A four-way valve

Abstract

The application discloses a four-way valve, belonging to the technical field of valves, comprising a valve body, a valve core assembly, an operating shaft assembly and a limiting assembly; the valve body extends along the up-down direction; four connecting channels are arranged along the radial direction of the valve body, and the four connecting channels are uniformly arranged along the circumference of the valve body; the valve body is matched with the operating shaft assembly; the operating shaft assembly is connected with the valve core assembly, and the operating shaft assembly and the valve core assembly are coaxially arranged; the valve core assembly comprises at least one valve core, and the valve core comprises at least one flow channel; the size of the flow channel is the same as that of the connecting channel; the operating shaft assembly is used for driving the valve core assembly to move up and down and rotate along the direction of autorotation, so that the on-off and the communication area between the flow channel and the connecting channel are adjusted; and the limiting assembly comprises at least a first limiting piece used for fixing the operating shaft assembly and the valve body. The application can effectively solve the problems of single function and large coordination control difficulty of the existing valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of valve technology, and specifically to a four-way valve. Background Technology

[0002] Valves are pipeline accessories used to open and close pipelines, control flow direction, and regulate and control the parameters of the transported medium. Based on their function, they can be classified into shut-off valves, check valves, regulating valves, etc. Valves can be used in various fluid transmission and distribution networks, such as those for water, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen; they can also be used in heating networks, HVAC refrigerant systems, and water systems, such as HVAC water systems in data centers, showing great application potential.

[0003] In existing technologies, valves have limited functionality. Taking a data center HVAC water system as an example, a data center air conditioning system has multiple subsystems that can utilize waste heat as much as possible while meeting the data center's cooling needs. However, each subsystem has its own water loop and they are interconnected, requiring valves to regulate the water flow paths and switch between subsystems. Existing valves, however, have limited functionality. For example, a one-way valve can only open or close the water path, a three-way valve can only switch between two flow paths, and a four-way valve can only allow two inlets and two outlets, and is mostly used in Freon systems. This necessitates the use of numerous valves in existing data center HVAC water systems to meet the requirements of variable operating conditions and multi-mode operation. For instance, Chinese patent CN 113072120 B discloses a seawater desalination combined cooling and heating system for data centers, which requires four three-way valves and one four-way valve.

[0004] However, using a large number of valves presents the following problems: 1. A large number of valves will create many interfaces, thus increasing the complexity of the water pipeline; 2. Under year-round operation, if frequent switching between subsystems is to be achieved, it is necessary to control the opening and closing of numerous valves. Due to the large number of valves and their dispersed installation, not only is it more difficult to coordinate and control between valves, but it is also more difficult to connect and lay control lines; 3. Due to load fluctuations caused by changes in outdoor temperature, it is necessary to adjust the water flow in the pipeline. A large number of valves is not conducive to the control of water flow in the pipeline. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a four-way valve, aiming to solve the issues of limited functionality, dispersed layout, and difficulty in coordinated control of existing valves. To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A four-way valve includes a valve body, a valve core assembly, an operating shaft assembly, and a limiting assembly. The valve body extends vertically. Four connecting channels are provided radially on the valve body, and these four connecting channels are evenly arranged along the circumference of the valve body. An operating shaft assembly is fitted inside the valve body. The valve core assembly is connected to the operating shaft assembly, and the operating shaft assembly and the valve core assembly are coaxially arranged. The valve core assembly includes at least one valve core, and each valve core includes at least one flow channel. The size of the flow channel is the same as the size of the connecting channel. The operating shaft assembly is used to drive the valve core assembly to move vertically and rotate along its own rotation direction, thereby adjusting the opening and closing of the flow channel and the connecting channel and the area of ​​connection. The limiting assembly includes at least one first limiting member for fixing the operating shaft assembly and the valve body.

[0007] Furthermore, the valve core assembly includes at least one of a first valve core, a second valve core, and a third valve core; the first valve core has a circular flow channel perpendicular to the central axis of the first valve core; the second valve core has two second arc-shaped flow channels perpendicular to the central axis of the second valve core, and the two second arc-shaped flow channels are symmetrical about the central axis of the second valve core; the inlet and outlet center lines of the second arc-shaped flow channels are perpendicular to each other; the third valve core has a third arc-shaped flow channel perpendicular to the central axis of the third valve core; the inlet and outlet center lines of the third arc-shaped flow channel are perpendicular to each other.

