Valve device and refrigeration system comprising the same

Abstract

The application discloses a valve device and a refrigeration system comprising the same. The valve device comprises a valve seat, a first switch device and a second switch device. The valve seat is provided with a main fluid passage and a pressure relief passage. In the application, the main fluid passage and the pressure relief passage are independently connected or disconnected in the valve device, so that the second switch device does not affect the structure and function of the first switch device. The valve device can not only limit the one-way flow of fluid from the valve inlet to the valve outlet, but also realize the pressure relief flow of fluid from the valve outlet to the valve inlet, so as to balance the pressure between the valve inlet and the valve outlet. Therefore, the valve device of the application is simple in structure and is particularly suitable for application occasions with pressure fluctuation. Moreover, the second switch device is arranged in the interior of a valve rod, so that no great change is needed for the external structure and connection relationship of the existing valve device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration systems, and particularly to a valve device and a refrigeration system including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Some refrigeration systems include a valve assembly connecting the evaporator and the compressor. This valve assembly is typically a one-way valve that restricts the flow of refrigerant gas from the evaporator outlet to the compressor suction port, preventing the compressor from reversing. When the compressor is a screw compressor, it includes a compression chamber that moves from the compressor suction port to the discharge port, and the volume of the compression chamber gradually decreases, causing the pressure in the compression chamber to gradually increase.

[0003] Under certain operating conditions, the refrigeration system needs to be frequently turned on and off, causing pressure fluctuations between the compressor's suction and discharge ports. When the refrigeration system stops running, the compressor immediately stops, which may cause the compressor's suction port to connect with the higher-pressure compression chamber inside the compressor, resulting in higher pressure at the valve outlet. If the refrigeration system is then turned on again, the excessively high pressure at the compressor's suction port will cause a large starting load on the compressor, potentially preventing it from starting properly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a valve device in a first aspect, including a valve seat, a first switching device, and a second switching device. The valve seat has a valve inlet and a valve outlet, and a main fluid passage and a pressure relief passage are provided within the valve seat, each independently connecting the valve inlet and the valve outlet. The first switching device is disposed in the main fluid passage and configured to close to disconnect the main fluid passage or open to connect the main fluid passage. The second switching device is disposed in the pressure relief passage and configured to close to disconnect the pressure relief passage or open to connect the pressure relief passage. The first and second switching devices are configured such that when the first switching device is open, fluid can flow through the main fluid passage; and when the first switching device is closed, the second switching device can be controllably opened to allow fluid to flow through the pressure relief passage.

[0005] According to the first aspect above, the first switching device is configured to open unidirectionally based on the pressure difference between the valve inlet and the valve outlet, allowing the fluid to flow unidirectionally from the valve inlet through the main fluid channel to the valve outlet. The first switching device is opened when the pressure at the valve inlet is greater than the pressure at the valve outlet and the pressure difference between them is greater than a first threshold; otherwise, the first switching device is closed.

[0006] According to the first aspect above, the second switching device is configured to open unidirectionally based on the pressure difference between the valve inlet and the valve outlet, allowing the fluid to flow unidirectionally from the valve outlet through the pressure relief passage to the valve inlet. The second switching device is unidirectionally opened when the pressure at the valve outlet is greater than the pressure at the valve inlet and the pressure difference between them is greater than a second threshold; otherwise, the second switching device is closed.

[0007] According to the first aspect above, the valve seat includes a valve stem, within which a pressure relief passage is defined. The pressure relief passage forms a pressure relief inlet and a pressure relief outlet on the valve stem. The pressure relief inlet is in fluid communication with the valve outlet, and the pressure relief outlet is in fluid communication with the valve inlet. Furthermore, the second switching device is configured such that when the second switching device is unidirectionally open, fluid is allowed to enter the pressure relief inlet from the valve outlet, then flow unidirectionally through the pressure relief passage to the pressure relief outlet, and finally exit from the valve inlet.

[0008] According to the first aspect described above, the second switching device includes a sleeve and a valve core. The sleeve has an inwardly protruding shoulder with an inner sealing surface. The valve core is disposed within the sleeve and configured to move linearly. The valve core has an outer sealing surface, and the inner sealing surface is capable of contacting and engaging with the outer sealing surface. The pressure relief inlet and the pressure relief outlet are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the shoulder, such that with the linear movement of the valve core, the outer sealing surface of the valve core can abut against the inner sealing surface of the shoulder to disconnect the pressure relief passage. Furthermore, the outer sealing surface of the valve core can disengage from the inner sealing surface of the shoulder to connect the pressure relief passage.

[0009] According to the first aspect above, the second switching device further includes a second damping element connected between the valve core and the sleeve. The second damping element is configured to apply a holding force to the valve core to keep the outer sealing surface of the valve core abutting the inner sealing surface of the shoulder of the sleeve. The holding force is configured to correspond to a second threshold value of the pressure difference between the valve outlet and the valve inlet.

[0010] According to the first aspect above, the sleeve is configured to rotate within the valve stem. The sleeve has a flow regulating groove extending through both the inner and outer sides of the sleeve, and the flow regulating groove has different widths in the circumferential direction, so that as the sleeve rotates, the flow regulating groove can communicate with the pressure relief outlet fluidly with different flow areas, thereby regulating the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the pressure relief outlet.

[0011] According to the first aspect described above, the second switching device further includes a rotating block, a seal, and a top cover. The rotating block is connected to the sleeve so that the rotating block can drive the sleeve to rotate. The top cover is sealed to the rotating block via the seal, and the top cover is fixedly connected to the valve stem. The rotating block has a rotating paddle, and the top cover has at least one limiting pin configured to limit the rotational position of the rotating paddle, thereby limiting the rotational position of the sleeve.

