Thermostatic expansion valve, refrigerating system and vehicle equipped with refrigerating system

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By designing an adjustment mechanism in the thermal expansion valve and changing the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant passage, the noise problem caused by the entry of refrigerant bubbles is solved, and the quietness performance of the air-conditioning system is improved.

CN223331959UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-12HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD +1

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Patent Information

Application Number: CN202422572899.6
Authority / Receiving Office: CN · China
Patent Type: Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date: 2024-10-24
Publication Date: 2025-09-12
Estimated Expiration: 2034-10-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In vehicle air-conditioning systems, noise is generated when refrigerant enters the thermal expansion valve and evaporator in both gaseous and liquid states, affecting the user experience.

Method used

By designing an adjustment mechanism in the thermal expansion valve, including an inner fixed ring and an outer rotating ring, the cross-sectional area through which the refrigerant passes can be changed, preventing bubbles from entering the thermal expansion valve and the shear tube of the evaporator.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents refrigerant bubbles from entering the thermal expansion valve and evaporator, reduces noise generation, and improves user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a thermostatic expansion valve, a refrigerating system and a vehicle provided with the refrigerating system, and the thermostatic expansion valve comprises a thermostatic expansion valve body, a thermostatic expansion valve core and a thermostatic expansion valve core, the adjusting mechanism is provided with an opening with a variable area so as to adjust the area of the cross section through which the refrigerant passes, so that the thermostatic expansion valve is in a first state, a second state or a third state; wherein in the first state, the area of the opening is a first value, and all the opening is overlapped with a part of the refrigerant inlet, so that the area of the cross section through which the refrigerant passes is minimum; in the second state, the area of the opening is a second value larger than the first value, a part of the opening is overlapped with a part of the refrigerant inlet, and the area of the cross section through which the refrigerant passes is larger than the area of the cross section in the first state; in the third state, the area of the opening is a third value larger than the second value, and all of the refrigerant inlets are overlapped with a part of the opening. According to the utility model, noise can be avoided.

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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of refrigeration, in particular to a thermal expansion valve, a refrigeration system and a vehicle equipped with the refrigeration system. Background Art

[0002] The thermal expansion valve (TXV) in a vehicle's air conditioning system is a key component in the refrigerant circulation system. It controls the process of refrigerant transforming from high-pressure liquid to low-pressure gas. This process is crucial for regulating refrigerant flow, controlling the superheat of the evaporator, and ensuring stable system operation.

[0003] When the air conditioner is started or the ambient temperature is not too high, the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser exists in both gaseous and liquid forms. That is, there will be bubbles in the liquid refrigerant. This refrigerant with bubbles enters the thermal expansion valve, the pipes connected to the inlet of the evaporator, the pipes connected to the outlet of the evaporator, and the inside of the evaporator, which will generate noise and reduce the user experience.

[0004] Therefore, a solution is needed to solve the noise problem.

[0005] The information disclosed in the background section of the present invention is only intended to increase the understanding of the overall background of the present invention, and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of suggestion that the information constitutes the prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a thermal expansion valve, a refrigeration system and a vehicle equipped with the refrigeration system. The thermal expansion valve can change the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant passing through by adjusting the area of the opening to prevent bubbles in the refrigerant from entering the shear tube of the thermal expansion valve and the evaporator, thereby avoiding the generation of noise.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present utility model, a thermal expansion valve is provided, comprising: a thermal expansion valve body having a refrigerant inlet; an adjustment mechanism installed at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet in the thermal expansion valve body and in contact with the refrigerant inlet, the adjustment mechanism having an opening with a variable area, thereby adjusting the area of the cross section through which the refrigerant passes, so that the thermal expansion valve is in a first state, a second state or a third state; wherein, in the first state, the area of the opening is a first value, the entire opening overlaps with a part of the refrigerant inlet, so that the area of the cross section through which the refrigerant passes is minimized; in the second state, the area of the opening is a second value greater than the first value, a part of the opening overlaps with a part of the refrigerant inlet, and the area of the cross section through which the refrigerant passes is greater than the area of the cross section in the first state; in the third state, the area of the opening is a third value greater than the second value, the entire refrigerant inlet overlaps with a part of the opening, and the area of the cross section through which the refrigerant passes is greater than the area of the cross section in the second state.

