Multi-way valve

Abstract

The utility model provides a multi-way valve, which comprises a valve body, a valve core, a valve core, a valve core, a valve core and a plurality of flow ports, wherein the valve body is provided with a valve cavity and a plurality of flow ports; a communicating opening is formed in the end of the valve element, and the valve element is rotatably arranged in the valve cavity so that the communicating opening can selectively communicate with the circulating opening; the sealing assembly is arranged at the communicating port and comprises an annular sealing piece and a reinforcing piece, the periphery of the communicating port is sleeved with the annular sealing piece and the reinforcing piece, the annular sealing piece is provided with an inner side wall facing the outer side wall of the valve element, the reinforcing piece abuts against the inner side wall, and the annular sealing piece is used for sealing a gap between the communicating port and the circulating port. According to the technical scheme, the problem that normal use of the multi-way valve is affected due to deformation of a valve element sealing piece in the prior art can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, multi-way valves typically include a valve body and a valve core housed within the valve body. The valve body has multiple flow ports on its side wall, and the valve core has a connecting port and is rotatably mounted within the valve body so that the connecting port can connect with different flow ports, thereby enabling the multi-way valve to switch fluid flow paths.

[0003] In existing technologies, a sealing element is typically fitted onto the valve core to seal the gap between the inner wall surface where the connecting port and the flow port are located. This prevents communication between the inside of the valve body and the inside of the valve core, reduces internal leakage in the multi-way valve, and ensures its sealing performance. However, current valve cores are usually quite large. During the assembly of the sealing element, deformation can cause assembly difficulties. Assembling a deformed sealing element on the valve core will result in sealing failure. Furthermore, during use, the valve body is typically a high-pressure chamber, while the valve core is typically a low-pressure chamber. Deformation of the sealing element causes uneven circumferential stress, making it more susceptible to pressure deformation and valve core seizing, thus affecting the normal operation of the multi-way valve. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a multi-way valve to solve the problem in the prior art where deformation of the valve core seal affects the normal use of the multi-way valve.

[0005] This utility model provides a multi-way valve, which includes: a valve body having a valve cavity and multiple flow ports; a valve core having a communication port at its end, the valve core being rotatably disposed within the valve cavity so that the communication port can selectively communicate with the flow ports; and a sealing assembly disposed at the communication port, the sealing assembly including an annular seal and a reinforcing member, both the annular seal and the reinforcing member being sleeved on the outer periphery of the communication port, the annular seal having an inner sidewall facing the outer sidewall of the valve core, the reinforcing member abutting against the inner sidewall, and the annular seal being used to seal the gap between the communication port and the flow ports.

[0006] Furthermore, the structural strength of the reinforcing component is greater than that of the annular seal.

[0007] Furthermore, the annular seal is provided with a receiving groove, and the reinforcing member is disposed within the receiving groove.

[0008] Furthermore, the sealing assembly also includes a sealing ring, which is disposed between the side wall of the valve core and the annular seal, and the sealing ring and the reinforcing member are arranged along the axial direction of the annular seal.

[0009] Furthermore, both the reinforcing member and the sealing ring are located within the receiving groove.

[0010] Furthermore, the receiving groove is located at one end of the annular seal opposite to the corresponding flow port, and the sealing ring is located on the side of the reinforcing member opposite to the flow port.

[0011] Furthermore, the reinforcement component is interference-fitted with the receiving groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the valve core includes a body and a mounting boss. The mounting boss is located at the end of the valve core, and the sealing assembly is movably mounted on the mounting boss. The outer diameter of the mounting boss is smaller than the outer diameter of the body, and a limiting surface is formed between the mounting boss and the body. The sealing assembly can move along the axial direction of the mounting boss.

[0013] Furthermore, the sealing assembly also includes an elastic structure disposed between the limiting surface and the annular seal, the elastic structure being used to provide an elastic force to the annular seal in a direction away from the limiting surface.

[0014] Furthermore, the elastic structure includes a mounting base and an elastic element. The mounting base is annularly disposed on the mounting boss, one end of the elastic element abuts against the annular seal, and the other end of the elastic element abuts against the mounting base.

