Switching valve and refrigeration cycle system

Abstract

The present application provides a switching valve capable of improving strength against external force and capable of suppressing size and a refrigeration cycle system. The switching valve (10) is characterized in that a pilot driving portion (12) is provided with a valve seat member (122) fixed to a switching valve main body (11), in the valve seat member (122), a plurality of pipe communication holes connected to a plurality of thin pipes connected to a circumferential surface to constitute a flow path of a driving fluid together with the plurality of thin pipes, and a valve seat through hole (122d) constituting a flow path of a driving fluid from a fixed portion (122c) of the switching valve main body (11) to an entering portion (122b) into a pilot main body (121) are formed, the valve seat through hole (122d) is opened away from a valve seat (122a), and the plurality of pipe communication holes are opened at the valve seat (122a), and a main body through hole (111a) constituting a flow path of a driving fluid together with the valve seat through hole (122d) is formed in an outer wall of a main housing (111) of the switching valve main body (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a switching valve used in refrigeration cycle systems such as air conditioners to switch the flow path of refrigerant, and to the refrigeration cycle system itself. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, a switching valve is disclosed, which is configured such that a pilot drive unit is connected to the switching valve body via a bracket, allowing an internal slide valve to slide. The switching valve has multiple thin tubes connected to the pilot drive unit for the passage of drive fluid for the main slide valve (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Among the brackets connecting the switching valve body to the pilot drive unit, there is a type of metal plate processing with a pair of retaining plates fixed to the switching valve body at one end and holding the pilot drive unit at the other end. This type of bracket is also used in the switching valve described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-112437 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Here, the brackets formed from the aforementioned metal plate components are prone to deformation, often resulting in reduced strength against external forces, leaving room for improvement. Furthermore, this type of switching valve has a large number of components, often becoming quite large, which also presents room for improvement.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a switching valve and a refrigeration circulation system that can improve the strength against external forces and suppress the size of the components.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The switching valve of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a switching valve body having a built-in main slide valve for switching flow path states by sliding the main slide valve; a pilot drive unit that uses a predetermined drive fluid to slide the main slide valve; and a plurality of thin tubes connected to the pilot drive unit to allow the drive fluid to pass through. The pilot drive unit includes a pilot body and a valve seat component. The pilot body has a built-in secondary slide valve that slides the secondary slide valve to switch the flow path states of the drive fluid. The valve seat component is a portion of the plurality of thin tubes connected and fixed to the switching valve body, with the remaining portion entering the pilot body to form a valve seat. It is formed to connect to the plurality of thin tubes and... The plurality of thin tubes together form a plurality of thin tube connecting holes for the flow path of the driving fluid, and a valve seat through hole that extends from the fixed portion of the switching valve body to the inlet portion that enters the pilot body and forms the flow path of the driving fluid. One of the plurality of thin tube connecting holes and the valve seat through hole opens off-center from the valve seat, while the other plurality of holes open in the valve seat, thereby being opened and closed by the auxiliary slide valve. The switching valve body includes the main slide valve and a main housing, wherein the main housing houses the main slide valve, the valve seat component of the pilot drive part is fixed on the outer wall, and a main body through hole is formed on the outer wall that communicates with the valve seat through hole and together with the valve seat through hole forms the flow path of the driving fluid.

[0011] Furthermore, the switching of flow path states mentioned here refers to the technical concept of switching a flow path to another flow path, as well as switching the opening and closing of a flow path.

[0012] According to this switching valve, since the valve seat component constituting the pilot drive unit is directly fixed to the switching valve body, its strength against external forces can be improved compared to the case where a bracket machined from a metal sheet is used to connect the pilot drive unit and the switching valve body. Furthermore, since a bracket is not required, the number of components can be reduced, and consequently, the size of the switching valve can be reduced.

[0013] Preferably, the switching valve body is connected to a plurality of connector pipes that are respectively connected to the interior of the main housing, and the valve seat component of the pilot drive unit is fixed to the outer wall of the main housing by means of the valve seat through hole being connected to the valve chamber of the high-pressure connector pipe through which the relatively high-pressure fluid flows via the plurality of connector pipes.

[0014] According to this structure, the high-pressure fluid flow path connecting the valve chamber of the switching valve body to the pilot drive unit is formed by the valve seat through hole in the valve seat component and the main body through hole in the switching valve body. Therefore, compared to the case where a thin tube for high pressure is used to connect the valve chamber and the pilot drive unit, the flow path of the high-pressure fluid can be minimized, further improving strength. Furthermore, since the aforementioned thin tube for high pressure is not required, the size of the switching valve can be further reduced.

[0015] Preferably, the main housing is formed in a cylindrical shape and houses the main spool valve in such a way that the main spool valve slides along its axis. The pilot body includes the auxiliary spool valve and the auxiliary housing. The auxiliary housing is formed in a cylindrical shape and houses the auxiliary spool valve in such a way that the auxiliary spool valve slides along its axis. The pilot drive unit is mounted on the switching valve body in a configuration in which the axis of the main housing and the axis of the auxiliary housing extend along each other.

[0016] According to this structure, the main housing of the switching valve body and the secondary housing of the pilot drive unit are installed in a configuration where their respective axes extend along each other. In this configuration, compared to a configuration where the axes of the main housing and the secondary housing are orthogonal to each other, the center of gravity of the pilot drive unit is closer to the switching valve body. As a result, the size of the switching valve can be further suppressed in a direction orthogonal to both axes. Furthermore, since the center of gravity of the pilot drive unit is closer to the switching valve body, the strength of the switching valve against external forces can be further improved.

[0017] Furthermore, preferably, the switching valve body is connected to a plurality of connector pipes that communicate with the interior of the main housing, with their respective axes contained in a plane. The switching valve body, the pilot drive unit, and the plurality of connector pipes are configured such that the main slide valve and the auxiliary slide valve slide in the in-plane direction along the plane containing the respective axes of the plurality of connector pipes.

[0018] According to this structure, since the sliding directions of the main spool valve in the switching valve body and the auxiliary spool valve in the pilot drive section are in-plane directions within a plane containing the axes of the multiple connector pipes, the switching valve achieves a thinner profile in the out-of-plane direction of this plane. In other words, according to the above structure, the size of the switching valve can be further reduced.

[0019] Furthermore, preferably, the valve seat component is a columnar component with one end being the aforementioned inlet portion and the other end being the aforementioned fixed portion, and a portion of its circumferential surface becomes a flat surface extending axially, with the aforementioned plurality of thin tubes connected to the aforementioned flat surface.

[0020] According to this structure, when multiple tubes and valve seat components are connected by brazing, the workability related to brazing can be improved because annular solder can be arranged on the flat surface of the valve seat component.

[0021] Furthermore, preferably, the pilot body in the aforementioned pilot drive unit comprises: a plunger that holds the secondary slide valve and is configured to slide along a predetermined sliding axis; a plunger tube that slidably houses the plunger and the secondary slide valve together; a coil portion that is wound around the outer periphery of the plunger tube and causes the plunger to slide along the sliding axis by being supplied with current; and a connecting portion that connects a lead supplying the current to the coil portion to the coil portion, the connecting portion being configured to avoid interference with the switching valve body from the coil portion, and the connecting portion being configured to protrude from the coil portion in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the sliding axis, the coil portion being configured to have a first portion having the connecting portion and a second portion other than the first portion, the first length from the sliding axis to the fixed end of the valve seat member with the switching valve body being shorter than the second length from the sliding axis to the protruding end of the connecting portion, and longer than the third length from the sliding axis to the outer surface of the second portion of the coil portion.

