Refrigerant valve and manufacturing method thereof and copper alloy

Abstract

A refrigerant valve includes a stationary part and a moving part, with the moving part at least partially located within the stationary part. The moving part is movable relative to the stationary part to control the connection between different valve ports or to regulate the refrigerant flow. The stationary part has an inner cavity for refrigerant flow. At least one of the stationary and moving parts is made of a copper alloy. The copper alloy comprises 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, and 35wt%-44wt% zinc. This application also provides a method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve and a copper alloy. In this application, a specific amount of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc is used in combination in the copper alloy of the refrigerant valve. This optimizes the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reduces the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, and improves the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy in the refrigerant valve against gas-liquid phase change refrigerants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of refrigerant fluid control devices, specifically relating to a refrigerant valve, its manufacturing method, and a copper alloy. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerant valves are mainly used in air conditioning, refrigeration equipment, and thermal management systems to control and regulate the flow of refrigerant. Components within the refrigerant valve, such as the valve body, valve seat, valve stem, and valve core, are in constant contact with the refrigerant. In thermal management systems, the refrigerant exists in two constantly changing phases: gaseous and liquid. These systems experience significant pressure differences (0-4.5 MPa) and extreme temperature variations (-30℃ to 120℃). The refrigerant valve, operating in this constantly changing two-phase environment, may be susceptible to damage and stress corrosion cracking. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a refrigerant valve that is resistant to refrigerant stress corrosion.

[0004] A refrigerant valve includes a stationary part and a movable part, the movable part being at least partially located within the stationary part. The movable part is movable relative to the stationary part to control the connection between different valve ports or to regulate the refrigerant flow. The stationary part has an inner cavity for the flow of refrigerant. At least one of the stationary part and the movable part is made of a copper alloy. The copper alloy comprises 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, and 35wt%-45wt% zinc.

[0005] In this application, at least one of the stationary part and the moving part is made of copper alloy. The copper alloy contains specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc. The specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc are used in combination to optimize the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, and improve the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy in the refrigerant valve to gas-liquid phase change refrigerant.

[0006] This application also provides a method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve. The refrigerant valve includes a stationary part and a moving part. The moving part is at least partially located within the stationary part. The moving part is movable relative to the stationary part to control the connection between different valve ports or to regulate the refrigerant flow. The stationary part has an inner cavity that can be used for the flow of refrigerant. The method for manufacturing at least one of the stationary part and the moving part includes the following steps:

[0007] Provide metal raw materials;

[0008] The metal raw material is placed in a furnace and smelted to form a copper alloy melt;

[0009] The copper alloy melt is cast into a copper rod;

[0010] The copper rod is hot-forged;

[0011] The copper alloy comprises 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel and 35wt%-45wt% zinc.

[0012] In this application, the copper alloy of the refrigerant valve contains specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc. The use of specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc in combination can optimize the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, and improve the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy in the refrigerant valve to gas-liquid phase change refrigerant.

[0013] This application also provides a copper alloy for a refrigerant valve, the composition of which includes 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel and 35wt%-45wt% zinc.

[0014] In this application, a copper alloy containing specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc is used in combination. The use of specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc in combination can optimize the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, and improve the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy used in refrigerant valves to gas-liquid two-phase refrigerants. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the refrigerant valve in this application;

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the BB plane of the intermediate refrigerant valve;

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the AA plane of the intermediate refrigerant valve;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the refrigerant valve in this application;

[0019] Figure 5 The metallographic morphology of the copper alloy material of the refrigerant valve in this application is obtained by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis.

[0020] Figure 6This is a flowchart of the manufacturing process of the refrigerant valve in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be described below in conjunction with the embodiments of this application.

[0022] Because refrigerant systems typically contain high-pressure gases, such as refrigerant (with a pressure range of 0-4.5 MPa), refrigerant valves need to withstand high pressures to ensure the safe and stable operation of the system. Furthermore, the operating temperature range of refrigerant valves in a refrigerant system is -30℃ to 120℃, a wide temperature range, requiring valve components to withstand both low and high temperatures. The gas-liquid two-phase change of the refrigerant causes pressure variations; in some applications, the refrigerant valve withstands higher pressures, while in others, it withstands lower refrigerant pressures. Therefore, refrigerant valves not only need to withstand… High fluid pressure, alternating fluid pressure, and even alternating temperature are required. Therefore, compared to commonly used brass materials, the requirements for brass materials used in refrigerant valves are higher. They not only need to withstand high pressure, but also alternating pressure and temperature. During the refrigeration process, refrigerant valves may be in a low-temperature environment, so the material needs to have good low-temperature toughness to prevent brittle fracture or seal failure caused by low temperatures. The refrigerant in the refrigerant system and the moisture in the environment may cause corrosion, so the material needs to have good resistance to stress corrosion to ensure the long-term stable operation of the valve.

[0023] In related technologies, brass is commonly used as the material for refrigerant valves. However, brass also has some shortcomings in its application, such as: ① Corrosion: Under certain environments, zinc in brass may selectively dissolve, leading to dezincification corrosion on the material surface, reducing material strength and sealing performance. Under the combined action of high stress and corrosive media, brass components may experience stress corrosion cracking (SCC), leading to component failure. This not only affects the service life of the refrigerant valve but may also seriously impact the safety and stability of air conditioning, refrigeration equipment, and heat pump systems. ② Cost: Although brass is relatively inexpensive compared to other alloys, its high copper content keeps its cost high, especially in large-scale production. ③ Weldability: The weldability of brass is complex, and cracks and porosity are prone to occur during welding, requiring special attention to welding processes and quality control. ④ High-Temperature Performance: The strength of brass decreases at high temperatures, making it unsuitable for certain high-temperature conditions. ⑤ Mechanical Properties: Brass has good strength and hardness, meeting the mechanical performance requirements of some refrigerant valves, such as air conditioning shut-off valves. However, under high-pressure working conditions, the strength and hardness of traditional brass may be insufficient, making it prone to deformation and wear; ⑥ Plasticity: Although brass has good strength and hardness, under the high temperature and high pressure environment of refrigerant, due to its poor plasticity or toughness, brass parts or parts used together may experience stress corrosion cracking in harsh environments. If brass cannot achieve a balance between strength or hardness and plasticity or toughness, the service life of refrigerant valves will be shorter.

[0024] This application provides a copper alloy for a refrigerant valve, comprising 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin (Sn), 48-55wt% copper (Cu), 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead (Pb), 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese (Mn), 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel (Ni), and 35wt%-44wt% zinc (Zn).

[0025] In this application, a copper alloy containing specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc is used in combination. The use of specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc in combination can optimize the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, and improve the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy used in refrigerant valves to gas-liquid two-phase refrigerants.

[0026] In some embodiments, the tin content in the copper alloy is 0.11wt%-0.9wt%, specifically selectable as 0.12wt%, 0.13wt%, 0.14wt%, 0.15wt%, 0.16wt%, 0.17wt%, 0.18wt%, 0.19wt%, 0.20wt%, 0.21wt%, 0.22wt%, 0.23wt%, 0.24wt%, 0.25wt%, 0.26wt%, 0.27wt%, 0.28wt%, 0.29wt%, 0.30wt%, 0.31wt%, and 0.32wt%. The percentages are 0.33wt%, 0.34wt%, 0.35wt%, 0.36wt%, 0.37wt%, 0.38wt%, 0.39wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.42wt%, 0.45wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.55wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.62wt%, 0.64wt%, 0.68wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.75wt%, 0.8wt%, 0.85wt%, and 0.88wt%. Other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed and are not limited here. Furthermore, the tin content is 0.11wt%. The tin content ranges from 0.25 wt% to 0.4 wt%, and further, from 0.25 wt% to 0.4 wt%. Adding tin to copper alloys allows it to form solid solutions or compounds with copper, promoting uniform distribution of alloying elements, reducing grain coarsening, and resulting in finer grains. This enhances the ductility and formability of the copper alloy while maintaining high strength. During both cold and hot working, the copper alloy retains good plasticity. Simultaneously, the addition of tin reduces the fracture tendency of the copper alloy during forming, lowers internal stress during processing, and improves its resistance to stress corrosion, contributing to the reduction of copper alloy degradation. In addition to reducing stress corrosion cracking, the addition of tin helps improve the microstructure of copper alloys, making the stress distribution inside the copper alloy more uniform, reducing stress concentration, and thus helping to reduce the generation of cracks during processing and improve the reliability of the forming process. If the tin content is too low, it may not achieve the effect of improving plasticity. On the contrary, if the tin content is too high, on the one hand, the various properties will not be significantly improved, and on the other hand, the cost will increase significantly. Therefore, in this application, the addition of a specific amount of tin to the copper alloy improves the ductility of the copper alloy while maintaining high strength, and at the same time reduces the production cost of the copper alloy.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lead content is 1.5wt%-4.0wt%, specifically 1.7wt%, 1.9wt%, 2.1wt%, 2.3wt%, 2.5wt%, 2.7wt%, 2.9wt%, 3.1wt%, 3.3wt%, 3.4wt%, 3.5wt%, 3.7wt%, 3.8wt%, and 3.9wt%. Other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed and are not limited here. Adding lead to copper alloys can improve their machinability. If the lead content is too low or too high, it will not effectively improve the machinability of copper alloys or maintain other properties such as mechanical properties, hot forging properties, and stress corrosion resistance. Furthermore, the lead content is selected from 3.0wt%-4.0wt%.

[0028] In some embodiments, the manganese content is 1.5wt%-4.5wt%, specifically 1.7wt%, 1.9wt%, 2.1wt%, 2.3wt%, 2.5wt%, 2.7wt%, 2.9wt%, 3.1wt%, 3.3wt%, 3.5wt%, 3.7wt%, 3.9wt%, 4.1wt%, and 4.3wt%. Other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed and are not limited here. Adding manganese to copper alloys can improve their strength. Too low or too high a manganese content has no significant impact on the mechanical properties of the copper alloy. Furthermore, the manganese content is selected from 2.5wt%-3.5wt%.

[0029] In some embodiments, the nickel content is 0.3wt%-2.0wt%, specifically 0.3wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.8wt%, 1.0wt%, 1.1wt%, 1.2wt%, 1.4wt%, 1.6wt%, 1.7wt%, 1.8wt%, and 1.9wt%. Other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed and are not limited here. Adding nickel to copper alloys can enhance the stability of the passivation film on the copper alloy surface, reducing corrosion from corrosive media. Simultaneously, nickel can form a solid solution in the copper alloy, enhancing its crystal structure, reducing grain coarsening, and effectively improving the strength, hardness, and high-temperature resistance of the copper alloy. Furthermore, nickel can improve the copper alloy's properties by refining the grain structure and strengthening the bonding between crystals. The addition of nickel enhances the hardness and wear resistance of copper alloys. It also strengthens the resistance of copper alloys to stress corrosion in chemical environments (such as ammonia environments), thereby improving their reliability and extending their service life. Nickel improves the fluidity and plasticity of copper alloys, making them easier to form during processing and also giving them better weldability. However, excessively low or high nickel content may reduce the plasticity and stress corrosion resistance of copper alloys. Therefore, selecting a specific nickel content can improve the strength, hardness, and stress corrosion resistance of brass. When choosing the amount of nickel added, it is necessary to balance the relationship between strength and plasticity based on the actual usage environment and processing requirements. An appropriate amount of nickel can usually improve the overall performance of brass without significantly affecting its plasticity. Furthermore, the nickel content is selected from 0.35wt% to 0.8wt%.

