Valve assembly

Abstract

A valve assembly comprises a valve block provided with an inlet, an outlet, a first cavity and a second cavity; the first valve element is movably arranged in the first cavity; the second valve element is arranged in the second cavity in a movable mode; the second valve element is provided with a second piston, the second piston divides the second cavity into a balance cavity and a circulation cavity communicated with the inlet, the valve block is further provided with a first balance flow channel and a first channel, and the first valve element at least has a first position for opening the first balance flow channel and a second position for opening the first channel. The balance cavity and the first cavity are in fluid communication through a first balance flow channel, so that the second piston is located at the open position, and fluid entering through the inlet flows to the outlet through the circulation cavity. When the first valve element is located at the second position, the circulation cavity and the first cavity are in fluid communication through the first channel, so that the second piston is located at the closed position, and fluid entering through the inlet flows to the outlet through the circulation cavity and the first cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a valve assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle's thermal management system is primarily used for heating or cooling target areas such as the passenger compartment, motor, and battery, and is a crucial component of the vehicle. Thermal management systems typically include various valve elements to implement different thermal management modes. Valve elements such as pilot valves and expansion valves are commonly used in thermal management systems.

[0003] Thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs) are widely used in vehicle thermal management systems due to their cost advantages. However, TXVs require pre-adjustment of their superheat to accommodate refrigerant flow regulation needs. With the diversification of vehicle thermal management requirements, the limited flow regulation range of TXVs restricts their applicability.

[0004] Generally, the compression of the spring in a thermostatic expansion valve can be adjusted using an actuator, thereby automatically regulating the superheat of the valve and increasing its flow regulation range. However, this method cannot allow fluid to pass through the valve element without throttling, meaning it cannot achieve a fully open function.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a valve assembly that can solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide a valve assembly that integrates two valves together, enabling fully open, throttling, and fully closed modes, and allowing the use of a single actuator to regulate both valves.

[0007] The above objectives are achieved through the valve assembly described below.

[0008] This disclosure provides a valve assembly, including: a valve block having an inlet, an outlet, a first cavity, a second cavity, and a first channel, wherein the second cavity is in communication with the inlet, and the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication through the first channel; a first valve core movably disposed within the first cavity; a second valve core movably disposed within the second cavity; and a first actuator for driving the first valve core to move, wherein when the first valve core is in a first position closing the first channel and the second valve core is in an open position, fluid entering through the inlet flows to the outlet via the second cavity.

[0009] The valve assembly according to this disclosure may also have one or more of the following features, individually or in combination.

[0010] In one embodiment, when the first valve core is in the second position with the first channel open and the second valve core is in the closed position, the second cavity and the first cavity are in fluid communication through the first channel, so that the fluid entering through the inlet flows to the outlet via the second cavity and the first cavity.

[0011] In one embodiment, the valve assembly is closed when the first valve core is in the third position and the second valve core is in the closed position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the valve assembly further includes a second actuator for driving the second valve spool to move.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second valve core has a second piston that divides the second cavity into a balance cavity and a flow cavity communicating with the inlet. The valve block also has a first balance flow channel. When the first valve core is in the first position, the balance cavity and the first cavity are in fluid communication through the first balance flow channel, so that the second piston is in the open position.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first valve core is a thermo-expansion valve core, and the second valve core is a pilot-operated shut-off valve core.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second piston is provided with a second balancing flow channel, and the balancing chamber and the flow chamber are in fluid communication through the second balancing flow channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the valve assembly further includes a first valve outlet passage in fluid communication with the outlet.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the first valve core is in the first position, the first valve outlet channel is in fluid communication with the balance chamber through the first balance flow channel; when the first valve core is in the second position, the first valve outlet channel is in fluid communication with the flow chamber through the first channel.

[0018] In one embodiment, when the first valve core is in the third position, the first actuator causes the first valve core to abut against the inlet of the first valve outlet channel.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first valve core includes a first piston having a hollow portion communicating with the first cavity and a through hole communicating with the hollow portion. When the first valve core is in the first position, the through hole is aligned with the first balance flow channel; when the first valve core is in the second position, the through hole is adjustablely aligned with the first channel.

