four-way valve

Abstract

The application provides a four-way valve, which comprises a valve body, a first valve assembly and a second valve assembly arranged on the valve body, a vertical first main valve hole and a vertical second main valve hole are arranged in the valve body, a first interface and a third interface which are communicated with the first main valve hole are arranged on the side of the valve body, a fourth interface which is communicated with the second main valve hole is also arranged on the side of the valve body, the first main valve hole is communicated with the second main valve hole through a first channel, a second channel which is communicated with the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole is arranged at the bottom of the valve body, and the second channel is communicated with a second interface; the switching between the interfaces of the four-way valve is realized through the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the sealing performance of the valve core is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A refrigeration system includes a compressor, evaporator, condenser, throttling element, and reversing valve. An electronic expansion valve is typically used as the throttling element, and a four-way valve is used to switch the refrigerant flow. Existing four-way valves usually employ a ball valve, a flat valve core structure, or a combination of four solenoid valves. These structures are relatively complex and difficult to manufacture. Ball valve structures require precision machining of the ball valve core and valve seat to ensure a tight seal, resulting in high manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a four-way valve that can reduce manufacturing costs and improve valve core sealing.

[0004] This invention provides a four-way valve, comprising a valve body, a first valve assembly and a second valve assembly disposed on the valve body. The valve body has a vertical first main valve port and a second main valve port. The valve body has a first interface and a third interface communicating with the first main valve port on its side, and a fourth interface communicating with the second main valve port on its side. The first main valve port is connected to the second main valve port via a first channel. The bottom of the valve body has a second channel communicating with both the first and second main valve ports, and the second channel is connected to the second interface. The first valve assembly and the second valve assembly each include a valve seat, an actuator disposed within the valve seat, and a actuator disposed on the actuator and used for driving. The drive mechanism of the actuator includes a valve seat comprising a hollow valve seat body disposed within the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole. The outer circumferential surface of the valve seat body has two annular clearance grooves, which are distributed vertically along the axis of the valve seat body. The side of the valve seat body has a first valve hole and a second valve hole penetrating the valve seat body. The first valve hole and the second valve hole are respectively located within the two annular clearance grooves. The first channel communicates with the portion of the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole corresponding to the uppermost annular clearance groove. The first channel also communicates with a first interface. The third interface communicates with the portion of the first main valve hole corresponding to the lowermost annular clearance groove. The fourth... The interface communicates with the second main valve hole corresponding to the lowest annular clearance groove. The second channel communicates with the bottom of the first and second main valve holes. The side of the valve seat body fits against the inner wall of the first and second main valve holes. The drive mechanism includes a sleeve, a rotor disposed inside the sleeve, a coil disposed outside the sleeve for driving the rotor to rotate, a screw fixed to the rotor, and a nut cooperating with the screw and drivenly connected to the actuator. The actuator includes a valve core, and the nut is drivenly connected to the valve core. The valve core only moves vertically. A first sealing ring is provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the valve core. The second channel communicates with the first main valve hole. A second sealing hole is provided in the valve seat body at the connection between the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole. A first sealing hole is provided in the valve seat body between the two annular clearance grooves. When the valve core is in the lower position, the outer circumference of the lower end of the valve core is in clearance fit with the second sealing hole, and the first sealing ring is in cooperation with the second sealing hole to seal. The first sealing ring closes the connection between the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole and the second channel. When the valve core is in the upper position, the outer circumference of the lower end of the valve core is in clearance fit with the first sealing hole, and the first sealing ring is in cooperation with the first sealing hole to seal. The first sealing ring closes the inner cavity of the valve seat body between the first valve hole and the second valve hole.

[0005] In some embodiments, a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring are sequentially arranged from top to bottom on the lower outer periphery of the valve core, with a predetermined distance between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring; when the valve core is in the lower position, the lower outer periphery of the valve core is in clearance fit with the second sealing hole, and the second sealing ring is in cooperation with the second sealing hole to seal, thereby closing the connection between the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole and the second channel; when the valve core is in the upper position, the lower outer periphery of the valve core is in clearance fit with the first sealing hole, and the first sealing ring is in cooperation with the first sealing hole to seal, thereby closing the inner cavity of the valve seat body between the first valve hole and the second valve hole.

[0006] In some embodiments, the valve core positions in the first and second main valve orifices are reversed during operation. When the valve core in the first main valve orifice is in the lower position, the valve core in the second main valve orifice is in the upper position. When the valve core in the first main valve orifice is in the upper position, the valve core in the second main valve orifice is in the lower position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first channel and the second channel are parallel to each other, and the axes of the first channel and the second channel are perpendicular to the axes of the first main valve orifice and the second main valve orifice.

