Multi-way valve and air conditioner having the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a multi-way valve and an air conditioner having the same, and relates to the technical field of refrigerant control elements. The multi-way valve comprises: a valve body, the valve body having a cavity, a first channel, a first communication port, a second communication port and a third communication port, the cavity comprising a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity and a pressure cavity, the first channel is used to connect the third communication port and the pressure cavity, the first communication port is connected to a low-pressure port, and the third communication port is connected to a high-pressure port; a valve core, the valve core is movably arranged in the cavity along the axial direction of the valve body, the valve core has a first balancing hole, the first balancing hole connects the first cavity and the third cavity, the valve core is in the first position, the second communication port and the third communication port are both connected to the third cavity, and the valve core is in the second position, the first communication port and the second communication port are both connected to the third cavity. According to the multi-way valve of the present invention, the number of valves used can be relatively reduced, the pipeline can be simplified, the assembly difficulty can be reduced, the cost can be reduced, the occupied space can be reduced, and the control procedure can be simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigerant control elements, and in particular to a multi-way valve and an air conditioner having the same. Background Art

[0002] In the heat exchange system of existing air conditioners, valve bodies such as one-way valves and solenoid valves are usually used to control the flow direction and flow rate of the refrigerant. In order to achieve switching between different circulation loops and meet the requirements of refined control, it is usually necessary to use multiple one-way valves and multiple solenoid valves. However, the implementation method using multiple valve bodies has problems such as high cost of use, complex control procedures, cumbersome assembly, and large space occupation. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a multi-way valve, which can simplify the pipeline, reduce the difficulty of assembly, reduce costs, reduce the occupied space, solve the problems of flow channel switching and difficulty in coordinating multiple valves in the prior art, and simplify the control procedure.

[0004] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, comprising the multi-way valve.

[0005] A multi-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a valve body, the valve body having a cavity, a first channel, and a first communication port, a second communication port, and a third communication port connected to the cavity, the cavity comprising a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, and a pressure cavity, the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, and the pressure cavity are arranged along the axial direction of the valve body, the first channel is used to connect the third communication port and the pressure cavity, the first communication port is connected to a low-pressure port, the third communication port is connected to a high-pressure port, and the pressure of the low-pressure port is lower than the pressure of the high-pressure port; a valve core, the valve core is movably arranged in the cavity along the axial direction of the valve body, the valve core has a first balancing hole, the first balancing hole connects the first cavity and the third cavity, the valve core has a first position and a second position, in the first position, the second communication port and the third communication port are both connected to the third cavity, in the second position, the first communication port and the second communication port are both connected to the third cavity.

[0006] According to the multi-way valve of the embodiment of the present invention, the valve core moves between the first position and the second position to achieve switching of the multi-way valve between the first mode and the second mode. Compared with the prior art, the number of valves used can be relatively reduced, the piping of the heat exchange system can be simplified, the difficulty of assembling the heat exchange system can be reduced, the production and processing costs and the assembly costs of the heat exchange system can be reduced, the space occupied by the heat exchange system in the air conditioner can be reduced, the problems of flow channel switching and difficulty in coordinating multiple valves in the prior art can be solved, and the control program of the heat exchange system can be simplified.

[0007] In addition, the multi-way valve according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0008] In some embodiments, the valve body also has a second channel, which is suitable for connecting the first cavity and the second cavity, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first balancing hole. The multi-way valve also includes: a solenoid valve, which is arranged on the valve body and is used to control the opening and closing of the second channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the valve body also has a fourth communicating port, a fifth communicating port, a sixth communicating port, a seventh communicating port and an eighth communicating port, and the fourth communicating port, the fifth communicating port, the sixth communicating port, the seventh communicating port and the eighth communicating port are all connected to the cavity, and in the first position, the fourth communicating port is connected to the second communicating port and the third communicating port, and the sixth communicating port is connected to the seventh communicating port, and in the second position, the fourth communicating port is connected to the third communicating port, the fifth communicating port is connected to the sixth communicating port, and the seventh communicating port is connected to the eighth communicating port.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cavity also includes a fourth cavity, a fifth cavity and a sixth cavity. Along the axial direction of the valve body, the fourth cavity, the fifth cavity and the sixth cavity are located between the third cavity and the pressure cavity, and the fourth cavity, the fifth cavity and the sixth cavity are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the valve body. In the first position, the sixth connecting port and the seventh connecting port are both connected to the fifth cavity. In the second position, the third connecting port and the fourth connecting port are both connected to the fourth cavity, the fifth connecting port and the sixth connecting port are both connected to the fifth cavity, and the seventh connecting port and the eighth connecting port are both connected to the sixth cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral wall of the valve core is provided with a plurality of annular protrusions extending along the circumferential direction of the valve core, and the plurality of annular protrusions are spaced apart in the axial direction of the valve core to separate the cavity into the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, the fourth cavity, the fifth cavity, the sixth cavity and the pressure cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, a sealing ring is provided between the outer peripheral wall of the annular protrusion and the inner peripheral wall of the cavity.

