An electrically operated valve

Abstract

This application provides an electric valve, which includes a valve seat assembly, a sleeve, a plastic part, and a connecting part. The connecting part is fixed to the plastic part, and the plastic part has a sleeve positioning part. The sleeve is sleeved around the outer periphery of the sleeve positioning part, and the sleeve positioning part abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve. The sleeve positioning part restricts the radial position of the sleeve, and the sleeve is fixedly connected to the connecting part. The plastic part also includes a valve seat positioning part, and the valve seat assembly is located around the outer periphery of the valve seat positioning part. The valve seat positioning part abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the valve seat assembly, and the valve seat positioning part restricts the radial position of the valve seat assembly. The valve seat assembly is fixedly connected to the connecting part. The sleeve is fixedly connected; with this configuration, the sleeve is fitted around the outer periphery of the sleeve positioning part, and the sleeve positioning part abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve. This ensures the coaxiality of the plastic part and the sleeve through the sleeve positioning part. At the same time, the valve seat assembly is located around the outer periphery of the valve seat positioning part, and the valve seat positioning part abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the valve seat assembly. This ensures the coaxiality of the plastic part and the valve seat assembly through the valve seat positioning part. This ensures the coaxiality of the sleeve and the valve seat assembly, thus guaranteeing the coaxiality of the electric valve and improving the structural reliability of the electric valve.

Description

[0001] (This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 202211203795.7, filed on September 29, 2022, entitled "An Electric Valve") Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of fluid control technology, specifically to an electric valve. Background Technology

[0003] The electric valve includes a nut assembly, a valve seat assembly, and a sleeve. The nut assembly has a connecting plate and is fixedly connected to the valve seat assembly through the connecting plate. The sleeve is fixedly connected to the valve seat assembly. This may make it impossible to guarantee the coaxiality of the sleeve and the nut assembly, and the coaxiality of the valve seat assembly and the nut assembly, resulting in poor overall coaxiality of the electric valve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an electric valve that helps ensure the coaxiality of the electric valve and improves the structural reliability of the electric valve.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An electric valve, characterized in that the electric valve includes a valve seat assembly, a sleeve, a plastic part, and a connecting part, wherein the connecting part is fixed to the plastic part, the plastic part has a sleeve positioning part, the sleeve is sleeved around the outer periphery of the sleeve positioning part, the sleeve positioning part abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve, the sleeve positioning part restricts the radial position of the sleeve, and the sleeve is fixedly connected to the connecting part; the plastic part further includes a valve seat positioning part, the valve seat assembly is located around the outer periphery of the valve seat positioning part, the valve seat positioning part abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the valve seat assembly, the valve seat positioning part restricts the radial position of the valve seat assembly, and the valve seat assembly is fixedly connected to the connecting part.

[0007] In one embodiment provided in this application, the electric valve includes a valve seat assembly, a sleeve, a plastic part, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is fixed to the plastic part. The plastic part has a sleeve positioning portion. The sleeve is sleeved around the outer periphery of the sleeve positioning portion, and the sleeve positioning portion abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve. The sleeve positioning portion restricts the radial position of the sleeve, and the sleeve is fixedly connected to the connecting portion. The plastic part also includes a valve seat positioning portion. The valve seat assembly is located around the outer periphery of the valve seat positioning portion, and the valve seat positioning portion abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the valve seat assembly. The valve seat positioning portion restricts the radial position of the valve seat assembly, and the valve seat assembly is fixedly connected to the connecting portion. The connecting part is fixedly connected; with this configuration, the sleeve is sleeved around the outer periphery of the sleeve positioning part, and the sleeve positioning part abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve. This ensures the coaxiality of the plastic part and the sleeve through the sleeve positioning part. At the same time, the valve seat assembly is located around the outer periphery of the valve seat positioning part, and the valve seat positioning part abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the valve seat assembly. This ensures the coaxiality of the plastic part and the valve seat assembly through the valve seat positioning part. This ensures the coaxiality of the sleeve and the valve seat assembly, thus guaranteeing the coaxiality of the electric valve and improving the structural reliability of the electric valve. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the electric valve provided in this application;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electric valve along plane AA.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the central valve component from one perspective;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A front view of the central valve component;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the central valve component along the BB plane;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram of section A in the middle;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the crimped portion of the valve seat assembly after riveting.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the middle valve seat assembly before riveting.

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the first valve seat section before riveting;

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the second valve seat from one perspective;

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 A front view structural diagram of the middle nut assembly;

[0019] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the middle nut assembly along the CC plane;

[0020] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the connecting part from one perspective;

[0021] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A top view of the central connecting section;

[0022] Figure 15 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the electric valve provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the electric valve along the DD plane;

[0024] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 Enlarged structural diagram of section B in the middle;

[0025] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the central valve component from one perspective;

[0026] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the nut assembly from one perspective;

[0027] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the connecting part from one perspective;

[0028] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A top view of the central connecting section;

[0029] Figure 22 yes Figure 16 An enlarged structural diagram of another implementation of part B;

[0030] Figure 23This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the electric valve provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Enlarged structural diagram of section C;

[0032] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 A cross-sectional view of the middle sleeve from one perspective;

[0033] Figure 26 yes Figure 23 An enlarged structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the electric valve in section C;

[0034] Figure 27 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the fifth embodiment of the electric valve provided in this application;

[0035] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A cross-sectional view of the electric valve along the EE plane.

[0036] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 A front view of the central valve component;

[0037] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A cross-sectional view of the central valve component along the FF plane;

[0038] Figure 31 yes Figure 28 A cross-sectional view of the nut assembly from one perspective;

[0039] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the connecting part from one perspective;

[0040] Figure 33 yes Figure 32 A top view of the central connecting section;

[0041] Figure 34 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the sixth embodiment of the electric valve provided in this application;

[0042] Figure 35 yes Figure 34 A schematic cross-sectional view of the electric valve along the GG plane;

[0043] Figure 36 yes Figure 34 A cross-sectional view of the electric valve along the HH plane;

[0044] Figure 37 yes Figure 34A schematic diagram of the combined structure of the central valve component and connecting assembly;

[0045] Figure 38 yes Figure 34 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the central valve component from one perspective;

[0046] Figure 39 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the seventh embodiment of the electric valve provided in this application;

[0047] Figure 40 yes Figure 39 A cross-sectional view of the electric valve along plane II;

[0048] Figure 41 yes Figure 40 A cross-sectional view of the central valve component from one perspective;

[0049] Figure 42 yes Figure 41 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the middle nut assembly;

[0050] Figure 43 yes Figure 41 A front view schematic diagram of the middle nut assembly;

[0051] Figure 44 yes Figure 43 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the connecting part from one perspective;

[0052] Figure 45 yes Figure 43 A top view of the central connecting section;

[0053] Figure 46 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a valve component from one perspective of another variation of the sixth embodiment of the electric valve. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0055] Combination Figures 1-14 This illustration shows a first embodiment of an electric valve. In this application, the electric valve 100 includes an electronic expansion valve, which can be applied to refrigerant systems such as commercial or vehicle thermal management systems or other systems that require thermal management, such as battery thermal management, thermal management of electrical components, etc.