[0022] According to this structure, the size of the valve seat component is optimized to the necessary minimum in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the sliding axis of the pilot drive unit, by defining the first length as described above, thereby bringing the center of gravity of the pilot drive unit closer to the main body of the switching valve. This further improves the strength of the switching valve against external forces and further reduces the size of the switching valve.

[0023] Furthermore, preferably, the valve seat component is a columnar component with one end being the inlet portion and the other end being the fixed portion. The support portion of the valve seat component, located between the pilot body and the switching valve body and fixed to the switching valve body at the fixed portion to support the pilot body, is thicker than the inlet portion. A step portion is formed at the boundary between the support portion and the inlet portion. When the step portion is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the pilot body, the inlet portion is fixed to the pilot body.

[0024] According to this structure, since the support portion of the valve seat assembly that supports the pilot body is thicker and has higher rigidity than the inlet portion, the strength of the switching valve against external forces can be further improved. Furthermore, since the stepped portion engages with the outer peripheral surface of the pilot body, the valve seat assembly can be positioned relative to the pilot body with good operability when the valve seat assembly is fixed to the pilot body.

[0025] Furthermore, preferably, the valve seat component is a component that has the aforementioned plurality of thin tube connecting holes and the aforementioned valve seat through hole in a solid body.

[0026] According to this structure, since the valve seat component is made of a solid body and has high rigidity, the strength of the switching valve against external forces can be further improved.

[0027] Furthermore, preferably, the fixed portion of the valve seat component has a valve seat-side engagement plane that engages with the main body surface of the switching valve, and a receiving recess is formed on the outer wall of the main housing of the switching valve body, which receives the fixed portion and has a main body-side engagement plane that is in contact with the valve seat-side engagement plane as its bottom surface. In a state in which a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the fixed portion surrounds the valve seat-side engagement plane and engages with a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the receiving recess, the fixed portion is fixed to the outer wall of the main housing.

[0028] According to this structure, when the valve seat component and the switching valve body are connected by brazing, brazing can be performed in a stable state where the valve seat side mating plane is in contact with the body side mating plane. Furthermore, since the fixing is performed with the fixing part in the valve seat component engaged with the receiving recess in the main housing, the strength of the switching valve against external forces can be further improved.

[0029] Furthermore, preferably, the valve seat through hole in the valve seat component has a first hole on the inlet side, a second hole on the fixed side with a diameter larger than that of the first hole, and a stepped portion on the boundary between the first hole and the second hole, connecting the two. The main body through hole in the main housing is a hole with a diameter smaller than that of the second hole in the valve seat through hole. It also has a filter housed in the second hole to remove foreign matter from the driving fluid flowing through the valve seat through hole. The stepped portion restricts the movement of the filter from the inside of the second hole toward the first hole side. The periphery of the main body through hole in the outer wall of the main housing restricts the movement of the filter from the inside of the second hole toward the main body through hole side.

[0030] According to this structure, since the filter for removing foreign matter is housed inside the valve seat through-hole while restricting the movement of the drive fluid, situations such as the filter being pressed and dislodged by the drive fluid can be effectively avoided, and foreign matter removal can be performed. Furthermore, since the filter is housed inside the valve seat through-hole, which allows for ample space, the dimensions related to the filter installation in the switching valve can be reduced compared to cases where a portion of the thin tube is enlarged inside the thin tube to house the filter. Additionally, the filter movement restriction achieved by utilizing the stepped structure inside the valve seat through-hole and the difference in diameter with the main through-hole reduces the number of components and lowers costs compared to cases where other components are used to restrict movement, such as limiters.

[0031] Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle system of the present invention is characterized by comprising a compressor for compressing a refrigerant as a fluid, a first heat exchanger that functions as a condenser in cooling mode, a second heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator in cooling mode, an expansion mechanism for expanding the refrigerant between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to reduce pressure, and the aforementioned switching valve.

[0032] According to this refrigeration cycle system, due to the aforementioned switching valve, the strength against external forces can be improved and the size can be suppressed.

[0033] The effects of the invention are as follows.

[0034] The switching valve and refrigeration circulation system according to the present invention can improve the strength against external forces and suppress size. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a two-view drawing showing the overall structure of a switching valve according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 It shows that it has Figure 1 The diagram shows a refrigeration circulation system with a switching valve.

[0037] Figure 3 Therefore, along Figure 1 The cross section of line V11-V11 in the diagram is shown. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the pilot drive section in the switching valve.

[0038] Figure 4 Therefore, along Figure 3 The cross section of the V12-V12 line is shown in the figure. Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the pilot drive unit shown.

[0039] Figure 5 The diagram is shown as a top view from the valve seat side and a side view from the connection side of the thin tube. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows the exterior of the valve seat component in cross-section.

[0040] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view of line V13-V13 in the diagram.

[0041] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view of line V14-V14 in the diagram.

[0042] Figure 8 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view of line V15-V15 in the diagram.

[0043] Figure 9 Therefore Figure 4 The enlarged view of area A11 shows the fixing part of the valve seat component to the outer wall of the main housing of the switching valve body.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the setting of the length in the axial direction of the valve seat associated with the valve seat component connected to the pilot body of the switching valve body.

[0045] Figure 11 It shows that it is aimed at Figure 10 A diagram showing a deformation example of the protruding direction of the joint.

[0046] In the picture:

[0047] 1—Refrigeration cycle system; 1a—Compressor; 1b—Outdoor heat exchanger (first heat exchanger); 1c—Indoor heat exchanger (second heat exchanger); 1d—Throttling device (expansion mechanism); 10—Switching valve; 11—Switching valve body; 11a—Main valve chamber; 11b—First working chamber; 11c—Second working chamber; 12, 12-1—Pilot drive unit; 13s—Low-pressure connector thin tube; 13L—First housing thin tube; 13R—Second housing thin tube; 15c—C connector tube; 15d—D connector tube; 15e—E connector tube; 15s—S connector tube; 111—Main housing; 111a—Main body through hole. 111b—Receiving recess, 111b-1—Main body side mating plane, 111b-2—Inner circumferential surface, 112—Main slide valve, 113, 122a—Valve seat, 114L, 114R—Piston, 115—Connecting plate, 116—Valve core, 116a, 121b-1—Bowl-shaped recess, 121—Pilot body, 121a—Secondary housing, 121a-1—Plunger tube, 121b—Secondary slide valve, 121c—Plunger, 121c-1—Secondary valve chamber, 121c-2, 121c-3—Spring, 121d—Coil section, 121d-1, 121d-3—First part, 121d-2, 1 21d-4—Second part, 121e, 121e-1—Joint, 121f, 121f-1—Frame, 122—Valve seat assembly, 122b—Inlet, 122c—Fixing, 122c-1—Valve seat side joint plane, 122c-2—Outer peripheral surface, 122d—Valve seat through hole, 122d-1—First hole, 122d-2—Second hole, 122d-3, 122g—Step, 122e—Flat surface, 122f—Support, 122s—Low-pressure connecting hole, 122s-1—Low-pressure orthogonal hole, 122s-2—Low-pressure axis hole, 122L—First... A housing connecting hole, 122L-1—first housing orthogonal hole, 122L-2—first housing axis hole, 122R—second housing connecting hole, 122R-1—second housing orthogonal hole, 122R-2—second housing axis hole, 123—filter, D11—main shaft direction, D12—secondary shaft direction, D13—secondary shaft orthogonal direction, D14—valve seat axis direction, D15—protrusion direction, L11—first length, L12, L12-1—secondary length, L13, L13-1—third length, R11—lead wire, X11—main sliding axis, X12—secondary sliding axis, X13—valve seat axis. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The following is based on Figures 1-10 A switching valve and a refrigeration cycle system according to one embodiment will be described.