[0013] In some embodiments, the end of the valve core facing the first cavity has a mounting groove, the first balancing hole passes through the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove, a second balancing hole is provided on the surrounding wall of the mounting groove, and the second balancing hole connects the mounting groove and the first cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multi-way valve further includes: an elastic member, at least a portion of which is located in the mounting groove, and both ends of the elastic member in the length direction respectively abut against the axial end surface of the valve body and the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, the valve core is a plastic part; or, the valve core is a metal part, and the outside of the valve core has a heat-insulating coating.

[0016] The present invention also provides an air conditioner having the above embodiment.

[0017] The air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with the above-mentioned multi-way valve, and the valve core moves between the first position and the second position to realize the switching of the first mode and the second mode of the multi-way valve. Compared with the prior art, the number of valves used can be relatively reduced, the piping of the heat exchange system can be simplified, the difficulty of assembling the heat exchange system can be reduced, the production and processing cost and the assembly cost of the heat exchange system can be reduced, the space occupied by the heat exchange system in the air conditioner can be reduced, the problems of flow channel switching and difficulty in coordinating multiple valves in the prior art can be solved, and the control program of the heat exchange system can be simplified.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the valve core is in a first position;

[0021] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the valve core is in a second position.

[0022] Reference numerals:

[0023] 100. Multi-way valve;

[0024] 1. Valve body; 11. Cavity; 111. First cavity; 112. Second cavity; 113. Third cavity; 114. Fourth cavity; 115. Fifth cavity; 116. Sixth cavity; 117. Pressure cavity; 121. First communication port; 122. Second communication port; 123. Third communication port; 124. Fourth communication port; 125. Fifth communication port; 126. Sixth communication port; 127. Seventh communication port; 128. Eighth communication port; 13. First side; 14. Second side; 15. First channel; 16. Second channel; 17. Body; 181. First sealing cover; 182. Second sealing cover; 183. Positioning groove; 19. Plug;

[0025] 2. valve core; 21. annular protrusion; 211. sealing ring; 22. first balancing hole; 23. mounting groove; 231. second balancing hole;

[0026] 3. Solenoid valve;

[0027] 4. Elastic parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0030] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0031] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0032] The multi-way valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a multi-way valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a valve body 1 and a valve core 2 .

[0034] Specifically, refer to the attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, the valve body 1 can protect the internal structure of the multi-way valve 100, which is beneficial to prolonging the service life of the multi-way valve 100. The valve body 1 has a cavity 11, a first channel 15, and a first communication port 121, a second communication port 122 and a third communication port 123 connected to the cavity 11. The cavity 11 includes a first cavity 111, a second cavity 112, a third cavity 113 and a pressure cavity 117. The first cavity 111, the second cavity 112, the third cavity 113 and the pressure cavity 117 are arranged along the axial direction of the valve body 1 (refer to the attached Figure 1 The first channel 15 is used to connect the third communication port 123 and the pressure chamber 117. The first communication port 121 is connected to the low pressure port, and the third communication port 123 is connected to the high pressure port. The pressure of the low pressure port is lower than that of the high pressure port.

[0035] It should be noted that the high pressure and low pressure mentioned in the present invention refer to the high pressure and low pressure of the heat exchange system in the air conditioner, specifically the high pressure and low pressure on the refrigerant side of the heat exchange system of the vehicle air conditioner under the conventional cognition. The low pressure port can be the air intake port of the compressor, or it can be an intermediate port connected to the air intake port of the compressor. The first connecting port 121 can be directly connected to the air intake port of the compressor, or it can be indirectly connected to the air intake port of the compressor through the intermediate port. The low pressure refrigerant in the cavity 11 can enter the compressor through the first connecting port 121 and the air intake port in sequence; the high pressure port can be the exhaust port of the compressor, or it can be an intermediate port connected to the exhaust port of the compressor. The third connecting port 123 can be directly connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, or it can be indirectly connected to the exhaust port of the compressor through the intermediate port. The high pressure refrigerant in the compressor can enter the cavity 11 through the exhaust port and the third connecting port 123 in sequence. In addition, the high pressure refrigerant flowing out of the exhaust port of the compressor can enter the first channel 15 from the third connecting port 123, and finally flow into the pressure chamber 117 along the first channel 15.

[0036] Further, see Attachment Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, the valve core 2 is movably arranged in the cavity 11 along the axial direction of the valve body 1, the valve core 2 extends along the axial direction of the valve body 1 and is clearance-matched with the valve body 1, and a first balancing hole 22 is provided on the valve core 2, and the first balancing hole 22 connects the first cavity 111 and the third cavity 113.

