by the pad, and a second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole and a third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole are connected by the pad are shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes in which a first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the pad, and a second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole and a third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole are connected by the pad according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 11 A plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes in which a second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the pad, and a third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole and a fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole are connected by the pad are shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 12is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes according to an embodiment of the disclosure, in which a second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by a gasket, and a third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole and a fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole are connected by a gasket.

[0068] As shown in Figure 8 , refrigerant compressed in a compressor (not shown) can be sent to a condenser C to be condensed. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be sent to a capillary tube CA as an expansion device to be expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the capillary tube CA can be sent to an evaporator E and can generate cool air by heat exchange in the evaporator E.

[0069] For example, in the case of a refrigerator, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be sent to the capillary tube CA directly or through a heat pipe H.

[0070] The heat pipe H can be a pipe installed to prevent dew formation from occurring in a gasket portion of a refrigerator door, which is a portion susceptible to temperature in the refrigerator. Specifically, high-temperature refrigerant of a high-pressure portion of a refrigeration cycle can pass through the heat pipe H to prevent dew formation in the gasket portion of the refrigerator door.

[0071] The heat pipe H only needs to maintain a temperature above a dew point based on humidity of outside air, but a temperature maintained above the dew point in the refrigerator acts as a heat load in the refrigerator, causing an increase in power consumption of the refrigerator, and thus the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be sent to the capillary tube CA directly or not through the heat pipe H depending on operating conditions. To this end, a valve device can be installed at an outlet pipe through which the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C flows out.

[0072] The inflow pipe 100 can be connected to an outlet pipe of the condenser C. The inflow pipe 100 can be connected to the receiving space 11 in the housing 10 through the refrigerant inflow hole 23 (see Figure 2 ).

[0073] The plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 can include a first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 83, a second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 84, a third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 85, and a fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 86, which are formed at positions rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise in order from the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 83 based on the center of the boss 80.

[0074] The plurality of inflow / outflow pipes 200 can include a first inflow / outflow pipe 210 coupled to the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 83, a second inflow / outflow pipe 220 coupled to the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 84, a third inflow / outflow pipe 310 coupled to the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 85, and a fourth inflow / outflow pipe 240 coupled to the fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 86.

[0075] The second inlet / outlet pipe 220 can be connected to one end of the heat pipe H. The third inlet / outlet pipe 230 can be connected to the other end of the heat pipe H. The first inlet / outlet pipe 210 and the fourth inlet / outlet pipe 240 can be connected to the capillary tube CA. One end of the heat pipe can be an inlet for refrigerant to flow in from the receiving space, and the other end of the heat pipe can be an outlet for refrigerant to flow out from the heat pipe.

[0076] When the opening 95 of the gasket 90 is located between the first refrigerant inlet / outlet port 83 and the fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet port 86, the multiple refrigerant inlet / outlet ports 83, 84, 85 and 86 can all be blocked by the gasket 90, which corresponds to the valve closed state. In the valve closed state, the refrigerant can stop flowing.

[0077] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the refrigerant condensed in condenser C can be sent directly to capillary tube CA without passing through heat pipe H.

[0078] When the gasket 90 rotates 45 degrees counterclockwise around the center of the boss 80 from the valve-closed position, the opening 95 can open the first refrigerant inlet / outlet port 83. The fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet port 86 can be blocked by the gasket 90. The second refrigerant inlet / outlet port 84 and the third refrigerant inlet / outlet port 85 can be connected by the connecting cavity 97.

[0079] Refrigerant that has already flowed from condenser C into inlet pipe 100 can flow into receiving space 11 through refrigerant inlet hole 23 (see...) Figure 2 The refrigerant that has already flowed in can flow out through the first refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice 83, opened by the opening 95, into the first inlet / outlet pipe 210, and then into the capillary pipe CA. The refrigerant that has flowed into the capillary pipe CA can expand and can flow into the evaporator E.

[0080] In this case, since the fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet hole 86 is blocked by the gasket 90, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant flowing into the capillary tube CA through the first inlet / outlet pipe 210 from flowing back into the fourth inlet / outlet pipe 240.

[0081] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the refrigerant condensed in condenser C can be sent to capillary tube CA through heat pipe H.

[0082] When the pad 90 is rotated 135 degrees counterclockwise from the position in which the valve is closed around the center of the boss 80, the open cavity 95 can open the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 84. The first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 83 can be blocked by the pad 90. The third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 85 and the fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 86 can be connected by the connection cavity 97.

