Electric valve

Abstract

The invention provides an electric valve which comprises a valve component and a sealing piece, the sealing piece comprises a main body part and a clamping part, the clamping part is located on the inner side of the main body part and extends in the axial direction of the valve component from the main body part, the valve component comprises a valve seat assembly, the valve seat assembly comprises a limiting part, and the clamping part can be matched with the limiting part. By means of the arrangement, the valve component and the sealing piece are assembled into a whole in advance, packaging and transportation are facilitated, meanwhile, the valve component and the sealing piece can be assembled as a whole, and the assembling time can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of thermal management technology, specifically to an electric valve for an automotive thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] In related refrigerant systems, a seal is installed between the valve component and the valve body of the electric valve to prevent the working medium from leaking to the outside of the electric valve. The seal uses a metal plate as the base and is coated with a sealing coating to better prevent refrigerant leakage. However, in related technologies, the valve component, valve body, and seal are all set up independently. During assembly, the seal needs to be placed on the valve body first, then the valve component is passed through the central hole of the seal, and finally the seal is pressed by the valve component and the valve body. This setup makes the assembly process relatively cumbersome, requires shipping in the form of loose parts, and is not convenient for the transportation of parts. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide an electric valve in which the valve components and the seal are pre-assembled into a whole, which facilitates the transportation of both and reduces transportation costs. At the same time, it is also easy to assemble the two as a whole with other components, saving assembly time.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0005] An electric valve includes a valve component and a seal. The seal includes a main body and a snap-fit ​​portion. The snap-fit ​​portion is located inside the main body and extends from the main body along the axial direction of the valve component. The valve component includes a valve seat assembly and a limiting portion. The snap-fit ​​portion can cooperate with the limiting portion to prevent the seal from disengaging from the valve seat assembly.

[0006] In one technical solution provided in this application, the electric valve includes a valve component and a seal. The seal includes a main body and a snap-fit ​​part. The snap-fit ​​part is located inside the main body and extends from the main body along the axial direction of the valve component. The valve component includes a valve seat assembly and a limiting part. The snap-fit ​​part can cooperate with the limiting part to prevent the seal from disengaging from the valve seat assembly. This arrangement allows the valve component and the seal to be pre-assembled into a whole, which is convenient for packaging and transportation. At the same time, the two can be assembled as a whole, which can also save assembly time. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the electric valve provided in this application;

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the electric valve along plane AA.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front view of the valve component of the electric valve shown.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the valve component shown.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the seal of the valve component shown.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the valve seat portion of the valve component shown;

[0013] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the valve component provided in this application;

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the seal of the valve component shown;

[0015] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the sealing element provided in this application;

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the seal shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0018] Electric valve 100 is widely used in automotive thermal management systems, such as vehicle air conditioning systems and vehicle battery cooling systems. Electric valve 100 generally functions as a throttling element or a switching element. Electric valve 100 includes a valve component 1, a coil assembly 4, and a valve body 3. The coil assembly 4 is located on the outer periphery of the valve component 1, and the two are sealed together. This prevents moisture or other impurities from entering the gap between the coil assembly 4 and the valve component 1, thus preventing corrosion or failure of the component. Electric valve 100 is electrically and / or signal-connected to the outside world through the coil assembly 4. The valve body 3 includes a valve body cavity 3a, with at least a portion of the valve component 1 located in the valve body cavity 3a. The valve component 1 and valve body 3 are fixedly or partially connected, with connection methods including threaded connections. In this embodiment, the valve body 3 is a separate valve block. Of course, in other embodiments, it can also be part of other components, such as a heat exchanger in a cooling system or part of a flow channel plate formed in an integrated assembly.

