An electrically operated valve

Abstract

An electric valve, a valve seat and a valve body assembly are integrally structured or fixedly connected or limitingly connected; a valve core includes a matching surface, the matching surface faces the valve seat and is in sliding cooperation with the valve seat; and / or, the matching surface can abut against the valve seat; the electric valve includes an adjusting component, the adjusting component includes a connecting part and a limiting part; the connecting part is threadedly connected with the valve core, the valve body assembly or a driving assembly includes an abutting surface, in a direction perpendicular to the matching surface, the abutting surface is consistent with the direction of the matching surface; the electric valve includes an elastic member, in the direction perpendicular to the matching surface, one side of the elastic member directly or indirectly abuts against the limiting part, the other side of the elastic member directly or indirectly abuts against the abutting surface, the adjusting component can adjust the distance between the limiting part and the abutting surface, so as to adjust the compression degree of the elastic member, so as to adjust the force of the adjusting component on the valve core, and further adjust the pressure between the matching surface and the valve seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle thermal management technology, and more particularly to an electric valve. Background Technology

[0002] Electric valves can be used in thermal management systems to control the opening, closing, or reversing of fluid channels. In related technologies, electric valves include a seal and a valve core, with the seal abutting against the valve core. A certain pressure is required between the sealing surface and the valve core to achieve a seal; however, the required pressure between the seal and the valve core varies in systems with different fluid pressures. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of this application is to provide an electric valve capable of adjusting the pressure between the sealing surface and the valve core.

[0004] One technical solution of this application provides an electric valve, including a drive assembly, a valve body assembly, and a valve core. The electric valve includes a valve seat, which is integrally formed with the valve body assembly or fixedly connected or limitedly connected. The valve core includes a mating surface facing the valve seat and slidingly engaging with it; and / or, the mating surface can abut against the valve seat. The electric valve includes an adjusting component, which includes a connecting portion and a limiting portion. The connecting portion is threadedly connected to the valve core. The valve body assembly or the drive assembly includes an abutting surface, which, along a direction perpendicular to the mating surface, faces the same direction as the mating surface. The electric valve includes an elastic element, which, along a direction perpendicular to the mating surface, has one side directly or indirectly abutting against the limiting portion, and the other side directly or indirectly abutting against the abutting surface. The adjusting component can adjust the distance between the limiting portion and the abutting surface.

[0005] In the electric valve provided by the technical solution of this application, the connecting part is threadedly connected to the valve core, and the valve body assembly or drive assembly includes an abutment surface, and the orientation of the abutment surface is consistent with the orientation of the mating surface along a direction perpendicular to the mating surface; the electric valve includes an elastic element, and one side of the elastic element directly or indirectly abuts against the limiting part along a direction perpendicular to the mating surface, and the other side of the elastic element directly or indirectly abuts against the abutment surface; the adjusting component can adjust the distance between the limiting part and the abutment surface, thereby adjusting the degree of compression of the elastic element, thereby adjusting the force of the elastic element on the limiting part, and further adjusting the pressure between the mating surface and the valve seat. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electric valve of this application is shown;

[0007] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1The diagram shows the structure of the electric valve at one angle.

[0008] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows the exploded structure of the electric valve.

[0009] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electric valve shown.

[0010] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of a portion of the electric valve shown.

[0011] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the electric valve shown.

[0012] Figure 7 It shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the first housing of the electric valve shown.

[0013] Figure 8 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electric valve is shown;

[0014] Figure 9 It shows Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the regulating component of the electric valve shown.

[0015] Figure Labels

[0016] 1. Drive assembly; 11. Rotor housing; 12. Valve stem; 13. Coil assembly; 14. Rotor; 2. Valve body assembly; 21. First housing; 211. Abutment surface; 22. Second housing; 221. Receiving cavity; 222. First cavity; 223. Second cavity; 224. First opening; 225. Second opening; 226. Third opening; 227. Rotor cavity; 228. Internal threaded hole; 24. Valve cavity; 25. First interface; 26. Second interface; 27. Third interface; 28. Fourth interface; 29. 5. Interface; 3. Valve core; 31. Disc assembly; 311. Mating surface; 312. Back side; 32. Transmission part; 321. Groove; 33. Connecting part; 34. Internal threaded hole; 35. Cup part; 4. Valve seat; 41. First through hole; 42. Second through hole; 43. Third through hole; 44. Fourth through hole; 45. Fifth through hole; 5. Adjusting part; 51. Connecting part; 52. Limiting part; 9. Elastic element; 6. Cover assembly; 61. Cover component; 62. Retaining ring; 63. Seal; 7. Thrust bearing; 8. Bushing; Detailed Implementation