[0008] In some embodiments, the third interface and the fourth interface are located on the first side of the same side of the valve body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first interface and the second interface are located on the third and fourth sides of the valve body, which are adjacent to the first side.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first interface and the second interface are located on the third or fourth side of the same side of the valve body, and the third and fourth sides are adjacent to the first side.

[0011] In some embodiments, the third interface and the fourth interface are located on the second side of the same side of the valve body.

[0012] This invention provides a four-way valve, comprising a valve body, a first valve assembly, and a second valve assembly disposed on the valve body. The valve body has a vertical first main valve hole and a second main valve hole. The side of the valve body has a first interface and a third interface communicating with the first main valve hole, and a fourth interface communicating with the second main valve hole. The first main valve hole is connected to the second main valve hole through a first channel. The bottom of the valve body has a second channel communicating with the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole, and the second channel is connected to the second interface. By using the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly, switching between the interfaces of the four-way valve can be realized, which can reduce manufacturing costs and improve valve core sealing performance. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the four-way valve structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the valve seat, actuator components, and drive mechanism (excluding the coil);

[0015] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the four-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the four-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 5 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first sealing ring structure.

[0018] The serial numbers indicate the following: 1. Valve body; 11. First interface; 12. Second interface; 13. Third interface; 14. Fourth interface; 15. First main valve hole; 16. Second main valve hole; 17. First side; 18. Second side; 19. Third side; 21. Fourth side; 22. First channel; 23. Second channel; 27. Rubber O-ring; 28. Rubber O-ring; 29. ​​Rubber O-ring; 30. Rubber O-ring; 100. Drive mechanism; 101. Sleeve; 102. Rotor; 103. Coil; 104. Screw; 1041. Second balance hole; 105. Nut; 1051. Lug; 20. 0. Actuating component; 201. Valve core; 202. First sealing ring; 2021. Recess; 203. Second sealing ring; 204. First balancing hole; 205. Retaining ring; 206. Separating ring; 207. Retaining ring; 300. Valve seat; 301. Valve seat body; 302. Annular relief groove; 303. Annular relief groove; 304. First valve hole; 305. Second valve hole; 306. Second sealing hole; 307. First sealing hole; 308. Inner hole; 3011. Connecting seat; 3012. First valve seat; 3013. Second valve seat; 4. Support frame; 401. Groove; 5. Bearing; 80. First valve assembly; 90. Second valve assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and the concept of the exemplary embodiments will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of regions and layers is exaggerated. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0020] The described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a full understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details described, or other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0021] refer to Figures 1 to 5 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a four-way valve includes a valve body 1, a first valve assembly 80 and a second valve assembly 90 disposed on the valve body. The first valve assembly and the second valve assembly include a valve seat 300, an actuation component 200 disposed in the valve seat, and a drive mechanism 100 disposed on the actuation component and used to drive the actuation component.

[0022] The valve body has a vertical first main valve hole 15 and a second main valve hole 16. The side of the valve body has a first interface 11 and a third interface 13 communicating with the first main valve hole 15. The side of the valve body also has a fourth interface 14 communicating with the second main valve hole 16. The first main valve hole 11 is connected to the second main valve hole 16 via a first channel 22. The bottom of the valve body has a second channel 23 communicating with both the first and second main valve holes 15 and 16, and this second channel is connected to the second interface 12. The first and second channels are parallel to each other, and their axes are perpendicular to the axes of the first and second main valve holes.

[0023] The plane sharing the axes of the first and second main valve holes is defined as the reference plane. The bottom and top surfaces of the valve body are perpendicular to the axes of the first and second main valve holes. The sides of the valve body parallel to this reference plane are designated as the first side 17 and the second side 18. Adjacent valve body sides are designated as the third side 19 and the fourth side 21. The third and fourth interfaces are located on the first side of the same valve body, or alternatively on the second side of the same valve body. The first and second interfaces are located on the third and fourth sides of opposite sides of the valve body, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second interfaces may also be located on the third or fourth side of the same valve body, and the third and fourth interfaces may also be located on the second side of the same valve body, facilitating pipe connection.

[0024] The valve seat 300 includes a hollow valve seat body 301 disposed within a first main valve hole and a second main valve hole. Two annular clearance grooves 302 and 303 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the valve seat body, distributed vertically along the axis of the valve seat body. A first valve hole 304 and a second valve hole 305 penetrating the valve seat body are provided on the side of the valve seat body. The first valve hole and the second valve hole are respectively located within the two annular clearance grooves. A first channel 22 communicates with the portion of the first main valve hole 15 and the second main valve hole 16 corresponding to the uppermost annular clearance groove 302. The first channel 22 communicates with a first interface 11. A third interface 13 communicates with the portion of the first main valve hole 15 corresponding to the lowermost annular clearance groove. A fourth interface 14 communicates with the portion of the second main valve hole 16 corresponding to the lowermost annular clearance groove. A second channel 23 communicates with the bottom of the first main valve hole 15 and the second main valve hole 16. The side of the valve seat body 301 is in contact with the inner wall of the first and second main valve holes.

