Sliding switching valve, refrigeration cycle system, control method of sliding switching valve, switching procedure, and storage medium.

Abstract

This invention provides a sliding switching valve, a refrigeration cycle system, a control method for the sliding switching valve, a switching program product, and a storage medium that can stabilize switching operations. By maintaining a state of power supply to both coils (54) of the electromagnetic drive unit (5) for a predetermined time, a state of no power supply to both coils (54) can be avoided. Before the power supply ends, the plunger (51) remains at the initial switching side, and after the power supply ends, it begins to move towards the switching target side. The plunger (51) facilitates the normal movement of the valve core (4), thus stabilizing the switching operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sliding switching valve, a refrigeration cycle system, a control method for the sliding switching valve, a switching procedure product, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, switching valves are known in which the flow path of fluid is switched by moving the valve body using an electromagnetic drive unit with a solenoid coil, thereby opening and closing a valve port formed on the valve seat surface. As such a switching valve, a pilot valve configured in a refrigeration cycle system for driving a four-way switching valve has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the switching valve described in Patent Document 1, no spring is provided, and two opposing electromagnetic actuators are driven alternately, thereby suppressing the efficiency reduction caused by spring force.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-241870 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in a structure using two electromagnetic actuators as described in Patent Document 1, when switching the position of the plunger, the plunger may make unexpected movements depending on the timing of the switching of the power supply in the two electromagnetic actuators and the flow pattern of the fluid, thus making the switching action unstable.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sliding switching valve, a refrigeration circulation system, a control method for the sliding switching valve, a switching program, and a storage medium that can stabilize the switching action.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The sliding switching valve of the present invention comprises: a valve body forming a valve chamber; a valve seat having a valve seat surface having at least one valve port and disposed within the valve chamber; a valve core that opens and closes the valve port relative to the valve chamber by sliding relative to the valve seat surface; an electromagnetic drive unit that moves the valve core in a sliding direction along the valve seat surface; and a control unit that controls the electromagnetic drive unit. The sliding switching valve is characterized in that the electromagnetic drive unit comprises: a plunger extending in the sliding direction and holding the valve core; a pair of suction members disposed on opposite sides of the plunger in the sliding direction; and a pair of coils that energize the pair of suction members respectively. The control unit controls the power supply to the pair of coils, and when the plunger moves in the sliding direction from the initial switching side to the target switching side, after maintaining a power supply state to both coils for a predetermined time, reduces the power supply to the coil on the initial switching side.

[0011] According to the present invention as described above, by maintaining the power supply state to both sides of a pair of coils for a predetermined time, a state in which no power is supplied to either side of the pair of coils can be avoided. Therefore, the plunger can remain at the initial switching side before the power supply state ends, and begin moving towards the switching target side after the power supply state ends, making it easier for the plunger to move the valve core normally and stabilizing the switching operation.

[0012] At this time, in the sliding switching valve of the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit stops supplying power to the coil on the initial switching side after the supply state of both sides. With this structure, when the plunger moves towards the switching target side, the attractive force on the initial switching side can be prevented from becoming resistance, thus reducing power consumption.

[0013] Furthermore, in the sliding switching valve of the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit maintains the power supply to the coil on the switching target side after the supply state of both sides has been reached. With this structure, the attractive force on the switching target side can be easily maintained, making the switching operation more stable.

[0014] Alternatively, in the sliding switching valve of the present invention, the control unit may increase the power supply to the coil on the initial switching side before the two-way supply state, and decrease the power supply to the coil on the target switching side after the two-way supply state. With this structure, it is possible to stabilize the switching operation by supplying power when switching to a destination where the plunger's movement is prone to instability, while simultaneously reducing power consumption during periods when the plunger is stopped.

[0015] Alternatively, in the sliding switching valve of the present invention, after the supply state of both sides, the control unit reduces the power supply to the coil on the switching target side to a holding power. This holding power is sufficient to maintain the suction force of the suction member on the plunger on the switching initial side when the coil to which the holding power is supplied is the switching initial side. With this structure, it is easy to maintain the suction force towards the switching target side and to reduce power consumption during the period when the plunger is stopped.

