Valve assembly and fluid control assembly

Abstract

This invention relates to a valve assembly and a fluid control assembly. The valve assembly has a valve cavity and includes a valve body assembly, a valve core assembly, and at least two sealing assemblies. The valve body assembly includes a bottom shell portion that defines a portion of the wall of the valve cavity. The bottom shell portion has a mounting groove and at least two communicating channels. At least a portion of the valve core assembly is located in the valve cavity. The sealing assemblies have channels that communicate with corresponding communicating channels. At least one sealing assembly includes a sealing seat, a spring, and a sealing ring. At least a portion of the sealing seat and the spring are located in the mounting groove. Along the axial direction of the sealing ring, the spring abuts against the bottom wall surface defining the mounting groove. One axial end of the sealing seat abuts against the valve core assembly, and the other axial end of the sealing seat abuts against the spring. Along the radial direction of the sealing ring, the sealing ring is sealed between the bottom shell portion and the sealing seat, which helps to reduce internal leakage of the valve assembly and the fluid control assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to a valve assembly and fluid control assembly for use in vehicles, air conditioners, or refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] Electric valves need to have good sealing performance to effectively control the opening and closing of flow paths and / or regulate flow rate within the air conditioning system. In related technologies, the sealing components of electric valves include using O-rings for axial sealing between the valve core and valve body. However, during repeated operation of the electric valve, the O-rings are prone to rupture, leading to internal leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, the technical solution of this application provides a valve assembly and a fluid control assembly, which helps to prevent the sealing ring from being squeezed out, and provides elastic force to the sealing block through the spring to achieve axial sealing between the sealing block and the valve core, and achieves radial sealing through the sealing ring, which helps to reduce internal leakage of the valve assembly and the fluid control assembly.

[0004] On one hand, the technical solution of this application provides a valve assembly having a valve cavity. The valve assembly includes a valve body assembly, a valve core assembly, and at least two sealing assemblies. The valve body assembly includes a bottom shell portion that defines a portion of the wall of the valve cavity. The bottom shell portion has a mounting groove and at least two communicating channels. At least a portion of the valve core assembly is located in the valve cavity. The sealing assemblies have channels that communicate with the corresponding communicating channels. At least one of the sealing assemblies includes a sealing seat, a spring, and a sealing ring. At least a portion of the sealing seat and the spring are located in the mounting groove. Along the axial direction of the sealing ring, the spring abuts against the bottom wall surface defining the mounting groove. One axial end of the sealing seat abuts against the valve core assembly, and the other axial end of the sealing seat abuts against the spring. Along the radial direction of the sealing ring, the sealing ring is sealed between the bottom shell portion and the sealing seat.

[0005] According to the valve assembly provided in this application, the bottom shell of the valve body assembly has at least two communicating channels. The channel of the sealing assembly communicates with the corresponding communicating channels. At least one sealing assembly includes a sealing seat, a spring, and a sealing ring. At least a portion of the sealing seat and the spring are located in the mounting groove of the bottom shell. One axial end of the sealing seat abuts against the valve core assembly, and the other axial end of the sealing seat abuts against the spring, which facilitates the sealing effect between the sealing seat and the valve core assembly. Compared with the method of using an O-ring to provide the elastic force for the sealing seat and the valve core assembly to abut, which is prone to causing the O-ring to break, the valve assembly of this embodiment provides the elastic force for the sealing seat and the valve core assembly to abut against through the spring, which is beneficial to improving the sealing stability between the sealing seat and the valve core assembly and reducing the internal leakage of the valve assembly. Along the radial direction of the sealing ring, the sealing ring is sealed between the bottom shell and the sealing seat, which is beneficial to preventing or reducing fluid leakage from the radial gap between the bottom shell and the sealing seat. During the operation of the valve assembly, the radial gap between the bottom shell and the sealing seat is relatively stable, which is beneficial to reducing or avoiding the risk of the sealing ring breaking, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the sealing assembly, and thus improving the service life of the valve assembly.

[0006] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a fluid control component, including a housing and any of the valve components mentioned above, wherein the housing is sealed to the bottom shell portion, the housing has a fluid channel, and the fluid channel is connected to the corresponding communication channel.