[0008] Furthermore, the operating shaft assembly includes a thin rod segment and a thick rod segment connected sequentially from top to bottom; the thick rod segment is disposed within the valve body, and the upper end of the thin rod segment extends beyond the upper end of the valve body; a valve core assembly is connected to the thick rod segment; a first adjusting component for driving the operating shaft assembly to rotate in the rotation direction is provided at the upper end of the thin rod segment; a second adjusting component for driving the operating shaft assembly to move up and down is provided on the thin rod segment.

[0009] Furthermore, the first adjustment assembly includes a first operating handle, which is fixedly connected to the upper end of the thin rod segment; the second adjustment assembly includes an upper end cover, a bushing, and a second operating handle; the upper end of the valve body is provided with an upper end cover; the upper end cover is provided with a threaded hole for guiding the thin rod segment up and down, and the bushing is rotatably sleeved on the thin rod segment, with threads on the outer wall of the bushing; the bushing is connected to the upper end cover through the threads; the second operating handle is used to drive the bushing to rotate, thereby moving the operating shaft assembly up and down.

[0010] Furthermore, the inner wall of the bushing is provided with a keyway; the outer wall of the thin rod section is provided with a shoulder; the shoulder fits into the keyway.

[0011] Furthermore, the lower end of the valve body is provided with a lower end cover; the upper end cover and the lower end cover are respectively connected to the valve body by studs and nuts.

[0012] Furthermore, a circular sealing ring and a sliding bearing are embedded between the thick rod section and the valve body.

[0013] Furthermore, the limiting assembly also includes a second limiting member; the first limiting member is used for relative fixation between the thick rod section and the valve body; the second limiting member is used for relative fixation between the thin rod section and the bushing.

[0014] Furthermore, the first limiting member includes a first limiting key group and a plurality of first keyway groups arranged axially along the thick rod segment; the first limiting key group includes at least one first limiting key, and the first keyway group includes a plurality of first keyways evenly arranged along the circumference of the thick rod segment; the valve body is provided with a first limiting channel for the passage of the first limiting key; the first limiting key and the first limiting channel correspond one-to-one; the first limiting key passes through the first limiting channel and fits in the first keyway, thereby fixing the relative position between the thick rod segment and the valve body.

[0015] Furthermore, the second limiting member includes a second limiting key group and a second keyway group; the second limiting key group includes at least one second limiting key, and the second keyway group includes a plurality of second keyways evenly arranged along the circumference of the thin rod segment; the bushing is provided with a second limiting channel for the passage of the second limiting key; the second limiting key and the second limiting channel correspond one-to-one; the second limiting key passes through the second limiting channel and engages in the second keyway, thereby fixing the relative position between the thin rod segment and the bushing.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0017] 1. The present invention provides a four-way valve, which, by setting a valve body, a valve core assembly, an operating shaft assembly and a limiting assembly, can simultaneously realize the switching of different valve cores, the connection and conversion of channels and the adjustment of the connection area, thereby regulating the flow direction and flow rate of inlet and outlet fluids, minimizing the number of valves in the pipeline, reducing the difficulty of coordinated control between valves, and facilitating centralized connection and laying of control lines;

[0018] 2. The four-way valve provided by this invention can also increase or decrease the type and number of valve cores according to actual needs, thereby realizing functions such as one inlet and multiple outlets, multiple inlets and one outlet, and multiple inlets and multiple outlets. It can be widely used in variable working conditions and multi-mode HVAC water circuit connections.