[0015] Furthermore, the annular seal has an abutting protrusion on the side facing the flow port, and the abutting protrusion abuts against the end face where the flow port is located.

[0016] Applying the technical solution of this utility model and this application, the sealing assembly includes an annular seal and a reinforcing member. By providing a reinforcing member on the inner side of the annular seal, during the initial assembly of the sealing assembly, the reinforcing member and the annular seal can be assembled together first, so that the dimensions of the annular seal are regular and the annular seal maintains its initial shape, facilitating the assembly of the annular seal. Furthermore, by placing the reinforcing member between the outer wall of the valve core and the inner wall of the annular seal, the initial gap between the annular seal and the valve core can be maintained by the reinforcing member, preventing the annular seal from deforming inward under external pressure, thereby preventing the annular seal from entering the gap between the port of the valve core and the inner wall of the valve body, preventing the annular seal from seizing with the valve core, ensuring that the valve core can rotate normally, thereby improving the rotation performance of the multi-way valve and reducing maintenance costs. 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 An exploded view of the multi-way valve provided by this utility model is shown;

[0019] Figure 2This invention provides a schematic diagram of the multi-way valve from one perspective.

[0020] Figure 3 This shows a structural schematic diagram of the multi-way valve provided by this utility model from another perspective;

[0021] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the multi-way valve provided by this utility model is shown;

[0022] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the annular seal provided by this utility model is shown;

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

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

[0026] 100. Valve body; 110. Housing; 120. End cap;

[0027] 101, Valve cavity; 102, Flow port; 102D, First flow port; 102S, Second flow port; 102E, Third flow port; 102C, Fourth flow port;

[0028] 200, Valve core; 201, Connecting port; 210, Body; 220, Mounting boss; 230, Limiting surface;

[0029] 300, sealing assembly; 310, annular seal; 311, receiving groove; 312, abutting protrusion; 320, reinforcement; 330, sealing ring; 340, elastic structure; 341, mounting base; 342, elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a multi-way valve, which includes a valve body 100, a valve core 200, and a sealing assembly 300. The valve body 100 includes a housing 110 and an end cap 120, which together form a valve cavity 101. Both the housing 110 and the end cap 120 are provided with flow ports 102. The valve core 200 has communication ports 201 at both ends, and the valve core 200 is rotatably disposed within the valve cavity 101 so that the communication ports 201 can selectively communicate with the flow ports 102 on the end cap 120. The sealing assembly 300 is disposed at the communication port 201. The sealing assembly 300 includes an annular seal 310 and a reinforcing member 320. Both the annular seal 310 and the reinforcing member 320 are sleeved on the outer periphery of the communication port 201. The annular seal 310 has an inner sidewall facing the outer sidewall of the valve core 200. The reinforcing member 320 abuts against the inner sidewall. The annular seal 310 is used to seal the gap between the communication port 201 and the flow port 102.

[0032] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the side wall of the housing 110 is provided with a first flow port 102D and a second flow port 102S, and the end cover 120 is provided with a third flow port 102E and a fourth flow port 102C. The first flow port 102D communicates with the valve cavity, and the compressor outlet is connected to the first flow port 102D to allow high-pressure refrigerant to enter the valve cavity 101. One end of the valve core 200 can be selectively connected to the third flow port 102E or the fourth flow port 102C to allow high-pressure fluid to flow out. The other end of the valve core 200 is connected to the second flow port 102S, which is connected to the compressor inlet to deliver low-pressure refrigerant back to the compressor. During the rotation of the valve core 200, the fluid inside the valve core 200 is always low-pressure, while the fluid inside the valve cavity 101 is always high-pressure. The annular seal 310, under the pressure of the high-pressure fluid, will abut against the end cover 120 to achieve a seal and prevent internal leakage between the valve core 200 and the valve cavity. However, when the annular seal 310 deforms, its radial deformation capacity is different, making it more prone to deformation and squeezing into the gap between the valve body 100 and the valve core 200, causing the valve core 200 to seize up and affecting the normal rotation of the valve core 200.

