Novel refrigerant dryness sensor

Abstract

The invention provides a novel refrigerant dryness sensor. The novel refrigerant dryness sensor comprises a valve body, an inlet connector and an outlet connector, the valve body is in a long tube shape, the inlet connector and the outlet connector are connected to the two ends of the valve body respectively, the novel refrigerant dryness sensor further comprises an electrode assembly, a plug and a processor, the electrode assembly is in surface contact connection with the inner wall of the valve body, a through connecting hole is formed in the side portion of the valve body, and the plug is connected with the processor. The plug and the processor are both connected to the connecting hole, the electrode assembly is connected with the input end of the processor, and the plug is connected with the output end of the processor. The novel refrigerant dryness sensor is high in stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mechanical technology, and more specifically to a novel refrigerant dryness sensor. Background Technology

[0002] The core of a refrigerant dryness sensor is to test the capacitance of the refrigerant and analyze the two-phase flow distribution, that is, to analyze the ratio of gaseous to liquid states of the refrigerant. This helps to avoid some system failures during the design phase.

[0003] In air conditioning refrigeration systems, the refrigerant flowing out from throttling devices such as expansion valves exhibits uneven two-phase flow distribution (i.e., liquid and gaseous refrigerant coexist). This problem causes differences in mass flow rates between microchannel tubes when the two-phase refrigerant is distributed to the microchannel tube bank through the manifold, leading to reduced heat exchange, decreased heat transfer rate, or excessive liquid supply, and may even cause liquid slugging damage to the compressor.

[0004] In existing refrigerant dryness sensors, the electrode assembly is directly fixed to the valve body. To ensure stable fixation of the electrode assembly, an additional and cumbersome positioning structure is usually required. This results in an excessive number of parts inside the valve body, uneven internal surfaces, and ultimately obstruction of refrigerant flow, affecting its normal circulation.

[0005] When the refrigerant flows through areas with irregular surface structures within the valve body, its flow state is significantly affected, resulting in turbulent flow. This turbulent flow adversely affects the sensor's detection accuracy, leading to poor sensor stability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in existing technologies by providing a novel refrigerant dryness sensor with high stability.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention can be implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0008] A novel refrigerant dryness sensor includes a valve body, an inlet connector, and an outlet connector. The valve body is a long tube, and the inlet connector and outlet connector are respectively connected to both ends of the valve body. The sensor further includes an electrode assembly, a plug, and a processor. The electrode assembly maintains surface contact with the inner wall of the valve body. The valve body has a through-hole on its side, and the plug and processor are both connected to the through-hole. The electrode assembly is connected to the input end of the processor, and the plug is connected to the output end of the processor.

[0009] In the aforementioned novel refrigerant dryness sensor, a recessed stepped seat is provided at one end of the valve body, the inner end of the aforementioned inlet connector is embedded in the stepped seat and the two are threaded together, and a sealing ring is provided between the stepped seat and the inner end of the inlet connector.

[0010] In the aforementioned novel refrigerant dryness sensor, a recessed stepped seat 2 is provided at the port of the other end of the valve body, the inner end of the aforementioned outlet connector is embedded in the stepped seat 2 and the two are threadedly connected, and a sealing ring 2 is provided between the stepped seat 2 and the inner end of the outlet connector.

[0011] The aforementioned novel refrigerant dryness sensor also includes a gasket that matches the connection hole. The lower port of the connection hole has a retaining edge that protrudes inward thereto. The gasket abuts against the retaining edge, and the processor is positioned between the gasket and the plug.

[0012] In the aforementioned novel refrigerant dryness sensor, the electrode assembly includes a first metal electrode and a second metal electrode with a semi-circular cross-section. The arc-shaped concave portion of the first metal electrode is directly opposite to the arc-shaped concave portion of the second metal electrode. It also includes a protective layer. The first metal electrode and the second metal electrode are connected through the protective layer, and the protective layer covers the outer side of the first metal electrode and the outer side of the second metal electrode. The protective layer is in contact with the inner surface of the valve body.