[0019] refer to Figures 1-6 In one embodiment of the electric valve 100 provided in this application, the coil assembly 4 includes a housing 41, a stator assembly 42, and a circuit board 43. The stator assembly 42 and the circuit board 43 are located in the inner cavity formed by the housing 41. The stator assembly 42 is located on the outer periphery of a portion of the valve component 1, and the stator assembly 42 is electrically connected to the circuit board 43. The valve component 1 includes a rotor assembly 11, a valve seat assembly 12, a valve core assembly 13, a rod component 14, and a sleeve 15. The valve seat assembly 12 is located on the outer periphery of a portion of the rod component 14 and on the outer periphery of a portion of the valve core assembly 13. The valve seat assembly 12 is fixedly connected to the sleeve 15, and the fixing method includes welding, etc. The sleeve 15 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the rotor assembly 11. The rotor assembly 11 is fixedly connected or limited to one end of the rod component 14, and the fixing method includes welding, snap-fit, etc. The other end of the rod component 14 is drivenly connected to the valve core assembly 13. Specifically, the other end of the rod component 14 is threadedly connected to the valve core assembly 13. The valve seat assembly 12 has a valve port 123. When the rotor assembly 11 rotates circumferentially under the magnetic field excitation of the stator assembly 42, the rotor assembly 11 drives the rod component 14 to rotate. The rod component 14 can drive the valve core assembly 13 to perform linear reciprocating motion along the axial direction of the electric valve 100. In this way, the valve core assembly 13 can adjust the opening of the valve port 123 by moving closer to or further away from the valve port 123, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant through the valve port 123. The valve seat assembly 12 includes an inlet channel 125 and an outlet channel 126, although the flow directions of the two can be opposite.

[0020] In this embodiment, the electric valve 100 further includes a sealing element 2. The sealing element 2 includes a main body 21 and a snap-fit ​​part 22. The snap-fit ​​part 22 is located inside the main body 21 and extends from the main body 21 along the axial direction of the valve component 1, including the case where the snap-fit ​​part 22 extends approximately along the axial direction of the valve component 1. The main body 21 and the snap-fit ​​part 22 are integrally formed, resulting in a simple structure and easy processing. The sealing element 2 is located between the valve seat assembly 12 and the valve body 3. The sealing element 2 can prevent refrigerant flow from leaking to the outside of the electric valve 100. The valve seat assembly 12 includes a limiting part 121. The snap-fit ​​part 22 can cooperate with the limiting part 121 to restrict the sealing element 2 from detaching from the valve seat assembly 12. This arrangement allows the valve component 1 and the sealing element 2 to be pre-assembled into a whole, facilitating packaging and transportation. At the same time, the two can be assembled with the valve body 3 as a whole, which can also save assembly time.

[0021] refer to Figures 3-6In this embodiment, the engaging portion 22 includes a first bent portion 221 and a second bent portion 222. The first bent portion 221 is bent inward relative to the radial direction of the valve component 1, and the second bent portion 222 is bent outward relative to the radial direction of the valve component 1. The limiting portion 121 has an engaging groove 121a, and at least a portion of the engaging portion 22 is located in the engaging groove 121a. The inner side surface or lower end surface of the second bent portion 222 abuts against the bottom wall forming the engaging groove 121a. This arrangement allows for... To prevent the seal 2 from detaching from the valve assembly 1, facilitating their transport and assembly as a whole, in this embodiment, the valve assembly 12 includes a first flange 127 located below the limiting portion 121. The first flange 127 protrudes outward along the limiting portion 121, and the bottom wall of the limiting portion 121 and the outer peripheral wall of the first flange 127 form a right angle structure. The second bent portion 222 abuts against the aforementioned right angle structure, thus facilitating the installation and removal of the seal 2. In other embodiments, the snap-fit ​​portion 22 can be further fixed to the valve seat assembly 12 by other means, such as welding, bonding, or snap-fitting with a third tool.

