labyrinth valve structure

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of fluid control equipment technology, and more particularly to a labyrinth valve structure, including a valve body, a valve core, and a drive head. The valve body has a cavity, and multiple fluid channels are constructed on the valve body along its outer surface to the cavity. The valve core is located within the cavity, and a fluid chamber is formed within the valve core. Multiple valve ports are constructed on the valve core along its outer surface to the fluid chamber. The drive head is connected to the valve core and is used to drive the valve core to move along the length of the cavity, so that the valve ports communicate with the corresponding fluid channels. Through the cooperation of the valve core and valve body flow channel structure, the flow channels can be connected or sealed under different operating conditions, achieving flow channel adjustment that requires multiple connections in existing solenoid valves, thus reducing the cost of "valve island" products. Since only one drive head is used for driving, the overall system failure rate is reduced. After the system loop adjustment is completed, the drive head can be de-energized, the valve core position will not change, and the loop will continue to maintain the adjusted state, thereby reducing the low-pressure energy consumption of the valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fluid control equipment technology, and in particular to a labyrinth valve structure. Background Technology

[0002] Solenoid valves are electromagnetically controlled industrial devices, fundamental components of automation used to control fluids. They are actuators, not limited to hydraulic or pneumatic systems. They are used in industrial control systems to adjust the direction, flow rate, speed, and other parameters of the medium. There are many types of solenoid valves, each playing a different role in the control system. The most common types are check valves, safety valves, directional control valves, and speed regulating valves.

[0003] In industrial equipment, solenoid valves are often used in combination, not just one, to control the fluids within the overall system. For example, one development path for thermal management systems in current new energy vehicles is the refrigerant-specific system. This system has a core component called a "valve island" or "valve assembly," which integrates multiple pilot-operated solenoid valves (SOVs), check valves (CVs), and electronic expansion valves (EXVs). Within the refrigerant system, it regulates the refrigerant operating loop, adjusting the opening or closing of different SOVs according to different operating conditions to regulate the refrigerant circuit. Current "valve island" products typically have three to four, or even seven or eight SOVs, all integrated on a single valve seat. Under specific operating conditions, some of them open while the rest close; when operating conditions change, the corresponding SOVs open or close accordingly.

[0004] The application of solenoid valves has the following drawbacks during use:

[0005] 1. Since solenoid valves open or close their ports using electromagnetic force, they require a continuous power supply to ensure the electromagnetic force is present during operation. Currently, the operating power of a single SOV is approximately ten watts, meaning that under certain operating conditions, the operating power of the "valve island" can be as low as twenty watts and as high as fifty or sixty watts. Therefore, the energy consumption of solenoid valves and the "valve island" during operation is relatively high.

[0006] 2. Currently, each solenoid valve on the "valve island" has its own independent solenoid control head and pilot structure. This part constitutes the main component cost of the "valve island". Under specific operating conditions, the solenoid valves on the "valve island" are either in an open or closed state, but each solenoid valve requires an independent solenoid control head and pilot structure to drive it. This is a waste of resources for the component itself, resulting in high costs.

[0007] 3. Most current solenoid valves have a general-purpose structure, especially pilot-operated solenoid valves, which utilize a pilot structure to achieve a large opening pressure with a relatively small electromagnetic force. However, in practical applications, not every pilot-operated solenoid valve requires a large opening pressure when regulating a circuit. It's impractical to modify or design a single solenoid valve specifically for the opening pressure requirements of a particular part. Therefore, current solenoid valves in systems are designed and used at their maximum opening pressure, resulting in significant functional redundancy in the overall component design and wasted costs.

[0008] 4. Solenoid valves open or close using electromagnetic force. Due to their pilot-operated structure, they are highly sensitive to system impurities. If impurities enter the pilot structure and clog components such as the balance orifice or piston, the entire solenoid valve will fail. The failure of a single solenoid valve may cause the entire equipment system's fluid regulation to malfunction and fail. In other words, the more individual solenoid valves in the system, the greater the probability of overall system failure. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention provides a labyrinth valve structure to address the shortcomings of existing solenoid valves in their application. While meeting functional requirements, it features low energy consumption and low failure rate, thereby achieving cost optimization.