[0013] In the aforementioned novel refrigerant dryness sensor, the protective layer is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0014] In the aforementioned novel refrigerant dryness sensor, the adjacent ends of the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode are connected by a protective layer, and there is a gap between the other ends of the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode.

[0015] In the aforementioned novel refrigerant dryness sensor, both the first and second metal electrodes have leads, which are threaded through a gasket and connect the processor's input terminal to the electrode assembly.

[0016] In the aforementioned novel refrigerant dryness sensor, the valve body has a protruding shoulder near the outlet connector, and one end of the aforementioned electrode assembly abuts against the shoulder.

[0017] In the aforementioned novel refrigerant dryness sensor, the protective layer has a protruding positioning part, the positioning part is a cavity and has a flexible filler inside, the valve body has a recessed positioning hole, the positioning part matches the positioning hole and is embedded in the positioning hole.

[0018] In the aforementioned novel refrigerant dryness sensor, the positioning part is hemispherical.

[0019] Compared to existing technologies, this novel refrigerant dryness sensor features an electrode assembly that is in surface contact with the inner wall of the valve body, with the shoulder and electrode assembly on the same plane. Furthermore, the positioning components on the outer side of the electrode assembly cooperate with the positioning holes within the valve body. This ensures that the electrode assembly is not only securely installed within the valve body, but also prevents the electrode assembly and its corresponding connections from creating an uneven structure within the valve body. This effectively avoids obstructing the flow of refrigerant, significantly improving the sensor's structural stability and data detection stability.

[0020] Meanwhile, since the electrode assembly maintains surface contact with the inner wall of the valve body, the connection stability between the electrode assembly and the valve body is further improved, which has high practical value. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the novel refrigerant dryness sensor.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the novel refrigerant dryness sensor.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the partial structure at part A in the middle.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the partial structure at part B in the middle.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the electrode layer in this novel refrigerant dryness sensor.

[0026] In the picture:

[0027] 1. Valve body; 11. Stepped seat one; 12. Stepped seat two; 13. Shoulder; 14. Connecting hole; 141. Retaining edge; 2. Inlet connector; 3. Outlet connector; 4. Electrode assembly; 41. Metal electrode one; 42. Metal electrode two; 43. Protective layer; 431. Positioning part; 44. Lead wire; 5. Plug; 6. Processor; 7. Connecting hole; 71. Retaining edge; 8. Sealing ring one; 9. Sealing ring two; 10. Gasket; 11. Filler; 12. Positioning hole. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which, together with the accompanying drawings, will further describe the technical solution of the present invention.

[0029] like Figure 1-5As shown, this novel refrigerant dryness sensor includes a valve body 1, an inlet connector 2, and an outlet connector 3. The valve body 1 is a long tube. The inlet connector 2 and the outlet connector 3 are respectively connected to both ends of the valve body 1. It also includes an electrode assembly 4, a plug 5, and a processor 6. The electrode assembly 4 is in surface contact with the inner wall of the valve body 1. The side of the valve body 1 has a through connection hole 14. The plug 5 and the processor 6 are both connected to the connection hole 14. The electrode assembly 4 is connected to the input end of the processor 6, and the plug 5 is connected to the output end of the processor 6.

[0030] The new refrigerant dryness sensor can be stably and conveniently installed at the corresponding detection point through the inlet connector 2 and the outlet connector 3.

[0031] Since the electrode assembly 4 maintains surface contact with the inner wall of the valve body 1, the electrode assembly can not only stably detect the refrigerant when it passes through the valve body 1, but also will not obstruct the passing refrigerant, effectively improving the overall operational stability of the sensor.

[0032] Specifically, the signal detected at the electrode assembly enters the processor 6 from the input terminal, and the processor 6 converts the above signal into corresponding dryness parameter information.

[0033] In this embodiment, the core of processor 6 is a PCB (printed circuit board) based LC resonant and signal processing circuit. This type of circuit is widely used in industrial equipment, optical instruments, medical devices, wireless communication instruments, automotive electronics, and other fields. Since the processor is a commercially available component, its technical features will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0034] The valve body 1 has a recessed stepped seat 11 at one end of the port. The inner end of the inlet connector 2 is embedded in the stepped seat 11 and the two are threaded together. A sealing ring 8 is provided between the stepped seat 11 and the inner end of the inlet connector 2.

