Refrigerant six-way switching valve and air conditioning system

Abstract

A kind of refrigerant six-way switching valve, including drive part, valve core, valve body and sealing assembly, the refrigerant six-way switching valve has valve cavity, the valve core and the sealing assembly are located in the valve cavity, the valve core has first flow channel, second flow channel and third flow channel, the sealing assembly abuts the outer wall of the valve core, the valve core and the sealing assembly sliding seal, the valve body includes interface part, the interface of the interface part is communicated with the communication cavity of the sealing assembly, the interface part includes first interface part, second interface part, third interface part, fourth interface part, fifth interface part and sixth interface part;The refrigerant switching valve in the first working mode, the first flow channel is communicated with the first interface part and the second interface part, the second flow channel is communicated with the third interface part and the fourth interface part, the third flow channel is communicated with the fifth interface part and the sixth interface part;In the second working mode, the first flow channel is communicated with the first interface part and the sixth interface part, the second flow channel is communicated with the fourth interface part and fifth interface part, the third flow channel is communicated with the second interface part and the third interface part.Can ensure that indoor heat exchanger or outdoor heat exchanger can maintain high efficient energy efficiency performance in refrigeration and heating mode without increasing system control strategy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and in particular to a refrigerant six-way switching valve and an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] In existing single-unit or multi-split air conditioners, the refrigerant flow directions in the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers are reversed during cooling and heating modes. Because the refrigerant flow directions in the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers are different during cooling and heating, the refrigerant flow direction in the outdoor heat exchanger is opposite to the airflow direction in only one of the two modes. This results in the heat exchanger's heat exchange efficiency not reaching its optimal state in at least one mode. To address this, some technologies use multiple one-way valves and three-way valves to reverse the refrigerant flow direction. However, this approach complicates system control and increases the risk of refrigerant leakage due to the connection of multiple valves and pipes, while also increasing the difficulty of assembly and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to introduce a refrigerant flow switching valve that can ensure that the indoor or outdoor heat exchanger maintains high energy efficiency in both cooling and heating modes without increasing the system control strategy.

[0004] This application provides a refrigerant six-way switching valve, including a drive unit, a valve core, a valve body, and a sealing assembly. The refrigerant six-way switching valve has a valve cavity, with the valve core and at least a portion of the sealing assembly located within the valve cavity. The extended surface of the outer peripheral wall of the valve core is spherical. The valve core has a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a third flow channel. The sealing assembly abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the valve core, and the valve core and the sealing assembly slide in a seal. The valve body includes an interface portion, the interface of which communicates with the communicating cavity of the sealing assembly. The interface portion includes a first interface portion, a second interface portion, a third interface portion, and a fourth interface portion. The refrigerant switching valve includes a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the first flow channel connects the first interface and the second interface, the second flow channel connects the third interface and the fourth interface, and the third flow channel connects the fifth interface and the sixth interface. In the second operating mode, the first flow channel connects the first interface and the sixth interface, the second flow channel connects the fourth interface and the fifth interface, and the third flow channel connects the second interface and the third interface.

[0005] The refrigerant six-way switching valve provided in this application drives a valve core with three flow channels to rotate through a drive unit. The valve body is provided with six interface sections. Any interface section can connect with two adjacent interface sections in different working modes. By integrating the six-way switching valve of this application into the air conditioning system, the flow path switching between cooling and heating modes can be realized by a single valve component, and the refrigerant flow direction in the indoor heat exchanger or outdoor heat exchanger can be kept consistent, thereby maintaining the high energy efficiency performance of the indoor heat exchanger or outdoor heat exchanger in both cooling and heating modes.

[0006] This application also provides an air conditioning system, including a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a six-way switching valve as described above. The six-way switching valve includes a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, a fourth interface, a fifth interface, and a sixth interface. The outlet end of the compressor is connected to the first interface, the inlet end of the compressor is connected to the third interface, the inlet end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the sixth interface, the outlet end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the fourth interface, one end of the second heat exchanger is connected to the second interface, and the other end of the second heat exchanger is connected to the fifth interface.