[0019] 3. The four-way valve provided by this invention can easily realize the change of flow path and flow rate regulation. It is easy to operate and has good sealing performance. It can be applied to various fluid transmission and distribution pipelines, such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, nitrogen and oxygen, as well as heating pipelines, HVAC refrigerant systems and water systems, and has great application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a four-way valve provided by the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first valve core provided by the present invention, wherein: Figure 2 (a) and (b) are the top view and left view of the first valve core, respectively;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second valve core provided by the present invention, wherein: Figure 3 (a) and (b) are the top view and left view of the second valve core, respectively;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third valve core provided by the present invention, wherein: Figure 4 (a) and (b) are the top view and left view of the third valve core, respectively;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first limiting member provided by the present invention, wherein: Figure 5 (a) and 5(b) are schematic diagrams of the first limiting member in the locked state and the unlocked state, respectively;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second limiting member provided by the present invention, wherein: Figure 6 (a) and 6(b) are schematic diagrams of the second limiter in the locked state and the unlocked state, respectively.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the valve body provided by the present invention, wherein A, B, C, and D correspond to four connection channels respectively;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the 180° single-flow-path adjustment provided by the present invention, wherein: Figure 8 (a) AC is on. Figure 8 (b) BD is on;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of dual-flow path adjustment provided by the present invention, wherein: Figure 9 (a) AB and CD are both conducting simultaneously. Figure 9 (b) AD and BC are both conducting simultaneously;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a 90° single-flow-path adjustment provided by the present invention, wherein: Figure 10 (a) indicates that AB is conducting. Figure 10 (b) indicates that BC is conducting. Figure 10 (c) CD is turned on. Figure 10 (d) indicates that DA is on;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of 180° single-path flow regulation provided by the present invention, wherein: Figure 11 (a)-(e) correspond to the changes in the interface area of ​​the four-way valve when the first operating handle is rotated clockwise by 15°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 75° respectively;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of dual-path flow regulation provided by the present invention, wherein: Figure 12 (a)-(e) correspond to the changes in the interface area of ​​the four-way valve when the first operating handle is rotated clockwise by 15°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 75° respectively;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of 90° single-path flow regulation provided by the present invention, wherein: Figure 13 (a)-(k) correspond to the changes in the interface area of ​​the four-way valve when the first operating handle is rotated clockwise by 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 135°, 150°, 165°, 225°, 240° and 255° respectively;

[0033] Figure 14 These are the two valve cores provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0034] In the attached diagram: 1-valve body, 2-connecting channel, 3-first valve core, 4-second valve core, 5-third valve core, 6-thin rod section, 7-thick rod section, 8-first operating handle, 9-upper end cover, 10-shaft sleeve, 11-second operating handle, 12-thread, 13-keyway, 14-shaft shoulder, 15-lower end cover, 16-stud, 17-nut, 18-circular sealing ring, 19-sliding bearing, 20-first limit key, 21-first keyway, 22-second limit key, 23-second keyway. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0036] Example 1:

[0037] See attached Figures 1-14A four-way valve includes a valve body 1, a valve core assembly, an operating shaft assembly, and a limiting assembly. The valve body 1 extends vertically. Four connecting channels 2 are provided radially in the valve body 1, and the four connecting channels 2 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the valve body 1. An operating shaft assembly is fitted inside the valve body 1. The valve core assembly is connected to the operating shaft assembly, and the operating shaft assembly and the valve core assembly are coaxially arranged. The valve core assembly includes at least one valve core, and the valve core includes at least one flow channel. The size of the flow channel is the same as the size of the connecting channel 2. The operating shaft assembly is used to drive the valve core assembly to move vertically and rotate along its own rotation direction, thereby adjusting the opening and closing of the flow channel and the connecting channel 2 and the area of ​​the connection. The limiting assembly includes at least one first limiting member for fixing the operating shaft assembly and the valve body 1. From the above structure, it can be seen that the four-way valve provided by the present invention includes a valve body 1 and a valve core assembly, with the valve core assembly fitted inside the valve body 1. Figure 7 As shown, the valve body 1 has four connecting channels 2, labeled A, B, C, and D, with the center lines of adjacent connecting channels 2 perpendicular to each other. The valve core assembly includes at least one valve core or a combination of multiple different valve cores, which can be configured according to actual needs. The valve core includes at least one flow channel, which can also be configured according to actual needs. The size of the flow channel of the valve core is the same as the diameter of the connecting channel 2. After installation, the position of the connecting channel of the valve body 1 corresponds to one of the valve cores in the valve core assembly. During operation, fluid enters from one of the connecting channels 2, then flows through the flow channel of the valve core, and finally flows out from the remaining connecting channel 2, realizing the function of fluid transportation and flow direction control. The four-way valve provided by this invention also includes an operating shaft assembly, which is connected to the valve core assembly. The operating shaft assembly and the valve core assembly can be a single unit, with different valve cores connected sequentially in the vertical direction. During operation, the operating shaft assembly rotates, causing the valve core assembly to rotate synchronously, thereby adjusting the flow path and flow rate of a specific valve core. The operating shaft assembly moves up and down, causing the valve core assembly to move up and down synchronously, thereby switching between different valve cores. For example, the up-and-down movement or rotation of the operating shaft assembly can be controlled by an operating handle. The four-way valve provided by this invention also includes a limiting assembly, which includes at least a first limiting member. The first limiting member is used to fix the operating shaft assembly relative to the valve body 1 after it has been adjusted to the correct position. The four-way valve provided by this invention can simultaneously achieve switching between different valve cores, connecting and converting channels, and adjusting the connecting area, thereby regulating the flow direction and flow rate of the inlet and outlet fluids.