[0010] This invention provides a labyrinth valve structure, comprising:

[0011] The valve body has a cavity inside and multiple fluid channels connected to the outer surface of the valve body and the cavity are constructed on the valve body.

[0012] A valve core, the valve core being located within the cavity, the valve core having a fluid cavity inside, and the valve core having multiple valve ports communicating with the outer surface of the valve core and the fluid cavity;

[0013] A drive head, connected to the valve core, is used to drive the valve core to move along the length of the cavity so that the valve port communicates with the corresponding fluid channel.

[0014] According to a labyrinth valve structure provided by the present invention, a guide groove is provided at the connection between the fluid channel and the cavity, which is arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the cavity.

[0015] According to a labyrinth valve structure provided by the present invention, the valve core has multiple fluid chambers, and each fluid chamber is connected to multiple valve ports.

[0016] According to a labyrinth valve structure provided by the present invention, the valve core has three fluid chambers that are not interconnected, namely a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber and a third fluid chamber. The valve core has a first valve port and a second valve port that communicate with the first fluid chamber. The valve core also has a third valve port and a fourth valve port that communicate with the second fluid chamber. The valve core also has a fifth valve port and a sixth valve port that communicate with the third fluid chamber.

[0017] The valve body is provided with a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, a third fluid channel, a fourth fluid channel, a fifth fluid channel, and a sixth fluid channel.

[0018] According to a labyrinth valve structure provided by the present invention, the second fluid channel and the third fluid channel are connected through the guide groove; the valve core is adapted to switch between a first position and a second position within the cavity;

[0019] When the valve core is in the first position, the fourth fluid channel is connected to the third valve port, and the sixth fluid channel is connected to the fourth valve port;

[0020] When the valve core is in the second position, the first fluid channel is connected to the first valve port, the fourth fluid channel is connected to the second valve port, the fifth fluid channel is connected to the fifth valve port, and the sixth fluid channel is connected to the sixth valve port.

[0021] According to a labyrinth valve structure provided by the present invention, the first fluid channel, the second fluid channel, the third fluid channel, the fourth fluid channel, the fifth fluid channel and the sixth fluid channel are distributed sequentially along the length direction of the valve body;

[0022] The first valve port, the third valve port, the second valve port, the fifth valve port, the fourth valve port, and the sixth valve port are distributed sequentially along the length of the valve core.

[0023] According to a labyrinth valve structure provided by the present invention, the valve body is provided with a first one-way channel and a second one-way channel communicating with the third fluid channel. A first one-way valve is provided at the communication point between the first one-way channel and the third fluid channel, and the first one-way valve is used to allow fluid to flow from the third fluid channel to the first one-way channel. A second one-way valve is provided at the communication point between the second one-way channel and the third fluid channel, and the second one-way valve is used to allow fluid to flow from the second one-way channel to the third fluid channel.

[0024] According to a labyrinth valve structure provided by the present invention, the first fluid cavity, the second fluid cavity and the third fluid cavity are all blind hole structures extending along the length direction of the valve core, wherein plugs are provided at the blind hole openings of the first fluid cavity and the second fluid cavity, the plugs sealing the blind hole openings to form cavities, and the blind hole opening of the third fluid cavity is the sixth valve port;

[0025] The cavity is a blind hole structure extending along the length of the valve body, and a plug is provided at the opening of the blind hole to form the cavity.

[0026] According to the present invention, the driving head is a worm gear drive mechanism or a shape memory alloy drive mechanism.

[0027] According to a labyrinth valve structure provided by the present invention, a sealing element is provided between the cavity wall of the valve body and the outer wall of the valve core, and the sealing element includes at least one of X-ring, Glyd ring, O-ring and oil film seal.

[0028] This invention provides a labyrinth valve structure that, through the cooperation of the valve core and the valve body flow channel structure, achieves flow channel connection or sealing under different operating conditions, achieving flow channel adjustment that existing solenoid valves require multiple coordinations to achieve, thus reducing the cost of "valve island" products. Since only one drive head is used for driving, the overall failure rate of the system is reduced. After the system loop adjustment is completed, the drive head can be de-energized, the valve core position will not change, and the loop will continue to maintain the adjusted state, thereby reducing the low-pressure energy consumption of valves. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the labyrinth valve structure provided by the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the valve body provided by the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core provided by the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the valve core provided by the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the AA cross-section;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 BB cross-sectional diagram;

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the CC cross-section;

[0037] Figure 8 This is one of the schematic diagrams showing the valve core and valve body in the first position in this invention;

[0038] Figure 9 This is the second schematic diagram of the valve core and valve body in the first position in this invention.