[0007] The air conditioning system provided in this application can switch between two modes using a six-way switching valve, thereby enabling a single valve to control the flow path switching between cooling and heating modes and ensuring that the refrigerant flow direction in the indoor or outdoor heat exchanger remains consistent. This maintains the high energy efficiency of the indoor or outdoor heat exchanger in both cooling and heating modes. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the refrigerant six-way switching valve of this application;

[0009] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure;

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first working mode of the first embodiment;

[0011] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the second working mode of the first embodiment;

[0012] Figure 5 This is an exploded structural diagram of the valve core, gear frame, and fixing part according to the first embodiment;

[0013] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the connection structure of related components;

[0014] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the internal gear ring and the gear carrier in the first embodiment;

[0015] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the gear carrier;

[0016] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the internal gear ring in the diagram;

[0017] Figure 10 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure;

[0018] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a portion of the structure in the first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A cross-sectional structural diagram of part of the structure;

[0020] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the mounting base according to the first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 14 These are a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram and a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the sealing block according to the first embodiment;

[0022] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the connections of the components of the air conditioning system in cooling mode according to this application.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of each component of the air conditioning system in heating mode according to this application.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] 1. Drive unit; 11. Power unit; 12. Transmission unit; 121. Limiting structure; 122. Internal gear ring; 123. Gear carrier; 124. Valve stem; 1221. Gear ring part; 1222. Support part; 1231. Second limiting part; 1232. Transmission component; 1223. First limiting part; 1223a. First abutment surface; 1224. Through hole; 1231a. Second abutment surface; 1232. Connecting component; 2. Valve core; 21. First flow channel; 22. Second flow channel; 23. Third flow channel; 24. Connecting hole; 3. Valve body; 31. Interface part; 311. First interface part; 312. Second interface part; 313. Third interface part; 314. Fourth interface part; 315. Fifth interface part; 316. Sixth interface part; 32. Mounting base; 321, Annular portion; 320, Flow passage; 322, Second outer peripheral wall; 323, First stepped surface; 3211, First outer peripheral wall; 30, First annular space; 33, Third inner peripheral wall; 50, Second annular space; 34, Fixing portion; 341, Fixed shaft component; 40, Third gap; 20, Second gap; 10, First gap; 5, Valve cavity; 4, Sealing assembly; 41, Sealing block; 42, Sealing ring; 43, Elastic component; 411, Base; 412, Protrusion; 4122, Second stepped surface; 4111, First sealing portion; 4112, Second inner peripheral wall; 4121, First inner peripheral wall; 01, Compressor; 02, First heat exchanger; 03, Second heat exchanger; 04, Six-way switching valve; 05, Throttling element. Specific Implementation

[0026] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail. When the following description relates to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements.

[0027] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "several" indicates two or more quantities, unless otherwise specified. The directional terms such as upper, lower, left, right, front, back, inner, outer, top, and bottom mentioned or possibly mentioned herein are defined relative to the construction shown in the corresponding drawings. They are relative concepts and may therefore vary depending on their location and usage. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive. The terms "comprising" or "including," and similar expressions, indicate that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including," and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0028] The refrigerant six-way switching valve of the first embodiment of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the following embodiments and implementations can complement or combine with each other.

[0029] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The refrigerant six-way switching valve of this application includes a drive unit 1, a valve core 2, a valve body 3, and a sealing assembly 4. The refrigerant six-way switching valve has a valve cavity 5, and the sealing assembly 4 includes a flow channel 320. The valve body 3 forms at least a portion of the cavity wall of the valve cavity 5. The valve core 2 and the sealing assembly 4 are located in the valve cavity 5. The valve core 2 has a first flow channel 21, a second flow channel 22, and a third flow channel 23. The sealing assembly 4 abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 2, and the valve core 2 and the sealing assembly 4 slide to seal. Specifically, when the valve core 2 rotates under the drive of the drive unit 1, the sealing assembly 4 can abut against the valve core 2.

[0030] Furthermore, the valve body 3 includes an interface portion 31, which connects to the communication cavity of the sealing assembly 4. The interface portion 31 includes a first interface portion 311, a second interface portion 312, a third interface portion 313, a fourth interface portion 314, a fifth interface portion 315, and a sixth interface portion 316. The interface portion 31 can be used to connect with piping components, refrigeration accessories, etc., in the air conditioning system. Specifically, the interface portion 31 can be the pipe opening of a pipe fitting or the flow channel opening of a flow channel plate.