[0037] Furthermore, the valve core 2 has a first position and a second position. In the first position, Figure 1 As shown, the second connecting port 122 and the third connecting port 123 are both connected to the third cavity 113. At this time, the multi-way valve 100 is in the first mode. After the high-pressure refrigerant in the compressor flows out from the exhaust port, at least a part of the refrigerant flows from the third connecting port 123 through the first channel 15 to the pressure chamber 117, and another part of the refrigerant flows from the third connecting port 123 to the third cavity 113. A small part of the refrigerant in the third cavity 113 flows to the first cavity 111 through the first balancing hole 22, so that the pressure of the first cavity 111 and the pressure chamber 117 is balanced, so that the valve core 2 is always maintained in the first position, the stability of the valve core 2 is maintained, and the valve core 2 is prevented from moving along the axial direction of the valve body 1, so as to ensure that the second connecting port 122 and the third connecting port 123 are both connected to the third cavity 113 in the first mode.

[0038] In the second position, Figure 2As shown, the first connecting port 121 and the second connecting port 122 are both connected to the third cavity 113. At this time, the multi-way valve 100 is in the second mode. Since the first connecting port 121 is connected to the suction port of the compressor, the refrigerant in the third cavity 113 is a low-pressure refrigerant at this time. Since the first balancing hole 22 is used to connect the first cavity 111 and the third cavity 113, a low-pressure cavity is formed in the first cavity 111. After the high-pressure refrigerant in the compressor flows out from the exhaust port, at least a part of the refrigerant flows from the third connecting port 123 through the first channel 15 to the pressure cavity 117. At this time, a high-pressure cavity is formed in the pressure cavity 117. There is a pressure difference between the first cavity 111 and the pressure cavity 117. The valve core 2 is maintained in the second position under the action of the pressure difference to maintain the stability of the valve core 2 and prevent the valve core 2 from moving along the axial direction of the valve body 1, thereby ensuring that the first connecting port 121 and the second connecting port 122 are connected to the third cavity 113 in the second mode.

[0039] It can be understood that by adjusting the position of the valve core 2 in the cavity 11 so that the valve core 2 switches between the first position and the second position, the connection state of the first connecting port 121, the second connecting port 122 and the third connecting port 123 can be changed, and the switching between the first mode and the second mode can be realized, thereby realizing the rich flow channel change function of the multi-way valve 100, meeting the different needs of users, and thus improving the user experience.

[0040] It should be noted that the multi-way valve 100 of the present invention can be applied to the heat exchange system of the air conditioner. In the prior art, one-way valves, solenoid valves, and several pipes and joints are usually used to realize the circulation and switching between the refrigeration circuit and the heating circuit of the heat exchange system. The multi-way valve 100 of the present invention does not need to be used in combination. The multi-way valve 100 has a first connecting port 121, a second connecting port 122, and a third connecting port 123. The valve core 2 moves between the first position and the second position to realize the switching between the first mode and the second mode. The number of valves used can be relatively reduced, the piping of the heat exchange system can be simplified, the assembly difficulty of the heat exchange system can be reduced, the production and processing cost and the assembly cost of the heat exchange system can be reduced, the space occupied by the heat exchange system in the air conditioner can be reduced, the problems of flow channel switching and coordination difficulties of multiple valves in the prior art can be solved, and the control program of the heat exchange system can be simplified.

[0041] According to the multi-way valve 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the valve core 2 moves between the first position and the second position to achieve switching of the multi-way valve 100 between the first mode and the second mode. Compared with the prior art, the number of valves used can be relatively reduced, the piping of the heat exchange system can be simplified, the assembly difficulty of the heat exchange system can be reduced, the production and processing cost and the assembly cost of the heat exchange system can be reduced, the space occupied by the heat exchange system in the air conditioner can be reduced, the problems of flow channel switching and difficulty in coordinating multiple valves in the prior art can be solved, and the control program of the heat exchange system can be simplified.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, the valve body 1 also has a second channel 16, and the second channel 16 is suitable for connecting the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 112. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 16 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first balancing hole 22. The multi-way valve 100 also includes a solenoid valve 3, which is arranged on the valve body 1 to control the on-off of the second channel 16. It can be understood that when the valve port of the solenoid valve 3 is opened, the second channel 16 can connect the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 112, and the refrigerant in the first cavity 111 can flow from the second channel 16 to the second cavity 112, and finally flow out from the first connecting port 121; when the valve port of the solenoid valve 3 is closed, the second channel 16 disconnects the connection between the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 112.

[0043] It can be understood that when it is necessary to switch from the first mode to the second mode, the third connecting port 123 is connected to the third cavity 113, and the third cavity 113 is filled with high-pressure refrigerant. A small part of the refrigerant in the third cavity 113 can flow into the first cavity 111 through the first balancing hole 22, and the valve port of the solenoid valve 3 is opened, so that the refrigerant in the first cavity 111 flows to the second cavity 112 through the second channel 16, and finally flows out from the first connecting port 121. Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 16 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first balancing hole 22, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first cavity 111 from the first balancing hole 22 is less than the amount of refrigerant flowing out of the first cavity 111 from the second channel 16, so that the pressure in the first cavity 111 is quickly relieved, and the high-pressure cavity is changed into a low-pressure cavity. When the air pressure in the first cavity 111 is lower than the air pressure in the pressure cavity 117, the existence of the pressure difference will push the valve core 2 to move to the second position, completing the switching from the first mode to the second mode.