[0030] In some embodiments, the copper alloy further includes 0.01wt%-1.5wt% aluminum (Al), specifically selected from 0.2wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.8wt%, 0.9wt%, 1.1wt%, 1.2wt%, 1.3wt%, and 1.4wt%, or other values ​​within this range as needed, without limitation here; furthermore, the aluminum content is 0.01wt%-0.5wt%; adding a specific amount of aluminum to the copper alloy can refine the grain size of the copper alloy, improve the mechanical properties of the copper alloy, and at the same time improve the processing performance of the copper alloy.

[0031] In some embodiments, the copper alloy also includes iron; adding iron (Fe) to the aforementioned copper alloy can improve the mechanical properties of the copper alloy, giving it higher strength and hardness; furthermore, the iron content is ≤1.5wt%, specifically selected from 0wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.8wt%, 0.9wt%, 1.1wt%, 1.2wt%, 1.3wt%, 1.4wt%, or other values ​​within this range as needed, without limitation here; furthermore, the iron content is 0.25wt%-1.5wt%; adding a specific amount of iron to the copper alloy can refine the grain size of the copper alloy, improve the mechanical properties of the copper alloy, and at the same time improve the machinability of the copper alloy.

[0032] In some embodiments, the copper alloy further includes ≤0.1wt% boron (B), specifically selected from 0.001wt%, 0.002wt%, 0.005wt%, 0.01wt%, 0.015wt%, 0.02wt%, 0.025wt%, 0.03wt%, 0.035wt%, 0.04wt%, 0.05wt%, 0.06wt%, 0.07wt%, 0.08wt%, and 0.09wt%, or other values ​​within this range as needed, without limitation here; furthermore, the boron content is 0.001wt%-0.1wt%; adding boron to the copper alloy mentioned above can refine the grain size in the copper alloy, and at the same time improve the plasticity of the copper alloy, giving the copper alloy better comprehensive properties.

[0033] In this application, the copper content in the copper alloy is 48wt%-55wt%, with a copper content not exceeding 55wt%. This reduces the production cost of the copper alloy, facilitating its large-scale promotion and application in refrigerant valves. Furthermore, the specific amounts of copper, lead, manganese, nickel, and tin used in combination optimize the solid solution structure of the copper alloy, improving its plasticity and reducing the likelihood of cracking. It also optimizes the grain boundary structure, reducing the accumulation of impurities at grain boundaries and enhancing the copper alloy's resistance to stress corrosion. This results in a longer service life and higher reliability of the copper alloy even under high pressure, high humidity, and corrosive media environments (such as ammonia). Meanwhile, the copper alloy provided in this application has high strength and hardness. In addition, when designing the copper alloy material, this application not only needs to consider the grain refinement effect, but also needs to improve the comprehensive performance of the copper alloy, such as mechanical properties, machinability, hot forging properties, resistance to ammonia corrosion, and reduce production costs. Excessive or insufficient use of each element may have a negative impact on these properties, so it is necessary to determine the optimal addition amount through experiments and optimization. In short, the addition amount of each element in the copper alloy needs to be precisely tested and optimized to find a suitable addition range, so as to maximize the grain refinement effect while maintaining the optimization of other properties, thereby improving the service life of the refrigerant valve.

[0034] Because of the complex interaction between strength, hardness, plasticity and toughness, generally speaking, increasing strength may lead to a decrease in plasticity or toughness. Similarly, increasing hardness may also have an adverse effect on plasticity. If brass cannot achieve a balance between strength or hardness and plasticity or toughness, it will result in a shorter service life for refrigerant valves. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain brass materials with high strength, high hardness and good plasticity and toughness through reasonable material design and manufacturing process.

[0035] In some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the composition of the copper alloy includes: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities. In this application, a copper alloy containing specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc is used in combination. The use of specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc in combination can optimize the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, and improve the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy used in refrigerant valves to gas-liquid two-phase refrigerants.

[0036] Further, the copper alloy composition is: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy composition is: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy composition is: 0. 11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, balance zinc and unavoidable impurities; or, the composition of the copper alloy is: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, balance zinc and unavoidable impurities. Copper alloys contain specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc. The use of specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, zinc, and / or aluminum and / or iron and / or boron in combination can optimize the grain boundary structure in copper alloys, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, improve the stress corrosion resistance of copper alloys, and at the same time improve the strength, hardness, and plasticity of copper alloys.

[0037] This application also provides a copper alloy for a refrigerant valve, the composition of which includes 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper and 35wt%-45wt% zinc.

[0038] In this application, the copper alloy contains specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc. The combination of these metal elements helps to evenly distribute the alloying elements, reducing grain coarsening in the copper alloy. The copper alloy used in the refrigerant valve has good toughness or plasticity, which can improve the impact resistance of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.

[0039] In some embodiments, the copper content in the copper alloy is 48wt%-53wt%, specifically selected from 48wt%, 48.5wt%, 48.7wt%, 49wt%, 49.3wt%, 49.5wt%, 49.8wt%, 50wt%, 50.2wt%, 50.4wt%, 50.7wt%, 50.8wt%, 50.9wt%, 51wt%, 51.2wt%, 51.5wt%, 51.6wt%, 51.7wt%, 51.8wt%, 52wt%, and 52.1wt%. The copper content is 52.2 wt%, 52.3 wt%, 52.5 wt%, 52.7 wt%, 52.8 wt%, and 52.9 wt%, and other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed, without limitation here. The copper content selected in this application is 48 wt%-53 wt%, which greatly reduces the production cost. On the other hand, the specific copper content can interact with other components of the copper alloy, improving the plasticity, machinability, hot forging performance and resistance to ammonia corrosion of the copper alloy, while maintaining good mechanical properties, giving the copper alloy excellent comprehensive performance.

[0040] In some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 3.0wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 0.25wt%-1.5wt% iron, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises: 0. 13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc and unavoidable impurities; or, the composition of the copper alloy includes: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 0.25wt%-1.5wt% iron, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc and unavoidable impurities. In this application, the copper alloy contains specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc. The combination of these metallic elements helps to evenly distribute the alloying elements, reducing grain coarsening in the copper alloy. The copper alloy used in refrigerant valves exhibits good toughness or plasticity, which can improve the impact resistance of gas-liquid two-phase refrigerants.

[0041] Further, in some embodiments, the copper alloy composition is: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy composition is: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 3.0wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 0.25wt%-1.5wt% iron, 48wt%-53wt% copper, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy composition is: 0 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper, balance zinc and unavoidable impurities; or, the composition of the copper alloy is: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 0.25wt%-1.5wt% iron, 48wt%-53wt% copper, balance zinc and unavoidable impurities. In this application, the copper alloy contains specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, aluminum, nickel, zinc and / or aluminum and / or iron and / or boron. The various metal elements are used in combination. The specific amount of tin can form a solid solution or compound with copper, which helps to evenly distribute the alloying elements, reduce grain coarsening of the copper alloy, improve the plasticity of the copper alloy, and at the same time give the copper alloy high strength and hardness.

[0042] This application also provides a copper alloy for a refrigerant valve, the composition of which includes ≤55wt% copper and at least one of 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron and 0.03wt%-0.8wt% titanium, the remainder including manganese, nickel, tin, aluminum, lead, zinc and unavoidable impurities.

[0043] In this application, the copper alloy contains ≤55wt% copper and at least one of 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron and 0.03wt%-0.8wt% titanium. The remaining portion includes manganese, nickel, tin, aluminum, lead, iron, zinc, and unavoidable impurities. The copper alloy contains a specific amount of copper and a specific amount of boron and / or titanium, and is used in combination with manganese, nickel, tin, aluminum, lead, iron, and zinc. Boron and / or titanium can optimize the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, improve the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy, and at the same time greatly reduce the cost of the copper alloy.

[0044] In some embodiments, the copper content in the copper alloy is ≤55wt%. This application selects copper with a content not exceeding 55wt%, which significantly reduces production costs. Furthermore, the specific copper content allows it to interact with other components of the copper alloy, improving its mechanical properties, machinability, hot forging properties, and resistance to ammonia corrosion. In addition, specific amounts of boron and / or titanium are used in combination with specific amounts of copper. On the one hand, boron or titanium can form a complex and stable composite protective layer on the surface of the copper alloy, reducing direct contact between corrosive media and the copper alloy. On the other hand, boron and / or titanium can optimize the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reducing the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, lowering corrosion sensitivity, and improving the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy, thereby increasing the service life of the refrigerant valve. Further, the copper (Cu) is selected from 45wt%-55wt%, specifically 47wt%, 48wt%, 49wt%, 50wt%, 51wt%, 52wt%, 53wt%, and 54wt%, or other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed, without limitation.

[0045] In some embodiments, the boron (B) content in the copper alloy is 0.03wt%-0.8wt%, specifically selectable values ​​of 0.04wt%, 0.08wt%, 0.1wt%, 0.14wt%, 0.18wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.25wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.35wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.45wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.55wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.65wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.72wt%, 0.74wt%, 0.75wt%, and 0.8wt%. Other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed and are not limited herein. In this application, a specific content of boron in the copper alloy can significantly refine the grains, improve the tensile strength and hardness of the copper alloy, and improve its machinability. Adding a specific content... Boron can reduce grain boundary segregation in copper alloys, enhance fluidity, and improve the hot forging properties of copper alloys. Simultaneously, a specific amount of boron can form a stable protective layer with impurity elements in the copper alloy, reducing direct contact between the copper alloy and corrosive media, and enhancing the passivation ability of the copper alloy in corrosive media, slowing down the corrosion rate, and giving the copper alloy good stress corrosion resistance in high humidity and corrosive media environments (such as ammonia). If the boron content is less than 0.03 wt%, boron has little effect on grain refinement in copper alloys, has limited improvement on mechanical properties, and cannot significantly improve the stress corrosion cracking resistance of copper alloys. Conversely, if the boron content is higher than 0.8 wt%, it will lead to excessive precipitation at the grain boundaries of the copper alloy, increasing its brittleness. Excessive boron may also form unfavorable compounds with other elements, reducing the ductility and strength of the copper alloy.