[0012] According to the first aspect described above, the first switching device includes a valve shaft, at least one valve disc, at least one first damping element, and a blocking portion. The valve shaft is connected to the valve seat. The valve disc is pivotally connected to the valve shaft, has a valve disc closed position and a valve disc open position, and is rotatable about the valve shaft between the valve disc closed position and the valve disc open position. The at least one first damping element is connected between the valve shaft and the corresponding valve disc, and the blocking portion is disposed on the inner wall of the valve seat, wherein the first damping element and the blocking portion together hold the valve disc in the valve disc closed position. When the valve disc is in the valve disc closed position, the valve disc abuts against the blocking portion of the valve seat to disconnect the main fluid passage, and when the valve disc leaves the blocking portion, the main fluid passage is opened.

[0013] According to the first aspect above, the first damping element is configured to apply a holding force to each of the valve discs to keep the valve disc in the valve disc closed position, wherein the holding force of the first damping element is configured to correspond to a first threshold value of the pressure difference between the valve inlet and the valve outlet.

[0014] This application provides a refrigeration system in a second aspect, comprising a compressor, an evaporator, a throttling device, and a condenser disposed in a refrigerant circuit, and a valve device according to any one of the first aspects. The valve device is disposed between the evaporator and the compressor, wherein the valve inlet of the valve device is in fluid communication with the evaporator, and the valve outlet of the valve device is in fluid communication with the compressor. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of this application at one angle;

[0016] Figure 1B for Figure 1A The valve device shown is a three-dimensional structural diagram from another angle.

[0017] Figure 1C for Figure 1A The front view of the valve assembly shown;

[0018] Figure 1D for Figure 1A The side view of the valve assembly shown;

[0019] Figure 2A for Figure 1C The first switching device in the middle is in the closed state; a cross-sectional view of the valve device along line AA.

[0020] Figure 2B for Figure 1C The first switching device in the middle is in the open state; a cross-sectional view of the valve device along line AA.

[0021] Figure 3A for Figure 1A An exploded view of the valve assembly shown at one angle;

[0022] Figure 3B for Figure 1A An exploded view of the valve assembly shown from another angle;

[0023] Figure 3C for Figure 1C Cross-sectional view of the central valve assembly along line BB;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3A Exploded view of the second switching device in the diagram;

[0025] Figure 5A for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the second switch device in the closed state;

[0026] Figure 5B for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the second switch device in the open state;

[0027] Figure 6A for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the second switching device in the open state and at minimum flow rate;

[0028] Figure 6B for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the second switching device in the open state and at maximum flow rate;

[0029] Figure 7 For including Figure 1A A schematic block diagram of a refrigeration system with the valve device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Various specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. It should be understood that although terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom," are used herein to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements, their use is merely for ease of description and is based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed herein can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are illustrative only and should not be considered limiting.

[0031] Figures 1A-1D This illustration shows the specific structure of a valve device 100 according to one embodiment of the present application, illustrating the external structure of the valve device 100. Figure 1A This shows a perspective view of the valve device 100 as viewed from the front to the back. Figure 1B This diagram shows a perspective view of the valve device 100 as viewed from the rear. Figure 1C A front view of the valve assembly 100 is shown. Figure 1D A side view of the valve assembly 100 is shown. Figures 1A-1D As shown, the valve device 100 includes a valve seat 101 having a valve inlet 102 and a valve outlet 103, and defining a main fluid passage 108. The valve seat 101 is generally cylindrical, with a front end wall 113 and a rear end wall 114 at its two ends, respectively. The openings of the front end wall 113 and the rear end wall 114 form the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103, respectively. The cylindrical portion of the valve seat 101 forms an annular wall 112, which defines the main fluid passage 108. The main fluid passage 108 provides fluid communication between the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103. The valve device 100 also includes a first switching device 110 for connecting or disconnecting the main fluid passage 108. In this embodiment, the first switching device 110 is configured to open unidirectionally based on the pressure difference between the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103, allowing fluid to flow unidirectionally from the valve inlet 102 through the main fluid passage 108 to the valve outlet 103; otherwise, the first switching device 110 is closed. In some embodiments, the first switching device 110 is configured to have a first threshold pressure difference. When the pressure at the valve inlet 102 is greater than the pressure at the valve outlet 103, and the pressure difference between the two exceeds the first threshold, the first switching device 110 automatically opens; otherwise, the first switching device 110 automatically closes.

[0032] In such Figure 2BIn the illustrated embodiment, the first switching device 110 includes a valve shaft 105 and at least one valve disc 111. The valve shaft 105 is vertically connected to the annular wall 112 of the valve seat 101 and is located approximately at the center of the valve seat 101. Each valve disc 111 is pivotally connected to the valve shaft 105 to rotate about the valve shaft 105. Each valve disc 111 has a valve disc closed position and a valve disc open position, and each valve disc 111 rotates about the valve shaft 105 between its respective valve disc closed position and valve disc open position. When each valve disc 111 is in its respective valve disc closed position, the first switching device 110 is closed. And when each valve disc 111 is in its respective valve disc open position, the first switching device 110 is open. In this embodiment, at least one valve disc 111 includes a pair of valve discs 111, each valve disc 111 being generally semi-circular plate-shaped. The top and bottom of each valve disc 111 are respectively pivotally connected to the valve shaft 105 via a mounting base 115. When each valve disc 111 is in its respective closed position, the pair of valve discs 111 are approximately flush with and abut against the inner wall of the valve seat 101 to disconnect the main fluid passage 108. Those skilled in the art will understand that at least one valve disc may also include other numbers of valve discs, configured in a shape that allows for the disconnection or connection of the main fluid passage 108.

[0033] The first switching device 110 further includes a first damping element 104 disposed behind the valve disc 111. The first damping element 104 is connected between the valve shaft 105 and the pair of valve discs 111. When the valve disc 111 is in its closed position, the first damping element 104 applies a holding force to the valve disc 111 to maintain it in the closed position, preventing rotation from the closed position to the open position. This holding force is set to correspond to a first threshold value of the pressure difference of the first switching device 110.

