Valve assembly and heat pump system comprising a valve assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve assembly and a heat pump system including the same, the valve assembly including: a valve housing including a bottom housing port, and first, second, and third housing ports formed on a side surface of the valve housing; and a valve body rotatably disposed within the valve housing and including a bottom body port, a side body port fluidly connected with the bottom body port, and first and second expansion grooves, wherein the first, second, and third housing ports are arranged around the valve body, the bottom body port and the bottom housing port are always fluidly connected with each other, based on rotation of the valve body, the side body port is selectively fluidly connected with at least one of the first, second, and third housing ports, and the side body port is selectively fluidly connected with one of the first, second, and third housing ports through the first or second expansion groove.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0184380, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a valve assembly and a heat pump system including the valve assembly, and more particularly to a valve assembly capable of performing multiple valve functions within a heat pump system. Background Technology

[0004] A vehicle's air conditioning system typically includes an air conditioning unit that circulates refrigerant to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0005] The air conditioning system maintains a comfortable in-vehicle environment by keeping the interior temperature at an appropriate level, regardless of changes in the outside temperature. It is configured to heat or cool the interior through heat exchange via the evaporator, while the refrigerant discharged when the compressor is running is circulated back to the compressor through the condenser, receiver-dryer, expansion valve, and evaporator.

[0006] For example, in summer cooling mode, the air conditioning unit reduces indoor temperature and humidity by condensing the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant after it has been compressed by the compressor through the condenser, then passing it through the liquid receiver dryer and expansion valve.

[0007] Today, with increasing public concern about energy efficiency and environmental pollution, there is a need to develop environmentally friendly vehicles that can largely replace internal combustion engine cars. These environmentally friendly vehicles are generally divided into electric vehicles that use fuel cells or electricity as their power source, and hybrid vehicles that use both engines and batteries.

[0008] Unlike traditional cars, electric vehicles do not use a separate heater. Instead, they use air conditioning or an air conditioning system, often referred to as a heat pump system.

[0009] For electric vehicles, multiple heat exchangers (condensers, evaporators, etc.) are used to regulate the interior air, cool the battery and / or cool the drive motor, and multiple expansion valves are required to supply expanded refrigerant to these heat exchangers.

[0010] Using multiple expansion valves in a heat pump system complicates the overall system construction and increases manufacturing costs.

[0011] The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background technology of this invention, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention provides a valve assembly capable of simultaneously controlling multiple heat exchangers through a housing port that allows refrigerant expansion, and a heat pump system including the valve assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, this invention simplifies the structure of the heat pump system and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a valve assembly includes a valve housing and a valve body. The valve housing includes a bottom housing port and a first housing port to a third housing port respectively formed on a side surface of the valve housing. The valve body is rotatably disposed within the valve housing and includes a bottom body port, a side body port fluidly connected to the bottom body port, and a first expansion groove and a second expansion groove formed near the side body port. Specifically, the first housing port, the second housing port, and the third housing port are arranged in a peripheral layout around the valve body, and the bottom body port and the bottom housing port are always fluidly connected to each other. Based on the rotation of the valve body, the side body port can selectively fluidly connect to at least one of the first housing port, the second housing port, and the third housing port, and the side body port can selectively fluidly connect to one of the first housing port, the second housing port, and the third housing port through the first expansion groove or the second expansion groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, a bottom body port may be formed at the bottom of the valve body, a side body port may be arranged perpendicular to the bottom body port and formed with a predetermined length along the circumference of the valve body, a first expansion groove may be formed adjacent to a first side of the side body port in the circumference, and a second expansion groove may be formed adjacent to a second side of the side body port in the circumference.

[0016] In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the side body port may be configured to correspond to the circumferential lengths of the first housing port and the second housing port, as well as the sum of the circumferential lengths of the second housing port and the third housing port.

[0017] In some implementations, the first expansion groove and the second expansion groove may have the same shape.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first expansion groove and the second expansion groove may be formed to have the same length, width and depth gradient.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first housing port and the second housing port may be arranged at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction, and the second housing port and the third housing port may be arranged at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the predetermined angle at which the first housing port and the second housing port are circumferentially spaced apart may be equal to the predetermined angle at which the second housing port and the third housing port are circumferentially spaced apart.