[0049] Figure 1 These are two views showing the overall structure of a switching valve according to one embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 2 It shows that it has Figure 1 The diagram shows a refrigeration circulation system with a switching valve.

[0050] The switching valve 10 in this embodiment is a four-way switching valve that switches the connection state of the four connector pipes, namely D connector pipe 15d, E connector pipe 15e, S connector pipe 15s, and C connector pipe 15c, which will be described in detail below. The switching valve 10 switches the connection state of these four connector pipes to change the connection status. Figure 2 The flow path of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle system 1 shown. The switching valve 10 includes a switching valve body 11, a pilot drive unit 12, a thin tube 13L for the first housing, a thin tube 13R for the second housing, and a thin tube 13s for the low-pressure connector.

[0051] The switching valve body 11 has a main slide valve 112 built inside the main housing 111, and the flow path state is switched by the sliding of the main slide valve 112. In this embodiment, the switching of the flow path state refers to the switching of one flow path to another among multiple flow paths formed by four connector pipes. The main housing 111 is a cylindrical stainless steel component with both ends sealed. Stainless steel connector pipes D 15d, E 15e, S 15s, and C 15c are connected to its peripheral wall in a manner that communicates with the interior. The main slide valve 112 and valve seat 113 are provided inside the main housing 111.

[0052] The main slide valve 112 includes a pair of pistons 114L and 114R, a connecting plate 115, and a valve core 116. The main slide valve 112 is disposed inside the main housing 111 to connect two pairs of connector pipes among the plurality of connector pipes, and the connector pipe to be connected is switched by sliding movement.

[0053] A pair of pistons 114L and 114R are arranged opposite each other and can reciprocate while pressing the gasket against the inner circumferential surface of the main housing 111. Thus, the interior of the main housing 111 is divided by the two pistons 114L and 114R into a high-pressure main valve chamber 11a in the center, a first working chamber 11b on both sides of the main valve chamber 11a, and a second working chamber 11c.

[0054] The connecting plate 115 is made of metal plate and is mounted between pistons 114L and 114R on the main sliding axis X11 of the main housing 111, with the valve core 116 held in its center. Moreover, the valve core 116 slides on the valve seat 113 in conjunction with the connecting plate 115 when the pistons 114L and 114R move, and stops when the pistons 114L and 114R reach the predetermined limit positions at the left and right ends of the main housing 111.

[0055] A valve seat 113 is disposed in the middle portion of the main housing 111, and a D-connector pipe 15d, which opens inside the main housing 111 and serves as a high-pressure pipe, is installed at a position opposite to the valve seat 113 in the middle portion of the main housing 111. Furthermore, on the valve seat 113, an E-connector pipe 15e and a C-connector pipe 15c, serving as a pair of conduits, and an S-connector pipe 15s, serving as a low-pressure pipe, are installed in a straight line along the main sliding axis X11 of the main housing 111. A bowl-shaped recess 116a is formed on the inner side of the valve core 116. Moreover, the valve core 116... Figure 1 At the left end position, the S connector pipe 15s is connected to the E connector pipe 15e via the bowl-shaped recess 116a. At this time, the C connector pipe 15c is connected to the D connector pipe 15d via the main valve chamber 11a. Furthermore, the valve core 116... Figure 1 The main slide valve 112 moves to the right end position, connecting the S connector pipe 15s and the C connector pipe 15c through the bowl-shaped recess 116a. At this time, the E connector pipe 15e is connected to the D connector pipe 15d via the main valve chamber 11a.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In the refrigeration cycle system 1 shown, D-connector pipe 15d is a high-pressure pipe connected to the nozzle of compressor 1a, and S-connector pipe 15s is a low-pressure pipe connected to the suction inlet of compressor 1a. C-connector pipe 15c is a conduit connected to outdoor heat exchanger 1b (first heat exchanger), and E-connector pipe 15e is a conduit connected to indoor heat exchanger 1c (second heat exchanger). Outdoor heat exchanger 1b and indoor heat exchanger 1c are connected via throttling device 1d (expansion mechanism). The refrigeration cycle system 1 is constructed using the flow path formed by C-connector pipe 15c, outdoor heat exchanger 1b, throttling device 1d, indoor heat exchanger 1c, and E-connector pipe 15e, and the flow path formed by S-connector pipe 15s, compressor 1a, and D-connector pipe 15d.

[0057] The pilot drive unit 12 is connected to the main housing 111. The pilot drive unit 12 causes the driving fluid to flow through a pair of spaces, namely the first working chamber 11b and the second working chamber 11c, separated by the main slide valve 112 in the main axis direction D11 inside the main housing 111, thereby causing the main slide valve 112 to slide along the main axis direction D11. In this embodiment, the pilot drive unit 12 causes the fluid of the D-connector pipe 15d, which is a high-pressure pipe, to flow to one of the first working chamber 11b and the second working chamber 11c, and causes the fluid of the S-connector pipe 15s, which is a low-pressure pipe, to flow to the other, thereby causing the main slide valve 112 to slide.

[0058] The pilot drive unit 12 is connected to the S-connector pipe 15s, which serves as a low-pressure pipe, via a low-pressure connector thin pipe 13s. The pilot drive unit 12 is connected to the first working chamber 11b via a first housing thin pipe 13L. Furthermore, the pilot drive unit 12 is connected to the second working chamber 11c via a second housing thin pipe 13R. The low-pressure connector thin pipe 13s, the first housing thin pipe 13L, and the second housing thin pipe 13R are all made of stainless steel. Additionally, the pilot drive unit 12 is connected to the main valve chamber 11a, which communicates with the D-connector pipe 15d, which serves as a high-pressure connector, via a stainless steel valve seat component 122 within the pilot drive unit 12, as will be explained in detail below.

[0059] The pilot drive unit 12 is a solenoid valve with the same structure as the switching valve 10. It switches the flow path of the driving fluid by energizing the internal auxiliary slide valve to move. The auxiliary slide valve switches the connection target of the low-pressure connector pipe 13s, which is connected to the S-connector pipe 15s, which is a low-pressure pipe. Specifically, the pilot drive unit 12 switches the connection target of the low-pressure connector pipe 13s via the first housing pipe 13L connected to the first working chamber 11b of the switching valve 10 and the second housing pipe 13R connected to the second working chamber 11c. Simultaneously, it switches the connection target of the high-pressure main valve chamber 11a via the first housing pipe 13L and the second housing pipe 13R. This creates a pressure difference between the pressure in the first working chamber 11b and the pressure in the second working chamber 11c, which causes the main slide valve 112 to slide from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side along the main axis direction D11. Then, by using this sliding movement, the position of the valve core 116 in the main slide valve 112 is switched to switch the flow path of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle system 1.

[0060] With the above structure, the high-pressure refrigerant compressed by compressor 1a flows into the main valve chamber 11a through connector D 15d. In cooling mode, the high-pressure refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 1b through connector C 15c. Furthermore, in heating mode after switching the position of valve core 116, the high-pressure refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 1c through connector E 15e. That is, during cooling operation, the refrigerant injected from compressor 1a circulates in the following sequence: connector D 15d → connector C 15c → outdoor heat exchanger 1b → throttling device 1d → indoor heat exchanger 1c → connector E 15e. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger 1b functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 1c functions as an evaporator for cooling. The throttling device 1d expands the refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger 1b and the indoor heat exchanger 1c to reduce pressure. In addition, during heating operation, the refrigerant circulates in the opposite direction, with the indoor heat exchanger 1c functioning as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 1b functioning as an evaporator to provide heating.

[0061] In this embodiment, the pilot drive unit 12 has the following structure.

[0062] Figure 3 Therefore, along Figure 1 The cross section of line V11-V11 in the diagram is shown. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the pilot drive section in the switching valve. Furthermore, Figure 4 Therefore, along Figure 3 The cross section of the V12-V12 line is shown in the figure. Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the pilot drive unit shown.