[0031] The refrigerant six-way switching valve of this application includes a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the first flow channel 21 connects the first interface 311 and the second interface 312, the second flow channel 22 connects the third interface 313 and the fourth interface 314, and the third flow channel 23 connects the fifth interface 315 and the sixth interface 316. In the second operating mode, the first flow channel 21 connects the first interface 311 and the sixth interface 316, the second flow channel 22 connects the fourth interface 314 and the fifth interface 315, and the third flow channel 23 connects the second interface 312 and the third interface 313. This solution achieves two switching operations of the air conditioning system through the switching of a single electric valve, which helps to reduce the assembly difficulty of the air conditioner and reduce the number of related pipes and valves.

[0032] Furthermore, the extended surface of the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 2 is spherical, and the sealing of a spherical surface is easier than that of a cylindrical surface. Along the circumference of the valve core 2, the first interface portion 311, the second interface portion 312, the third interface portion 313, the fourth interface portion 314, the fifth interface portion 315, and the sixth interface portion 316 are arranged sequentially at intervals. In this embodiment, the valve core 2 is made of plastic, and the valve core 2 can be prepared by injection molding. After injection molding, the valve core 2 is prepared by surface polishing. Furthermore, the extension lines of the first flow channel 21, the second flow channel 22, and the third flow channel 23 are arcs. By setting the three flow channels 320 to be arc-shaped, it helps to reduce the flow resistance when the refrigerant flows.

[0033] like Figures 5 to 10 Furthermore, the drive unit 1 includes a power unit 11 and a transmission unit 12. The power unit 11 is drively connected to the transmission unit 12. The end of the transmission unit 12 is fixedly connected to or limited by the valve core 2. The transmission unit 12 can drive the valve core 2 to rotate around the axis of the valve core 2. The transmission unit 12 includes a limiting structure 121, which can limit the angle of rotation of the valve core 2. In this embodiment, the power unit 11 is a motor stator, and the transmission unit 12 is a motor rotor and a gear set. After the motor stator is energized, it can drive the motor rotor to rotate, thereby adjusting the transmission ratio through the gear set and increasing the torque.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figures 7 to 10 In this embodiment, the transmission unit 12 includes an internal gear ring 122 and a gear carrier 123. The internal gear ring 122 is fixed relative to the valve body 3. Specifically, the outer peripheral wall of the internal gear ring 122 is provided with a straight wall section. Correspondingly, the valve body 3 is also provided with a straight wall section that cooperates with it. The cooperation of the two straight wall sections limits the circumferential movement of the internal gear ring 122. The power unit 11 can drive the gear carrier 123 to rotate through the gear set. The output end of the gear carrier 123 is connected to the valve core 2, thereby driving the valve core 2 to rotate. Further, as... Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The internal gear ring 122 includes a gear ring portion 1221 and a support portion 1222. The gear ring portion 1221 is cylindrical, and the support portion 1222 generally extends radially along the internal gear ring 122. The support portion 1222 is disposed at one end of the gear ring portion 1221. The support portion 1222 includes a first limiting portion 1223. The first limiting portion 1223 protrudes from the end of the support portion 1222 that connects to the gear ring portion 1221 and protrudes towards the gear carrier 123. That is, the first limiting portion 1223 is formed by the portion of the end of the support portion 1222 that protrudes towards the gear carrier 123. In this embodiment, the first limiting portion 1223 is composed of two protruding structures that are spaced apart.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 10The gear carrier 123 includes a second limiting part 1231, which protrudes from the end face of the gear carrier 123 facing the valve core 2. That is, the part of the end face of the gear carrier 123 facing the valve core 2 protrudes outward to form the second limiting part 1231. In this embodiment, the second limiting part 1231 is composed of two protruding structures spaced apart.

[0036] Furthermore, the first limiting part 1223 and the second limiting part 1231 can engage in a limiting cooperation, thereby forming the limiting structure 121 as described above. Specifically, the first limiting part 1223 includes a first abutting surface 1223a, and the second limiting part 1231 includes a second abutting surface 1231a. During the rotation of the gear carrier 123, the first abutting surface 1223a can abut against the second abutting surface 1231a. The stopping effect of the first abutting surface 1223a on the second abutting surface 1231a achieves the control of the rotation angle of the valve core 2. In this embodiment, the included angle formed by the extended surfaces of the two opposing first abutting surfaces 1223a of the first limiting part 1223 is defined as A, and the included angle formed by the extended surfaces of the second abutting surfaces 1231a on both sides of the second limiting part 1231 is defined as B, where A > B, and B + 60° = A. It is understood that the rotation angle of the valve core 2 is 60 degrees, and the switching of the six-way switching valve between the first working mode and the second working mode is realized through the setting of the limiting structure 121.