[0025] The drive mechanism 100 includes a sleeve 101, a rotor 102 disposed inside the sleeve, a coil 103 disposed outside the sleeve for driving the rotor to rotate, a screw 104 fixedly connected to the rotor, and a nut 105 cooperating with the screw and drivenly connected to the actuation component.

[0026] The actuator 200 includes a valve core 201, with a nut 105 drivingly connected to the valve core 201. The valve core moves only in the vertical direction. A first sealing ring 202 and a second sealing ring 203 are sequentially arranged from top to bottom on the lower outer periphery of the valve core 201, with a predetermined distance between them. A second sealing hole 306 is provided at the connection between the second channel 23 and the first main valve hole 15 and the second main valve hole 16. A first sealing hole 307 is provided within the valve seat body between the two annular clearance grooves. The first sealing ring 202 and the second sealing ring 203 are located between the first sealing hole 307 and... When the valve core 201 is in the lower position, the outer periphery of the lower end of the valve core is in clearance fit with the second sealing hole 306, and the second sealing ring 203 cooperates with the second sealing hole 306, that is, the second sealing ring closes the connection between the first main valve hole 15 and the second main valve hole 16 and the second channel 23; when the valve core 201 is in the upper position, the outer periphery of the lower end of the valve core is in clearance fit with the first sealing hole 307, and the first sealing ring 202 cooperates with the first sealing hole 307 to seal, that is, the first sealing ring 202 closes the inner cavity of the valve seat body between the first valve hole and the second valve hole.

[0027] The valve core has a recess at its upper end, and a nut 105 is housed in this recess and secured to the valve core with a retaining ring 205 to prevent it from coming loose. The nut 105 includes a lug 1051, and the side wall of the valve core recess has a notch. The lug of the nut extends out of the notch to prevent the nut from rotating. The valve core has a first balance hole 204 that runs vertically through it. The valve seat body includes an inner hole 308 that is clearance-fitted with the upper end of the valve core. The upper end of the valve core is clearance-fitted with the inner hole 308 of the valve seat body. A sealing ring 30 is provided between the upper end of the valve core and the valve seat body. The screw has a second balance hole 1041 that runs vertically through it. The inner hole has the same diameter as the first sealing hole 307 and the second sealing hole 306. The diameter of the middle section of the valve core is smaller than that of both ends to facilitate medium flow. By adopting a valve core pressure balance structure, the driving torque required for the valve core to open or close is not affected by the pressure of each interface, making it suitable for high-pressure conditions and also adaptable to situations where the closed interface has back pressure. The valve core pressure balance structure requires less torque, and the valve core only moves up and down without rotating, which reduces wear between the valve core and the valve seat and improves sealing performance.

[0028] In this technical solution, the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are separated by a predetermined distance through a separator ring, which can reduce the movement stroke of the valve core and realize the rapid switching of the medium flow direction. The switching function can also be achieved by using the first sealing ring alone, but the movement stroke of the valve core is increased and the switching is relatively slow.

[0029] During operation, the valve core positions in the first and second main valve holes are reversed. When the valve core in the first main valve hole is in the lower position, the valve core in the second main valve hole is in the upper position. At this time, the first and third interfaces are connected, and the fourth interface is connected to the second interface. When the valve core in the first main valve hole is in the upper position, the valve core in the second main valve hole is in the lower position. At this time, the second and third interfaces are connected, and the first and fourth interfaces are connected. By using two valve assemblies, switching between the interfaces of the four-way valve is achieved. Compared to using four solenoid valves in combination, this reduces manufacturing costs and improves valve core sealing.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the four-way valve includes a support frame 4 and a bearing 5. The support frame 4 is fixed to the upper end of the valve seat body 301, and the bearing is fixed to the upper end of the support frame. The bearing is fixedly connected to the screw 104. The support frame also includes a longitudinal groove 401, into which the lug of the nut extends to prevent the nut and valve core from rotating. In other embodiments, a retaining ring extends radially outward from the lug to prevent the valve core from rotating. Alternatively, a shaped retaining ring can be used to prevent the nut from rotating, both of which can achieve the design purpose.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3, the valve seat body 301 includes a connecting seat 3011, a first valve seat 3012 with sidewalls, and a second valve seat 3013 with sidewalls, which are sequentially fixedly connected. These parts are machined separately and then connected, reducing the difficulty of part processing. Rubber O-rings 27, 28, and 29 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the valve seat body on the annular relief grooves 302 and 303 for sealing the valve seat body with the first main valve hole. Except for the coil, the valve seat, actuator, and drive mechanism form a single unit, which is fixed in the first and second main valve holes by threaded insertion of the connecting seat. The coil is directly fixed to the valve body end face by screws.