[0022] The number of latching parts 22 is at least two, and the latching parts 22 are distributed at intervals along the circumferential direction of the main body 21. Specifically, in this embodiment, the number of latching parts 22 is three, and the latching parts 22 are distributed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the main body 21. Here, equal interval distribution includes approximately equal interval setting. Specifically, the seal 2 includes an opening 23 located in the main body 21. Part of the valve component 1 can pass through the opening 23. Part of the first bend 221 first abuts against the first flange 127 and deforms radially. As the seal 2 moves upward, the deformation of the first bend 221 gradually increases until the first bend 221 is higher than the right-angle structure. The deformation of the first bend 221 gradually recovers until the snap-fit ​​part 22 abuts against the limiting part 121 in the radial direction, so that the seal 2 abuts against the right-angle structure. Specifically, the surface at the junction of the first bend 221 and the second bend 222 can be in contact with or interfere with the limiting part 121. In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​part 22 and the limiting part 121 are interfered with, which can ensure the coaxiality of the valve seat assembly 12 and the seal 2, further ensuring the coaxiality of the valve component 1 and the seal 2, which is beneficial to the uniform force at the sealing point of the seal 2 and improves the sealing effect.

[0023] Furthermore, the valve seat assembly 12 includes a flange portion 122, which is located above the limiting portion 121. The flange portion 122 protrudes radially outward from the limiting portion 121 along the valve component 1. The main body portion 21 is generally plate-shaped, and at least a portion of the upper end face of the main body portion 21 abuts against the lower end face of the flange portion 122. This ensures that the seal 2 is limited between the lower end face of the flange portion 122 and the lower end face of the limiting portion 121, thereby limiting the position of the seal 2 relative to the valve component 1 in the axial direction. This prevents the seal 2 from shaking or shifting relative to the valve component 1 in the axial direction. At the same time, the locking portion 22 and the limiting portion 121 are radially interference-fitted, which ensures the position of the seal 2 relative to the valve component 1 in the radial direction. This arrangement can improve assembly accuracy. Specifically, the main body 21 of the seal 2 includes a metal plate layer 211, a first sealing layer 212, and a second sealing layer 213. The first sealing layer 212 and the second sealing layer 213 are located on opposite sides of the metal plate layer 211. The metal plate layer 211 is made of metal material, such as stainless steel. The first sealing layer 212 and the second sealing layer 213 are made of rubber or plastic material. The materials of the first sealing layer 212 and the second sealing layer 213 can be the same or different, such as fluororubber (FKM) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). At least a portion of the first sealing layer 212 abuts against the lower end face of the flange portion 122. The first sealing layer 212 and the second sealing layer 213 can be fixed by coating, bonding, pressing, etc. The metal plate layer 211 serves as a support, and the first sealing layer 212 and the second sealing layer 213 are fixed to both sides of the metal plate layer 211. This arrangement can reduce the thickness of the non-metallic layer that plays a sealing role in the sealing element 2. The thickness of the non-metallic layer is thinner than that of a normal O-ring seal, which can narrow the permeation channel of the working medium, thereby effectively reducing the permeation of the working medium. In this embodiment, the material of the first sealing layer 212 and the second sealing layer 213 is fluororubber. In an air conditioning system where the working medium is CO2 refrigerant, it can further ensure the seal between the valve component 1 and the valve body 3, and effectively reduce the risk of external leakage of the electric valve 100 due to high-pressure leakage of CO2 refrigerant. It is understood that the snap-fit ​​part 22 can also have three layers: the metal plate layer 211, the first sealing layer 212, and the second sealing layer 213. In this case, at least part of the first sealing layer 212 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the limiting part 121.

