A valve device

Abstract

The valve assembly includes a valve core and a valve seat. The valve core includes a disc component with a mating surface facing the valve seat and slidingly engaging with it; and / or, the mating surface can abut against the valve seat. The valve core includes a communicating component with a channel having an opening on the side of the communicating component facing the valve seat. The disc component has at least one through hole, with at least a portion of the opening opposite to and communicating with the through hole. The communicating component and the disc component are separate structures. The valve core includes fasteners, and the communicating component is fixedly connected to the disc component by the fasteners. This allows the communicating component and the disc component to be fixedly connected without welding, thereby improving the reliability of the valve core. Furthermore, the disc component can be manufactured from materials unsuitable for welding, increasing the range of materials that can be selected for the disc component.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Valve devices are used in thermal management systems to control the opening, closing, or reversing of fluid channels. In related technologies, valve devices include a valve core, which comprises a cup-shaped flow element and a disc-shaped component that contacts the valve seat. The cup-shaped flow element and the disc-shaped component are typically welded together, but welding introduces several problems, such as deformation of the disc-shaped component, thereby reducing the reliability of the valve core. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One objective of this application is to provide a valve device that improves the reliability of the valve core.

[0004] One technical solution of this application provides a valve device, including a valve core and a valve seat. The valve core includes a disc component, the disc component including a mating surface facing the valve seat and slidingly engaging with the valve seat; and / or, the mating surface is capable of abutting against the valve seat; the valve core includes a communicating component, the communicating component having a channel, the channel having an opening on the side of the communicating component facing the valve seat, the disc component having at least one through hole, at least a portion of the opening being opposite to and communicating with the through hole; the communicating component and the disc component are separate structures, the valve core includes a fastener, and the communicating component is fixedly connected to the disc component by the fastener.

[0005] In the valve device provided by the technical solution of this application, the connecting component and the disc component are separate structures. The valve core includes fasteners, and the connecting component is fixedly connected to the disc component through the fasteners. Therefore, the connecting component and the disc component can be fixedly connected without welding, thereby improving the reliability of the valve core. In addition, the disc component can be manufactured with materials that are not suitable for welding, which increases the range of materials that can be selected for the disc component. Attached Figure Description

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

[0007] Figure 2 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the valve device of this application is shown;

[0008] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the valve device shown.

[0009] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An exploded view of the valve core shown.

[0010] Figure 5It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the valve core is shown.

[0011] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A partially enlarged structural diagram of the valve core at point A;

[0012] Figure 7 An exploded schematic diagram of another embodiment of the valve core of the valve device of this application is shown;

[0013] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve core shown.

[0014] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 A partially enlarged structural diagram of the valve core at point B is shown.

[0015] Figure 10 An exploded view of yet another embodiment of the valve core of the valve device of this application is shown;

[0016] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the valve core is shown.

[0017] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 The diagram shows a partially enlarged view of the valve core at point C.

[0018] Figure Labels

[0019] 1. Drive assembly; 11. Rotor housing; 12. Valve stem; 13. Coil assembly; 14. Rotor; 2. Valve body assembly; 21. First housing; 211. Abutment surface; 22. Second housing; 24. Flow chamber; 25. Interface; 3. Valve core; 31. Disc assembly; 311. First through hole; 312. Second through hole; 313. Third through hole; 314. Fourth through hole; 315. Mating surface; 316. Back side; 319. Stepped surface; 301. First limiting groove; 302. Second limiting groove; 32. Connecting component; 321. Rib; 322. Bowl; 323. Flange; 324. Opening; 325. Channel; 33. Seal; 34. Transmission part; 35. Fastener; 351. Rod; 352. First end; 353. Second end; 354. Flanged part; 4. Valve seat; 41. First channel; 42. Second channel; 43. Third channel; 44. Fourth channel; 45. Fifth channel; 9. Elastic element; 7. Thrust bearing; 303. First mounting hole; 304. Second mounting hole; 40. Channel; 310. Through hole; Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0021] In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one component from another with the same name, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these components. It should be noted that "limiting connection" in this application includes snap-fit, hinge, etc., and "fixed connection" in this application includes threaded connection, welding, bonding, vulcanization fixing, riveting, insert injection molding, interference fit, etc.