[0038] Example 2:

[0039] See attached Figures 1-14Based on Embodiment 1, the valve core assembly includes at least one of a first valve core 3, a second valve core 4, and a third valve core 5; the first valve core 3 has a circular flow channel perpendicular to the central axis of the first valve core 3; the second valve core 4 has two second arc-shaped flow channels perpendicular to the central axis of the second valve core 4, and the two second arc-shaped flow channels are symmetrical about the central axis of the second valve core 4; the inlet and outlet center lines of the second arc-shaped flow channels are perpendicular; the third valve core 5 has a third arc-shaped flow channel perpendicular to the central axis of the third valve core 5; the inlet and outlet center lines of the third arc-shaped flow channel are perpendicular. From the above structure, it can be seen that the present invention provides three different types of valve cores, namely a first valve core 3, a second valve core 4, and a third valve core 5. The valve core assembly includes at least one of the first valve core 3, a second valve core 4, and a third valve core 5. Preferably, the valve core assembly includes a first valve core 3, a second valve core 4, and a third valve core 5 connected sequentially from top to bottom. The first valve core 3, the second valve core 4, and the third valve core 5 are all cylindrical, and their sizes match the valve body 1. Specifically, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the first valve core 3 is provided with a circular flow channel 3a perpendicular to the central axis of the first valve core 3, allowing the first valve core 3 to achieve 180° single-path flow of fluid. Figure 3 As shown, the second valve core 4 is provided with two second arc-shaped flow channels, 4a and 4b, perpendicular to the central axis of the second valve core 4. The two second arc-shaped flow channels 4a and 4b are in a plane and are symmetrical about the central axis of the second valve core 4. The center lines of the inlet and outlet of the second arc-shaped flow channels 4a and 4b are perpendicular to each other. The second valve core 4 can realize dual-path flow of fluid. Figure 4 As shown, the third valve core 5 is provided with a third arc-shaped flow channel 5a perpendicular to the central axis of the third valve core 5. The inlet and outlet center lines of the third arc-shaped flow channel 5a are perpendicular to each other; the third valve core 5 can realize 90° single-path flow of fluid. The circular flow channel 3a, the second arc-shaped flow channels 4a and 4b, and the third arc-shaped flow channel 5a are the same size as the connecting channel 2.

[0040] Example 3:

[0041] See attached Figures 1-14 Based on Embodiment 2, the operating shaft assembly includes a thin rod segment 6 and a thick rod segment 7 connected sequentially from top to bottom; the thick rod segment 7 is disposed inside the valve body 1, and the upper end of the thin rod segment 6 extends beyond the upper end of the valve body 1; a valve core assembly is connected to the thick rod segment 7; a first adjusting component for driving the operating shaft assembly to rotate in the rotation direction is provided at the upper end of the thin rod segment 6; a second adjusting component for driving the operating shaft assembly to move up and down is provided on the thin rod segment 6. From the above structure, it can be seen that, as... Figure 1As shown, the operating shaft assembly includes a thin rod segment 6 and a thick rod segment 7, both of which are cylindrical, with the diameter of the thick rod segment 7 being larger than that of the thin rod segment 6. The thick rod segment 7 is located inside the valve body 1, and its size matches that of the valve body 1. The length of the thick rod segment 7 is less than the length of the valve body 1, and both ends of the thick rod segment 7 have sufficient space for movement. The thin rod segment 6 is partially located inside the valve body 1 and partially located outside the valve body 1. Preferably, the valve core assembly is located in the middle section of the thick rod segment 7. The thin rod segment 6, the thick rod segment 7, and the valve core assembly can be connected as a whole, with their central axes coinciding. The valve core assembly may include one valve core or a combination of multiple valve cores. The upper end of the thin rod segment 6 is provided with a first adjusting component for driving the operating shaft assembly to rotate in the rotation direction. When the first adjusting component is adjusted, it drives the operating shaft assembly to rotate in the rotation direction, which in turn drives the valve core assembly to rotate synchronously, thereby achieving the adjustment of the flow path and flow rate of a certain valve core. The thin rod section 6 is also provided with a second adjustment component for driving the operating shaft assembly to move up and down. The second adjustment component can be located below the first adjustment component. When the second adjustment component is adjusted, the second adjustment component drives the operating shaft assembly to move up and down, and the operating shaft assembly drives the valve core assembly to move up and down synchronously, thereby realizing the switching between different valve cores.