[0008] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism includes: an inner fixed ring, which is installed in the thermal expansion valve body, the inner fixed ring has a plurality of guide grooves, and the height of the center of the inner fixed ring is lower than the height of the center of the refrigerant inlet, and the first end of the guide groove is closer to the center of the inner fixed ring than the second end; an outer rotating ring, which is arranged on the periphery of the inner fixed ring; and a plurality of fan blades, each fan blade including a mounting portion and a forming portion formed as one body, the first end of the mounting portion is connected to the outer rotating ring, the mounting portion is capable of rotating around the first end of the mounting portion, the second end of the mounting portion is capable of slidably connecting to a corresponding guide groove of the inner fixed ring, and the forming portion is located on the inner side of the mounting portion to form an opening; wherein, the outer rotating ring can rotate around the inner fixed ring under the drive of external force to drive the plurality of fan blades to rotate around the first end of the mounting portion of the fan blade, thereby changing the area of the opening surrounded by the plurality of fan blades.

[0009] Preferably, the fan blade further includes a transition portion, which is arranged between the mounting portion and the forming portion, and is formed as a whole with the mounting portion and the forming portion. The distance from the surface of the mounting portion facing away from the forming portion to the surface of the forming portion facing the mounting portion is greater than the thickness of the mounting portion.

[0010] Preferably, the inner fixing ring has a slot, and the thermal expansion valve body has a buckle portion corresponding to the slot, and the buckle portion is locked in the slot, so that the inner fixing ring will not rotate relative to the thermal expansion valve body.

[0011] Preferably, the distance from the inner edge of the outer rotating ring to the outer edge of the inner fixed ring is less than a predetermined value, and the thickness of the outer rotating ring is equal to that of the inner fixed ring and they are located in the same plane.

[0012] Preferably, the outer edge of the outer rotating ring has a tooth portion; the adjustment mechanism further includes a worm, one end of which is engaged with the tooth portion, and the other end of the worm extends from the inside of the thermal expansion valve body to the outside of the thermal expansion valve body and has a first gear.

[0013] Preferably, the inner fixing ring has an inner edge, and a portion of a circular area enclosed by the inner edge overlaps the entire refrigerant inlet.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a refrigeration system is provided, comprising: a condenser; a thermal expansion valve as described in the first aspect; an actuator capable of providing power to the adjustment mechanism; a controller electrically connected to the actuator; and a temperature and pressure sensor disposed on a pipe at the outlet of the condenser and electrically connected to the controller, the temperature and pressure sensor being capable of sensing the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the pipe at the outlet and sending the sensed temperature and pressure information to the controller.

[0015] Preferably, the actuator has an output shaft having a second gear to engage with an outer edge of the adjustment mechanism.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which is equipped with the refrigeration system as described in the second aspect.

[0017] The thermal expansion valve of the embodiment of the utility model can change the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant passing through by adjusting the area of the opening, so as to prevent bubbles in the refrigerant from entering the shear tube of the thermal expansion valve and the evaporator, thereby avoiding the generation of noise.

[0018] The device of the present invention has other features and advantages, which will be obvious from the drawings and subsequent embodiments incorporated herein, or will be described in detail in the drawings and subsequent embodiments incorporated herein, which together are used to explain the specific principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a thermal expansion valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 sectional view of ;

[0021] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the position of the fan blades in the first state;

[0022] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the inner fixing ring;

[0023] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the outer rotating ring;

[0024] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the fan blade;

[0025] Figure 7 is a side view of the fan blade;

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between the opening and the refrigerant inlet in the first state;

[0027] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the relationship between the circular area enclosed by the inner edge of the inner fixed ring, the refrigerant inlet, the opening and the overlapping area in the first state;

[0028] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the position of the fan blades in the second state;

[0029] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between the opening and the refrigerant inlet in the second state;

[0030] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the relationship between the circular area enclosed by the inner edge of the inner fixed ring, the refrigerant inlet, the opening and the overlapping area in the second state;

[0031] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the position of the fan blades in the third state;

[0032] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the relationship between the opening and the refrigerant inlet in the third state;

[0033] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the relationship between the circular area enclosed by the inner edge of the inner fixed ring, the refrigerant inlet, the opening and the overlapping area in the third state;

[0034] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the connection between the actuator, worm and worm gear;

[0035] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigeration system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 18 A flow chart showing a method for controlling a refrigeration system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the changes in the installation shaft and installation pin.