[0022] Please refer to Figure 1 This embodiment discloses a valve device 100 that can be applied to refrigerant circuits such as automotive air conditioning systems.

[0023] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the valve device 100 includes a drive assembly 1, a valve body assembly 2, and a valve core 3. The valve body assembly 2 has a receiving cavity, and at least a portion of the valve core 3 is located in the receiving cavity. The valve device 100 includes a valve seat 4, which is fixedly connected to the valve body assembly 2, limitedly connected, or integrally formed. In this embodiment, the valve seat 4 and the valve body assembly 2 are fixedly connected by screws. The drive assembly 1 can drive the valve core 3 to rotate, and the valve core 3 can rotate relative to the valve seat 4. The valve core 3 includes a mating surface 311, which faces the valve seat 4 and slides with the valve seat 4. In other embodiments, the valve seat 4 may be integrally formed with the valve body assembly 2. In some other embodiments, the valve core 3 may also be of the type that moves axially up and down during switching, and the mating surface 311 of the valve core 3 can abut against the valve seat 4 when the switching is completed.

[0024] like Figures 3-6 As shown, the valve core 3 includes a connecting member 32, which has a channel 325. The channel 325 has an opening 324 on the side of the connecting member 32 facing the valve seat 4. The disc member 31 has at least one through hole, and at least part of the opening 324 is disposed opposite to and communicates with the through hole. The connecting member 32 and the disc member 31 are separate structures. The valve core 3 includes a fastener 35. The connecting member 32 is fixedly connected to the disc member 31 by the fastener 35, so that the connecting member 32 and the disc member 31 can be fixedly connected without welding, avoiding the risk of deformation of the disc member 31 caused by welding, thereby improving the reliability of the valve core 3. In addition, the disc member 31 can be manufactured with materials that are not suitable for welding, increasing the range of materials that can be selected for the disc member.

[0025] To further illustrate, the researchers discovered that the disc component 31 prioritizes wear resistance, which generally requires a material with high hardness for easy heat treatment. However, this material results in poor weldability. In this application, the hardness of the disc component 31 is greater than that of the connecting component 32. The disc component 31 can be manufactured using more wear-resistant materials, such as alloys with high chromium content, while the connecting component 32 can be made of alloys with lower or no chromium content compared to the disc component 31, to save costs and improve machinability. Specifically, the connecting component 32 can be made of SUS303 stainless steel, SUS304 stainless steel, or SUS430F stainless steel, while the disc component 31 can be made of 95Cr18 stainless steel, 2Cr13 stainless steel, etc. The disc component 31, made of alloy material, has high pressure resistance and is more suitable for refrigerant circuits. In other embodiments, the disc component 31 can also be made of ceramic.

[0026] In some implementations, such as Figures 3-6 As shown, the fastener 35 and the connecting component 32 are separate structures, and the fastener 35 and the disc component 31 are also separate structures. The fastener 35 includes a rod portion 351, a first end portion 352, and a second end portion 353. The first end portion 352 and the second end portion 353 are respectively connected to the two ends of the rod portion 351. The disc component 31 has at least one first mounting hole 303, and the connecting component 32 has at least one second mounting hole 304. A portion of the rod portion 351 passes through the corresponding first mounting hole 303, and another portion of the rod portion 351 passes through the corresponding second mounting hole 304.

[0027] like Figure 5 As shown, the axial direction of the disk component 31 is indicated by H in the figure. The disk component 31 is rotatable about the rotation axis, and the axial direction of the disk component 31 is the same as the extension direction of the rotation axis of the disk component 31.