[0039] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 DD cross-sectional schematic diagram;

[0040] Figure 11 This is one of the schematic diagrams showing the valve core and valve body in the second position in this invention;

[0041] Figure 12 This is the second schematic diagram of the valve core and valve body in the second position of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 EE cross-sectional schematic diagram;

[0043] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the FF cross-section;

[0044] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant specialization system for new energy vehicles;

[0045] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration operating conditions of a specialized refrigerant system for new energy vehicles.

[0046] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the heating operation of a specialized refrigerant system for new energy vehicles.

[0047] Figure label:

[0048] 1. Valve body; 11. Cavity; 12. Fluid passage; 13. Guide groove; 14. First one-way passage; 15. Second one-way passage;

[0049] 121. First fluid channel; 122. Second fluid channel; 123. Third fluid channel; 124. Fourth fluid channel; 125. Fifth fluid channel; 126. Sixth fluid channel; 141. First check valve; 151. Second check valve;

[0050] 2. Valve core; 21. Fluid chamber; 22. Valve port;

[0051] 211. First fluid chamber; 212. Second fluid chamber; 213. Third fluid chamber; 221. First valve port; 222. Second valve port; 223. Third valve port; 224. Fourth valve port; 225. Fifth valve port; 226. Sixth valve port;

[0052] 3. Drive head. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0054] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0055] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0056] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0057] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0058] One embodiment of the present invention provides a labyrinth valve structure, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a valve body 1, a valve core 2, and a drive head 3, combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the valve body 1 has a cavity 11 inside, and multiple fluid channels 12 are constructed on the valve body 1 to connect the outer surface of the valve body 1 and the cavity 11; the valve core 2 is located inside the cavity 11, combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the valve core 2 has a fluid cavity 21 inside, and the valve core 2 has multiple valve ports 22 that connect the outer surface of the valve core 2 and the fluid cavity 21. The drive head 3 is connected to the valve core 2 and is used to drive the valve core 2 to move along the cavity 11 so that the valve ports 22 are connected to the corresponding fluid channels 12, that is, some valve ports 22 are connected to some fluid channels 12 to form the required channels.

[0059] It is understandable that the design concept of this embodiment is to integrate multiple solenoid valves into a single labyrinth valve structure. One fluid channel 12 and one valve port 22 form a channel equivalent to the channel of a single solenoid valve. The connection or disconnection between different fluid channels 12 and different valve ports 22 controls the opening and closing of different solenoid valves. In this embodiment, the valve core 2 moves within the cavity 11 of the valve body 1, enabling the connection or disconnection between different fluid channels 12 and different valve ports 22, thus closing and opening different channels. A single labyrinth valve structure can replace the operation of multiple solenoid valves. Compared to integrating multiple solenoid valves onto a single valve seat, the overall structure is simpler and the mechanism is more straightforward. The valve core 2 is driven by a single drive head 3. Compared to the traditional method where multiple solenoid valves on a valve seat are driven separately by multiple pilot mechanisms, this embodiment eliminates multiple pilot mechanisms, resulting in lower structural costs, relatively lower energy consumption during use, and resource conservation.

[0060] Since the valve core 2 moves within the cavity 11 of the valve body 1, to achieve the connection or disconnection between different fluid channels 12 and different valve ports 22 during the movement of the valve core 2, the fluid channels 12 and valve ports 22 can be designed in a straight line arrangement. For better adaptability, in this embodiment, a guide groove 13 is provided at the connection between the fluid channel 12 and the cavity 11, arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the cavity 11. The guide groove 13 can realize the circumferential flow of fluid. Under this structure, the fluid channel 12 and the valve port 22 can be located at any position on the valve body 1 and the valve core 2, respectively. If the valve core 2 moves longitudinally, as long as a certain valve port 22 on the valve core 2 is at the same horizontal position as a certain fluid channel 12, it can be connected through the guide groove 13.