[0063] As described above, the pilot drive unit 12 is a solenoid valve, which includes a pilot body 121 and a valve seat component 122. Furthermore, the pilot body 121 includes a secondary housing 121a, a secondary slide valve 121b, a plunger 121c, a coil portion 121d, and a connection portion 121e for the lead wire R11.

[0064] The pilot body 121 has a built-in auxiliary slide valve 121b, which slides to switch the flow path state of the driving fluid by causing the main slide valve 112 to slide. Furthermore, in the pilot body 121, multiple flow paths for the driving fluid are formed via three thin tubes—the first housing thin tube 13L, the second housing thin tube 13R, and the low-pressure connector thin tube 13s—and the valve seat through hole 122d in the valve seat component 122. Moreover, switching the flow path state in the pilot body 121 refers to changing one of the multiple flow paths to another.

[0065] The pilot body 121's secondary housing 121a is a cylindrical stainless steel housing with both ends sealed, inside which a secondary slide valve 121b and a plunger 121c are built. The peripheral wall of the secondary housing 121a forms a plunger tube 121a-1 that restricts the movement of the plunger 121c to sliding along the secondary sliding axis X12 in the secondary axis direction D12, which is consistent with the axis of the secondary housing 121a.

[0066] The auxiliary slide valve 121b has a bowl-shaped recess 121b-1 formed on its inner side. Figure 3 shown Figure 3 At the left end position, the low-pressure connector thin tube 13s is connected to the first housing thin tube 13L through the bowl-shaped recess 121b-1. At this time, the second housing thin tube 13R is connected to the high-pressure main valve chamber 11a of the switching valve body 11 via the auxiliary valve chamber 121c-1 located in the plunger 121c. If the auxiliary slide valve 121b... Figure 3 Sliding to the right in the middle switches the connection target of the low-pressure connector thin tube 13s to the second housing thin tube 13R, and the connection target of the first housing thin tube 13L to the high-pressure main valve chamber 11a.

[0067] In this embodiment, the bowl-shaped recess 121b-1 of the secondary slide valve 121b is a hemispherical recess. Unlike the hemispherical shape, in a slide valve with, for example, an elongated bowl-shaped recess, a straight portion exists at a portion of the periphery of the bowl-shaped recess. However, when the slide valve is subjected to pressure from the surrounding drive fluid, tensile stress is applied to the straight portion. Depending on the size of the slide valve, the magnitude of the pressure from the drive fluid, etc., the tensile stress applied to the straight portion may become excessive. In this regard, the secondary slide valve 121b with the hemispherical bowl-shaped recess 121b-1 according to this embodiment can improve the pressure resistance of the secondary slide valve 121b by suppressing the aforementioned tensile stress. In addition, it is foreseeable that such improvement in pressure resistance will lead to a thinner wall thickness of the secondary slide valve 121b, which in turn can suppress the amount of movement of the secondary slide valve 121b.

[0068] The plunger 121c is roughly cylindrical. Figure 3 The right-hand portion of the plunger 121c becomes a magnet and is slidably housed within the plunger tube 121a-1 in an extended position along the secondary axis direction D12. Furthermore, a secondary slide valve 121b is held at one end of the plunger 121c inside the plunger tube 121a-1 on the valve seat member 122 side in the secondary axis direction D12. At this end, a spring 121c-2 applies force to the secondary slide valve 121b towards the valve seat member 122 in the secondary axis direction D13, which is orthogonal to the secondary sliding axis X12. Additionally, a spring 121c-3 applies force to the plunger 121c from the side opposite to the valve seat member 122 towards the valve seat member 122 in the secondary axis direction D12. Through this force applied in the secondary axis direction D12, the secondary slide valve 121b is positioned in an initial position connecting the low-pressure connector tube 13s to the first housing tube 13L.

[0069] A coil portion 121d is wound around the outer periphery of the plunger tube 121a-1. When supplied with current, it applies a magnetic force to the magnetic portion of the plunger 121c, generating an attraction force with a polarity opposite to that of the magnetic portion. The magnetic force from the coil portion 121d causes the plunger 121c to overcome the force of the spring 121c-3 and slide along the secondary sliding axis X12 in the secondary axis direction D12 towards the side opposite to the valve seat component 122. Through this sliding, the secondary slide valve 121b is positioned in a sliding position that connects the low-pressure connector tube 13s to the second housing tube 13R.

[0070] The joint 121e is the part where the lead R11, which supplies current to the coil 121d, is joined to the coil 121d. This joint 121e is designed to avoid interference with the switching valve body 11 and is designed to protrude from the coil 121d in the orthogonal direction D13 to the secondary axis.

[0071] The valve seat component 122 is formed inside the pilot body 121 of the above-described structure, where it slides and rubs against the auxiliary spool valve 121b, and serves as a component connecting the pilot body 121 to the switching valve body 11. Furthermore, three thin tubes are connected to the valve seat component 122: a low-pressure connector thin tube 13s, a first housing thin tube 13L, and a second housing thin tube 13R.

[0072] Figure 5 The diagram shows a top view taken from the valve seat side and a side view taken from the connection side of the thin tube. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows the external appearance of the valve seat component in cross-section. Furthermore, Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view of line V13-V13 in the middle. Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view of line V14-V14 in the middle. Figure 8 It is along Figure 5 The sectional view along line V15-V15. See below for reference. Figure 3 and Figure 4 and Figures 5-8 The valve seat component 122 will be described.

[0073] The valve seat component 122 is fixed in such a way that a portion is fixed to the switching valve body 11 and the other portion enters the pilot body 121 to form a valve seat 122a. Specifically, the valve seat component 122 is a generally cylindrical solid body, one end of which is an entry portion 122b that enters the interior of the pilot body 121 to form the valve seat 122a, and the other end becomes a fixed portion 122c that is fixed to the switching valve body 11. The valve seat 122a is a strip-shaped area that slides and rubs against the end face of the entry portion 122b via the auxiliary spool valve 121b.

[0074] In addition, a thin tube 13s for a low-pressure connector, a thin tube 13L for a first housing, and a thin tube 13R for a second housing are connected to the circumferential surface of the valve seat component 122. Moreover, as described above, three thin tube communication holes—a low-pressure communication hole 122s, a first housing communication hole 122L, and a second housing communication hole 122R—are formed inside the solid valve seat component 122.

[0075] The low-pressure connecting hole 122s is connected to the low-pressure connector tube 13s, and together with the low-pressure connector tube 13s, forms a flow path for the low-pressure driving fluid. Furthermore, the low-pressure connecting hole 122s is composed of a low-pressure orthogonal hole 122s-1 and a low-pressure axis hole 122s-2. The low-pressure orthogonal hole 122s-1 opens in a direction orthogonal to the valve seat axis X13, which serves as the central axis of the valve seat component 122. The low-pressure orthogonal hole 122s-1 is a hole with an inner diameter the same as the inner diameter of the low-pressure connector tube 13s, and an opening diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the low-pressure connector tube 13s, for insertion of the low-pressure connector tube 13s. The low-pressure axis hole 122s-2 is a hole opened along the valve seat axis X13 and with a diameter smaller than that of the low-pressure orthogonal hole 122s-1. One end is connected to the low-pressure orthogonal hole 122s-1, and the other end is opened in the valve seat 122a.

