Low-cost stainless steel four-way reversing valve

Abstract

The utility model discloses a low-cost stainless steel four-way reversing valve, and belongs to the technical field of heating ventilation air conditioning system accessories. The connecting pipe mainly comprises a main valve shell and a connecting pipe, the connecting pipe comprises a connecting pipe main section and a connecting pipe tail section located at the free end, an annular groove used for containing a transition lining is formed in the inner wall of the connecting pipe tail section, and a filling cavity used for being filled with brazing filler metal is formed between the outer side wall of the transition lining and the inner wall of the annular groove. An annular welding seam used for being filled with brazing filler metal is arranged between the upper end face of the transition lining and the end face of the annular groove. And a welding ring sleeved on the transition bushing is arranged at the tail end of the connecting pipe tail section. The four-way valve is unique in conception, the stainless steel connecting pipe body is reserved, butt joint of the same material with a user red copper pipeline system is achieved, and cost reduction manufacturing of the four-way valve is truly achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of HVAC system accessories. Specifically, it relates to a low-cost stainless steel four-way reversing valve that is low in cost, has strong sealing performance, and is easy and quick to install in HVAC systems. Background Technology

[0002] As described in the background section of Chinese patent application publication number CN119178046A, a four-way valve consists of two parts: a pilot valve and a main valve. The main valve is controlled by the pilot valve, and the two are connected by four guide capillary tubes. The pilot valve is specifically composed of a valve cup, a spring, an iron core, and an electromagnetic coil, etc., and has four valve holes on its body for connecting the guide capillary tubes. The main valve consists of a main valve body and four vent pipes (D vent pipe, C vent pipe, E vent pipe, and S vent pipe). Vent pipes E, S, and C are on the same side; vent pipe S connects to the compressor's low-pressure inlet pipe, and vent pipes E and C connect to the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, respectively. Vent pipe D is on the other side and connects to the compressor's high-pressure outlet pipe. The main valve body contains a valve core assembly, specifically including a semi-circular slider and two pistons with small holes. The slider acts as a valve, moving left and right on the inner valve seat within the main valve body. This allows the two connecting pipes on the lower side to connect through the two valve holes covered by the slider. The other connecting pipe on the lower side connects to the main valve body through another valve hole. The pistons and slider are connected together by a valve bracket and can move synchronously. During refrigeration operation, the guide valve coil is not energized. The spring's thrust causes the iron core and valve cup to move to the left together. At this time, capillary tubes D and C are connected (high pressure), and capillary tubes E and S are connected (low pressure), thus pushing the main valve slider to the left. The four-way valve's vent pipe E connects to vent pipe S, and vent pipe D connects to vent pipe C. When heating is in operation, the pilot valve coil is energized, and the electromagnetic field attracts the armature to move to the right. The spring is compressed, and the iron core pulls the valve cup to move to the right, so that capillary tube E is connected to capillary tube D (high pressure), and capillary tube S is connected to capillary tube C (low pressure). This pushes the slider of the main valve to move to the right. At this time, vent pipe D is connected to vent pipe E, and vent pipe C is connected to vent pipe S.

[0003] Stainless steel four-way valves are increasingly popular in HVAC systems due to their raw material cost being only one-quarter that of copper valves. However, since existing HVAC systems generally use copper piping, stainless steel four-way valves face the technical challenge of poor welding compatibility during actual installation. To address this issue, patent document CN115199843A discloses a pipe assembly, a method for assembling the pipe assembly, and stainless steel, specifically disclosing the following technical solution: a first pipe, a second pipe, and a connecting sleeve, wherein the first and second pipes are made of different materials. The first pipe has a first connecting section, the second pipe has a second connecting section, and the connecting sleeve includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section, with the first pipe section and the first connecting section nested together, and the second pipe section and the second connecting section nested together. A first weld is formed between the first connecting section and the first pipe section, and a second weld is formed between the second connecting section and the second pipe section. The first weld is used to accommodate a first solder, and the second weld is used to accommodate a second solder. The melting point of the first solder is higher than that of the second solder. When connecting the first and second connectors, the first segment of the connecting sleeve and the first connecting segment of the first connector are first nested together, and the first connector and connecting sleeve are connected using a first solder. Then, the second segment of the connecting sleeve and the second connecting segment of the second connector are nested together, and the second connector and connecting sleeve are connected using a second solder, thus achieving the connection between the first and second connectors. When welding the second connector and connecting sleeve, because the melting point of the first solder is higher than that of the second solder, the first solder will not melt, ensuring a strong connection between the first connector and the connecting sleeve.