[0046] In some embodiments, the titanium (Ti) content in the copper alloy is 0.03wt%-0.8wt%, specifically selectable as 0.05wt%, 0.09wt%, 0.1wt%, 0.12wt%, 0.14wt%, 0.16wt%, 0.18wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.23wt%, 0.25wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.34wt%, 0.38wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.42wt%, 0. 0.45wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.55wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.62wt%, 0.64wt%, 0.66wt%, 0.68wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.73wt%, 0.75wt%, 0.77wt%, 0.8wt%, and other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed; no specific limitation is made here. Adding a specific amount of titanium to copper alloys can significantly refine the grains and improve the tensile strength of the copper alloys. Adding titanium improves the hardness, machinability, and wear resistance of copper alloys. Adding a specific amount of titanium enhances the hot forging properties of copper alloys, improves their fluidity, reduces surface defects, and forms a protective layer on the surface, reducing the penetration of corrosive media. Titanium exists in copper alloys as a solid solution compound or as a dispersed compound; this trace alloying helps improve the overall stress corrosion resistance of copper alloys, giving them good resistance in high humidity and corrosive environments (such as ammonia). If the titanium content is below 0.03 wt%, it is insufficient to improve the wear resistance and mechanical properties of copper alloys, and the improvement in machinability and stress corrosion resistance is not significant. Conversely, if the titanium content is above 0.8 wt%, it may lead to excessively high hardness, a sharp increase in cutting force, affecting machinability, and may also cause increased internal stress and grain growth, thus affecting the overall performance of the copper alloy.

[0047] In some embodiments, the manganese content in the copper alloy is 1.5wt%-4.5wt%, specifically 1.7wt%, 1.9wt%, 2.1wt%, 2.3wt%, 2.5wt%, 2.7wt%, 2.9wt%, 3.1wt%, 3.3wt%, 3.5wt%, 3.7wt%, 3.9wt%, 4.1wt%, and 4.3wt%, and other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed, without limitation here; the nickel content is 0.6wt%-1.8wt%, specifically 0.7wt%, 0.8wt%, 1.0wt%, 1.1wt%, 1.2wt%, 1.4wt%, 1.6wt%, and 1.7wt%, and other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed, without limitation here; the tin content is 0.4wt%-1.5wt%, specifically 0.5wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.8wt%, 0.9wt%, and 1.1wt%, and other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed, without limitation here. The aluminum content is 0.3wt%-1.5wt%, specifically 0.4wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.8wt%, 1.0wt%, 1.2wt%, and 1.4wt%, and other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed; the lead content is 1.5wt%-5.0wt%, specifically 1.7wt%, 1.9wt%, 2.1wt%, 2.3wt%, 2.5wt%, 2.7wt%, 2.9wt%, 3.1wt%, 3.3wt%, 3.4wt%, 3.5wt%, 3.7wt%, 3.8wt%, 3.9wt%, 4.1wt%, 4.3wt%, 4.5wt%, 4.7wt%, and 4.9wt%, and other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed; no restrictions are imposed here.

[0048] In this application, the copper content in the copper alloy is no more than 55 wt%. This reduces the production cost of the copper alloy, facilitating its large-scale promotion and application in refrigerant valves. Furthermore, the specific content of copper, combined with specific amounts of lead, manganese, nickel, tin, aluminum, boron, and / or titanium, optimizes the grain boundary structure of the copper alloy, reduces the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, and improves its resistance to stress corrosion. This enhances the copper alloy's service life and reliability even under high pressure, high humidity, and corrosive media environments (such as ammonia). Simultaneously, the copper alloy provided in this application exhibits high strength. In addition to considering grain refinement, this application also aims to improve the overall performance of copper alloys, such as mechanical properties, machinability, hot forging properties, resistance to ammonia corrosion, and reduce production costs. Excessive or insufficient use of any element may negatively impact these properties; therefore, experiments and optimization are needed to determine the optimal addition amount. In short, the amount of each element added to the copper alloy needs precise experimentation and optimization to find a suitable addition range that maximizes grain refinement while maintaining other performance optimizations, thereby improving the service life of the refrigerant valve.

[0049] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the copper alloy also includes 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron (Fe), specifically 0.3wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.8wt%, and 0.9wt%, and other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed, without limitation. The remaining portion includes zinc (Zn) and unavoidable impurity elements. In this application, the addition of specific amounts of boron or titanium, used in combination with specific amounts of copper, lead, manganese, nickel, tin, aluminum, iron, and zinc, can optimize the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, and improve the mechanical properties of the copper alloy, such as strength and hardness. Additionally, the copper alloy may also include other elements besides those mentioned above.

[0050] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron, 45wt%-55wt% copper (Cu), 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead (Pb), 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese (Mn), 0.6wt%-1.8wt% nickel (Ni), 0.5wt%-1.5wt% tin (Sn), 0.5wt%-1.5wt% aluminum (Al), 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron (Fe), the balance zinc (Zn), and unavoidable impurity elements.

[0051] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises 0.03wt%-0.8wt% titanium, 45wt%-55wt% copper (Cu), 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead (Pb), 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese (Mn), 0.6wt%-1.8wt% nickel (Ni), 0.5wt%-1.5wt% tin (Sn), 0.5wt%-1.5wt% aluminum (Al), 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron (Fe), the balance zinc (Zn), and unavoidable impurity elements.

[0052] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the copper alloy is composed of 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron (B), 0.03wt%-0.8wt% (Ti), 47wt%-53wt% copper (Cu), 1.8wt%-4.0wt% lead (Pb), 2.0wt%-4.5wt% manganese (Mn), 0.6wt%-1.8wt% nickel (Ni), 0.4wt%-1.5wt% tin (Sn), 0.3wt%-1.2wt% aluminum (Al), 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron (Fe), the balance zinc (Zn), and unavoidable impurity elements.

[0053] In this application, copper with specific amounts of lead, manganese, nickel, tin, aluminum, iron, and zinc is used in combination. These elements exhibit a synergistic effect, improving the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy. This allows the copper alloy to maintain a long service life and high reliability even under high pressure, high humidity, and corrosive environments (such as ammonia). Simultaneously, the copper alloy of this application also possesses high strength and hardness. Furthermore, the copper alloy material designed in this application exhibits excellent comprehensive properties, such as mechanical properties, machinability, hot forging properties, resistance to ammonia corrosion, and low production costs. Excessive or insufficient use of any of the elements may negatively impact these properties; therefore, experiments and optimization are needed to determine the optimal addition amount. In short, the addition amount of each element in the copper alloy requires precise experimentation and optimization to find a suitable addition range that maximizes grain refinement while maintaining other optimized properties, thereby improving the service life of the copper alloy and enabling its broad application prospects in harsh operating environments (high temperature, high pressure, and low temperature).

[0054] This application also provides a method for manufacturing a copper alloy, comprising the following steps:

[0055] Provide metal raw materials;

[0056] Metal raw materials are placed in a furnace and smelted to form a copper alloy melt;

[0057] The copper alloy melt is cast to form a copper rod.

[0058] In some embodiments, the method for manufacturing the copper alloy includes weighing metal raw materials according to a specified ratio to achieve the copper alloy composition described above.

[0059] In some embodiments, the method for manufacturing copper alloys includes the step of placing metal raw materials in a furnace and melting them to form a copper alloy melt, wherein the heating and melting temperature is 1000-1200°C and the stirring time is 5-10 minutes to ensure that the components are mixed uniformly.

[0060] In some embodiments, the method for manufacturing copper alloy includes the step of casting copper alloy melt to form copper rod, wherein the casting step can be horizontal continuous casting or ordinary casting method; after the step of forming copper rod, a cooling step is also included to cool the copper rod to room temperature to obtain copper alloy; it should be noted that the cooling method includes, but is not limited to, air cooling, wind cooling, etc.

[0061] In some embodiments, the manufacturing method further includes: hot forging the copper rod at a temperature of 750-800℃ for 1-5 seconds; specifically, the temperature can be selected from 755℃, 760℃, 770℃, 780℃, 790℃, 795℃, or other data within this range, which is not limited here; the hot forging time is 1-5 seconds, specifically selected from 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, or other data within this range, which is not limited here; through hot forging, the internal structure of the copper part is further optimized, and the mechanical properties and stress corrosion resistance of the refrigerant valve are improved.

[0062] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the step after hot forging the copper rod further includes heat treatment at a temperature of 400-600°C, which can be selected from 455°C, 460°C, 465°C, 470°C, 480°C, 490°C, 495°C, 500°C, 510°C, 520°C, 530°C, 540°C, 550°C, 560°C, 570°C, 580°C, 590°C, or other values ​​within this range, without limitation; wherein the heat treatment time is 2-3 hours.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 3 The diagram shows a refrigerant valve conforming to this application, comprising a stationary part 1 and a movable part 7, which are configured to cooperate with each other. The movable part 7 is at least partially located within the stationary part 1 and can move relative to the stationary part 1 to control the connection between different valve ports or to regulate the refrigerant flow. The stationary part 1 has an inner cavity 114, which can be used to flow refrigerant. At least one of the stationary part 1 and the movable part 7 is made of a copper alloy; the copper alloy is the copper alloy described above.

[0064] In some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises copper, lead, manganese, nickel, tin, and zinc; wherein the tin content is 0.1wt%-1.5wt% and the copper content is ≤55wt%.

[0065] In some embodiments, the tin content is 0.1wt%-1.5wt%, specifically selected from 0.12wt%, 0.13wt%, 0.14wt%, 0.15wt%, 0.16wt%, 0.17wt%, 0.18wt%, 0.19wt%, 0.20wt%, 0.21wt%, 0.22wt%, 0.23wt%, 0.24wt%, 0.25wt%, 0.26wt%, 0.27wt%, 0.28wt%, 0.29wt%, 0.30wt%, 0.31wt%, 0.32wt%, 0.33wt%, 0.34wt%, 0.35wt%, 0.36wt%, 0.37wt%, etc. The tin content is 0.25wt%-0.4wt%. The specific tin content in this application improves the ductility of the copper alloy while maintaining high strength, and simultaneously reduces the production cost of the copper alloy. Other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed, and are not limited here.

[0066] In some embodiments, the copper content in the copper alloy is ≤55wt%, further selected from 45wt%-55wt%; even further selected from 48wt%-53wt%, specifically selected from 47wt%, 48wt%, 49wt%, 50wt%, 51wt%, 52wt%, 53wt%, 54wt%, or other values ​​within this range as needed, without limitation here; the copper content selected in this application is no higher than 55wt%, which on the one hand greatly reduces production costs, and on the other hand, the specific content of copper can interact with the specific content of tin, as well as lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc, improving the mechanical properties, machinability, hot forging properties, and resistance to ammonia corrosion of the stationary and / or moving parts; in addition, the addition of specific content of tin, copper, and lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc in combination allows tin to form a solid solution or compound with copper, which helps to uniformly distribute alloying elements, reduce grain coarsening of the copper alloy, improve the ductility and stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy, thereby reducing stress corrosion cracking of the refrigerant valve and meeting the application requirements of the refrigerant valve.