[0056] Combination Figures 1-2The electric valve 100 includes a valve body 11, a valve component 12, and a coil assembly 13. In this embodiment, the valve component 12 is fixedly connected to the valve body 11, and the coil assembly 13 is fixedly connected to the valve body 11. The valve body 11 has a valve body cavity 115, and at least a portion of the valve component 12 is located in the valve body cavity 115. Of course, in other embodiments, the coil assembly 13 can be fixedly connected to the valve component 12, and the two are assembled before being fixedly connected to the valve body 11. In this embodiment, the valve body 11 is a separate valve block. In other embodiments, the valve body 11 can also be part of a system, such as part of a heat exchanger or a flow channel plate. The coil assembly 13 includes a stator assembly 131 and an injection-molded body 132. The injection-molded body 132 covers at least a portion of the stator assembly 131 through injection molding. The coil assembly 13 has a cavity 133, and at least a portion of the valve component 12 is located in the cavity 133. Valve component 12 includes valve seat assembly 4, nut assembly 5, sleeve 6, rotor assembly 121, and valve core assembly 122. At least part of sleeve 6 is located in cavity 133. Stator assembly 131 is located outside sleeve 6, and rotor assembly 121 is located inside sleeve 6. Valve core assembly 122 is connected to rotor assembly 121. When a predetermined current is applied to stator assembly 131, an excitation magnetic field is generated, which drives rotor assembly 121 to rotate. Rotor assembly 121 drives valve core assembly 122 to rotate. Valve core assembly 122 is threadedly engaged with nut assembly 5, converting the rotation of rotor assembly 121 into axial movement of valve core assembly 122 relative to valve seat assembly 4. In this embodiment, the valve core assembly 122 includes a lead screw portion 1221 and a valve core portion 1222. The lead screw portion 1221 and the valve core portion 1222 are separate structures but connected. The connection method includes a fixed connection, a limiting connection, or a transmission connection. The lead screw portion 1221 is formed with an external thread 81, and the nut assembly 5 is formed with a mating internal thread 82. The lead screw portion 1221 and the nut assembly 5 are threadedly engaged, converting the rotation of the rotor assembly 121 into the axial movement of the lead screw portion 1221 relative to the nut assembly 5. Of course, in other embodiments, the lead screw portion 1221 and the valve core portion 1222 can also be an integral structure or integrally formed. The valve seat assembly 4 has a valve port portion 44, and the valve port portion 44 has a valve port 441. The valve core assembly 122 can move axially relative to the valve port 441. The valve core portion 1222 of the valve core assembly 122 cooperates with the valve port 441 to adjust the flow area of ​​the valve port 441 or adjust the opening of the valve port 441, thereby realizing the regulation of the refrigerant flow rate. For ease of description, "up" and "down" are defined as those in the instruction manual. Figure 1 The top and bottom directions in the attached diagrams indicate relative positions only and do not represent the actual state of the product during use. For example, the attached diagram... Figure 1 In this context, the coil assembly 13 is located above the valve body 11. This does not mean that the coil assembly 13 must be above the valve body 11 in actual use, because the electric valve may be installed horizontally or at an angle. If it is installed horizontally, the coil assembly will be on the left or right side of the valve body. Such situations or similar situations are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0057] Combination Figures 2-6 , Figures 10-13 In this embodiment, the nut assembly 5 includes a plastic part 51 and a connecting part 52. The connecting part 52 is fixed to the plastic part 51. The fixing method includes injection molding, interference fit, or adhesive bonding, or interference fit and adhesive bonding. In this embodiment, the connecting part 52 is used as an injection-molded insert to form the nut assembly 5. The plastic part 51 covers part of the connecting part 52, such as the inner part of the connecting part 52. In this embodiment, the connecting part 52 is made of metal, and the sleeve 6 is made of metal, such as stainless steel. The plastic part 51 can be a special engineering plastic or composite material with a certain strength, such as mechanically reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or mechanically reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or modified polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In this embodiment, the plastic part 51 is an integral structure, integrally injection molded. In other ways, the plastic part 51 can also be a separately formed structure, formed by fixed connection or limiting connection. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 52 has a fixing reinforcement 523 at the connection point with the plastic part 51. The fixing reinforcement 523 is located on the inner side of the connecting portion 52 and is at least partially covered by the plastic part 51. For example, the inner circumference of the connecting portion 52 has a non-circular structure. For instance, the inner shape of the inner sidewall cross-section can be square, hexagonal, or an irregular circle or plum blossom shape with partially straight edges. This arrangement can improve the connection strength between the connecting portion 52 and the plastic part 51. The circular structure of the sidewall of the connecting portion 52 can prevent the connecting portion 52 from rotating relative to the plastic part 51 in the circumferential direction. In other embodiments, the inner circumference of the connecting portion 52 can be machined with a groove structure, a protrusion structure, or a knurled structure to achieve a similar function. It can also be machined with a through hole, groove, protrusion, or other structures in the axial direction, or a combination of the aforementioned structures.

[0058] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 5 In this embodiment, the sleeve 6 is fixedly connected to the connecting part 52. Specifically, in this embodiment, the sleeve 6 includes an opening 61, a sleeve body 62, and a sleeve top 63. The opening 61 is close to the connecting part 52 relative to the sleeve top 63. The sleeve 6 has an opening at the opening 61, and the sleeve top 63 closes the upper end of the sleeve 6. The connecting part 52 is made of stainless steel, and the sleeve 6 is made of stainless steel. The opening 61 of the sleeve 6 and the connecting part 52 are fixed by welding. The welding method includes laser welding, brazing, etc. In this embodiment, the opening 61 of the sleeve 6 and the connecting part 52 are fixed by laser welding.

[0059] Combination Figures 2-9The valve seat assembly 4 includes a first valve seat portion 41, which includes a crimping portion 411 and a support portion 412. The lower end of the connecting portion 52 abuts against the support portion 412, thereby limiting the connecting portion 52 relative to the lowermost position of the connecting portion 52 relative to the first valve seat portion 41. The abutment between the lower end of the connecting portion 52 and the support portion 412 can be direct or indirect. After the riveting portion is riveted, at least a portion of the crimping portion 411 extends toward the central axis of the nut assembly 5, and at least a portion of the crimping portion 411 abuts against the connecting portion 52. At least a portion of the crimping portion 411 is located above the connecting portion 52, and the crimping portion 411 limits the connecting portion 52, restricting the connecting portion 52 from moving away from the valve seat assembly 4 along the electric valve axis. The connecting portion 52 is fixed to the first valve seat portion 41 by the crimping portion 411. This configuration simplifies the connection between the nut assembly 5 and the valve seat assembly 4. Compared to welding the nut assembly 5 and the valve seat assembly 4, it reduces one welding step and lowers production costs.

[0060] Combination Figures 2-9 In this embodiment, the valve seat assembly 4 further includes a second valve seat portion 42, and the first valve seat portion 41 is fixedly or limitedly connected to the second valve seat portion 42. The first valve seat portion 41 is made of aluminum. Using aluminum can reduce the weight of the valve seat assembly 4, thereby reducing the overall weight of the electric valve. It also facilitates the riveting and bending of the crimping portion 411, reducing the difficulty of riveting. In this embodiment, the crimping portion 411 is located at the upper end of the first valve seat portion 41. The crimping portion 411 includes a base portion 4111 and an end portion 4112. The end portion 4112 is located above the base portion 4111. The end portion 4112 is bent toward the central axis of the nut assembly 5 by riveting, and at least a portion of the end portion 4112 is located above the connecting portion 52. Before riveting, the crimping portion 411 is pre-formed by machining or other means. Before riveting, the end portion 4112 is approximately coaxial with the base portion 4111. After riveting, the end portion 4112 is bent toward the central axis of the nut assembly 5. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 52 includes an outer edge 525 located on the outer periphery of the connecting portion 52. The end portion 4112 abuts against the outer edge 525, or the end portion 4112 abuts against the upper surface near the outer edge 525, or both of the above. This method restricts the connecting portion 52 from detaching from the valve seat assembly 4 in the axial direction. At this time, the outer edge of the connecting portion 52 is in clearance fit, abutment fit, or interference fit with the base portion 4111, and the base portion 4111 can restrict the radial position of the connecting portion 52.