[0020] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a valve assembly that integrates a pilot-operated shut-off valve and a thermostatic expansion valve, which can not only bypass the thermostatic expansion valve, but also adjust the superheat of the thermostatic expansion valve, and has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0021] The above objectives are achieved through the valve assembly described below.

[0022] This disclosure provides a valve assembly, including: a valve block having an inlet, an outlet, a first cavity, and a second cavity thereon; a first valve core movably disposed within the first cavity; and a second valve core movably disposed within the second cavity; wherein the second valve core has a second piston that divides the second cavity into a balancing cavity and a flow cavity communicating with the inlet; the valve block further has a first balancing flow channel and a first channel; the first valve core has at least a first position for opening the first balancing flow channel and a second position for opening the first channel; and wherein, when the first valve core is in the first position, the balancing cavity and the first cavity are in fluid communication through the first balancing flow channel, such that the second piston is in an open position, and fluid entering through the inlet flows to the outlet via the flow cavity; when the first valve core is in the second position, the flow cavity and the first cavity are in fluid communication through the first channel, such that the second piston is in a closed position, and fluid entering through the inlet flows to the outlet via the flow cavity and the first cavity.

[0023] The valve assembly according to this disclosure may also have one or more of the following features, individually or in combination.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first cavity has a first valve port in fluid communication with the outlet, and the first valve core includes: a first piston; a first elastic member having a first end disposed on the first piston and a second end opposite to the first end; and a valve ball assembly disposed on the second end of the first elastic member and movable between a valve port open position for opening the first valve port and a valve port closed position for closing the first valve port.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first piston is configured to move along a first direction between a first position, a second position, and a third position that closes the valve assembly, wherein when the first piston is in the first position and the second position, the valve ball assembly is in the valve port open position; and when the first piston is in the third position, the valve ball assembly is in the valve port closed position.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first piston has a hollow portion communicating with the first cavity and a through hole communicating with the hollow portion, wherein when the first piston is in the first position, the through hole is at least partially aligned with the first balance flow channel; and when the first piston is in the second position, the through hole is at least partially aligned with the first channel.

[0027] In one embodiment, the second cavity has a second valve port in fluid communication with the outlet fluid, wherein the second valve core further has a second elastic element disposed on the second piston and elastically biases the second piston to abut against the second valve port.

[0028] In one embodiment, the second piston is provided with a second balancing flow channel, which is in fluid communication with the balancing chamber and the flow chamber.

[0029] In one embodiment, when the first piston is in the first position, the pressure in the balance chamber is less than the pressure in the flow chamber, and the second piston moves against the elastic bias of the second elastic element to open the second valve port, so that the second valve core is in the open position.

[0030] In one embodiment, when the first piston is in the second position and the third position, the pressure in the balance chamber is equal to the pressure in the flow chamber, and the second piston abuts against the second valve port, so that the second valve core is in the closed position.

[0031] In one embodiment, when the first piston is in the second position, the through hole is adjustablely aligned with the first channel.

[0032] In one embodiment, the valve assembly further includes a temperature sensing device, which includes an adjusting rod disposed on the other side of the valve ball assembly relative to the first elastic element and movable in the first direction.

[0033] In one embodiment, the valve assembly further includes a first actuator for driving the first piston to move.

[0034] The valve assembly disclosed herein achieves fully open, throttling, and fully closed modes through the cooperation of the first and second valves with the valve block structure. The valve assembly has a simple structure and is easy to operate, and can be flexibly applied in the vehicle's thermal management system, and can assist in realizing various thermal management modes. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly described below. The drawings are merely illustrative of some embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of all embodiments of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 A highly schematic partial view of a thermal management system for a vehicle, including a valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein a first valve core is in a first position closing a first channel and a second valve core is in an open position;

[0039] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein a first valve core is in a second position with the first channel open and a second valve core is in a closed position;

[0040] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the valve assembly is closed;

[0041] Figure 6 A partial schematic diagram of a valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein a first cavity and a first valve core are shown; and

[0042] Figure 7 A partial schematic diagram of a valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, in which a second cavity and a second valve core are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an” or “a” and similar terms do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected” or “connected,” and similar terms are not limited to the physical or mechanical connection or connection shown in the drawings, but may include equivalent connections or connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, which may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0045] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 7 A detailed description of various embodiments of the valve assembly according to this disclosure is provided.