[0024] refer to Figures 2-6The valve body 3 includes a stepped portion 31, and at least a portion of the main body 21 is pressed between the flange portion 122 and the stepped portion 31. The main body 21 includes a first plate portion 214, a second plate portion 215, and a third plate portion 216, which are connected in sequence. All three are annular plates. The snap-fit ​​portion 22 is bent relative to the first plate portion 214. The first plate portion 214 and the third plate portion 216 are arranged parallel to each other, and the second plate portion 215 is inclined relative to the first plate portion 214 and the third plate portion 216. In this embodiment, during the installation of the valve component 1 and the valve body 3, the first plate portion 214 abuts against the lower end face of the flange portion 122, and the third plate portion 216 abuts against the upper end face of the stepped portion 31. In other embodiments, the third plate portion 216 abuts against the lower end face of the flange portion 122, and the first plate portion 214 abuts against the upper end face of the stepped portion 31. Understandably, the main body 21 can also be formed by bending other numbers of plates.

[0025] In this embodiment, the seal 2 and valve component 1 are fixed together as a whole to the valve body 3. At this time, the first sealing layer 212 of the first plate portion 214 abuts against the lower end face of the flange portion 122, and the second sealing layer 213 of the third plate portion 216 abuts against the upper end face of the stepped portion 31. The outer periphery of the flange portion 122 is provided with external threads, and part of the wall forming the valve body cavity 3a is provided with internal threads. Part of the valve component 1 and the valve body 3 are fixed by screwing together. In other embodiments, the valve component 1 and the valve body 3 can be fixed by interference fit with other parts. The seal 2 expands under the force of the valve component 1 during the tightening process of the valve component 1. The free end of part 216 is pressed and tilts towards the side where the flange part 122 is located, and the radially inward end of the first plate part 214 is pressed and tilts towards the side where the step part 31 is located. The sealed element 2 after being pressed is similar to a wave shape. The first sealing layer 31 at least partially abuts against the flange part 122, and the second sealing layer 213 at least partially abuts against the step part 31. The sealing element 2 abuts against the valve seat assembly 12 and the valve body 3 at a line seal. Specifically, the sealing positions are the second sealing layer 213 on the lower end face where the third plate part 216 connects to the second plate part 215, and the first sealing layer 212 on the upper end face where the second plate part 215 connects to the first plate part 214. This arrangement, compared to the surface seal arrangement where the main body part 21 is completely a flat surface, can better resist the impact pressure of the working medium and achieve a more reliable sealing effect. In other embodiments, the second sealing layer 213 of the first plate portion 214 abuts against the upper end face of the step portion 31, and the first sealing layer 212 of the third plate portion 216 abuts against the lower end face of the flange portion 122. During the fixing process, the second plate portion 215 of the main body portion 21 gradually approaches the upper end face of the step portion 31, while the snap-fit ​​portion 22 moves upward along the axial direction of the valve component 1 by a corresponding distance.

[0026] Valve component 1 also has a balancing channel 16. Valve core assembly 13 includes valve core body 131. The balancing channel 16 is located in valve core body 131. The balancing channel 16 has an opening in the side peripheral wall of valve core body 131. The balancing channel 16 can balance the pressure on the upper and lower sides of valve core body 131. In this embodiment, valve seat assembly 12 includes valve seat portion 124. Flange portion 122, limiting portion 121, and first flange portion 127 are all located in valve seat portion 124. Valve seat portion 124 also includes first balancing hole 161. Through the cooperation of balancing channel 16 and first balancing hole 161, the pressure balance between the cavity formed by outlet channel 126 and the cavity formed by sleeve 15 can be achieved, which is beneficial to reduce valve opening resistance and thus reduce the driving force for valve component 1 operation.