[0061] In other embodiments, the base portion 4111 may abut against the outer edge 525 of the connecting portion 52 to limit the axial position of the connecting portion 52. In yet another embodiment, the crimping portion 411 further includes a transition portion 4113, which is located between the base portion 4111 and the end portion 4112. The transition portion 4113 abuts against the outer edge 525 of the connecting portion 52 to limit the axial or radial position of the connecting portion 52. Alternatively, the radial position of the connecting portion 52 may be limited by the end portion 4112 or the transition portion of the end portion 4112 and the base portion 4111 abutting against the outer edge of the connecting portion 52.

[0062] In other embodiments, the crimping portion 411 can also be formed by extrusion. Using a tooling, the first valve seat portion 41 is extruded to form the crimping portion 411, and the connecting portion 52 is fixed to the first valve seat portion 41 by the crimping portion 411.

[0063] Combination Figures 2-12 In this embodiment, the plastic part 51 of the nut assembly 5 includes a main body 511 and a nut part 512. The outer diameter of the main body 511 is generally larger than the outer diameter of the nut part 512. The main body 511 is disposed relatively close to the valve seat assembly 4. The connecting part 52 is connected to the main body 511 by injection molding. The nut part 512 has a first through hole 5121 and an internal thread 82. The internal thread 82 is located on the wall forming the first through hole 5121. The lead screw part 1221 passes through the first through hole 5121. The portion of the lead screw part 1221 that extends out of the first through hole 5121 is connected to the rotor assembly 121. The connection method includes welding. The outer peripheral wall of the lead screw part 1221 has an external thread 81 that mates with the internal thread 82. The lead screw part 1221 and the nut part 512 are threadedly engaged. In this embodiment, the nut portion 512 has a guide section 5112 located below the internal thread 82, and the lead screw portion 1221 has a portion that mates with the guide section 5112, which provides guidance for the lead screw portion 1221. In other embodiments, the guide section may also be provided on the upper side of the internal thread 82.

[0064] Combination Figures 2-10In this embodiment, the valve seat assembly 4 further includes a second valve seat portion 42, which is generally hollow cylindrical. At least a portion of the valve core assembly 122 is located within the inner cavity of the second valve seat portion 42. The second valve seat portion 42 has a valve port portion 44, which has a valve port 441. The valve core assembly 122 is axially movable relative to the valve port 441. The valve core portion 1222 of the valve core assembly 122 cooperates with the valve port 441 to adjust the flow area of ​​the valve port 441, thereby enabling the refrigerant flow rate regulation. The second valve seat portion 42 also has a side hole 45, which is located between the valve port portion 44 and the first valve seat portion 41. The first valve seat portion 41 has a mounting hole 413, and at least a portion of the second valve seat portion 42 is located in the mounting hole 413. In this embodiment, the second valve seat portion 42 penetrates the first valve seat portion 41, and the first valve seat portion 41 and the second valve seat portion 42 are connected. The connection method includes a fixed connection and a limiting connection.

[0065] In this embodiment, the valve body 11 includes a first flow channel 111, a second flow channel 112, a first cavity 113, and a second cavity 114. The first flow channel 111 communicates with the first cavity 113, the second flow channel 112 communicates with the second cavity 114, and the first cavity 113 and the second cavity 114 can communicate through the valve port 441. In this embodiment, the cavity of the second valve seat portion 42 communicates with the first cavity 113 through the side hole 45.

[0066] Combination Figures 2-10 In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall of the second valve seat portion 42 is interference-fitted with the inner peripheral wall forming the mounting hole 413. The first valve seat portion 41 has a stepped portion 414 located in the mounting hole 413. The second valve seat portion 42 has a flange portion 421, the lower end face of which abuts against the bottom surface of the stepped portion 414, restricting the lowest position of the second valve seat portion 42 relative to the first valve seat portion 41. The first valve seat portion 41 includes a limiting structure 415, which abuts against the flange portion 421. At least part of the limiting structure 415... Located above the flange 421, the limiting structure 415 restricts the first valve seat 41 from disengaging away from the second valve seat 42. In this embodiment, the limiting structure 415 is formed by extrusion. Using a tooling, the second valve seat 42 is extruded to form the limiting structure 415. The limiting structure 415 extends towards the central axis of the electric valve, and the second valve seat 42 is fixed to the first valve seat 41 by the limiting structure 415. This arrangement facilitates the connection between the first valve seat 41 and the second valve seat 42, eliminating the need for welding. In other embodiments, the limiting structure 415 can also be pre-formed, and after riveting, part of the limiting structure 415 extends towards the central axis of the electric valve. In yet another embodiment, the first valve seat 41 and the second valve seat 42 can be fixed only by interference fit, or by interference fit combined with adhesive bonding, or by welding or threaded connection.

[0067] Combination Figure 5 , Figure 12 In this embodiment, the main body 511 of the nut assembly 5 has a guide portion 5111 that cooperates with the second valve seat portion 42. The second valve seat portion 42 is generally hollow cylindrical. The outer periphery of the second valve seat portion 42 abuts or is clearance-fitted with the main body 511. This arrangement is beneficial to improving the coaxiality of the second valve seat portion 42 and the valve core assembly 122.

[0068] Combination Figures 2-8 In this embodiment, the first valve seat portion 41 has a balance hole 14, which penetrates the first valve seat portion 41 along the axial direction of the electric valve. The number of balance holes 14 can be set as needed; in this embodiment, there are two balance holes 14. Providing balance holes 14 helps to balance the pressure in the corresponding chambers at both ends of the balance hole 14, reducing the valve opening force. In this embodiment, the first valve seat portion 41 is made of aluminum, which, compared to using materials such as stainless steel, helps to reduce the machining difficulty of the balance holes 14.

[0069] Combination Figures 2-9 In this embodiment, the valve body 11 of the electric valve has a valve body cavity 115, at least a portion of the valve seat assembly 4 is located in the valve body cavity 115, the first cavity 113 is a part of the valve body cavity 115, the first valve seat portion 41 has an external thread portion 83, the inner peripheral wall forming the valve body cavity 115 has an internal thread portion 84 that mates with the external thread portion 83, and the valve seat assembly 4 is fixed to the valve body 11 by thread engagement.

[0070] Combination Figures 2-9 In this embodiment, the first valve seat portion 41 includes a first portion 416 and a second portion 417. The first portion 416 is located above the second portion 417 and is relatively close to the coil assembly 13. The first portion 416 includes the aforementioned support portion 412 and crimping portion 411. The second portion 417 has the aforementioned external thread portion 83, which is disposed on the outer periphery of the second portion 417. The first portion 416 also has a mating edge 4161, which is located on the outer periphery of the first portion 416. The mating edge 4161 is used as the force point for the engagement of an external tightening tool. For example, it can be a hexagonal structure or a quadrilateral structure. By engaging an external tightening tool, such as a hexagonal wrench, with the mating edge 4161, the valve seat assembly 4 is threadedly tightened to the valve body 11. The lower end face of the first portion 416 abuts against the valve body 11, limiting the lowest position of the valve seat assembly 4 relative to the valve body.

[0071] Combination Figures 2-6The electric valve also includes a first seal 151, which is located between the connecting portion 52 and the first valve seat portion 41. The first seal 151 is pressed between the connecting portion 52 and the first valve seat portion 41, and abuts against both the connecting portion 52 and the first valve seat portion 41. The first seal 151 is also located between the support portion 412 and the connecting portion 52. The support portion 412 and / or the connecting portion 52 have a first groove 1511, and the first seal 151 is accommodated in the first groove 1511. The first seal 151 prevents the working medium from leaking outside the electric valve through the gap between the connecting portion 52 and the support portion 412. In this embodiment, the first groove 1511 is located in the valve body 11.

