Switching valve and multi-way valve group with same

By designing switching valve and pilot valve components, flexible control of multi-way valves is achieved, solving the problem of single control mode in existing technologies, enhancing the regulation capability and energy efficiency of air conditioning systems, and simplifying system design.

CN223648613UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-09ZHEJIANG DUNAN HETIAN METAL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520024698.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-06
Publication Date
2025-12-09
Estimated Expiration
2035-01-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing multi-way valves have a single control mode, which cannot meet users' needs for quickly adjusting indoor temperature during power outages, and the system lacks flexibility.

Method used

Design a switching valve including a main valve and a pilot valve assembly. The main valve is driven to switch between different states by the energized and de-energized states of the pilot valve assembly, so that the first and third connecting pipes are connected when de-energized, and the second and third connecting pipes are connected when energized, thereby enhancing the diversity of control options and system flexibility.

Benefits of technology

It enables the adjustment of indoor temperature during power outages, improves the energy efficiency and circulation rate of the air conditioning system, extends the service life of the electromagnetic coil, simplifies system design and piping layout, and enhances the overall control capability and flexibility of the system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The switching valve comprises a main valve, the main valve comprises a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe and a third connecting pipe which are oppositely arranged, the main valve has a first state and a second state, when the main valve is in the first state, the second connecting pipe is communicated with the third connecting pipe, and when the main valve is in the second state, the second connecting pipe is communicated with the third connecting pipe; the first connecting pipe communicates with the third connecting pipe; the pilot valve assembly is arranged on the main valve, the pilot valve assembly has a power-on state and a power-off state which are oppositely arranged, and the pilot valve assembly can drive the main valve to be switched between a first state and a second state; when the pilot valve assembly is in a power-on state, the main valve is in a first state; when the pilot valve assembly is in the power-off state, the main valve is switched to the second state. By means of the technical scheme, the problem that in the prior art, the control mode of switching the valve types in an air conditioning system is single can be solved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of multi-way valve technology, and more specifically, to a switching valve and a multi-way valve assembly having the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of air conditioning systems and heat pump technology, multi-split systems have become the mainstream choice in commercial and residential HVAC fields due to their high efficiency, flexibility, and energy saving. In multi-split systems, the three-way valve, as a core component controlling the flow of the medium, directly affects the system's energy efficiency and operational stability. However, current multi-way valves have significant limitations in dealing with complex and ever-changing user needs and system configurations.

[0003] In existing technologies, multi-way valves typically operate in a relatively fixed mode. The first connecting pipe is connected to the compressor's exhaust port, the second connecting pipe to the compressor's suction port, and the third connecting pipe to the indoor heat exchanger. When the solenoid coil is energized, the first and third connecting pipes are connected to achieve cooling or heating; when the solenoid coil is de-energized, the second and third connecting pipes are connected to circulate the refrigerant. This single control mode limits the system's flexibility. In some cases, users may need to maintain the connection between the first and third connecting pipes during power outages to quickly respond to temperature changes, a requirement that existing multi-way valves cannot meet. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a switching valve to solve the problem of the single control mode of switching valves in existing air conditioning systems.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a switching valve is provided, comprising: a main valve including a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe, and a third connecting pipe disposed opposite to each other, the first connecting pipe being disposed on one side of the main valve, and the second and third connecting pipes being disposed on the other side of the main valve respectively; the main valve having a first state and a second state; when the main valve is in the first state, the second connecting pipe and the third connecting pipe are connected; and when the main valve is in the second state, the first connecting pipe and the third connecting pipe are connected. A pilot valve assembly is disposed on the main valve, the pilot valve assembly having a energized state and a de-energized state disposed opposite to each other; the pilot valve assembly is capable of driving the main valve to switch between the first state and the second state; wherein, when the pilot valve assembly is in the energized state, the main valve is in the first state; and when the pilot valve assembly is in the de-energized state, the main valve switches to the second state.