[0021] In some embodiments, the predetermined angle between the first housing port and the second housing port in the circumferential direction, as well as the predetermined angle between the second housing port and the third housing port in the circumferential direction, may both be 90 degrees.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a heat pump system includes a valve housing and a valve body. The valve housing includes a bottom housing port and first to fourth housing ports respectively formed on the sides of the valve housing. The valve body is rotatably disposed within the valve housing and includes a bottom body port, side body ports fluidly connected to the bottom body port, and a first expansion groove and a second expansion groove formed adjacent to the side body ports; a first to a third refrigerant line fluidly connected to the first to third housing ports respectively; and a fourth refrigerant line fluidly connected to the bottom housing port of the valve housing. Specifically, the side body ports are selectively fluidly connected to at least one of the following: the first housing port and the first refrigerant line; a second housing port and the second refrigerant line; and a third housing port and the third refrigerant line. The bottom body port is always fluidly connected to the bottom housing port and the fourth refrigerant line.

[0023] In some implementations, the operation can be determined based on the rotation of the valve body, specifying one of the following modes: a first mode, a second mode, a third mode, a fourth mode, a fifth mode, and a sixth mode. The first mode may be a mode where refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is discharged to the fourth refrigerant line. The second mode may be a mode where a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is expanded and discharged to the second refrigerant line, while the remaining refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is discharged to the fourth refrigerant line. The third mode may be a mode where refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is discharged to both the second and fourth refrigerant lines. The fourth mode may be a mode where a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is expanded and discharged to the second refrigerant line, while the remaining refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is discharged to the fourth refrigerant line. The fifth mode may be a mode where refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is discharged to both the second and fourth refrigerant lines. The sixth mode may be a mode where refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is discharged to the fourth refrigerant line.

[0024] In some implementations, in a first mode, the valve body is located at a reference position; in a second mode, the valve body rotates from the reference position along a predetermined direction by a first predetermined angle; in a third mode, the valve body rotates from the reference position along a predetermined direction by a second predetermined angle; in a fourth mode, the valve body rotates from the reference position along a predetermined direction by a third predetermined angle; in a fifth mode, the valve body rotates from the reference position along a predetermined direction by a fourth predetermined angle; and in a sixth mode, the valve body rotates from the reference position along a predetermined direction by a fifth predetermined angle.

[0025] In some embodiments, in a first mode, the first refrigerant line can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through a first housing port, a side body port, a bottom body port and a fourth housing port, and the refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant line can be discharged to the fourth refrigerant line.

[0026] In some embodiments, in the second mode, the first refrigerant line can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through the first housing port, the side body port, the bottom body port and the fourth housing port. The first refrigerant line can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line through the first housing port, the side body port, the first expansion tank and the second housing port. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line can be discharged to the fourth refrigerant line. The remaining refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line can be expanded through the first expansion tank and discharged to the second refrigerant line.

[0027] In some embodiments, in the third mode, the first refrigerant line can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through the first housing port, the side body port, the bottom body port and the bottom housing port. The first refrigerant line can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line through the first housing port, the side body port and the second housing port. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line can be discharged to the fourth refrigerant line, and the remaining refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line can be discharged to the second refrigerant line.

[0028] In some embodiments, in the fourth mode, the third refrigerant line can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through the third housing port, the side body port, the bottom body port, and the bottom housing port. The third refrigerant line can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line through the third housing port, the side body port, and the second housing port. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line can be discharged into the fourth refrigerant line, and the remaining refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line can be discharged into the second refrigerant line.

[0029] In some embodiments, in the fifth mode, the third refrigerant line can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through the third housing port, the side body port, the bottom body port, and the bottom housing port. The third refrigerant line can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line through the third housing port, the side body port, the second expansion tank, and the second housing port. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line can be discharged into the fourth refrigerant line, and the remaining refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line can be expanded through the second expansion tank and discharged into the second refrigerant line.

[0030] In some embodiments, in the sixth mode, the third refrigerant line can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through the third housing port, the side body port, the bottom body port, and the bottom housing port, and the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line can be discharged into the fourth refrigerant line.

[0031] In one embodiment, a valve assembly for a heat pump system includes a valve housing and a valve body. The valve housing includes a bottom housing port and a first housing port, a second housing port, and a third housing port formed on the sides of the valve housing, respectively. The valve body is rotatably disposed within the valve housing and includes a bottom body port, a side body port fluidly connected to the bottom body port, and a first expansion groove and a second expansion groove formed adjacent to the side body port, wherein the bottom body port and the bottom housing port are always fluidly connected to each other. Specifically, based on the rotation of the valve body, the side body port is selectively fluidly connected to at least one of the first housing port, the second housing port, and the third housing port, and the side body port is selectively fluidly connected to one of the first housing port, the second housing port, and the third housing port via the first expansion groove or the second expansion groove.