[0004] However, this traditional solution is difficult to reduce manufacturing costs due to its complex structure and process design: it requires the addition of connecting sleeves to fix the components, and the two ends of the sleeves must be brazed with brazing filler metals with different melting points. This design not only increases raw material consumption and processing steps, but also leads to increased operational difficulty and extended process cycle due to the need to adjust the different process parameters for welding at both ends. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a low-cost stainless steel four-way reversing valve that is low in cost, has strong sealing performance, and is easy and quick to install in HVAC systems.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A low-cost stainless steel four-way directional valve includes a main valve body and a connecting pipe that is hermetically connected to the main valve body. The connecting pipe includes a main section and a tail section at a free end, which are integrally formed. The inner wall of the tail section has an annular groove for accommodating a transition bushing, the material of which is different from that of the connecting pipe. A filling cavity for filling brazing filler metal is formed between the outer wall of the transition bushing and the inner wall of the annular groove. An annular weld for filling brazing filler metal is provided between the upper end face of the transition bushing and the end face of the annular groove. A weld ring fitted onto the transition bushing is provided at the end of the tail section.

[0008] Preferably, the end of the transition bushing is provided with a welding ring limiting retainer, which is flared in shape.

[0009] Preferably, the welding ring limiting retaining ring and the transition bushing are an integral structure, and the flared shape of the welding ring limiting retaining ring is formed by a flaring process.

[0010] Preferably, the main valve housing and the connecting pipe are made of the same material, namely stainless steel; the transition bushing is made of copper.

[0011] Preferably, the connecting pipe includes a D vent pipe, an E vent pipe, an S vent pipe, and a C vent pipe; the D vent pipe is sealed and fixed to the upper end face of the main valve housing; the E vent pipe, the S vent pipe, and the C vent pipe are sealed and fixed to the lower end face of the main valve housing, and the three are arranged at equal intervals.

[0012] Preferably, a pilot valve is fixedly installed on the main valve housing; the pilot valve is in sealed communication with the D vent pipe via the D capillary tube, in sealed communication with one end of the main valve housing via the E capillary tube, in sealed communication with the other end of the main valve housing via the C capillary tube, and in sealed communication with the S vent pipe via the S capillary tube; a valve core assembly is provided in the valve cavity of the main valve housing.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0014] This utility model has a unique design and cleverly solves the problem of welding dissimilar metals by embedding a copper transition bushing. It retains the stainless steel pipe body and achieves the same material connection with the user's copper pipeline system, truly realizing cost reduction in the manufacturing of the four-way valve.

[0015] The transition bushing of this invention has a thin wall, and the material cost can be effectively controlled through miniaturization design. At the same time, the transition bushing is welded to the stainless steel connecting pipe by existing brazing process, and its annular weld and brazing filler cavity and other structural designs ensure a reliable sealed connection between the transition bushing and the connecting pipe.

[0016] This invention is easy to manufacture and implement, produces high-quality products, and effectively ensures the product's installation compatibility and long-term stability in users' pipeline systems. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of this utility model. Figure 1 (The welding ring on the D vent pipe is not shown).

[0018] Figure 2 This is a utility model Figure 1 Front view structural diagram.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a utility model Figure 1 A top-down view of the structure.

[0020] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line AA in the middle.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a utility model Figure 4 Local magnification Figure 1 .

[0022] Figure 6 This is a utility model Figure 4 Local magnification Figure 2 .

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure from the rear side of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Main valve body; 2. Connecting pipe; 21. Main section of connecting pipe; 22. Tail section of connecting pipe; 221. Annular groove; 223. Annular weld; 224. Weld ring limiting retainer; 23. Transition bushing; 24. Weld ring; 251. D vent pipe; 252. E vent pipe; 253. S vent pipe; 254. C vent pipe; 26. Pilot valve; 271. D capillary tube; 272. E capillary tube; 273. C capillary tube; 274. S capillary tube. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To enable readers to better understand the design intent of this utility model, the technical solution described below is further described in conjunction with embodiments. It should be noted that directional terms that may appear in the following paragraphs, including but not limited to "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back," are based on the visual orientation shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be considered as limitations on the scope of protection or technical solution of this utility model. Their purpose is solely to facilitate a better understanding of the technical solution described in this utility model by those skilled in the art.