[0028] like Figure 2 , Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, along the axial direction of the disc component 31, the first end 352 abuts against a side portion of the disc component 31 facing the valve seat 4, and the second end 353 abuts against a side portion of the connecting component 32 facing away from the valve seat 4, thereby enabling the disc component 31 and the connecting component 32 to be connected at least axially. Specifically, the fastener 35 may be a rivet. In other embodiments, along the axial direction of the disc component 31, the first end 352 abuts against a side portion of the disc component 31 facing the valve seat 4, and the second end 353 is threadedly connected to the connecting component 32, thereby enabling the disc component 31 and the connecting component 32 to be connected at least axially. Specifically, the fastener 35 may be a screw or include a bolt. In some other embodiments, the first end 352 is threaded to the disc component 31 along the axial direction of the disc component 31, and the second end 353 abuts against a side portion of the connecting component 32 facing away from the valve seat 4, thereby enabling the disc component 31 and the connecting component 32 to be connected at least axially. Specifically, the fastener 35 may be a screw or include a bolt.

[0029] like Figure 6 As shown, the first mounting hole 303, the second mounting hole 304, and the rod portion 351 all extend axially along the disc component 31, which can restrict the movement of the disc component 31 relative to the connecting component 32 in an axial direction perpendicular to the disc component 31. The connecting component 32 includes a bowl portion 322 and a flange portion 323. A channel 325 is located in the bowl portion 322, and the flange portion 323 extends from the edge of the bowl portion 322 in a direction away from the opening 324. The second mounting hole 304 is located in the flange portion 323 for easy processing. In this embodiment, the disc component has a plurality of first mounting holes 303, the connecting component 32 has a plurality of second mounting holes 304, and the valve core 3 includes a plurality of fasteners 35. Along the radial direction of the disc component, at least one fastener 35 is located inside the bowl portion 322, and at least one fastener 35 is located outside the bowl portion 322, thus making the connecting component 32 more securely fixed.

[0030] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the disc component 31 includes a back side surface 316, which is disposed opposite to the mating surface 315. The connecting component 32 includes an abutment surface 211, which abuts against the back side surface 316. The connecting component 32 includes a protruding rib 321, which surrounds the opening 324 and protrudes from the abutment surface 211 toward the valve seat 4. The disc component 31 has a first limiting groove 301, which is recessed in the back side surface 316. The protruding rib 321 is located in the first limiting groove 301, and the outer peripheral wall of the protruding rib 321 is in clearance fit or transition fit with the side wall forming the first limiting groove 301, thereby enabling positioning between the connecting component 32 and the disc component 31.

[0031] In some implementations, such as Figures 7 to 9As shown, the fastener 35 is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the connecting member 32. The wall forming the through hole 310 includes a stepped surface 319 facing the valve seat 4. The fastener 35 is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the connecting member 32. The fastener 35 includes a flange 354, at least a portion of which is located in the through hole 310. The flange 354 abuts against the stepped surface 319, thereby enabling the disc member 31 and the connecting member 32 to be connected at least axially.

[0032] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the fastener 35 and the connecting member 32 are integrally structured. The fastener 35 is a thin-walled component, extending from the edge of the opening 324 into the through hole 310. At least a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the fastener 35 engages with the wall forming the through hole 310. This engagement restricts the movement of the disc component 31 relative to the connecting member 32 in an axial direction perpendicular to the disc component 31. Furthermore, this fastener 35 structure reduces the number of components and simplifies the structure. The flange 354 can be formed by riveting, particularly by spin riveting. A reference surface is defined, parallel to the mating surface 315. The projection of the fastener 35 onto the reference surface is arc-shaped, allowing it to engage with the through hole 310, thus making the disc component 31 more firmly positioned relative to the connecting member 32. One connecting member 32 can be connected to two fasteners 35. Specifically, the projection of the fastener 35 onto the reference surface is semi-circular, and the fastener 35 includes a root portion connected to the connecting member 32, flush with the edge of the opening 324.