[0032] According to the implementation method, the functions of the refrigerant discharge and expansion valve can be achieved by a single valve assembly, thereby simplifying the structure of the heat pump system using the valve assembly and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0033] Furthermore, the effects that can be obtained or are expected from exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described directly or implicitly in the following detailed description. That is, various effects expected from exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be explained in the following detailed description.

[0034] Translation of attached images

[0035] The accompanying drawings are provided for reference to explain exemplary embodiments of the invention. The technical spirit of the invention should not be construed as being limited to the drawings, and wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the construction of a valve assembly according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the construction of the valve assembly according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing a valve assembly according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the valve body according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure of the valve body according to an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the valve body according to an embodiment;

[0042] Figures 9 to 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the operating state of the valve assembly according to an embodiment.

[0043] The accompanying drawings mentioned above are not necessarily to scale, but should be understood as presenting various preferred features in a fairly simplified manner to illustrate the basic principles of the invention. Certain design features of the invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will depend in part on the particular intended use and environment.

[0044] <Symbol Explanation>

[0045] 100: Valve housing

[0046] 101: Lower housing port

[0047] 110: First housing port

[0048] 120: Second housing port

[0049] 130: Third housing port

[0050] 140: Valve plate

[0051] 150: Valve support component

[0052] 200: Valve body

[0053] 210: Side main body port

[0054] 220: Lower main body port

[0055] 240: First expansion groove

[0056] 250: Second expansion groove

[0057] 260: Shaft Groove

[0058] 300: Driver

[0059] 310: Drive shaft

[0060] 320: Drive bracket

[0061] 410: First refrigerant line

[0062] 420: Second refrigerant line

[0063] 430: Third refrigerant line

[0064] 440: Fourth refrigerant line. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms used herein also include the plural forms. It should also be understood that the terms "comprising" or "having" as used herein specify the presence of the stated feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the term "and / or" as used herein includes any combination of any plurality of items or any one of the listed items.

[0066] The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments of the invention are illustrated. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0067] Descriptions of components unrelated to the present invention have been omitted, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the specification.

[0068] Furthermore, since the dimensions and thicknesses of the components shown in the accompanying drawings are arbitrarily given for better understanding and ease of description, the present invention is not limited to the dimensions and thicknesses shown, and the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent the individual components and areas.

[0069] In the following description, the terms "module" and "unit" used with respect to components are for convenience in writing the specification only. Therefore, these terms do not in themselves have a distinguishing meaning or function from each other.

[0070] Furthermore, in describing embodiments of this specification, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies related to the present invention have been omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0071] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of the invention. It should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0072] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second are used only to describe the individual components and should not be interpreted as limiting those components.

[0073] In the following interpretation, unless explicitly stated otherwise such as “a” or “single”, expressions written in the singular form are to be interpreted as singular or plural. When a component, controller, device, element, apparatus, etc., of the present invention is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., it shall be regarded herein as “configured” to satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0074] In this invention, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B or C”, and “at least one of A, B or C, or a combination thereof” can include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed in the corresponding phrase.

[0075] These terms are used only to distinguish one component from other components.

[0076] The valve assembly according to the embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the construction of a valve assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the construction of the valve assembly according to an embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly according to the embodiment.

[0078] According to the implementation method, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the valve assembly may include: a valve housing 100 having a plurality of housing ports; and a valve body 200 formed in a spherical shape and rotatably disposed within the valve housing 100.

[0079] The valve housing 100 has a mounting space for accommodating the valve body 200. A lower or bottom housing port 101 (hereinafter referred to as the "lower housing port") is formed on the lower or bottom portion (e.g., hereinafter referred to as the "lower portion") of the valve housing 100. First housing ports to third housing ports (110 to 130) are formed on the sides of the valve housing 100, and they are arranged in a peripheral manner around the valve body. For example, the first housing ports to the third housing ports (110 to 130) are formed at intervals on different sides of the valve housing 100 and around the valve body. The lower housing port 101 may be arranged perpendicular to the plane forming the first housing port 110 to the third housing port 130.

[0080] An actuator 300 can be installed on the upper part of the valve housing 100, which generates power to operate the valve body 200. The actuator 300 can be implemented by an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, a solenoid, etc.

[0081] The drive bracket 320 is disposed on the upper part of the valve housing 100, and the driver 300 can engage with the valve housing 100 through the drive bracket 320.