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

[0018] In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one component from another with the same name, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these components. It should be noted that "limiting connection" in this application includes snap-fit, hinge, etc., and "fixed connection" in this application includes threaded connection, welding, bonding, vulcanization fixing, riveting, insert injection molding, interference fit, etc.

[0019] Please refer to Figure 1 This embodiment discloses an electric valve 100, which can be applied to refrigerant circuits such as automotive air conditioning systems.

[0020] like Figures 1-4 As shown, an electric valve 100 includes a drive assembly 1, a valve body assembly 2, and a valve core 3. The valve body assembly 2 has a valve cavity 24, and at least a portion of the valve core 3 is located in the valve cavity 24. The electric valve 100 includes a valve seat 4, which is fixedly connected to or limited by the valve body assembly 2. The drive assembly is capable of driving the valve core 3 to rotate, and the valve core 3 is capable of rotating relative to the valve seat 4. The valve core 3 includes a mating surface 311, which faces the valve seat 4 and slides with it. In other embodiments, the valve seat 4 may be integrally formed with the valve body assembly 2. In some other embodiments, the valve core 3 may also be of the type that moves axially up and down during switching, and the mating surface 311 of the valve core 3 can abut against the valve seat 4 when the switching is completed.

[0021] Specifically, the valve body assembly 2 includes a first housing 21 and a second housing 22, which are fixedly connected by screws. At least a portion of the valve cavity 24 is located in the second housing 22, and the valve seat 4 is fixedly connected to or limited by the first housing 21. In other embodiments, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may also be an integral structure.

[0022] like Figures 4-7As shown, the electric valve 100 includes an adjusting component 5, which includes a connecting part 51 and a limiting part 52. The connecting part 51 is threadedly connected to the valve core 3. The valve body assembly 2 includes an abutment surface 211, and the orientation of the abutment surface 211 is the same as that of the mating surface 311 along a direction perpendicular to the mating surface 311. The electric valve 100 includes an elastic element 9, one side of which directly or indirectly abuts against the limiting part 52, and the other side of which directly or indirectly abuts against the abutment surface 211. The adjusting component 5 can adjust the distance between the limiting part 52 and the abutment surface 211, thereby adjusting the compression degree of the elastic element 9, thereby adjusting the force of the elastic element 9 on the valve core 3, and thus adjusting the pressure between the mating surface 311 and the valve seat 4. This solution can adapt to the pressure needs between the mating surface 311 and the valve seat 4 of more systems without changing the various parts of the electric valve 100, making it more versatile, especially when the pressure varies in different refrigeration systems. Figure 4 As shown, the axial direction of the valve core 3 is indicated by H in the figure. The valve core 3 can rotate about its rotation axis, and the axial direction of the valve core 3 is the same as the extension direction of its rotation axis. The elastic element 9 can compensate for the wear when the mating surface 311 of the valve core wears. Similarly, the adjusting component 5 can also be used to compensate for the wear. It should be noted that "indirect contact" in this application refers to the insertion of some intermediate components between the two, but the two can transmit pressure through these intermediate components. In this embodiment, "along the direction perpendicular to the mating surface 311" refers to the axial direction of the valve core 3.

[0023] like Figures 6-7 As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting part 51 includes an external threaded part, and the valve core 3 includes an internal threaded hole 34. The internal threaded hole 34 extends along the axial direction of the valve core 3, and the wall of the internal threaded hole 34 engages with the external threaded part. That is, by rotating the adjusting member 5, the distance between the limiting part 52 and the abutment surface 211 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the pressure between the mating surface 311 and the valve seat 4.