[0083] The refrigerant that has flowed into the inflow tube 100 from the condenser C can flow into the receiving space 11 through the refrigerant inflow hole 23 (see Figure 2 ). The refrigerant that has flowed in can flow out to the second inflow / outflow tube 220 through the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 84 opened by the open cavity 95 of the pad 90. The refrigerant that has flowed out to the second inflow / outflow tube 220 can flow into the third inflow / outflow tube 230 through the heat pipe H. The refrigerant that has flowed into the third inflow / outflow tube 230 can flow out to the fourth inflow / outflow tube 240 through the fourth refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 86 connected to the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 85 by the connection cavity 97. The refrigerant that has flowed out to the fourth inflow / outflow tube 240 can flow into the capillary tube CA. The refrigerant that has flowed into the capillary tube CA can expand and can flow into the evaporator E.

[0084] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 shows a pad arranged on a boss according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 shows a bottom side of a boss according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] As Figures 13 to 15 shown, the valve device can include a housing 10, a bottom plate 20 covering an open bottom of the housing 10, an inflow tube 100 through which a refrigerant flows in, a plurality of inflow / outflow tubes 200 through which a refrigerant flows in / out, a boss 80 including a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 through which a refrigerant flows in / out, and a pad 90 rotatably arranged on the boss 80.

[0086] Only different elements will be described compared to the valve device shown in Figures 1 to 7 .

[0087] The boss 80 can be installed in the boss hole 25 of the bottom plate 20. An upper portion of the boss 80 can be disposed in the receiving space 11. A lower portion of the boss 80 can be disposed outside the receiving space 11. The boss 80 can include a cushion valve shaft hole 81 in which the cushion valve shaft 51 is rotatably inserted. The boss 80 can include a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 through which a refrigerant flows in / out. The plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 can be coupled to a plurality of inflow / outflow pipes 200 through which a refrigerant flows in / out. There can be three refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82. Also, there can be three inflow / outflow pipes 200 coupled to the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82. The boss 80 can include a plurality of insertion holes 82a in which the plurality of inflow / outflow pipes 200 are inserted. There can be three insertion holes 82a to match the number of the plurality of inflow / outflow pipes 200. The plurality of insertion holes 82a can be connected to the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82.

[0088] Except for the structure in which the three inflow / outflow pipes 200 are disposed so that there are three refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 and three insertion holes 82a, all other structures can be the same as in the valve device shown in FIG. 1. Figures 1 to 7

[0089] Figure 16 A valve closed state in which all of the plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes are blocked by the cushion according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown. Figure 17 A plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes in which the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the cushion, the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is blocked by the cushion, and the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is blocked by the connection cavity according to another embodiment of the disclosure are shown. Figure 18 A cross-sectional view schematically showing a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes in which the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the cushion, the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is blocked by the cushion, and the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is blocked by the connection cavity according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown. Figure 19 A plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes in which the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the cushion, and the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole and the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole are connected by the cushion according to another embodiment of the disclosure are shown. Figure 20 A cross-sectional view schematically showing a plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes in which the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole is opened by the cushion, and the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole and the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole are connected by the cushion according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown.

[0090] As Figure 16 ​As shown, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (not shown) can be sent to the condenser C to be condensed. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be sent to the capillary tube CA as an expansion device to be expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the capillary tube CA can be sent to the evaporator E and can generate cool air by heat exchange in the evaporator E.

[0091] For example, in the case of a refrigerator, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be sent to the capillary tube CA directly or through the heat pipe H.

[0092] The heat pipe H can be a pipe installed to prevent dew formation caused in the gasket portion of the refrigerator door, which is a portion susceptible to the temperature in the refrigerator. Specifically, the high-temperature refrigerant of the high-pressure portion of the refrigeration cycle can pass through the heat pipe H to prevent dew formation in the gasket portion of the refrigerator door.

[0093] The heat pipe H needs only to maintain the temperature above the dew point based on the humidity of the outside air, but the temperature maintained above the dew point in the refrigerator acts as a heat load within the refrigerator, resulting in an increase in power consumption of the refrigerator, and thus the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C can be sent to the capillary tube CA directly or not through the heat pipe H depending on the operating situation. To this end, a valve device can be installed at the outlet pipe through which the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C flows out.

[0094] The inflow pipe 100 can be connected to the outlet pipe of the condenser C. The inflow pipe 100 can be connected to the receiving space 11 in the housing 10 through the refrigerant inflow hole 23 (see Figure 13 ).

[0095] The plurality of refrigerant inflow / outflow holes 82 can include a first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 87, a second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 88, and a third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 89, which are formed at positions rotated counterclockwise by 90 degrees from the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 87 based on the center of the boss 80.