[0033] Furthermore, during the rotation of the valve core 200, the third flow port 102E or the fourth flow port 102C will be partially connected to the valve cavity. Before the switching process ends, the third flow port 102E or the fourth flow port 102C is the low-pressure section, and the valve cavity is the high-pressure section. The support point formed by the edge of the annular seal 310 and the third flow port 102E or the fourth flow port 102C will form a fulcrum shaft. The annular seal 310 on one side of the fulcrum shaft is located in the high-low pressure connection section, and the sealing assembly on the other side is located in the high pressure section. The different forces on the annular seal 310 on both sides of the fulcrum shaft will apply a deflection torque to the annular seal 310. Because the annular seal 310 located in the high-low pressure connection section is subjected to high pressure on one side and low pressure on the other side, the annular seal 310 will be subjected to a resultant force towards the low pressure section. This resultant force will cause the annular seal 310 to generate a force to flip towards the third flow port 102E or the fourth flow port 102C, or to flip towards the inside of the third flow port 102E or the fourth flow port 102C. It may also cause the annular seal 310 to break or be damaged, resulting in the internal sealing failure of the multi-way valve.

[0034] Applying the technical solution of this application, the sealing assembly 300 includes an annular seal 310 and a reinforcing member 320. By providing a reinforcing member 320 on the inner side of the annular seal 310, during the initial assembly process of the sealing assembly 300, the reinforcing member 320 and the annular seal 310 can be assembled together first, so that the size of the annular seal 310 is regular, and the annular seal 310 can maintain its initial shape, so as to facilitate the assembly of the annular seal 310. Furthermore, by placing the reinforcing member 320 between the outer wall of the valve core 200 and the inner wall of the annular seal 310, the initial gap between the annular seal 310 and the valve core 200 can be maintained by the reinforcing member 320, preventing the annular seal 310 from deforming inward under external pressure, thereby preventing the annular seal 310 from entering the gap between the port of the valve core 200 and the inner wall of the valve body 100, preventing the annular seal 310 from seizing with the valve core 200, ensuring that the valve core 200 can rotate normally, thereby improving the rotation performance of the multi-way valve and reducing maintenance costs.

[0035] Furthermore, PTFE material is typically used to make the annular seal 310, which reduces the impact on the rotation of the valve core 200 while ensuring sealing performance. However, PTFE material is relatively soft and more prone to deformation. In this application, the structural strength of the reinforcing member 320 is greater than that of the annular seal 310, so as to improve the overall structural strength of the reinforcing member 320 in strengthening the sealing assembly 300 and prevent the deformation of the annular seal 310.

[0036] Specifically, the reinforcing member 320 can be made of metal, such as steel or copper, to ensure that the reinforcing member 320 strengthens the structural strength of the sealing assembly 300.

[0037] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 320 can be annular to improve the structural strength of the annular seal 310 in the circumferential direction. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing member 320 can be rectangular, circular, or other shapes. This application does not limit the specific structure of the reinforcing member 320, as long as it can provide support and reinforcement for the annular seal 310.

[0038] Specifically, the annular seal 310 is provided with a receiving groove 311, and the reinforcing member 320 is disposed in the receiving groove 311. By displacing the reinforcing member 320 in the receiving groove 311, the displacement of the reinforcing member 320 can be restricted, preventing the reinforcing member 320 from falling off, and ensuring that the reinforcing member 320 can stably enhance the structural strength of the sealing assembly 300.

[0039] In some feasible embodiments of this application, the receiving groove 311 is disposed on the end face of the annular seal 310 away from the communication port 201, and the reinforcing member 320 is disposed in the receiving groove 311. The side wall of the receiving groove 311 away from the valve core 200 forms an inner side wall that abuts against the reinforcing member 320, so as to improve the structural stability of the annular seal 310 and reduce the risk of deformation of the annular seal 310 through the reinforcing member 320.

[0040] In some feasible embodiments of this application, the receiving groove 311 is disposed on the inner wall of the annular seal 310, and the bottom of the receiving groove 311 forms an inner sidewall that abuts against the reinforcing member 320, so as to further prevent the annular seal 310 from deforming inward under external pressure.