[0042] The first adjustment assembly includes a first operating handle 8, which is fixedly connected to the upper end of the thin rod segment 6. The second adjustment assembly includes an upper end cover 9, a bushing 10, and a second operating handle 11. The upper end of the valve body 1 is provided with an upper end cover 9. The upper end cover 9 is provided with a threaded hole for guiding the thin rod segment 6 up and down. The bushing 10 is rotatably sleeved on the thin rod segment 6, and the outer wall of the bushing 10 is provided with a thread 12. The bushing 10 is connected to the upper end cover 9 through the thread 12. The second operating handle 11 is used to drive the bushing 10 to rotate, so that the operating shaft assembly moves up and down. As can be seen from the above structure, the first operating handle 8 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the thin rod segment 6. For example, the first operating handle 8 can be embedded in a groove opened at the upper end of the thin rod segment 6. When the first operating handle 8 is rotated, the thin rod segment 6 rotates synchronously. The thin rod segment 6, the thick rod segment 7, and the valve core assembly are a whole. Therefore, the thick rod segment 7 and the valve core rotate synchronously, thereby realizing the adjustment of the flow path and flow rate of a certain valve core. The second operating handle 11 can be set at the upper end of the bushing 10. When the second operating handle 11 is rotated, the bushing 10 and the operating shaft assembly are moved up and down through the thread 12, thereby driving the valve core assembly to move up and down, thus realizing the switching between different valve cores.

[0043] The inner wall of the bushing 10 is provided with a keyway 13; the outer wall of the thin rod segment 6 is provided with a shoulder 14; the shoulder 14 fits within the keyway 13. As can be seen from the above structure, the bushing 10 is fitted onto the outer wall of the thin rod segment 6. Specifically, the outer wall of the thin rod segment 6 is provided with a shoulder 14, and correspondingly, the inner wall of the bushing 10 is provided with a keyway 13. The shoulder 14 fits within the keyway 13, enabling synchronous up-and-down movement of the bushing 10 and the operating shaft assembly; it also enables the operating shaft assembly to rotate relative to the bushing 10 in the direction of rotation. Preferably, the number of shoulders 14 and keyways 13 is three layers.

[0044] The valve body 1 has a lower end cover 15 at its lower end; the upper end cover 9 and the lower end cover 15 are connected to the valve body 1 by studs 16 and nuts 17, respectively. As can be seen from the above structure, the lower end cover 15 at the lower end of the valve body 1 prevents external objects from entering the valve body 1 and affecting the normal operation of the four-way valve. At the same time, the upper end cover 9 and the lower end cover 15 are connected to the valve body 1 by studs 16 and nuts 17, respectively. This connection method of studs 16 and nuts 17 facilitates the installation and removal of the upper end cover 9 and the lower end cover 15, thereby facilitating the replacement of the operating shaft assembly and the valve core assembly.

[0045] A circular sealing ring 18 and a sliding bearing 19 are embedded between the thick rod section 7 and the valve body 1. As can be seen from the above structure, the circular sealing ring 18 is used to prevent fluid from leaking from the inside of the valve body 1, and the sliding bearing 19 is used to ensure the stability of the operating shaft assembly during movement.

[0046] The limiting assembly further includes a second limiting member; the first limiting member is used for relative fixation between the thick rod section 7 and the valve body 1; the second limiting member is used for relative fixation between the thin rod section 6 and the bushing 10. As can be seen from the above structure, the four-way valve provided by the present invention includes two limiting members, namely a first limiting member and a second limiting member, wherein the first limiting member is used for relative fixation between the thick rod section 7 and the valve body 1, and the second limiting member is used for relative fixation between the thin rod section 6 and the bushing 10. Through the mutual cooperation of the first limiting member and the second limiting member, reliable adjustment and stable operation of the four-way valve can be achieved.