[0035] After the stepped seat 11 covers the inner end of the inlet connector 2, the threaded connection between the two ensures a stable connection between the inlet connector 2 and one end of the valve body 1. The sealing ring 8 between them further enhances the sealing performance at the connection.

[0036] The valve body 1 has a recessed stepped seat 12 at the other end of the port. The inner end of the outlet connector 3 is embedded in the stepped seat 12 and the two are threaded together. A sealing ring 9 is provided between the stepped seat 12 and the inner end of the outlet connector 3.

[0037] After the stepped seat 12 covers the inner end of the outlet connector 3, the threaded connection between the two allows for a stable connection between the outlet connector 3 and the other end of the valve body 1. The presence of a sealing ring 9 between them further enhances the sealing performance at the connection.

[0038] It also includes a gasket 10 that matches the connection hole 14, the lower port of the connection hole 14 having a retaining edge 141 that protrudes inward thereto, the gasket 10 abutting against the retaining edge 141, and the processor 6 being positioned between the gasket 10 and the plug 5.

[0039] Gasket 10 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and an O-ring is connected to the side of gasket 10. The O-ring effectively improves the sealing performance at the connection between gasket 10 and connection hole 14. Gasket 10 made of the above-mentioned material is resistant to low temperatures and has a relatively long aging life. In addition, its surface tension is relatively low, so the refrigerant will not adhere to gasket 10.

[0040] The electrode assembly 4 includes a first metal electrode 41 and a second metal electrode 42 with a semi-circular cross-section. The arc-shaped concave portion of the first metal electrode 41 is directly opposite to the arc-shaped concave portion of the second metal electrode 42. It also includes a protective layer 43. The first metal electrode 41 and the second metal electrode 42 are connected by the protective layer 43, and the protective layer 43 covers the outside of the first metal electrode 41 and the outside of the second metal electrode 42. The protective layer 43 is in contact with the inner surface of the valve body 1.

[0041] Protective layer 43 has two functions:

[0042] Firstly, it avoids direct contact between metal electrode 41 and metal electrode 42 and the inner wall of valve body 1, and the installation inside valve body 1 can play an appropriate buffering role.

[0043] Secondly, the protective layer 43 stably connects the metal electrode 41 and the metal electrode 42 together.

[0044] The protective layer 43 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0045] The adjacent ends of the first metal electrode 41 and the second metal electrode 42 are connected by a protective layer 43, and there is a gap between the other ends of the first metal electrode 41 and the second metal electrode 42.

[0046] In this embodiment, both metal electrode 41 and metal electrode 42 are made of copper.

[0047] In the initial state, metal electrode 41 and metal electrode 42 tend to expand outward. After being installed in the valve body 1, the protective layer 43 at metal electrode 41 can be tightly attached to the inside of the valve body 1, and the protective layer 43 at metal electrode 42 can also be tightly attached to the inside of the valve body 1.

[0048] Both the first metal electrode 41 and the second metal electrode 42 have leads 44, which pass through the gasket 10 and connect the input terminal of the processor 6 to the electrode assembly 4.

[0049] The data detected at metal electrode 41 and metal electrode 42 can be stably transmitted to processor 6 via lead 44.

[0050] The valve body 1 has a protruding shoulder 13 near the outlet connector 3, and one end of the electrode assembly 4 abuts against the shoulder 13.

[0051] The protective layer 43 has a protruding positioning part 431. The positioning part 431 is hollow and has a flexible filling material inside. The valve body 1 has a recessed positioning hole 12 on its inner side. The positioning part 431 matches the positioning hole 12 and is embedded in the positioning hole 12.

[0052] Since the positioning part 431 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, it has the characteristics of flexibility, durability and chemical inertness. Under the action of external force, the positioning part 431 can deform appropriately, so that the positioning part 431 can be stably and smoothly embedded in the positioning hole 12 of the valve body 1.