[0046] Figure 1 Partial connection relationships for a vehicle thermal management system are shown. This thermal management system may include a valve assembly and an evaporative condenser (EVA / CDS) 300 according to this disclosure. The valve assembly may include a first valve 100 and a second valve 200, the first valve 100 being, for example, a thermostatic expansion valve (such as...). Figure 1 (As shown in the dashed box), the second valve 200 is, for example, a pilot-operated shut-off valve. When the second valve 200 is open, the first valve 100 can be bypassed, thereby enabling the valve assembly to be in a fully open mode. Figure 1 The valve assembly of this disclosure is illustrated schematically at a medium height. It is a combination of a pilot-operated shut-off valve and a thermostatic expansion valve, which can not only bypass the thermostatic expansion valve to achieve a fully open mode, but also has throttling and fully closed modes. Of course, the aforementioned first valve 100 can also be other types of throttling valves.

[0047] Figure 2 An external schematic diagram of a valve assembly according to this disclosure is shown. Figures 3 to 5 Different modes are shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the valve assembly.

[0048] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the valve assembly includes a valve block 1, a first valve core 7, a second valve core 17, and a first actuator 11. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the valve block 1 has an inlet 2 and an outlet 22, which have, for example, cylindrical channels, and a fluid such as refrigerant can flow into the valve assembly via the inlet 2 and out via the outlet 22. Figure 3As shown, the valve block 1 also has a first cavity 24, a second cavity 15, and a first channel 13, which are formed within the valve block 1 and can be in the form of a cylindrical channel. The second cavity 15 communicates with the inlet 2, and the first cavity 24 and the second cavity 15 are fluidly connected through the first channel 13. The first valve core 7 is movably disposed within the first cavity 24, and the second valve core 17 is movably disposed within the second cavity 15. The first actuator 11 is used to drive the first valve core 7 to move, thereby allowing the first valve core 7 to move to different positions.

[0049] The embodiments of this disclosure achieve fully open, throttling, and fully closed modes of the valve assembly through the cooperation of the first valve core 7 and the second valve core 17. In the fully open mode, fluid can flow out of the valve assembly with almost no impact. In the throttling mode, fluid can flow out of the valve assembly at an adjustable flow rate. In the fully closed mode, no fluid flows out of the valve assembly.

[0050] For example, the first actuator 11 can be an electromagnetic, motor, shape memory alloy, or other actuator.

[0051] For example, valve block 1 has a second valve outlet passage 27, which enables fluid communication between the second cavity 15 and the outlet 22, and for example, is... Figures 3 to 5 The vertical channel shown. For example, the second valve port 14 of the second cavity 15 (as shown). Figure 7 (As shown) can be the inlet of the second valve outlet channel 27. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when the second valve core 17 is in the open position, the second valve port 14 is opened, and the second cavity 15 is in direct fluid communication with the outlet 22. Figure 4 and 5 As shown, when the second valve core 17 is in the closed position, the second valve port 14 is closed, and the second cavity 15 is no longer in fluid communication with the outlet 22. The movement direction of the second valve core 17 is the vertical direction shown in the figure.

[0052] For example, the first valve core 7 can be sealed in the first cavity 24 relative to one end by a first actuator 11 disposed thereon. For example, a first seal 33 is disposed between the first actuator 11 and the valve block 1, such as... Figure 6 As shown.