[0016] Furthermore, in the sliding switching valve of the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit maintains the duration of the supply state of both sides for 15 to 10,000 ms. With this structure, if the duration of the supply state of both sides is 15 ms or more, the duration can be ensured, thus stabilizing the switching operation. Conversely, if the duration of the supply state of both sides is 10,000 ms or less, the time required before the plunger begins to move will not become excessive, ensuring responsiveness, and suppressing heat generation caused by prolonged supply states of both sides.

[0017] Furthermore, in the sliding switching valve of the present invention, it is preferable that a gap is formed between the plunger and the valve core in the sliding direction, and when the valve core abuts against the plunger on one side of the sliding direction, the size of the gap on the other side is 1 mm or less.

[0018] With this structure, as the plunger moves, the plunger and valve core abut against each other on the opposite side of the side the plunger faces, creating a gap between them on the side the plunger faces. When the plunger stops moving, a gap forms between the valve core and the plunger on the side of the suction element. When the plunger moves with one side of the suction element as the initial switching side and the other side as the target switching side, the plunger collides with the valve core after moving the length of the gap, allowing the valve core to move easily through the impact. If the gap size is less than 1 mm, the plunger stroke will not become excessive, ensuring the suction force of the suction element.

[0019] The refrigeration cycle system of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a compressor that compresses a refrigerant as a fluid; a first heat exchanger that functions as a condenser in cooling mode; a second heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator in cooling mode; an expansion mechanism that causes the refrigerant to expand and depressurize between the first and second heat exchangers; the aforementioned sliding switching valve; and a four-way switching valve. According to the refrigeration cycle system of the present invention, the switching action in the sliding switching valve can be stabilized as described above, thereby stabilizing the overall operation of the system.

[0020] The sliding switching valve control method of the present invention comprises: a valve body forming a valve chamber; a valve seat having a valve seat surface having at least one valve port and disposed within the valve chamber; a valve core that opens and closes the valve port relative to the valve chamber by sliding relative to the valve seat surface; an electromagnetic drive unit having a plunger extending along a sliding direction along the valve seat surface and holding the valve core, a pair of suction members disposed on both sides of the plunger in the sliding direction, and a pair of coils that excite the pair of suction members respectively and move the valve core along the sliding direction; and a control unit that controls the electromagnetic drive unit. The control method of the sliding switching valve is characterized in that, when the plunger moves from the initial switching side to the target switching side in the sliding direction, after the power supply state of supplying power to both sides of the pair of coils is maintained for a predetermined time, the power supply to the coil on the initial switching side is reduced.

[0021] According to the present invention as described above, by maintaining the state of power supply to both sides of a pair of coils for a predetermined time, a state in which power is not supplied to both sides of a pair of coils can be prevented, thereby stabilizing the switching operation.

[0022] The switching program article of the present invention is characterized by including a program that causes a computer to execute the control method of the above-described sliding switching valve.

[0023] The storage medium of the present invention is characterized in that it stores a program that enables a computer to execute the control method of the sliding switching valve described above.

[0024] Invention Effects

[0025] The sliding switching valve, refrigeration cycle system, control method of sliding switching valve, switching procedure and storage medium according to the present invention can stabilize the switching action. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigeration cycle equipped with a sliding switching valve as an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the aforementioned sliding switching valve.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the voltage change when the plunger is moved in the aforementioned sliding switching valve.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram showing another example of the voltage change when the plunger is moved in the above-described sliding switching valve.

[0030] Figure 5This is a timing diagram showing another example of the voltage change when the plunger is moved in the above-described sliding switching valve.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 1—Sliding switching valve, 2—Valve body, 2R—Valve chamber, 3—Valve seat, 31—Valve seat surface, 32A~32C—Valve port, 4—Valve core, 5—Electromagnetic drive unit, 51—Plunger, 53—Suction element, 54—Coil, 10—Four-way switching valve, 100—Refrigeration cycle, 102—Compressor, 103—Outdoor heat exchanger (first heat exchanger), 104—Indoor heat exchanger (second heat exchanger), 105—Expansion valve (expansion mechanism). Detailed Implementation