[0067] In some embodiments, the copper alloy also includes 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-45wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities. In this application, specific amounts of tin, lead, manganese, nickel, copper, and zinc are used in combination. These elements have a certain synergistic effect, improving the plasticity of the copper alloy. This allows the copper alloy to exist in both gaseous and liquid phases within the thermal management system. Furthermore, it is less prone to stress corrosion cracking when used in environments with large pressure differences (0-4.5MPa) and extreme temperature variations (-30℃ to 120℃) in the refrigerant, or when used in combination with other materials. This enhances the copper alloy's resistance to stress corrosion in corrosive media environments (such as ammonia), resulting in a longer service life and higher reliability even under high pressure, high humidity, and corrosive media environments (such as ammonia). Simultaneously, the copper alloy of this application... Gold also possesses high strength and hardness. Furthermore, the copper alloy material designed in this application exhibits excellent comprehensive properties, such as plasticity, mechanical properties, machinability, hot forging properties, resistance to ammonia corrosion, and low production costs. Excessive or insufficient use of any of the elements may negatively impact these properties; therefore, experiments and optimization are needed to determine the optimal addition amount. In short, the addition amount of each element in the copper alloy requires precise experimentation and optimization to find a suitable addition range that maximizes grain refinement while maintaining other optimized properties, thereby improving the service life of the copper alloy and enabling its broad application prospects in harsh operating environments (high temperature, high pressure, and low temperature). In some embodiments, the copper alloy also includes at least one of ≤1.5 wt% iron and ≤0.5 wt% aluminum.

[0068] Further, in some embodiments, the copper alloy composition includes at least one of the following: a) 48wt%-53wt% copper, specifically selected from 48wt%, 48.5wt%, 48.7wt%, 49wt%, 49.3wt%, 49.5wt%, 49.8wt%, 50wt%, 50.2wt%, 50.4wt%, 50.7wt%, 50.8wt%, 50.9wt%, 51wt%, 51.2wt%, 51.5wt%, 51.6wt%, 51.7wt%, 51.8wt%, 52wt%, 52.1wt%, 52.2wt%, 52.3wt%, 52.5wt%, 52.7wt%, 52.8wt%, 52wt%. a) 3.0wt%-4.0wt% lead, specifically selected from 3.1wt%, 3.2wt%, 3.3wt%, 3.4wt%, 3.5wt%, 3.6wt%, 3.7wt%, 3.8wt%, 3.9wt%, or other values ​​within this range as needed; c) 2.5wt%-3.5wt% manganese, specifically selected from 2.6wt%, 2.7wt%, 2.8wt%, 2.9wt%, 3.0wt%, 3.1wt%, 3.2wt%, 3.3wt%, 3.4wt%, 3.5wt%, or other values ​​within this range as needed. Other values ​​are not limited here; d) 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, specifically selectable values ​​are 0.12wt%, 0.13wt%, 0.14wt%, 0.15wt%, 0.16wt%, 0.17wt%, 0.18wt%, 0.19wt%, 0.20wt%, 0.21wt%, 0.22wt%, 0.23wt%, 0.24wt%, 0.25wt%, 0.26wt%, 0.27wt%, 0.28wt%, 0.29wt%, 0.30wt%, 0.31wt%, 0.32wt%, 0.33wt%, 0.34wt%, 0.35wt%, 0.36wt%, 0.37wt%, 0.38wt%. The tin content is 0.25wt%-0.4wt%; e) 0.3wt%-0.8wt% nickel, specifically selected from 0.31wt%, 0.32wt%, 0.33wt%, 0.34wt%, 0.35wt%, 0.36wt%, 0.37wt%, 0.38wt%, 0.39wt%, 0.40wt%, 0.41wt%, 0.85wt%, and other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed, without limitation here; furthermore, the tin content is selected from 0.25wt%-0.4wt%; e) 0.3wt%-0.8wt% nickel, specifically selected from 0.31wt%, 0.32wt%, 0.33wt%, 0.34wt%, 0.35wt%, 0.36wt%, 0.37wt%, 0.38wt%, 0.39wt%, 0.40wt%, 0.41wt%, 0.f) 35wt%-45wt% zinc, specifically selected from 36wt%, 36.5wt%, 37wt%, 37.5wt%, 38wt%, 38.5wt%, 39wt%, 39.5wt%, 40wt%, 42wt%, 43wt%, and 44wt%, with other values ​​within this range as needed.

[0069] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the copper alloy further includes at least one of iron and aluminum; adding iron and / or aluminum to the aforementioned copper alloy can improve the mechanical properties of the copper alloy, enabling it to have high strength and hardness while maintaining good plasticity; the copper alloy includes ≤1.5wt% iron, specifically selected from 0wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.8wt%, 0.9wt%, 1.1wt%, 1.2wt%, 1.3wt%, 1.4wt%, or other values ​​within this range as needed, without limitation here; the copper alloy includes 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, specifically selected from 0.05wt%, 0.1wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.5wt%, or other values ​​within this range as needed, without limitation here.

[0070] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the copper alloy further includes ≤0.1wt% boron; specifically, it can be selected from 0.001wt%, 0.002wt%, 0.004wt%, 0.005wt%, 0.01wt%, 0.015wt%, 0.02wt%, 0.025wt%, 0.03wt%, 0.035wt%, 0.04wt%, 0.05wt%, 0.06wt%, 0.07wt%, 0.08wt%, and 0.09wt%, or other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed, without limitation here; adding boron to the copper alloy mentioned above can refine the grain size in the copper alloy, and at the same time improve the plasticity of the copper alloy, so that the copper alloy has better comprehensive properties.

[0071] In some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, and 35wt%-44wt% zinc. At least one of the stationary and moving parts is made of a copper alloy containing specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc. The use of these specific amounts in combination can optimize the grain boundary structure of the copper alloy, reduce the accumulation of impurities at grain boundaries, and improve the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy in the refrigerant valve to gas-liquid phase change refrigerants.

[0072] In some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the composition of the copper alloy includes: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities.

[0073] Further, in some embodiments, the copper alloy composition is: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy composition is: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy composition... The composition is: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the composition of the copper alloy is: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities.

[0074] This application also provides a refrigerant valve resistant to refrigerant impact, with a stationary part 1 and a moving part 7, which are configured to cooperate with each other. The stationary part 1 has an inner cavity 114, which can be used to flow refrigerant. At least one of the stationary part 1 and the moving part 7 is made of copper alloy.

[0075] In some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper, and 35wt%-45wt% zinc. At least one of the stationary and moving parts is made of copper alloy, which contains specific amounts of tin, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc. The specific amount of tin can form a solid solution or compound with copper, which helps to evenly distribute the alloying elements, reduce grain coarsening of the copper alloy, and improve the plasticity or toughness of the copper alloy. This can improve the impact resistance of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in the refrigerant valve, while also giving the copper alloy higher strength and hardness, thereby improving the service life of the refrigerant valve.

[0076] In some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 3.0wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 0.25wt%-1.5wt% iron, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises: 0. 13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc and unavoidable impurities; or, the composition of the copper alloy includes: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 0.25wt%-1.5wt% iron, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc and unavoidable impurities.

[0077] Further, in some embodiments, the copper alloy composition is: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy composition is: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 3.0wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 0.25wt%-1.5wt% iron, 48wt%-53wt% copper, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy composition is: 0 The composition of the copper alloy is: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the composition of the copper alloy is: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 0.25wt%-1.5wt% iron, 48wt%-53wt% copper, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities.

[0078] In this application, at least one of the stationary part 1 and the moving part 7 is made of copper alloy. In some embodiments, the copper alloy composition includes at least one of 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron and 0.03wt%-0.8wt% titanium, wherein the copper content is ≤55wt%.

[0079] In this application, the refrigerant valve has a stationary part and a moving part that are configured to cooperate. The inner cavity of the stationary part can be used to flow refrigerant. At least one of the stationary part and the moving part needs to withstand high pressure. The material of at least one of the stationary part and the moving part is a copper alloy containing at least one of 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron and 0.03wt%-0.8wt% titanium, and the copper content is ≤55wt%. Adding a specific amount of boron or titanium, and using it in combination with a specific amount of copper, can optimize the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, improve the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy, and thus improve the service life of the refrigerant valve.

[0080] In some embodiments, the boron (B) content in the copper alloy is 0.03wt%-0.8wt%, specifically selectable values ​​of 0.04wt%, 0.08wt%, 0.1wt%, 0.14wt%, 0.18wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.25wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.35wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.45wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.55wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.65wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.72wt%, 0.74wt%, 0.75wt%, and 0.8wt%. Other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed and are not limited herein. In this application, a specific amount of boron in the copper alloy can significantly refine the grains, improve the tensile strength and hardness of the copper alloy, and improve its machinability. Adding a specific amount of boron can reduce grain boundary segregation, enhance fluidity, and improve the thermal conductivity of the copper alloy. Forging properties are improved, and a specific amount of boron can form a stable protective layer with impurity elements in the copper alloy, reducing direct contact between the copper alloy and corrosive media. It also enhances the passivation ability of the stationary and / or moving parts in corrosive media, slowing down the corrosion rate. This gives the stationary and / or moving parts of the refrigerant valve better resistance to stress corrosion in high humidity and corrosive media environments (such as ammonia), thus improving the service life of the refrigerant valve. If the boron content is less than 0.03 wt%, boron has little effect on refining the grains of the copper alloy, has limited improvement on mechanical properties, and cannot significantly improve the stress corrosion cracking resistance of the copper alloy. Therefore, the service life of the refrigerant valve cannot be significantly improved. Conversely, if the boron content is higher than 0.8 wt%, it will lead to excessive precipitation at the grain boundaries of the copper alloy, increasing its brittleness. Excessive boron may also form unfavorable compounds with other elements, reducing the ductility and strength of the copper alloy, thereby reducing the service life of the refrigerant valve.

[0081] In some embodiments, the titanium (Ti) content in the copper alloy is 0.03wt%-0.8wt%, specifically selectable as 0.05wt%, 0.09wt%, 0.1wt%, 0.12wt%, 0.14wt%, 0.16wt%, 0.18wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.23wt%, 0.25wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.34wt%, 0.38wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.42wt%, 0.45wt%, 0. 0.5wt%, 0.55wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.62wt%, 0.64wt%, 0.66wt%, 0.68wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.73wt%, 0.75wt%, 0.77wt%, 0.8wt%, and other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed; no specific limitation is made here. Adding a specific amount of titanium to copper alloys can significantly refine the grains, improve the tensile strength and hardness of the copper alloys, and also improve their machinability. The addition of a specific amount of titanium improves the wear resistance of the copper alloy. This enhances the hot forging properties of the copper alloy, improves its fluidity, reduces surface defects, and allows it to form a protective layer on the surface, reducing the penetration of corrosive media. Titanium exists in the copper alloy as a solid solution compound or as a dispersed compound; this trace alloying helps improve the overall stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy, giving the stationary and / or moving parts better stress corrosion resistance in high humidity and corrosive media environments (such as ammonia), thus extending the service life of the refrigerant valve. If the titanium content is below 0.03 wt%, it is insufficient to improve the wear resistance and mechanical properties of the copper alloy, and the improvement in machinability and stress corrosion resistance is not significant. Conversely, if the titanium content is above 0.8 wt%, it may lead to excessively high hardness in the copper alloy, a sharp increase in cutting force, affecting machinability, and potentially causing increased internal stress and grain growth, thereby affecting the overall performance of the refrigerant valve and reducing its service life.