[0076] The first housing connecting hole 122L is connected to the first housing connecting tube 13L and together with the first housing connecting tube 13L, forms a flow path for the driving fluid toward the first working chamber 11b of the switching valve body 11. Furthermore, the first housing connecting hole 122L is composed of a first housing orthogonal hole 122L-1 and a first housing axis hole 122L-2. The first housing orthogonal hole 122L-1 is formed in a direction orthogonal to the valve seat axis X13. The first housing orthogonal hole 122L-1 is a hole with an inner diameter the same as the inner diameter of the first housing connecting tube 13L, and an opening diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first housing connecting tube 13L, for insertion of the first housing connecting tube 13L. The first housing axis hole 122L-2 is a hole formed along the valve seat axis X13 with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first housing orthogonal hole 122L-1. One end is connected to the first housing orthogonal hole 122L-1, and the other end opens into the valve seat 122a.

[0077] The second housing connecting hole 122R is connected to the second housing connecting tube 13R, and together with the second housing connecting tube 13R, forms a flow path for the driving fluid toward the second working chamber 11c of the switching valve body 11. Furthermore, the second housing connecting hole 122R is composed of a second housing orthogonal hole 122R-1 and a second housing axial hole 122R-2. The second housing orthogonal hole 122R-1 is opened in a direction orthogonal to the valve seat axis X13. This second housing orthogonal hole 122R-1 is a hole with an inner diameter the same as the inner diameter of the second housing connecting tube 13R, and an opening diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second housing connecting tube 13R, for insertion of the second housing connecting tube 13R. The second housing axial hole 122R-2 is a hole opened along the valve seat axis X13 with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second housing orthogonal hole 122R-1, one end connected to the second housing orthogonal hole 122R-1, and the other end opening in the valve seat 122a.

[0078] In valve seat 122a, the low-pressure axis hole 122s-2, the first housing axis hole 122L-2, and the second housing axis hole 122R-2 are arranged in a straight line in the valve seat component 122 along the secondary axis direction D12. Furthermore, the low-pressure axis hole 122s-2 opens at the center of the generally circular end face including valve seat 122a, and the first housing axis hole 122L-2 and the second housing axis hole 122R-2 are opened through the opening of the low-pressure axis hole 122s-2.

[0079] Furthermore, inside the solid valve seat component 122, a valve seat through hole 122d is formed, extending from the fixed portion 122c between the valve body 11 and the switching valve body 11 to the inlet portion 122b that enters into the pilot body 121. This valve seat through hole 122d connects the high-pressure main valve chamber 11a in the switching valve body 11 with the secondary valve chamber 121c-1 in the pilot body 121, thus forming a flow path for the high-pressure driving fluid.

[0080] At this time, the valve seat component 122 of the pilot drive unit 12 is fixed to the outer wall of the main housing 111 in the switching valve body 11. Furthermore, a main body through hole 111a is formed on the outer wall of the main housing 111, communicating with the valve seat through hole 122d and forming a flow path for the high-pressure driving fluid together with the valve seat through hole 122d. And, as... Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the valve seat through hole 122d opens off-center from the valve seat 122a on the inlet portion 122b side. Thus, regardless of the sliding position of the auxiliary spool valve 121b, the main valve chamber 11a of the switching valve body 11 and the auxiliary valve chamber 121c-1 in the pilot body 121 are always connected via the valve seat through hole 122d and the main body through hole 111a.

[0081] In this embodiment, the valve seat through-hole 122d is composed of a first hole 122d-1 on the inlet portion 122b side and a second hole 122d-2 on the fixed portion 122c side, which has a larger diameter and is shorter than the first hole 122d-1. At the boundary between the first hole 122d-1 and the second hole 122d-2, a stepped portion 122d-3 is provided, extending radially as an annular plane and connecting the two. Furthermore, the second hole 122d-2 houses a filter 123 that removes foreign matter from the driving fluid flowing through the valve seat through-hole 122d.

[0082] The pilot drive unit 12 is connected to the switching valve body 11 via the valve seat component 122 described above, as follows: First, the pilot drive unit 12 is mounted on the switching valve body 11 in a configuration in which the main sliding axis X11 of the main housing 111 and the secondary sliding axis X12 of the secondary housing 121a extend along each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 1As shown, the four connectors, D connector 15d, E connector 15e, S connector 15s, and C connector 15c, are connected to the switching valve body 11 in a configuration where their respective axes are contained within a plane P11. Then, the pilot drive unit 12 is configured relative to the switching valve body 11 such that the main slide valve 112 and the auxiliary slide valve 121b slide along the main axis direction D11 and the auxiliary axis direction D12, respectively, in-plane directions along the aforementioned plane P11.

[0083] In this embodiment, the connection between the low-pressure connector tube 13s, the first housing tube 13L, and the second housing tube 13R and the circumferential surface of the valve seat component 122 is as follows: In this embodiment, the valve seat component 122 has a D-shaped cut, meaning a portion of its circumferential surface forms a flat surface 122e extending along the valve seat axis D14 of the valve seat axis X13. The aforementioned low-pressure orthogonal holes 122s-1, first housing orthogonal holes 122L-1, and second housing orthogonal holes 122R-1 open into the flat surface 122e of the D-shaped cut. The low-pressure connector tube 13s, first housing tube 13L, and second housing tube 13R are inserted into the openings in the flat surface 122e and connected by brazing.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support portion 122f is located between the pilot body 121 and the switching valve body 11 in the valve seat component 122, and is fixed to the switching valve body 11 at the fixing portion 122c to support the pilot body 121. This support portion 122f is thicker than the entry portion 122b. Moreover, at the boundary between the support portion 122f and the entry portion 122b, a stepped portion 122g is formed as a flat surface extending in the orthogonal direction D13 along the secondary axis. This stepped portion 122g has a C-shaped flat surface formed by cutting a portion of the ring through the aforementioned D-shaped cut. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, with the stepped portion 122g engaged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the sub-housing 121a in the pilot body 121, the entry portion 122b of the valve seat component 122 is fixed to the pilot body 121 by brazing.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, the outer walls of the valve seat component 122 and the main housing 111 of the switching valve body 11 are fixed as follows.

[0086] Figure 9 Therefore Figure 4 The enlarged view of area A11 shows the fixed part between the valve seat component and the outer wall of the main housing of the switching valve body.

[0087] Such as Figure 9As shown, the fixing portion 122c of the valve seat component 122 has a valve seat-side engagement plane 122c-1 as an end face that contacts and engages with the outer wall surface of the main housing 111 in the switching valve body 11. On the other hand, a receiving recess 111b is formed on the outer wall of the main housing 111, which receives the fixing portion 122c and contacts the valve seat-side engagement plane 122c-1, and becomes the bottom surface. When a portion of the outer peripheral surface 122c-2 surrounding the valve seat-side engagement plane 122c-1 in the fixing portion 122c is engaged with a portion of the inner peripheral surface 111b-2 of the receiving recess 111b, the fixing portion 122c is fixed to the outer wall of the main housing 111 by brazing.

[0088] Furthermore, the aforementioned main body through hole 111a opens at the main body-side mating plane 111b-1. Here, in this embodiment, the main body through hole 111a opens at a position offset from and connected to the center of the second hole portion 122d-2 of the valve seat through hole 122d, which opens at the valve seat-side mating plane 122c-1. Moreover, the filter 123 housed in the second hole portion 122d-2 is restricted from moving toward the first hole portion 122d-1 by the stepped portion 122d-3 in the valve seat through hole 122d. Furthermore, the filter 123 is restricted from moving toward the main body through hole 111a by the periphery of the main body through hole 111a in the main body-side mating plane 111b-1.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, the length in the valve seat axis direction D14 associated with the valve seat component 122 connected to the pilot body 121 of the switching valve body 11 is set as follows.

[0090] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the setting of the length in the axial direction of the valve seat relative to the valve seat component connected to the pilot body of the switching valve body. Figure 10 In, it is shown that from Figure 1 A schematic side view of the switching valve body 11 and pilot drive unit 12 as observed in the direction of arrow V16, and along this... Figure 10 A sectional view of line V17-V17 in the diagram.