[0037] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first limiting part 1223 also includes a connector 1232, which connects to the valve core 2. This connector 1232 drives the valve core 2 to rotate simultaneously with the rotation of the gear carrier 123. Specifically, there can be two connectors 1232, each positioned on one of the two protruding structures of the first limiting part 1223. Because there is a gap between the connector 1232 and the valve stem 124, the connector 1232 forms a lever arm when used as a force application point. With the valve core 2 remaining unchanged, this further reduces the driving force and the amount of stator coil used in the power unit 11, thus helping to reduce product costs. To facilitate the connection between the connector 1232 and the valve core 2, the support part 1222 is provided with a corresponding through hole 1224. The extension direction of the through hole 1224 overlaps with the movement trajectory of the connector 1232; that is, the extension direction of the through hole 1224 is arc-shaped. Of course, in another embodiment, the two opposing hole walls in the extension direction of the through hole 1224 can be used as the first limiting part 1223, and the connecting member 1232 can be used as the second limiting part 1231. When the connecting member 1232 abuts against the hole wall of the through hole 1224, it stops rotating, thereby realizing the control of the rotation angle of the valve core 2.

[0038] like Figures 11 to 14The valve body 3 includes a mounting base 32, which has a flow channel 320 that connects to the interface of the interface portion 31. The mounting base 32 includes an annular portion 321, and a sealing assembly 4 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the annular portion 321. Further, such as... Figure 14 The sealing block 41 includes a base 411 and a protrusion 412, with at least a portion of the inner diameter of the base 411 being smaller than the inner diameter of the protrusion 412, thereby forming an annular platform at the connection between the base 411 and the protrusion 412. Further, as... Figure 12 The protruding portion 412 includes a first inner peripheral wall 4121, and the annular portion 321 includes a first outer peripheral wall 3211. Along the radial direction of the sealing assembly 4, a first annular space 30 is formed between the first inner peripheral wall 4121 and the first outer peripheral wall 3211. The first annular space 30 and the flow channel 320 are located on opposite sides of the annular portion 321. The sealing ring 42 is located in the first annular space 30. When the six-way switching valve is applied to a refrigeration system, in one operating mode, the first annular space 30 can communicate with the valve chamber 5; in another operating mode, the first annular space 30 can communicate with the flow channel 320. The part where the base 411 and the valve core 2 abut are defined as the sealing portion 4111. Specifically, in this embodiment, the sealing portion 4111 is an annular sealing line, but it can also be an annular sealing surface. It can also be understood as: the surface of the valve core 2 that can contact and seal with the sealing block 41, and the surface of the valve core 2 that can block the flow openings of the first flow channel 21, the second flow channel 22, or the third flow channel 23. Figure 12 The sealing ring 42 is radially positioned between the first inner peripheral wall 4121 and the first outer peripheral wall 3211. The sealing ring 42 achieves radial sealing between the annular portion 321 and the sealing block 41. Using the plane perpendicular to the central axis of the sealing assembly 4 as the projection plane, the projection of the sealing portion 4111 lies between the projections of the first inner peripheral wall 4121 and the first outer peripheral wall 3211. That is, when refrigerant flows into the first annular space 30, the pressure on both sides of the base 411 remains consistent in the axial direction of the sealing assembly 4. However, since the force-bearing area on one side of the first annular space 30 is larger than the force-bearing area on the side where the sealing portion 4111 is located, the base 411 will experience a force towards the valve core 2 under pressure difference conditions. By setting the projection of the sealing portion 4111 between the projections of the first inner peripheral wall 4121 and the first outer peripheral wall 3211, reliable sealing can be effectively achieved by utilizing the system pressure difference when the refrigerant flow switching valve is applied to the refrigeration system.