[0038] Description of reference numerals:

[0039] Thermal expansion valve body 100, refrigerant inlet 101;

[0040] Adjustment mechanism 200, opening 201, overlapping area 202;

[0041] Inner fixing ring 210, guide groove 211, clamping groove 212, inner edge 213, outer edge 214;

[0042] Outer rotating ring 220, mounting hole 221, outer edge 223, teeth 224, inner edge 225;

[0043] Fan blade 230, mounting portion 231, forming portion 232, mounting shaft 233, mounting pin 234, first cap 235, second cap 236, arcuate edge 237, transition portion 238;

[0044] worm 240, first gear 242;

[0045] Actuator 400, output shaft 401, second gear 402;

[0046] Controller 500 and temperature and pressure sensor 600 .

[0047] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present simplified representations of various features to illustrate the basic principles of the present invention. The specific design features disclosed in the present invention (including, for example, specific dimensions, directions, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific environment in which the invention is to be applied and used.

[0048] In the figures, like reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are presented in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the present invention to these exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit of the present invention and the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0050] The following combination Figures 1 to 19 A thermal expansion valve according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the thermal expansion valve according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a thermal expansion valve body 100 and an adjustment mechanism 200.

[0052] The thermal expansion valve body 100 has a refrigerant inlet 101 .

[0053] The adjustment mechanism 200 is installed at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet 101 in the thermal expansion valve body 100 and is in contact with the refrigerant inlet 101. The adjustment mechanism 200 has an opening 201 with a variable area, thereby adjusting the area of the cross section through which the refrigerant passes, so that the thermal expansion valve is in the first state, the second state or the third state.

[0054] In the first state, the area of the opening 201 is a first value, and the entire opening 201 overlaps a portion of the refrigerant inlet 101, minimizing the cross-sectional area through which the refrigerant passes.

[0055] In the second state, the area of opening 201 is a second value greater than the first value. A portion of opening 201 overlaps a portion of refrigerant inlet 101, and the cross-sectional area through which the refrigerant passes is larger than the cross-sectional area in the first state. The second value here is not a single fixed value, but rather a variable value when a portion of opening 201 overlaps a portion of refrigerant inlet 101. In this case, the cross-sectional area through which the refrigerant passes is the area of the overlapping region between opening 201 and refrigerant inlet 101.

[0056] In the third state, the area of opening 201 is a third value greater than the second value, the entire refrigerant inlet 101 overlaps with a portion of opening 201, and the cross-sectional area through which the refrigerant passes is greater than the cross-sectional area in the second state. In this case, the cross-sectional area through which the refrigerant passes is equal to the area of refrigerant inlet 101.

[0057] The thermal expansion valve of the embodiment of the present invention can change the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant passing through by adjusting the area of the opening 201 to prevent bubbles in the refrigerant from entering the thermal expansion valve and the shear tube of the evaporator, thereby avoiding the generation of noise.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the adjustment mechanism 200 includes an inner fixed ring 210 , an outer rotating ring 220 and a plurality of blades 230 .