[0024] In another embodiment, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the connecting part 51 includes an internal threaded hole 34, which extends along the axial direction of the valve core 3. The valve core 3 includes an external threaded part, and the wall forming the internal threaded hole 34 engages with the external threaded part. By rotating the adjusting member 5, the distance between the limiting part 52 and the abutment surface 211 can be adjusted.

[0025] In some other embodiments, the connection portion 51 and the valve core 3 can be other adjustable structures that are easily conceived by those skilled in the art. For example, the connection portion 51 has multiple snaps arranged axially, and the connection portion 51 is snapped into the valve core 3; or, the connection portion 51 has multiple transverse holes arranged axially, and the connection portion 51 is connected to the valve core 3 by a pin.

[0026] like Figures 4-7As shown, the drive assembly 1 can drive the valve core 3 to rotate. The abutment surface 211 is located in the valve body assembly 2. The abutment surface 211 is away from the drive assembly 1 relative to the valve core 3. The limiting part 52 is away from the drive assembly 1 relative to the valve core 3. The abutment surface 211 is located between the mating surface 311 and the limiting part.

[0027] The electric valve 100 includes a thrust bearing 7. Along the axial direction of the valve core 3, at least a portion of the thrust bearing 7 is located between the elastic member 9 and the limiting member. One side of the thrust bearing 7 abuts against the elastic member 9, and the other side abuts against the limiting portion 52. By providing the thrust bearing 7, the torque transmitted from the valve core 3 to the adjusting member 5 can be reduced when the valve core 3 rotates, preventing the connecting portion 51 from rotating relative to the valve core 3. In another embodiment, along the axial direction of the valve core 3, at least a portion of the thrust bearing 7 is located between the elastic member 9 and the abutment surface 211. One side of the thrust bearing 7 abuts against the elastic member 9, and the other side abuts against the abutment surface 211, preventing the connecting portion 51 from rotating relative to the valve core 3. In other embodiments, the thrust bearing 7 can be replaced with a gasket with low frictional resistance.

[0028] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the elastic element 9 includes one or more wave springs, which can achieve a large pressure adjustment amount with a small adjustment amount of the limiting portion 52. In another embodiment, the elastic element 9 includes a helical spring. In yet another embodiment, the elastic element 9 is made of rubber.

[0029] like Figures 4-7 As shown, the valve body assembly 2 includes a receiving cavity 221, which is located away from the drive assembly 1 relative to the valve cavity 24. At least part of the adjusting member 5 and the elastic member 9 are located in the receiving cavity 221. One side of the receiving cavity 221 has a first opening 224 in the valve cavity 24, and the other side of the receiving cavity 221 has a second opening 225 at one end of the valve body assembly 2 away from the drive assembly 1. Since one side of the receiving cavity 221 has a second opening 225 on the outside of the drive assembly 1, it is convenient to insert the adjusting member 5 and the elastic member 9 into the receiving cavity 221 from the outside, and it is convenient to adjust the limiting part 52 from the outside of the valve body assembly 2 without opening the valve cavity 24.

[0030] The electric valve 100 includes a cap assembly 6, at least partially located in a receiving cavity 221. The cap assembly 6 is located away from the valve cavity 24 relative to the adjusting member 5. The outer peripheral side of the cap assembly 6 is sealed to the wall forming the receiving cavity 221, thereby fluidly separating the valve cavity 24 from the second opening 225. The cap assembly 6 is capable of sealing the receiving cavity 221, preventing fluid in the valve cavity 24 from leaking out of the receiving cavity 221 to the outside of the valve body assembly 2.

[0031] like Figures 4-7As shown, the valve core 3 includes a disc component 31 and a connecting component 33. The mating surface 311 is located on the disc component 31. The connecting component 33 has an internal threaded hole 34. The connecting component 33 is fixedly connected or limited to the radial center portion of the disc component 31, which facilitates the separate manufacturing of the connecting component 33 and the disc component 31 and facilitates the machining of the internal threaded hole 34.

[0032] Specifically, the valve core 3 includes a transmission part 32 and a disc component 31. The mating surface 311 is located on the disc component 31. The transmission part 32 protrudes from the disc component 31 toward the drive assembly 1. The transmission part 32 has a groove 321. A portion of the valve stem 12 included in the drive assembly 1 is located in the groove 321 and can drive the valve core 3 to rotate. A portion of the connecting part 33 extends from the mating surface 311 toward the receiving cavity 221. At least a portion of the connecting part 33 is located in the receiving cavity 221, so that the connecting part 33 does not occupy too much space in the valve cavity 24. The external thread of the connecting part 51 of the adjusting part 5 engages with the internal thread hole 34.