[0053] For example, the second valve core 17 can be sealed in the second cavity 15 relative to one end by a cap 18 disposed thereon. For example, a second seal 36 is provided between the cap 18 and the valve block 1, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0054] like Figure 3As shown, when the first valve core 7 is in the first position of closing the first channel 13 and the second valve core 17 is in the open position, the fluid entering through the inlet 2 flows to the outlet 22 via the second chamber 15. In this case, the fluid does not flow through the first chamber 24, but flows through the second chamber 15 and then to the outlet 22 via the second valve outlet channel 27, as shown. Figure 3 As indicated by the black arrow in the middle. In other words, the fluid does not flow through the first valve core 7, but only through the second valve core 17. Since the second valve core 17 does not have a throttling function, the valve assembly can be fully open. In this fully open mode, the fluid flowing out of the outlet 22 can flow to the evaporative condenser 300, and the evaporative condenser 300 is used as a condenser at this time.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, when the first valve core 7 is in the second position with the first channel 13 open and the second valve core 17 is in the closed position, the second cavity 15 and the first cavity 24 are in fluid communication through the first channel 13, allowing the fluid entering through the inlet 2 to flow through the second cavity 15 and the first cavity 24 to the outlet 22. In this case, the fluid flows through the second cavity 15, then through the first channel 13 to the first cavity 24, and then to the outlet 22, as shown. Figure 4 As indicated by the black arrow in the middle, for example, the first valve core 7, which is a thermostatic expansion valve core, can regulate the flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the first chamber 24, thereby enabling a throttling mode for the valve assembly. Of course, it is also possible to use other types of throttling valves for the first valve core 7. In this throttling mode, the fluid flowing out of the outlet 22 can flow to the evaporative condenser 300, and the evaporative condenser 300 then functions as an evaporator.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, when the first valve core 7 is in the third position and the second valve core 17 is in the closed position, the valve assembly is closed. In this case, both valves are closed, and fluids such as refrigerant cannot flow out of the valve assembly, thus achieving the fully closed mode of the valve assembly.

[0057] For example, the first valve core 7 can be along Figures 3 to 5 The valve core 7 can move from the first position to the second or third position in a first direction to the right, or it can move between the above positions in the opposite direction. The direction of movement of the first valve core 7 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the second valve core 17.

[0058] In some examples, the valve assembly may also include a second actuator for driving the second valve spool 17 to move to different positions, namely the open position and the closed position described above. For example, the second actuator may be provided at one end of the second valve spool 17, such as at the position of the cap 18 described above, for example, replacing the cap 18 described above. For example, the second actuator may have the same type as the first actuator.

[0059] In some examples, the first valve core 7 can be a thermostatic expansion valve core, and the second valve core 17 can be a pilot-operated shut-off valve core. In the case of the pilot-operated shut-off valve core, the movement of the second valve core 17 is achieved by pressure changes, which can be achieved through the configuration of the valve block structure. As described in detail below, this configuration can omit the second actuator mentioned above, using a single actuator to simultaneously regulate two valves, such as a thermostatic expansion valve and a shut-off valve, thus simplifying the design and reducing costs.

[0060] like Figures 3 to 5 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the second valve core 17 may have a second piston 16. The second piston 16 is disposed in the second cavity 15 and is movable therein, as... Figures 3 to 5 The movement is shown in the vertical direction. For example, a piston seal 35 is provided between the second piston 16 and the cavity wall of the second cavity 15. The second piston 16 divides the second cavity 15 into a balance cavity 37 and a flow cavity 38 communicating with the inlet 2. The pressure in the balance cavity 37 can be represented as P1, and the pressure in the flow cavity 38 can be represented as P2. In addition, a valve port seal 34 is provided on the surface of the second piston 16 facing the valve port 14. Figure 4 and 5 As shown, when the second valve core 17 or the second piston 16 is in the closed position, the valve port seal 34 ensures that the second valve port 14 is closed. The second piston 16 can be moved using the principle of a pilot-operated shut-off valve or by using an actuator.

[0061] When the second valve core 17 is a pilot-operated shut-off valve core, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, valve block 1 also has a first balancing flow channel 12, which is also disposed within valve block 1 and, for example, has the form of a cylindrical channel. This channel can be bent to adapt to the shape of the valve orifice and to avoid other structures of the valve assembly; of course, the channel can also be straight. The first balancing flow channel 12 is configured to allow fluid communication between the balancing chamber 37 and the first chamber 24. Considering the pressure drop in the first balancing flow channel 12, the pressure in the first chamber 24 is less than the pressure in the balancing chamber 37. The first balancing flow channel 12 is used for pressure balancing in different chambers. For example, the cross-sectional dimension of the first balancing flow channel 12 can be smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the first channel 13.