[0082] The first housing port 110 to the third housing port 130 can be formed on the side of the valve housing 100 at predetermined intervals, arranged around the valve housing 100. For example, the first housing port 110 and the second housing port 120 can be spaced 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction, and the second housing port 120 and the third housing port 130 can be spaced 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the positions of the first housing port 110 and the third housing port 130 can be spaced 180 degrees apart.

[0083] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the construction of the valve body according to an embodiment. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure of the valve body according to an embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the valve body according to an embodiment.

[0084] refer to Figures 5 to 8 The valve body 200 can be rotatably mounted in the mounting space of the valve housing 100, and is always fluidly connected to the lower housing port 101 of the valve housing 100, and can be selectively fluidly connected to the first housing port 110 to the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100.

[0085] The valve body 200 may be formed in a generally spherical shape and may include: a lower or bottom body port (hereinafter referred to as the "lower body port") 220 through which a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) flows in and out; a side body port 210 which is fluidly connected to the lower body port 220 through which the working fluid flows in and out; and a first expansion groove 240 and a second expansion groove 250 formed adjacent to the side body port 210 through which the working fluid expands and is discharged.

[0086] The lower main body port 220 can be formed in the lower center of the valve body 200. The working fluid can flow into the valve body 200 through the lower main body port 220, or the working fluid can be discharged from the valve body 200.

[0087] A shaft groove 260 can be formed on the upper part of the valve body 200, and the shaft groove 260 can be combined with the drive shaft 310 of the driver 300.

[0088] The side body port 210 is fluidly connected to the lower body port 220 and is formed at the center of the side of the valve body 200. In other words, the side body port 210 can be formed perpendicularly to the lower body port 220.

[0089] The side main body port 210 can be formed to a predetermined length in the circumferential direction. The circumferential length of the side main body port 210 can be formed to correspond to the circumferential length of the first housing port 110 and the second housing port 120, as well as the sum of the circumferential lengths of the second housing port 120 and the third housing port 130.

[0090] For example, the cross-section of the side body port 210 can be formed in a fan shape and may include a first side, a second side, and an arc formed by the first and second sides. In this case, the length (or arc angle) of the arc formed by the first and second sides can be formed to correspond to the circumferential length (or angle) formed by the first housing port 110 and the second housing port 120. With this structure, the working fluid flowing into the side body port 210 can be simultaneously discharged to both housing ports (e.g., the first housing port 110 and the second housing port 120).

[0091] The first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 may be formed to have a length equal to a predetermined angle along the rotation direction of the valve body 200, a predetermined width along a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the valve body 200, and a predetermined depth gradient along the length of the expansion groove.

[0092] In one embodiment, the depth gradient of the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 may refer to the depth variation in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 (referred to as the depth direction as needed) when the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 are formed to have a length equal to a predetermined angle along the rotation direction of the valve body 200.

[0093] A larger depth gradient can mean that the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 are formed to deepen rapidly along the rotation direction of the valve body 200, while a smaller depth gradient can mean that the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 are formed to deepen gradually along the rotation direction of the valve body 200.

[0094] In other words, the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 can be formed to have a predetermined length, a predetermined width and a predetermined depth gradient.

[0095] The first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 may be formed adjacent to the side body port 210 and face each other with the side body port 210 as the center. In other words, the first expansion groove 240 may be formed adjacent to one side of the side body port 210 in the circumferential direction, while the second expansion groove 250 may be formed adjacent to the other side of the side body port 210 in the circumferential direction.

[0096] The first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 can have the same shape. In this embodiment, with the side body port 210 as a reference, the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 can be formed symmetrically along the circumference (or rotation direction) of the valve body 200. In other words, the length, width, and depth gradient of the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 can be formed to be the same. Since the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 have the same shape, the function of two identical expansion valves can be realized by a single valve assembly.

[0097] In another embodiment, the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 may have different shapes. In this embodiment, with reference to the side body port 210, the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 may be formed asymmetrically along the circumference (or rotation direction) of the valve body 200. For example, at least one of the length, width, or depth gradient of the first expansion groove 240 may be formed differently from at least one of the length, width, and depth gradient of the second expansion groove 250. By forming the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 with different shapes (e.g., by forming at least one of the length, width, and / or depth gradients of the first expansion groove 240 and the second expansion groove 250 differently), the functions of two different expansion valves can be achieved by a single valve assembly.

[0098] Meanwhile, a valve plate 140 and a valve support 150 can be respectively provided between the first housing port 110 to the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100 and the valve body 200, and the first housing port 110 to the third housing port 130 can be fluidly connected to the side body port 210 of the valve body 200 through the valve plate 140 and the valve support 150.