[0059] The inner fixing ring 210 is installed in the thermal expansion valve body 100. Figure 4 As shown, the inner fixing ring 210 has a plurality of guide grooves 211, and the height of the center of the inner fixing ring 210 is lower than the height of the center of the refrigerant inlet 101. The center of the inner fixing ring 210 is the center of the opening 201, that is, the height of the center of the opening 201 is lower than the height of the center of the refrigerant inlet 101 (see Figure 1), the first end 211a of the guide groove 211 is closer to the center of the inner fixing ring 210 than the second end 211b of the guide groove 211. Bubbles are generally located in the upper half of the refrigerant. The height of the center of the opening 201 is lower than the height of the center of the refrigerant inlet 101, which can prevent bubbles from directly entering the thermal expansion valve body 100. When bubbles flow through the opening 201, they will be blocked and divided by the opening 201. The inner fixing ring 210 has an inner edge 213, and a portion of the circular area enclosed by the inner edge 213 overlaps the entire refrigerant inlet 101 (see Figure 9 The guide groove 211 may be arc-shaped or linear.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer rotating ring 220 is arranged on the periphery of the inner fixed ring 210 and has a plurality of mounting holes 221 (see Figure 5 ) to install the fan blades 230. Among them, multiple mounting holes 221 are evenly spaced along the outer rotating ring 220.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, each fan blade 230 includes a mounting portion 231 and a forming portion 232 formed as one body, and the first end of the mounting portion 231 constitutes the first end of the fan blade 230. Figure 3 As shown, the first end of the mounting portion 231 is connected to the outer rotating ring 220, and the mounting portion 231 can rotate around the first end of the mounting portion 231. The second end of the mounting portion 231 can be slidably connected to a corresponding guide groove 211 of the inner fixed ring 210. The forming portion 232 is located on the inner side of the mounting portion 231 to enclose the opening 201. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the forming portion 232 has an arcuate edge 237 to enclose the opening 201. The angle of the arcuate edge 237 can be adjusted according to the number of blades 230, the inner and outer diameters of the inner fixed ring 210, and the inner and outer diameters of the outer rotating ring 220.

[0062] The outer rotating ring 220 can rotate around the inner fixed ring 210 under the driving force of external force to drive the multiple blades 230 to rotate around the first end of the mounting portion 231 of the blade 230, thereby changing the area of the opening 201 surrounded by the multiple blades 230.

[0063] Specifically, if Figure 3 and Figure 7As shown, the first end of the mounting portion 231 is mounted to the mounting hole 221 of the outer rotating ring 220 via the mounting shaft 233, that is, the mounting portion 231 can rotate around the mounting shaft 233. The second end of the mounting portion 231 is mounted to the guide groove 211 of the inner fixed ring 210 via the mounting pin 234. The mounting pin 234 can slide along the guide groove 211 to enable the second end of the mounting portion 231 to slide along the guide groove 211, thereby enabling the fan blade 230 to rotate around the first end of the mounting portion 231 (that is, the first end of the fan blade 230). The mounting shaft 233 has a first cap 235 to prevent the fan blade 230 from falling off from the outer rotating ring 220, and the mounting pin 234 has a second cap 236 to prevent the fan blade 230 from falling off from the inner fixed ring 210.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, the fan blade 230 further includes a transition portion 238, which is arranged between the mounting portion 231 and the forming portion 232, and is formed as a whole with the mounting portion 231 and the forming portion 232. The distance L from the surface of the mounting portion 231 facing away from the forming portion 232 to the surface of the forming portion 232 facing the mounting portion 231 is greater than the thickness D of the mounting portion 231, so that the multiple fan blades 230 will not interfere with each other during rotation and ensure sealing.

[0065] In the embodiment shown, the number of blades 230 is 6, but the number can be adjusted according to the situation, for example, it can be set to any number between 5 and 10. The number of mounting holes 221 should also be adjusted according to the number of blades 230.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the inner retaining ring 210 has a locking groove 212, and the thermal expansion valve body 100 has a snap portion (not shown in the figure) corresponding to the locking groove 212. The snap portion is locked in the locking groove 212 to prevent the inner retaining ring 210 from rotating relative to the thermal expansion valve body 100. The snap portion and the locking groove 212 can be assembled by interference fit.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the distance between the inner edge 225 of the outer rotating ring 220 and the outer edge 214 of the inner fixed ring 210 is less than a predetermined value, that is, the diameter of the inner edge 225 of the outer rotating ring 220 is slightly larger than the diameter of the outer edge 214 of the inner fixed ring 210. The thickness of the outer rotating ring 220 is equal to that of the inner fixed ring 210, and they are located in the same plane.