[0027] In this specification, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a low-cost stainless steel four-way directional valve includes a main valve body 1 and a connecting pipe 2 that is hermetically connected to the main valve body 1. The connecting pipe 2 includes a main connecting pipe section 21 and a tail connecting pipe section 22 at a free end position. The main connecting pipe section 21 and the tail connecting pipe section 22 are integrally formed. The inner wall of the tail connecting pipe section 22 has an annular groove 221 for accommodating a transition bushing 23. The material of the transition bushing 23 is different from that of the connecting pipe 2. The material of the transition bushing 23 is the same as that of the piping system at the user end. Welding with the same material makes it easier to operate and convenient for user use. A filling cavity for filling brazing filler metal is formed between the outer wall of the transition bushing 23 and the inner wall of the annular groove 221. An annular weld 223 for filling brazing filler metal is provided between the upper end face of the transition bushing 23 and the end face of the annular groove 221. A weld ring 24 fitted onto the transition bushing 23 is provided at the end of the tail connecting pipe section 22. The transition bushing 23 is sealed and fixed to the connecting pipe 2 using existing brazing technology. When the weld ring 24 fitted onto the transition bushing 23 melts into a liquid at high temperature, it flows along the filling cavity and gradually flows to the annular weld 223. After cooling, it can seal and fill the annular weld 223 and the filling cavity, making the transition bushing 23 and the connecting pipe 2 reliably and tightly connected. The internal structure and working principle of the four-way directional valve in this embodiment are consistent with those of the traditional four-way directional valve.

[0030] This embodiment has a unique design, which cleverly solves the problem of welding dissimilar metals by embedding a copper transition bushing. This allows most of the structure to be made of inexpensive materials, truly achieving cost reduction in the manufacturing of the four-way valve.

[0031] Example 2

[0032] Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment continues to describe in detail the technical features involved therein and the functions and roles of these technical features in this utility model, so as to help those skilled in the art to fully understand the technical solution of this utility model and reproduce it.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 8A low-cost stainless steel four-way directional valve includes a main valve housing 1 and a connecting pipe 2 that is hermetically connected to the main valve housing 1. The connecting pipe 2 includes a main connecting pipe section 21 and a tail connecting pipe section 22 at a free end position, and the main connecting pipe section 21 and the tail connecting pipe section 22 are integrally formed. The inner wall of the tail connecting pipe section 22 has an annular groove 221 for accommodating a transition bushing 23. The material of the transition bushing 23 is different from that of the connecting pipe 2. Specifically, in this embodiment, the main valve housing 1 and the connecting pipe 2 are both made of stainless steel, while the transition bushing 23 is made of the same material as the HVAC system piping, namely, copper. A filling cavity for filling brazing filler metal is formed between the outer wall of the transition bushing 23 and the inner wall of the annular groove 221. An annular weld 223 for filling brazing filler metal is provided between the upper end face of the transition bushing 23 and the end face of the annular groove 221. A weld ring 24 fitted onto the transition bushing 23 is provided at the end of the tail connecting pipe section 22. The transition bushing 23 is sealed and fixed to the connecting pipe 2 using existing brazing technology. When the weld ring 24 fitted onto the transition bushing 23 melts into a liquid at high temperature, it flows along the filling cavity and gradually flows to the annular weld 223. After cooling, it seals and fills the annular weld 223 and the filling cavity, ensuring a secure and sealed connection between the transition bushing 23 and the connecting pipe 2. The transition bushing 23, as a transition component, retains the dissimilar metal welding process in the manufacturing workshop. The workshop is equipped with specialized equipment such as brazing furnaces, which can more effectively solve the problem of dissimilar metal welding, thereby significantly simplifying the installation process at the user end.

[0034] This embodiment has a unique design, which cleverly solves the problem of welding dissimilar metals by embedding a copper transition bushing. It retains the stainless steel pipe body and achieves the same material connection with the user's copper pipeline system, truly realizing cost reduction in the manufacturing of the four-way valve.

[0035] In this embodiment, the transition bushing can be thin-walled, and material costs can be effectively controlled through miniaturization design. At the same time, the transition bushing is welded to the stainless steel connecting pipe using existing brazing technology. Its annular weld and brazing filler cavity and other structural designs ensure a reliable sealed connection between the transition bushing and the connecting pipe.

[0036] This embodiment is easy to manufacture and implement, produces high-quality products, and effectively ensures the product's installation compatibility and long-term stability in the user's pipeline system.