[0047] The first limiting component includes a first limiting key group and a plurality of first keyway groups arranged axially along the thick rod segment 7; the first limiting key group includes at least one first limiting key 20, and the first keyway group includes a plurality of first keyways 21 evenly arranged along the circumference of the thick rod segment 7; the valve body 1 is provided with a first limiting channel for the passage of the first limiting key 20; the first limiting key 20 and the first limiting channel correspond one-to-one; the first limiting key 20 passes through the first limiting channel and fits within the first keyway 21, thereby fixing the relative position between the thick rod segment 7 and the valve body 1. From the above structure, it can be seen that the first limiting component is used for the relative fixation between the thick rod segment 7 and the valve body 1. Specifically, Figure 1The diagram illustrates a structure with first limiting members on both the upper and lower sides of the valve core assembly. Each first limiting member includes a first limiting key group and three first keyway groups. The three first keyway groups are equidistantly distributed along the axial direction of the thick rod segment 7, and the distance between two adjacent first keyway groups is equal to the height of the valve core. The structure of the first limiting member is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the structure of the first limiting key group, which includes four first limiting keys 20, with adjacent first limiting keys 20 at a 90° angle; and the first keyway group, which includes twenty-four first keyways 21, with adjacent first keyways 21 at a 15° angle. Figure 5 (a) is a schematic diagram of the first limiting member in the locked state. Figure 5 (b) is a schematic diagram of the unlocked state of the first limiting component. When the first limiting key 20 engages with the first keyway 21, the valve body 1 and the thick rod segment 7 are locked, and there is no vertical or rotational relative movement between them; when the first limiting key 20 disengages from the first keyway 21, the valve body 1 and the thick rod segment 7 can move vertically or rotate relative to each other. Different angles of the operating shaft assembly correspond to different first keyways 21, which can realize the locking of the first limiting component to maintain the stability of the device.

[0048] The second limiting member includes a second limiting key group and a second keyway group; the second limiting key group includes at least one second limiting key 22, and the second keyway group includes a plurality of second keyways 23 evenly arranged along the circumference of the thin rod segment 6; the bushing 10 is provided with a second limiting channel for the passage of the second limiting key 22; the second limiting key 22 and the second limiting channel correspond one-to-one; the second limiting key 22 passes through the second limiting channel and engages within the second keyway 23, thereby fixing the relative position between the thin rod segment 6 and the bushing 10. From the above structure, it can be seen that the second limiting member is used for the relative fixation between the thin rod segment 6 and the bushing 10. Specifically, the structure of the second limiting member is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the structure of the second limiting key group, which includes two second limiting keys 22, with the two second limiting keys 22 at a 180° angle to each other; the second keyway group includes twenty-four second keyways 23, with adjacent second keyways 23 at a 15° angle to each other. Figure 6 (a) is a schematic diagram of the second limiting member in the locked state. Figure 6 (b) is a schematic diagram of the unlocked state of the second limiting component. When the second limiting key 22 engages with the second keyway 23, the bushing 10 and the thin rod segment 6 are locked, and there is no vertical or rotational relative movement between them; when the second limiting key 22 separates from the second keyway 23, the bushing 10 and the thin rod segment 6 are unlocked, and vertical and rotational relative movement between them is possible. Different angles of the operating shaft assembly correspond to different second keyways 23, which can achieve locking of the second limiting component to maintain the stability of the device.

[0049] When the valve core assembly includes a first valve core 3, a second valve core 4, and a third valve core 5 connected sequentially from top to bottom, the specific flow path and flow regulation process are as follows:

[0050] 1. Four-way valve with dual flow path regulation

[0051] When the four-way valve is in its initial position, such as Figure 9 As shown in (a), the connecting channel 2 of the four-way valve is combined with the second valve core 4. The second arc-shaped flow channel 4a of the second valve core 4 connects the four-way valve AB, and the second arc-shaped flow channel 4b of the second valve core 4 connects the four-way valve CD, allowing fluid to enter and exit AB and CD simultaneously. During fluid entry and exit, both the first and second limiting members are locked to prevent vibration between the operating shaft assembly and the valve body 1, which could damage the four-way valve. They also share the weight of the operating shaft assembly, preventing thread 12 from failing. Then, the first and second limiting members are unlocked, and the operating shaft assembly is prevented from falling off under the fixation of the shoulder 14. Finally, the first operating handle 8 is rotated 90° clockwise to lock the first and second limiting members. At this time, as... Figure 9 As shown in (b), the second arc-shaped flow channel 4a of the second valve core 4 conducts the four-way valve BC, and the second arc-shaped flow channel 4b of the second valve core 4 conducts the four-way valve AD, realizing the switching between the two flow paths.