[0068] The inner edge 225 of the outer rotating ring 220 and the outer edge 214 of the inner fixed ring 210 are both smooth surfaces, so that the outer rotating ring 220 can smoothly rotate around the inner fixed ring 210 .

[0069] The outer rotating ring 220 is connected to the inner stationary ring 210 via the blades 230 , so that the outer rotating ring 220 cannot move relative to the inner stationary ring 210 in the axial direction and the radial direction, but can only rotate relative to the inner stationary ring 210 .

[0070] like Figure 3 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in the first state, the area of the opening 201 is a first value (minimum value), and the entire opening 201 overlaps a portion of the refrigerant inlet 101, so that the area of the cross section through which the refrigerant passes (i.e., the overlapping area 202) is minimized. In this case, the overlapping area 202 is the opening 201.

[0071] refer to Figure 19 As outer rotating ring 220 rotates around inner stationary ring 210 in the first direction, mounting shaft 233 moves from first mounting shaft position 233a to second mounting shaft position 233b, and then to third mounting shaft position 233c. Correspondingly, blade 230 pushes mounting pin 234 from first mounting pin position 234a to second mounting pin position 234b, and then to third mounting pin position 234c. During this movement, the distance between mounting pin 234 and the center of the circle gradually increases.

[0072] The mounting shaft 233 is always located on a predetermined side of a line connecting the corresponding mounting pin 234 and the center of the inner fixed ring 210, so that when the outer rotating ring 220 rotates around the inner fixed ring 210 in the first direction, the mounting pin 234 can be pushed to move along the guide groove 211 instead of being pulled to move along the guide groove 211. Figure 19 Taking the perspective and the marked positions as an example, in the first state, the mounting shaft 233 is at the first mounting shaft position 233a, the mounting pin 234 is at the first mounting pin position 234a, and the mounting shaft 233 is located to the right of the line L1 connecting the mounting pin 234 and the center of the circle (i.e., the line connecting the first mounting pin position 234a and the center of the circle). In the second state, the mounting shaft 233 is at the second mounting shaft position 233b, the mounting pin 234 is at the second mounting pin position 234b, and the mounting shaft 233 is located to the right of the line L2 connecting the mounting pin 234 and the center of the circle (i.e., the line connecting the second mounting pin position 234b and the center of the circle). In the third state, the mounting shaft 233 is at the third mounting shaft position 233c, the mounting pin 234 is at the third mounting pin position 234c, and the mounting shaft 233 is located to the right of the line L3 connecting the mounting pin 234 and the center of the circle (i.e., the line connecting the third mounting pin position 234c and the center of the circle).

[0073] refer to Figure 3 Under the driving force of the external force, the outer rotating ring 220 rotates around the inner fixed ring 210 along the first direction (ie, Figure 3) to drive the mounting shaft 233 and the first end of the blade 230 (i.e., the first end of the mounting portion 231) to rotate around the center of the inner fixing ring 210 along the first direction to the second state (i.e., Figure 10 status).

[0074] During the process of the first end of the fan blade 230 (i.e., the first end of the mounting portion 231) rotating around the first direction, the guide groove 211 pushes the mounting pin 234 and the mounting portion 231 around the first end of the mounting portion 231 (i.e., the mounting shaft 233) along the second direction (i.e., Figure 3 The fan blades 230 rotate in the second direction around the mounting shaft 233, thereby causing the arcuate edges 237 of the plurality of fan blades 230 to move away from the center of the outer rotating ring 220, thereby increasing the area of the opening 201 surrounded by the arcuate edges 237.

[0075] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, in the second state, the area of the opening 201 is a second value greater than the first value, and a portion of the opening 201 overlaps a portion of the refrigerant inlet 101 (see FIG. Figure 11 and Figure 12 ), the cross section through which the refrigerant passes (i.e., Figure 12 The area of the overlapping region 202 in the first state is larger than the cross section in the first state (ie, Figure 9 In this case, the overlapping area 202 is the overlapping area of the refrigerant inlet 101 and the opening 201 (see Figure 12 ).