[0006] Applying the technical solution of this utility model, the first connecting pipe is connected to the compressor's exhaust port, the second connecting pipe is connected to the compressor's suction port, and the third connecting pipe is connected to the indoor heat exchanger. When the pilot valve assembly is de-energized, the first and third connecting pipes on the main valve are connected, driving the medium into the heat exchanger for heat exchange, achieving cooling or heating; when the pilot valve assembly is energized, the second and third connecting pipes in the main valve are connected, realizing medium circulation. Through the above settings, users can adjust the indoor temperature when the power is off and circulate the medium when the power is on. This satisfies users' electricity needs for adjusting indoor temperature during power outages, increases the diversity of switching valve control options, and can also cooperate with existing switching valves to improve system control flexibility, meeting users' personalized needs for power on / off modes in different usage scenarios.

[0007] Furthermore, the pilot valve assembly and the first connecting pipe are arranged side by side along the axial extension direction of the main valve. This side-by-side arrangement saves space occupied by the pilot valve assembly in other planes, allowing for more installation space for other components.

[0008] Furthermore, the first and third connecting pipes are coaxially arranged. With this arrangement, as the medium flows from the first connecting pipe into the third connecting pipe, it can directly flow into the third connecting pipe due to the pressure difference between the two pipes, without changing the flow path. This increases the flow rate of the medium and thus improves the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0009] Furthermore, the pilot valve assembly includes a pilot valve body, a valve core assembly, and an electromagnetic coil. The valve core assembly is movably disposed within the pilot valve body, and the electromagnetic coil is disposed on the pilot valve body and driven by the valve core assembly. The electromagnetic coil is electrically connected to a power source to drive the pilot valve assembly to switch between an energized and de-energized state, thereby driving the valve core assembly to reciprocate within the pilot valve body. Driving the valve core assembly with an electromagnetic coil achieves rapid and precise flow switching. Electromagnetic drive also reduces wear between components and extends the service life of the equipment.

[0010] Furthermore, the pilot valve assembly also includes a mounting bracket, which is disposed between the main valve and the pilot valve body. The mounting bracket is located at the middle of the main valve along its axial extension direction, and the distance between the mounting bracket and the two ends of the main valve along its axial extension direction is equal. This ensures that the second and third capillary tubes are of the same length, avoiding the need to process capillary tubes of different lengths during manufacturing and reducing processing difficulty.

[0011] Furthermore, the electromagnetic coil is located on the side of the valve body furthest from the first connecting pipe. This arrangement avoids interference between the electromagnetic coil and the first connecting pipe during installation, and it also prevents the high-temperature medium inside the first connecting pipe from affecting the electromagnetic coil, reducing damage caused by overheating and thus extending the service life of the electromagnetic coil.

[0012] According to another aspect of this utility model, a multi-way valve assembly is provided, comprising: a first valve element, which is the aforementioned switching valve; a second valve element, including a fourth connecting pipe, a fifth connecting pipe, and a sixth connecting pipe, the second valve element having a third state and a fourth state. When the second valve element is in the third state, the fourth connecting pipe is connected to the sixth connecting pipe; when the main valve is in the fourth state, the fifth connecting pipe is connected to the sixth connecting pipe; when the pilot valve structure of the second valve element is powered on, the second valve element is in the third state; when the pilot valve structure is powered off, the second valve element is in the fourth state; the second valve element and the first valve element are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the axial extension of the first valve element; and two connecting members, each connecting member having a cylindrical body, on which are provided interconnected first openings and multiple second openings. The multiple second openings of one connecting member are respectively connected to the first connecting pipe of the first valve element and the fourth connecting pipe of the second valve element, and the multiple second openings of the other connecting member are respectively connected to the second connecting pipe of the first valve element and the fifth connecting pipe of the second valve element. Through the cooperation of the first valve element, the second valve element, and the connecting members, the switching of multiple channels can be controlled simultaneously and precisely, greatly improving the overall control capability and flexibility of the system. This not only meets the needs of complex system configurations and diverse user requirements, but also simplifies system design, reduces the complexity of pathways, and ensures the simplicity of the internal piping layout.