[0052] 2. Four-way valve 180° single-flow path regulation

[0053] After adjusting the four-way valve to its initial position, unlock the first limiting member and lock the second limiting member. Rotate the first operating handle 8, which drives the bushing 10 and the operating shaft assembly downwards via the thread 12, thereby driving the valve core assembly downwards. Rotate the second operating handle 11 until the first valve core 3 engages with the four-way valve connection channel 2. At this point, the circular flow channel 3a of the first valve core 3 opens the four-way valve AC. Figure 8 As shown in (a). Unlock the first and second limiting members, and rotate the first operating handle 8 clockwise by 90°. At this time, the circular flow channel 3a of the first valve core 3 opens the four-way valve BD, as shown. Figure 8 As shown in (b), switching between 180° single flow paths is achieved.

[0054] 3. Four-way valve 90° single-flow path regulation

[0055] After adjusting the four-way valve to its initial position, unlock the first limiting member and lock the second limiting member. Rotate the first operating handle 8, which drives the bushing 10 and the operating shaft assembly upward through the thread 12, thereby driving the valve core assembly upward. Rotate the second operating handle 11 until the third valve core 5 engages with the four-way valve connection channel 2. At this time, the third arc-shaped flow channel 5a of the third valve core 5 opens the four-way valve AB. Figure 10As shown in (a). Unlocking the first and second limiting members and rotating the first operating handle 8 clockwise by 90°, 180°, and 270° respectively will respectively enable the four-way valves BC, CD, and AD to conduct, as shown in (a). Figure 10 As shown in (b)-(d), switching between single flow paths at 90° is achieved.

[0056] 4. Four-way valve flow regulation:

[0057] When the four-way valve is in dual-flow mode, the flow rate of the dual flow paths can be adjusted by rotating the first operating handle 8. For example... Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 (a)-(e) correspond to the changes in the interface area of ​​the four-way valve when the first operating handle 8 is rotated clockwise by 15°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 75°, respectively. From 15° to 45°, the area of ​​the AB channel gradually decreases, and the corresponding flow rate decreases; from 45° to 75°, the area of ​​the CD channel gradually increases, and the corresponding flow rate increases.

[0058] When the four-way valve is in the 180° single-flow-path state, the flow rate can be adjusted by rotating the first operating handle 8. For example... Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 (a)-(e) correspond to the changes in the interface area of ​​the four-way valve when the first operating handle 8 is rotated clockwise by 15°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 75°, respectively. From 15° to 45°, the area of ​​the AC channel gradually decreases, and the corresponding flow rate decreases; from 45° to 75°, the area of ​​the BD channel gradually increases, and the corresponding flow rate increases.

[0059] When the four-way valve is in a 90° single-flow-path state, the flow rate can be adjusted by rotating the first operating handle 8. For example... Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 (a)-(k) correspond to the changes in the four-way valve interface area when the first operating handle is rotated clockwise by 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 135°, 150°, 165°, 225°, 240°, and 255°, respectively. When the first operating handle 8 is rotated clockwise by 15° to 45°, the area of ​​the AB channel gradually decreases, and the corresponding flow rate decreases; when rotated by 60° to 75°, the area of ​​the BC channel gradually increases, and the corresponding flow rate increases; at 90°, the BC channel is fully open; at 90° to 135°, the area of ​​the BC channel changes in the opposite direction. When rotated by 135° to 165°, the area of ​​the CD channel gradually increases, and the corresponding flow rate increases; at 180°, the CD channel is fully open; at 180° to 225°, the CD channel area changes in the opposite direction. When rotated by 225° to 255°, the area of ​​the AD channel gradually increases, and the corresponding flow rate increases; at 270°, the AD channel is fully open.

[0060] Example 4:

[0061] See attached Figures 1-14 Based on Embodiment 3, the present invention also provides two other valve cores with different structures, namely a fourth valve core and a fifth valve core, as follows: Figure 14 As shown, where, Figure 14 (a) is the structure of the fourth valve core. Figure 14 (b) is the fifth valve core structure. In application, additional components can be added according to actual needs, such as... Figure 14 The valve core shown can achieve functions such as fluid inlet and outlet, inlet and outlet, three-inlet and outlet, three-inlet and outlet, two-inlet and outlet, and two-inlet and outlet by rotating the first operating handle 8 and the second operating handle 11, and can be widely used in systems with variable operating conditions.

[0062] It is worth noting that this invention uses manual operation as an example to describe the four-way valve, but it should also include other driving methods such as electric, thermal, differential pressure, and temperature difference driving.