[0034] The first switching device 110 also includes a blocking part 217 (see...) Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the blocking portion 217 is disposed on the inner wall of the annular wall 112 of the valve seat 101. In this embodiment, the blocking portion 217 is a ring protrusion extending from the inner wall of the annular wall 112 into the main fluid channel 108. The blocking portion 217 is located on the front side of the valve disc 111 and corresponds to the valve disc closed position of the valve disc 111, so that the blocking portion 217 and the first damping element 104 together hold the valve disc 111 in its valve disc closed position. The mating structure of the blocking portion 217 and the valve disc 111 will combine... Figure 2A and Figure 2B describe.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first switching device 110 further includes a limiting rod 106 and a pair of limiting blocks 107. The limiting rod 106 is vertically connected to the annular wall 112 of the valve seat 101 and is located on the rear side of the valve shaft 105. The pair of limiting blocks 107 are disposed at the edge of the middle portion of the corresponding valve disc 111. When the valve disc 111 rotates to its valve disc open position, the limiting block 107 can abut against the limiting rod 106 to prevent the valve disc 111 from continuing to rotate in the opening direction, thereby allowing the first switching device 110 to reach its maximum opening degree.

[0036] In this application, the valve device 100 further includes a valve stem 109, which is vertically connected to the annular wall 112 of the valve seat 101. The valve stem 109 is located at the valve inlet 102 and is positioned in front of the first switching device 110. A pressure relief passage 328 is defined internally within the valve stem 109. The pressure relief passage 328 forms a pressure relief outlet 123 on the front sidewall of the valve stem 109 and a pressure relief inlet 322 on the rear sidewall of the valve stem 109 (see [link]). Figure 3C (As shown). The pressure relief outlet 123 is connected to the valve inlet 102, and the pressure relief inlet 322 is connected to the valve outlet 103. Thus, the pressure relief passage 328 and the main fluid passage 108 can be independently connected to the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103.

[0037] The valve device 100 also includes a second switching device 320, which is disposed in the pressure relief passage 328 of the valve stem 109 and is used to connect or disconnect the pressure relief passage 328. In this embodiment, the second switching device 320 is also configured to open unidirectionally based on the pressure difference between the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103, allowing fluid to enter the pressure relief inlet 322 from the valve outlet 103, flow unidirectionally through the pressure relief passage 328 to the pressure relief outlet 123, and then exit from the valve inlet 102; otherwise, the second switching device 320 is closed. In some embodiments, the second switching device 320 is configured with a second threshold pressure difference. When the pressure at the valve outlet 103 is greater than the pressure at the valve inlet 102, and the pressure difference between the two is greater than the second threshold, the second switching device 320 is automatically opened; otherwise, the second switching device 320 is closed. In this embodiment, a cap 116 is also connected to the top of the valve stem 109, which is used to close the pressure relief passage 328 from the top of the valve stem 109. The more specific structure of the second switching device 320 will be described in detail below.

[0038] Therefore, when the pressure at valve inlet 102 is greater than the pressure at valve outlet 103, and the pressure difference is greater than the first threshold, the first switching device 110 opens and the second switching device 320 closes to allow fluid to flow through the main fluid channel 108. Furthermore, when the pressure at valve outlet 103 is greater than the pressure at valve inlet 102, and the pressure difference is greater than the second threshold, the first switching device 110 closes and the second switching device 320 opens to allow fluid to flow through the pressure relief channel 328. Otherwise, both the first switching device 110 and the second switching device 320 are closed. Thus, the pressure difference between valve inlet 102 and valve outlet 103 can be controlled within a certain range. It should be noted that the first threshold is calculated based on the pressure difference between valve inlet 102 and valve outlet 103, and the second threshold is calculated based on the pressure difference between valve outlet 103 and valve inlet 102; that is, both the first and second thresholds are greater than 0.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the first switching device 110 and the second switching device 320 can also be controlled by a control device to open or close. It is only necessary to ensure that when the first switching device 110 is open, fluid flow is permitted through the main fluid channel 108, and when the first switching device 110 is closed, the second switching device 320 can be controllably opened to allow fluid flow through the pressure relief channel 328.

[0040] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is used to illustrate the opening and closing process of the first switching device 110 in the valve device 100. Figure 2A The first switching device 110 is shown to be in the closed state, and the valve device 100 is in the direction of... Figure 1C A cross-sectional view along line AA in the diagram. Figure 2B The first switching device 110 is shown to be in the open state, and the valve device 100 is along... Figure 1C A cross-sectional view along line AA in the diagram. (Example) Figure 2A As shown, when the first switching device 110 is closed, each valve disc 111 is in its respective closed position. The valve disc 111 is disposed in the main fluid passage 108 approximately perpendicular to the extending direction of the valve seat 101, so that the valve disc 111 can block fluid flow. The outer circumferential edge of each valve disc 111 abuts against the blocking portion 217, and the inner edge of each valve disc 111 abuts against the valve stem 109. Thus, a pair of valve discs 111 block both sides of the main fluid passage 108, and the valve stem 109 blocks the middle of the main fluid passage 108, so that they together disconnect the main fluid passage 108. At this time, a pair of first damping elements 104 apply a holding force to the corresponding valve disc 111, causing the valve disc 111 to rotate forward. This holding force pushes the valve disc 111 to remain abutting against the blocking portion 217 and the valve stem 109, thereby holding the valve disc 111 in the closed position.

[0041] In this embodiment, each valve disc 111 further includes an inclined wall 218, which is disposed at the inner edge of the valve disc 111 and extends inclinedly from the inside to the outside in the front-to-back direction. The inclined wall 218 facilitates the front end of the inner edge of the valve disc 111 to abut against the valve stem 109 located in the middle, while the rear end of the inner edge of the valve disc 111 allows for the installation space of the valve shaft 105 and the rotation space of the valve disc 111. In this embodiment, the inner edges of a pair of valve discs 111 are spaced apart by a certain distance so that the pressure relief inlet 322 can be disposed between the pair of valve discs 111. Therefore, when the valve disc 111 is in the valve disc closed position, the pressure relief inlet 322 is not blocked by the valve disc 111 and can maintain fluid communication with the valve outlet 103.