[0061] The cavity 11 inside the valve body 1 and the valve core 2 have the same shape, which can be cylindrical or other shapes, as long as the valve core 2 can move along the cavity 11. It is best if both the cavity 11 and the valve core 2 are cylindrical structures. In order to achieve more possibilities of communication and form more communication channels, there are multiple fluid cavities 21 inside the valve core 2, and each fluid cavity 21 is connected to multiple valve ports 22. Each fluid cavity 21 has at least two valve ports 22, one for fluid inlet and the other for fluid outlet. When the two valve ports 22 are connected to the fluid channel 12 inside the valve body 1, a valve structure is formed, which is suitable for fluid to enter from the fluid inlet, pass through the fluid cavity 21, and exit from the fluid outlet. The degree of connection between the valve port 22 and the fluid channel 12 is the opening and closing degree of the formed valve structure.

[0062] For ease of understanding, the present invention provides a specific embodiment of a labyrinth valve structure, combined with... Figures 4-7As shown, the valve core 2 has three fluid chambers 21 that are not interconnected. These three fluid chambers 21 are the first fluid chamber 211, the second fluid chamber 212, and the third fluid chamber 213. The valve ports 22 connected to the first fluid chamber 211 are the first valve port 221 and the second valve port 222. The valve ports 22 connected to the second fluid chamber 212 are the third valve port 223 and the fourth valve port 224. The valve ports 22 connected to the third fluid chamber 213 are the fifth valve port 225 and the sixth valve port 226. The valve body 1 has a first fluid channel 121, a second fluid channel 122, a third fluid channel 123, a fourth fluid channel 124, a fifth fluid channel 125, and a sixth fluid channel 126.

[0063] Three fluid chambers 21 correspond to six valve ports 22, and together with six fluid channels 12, can replace the structure of at least three original solenoid valves. The six valve ports 22 and the six fluid channels 12 are connected or disconnected, realizing the flow of fluid in the three fluid chambers 21. This can be achieved by one fluid chamber 21 being open while the other two are closed, two fluid chambers 21 being open while the third is closed, or all three fluid chambers 21 being open or closed. The connection or disconnection is achieved by the valve core 2 moving to different positions within the valve body 1. Of course, the number of fluid chambers 21 constructed within the valve core 2 is not limited to three; it can be other numbers, depending on the actual requirements.

[0064] In the above-described labyrinth valve structure, the second fluid channel 122 and the third fluid channel 123 are connected by the guide groove 13; the valve core 2 is adapted to switch between the first position and the second position in the cavity 11, and may also have other positions. This embodiment uses the switching of two positions as an example. For multiple positions, the two positions in this embodiment can be used as an extension.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first fluid channel 121, the second fluid channel 122, the third fluid channel 123, the fourth fluid channel 124, the fifth fluid channel 125, and the sixth fluid channel 126 are sequentially distributed along the length of the valve body 1; the first valve port 221, the third valve port 223, the second valve port 222, the fifth valve port 225, the fourth valve port 224, and the sixth valve port 226 are sequentially distributed along the length of the valve core 2. The valve body 1 is provided with a first one-way channel 14 and a second one-way channel 15 communicating with the third fluid channel 123. A first one-way valve 141 is provided at the connection between the first one-way channel 14 and the third fluid channel 123, and the first one-way valve 141 is used to allow fluid to flow from the third fluid channel 123 to the first one-way channel 14; a second one-way valve 151 is provided at the connection between the second one-way channel 15 and the third fluid channel 123, and the second one-way valve 151 is used to allow fluid to flow from the second one-way channel 15 to the third fluid channel 123.

[0066] When valve core 2 is in the first position, combined Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the fourth fluid channel 124 is connected to the third valve port 223, and the sixth fluid channel 126 is connected to the fourth valve port 224; when the valve core 2 is in the second position, combined with Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the first fluid channel 121 is connected to the first valve port 221, the fourth fluid channel 124 is connected to the second valve port 222, the fifth fluid channel 125 is connected to the fifth valve port 225, and the sixth fluid channel 126 is connected to the sixth valve port 226.