[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12The base 411 includes a second inner peripheral wall 4112, the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral wall 4121 being larger than the inner diameter of the second inner peripheral wall 4112. The sealing block 41 includes a first stepped surface 4122, which extends radially along the sealing block 41 and connects the first inner peripheral wall 4121 and the second inner peripheral wall 4112. The mounting base 32 includes a second stepped surface 323 and a second outer peripheral wall 322, which extends radially along the mounting base 32 and connects the first outer peripheral wall 3211 and the second outer peripheral wall 322. The first stepped surface 4122 and the second stepped surface 323 constitute part of the wall surface of the aforementioned first annular space 30. Furthermore, in the radial direction of the sealing assembly 4, since the sealing ring 42 is in close contact with the first inner peripheral wall 4121 and the first outer peripheral wall 3211, a radial sealing effect between the sealing block 41 and the mounting base 32 is ensured. Therefore, the sealing ring 42 divides the first annular space 30 into two parts: one side is the space where the first step surface 4122 is located, and the other side is the space where the second step surface 323 is located.

[0040] The distance between the first step surface 4122 and the second step surface 323 is greater than the outer diameter of the sealing ring 42. The sealing ring 42 has an axial displacement between the first step surface 4122 and the second step surface 323. That is, when the refrigerant six-way switching valve is applied to the refrigeration system, the sealing ring 42 can be displaced towards the first step surface 4122 or towards the second step surface 323 under the action of fluid pressure.

[0041] Furthermore, a first gap 10 exists between the second inner peripheral wall 4112 and the first outer peripheral wall 3211, allowing the first annular space 30 to communicate with the flow channel 320 through the first gap 10. This design, when the refrigerant six-way switching valve is applied to control fluids in systems such as air conditioning systems, ensures reliable sealing between the valve core 2 and the sealing assembly 4 through the system's pressure differential. This sealing effect is particularly good when the valve core 2 is a spherical valve core 2.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figure 3 , Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, if fluid enters from the first interface 311 and flows out from the second interface 312, since the fluid in the first interface 311 is a high-pressure fluid, it enters through the flow channel 320 and then through the first gap 10 into the first annular space 30. In the radial direction of the sealing assembly 4, the sealing ring 42 is in close contact with the first inner peripheral wall 4121 and the first outer peripheral wall 3211. Therefore, under high pressure, the sealing ring 42 will be pushed away from the valve core 2, that is, pressure will be applied towards the first step surface 4122. At the same time, the high-pressure refrigerant flowing into the first annular space 30 further acts on the second step surface 323. Due to the pressure difference on both sides of the base 411, under the action of this pressure difference, the base 411 will be subjected to a force towards the valve core 2, thereby enhancing the sealing effect between the sealing block 41 and the valve core 2 and effectively reducing the possibility of leakage.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 The valve body 3 includes a third inner peripheral wall 33, which is located on the outer peripheral side of the sealing block 41. A second gap 20 is provided between the third inner peripheral wall 33 and the outer peripheral wall of the sealing block 41. The first annular space 30 can communicate with the valve cavity 5 at least through the second gap 20. If one side of the valve cavity 5 is the high-pressure side and the other side of the flow channel 320 or the first flow channel 21 is the low-pressure side, the high-pressure refrigerant enters the space where the first step surface 4122 of the first annular space 30 is located through the second gap 20. In the space where the first step surface 4122 is located, the high-pressure refrigerant causes the sealing ring 42 to move towards the second step surface 323, causing the sealing ring 42 to be tightly attached to the second step surface 323. Since the projection of the sealing part 4111 on the projection surface of the plane perpendicular to the central axis of the sealing assembly 4 is located between the projection of the first inner peripheral wall 4121 and the projection of the first outer peripheral wall 3211, there is a pressure difference on both sides of the base 411. Therefore, the sealing block 41 bears a thrust towards the valve core 2. Under the action of this thrust, the sealing effect between the valve core 2 and the sealing part 4111 is enhanced, thereby reducing the possibility of leakage. Furthermore, since the sealing ring 42 and the first inner peripheral wall 4121 and the first outer peripheral wall 3211 are always in contact, the first gap 10 and the second gap 20 are never connected, so the fluid will not leak from the outer periphery of the sealing assembly 4 or the sealing part 4111.