[0007] According to the fluid control component provided in this application, the housing and bottom shell are sealed together. The housing has a fluid channel that communicates with a corresponding connecting channel, facilitating fluid exchange between the fluid channel and the connecting channel. At least one sealing component of the valve assembly includes a sealing seat, a spring, and a sealing ring. The spring is located in a mounting groove in the bottom shell. One axial end of the sealing seat abuts against the valve core assembly, and the other axial end of the sealing seat abuts against the spring, facilitating the sealing effect between the sealing seat and the valve core assembly. Compared to the method of using an O-ring to provide elastic force for the sealing seat and valve core assembly to abut against each other, which is prone to O-ring breakage, this invention... In this embodiment, the valve assembly uses a spring to provide elastic force for the sealing seat to abut against the valve core assembly, which helps improve the stability of the seal between the sealing seat and the valve core assembly and reduces internal leakage of the valve assembly. Along the radial direction of the sealing ring, the sealing ring is sealed between the bottom shell and the sealing seat, which helps prevent or reduce fluid leakage from the radial gap between the bottom shell and the sealing seat. During operation, the radial gap between the bottom shell and the sealing seat is relatively stable, which helps reduce or avoid the risk of the sealing ring shifting and breaking, thus improving the service life of the sealing assembly and consequently improving the service life of the fluid control assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a fluid control component provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows an exploded view of a valve assembly.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a fluid control component is shown in the figure;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the bottom shell.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a valve assembly is shown in the figure;

[0013] Figure 6 Yes, yes Figure 5 The diagram shows an enlarged schematic of one type of valve assembly at Q1.

[0014] Figure 7 Yes, yes Figure 5 The diagram shows another enlarged structural schematic of a valve assembly at Q1;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 The diagram in the middle shows a three-dimensional structure of a valve core assembly;

[0016] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a valve assembly provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a valve assembly, shown in proportion.

[0018] Figure label:

[0019] 1. Valve assembly; 101. Valve cavity; 10. Valve body assembly; 102. Communicating channel; 11. Bottom shell; 111. Mounting groove; 112. Groove bottom wall; 113. Groove side wall; 114. First side; 115. Second side; 116. Second limiting groove; 12. Side shell; 13. Connecting cover; 20. Valve core assembly; 21. First valve core; 201. Conducting cavity; 202. Throttling orifice; 210. Conducting channel; 22. Second valve core; 221. Second balancing hole; 30. Sealing assembly; 301. Channel; 31. Sealing seat; 311. First limiting groove; 312. First part; 3121. First abutment part; 313. Second part; 313 1. Second abutment part; 314. Connecting part; 315. Through hole; 316. Large diameter hole; 317. Small diameter hole; 32. Spring; 33. Sealing ring; 40. Coil assembly; 411. Drive housing; 410. Cover; 43. Sleeve; 42. Planetary gear assembly; 412. Rotor assembly; 44. Mounting plate; 45. Control plate; 46. Drive shaft; 461. First balance hole; 47. Bearing assembly; 470. Protective cover; 471. First bearing; 472. Second bearing; 48. Limiting element; 49. O-ring; 2. Fluid control assembly; 51. Seal; 52. Housing; 521. Fluid channel; 53. Flow channel plate; 531. Distribution channel; 60. Fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one component from another that has the same name, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these components.

[0021] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a fluid control component 2, which can be applied to a vehicle thermal management system, air conditioning system, or refrigerator system, and particularly to a vehicle's refrigerant circulation loop. Specifically, the fluid control component 2 can be used to control the on / off state of the flow path in the refrigerant circulation loop and / or adjust the refrigerant flow rate. Optionally, the refrigerant in this embodiment of the invention may include R744 refrigerant, and the fluid control component 2 can be used in a high-pressure carbon dioxide heat pump system.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a fluid control assembly 2, which includes a valve assembly 1, a housing 52, and a seal 51. Along the axial direction of the valve assembly 1, the seal 51 abuts between the valve assembly 1 and the housing 52 to reduce fluid leakage between the valve assembly 1 and the housing 52.

[0023] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the valve assembly 1 has at least two connecting channels 102. The ports of the connecting channels 102 exposed on the outer surface of the valve assembly 1 are located on the end faces in the axial direction of the valve assembly 1. The fluid control assembly 2 may have seals 51 corresponding to the connecting channels 102. Along the axial direction of the valve assembly 1, the seals 51 are abutted between the bottom shell portion 11 and the housing 52. The bottom shell portion 11 has a connecting surface facing the housing 52, and the connecting channels 102 all penetrate the connecting surface. The seals 51 abut against the connecting surface. Optionally, in the cross-section obtained by cutting the housing 52 along the axial direction perpendicular to the valve assembly 1, the outer contour of the cross-section of the housing 52 can be triangular, quadrilateral, or other structures. Optionally, when the outer contour of the cross-section of the housing 52 is triangular or a triangular-like structure, it is beneficial to reduce the weight of the housing 52, improve the structural compactness of the flow channels inside the housing 52, and improve the space utilization of the housing 52.

[0024] Accordingly, the fluid control assembly 2 also includes a flow channel plate 53, which has a distribution flow channel 531, as described in this embodiment of the invention. Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the housing 52 can form part of the flow channel plate 53, with the connecting channel 102 communicating with the distribution channel 531. Alternatively, the housing 52 and the flow channel plate 53 can be separately disposed and sealed together, with the channel 521 of the housing 52 communicating with the distribution channel 531. This arrangement facilitates reducing the connecting pipelines between the valve assembly 1 and the flow channel plate 53, thereby improving the integration of the fluid control assembly 2.

