Electronic valve and refrigeration appliance

Abstract

The application discloses an electronic valve and a refrigeration device, and relates to the technical field of refrigeration control, wherein the electronic valve comprises a valve seat, a valve cover, a piston assembly and a sound attenuation structure; the valve seat comprises a main body part and a communication part which are enclosed by the valve cover to form a valve cavity; an inlet is arranged on the main body part; a communication hole which is communicated with the valve cavity and a bypass hole which penetrates the wall of the communication hole are arranged on the communication part; the sound attenuation structure is arranged at the second end of the communication hole which is far away from the valve cavity; a plurality of meshes are arranged on the sound attenuation structure and communicated with the communication hole; when the refrigerant flows through the valve port and enters the communication hole, the bubbles enter the meshes of the sound attenuation structure together with the refrigerant; the big bubbles can be refined into small bubbles, the refrigerant flow is smoothed, the refrigerant flow noise is reduced, the bypass hole can further disperse the flow rate of the refrigerant, prevents the turbulence and noise increase caused by the local high-speed flow, when the meshes are blocked by impurities, the refrigerant medium can continuously flow out from the bypass hole, and the normal throttling function of the electronic valve is maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration control technology, and in particular to an electronic valve and a refrigeration device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing electronic expansion valve technology, refrigerant-induced noise often occurs during throttling operations. This problem is particularly pronounced in indoor air conditioning units, impacting user experience and comfort. Traditional solutions primarily involve modifying the valve port design or valve chamber structure to reduce noise. However, these methods often fail to achieve consistently effective noise reduction when dealing with different types of refrigeration systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose an electronic valve and a refrigeration device that aims to solve the problem that electronic valves cannot achieve a consistent and effective noise reduction effect when dealing with different types of refrigeration systems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the electronic valve proposed in this invention includes:

[0005] A valve seat and a valve cover, wherein the valve seat includes a main body portion that surrounds the valve cover to form a valve cavity, and a connecting portion protruding from the main body portion. The main body portion is provided with an inlet that communicates with the valve cavity, and the connecting portion is provided with a connecting hole that communicates with the valve cavity and a bypass hole that penetrates the wall of the connecting hole. The first end of the connecting hole near the valve cavity forms a valve port.

[0006] A piston assembly is movably disposed in the valve chamber in directions approaching and away from the valve port to open or close the valve port; and,

[0007] A noise-reducing structure is provided at the second end of the connecting hole away from the valve cavity, and the noise-reducing structure is provided with a plurality of mesh openings that communicate with the connecting hole.

[0008] In one embodiment, the connecting portion includes a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment arranged sequentially in a direction away from the main body. The outer diameter of the first connecting segment is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the second connecting segment. The first connecting segment is used for connecting pipe sleeve, and the side wall of the second connecting segment is provided with the bypass hole.

[0009] In one embodiment, multiple bypass holes are provided.

[0010] In one embodiment, the noise-reducing structure includes a filter.

[0011] In one embodiment, a plurality of filters are provided, and the plurality of filters are stacked sequentially in their thickness direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the mesh size of the filter screen is progressively decreased from the first end to the second end of the connecting hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second end of the connecting hole is stepped for mounting the sound-absorbing structure.

[0014] In one embodiment, the main body and the connecting portion are integrally formed; or,

[0015] The main body is welded to the connecting part.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electronic valve includes an electronic expansion valve.

[0017] The present invention also proposes a refrigeration device, including an electronic valve, said electronic valve comprising:

[0018] A valve seat and a valve cover, wherein the valve seat includes a main body portion that surrounds the valve cover to form a valve cavity, and a connecting portion protruding from the main body portion. The main body portion is provided with an inlet that communicates with the valve cavity, and the connecting portion is provided with a connecting hole that communicates with the valve cavity and a bypass hole that penetrates the wall of the connecting hole. The first end of the connecting hole near the valve cavity forms a valve port.

[0019] A piston assembly is movably disposed in the valve chamber in directions approaching and away from the valve port to open or close the valve port; and,

[0020] A noise-reducing structure is provided at the second end of the connecting hole away from the valve cavity, and the noise-reducing structure is provided with a plurality of mesh openings that communicate with the connecting hole.