[0044] It can be understood that in the first mode of the multi-way valve 100 of the present invention, the pressure in the first cavity 111 and the pressure cavity 117 is balanced, and the valve core 2 can be kept in the first position by the elastic force of the elastic member 4. In the second mode, there is a pressure difference between the first cavity 111 and the pressure cavity 117, so that the valve core 2 is maintained in the second position. Therefore, the multi-way valve 100 of the present invention does not need to energize the solenoid valve 3 in the first mode or the second mode, and only needs to energize the solenoid valve 3 when switching from the first mode to the second mode, which can reduce the energy consumption of the multi-way valve 100, save energy, and reduce the use cost of the heat exchange system. In addition, the multi-way valve 100 of the present invention directly introduces the high pressure of the compressor into the pressure cavity 117, which can make the pressure difference between the pressure cavity 117 and the first cavity 111 large enough, thereby ensuring the smooth switching between the first mode and the second mode, and there is no need to introduce a new pressure source, which relatively simplifies the pipeline of the heat exchange system and simplifies the control program of the heat exchange system.

[0045] It should be noted that the solenoid valve 3 of the present invention is a switch valve (normally closed valve), specifically, it can be a direct-acting valve or a pilot valve, and it only needs to control the on-off of the second channel 16. It does not require high force from the electromagnetic head, which can reduce the cost of the solenoid valve 3 and thus reduce the production cost of the entire multi-way valve 100.

[0046] In a specific example, see the attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, during the production and processing of the first channel 15 and the second channel 16, a plurality of through holes are opened on the outer wall of the valve body 1, and the through holes connect the inside of the valve body 1 and the outside of the valve body 1. Plugs 19 are inserted into the outer ends of the through holes to seal the through holes, thereby forming the first channel 15 and the second channel 16, wherein the plug 19 is threadedly matched with the inner wall of the through hole.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, the valve body 1 also has a fourth communicating port 124 , a fifth communicating port 125 , a sixth communicating port 126 , a seventh communicating port 127 and an eighth communicating port 128 , and the fourth communicating port 124 , the fifth communicating port 125 , the sixth communicating port 126 , the seventh communicating port 127 and the eighth communicating port 128 are all connected to the cavity 11 .

[0048] In the first position, such as Figure 1 As shown, the fourth connecting port 124 is connected to the second connecting port 122 and the third connecting port 123, and the sixth connecting port 126 is connected to the seventh connecting port 127. At this time, the multi-way valve 100 is in the first mode. The refrigerant can flow into the third cavity 113 from one of the second connecting port 122, the third connecting port 123 and the fourth connecting port 124, and then flow from the third cavity 113 to the other two, or flow into the third cavity 113 from two of the second connecting port 122, the third connecting port 123 and the fourth connecting port 124, and then flow from the third cavity 113 to the other. The refrigerant can flow from one of the sixth connecting port 126 and the seventh connecting port 127 to the other.

[0049] In the second position, Figure 2 As shown, the fourth connecting port 124 is connected to the third connecting port 123, the fifth connecting port 125 is connected to the sixth connecting port 126, and the seventh connecting port 127 is connected to the eighth connecting port 128. At this time, the multi-way valve 100 is in the second mode, and the refrigerant can flow from one of the third connecting port 123 and the fourth connecting port 124 to the other, the refrigerant can flow from one of the fifth connecting port 125 and the sixth connecting port 126 to the other, and the refrigerant can flow from one of the seventh connecting port 127 and the eighth connecting port 128 to the other.

[0050] In a specific example, see the attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, the first communication port 121, the fourth communication port 124, the fifth communication port 125, the seventh communication port 127 and the eighth communication port 128 are located on the first side 13 of the valve body 1 and are spaced apart in the axial direction of the valve body 1, the second communication port 122, the third communication port 123 and the sixth communication port 126 are located on the second side 14 of the valve body 1 and are spaced apart in the axial direction of the valve body 1, and the first side 13 and the second side 14 are opposite sides of the valve body 1 in the circumferential direction, so that the first communication port 121, the fourth communication port 124, the fifth communication port 125, the seventh communication port 127 and the eighth communication port 128 are located on the first side 13 of the valve body 1 and are spaced apart in the axial direction of the valve body 1, and the first side 13 and the second side 14 are opposite sides of the valve body 1 in the circumferential direction, so that the first communication port 121, the fourth communication port 124, the fifth communication port 125, the seventh communication port 127 and the eighth communication port 128 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the valve body 1, and the second communication port 122, the third communication port 123 and the sixth communication port 126 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the valve body 1. The first connecting port 124, the fifth connecting port 125, the seventh connecting port 127, and the eighth connecting port 128 are spaced apart from the second connecting port 122, the third connecting port 123, and the sixth connecting port 126 in the circumferential direction of the valve body 1, which can facilitate the spaced arrangement of the first connecting port 121, the second connecting port 122, the third connecting port 123, the fourth connecting port 124, the fifth connecting port 125, the sixth connecting port 126, the seventh connecting port 127, and the eighth connecting port 128, thereby facilitating the connection of pipelines and avoiding mutual interference between pipelines.