[0025] To reduce fluid leakage, such as Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of a sealing assembly 30' provided for comparative purposes. In the comparative example, the sealing assembly 30' is disposed abutting between the bottom housing portion 11' and the valve core assembly 20' along the axial direction. The sealing assembly 30' includes a sealing seat 31' and an O-ring 32'. The sealing seat 31' abuts against the bottom wall of the valve core assembly 20', and the O-ring 32' abuts against the bottom housing portion 11'. In this case, the O-ring 32' provides an axial seal. The bottom housing portion 11' has a communicating channel 102' and a stepped surface S1'. The sealing seat 31' can abut against the stepped surface S1' or there can be a gap between the sealing seat 31' and the stepped surface S1'. During the research and development process, the applicant discovered that when a high-pressure fluid, such as CO2 refrigerant, flows through the valve assembly, at least one of the sealing seat 31' and the valve core assembly 20' is prone to wear after repeated opening and closing of the valve. Under the elastic force of the O-ring 32', the gap between the sealing seat 31' and the stepped surface S1' will increase. CO2 refrigerant has the characteristics of high temperature and high pressure. When the valve assembly switches the control connection channel 102', the sealing seat 31' is subjected to bidirectional load along the axial direction of the valve assembly. Figure 10 In the process of switching the control communication channel 102', the valve assembly causes the sealing seat 31' to be subjected to axial upward and axial downward forces. The O-ring 32' is made of rubber, and at this time, the O-ring is prone to being squeezed and ruptured between the sealing seat 31' and the stepped surface S1', leading to internal leakage. Furthermore, the sealing force between the sealing seat 31' and the valve core assembly 20' comes from the elasticity provided by the O-ring 32'. After long-term use, the O-ring 32' will age, and the elasticity it provides will decrease, which can easily cause a decrease in the sealing force between the sealing seat 31' and the valve core assembly 20', leading to internal leakage.

[0026] To improve the above issues, please further combine... Figures 1 to 9 This invention provides a valve assembly 1, which has a valve cavity 101. The valve assembly 1 includes a valve body assembly 10, a valve core assembly 20, and at least two sealing assemblies 30. At least a portion of the valve core assembly 20 and the sealing assemblies 30 are located in the valve cavity 101. The valve body assembly 10 includes a bottom shell portion 11, which defines a portion of the wall of the valve cavity 101. The bottom shell portion 11 has a mounting groove 111 and at least two communicating channels 102. The valve core assembly 20 is rotatable and can connect the at least two communicating channels 102. The sealing assemblies 30 have orifices 301 that communicate with corresponding communicating channels 102 to achieve the sealing performance of the valve assembly 1.

[0027] In this embodiment of the invention, at least one sealing component 30 includes a sealing seat 31, a spring 32, and a sealing ring 33. The sealing seat 31 has a through hole 315, which forms part of a channel 301. At least a portion of the sealing seat 31 and the spring 32 are located in a mounting groove 111. The spring 32 has a compression deformation and is located between the sealing seat 31 and the bottom shell portion 11. Along the axial direction of the sealing ring 33, the spring 32 abuts against the bottom wall surface defining the mounting groove 111. Under the elastic force of the spring 32, one axial end of the sealing seat 31 abuts against the valve core assembly 20, and the other axial end of the sealing seat 31 abuts against the spring 32, so that under the elastic force of the spring 32, the sealing seat 31 and the end face of the valve core assembly 20 are tightly abutted, which facilitates the sealing between the sealing seat 31 and the valve core assembly 20. To reduce fluid leakage between the sealing seat 31 and the sidewall of the mounting groove 111, the sealing ring 33 is radially disposed between the bottom shell portion 11 and the sealing seat 31 assembly. In this embodiment of the invention, the bottom shell portion can be a single structural member or a combination of at least two members. The mounting groove is located in the single structural member, or the mounting groove can be formed by at least two components, as long as it is used to mount the sealing assembly 30.

[0028] The above-described configuration facilitates the sealing effect between the sealing seat 31 and the valve core assembly 20. Compared to the method where the O-ring provides elastic force for the sealing seat and valve core assembly to abut, which is prone to causing the O-ring to break, the valve assembly 1 of this embodiment uses the spring 32 to provide elastic force for the sealing seat 31 to abut against the valve core assembly 20. This improves the stability of the sealing seal between the sealing seat 31 and the valve core assembly 20, and helps reduce internal leakage of the valve assembly 1. Along the radial direction of the sealing ring 33, the sealing ring 33 is sealed between the bottom shell 11 and the sealing seat 31, which helps prevent or reduce fluid leakage from the radial gap between the bottom shell 11 and the sealing seat 31. During operation, the radial gap between the bottom shell 11 and the sealing seat 31 remains relatively stable, which helps reduce or avoid the risk of the sealing ring shifting and breaking, thus improving the service life of the sealing assembly and consequently the service life of the valve assembly.