[0021] In one embodiment, the refrigeration equipment includes an air conditioner.

[0022] In the technical solution of this invention, the refrigerant fluid medium enters the valve cavity from the inlet and can flow out from the connecting hole and the bypass hole. By setting a silencing structure at the end of the connecting hole, and through multiple meshes on the silencing structure that are connected to the connecting hole, when the refrigerant flows through the valve port and enters the connecting hole, the air bubbles enter the meshes of the silencing structure along with the refrigerant. This can refine large air bubbles into small air bubbles and smooth the refrigerant flow, so that the electronic valve can reduce the refrigerant flow noise while ensuring the accuracy of flow control. In addition, the bypass hole can further disperse the refrigerant flow velocity, prevent the increase of turbulence and noise caused by local high-speed flow, and reduce the vibration and noise caused by uneven flow velocity. When the mesh is blocked by impurities in the fluid medium, the bypass hole can also act as the fluid medium flow outlet, maintaining the normal throttling function of the electronic valve. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the electronic valve provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of an embodiment at point A in the middle;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partially enlarged view of another embodiment at point A.

[0027] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0028] 100. Electronic valve; 1. Valve seat; a. Inlet; b. Connecting hole; b1. Valve port; 10. Annular step portion; 11. Main body portion; 12. Connecting portion; 121. First connecting section; 122. Second connecting section; c. Bypass hole; 2. Valve cover; 3. Piston assembly; 4. Silencing structure;

[0029] 200. Connecting pipe.

[0030] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0033] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0034] In existing electronic expansion valve technology, refrigerant-induced noise often occurs during throttling operations. This problem is particularly pronounced in indoor air conditioning units, impacting user experience and comfort. Traditional solutions primarily involve modifying the valve port design or valve chamber structure to reduce noise. However, these methods often fail to achieve consistently effective noise reduction when dealing with different types of refrigeration systems.

[0035] This invention proposes an electronic valve 100, which aims to solve the problem that electronic valves cannot achieve a consistent and effective noise reduction effect when dealing with different types of refrigeration systems.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic valve 100 includes a valve seat 1, a valve cover 2, a piston assembly 3, and a silencing structure 4. The valve seat 1 includes a main body 11 that surrounds the valve cover 2 to form the valve cavity, and a communicating portion 12 that protrudes from the main body 11 and communicates with the main body 11. The main body 11 is provided with an inlet a communicating with the valve cavity. The communicating portion 12 is provided with a communicating hole b communicating with the valve cavity, and a bypass hole c penetrating the wall of the communicating hole b. The first end of the communicating hole b near the valve cavity forms a valve port b1. The piston assembly 3 is movably disposed in the direction near and away from the valve port b1 to open or close the valve port b1. The silencing structure 4 is disposed at the second end of the communicating hole b away from the valve cavity, and the silencing structure 4 is provided with a plurality of mesh openings communicating with the communicating hole b for refrigerant to pass through.

[0037] It should be noted that valve seat 1 is the basic support structure of the valve body, and has an inlet a and a connecting hole b that communicate with the valve cavity. Inlet a is used for the input or output of refrigerant, while the end of connecting hole b near the valve cavity forms valve port b1, which is used to control the throttling process of the refrigerant. Valve cover 2 and valve seat 1 cooperate to form a sealed valve cavity, ensuring the directional flow of refrigerant within the valve body.

[0038] It is understood that the valve seat 1 and the valve cover 2 can be assembled by threaded connection, welding or other fixing methods. The specific design can be based on the actual situation. This specification does not limit this. The materials can be high-strength metals (such as stainless steel) or engineering plastics to meet the needs of different working environments.

[0039] It should be noted that the main body 11 is the main part of the valve seat 1, and its internal space, together with the valve cover 2, forms a sealed valve cavity. The main body 11 is typically made of high-strength materials, such as stainless steel or engineering plastics, to ensure good sealing performance and mechanical strength even under high pressure. An inlet a is provided on the main body 11, which is used for the input of refrigerant.