[0033] like Figures 6-7 As shown, the receiving cavity 221 includes a first cavity 222 and a second cavity 223. Along the axial direction of the valve core 3, the first cavity 222 is closer to the mating surface 311 than the second cavity 223. The radial dimension of the first cavity 222 is smaller than the radial dimension of the second cavity 223. An abutting surface 211 is formed between the first cavity 222 and the second cavity 223. The elastic member 9 and the limiting part 52 are located in the second cavity 223, and the elastic member 9 abuts against the abutting surface 211.

[0034] The electric valve 100 includes a bushing 8, at least a portion of which is located in a first cavity 222. At least a portion of the connecting member 33 is located within the bushing 8. The outer periphery of the connecting member 33 is in sliding engagement with the bushing 8, and the outer periphery of the bushing 8 is in clearance engagement or transition engagement with the wall forming the first cavity 222. The surface friction coefficient of the bushing 8 is less than that of the connecting member 33. By providing the bushing 8, the friction between the connecting member 33 and the valve body assembly 2 can be reduced, and the bushing 8 can radially limit the movement of the connecting member 33.

[0035] like Figures 8-9As shown, in another embodiment of the electric valve 100, the contact surface 211 may be located on the drive assembly 1, the adjusting component 5 is located in the valve cavity 24, and the limiting portion 52 is close to the drive assembly 1 relative to the mating surface 311. The adjusting component 5 being located in the valve cavity 24 eliminates the need for additional sealing structures such as a cap, as required in the previous embodiment. Specifically, the valve core 3 includes a transmission portion 32 and a disc component 31. The mating surface 311 is located on the disc component 31, and the transmission portion 32 protrudes from the disc component 31 towards the drive assembly 1. The transmission portion 32 has a groove 321, and a portion of the valve stem 12 included in the drive assembly 1 is located in the groove 321 and can drive the valve core 3 to rotate. The adjusting component 5 is generally annular, surrounding the outer periphery of the transmission portion 32. The outer periphery of the transmission portion 32 includes an external thread, and the connecting portion 51 is located on the inner periphery of the adjusting component 5 and engages with the external thread. This allows for more efficient use of the space within the valve cavity 24, resulting in a more compact electric valve structure and reduced size.

[0036] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in this application. Although this specification has described this application in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that those skilled in the art can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to this application, and all technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this application should be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electric valve, characterized in that, The electric valve includes a drive assembly (1), a valve body assembly (2), and a valve core (3). The electric valve includes a valve seat (4), which is integrally formed with the valve body assembly (2) or fixedly connected or limitedly connected. The valve core (3) includes a mating surface (311), which faces the valve seat (4) and slides with the valve seat (4). And / or, the mating surface (311) can abut against the valve seat (4). The electric valve includes an adjusting component (5), which includes a connecting part (51) and a limiting part (52); the connecting part (51) is threadedly connected to the valve core (3); the valve body assembly (2) or the drive assembly (1) includes an abutting surface (211) in a direction perpendicular to the mating surface (311), and the orientation of the abutting surface (211) is consistent with the orientation of the mating surface (311); the electric valve includes an elastic element (9) in a direction perpendicular to the mating surface (311), one side of the elastic element (9) directly or indirectly abuts against the limiting part (52), and the other side of the elastic element (9) directly or indirectly abuts against the abutting surface (211); the adjusting component (5) can adjust the distance between the limiting part (52) and the abutting surface (211).

2. The electric valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part (51) includes an external threaded part, and the valve core (3) includes an internal threaded hole (34), the internal threaded hole (34) extends axially along the valve core (3), and the wall of the internal threaded hole (34) engages with the external threaded part; or, the connecting part (51) includes an internal threaded hole (34), the internal threaded hole (34) extends axially along the valve core (3), the valve core (3) includes an external threaded part, and the wall of the internal threaded hole (34) engages with the external threaded part.