[0029] To reduce the aging of spring 32 and prevent the decrease in spring force during the use of valve assembly 1 from affecting the sealing performance, in some embodiments, spring 32 includes at least one of wave spring, cylindrical spring, and leaf spring. The above-mentioned spring structure has little or no risk of aging, stable stiffness, and the stable stiffness of spring 32 provides a stable spring force to ensure that the sealing seat 31 abuts against the valve core assembly 20, facilitating a stable seal between the sealing seat 31 and the valve core assembly 20, thereby meeting the internal leakage requirements of valve assembly 1.

[0030] Furthermore, in some embodiments, combined with Figure 4and Figure 7 As shown, the wall portion defining the mounting groove 111 includes a bottom wall portion 112 and a side wall portion 113. Along the axial direction of the valve assembly 1, the side wall portion 113 protrudes from the bottom wall portion 112 along the axial direction of the mounting groove 111. The side wall portion 113 includes a first side portion 114 and a second side portion 115. The first side portion 114 is located on the outer periphery of the second side portion 115, that is, the first side portion 114 defines the outer wall surface of the mounting groove 111. The sealing ring 33 abuts between the first side portion 114 and the sealing seat 31. Along the radial direction of the sealing ring 33, the spring 32 is located between the first side portion 114 and the second side portion 115. With the above arrangement, it is convenient to limit the position of the spring 32 and to achieve radial sealing of the sealing ring 33, and axial sealing in combination with the sealing seat 31, which is beneficial to achieving stable sealing of the valve assembly 1.

[0031] To limit the position of the sealing ring 33, in some embodiments, along the axial direction of the mounting groove 111, the projection of the first side portion 114 is located on the outer periphery of the projection of the sealing seat 31, and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing seat 31 is clearance-fitted with the first side portion 114. The sealing seat 31 has a first limiting groove 311 extending from the outer peripheral surface of the sealing seat 31 into the sealing seat 31, and / or, the first side portion 114 has a second limiting groove 116 extending from the surface of the first side portion 114 into the first side portion 114. In this embodiment of the invention, the sealing ring 33 is used for radial sealing, where the radial clearance between the sidewall of the mounting groove 111 and the outer surface of the sealing seat 31 is relatively stable, and the sidewall surfaces between them are not worn or are only slightly worn. Figure 6 or Figure 7 The position of the first limiting groove 311 and / or the second limiting groove 116 is stable, preventing the sealing ring 33 from disengaging from the first limiting groove 311 and / or the second limiting groove 116 and entering the radial gap between the side wall of the mounting groove 111 and the outer surface of the sealing seat 31, thereby helping to prevent the sealing ring 33 from being squeezed and broken.

[0032] Further reading Figure 6In some embodiments, the sealing seat 31 has a first limiting groove 311. The sealing seat 31 has an annular structure and includes a first part 312, a second part 313, and a connecting part 314. Along the axial direction of the sealing seat 31, the connecting part 314 connects the first part 312 and the second part 313. The connecting part 314 defines the bottom wall surface of the first limiting groove 311. The first part 312 and the second part 313 both define the side wall surface of the second limiting groove 116. The first part 312 includes a first abutting part 3121, and the second part 313 includes a second abutting part 3131. The first abutting part 3121 abuts against the valve core assembly 20, and the second abutting part 3131 abuts against the spring 32. Along the axial direction of the sealing seat 31, the projections of the first abutting part 3121 and the second abutting part 3131 are located within the projection of the connecting part 314. The above-mentioned arrangement helps to reduce the deformation of the sealing seat 31, so that the first abutting part 3121 abuts against the valve core assembly 20 and the second abutting part 3131 abuts against the spring 32 can be supported by the connecting part 314, thereby improving the strength of the sealing assembly 30.

[0033] In some embodiments, the second side portion 115 is an annular structure, the outer surface of the second side portion 115 defines the sidewall portion of the mounting groove 111, and the inner wall surface of the second side portion 115 defines the communicating channel 102. The spring 32 is fitted with the second side portion 115 in a limiting engagement, the spring 32 is sleeved on the outer side of the second side portion 115, and a portion of the sealing seat 31 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second side portion 115. This arrangement facilitates the limiting of the position of the spring 32 by the second side portion 115. Furthermore, by sleeved a portion of the sealing seat 31 on the outer periphery of the second side portion 115, and with an axial gap between the first portion 312 of the sealing seat 31 and the second side portion 115 along the axial direction of the sealing seat 31, when the valve core assembly 20 is subjected to the axial force of the fluid, compared to the comparative example where the sealing seat is positioned between the valve core assembly and the bottom wall, which easily causes compression deformation of the sealing seat, this embodiment of the invention is advantageous in preventing the sealing seat 31 from being sandwiched between the end faces of the valve core assembly 20 and the second side portion 115, thus preventing compression deformation of the sealing seat 31. In this embodiment of the invention, the bottom shell 11 is made of metal.