[0037] Example 3

[0038] Based on Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, this embodiment continues to describe in detail the technical features involved therein and the functions and roles of these technical features in this utility model, so as to help those skilled in the art to fully understand the technical solution of this utility model and reproduce it.

[0039] In this embodiment, the end of the transition bushing 23 is provided with a weld ring retaining ring 224, which is flared. The weld ring retaining ring 224 is designed to prevent the weld ring 24 fitted onto the transition bushing 23 from falling off. As a simple and preferred solution, the weld ring retaining ring 224 is designed in a flared shape. The weld ring retaining ring 224 and the transition bushing 23 are an integral structure, and the flared shape of the weld ring retaining ring 224 is formed by a flaring process. The structural design is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0040] Similar to a traditional four-way directional valve, the connecting pipe 2 includes a D-type vent pipe 251, an E-type vent pipe 252, an S-type vent pipe 253, and a C-type vent pipe 254. The D-type vent pipe 251 is sealed and fixed to the upper end face of the main valve housing 1. The E-type vent pipe 252, S-type vent pipe 253, and C-type vent pipe 254 are sealed and fixed to the lower end face of the main valve housing 1, and are evenly spaced. A pilot valve 26 is fixedly installed on the main valve housing 1. The pilot valve 26 is sealed and connected to the D-type vent pipe 251 via the D-type capillary tube 271, sealed and connected to one end of the main valve housing 1 via the E-type capillary tube 272, sealed and connected to the other end of the main valve housing 1 via the C-type capillary tube 273, and sealed and connected to the S-type vent pipe 253 via the S-type capillary tube 274. A valve core assembly is provided inside the valve cavity of the main valve housing 1. The working principle of this embodiment, as well as the structure of the valve core assembly and pilot valve 26, are the same as those of the traditional four-way directional valve. To avoid unnecessary detail, they will not be described here.

[0041] In summary, this is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model. All equivalent variations and modifications made in accordance with the shape, structure, features and spirit of the claims of the present utility model should be included within the scope of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A low cost stainless steel four-way selector valve comprising a main valve housing (1) and a spool (2) in sealed communication with said main valve housing (1), characterized in that: The connecting pipe (2) comprises a connecting pipe main section (21) and a connecting pipe tail section (22) at a free end position, the connecting pipe main section (21) and the connecting pipe tail section (22) are in an integral structure; an annular groove (221) for accommodating a transition bushing (23) is formed in the inner wall of the connecting pipe tail section (22), the material of the transition bushing (23) is different from that of the connecting pipe (2); a filling cavity for filling filler is formed between the outer side wall of the transition bushing (23) and the inner wall of the annular groove (221), and an annular weld (223) for filling filler is arranged between the upper end surface of the transition bushing (23) and the end surface of the annular groove (221); a welding ring (24) is arranged on the transition bushing (23) at the end of the connecting pipe tail section (22).

2. A low cost stainless steel four-way selector valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the transition bushing (23) is provided with a welding ring limiting stop ring (224), and the welding ring limiting stop ring (224) is in a horn shape.

3. A low cost stainless steel four-way selector valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The welding ring limiting stop ring (224) and the transition bushing (23) are in an integral structure, and the horn shape of the welding ring limiting stop ring (224) is formed by a flaring process.

4. A low cost stainless steel four-way selector valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the main valve shell (1) and the connecting pipe (2) is the same, and both are stainless steel materials; the material of the transition bushing (23) is red copper.

5. A low cost stainless steel four-way selector valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting pipe (2) comprises a D vent pipe (251), an E vent pipe (252), an S vent pipe (253) and a C vent pipe (254); the D vent pipe (251) is fixedly and tightly connected to the upper end surface of the main valve shell (1); the E vent pipe (252), the S vent pipe (253) and the C vent pipe (254) are fixedly and tightly connected to the lower end surface of the main valve shell (1), and the three are arranged at equal intervals.

6. A low cost stainless steel four-way selector valve according to claim 5, characterized in that: The main valve shell (1) is fixedly provided with a pilot valve (26); the pilot valve (26) is in closed communication with the D vent pipe (251) through a D capillary tube (271), in closed communication with one end of the main valve shell (1) through an E capillary tube (272), in closed communication with the other end of the main valve shell (1) through a C capillary tube (273), and in closed communication with the S vent pipe (253) through an S capillary tube (274); a valve core assembly is arranged in the valve cavity of the main valve shell (1).

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