[0099] The valve plate 140 may be formed into an approximately circular plate with a hollow center and configured to contact the outer surface of the valve body 200. The valve plate 140 rotatably supports the valve body 200. The supporting surface of the valve plate 140 facing the valve body 200 may be formed into a partially spherical shape corresponding to the valve body 200.

[0100] The valve support 150 may be disposed radially outside the valve plate 140 and formed as an approximately cylindrical shape with a hollow center. In one embodiment, the first housing port 110 to the third housing port 130 may be formed in the valve support 150 respectively.

[0101] In one embodiment, the lower body port 220 is always fluidly connected to the lower housing port 101 depending on the rotation of the valve body 200. Furthermore, depending on the rotation of the valve body 200, the side body port 210 can be selectively fluidly connected to at least one of the first housing port 110, the second housing port 120, and the third housing port 130, and the side body port 210 can be selectively fluidly connected to any one of the first housing port 110 to the third housing port 130 via the first expansion groove 240 or the second expansion groove 250.

[0102] The operation of the valve assembly according to the embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0103] Figures 9 to 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the operating state of the valve assembly according to an embodiment.

[0104] refer to Figures 9 to 14 According to the implementation method, the valve assembly can be selectively operated in one of the first to sixth modes by rotating the valve body 200, depending on the operating mode of the heat pump system.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the heat pump system may include multiple refrigerant lines through which a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) flows. For example, the multiple refrigerant lines may include a first refrigerant line 410, a second refrigerant line 420, a third refrigerant line 430, and a fourth refrigerant line 440.

[0106] The first refrigerant line 410 to the third refrigerant line 430 can be fluidly connected to the first housing port 110 to the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100, respectively. The first refrigerant line 410 to the third refrigerant line 430 can be arranged sequentially at predetermined angular intervals along the periphery of the valve housing 100.

[0107] Furthermore, the fourth refrigerant line 440 may be located at the lower part of the valve housing 100 of the valve assembly. The fourth refrigerant line 440 may be in constant fluid connection with the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200 via the lower housing port 101 of the valve housing 100.

[0108] In other words, depending on the rotation of the valve body 200, the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200 can always be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line 440 through the lower housing port 101, and the side body port 210 of the valve body 200 can be selectively fluidly connected to at least one of the first refrigerant line 410, the second refrigerant line 420 and the third refrigerant line 430 through the first housing port 110 to the third housing port 130.

[0109] The first mode can be a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line 410 is discharged to the fourth refrigerant line 440. The second mode can be a mode in which a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line 410 expands and is discharged to the second refrigerant line 420, while the remaining refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line 410 is discharged to the fourth refrigerant line 440. The third mode can be a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line 410 is discharged to both the second and fourth refrigerant lines 420. The fourth mode can be a mode in which a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line 430 expands and is discharged to the second refrigerant line 420, while the remaining refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line 430 is discharged to the fourth refrigerant line 440. The fifth mode can be a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line 430 is discharged to both the second and fourth refrigerant lines 420 and 440. In addition, the sixth mode can be a mode in which the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line 430 is discharged into the fourth refrigerant line 440.

[0110] The first and sixth modes can be modes in which refrigerant flowing into the valve assembly is discharged into one refrigerant line. The second and fourth modes can be modes in which a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the valve assembly expands and is discharged into one refrigerant line, while the remaining refrigerant is discharged into another refrigerant line. Furthermore, the third and fifth modes can be modes in which refrigerant flowing into the valve assembly is discharged into two refrigerant lines.

[0111] The first mode can be the state where the valve body 200 is located in the reference position. The second mode can be the state where the valve body 200 is rotated from the reference position by a first predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) along a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise). The third mode can be the state where the valve body 200 is rotated from the reference position by a second predetermined angle (e.g., 90 degrees) along a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise). The fourth mode can be the state where the valve body 200 is rotated from the reference position by a third predetermined angle (e.g., 180 degrees) along a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise). The fifth mode can be the state where the valve body 200 is rotated from the reference position by a fourth predetermined angle (e.g., 225 degrees) along a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise). The sixth mode can be the state where the valve body 200 is rotated from the reference position by a fifth predetermined angle (e.g., 270 degrees) along a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise).

[0112] At this point, the second predetermined angle can be greater than the first predetermined angle, the third predetermined angle can be greater than the second predetermined angle, the fourth predetermined angle can be greater than the third predetermined angle, and the fifth predetermined angle can be greater than the fourth predetermined angle.