[0027] refer to Figures 7-8 In the second embodiment provided in this application, the snap-fit ​​part 22 includes a snap-fit ​​part body 226 and a protrusion 227. The snap-fit ​​part body 226 and the main body 227 are arranged perpendicularly to each other. Here, "perpendicularly" includes being approximately perpendicular. The protrusion 227 protrudes inward from the snap-fit ​​part body 226 along the radial direction of the valve component 1. The cross-sectional shape of the snap-fit ​​groove 121a is adapted to the protrusion 227. In this embodiment, the shape of the snap-fit ​​groove 121a is approximately semi-circular, and the shape of the protrusion 227 is approximately semi-circular. The protrusion 227 can be integrally formed by stamping or other methods. The limiting part 121 is provided with a groove cut inward along the radial direction of the valve component 1. At least a portion of the protrusion 227 is located in the snap-fit ​​groove 121a, and the lower end face of at least a portion of the protrusion 227 abuts against the inner wall forming the snap-fit ​​groove 121a. The limiting part 121 restricts the axial position of the snap-fit ​​part 22. This arrangement can ensure that the seal 2 and the valve component 1 snap-fit ​​together, which is convenient for the two to be transported and assembled as a whole. Furthermore, at least a portion of the upper end face of the main body 21 abuts against the lower end face of the flange 122. Specifically, the first sealing layer 212 of the first plate 214 abuts against the lower end face of the flange 122, further restricting the position of the seal 2 relative to the valve component 1 in the axial direction. The seal 2 will not easily tilt or shift, thus further ensuring the accuracy of the position of the seal 2 when the valve component 1 and the valve body 3 are assembled. In other embodiments, the snap-fit ​​portion 22 may also include a groove portion, which is recessed outward from the snap-fit ​​portion main body 226 along the radial direction of the valve component 1. The limiting portion 121 has a rib, and the cross-sectional shape of the groove portion is adapted to the rib. At least a portion of the rib is located in the groove portion, which also ensures that the seal 2 will not easily tilt or shift relative to the valve component 1 in the radial and axial directions, facilitating the integrated transportation and assembly of the two.

[0028] refer to Figures 9-10In the third embodiment provided in this application, the snap-fit ​​portion 22 includes a third bend portion 223, a fourth bend portion 224, and a fifth bend portion 225. The third bend portion 223 is bent inward relative to the radial direction of the valve component 1. The fourth bend portion 224 extends along the axial direction of the valve component 1, and the bend of the fourth bend portion 224 is generally along the circumferential direction. The fifth bend portion 225 is bent outward along the radial direction of the valve component 1. The inner side or lower end face of the fifth bend portion 225 abuts against the bottom wall forming the snap-fit ​​groove 121a. This arrangement can prevent the seal 2 from disengaging from the valve component 1, facilitating the integrated transportation and assembly of the two components. At least a portion of the upper end face of the main body 21 abuts against the lower end face of the flange 122. Specifically, the first sealing layer 212 of the first plate 214 abuts against the lower end face of the flange 122, and the seal 2 is confined between the lower end face of the flange 122 and the lower end face of the limiting part 121, thereby restricting the position of the seal 2 relative to the valve component 1 in the axial direction. The limiting part 121 and the fourth bending part 224 have tangents in the axial direction, and the surface where this tangent is located abuts against the inner peripheral wall forming the engaging groove 121a. The abutting fit between the limiting part 121 and the fourth bending part 224 can be an interference fit, which ensures the coaxiality of the valve component 1 and the seal 2, and at the same time ensures the position of the seal 2 relative to the valve component 1 in the radial direction. This arrangement can improve the assembly accuracy. The fifth bending part 225 abuts against the above-mentioned right-angle structure, which can facilitate the installation and disassembly of the seal 2, and further ensure the installation reliability of the seal 2 and the valve component 1.

[0029] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the inventive concept, and these modifications all fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An electric valve, characterized in that, The electric valve includes a valve component (1) and a seal (2). The seal (2) includes a main body (21) and a snap-fit ​​part (22). The snap-fit ​​part (22) is located inside the main body (21) and extends from the main body (21) along the axial direction of the valve component (1). The valve component (1) includes a valve seat assembly (12). The valve seat assembly (12) includes a limiting part (121). The snap-fit ​​part (22) can cooperate with the limiting part (121) to restrict the seal (2) from disengaging from the valve seat assembly (12).