[0082] In some embodiments, the copper content in the copper alloy is ≤55wt%, further selected from 45wt%-55wt% copper (Cu), specifically selected from 47wt%, 48wt%, 49wt%, 50wt%, 51wt%, 52wt%, 53wt%, 54wt%, or other values ​​within this range as needed, without limitation here; the copper content selected in this application is no higher than 55wt%, which on the one hand greatly reduces production costs, and on the other hand, the specific content of copper can interact with other components of the copper alloy, improving the mechanical properties, machinability, hot forging properties and resistance to ammonia corrosion of the stationary and / or moving parts; in addition, the specific content of boron and / or titanium is used in combination with the specific content of copper, on the one hand, boron or titanium can form a complex and stable composite protective layer on the surface of the copper alloy, reducing the direct contact between the corrosive medium and the copper alloy, and on the other hand, boron and / or titanium can optimize the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, reduce corrosion sensitivity, improve the stress corrosion resistance of the stationary and / or moving parts, and thus improve the service life of the refrigerant valve.

[0083] In some embodiments, the copper alloy also includes 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead (Pb), 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese (Mn), 0.6wt%-1.8wt% nickel (Ni), 0.4wt%-1.5wt% tin (Sn), and 0.3wt%-1.5wt% aluminum (Al). In this application, the copper content in the copper alloy is no more than 55 wt%. This reduces the production cost of the copper alloy, facilitating the large-scale promotion and application of refrigerant valves. Furthermore, the specific amount of copper combined with specific amounts of lead, manganese, nickel, tin, and aluminum optimizes the grain boundary structure of the copper alloy, reduces the accumulation of impurities at grain boundaries, and improves the stress corrosion resistance of the stationary and / or moving parts. This enhances the copper alloy's resistance to stress corrosion in corrosive media environments (such as ammonia), allowing the refrigerant valve to maintain a longer service life and higher reliability even under high humidity and corrosive media environments (such as ammonia). Simultaneously, the stationary and / or moving parts of the refrigerant valve are prone to deformation and wear when used under high pressure for extended periods. The static and / or moving parts provided in this application have high strength and hardness, which affects the sealing performance of the refrigerant valve. This improves the service life of the refrigerant valve. Furthermore, the static and / or moving parts of the refrigerant valve provided in this application have excellent comprehensive properties, such as mechanical properties, machinability, hot forging properties, resistance to ammonia corrosion, and reduced production costs. Excessive or insufficient use of any of the elements may negatively impact these properties; therefore, experiments and optimization are needed to determine the optimal addition amount. In short, the addition amount of each element in the static and / or moving parts needs to be precisely tested and optimized to find a suitable addition range, maximizing the grain refinement effect while maintaining optimized comprehensive performance, thereby improving the service life of the refrigerant valve.

[0084] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the copper alloy also includes 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron (Fe), 28.9wt%-50.2wt% zinc (Zn), and unavoidable impurity elements. In this application, the addition of specific amounts of boron or titanium, used in combination with specific copper, lead, manganese, nickel, tin, and aluminum, can optimize the grain boundary structure in the copper alloy, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, improve the stress corrosion resistance of the stationary and / or moving parts, and thus increase the service life of the refrigerant valve. Additionally, the stationary and / or moving parts may also include other elements besides those mentioned above.

[0085] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron, 45wt%-55wt% copper (Cu), 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead (Pb), 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese (Mn), 0.6wt%-1.8wt% nickel (Ni), 0.5wt%-1.5wt% tin (Sn), 0.5wt%-1.5wt% aluminum (Al), 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron (Fe), the balance zinc (Zn), and unavoidable impurity elements.

[0086] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises 0.03wt%-0.8wt% titanium, 45wt%-55wt% copper (Cu), 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead (Pb), 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese (Mn), 0.6wt%-1.8wt% nickel (Ni), 0.5wt%-1.5wt% tin (Sn), 0.5wt%-1.5wt% aluminum (Al), 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron (Fe), the balance zinc (Zn), and unavoidable impurity elements.

[0087] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the copper alloy is composed of 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron (B), 0.03wt%-0.8wt% (Ti), 47wt%-53wt% copper (Cu), 1.8wt%-4.0wt% lead (Pb), 2.0wt%-4.5wt% manganese (Mn), 0.6wt%-1.8wt% nickel (Ni), 0.4wt%-1.5wt% tin (Sn), 0.3wt%-1.2wt% aluminum (Al), 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron (Fe), the balance zinc (Zn), and unavoidable impurity elements.

[0088] In this application, a specific amount of copper is used in combination with specific amounts of lead, manganese, nickel, tin, aluminum, iron, and zinc. These elements have a synergistic effect, improving the stress corrosion resistance of the copper alloy. This allows the refrigerant valve to maintain a longer service life and higher reliability even in high humidity and corrosive media environments (such as ammonia). Furthermore, since the stationary and / or moving parts of the refrigerant valve are prone to deformation and wear under prolonged high pressure, affecting their sealing performance, the stationary and / or moving parts provided in this application have higher strength and hardness, thus improving the service life of the refrigerant valve. In addition, this application… When designing the internal components of the refrigerant valve, the application must consider the comprehensive performance of these components (such as stationary and / or moving parts), including mechanical properties, machinability, hot forging properties, resistance to ammonia corrosion, and production costs. Excessive or insufficient use of various elements may negatively impact these properties, therefore, experiments and optimization are needed to determine the optimal addition amount. In short, the addition amount of each element in the stationary and / or moving parts needs to be precisely tested and optimized to find a suitable addition range that maximizes the grain refinement effect while maintaining the optimization of other properties, thereby improving the service life of the refrigerant valve.

[0089] In some implementations, the grain size of the copper alloy in the refrigerant valve is tested according to GB / T6394-2017 "Metallic Averaging Grain Size Determination Method", and the average grain size of the copper alloy is 10-40 μm.

[0090] refer to Figure 6 As shown, this application also provides a method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, comprising the following steps:

[0091] Provide metal raw materials;

[0092] Metal raw materials are placed in a furnace and smelted to form a copper alloy melt;

[0093] The copper alloy melt is cast into a copper rod;

[0094] The copper rod is hot-forged.

[0095] In some embodiments, the method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve includes a step S1 of weighing metal raw materials according to a specified ratio; specifically, in step S1, metal raw materials are weighed according to a specified ratio to obtain the copper alloy composition mentioned above.

[0096] Further, in some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises... The composition includes: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the composition of the copper alloy includes: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities.

[0097] Further, in some embodiments, the copper alloy comprises: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 3.0wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 0.25wt%-1.5wt% iron, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the copper alloy comprises... The composition includes: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; or, the composition of the copper alloy includes: 0.13wt%-0.4wt% tin, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% nickel, 0.25wt%-1.5wt% iron, 48wt%-53wt% copper, 35wt%-45wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities.

[0098] Further, in some embodiments, the composition of the copper alloy raw material is: 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron, 45wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.6wt%-1.8wt% nickel, 0.4wt%-1.5wt% tin, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% aluminum, 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurity elements; or, the composition of the copper alloy raw material is: 0.03wt%-0.8wt% titanium, 45wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.6wt% nickel, 0.4wt%-1.5wt% tin, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% aluminum, 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurity elements. wt%-1.8wt% nickel, 0.5wt%-1.5wt% tin, 0.5wt%-1.5wt% aluminum, 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron, balance zinc and unavoidable impurity elements; or, the copper alloy raw material composition is 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron, 0.03wt%-0.8wt% titanium, 47wt%-53wt% copper, 1.8wt%-4.0wt% lead, 2.0wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.6wt%-1.8wt% nickel, 0.4wt%-1.5wt% tin, 0.3wt%-1.2wt% aluminum, 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron, balance zinc and unavoidable impurity elements.

[0099] In some embodiments, the method for manufacturing the refrigerant valve further includes step S2, in which metal raw materials are placed in a furnace and melted to form a copper alloy melt; specifically, according to the component ratio, the metal raw materials are first placed in a furnace and heated to melt, and then other remaining components are added in sequence, and the mixture is continuously stirred to ensure that the components are mixed evenly.

[0100] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the heating and melting temperature is 1000-1200℃, and the stirring time is 5-10 minutes to ensure that the components are mixed evenly.

[0101] In some embodiments, the manufacturing method of the refrigerant valve further includes step S3, which involves horizontally casting a copper alloy melt into a copper rod. Specifically, in step S3, the copper alloy melt is continuously cast into a copper rod using a horizontal continuous casting device, and the diameter and cooling rate of the copper rod are controlled to obtain a copper rod with a uniform brass structure. Further, in some embodiments, the diameter of the copper rod is 14-40 mm, and the cooling rate is 300-350 °C / s.

[0102] In some embodiments, the manufacturing method of the refrigerant valve further includes step S4, which involves hot forging and machining a copper rod to form the refrigerant valve. Specifically, the copper rod is heated to a hot forging temperature and forged to form a copper part. In some embodiments, before hot forging the copper rod, step S4 further includes cutting the copper rod into appropriate sizes, then adding graphite and stirring it evenly with the copper rod to control the surface roughness of the copper rod between 0.5-2.0 μm. It should be noted that the size of the copper rod, the type of graphite, the stirring equipment, the stirring time, and the stirring speed are not limited here, as long as the target roughness can be achieved.

[0103] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the hot forging temperature is 750-800℃, specifically selected from 755℃, 760℃, 770℃, 780℃, 790℃, 795℃, or other data within this range, which is not limited here. The hot forging time is 1-5s, specifically selected from 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, or other data within this range, which is not limited here. Through hot forging treatment, the internal structure of the copper parts is further optimized, and the mechanical properties and stress corrosion resistance of the refrigerant valve are improved.

[0104] In some embodiments, after the copper rod is hot-forged, a copper part is formed. Step S4 further includes heat-treating the copper part to eliminate hot forging stress and improve the mechanical properties of the copper part. Further, the heat treatment temperature is 450-600℃, specifically selected from 455℃, 460℃, 465℃, 470℃, 480℃, 490℃, 495℃, 500℃, 510℃, 520℃, 530℃, 540℃, 550℃, 560℃, 570℃, 580℃, 590℃, or other data within this range, which are not limited here. The heat treatment time is 2-3 hours.

[0105] In some embodiments, after heat treatment and before machining, step S4 further includes shot peening the heat-treated copper part to remove oxides and burrs from the surface of the copper part and to homogenize the surface roughness of the copper part, so that the surface roughness of the copper part reaches Ra 2.5-4.0μm; then the shot-peened copper part is machined to make various parts of the required shape and size, and assembled to obtain the refrigerant valve; the process parameters of shot peening in this application are not explicitly limited, as long as the target roughness can be achieved.

[0106] It should be noted that the refrigerant valve mentioned in this application includes, but is not limited to, solenoid valves, expansion valves, ball valves, and shut-off valves. The stationary part includes, but is not limited to, the valve body of the refrigerant valve and other stationary parts in contact with the refrigerant. The moving part includes, but is not limited to, the valve stem, valve core, valve needle, valve cap, nut, and other moving parts in the refrigerant valve and other moving parts in contact with the refrigerant.