[0072] Combination Figures 2-6 The electric valve also has a second seal 152, which is located between the injection-molded body 132 and the sleeve 6. The inner and outer sides of the second seal 152 abut against the injection-molded body 132 and the sleeve 6, respectively. The second seal 152 is pressed between the injection-molded body 132 and the sleeve 6. The second seal 152 can prevent external moisture or harmful substances from entering the gap between the sleeve 6 and the coil assembly 13, causing corrosion to the coil assembly 13 or other components, thereby improving the life and reliability of the electric valve. The lower end of the second seal 152 abuts against the crimping part 411 or the connecting part 52, or a gasket is provided on the lower side of the second seal 152 to form the second seal 152.

[0073] Combination Figures 2-6 In this embodiment, the electric valve further includes a third seal 153 and a fourth seal 154, which are located on both sides of the side hole 45. In this embodiment, the third seal is located below or below the external thread portion 83. The third seal 153 is pressed between the second portion 417 of the first valve seat portion 41 and the valve body 11, or restricts the working medium from leaking from the first valve seat portion 41 and the valve body 11 to the outside of the electric valve. In other embodiments, the third seal 153 may be disposed between the first portion 416 and the valve body 11. The fourth seal 154 is pressed between the valve port portion 44 of the second valve seat portion 42 and the valve body 11, restricting the flow of the working medium of the first chamber 113 and the second chamber 114 through the space between the valve port portion 44 and the valve body 11. In this embodiment, the valve seat assembly 4 also has a groove for accommodating the third seal 153 and the fourth seal 154. Of course, in other embodiments, the valve body 11 can be provided with a groove for accommodating the third seal and the fourth seal, or both the valve body 11 and the valve seat assembly 4 can be provided with a portion of a groove for accommodating the third seal and the fourth seal.

[0074] Combination Figures 15-21This illustration shows a second embodiment of the electric valve. In this embodiment, the electric valve 100 includes a nut assembly 5, a valve seat portion 43, and a sleeve 6. The nut assembly 5 includes a plastic part 51 and a connecting portion 52. The connecting portion 52 is fixed to the plastic part 51. The fixing method includes injection molding, interference fit, or adhesive bonding, or interference fit and adhesive bonding. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 52 is injection molded as an insert to form the nut assembly 5 or a part of the nut assembly 5. The plastic part 51 covers part of the connecting portion 52, such as the inner side of the connecting portion 52 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 52 is made of metal, and the sleeve 6 is made of metal, such as stainless steel. The plastic part 51 can be a special engineering plastic or composite material with a certain strength, such as mechanically reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or mechanically reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or modified polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In this embodiment, the plastic part 51 is an integral structure, integrally injection molded. In other embodiments, the plastic part 51 can also be a separately formed structure, formed by a fixed connection or a limiting connection. In this embodiment, the connecting part 52 has a fixing reinforcement 523 at the part where it connects with the plastic part 51. The fixing reinforcement 523 is located on the inner side of the connecting part 52, and the fixing reinforcement 523 is at least partially covered by the plastic part 51. For example, the inner circumference of the connecting part 52 has a non-circular structure. For example, the inner shape of the inner sidewall cross-section can be square, hexagonal, or an irregular circle or plum blossom shape with partially straight edges. This arrangement can improve the connection strength between the connecting part 52 and the plastic part 51. The circular structure of the sidewall of the connecting part 52 can prevent the connecting part 52 from rotating relative to the plastic part 51 in the circumferential direction. In other embodiments, the inner circumference of the connecting part 52 can be machined with a groove structure, or a protrusion structure, or a knurled structure, etc., to achieve a similar function. It is also possible to machine through holes, grooves, protrusions, etc., in the axial direction of the connecting part 52, or a combination of the aforementioned structures.

[0075] Combination Figures 15-21In this embodiment, the sleeve 6 includes an opening 61, a sleeve body 62, and a sleeve top 63. The opening 61 and the sleeve body 62 are integrally formed. The opening 61 is located below the sleeve body 62, and the sleeve top 63 is located above the sleeve body 62, closing the top of the sleeve 6. The opening 61 and the connecting part 52 are fixed by welding. The connecting part 52 includes an upper end face 521. The opening 61 is welded to the upper end face 521. Along the radial direction of the electric valve, at least a portion of the upper end face 521 is outside the opening 61. The upper end face 521 includes a plane. For example, the entire upper end face 521 is plane, or most of it is plane, but at least the portion connected to the sleeve 6 is plane. The plane in this application can allow for a certain degree of roughness. The upper end face 521 is located on the upper surface of the connecting part 52. The opening 61 abuts against the upper end face 521 and is fixed by welding. Along the radial direction of the electric valve, at least a portion of the upper end face 521 is outside the opening 61, or in other words, the outer edge of the opening 61 and at least a portion of the outer edge of the upper end face 521 are at a predetermined distance. The sleeve 6 and the upper end face 521 of the connecting part 52 are fitted in the above manner, which helps to simplify the welding structure of the electric valve. The upper surface of the connecting part 52 can be set as a plane, or the entire upper end face 521 can be a plane. This setting not only facilitates the processing of the connecting part 52, for example, the connecting part 52 can be formed by stamping, forging, or warm upsetting, reducing or eliminating the machining steps of the connecting part 52 and reducing processing costs, but also, by setting a stepped structure to fit with the opening 61 of the sleeve 6 and then welding it, the height of the connecting part 52 can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall height of the electric valve.

[0076] In this embodiment, the upper end face 521 is planar. Along the radial direction of the electric valve, the distance between the outer edge of the opening 61 and the outer edge of the upper end face 521 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm. The opening 61 and the connecting part 52 are fixed by laser welding. This arrangement allows for better weld penetration and improves the weld quality. For even better welding results, the distance between the outer edge of the opening 61 and the outer edge of the upper end face 521 is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm. In this embodiment, the gap between the welding surface sealing sleeve 6 and the connecting part 52 is also sealed.

[0077] In another implementation, combined with Figures 15-21The upper part 521 is a plane. The outer edge of the upper part 521 includes a first edge 5211 and a second edge 5212. The outer diameter of the second edge 5212 is greater than the outer diameter of the first edge 5211. In this embodiment, the first edge 5211 is the smallest outer diameter of the outer edge of the upper part 521, and the second edge 5212 is the largest outer diameter of the outer edge of the upper part 521. The outer edge of the opening 61 does not extend beyond the first edge 5211. The distance between at least a portion of the outer edge of the opening 61 and the second edge 5212 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm. The opening 61 is laser welded to the connecting part 52. Since the outer edge of the connecting portion 52, i.e., the upper end face 521, may not be a regular circle, such as a hexagon or approximately hexagonal, or may be limited by the radial dimension of the connecting portion 52, it is permissible for a portion of the outer edge of the opening 61 to be flush with or nearly flush with the outer edge of the connecting portion 52, but not to extend beyond the outer edge of the connecting portion 52. That is, the outer edge of the opening 61 does not extend beyond the first edge 5211, but the distance between at least a portion of the outer edge of the opening 61 and the second edge 5212 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm. For example, in the embodiments described later, the connecting portion 52 has a mating portion 524 located on the outer periphery of the connecting portion 52. The mating portion 524 is approximately hexagonal, i.e., the outer edge of the connecting portion 52 is approximately hexagonal. This allows a portion of the outer edge of the opening 61 to be flush with or nearly flush with the outer edge at the minor diameter of the connecting portion 52, but not to extend beyond the outer edge of the connecting portion 52. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the outer edge of the opening 61 and the first edge 5211 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm.

[0078] Combination Figures 15-21 In this embodiment, the sleeve 6 is a one-piece structure, integrally formed by methods such as stamping and stretching, which facilitates processing. The sleeve body 62 has a uniform diameter, and the opening 61 has a uniform diameter, which is perpendicular to the upper end face 521. Perpendicularity includes approximately perpendicularity; uniform diameter here refers to equal inner diameters. The opening 61 includes a first lower end face 611, which abuts against and is laser-welded to the upper end face 521. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the opening 61 is also equal to that of the sleeve body 62. This configuration simplifies the processing of the sleeve 6.