[0062] Furthermore, the second valve core 17 also has a second elastic element 19, such as a spring, which is disposed on the second piston 16 and elastically biases the second piston 16 to abut against the second valve port 14. For example, the second elastic element 19 applies a vertically downward elastic biasing force to the second piston 16. For example, the second elastic element 19 is disposed between the cap 18 and the second piston 16. Figures 3 to 5 As shown, one end of the second elastic element 19 (the lower end in the figure) is disposed in a groove on the second piston 16, and the other end (the upper end in the figure) is disposed in a groove on the cover 18. When the second valve core 17 is a pilot-operated shut-off valve core, the pressure difference between the balance chamber 37 and the flow chamber 38 can realize the movement of the second piston 16.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, when the first valve core 7 is in the first position described above, the balance chamber 37 and the first chamber 24 are fluidly connected through the first balance flow channel 12, so that the second piston 16 is in the open position described above. In this case, the pressure in the balance chamber 37 is greater than the pressure in the first chamber 24, and both are, for example, greater than the pressure P3 at the outlet 22. As fluid flows into the flow chamber 38 from the inlet 2, the pressure in the flow chamber 38 increases, resulting in P2>P1>P3. Due to this pressure difference P2>P1, the second piston 16 can overcome the elastic bias force applied by the second elastic element 19 and move towards the balance chamber 37 with lower pressure to move to the open position. This arrangement allows the second actuator described above to be omitted. That is, the valve assembly of this disclosure can use a single actuator to simultaneously regulate the thermostatic expansion valve and the pilot shut-off valve.

[0064] In the case of including a second actuator that drives the second valve core 17 to move, the aforementioned first balancing flow channel 12 can be omitted.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, a second balance flow channel 20 is provided on the second piston 16, and the balance chamber 37 and the flow chamber 38 are fluidly connected through the second balance flow channel 20. For example, the second balance flow channel 20 is a cylindrical through-channel on the second piston 16. For example, the second balance flow channel 20 can be integrally formed with the second piston 16. The second balance flow channel 20 cooperates with the first channel 13 to ensure that the second valve core 17 is in the closed position when the first valve core 7 is in the second position with the first channel 13 open and when the first valve core 7 is in the third position.

[0066] like Figure 4 and 5As shown, when the first valve core 7 is in the second position (opening the first channel 13) and when the first valve core 7 is in the third position, the first balance flow channel 12 is closed, and the balance chamber 37 is no longer fluidly connected to the first chamber 24. However, the balance chamber 37 and the flow chamber 38 are fluidly connected through the second balance flow channel 20, making the pressure in the balance chamber 37 and the flow chamber 38 the same and greater than the pressure P3 at the outlet 22, i.e., P2 = P1 > P3. In this case, the second elastic member 19 elastically biases the second piston 16 to the closed position (closing the second valve port 14), and the fluid entering from the inlet 2 can flow to the first chamber 24 through the first channel 13.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the valve assembly also includes a first valve outlet channel 26 in fluid communication with outlet 22. For example, the first valve outlet channel 26 is an internal channel in valve block 1 and is connected to outlet 22 through another outlet channel 21 in valve block 1. For example, the first valve outlet channel 26 extends horizontally, and the other outlet channel 21 extends vertically, so the extension directions of the two outlet channels can be approximately perpendicular to each other, thereby improving design flexibility. Of course, the first valve outlet channel 26 can also be directly connected to outlet 22.

[0068] See Figure 3 When the first valve core 7 is in the first position described above, the first valve outlet channel 26 is in fluid communication with the balance chamber 37 through the first balance flow channel 12. (See also...) Figure 4 When the first valve core 7 is in the second position described above, the first valve outlet channel 26 is in fluid communication with the flow chamber 38 through the first channel 13. For example... Figure 5 As shown, when the first valve core 7 is in the third position, the first actuator 11 causes the first valve core 7 to abut against the inlet 23 of the first valve outlet channel 26, thereby closing the first cavity 24. The specific structure of the first valve core 7 and how to achieve the above-mentioned closure will be described below. Furthermore, since the balance cavity 37 and the flow cavity 38 are fluidly connected through the second balance flow channel 20, the second valve core 17 is in the closed position. Therefore, the first and second valve cores are in the closed position, thus achieving a fully closed mode.

[0069] See you again Figure 6 The first valve core 7 includes a first piston 10, which has a hollow portion 29 communicating with a first cavity 24 and a through hole 25 communicating with the hollow portion 29. For example, the hollow portion 29 is a cylindrical hollow portion disposed in the second cavity 24 and movable in the second cavity under the action of the first actuator 11. For example, the through hole 25 is a single hole on the hollow portion 29 having approximately the same dimensions as the first channel 13, such as the same cross-sectional area.