[0051] Furthermore, compared with the first communicating port, the second communicating port, the third communicating port, the fourth communicating port, the fifth communicating port, the sixth communicating port, the seventh communicating port and the eighth communicating port which are all located on the same side of the valve body in the circumferential direction, the first communicating port 121, the fourth communicating port 124, the fifth communicating port 125, the seventh communicating port 127 and the eighth communicating port 128 of the present invention are located on the first side 13 of the valve body 1, and the second communicating port 122, the third communicating port 123 and the sixth communicating port 126 are located on the second side 14 of the valve body 1, so that the requirement for the length of the valve body 1 in the axial direction is relatively smaller, and the length of the multi-way valve 100 can be relatively shortened, which is conducive to the miniaturization and lightweight of the multi-way valve 100.

[0052] Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. The first connecting port 121, the second connecting port 122, the third connecting port 123, the fourth connecting port 124, the fifth connecting port 125, the sixth connecting port 126, the seventh connecting port 127 and the eighth connecting port 128 can also be freely distributed on the outer wall surface of the valve body 1 according to user needs, and are not limited to the two side walls of the first side 13 and the second side 14, thereby improving the compactness of the distribution of the first connecting port 121, the second connecting port 122, the third connecting port 123, the fourth connecting port 124, the fifth connecting port 125, the sixth connecting port 126, the seventh connecting port 127 and the eighth connecting port 128, shortening the axial length of the multi-way valve 100, and further facilitating the miniaturized design of the multi-way valve 100.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 and attached Figure 2As shown, the cavity 11 also includes a fourth cavity 114, a fifth cavity 115 and a sixth cavity 116. Along the axial direction of the valve body 1, the fourth cavity 114, the fifth cavity 115 and the sixth cavity 116 are located between the third cavity 113 and the pressure cavity 117, and the fourth cavity 114, the fifth cavity 115 and the sixth cavity 116 are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the valve body 1.

[0054] In the first position, such as Figure 1 As shown, the sixth communication port 126 and the seventh communication port 127 are both connected to the fifth cavity 115, and the refrigerant can flow into the fifth cavity 115 from one of the sixth communication port 126 and the seventh communication port 127, and then flow from the fifth cavity 115 to the other; in the second position, as shown Figure 2 As shown, the third connecting port 123 and the fourth connecting port 124 are both connected to the fourth cavity 114, the fifth connecting port 125 and the sixth connecting port 126 are both connected to the fifth cavity 115, and the seventh connecting port 127 and the eighth connecting port 128 are both connected to the sixth cavity 116. The refrigerant can flow into the fourth cavity 114 from one of the third connecting port 123 and the fourth connecting port 124, and then flow from the fourth cavity 114 to the other. The refrigerant can flow into the fifth cavity 115 from one of the fifth connecting port 125 and the sixth connecting port 126, and then flow from the fifth cavity 115 to the other. The refrigerant can flow into the sixth cavity 116 from one of the seventh connecting port 127 and the eighth connecting port 128, and then flow from the sixth cavity 116 to the other.

[0055] In a further embodiment of the present invention, referring to the attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As described above, the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 2 is provided with a plurality of annular protrusions 21 extending along the circumferential direction of the valve core 2, and the plurality of annular protrusions 21 are arranged in the axial direction of the valve core 2 (see attached Figure 1 The first cavity 111, the second cavity 112, the third cavity 113, the fourth cavity 114, the fifth cavity 115, the sixth cavity 116 and the pressure cavity 117 are spaced apart in the direction a shown in the figure to separate the cavity 11 into a first cavity 111, a second cavity 112, a third cavity 113, a fourth cavity 114, a fifth cavity 115, a sixth cavity 116 and a pressure cavity 117, so that the first cavity 111, the second cavity 112, the third cavity 113, the fourth cavity 114, the fifth cavity 115, the sixth cavity 116 and the pressure cavity 117 can be connected to different connecting ports respectively, and can be used to connect multiple connecting ports to ensure the normal circulation of the refrigerant.