[0042] When the pressure difference between the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103 exceeds the first threshold, the valve disc 111 overcomes the holding force of the first damping element 104 and rotates to the left (i.e., towards the opening direction), that is, towards its valve disc open position. The valve disc 111 gradually moves away from the blocking part 217, allowing fluid to flow through the main fluid channel 108. The fluid pressure acts on the valve disc 111, causing it to rotate further towards the opening direction. This causes the torque applied by the first damping element 104 to the valve disc 111 to gradually increase until the valve disc 111 reaches the... Figure 2B The valve disc is shown in the open position.

[0043] like Figure 2B As shown, when the first switching device 110 is opened, each valve disc 111 is in its respective open position. The valve discs 111 are positioned in the main fluid passage 108 approximately along the extension direction of the valve seat 101, so that the valve discs 111 no longer obstruct fluid flow, for example, flow from the valve inlet 102 to the valve outlet 103 in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. The limiting blocks 107 of each valve disc 111 abut against the left and right sides of the limiting rod 106 to prevent the valve disc 111 from continuing to rotate in the opening direction. Under the action of fluid pressure, the valve discs 111 can remain in the open position.

[0044] As the pressure difference between the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103 gradually decreases, the valve disc 111 rotates again towards the valve disc closed position under the torque of the first damping element 104. The valve disc 111 continues to rotate until it abuts against the blocking part 217 again. Figure 2A The valve disc is shown in the closed position.

[0045] Thus, the first switching device 110 can open or close based on the pressure difference between the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103, thereby connecting or disconnecting the main fluid passage 108.

[0046] Figures 3A-3CA more detailed structure of the first switching device 110 in the valve assembly 100 and the approximate location and structure of the second switching device 320 are shown. Figure 3A An exploded view of the valve assembly 100 as viewed from the front is shown. Figure 3B An exploded view of the valve assembly 100 is shown, viewed from the rear to the front. Figure 3C The valve device 100 is shown along Figure 1C A cross-sectional view of the BB line. (e.g.) Figures 3A-3C As shown, the valve disc 111 is approximately semi-circular in shape, with an arc-shaped abutment wall 346 and a linear abutment wall 347 protruding forward at its edge. The rear side of the blocking portion 217 and the valve stem 109 is provided with a semi-circular mating abutment wall 343 corresponding to the edge of the valve disc 111. The mating abutment wall 343 includes an arc-shaped blocking portion abutment wall 356 protruding further rearward from the rear end face of the blocking portion 217 and a linear valve stem abutment wall 357 protruding further rearward from the rear end face of the valve stem 109. The shape of the mating abutment wall 343 matches the edge shape of the valve disc 111. When the valve disc 111 is in the valve disc closed position, the arc-shaped abutment wall 346 abuts against the blocking portion abutment wall 356, and the linear abutment wall 347 abuts against the valve stem abutment wall 357, so that the valve disc 111 and the valve stem 109 are jointly blocked in the main fluid passage 108, thereby disconnecting the main fluid passage 108.

[0047] Each valve disc 111 is pivotally connected to the valve shaft 105 via a pair of mounting seats 115. Specifically, the pair of mounting seats 115 for each valve disc 111 are respectively connected to the top and bottom of the valve disc 111, and the mounting seats 115 for the pair of valve discs 111 are staggered. A first damping element 104 is sleeved on the middle of the valve shaft 105 and is configured to apply a holding force to the pair of valve discs 111. In this embodiment, the first damping element 104 is a torsion spring, with its two ends abutting against the pair of valve discs 111 to apply approximately the same preload (i.e., holding force) to the pair of valve discs 111, so that the pair of valve discs 111 can overcome the holding force of the torsion spring and rotate synchronously.

[0048] Both the valve shaft 105 and the limiting rod 106 are vertically disposed in the middle of the valve seat 101, with the valve shaft 105 located behind the valve stem 109 and the limiting rod 106 disposed behind the valve shaft 105. In this embodiment, the valve device 100 further includes a pair of connecting blocks 341. The valve shaft 105 and the limiting rod 106 are connected side-by-side between the pair of connecting blocks 341. The top and bottom of the inner wall of the valve seat 101 are recessed to form a pair of connecting grooves 342, the shape and size of which match the pair of connecting blocks 341. By connecting the pair of connecting blocks 341 to the pair of connecting grooves 342, for example, by means of fastening, the valve shaft 105 and the limiting rod 106 can be connected to the valve seat 101. Those skilled in the art will understand that the connecting blocks and connecting grooves facilitate the connection and disassembly of the valve shaft 105 and the limiting rod 106 to the valve seat 101. In other embodiments, the valve shaft 105 and the limiting rod 106 may also be connected to the valve seat 101 in other ways.

[0049] A pressure relief passage 328 is located at the top of the valve stem 109, and a cover 116 closes the pressure relief passage 328 from the top of the valve stem 109, allowing fluid to flow only through the pressure relief passage 328. The pressure relief inlet 322 of the pressure relief passage 328 is located on the rear end face of the valve stem 109 and between a pair of valve stem abutment walls 357. When the valve disc 111 is in the closed position, the main fluid passage 108 can be disconnected, but the valve disc 111 will not obstruct the pressure relief inlet 322. When the valve disc 111 is in the open position, the valve disc 111 leaves the valve stem 109 and will not obstruct the pressure relief inlet 322 on the valve stem 109. Therefore, regardless of whether the first switching device 110 is open or closed, the pressure relief inlet 322 can maintain fluid communication with the valve outlet 103. Furthermore, the pressure relief outlet 123 is located on the front side wall of the valve stem 109, and therefore can also maintain fluid communication with the valve inlet 102. Thus, the pressure relief channel 328 and the main fluid channel 108 can be independently fluidly connected to the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103.