3. The electric valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve core (3) is rotatable relative to the valve seat (4), and the drive assembly (1) is able to drive the valve core (3) to rotate. The abutment surface (211) is located in the valve body assembly (2). The abutment surface (211) is away from the drive assembly (1) relative to the valve core (3). The limiting part (52) is away from the drive assembly (1) relative to the valve core (3). The abutment surface (211) is located between the mating surface (311) and the limiting member.

4. The electric valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electric valve includes a thrust bearing (7) along the axial direction of the valve core (3). At least a portion of the thrust bearing (7) is located between the elastic element (9) and the limiting element. One side of the thrust bearing (7) abuts against the elastic element (9), and the other side of the thrust bearing (7) abuts against the limiting portion (52); or, Along the axial direction of the valve core (3), at least a portion of the thrust bearing (7) is located between the elastic element (9) and the abutment surface (211), with one side of the thrust bearing (7) abutting the elastic element (9) and the other side of the thrust bearing (7) abutting the abutment surface (211).

5. The electric valve according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The valve body assembly (2) has a valve cavity (24), at least a portion of the valve core (3) is located in the valve cavity (24); the valve body assembly (2) includes a receiving cavity (221), at least a portion of the elastic element (9) is located in the receiving cavity (221), the receiving cavity (221) is located away from the drive assembly (1) relative to the valve cavity (24), one side of the receiving cavity (221) has a first opening (224) in the valve cavity (24), and the other side of the receiving cavity (221) has a first opening (224) in the valve cavity (24). The valve body assembly (2) has a second opening (225) at one end away from the drive assembly (1); the electric valve includes a cap assembly (6), at least a portion of which is located in the receiving cavity (221), the cap assembly (6) being located away from the valve cavity (24) relative to the adjusting member (5), the outer peripheral side of the cap assembly (6) being sealed to the wall forming the receiving cavity (221), such that the valve cavity (24) is fluidly separated from the second opening (225).

6. The electric valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The valve core (3) includes a disc component (31) and a connecting component (33). The mating surface (311) is located on the disc component (31). The connecting component (33) has an internal threaded hole (34). The connecting component (33) is fixedly connected or limited to the radial center portion of the disc component (31). A portion of the connecting component (33) extends from the mating surface (311) toward the receiving cavity (221). At least a portion of the connecting component (33) is located in the receiving cavity (221). The external thread of the connecting portion (51) of the adjusting component (5) engages with the internal threaded hole (34).

7. The electric valve according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The receiving cavity (221) includes a first cavity (222) and a second cavity (223). Along the axial direction of the valve core (3), the first cavity (222) is closer to the mating surface (311) than the second cavity (223). The radial dimension of the first cavity (222) is smaller than the radial dimension of the second cavity (223). An abutment surface (211) is formed between the first cavity (222) and the second cavity (223). The elastic member (9) and the limiting part (52) are located in the second cavity (223). The elastic member (9) abuts against the abutment surface (211).

8. The electric valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electric valve includes a bushing (8), at least a portion of which is located in the first cavity (222), and at least a portion of which is located inside the bushing (8). The outer periphery of the connecting member (33) is slidably engaged with the bushing (8), and the outer periphery of the bushing (8) is clearance-fitted or transition-fitted with the wall forming the first cavity (222).

9. The electric valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The valve body assembly (2) has a valve cavity (24), at least a portion of the valve core (3) is located in the valve cavity (24); the abutment surface (211) is located in the drive assembly (1), the adjusting member (5) is located in the valve cavity (24), and the limiting part (52) is close to the drive assembly (1) relative to the mating surface (311).

10. The electric valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The valve core (3) includes a transmission part (32) and a disc part (31). The mating surface (311) is located on the disc part (31). The transmission part (32) protrudes from the disc part (31) toward the drive assembly (1). The transmission part (32) has a groove (321). A portion of the valve stem (12) included in the drive assembly (1) is located in the groove (321) and can drive the valve core (3) to rotate. The adjusting part (5) is generally annular. The adjusting part (5) surrounds the outer periphery of the transmission part (32). The outer periphery of the transmission part (32) includes an external thread. The connecting part (51) is located on the inner periphery of the adjusting part (5) and engages with the external thread.

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