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The sliding switching valve 1 of this embodiment is, for example, provided in a refrigeration cycle 100. The refrigeration cycle 100 is used in air conditioners such as indoor air conditioners, combination air conditioners, and multi-split air conditioners, and includes: a compressor 102 that compresses a refrigerant as a fluid; an outdoor heat exchanger 103 that functions as a condenser as a first heat exchanger in cooling mode; an indoor heat exchanger 104 that functions as an evaporator as a second heat exchanger in cooling mode; an expansion valve 105 that serves as an expansion mechanism for expanding and depressurizing the refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger 103 and the indoor heat exchanger 104; a four-way switching valve 10; and a pilot solenoid valve, i.e., the sliding switching valve 1, that controls the switching of the flow path of the four-way switching valve 10, all connected via refrigerant piping. Furthermore, the expansion mechanism is not limited to the expansion valve 105 and may also be a capillary tube.

[0034] The freezing cycle 100 is in Figure 1 In the cooling mode (refrigeration operation), indicated by the solid arrow, a refrigeration cycle is formed in which the refrigerant flows in the following sequence: compressor 102, four-way switching valve 10, outdoor heat exchanger 103, expansion valve 105, indoor heat exchanger 104, four-way switching valve 10, and compressor 102. Conversely, in the heating mode (heating operation), indicated by the dashed arrow, a heating cycle is formed in which the refrigerant flows in the following sequence: compressor 102, four-way switching valve 10, indoor heat exchanger 104, expansion valve 105, outdoor heat exchanger 103, four-way switching valve 10, and compressor 102. The switching between this heating and cooling cycles is achieved by the switching action of the sliding switching valve 1 on the four-way switching valve 10.

[0035] The four-way switching valve 10 is a known structure, comprising: a cylindrical valve body 11; a slide valve 12 slidably disposed inside the valve body; a high-pressure side conduit (D connector) 13 communicating with the discharge port of the compressor 102; a low-pressure side conduit (S connector) 14 communicating with the suction port of the compressor 102; an indoor side conduit (E connector) 15 communicating with the indoor heat exchanger 104; and an outdoor side conduit (C connector) 16 communicating with the outdoor heat exchanger 103. The valve body 11 is configured as an integrally sealed cylinder by means of plugs 17 and 18 that block its axial ends, and forms spaces A11 and A12 that axially clamp the piston 19 that moves the slide valve 12.

[0036] The sliding switching valve 1 in this embodiment has the structure of a four-way switching valve, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the valve includes a valve body 2, a valve seat 3, a valve core 4, an electromagnetic drive unit 5, connector components 61-64, and a control unit (not shown). The flow path of the fluid is switched by moving the valve core 4 along a predetermined sliding direction. Hereinafter, the sliding direction of the valve core 4 is defined as the X direction, and the two directions orthogonal to the X direction and mutually orthogonal are defined as the Y direction and the Z direction. The up and down directions in the Z direction are... Figure 2 Based on.

[0037] The valve body 2 has a block-shaped valve housing 21 and a pair of cylindrical plunger housings 22A and 22B connected to both sides of the valve housing 21 in the X direction, and has a valve chamber 2R inside them. Sometimes, one side of the plunger housing 22A relative to the valve housing 21 ( Figure 2 The left side of the plunger housing 22B is sometimes referred to as one side in the X direction. Figure 2 The right side of the plunger housing 22A and 22B is referred to as the other side in the X direction. The suction element 53, which will be described later, is airtightly fixed at the end of the plunger housing 22A and 22B on the side opposite to the valve housing 21, and the valve chamber 2R is closed.

[0038] On the side of the valve housing 21, on one side in the Z direction ( Figure 2 An installation opening 211 is formed on the lower side of the middle, and on the other side in the Z direction ( Figure 2 A connecting portion 212 is formed on the upper side of the middle part. The connecting portion 212 has a port 212A and is connected to a connector member 61 as described later.