[0050] The second switching device 320 is disposed in the pressure relief channel 328 and is configured to connect or disconnect the pressure relief channel 328 based on the pressure difference between the pressure relief inlet 322 and the pressure relief outlet 123, i.e., the pressure difference between the valve outlet 103 and the valve inlet 102. In this embodiment, the second switching device 320 includes a sleeve 321 and a valve core 324. The sleeve 321 is hollow and extends vertically. The valve core 324 is disposed in the sleeve 321 and is capable of linear movement in the vertical direction within the sleeve 321. In this embodiment, the valve core 324 has a valve core open position at its highest position and a valve core closed position at its lowest position, and the valve core 324 moves linearly between the valve core open position and the valve core closed position. With the linear movement of the valve core 324, the valve core 324 can engage with the inner wall of the sleeve 321 when it is in the valve core closed position or disengage from the inner wall of the sleeve 321 when it is in the valve core open position. The pressure relief outlet 123 and the pressure relief inlet 322 are respectively located on opposite sides of the joint between the valve core 324 and the sleeve 321, so that when the valve core 324 is engaged with the inner wall of the sleeve 321, the pressure relief outlet 123 and the pressure relief inlet 322 are disconnected, and when the valve core 324 leaves the inner wall of the sleeve 321, the pressure relief outlet 123 and the pressure relief inlet 322 are connected.

[0051] The second switching device 320 further includes a second damping element 344 connected between the valve core 324 and the sleeve 321 to apply a holding force to the valve core 324 to push it against the inner wall of the sleeve 321, thereby holding the second switching device 320 in a closed state. This holding force is set to correspond to a second threshold value of the pressure difference of the second switching device 320.

[0052] The second switching device 320 further includes a flow regulating groove 348, which is disposed on the wall of the sleeve 321 and extends through both the inner and outer sides of the sleeve 321. The height of the flow regulating groove 348 is approximately aligned with the pressure relief outlet 123 and extends circumferentially. In this embodiment, the flow regulating groove 348 has different widths in the circumferential direction, so that as the sleeve 321 rotates to different positions, the flow regulating groove 348 can fluidly communicate with the pressure relief outlet 123 with different flow areas, thereby regulating the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the pressure relief outlet 123. In this embodiment, the second switching device 320 also includes a rotating block 325, which is connected to the sleeve 321 and located at the top of the sleeve 321, so that the rotating block 325 can rotate to drive the sleeve 321 to rotate.

[0053] Therefore, the second switching device 320 can not only open or close based on the pressure difference between the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103, but also adjust the flow rate of the fluid in the pressure relief channel 328 by controlling the rotation of the sleeve 321.

[0054] Figure 4 for Figure 3A An exploded view of the second switching device 320 is provided to illustrate its more specific structure. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, the inner wall of the bottom of the sleeve 321 has an inwardly protruding shoulder 451, which defines an opening 573 (see...). Figure 5A (As shown). A pressure relief outlet 123 and a pressure relief inlet 322 are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the shoulder 451 to connect or disconnect the pressure relief passage 328 by opening or closing the opening 573. The top of the shoulder 451 forms an inner sealing surface 452 that gradually slopes inward from top to bottom. The bottom of the valve core 324 has an outer sealing surface 453 that is complementary to the inner sealing surface 452. When the valve core 324 is in its closed position, the outer sealing surface 453 of the valve core 324 abuts against the inner sealing surface 452 of the shoulder 451 of the sleeve 321 to disconnect the pressure relief passage 328 within the sleeve 321. When the valve core 324 is in its open position, the outer sealing surface 453 of the valve core 324 moves away from the inner sealing surface 452 of the sleeve 321 to connect the pressure relief passage 328.

[0055] The second switching device 320 also includes a fixing nut 445, which is fixedly connected to the sleeve 321. In this embodiment, the fixing nut 445 is fastened to the sleeve 321 by engaging threads to ensure that the fixing nut 445 will not move up and down within the sleeve 321. In this embodiment, the second damping element 344 is a spring, one end of which abuts against the fixing nut 445 to connect to the sleeve 321. The valve core 324 has an inwardly protruding annular boss inside, and the other end of the spring abuts against the annular boss inside the valve core 324, so that the second damping element 344 is elastically connected between the sleeve 321 and the valve core 324. The second damping element 344 is configured to apply a certain preload (i.e., holding force) to the valve core 324 when it is in its closed position to ensure that the outer sealing surface 453 of the valve core 324 can abut against the inner sealing surface 452 of the sleeve 321. In this embodiment, the preload force is the second threshold. When the pressure difference between the valve outlet 103 and the valve inlet 102 is large enough, the fluid pushes the valve core 324 upward from below, overcoming the elastic force of the second damping element 344.

[0056] The rotating block 325 is generally cylindrical and is connected above the sleeve 321 to enclose the valve core 324, the second damping element 344, and the fixing nut 445 within the sleeve 321. The bottom of the rotating block 325 engages with the top of the sleeve 321, allowing the rotating block 325 to drive the sleeve 321 to rotate. In this embodiment, the top edge of the sleeve 321 has a pair of symmetrically arranged downward-recessed notches 461, and the bottom of the rotating block 325 has a strip-shaped protrusion 462. The shape of the strip-shaped protrusion 462 matches the shape of the notches 461, so that the rotation of the rotating block 325 can drive the sleeve 321 to rotate. In other embodiments, the rotating block 325 can also drive the sleeve 321 to rotate through other engaging structures.

[0057] The top of the rotating block 325 is connected to a connecting post 464 and a rotating paddle 463. The connecting post 464 is fixedly connected to the end face of the top of the rotating block 325 and protrudes upward along the axial direction. In this embodiment, the connecting post 464 is a square prism to facilitate engagement with an external tool. The external tool drives the connecting post 464 to rotate, thereby driving the rotating block 325 to rotate. The rotating paddle 463 is fan-shaped and is connected to the end face of the top of the rotating block 325, protruding from the circumferential sidewall of the rotating block 325. The rotating paddle 463 is used to limit and indicate the circumferential position of the rotating block 325.