[0063] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A four-way valve, characterized in that: The device includes a valve body (1), a valve core assembly, an operating shaft assembly, and a limiting assembly. The valve body (1) extends vertically. The valve body (1) has four connecting channels (2) in the radial direction, and the four connecting channels (2) are evenly arranged around the circumference of the valve body (1). An operating shaft assembly is fitted inside the valve body (1). A valve core assembly is connected to the operating shaft assembly, and the operating shaft assembly and the valve core assembly are coaxially arranged. The valve core assembly includes at least one valve core, and the valve core includes at least one flow channel. The size of the flow channel is the same as the size of the connecting channel (2). The operating shaft assembly is used to drive the valve core assembly to move vertically and rotate along its own rotation direction, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the flow channel and the connecting channel (2) and the adjustment of the connection area. The limiting assembly includes at least one first limiting member for fixing the operating shaft assembly and the valve body (1). The operating shaft assembly includes a thin rod segment (6) and a thick rod segment (7) connected sequentially from top to bottom; the thick rod segment (7) is located inside the valve body (1), and the upper end of the thin rod segment (6) extends beyond the upper end of the valve body (1); a valve core assembly is connected to the thick rod segment (7); a first adjustment component for driving the operating shaft assembly to rotate in the rotation direction is provided at the upper end of the thin rod segment (6); a second adjustment component for driving the operating shaft assembly to move up and down is provided on the thin rod segment (6); The first limiting component includes a first limiting key group and a plurality of first keyway groups arranged axially along the thick rod segment (7); the first limiting key group includes at least one first limiting key (20), and the first keyway group includes a plurality of first keyways (21) evenly arranged along the circumference of the thick rod segment (7); the valve body (1) is provided with a first limiting channel for the passage of the first limiting key (20); the first limiting key (20) and the first limiting channel correspond one-to-one; the first limiting key (20) passes through the first limiting channel and is fitted in the first keyway (21), thereby fixing the relative position between the thick rod segment (7) and the valve body (1).

2. A four-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core assembly includes at least one of a first valve core (3), a second valve core (4), and a third valve core (5); the first valve core (3) has a circular flow channel perpendicular to the central axis of the first valve core (3); the second valve core (4) has two second arc-shaped flow channels perpendicular to the central axis of the second valve core (4), and the two second arc-shaped flow channels are symmetrical about the central axis of the second valve core (4); the inlet and outlet center lines of the second arc-shaped flow channels are perpendicular to each other; the third valve core (5) has a third arc-shaped flow channel perpendicular to the central axis of the third valve core (5); the inlet and outlet center lines of the third arc-shaped flow channel are perpendicular to each other.

3. A four-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first adjustment assembly includes a first operating handle (8), which is fixedly connected to the upper end of the thin rod segment (6); the second adjustment assembly includes an upper end cover (9), a bushing (10), and a second operating handle (11); the upper end of the valve body (1) is provided with an upper end cover (9); the upper end cover (9) is provided with a threaded hole for guiding the thin rod segment (6) up and down, the bushing (10) is rotatably sleeved on the thin rod segment (6), and the outer wall of the bushing (10) is provided with a thread (12); the bushing (10) is connected to the upper end cover (9) through the thread (12); the second operating handle (11) is used to drive the bushing (10) to rotate, so that the operating shaft assembly moves up and down.

4. A four-way valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner wall of the bushing (10) is provided with a keyway (13); the outer wall of the thin rod section (6) is provided with a shoulder (14); the shoulder (14) fits into the keyway (13).

5. A four-way valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The valve body (1) is provided with a lower end cover (15) at the lower end; the upper end cover (9) and the lower end cover (15) are respectively connected to the valve body (1) through studs (16) and nuts (17).

6. A four-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: A circular sealing ring (18) and a sliding bearing (19) are embedded between the thick rod section (7) and the valve body (1).

7. A four-way valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting assembly further includes a second limiting member; the first limiting member is used for relative fixation between the thick rod section (7) and the valve body (1); the second limiting member is used for relative fixation between the thin rod section (6) and the bushing (10).

8. A four-way valve according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second limiting component includes a second limiting key group and a second keyway group; the second limiting key group includes at least one second limiting key (22), and the second keyway group includes several second keyways (23) evenly arranged along the circumference of the thin rod segment (6); the bushing (10) is provided with a second limiting channel for the passage of the second limiting key (22); the second limiting key (22) and the second limiting channel correspond one-to-one; the second limiting key (22) passes through the second limiting channel and is fitted in the second keyway (23), thereby fixing the relative position between the thin rod segment (6) and the bushing (10).

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