[0113] See Figure 9 In the first mode where the valve body 200 is in the reference position, the first refrigerant line 410 can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line 440 through the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200 and the fourth housing port of the valve housing 100.

[0114] At this time, the second housing port 120 and the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100 can be blocked by the valve body 200, and the second refrigerant line 420 and the third refrigerant line 430 can also be blocked.

[0115] Therefore, the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line 410 can be discharged to the fourth refrigerant line 440 through the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, the lower body port 220 and the fourth housing port of the valve housing 100.

[0116] In other words, in the first mode, refrigerant flowing into the valve assembly through an inlet (e.g., the first refrigerant line 410) can only be discharged through an outlet (e.g., the fourth refrigerant line 440), in which case the refrigerant can be discharged without expansion.

[0117] refer to Figure 10In the second mode, when the valve body 200 is rotated from a reference position by a first predetermined angle in a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise), the first refrigerant line 410 can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line 440 through the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200, and the lower housing port 101 of the valve housing 100. Simultaneously, the first refrigerant line 410 can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line 420 through the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, the first expansion groove 240, and the second housing port 120 of the valve housing 100.

[0118] At this time, the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100 can be blocked by the valve body 200, and the third refrigerant line 430 can also be blocked.

[0119] Therefore, a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line 410 can be discharged into the fourth refrigerant line 440 through the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, the lower body port 220, and the fourth housing port of the valve housing 100. Simultaneously, the remaining refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line 410 can be discharged into the second refrigerant line 420 through the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, the first expansion tank 240, and the second housing port 120 of the valve housing 100. At this time, the refrigerant can expand as it flows through the first expansion tank 240 and be discharged into the second refrigerant line 420.

[0120] In other words, in the second mode, refrigerant flowing into the valve assembly through an inlet (e.g., the first refrigerant line 410) can be discharged to two outlets (e.g., the second refrigerant line 420 and the fourth refrigerant line 440), where a portion of the refrigerant can be expanded and then discharged, while the remaining refrigerant can be discharged without expansion.

[0121] refer to Figure 11 In the third mode, where the valve body 200 rotates from the reference position by a second predetermined angle in a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise), the first refrigerant line 410 can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line 440 via the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 and the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200, and the lower housing port 101 of the valve housing 100. Simultaneously, the first refrigerant line 410 can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line 420 via the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, and the second housing port 120 of the valve housing 100.

[0122] At this time, the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100 can be blocked by the valve body 200, and the first refrigerant line 410 can also be blocked.

[0123] Therefore, a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line 410 can be discharged into the fourth refrigerant line 440 through the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 and the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200, and the lower housing port 101 of the valve housing 100. Simultaneously, the remaining refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line 410 can be discharged into the second refrigerant line 420 through the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, and the second housing port 120 of the valve housing 100.

[0124] In other words, in the third mode, refrigerant flowing into the valve assembly through one inlet (e.g., the first refrigerant line 410) can be discharged to two outlets (e.g., the second refrigerant line 420 and the fourth refrigerant line 440), whereby the refrigerant can be discharged without expansion.

[0125] refer to Figure 12 In the fourth mode, where the valve body 200 rotates from the reference position by a third predetermined angle in a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise), the third refrigerant line 430 can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line 440 via the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 and the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200, and the lower housing port 101 of the valve housing 100. Simultaneously, the third refrigerant line 430 can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line 420 via the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, and the second housing port 120 of the valve housing 100.

[0126] At this time, the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100 can be blocked by the valve body 200, and the first refrigerant line 410 can also be blocked.

[0127] Therefore, a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line 430 can be discharged into the fourth refrigerant line 440 through the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 and the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200, and the lower housing port 101 of the valve housing 100. Simultaneously, the remaining refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line 430 can be discharged into the second refrigerant line 420 through the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, and the second housing port 120 of the valve housing 100.

[0128] In other words, in the fourth mode, refrigerant flowing into the valve assembly through one inlet (third refrigerant line 430) can be discharged to two outlets (e.g., second refrigerant line 420 and fourth refrigerant line 440), whereby the refrigerant can be discharged without expansion.

[0129] refer to Figure 13 In the fifth mode, where the valve body 200 rotates a fourth predetermined angle from the reference position in a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise), the third refrigerant line 430 can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line 440 through the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 and the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200, and the lower housing port 101 of the valve housing 100. Simultaneously, the third refrigerant line 430 can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line 420 through the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, the second expansion groove 250, and the second housing port 120 of the valve housing 100.

[0130] At this time, the first housing port 110 of the valve housing 100 can be blocked by the valve body 200, and the first refrigerant line 410 can also be blocked.