[0067] The labyrinth valve structure of this invention is applicable to the refrigerant precision systems of current new energy vehicles. For example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 15 As shown, Figure 15 This is the refrigeration system for the refrigerant specialization system of current new energy vehicles. During operation, it mainly operates in two modes: cooling and heating. The system involves multiple solenoid valves, such as... Figure 15 SOV1, SOV2, SOV3, CV1, and CV2 in this embodiment, the labyrinth valve structure, will Figure 15 The middle section of the solenoid valves, mainly SOV1, SOV2, SOV3, CV1, and CV2, is integrated into a single valve structure (i.e., the labyrinth valve structure in this embodiment is equivalent to...). Figure 15 (The dashed part in the text).

[0068] For the refrigeration operating conditions of the refrigerant specialization system in new energy vehicles, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 16 As shown, in cooling mode, the condensate (fluid) enters the indoor heat exchanger inlet from the compressor outlet, flows out from the indoor heat exchanger outlet, enters the outdoor heat exchanger inlet, flows out from the outdoor heat exchanger outlet, passes through CV1 (one-way valve), then flows through the evaporator, passes through SOV3, and finally returns to the compressor inlet. For the heating mode of the refrigerant-specific system in new energy vehicles, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 17 As shown, under heating conditions, the condensate (fluid) enters the indoor heat exchanger inlet from the compressor outlet, flows out from the indoor heat exchanger outlet, first passes through SOV2, then through the evaporator and CV2, and then enters the outdoor heat exchanger inlet. After flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger outlet, it passes through SOV1 and finally reaches the compressor inlet.

[0069] For the refrigerant-specific system of new energy vehicles, which operates in both cooling and heating modes, the labyrinth valve structure in this embodiment replaces the solenoid valve of this embodiment. Figure 15 The position of the dashed box.

[0070] Combination Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, when valve core 2 is in the first position, it corresponds to the refrigeration operating condition of the refrigerant special system in new energy vehicles. (See attached image.) Figure 16 As shown, under refrigeration conditions, the condensate (fluid) enters the indoor heat exchanger inlet from the compressor outlet, flows out from the indoor heat exchanger outlet, enters the outdoor heat exchanger inlet, and flows out from the outdoor heat exchanger outlet. (See...) Figure 8 As shown, it enters the second fluid channel 122, and then, under the action of the guide groove 13, enters the third fluid channel 123 (see [reference]). Figure 10 As shown), after reaching the third fluid channel 123, it enters the first one-way valve 141 (equivalent to CV1 in the original system), flows out from the first one-way channel 14, then flows through the evaporator, and then flows in from the fourth fluid channel 124 in the labyrinth valve structure of this embodiment, enters the second fluid chamber 212 through the third valve port 223, flows out from the fourth valve port 224, and enters the compressor inlet through the sixth fluid channel 126 to complete the cycle.

[0071] It is understood that in this embodiment, when the valve core 2 is in the first position, the second fluid channel 122, guide groove 13, third fluid channel 123, first one-way valve 141, first one-way channel 14, fourth fluid channel 124, third valve port 223, second fluid chamber 212, fourth valve port 224 and sixth fluid channel 126 participate in the fluid flow process, while the remaining parts are sealed and do not participate in the flow control of the refrigeration process fluid. That is, the components that participate in the refrigeration process fluid control are equivalent to providing CV1 and SOV3 in the refrigeration process, while the parts that do not participate in the flow control of the refrigeration process fluid are equivalent to SOV1, SOV2 and CV2 that do not participate in refrigeration in the original system.

[0072] Combination Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, when valve core 2 is in the second position, it corresponds to the heating mode of the refrigerant-specific system in new energy vehicles. (See attached image.) Figure 17As shown, under heating conditions, the condensate (fluid) enters the indoor heat exchanger inlet from the compressor outlet, flows out from the indoor heat exchanger outlet, enters the first one-way channel 14 in this embodiment, then passes through the guide groove 13 via the first fluid channel 121, goes around to the first valve port 221 and enters the first fluid chamber 211, enters the fourth fluid channel 124 via the second valve port 222, exits from the fourth fluid channel 124 and enters the second one-way channel 15, passes through the second one-way valve 151 and enters the third fluid channel 123, passes through the guide groove 13 and goes around to the second fluid chamber 212, flows out from the second fluid chamber 212 and enters the outdoor heat exchanger inlet, flows out from the outdoor heat exchanger outlet and enters the fifth fluid channel 125, passes through the fifth valve port 225 and enters the third fluid chamber 213, and finally flows out from the sixth valve port 226 and enters the compressor inlet, completing the cycle.