[0058] The second switching device 320 also includes an annular seal 465 and a top cover 426. The top cover 426 is connected above the rotating block 325 via the seal 465, and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the valve stem 109 so that the top cover 426 does not rotate with the rotation of the rotating block 325. Specifically, the seal 465 is sleeved on the outside of the rotating block 325, and the top cover 426 covers the top of the rotating block 325. The bottom edge of the top cover 426 abuts against the seal 465, and the top covers the top of the rotating block 325. The top of the top cover 426 has a through hole 468 through which the engaging post 464 and the rotating paddle 463 protrude to the top of the top cover 426. The top of the top cover 426 also includes at least one limiting pin 467, which is used to block the rotation range of the rotating paddle 463 to limit the rotation position of the rotating paddle 463. The rotational position of the rotating paddle 463 can be indicated by the limiting pin 467 set at a preset position, thereby limiting and indicating the circumferential position of the rotating block 325. In this embodiment, at least one limiting pin 467 includes two limiting pins 467, and the rotating paddle 463 rotates between the two limiting pins 467. The two limiting pins 467 correspond to the positions of the maximum width and minimum width of the flow regulating groove 348, respectively. When the rotating paddle 463 rotates to the point where it is blocked by one of the two limiting pins 467, the rotating block 325 and the sleeve 321 can rotate to the position of the maximum width or minimum width of the flow regulating groove 348, so that the corresponding maximum flow rate or minimum flow rate flows out from the pressure relief outlet 123.

[0059] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is used to illustrate the opening and closing process of the second switching device 320. Figure 5A This indicates that the second switching device 320 is in the closed state, and the second switching device 320 moves along... Figure 1C A cross-sectional view of the BB line.

[0060] Figure 5B This indicates that the second switch device 320 is in the open state, and the second switch device 320 moves along... Figure 1C A cross-sectional view of the BB line. (e.g.) Figure 5AAs shown, the valve core 324 includes a cylindrical portion 571 and a core portion 572, which are fixedly connected or integrally formed so that they move together. The inner wall of the cylindrical portion 571 protrudes inward to form an annular stepped portion 574, and the bottom end of the second damping element 344 abuts against the stepped portion 574 to apply a pre-tight holding force to the valve core 324. When the second switching device 320 is in the closed state, the valve core 324 is in the lowest valve core closed position. At this time, under the holding force of the second damping element 344, the outer sealing surface 453 of the valve core 324 remains abutting against the inner sealing surface 452 of the sleeve 321 to close the opening 573 formed by the shoulder 451 of the sleeve 321, thereby disconnecting the pressure relief passage 328. However, the lower part of the valve core 324 is still connected to the pressure relief inlet 322 through the opening 573, and the flow regulating groove 348 is connected to the pressure relief outlet 123.

[0061] When the pressure difference between valve outlet 103 and valve inlet 102 exceeds the second threshold, the pressure difference between pressure relief inlet 322 and pressure relief outlet 123 also exceeds the second threshold, allowing valve core 324 to overcome the holding force of the second damping element 344 and move upward, i.e., linearly towards its valve core open position. The outer sealing surface 453 of valve core 324 gradually moves away from the inner sealing surface 452 of sleeve 321 to open opening 573, allowing fluid to flow through pressure relief channel 328. Since the fixing nut 445 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of sleeve 321, the second damping element abutting against the fixing nut 445 undergoes elastic deformation, and the second damping element 344 applies a downward elastic force to valve core 324. The fluid pressure acts on the bottom of the valve core 324, pushing it further upward. This further compresses the second damping element 344, causing it to undergo elastic deformation. Consequently, the downward elastic force exerted by the second damping element 344 on the valve core 324 gradually increases until the valve core 324 reaches a certain position. Figure 5B The valve core is shown in the open position.

[0062] like Figure 5B As shown, when the second switching device 320 is opened, the valve core 324 is in the highest valve core open position. The top edge of the valve core 324 abuts against the fixing nut 445, preventing the valve core 324 from moving further upward. Fluid can enter the sleeve 321 from below through the pressure relief inlet 322, flow through the opening 573 and the flow regulating groove 348 in sequence, and then flow out from the pressure relief outlet 123, that is, the pressure relief inlet 322 and the pressure relief outlet 123 are fluidly connected through the pressure relief channel 328. Under the action of fluid pressure, the valve core 324 can be maintained in the valve core open position.

[0063] As the pressure difference between valve inlet 102 and valve outlet 103 gradually increases, the pressure difference between pressure relief outlet 123 and pressure relief inlet 322 also gradually increases. Under the elastic force of the second damping element 344, valve core 324 moves linearly towards the valve core closed position again, that is, downwards. This continues until the outer sealing surface 453 of valve core 324 again abuts against the inner sealing surface 452 of sleeve 321, at which point valve core 324 reaches the... Figure 5A The valve core is shown in the closed position.

[0064] Thus, the second switching device 320 can open or close based on the pressure difference between the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103, thereby connecting or disconnecting the pressure relief passage 328.

[0065] Furthermore, when the second switch device 320 is in the open state, rotating the connecting column 464 can also drive the rotating block 325 and the sleeve 321 to rotate, so that the openings of different sizes on the flow regulating groove 348 are aligned with the pressure relief outlet 123, thereby adjusting the flow rate in the pressure relief channel 328.

[0066] Figure 6A and Figure 6B When the second switching device 320 is in the open state, and the flow rate through the pressure relief channel 328 is at the minimum and maximum flow rates respectively, the second switching device 320 moves along... Figure 1C A cross-sectional view of the BB line. (e.g.) Figure 6A As shown, the second switching device 320 is in the open state, and the rotating paddle 463 on the top of the rotating block 325 abuts against the limiting pin 467 at the minimum flow rate. At this time, the leftmost end of the flow regulating groove 348 is aligned with the pressure relief outlet 123. When fluid is discharged from the pressure relief inlet 322 through the pressure relief channel 328 and out of the pressure relief outlet 123, the narrowest part of the flow regulating groove 348 is connected to the pressure relief outlet 123, so that the flow regulating groove 348 has the minimum flow area, and therefore the fluid flowing out of the pressure relief outlet 123 has the minimum flow rate.