[0039] The valve seat portion 3 is separately constructed from the valve body 2, forming an integral cylindrical shape extending along the Z direction. The valve seat portion 3 is inserted into the mounting opening 211 and fixed by brazing, and the valve seat surface 31, which is its upper surface, is disposed within the valve chamber 2R. The valve seat portion 3 has three valve ports 32A to 32C that open into the valve seat surface 31, and mounting holes are formed that communicate with each of the valve ports 32A to 32C. The valve seat surface 31 is a planar sliding contact surface extending along the XY plane.

[0040] The mounting holes communicating with valve ports 32A~32C are through holes extending along the Z direction and are respectively connected to connector components 62~64. The mounting holes are arranged in a straight line along the X direction relative to valve ports 32A~32C, and are configured in a triangular shape in the XY plane.

[0041] The valve core 4 is, for example, a spool-type pilot valve core made of synthetic resin, formed into a bowl shape (dome shape) with an opening facing the valve seat surface 31. A communicating space 4R is formed inside the valve core 4, which connects the central valve port 32B and one side valve port 32A while keeping the other side valve port 32C out of communication, or connects the central valve port 32B and the other side valve port 32C while keeping one side valve port 32A out of communication.

[0042] The electromagnetic drive unit 5 includes a pair of drive units 5A and 5B, a plunger 51, and a helical spring 52, and causes the valve body 4 to slide along the X direction. The pair of drive units 5A and 5B each include an attraction member 53, a coil 54 for energizing the attraction member 53, and a housing 55. Thus, the electromagnetic drive unit 5 has a pair of attraction members 53 and a pair of coils 54. Drive unit 5A is located on one side of the X direction, and drive unit 5B is located on the other side of the X direction.

[0043] The plunger 51 is integrally formed from a magnetic material into a cylindrical shape extending along the X direction. It has a small-diameter portion 511 at the center in the X direction and large-diameter portions 512A and 512B disposed on both sides of the small-diameter portion 511 in the X direction. The outer diameter of the large-diameter portions 512A and 512B is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the plunger housings 22A and 22B. The large-diameter portions 512A and 512B are guided along the X direction by the plunger housings 22A and 22B. On one side of the plunger 51 in the Z direction, a D-shaped cut portion 513 is formed throughout the large-diameter portion 512A and the small-diameter portion 511. The D-shaped cut portion 513 is opposite to the valve seat surface 31.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plunger 51 is composed of a single component, but the plunger may also be composed of multiple components. For example, it may have a magnetic part that is attracted by the attracting element and a non-magnetic part, with the valve core held in place by the non-magnetic part. That is, the plunger includes a magnetic part that is attracted by the attracting element and a part that slides and moves together with the magnetic part.

[0045] A concave retaining portion 514 with an opening toward the valve seat surface 31 is formed on the Z-direction side of the small diameter portion 511 where the D-shaped cut portion 513 is formed. The valve core 4 is disposed and retained in the retaining portion 514. A helical spring 518 is provided on the inner side of the retaining portion 514 to apply force to the valve core 4 on the Z-direction side.

[0046] At the other end of the large-diameter portion 512B on the opposite side of the X direction, a recess 515 for accommodating the helical spring 52 and a pressure equalization hole 516 connecting the recess 515 and the surface with the D-shaped cut portion 513 are formed. That is, the helical spring 52 is configured to apply force to the plunger 51 on one side of the X direction, and the plunger 51 moves on one side of the X direction when neither of the pair of drive portions 5A and 5B is supplied with power.

[0047] A pressure equalization hole 517 is formed on one side of the large-diameter portion 512A in the X direction, connecting the end face of one side with the face where the D-shaped cut portion 513 is formed. By forming the pressure equalization holes 516 and 517 and the D-shaped cut portion 513 as described above, the spaces on both sides of the plunger 51 in the X direction are not sealed and will not adhere to the suction member 53. In addition, by forming the small-diameter portion 511, the upper and lower spaces of the plunger 51 are connected in the valve chamber 2R.