[0032] refer to Figure 5 As shown, the cross-section of the first sealing ring 202 or the second sealing ring 203 is dumbbell-shaped, that is, it has a concave portion 2021 in the middle. The lower end of the valve core is provided with a corresponding annular sealing groove that matches the cross-section of the first sealing ring or the second sealing ring. Specifically, the lower end of the valve core is provided with a step, a first sealing ring, a separating ring 206, a second sealing ring, and a retaining ring 207 in sequence. The cross-section of the step, the separating ring, and the retaining ring protrudes in the middle and enters the concave portion of the cross-section of the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring, thus restricting the first sealing ring or the second sealing ring from coming out.

[0033] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A four-way valve, characterized in that, The system includes a valve body, a first valve assembly, and a second valve assembly disposed on the valve body. The valve body has a vertical first main valve hole and a second main valve hole. The side of the valve body has a first interface and a third interface communicating with the first main valve hole, and a fourth interface communicating with the second main valve hole. The first main valve hole is connected to the second main valve hole via a first channel. The bottom of the valve body has a second channel communicating with both the first and second main valve holes, and this second channel connects to the second interface. The first and second valve assemblies include a valve seat, an actuator disposed within the valve seat, and a drive mechanism disposed on the actuator for driving the actuator. The valve seat includes a hollow valve seat body disposed within the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole. Two annular clearance grooves are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the valve seat body, distributed vertically along the axis of the valve seat body. A first valve hole and a second valve hole are provided on the side of the valve seat body, penetrating the valve seat body. The first valve hole and the second valve hole are respectively located within the two annular clearance grooves. A first channel communicates with the portion of the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole corresponding to the uppermost annular clearance groove, and communicates with a first interface. A third interface communicates with the portion of the first main valve hole corresponding to the lowermost annular clearance groove, and a fourth interface communicates with the lowermost... The second channel is connected to the second main valve hole corresponding to the annular clearance groove. The second channel is connected to the bottom of the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole. The side of the valve seat body is in contact with the inner wall of the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole. The driving mechanism includes a sleeve, a rotor disposed in the sleeve, a coil disposed outside the sleeve for driving the rotor to rotate, a screw fixed to the rotor, and a nut cooperating with the screw and drivenly connected to the actuation component. The actuation component includes a valve core. The nut is drivenly connected to the valve core. The valve core only moves in the vertical direction. A first sealing ring is provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the valve core. The second channel is connected to the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole. A second sealing hole is provided in the valve seat body at the connection of the two main valve holes, and a first sealing hole is provided in the valve seat body between the two annular clearance grooves. When the valve core is in the lower position, the outer circumference of the lower end of the valve core is in clearance fit with the second sealing hole, and the first sealing ring is in cooperation with the second sealing hole to seal. The first sealing ring closes the connection between the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole and the second channel. When the valve core is in the upper position, the outer circumference of the lower end of the valve core is in clearance fit with the first sealing hole, and the first sealing ring is in cooperation with the first sealing hole to seal. The first sealing ring closes the inner cavity of the valve seat body between the first valve hole and the second valve hole. The lower outer periphery of the valve core is provided with a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring from top to bottom, with a predetermined distance between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring; when the valve core is in the lower position, the lower outer periphery of the valve core is in clearance fit with the second sealing hole, and the second sealing ring is in cooperation with the second sealing hole to seal, thus closing the connection between the first main valve hole and the second main valve hole and the second channel; when the valve core is in the upper position, the lower outer periphery of the valve core is in clearance fit with the first sealing hole, and the first sealing ring is in cooperation with the first sealing hole to seal, thus closing the inner cavity of the valve seat body between the first valve hole and the second valve hole; During operation, the valve core positions in the first main valve orifice and the second main valve orifice are opposite. When the valve core in the first main valve orifice is in the lower position, the valve core in the second main valve orifice is in the upper position. When the valve core in the first main valve orifice is in the upper position, the valve core in the second main valve orifice is in the lower position. The first channel and the second channel are parallel to each other, and the axes of the first channel and the second channel are perpendicular to the axes of the first main valve orifice and the second main valve orifice.

2. The four-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third interface and the fourth interface are located on the first side of the same side of the valve body.

3. The four-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first interface and the second interface are located on the third and fourth sides of the valve body, which are adjacent to the first side.

4. The four-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first interface and the second interface are located on the third or fourth side of the same side of the valve body, and the third and fourth sides are adjacent to the first side.

5. The four-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third interface and the fourth interface are located on the second side of the same side of the valve body.

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