[0131] Therefore, a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line 430 can be discharged into the fourth refrigerant line 440 through the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 and the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200, and the lower housing port 101 of the valve housing 100. Simultaneously, the remaining refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line 430 can be discharged into the second refrigerant line 420 through the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 of the valve body 200, the second expansion tank 250, and the second housing port 120 of the valve housing 100. At this time, the refrigerant can expand as it flows through the second expansion tank 250 and be discharged into the second refrigerant line 420.

[0132] In other words, in the fifth mode, refrigerant flowing into the valve assembly through one inlet (e.g., the third refrigerant line 430) can be discharged to two outlets (e.g., the second refrigerant line 420 and the fourth refrigerant line 440), where some of the refrigerant can be expanded, while the remaining refrigerant can be discharged without expansion.

[0133] refer to Figure 14In the sixth mode, when the valve body 200 is rotated from the reference position by a fifth predetermined angle in a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise), the third refrigerant line 430 can be fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line 440 through the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 and the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200, and the lower housing port 101 of the valve housing 100.

[0134] At this time, the first housing port 110 and the second housing port 120 of the valve housing 100 can be blocked by the valve body 200, and the first refrigerant line 410 and the second refrigerant line 420 can also be blocked.

[0135] Therefore, the refrigerant flowing in through the third refrigerant line 430 can be discharged to the fourth refrigerant line 440 through the third housing port 130 of the valve housing 100, the side body port 210 and the lower body port 220 of the valve body 200, and the lower housing port 101 of the valve housing 100.

[0136] In other words, in the sixth mode, refrigerant flowing into the valve assembly through an inlet (e.g., the third refrigerant line 430) can be discharged through an outlet (e.g., the fourth refrigerant line 440), in which case the refrigerant can be discharged without expansion.

[0137] According to the valve assembly described above, the refrigerant discharge path into the valve assembly can be diversified, and the function of an expansion valve can be implemented as needed. This configuration simplifies the structure of the heat pump system using this valve assembly and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0138] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with what are now considered to be practical embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements contained within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve assembly, comprising: Valve body, including: Lower housing ports, and A first housing port, a second housing port, and a third housing port are formed on the side of the valve housing; and A valve body, rotatably disposed within the valve housing, includes: Lower main body port, The side body port fluidly connected to the lower body port, and A first expansion groove and a second expansion groove are formed adjacent to the side body port, wherein the first housing port, the second housing port, and the third housing port are arranged in a peripheral layout around the valve body. The lower main body port and the lower housing port are always fluidly connected to each other, and Based on the rotation of the valve body, the side body port is selectively fluidly connected to at least one of the first housing port, the second housing port, and the third housing port, and the side body port is selectively fluidly connected to one of the first housing port, the second housing port, and the third housing port through the first expansion groove or the second expansion groove.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The lower main body port is formed at the lower part of the valve body. The side main body port is arranged perpendicularly to the lower main body port and is formed along the circumference of the valve body. The first expansion groove is formed on a first side in the circumferential direction adjacent to the side body port, and The second expansion groove is formed on the second side of the circumferential direction adjacent to the side body port.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The circumferential length of the side main body port is formed to correspond to the sum of the circumferential lengths of the first housing port and the second housing port, as well as the sum of the circumferential lengths of the second housing port and the third housing port.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first expansion groove and the second expansion groove have the same shape.

5. The valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The first expansion groove and the second expansion groove are formed to have the same length, width and depth gradient.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing port and the second housing port are arranged at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the valve body, and The second housing port and the third housing port are arranged at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the valve body.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The predetermined angle at which the first housing port and the second housing port are spaced apart in the circumferential direction is equal to the predetermined angle at which the second housing port and the third housing port are spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The predetermined angle at which the first housing port and the second housing port are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the predetermined angle at which the second housing port and the third housing port are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, are both 90 degrees.

9. A heat pump system, comprising: Valve body, including: Lower housing ports, and A first housing port, a second housing port, a third housing port, and a fourth housing port are respectively formed on the side of the valve housing; A valve body, rotatably disposed within the valve housing, includes: Lower main body port, The side body port is fluidly connected to the lower body port, and A first expansion groove and a second expansion groove are formed adjacent to the side body port; A first refrigerant line, a second refrigerant line, and a third refrigerant line are respectively fluidly connected to the first housing port, the second housing port, and the third housing port; and The fourth refrigerant line is fluidly connected to the lower housing port of the valve housing. The side body port is selectively fluidly connected to at least one of the following: the first housing port and the first refrigerant line; the second housing port and the second refrigerant line; and the third housing port and the third refrigerant line. The lower main body port is always fluidly connected to the lower housing port and the fourth refrigerant pipeline.