[0040] The connecting part 12 protrudes from the outer wall of the main body 11 and is mainly used for the connection of the external connecting pipe 200. The connecting part 12 is not only provided with a connecting hole b, but also has a bypass hole c through it and is connected to the connecting hole b.

[0041] Understandably, the refrigerant flowing out of the valve cavity mainly flows out through the connecting hole b, and partly through the bypass hole c. The bypass hole c can further disperse the flow velocity of the refrigerant, prevent turbulence and noise caused by local high-speed flow, reduce vibration and noise caused by uneven flow velocity, and provide an auxiliary flow path for the refrigerant when there are impurities in the refrigerant or the filter screen is blocked. This can effectively avoid the situation where the valve body is completely blocked due to filter screen blockage, and ensure the continuous operation of the system.

[0042] Understandably, the number and size of bypass holes c can be adjusted according to actual needs to adapt to different operating conditions. Typically, the cross-sectional area of ​​bypass holes c is smaller than that of connecting holes b to ensure that, under normal operating conditions, the refrigerant is primarily refined through the filter. However, when the filter is clogged, the refrigerant can continue to flow through bypass holes c, maintaining the basic operation of the system.

[0043] The connecting portion 12 protrudes from the outer wall of the main body 11 to facilitate the connection of the external connecting pipe 200. Understandably, to ensure a tight seal, the outer diameter of the pipe section where the connecting portion 12 connects to the connecting pipe 200 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the connecting pipe 200, ensuring a close fit between the two. Of course, to avoid affecting the outflow of the cooling medium from the bypass hole c, the connecting pipe 200 must not cover the bypass hole c.

[0044] It should be noted that the piston assembly 3 includes a piston body, a drive mechanism (such as a stepper motor or electromagnetic drive device), and a seal. It is disposed within the valve chamber and can move towards or away from the valve port b1. The movement of the piston assembly 3 is controlled by the drive mechanism, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the valve port b1 opening. When the piston approaches the valve port b1, the valve port b1 gradually closes, and the refrigerant flow decreases; when the piston moves away from the valve port b1, the valve port b1 opens, and the refrigerant flow increases. This allows for precise control of refrigerant flow and pressure changes according to system requirements, while ensuring the sealing of the valve port b1 to prevent refrigerant leakage.

[0045] The silencing structure 4 is located at the end of the connecting hole b away from the valve cavity (i.e., the outlet end of the connecting hole b), and has multiple mesh openings inside.

[0046] It is understood that the noise reduction structure 4 can be set inside the connecting hole b or on the outer periphery of the connecting hole b. The specific design can be made according to the actual situation, and this specification does not limit it in this embodiment.

[0047] Multiple meshes are set on the silencing structure 4 to refine the bubbles in the refrigerant into smaller groups of bubbles, thereby reducing the high-frequency noise generated by bubble bursting.

[0048] The cross-sectional shape of the mesh can be circular, rectangular, or irregular (such as spiral or honeycomb), and the diameter can be set to be smaller than the size of common large air bubbles in refrigerant to ensure that air bubbles are forcibly broken into tiny air bubbles as they pass through.

[0049] Understandably, when the refrigerant flows through valve port b1 and into connecting hole b, the air bubbles enter the mesh of the silencing structure 4 along with the refrigerant. Due to the narrow channel and surface tension, large bubbles are broken down into smaller bubbles within the channel (e.g., their diameter is reduced from 5 mm to 0.5 mm). The energy released when these tiny bubbles burst is significantly reduced, thereby reducing high-frequency noise. Furthermore, the multiple meshes disperse the refrigerant flow velocity, preventing turbulent noise generated by localized high-speed flow.

[0050] Compared to existing technologies that rely solely on valve port b1 or valve cavity shape optimization, this invention offers greater specificity and noise reduction effectiveness. Furthermore, the parameters of the silencing structure 4 can be flexibly adjusted according to the refrigerant flow and pressure range of different refrigeration systems, making it suitable for various application scenarios and easy to install and maintain.