[0033] In some implementations, such as Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the disc component 31 includes at least one second limiting groove 302, wherein the second limiting groove 302 is located at the radial outer edge of the disc component 31, the second limiting groove 302 is recessed in the mating surface 315, the wall forming the second limiting groove 302 includes a stepped surface 319 facing the valve seat 4, the fastener 35 includes a flange portion 354, the flange portion 354 is located in the second limiting groove 302, the flange portion 354 abuts against the stepped surface 319, thereby enabling the disc component 31 and the communicating component 32 to be connected at least axially. In this embodiment, the disc component 31 may include two second limiting grooves 302, and the valve core 3 includes two fasteners 35. The disc component 31 is generally annular, with one second limiting groove 302 located at the radial outer edge of the disc component 31 and the other second limiting groove 302 located at the radial inner edge of the disc component 31. The fasteners 35 correspond one-to-one with the second limiting grooves 302, and the fasteners 35 are limited and connected to the corresponding second limiting grooves 302, thereby making the disc component 31 more firmly fixed relative to the connecting component 32. The second limiting grooves 302 can accommodate the flanged portion 354, so that the flanged portion 354 will not rub against the valve seat 4.

[0034] like Figure 11As shown, in this embodiment, the fastener 35 is a thin-walled component that extends from the edge of the connecting member 32 toward the second limiting groove 302 along the radial direction of the disc member 31. The radially outer edge of the disc member 31 abuts or clearance-fits with the fastener 35. This fit restricts the movement of the disc member 31 relative to the connecting member 32 in an axial direction perpendicular to the disc member 31. Furthermore, this fastener 35 structure reduces the number of parts and simplifies the structure. The flanged portion 354 can be formed by a riveting process.

[0035] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the valve core 3 includes a seal 33, which is an elastic element 9. The seal 33 is disposed around the opening 324 and around at least one through hole 310. One side of the seal 33 abuts against the disc component 31, and the other side of the seal 33 abuts against the connecting component 32, thereby sealing the disc component 31 and the connecting component 32 and reducing fluid leakage. Specifically, the seal 33 can be made of rubber or plastic. The flange portion 323 of the connecting component has a groove, and the seal 33 is located in the groove, which restricts the position of the seal 33.

[0036] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the through hole 310 includes a first through hole 311 and a second through hole 312. Both the first through hole 311 and the second through hole 312 can be circular holes. A portion of an opening 324 is opposite to and communicates with the first through hole 311 and the second through hole 312. The mating surface 315 between the first through hole 311 and the second through hole 312 can increase the contact surface with the valve seat 4. In other embodiments, the through hole 310 can be an oblong hole, and the opening 324 of the connecting member 32 is only opposite to one through hole 310.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the valve body assembly 2 has a flow cavity 24, which is at least partially located on the side of the valve core 3 that is relatively far from the valve seat 4. The flow cavity 24 is not directly connected to the channel 325 of the connecting assembly. The through hole 310 has a third through hole 313 and a fourth through hole 314. The third through hole 313 and the fourth through hole 314 are not connected to the opening 324. In other words, no connecting assembly is provided above the third through hole 313 and the fourth through hole 314. The third through hole 313 and the fourth through hole 314 are both connected to the flow cavity 24. Therefore, in this embodiment, the flow chamber 24 and the channel 325 of the connecting component can allow fluids of different pressures to flow through. When the valve device is applied in a refrigeration cycle, the high-pressure side fluid can be introduced into the flow chamber 24, and the low-pressure side fluid can be introduced into the channel 325 of the connecting component. In this way, the side of the valve core 3 facing away from the valve seat 4 will be subjected to higher fluid pressure, or in other words, the resultant force of the fluid on the valve core 3 is directed towards the valve core 3, thereby making the valve core 3 fit more tightly against the valve seat 4 and improving the sealing effect. The flow chamber 24 can be part of the receiving chamber.