[0048] The concave retaining portion 514 has a pair of inner surfaces 514A, 514B facing each other in the X direction, and the valve core 4 retained in the retaining portion 514 has a pair of side surfaces 4A, 4B on both sides in the X direction. The distance between the pair of inner surfaces 514A, 514B is greater than the distance between the pair of side surfaces 4A, 4B. Therefore, a gap is formed in the X direction between the retaining portion 514 of the plunger 51 and the valve core 4, allowing the valve core 4 to move relative to the retaining portion 514 in the X direction. Preferably, when the inner surface 514A and the side surface 4A abut, the gap G between the inner surface 514B and the side surface 4B on the opposite side is less than 1 mm. That is, the difference between the distance between the pair of inner surfaces 514A, 514B and the distance between the pair of side surfaces 4A, 4B is equivalent to the size of the gap G. A gap G of the same size is also formed when the inner surface 514B and the side surface 4B abut.

[0049] The attracting element 53 is formed into a cylindrical shape by a magnetic material and is configured to block the openings in the plunger housings 22A and 22B facing the X direction opposite to the plunger 51. It is joined to the plunger housings 22A and 22B by, for example, welding. A coil 54 is disposed on the outside of the plunger housings 22A and 22B in the X direction corresponding to the attracting element 53 and is supplied with electricity. When a voltage is applied to the coil 54 and current flows through it, the attracting element 53 is energized, and the plunger 51, being a magnetic material, is attracted by the attracting element 53 and moves in the X direction.

[0050] The control unit can be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), which controls the supply of power to the coils 54 of the pair of drive units 5A and 5B. In this embodiment, the control unit controls the voltage applied to the coils 54, and a current corresponding to the applied voltage flows through the coils 54, generating an attractive force corresponding to the current. That is, if the applied voltage increases, the power supplied also increases.

[0051] A connector 62 connected to a mounting hole communicating with one side of valve port 32A is connected to one side of space A12 of the four-way switching valve 10; a connector 63 connected to a mounting hole communicating with the central valve port 32B is connected to the low-pressure side conduit 14 of the four-way switching valve 10; a connector 64 connected to a mounting hole communicating with the other side of valve port 32C is connected to the other side of space A11 of the four-way switching valve 10; and a connector 61 connected to the connecting part 212 is connected to the high-pressure side conduit 13 of the four-way switching valve 10.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, when valve core 4 is located on one side in the X direction and valve ports 32B and 32A are connected, valve ports 32B and 32A are closed relative to valve chamber 2R by valve core 4, while valve port 32C is open relative to valve chamber 2R. At this time, high-pressure fluid flowing from port 212A into valve chamber 2R passes through valve port 32C toward space A11 of the four-way switching valve 10. Valve port 32B is connected to the low-pressure side conduit 14, and space A12, connected to valve port 32A, becomes low-pressure. Therefore, space A11 is higher than space A12, and through this pressure difference, piston 19 and slide valve 12 of the four-way switching valve 10 move toward space A12.

[0053] With valve core 4 located on the opposite side in the X direction and valve ports 32B and 32C connected, valve ports 32B and 32C are closed relative to valve chamber 2R via valve core 4, while valve port 32A is open relative to valve chamber 2R. At this time, high-pressure fluid flowing from port 212A into valve chamber 2R passes through valve port 32A toward space A12 of the four-way switching valve 10. Valve port 32B is connected to the low-pressure side conduit 14, and space A11, connected to valve port 32C, becomes low-pressure. Therefore, space A12 is higher than space A11, and through this pressure difference, the slide valve 12 and piston 19 of the four-way switching valve 10 move toward space A11.

[0054] As described above, when the plunger 51 and valve core 4 move, due to the formation of a gap G, after a period of idling where only the plunger 51 moves, the plunger 51 collides with the valve core 4. When the plunger 51 moves towards the X direction, the inner surface 514B and the side surface 4B abut, causing the valve core 4 to also move towards the X direction. When the plunger 51 stops due to being attracted by the suction member 53 on the X direction side, the abutment between the inner surface 514B and the side surface 4B is maintained, forming a gap G between the inner surface 514A and the side surface 4A. Subsequently, when the plunger 51 begins to move towards the other side of the X direction, it initially moves in an idling state, with only the plunger 51 moving, and then the inner surface 514A and the side surface 4A collide, causing the valve core 4 to begin moving. Similarly, when the plunger 51 begins to move towards the X direction, the plunger 51 and valve core 4 also collide.