[0096] The plurality of inflow / outflow pipes 200 can include a first inflow / outflow pipe 250 coupled to the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 87, a second inflow / outflow pipe 260 coupled to the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 88, and a third inflow / outflow pipe 270 coupled to the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 89.

[0097] The first inflow / outflow pipe 250 can be connected to the outlet of the heat pipe H. The third inflow / outflow pipe 270 can be connected to the inlet of the heat pipe H. The second inflow / outflow pipe 260 can be connected to the capillary tube CA.

[0098] When the opening 95 of the gasket 90 is positioned 45 degrees counterclockwise from the center of the boss 80 from the first refrigerant inlet / outlet port 87, multiple refrigerant inlet / outlet ports 87, 88, and 89 can be blocked by the gasket 90, which corresponds to the valve closed state. In the valve closed state, the refrigerant can stop flowing.

[0099] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the refrigerant condensed in condenser C can be directly sent to capillary tube CA without passing through heat pipe H.

[0100] When the gasket 90 rotates 135 degrees clockwise around the center of the boss 80 from the valve-closed position, the second refrigerant inlet / outlet port 88 can be opened by the opening 95. The third refrigerant inlet / outlet port 89 can be blocked by the bottom side of the gasket 90. The second refrigerant inlet / outlet port 88 can be blocked by the connecting cavity 97.

[0101] Refrigerant that has already flowed from condenser C into inlet pipe 100 can flow into receiving space 11 through refrigerant inlet hole 23 (see...) Figure 13 The refrigerant that has already flowed in can flow out through the second refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice 88, which is opened by the opening 95, into the second inlet / outlet pipe 260. The refrigerant that has flowed out into the second inlet / outlet pipe 260 can flow into the capillary tube CA to expand. The refrigerant that has flowed into the capillary tube CA and expanded in the capillary tube CA can flow into the evaporator E.

[0102] In this case, since the first refrigerant inlet / outlet port 87 and the third refrigerant inlet / outlet port 89 are blocked, the refrigerant flowing back into the capillary tube CA through the second inlet / outlet pipe 260 can be prevented.

[0103] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the refrigerant condensed in condenser C can be sent to capillary tube CA through heat pipe H.

[0104] When the gasket 90 rotates 225 degrees clockwise around the center of the boss 80 from the valve closed position, the opening 95 can open the third refrigerant inlet / outlet port 89. The first refrigerant inlet / outlet port 87 and the second refrigerant inlet / outlet port 88 can be connected by the connecting cavity 97.

[0105] Refrigerant that has already flowed from condenser C into inlet pipe 100 can flow into receiving space 11 through refrigerant inlet hole 23 (see...) Figure 13). The refrigerant that has flowed in can flow out to the third inflow / outflow pipe 270 through the third refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 89 opened by the opening cavity 95. The refrigerant that has flowed out to the third inflow / outflow pipe 270 can flow in to the first inflow / outflow pipe 250 through the heat pipe H. The refrigerant that has flowed in to the first inflow / outflow pipe 250 can flow out to the second inflow / outflow pipe 260 through the second refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 88 connected to the first refrigerant inflow / outflow hole 87 by the connecting cavity 97. The refrigerant that has flowed out to the second inflow / outflow pipe 260 can flow in to the capillary tube CA. The refrigerant that has flowed in to the capillary tube CA can expand and can flow in to the evaporator E.

[0106] The foregoing detailed description of the valve device has focused on specific shapes and orientations with reference to the accompanying drawings, but one of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It will therefore be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, which are provided for illustrative purposes only.

Claims

1. A valve device, comprising: The housing has an open bottom and a receiving space formed therein; A rotor, arranged in the receiving space and including a rotor shaft; A small gear is connected to the rotor shaft and rotates together with the rotor; A pad gear is arranged on one side of the pinion to mesh with the pinion and is rotated by the pinion. The pad gear includes a pad valve shaft, which is the rotation axis of the pad gear. A base plate that covers the open bottom of the housing; An inlet pipe is connected to the base plate to introduce refrigerant into the receiving space; A boss is mounted to the base plate and includes multiple refrigerant inlet / outlet holes through which the introduced refrigerant flows in / out through the multiple refrigerant inlet / outlet holes; Multiple inlet / outlet pipes are connected to the multiple refrigerant inlet / outlet holes, and the introduced refrigerant flows in / out through the multiple inlet / outlet pipes; as well as A gasket, disposed on the boss for connection to the gasket valve shaft, the gasket including an opening formed therein to selectively open one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet orifices and a connecting cavity formed therein to selectively connect two of the plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet orifices. The plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet holes include a first refrigerant inlet / outlet hole, a second refrigerant inlet / outlet hole, a third refrigerant inlet / outlet hole, and a fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet hole, which are formed at positions that are rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the first refrigerant inlet / outlet hole based on the center of the boss. When the opening is located between the first refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice and the fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice, all the refrigerant inlet / outlet orifices are closed, corresponding to the valve closed state.