2. The electric valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The latching portion (22) includes a first bent portion (221) and a second bent portion (222). The first bent portion (221) is bent inward relative to the radial direction of the valve component (1), and the second bent portion (222) is bent outward relative to the radial direction of the valve component (1). The limiting portion (121) has a locking groove (121a). At least a portion of the latching portion (22) is located in the locking groove (121a). The inner side or lower end face of the second bent portion (222) can abut against the bottom wall forming the locking groove (121a).

3. The electric valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The latching part (22) includes a latching part body (226) and a protrusion (227). The latching part body (226) is arranged perpendicularly to the main body (21). The protrusion (227) protrudes inward from the latching part body (226) along the radial direction of the valve component (1). The limiting part (121) has a locking groove (121a). At least a portion of the latching part (22) is located in the locking groove (121a). The cross-sectional shape of the locking groove (121a) is adapted to the protrusion (227). At least a portion of the protrusion (227) is located in the locking groove (121a). The limiting part (121) restricts the axial position of the latching part (22). Alternatively, the snap-fit ​​portion (22) includes a snap-fit ​​portion body (226) and a groove portion. The snap-fit ​​portion body (226) is arranged perpendicularly to the main body portion (21). The groove portion is recessed outward from the snap-fit ​​portion body (226) along the radial direction of the valve component (1). The limiting portion (121) has a rib. The cross-sectional shape of the groove portion is adapted to the rib. At least part of the rib is located in the groove portion. The limiting portion (121) restricts the axial position of the snap-fit ​​portion (22).

4. The electric valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The latching portion (22) includes a third bend (223), a fourth bend (224), and a fifth bend (225). The third bend (223) is bent inward relative to the radial direction of the valve component (1). The fourth bend (224) extends along the axial direction of the valve component (1). The fifth bend (225) is bent outward along the radial direction of the valve component (1). The limiting portion (121) has a locking groove (121a). At least a portion of the latching portion (22) is located in the locking groove (121a). The inner side or lower end face of the fifth bend (225) can abut against the bottom wall forming the locking groove (121a).

5. The electric valve according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The valve seat assembly (12) includes a flange (122) located above the limiting portion (121), the main body (21) is plate-shaped, and at least a portion of the upper end face of the main body (21) abuts against the lower end face of the flange (122).

6. The electric valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of the latching parts (22) is at least two, and the latching parts (22) are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the main body (21). The latching parts (22) and the limiting part (121) are arranged to abut against each other in the radial direction.

7. The electric valve according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The main body (21) of the sealing element (2) includes a metal plate layer (211), a first sealing layer (212), and a second sealing layer (213). The first sealing layer (212) and the second sealing layer (213) are located on opposite sides of the metal plate layer (211). The first sealing layer (212) and the second sealing layer (213) are made of rubber or plastic material. At least a portion of the first sealing layer (212) abuts against the lower end face of the flange portion (122).

8. The electric valve according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The main body (21) includes a first plate (214), a second plate (215), and a third plate (216). The snap-fit ​​portion (22) is bent relative to the first plate (214). The first plate (214) and the third plate (216) are arranged parallel to each other. The first plate (214) or the third plate (216) abuts against the lower end face of the flange (122).

9. The electric valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The electric valve also includes a valve body (3) having a valve body cavity (3a), at least a portion of the valve component (1) being located in the valve body cavity (3a), the valve seat assembly (12) being fixedly connected to the valve body (3), the valve body (3) including a stepped portion (31), and at least a portion of the main body portion (21) being pressed between the flange portion (122) and the stepped portion (31).

10. The electric valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second sealing layer (213) of the first plate portion (214) abuts against the upper end face of the stepped portion (31), and the first sealing layer (212) of the third plate portion (216) abuts against the lower end face of the flange portion (122); or the first sealing layer (212) of the first plate portion (214) abuts against the lower end face of the flange portion (122), and the second sealing layer (213) of the third plate portion (216) abuts against the upper end face of the stepped portion (31).

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