[0073] It is understood that in this embodiment, when the valve core 2 is in the second position, the first one-way channel 14, the first fluid channel 121, the guide groove 13, the first valve port 221, the first fluid cavity 211, the second valve port 222, the fourth fluid channel 124, the second one-way channel 15, the third fluid channel 123, the second fluid cavity 212, the fifth fluid channel 125, the fifth valve port 225, the third fluid cavity 213, and the sixth valve port 226 participate in the fluid flow process. The remaining parts are sealed and do not participate in the flow control of the refrigeration process fluid. That is, the components that participate in the refrigeration process fluid control are equivalent to providing SOV1, SOV2, and CV2 in the refrigeration process, while the parts that do not participate in the flow control of the refrigeration process fluid are equivalent to CV1 and SOV3 in the original system that do not participate in refrigeration.

[0074] The above-described application of the labyrinth valve structure in the refrigerant control system of a new energy vehicle is merely an integrated application of three solenoid valves and two one-way valves. Valve core 2 is a three-way valve core, and valve body 1 is a multi-port flow channel valve body. The refrigerant circuit is regulated by connecting or disconnecting the flow channels of valve core 2 and valve body 1. Depending on the actual system requirements, the number of channels in valve core 2 and the number of ports in valve body 1 can be designed accordingly. Furthermore, the solenoid valve in this embodiment is not only suitable for refrigerant circuit design but also for circuit regulation designs involving other fluid media such as coolant and oil.

[0075] To facilitate the processing of valve body 1 and valve core 2, in the solenoid valve of this embodiment, the first fluid cavity 211, the second fluid cavity 212 and the third fluid cavity 213 are all blind hole structures opened at the end of valve core 2. The blind hole openings of the first fluid cavity 211 and the second fluid cavity 212 are provided with plugs to seal the blind hole openings and form cavities. The blind hole opening of the third fluid cavity 213 is the sixth valve port 226. The cavity 11 is a blind hole structure opened at the end of valve body 1, and the blind hole opening of the cavity 11 is provided with plugs to form the cavity 11.

[0076] According to the labyrinth valve structure provided by the present invention, the drive head 3 is a worm gear drive mechanism or a shape memory alloy drive mechanism. Of course, other drive heads 3 can also be used, such as hydraulic drive heads, electromagnetic drive heads, etc. The valve core 2 can switch up and down movement under different working conditions, which can be driven by a worm gear or a shape memory alloy mechanism, as long as the movement trajectory of the valve core 2 can be realized. In addition to driving the valve core 2 to move up and down, the drive head 3 can also drive the valve core 2 to rotate. As the valve core 2 can rotate, the possibility of matching between different fluid channels 12 and different valve ports 22 is optimized, and more matching methods are available. After the valve core has finished running and the system state adjustment is completed, the drive head 3 can stop supplying power, reducing the energy consumption of the valve to zero. Compared with traditional solenoid valves that must be continuously powered, the solenoid valve of this embodiment can save energy significantly.

[0077] To ensure the valve structure is sealed and prevent impurities from entering the valve body and disrupting its operation, in this embodiment, a sealing element is provided between the cavity wall of the cavity 11 inside the valve body 1 and the outer wall of the valve core 2. This sealing element includes, but is not limited to, at least one of X-rings, Glyd rings, O-rings, and oil film seals. The design of the valve body 1 and the sealing design between each flow channel can be customized according to actual needs. The contact position between the valve core 2 and the cavity 11 is the area requiring sealing. The simplest method is to use an oil film seal. Other sealing methods can be selected based on leakage requirements, such as X-rings, Glyd rings, and O-rings. This allows for cost optimization of the sealing structure based on the system's operating conditions, eliminating unnecessary design redundancy. X-ring seals are suitable for sliding seals and are designed for applications with low operational durability, but they suffer from high starting torque. O-ring seals are suitable for static seals, but if used in sliding seals, diaphragms need to be added on both sides. Glyd ring seals are a combination of PTFE sealing rings and O-rings, suitable for sliding seals, with low sliding resistance, low starting torque, and good sealing effect, but they are expensive. Oil film seals are suitable for applications with low sealing pressure, forming a sealing surface through lubricating oil in the system circuit. The clearance fit of the sealing surface is small, making it more difficult to manufacture, but it does not have problems with starting torque and sliding resistance. Depending on the leakage requirements, one or a combination of the above sealing methods can be selected for sealing.