[0013] Furthermore, multiple second openings are respectively provided one-to-one with the first and fourth connecting pipes, and the number of second openings is the same as the total number of the first and second valves in the multi-way valve assembly. This ensures that the number of second openings is the same as the number of connected valves, guaranteeing the compatibility of the connectors and valves and the flow regulation effect of the multi-way valve assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, the first and second openings are respectively located on opposite sides of the cylinder, with the second opening located on the side of the cylinder closer to the first valve. This avoids interference between the pipes connected to the first and second openings, simplifies the gas path layout, and further reduces system complexity.

[0015] Furthermore, the axis of the first opening is parallel to the axis of the second opening. By ensuring the straight flow of the medium during the switching process, the flow resistance and turbulence of the medium are effectively reduced, ensuring the smoothness of the medium during the switching flow path, and guaranteeing the high-speed flow and stability of the flow.

[0016] Furthermore, the first opening of one connector has a longitudinal section perpendicular to the extension direction of the main valve, which is a first plane; the first opening of the other connector has a longitudinal section perpendicular to the extension direction of the main valve, which is a second plane. The first and second planes are coplanar or parallel. This arrangement ensures the uniformity of the flow velocity and flow rate of the medium at different openings within the connector, thereby improving the uniformity of the medium flowing into different heat exchangers and ensuring consistent heat exchange efficiency across different heat exchangers. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the flow of the medium when the switching valve is in its first state, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the medium flow when the switching valve is in the second state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the switching valve provided in this embodiment of the present invention in its first state is shown;

[0021] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the flow of the medium when the second valve provided in the embodiment of the present invention is in the fourth state;

[0022] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the flow of medium when the second valve is in the third state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-way valve assembly provided by this utility model is shown;

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the connector provided by this utility model is shown.

[0025] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0026] 10. Main valve; 101. First cavity; 102. Second cavity;

[0027] 11. First takeover; 12. Second takeover; 13. Third takeover;

[0028] 14. Slider assembly;

[0029] 20. Pilot valve assembly; 21. Pilot valve body;

[0030] 22. Valve core assembly; 23. Solenoid coil; 24. Mounting bracket;

[0031] 25. First capillary; 26. Second capillary; 27. Third capillary; 28. Fourth capillary;

[0032] 30. Cylinder body; 31. First opening; 32. Second opening; 33. Connecting pipe; 34. Cover;

[0033] 40. First valve component;

[0034] 50. Second valve component; 51. Fourth connecting pipe; 52. Fifth connecting pipe; 53. Sixth connecting pipe; 54. Pilot valve structure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present utility model or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the present invention provides a switching valve, which includes a main valve 10 and a pilot valve assembly 20. The main valve 10 includes a first connecting pipe 11, a second connecting pipe 12, and a third connecting pipe 13 disposed opposite to each other. The first connecting pipe 11 is disposed on one side of the main valve 10, and the second connecting pipe 12 and the third connecting pipe 13 are respectively disposed on the other side of the main valve 10. The main valve 10 has a first state and a second state. When the main valve 10 is in the first state, the second connecting pipe 12 and the third connecting pipe 13 are connected; when the main valve 10 is in the second state, the first connecting pipe 11 and the third connecting pipe 13 are connected. The pilot valve assembly 20 is disposed on the main valve 10 and has an energized state and an de-energized state disposed opposite to each other. The pilot valve assembly 20 can drive the main valve 10 to switch between the first state and the second state. Specifically, when the pilot valve assembly 20 is in the energized state, the main valve 10 is in the first state; when the pilot valve assembly 20 is in the de-energized state, the main valve 10 switches to the second state. Specifically, the first connecting pipe 11 is a high-pressure intake pipe, which is connected to the compressor's exhaust port; the second connecting pipe 12 is a low-pressure exhaust pipe, which is connected to the compressor's intake port; and the third connecting pipe 13 is a bypass pipe, which is connected to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0037] By applying the technical solution of this utility model, when the pilot valve assembly 20 is in a de-energized state, the first connecting pipe 11 and the third connecting pipe 13 on the main valve 10 are connected, driving the medium to enter the heat exchanger for heat exchange, thereby achieving cooling or heating. When the pilot valve assembly 20 is in a energized state, the second connecting pipe 12 and the third connecting pipe 13 on the main valve 10 are connected, realizing the circulation of the medium. Through the above settings, users can adjust the indoor temperature when the power is off and circulate the medium when the power is on. This satisfies the user's power needs for adjusting the indoor temperature when the power is off, increases the diversity of switching valve control options, and can also cooperate with existing switching valves to improve the flexibility of system control, thus meeting the personalized needs of users for power on / off modes in different usage scenarios.