[0034] Based on this, please refer to further information. Figure 6 and Figure 7In some embodiments, the sealing seat 31 has a through hole 315, which forms at least a portion of the channel 301. The through hole 315 communicates with the connecting channel 102. The through hole 315 includes a large-diameter hole 316 and a small-diameter hole 317, which are arranged along the axial direction of the sealing seat 31. The wall surface of the large-diameter hole 316 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the second side portion 115. The small-diameter hole 317 penetrates the end face of the sealing seat 31 that abuts against the valve core assembly 20. At this time, the large-diameter hole 316 penetrates the second part 313 and the connecting part 314 of the sealing seat 31, and the small-diameter hole 317 penetrates the first part 312. With the above arrangement, it is convenient to limit the position of the sealing seat 31 through the second side portion 115, while also facilitating the increase of the sealing specific pressure between the sealing seat 31 and the valve core assembly, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0035] Furthermore, for details on driving the valve core assembly 20 to rotate, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figures 1 to 7 In some embodiments, valve assembly 1 further includes a planetary gear assembly 42 and a drive shaft 46. At least a portion of the planetary gear assembly 42 is located on the side of the drive shaft 46 opposite to the valve core assembly 20 along the axial direction of the valve core assembly 20. The drive shaft 46 is connected to the valve core assembly 20 in a limiting manner, and the planetary gear assembly 42 is also connected to the drive shaft 46 in a limiting manner. Valve assembly 1 is a refrigerant valve. The fluid pressure in the refrigerant valve is relatively high. When the fluid enters or leaves valve assembly 1 from the communication channel 102 located in the bottom housing 11, it generates axial pressure on the valve core assembly 20. Through the sealing assembly 30 of this embodiment, the spring 32 can provide a stable elastic force to the sealing seat 31, thereby improving the sealing performance of the sealing assembly 30.

[0036] like Figure 9 As shown, to further improve the rotational stability of the valve core assembly 20, in some embodiments, the valve assembly 1 further includes a bearing assembly 47. Along the axial direction of the valve assembly 1, the bearing is abutted between the drive shaft 46 and the valve core assembly 20. The bearing assembly 47 includes a first bearing 471 and a second bearing 472, which are symmetrically arranged along the axial direction of the valve core assembly 20. Optionally, both the first bearing 471 and the second bearing 472 are angular contact ball bearings, or the bearing assembly 47 can be a double-row angular contact ball bearing, a double-row thrust angular contact ball bearing, or a cross-roller bearing. This arrangement helps to improve the stiffness and load-bearing capacity of the bearing assembly 47, and facilitates improvements in the axial stability of the valve core assembly in both directions (i.e., the bearings in the axial direction). Figure 9 This addresses the issues of axial movement and radial runout in both the upper and lower directions (within the valve assembly), thereby reducing the risk of internal leakage in the valve assembly 1, enhancing the reliability and durability of the bearing assembly 47, and improving the service life of the valve assembly 1. It also reduces the vibration and noise of the bearing assembly 47, making the bearing assembly 47 work more smoothly.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the first bearing 471 and the second bearing 472 can be configured to be mounted back-to-back. The back-to-back mounted angular contact ball bearing assemblies 47 can support each other when subjected to axial loads, and can withstand axial loads acting in two directions. Each load can be borne by one bearing, which helps to improve the axial movement and wobble of the valve core assembly 20, thereby improving the sealing reliability of the sealing assembly 30. The contact angle of the back-to-back mounted angular contact ball bearing assemblies 47 spreads along the rotation axis, and the force application point span is large, resulting in greater rigidity at the cantilever end. This increases the bearing assembly's radial and axial support angle rigidity, allowing it to withstand overturning moments and reducing abnormal noise and jamming in the bearing assembly 47. Optionally, the heat treatment tempering temperature of the materials for the first bearing 471 and the second bearing 472 can be increased to over 180°C, improving the hardness and wear resistance of the first bearing 471 and the second bearing 472, and enhancing the reliability of the bearing assembly 47.