[0091] As described above, the pilot body 121 in the pilot drive unit 12 includes a coil portion 121d for sliding the plunger 121c and a connecting portion 121e for the lead wire R11. The coil portion 121d is housed in the frame portion 121f, and the connecting portion 121e is mounted on the frame portion 121f. Here, the coil portion 121d is configured to have a first portion 121d-1 having the connecting portion 121e and a second portion 121d-2 other than the first portion 121d-1. In the first portion 121d-1, the winding of the coil portion 121d is led out to the connecting portion 121e, and the front end of the winding is connected to the lead wire R11 at the connecting portion 121e. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 121e is configured to protrude upwards from the coil portion 121d in the orthogonal direction D13 of the secondary shaft, in the same direction as the vertical setting direction of the valve seat member 122, away from the coil portion 121d. The portion on the upper side of the coil portion 121d that becomes the junction portion 121e in the figure is the first portion 121d-1, and the portion on the lower side of the figure that becomes the switching valve body 11 is the second portion 121d-2.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first length L11 associated with the valve seat component 122 is shorter than the second length L12 associated with the engagement portion 121e, and longer than the third length L13 associated with the coil portion 121d. The first length L11 associated with the valve seat component 122 is the length from the secondary sliding axis X12 to the valve seat-side engagement plane 122c-1, which serves as the fixed end between the valve seat component 122 and the switching valve body 11. The second length L12 associated with the engagement portion 121e is the length from the sliding axis X12 to the protruding end of the engagement portion 121e. The third length L13 associated with the coil portion 121d is the length from the sliding axis X12 to the outer surface of the second portion 121d-2 in the coil portion 121d.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protruding direction of the joint 121e is such that it protrudes upwards in the figure, away from the coil portion 121d, in the same direction as the vertical setting direction of the valve seat member 122, along the orthogonal direction D13 of the secondary shaft. However, the protrusion of the joint 121e is not limited to such an upward protrusion, and may also be a protrusion as shown in the modified examples below.

[0094] Figure 11 It shows that it is aimed at Figure 10 A diagram showing a variation of the joint in the protruding direction. Figure 11 In the middle, it is shown that... Figure 10 Same side view and along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view along line V18-V18. Furthermore, this... Figure 11 In the middle, to and Figure 10The description of the constituent elements shown is the same as the constituent elements required by the constituent elements, and the labeling is the same as the constituent elements shown. Figure 10 The same symbols are shown below, and repeated descriptions related to the same constituent elements as above are omitted.

[0095] In Figure 11 In the modified example shown, the protruding direction of the joint 121e-1 is relative to the pilot drive section 12-1. Figure 10 The protruding direction of the shown joint 121e is the direction after deviating 90° from the secondary sliding axis X12. That is, in this modified example, the joint 121e-1 protrudes in a protruding direction D15, which is orthogonal to the secondary sliding axis X12 and orthogonal to the vertical setting direction of the valve seat component 122, away from the coil portion 121d, and towards the right side in the figure. The frame portion 121f-1, which receives the joint 121e-1, has a structure that is open on the right side of the figure as the protruding side of the joint 121e-1. Moreover, the first part 121d-3 of the joint 121e-1 in the coil portion 121d is the right side portion in the figure, and the other second part 121d-4 is the left side portion in the figure. However, in this modified example, the first length L11 from the sliding axis X12 to the valve seat side mating plane 122c-1 is also shorter than the second length L12-1 to the protruding end of the joint 121e-1. Furthermore, the first length L11 is longer than the third length L13-1 up to the outer surface of the second part 121d-4 of the coil portion 121d.

[0096] According to the embodiments and modifications described above, the switching valve 10 and the refrigeration cycle system 1 achieve the following effects. Specifically, according to this embodiment and its modifications, the valve seat component 122 constituting the pilot drive unit 12, 12-1 is directly fixed to the switching valve body 11. Therefore, compared to using a bracket machined from a metal sheet to connect the pilot drive unit to the switching valve body, the strength against external forces can be improved. Furthermore, since a bracket is not required, the number of components is reduced, and consequently, the size of the switching valve 10 can be reduced.

[0097] In this embodiment and its variations, the valve seat component 122 is fixed to the outer wall of the main housing 111 by connecting the main valve chamber 11a and the valve seat through hole 122d via the main body through hole 111a. According to this structure, the flow path of the high-pressure fluid connecting the main valve chamber 11a to the pilot drive units 12 and 12-1 is formed by the valve seat through hole 122d in the valve seat component 122 and the main body through hole 111a in the switching valve body 11. Therefore, compared to the case where a thin tube for high pressure is used to connect the main valve chamber 11a and the pilot drive unit 12, the flow path of the high-pressure fluid can be minimized, further improving strength. Furthermore, corresponding to the elimination of the aforementioned thin tube for high pressure, the size of the switching valve 10 can be further reduced.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment and its variations, the pilot drive units 12 and 12-1 are mounted on the switching valve body 11 in a configuration in which the main sliding axis X11 and the secondary sliding axis X12 extend along each other. According to this structure, compared to a configuration where the main and secondary sliding axes are orthogonal to each other, the coil portion 121d of the pilot drive units 12 and 12-1 is closer to the switching valve body 11, thus the center of gravity of the pilot drive units 12 and 12-1 is closer to the switching valve body 11. As a result, the size of the switching valve 10 can be further suppressed in a direction orthogonal to the two sliding axes. Furthermore, since the center of gravity of the pilot drive units 12 and 12-1 is closer to the switching valve body 11, the strength of the switching valve 10 against external forces can be further improved.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment and its variations, the switching valve body 11, the pilot drive unit 12, and the four connector tubes are arranged such that each slide valve slides in the in-plane direction along a plane P11 containing the axis of each connector tube. According to this structure, the switching valve 10 is made thinner in the out-of-plane direction of the aforementioned plane P11. In other words, according to the above structure, the size of the switching valve 10 can be further reduced.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment and its variations, a thin tube 13s for a low-pressure connector, a thin tube 13L for a first housing, and a thin tube 13R for a second housing are connected to the flat surface 122e on the circumferential surface of the valve seat component 122. According to this structure, when each thin tube is connected to the valve seat component 122 by brazing, the workability related to brazing can be improved because annular solder can be disposed on the flat surface 122e in the valve seat component 122.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment and its variations, the first length L11 from the secondary sliding axis X12 to the valve seat side mating plane 122c-1 is shorter than the second lengths L12 and L12-1 to the protruding ends of the mating portions 121e and 121e-1. Also, the first length L11 is longer than the third lengths L13 and L13-1 to the outer surfaces of the second portions 121d-2 and 121d-4 of the coil portions 121d and 121d-1. According to this structure, the dimensions of the valve seat component 122 are optimized to the necessary minimum by defining the first length L11, thereby bringing the center of gravity of the pilot drive portions 12 and 12-1 closer to the switching valve body 11. This further improves the strength of the switching valve 10 against external forces and further suppresses the size of the switching valve 10.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment and its variations, the entry portion 122b is fixed to the pilot body 121 when the step portion 122g, which is thicker than the entry portion 122b of the valve seat component 122, is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the pilot body 121. According to this structure, since the pillar portion 122f supporting the pilot body 121 in the valve seat component 122 is thicker and has higher rigidity than the entry portion 122b, the strength of the switching valve 10 against external forces can be further improved. Moreover, since the step portion 122g engages with the outer peripheral surface of the pilot body 121, the valve seat component 122 can be positioned relative to the pilot body 121 with good operability when the valve seat component 122 is fixed to the pilot body 121.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment and its variations, the valve seat component 122 has a low-pressure communication hole 122s, a first housing communication hole 122L, a second housing communication hole 122R, and a valve seat through hole 122d formed in a solid body. According to this structure, since the valve seat component 122 is made of a solid body and has high rigidity, the strength of the switching valve 10 against external forces can be further improved.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment and its variations, the fixing portion 122c of the valve seat component 122 is fixed to the outer wall of the main housing 111 such that the valve seat side mating plane 122c-1 contacts the body side mating plane 111b-1, which serves as the bottom surface of the receiving recess 111b. Additionally, a portion of the outer peripheral surface 122c-2 of the fixing portion 122c is engaged and fixed in contact with a portion of the inner peripheral surface 111b-2 of the receiving recess 111b. According to this structure, when the valve seat component 122 is connected to the switching valve body 11 by brazing, brazing can be performed in a stable state where the valve seat side mating plane 122c-1 contacts the body side mating plane 111b-1. Furthermore, since the fixing portion 122c in the valve seat component 122 can be fixed while engaged with the receiving recess 111b in the main housing 111, the strength of the switching valve 10 against external forces can be further improved.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment and its variations, a filter 123 for removing foreign matter is housed in the large-diameter second hole 122d-2 within the valve seat through-hole 122d. Moreover, the movement of the filter 123 inside the second hole 122d-2 is restricted by the stepped portion 122d-3 between the small-diameter first hole 122d-1 and the periphery of the main body through-hole 111a in the outer wall of the main housing 111. According to this structure, the filter 123 for removing foreign matter is housed inside the valve seat through-hole 122d while restricting the movement of the drive fluid's flow direction. This effectively prevents the filter 123 from being dislodged due to pressure from the drive fluid and enables the removal of foreign matter. Furthermore, since the filter 123 is housed inside the valve seat through-hole 122d, which allows for ample space, the dimensions related to the filter installation in the switching valve 10 can be suppressed compared to the case where a portion of the thin tube is enlarged inside the thin tube to house the filter. Furthermore, by utilizing the stepped structure inside the valve seat through hole 122d and the difference in diameter between it and the main body through hole 111a to restrict the movement of the filter 123, the number of components can be reduced and the cost lowered compared to, for example, the case where other components are provided to restrict movement.