[0038] Furthermore, the pilot valve assembly 20 and the first connecting pipe 11 are arranged side by side along the axial extension direction of the main valve 10. This side-by-side arrangement saves space occupied by the pilot valve assembly 20 in other planes, allowing for more installation space for other components. It also makes the overall structure of the switching valve more compact, thereby optimizing the overall system layout and improving the system's space utilization.

[0039] Specifically, the first connecting pipe 11 and the third connecting pipe 13 are coaxially arranged. With the above arrangement, when the main valve 10 is in the second state, the first connecting pipe 11 can be directly connected to the third connecting pipe 13. During the process of the medium flowing from the first connecting pipe 11 to the third connecting pipe 13, it can directly flow into the third connecting pipe 13 through the pressure difference between the third connecting pipe 13 and the first connecting pipe 11 without changing the flow path. This reduces the flow resistance on the first connecting pipe 11 side, thereby increasing the flow capacity and flow rate of the medium, and thus improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0040] The pilot valve assembly 20 includes a pilot valve body 21, a valve core assembly 22, and an electromagnetic coil 23. The valve core assembly 22 is movably disposed within the pilot valve body 21. The electromagnetic coil 23 is disposed on the pilot valve body 21 and is drivenly connected to the valve core assembly 22. The electromagnetic coil 23 is electrically connected to a power source to drive the pilot valve assembly 20 to switch between an on-state and an off-state, thereby driving the valve core assembly 22 to reciprocate within the pilot valve body 21. Driving the valve core assembly with the electromagnetic coil 23 achieves rapid and precise flow switching. Electromagnetic drive also reduces wear between components and extends the service life of the equipment.

[0041] Specifically, the main valve 10 has a first valve chamber, and the first connecting pipe 11, the second connecting pipe 12 and the third connecting pipe 13 are all connected to the first valve chamber. The main valve 10 also includes a slider assembly 14, which is movably disposed in the first valve chamber along the extension direction of the main valve 10. The slider assembly 14 is used to block or open the second connecting pipe 12 to drive the main valve 10 to switch between the first state and the second state. The pilot valve assembly 20 is drivenly connected to the slider assembly 14.

[0042] The first valve chamber includes a first cavity 101, a second cavity 102, and a third cavity arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the main valve. The first cavity 101 and the third cavity are located at both ends of the second cavity 102. The first connecting pipe 11, the second connecting pipe 12, and the third connecting pipe 13 are all connected to the second cavity 102. The pilot valve assembly 20 can adjust the volume of the medium in the first cavity 101 and the third cavity to drive the slider assembly 14 to reciprocate within the first valve chamber.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the pilot valve body 21 has a second valve chamber, and the valve core assembly 22 is movably disposed within the second valve chamber. The pilot valve assembly 20 also includes a first capillary 25, a second capillary 26, a third capillary 27, and a fourth capillary 28. The first capillary 25, the second capillary 26, and the third capillary 27 are all disposed on the pilot valve body 21 and are respectively connected to the second valve chamber. The fourth capillary 28 is connected to the second connecting pipe 12. The first capillary 25 is used to connect the second valve chamber and the first connecting pipe 11, the second capillary 26 is used to connect the second valve chamber and the first cavity 101, and the third capillary 27 is used to connect the second valve chamber and the third cavity. The movement of the valve core assembly 22 can connect the first capillary 25 and the second capillary 26, or connect the first capillary 25 and the third capillary 27, thereby driving the main valve 10 to switch between the first state and the second state.