[0055] Here, also refer to Figure 3 Example 1 illustrates a method for controlling the supply of power to coil 54 based on the control unit. Figure 3 The vertical axis in the timing diagram represents voltage. To move the slide valve 12 and piston 19 of the four-way switching valve 10 as described above, the state where the plunger 51 is attracted by one of the pair of suction members 53 is switched to a state where the plunger 51 is attracted by the other, by moving the plunger 51 from the initial switching side to the target switching side in the X direction. That is, one suction member 53 and its corresponding coil 54 are designated as the initial switching side, and the other suction member 53 and its corresponding coil 54 are designated as the target switching side. There are cases where the drive unit 5A is the initial switching side and the drive unit 5B is the target switching side, and cases where the drive unit 5B is the initial switching side and the drive unit 5A is the target switching side; however, these distinctions will not be made below, and the explanation will focus on whether it is the initial switching side or the target switching side.

[0056] First, at time t1, voltage is applied only to the coil 54 on the initial switching side, and no voltage is applied to the coil 54 on the target switching side. Then, at time t2, voltage is applied to the coil 54 on the target switching side. After a predetermined time t3, voltage application to the coil 54 on the initial switching side stops, but voltage application to the coil 54 on the target switching side continues after time t3. Between times t2 and t3, voltage (power supply) is applied to both coils 54 (on the initial switching side and the target switching side), creating a dual-supply state, which lasts for a predetermined time.

[0057] At this time, the duration of the supply state between the two parties (the time from time t2 to time t3) is preferably 15~10000msec.

[0058] Before time t2, voltage is applied only to the coil 54 on the initial switching side, so the plunger 51 is located on the initial switching side. Between times t2 and t3, although voltage is applied to both coils 54 to generate attraction, the attraction is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the plunger 51 and the attractor 53. Therefore, even with the same applied voltage, the attraction on the initial switching side is greater than that on the target switching side. Furthermore, due to the pressure difference between the high-pressure fluid flowing into valve chamber 2R from port 212A and the low-pressure fluid passing through the connecting space 4R, the valve core 4 is pressed against the valve seat surface 31, requiring the plunger 51 to exert force in the X direction to move the valve core 4. Thus, between times t2 and t3, the plunger 51 is also in a state of being attracted to the attractor 53 on the initial switching side.

[0059] Furthermore, when the drive unit 5B equipped with the helical spring 518 is the initial switching side, it is configured such that although the force of the helical spring 518 causes the plunger 51 to move toward the target switching side, the difference in attraction between the initial switching side and the target switching side is greater than the force of the helical spring 518, and the plunger 51 remains on the initial switching side.

[0060] After time t3, voltage is applied only to coil 54 on the target switching side, and no attraction is generated on the attraction side. Therefore, plunger 51 moves toward the target switching side and stays on the target switching side.

[0061] The sliding switching valve 1 includes a control unit comprising the control section described above. The control unit includes a storage medium (non-volatile storage medium) storing a switching program for causing a computer to execute the control method described above. Alternatively, such a switching program can be pre-stored on a readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM and then retrieved.

[0062] According to the above embodiment, by maintaining the power supply state to both sides of the pair of coils 54 for a predetermined time, it is possible to prevent a state where power is not supplied to both sides of the pair of coils 54. As a result, the plunger 51 can be kept at the initial switching side before the power supply state ends, and can start moving towards the switching target side after the power supply state ends. This allows the plunger 51 to easily move the valve core 4 normally, thus stabilizing the switching operation.

[0063] In addition, after both sides are in the supply state, the voltage applied to the coil 54 on the initial switching side is stopped, so that when the plunger 51 moves towards the target switching side, the attraction force on the initial switching side will not become a resistance, thus reducing power consumption.

[0064] Furthermore, in the sliding switching valve of the present invention, after both sides are supplied, the power supply to the coil 54 on the switching target side is maintained, thereby making it easier to maintain the attraction on the switching target side and making the switching action more stable.