[0070] like Figure 3As shown, when the first valve core 7 is in the first position, the through hole 25 is aligned with the first balance flow channel 12, so that the balance chamber 37 and the first chamber 24 can be fluidly connected.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, when the first valve core 7 is in the second position, the through hole 25 and the first channel 13 are calibrated to achieve fluid communication between the flow chamber 38 and the first cavity 24, thereby achieving fluid communication between the inlet 2 and the first cavity 24, thus enabling the valve assembly to achieve a throttling mode.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, at least one sleeve 39 is provided on the outer side of the hollow part 29, and a first additional seal 30, 31, 32 is provided between the sleeve and the valve block 1, and the hollow part 29 extends through the sleeve 39. Figure 6 The diagram shows three sleeves 39 configured to form circumferential channels that can communicate with the first channel 13 and the first balancing channel 12, so that fluid can flow through the through hole 25 and the corresponding circumferential channel to the first channel 13 or the first balancing channel 12.

[0073] The valve assembly of the above embodiments of this disclosure integrates two valves, enabling fully open, throttling, and fully closed modes, and allows for regulation of both valves using a single actuator. Furthermore, the entire valve assembly has a simple and compact structure, and its mode switching is simple and convenient, thus it can be flexibly applied in vehicle thermal management systems and can assist in implementing various thermal management modes.

[0074] In other embodiments of this disclosure, the valve assembly includes a valve block 1, a first valve core 7, a second valve core 17, a first balancing flow channel 12, and a first channel 13. The valve block 1 is provided with an inlet 2, an outlet 22, a first cavity 24, and a second cavity 15. The first valve core 7 is movably disposed within the first cavity 24. The second valve core 17 is movably disposed within the second cavity 15. The second valve core 17 has a second piston 16, which divides the second cavity 15 into a balancing cavity 37 and a flow cavity 38 communicating with the inlet 2. The first valve core 7 has at least a first position with the first balancing flow channel 12 open and a second position with the first channel 13 open. When the first valve core 7 is in the first position, the balancing cavity 37 and the first cavity 24 are in fluid communication through the first balancing flow channel 12, causing the second piston 16 to be in the open position. Fluid entering through the inlet 2 flows to the outlet 22 via the flow cavity 38; that is, fluid does not flow through the first valve core 7. When the first valve core 7 is in the second position, the flow chamber 38 and the first cavity 24 are fluidly connected through the first channel 13, causing the second piston 16 to be in the closed position. The fluid entering through the inlet 2 flows to the outlet 22 via the flow chamber 38 and the first cavity 24. As can be seen from the above, in this embodiment, the opening and closing of the second piston 16 of the second valve core 17 can be determined by the position of the first valve core 7, and the second valve core 17 can be a pilot-operated shut-off valve type.

[0075] Features in variations of some of the above embodiments are described below, some of which are similar to those described above with respect to the embodiments.

[0076] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the first cavity 24 has a first valve port 40 in fluid communication with the outlet 22. The first valve port 40 coincides, for example, with the inlet 23 of the first valve outlet passage 26 described above.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, the first valve core 7 includes a first piston 10, a first elastic element 9, and a valve ball assembly 28. The first piston 10 is movable within a first cavity 24. The first elastic element 9 has a first end 101 disposed on the first piston 10 and a second end 102 opposite to the first end 101, and may, for example, be in the form of a common spring. The valve ball assembly 28 is disposed on the second end 102 of the first elastic element 9 and is movable between a valve port open position (opening the first valve port 40) and a valve port closed position (closing the first valve port 40). For example, the valve ball assembly 28 is mounted on the second end 102 of the first elastic element 9 via a support 8. For example, the valve ball assembly 28 may be a valve ball. As described above with reference to some embodiments, the opening or closing of the first valve port 40 can be achieved by a first actuator 11 that drives the first piston 10 of the first valve core 7.

[0078] See Figures 3 to 5The first piston 10 is configured to move along a first direction between the first position described above, the second position described above, and a third position of the shut-off valve assembly. For example, the first direction is... Figures 3 to 5 The movement of the first piston 10 can be achieved by the first actuator 11, which can be an electromagnetic actuator, as described above with reference to some embodiments.