[0044] On the other hand, this application also claims protection for an air conditioning system, which can be a standalone system or a multi-split system. In existing standalone or multi-split air conditioners, the flow directions of the first heat exchanger 02 and the second heat exchanger 03 are reversed in cooling and heating modes. That is, in cooling mode, the refrigerant flows from the upper part to the lower part of the second heat exchanger 03 and flows from the lower part to the upper part of the first heat exchanger 02. However, in heating mode, after being reversed by a four-way reversing valve, the refrigerant flows from the lower part to the upper part of the second heat exchanger 03 and flows from the upper part to the lower part of the first heat exchanger 02. In heating mode, the heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchanger 02 is low. The air conditioning system of this application controls the flow direction of the refrigerant into the first heat exchanger 02 by setting a six-way reversing valve 04. Regardless of whether it is cooling or heating mode, the flow direction of the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 02 remains unchanged, ensuring that the first heat exchanger 02 maintains a high heat exchange efficiency in both modes.

[0045] The term "connection" as used below includes both direct and indirect connections. That is, the interface portions of two components can be directly connected, or indirectly connected via pipes, other refrigeration components, etc. The air conditioning system of this application includes a compressor 01, a first heat exchanger 02, a second heat exchanger 03, and a six-way switching valve 04 as described above. The outlet end of the compressor 01 is connected to the first interface portion 311 of the six-way switching valve 04, and the inlet end of the compressor 01 is connected to the third interface portion 313 of the six-way switching valve 04. The inlet end of the first heat exchanger 02 is connected to the sixth interface portion 316 of the six-way switching valve 04, and the outlet end of the first heat exchanger 02 is connected to the fourth interface portion 314 of the six-way switching valve 04. One end of the second heat exchanger 03 is connected to the second interface portion 312 of the six-way switching valve 04, and the other end is connected to the fifth interface portion 315 of the six-way switching valve 04. The first heat exchanger 02 can be either an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger. Similarly, when the first heat exchanger 02 is an indoor heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger 03 is an outdoor heat exchanger, and when the first heat exchanger 02 is an outdoor heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger 03 is an indoor heat exchanger.

[0046] Furthermore, the air conditioning system also includes a throttling element 05, which can be connected in series with the first heat exchanger 02 and then connected to the fourth interface 314 and the sixth interface 316 of the six-way switching valve 04. Alternatively, the throttling element 05 can also be connected in series with the second heat exchanger 03 and then connected to the second interface 312 and the fifth interface 315 of the six-way switching valve 04. Specifically, in a single-unit air conditioning system, the throttling element 05 and the second heat exchanger 03 are connected in series, where the second heat exchanger 03 is the outdoor heat exchanger. In other embodiments, such as a multi-split air conditioning system, the throttling element 05 and the first heat exchanger 02 are connected in series, where the first heat exchanger 02 is the indoor heat exchanger.

[0047] In cooling mode, the six-way switching valve 04 is in the first operating mode. In the first operating mode, the first flow channel 21 connects the first interface 311 and the second interface 312, the second flow channel 22 connects the third interface 313 and the fourth interface 314, and the third flow channel 23 connects the fifth interface 315 and the sixth interface 316. At this time, the refrigerant flows from the sixth interface 316 of the six-way switching valve 04 into the inlet of the first heat exchanger 02, then from the outlet of the first heat exchanger 02 into the fourth interface 314 of the six-way switching valve 04, and then flows through the second flow channel 22 into the third interface 313 and then back to the compressor 01.

[0048] In heating mode, the six-way switching valve 04 is in the second operating mode. In the second operating mode, the first flow channel 21 connects the first interface 311 and the sixth interface 316, the second flow channel 22 connects the fourth interface 314 and the fifth interface 315, and the third flow channel 23 connects the second interface 312 and the third interface 313. At this time, the refrigerant flows from the sixth interface 316 of the six-way switching valve 04 into the inlet of the first heat exchanger 02, then from the outlet of the first heat exchanger 02 into the fourth interface 314 of the six-way switching valve 04, and then flows through the second flow channel 22 into the fifth interface 315 and then into the second heat exchanger 03.