[0065] Furthermore, setting the duration of the supply state between the two parties to 15 ms or more ensures the stability of the switching operation. Conversely, setting the duration of the supply state between the two parties to 10,000 ms or less ensures responsiveness by preventing the time before the plunger 51 begins to move from becoming too long, and suppresses heat generation caused by prolonged supply states between the two parties.

[0066] In addition, if the size of the gap G formed between the plunger 51 and the valve core 4 is set to less than 1 mm, the stroke of the plunger 51 will not become too large, and the attraction force of the suction member 53 can be easily ensured.

[0067] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes other structures that can achieve the objectives of the present invention, as well as the variations shown below. For example, in the above embodiments, Example 1 describes a control method for supplying power to the coil 54 based on the control unit, but Example 2 and 3 of the control methods described below may also be used.

[0068] Figure 4 The control method example 2 shown can be used in a structure that does not require a helical spring to apply force to the plunger 51 in the sliding direction. First, at time t2-1, no voltage is applied to either coil 54. Then, at time t2-2, voltage is applied to the coil 54 on the initial switching side, and then, at time t2-3, voltage is applied to the coil 54 on the target switching side. Then, at time t2-4 after a predetermined time, voltage application to the coil 54 on the initial switching side is stopped. Further, at time t2-5, which is later than time t2-4, voltage application to the coil 54 on the target switching side is stopped.

[0069] In control method example 2, the state of supplying both sides is from time t2-3 to time t2-4. Furthermore, unlike control method example 1, there is a state where no voltage is applied to either coil 54. However, as described above, due to the pressure difference between the high-pressure and low-pressure fluids acting on the valve core 4, the valve core 4 does not move in the X direction. At this time, from time t2-1 to time t2-2, the valve core 4 does not move. Even if only the plunger 51 moves the gap G towards the supply target side, by applying voltage to the coil 54 on the switching initial side at time t2-2, the plunger 51 again becomes attracted to the suction member 53 on the switching initial side, and then the state of supplying both sides is achieved.

[0070] exist Figure 5 In the control method example 3 shown, at time t3-1, the rated voltage V1 is applied only to the coil 54 on the initial switching side, and no voltage is applied to the coil 54 on the initial switching side. Then, at time t3-2, the applied voltage to the coil 54 on the initial switching side is reduced from the rated voltage V1 to the holding voltage V2. Then, at time t3-3, the rated voltage V1 is applied to the coil 54 on the target switching side. Then, at time t3-4, the application of voltage to the coil 54 on the initial switching side is stopped, and then at time t3-5, the applied voltage to the coil 54 on the initial switching side is reduced from the rated voltage V1 to the holding voltage V2.

[0071] Furthermore, in the dual-supply state (times t3-3 to t3-4), the applied voltage is higher on the switching target side than on the switching initial side. However, the attraction force acting on the plunger 51 depends not only on the current value corresponding to the applied voltage but also on the distance between the plunger 51 and the attraction member 53. The holding voltage is set to maintain the height at which the attraction member 53 on the switching initial side adheres to the plunger 51 in the dual-supply state.

[0072] In addition, in control method examples 1 to 3, the voltage applied to the coil 54 on the initial switching side is stopped after the two sides are in a supply state. However, after the two sides are in a supply state, it is possible to continue to supply some power by simply reducing the amount of power supplied to the coil on the initial switching side.

[0073] In addition, in the above embodiments, it is preferred that the duration of the supply state of both parties is 15 to 10000 msec, but the duration of the supply state of both parties is not limited to the above range, as long as it is appropriately set according to the stability, responsiveness and other requirements of the switching action.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it is preferable that the size of the gap G formed between the retaining portion 514 of the plunger 51 and the valve core 4 is 1 mm or less. However, the size of this gap is not limited to the above range, and can be appropriately set according to the attractive force required for the switching operation. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure the valve core to move integrally in the sliding direction without forming such a gap.

[0075] In addition, in the above embodiment, three valve ports 32A~32C are formed on the valve seat surface 31. Two of them are connected by the valve core 4, and one is open relative to the valve chamber 2R. However, the number of valve ports formed on the valve seat surface and the opening and closing method are not limited to this. As long as at least one valve port is formed on the valve seat surface and the valve port is open and closed relative to the valve chamber, it is acceptable.