[0106] Furthermore, the embodiments and variations described above are merely representative examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, various modifications can be made to implement the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. According to such modifications, as long as the switching valve and refrigeration circulation system structure of the present invention are still present, they are naturally included within the scope of the present invention.

[0107] For example, in the above-described embodiments and variations, a four-way switching valve 10 is shown as an example of a switching valve, which switches the connection state of four connector pipes. However, the switching valve is not limited to a four-way switching valve. The switching valve can use a sliding valve core to switch the connection state of multiple connector pipes; for example, it could be a three-way switching valve that uses a sliding valve core to switch the connection target when one pair of three connector pipes are connected. Alternatively, it could be a two-way switching valve that uses a sliding valve core to open and close two connector pipes to each other. The number of connector pipes in the switching valve, the switching target of the connection state, etc., can be appropriately set according to the application of the switching valve.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and variations, as an example of a valve seat component, a columnar valve seat component 122 is shown, with one end forming an entry portion 122b that enters into the pilot body 121 and the other end forming a fixing portion 122c between the valve seat component and the switching valve body 11. However, the valve seat component is not limited to such a columnar component; it can be fixed in such a way that a portion is fixed to the switching valve body and the other portion enters into the pilot body to form a valve seat, and its specific shape is not limited.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and variations, as an example of a switching valve, a switching valve 10 is shown where the main valve chamber 11a and the auxiliary valve chamber 121c-1 of the pilot body 121 are connected via a valve seat through hole 122d and a body through hole 111a. However, the switching valve is not limited to this; it could also be a valve in which the first working chamber, the second working chamber, and the valve seat are connected via a valve seat through hole and a body through hole. However, by forming a high-pressure fluid flow path connecting the main valve chamber 11a and the auxiliary valve chamber 121c-1 with the valve seat through hole 122d and the body through hole 111a, the strength of the switching valve 10 can be further improved, and its size can be further suppressed, as described above.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and variations, as an example of a switching valve, a switching valve 10 is shown in which the pilot drive units 12, 12-1 are mounted on the switching valve body 11 in a configuration such that each sliding axis extends along the other. However, the switching valve is not limited to this, and the relative configuration of the pilot drive units and the switching valve body can be arbitrary. However, according to the configuration in which the two sliding axes are aligned with each other, the size of the switching valve 10 can be further suppressed, and the strength of the switching valve 10 against external forces can be further improved, as described above.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and variations, as an example of a switching valve, a switching valve 10 is shown in which the main spool valve 112 and the auxiliary spool valve 121b slide in an in-plane direction along a plane P11 containing the axes of the plurality of connector pipes. However, the switching valve is not limited to this, and the relative arrangement of the sliding directions of the main spool valve and the auxiliary spool valve with respect to the axes of the plurality of connector pipes can be arbitrarily configured. However, according to the configuration in which the main spool valve 112 and the auxiliary spool valve 121b slide in an out-of-plane direction along the aforementioned plane P11, the size of the switching valve 10 can be further reduced by thinning, as described above.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and variations, as an example of a switching valve, a switching valve 10 is shown in which a low-pressure connector tube 13s, a first housing tube 13L, and a second housing tube 13R are connected to a flat surface 122e on the circumferential surface of the valve seat component 122. However, the switching valve is not limited to this; instead of making a D-shaped cut on the cylindrical valve seat component, a curved surface may be formed throughout the entire circumference, and multiple tubes may be connected to this curved surface. However, by making the connection surface of the tubes a flat surface 122e, the workability related to brazing of the tubes can be improved, as described above.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and variations, as an example of a switching valve, a switching valve 10 is shown with a first length L11 from the secondary sliding axis X12 to the valve seat side mating plane 122c-1 set as follows: That is, this first length L11 is shorter than the second lengths L12 and L12-1 extending to the protruding ends of the mating portions 121e and 121e-1, and longer than the third lengths L13 and L13-1 extending to the outer surfaces of the second portions 121d-2 and 121d-4 of the coil portions 121d and 121d-1. However, the switching valve is not limited to this; the length of the valve seat member 122 can be set to any length. However, by defining the first length L11 associated with the valve seat member 122 as described above, the strength of the switching valve 10 against external forces can be further improved, and the size of the switching valve 10 can be further suppressed, as stated above.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and variations, as an example of a switching valve, a switching valve 10 is shown in which the entry portion 122b of the valve seat component 122 is fixed in a state where the step portion 122g between the large-diameter support portion 122f and the valve seat component 122f is engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the pilot body 121. However, the switching valve is not limited to this; for example, the valve seat component may also be a column with the same diameter throughout its entire length. However, by providing the large-diameter support portion 122f, the strength of the switching valve 10 against external forces can be further improved, as described above. Furthermore, by engaging the step portion 122g between the support portion 122f and the valve seat component 122, the valve seat component 122 can be positioned with good operability, as described above as well.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and variations, as an example of a switching valve, a switching valve 10 is shown that includes a valve seat member 122 having a low-pressure communication hole 122s, a first housing communication hole 122L, a second housing communication hole 122R, and a valve seat through hole 122d in a solid body. However, the switching valve is not limited to this; for example, it may also include a valve seat member with pipes serving as communication holes disposed inside a hollow cylinder. However, by including a valve seat member 122 having communication holes in a solid body, the strength of the switching valve 10 against external forces can be further improved, as described above.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and variations, as an example of a switching valve, a switching valve 10 is shown in which the fixing portion 122c of the valve seat component 122 is received in a surface contact state by the receiving recess 111b and fixed to the outer wall of the main housing 111 in an engaged state. However, the switching valve is not limited to this; the receiving recess may not be provided, and the fixing portion of the valve seat component may be fixed to the outer wall of the main housing. However, by receiving the fixing portion 122c in a surface contact state in the receiving recess 111b and engaging it, brazing can be performed in a stable state, which can further improve the strength of the switching valve 10 against external forces, as described above.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and variations, as an example of a switching valve, a switching valve 10 is shown in which a filter 123 for removing foreign objects is housed in the large-diameter second hole 122d-2 in the valve seat through hole 122d. The filter 123's movement is restricted by the stepped portion 122d-3 between the small-diameter first hole 122d-1 and the second hole 122d-2, and the periphery of the small-diameter main body through hole 111a communicating with the second hole 122d-2. However, the switching valve is not limited to this; the filter may not be provided in the valve seat through hole, but rather in a thin tube connected to the valve seat component. Furthermore, even if the filter is provided in the valve seat through hole, its movement restriction structure does not rely on the stepped structure inside the valve seat through hole or the difference in diameter between it and the main body through hole; any restriction structure can be adopted by providing a limiter or other component. However, by internally housing the filter 123 within the valve seat through-hole 122d, which allows for ample space, the dimensions associated with filter installation can be suppressed, as described above. Furthermore, by employing a movement-restricting structure for the filter 123 that utilizes the stepped structure within the valve seat through-hole 122d and the difference in diameter between it and the main body through-hole 111a, the number of components associated with filter installation can be reduced, thereby lowering costs, as described above.