[0056] It is understood that when the multi-way valve 100 is in the first mode, Figure 1As shown, the valve core 2 is in the first position, the third connecting port 123 is connected to the third cavity 113, and after the high-pressure refrigerant in the compressor flows out from the exhaust port, at least a part of the refrigerant flows from the third connecting port 123 through the first channel 15 to the pressure chamber 117, and another part of the refrigerant flows from the third connecting port 123 to the third cavity 113, and a small part of the refrigerant in the third cavity 113 flows to the first cavity 111 through the first balancing hole 22, so that the pressure of the first cavity 111 and the pressure chamber 117 is balanced, so that the valve core 2 is always kept in the first position, the stability of the valve core 2 is maintained, and the valve core 2 is prevented from moving along the axial direction of the valve body 1, so as to ensure that in the first mode, the second connecting port 122, the third connecting port 123, and the fourth connecting port 124 are connected to the third cavity 113, and the sixth connecting port 126 and the seventh connecting port 127 are connected to the fifth cavity 115.

[0057] When the multi-way valve 100 is in the second mode, Figure 2 As shown, the valve core 2 is in the second position, the first connecting port 121 is connected with the third cavity 113, because the first connecting port 121 is connected with the suction port of the compressor, the refrigerant in the third cavity 113 is a low-pressure refrigerant at this time, and because the first balancing hole 22 is used to connect the first cavity 111 and the third cavity 113, a low-pressure cavity is formed in the first cavity 111; the third connecting port 123 is connected with the fourth cavity 114, and after the high-pressure refrigerant in the compressor flows out from the exhaust port, a part of the refrigerant flows from the third connecting port 123 through the first channel 15 to the pressure cavity 117, and another part of the refrigerant flows from the third connecting port 123 into the fourth cavity 114, and finally flows from the third connecting port 123 to the fourth cavity 114. Water flows out from the four connecting ports 124, and a high-pressure chamber is formed in the pressure chamber 117. There is a pressure difference between the first chamber 111 and the pressure chamber 117. The valve core 2 is kept in the second position under the action of the pressure difference to maintain the stability of the valve core 2 and prevent the valve core 2 from moving along the axial direction of the valve body 1, thereby ensuring that in the second mode the first connecting port 121 and the second connecting port 122 are connected with the third chamber 113, the third connecting port 123 and the fourth connecting port 124 are connected with the fourth chamber 114, the fifth connecting port 125 and the sixth connecting port 126 are connected with the fifth chamber 115, and the seventh connecting port 127 and the eighth connecting port 128 are connected with the sixth chamber 116.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the present invention, referring to the attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2As described above, a sealing ring 211 is provided between the outer peripheral wall of the annular protrusion 21 and the inner peripheral wall of the cavity 11. The provision of the sealing ring 211 can prevent the refrigerant from flowing through the gap between the outer peripheral wall of the annular protrusion 21 and the inner peripheral wall of the cavity 11, thereby ensuring the sealing effect of the multi-way valve 100, preventing the first cavity 111, the second cavity 112, the third cavity 113, the fourth cavity 114, the fifth cavity 115, the sixth cavity 116 and the pressure cavity 117 from being connected to each other, thereby ensuring the normal circulation of the refrigerant. Among them, the sealing ring 211 has an interference fit with the annular protrusion 21 and the inner wall of the cavity 11, thereby further preventing the first cavity 111, the second cavity 112, the third cavity 113, the fourth cavity 114, the fifth cavity 115, the sixth cavity 116 and the pressure cavity 117 from being connected to each other.

[0059] In a specific example, see the attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 2 is provided with six annular protrusions 21 extending in the circumferential direction of the valve core 2, and the six annular protrusions 21 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the valve core 2 to separate the cavity 11 into a first cavity 111, a second cavity 112, a third cavity 113, a fourth cavity 114, a fifth cavity 115, a sixth cavity 116 and a pressure cavity 117, wherein the annular protrusion 21 between the fourth cavity 114 and the fifth cavity 115 is spaced apart in the axial direction of the valve core 2 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 The length in the direction a) as shown in the figure is longer, and the annular protrusion 21 between the fourth cavity 114 and the fifth cavity 115 is provided with two sealing rings 211 to enhance the sealing effect and avoid heat transfer of the refrigerant between the fourth cavity 114 and the fifth cavity 115. The remaining annular protrusions 21 are only required to be provided with one sealing ring 211.

[0060] In a further embodiment of the present invention, referring to the attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2As shown, the end of the valve core 2 facing the first cavity 111 has a mounting groove 23, the first balancing hole 22 penetrates the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove 23, and the second balancing hole 231 is provided on the surrounding wall of the mounting groove 23. The second balancing hole 231 connects the mounting groove 23 and the first cavity 111. The refrigerant in the third cavity 113 can enter the mounting groove 23 through the first balancing hole 22, and then enter the first cavity 111 through the second balancing hole 231 or the open mouth of the mounting groove 23. It can be understood that when the multi-way valve 100 is in the second mode, the valve core 2 moves to the second position, one axial end of the valve core 2 is against the axial end face of the valve body 1, and the open mouth of the mounting groove 23 is blocked by the axial end face of the valve body 1 to form a closed space. The existence of the second balancing hole 231 can avoid the formation of a closed space in the mounting groove 23, so that the refrigerant in the mounting groove 23 can enter the first cavity 111, thereby ensuring the pressure difference between the first cavity 111 and the pressure chamber 117, and ensuring the reliability and stability of the valve core 2.