[0107] In some embodiments, after the refrigerant valve undergoes an ammonia corrosion resistance test, at least a portion of the surface of the stationary part 1 shows no cracks affecting the sealing performance; the test conditions for the ammonia corrosion resistance test are as follows:

[0108] (a) Apply at least 30-40 N·m of torque to the stationary part 1;

[0109] (b) Prepare an ammonia solution with a concentration of 20-30wt% and place it in a container. Place the stationary part 1 from step (a) above the ammonia solution, ensuring that the stationary part 1 does not come into contact with the ammonia solution. Place it at 20℃-30℃ for 72 hours. The test environment for the ammonia corrosion resistance test is a closed environment, and the volume of the container is 90-105L.

[0110] like Figures 1 to 3 The image shows a refrigerant valve conforming to this application, including a valve body 11. At least a portion of the valve body 11 is made of an alloy material, and the metallographic structure of the alloy material includes a β phase and a γ phase, wherein the area percentage ratio of the β phase to the γ phase is 1.1-2.5:1.

[0111] In this application, at least a portion of the valve body of the refrigerant valve is made of an alloy material. The metallographic structure of the alloy material includes a β phase and a γ phase, with the area percentage ratio of the β phase to the γ phase being 1.1-2.5:1. With the β phase as the matrix phase and the γ phase as the auxiliary phase, the valve body has a specific ratio of β phase and γ phase, which improves the mechanical properties of the valve body and thus improves the service life of the refrigerant valve.

[0112] In some embodiments, the metallographic structure of the copper alloy includes a β phase (CuZn) and a γ phase (Cu5Zn8), with the area percentage ratio of the β phase to the γ phase being 1.1-2.5:1. The β phase and γ phase in this application are calculated using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technology. The β phase is a body-centered cubic solid solution with the electron compound CuZn as the matrix, and the γ phase is a complex cubic solid solution with the electron compound Cu5Zn8 as the matrix. In addition, the metallographic structure of the copper alloy also includes a Cu matrix phase (Copper) and a small amount of α phase (Cu3Zn5). The area percentage of the Cu matrix in the metallographic structure of the copper alloy is 1.2-7.2%, the area percentage of the γ phase is 30-40%, and the area percentage of the β phase is 50-60%. The specific proportions of β phase and γ phase in the metallographic structure of the copper alloy give it excellent mechanical properties, machinability, hot forging properties, and resistance to ammonia corrosion.

[0113] In some embodiments, the alloy material is a copper alloy, which includes, but is not limited to, brass.

[0114] In some embodiments, the alloy material comprises at least one of 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron and 0.03wt%-0.8wt% titanium; specific amounts of boron and / or titanium can undergo solid solution treatment with the β and γ phases, optimizing the mechanical properties, hot forging properties, and machinability of the β and γ phases, while improving the alloy material's resistance to ammonia corrosion.

[0115] In some embodiments, the boron (B) content in the alloy material is 0.03wt%-0.8wt%, specifically 0.04wt%, 0.08wt%, 0.1wt%, 0.14wt%, 0.18wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.25wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.35wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.45wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.55wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.65wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.72wt%, 0.74wt%, 0.75wt%, and 0.8wt%. Other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed, and are not limited here.

[0116] In some embodiments, the titanium (Ti) content in the alloy material is 0.03wt%-0.8wt%, specifically 0.05wt%, 0.09wt%, 0.1wt%, 0.12wt%, 0.14wt%, 0.16wt%, 0.18wt%, 0.2wt%, 0.23wt%, 0.25wt%, 0.3wt%, 0.34wt%, 0.38wt%, 0.4wt%, 0.42wt%, 0.45wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.55wt%, 0.6wt%, 0.62wt%, 0.64wt%, 0.66wt%, 0.68wt%, 0.7wt%, 0.73wt%, 0.75wt%, 0.77wt%, and 0.8wt%. Other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed, and are not limited here.

[0117] In some embodiments, the copper content in the alloy material is ≤55wt%. This application selects copper with a content not exceeding 55wt%. On the one hand, this greatly reduces production costs. On the other hand, the specific content of copper can interact with other components of the alloy material, improving the mechanical properties, machinability, hot forging properties, and resistance to ammonia corrosion. In addition, a specific content of boron and / or titanium is used in combination with a specific content of copper. On the one hand, boron or titanium can form a complex and stable composite protective layer on the surface of the alloy material, reducing direct contact between the corrosive medium and the alloy material. On the other hand, boron and / or titanium can optimize the grain boundary structure in the alloy material, reduce the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, reduce corrosion sensitivity, improve the stress corrosion resistance of the alloy material, and thus improve the service life of the refrigerant valve. Further, the copper (Cu) is selected from 45wt%-55wt%, specifically 47wt%, 48wt%, 49wt%, 50wt%, 51wt%, 52wt%, 53wt%, 54wt%, or other values ​​within this range as needed, which are not limited here.

[0118] In some embodiments, the alloy material further comprises manganese, nickel, tin, aluminum, lead, zinc, and unavoidable impurities; further, in some embodiments, the copper alloy material comprises 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.6wt%-1.8wt% nickel, 0.4wt%-1.5wt% tin, 0.3wt%-1.5wt% aluminum, 0.2wt%-1.0wt% iron, with the remainder comprising zinc and unavoidable impurities. A specific blend of copper, manganese, nickel, tin, aluminum, boron, and / or titanium can undergo solid solution reaction with the β and γ phases, optimizing the grain boundary structure of the alloy, reducing the accumulation of grain boundary impurities, and improving the alloy's resistance to stress corrosion. This allows the alloy to maintain a longer service life and higher reliability even under high pressure, high humidity, and corrosive media environments (such as ammonia). Simultaneously, the alloy exhibits high strength and hardness. Furthermore, it possesses excellent machinability, hot forging properties, and other processing characteristics, while significantly reducing production costs. Excessive or insufficient amounts of these elements may negatively impact these properties; therefore, experimental analysis and optimization are necessary to determine the optimal addition amounts. In short, the addition amounts of each element in the alloy require precise experimental analysis and optimization to find a suitable range for optimal overall performance, thereby improving the service life of the refrigerant valve.

[0119] In some embodiments, the alloy material further comprises 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, specifically 1.7wt%, 1.9wt%, 2.1wt%, 2.3wt%, 2.5wt%, 2.7wt%, 2.9wt%, 3.1wt%, 3.3wt%, 3.4wt%, 3.5wt%, 3.7wt%, 3.8wt%, and 3.9wt%. Other values ​​within this range can be selected as needed and are not limited herein. Adding a specific amount of iron to the alloy material, in combination with specific amounts of copper, lead, manganese, nickel, tin, aluminum, and iron, improves the alloy material's resistance to stress corrosion, giving it excellent overall performance. Additionally, the alloy material may also include other elements besides those mentioned above.

[0120] It should be noted that "wt%" mentioned in this application means mass percentage or weight percentage; "unavoidable impurities" refers to impurity elements contained in the metal raw material, and their content is the usual content in the metal raw material; the content of each component of the copper alloy in this application meets the upper and lower limit requirements formula, that is: the upper limit of the content of a single component + the lower limit of the content of other components ≤ 100wt%, and the lower limit of the content of a single component + the upper limit of the content of other components ≥ 100wt%.

[0121] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the stationary part 1 includes a valve body 11 made of the aforementioned copper alloy, the moving part 7 includes a valve stem (not shown), the valve body 11 has a first cavity 111, an inner cavity 114 includes the first cavity 111, the valve stem is at least partially located in the first cavity 111, the valve body 11 and the valve stem are threadedly connected, the refrigerant valve includes at least two valve ports, the refrigerant valve includes a drive part, the drive part is capable of driving the valve stem to move to control the on / off state between the at least two valve ports.

[0122] In some embodiments, the refrigerant valve includes a first connecting pipe 5, a second connecting pipe 4, a first valve cap 13, and a connecting nut 14. The first connecting pipe 5 is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the valve body 11, and the second connecting pipe 4 is integrally formed with the valve body 11. The first connecting pipe 5 has a first channel 110, and the second connecting pipe 4 has a second channel 120. The valve stem can control fluid isolation or fluid communication between the first channel 110 and the second channel 120. The first valve cap 13 and the connecting nut 14 are both configured to cooperate with the valve body 1. At least one of the valve body 1, the valve cap 13, and the connecting nut 14 is made of the copper alloy material described above.

[0123] In some embodiments, the valve stem is provided with an external thread, and the inner wall of the valve body 11 is provided with an internal thread that mates with the external thread of the valve stem. Under the action of the threaded pair, it moves up and down in the inner cavity of the valve body 11 to close or connect the first channel 110 and the second channel 120. The inner wall of the valve body 11 is provided with a thread that mates with the first valve cap 13 and the connecting nut 14.

[0124] In some embodiments, the valve body 11 has a valve port 3, and the first channel 110 and the second channel 120 are connected through the valve port 3. The valve stem is at least partially disposed in the first cavity 111 and can move up and down along the inner cavity of the valve body 11 to open or close the valve port 3, thereby connecting or disconnecting the first channel 110 and the second channel 120. Further, when the valve stem moves down to the limit position, it abuts against the valve port 3, thereby closing the valve port 3. At this time, the refrigerant valve is in the closed state. In some embodiments, the refrigerant valve also includes a second valve cap 2, which is connected to the valve body 11, such as by a threaded connection.

[0125] refer to Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the stationary part 1 includes a valve body 11 made of the copper alloy mentioned above, and the moving part 7 includes a valve core 102. The valve body 11 has a first cavity 111, and the valve core 102 is at least partially located in the first cavity 111. The first cavity 111 is capable of circulating refrigerant. The valve core 102 has a second cavity 103. The refrigerant valve has a first state in which the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 103 are in communication.

[0126] In some embodiments, the refrigerant valve also has a second state in which the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 103 are closed. The refrigerant valve also includes a drive unit 104, which is fixedly connected to the valve core 102. The drive unit can drive the valve core 102 to rotate to control the opening and closing between the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 103. That is, the drive unit 104 can control the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 104 to be connected or closed, that is, the drive unit 104 can control the refrigerant valve to be in the first state or the second state.

[0127] The refrigerant valves in this application include, but are not limited to, shut-off valves, ball valves, etc., and the fluids include, but are not limited to, refrigerants, including, but are not limited to, R22, R290, R410a, R32, R407C, R454B, R134a, R404A, R448A, R449A, CO2, etc.

[0128] The manufacturing method of the refrigerant valve in this application will be described below with reference to specific implementation methods.

[0129] Example 1

[0130] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve includes the following steps:

[0131] S1. Weigh the copper alloy raw materials according to the proportions, wherein the copper alloy raw materials include: 0.1wt% boron, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron and the balance zinc;

[0132] S2. According to the component ratio, first place the copper in the melting furnace and heat it to 1100℃ to completely melt it. Then add the remaining components in sequence and stir continuously for 10 minutes to ensure that the components are mixed evenly to form a copper alloy melt.