[0041] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the sealing assembly 300 also includes a sealing ring 330, which is disposed between the side wall of the valve core 200 and the annular seal 310. The inner ring of the sealing ring 330 fits against the outer side wall of the valve core 200 to form a sealing line, and the outer ring of the sealing ring 330 fits against the inner side wall of the annular seal 310 to form another sealing line. The two sealing lines can seal the gap between the annular seal 310 and the valve core 200, preventing high-pressure gas from entering the valve cavity through the gap between the annular seal 310 and the valve core 200, thereby reducing internal leakage of the multi-way valve. Furthermore, the sealing ring 330 and the reinforcing member 320 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the annular seal 310. This arrangement can also block the gap between the reinforcing member 320 and the valve core 200 by the sealing ring 330, thereby improving the sealing performance of the sealing assembly 300 and reducing the risk of internal leakage of the multi-way valve.

[0042] Specifically, the sealing ring 330 can be made of soft rubber material, which can deform to a certain extent after assembly to provide a larger sealing area and ensure the sealing performance of the sealing ring 330.

[0043] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the reinforcing member 320 and the sealing ring 330 can both be disposed within the receiving groove 311. This arrangement allows the annular seal 310 and the reinforcing member 320 to form a fitted structure through the receiving groove 311, thereby improving the stability of the assembly of the reinforcing member 320 and the sealing ring 330 and preventing them from falling off.

[0044] Furthermore, the receiving groove 311 is provided at one end of the annular seal 310 away from the corresponding flow port 102, and the sealing ring 330 is provided on the side of the reinforcing member 320 away from the flow port 102. With this arrangement, the annular seal 310 and the sealing ring 330 can form a limit on the reinforcing member 320 around the reinforcing member 320, thereby improving the stability of the installation of the reinforcing member 320 and preventing the reinforcing member 320 from falling off.

[0045] Specifically, the end face of the valve core 200 should protrude from the receiving groove 311 to prevent the reinforcing member 320 from entering the gap between the valve core 200 and the inner wall of the valve body 100.

[0046] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 320 is interference-fitted with the receiving groove 311, thereby increasing the connection strength between the reinforcing member 320 and the annular seal 310 and preventing the reinforcing member 320 from falling off.

[0047] Specifically, in this application, the valve core 200 includes a body 210 and a mounting boss 220. The mounting boss 220 is disposed at the end of the valve core 200. The sealing assembly 300 is movably disposed on the mounting boss 220. The outer diameter of the mounting boss 220 is smaller than the outer diameter of the body 210. A limiting surface 230 is formed between the mounting boss 220 and the body 210. There is a gap between the annular seal 310 and the limiting surface 230. The sealing assembly 300 can move along the axial direction of the mounting boss 220. With the above arrangement, the high-pressure fluid in the valve cavity 101 will enter the gap between the annular seal 310 and the limiting surface 230, providing a pressure to the annular seal 310 in the direction of the flow port 102, ensuring the stability of the seal between the annular seal 310 and the inner wall of the valve body 100. At the same time, when the annular seal 310 is worn, it can also move towards the flow port 102, ensuring the stability of the seal of the annular seal 310.

[0048] Specifically, the inner diameter of the reinforcing member 320 is larger than the outer diameter of the mounting boss 220. This arrangement makes it easier to fit the reinforcing member 320 onto the mounting boss 220, thereby improving installation efficiency.

[0049] Furthermore, the sealing assembly 300 also includes an elastic structure 340, which is disposed between the limiting surface 230 and the annular seal 310. The elastic structure 340 is used to provide an elastic force to the annular seal 310 in a direction away from the limiting surface 230. With this configuration, the elastic structure 340 can provide an elastic force to the annular seal 310 in the direction toward the flow port 102, thereby further ensuring the sealing performance of the annular seal 310.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic structure 340 includes a mounting base 341 and a plurality of elastic elements 342. The mounting base 341 is annularly disposed on the mounting boss 220. The mounting base 341 has a plurality of mounting blind holes, each corresponding to one of the elastic elements 342. The elastic elements 342 are disposed within the mounting blind holes, with one end of the elastic element 342 abutting against the annular seal 310 and the other end abutting against the mounting base 341. Specifically, the elastic element 342 is a spring. This arrangement allows for the installation and limiting of the elastic element 342 through the mounting base 341, ensuring the installation stability of the elastic element 342.