10. The heat pump system according to claim 9, wherein: Based on the rotation of the valve body, one of the following modes is determined: first mode, second mode, third mode, fourth mode, fifth mode, and sixth mode. The first mode is a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is discharged into the fourth refrigerant line. The second mode is that a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is expanded and then discharged into the second refrigerant line, while the remaining refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is discharged into the fourth refrigerant line. The third mode is a mode in which the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is discharged into the second refrigerant line and the fourth refrigerant line. The fourth mode is a mode in which a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is expanded and then discharged into the second refrigerant line, while the remaining refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is discharged into the fourth refrigerant line. The fifth mode is a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is discharged into the second and fourth refrigerant lines, and The sixth mode is a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is discharged into the fourth refrigerant line.

11. The heat pump system according to claim 10, wherein: In the first mode, the valve body is located in the reference position; In the second mode, the valve body rotates from the reference position along a predetermined direction by a first predetermined angle; In the third mode, the valve body rotates from the reference position along a predetermined direction by a second predetermined angle; In the fourth mode, the valve body rotates from the reference position along a predetermined direction by a third predetermined angle; In the fifth mode, the valve body rotates from the reference position along a predetermined direction by a fourth predetermined angle; and In the sixth mode, the valve body rotates from the reference position along a predetermined direction by a fifth predetermined angle.

12. The heat pump system according to claim 10, wherein: In the first mode The first refrigerant line is fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through the first housing port, the side body port, the lower body port, and the fourth housing port, and The refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant line is discharged into the fourth refrigerant line.

13. The heat pump system according to claim 10, wherein: In the second mode The first refrigerant line is fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through the first housing port, the side main body port, the lower main body port, and the fourth housing port. The first refrigerant line is fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line through the first housing port, the side body port, the first expansion groove, and the second housing port. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is discharged into the fourth refrigerant line, and The remaining refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is expanded through the first expansion tank and then discharged into the second refrigerant line.

14. The heat pump system according to claim 10, wherein: In the third mode, The first refrigerant line is fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through the first housing port, the side body port, the lower body port, and the lower housing port. The first refrigerant line is fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line through the first housing port, the side body port, and the second housing port. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is discharged into the fourth refrigerant line, and The remaining refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant line is discharged into the second refrigerant line.

15. The heat pump system according to claim 10, wherein: In the fourth mode, The third refrigerant line is fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through the third housing port, the side main body port, the lower main body port, and the lower housing port. The third refrigerant line is fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line through the third housing port, the side body port, and the second housing port. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is discharged into the fourth refrigerant line, and The remaining refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is discharged into the second refrigerant line.

16. The heat pump system according to claim 10, wherein: In the fifth mode, The third refrigerant line is fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through the third housing port, the side main body port, the lower main body port, and the lower housing port. The third refrigerant line is fluidly connected to the second refrigerant line through the third housing port, the side body port, the second expansion groove, and the second housing port. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is discharged into the fourth refrigerant line, and The remaining refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is expanded through the second expansion tank and then discharged into the second refrigerant line.

17. The heat pump system according to claim 10, wherein: In the sixth mode, The third refrigerant line is fluidly connected to the fourth refrigerant line through the third housing port, the side main body port, the lower main body port, and the lower housing port, and The refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant line is discharged into the fourth refrigerant line.

18. A valve assembly for a heat pump system, comprising: Valve body, including: Lower housing ports, and A first housing port, a second housing port, and a third housing port are respectively formed on the side of the valve housing; and A valve body, rotatably disposed within the valve housing, includes: Lower main body port, The side body port fluidly connected to the lower body port, and A first expansion groove and a second expansion groove are formed adjacent to the side main body port, wherein the lower main body port and the lower housing port are always fluidly connected to each other, and Based on the rotation of the valve body, the side body port is selectively fluidly connected to at least one of the first housing port, the second housing port, and the third housing port, and the side body port is selectively fluidly connected to one of the first housing port, the second housing port, and the third housing port through the first expansion groove or the second expansion groove.

19. The valve assembly of claim 18, wherein: The first expansion groove is formed on the first side adjacent to the side body port, and The second expansion groove is formed on the second side adjacent to the side body port.

20. The valve assembly of claim 19, wherein: The first housing port and the second housing port are arranged at a first predetermined angle, and The second housing port and the third housing port are arranged at a second predetermined angle.

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