[0051] This invention provides a noise-reducing structure 4 at the end of the connecting hole b. Through multiple mesh openings on the noise-reducing structure 4 that are connected to the connecting hole b, when the refrigerant flows through the valve port b1 into the connecting hole b, air bubbles enter the mesh openings of the noise-reducing structure 4 along with the refrigerant. This can refine large air bubbles into smaller air bubbles and smooth the refrigerant flow, so that the electronic valve 100 can reduce refrigerant flow noise while ensuring flow control accuracy. This is especially suitable for scenarios such as air conditioning where environmental noise is sensitive.

[0052] For details, please continue reading Figure 3 In one embodiment, the connecting portion 12 includes a first connecting segment 121 and a second connecting segment 122 arranged sequentially in a direction away from the main body portion 11. The outer diameter of the first connecting segment 121 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the second connecting segment 122. The first connecting segment 121 is used for the connecting pipe 200 to be sleeved. The side wall of the second connecting segment 122 is provided with the bypass hole c.

[0053] The first connecting section 121 has a larger outer diameter to allow the connecting pipe 200 to be fitted onto it. Alternatively, threads or other fastening devices can be used to ensure a secure connection. The first connecting section 121 provides sufficient support and sealing for the connecting pipe 200, ensuring stability during system operation.

[0054] The outer diameter of the second connecting section 122 is smaller than that of the first connecting section 121. When the connecting pipe 200 is fitted onto the first connecting section 121, it will not cover the bypass hole c on the side wall of the second connecting section 122, ensuring that the bypass hole c can always function. Even if the filter screen is clogged with impurities, the refrigerant can still flow smoothly through the bypass hole c, avoiding system failures caused by complete blockage.

[0055] The bypass hole c is directly opened on the side wall of the second connecting section 122. The number and size can be adjusted according to actual needs to adapt to different working conditions.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple bypass holes c are provided.

[0057] Multiple bypass orifices (c) ensure that the refrigerant can find an unobstructed outlet under any circumstances. Understandably, the size of each bypass orifice (c) can be adjusted according to specific needs; it can be set smaller to ensure that, under normal operating conditions, the refrigerant is primarily refined through the filter. However, when the filter is clogged, multiple bypass orifices (c) provide multiple backup flow paths, ensuring that the refrigerant can continue to flow and maintain normal system operation. Furthermore, multiple bypass orifices (c) can refine large air bubbles into multiple clusters of smaller air bubbles.

[0058] Multiple bypass holes c are evenly distributed on the sidewall of the second connecting section 122. The bypass holes c can be arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the second connecting section 122, or their distribution can be optimized according to the direction and velocity of the refrigerant flow to ensure that the refrigerant can flow out from a single unobstructed outlet regardless of its inflow direction. This improves the uniformity of refrigerant flow and reduces the possibility of localized pressure buildup. Furthermore, the number of bypass holes c can be adjusted according to the actual operating conditions required in the application; for example, increasing the number of bypass holes c to improve safety or reducing the number to simplify the structure.

[0059] Specifically, in some embodiments, the noise-reducing structure 4 includes a filter.

[0060] The filter screen is installed at the end of the connecting hole b furthest from the valve chamber, that is, on the last section of the refrigerant's path. The naturally formed mesh on the filter screen acts as a mesh, breaking large air bubbles into smaller ones.

[0061] Understandably, the choice of filter can be based on its material and mesh size. It can be made of stainless steel or corrosion-resistant plastic to ensure good durability and stability in various working environments. The mesh size is generally chosen between 0.5mm and 2mm to ensure effective breakup of large air bubbles without significantly hindering the normal flow of refrigerant.

[0062] By utilizing readily available filters, not only can the production process be simplified and costs reduced, but more flexible application possibilities can also be provided for different refrigeration systems.

[0063] Furthermore, in some embodiments, multiple filters are provided, and the multiple filters are stacked sequentially in their thickness direction.

[0064] When using multi-layer filters, each layer can be selected with different mesh sizes or stacked together according to actual needs. For example, a filter with larger mesh sizes can be placed on the side closer to the connecting hole b to initially break down larger air bubbles, while a filter with smaller mesh sizes can be used on the side farther from the connecting hole b to further refine the air bubbles. In this way, not only can the bubble refinement process be optimized, but the pressure loss when the refrigerant passes through the filter can also be better balanced.