[0133] S3. The copper alloy melt from step S2 is continuously cast into copper rods using a horizontal continuous casting equipment. The diameter of the copper rods is controlled to be 18 mm and the cooling rate is 320℃ / s to obtain copper rods with uniform structure. Then, the copper rods are stirred evenly with natural flake graphite (flake size 0.18 mm, fixed carbon content ≥95wt%) to make the surface roughness of the copper rods reach 1.2 μm.

[0134] S4. Heat the copper rod from step S3 to the hot forging temperature, which is controlled at 750℃. Forge for 2 seconds to form a copper part. Then, place the copper part into a heating device and heat it at 520℃ for 2 hours. After heat treatment, the copper part is shot peened to achieve a surface roughness of 3.5μm. Then, it is machined to produce the required shapes and sizes of various parts and assembled to obtain the refrigerant valve.

[0135] Example 2

[0136] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 1, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.03wt% boron, 55wt% copper, 3.0wt% lead, 2.4wt% manganese, 1.3wt% nickel, 0.8wt% tin, 1.1wt% aluminum, 0.5wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0137] Example 3

[0138] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 1, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.8 wt% boron, 45 wt% copper, 1.5 wt% lead, 4.5 wt% manganese, 1.8 wt% nickel, 0.5 wt% tin, 1.5 wt% aluminum, 0.2 wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0139] Example 4

[0140] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve includes the following steps:

[0141] S1. Weigh the copper alloy raw materials according to the proportions. The copper alloy raw materials include: 0.3wt% titanium, 50wt% copper, 3.5wt% lead, 4.5wt% manganese, 1.4wt% nickel, 0.8wt% tin, 1.0wt% aluminum, 0.6wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0142] S2. According to the component ratio, first place the copper in the melting furnace and heat it to 1100℃ to completely melt it. Then add the remaining components in sequence and stir continuously for 10 minutes to ensure that the components are mixed evenly to form a copper alloy melt.

[0143] S3. The copper alloy melt from step S2 is continuously cast into copper rods using a horizontal continuous casting equipment. The diameter of the copper rods is controlled to be 24 mm and the cooling rate is 330℃ / s. Then, the copper rods are stirred evenly with natural flake graphite (flake size 0.18 mm, fixed carbon content ≥95wt%) to make the surface roughness of the copper rods reach 1.5 μm.

[0144] S4. Heat the copper rod from step S3 to the hot forging temperature, which is controlled at 760℃. Forge for 2 seconds to form a copper part. Then, place the copper part into a heating device and heat it at 510℃ for 2 hours. After heat treatment, the copper part is shot peened to achieve a surface roughness of 3.8μm. Then, it is machined to produce the required shapes and sizes of various parts and assembled to obtain the refrigerant valve.

[0145] Example 5

[0146] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 4, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.03wt% titanium, 55wt% copper, 3.0wt% lead, 2.4wt% manganese, 1.3wt% nickel, 0.8wt% tin, 1.1wt% aluminum, 0.5wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0147] Example 6

[0148] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 4, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.8wt% titanium, 48wt% copper, 2.0wt% lead, 2.4wt% manganese, 1.3wt% nickel, 0.8wt% tin, 0.9wt% aluminum, 0.5wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0149] Example 7

[0150] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve includes the following steps:

[0151] S1. Weigh the copper alloy raw materials according to the proportions. The copper alloy raw materials include 0.1wt% boron, 0.25wt% titanium, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0152] S2. According to the component ratio, first place the copper in the melting furnace and heat it to 1100℃ to completely melt it. Then add the remaining components in sequence and stir continuously for 10 minutes to ensure that the components are mixed evenly to form a copper alloy melt.

[0153] S3. The copper alloy melt from step S2 is continuously cast into copper rods using a horizontal continuous casting equipment. The diameter of the copper rods is controlled to be 27 mm and the cooling rate is 315℃ / s. Then, the copper rods are stirred evenly with natural flake graphite (flake size 0.18 mm, fixed carbon content ≥95wt%) to make the surface roughness of the copper rods reach 1.0 μm.

[0154] S4. Heat the copper rod from step S3 to the hot forging temperature, which is controlled at 780℃. Forge for 2 seconds to form a copper part. Then, place the copper part into a heating device and heat it at 495℃ for 2 hours. After heat treatment, the copper part is shot peened to achieve a surface roughness of 2.5μm. Then, it is machined to produce the required shapes and sizes of various parts and assembled to obtain the refrigerant valve.

[0155] Example 8

[0156] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 7, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.03wt% boron, 0.8wt% titanium, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0157] Example 9

[0158] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 7, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.8wt% boron, 0.03wt% titanium, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0159] Example 10

[0160] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 7, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.03wt% boron, 0.03wt% titanium, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0161] Example 11

[0162] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 7, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.8wt% boron, 0.8wt% titanium, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0163] Example 12

[0164] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve includes the following steps:

[0165] S1. Weigh the copper alloy raw materials according to the proportions, wherein the copper alloy raw materials include: 48.8wt% copper, 3.4wt% lead, 3.0wt% manganese, 0.35wt% nickel, 0.2wt% tin, 0.1wt% aluminum, 1.0wt% iron and the balance zinc;

[0166] S2. According to the component ratio, first place the copper in the melting furnace and heat it to 1100℃ to completely melt it. Then add the remaining components in sequence and stir continuously for 10 minutes to ensure that the components are mixed evenly to form a copper alloy melt.

[0167] S3. The copper alloy melt from step S2 is continuously cast into copper rods using a horizontal continuous casting equipment. The diameter of the copper rods is controlled to be 18 mm and the cooling rate is 315℃ / s to obtain copper rods with uniform structure. Then, the copper rods are stirred evenly with natural flake graphite (flake size 0.18 mm, fixed carbon content ≥95wt%) to make the surface roughness of the copper rods reach 1.2 μm.

[0168] S4. Heat the copper rod from step S3 to the hot forging temperature, which is controlled at 750℃. Forge for 2 seconds to form a copper part. Then, place the copper part into a heating device and heat it at 550℃ for 2 hours. After heat treatment, the copper part is shot peened to achieve a surface roughness of 3.5μm. Then, it is machined to produce the required shapes and sizes of various parts and assembled to obtain the refrigerant valve.

[0169] Example 13

[0170] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 12, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 51.8 wt% copper, 3.6 wt% lead, 3.3 wt% manganese, 0.7 wt% nickel, 0.23 wt% tin, 0.17 wt% aluminum, 0.85 wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0171] Example 14

[0172] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 12, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 49.8 wt% copper, 3.6 wt% lead, 3.4 wt% manganese, 1.25 wt% nickel, 0.15 wt% tin, 0.11 wt% aluminum, 0.87 wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0173] Example 15

[0174] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 12, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 49.7 wt% copper, 3.1 wt% lead, 2.95 wt% manganese, 0.36 wt% nickel, 0.35 wt% tin, 0.08 wt% aluminum, 1.25 wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0175] Example 16

[0176] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 12, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 49.8 wt% copper, 3.23 wt% lead, 2.98 wt% manganese, 0.37 wt% nickel, 0.33 wt% tin, 0.07 wt% aluminum, 1.38 wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0177] Example 17

[0178] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 12, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 49.8 wt% copper, 3.46 wt% lead, 3.05 wt% manganese, 0.49 wt% nickel, 0.38 wt% tin, 0.1 wt% aluminum, 0.001 wt% boron and the balance zinc.

[0179] Example 18

[0180] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 12, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 52wt% copper, 3.56wt% lead, 2.95wt% manganese, 0.39wt% nickel, 0.35wt% tin, 0.07wt% aluminum, 0.47wt% iron and the balance zinc.

[0181] Example 19

[0182] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 12, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 52.1 wt% copper, 3.3 wt% lead, 3.0 wt% manganese, 0.72 wt% nickel, 0.4 wt% tin, 0.25 wt% aluminum and the balance zinc.

[0183] Comparative Example 1

[0184] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 1, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.02wt% boron, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron, and the balance zinc.

[0185] Comparative Example 2

[0186] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 1, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.9wt% boron, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron, and the balance zinc.

[0187] Comparative Example 3

[0188] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 1, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.02wt% titanium, 50wt% copper, 3.5wt% lead, 4.5wt% manganese, 1.4wt% nickel, 0.8wt% tin, 1.0wt% aluminum, 0.6wt% iron, and the balance zinc.

[0189] Comparative Example 4

[0190] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 1, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.9wt% titanium, 50wt% copper, 3.5wt% lead, 4.5wt% manganese, 1.4wt% nickel, 0.8wt% tin, 1.0wt% aluminum, 0.6wt% iron, and the balance zinc.

[0191] Comparative Example 5

[0192] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 1, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.02wt% boron, 0.9wt% titanium, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron, and the balance zinc.

[0193] Comparative Example 6

[0194] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 1, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.02wt% boron, 0.02wt% titanium, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron, and the balance zinc.

[0195] Comparative Example 7

[0196] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 1, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.9wt% boron, 0.02wt% titanium, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron, and the balance zinc.

[0197] Comparative Example 8

[0198] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 7, except that in step S1, the copper alloy raw material includes 0.9wt% boron, 0.9wt% titanium, 48wt% copper, 2.5wt% lead, 3.5wt% manganese, 0.9wt% nickel, 1.2wt% tin, 0.8wt% aluminum, 0.7wt% iron, and the balance zinc.

[0199] Comparative Example 9

[0200] A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, wherein all other steps are the same as in Example 1, except that boron is not added to the copper alloy raw material package in step S1.

[0201] Test methods

[0202] 1. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the cut copper alloy refrigerant valve specimens shall be tested in accordance with GB / T 228-1-2021 "Metallic materials - Tensile testing - Part 1: Room temperature test method"; the hardness of the specimens shall be tested in accordance with GB / T 4340.1-2024 "Metallic materials - Vickers hardness test - Part 1: Test method".

[0203] 2. The standards and methods for the ammonia fumigation cracking test are as follows:

[0204] (a) A valve body 11, a first valve cap 13, a second valve cap 2 and a connecting nut 14 were made from the copper alloy of the examples and comparative examples. The first valve cap 13 and the second valve cap 2 were sealed to the valve body 11 with a torque of 40 N·m, and the connecting nut 14 was sealed to the valve body 11 with a torque of 39 N·m to make a sample piece.

[0205] (b) Prepare a 28wt% ammonia solution and pour it into the container along the container wall. The container must be sealed and not vibrated to prevent ammonia evaporation. Do not put in any items that may affect the ammonia solution. Take four sets of valve bodies 11 assembled in step (a) and seal the other openings of valve bodies 11 with tape to prevent the ammonia solution from entering the inner cavity of valve bodies 11. Then place valve bodies 11 above the ammonia solution, ensuring that valve bodies 11 do not contact the ammonia solution. Place them at 25°C for 72 hours. The test environment for the ammonia fumigation corrosion test is a closed environment with a container volume of 101L. Test the ammonia fumigation stress corrosion resistance of the specimen. The requirement for the use of the gate valve is that the surface of the specimen must not have any fine cracks, and there must be no cracks or fissures that may affect the performance.