[0079] Combination Figures 15-21In this embodiment, the plastic part 51 has a sleeve positioning portion 513, which is formed on the main body portion 511 of the plastic part 51. The sleeve 6 is sleeved around the outer periphery of the sleeve positioning portion 513, and the sleeve positioning portion 513 abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve 6. The sleeve positioning portion 513 restricts the radial position of the sleeve 6, thereby restricting the position of the sleeve 6 relative to the connecting portion 52 and improving the positioning accuracy of the sleeve 6 and the connecting portion 52. In this embodiment, the sleeve 6 and the sleeve positioning portion 513 are interference-fitted, which is beneficial to improving the positioning accuracy and thus improving the coaxiality of the electric valve. Of course, in other embodiments, external tools can also be used to position the sleeve 6.

[0080] In this embodiment, the plastic part 51 of the nut assembly 5 has a first external thread 85, which is located on the outer periphery of the plastic part 51 and on the lower side of the connecting part 52. The electric valve also includes a valve body 11, which has a valve body cavity 115 and a first internal thread 86 that mates with the first external thread 85. The first internal thread 86 is located on the wall forming the valve body cavity 115. The nut assembly 5 and the valve body 11 are fixed by thread engagement. In this embodiment, the lower end face 522 of the connecting part 52 abuts against the valve body 11, limiting the position of the connecting part 52 relative to the valve body 11. Furthermore, this arrangement helps to reduce the risk of salt spray corrosion at the thread engagement.

[0081] Compared to the first embodiment of the electric valve, in this embodiment the electric valve includes a valve seat portion 43, with a valve port 441 located in the valve seat portion 43. The valve seat portion 43 is threadedly engaged with the nut assembly 5, or tightly engaged, or threadedly engaged and glued together, or tightly engaged and glued together. This arrangement simplifies the structure of the electric valve, resulting in fewer components.

[0082] The connecting portion 52 has a mating portion 524, which is located on the outer peripheral wall or the upper end face of the connecting portion 52. An external tool can mate with the mating portion 524 to tighten and limit the connection portion 52 to the valve body 11. The connecting portion 52 is a force-bearing component for threaded connection. For example, its outer contour, i.e., its outer peripheral wall, can be adapted to be applied by assembly tools such as wrenches. The external shape of its outer contour cross-section can be square, hexagonal, quincunx, or an irregular circle with parallel opposite sides for force application. In this embodiment, the outer contour of the connecting portion 52 is hexagonal, and the outer edge of the opening 61 does not exceed the minimum outer diameter of the connecting portion 52. Of course, the connecting portion 52 can also have other structures. For example, a groove can be provided on the upper end face of the connecting portion 52, and an external tool can be provided with a protruding structure that mates with the groove structure to achieve a threaded connection. The lower end face of the connecting portion 52 abuts against the valve body 11, limiting the lowermost position of the connecting portion 52 relative to the valve body 11. A seal is provided between the connecting part 52 and the valve body 11, or a seal is provided between the plastic part 51 and the valve body 11.

[0083] Reference Figure 22 and combined Figure 16 , 17 In one variation of this embodiment, the plastic part 51 may be further provided with a relief portion 514. The relief portion 514 is disposed opposite to the opening portion 61 and does not contact the opening portion 61. The relief portion 514 is recessed in a direction away from the mating part of the opening portion 61 and the connecting portion 52. When welding the opening portion 61 and the connecting portion 52, providing the relief portion 514 can reduce the heat transferred to the plastic part 51 during welding, which is beneficial to improving the thermal impact of welding on the injection molded part.

[0084] The electric valve may further include a sealing component 155. The sleeve positioning portion 513 has a second groove 1551, and the sealing component 155 is located in the second groove 1551. The sealing component 155 is pressed between the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve 6 and the inner sidewall forming the second groove 1551. Providing the sealing component 155 can avoid the adverse effects caused by the incomplete sealing at the weld between the opening 61 of the sleeve 6 and the connecting portion 52.

[0085] Some of the structures in this embodiment can be referred to in the first embodiment described above.

[0086] Combination Figures 23-25 This illustration shows a third embodiment of the electric valve. Compared to the second embodiment, the sleeve 6 also includes a sleeve body 62, with an opening 61 integrally formed with the sleeve body 62. The opening 61 is located below the sleeve body 62. The sleeve body 62 has a uniform diameter, and the minimum outer diameter of the opening 61 is equal to the outer diameter of the sleeve body 62. Along the axial direction of the electric valve, the opening 61 expands from top to bottom, or downwards. The opening 61 includes a first lower end face 611, which abuts against the upper end face 521 and is fixed by laser welding. This configuration reduces the heat transferred to the plastic part 51 during welding of the opening 61 and the connecting part 52, thus mitigating the thermal impact of welding on the injection-molded part. A clearance portion 514 can also be further provided. Other structures of this embodiment can be referred to in the embodiments described above.

[0087] Reference Figure 26 and combined Figures 23-25This illustration shows a fourth embodiment of the electric valve. Compared to the second embodiment, the sleeve 6 also includes a sleeve body 62. The opening 61 is integral with the sleeve body 62 and is located below the sleeve body 62. The sleeve body 62 has a uniform diameter, and the outer diameter of the opening 61 is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve body 62. The opening 61 and the sleeve body 62 are parallel, meaning approximately parallel. Specifically, in this embodiment, the opening 61 includes a radial extension 612 and an axial extension 613. The radial extension 612 is located between the axial extension 613 and the sleeve body 62. The outer diameter of the axial extension 613 is larger than the outer diameter of the radial extension 612, and the axial extension 613 is parallel to the sleeve body 62. The opening 61 abuts against the connecting portion 52 and is fixed by laser welding. This configuration reduces the heat transferred to the plastic part 51 during welding of the opening 61 of the sleeve 6, thus mitigating the thermal impact of welding on the injection molded part. Furthermore, a clearance portion 514 can be added. Other structures of this embodiment can be referred to in the embodiments described above.

[0088] Combination Figures 27-33 This illustration shows a fifth embodiment of the electric valve. In this embodiment, the electric valve includes a valve component 12 and a valve body 11, with the valve component 12 mounted on the valve body 11. The valve component 12 includes a nut assembly 5 and a sleeve 6. The nut assembly 5 includes a plastic part 51 and a connecting part 52. The connecting part 52 is fixed to the plastic part 51 by means of injection molding, interference fit, or adhesive bonding, or a combination of interference fit and adhesive bonding. In this embodiment, the plastic part 51 covers part of the connecting part 52, and the sleeve 6 is fixedly connected to the connecting part 52 by means of welding, bonding, etc. Welding methods include laser welding and brazing. In this embodiment, the connecting part 52 has a stepped structure to cooperate with the sleeve 6. Of course, the connection method between the connecting part 52 and the sleeve 6 can also refer to the second to fourth embodiments of the electric valve. The valve component 12 also has a connecting structure 7, which is formed on or connected to the connecting part 52. The valve component 12 is fixedly connected to the valve body 11 through the connecting structure 7. The connecting structure 7 is formed and connected to the connecting part 52. The valve component 12 is fixedly connected to the valve body 11 through the connecting structure 7. This arrangement simplifies the connection of the various components of the electric valve and reduces the manufacturing cost. In this embodiment, the valve component 12 is fixedly connected to the valve body 11 as a whole through the connecting part 52. This arrangement facilitates the structure of the electric valve, reduces the number of parts, and simplifies the installation. Some structures in this embodiment can refer to or draw upon the above embodiments. For example, the welding of the sleeve 6 to the connecting part 52 can refer to the second to fourth embodiments of the electric valve. Common structures from various embodiments can also be combined.