[0076] See also Figure 10 Under the driving force of the external force, the outer rotating ring 220 continues to rotate around the inner fixed ring 210 along the first direction (ie, Figure 3 ) to drive the mounting shaft 233 and the first end of the blade 230 (ie, the first end of the mounting portion 231) to rotate around the center of the inner fixing ring 210 along the first direction to a third state (ie, Figure 13 status).

[0077] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in the third state, the area of the opening 201 is a third value greater than the second value, the entire refrigerant inlet 101 overlaps with a portion of the opening 201, and the cross section through which the refrigerant passes (ie, Figure 15 The area of the overlapping region 202 in the second state is larger than the cross section in the second state (ie, Figure 12 In this case, the overlapping area 202 is the refrigerant inlet 101.

[0078] The above process describes how to increase the cross-sectional area (i.e., the overlapping area 202) through which the refrigerant passes. If it is necessary to reduce the cross-sectional area (i.e., the overlapping area 202) through which the refrigerant passes, it is only necessary to drive the outer rotating ring 220 around the inner fixed ring 210 along the second direction (i.e., Figure 3 The clockwise direction in the figure is used for rotation, which will not be described here.

[0079] That is, by driving the outer rotating ring 220 to rotate about the inner stationary ring 210 in a first direction by an external force, the area of the opening 201 can be increased, thereby increasing the area of the overlapping region 202. By driving the outer rotating ring 220 to rotate about the inner stationary ring 210 in a second direction by an external force, the area of the opening 201 can be reduced, thereby reducing the area of the overlapping region 202.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 16 As shown, the outer edge 223 of the outer rotating ring 220 has a toothed portion 224 .

[0081] The adjustment mechanism 200 further includes a worm 240, one end of which is engaged with the tooth portion 224, and the other end of the worm 240 extends from the inside of the thermal expansion valve body 100 to the outside of the thermal expansion valve body 100, and has a first gear 242. The first gear 242 is connected to the output shaft 401 of the actuator 400 introduced later to receive external force.

[0082] like Figure 17 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a refrigeration system, which includes: a condenser, the above-mentioned thermal expansion valve, an actuator 400 , a controller 500 and a temperature and pressure sensor 600 .

[0083] The actuator 400 can provide power to the adjustment mechanism 200 , and the power is the external force mentioned above. The controller 500 is electrically connected to the actuator 400 .

[0084] The temperature and pressure sensor 600 is arranged on the pipe at the outlet of the condenser and is electrically connected to the controller 500. The temperature and pressure sensor 600 can sense the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the pipe at the outlet and send the sensed temperature information and pressure information to the controller 500.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 16As shown, actuator 400 has an output shaft 401 having a second gear 402 meshing with first gear 242. The power output by actuator 400 is transmitted to outer rotating ring 220 via second gear 402, first gear 242, worm 240, and tooth portion 224, thereby driving outer rotating ring 220 to rotate in a first direction or a second direction about inner stationary ring 210. The specific implementation method for transmitting power from actuator 400 to outer rotating ring 220 is not limited to this and can be any form known in the art, as long as it can achieve the above-mentioned function.

[0086] The actuator 400 may be a driving motor. The type of the actuator 400 is not limited thereto and may be any type in the prior art as long as it can achieve the above functions.

[0087] The controller 500 controls the rotation direction of the output shaft 401 of the actuator 400 to adjust the size of the opening 201. Specifically, the controller 500 sends first control information to the actuator 400, causing the output shaft 401 to rotate in one direction, thereby driving the outer rotating ring 220 to rotate in the first direction, thereby increasing the area of the opening 201 and thus increasing the area of the overlapping region 202. The controller 500 sends second control information to the actuator 400, causing the output shaft 401 to rotate in another direction (i.e., the direction opposite to the direction corresponding to the first control information), thereby driving the outer rotating ring 220 to rotate in the second direction, thereby reducing the area of the opening 201 and thus reducing the area of the overlapping region 202.

[0088] In this way, the controller 500 can adjust the area of the opening 201 and the area of the overlapping region 202 , thereby enabling the thermal expansion valve to switch between the first state, the second state, and the third state.

[0089] The controller 500 is configured to calculate the degree of supercooling according to the temperature information and the pressure information, and control the size of the control opening 201 according to a comparison result of the degree of supercooling with a preset threshold.