[0044] Furthermore, the pilot valve assembly 20 also includes a mounting bracket 24, which is disposed between the main valve 10 and the pilot valve body 21. The mounting bracket 24 is located at the middle of the main valve 10 along its axial extension direction, and the distance between the mounting bracket 24 and the two ends of the main valve 10 along its axial extension direction is equal. This ensures that the second capillary tube 26 and the third capillary tube 27 have the same length, avoiding the need to process capillary tubes of different lengths during manufacturing and reducing processing difficulty. It also avoids the problem of selecting the installation direction based on the length of the capillary tube when assembling with the main valve 10. Moreover, the mounting bracket 24 not only enhances the stability of the overall structure but also facilitates precise alignment between the pilot valve assembly 20 and the main valve 10, improving the assembly accuracy of the main valve 10 and the pilot valve assembly 20.

[0045] like Figure 1As shown, the electromagnetic coil 23 is located on the side of the pilot valve body 21 away from the first connecting pipe 11. This arrangement avoids interference between the electromagnetic coil 23 and the first connecting pipe 11 during installation, and this layout can prevent the high-temperature medium in the first connecting pipe 11 from affecting the electromagnetic coil 23, reducing damage to the electromagnetic coil 23 due to overheating, thereby extending the service life of the electromagnetic coil 23 and reducing the failure rate of the switching valve.

[0046] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, an embodiment of this utility model also provides a multi-way valve assembly, which includes: a first valve element 40, a second valve element 50, and two connecting parts. The first valve element 40 is the switching valve provided in the above embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second valve 50 includes a fourth connecting pipe 51, a fifth connecting pipe 52, and a sixth connecting pipe 53. The second valve 50 has a third state and a fourth state. When the second valve 50 is in the third state, the fourth connecting pipe 51 and the sixth connecting pipe 53 are connected. When the main valve 10 is in the fourth state, the fifth connecting pipe 52 and the sixth connecting pipe 53 are connected. When the pilot valve structure 54 is powered on, the second valve 50 is in the third state; when the pilot valve structure 54 is powered off, the second valve 50 is in the fourth state. The second valve 50 and the first valve 40 are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the axial extension of the first valve 40. The connector has a cylindrical body 30, which has a first opening 31 and a plurality of second openings 32 that are interconnected. The first opening 31 of one connector is connected to the compressor exhaust port, and the plurality of second openings 32 are respectively connected to the first connecting pipe 11 of the first valve 40 and the fourth connecting pipe 51 of the second valve 50. Another connector has a first opening 31 that connects to the compressor's suction port, and multiple second openings 32 that connect to the second connecting pipe 12 of the first valve 40 and the fifth connecting pipe 52 of the second valve 50, respectively. Existing multi-way valve assemblies have cumbersome piping connections, increasing not only the difficulty of installation and maintenance but also the energy consumption and cost of the system. The multi-way valve assembly design provided in this application, through the cooperation of the first valve 40, the second valve 50, and the connectors, can simultaneously and precisely control the switching of multiple switching valves, greatly improving the overall control capability and flexibility of the system. This not only meets the needs of complex system configurations and diverse user requirements but also simplifies system design, reduces the complexity of the circuitry, ensures the simplicity of the internal piping layout, and reduces equipment maintenance costs.

[0047] Among them, the structure of the pilot valve structure 54 is the same as that of the pilot valve assembly 20, and the assembly position of the pilot valve structure 54 is the same as that of the pilot valve assembly 20 on the first valve 40. The fourth connecting pipe 51 is a high-pressure air inlet pipe, which is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor; the fifth connecting pipe 52 is a low-pressure exhaust pipe, which is connected to the suction port of the compressor; and the sixth connecting pipe 53 is a bypass pipe, which is connected to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0048] Specifically, in use, the number of the first valve element 40 and the second valve element 50 can be set to one or more. In this embodiment, the multi-way valve assembly includes two first valve elements 40 and one second valve element 50. In other embodiments, the combination of the first valve element 40 and the second valve element 50 can be selected and matched according to user needs.