[0079] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, when the first piston 10 is in the first position and the second position, the valve ball assembly 28 is in the valve port open position. Figure 5 As shown, when the first piston 10 is in the third position, the valve ball assembly 28 is in the valve port closed position.

[0080] As described above with reference to some embodiments, the first piston 10 has a hollow portion 29 communicating with the first cavity 24 and a through hole 25 communicating with the hollow portion 29. Figure 3 As shown, when the first piston 10 is in the first position, the through hole 25 is at least partially aligned with the first balance flow channel 12. For example, the through hole 25 is completely aligned with the first balance flow channel 12. Figure 4 As shown, when the first piston 10 is in the second position, the through hole 25 and the first channel 13 are at least partially aligned. By adjusting the degree of alignment between the through hole 25 and the first channel 13, the fluid flow rate can be adjusted to a certain extent. Figure 5 As shown, when the first piston 10 is in the third position, although the through hole 25 is still at least partially aligned with the first channel 13, the valve assembly is still in the fully closed mode because the valve ball assembly 28 is in the valve port closed position.

[0081] Similar to the embodiments described above, in addition to the second piston 16 mentioned above, the second valve core 17 also has a second elastic member 19, which is disposed on the second piston 16 and elastically biases the second piston 16 to abut against the second valve port 14 of the second cavity 15, which is in fluid communication with the outlet 22.

[0082] Similar to the embodiments described above, the second piston 16 is provided with a second balance flow channel 20 that is in fluid communication with both the balance chamber 37 and the flow chamber 38.

[0083] When the first piston 10 is in the first position, due to the high-pressure fluid flowing into the flow chamber 38 from the inlet 2, the pressure in the balance chamber 37, which is fluidly connected to the first chamber 24 via the first balance flow channel 12, is less than the pressure in the flow chamber 38. Therefore, the second piston 16 moves against the elastic bias of the second elastic element 19 (e.g., moves upward) to open the second valve port 14, causing the second valve core 17 to be in the open position. In this way, the fluid flowing into the valve assembly from the inlet 2 will flow out from the outlet 22 through the valve assembly with minimal or no throttling, thus achieving a fully open mode. The fluid can then flow to the evaporative condenser 300, which at this time acts as a condenser.

[0084] When the first piston 10 is in the second position and the third position, due to the second balance flow channel 20 which is in fluid communication with both the balance chamber 37 and the flow chamber 38, the pressure in the balance chamber 37 is equal to the pressure in the flow chamber 38. Under the biasing action of the second elastic element 19, the second piston 16 abuts against the second valve port 14, so that the second valve core 17 is in the closed position.

[0085] Similar to the embodiments described above, when the first piston 10 is in the second position, the through hole 25 is adjustablely aligned with the first channel 13, as described below, for example.

[0086] In embodiments with a thermostatically expanding valve core, the valve assembly further includes a temperature sensing device 6, which includes an adjusting rod 4 disposed on the opposite side of the valve ball assembly 28 relative to the first elastic member 9 and movable in the first direction. As shown, the first elastic member 9 acts on the left side of the valve ball assembly 28, and the adjusting rod 4 acts on the right side of the valve ball assembly 28. For example, the adjusting rod 4 extends and is movable in the first direction. For example, a temperature-sensing seal 3 is provided between the adjusting rod 4 and the valve block 1. For example, the adjusting rod 4 extends through the first valve outlet channel 26 described above and abuts against the valve ball assembly 28 or the valve ball. The temperature sensing device 6 can adjust the fluid flow rate through the valve according to the temperature of the fluid flowing through the detection channel 5 on the valve block 1. Specifically, the volume of the temperature-sensing medium in the temperature-sensing device 6 is affected by the fluid temperature in the detection channel 5, causing it to expand or contract. This deformation of the sensing diaphragm in the temperature-sensing device 6 displaces the adjusting rod 4, thereby changing the position of the valve ball assembly 28 or the valve ball to adjust the opening degree of the first valve port 40, thus achieving flow regulation. For example, the detection channel 5 can be located at or connected to the outlet of the evaporative condenser 300. Therefore, the temperature-sensing device 6 can measure the temperature at the outlet of the evaporative condenser 300 and adjust the fluid flow rate entering the evaporative condenser 300 based on this temperature. The adjusting rod 4, together with the first actuator 11, determines the position of the valve ball assembly 28, realizing active flow regulation, controlling different superheats, and optimizing efficiency.