[0090] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a vehicle equipped with the above-mentioned thermal expansion valve. Other components and functions of the vehicle of the embodiment of the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail to reduce redundancy.

[0091] The following will refer to Figure 18 A control method for a refrigeration system according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail. Figure 18 The flowchart of the control method of the refrigeration system according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0092] In step S101 , the temperature and pressure sensor 600 senses the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the pipe at the outlet of the condenser, and transmits the sensed temperature information and pressure information to the controller 500 .

[0093] In step S102 , the controller 500 calculates the supercooling degree T based on the temperature information and the pressure information.

[0094] In step S103 , the controller 500 determines whether the supercooling degree T is less than or equal to a first threshold value T1 .

[0095] As a result of step S103 , in response to the supercooling degree T being greater than the first threshold value T1 , step S107 is performed.

[0096] As a result of step S103, in response to the degree of subcooling T being less than or equal to the first threshold value T1, in step 104, controller 500 adjusts the thermal expansion valve to the first state. Specifically, when the degree of subcooling T is less than the first threshold value T1, it indicates a severe lack of subcooling, which can cause the refrigerant to exist in both gaseous and liquid states, i.e., bubbles may be present in the liquid refrigerant. This lack of subcooling is caused by the refrigeration system having just started up or the ambient temperature being relatively low. In this case, the area of opening 201 needs to be minimized, i.e., the thermal expansion valve needs to be adjusted to the first state to prevent bubbles from entering the thermal expansion valve and the shear tube of the evaporator, thereby preventing noise.

[0097] In step S105 , the controller 500 determines whether the supercooling degree T is greater than a first threshold value T1 within a predetermined time period.

[0098] As a result of step S105, in response to the supercooling degree T being greater than the first threshold value T1 within the predetermined time period, in step 106, the controller 500 adjusts the thermal expansion valve to the second state. Specifically, when the supercooling degree T is greater than the first threshold value T1 and lasts for the predetermined time period, it means that the supercooling degree has increased to a level where bubbles are no longer generated and noise is no longer generated. On the one hand, if the predetermined time period is not limited, there may be uncertainty factors that cause the supercooling degree T to fluctuate around the first threshold value T1. Such fluctuations will cause the controller 500 to frequently adjust the state of the thermal expansion valve, affecting the durability of the thermal expansion valve. On the other hand, it takes a certain amount of time for the refrigerant to flow from the condenser to the thermal expansion valve. If the predetermined time period is not limited, bubbles remaining in the refrigerant between the condenser and the thermal expansion valve will enter the thermal expansion valve. The predetermined time period can be set to 30s, and the predetermined time period here can be adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0099] When the degree of supercooling T is greater than the first threshold value T1 and less than the second threshold value, although the refrigerant is only liquid, the cooling effect is still insufficient. At this time, it is necessary to increase the area of opening 201, that is, adjust the thermal expansion valve to the second state to increase the refrigerant flow entering the thermal expansion valve body 100. It should be noted that the area of opening 201 cannot be increased too much at this time. For example, if the area of opening 201 is directly increased to the maximum value (third value), the entire refrigeration system will change too quickly, causing system instability.

[0100] In step S107 , the controller 500 determines whether the supercooling degree T is greater than or equal to a second threshold value T2 .

[0101] As a result of step S107, in response to the subcooling degree T being greater than or equal to the second threshold value T2, the controller 500 adjusts the thermal expansion valve to the third state in step 108. Specifically, when the subcooling degree T is greater than or equal to the second threshold value T2, indicating that the subcooling degree is sufficient, the refrigerant is only liquid, and the refrigeration system has no noise issues, the area of the opening 201 can be adjusted to the maximum value (the third value) to achieve maximum refrigerant flow and better refrigeration performance.

[0102] As a result of step S107 , in response to the supercooling degree T being smaller than the second threshold value T2 , step S105 is performed.