[0061] In a specific example, see the attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, the valve body 1 includes a body 17, a first sealing cover 181 and a second sealing cover 182. The body 17 extends along the axial direction of the valve body 1. The first communication port 121, the second communication port 122, the third communication port 123, the fourth communication port 124, the fifth communication port 125, the sixth communication port 126, the seventh communication port 127 and the eighth communication port 128 are all provided on the body 17. Both axial ends of the body 17 are open. The first sealing cover 181 and the second sealing cover 182 are respectively provided at the open ports at both axial ends of the body 17 and are screwed with the body 17. The valve core 2 is connected with the main body 17 to define the cavity 11 together. In the second mode, the valve core 2 moves to the second position, and the end of the valve core 2 provided with the mounting groove 23 abuts against the axial end surface of the first sealing cover 181, and the end of the valve core 2 without the mounting groove 23 is spaced apart from the axial end surface of the second sealing cover 182; in the first mode, the valve core 2 moves to the first position, and the end of the valve core 2 without the mounting groove 23 abuts against the axial end surface of the second sealing cover 182, and the end of the valve core 2 provided with the mounting groove 23 is spaced apart from the axial end surface of the first sealing cover 181.

[0062] In a further embodiment of the present invention, referring to the attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, the multi-way valve 100 further includes an elastic member 4, at least a portion of which is located in the mounting groove 23, and the length direction of the elastic member 4 (see FIG. Figure 1The two ends of the elastic member 4 (in the direction a shown in the figure) are respectively against the axial end face of the valve body 1 and the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove 23, and the elastic member 4 is in a gap fit with the inner peripheral wall of the mounting groove 23. The elastic member 4 is always in a compressed state, and can drive the valve core 2 to move in the direction away from the first sealing cover 181 in the first mode, so that the valve core 2 is always kept in the first position under the action of elastic force. In a specific example, a positioning groove 183 is provided on the first sealing cover 181, and the two ends of the elastic member 4 in the length direction are respectively provided in the positioning groove 183 of the first sealing cover 181 and the mounting groove 23 of the valve core 2, so as to position the elastic member 4 in the radial direction of the elastic member 4 and prevent the elastic member 4 from being offset in the radial direction.

[0063] It can be understood that when it is necessary to switch from the second mode to the first mode, the compressor stops running and the expansion valve in the heat exchange system is opened to connect multiple pipelines of the entire heat exchange system and balance the pressure of the entire heat exchange system. After the pressure in the first cavity 111 and the pressure cavity 117 is balanced to a certain range, the elastic member 4 will push the valve core 2 to the first position to complete the switch from the second mode to the first mode, thereby ensuring the response speed of the mode switching of the multi-way valve 100.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve core 2 is a plastic part, which is low-cost, light and strong, can be conducive to the lightweight design of the multi-way valve 100, and has high strength and wear resistance. The plastic part has certain thermal insulation properties and can play a role of thermal insulation to a certain extent. Since the temperature and state of the refrigerant in different sub-cavities may be different, the valve core 2 with thermal insulation properties can avoid heat transfer between the refrigerants in two adjacent sub-cavities, ensure the temperature and state of the refrigerant, and thus ensure the heat exchange effect of the air conditioner.

[0065] For example, when the valve core 2 is in the second position, the third connecting port 123 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, so that the third connecting port 123, the fourth connecting port 124 and the fourth cavity 114 are all filled with high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, while at this time, the fifth connecting port 125, the sixth connecting port 126 and the fifth cavity 115 are filled with low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The plastic valve core 2 has heat-insulating properties, which can prevent the heat in the fourth cavity 114 from being transferred to the fifth cavity 115, avoid increasing the refrigerant temperature in the fifth cavity 115, and avoid the refrigerant temperature in the fifth cavity 115 from exceeding the evaporation temperature, thereby ensuring that the refrigerant in the fifth cavity 115 is in liquid state and ensuring the heat exchange effect of the air conditioner.

[0066] Alternatively, the valve core 2 is a metal part with high strength and hardness and strong corrosion resistance. The valve core 2 has a thermal insulation coating on the outside to provide thermal insulation. Since the temperature and state of the refrigerant in different sub-cavities may be different, the presence of the thermal insulation coating can avoid heat transfer between the refrigerants in two adjacent sub-cavities, thereby ensuring the temperature and state of the refrigerant and thus ensuring the heat exchange effect of the air conditioner.

[0067] The present invention also provides an air conditioner having the multi-way valve 100 of the above embodiment.