[0049] As described above, by configuring the six-way switching valve 04 in the air conditioning system, the refrigerant enters the first heat exchanger 02 from the same interface regardless of whether it is in cooling or heating mode. This ensures that the heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchanger 02 remains optimal in both cooling and heating modes. This is mainly because the heat exchange efficiency of a heat exchanger is highly dependent on the flow direction of the fluid within it. When the refrigerant flow direction within the heat exchanger is the same as the flow direction of the fluid to be exchanged (i.e., heat exchange occurs between the high-temperature end of the heat exchanger and the high-temperature end of the fluid, and between the low-temperature end of the heat exchanger and the low-temperature end of the fluid), the heat exchange efficiency is low. Conversely, when the refrigerant flow direction within the heat exchanger is opposite to the flow direction of the fluid to be exchanged (i.e., heat exchange occurs between the high-temperature end of the heat exchanger and the low-temperature end of the fluid), the heat exchange efficiency is high. In other words, counter-current heat exchange is more efficient than co-current heat exchange. This application ensures that the refrigerant flow direction through the first heat exchanger 02 remains constant regardless of whether it is in heating or cooling mode, thus maintaining a high level of heat exchanger efficiency. Furthermore, this method, by actively achieving the two reversals of the system through a single electric valve, helps reduce the assembly difficulty of the air conditioner and decreases the number of related pipes and valves.

[0050] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerant six-way switching valve, comprising a drive unit (1), a valve core (2), a valve body (3), and a sealing assembly (4), wherein the refrigerant six-way switching valve has a valve cavity (5), the drive unit (1) is capable of driving the valve core (2) to rotate, the valve core (2) and at least a portion of the sealing assembly (4) are located in the valve cavity (5), the extended surface of the outer peripheral wall of the valve core (2) is spherical, and the valve core (2) has a first flow channel (21), a second flow channel (22), and a third flow channel (23). The flow outlets of the first flow channel (21), the second flow channel (22) and the third flow channel (23) are located on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core (2), the sealing assembly (4) abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the valve core (2), and the valve body (3) includes an interface portion (31), which includes a first interface portion (311), a second interface portion (312), a third interface portion (313), a fourth interface portion (314), a fifth interface portion (315) and a sixth interface portion (316). The refrigerant switching valve includes a first working mode and a second working mode. In the first working mode, the first flow channel (21) connects the first interface (311) and the second interface (312), the second flow channel (22) connects the third interface (313) and the fourth interface (314), and the third flow channel (23) connects the fifth interface (315) and the sixth interface (316). In the second operating mode, the first flow channel (21) connects the first interface section (311) and the sixth interface section (316), the second flow channel (22) connects the fourth interface section (314) and the fifth interface section (315), and the third flow channel (23) connects the second interface section (312) and the third interface section (313).

2. The refrigerant six-way switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the circumference of the valve core (2), the first interface portion (311), the second interface portion (312), the third interface portion (313), the fourth interface portion (314), the fifth interface portion (315) and the sixth interface portion (316) are arranged at intervals in sequence; the valve core (2) is made of plastic, and the extension lines of the first flow channel (21), the second flow channel (22) and the third flow channel (23) are arcs.

3. The refrigerant six-way switching valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit (1) includes a power unit (11) and a transmission unit (12). The power unit (11) is connected to the transmission unit (12). The end of the transmission unit (12) is fixedly connected or limited to the valve core (2). The transmission unit (12) can drive the valve core (2) to rotate around the axis of the valve core (2). The transmission unit (12) includes a limiting structure (121). The limiting structure (121) can limit the angle of rotation of the valve core (2).

4. The refrigerant six-way switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission unit (12) includes an internal gear ring (122) and a gear carrier (123). The internal gear ring (122) is fixed relative to the valve body (3). The power unit (11) can drive the gear carrier (123) to rotate. The internal gear ring (122) includes a gear ring portion (1221) and a support portion (1222). The support portion (1222) includes a first limiting portion (1223). The first limiting portion (1223) protrudes from the end face of the support portion (1222) connected to the gear ring portion (1221) and extends towards the valve body (3). The gear carrier (123) protrudes from one side and includes a second limiting part (1231). The second limiting part (1231) protrudes from the end face of the gear carrier (123) facing the valve core (2). The first limiting part (1223) includes a first abutting surface (1223a), and the second limiting part (1231) includes a second abutting surface (1231a). During the rotation of the gear carrier (123), the first abutting surface (1223a) can abut against the second abutting surface (1231a).