[0089] Combination Figures 27-33 In this embodiment, the plastic part 51 covers the inner portion of the connecting part 52. The connecting part 52 is made of a metal material, such as stainless steel. The plastic part 51 is injection molded with the connecting part 52 as an injection molding insert, or in other words, the connecting part 52 is injection molded to form the nut assembly 5, or forms a part of the nut assembly 5. The plastic part 51 is injection molded. The connecting part 52 has a fixing reinforcement 523, which is located on the inner portion of the connecting part 52. The fixing reinforcement 523 is at least partially covered by the plastic part 51. Specifically, the plastic part 51 can be a special engineering plastic or composite material with a certain strength, such as mechanically reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or mechanically reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or modified polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In this embodiment, the plastic part 51 is an integral structure, integrally injection molded. In other ways, the plastic part 51 can also be a separately formed structure, formed by a fixed connection or a limiting connection. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 52 has a fixing reinforcement 523 at the connection point with the plastic part 51. The fixing reinforcement 523 is located on the inner side of the connecting portion 52 and is at least partially covered by the plastic part 51. For example, the inner circumference of the connecting portion 52 has a non-circular structure as a fixing reinforcement structure. For example, the inner shape of the inner wall cross-section can be square, hexagonal, or an irregular circle or plum blossom shape with partially straight edges. This arrangement can improve the connection strength between the connecting portion 52 and the plastic part 51. The circular structure of the sidewall of the connecting portion 52 can prevent the connecting portion 52 from rotating relative to the plastic part 51 in the circumferential direction, thereby improving the connection strength. In other embodiments, the inner circumference of the connecting portion 52 can be machined with a groove structure, a protrusion structure, or knurled structures that can achieve similar functions as a fixing reinforcement structure. Alternatively, through holes, grooves, protrusions, knurled structures, etc., can be machined in the axial direction as a fixing reinforcement structure, or combined with the aforementioned fixing reinforcement structure in the circumferential direction.

[0090] In this embodiment, the connecting structure 7 includes a first external thread portion 71, which is located on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion 52. The valve body 11 has a valve body cavity 115, at least a portion of the connecting portion 52 is located in the valve body cavity 115, and the wall forming the valve body cavity 115 has a first internal thread portion 72 corresponding to the first external thread portion 71. The connecting portion 52 and the valve body 11 are fixed by threaded engagement. This arrangement simplifies the installation of the valve component 12 and the valve body 11, and also simplifies the structure of the valve component 12, thus reducing the number of parts. The connecting portion 52 also has a mating portion 524; the mating portion 524 is a groove formed in the connecting portion 52, the opening of the groove is located on the upper wall of the connecting portion 52, and an external tool can engage with the mating portion 524 to thread-tighten and fix the connecting portion 52 and the valve body 11. External tools, such as fixtures with protrusions, extend into the groove on the upper side of the connecting part 52. The fixture drives the connecting part 52 to rotate and engage with the valve body 11 through a thread, thereby tightening and fixing the valve component 12 to the valve body 11. This design facilitates the assembly of the valve component 12 and the valve body 11, simplifies the installation structure, and allows the connecting part 52 to be easily machined. The lower end of the connecting part 52 abuts against the valve body 11, limiting the position of the connecting part 52 relative to the lowermost end of the valve body 11. In this embodiment, the valve body 11 also has a stepped structure, and the connecting part 52 is located in the groove formed by the stepped structure and abuts against the bottom wall of the stepped structure.

[0091] In another embodiment, the mating portion 524 is a mating edge 4161 formed on the upper side of the first external thread portion 71. For example, the lower side of the outer peripheral wall of the connecting portion 52 is the first external thread portion 71, and the upper side is the mating edge 4161. The mating edge 4161 is a force-bearing structure used for threaded connection. The mating edge 4161 can be used for applying force with assembly tools such as wrenches. The external shape of its outer contour cross-section can be square, hexagonal, quincunx, or an irregular circle with parallel opposite sides for applying force. In this embodiment, the mating edge 4161 is hexagonal, serving as the application point for assembly tools such as wrenches. This arrangement also facilitates the assembly of the valve component 12 and the valve body 11, simplifying the installation structure.

[0092] In this embodiment, the valve component 12 includes a valve seat portion 43, which has a valve port 441. The valve seat portion 43 is threadedly engaged with the nut assembly 5, or tightly engaged, or threadedly engaged and glued together, or tightly engaged and glued together. Specific details can be found in the second to fourth embodiments of the electric valve. Of course, in other embodiments, the valve body 11 can also be welded and fixed to the connecting portion 52; the common structures of each embodiment can be combined and used.

[0093] Combination Figures 34-38This diagram illustrates the sixth embodiment of the electric valve. Compared to the fifth embodiment of the electric valve, in this embodiment, the connecting structure 7 is a connector 74, which is generally cylindrical. The connecting portion 52 has a through hole 75, which extends through the connecting portion 52 along the axial direction of the electric valve. The connector 74 has an external threaded engagement portion 741. The upper end of the valve body 11 has a connecting hole 76, which opens towards the connecting portion 52. The wall of the connecting hole 76 has an internal threaded engagement portion 742 that engages with the external threaded engagement portion 741. During assembly, the through hole 75 and the connector 74 are coaxially aligned. The connector 74 passes through the through hole 75 and is screwed into the connecting hole 76 through the threaded engagement, thereby fixing the connecting portion 52 to the valve body 11. At least a portion of the connector 74 is located in the through hole 75, and at least a portion of the connector 74 is located in the connecting hole 76. The upper end of the connector 74 has a flange, the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting hole 76, and the flange cannot pass through the connecting hole 76. The lower end of the connecting part 52 abuts against the valve body 11, limiting the position of the connecting part 52 relative to the lowermost end of the valve body 11. Other structures of this embodiment can be referred to the above embodiment. The connector 74 includes screws, bolts or similar structures. The number of connectors 74 corresponds to the number of connecting holes 75. There are two or more connectors 74 and connecting holes 75. The connecting holes 75 are evenly distributed on the outer periphery of the connecting part 52. In this embodiment, there are four connectors 74, four connecting holes 75 and four connecting holes 76, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the connection. Using the connector 74 as the connecting structure 7 to fix the connecting part 52 to the valve body 11 can also facilitate the assembly of the valve component 12 and the valve body 11 and simplify the installation structure. In another embodiment, the connector 74 does not have an external threaded part 741, and part of the connector 74 is located in the connecting hole 76 of the valve body 11 and is interference-fitted with the connecting hole 76, thereby fixing the valve component 12 to the valve body 11.

[0094] In another embodiment of the electric valve, relative to the fifth embodiment of the electric valve, in this embodiment, the connecting structure 7 is a connector 74, which is annular and has an external threaded engagement portion 741. The wall forming the valve body cavity 115 has an internal threaded engagement portion 742 that engages with the external threaded engagement portion 741. The valve body 11 has a first stepped portion 77, and the lower end of the connecting portion 52 abuts against the first stepped portion 77. The connector 74 and the valve body 11 are fixed by a threaded engagement. The lower end of the connector 74 abuts against the upper end of the connecting portion 52. The connecting portion 52 is pressed and limited between the connecting portion 52 and the valve body 11, thereby limiting the valve seat portion 43 to the valve body 11. This configuration also facilitates the assembly of valve component 12 and valve body 11, simplifies the installation structure, and reduces the number of parts. In another embodiment, connector 74 does not have an external threaded mating part 741. Connector 74 is annular, with the outer side of connector 74 having an interference fit with valve body 11 and the inner side of connector 74 having an interference fit with connecting part 52, thereby confining connecting part 52 to valve body 11.