[0051] In other embodiments of this application, the elastic element 342 may also be a single element. The mounting base 341 is provided with an annular mounting groove. The elastic element 342 is integrally fitted onto the valve core 200 and disposed in the mounting groove to provide elastic force to the annular seal 310.

[0052] Furthermore, the annular seal 310 has an abutment protrusion 312 on the side facing the flow port 102, and the abutment protrusion 312 abuts against the end face where the flow port 102 is located. By abutting against the inner wall surface of the valve body 100, the contact area between the annular seal 310 and the inner wall surface of the valve body 100 can be reduced, which helps to reduce the friction force that needs to be overcome when driving the valve core 200 to rotate and improve the switching speed of the multi-way valve.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 multi-way valve characterized by comprising: The multi-way valve comprises: a valve body (100) having a valve cavity (101) and a plurality of flow ports (102); a valve core (200) having a communication port (201) at an end thereof, the valve core (200) being rotatably arranged in the valve cavity (101) so that the communication port (201) is selectively communicated with the flow ports (102); a sealing assembly (300) arranged at the communication port (201), the sealing assembly (300) comprising a ring-shaped sealing member (310) and a reinforcing member (320), the ring-shaped sealing member (310) and the reinforcing member (320) are both sleeved on an outer periphery of the communication port (201), the ring-shaped sealing member (310) has an inner side wall facing an outer side wall of the valve core (200), the reinforcing member (320) is in abutment with the inner side wall, and the ring-shaped sealing member (310) is used for sealing a gap between the communication port (201) and the flow ports (102).

2. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized by The reinforcing member (320) has a structural strength greater than that of the ring-shaped sealing member (310).

3. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, wherein The ring-shaped sealing member (310) is provided with a receiving groove (311), and the reinforcing member (320) is arranged in the receiving groove (311).

4. The multiple port valve of claim 3, wherein The sealing assembly (300) further comprises a sealing ring (330) arranged between a side wall of the valve core (200) and the ring-shaped sealing member (310), and the sealing ring (330) and the reinforcing member (320) are arranged in an axial direction of the ring-shaped sealing member (310).

5. The multiple port valve of claim 4, wherein, The reinforcing member (320) and the sealing ring (330) are both arranged in the receiving groove (311).

6. The multiple port valve of claim 5, wherein, The receiving groove (311) is arranged at one end of the ring-shaped sealing member (310) away from a corresponding flow port (102), and the sealing ring (330) is arranged at one side of the reinforcing member (320) away from the flow port (102).

7. The multi-way valve according to claim 3, wherein The reinforcing member (320) is in interference fit with the receiving groove (311).

8. The multiple-way valve according to claim 1, characterized by The valve core (200) comprises a body (210) and a mounting boss (220) arranged at an end of the valve core (200), the sealing assembly (300) is movably arranged on the mounting boss (220), an outer diameter of the mounting boss (220) is smaller than an outer diameter of the body (210), a limiting surface (230) is formed between the mounting boss (220) and the body (210), and the sealing assembly (300) is movable in an axial direction of the mounting boss (220).

9. The multiple way valve of claim 8, wherein, An inner diameter of the reinforcing member (320) is greater than an outer diameter of the mounting boss (220).

10. The multiple-way valve according to claim 8, characterized in that The sealing assembly (300) further comprises an elastic structure (340) arranged between the limiting surface (230) and the ring-shaped sealing member (310), and the elastic structure (340) is used for providing an elastic force to the ring-shaped sealing member (310) in a direction away from the limiting surface (230).

11. The multiple-way valve according to claim 10, characterized in that The elastic structure (340) comprises a mounting seat (341) and an elastic piece (342), the mounting seat (341) is annularly arranged on the mounting boss (220), one end of the elastic piece (342) abuts against the annular sealing piece (310), and the other end of the elastic piece (342) abuts against the mounting seat (341).

12. The multiple-way valve according to claim 1, characterized by The annular sealing piece (310) has an abutting protrusion (312) on one side facing the flow-through port (102), and the abutting protrusion (312) abuts against an end face where the flow-through port (102) is located.

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