[0103] For convenience of explanation and precise definition of the appended claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "upper", "lower", "upward", "downward", "front", "back", "behind", "inside", "outside", "inward", "outward", "inner", "exterior", "inner", "external", "forward", and "backward" are used to describe the features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0104] The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive, nor are they intended to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it is apparent that many variations and modifications are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments have been selected and described to explain the specific principles of the present invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to realize and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention and its various alternatives and modifications. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A thermal expansion valve, characterized in that: include: a thermal expansion valve body having a refrigerant inlet; an adjustment mechanism installed in a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet in the thermal expansion valve body and in contact with the refrigerant inlet, the adjustment mechanism having an opening with a variable area, thereby adjusting the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant passing therethrough to place the thermal expansion valve in a first state, a second state, or a third state; wherein, in the first state, the area of the opening is a first value, the entire opening overlaps a portion of the refrigerant inlet, so that the area of the cross section through which the refrigerant passes is minimized; In the second state, the area of the opening is a second value greater than the first value, a portion of the opening overlaps with a portion of the refrigerant inlet, and the area of the cross section through which the refrigerant passes is greater than the area of the cross section in the first state; In the third state, the area of the opening is a third value greater than the second value, the entire refrigerant inlet overlaps a portion of the opening, and the cross-sectional area through which the refrigerant passes is greater than the cross-sectional area in the second state.

2. The thermal expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The adjustment mechanism includes: an inner stationary ring mounted in the thermal expansion valve body, the inner stationary ring having a plurality of guide grooves, wherein the center of the inner stationary ring is lower than the center of the refrigerant inlet, and the first end of the guide groove is closer to the center of the inner stationary ring than the second end; an outer rotating ring disposed on the periphery of the inner fixed ring; and a plurality of blades, each blade comprising a mounting portion and a forming portion formed integrally therewith, a first end of the mounting portion being connected to the outer rotating ring, the mounting portion being rotatable about the first end of the mounting portion, a second end of the mounting portion being slidably connected to a corresponding guide groove of the inner fixed ring, and the forming portion being located inside the mounting portion to enclose an opening; The outer rotating ring can rotate around the inner fixed ring under the driving force of an external force, so as to drive the plurality of fan blades to rotate around the first end of the fan blade mounting portion, thereby changing the area of the opening surrounded by the plurality of fan blades.

3. The thermal expansion valve according to claim 2, characterized in that The fan blade further includes a transition portion, which is arranged between the mounting portion and the forming portion and is formed as a whole with the mounting portion and the forming portion. The distance from the surface of the mounting portion facing away from the forming portion to the surface of the forming portion facing the mounting portion is greater than the thickness of the mounting portion.

4. The thermal expansion valve according to claim 2, characterized in that The inner fixing ring has a clamping groove, and the thermal expansion valve body has a clamping portion corresponding to the clamping groove. The clamping portion is clamped in the clamping groove, so that the inner fixing ring will not rotate relative to the thermal expansion valve body.

5. The thermal expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The distance between the inner edge of the outer rotating ring and the outer edge of the inner fixed ring is less than a predetermined value. The thickness of the outer rotating ring is equal to that of the inner fixed ring and they are located in the same plane.

6. The thermal expansion valve according to claim 2, characterized in that The outer edge of the outer rotating ring has a tooth portion; The adjustment mechanism further includes a worm, one end of which is engaged with the tooth portion, and the other end of which extends from the inside of the thermal expansion valve body to the outside of the thermal expansion valve body and has a first gear.

7. The thermal expansion valve according to claim 2, characterized in that The inner fixing ring has an inner edge, and a portion of a circular area surrounded by the inner edge overlaps the entire refrigerant inlet.

8. A refrigeration system, characterized in that: include: condenser; The thermal expansion valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7; an actuator capable of providing power to the adjustment mechanism; a controller electrically connected to the actuator; as well as A temperature and pressure sensor is provided on the pipe at the outlet of the condenser and is electrically connected to the controller. The temperature and pressure sensor can sense the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the pipe at the outlet and send the sensed temperature and pressure information to the controller.

9. The refrigeration system according to claim 8, characterized in that The actuator has an output shaft having a second gear to engage with an outer edge of the adjustment mechanism.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: It is equipped with a refrigeration system as claimed in claim 8 or 9.