[0067] When the operator rotates the rotating block 325 and sleeve 321 to the left by rotating the connecting column 464, the width of the flow regulating groove 348 gradually increases, thus gradually increasing the flow area and consequently increasing the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the pressure relief outlet 123 until it reaches the desired level. Figure 6B The location shown.

[0068] like Figure 6BAs shown, the second switching device 320 is still in the open state, and the rotating paddle 463 on the top of the rotating block 325 abuts against the limit pin 467 at the location corresponding to the maximum flow rate. At this time, the rightmost end of the flow regulating groove 348 is aligned with the pressure relief outlet 123. When fluid is discharged from the pressure relief inlet 322 through the pressure relief channel 328 and out of the pressure relief outlet 123, the widest part of the flow regulating groove 348 is connected to the pressure relief outlet 123, so that the flow regulating groove 348 has the maximum flow area, and therefore the fluid flowing out of the pressure relief outlet 123 has the maximum flow rate.

[0069] Therefore, by rotating the sleeve 321, the flow regulating groove 348 can be connected to the pressure relief outlet 123 with different flow areas, thereby regulating the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the pressure relief outlet 123, that is, regulating the flow rate of the fluid in the pressure relief channel 328.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will understand that the shape and size of the flow regulating channel can be set according to specific needs. The position of the limit pin can be set accordingly based on the specific shape and size of the flow regulating channel.

[0071] Figure 7 Showing includes Figure 1A The structural block diagram of the refrigeration system of valve device 100 is shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the refrigeration system 790 includes a compressor 793, a condenser 794, a throttling device 792, and an evaporator 791, which are connected by pipelines to form a closed system and are charged with refrigerant. The refrigeration system 790 also includes a valve device 100 connected between the evaporator 791 and the compressor 793. The valve inlet 102 of the valve device 100 is in fluid communication with the outlet 795 of the evaporator 791, and the valve outlet 103 of the valve device 100 is in fluid communication with the suction end 796 of the compressor 793. In this embodiment, a screw compressor is used as an example for illustration.

[0072] The refrigerant flows sequentially through the compressor 793, condenser 794, throttling device 792, and evaporator 791, enabling the refrigeration system 790 to provide cooling or heating. Specifically, the high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the discharge end 797 of the compressor 793 flows into the condenser 794, where it releases heat and is condensed into a high-pressure saturated liquid refrigerant. It then flows out of the condenser 794 and into the throttling device 792, where it is throttled into a low-pressure two-phase refrigerant before flowing into the evaporator 791. In the evaporator 791, it absorbs heat and evaporates into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Finally, it flows out of the evaporator 791 through the outlet 795, passes through the valve device 100, and is drawn back into the suction end 796 of the compressor 793, completing the refrigerant cycle.

[0073] When the refrigeration system 790 is running, the refrigerant pressure at the outlet 795 of the evaporator 791 (i.e., the refrigerant pressure at the valve inlet 102) is greater than the refrigerant pressure at the suction end 796 of the compressor 793 (i.e., the refrigerant pressure at the valve outlet 103), and the pressure difference is greater than the first threshold, causing the first switching device 110 of the valve device 100 to open and the second switching device 320 to close, so that the refrigerant can flow from the evaporator 791 into the compressor 793 through the main fluid channel 108 of the valve device 100.

[0074] When the refrigeration system 790 stops operating, the refrigerant pressure at the outlet 795 of the evaporator 791 decreases. The compressor 793 stopping operation causes the screw to stop rotating, and the suction end 796 of the compressor 793 connects to the high-pressure chamber within the compressor 793, increasing the refrigerant pressure at the suction end 796. The first switching device 110 of the valve device 100 closes, and the main fluid passage 108 of the valve device 100 is disconnected. When the refrigerant pressure at the outlet 795 of the evaporator 791 (i.e., the refrigerant pressure at the valve inlet 102) is less than the refrigerant pressure at the suction end 796 of the compressor 793 (i.e., the refrigerant pressure at the valve outlet 103), and the pressure difference is less than the second threshold, the second switching device 320 of the valve device 100 opens, allowing fluid to flow from the compressor 793 into the evaporator 791 through the pressure relief passage 328 of the valve device 100, thus balancing the pressure difference between the fluid at the valve inlet 102 and the valve outlet 103. By rotating the engagement post 464 in the second switching device 320, the flow rate of fluid flowing through the pressure relief channel 328 can also be adjusted, thereby controlling the speed of balancing the pressure difference.

[0075] Therefore, when the refrigeration system 790 is restarted, the pressure inside the compressor 793 will not be too high, and the compressor 793 will not start under overload. Furthermore, since the compressor 793 typically contains fluids such as oil that are immiscible with the refrigerant, the speed at which the pressure difference is balanced by the control valve device 100 can prevent liquid level fluctuations caused by excessive speed and also prevent untimely pressure relief.

[0076] In this application, the valve device is equipped with independent main fluid channels and pressure relief channels that can be connected or disconnected, ensuring that the second switching device does not affect the structure and function of the first switching device. The valve device can both restrict unidirectional fluid flow from the valve inlet to the valve outlet and allow pressure relief flow from the valve outlet to the valve inlet, thus balancing the pressure between the valve inlet and outlet. Therefore, the valve device of this application is not only simple in structure but also particularly suitable for applications with pressure fluctuations. Furthermore, since the second switching device is located inside the valve stem, it does not require significant modifications to the external structure and connections of existing valve devices.

[0077] The valve device of this application also regulates the fluid flow rate during the pressure relief process by setting a flow regulating groove in the second switching device, thereby controlling the speed of pressure relief or balancing the pressure difference.

[0078] The valve device of this application, by setting appropriate first damping element and second damping element, can adjust the size of the first threshold and the second threshold, thereby enabling the first switching device and the second switching device to open or close within the expected pressure difference range.

[0079] Although this application will be described with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the condensing apparatus and refrigeration system of this application can be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit, scope, and context of the teachings of this application. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that different ways of modifying the structural details of the embodiments disclosed in this application all fall within the spirit and scope of the invention and the claims.