[0076] In addition, in the above embodiment, a helical spring 52 is provided to apply force to one side of the plunger 51 in the X direction. However, it is also possible to provide only a helical spring to apply force to the other side of the plunger 51 in the X direction, or to provide helical springs (spring components) on both sides of the sliding direction to apply force to the plunger from both sides, or to configure it so that no helical springs (spring components) are provided on either side of the sliding direction.

[0077] Furthermore, the shape of the plunger is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above. For example, in the above embodiments, a D-shaped cut portion 513 is partially formed on the plunger 51, but a D-shaped cut portion that extends throughout the sliding direction can also be formed on the plunger.

[0078] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments, and design changes that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A sliding switching valve comprising: a valve body forming a valve chamber; a valve seat having a valve seat surface having at least one valve port and disposed within the valve chamber; a valve core that opens and closes the valve port relative to the valve chamber by sliding relative to the valve seat surface; an electromagnetic drive unit that moves the valve core in a sliding direction along the valve seat surface; and a control unit that controls the electromagnetic drive unit. The aforementioned sliding switching valve is characterized in that, The aforementioned electromagnetic drive unit includes: a plunger extending along the aforementioned sliding direction and holding the aforementioned valve core; a pair of suction members disposed on opposite sides of the aforementioned plunger in the aforementioned sliding direction; and a pair of coils that respectively energize the pair of suction members. The control unit controls the power supply to the pair of coils. When the plunger moves from the initial switching side to the target switching side in the sliding direction, after the power supply to both coils is maintained for a predetermined time, the power supply to the coil on the initial switching side is reduced.

2. The sliding switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the supply status of both parties is reached, the control unit stops supplying power to the coil on the initial switching side.

3. The sliding switching valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the supply status of both parties is established, the control unit maintains the power supply to the coil on the target switching side.

4. The sliding switching valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the supply state of both parties, the control unit increases the power supply to the coil on the initial switching side, and after the supply state of both parties, decreases the power supply to the coil on the target switching side.

5. The sliding switching valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the supply status of both parties is reached, the control unit reduces the power supply to the coil on the target switching side to a level that maintains power. The aforementioned holding power is the amount by which the suction member on the plunger is held in place when the coil to which the holding power is supplied is the initial switching side.

6. The sliding switching valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit sets the duration of the supply status between the two parties to be 15~10000 msec.

7. The sliding switching valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A gap is formed between the plunger and the valve core in the sliding direction. When the valve core abuts against the plunger on one side of the sliding direction, the size of the gap on the other side is less than 1 mm.

8. A refrigeration cycle system, characterized in that, have: A compressor, which compresses the refrigerant as a fluid; The first heat exchanger functions as a condenser in cooling mode. The second heat exchanger functions as an evaporator in cooling mode. An expansion mechanism that causes the refrigerant to expand and depressurize between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; The sliding switching valve as described in claim 1 or 2; and Four-way switching valve.

9. A control method for a sliding switching valve, the sliding switching valve comprising: a valve body forming a valve chamber; a valve seat having a valve seat surface having at least one valve port and disposed within the valve chamber; a valve core that opens and closes the valve port relative to the valve chamber by sliding relative to the valve seat surface; an electromagnetic drive unit having a plunger extending along a sliding direction along the valve seat surface and holding the valve core, a pair of suction members disposed on both sides of the plunger in the sliding direction, and a pair of coils energizing the pair of suction members respectively, and moving the valve core along the sliding direction; and a control unit controlling the electromagnetic drive unit. The control method of the above-mentioned sliding switching valve is characterized by the following: When the plunger is moved from the initial switching side to the target switching side in the sliding direction, after the power supply to both coils is maintained for a predetermined time, the power supply to the coil on the initial switching side is reduced.

10. A switching program article, characterized in that, Includes a program that causes a computer to execute the control method for the sliding switching valve as described in claim 9.

11. A storage medium, characterized in that, The system contains a program that enables a computer to execute the control method for the sliding switching valve as described in claim 9.

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