[0049] The structure of the connector is similar to that of the main valve 10, so existing molds can be used directly during processing, saving production costs.

[0050] Specifically, the connector also includes a connecting pipe 33, which is located at the first opening 31, thus facilitating the assembly and connection of the connector with other components.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, the ends of the connector are provided with caps 34 for sealing to prevent the medium from leaking from the ends of the connector.

[0052] In this embodiment, the number of the first valve 40 and the second valve 50 is not limited, and can be set to 2, 3 or 5, etc., depending on the customer's needs. Taking a multi-way valve assembly including a first valve 40 and a second valve 50 as an example, when the air conditioning system starts working, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas in the compressor exhaust port enters the connector corresponding to the compressor exhaust port and enters the first valve 40 and the second valve 50 through the second opening 32 respectively. At this time, both switching valves are de-energized. The first pipe 11 of the first valve 40 is connected to the third pipe 13, and the fifth pipe 52 of the second valve 50 is connected to the sixth pipe 53. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows from the first valve 40 through the high-temperature pipeline to some heat exchangers for heating. The medium after heat exchange is throttled by the electronic expansion valve and becomes a high-pressure low-temperature liquid, and then flows through the low-temperature pipeline to other heat exchangers for cooling. The medium after heat exchange becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas, flows through the circulation pipeline, and then flows from the sixth pipe 53 into the fifth pipe 52 and out of the second valve 50. Then it flows to the connector corresponding to the compressor suction port and returns to the compressor suction port to complete the cycle. By combining the two types of switching valves, the solenoid coils of the two switching valves can be energized or de-energized at the same time to achieve different flow states, making operation more convenient.

[0053] Specifically, multiple second openings 32 are respectively provided one-to-one with the first connecting pipe 11 and the fourth connecting pipe 51. The number of second openings 32 is the same as the total number of the first valve element 40 and the second valve element 50 in the multi-way valve assembly. This avoids the waste of connecting material and the large space occupation caused by too many second openings 32, and also avoids the inability to meet the flow regulation requirements due to too few second openings 32. The above design ensures that the number of second openings 32 is the same as the number of connected valve elements, guaranteeing the compatibility of the connecting parts and valve elements and the flow regulation effect of the multi-way valve assembly.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, the first opening 31 and the second opening 32 are respectively located on both sides of the connector, with the second opening 32 located on the side of the connector closer to the first valve 40. This avoids interference between the pipes connected to the first opening 31 and the second opening 32, simplifies the gas path layout, and further reduces system complexity.

[0055] Specifically, the axis of the first opening 31 is parallel to the axis of the second opening 32. By ensuring the straight flow of the medium during the switching process, the flow resistance and turbulence of the medium are effectively reduced, ensuring the smoothness of the medium during the switching flow path, and guaranteeing the high-speed flow and stability of the medium.

[0056] In this application, the longitudinal section of the first opening 31 of one connector, perpendicular to the extension direction of the main valve 10, is a first plane, and the longitudinal section of the first opening 31 of the other connector, perpendicular to the extension direction of the main valve 10, is a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are coplanar or parallel. This arrangement ensures the uniformity of the flow velocity and flow rate of the medium at different openings within the connector, thereby improving the uniformity of the medium flowing into different heat exchangers and ensuring consistent heat exchange efficiency across different heat exchangers.