[0065] When the refrigerant containing air bubbles enters the connecting hole b through valve port b1, it first comes into contact with the innermost filter. Because the mesh diameter of the filter is smaller than the size of the large air bubbles present in most refrigerants, this forces the large air bubbles to break into smaller clusters. As the refrigerant continues to pass through each subsequent filter, the air bubbles are gradually refined, and the energy released when they burst is significantly reduced, thereby lowering the noise level.

[0066] Further, please refer to Figure 3In some embodiments, the connecting hole b is configured as a stepped hole, having an annular stepped portion 10 facing its second end; the silencing structure 4 is mounted on the annular stepped portion 10.

[0067] It is understandable that the silencing structure 4 can be interference-fitted with the annular step portion 10. To increase its reliability, it can be fixed to the valve seat 1 by means of adhesive or welding.

[0068] By setting the connecting hole b as a stepped hole, the noise-absorbing structure 4 is installed on the annular stepped portion 10 of the stepped hole, so that the noise-absorbing structure 4 can be firmly fixed in the predetermined position, avoiding the increase in complexity and cost due to the use of additional fixing devices.

[0069] Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment, the main body 11 and the connecting portion 12 are integrally formed.

[0070] The main body 11 and the connecting part 12 can be integrally formed. Specifically, the main body 11 and the connecting part 12 can be manufactured as a whole through processes such as casting and injection molding to ensure that there are no seams between them, thereby providing high sealing performance and enhanced mechanical strength.

[0071] Thus, the one-piece molding design not only effectively prevents refrigerant leakage and is suitable for applications in high-pressure environments, but also simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces production costs, and improves efficiency.

[0072] Please see Figure 3 In another embodiment, the main body 11 is welded to the connecting portion 12.

[0073] Thus, by manufacturing the two components separately and then welding them together, the valve seat 1 can be manufactured separately when its shape is complex and demolding is difficult, thereby reducing the difficulty of the manufacturing process.

[0074] Specifically, in this embodiment, the electronic valve 100 includes an electronic expansion valve. The electronic expansion valve is a device for precisely controlling the refrigerant flow in the refrigeration system. By providing a silencing structure 4 at the end of the connecting hole b of the electronic expansion valve, the noise generated during the refrigerant flow is reduced.

[0075] The present invention also proposes a refrigeration device, which may be an air conditioner or a refrigerator, etc. The refrigeration device includes a heat exchanger and an electronic valve 100. The specific structure of the electronic valve 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since the refrigeration device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0076] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic valve, characterized in that, include: A valve seat and a valve cover, wherein the valve seat includes a main body portion that surrounds the valve cover to form a valve cavity, and a connecting portion protruding from the main body portion. The main body portion is provided with an inlet that communicates with the valve cavity, and the connecting portion is provided with a connecting hole that communicates with the valve cavity and a bypass hole that penetrates the wall of the connecting hole. The first end of the connecting hole near the valve cavity forms a valve port. A piston assembly is movably disposed in the valve chamber in directions approaching and away from the valve port to open or close the valve port; and, A noise-reducing structure is provided at the second end of the connecting hole away from the valve cavity, and the noise-reducing structure is provided with a plurality of mesh openings that are connected to the connecting hole for the refrigerant to pass through.

2. The electronic valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting portion includes a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment arranged sequentially in a direction away from the main body. The outer diameter of the first connecting segment is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the second connecting segment. The first connecting segment is used for connecting pipe sleeve, and the side wall of the second connecting segment is provided with the bypass hole.

3. The electronic valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple bypass holes are provided.

4. The electronic valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The noise-reducing structure includes a filter screen.

5. The electronic valve as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The filter screen is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple filter screens are stacked sequentially in the thickness direction.

6. The electronic valve as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The mesh size of the filter screen is set to decrease sequentially from the first end to the second end of the connecting hole.

7. The electronic valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the connecting hole is stepped, which is used for the installation of the sound-absorbing structure.

8. The electronic valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main body and the connecting portion are integrally formed; or... The main body is welded to the connecting part.

9. The electronic valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic valve includes an electronic expansion valve.

10. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, Includes the electronic valve as described in claim 9.

11. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment includes air conditioners.

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