[0038] The valve device 100 can be used as a switching valve. In this embodiment, the valve seat 4 has five channels 40, and the valve body assembly 2 has five interfaces 25. The channels 40 and interfaces 25 correspond one-to-one and are connected. The interfaces 25 can be connected to external pipelines or flow channels. By rotating the valve core 3, multiple connection modes between the five interfaces 25 can be achieved. The five channels 40 include a first channel 41, a second channel 42, a third channel 43, a fourth channel 44, and a fifth channel 45. The valve device 100 includes at least two working states. In the first working state, the channel 325 is connected to the first channel 41, the channel 325 is connected to the second channel 42, the flow chamber 24 is connected to the third channel 43, the flow chamber 24 is connected to the fourth channel 44, and the valve core 3 closes the fifth channel 45. In the second working state, the channel 325 is connected to the second channel 42, the channel 325 is connected to the third channel 43, the flow chamber 24 is connected to the fourth channel 44, the flow chamber 24 is connected to the fifth channel 45, and the valve core 3 closes the first channel 41.

[0039] In other embodiments, the valve seat 4 may have four channels 40, and the valve body assembly 2 may have four interfaces 25 accordingly, with the channels 40 being able to connect in pairs.

[0040] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the valve assembly includes an elastic element 9 and a thrust bearing 7. Along a direction perpendicular to the mating surface 311, one side of the elastic element 9 directly or indirectly abuts against the valve body, and the other side of the elastic element 9 abuts against the thrust bearing 7. The thrust bearing 7 directly or indirectly abuts against the back surface 312. The elastic element 9 can compensate for wear when the mating surface 311 of the valve core 3 wears. It should be noted that "indirect abutment" in this application refers to the insertion of some intermediate components between the two, but the two can transmit pressure through these intermediate components. In this embodiment, "along a direction perpendicular to the mating surface 311" refers to the axial direction of the disc component.

[0041] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the elastic element 9 includes one or more wave springs, which can achieve a large pressure adjustment amount with a small adjustment amount of the limiting part 52. In another embodiment, the elastic element 9 is a helical spring. The drive assembly 1 includes a valve stem 12 and a housing 11, a portion of which extends from the housing 11 toward the valve core 3 and can drive the valve core 3 to rotate.

[0042] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in this application. Although this specification has described this application in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that those skilled in the art can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to this application, and all technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this application should be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized in that, The valve includes a valve core (3) and a valve seat (4). The valve core (3) includes a disc component (31), the disc component (31) including a mating surface (315) facing the valve seat (4) and slidingly engaging with the valve seat (4); and / or, the mating surface (315) is capable of abutting against the valve seat (4); the valve core (3) includes a communicating component (32), the communicating component (32) having a channel (325), the channel (325) being in the... The connecting component (32) has an opening (324) on the side facing the valve seat (4), and the disc component (31) has at least one through hole (310). At least part of the opening (324) is disposed opposite to and communicates with the through hole (310). The connecting component (32) and the disc component (31) are separate structures. The valve core (3) includes a fastener (35), and the connecting component (32) is fixedly connected to the disc component (31) by the fastener (35).

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener (35) includes a rod (351), a first end (352), and a second end (353). The first end (352) and the second end (353) are respectively connected to the two ends of the rod (351). The disc component (31) has at least one first mounting hole (303), and the connecting component (32) has at least one second mounting hole (304). A portion of the rod (351) passes through the corresponding first mounting hole (303), and another portion of the rod (351) passes through the corresponding second mounting hole (304). Along the axial direction of the disc component (31), the first end (352) abuts against a side portion of the disc component (31) facing the valve seat (4), and the second end (353) abuts against a side portion of the connecting component (32) facing away from the valve seat (4). Alternatively, along the axial direction of the disc component (31), the first end (352) abuts against a side portion of the disc component (31) facing the valve seat (4), and the second end (353) is threadedly connected to the connecting component (32). Alternatively, the first end (352) is threaded to the disc component (31), and along the axial direction of the disc component (31), the second end (353) abuts against a side portion of the communicating component (32) facing away from the valve seat (4).

3. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first mounting hole (303), the second mounting hole (304), and the rod portion (351) all extend along the axial direction of the disc component (31). The connecting component (32) includes a bowl portion (322) and a flange portion (323). The channel (325) is located in the bowl portion (322). The flange portion (323) extends from the edge of the bowl portion (322) in a direction away from the opening (324). The second mounting hole (304) is located in the flange portion (323).

4. The valve device according to claim 3 or 2, characterized in that, The disc component (31) includes a back side surface (316) which is disposed opposite to the mating surface (315). The connecting component (32) includes an abutting surface (211) which abuts against the back side surface (316). The connecting component (32) includes a convex rib (321) which is disposed around the opening (324). The convex rib (321) protrudes from the abutting surface (211) toward the valve seat (4). The disc component (31) has a first limiting groove (301) which is recessed in the back side surface (316). The convex rib (321) is located in the first limiting groove (301). The outer peripheral wall of the convex rib (321) is clearance-fitted or transition-fitted with the side wall forming the first limiting groove (301).

5. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall forming the through hole (310) includes a stepped surface (319) facing the valve seat (4). The fastener (35) is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the connecting member (32). The fastener (35) includes a flange (354), at least a portion of which is located in the through hole. The flange (354) abuts against the stepped surface (319).

6. The valve device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fastener (35) is integral with the connecting component (32). The fastener (35) is a thin-walled component. The fastener (35) extends from the edge of the opening (324) into the through hole. At least a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the fastener (35) is in a limiting fit with the wall forming the through hole (310).

7. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The disc component (31) includes at least one second limiting groove (302), wherein one of the second limiting grooves (302) is located at the radial outer edge of the disc component (31), the second limiting groove (302) is recessed in the mating surface (315), the wall forming the second limiting groove (302) includes a stepped surface (319) facing the valve seat (4), and the fastener (35) includes a flange (354) located in the second limiting groove (302), the flange (354) abutting against the stepped surface (319).

8. The valve device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fastener (35) is a thin-walled component. The fastener (35) extends from the edge of the connecting component (32) toward the second limiting groove (302) and along the radial direction of the disc component (31). The radial outer edge of the disc component (31) abuts or gap-fits with the fastener (35).

9. The valve device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The hardness of the disc component (31) is greater than that of the connecting component (32), the material of the disc component (31) includes metal, and the valve device is capable of communicating with the refrigeration cycle.

10. The valve device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The valve core (3) includes a seal (33), which is an elastic element (9). The seal (33) is disposed around the opening (324) and around at least one of the through holes. One side of the seal (33) abuts against the disc component (31), and the other side of the seal (33) abuts against the connecting component (32).

11. The valve device according to any one of claims 1-8, 10, characterized in that, The valve device includes a valve body assembly (2) and a drive assembly (1). The drive assembly (1) includes a valve stem (12), a portion of which can drive the valve core (3) to rotate. The valve seat (4) is integrally formed with the valve body assembly (2), or fixedly connected or limitedly connected. The valve body assembly (2) has a flow cavity (24), which is not directly connected to the channel (325) of the communicating assembly. The through hole (310) includes a first through hole (…). 311) and a second through hole (312), a portion of the opening (324) is disposed opposite to and communicates with the first through hole (311) and the second through hole (312), the through hole (310) has a third through hole (313) and a fourth through hole (314), the third through hole (313) and the fourth through hole (314) are not communicated with the opening (324), and the third through hole (313) and the fourth through hole (314) are both communicated with the flow cavity (24).

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