[0057] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0058] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0059] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0060] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0061] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A switching valve, characterized in that, The switching valve includes: The main valve (10) includes a first connecting pipe (11), a second connecting pipe (12), and a third connecting pipe (13) arranged opposite to each other. The first connecting pipe (11) is located on one side of the main valve (10), and the second connecting pipe (12) and the third connecting pipe (13) are respectively located on the other side of the main valve (10). The main valve (10) has a first state and a second state. When the main valve (10) is in the first state, the second connecting pipe (12) is connected to the third connecting pipe (13). When the main valve (10) is in the second state, the first connecting pipe (11) is connected to the third connecting pipe (13). A pilot valve assembly (20) is disposed on the main valve (10). The pilot valve assembly (20) has a energized state and an de-energized state that are disposed opposite to each other. The pilot valve assembly (20) can drive the main valve (10) to switch between the first state and the second state. When the pilot valve assembly (20) is in the energized state, the main valve (10) is in the first state; when the pilot valve assembly (20) is in the de-energized state, the main valve (10) switches to the second state.

2. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pilot valve assembly (20) and the first connecting pipe (11) are arranged side by side along the axial extension direction of the main valve (10).

3. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector (11) and the third connector (13) are coaxially arranged.

4. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pilot valve assembly (20) includes a pilot valve body (21), a valve core assembly (22), and an electromagnetic coil (23). The valve core assembly (22) is movably disposed within the pilot valve body (21). The electromagnetic coil (23) is disposed on the pilot valve body (21) and drivenly connected to the valve core assembly (22). The electromagnetic coil (23) is electrically connected to a power source to drive the pilot valve assembly (20) to switch between the energized state and the de-energized state, thereby driving the valve core assembly (22) to reciprocate within the pilot valve body (21).

5. The switching valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pilot valve assembly (20) further includes a mounting bracket (24), which is disposed between the main valve (10) and the pilot valve body (21). The mounting bracket (24) is located at the middle of the main valve (10) along the axial extension direction, and the distance between the mounting bracket (24) and the two ends of the main valve (10) along the axial extension direction is equal.

6. The switching valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electromagnetic coil (23) is located on the side of the valve body (21) away from the first connecting pipe (11).

7. A multi-way valve assembly, characterized in that, The multi-way valve assembly includes: The first valve (40) is a switching valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; The second valve (50) includes a fourth connecting pipe (51), a fifth connecting pipe (52), and a sixth connecting pipe (53). The second valve (50) has a third state and a fourth state. When the second valve (50) is in the third state, the fourth connecting pipe (51) is connected to the sixth connecting pipe (53). When the main valve (10) is in the fourth state, the fifth connecting pipe (52) is connected to the sixth connecting pipe (53). When the pilot valve structure (54) of the second valve (50) is powered on, the second valve (50) is in the third state. When the pilot valve structure (54) is powered off, the second valve (50) is in the fourth state. The second valve (50) and the first valve (40) are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the axial extension of the first valve (40). Two connectors, each connector having a cylindrical body (30) having a first opening (31) and a plurality of second openings (32) communicating with each other, wherein the plurality of second openings (32) of one connector are respectively connected to the first connecting pipe (11) of the first valve (40) and the fourth connecting pipe (51) of the second valve (50), and the plurality of second openings (32) of the other connector are respectively connected to the second connecting pipe (12) of the first valve (40) and the fifth connecting pipe (52) of the second valve (50).

8. The multi-way valve assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, Multiple second openings (32) are respectively provided in one-to-one correspondence with the first connecting pipe (11) and the fourth connecting pipe (51), and the number of second openings (32) is the same as the total number of the first valve (40) and the second valve (50) in the multi-way valve group.

9. The multi-way valve assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first opening (31) and the second opening (32) are respectively provided on opposite sides of the cylinder (30), and the second opening (32) is located on the side of the cylinder (30) closer to the first valve (40).

10. The multi-way valve assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The axis of the first opening (31) is parallel to the axis of the second opening (32).

11. The multi-way valve assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first opening (31) of one of the connectors is a first plane with a longitudinal section perpendicular to the extension direction of the main valve (10), and the first opening (31) of the other connector is a second plane with a longitudinal section perpendicular to the extension direction of the main valve (10). The first plane and the second plane are coplanar or parallel.