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized in that... include: Valve seat (101), the valve seat (101) comprising: An annular wall (112) and a front end wall (113) and a rear end wall (114) respectively disposed at both ends of the annular wall (112), the openings of the front end wall (113) and the rear end wall (114) forming a valve inlet (102) and a valve outlet (103) respectively, the annular wall (112) defining a main fluid channel (108) forming a fluid communication between the valve inlet (102) and the valve outlet (103); and A valve stem (109) is connected to the annular wall (112), perpendicular to the main fluid channel (108), and located at the valve inlet (102). A pressure relief channel (328) is defined within the valve stem (109). The pressure relief channel (328) forms a pressure relief inlet (322) and a pressure relief outlet (123) on the valve stem (109). The pressure relief inlet (322) is in fluid communication with the valve outlet (103), and the pressure relief outlet (123) is in fluid communication with the valve inlet (102). The main fluid channel (108) and the pressure relief channel (328) are each independently connected to the valve inlet (102) and the valve outlet (103). A first switching device (110) is disposed in the main fluid passage (108) and configured to open unidirectionally based on the pressure difference between the valve inlet (102) and the valve outlet (103) to allow fluid to flow unidirectionally from the valve inlet (102) through the main fluid passage (108) to the valve outlet (103), wherein the first switching device (110) is opened when the pressure at the valve inlet (102) is greater than the pressure at the valve outlet (103) and the pressure difference between the two is greater than a first threshold, otherwise the first switching device (110) is closed; and A second switching device (320) is disposed in the pressure relief channel (328) and configured to open unidirectionally based on the pressure difference between the valve inlet (102) and the valve outlet (103) to allow fluid to enter the pressure relief inlet (322) from the valve outlet (103), flow unidirectionally through the pressure relief channel (328) to the pressure relief outlet (123), and finally exit from the valve inlet (102). The second switching device (320) is opened unidirectionally when the pressure at the valve outlet (103) is greater than the pressure at the valve inlet (102) and the pressure difference between the two is greater than a second threshold; otherwise, the second switching device (320) is closed. The first switching device (110) and the second switching device (320) are configured such that when the first switching device (110) is open, fluid can be allowed to flow through the main fluid channel (108), and when the first switching device (110) is closed, the second switching device (320) can be controllably opened to allow fluid to flow through the pressure relief channel (328).

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second switching device (320) includes: A sleeve (321), the sleeve (321) having an inwardly projecting shoulder (451), the shoulder (451) having an inner sealing surface (452); and A valve core (324) is disposed in the sleeve (321) and is configured to move linearly. The valve core (324) has an outer sealing surface (453) and the inner sealing surface (452) is able to contact and cooperate with the outer sealing surface (453). The pressure relief inlet (322) and the pressure relief outlet (123) are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the shoulder (451), such that as the valve core (324) moves linearly, the outer sealing surface (453) of the valve core (324) can abut against the inner sealing surface (452) of the shoulder (451) to disconnect the pressure relief channel (328); and The outer sealing surface (453) of the valve core (324) can be separated from the inner sealing surface (452) of the shoulder (451) to connect the pressure relief passage (328).

3. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second switching device (320) further includes a second damping element (344) connected between the valve core (324) and the sleeve (321). The second damping element (344) is configured to apply a holding force to the valve core (324) to keep the outer sealing surface (453) of the valve core (324) abutting against the inner sealing surface (452) of the shoulder (451) of the sleeve (321). The holding force is configured to correspond to a second threshold value of the pressure difference between the valve outlet (103) and the valve inlet (102).

4. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sleeve (321) is configured to rotate within the valve stem (109); The sleeve (321) has a flow regulating groove (348) that extends through the inner and outer sides of the sleeve (321) and has different widths in the circumferential direction, so that as the sleeve (321) rotates, the flow regulating groove (348) can be in fluid communication with the pressure relief outlet (123) with different flow areas, thereby regulating the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the pressure relief outlet (123).

5. The valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second switching device (320) further includes: Rotating block (325), wherein the rotating block (325) is connected to the sleeve (321) so that the rotating block (325) can drive the sleeve (321) to rotate; Seals (465); and Top cover (426), which is sealed to the rotating block (325) by the sealing element (465), and the top cover (426) is fixedly connected to the valve stem (109); The rotating block (325) has a rotating paddle (463), and the top cover (426) is provided with at least one limiting pin (467), which is configured to limit the rotational position of the rotating paddle (463) in order to limit the rotational position of the sleeve (321).

6. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first switching device (110) includes: Valve shaft (105), which is connected to the valve seat (101); At least one valve disc (111) pivotally connected to the valve shaft (105), the valve disc (111) having a valve disc closed position and a valve disc open position, and the valve disc (111) being rotatable about the valve shaft (105) between the valve disc closed position and the valve disc open position; and At least one first damping element (104) and a blocking portion (217) are provided, wherein the at least one first damping element (104) is connected between the valve shaft (105) and the corresponding valve disc (111), and the blocking portion (217) is disposed on the inner wall of the valve seat (101), wherein the first damping element (104) and the blocking portion (217) together hold the valve disc (111) in the valve disc closed position; When the valve disc (111) is in the closed position, the valve disc (111) abuts against the blocking part (217) of the valve seat (101) to disconnect the main fluid passage (108), and when the valve disc (111) leaves the blocking part (217), the main fluid passage (108) is opened.

7. The valve device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first damping element (104) is configured to apply a holding force to each of the valve discs (111) to keep the valve disc (111) in the valve disc closed position, wherein the holding force of the first damping element (104) is configured to correspond to a first threshold value of the pressure difference between the valve inlet (102) and the valve outlet (103).

8. A refrigeration system, characterized in that... include: The compressor (793), evaporator (791), throttling device (792) and condenser (794) are installed in the refrigerant circuit. as well as According to any one of claims 1-7, the valve device (100) is disposed between the evaporator (791) and the compressor (793), wherein the valve inlet (102) of the valve device (100) is in fluid communication with the evaporator (791) and the valve outlet (103) of the valve device (100) is in fluid communication with the compressor (793).

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