[0078] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A labyrinth valve structure, characterized in that, include: The valve body (1) has a cavity (11) inside and a plurality of fluid channels (12) connecting the outer surface of the valve body (1) and the cavity (11) are constructed on the valve body (1). Valve core (2), the valve core (2) is located in the cavity (11), the valve core (2) is adapted to switch between a first position and a second position in the cavity (11), the valve core (2) is provided with a fluid cavity (21), and the valve core (2) is constructed with a plurality of valve ports (22) communicating with the outer surface of the valve core (2) and the fluid cavity (21). A drive head (3) is connected to the valve core (2) and is used to drive the valve core (2) to move along the length direction of the cavity (11) so that the valve port (22) is connected to the corresponding fluid channel (12); The valve core (2) has three fluid chambers (21) inside, which are not connected to each other. They are a first fluid chamber (211), a second fluid chamber (212) and a third fluid chamber (213). The valve core (2) has a first valve port (221) and a second valve port (222) connected to the first fluid chamber (211). The valve core (2) also has a third valve port (223) and a fourth valve port (224) connected to the second fluid chamber (212). The valve core (2) also has a fifth valve port (225) and a sixth valve port (226) connected to the third fluid chamber (213). The valve body (1) is provided with a first fluid channel (121), a second fluid channel (122), a third fluid channel (123), a fourth fluid channel (124), a fifth fluid channel (125) and a sixth fluid channel (126). The first fluid channel (121), the second fluid channel (122), the third fluid channel (123), the fourth fluid channel (124), the fifth fluid channel (125), and the sixth fluid channel (126) are distributed sequentially along the length of the valve body (1); The first valve port (221), the third valve port (223), the second valve port (222), the fifth valve port (225), the fourth valve port (224) and the sixth valve port (226) are distributed sequentially along the length of the valve core (2).

2. The labyrinth valve structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid channel (12) is provided with a guide groove (13) arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the cavity (11) at the connection between the cavity (12) and the cavity (11).

3. The labyrinth valve structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second fluid channel (122) and the third fluid channel (123) are connected through the guide groove (13); When the valve core (2) is in the first position, the fourth fluid channel (124) is connected to the third valve port (223), and the sixth fluid channel (126) is connected to the fourth valve port (224); When the valve core (2) is in the second position, the first fluid channel (121) is connected to the first valve port (221), the fourth fluid channel (124) is connected to the second valve port (222), the fifth fluid channel (125) is connected to the fifth valve port (225), and the sixth fluid channel (126) is connected to the sixth valve port (226).

4. The labyrinth valve structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve body (1) is provided with a first one-way channel (14) and a second one-way channel (15) communicating with the third fluid channel (123). A first one-way valve (141) is provided at the connection between the first one-way channel (14) and the third fluid channel (123). The first one-way valve (141) is used to allow fluid to flow from the third fluid channel (123) to the first one-way channel (14). A second one-way valve (151) is provided at the connection between the second one-way channel (15) and the third fluid channel (123). The second one-way valve (151) is used to allow fluid to flow from the second one-way channel (15) to the third fluid channel (123).

5. The labyrinth valve structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first fluid cavity (211), the second fluid cavity (212), and the third fluid cavity (213) are all blind hole structures extending along the length direction of the valve core (2). The blind hole openings of the first fluid cavity (211) and the second fluid cavity (212) are provided with plugs to seal the blind hole openings and form cavities. The blind hole opening of the third fluid cavity (213) is the sixth valve port (226). The cavity (11) is a blind hole structure extending along the length direction of the valve body (1), and a plug is provided at the blind hole opening of the cavity (11) to form the cavity (11).

6. The labyrinth valve structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The drive head (3) is a worm gear drive mechanism or a shape memory alloy drive mechanism.

7. The labyrinth valve structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A sealing element is provided between the cavity wall of the cavity (11) in the valve body (1) and the outer wall of the valve core (2), and the sealing element includes at least one of X-ring, Glyd ring, O-ring and oil film seal.

Images