[0095] Combination Figures 39-45 This illustration shows a seventh embodiment of an electric valve. In this embodiment, the electric valve includes a nut assembly 5, a valve seat assembly 4, a valve core assembly 122, and a sleeve 6. The nut assembly 5 includes a plastic part 51 and a connecting part 52. The connecting part 52 is fixed to the plastic part 51. The fixing method includes injection molding, interference fit, or adhesive bonding, or interference fit and adhesive bonding. In this embodiment, the connecting part 52 is formed by injection molding as an injection molding insert to form the nut assembly 5 or a part of the nut assembly 5. The plastic part 51 covers part of the connecting part 52. As in this embodiment, the plastic part 51 covers the inner part of the connecting part 52. In this embodiment, the connecting part 52 is made of metal, the valve seat assembly 4 is at least structurally made of metal, and the sleeve 6 is made of metal, such as stainless steel. The sleeve 6 is fixedly connected to the connecting part 52, and the fixed connection method includes welding. The plastic part 51 can specifically be a special engineering plastic or composite material with a certain strength, such as mechanically reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or mechanically reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or modified polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In this embodiment, the plastic part 51 is an integral structure, integrally injection molded. In other embodiments, the plastic part 51 can also be a separately formed structure, formed by fixed connection or limiting connection. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 52 has a fixing reinforcement 523 at the connection point with the plastic part 51. The fixing reinforcement 523 is located on the inner side of the connecting portion 52 and is at least partially covered by the plastic part 51. For example, the inner circumference of the connecting portion 52 has a non-circular structure. For instance, the inner shape of the inner sidewall cross-section can be square, hexagonal, or an irregular circle or plum blossom shape with partially straight edges. This arrangement can improve the connection strength between the connecting portion 52 and the plastic part 51. The circular structure of the sidewall of the connecting portion 52 can prevent the connecting portion 52 from rotating relative to the plastic part 51 in the circumferential direction. In other embodiments, the inner circumference of the connecting portion 52 can be machined with a groove structure, a protrusion structure, or a knurled structure to achieve a similar function. It can also be machined with a through hole, groove, protrusion, or other structures in the axial direction, or a combination of the aforementioned structures.

[0096] Combination Figures 39-45In this embodiment, the valve seat assembly 4 includes a valve port portion 44, which has a valve port 441. The electric valve also includes a valve core assembly 122, which can cooperate with the valve port 441 to adjust the opening degree of the valve port 441. The connecting portion 52 includes a lower end portion 522, which is located on the lower wall of the connecting portion 52. The lower end portion 522 includes a plane, for example, the entire lower end portion 522 is plane, or most of it is plane, but at least the part connected to the valve seat assembly 4 is plane. The plane in this application can allow a certain degree of roughness. The valve seat assembly 4 includes a first end portion 47, which is made of metal. The first end portion 47 abuts against the lower end portion 522 and is connected by welding. The sleeve 6 is fixedly connected to the connecting portion 52. The first end portion 47 of the valve seat assembly 4 is welded and fixed to the lower end portion 522. The mating part between the valve seat assembly 4 and the connecting portion 52 does not require machining of additional mating structures, which helps to reduce the machining cost of the valve seat assembly. This arrangement helps to simplify the structure of each component and reduce machining costs. In this embodiment, the lower end portion 522 is located on the lower wall of the connecting portion 52. Along the radial direction of the electric valve, at least a portion of the lower end portion 522 is located outside the first end portion 47. The lower end portion 522 is laser-welded to the connecting portion 52. The lower end portion of the connecting portion 52 is designed as a plane, which simplifies the processing of the connecting portion 52 and reduces processing costs. Referring to the second embodiment of the electric valve, this embodiment can be combined with the second embodiment. The entire upper end portion 521 of the connecting portion 52 can be flat, and the entire lower end portion 522 can also be flat. This design facilitates the processing of the connecting portion 52. For example, the connecting portion 52 can be formed by stamping, forging, or warm upsetting, reducing or eliminating the machining steps of the connecting portion 52. At the same time, the height of the connecting portion 52 can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall height of the electric valve.

[0097] Combination Figures 39-45 In this embodiment, the valve seat assembly 4 includes a first valve seat portion 41, which includes a first body 48 and the aforementioned first end portion 47. The first body 48 and the first end portion 47 are an integral structure. The first end portion 47 is located above the first body 48 and abuts against the lower end portion 522, and is fixed by laser welding. Along the radial direction of the electric valve, the distance between the outer edge of the first end portion 47 and the outer edge of the lower end portion 522 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm. The first end portion 47 is laser welded to the connecting portion 52. In this embodiment, the inner and outer diameters of the first end portion 47 and the first body 48 are equal, and the first end portion 47 is perpendicular to the lower end portion 522, including being substantially perpendicular, and is connected by laser welding. In this embodiment, a sealing surface is formed by the welding surface. Some structures of this embodiment can refer to or draw upon the above embodiments, and common structures of various embodiments can also be combined.

[0098] Combination Figures 39-45In this embodiment, the lower end face 522 is planar. Along the radial direction of the electric valve, the distance between the outer edge of the first end face 47 and the outer edge of the lower end face 522 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm. The first end face 47 is laser-welded to the connecting part 52. This arrangement allows for better weld penetration and improves the weld quality. For even better welding results, the distance between the outer edge of the first end face 47 and the outer edge of the lower end face 522 is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm. In this embodiment, the gap between the welding surface sealing sleeve 6 and the connecting part 52 is also sealed.

[0099] Combination Figures 39-45 In another embodiment, the lower end face 522 is a plane, and the outer edge of the lower end face 522 includes a first edge 5211 and a second edge 5212. The outer diameter of the second edge 5212 is greater than the outer diameter of the first edge 5211. In this embodiment, the first edge 5211 is the smallest outer diameter of the outer edge of the lower end face 522, and the second edge 5212 is the largest outer diameter of the outer edge of the lower end face 522. The outer edge of the first end 47 does not extend beyond the first edge 5211. The distance between at least a portion of the outer edge of the first end 47 and the second edge 5212 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm. The first end 47 is laser welded to the connecting part 52. Since the outer edge of the connecting portion 52, i.e., the lower end portion 522, may not be a regular circle, such as hexagonal or approximately hexagonal, or may be limited by the radial dimension of the connecting portion 52, it is permissible for a portion of the outer edge of the first end portion 47 to be flush with or nearly flush with the outer edge of the connecting portion 52, but not to extend beyond the outer edge of the connecting portion 52. That is, the outer edge of the first end portion 47 does not extend beyond the first edge 5211, but the distance between at least a portion of the outer edge of the first end portion 47 and the second edge 5212 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm. For example, in the above embodiment, the connecting portion 52 has a mating portion 524 located on the outer periphery of the connecting portion 52. The mating portion 524 is approximately hexagonal, i.e., the outer edge of the connecting portion 52 is approximately hexagonal, allowing a portion of the outer edge of the first end portion 47 to be flush with or nearly flush with the outer edge at the minor diameter of the connecting portion 52, but not to extend beyond the outer edge of the connecting portion 52. In this embodiment, the gap between the sleeve 6 and the connecting portion 52 is simultaneously sealed by the welded surface. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the outer edge of the first end 47 and the first edge 5211 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm.

[0100] Combination Figures 39-45In this embodiment, the plastic part 51 of the nut assembly 5 includes a main body 511 and a nut part 512. The main body 511 includes a valve seat positioning part 5113. The valve seat assembly 4 includes a receiving part 46 with a receiving cavity 461. The valve seat positioning part 5113 is located in the receiving cavity 461 and abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the first valve seat part 41. The valve seat positioning part 5113 restricts the radial position of the first valve seat part 41, thereby restricting the radial position of the positioning part relative to the connecting part 52. In this embodiment, the valve seat positioning part 5113 has several recesses 5114. Providing the recesses 5114 can help reduce the weight of the plastic part 51. Of course, referring to the second embodiment of the electric valve, the plastic part 51 can be provided with a relief part 514, or the first end 47 can be relatively outwardly expanded, which can help reduce the heat transferred to the plastic part 51 during welding and improve the thermal impact of welding on the injection molded part. In this embodiment, the first valve seat portion 41 and the valve seat positioning portion 5113 are interference-fitted, which helps to improve positioning accuracy and thus improves the coaxiality of the electric valve. Of course, in other embodiments, external tools can also be used to position the valve seat assembly 4.