[0087] The valve assembly of the above embodiments of this disclosure integrates a pilot-operated shut-off valve and a thermostatic expansion valve, which can not only realize the bypass of the thermostatic expansion valve, but also adjust the superheat of the thermostatic expansion valve. Furthermore, the valve assembly has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0088] The technical features disclosed above are not limited to the combinations of the disclosed features with other features. Those skilled in the art can also make other combinations of the technical features according to the purpose of the invention, in order to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A valve assembly, comprising: The valve block (1) is provided with an inlet (2), an outlet (22), a first cavity (24), and a second cavity (15); The first valve core (7) is movably disposed within the first cavity (24); as well as The second valve core (17) is movably disposed within the second cavity (15); The second valve core (17) has a second piston (16), which divides the second cavity (15) into a balance cavity (37) and a flow cavity (38) communicating with the inlet (2). The valve block (1) also has a first balancing flow channel (12) and a first channel (13). The first valve core (7) has at least a first position for opening the first balance flow channel (12) and a second position for opening the first channel (13), and When the first valve core (7) is in the first position, the balance chamber (37) and the first chamber (24) are fluidly connected through the first balance flow channel (12), so that the second piston (16) is in the open position, and the fluid entering through the inlet (2) flows to the outlet (22) through the flow chamber (38); When the first valve core (7) is in the second position, the flow chamber (38) and the first cavity (24) are in fluid communication through the first channel (13), so that the second piston (16) is in the closed position, and the fluid entering through the inlet (2) flows to the outlet (22) through the flow chamber (38) and the first cavity (24).

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first cavity (24) has a first valve port (40) in fluid communication with the outlet (22), and The first valve core (7) includes: First piston (10); The first elastic member (9) has a first end (101) disposed on the first piston (10) and a second end (102) opposite to the first end (101); and The valve ball assembly (28) is disposed on the second end (102) of the first elastic member (9) and is movable between the valve port open position of opening the first valve port (40) and the valve port closed position of closing the first valve port (40).

3. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first piston (10) is configured to move along a first direction between the first position, the second position, and a third position that closes the valve assembly, wherein, When the first piston (10) is in the first position and the second position, the valve ball assembly (28) is in the valve port open position; When the first piston (10) is in the third position, the valve ball assembly (28) is in the valve port closed position.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The first piston (10) has a hollow portion (29) communicating with the first cavity (24) and a through hole (25) communicating with the hollow portion (29). When the first piston (10) is in the first position, the through hole (25) is at least partially aligned with the first balance flow channel (12); When the first piston (10) is in the second position, the through hole (25) is at least partially aligned with the first channel (13).

5. The valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The second cavity (15) has a second valve port (14) in fluid communication with the outlet (22). The second valve core (17) also has a second elastic element (19), which is disposed on the second piston (16) and elastically biases the second piston (16) to abut against the second valve port (14).

6. The valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second piston (16) is provided with a second balance flow channel (20), the second balance flow channel (20) being in fluid communication with the balance chamber (37) and the flow chamber (38).

7. The valve assembly according to claim 6, wherein, When the first piston (10) is in the first position, the pressure in the balance chamber (37) is less than the pressure in the flow chamber (38), and the second piston (16) moves against the elastic bias of the second elastic element (19) to open the second valve port (14), so that the second valve core (17) is in the open position.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein, When the first piston (10) is in the second position and the third position, the pressure in the balance chamber (37) is equal to the pressure in the flow chamber (38), and the second piston (16) abuts against the second valve port (14), so that the second valve core (17) is in the closed position.

9. The valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein, When the first piston (10) is in the second position, the through hole (25) is adjustablely aligned with the first channel (13).

10. The valve assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The valve assembly further includes a temperature sensing device (6), which includes an adjusting rod (4) disposed on the other side of the valve ball assembly (28) relative to the first elastic member (9) and is movable in the first direction.

11. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The valve assembly further includes a first actuator (11) for driving the first piston (10) to move.

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