[0206] 3. Air tightness test: The air tightness of the refrigerant valve is tested by external water leakage test. Taking the shut-off valve as an example, the valve body 11, first valve cap 13, and second valve cap 2 of the shut-off valve are made of copper alloy as described in Examples 12-19. The valve stem is closed with a sealing torque of 39 N·m. All nuts are loosened and the remaining pipe ports are sealed. Dry air is introduced into the inlet pipe of the shut-off valve to 4 MPa. The valve is then immersed in a water tank for 3 minutes. No air bubbles should be generated to determine the shut-off valve's air tightness. The sample is then dried after the test.

[0207] In accordance with the test method for the cutting performance of copper-zinc-bismuth-tellurium alloy rods in YS / T 647-2007, a refrigerant valve made of copper alloy material was used as a sample for testing. The evaluation criteria for "excellent", "good", "average" and "poor" in the cutting performance were as follows.

[0208]

[0209] A copper alloy refrigerant valve was cut into sections and used as a sample for testing. The evaluation criteria for "excellent", "good", "relatively good" and "poor" in the hot forging performance of the refrigerant valve were determined using a gate valve hot forging equipment, as shown below.

[0210]

[0211]

[0212] The evaluation criteria for "Excellent", "Good", "Fairly Good", and "Poor" in the ammonia fumigation corrosion resistance test, obtained according to the test method in "2. Standards and Methods for Ammonia Fumigation Cracking Test" above, are as follows.

[0213]

[0214] The mechanical properties, machinability, and hot forging properties of the copper alloy material of the refrigerant valves in Examples 1-11 and Comparative Examples 1-9 were tested, as well as the resistance to ammonia corrosion was tested. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0215] Table 1. Performance test results of the refrigerant valves in Examples 1-11 and Comparative Examples 1-9

[0216]

[0217]

[0218] As can be seen from Table 1, the tensile strength of the refrigerant valves in Examples 1-11 is not less than 490 MPa and the hardness is not less than 150 Hv. They have excellent machinability, hot forging performance and resistance to ammonia corrosion. Compared with Comparative Examples 1-2, the tensile strength of Example 1 is higher than that of Comparative Examples 1-2, and its machinability, hot forging performance and resistance to ammonia corrosion are all better than those of Comparative Examples 1-2. Compared with Comparative Examples 4-4, the tensile strength of Example 4 is higher than that of Comparative Examples 3-4, and its machinability, hot forging performance and resistance to ammonia corrosion are all better than those of Comparative Examples 3-4. Compared with Comparative Examples 7-9, the tensile strength of Example 7 is higher than that of Comparative Examples 5-9, and its machinability, hot forging performance and resistance to ammonia corrosion are all better than those of Comparative Examples 5-9.

[0219] In summary, the copper content of the copper alloy in this application is ≤55wt%, and the addition of 0.03wt%-0.8wt% boron and / or 0.03wt%-0.8wt% titanium improves the mechanical properties of the copper alloy, making it smooth in chip removal and non-sticking during machining, resulting in excellent cutting performance. Furthermore, this copper alloy has excellent forging properties, leading to refrigerant valves with high dimensional accuracy. In addition, the refrigerant valve prepared in this application has excellent resistance to ammonia corrosion, meeting usage requirements and improving the reliability and service life of the refrigerant valve. Because the copper content is reduced to no more than 55wt%, production costs are significantly reduced. Analysis using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technology... Figure 5 The image shows the metallographic structure of the copper alloy refrigerant valve in Example 1, which includes the β phase and the γ phase. The β phase is a dark blocky area, and the γ phase is a light blocky area.

[0220] The hardness, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the copper alloy material of the refrigerant valves in Examples 12-19 were tested, as were the resistance to ammonia corrosion and the airtightness of the refrigerant valves. The test results are shown in Table 2.

[0221] Table 2 shows the performance test results of the refrigerant valves in Examples 12-19.

[0222]

[0223] As shown in Table 2, the copper alloy material of the refrigerant valves in Examples 12-19 all exhibits good tensile strength and hardness, as well as high elongation at break. This means that the refrigerant valves maintain good plasticity while ensuring high mechanical properties. Furthermore, Examples 12-19 also demonstrate resistance to ammonia stress corrosion, indicating that the copper alloy composition in this application is 0.1wt%-1.5wt% tin, 45wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-5.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, and 0.3wt%-2.0wt% copper. Nickel, 0-1.5wt% iron, 0-1.5wt% aluminum, balance zinc, and unavoidable impurities are used. Specific amounts of tin, lead, manganese, nickel, copper, and zinc are selected, or specific amounts of tin, lead, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, iron, and / or aluminum are used in combination. The elements have a certain synergistic effect, which improves the plasticity of the copper alloy. This makes the copper alloy less prone to stress corrosion cracking in high-pressure or ammonia-filled environments. At the same time, it has high tensile strength and hardness, as well as excellent stress corrosion resistance and airtightness. As a result, the refrigerant valve has excellent comprehensive performance.

[0224] Table 2 also shows that, comparing Examples 12-14 and Examples 15-19, the elongation at break of the refrigerant valve in Examples 15-19 is higher than that in Examples 12-13, and its resistance to ammonia corrosion is also better than that in Examples 12-14. This indicates that when the tin content in the copper alloy is 0.25wt%-0.4wt%, or the nickel content is 0.35wt%-0.8wt%, under the condition that the copper alloy has high strength and hardness, the copper alloy still has better ductility and plasticity, and at the same time has better resistance to ammonia corrosion. It is not easy to cause stress corrosion cracking, so the refrigerant valve has better comprehensive performance and meets the requirements for use in harsh environments (such as high temperature and high pressure). Therefore, selecting appropriate proportions of each element for compound use can improve the comprehensive performance of the copper alloy, thereby improving the service life of the refrigerant valve.

Claims

1. A refrigerant valve, the refrigerant valve comprising a stationary part (1) and a movable part (7), the movable part (7) being at least partially located within the stationary part (1), the movable part (7) being movable relative to the stationary part (1) to control the connection between different valve ports or the regulation of refrigerant flow, characterized in that, The stationary part (1) has an inner cavity (114) which can be used to circulate refrigerant. At least one of the stationary part (1) and the moving part (7) is made of copper alloy. The copper alloy comprises 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel and 35wt%-44wt% zinc.

2. The refrigerant valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stationary part (1) includes a valve body (11), the valve body (11) is made of the copper alloy, the valve body (11) has a first cavity (111), and the inner cavity (114) includes the first cavity (111); The moving part (7) includes a valve stem, which is at least partially located in the first chamber (111). The refrigerant valve includes at least two valve ports and a drive part capable of driving the valve stem to move to control the on / off state between the at least two valve ports.

3. The refrigerant valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stationary part (1) includes a valve body (11), the valve body (11) is made of the copper alloy, the valve body (11) has a first cavity (111), and the inner cavity (114) includes the first cavity (111); The moving part (7) includes a valve core (102) at least partially located in the first chamber (111), the valve core (102) having a second chamber (103), and the refrigerant valve includes a drive part capable of driving the valve core (102) to rotate to control the opening and closing between the first chamber (111) and the second chamber (103).

4. The refrigerant valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stationary part (1) includes a valve body (11) made of copper alloy. The moving part (7) includes a valve stem. The refrigerant valve includes a first connecting pipe (5), a second connecting pipe (4), a valve cap (13, 2), and a connecting nut (14). The first connecting pipe (5) is fixedly connected to the valve body (1) or integrally formed. The second connecting pipe (4) is fixedly connected to the valve body (11) or integrally formed. The first connecting pipe (5) has a first channel (110), and the second connecting pipe (4) has a second channel (120). The valve stem can control fluid isolation or fluid communication between the first channel (110) and the second channel (120). The valve cap (13, 2) and the connecting nut (14) are both connected to the valve body (11).

5. The refrigerant valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The copper alloy also includes 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron.

6. The refrigerant valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The copper alloy also includes 0.001 wt% to 0.1 wt% boron.

7. The refrigerant valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The composition of the copper alloy includes: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; Alternatively, the composition of the copper alloy may include: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; Alternatively, the composition of the copper alloy may include: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; Alternatively, the composition of the copper alloy may include: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities.

8. The refrigerant valve according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, After the refrigerant valve undergoes an ammonia corrosion resistance test, at least a portion of the surface of the valve body (11) shows no cracks that affect its sealing performance. The test conditions for the ammonia corrosion resistance test are as follows: (a) Apply at least one torque of 30-40 N·m to the valve body (11); (b) Prepare an ammonia solution with a concentration of 20-30wt% and place it in a container. Place the valve body (11) from step (a) above the ammonia solution, ensuring that the valve body (11) does not contact the ammonia solution. Place the container at 20℃-30℃ for 72 hours. The test environment for the ammonia corrosion resistance test is a closed environment, and the volume of the container is 90-105L.

9. A method for manufacturing a refrigerant valve, the refrigerant valve comprising a stationary part (1) and a movable part (7), the movable part (7) being at least partially located within the stationary part (1), the movable part (7) being movable relative to the stationary part (1) to control the connection between different valve ports or the regulation of refrigerant flow, characterized in that, The stationary part (1) has an inner cavity (114) that can be used to circulate refrigerant. The method for manufacturing at least one of the stationary part (1) and the moving part (7) includes the following steps: Provide metal raw materials; The metal raw material is placed in a furnace and smelted to form a copper alloy melt; The copper alloy melt is cast to form a copper rod; The copper rod is hot-forged; The components of the copper alloy include copper, lead, manganese, nickel, tin, and zinc; The copper alloy comprises 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel and 35wt%-45wt% zinc.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The hot forging temperature is 750-800℃, and the hot forging time is 1-5s.

11. The manufacturing method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The steps following hot forging of the copper rod also include heat treatment, wherein the heat treatment temperature is 500-600℃ and the heat treatment time is 2-3 hours.

12. A copper alloy for a refrigerant valve, characterized in that, The copper alloy comprises 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel and 35wt%-45wt% zinc.

13. The copper alloy according to claim 12, characterized in that, The copper alloy also includes 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron.

14. The copper alloy according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The copper alloy also includes 0.01wt%-0.5wt% aluminum.

15. The copper alloy according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The copper alloy also includes 0.001 wt% to 0.1 wt% boron.

16. The copper alloy according to claim 12, characterized in that, The composition of the copper alloy includes: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; Alternatively, the composition of the copper alloy may include: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; Alternatively, the composition of the copper alloy may include: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities; Alternatively, the composition of the copper alloy may include: 0.11wt%-0.9wt% tin, 48wt%-55wt% copper, 1.5wt%-4.0wt% lead, 1.5wt%-4.5wt% manganese, 0.1wt%-1.5wt% iron, 0.001wt%-0.1wt% boron, 0.3wt%-2.0wt% nickel, 35wt%-44wt% zinc, and unavoidable impurities.

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