5. The refrigerant six-way switching valve according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The valve body (3) includes a mounting base (32) having a flow channel (320). The mounting base (32) includes an annular portion (321), and the sealing assembly (4) is fitted around the outer periphery of the annular portion (321). The sealing block (41) includes a base (411) and a protrusion (412). At least a portion of the inner diameter of the base (411) is smaller than the inner diameter of the protrusion (412). The protrusion (412) includes a first inner peripheral wall (4121), and the annular portion (321) includes a first outer peripheral wall. The first inner peripheral wall (4121) and the first outer peripheral wall (3211) have a first annular space (30) along the radial direction of the sealing assembly (4). The first annular space (30) and the flow channel (320) are located on both sides of the annular portion (321). The sealing ring (42) is located in the first annular space (30). The first annular space (30) can communicate with the valve cavity (5). The first annular space (30) can communicate with the flow channel (320). The part where the base (411) and the valve core (2) 2 abut is defined as the first sealing part (4111). The sealing ring (42) is radially limited between the first inner peripheral wall (4121) and the first outer peripheral wall (3211). The sealing ring (42) achieves radial sealing between the annular part (321) and the sealing block (41). The projection plane is the plane perpendicular to the central axis of the sealing assembly (4). The projection of the sealing part (4111) is located between the projection of the first inner peripheral wall (4121) and the projection of the first outer peripheral wall (3211).

6. The refrigerant six-way switching valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base (411) includes a second inner peripheral wall (4112), the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral wall (4121) is larger than the inner diameter of the second inner peripheral wall (4112), the sealing block (41) includes a first stepped surface (323), the first stepped surface (323) extends radially along the sealing block (41), the first stepped surface (323) connects the first inner peripheral wall (4121) and the second inner peripheral wall (4112), and the mounting base (32) includes a second stepped surface (4122) and a second outer peripheral wall. Wall 322 (322), the second step surface (4122) extends radially along the mounting base (32), the second step surface (4122) connects the first outer peripheral wall (3211) and the second outer peripheral wall 322 (322), the first step surface (323) and the second step surface (4122) constitute part of the wall surface of the first annular space (30), and the distance between the first step surface (323) and the second step surface (4122) is greater than the outer diameter of the sealing ring (42); There is a first gap (10) between the second inner peripheral wall (4112) and the first outer peripheral wall (3211), and the first annular space (30) can communicate with the flow channel (320) through the first gap (10).

7. The refrigerant six-way switching valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The valve body (3) includes a third inner peripheral wall (33) located on the outer peripheral side of the sealing block (41). A second gap (20) is formed between the third inner peripheral wall (33) and the outer peripheral wall of the sealing block (41). The first annular space (30) can communicate with the valve cavity (5) at least through the second gap (20).

8. The refrigerant six-way switching valve according to any one of claims 5-6, characterized in that, A second annular space (50) is provided between the third inner peripheral wall 33 (33) and the second outer peripheral wall 322 (322). The sealing assembly (4) includes an elastic element (43) which is confined in the second annular space (50). Along the axial direction of the sealing assembly (4), the elastic element (43) abuts against the mounting base (32) and the sealing block (41). The second gap (20) communicates with the second annular space (50), and the annular space communicates with the first annular space (30).

9. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, It includes a compressor (01), a first heat exchanger (02), a second heat exchanger (03), and a six-way switching valve (04) as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the six-way switching valve (04) includes a first interface (311), a second interface (312), a third interface (313), a fourth interface (314), a fifth interface (315), and a sixth interface (316); The outlet end of the compressor (01) is connected to the first interface section (311), the inlet end of the compressor (01) is connected to the third interface section (313), the inlet end of the first heat exchanger (02) is connected to the sixth interface section (316), the outlet end of the first heat exchanger (02) is connected to the fourth interface section (314), one end of the second heat exchanger (03) is connected to the second interface section (312), and the other end is connected to the fifth interface section (315).

10. The air conditioning system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The air conditioning system includes a cooling mode and a heating mode. In the cooling mode, the six-way switching valve (04) is in a first working mode. In the first working mode, the first flow channel (21) connects the first interface (311) and the second interface (312), the second flow channel (22) connects the third interface (313) and the fourth interface (314), and the third flow channel (23) connects the fifth interface (315) and the sixth interface (316). In the heating mode, the six-way switching valve is in the second working mode. In the second working mode, the first flow channel (21) connects the first interface (311) and the sixth interface (316), the second flow channel (22) connects the fourth interface (314) and the fifth interface (315), and the third flow channel (23) connects the second interface (312) and the third interface (313).

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