[0101] Combination Figures 39-45 In this embodiment, the valve seat assembly 4 further includes a second valve seat portion 42. Along the axial direction of the electric valve, the second valve seat portion 42 is located away from the connecting portion 52 relative to the first valve seat portion 41. The valve port portion 44 is located in the second valve seat portion 42, and the first valve seat portion 41 and the second valve seat portion 42 are integrally formed. The valve seat assembly 4 is integrally formed by a warm upsetting process, or the main body of the valve seat assembly 4 is formed by a warm upsetting process, and then combined with machined side holes 45, grooves, or valve ports 441, etc. This arrangement facilitates the formation of the valve seat assembly 4 and reduces processing materials and costs compared to complete machining. In a variation of this embodiment, the valve seat assembly 4 is formed by a metal drawing process, or the main body of the valve seat assembly 4 is formed by a metal drawing process, and then combined with machined side holes 45, grooves, or valve ports 441, etc. This arrangement also facilitates the formation of the valve seat assembly and reduces processing materials and costs compared to machining. The metal drawing process includes drawing, stamping, and other processes.

[0102] Combination Figures 39-45In this embodiment, the electric valve further includes a valve body 11, which has a valve body cavity 115. At least a portion of the valve seat assembly 4 is located in the valve body cavity 115. The first valve seat portion 41 has a first external thread 85, and the wall forming the valve body cavity 115 has a first internal thread 86 that mates with the first external thread 85. The valve seat assembly 4 and the valve body 11 are fixed together by threaded engagement. Of course, the connection method between the valve seat assembly 4 or the nut assembly 5 and the valve body 11 can refer to the above embodiment. For example, the first external thread 85 can be provided on the outer periphery of the connecting portion 52, and the first internal thread 86 can be provided on the valve body 11, and the two can be fixed together by threaded connection.

[0103] Combination Figures 39-45 In this embodiment, the electric valve has a balancing channel 15, which includes a groove formed by the valve seat positioning portion 5113 or the first valve seat portion 41, a through hole penetrating the connecting portion 52 in the axial direction, and a through hole penetrating the plastic part 51 in the axial direction. The balancing channel 15 connects the cavity formed by the valve seat assembly 4 and the cavity formed by the sleeve 6. The balancing hole 14 can be formed by injection molding or by post-processing.

[0104] In this embodiment, the valve seat assembly 4 also has a side hole 45, which is located above the valve port portion 44. The electric valve also includes a first sealing component and a second sealing component. The first sealing component is located between the connecting portion 52 and the valve body 11 or between the first valve seat portion 41 and the valve body 11, and the second sealing component is located between the second valve seat portion 42 and the valve body 11; or the connecting portion 52 is connected to the valve body 11. The functions of the first sealing component and the second sealing component are the same as in the aforementioned embodiment. When both the first sealing component and the second sealing component are located on the valve seat assembly, it is convenient to connect the valve assembly as a whole to the valve body.

[0105] Reference Figure 46 and combined Figure 40In another variation of the seventh embodiment of the electric valve, the first valve seat portion 41 and the second valve seat portion 42 are separate structures, formed separately and fixedly connected or limitedly connected. The first valve seat portion 41 is integrally formed by a warm upsetting process, or by a metal stretching process, or by a combination of warm upsetting and machining, or by a combination of metal stretching and machining; the second valve seat portion 42 is fixed to the first valve seat portion 41 by welding, gluing, or tight fit, or a combination of tight fit and gluing. This arrangement facilitates the formation of part of the valve seat assembly 4, reduces machining materials compared to machining, and lowers costs. In this embodiment, the second valve seat portion 42 has a step 422, which includes a bottom surface 4221 and a side surface 4222. The bottom end of the first valve seat portion 41 abuts against the bottom surface 4221, and the inner peripheral wall of the first valve seat portion 41 abuts against the side surface 4222, thus limiting the radial position of the first valve seat portion 41 relative to the second valve seat portion 42. The material of the second valve seat portion 42 is metal, or the main body of the second valve seat portion 42 is resin, and the valve port is made of metal.

[0106] In this embodiment, the electric valve also includes a second sealing element 152. The lower end of the second sealing element 152 abuts against the connecting part 52. The second sealing element 152 is pressed between the injection molded body 132 and the sleeve 6. The second sealing element 152 can prevent external moisture or harmful substances from entering the gap between the sleeve 6 and the coil assembly 13, causing corrosion to the coil assembly 13 or other components, thereby improving the life and reliability of the electric valve.

[0107] Other structures of this embodiment can be referred to in the embodiments described above. Structures that can be combined and used in combination through derivation are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0108] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric valve, characterized in that, The electric valve includes a valve seat assembly (4), a sleeve (6), a plastic part (51), and a connecting part (52). The connecting part (52) is fixed to the plastic part (51). The plastic part (51) has a sleeve positioning part (513). The sleeve (6) is sleeved around the outer periphery of the sleeve positioning part (513). The sleeve positioning part (513) abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve (6). The sleeve positioning part (513) restricts the radial position of the sleeve (6). The sleeve (6) is fixedly connected to the connecting part (52); the plastic part (51) also includes a valve seat positioning part (5113), the valve seat assembly (4) is located on the outer periphery of the valve seat positioning part (5113), the valve seat positioning part (5113) abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the valve seat assembly (4), the valve seat positioning part (5113) restricts the radial position of the valve seat assembly (4), and the valve seat assembly (4) is fixedly connected to the connecting part (52).

2. The electric valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve (6) is interference-fitted with the sleeve positioning part (513).

3. The electric valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sleeve positioning part (513) has a chamfer, which includes a rounded corner or a beveled corner. The chamfer is located on the upper side of the sleeve positioning part (513) and can guide the installation of the sleeve (6).

4. The electric valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting part (52) is made of metal, the sleeve (6) is made of metal, the sleeve (6) includes an opening (61), the opening (61) is located below the sleeve (6), and the opening (61) is welded and fixed to the upper end of the connecting part (52).

5. The electric valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plastic part (51) has a relief portion (514) which is disposed opposite to the opening portion (61). The relief portion (514) does not contact the opening portion (61) and the relief portion (514) is recessed in a direction away from the mating part of the opening portion (61) and the connecting portion (52).

6. The electric valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sleeve (6) also includes a sleeve body (62), the opening (61) is located below the sleeve body (62), the sleeve body (62) is of equal diameter, and the outer diameter of the opening (61) is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve body (62).

7. The electric valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The opening (61) and the sleeve body (62) are integrally structured. The opening (61) includes a radial extension (612) and an axial extension (613). The radial extension (612) is located between the axial extension (613) and the sleeve body (62). The outer diameter of the axial extension (613) is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve body (62).

8. The electric valve according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The valve seat assembly (4) is interference-fitted with the valve seat positioning part (5113).

9. The electric valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The valve seat assembly (4) includes a first valve seat portion (41) made of metal, and the first valve seat portion (41) is welded and fixed to the lower end of the connecting portion (52).

10. The electric valve according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The valve seat positioning part (5113) has a plurality of recesses (5114), and the plurality of recesses (5114) are arranged at circumferential intervals along the valve seat positioning part (5113).

11. The electric valve according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The nut assembly (4) includes the plastic part (51) and the connecting part (52). The plastic part (51) is formed by injection molding with the connecting part (52) as an injection molding insert. The connecting part (52) includes a fixing reinforcement (523). The fixing reinforcement (523) is located inside the connecting part (52). The fixing reinforcement (523) has a non-circular structure. The fixing reinforcement (523) is at least partially covered by the plastic part (51).

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