[0053] Meanwhile, the filler in the positioning part 431 is made of rubber. Since the filler is more flexible than the positioning part 431, the positioning part 431 can deform more stably under external force.

[0054] The shoulder 13 abuts against the end of the electrode assembly 4, and the positioning part 431 is embedded in the positioning hole 12. This structure enables both ends of the electrode assembly 4 to be stably positioned.

[0055] Since neither the shoulder 13 nor the positioning part 431 protrudes from the inside of the electrode assembly 4, they do not obstruct the smooth passage of refrigerant and can accurately detect refrigerant dryness information.

[0056] The positioning part 431 is hemispherical.

[0057] During assembly, the above structure enables the positioning part 431 to be smoothly inserted into the positioning hole 12.

[0058] This novel refrigerant dryness sensor features an electrode assembly in surface contact with the inner wall of the valve body, with the shoulder and electrode assembly on the same plane. The positioning components on the outside of the electrode assembly cooperate with the positioning holes inside the valve body, ensuring that the electrode assembly is not only securely installed within the valve body, but also that the electrode assembly and its corresponding connecting parts do not create an uneven structure within the valve body. This effectively avoids obstructing the flow of refrigerant, significantly improving the sensor's structural stability and data detection stability.

[0059] Meanwhile, since the electrode assembly maintains surface contact with the inner wall of the valve body, the connection stability between the electrode assembly and the valve body is further improved, which has high practical value.

[0060] The technical solutions of the present invention described above provide solutions that are significantly different from those of the prior art, addressing the problem that existing technical solutions are too simplistic. The parts not covered in this application are the same as or can be implemented using existing technologies, and will not be described in detail here.

[0061] The technical solutions in the above embodiments have clearly and completely described the content of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel refrigerant dryness sensor, comprising a valve body, an inlet connector, and an outlet connector, wherein the valve body is a long tube, and the inlet connector and outlet connector are respectively connected to both ends of the valve body, characterized in that, It also includes an electrode assembly, a plug, and a processor. The electrode assembly is in surface contact with the inner wall of the valve body. The valve body has a through connection hole on its side. The plug and the processor are both connected to the connection hole. The electrode assembly is connected to the input end of the processor, and the plug is connected to the output end of the processor.

2. The novel refrigerant dryness sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body has a recessed stepped seat at one end of the port. The inner end of the inlet connector is embedded in the stepped seat and the two are threaded together. A sealing ring is provided between the stepped seat and the inner end of the inlet connector.

3. The novel refrigerant dryness sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body has a recessed stepped seat at the other end of the port. The inner end of the outlet connector is embedded in the stepped seat and the two are threaded together. A sealing ring is provided between the stepped seat and the inner end of the outlet connector.

4. The novel refrigerant dryness sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a gasket that matches the connection hole, the lower port of which has a retaining edge protruding inward thereto, the gasket abutting against the retaining edge, and the processor being positioned between the gasket and the plug.

5. The novel refrigerant dryness sensor according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, characterized in that, The electrode assembly includes a first metal electrode and a second metal electrode with a semi-circular cross-section. The arc-shaped concave portion of the first metal electrode is directly opposite to the arc-shaped concave portion of the second metal electrode. It also includes a protective layer. The first metal electrode and the second metal electrode are connected through the protective layer, and the protective layer covers the outside of the first metal electrode and the outside of the second metal electrode. The protective layer is in contact with the inner surface of the valve body.

6. The novel refrigerant dryness sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protective layer is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

7. The novel refrigerant dryness sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adjacent ends of the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode are connected by a protective layer, and there is a gap between the other ends of the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode.

8. The novel refrigerant dryness sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the first and second metal electrodes have leads, which are threaded through a gasket and connect the processor's input terminal to the electrode assembly.

9. The novel refrigerant dryness sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body has a protruding shoulder near the outlet connector, and one end of the electrode assembly rests against the shoulder.

10. The novel refrigerant dryness sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective layer has a protruding positioning part, the positioning part is a cavity and has a flexible filler inside the positioning part, the valve body has a recessed positioning hole, the positioning part matches the positioning hole and is embedded in the positioning hole.

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