2. The valve device of claim 1, wherein the boss includes a plurality of insertion holes, the plurality of inlet / outlet pipes are inserted into the plurality of insertion holes, and the plurality of insertion holes are configured to connect to the plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet holes.

3. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein each of the opening cavity and the connecting cavity is formed with a groove recessed from the bottom surface of the pad.

4. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein the opening is formed to extend in the radial direction of the pad to the edge of the pad.

5. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein the connecting cavity connects two adjacent refrigerant inlet / outlet ports among the plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet ports.

6. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet / outlet pipes include a first inlet / outlet pipe connected to the first refrigerant inlet / outlet port, a second inlet / outlet pipe connected to the second refrigerant inlet / outlet port, a third inlet / outlet pipe connected to the third refrigerant inlet / outlet port, and a fourth inlet / outlet pipe connected to the fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet port.

7. The valve device of claim 6, wherein the inlet pipe is connected to the outlet pipe of the condenser to receive refrigerant from the condenser therethrough, the second inlet / outlet pipe is connected to one end of the heat pipe, the third inlet / outlet pipe is connected to the other end of the heat pipe, and the first inlet / outlet pipe and the fourth inlet / outlet pipe are connected to a capillary tube.

8. The valve device according to claim 7, wherein when the pad is rotated counterclockwise by 45 degrees around the center of the boss, the first refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice is opened by the opening cavity, the fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice is closed, and the second refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice and the third refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice are connected by the connecting cavity.

9. The valve device according to claim 8, wherein the refrigerant flowing into the receiving space through the inlet pipe flows out through the first refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice into the first inlet / outlet pipe and into the capillary tube, and the fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice is closed, thereby shutting off the outflow to the fourth inlet / outlet pipe.

10. The valve device of claim 7, wherein when the pad is rotated 135 degrees counterclockwise around the center of the boss, the second refrigerant inlet / outlet is opened by the opening cavity, the first refrigerant inlet / outlet is closed, and the third refrigerant inlet / outlet and the fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet are connected by the connecting cavity.

11. The valve device of claim 10, wherein the refrigerant flowing into the receiving space through the inlet pipe flows out into the second inlet / outlet pipe through the second refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice and into the third inlet / outlet pipe through the heat pipe, and the refrigerant flowing into the third inlet / outlet pipe flows out into the fourth inlet / outlet pipe through the fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice connected by the connecting cavity to the third refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice and into the capillary tube.

12. The valve device of claim 7, wherein one end of the heat pipe is an inlet for the refrigerant to flow in from the receiving space, and the other end of the heat pipe is an outlet for the refrigerant to flow out from the heat pipe.

13. A valve device, comprising: The housing has a receiving space, an inlet hole, and a boss hole formed therein; A rotor, mounted in the receiving space and including a rotor shaft; A pinion gear is connected to the rotor shaft and rotated by the rotor. A pad gear meshes with the pinion to rotate together with the pinion, the pad gear including a pad valve shaft; An inlet pipe is connected to the inlet hole to introduce refrigerant through it into the receiving space; A boss is mounted into the boss hole and includes multiple inlet / outlet holes; Multiple inlet / outlet pipes are respectively connected to the multiple refrigerant inlet / outlet holes, and the introduced refrigerant flows in / out through the multiple inlet / outlet pipes; as well as A pad, coupled to the pad gear, allows the pad to rotate relative to the boss to selectively open or close the plurality of inlet / outlet orifices. The pad includes an opening formed therein to selectively open one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet orifices, and a connecting cavity formed therein to selectively connect two of the plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet orifices. The plurality of refrigerant inlet / outlet holes include a first refrigerant inlet / outlet hole, a second refrigerant inlet / outlet hole, a third refrigerant inlet / outlet hole, and a fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet hole, which are formed at positions that are rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the first refrigerant inlet / outlet hole based on the center of the boss. When the opening is located between the first refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice and the fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet orifice, all the refrigerant inlet / outlet orifices are closed, corresponding to the valve closed state.

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