[0068] According to the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the above-mentioned multi-way valve 100, the valve core 2 moves between the first position and the second position to realize the switching of the first mode and the second mode of the multi-way valve 100. Compared with the prior art, the number of valves used can be relatively reduced, the piping of the heat exchange system can be simplified, the assembly difficulty of the heat exchange system can be reduced, the production and processing cost and the assembly cost of the heat exchange system can be reduced, the space occupied by the heat exchange system in the air conditioner can be reduced, the problems of flow channel switching and difficulty in coordinating multiple valves in the prior art can be solved, and the control program of the heat exchange system can be simplified.

[0069] The multi-way valve 100 and other structures and operations of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0070] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0071] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-way valve, characterized in that: include: A valve body (1), the valve body (1) comprising a cavity (11), a first channel (15), a second channel (16), and a first communication port (121), a second communication port (122), and a third communication port (123) communicating with the cavity (11); the cavity (11) comprises a first cavity (111), a second cavity (112), a third cavity (113), and a pressure chamber (117); the first cavity (111), the second cavity (112), and the third cavity (113) The third communication port (123) and the pressure chamber (117) are arranged along the axial direction of the valve body (1); the first channel (15) is used to connect the third communication port (123) and the pressure chamber (117); the second channel (16) is suitable for connecting the first chamber (111) and the second chamber (112); the first communication port (121) is connected to the low-pressure port, the third communication port (123) is connected to the high-pressure port, and the pressure of the low-pressure port is lower than the pressure of the high-pressure port; A valve core (2), the valve core (2) being movably arranged in the cavity (11) along the axial direction of the valve body (1), the valve core (2) being provided with a mounting groove (23) and a first balancing hole (22), the mounting groove (23) being arranged at one end of the valve core (2) facing the first cavity (111), the first balancing hole (22) penetrating the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove (23), the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel (16) being larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first balancing hole (22), the first balancing hole (22) being connected to the first cavity (111) and The third cavity (113), the valve core (2) has a first position and a second position, in the first position, the second communication port (122) and the third communication port (123) are both in communication with the third cavity (113), in the second position, the first communication port (121) and the second communication port (122) are both in communication with the third cavity (113), a second balancing hole (231) is provided on the peripheral wall of the installation groove (23), and the second balancing hole (231) is in communication with the installation groove (23) and the first cavity (111); A solenoid valve (3), the solenoid valve (3) being arranged on the valve body (1) and being used for controlling the on-off of the second channel (16).

2. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body (1) further comprises a fourth communication port (124), a fifth communication port (125), a sixth communication port (126), a seventh communication port (127) and an eighth communication port (128), wherein the fourth communication port (124), the fifth communication port (125), the sixth communication port (126), the seventh communication port (127) and the eighth communication port (128) are all in communication with the cavity (11). In the first position, the fourth connecting port (124) is connected to the second connecting port (122) and the third connecting port (123), and the sixth connecting port (126) is connected to the seventh connecting port (127). In the second position, the fourth connecting port (124) is connected to the third connecting port (123), the fifth connecting port (125) is connected to the sixth connecting port (126), and the seventh connecting port (127) is connected to the eighth connecting port (128).

3. The multi-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cavity (11) further comprises a fourth cavity (114), a fifth cavity (115) and a sixth cavity (116); along the axial direction of the valve body (1), the fourth cavity (114), the fifth cavity (115) and the sixth cavity (116) are located between the third cavity (113) and the pressure cavity (117); and the fourth cavity (114), the fifth cavity (115) and the sixth cavity (116) are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the valve body (1). In the first position, the sixth communication port (126) and the seventh communication port (127) are both connected to the fifth cavity (115); in the second position, the third communication port (123) and the fourth communication port (124) are both connected to the fourth cavity (114); the fifth communication port (125) and the sixth communication port (126) are both connected to the fifth cavity (115); and the seventh communication port (127) and the eighth communication port (128) are both connected to the sixth cavity (116).

4. The multi-way valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer peripheral wall of the valve core (2) is provided with a plurality of annular protrusions (21) extending in the circumferential direction of the valve core (2), and the plurality of annular protrusions (21) are spaced apart in the axial direction of the valve core (2) so as to separate the cavity (11) into the first cavity (111), the second cavity (112), the third cavity (113), the fourth cavity (114), the fifth cavity (115), the sixth cavity (116) and the pressure cavity (117).

5. The multi-way valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: A sealing ring (211) is provided between the outer peripheral wall of the annular protrusion (21) and the inner peripheral wall of the cavity (11).

6. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-way valve (100) further comprises: An elastic member (4), wherein at least a portion of the elastic member (4) is located in the mounting groove (23), and both ends of the elastic member (4) in the length direction respectively abut against the axial end surface of the valve body (1) and the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove (23).

7. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core (2) is a plastic part; Alternatively, the valve core (2) is a metal part, and the outside of the valve core (2) has a heat insulation coating.

8. An air conditioner, characterized in that: It comprises a multi-way valve (100) according to any one of claims 1-7.

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