Claims

1. A switching valve, characterized in that, have: The switching valve body has a built-in main slide valve, which switches the flow path state by sliding the main slide valve. The pilot drive unit uses a predetermined drive fluid to slide the main slide valve. as well as Multiple thin tubes are connected to the aforementioned pilot drive unit to allow the driving fluid to pass through. The aforementioned pilot drive unit includes a pilot body and a valve seat component, wherein, The aforementioned pilot body has a built-in secondary slide valve, which is used to switch the flow path state of the driving fluid, causing the primary slide valve to slide and thus the secondary slide valve to slide. The aforementioned valve seat component is a portion that connects the aforementioned multiple thin tubes and is partially fixed to the aforementioned switching valve body, while the remaining portion enters the aforementioned pilot body to form the valve seat. It has multiple thin tube connecting holes that connect to the aforementioned multiple thin tubes and together with them form the flow path of the driving fluid, and a valve seat through hole that extends from the fixed portion of the aforementioned switching valve body to the entry portion entering the aforementioned pilot body, forming the flow path of the driving fluid. One of the multiple thin tube connecting holes and the aforementioned valve seat through hole opens offset from the aforementioned valve seat, while the other multiple holes open onto the aforementioned valve seat, thereby being opened and closed by the aforementioned auxiliary spool valve. The aforementioned switching valve body comprises the aforementioned main slide valve and main housing, wherein, The main housing houses the main slide valve, the valve seat component of the pilot drive unit is fixed on the outer wall, and a main through hole is formed on the outer wall that communicates with the valve seat through hole and together with the valve seat through hole forms the flow path of the driving fluid.

2. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching valve body is connected to multiple connector pipes that communicate with the interior of the main housing. The valve seat component of the aforementioned pilot drive unit is fixed to the outer wall of the aforementioned main housing by means of the valve seat through hole being connected to the valve chamber of the high-pressure connector pipe through which the relatively high-pressure fluid flows in the aforementioned plurality of connector pipes via the aforementioned main body through hole.

3. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main housing is cylindrical and houses the main slide valve in such a way that the main slide valve slides along its axis. The aforementioned pilot body includes the aforementioned secondary slide valve and secondary housing, wherein, The aforementioned secondary housing is formed in a cylindrical shape and houses the secondary slide valve in such a way that the secondary slide valve slides along its axis. The aforementioned pilot drive unit is mounted on the aforementioned switching valve body in a configuration in which the axis of the aforementioned main housing and the axis of the aforementioned secondary housing extend along each other.

4. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned switching valve body is connected to multiple connector pipes, each communicating with the interior of the aforementioned main housing, arranged with its own axis contained within a single plane. The switching valve body, the pilot drive unit, and the plurality of connector pipes are configured such that the main slide valve and the auxiliary slide valve slide in the in-plane direction along a plane that includes the axis of each of the plurality of connector pipes.

5. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned valve seat component is a columnar component with the aforementioned inlet portion at one end and the aforementioned fixed portion at the other end, and a portion of its circumferential surface becomes a flat surface extending axially. The aforementioned multiple thin tubes are connected to the aforementioned flat surface.

6. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned pilot body in the aforementioned pilot drive unit includes: A plunger that holds the aforementioned secondary slide valve and is configured to slide along a predetermined sliding axis; A plunger tube that slidably houses the plunger and the auxiliary slide valve together. A coil section, wound around the outer periphery of the plunger tube, causes the plunger to slide along the sliding axis by being supplied with current; and The junction is where the lead supplying the current to the coil portion is connected to the coil portion. The aforementioned joint is designed to avoid interference with the switching valve body from the aforementioned coil portion, and the joint is designed to protrude from the aforementioned coil portion in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the aforementioned sliding axis. The coil portion is configured to have a first portion having the aforementioned joint portion and a second portion other than the first portion. The first length from the sliding axis to the fixed end of the valve seat component that is connected to the switching valve body is shorter than the second length from the sliding axis to the protruding end of the joint, and longer than the third length from the sliding axis to the outer surface of the second part of the coil portion.

7. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve seat component described above is a columnar component with one end being the aforementioned inlet portion and the other end being the aforementioned fixed portion. It is located between the aforementioned pilot body and the aforementioned switching valve body and is fixed to the aforementioned switching valve body at the aforementioned fixed portion to support the aforementioned pilot body. The support portion is thicker than the aforementioned inlet portion, and a stepped portion is formed at the boundary between the support portion and the aforementioned inlet portion. With the stepped portion engaged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pilot body, the entry portion is fixed to the pilot body.

8. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve seat component described above is a solid body with the aforementioned multiple thin tube connecting holes and the aforementioned valve seat through hole.

9. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned fixed portion of the valve seat component has a valve seat-side engagement plane that contacts and engages with the main body surface of the aforementioned switching valve. On the outer wall of the main housing of the switching valve body, a receiving recess is formed where the main body side engagement plane, which receives the fixing part and contacts the valve seat side engagement plane, becomes the bottom surface. With a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned fixing part surrounding the valve seat side mating plane and engaging with a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the aforementioned receiving recess, the aforementioned fixing part is fixed to the outer wall of the aforementioned main housing.

10. The switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The valve seat through hole in the valve seat component described above includes a first hole on the inlet side, a second hole on the fixed side with a diameter larger than that of the first hole, and a stepped portion located at the boundary between the first hole and the second hole and connecting the two. The main body through hole in the main housing has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second hole in the valve seat through hole. It also includes a filter housed in the second orifice to remove foreign matter from the driving fluid flowing through the valve seat through-hole. The aforementioned stepped portion restricts the movement of the filter within the second orifice toward the first orifice. The periphery of the main body through hole in the outer wall of the main housing restricts the movement of the filter inside the second hole toward the main body through hole side.

11. A refrigeration cycle system, characterized in that, The device comprises a compressor for compressing a refrigerant as a fluid, a first heat exchanger that functions as a condenser in cooling mode, a second heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator in cooling mode, an expansion mechanism for depressurizing the refrigerant by expanding it between the first and second heat exchangers, and a switching valve as described in claim 1.

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