[0038] Or such as Figure 5 As shown, there can be one bearing assembly 47, which can be a four-point contact bearing. For the bearing assembly, the runout angle of the bearing assembly 47 is related to the raceway curvature. By setting the bearing assembly 47 as a four-point contact bearing with a peach-shaped internal raceway, the axial clearance of the bearing assembly 47 can be reduced while maintaining the same radial clearance as a deep groove ball bearing. Compared to a deep groove ball bearing, the runout angle of the four-point contact bearing is smaller, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the transmission system of the valve assembly 1 in this embodiment. Simultaneously, under constant load, increasing the number of contact points inside the bearing assembly 47 facilitates the dispersion of stress, reducing wear and increasing lifespan, and mitigating the impact of oil-free operation on the bearing assembly 47. Furthermore, by limiting the runout angle of the bearing assembly 47, the axial displacement of the valve core assembly is restricted when subjected to high-pressure fluid, improving the sealing performance of the sealing assembly 30.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 9As shown, the valve body assembly 10 also includes a side shell portion 12, which protrudes from the bottom shell portion 11 along the height direction of the valve body assembly 10. Both the bottom shell portion 11 and the side shell portion 12 form part of the wall of the valve cavity 101. The sealing assembly 30 is sealed between the bottom shell portion 11 and the valve core assembly 20. By rotating the valve core assembly 20, at least two connecting channels 102 can be opened or closed. In this document, closing a connecting channel 102 means that the connecting channel 102 is not connected to any other connecting channel 102, and is parallel to or coincides with the axial direction of the valve core assembly 20 along the height direction of the valve body assembly 10. Optionally, the outer rings of the first bearing 471 and the second bearing 472 can be welded to the side shell portion 12.

[0040] Optionally, the bottom shell portion 11 and the side shell portion 12 extend perpendicularly, and at least two communicating channels 102 are located within the bottom shell portion, for example, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, at least three connecting channels 102 are located within the bottom shell portion 11. Optionally, the bottom shell portion 11 may have two, four, five or more connecting channels 102, and the side shell portion 12 may also have connecting channels.

[0041] To achieve the fluid control function of valve assembly 1 in this embodiment of the invention, combined with Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the valve core assembly 20 includes a first valve core element 21 and a second valve core element 22 that are sealed together. Along the axial direction of the fluid control assembly 2, the second valve core element 22 is located on the side of the first valve core element 21 opposite to the sealing seat 31. The sealing seat 31 abuts against the bottom wall of the first valve core element 21. The first valve core element 21 has a conduction channel 210, and the first valve core element 21 and the second valve core element 22 together define a conduction cavity 201, which communicates with the conduction channel 210. Optionally, the first valve core element 21 and the second valve core element 22 can be welded together.

[0042] Optionally, the conduction channel 210 includes an annular hole that penetrates the first valve core 21, and the annular hole connects at least two connecting channels 102. Alternatively, the conduction channel 210 includes at least two conduction channels 210 and a throttling orifice 202, the throttling orifice 202 connecting adjacent conduction channels 210, the conduction channel 210 penetrating the first valve core 21, the throttling orifice 202 having a groove structure, and the conduction channel 210 connecting at least two connecting channels 102. With the above configuration, it is convenient to switch the flow direction and flow rate of the fluid when the valve core assembly 20 rotates.

[0043] To achieve rotation of the valve core assembly 20, in some embodiments, the fluid control assembly 2 further includes a second assembly. The second assembly includes a coil assembly 40, a drive housing 411, a cover 410, and a control plate 45. The coil assembly 40, drive housing 411, cover 410, and control plate 45 can be assembled as a single unit. The drive housing 411 and cover 410 are sealed together to define a drive cavity. The control plate 45 is located within the drive cavity. The coil assembly 40 can be injection molded integrally with the drive housing 411, or the coil assembly 40 can be sealed within the drive housing 411. The second assembly is fitted onto the outer periphery of a portion of the first assembly, and the second assembly is sealed to the first assembly.

[0044] Specifically, the first component also includes a sleeve 43, a planetary gear assembly 42, a rotor assembly 412, and a connecting cover 13. At least a portion of the second component may be located inside the first component. The sleeve 43 and the connecting cover 13 are sealed together. The rotor assembly 412 is disposed on the inner circumference of the sleeve 43, and the coil assembly 40 is sleeved on the outer circumference of the sleeve 43. The rotor assembly 412 is located within the magnetic field range of the coil assembly 40 during its operating state. The area where the coil assembly 40 is located and the area where the rotor assembly 412 is located are fluidly isolated by the sleeve 43 to prevent fluid from entering the area where the coil assembly 40 is located and damaging the coil assembly 40.

[0045] Optionally, the planetary gear assembly 42 may include a sun gear and planet gears. In this embodiment of the invention, the planetary gear assembly 42 may include a three-stage planetary gear. When a high-pressure refrigerant fluid such as carbon dioxide flows through the fluid control assembly 2, setting a reasonable planetary gear assembly 42 facilitates an increase in the driving force on the valve core assembly 20. Specifically, the specific structure of the planetary gear assembly 42 can be set according to user requirements, for example, a four-stage planetary gear or a two-stage planetary gear.

[0046] Please refer to further information. Figures 3 to 9 The second component may further include a drive shaft 46, which is connected to the output planetary gear drive, and a bearing assembly 47 sleeved on the outer periphery of the drive shaft 46. Along the axial direction of the drive shaft 46, the bearing assembly 47 is located on the side of the valve core assembly 20 opposite to the sealing assembly 30. Optionally, along the axial direction of the drive shaft 46, the bearing assembly 47 is located between the valve core assembly 20 and the connecting cover 13. The drive shaft 46 has a first balancing hole 461, which connects the conduction cavity of the valve core assembly 20 and the chamber where the planetary gear assembly 42 is located, for balancing the pressure in the conduction cavity of the valve core assembly 20. Optionally, the valve core assembly 20 can be integrally welded to the drive shaft 46.

[0047] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the bearing assembly 47 also includes a protective cover 470, which is located at both ends of the bearing assembly 47 in the axial direction. By providing the protective cover 470, the influence of impurities in the fluid on the life of the bearing assembly 47 is reduced or prevented. Furthermore, the second valve core 22 also includes a second balancing hole 221, which connects the guide cavity 201 with the mounting cavity where the bearing assembly 47 is located.

[0048] In this embodiment, the drive housing 411 can be injection molded and fixed to the coil assembly 40, or the coil assembly 40 can be limited and set in the drive cavity of the drive housing 411. The control board is electrically connected to the coil assembly 40 and controls the energization or de-energization of the coil assembly 40. When the coil assembly 40 is energized, it can generate a magnetic field. The rotor assembly 412 can rotate under the action of the magnetic field, and then transmit power to the planetary gear assembly 42, which in turn drives the valve core assembly 20 to rotate.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the sleeve 43 and the connecting cover 13 can be welded together for sealing. A portion of the connecting cover 13 is located within the space defined by the sleeve 43, and the connecting cover 13 can limit the movement of the planetary gear assembly 42. The connecting cover 13 can also be welded together with the valve body assembly 10 for sealing. Further, the valve assembly 1 also includes a mounting plate 44 and an O-ring 49. Along the thickness direction of the mounting plate 44, the mounting plate 44 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the first assembly, and the mounting plate 44 is fixedly connected to the first assembly. For example, the mounting plate 44 can be welded to the connecting cover 13 in the first assembly. One side of the mounting plate 44 in the thickness direction abuts against the connecting cover 13, and the other side of the mounting plate 44 in the thickness direction abuts against the second assembly. The O-ring 49 is located within the space defined by the mounting plate 44, the first assembly, and the second assembly. Fasteners such as screws connect the mounting plate 44 and the second assembly. By fitting the first assembly onto the outer periphery of the second assembly and connecting the first and second assemblies with fasteners, the O-ring 49 is deformed by compression, improving the sealing performance of the fluid control assembly 2.

[0050] Furthermore, in order to limit the rotational position of the valve core assembly 20, in some embodiments, the fluid control assembly 2 further includes a limiting member 48 and a mating part. The mating part has a limiting groove 213. One of the limiting member 48 and the limiting groove 213 is fixedly disposed on one of the valve core assembly 20 and the bottom shell 11, and the other of the limiting member 48 and the limiting groove 213 is located on the other of the valve core assembly 20 and the bottom shell 11. The limiting groove 213 can be an annular groove. The limiting member 48 rotates in the annular groove. When the limiting member 48 abuts against the two end sidewalls of the annular groove in the circumferential direction, the rotational position of the valve core assembly 20 is limited.

[0051] To further improve the integration of the fluid control component 2, the fluid control component 2 may also include functional components such as heat exchangers and compressors. The heat exchangers and / or compressors can be connected to the flow channel plate 53, and the distribution flow channel 531 can be connected to the channels in the heat exchangers and / or the channels in the compressor.

[0052] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments only illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be pointed out that those skilled in the art can make several modifications without departing from the concept of this invention, and these modifications all fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A valve assembly (1) characterized in that, The valve assembly (1) has a valve cavity (101), the valve assembly (1) includes a valve body assembly (10), a valve core assembly (20), and at least two sealing assemblies (30). The valve body assembly (10) includes a bottom shell portion (11) that defines a portion of the wall of the valve cavity (101). The bottom shell portion (11) has a mounting groove (111) and at least two communicating channels (102). At least a portion of the valve core assembly (20) is located in the valve cavity (101). The sealing assembly (30) has a channel (301) that communicates with a corresponding communicating channel (102). At least one of the sealing assemblies (30) has a valve core assembly (20) that communicates with a corresponding communicating channel (102). The sealing assembly (30) includes a sealing seat (31), a spring (32), and a sealing ring (33). At least a portion of the sealing seat (31) and the spring (32) are located in the mounting groove (111). Along the axial direction of the sealing ring (33), the spring (32) abuts against the bottom wall surface defining the mounting groove (111). One axial end of the sealing seat (31) abuts against the valve core assembly (20), and the other axial end of the sealing seat (31) abuts against the spring (32). Along the radial direction of the sealing ring (33), the sealing ring (33) is sealed between the bottom shell portion (11) and the sealing seat (31).

2. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The spring (32) includes at least one of a wave spring, a cylindrical spring, and a leaf spring; The wall portion defining the mounting groove (111) includes a bottom wall portion (112) and a side wall portion (113). The side wall portion (113) protrudes from the bottom wall portion (112) along the axial direction of the mounting groove (111). The side wall portion (113) includes a first side portion (114) and a second side portion (115). The first side portion (114) is located on the outer periphery of the second side portion (115). The sealing ring (33) abuts between the first side portion (114) and the sealing seat (31). Along the radial direction of the sealing ring (33), the spring (32) is located between the first side portion (114) and the second side portion (115).

3. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that Along the axial direction of the mounting groove (111), the projection of the first side (114) is located on the outer periphery of the projection of the sealing seat (31), and the sealing seat (31) is in clearance fit with the first side (114). The sealing seat (31) has a first limiting groove (311) extending from the outer periphery of the sealing seat (31) toward the interior of the sealing seat (31), and / or, the first side portion (114) has a second limiting groove (116) extending from the surface of the first side portion (114) toward the interior of the first side portion (114).

4. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The sealing seat (31) has a first limiting groove (311). The sealing seat (31) has an annular structure. The sealing seat (31) includes a first part (312), a second part (313), and a connecting part (314). Along the axial direction of the sealing seat (31), the connecting part (314) is connected between the first part (312) and the second part (313). The connecting part (314) defines the bottom wall surface of the first limiting groove (311). The first part (312) and the second part (313) both define the side wall surface of the first limiting groove (311). The first part (312) includes a first abutting part (3121), and the second part (313) includes a second abutting part (3131). The first abutting part (3121) abuts against the valve core assembly (20), and the second abutting part (3131) abuts against the spring (32). Along the axial direction of the sealing seat (31), the projections of the first abutting part (3121) and the second abutting part (3131) are located within the projection of the connecting part (314).

5. Valve assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The second side portion (115) has an annular structure. The outer surface of the second side portion (115) defines the sidewall portion of the mounting groove (111), and the inner wall surface of the second side portion (115) defines the communicating channel (102). The spring (32) is limited to the second side (115), and a portion of the sealing seat (31) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second side (115). Along the axial direction of the sealing seat (31), there is a gap between the sealing seat (31) and the second side (115).

6. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The sealing seat (31) has a through hole (315) that forms at least a portion of the channel (301) and communicates with the communication channel (102). The through hole (315) includes a large-diameter hole (316) and a small-diameter hole (317). The large-diameter hole (316) and the small-diameter hole (317) are arranged along the axial direction of the sealing seat (31). The wall surface of the large-diameter hole (316) is fitted onto the outer periphery of the second side (115). The small-diameter hole (317) penetrates the end face of the sealing seat (31) that abuts against the valve core assembly (20).

7. Valve assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The valve assembly (1) further includes a planetary gear assembly (42) and a valve spindle (46). Along the axial direction of the valve spindle assembly (20), at least a portion of the planetary gear assembly (42) is located on the side of the valve spindle (46) away from the valve spindle assembly (20). The valve spindle (46) is limitedly connected to the valve spindle assembly (20), and the planetary gear assembly (42) is limitedly connected to the valve spindle (46). The valve assembly (1) is a refrigerant valve.

8. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The valve assembly (1) further includes a bearing assembly (47), which is disposed between the valve spindle (46) and the valve core assembly (20) along the axial direction of the valve assembly (1). The bearing assembly (47) includes a first bearing (471) and a second bearing (472), the first bearing (471) and the second bearing (472) being symmetrically arranged along the axial direction of the valve core assembly (20), or the bearing assembly (47) being a four-point contact bearing.

9. A fluid control assembly (2) characterized by, Includes a housing (52) and a valve assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing (52) is sealed to the bottom shell portion (11), and the housing (52) has a fluid passage (521) that communicates with the corresponding communication passage (102).

10. The fluid control assembly (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that The fluid control assembly (2) further includes a flow channel plate (53) having a distribution channel (531); The housing (52) is sealed to the flow channel plate (53), the fluid channel (521) of the housing (52) is connected to the distribution channel (531), or the housing (52) forms part of the flow channel plate (53), and the connecting channel (102) forms part of the distribution channel (531).

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