Electronic expansion valve

Abstract

The utility model provides an electronic expansion valve which comprises a valve seat assembly, a valve element assembly and a valve rod. The valve seat assembly is provided with a first valve port, a second valve port, a first valve hole and a second valve hole. The first valve port is located between the first valve hole and the second valve hole, and the second valve hole is located between the second valve port and the first valve hole. The valve element assembly comprises a first valve needle, a second valve needle and an elastic piece. The first valve needle is at least partially located below the first valve port, and the second valve needle is at least partially located above the second valve port. The elastic piece can apply elastic pre-tightening force deviating from each other between the first valve needle and the second valve needle; the valve rod is provided with a first abutting face facing the top face of the first valve needle and a second abutting face facing the bottom face of the second valve needle. When the valve rod moves downwards, the first abutting face abuts against the first valve needle to open the first valve port, and the second valve port is closed. When the valve rod moves upwards, the second abutting face abuts against the second valve needle to open the second valve port, and the first valve port is closed. And when the first valve needle and the second valve needle are not pressed, the first valve port and the second valve port are closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of valve technology, and more particularly to an electronic expansion valve. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic expansion valves, as throttling elements, are used to regulate the flow and control of fluids. An electronic expansion valve can have two valve ports (upper and lower) within its valve chamber, and the opening and closing of these two ports is controlled by the interaction of the valve stem and two valve needles. However, existing electronic expansion valves cannot simultaneously close both valve ports, limiting their functionality and application range. Utility Model Content

[0003] A primary objective of this disclosure is to overcome at least one of the deficiencies of the prior art described above and to provide an electronic expansion valve capable of simultaneously closing both valve ports.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electronic expansion valve is provided, comprising a valve seat assembly, a valve core assembly, and a valve stem; the valve seat assembly has a valve cavity internally, a first valve port internally therein, and the valve seat assembly further comprises a second valve port communicating with the outside, a first valve orifice, and a second valve port; the first valve port is located between the first valve port and the second valve port, and the second valve port is located between the second valve port and the first valve port; the valve core assembly is disposed in the valve cavity and includes a first valve needle, a second valve needle, and an elastic element; the first valve needle is at least partially located below the first valve port, and the second valve needle is at least partially located above the second valve port; the elastic element connects the first valve needle and the first valve core assembly. The second valve needle is configured to apply a mutually opposing elastic preload between the first valve needle and the second valve needle; the valve stem is disposed in the valve cavity and is axially movable; the valve stem is provided with a first pressing surface facing the top surface of the first valve needle and a second pressing surface facing the bottom surface of the second valve needle; when the valve stem moves downward, the first pressing surface presses against the first valve needle to move downward and open the first valve port, and the second valve port closes; when the valve stem moves upward, the second pressing surface presses against the second valve needle to move upward and open the second valve port, and the first valve port closes; when the first valve needle and the second valve needle are not pressed, the first valve port and the second valve port are closed.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the valve stem includes a first rod portion and a second rod portion that are fixedly connected or integrally formed, the second rod portion being connected to the lower end of the first rod portion; wherein the outer diameter of the first rod portion is larger than the outer diameter of the second rod portion, such that the connection between the first rod portion and the second rod portion forms a stepped surface facing the top surface of the first valve needle, the stepped surface being the first pressing surface; and / or, a limiting piece is provided at the lower end of the valve stem, the top surface of the limiting piece facing the bottom surface of the second valve needle, the top surface of the limiting piece being the second pressing surface.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the axial distance between the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface is n, and when the first valve port is closed and the second valve port is closed, the axial distance between the top surface of the first valve needle and the bottom surface of the second valve needle is m; wherein, n≥m.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the area enclosed by the sealing regions of the first valve port and the first valve needle is S1, and the area enclosed by the sealing regions of the second valve port and the second valve needle is S2, where S2 is equal to S1.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a first sealing ring is provided between the first valve needle and the inner wall of the valve cavity, and the first valve hole is located between the first sealing ring and the first valve port.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the area enclosed by the sealing region of the first sealing ring and the first valve needle is S3, or the area enclosed by the sealing region of the first sealing ring and the valve seat assembly is S3, and the area enclosed by the sealing region of the first valve port and the first valve needle is S1, wherein S1 and S3 are equal.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the lower part of the first valve needle and the upper part of the second valve needle are sleeved together and can slide relative to each other along the axial direction. A second sealing ring is provided between the sleeved portions of the first valve needle and the second valve needle, so that a sealing cavity is formed between the first valve needle and the second valve needle; the elastic element is accommodated in the sealing cavity.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the area enclosed by the second sealing ring and the sealing area of ​​the first valve needle is S4, or the area enclosed by the second sealing ring and the sealing area of ​​the second valve needle is S4, and the area enclosed by the second valve port and the sealing area of ​​the second valve needle is S2, wherein S2 and S4 are equal.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper end of the second valve needle is provided with a sleeve portion, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the lower end of the first valve needle; the second sealing ring is disposed between the inner wall of the sleeve portion and the first valve needle.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the bottom surface of the first valve needle is provided with a receiving groove, the receiving groove being connected to the sealing cavity; the elastic element portion is accommodated in the receiving groove.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the elastic element is a spring, which is wound around the outer periphery of the valve stem; the outer diameter of the spring is less than or equal to the width of the receiving groove.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, an internal balance channel is provided between the valve core assembly and the valve stem; the internal balance channel connects the portion of the sealing cavity and the valve cavity located above the first valve needle and the portion located below the second valve needle.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the valve stem is provided with an axially extending notch; the first valve needle is provided with a first through hole for the valve stem to pass through, and the second valve needle is provided with a second through hole to accommodate the valve stem; the notch, together with the wall of the first through hole and the wall of the second through hole, forms the internal balance channel; and / or, the first valve needle is provided with a first through hole for the valve stem to pass through, and the second valve needle is provided with a second through hole to accommodate the valve stem; the wall of the first through hole is provided with a first through groove extending axially, and the wall of the second through hole is provided with a second through groove extending axially; the valve stem, together with the first through groove and the second through groove, forms the internal balance channel.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the lower end of the second valve needle is provided with a balance hole, the balance hole being radially connected to the outer periphery of the second valve needle and the inner balance channel; when the second valve needle closes the second valve port, the balance hole is located below the second valve port.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, wherein: the first valve needle includes a first needle body and a first sealing member disposed on the periphery of the first needle body, the first valve needle sealing the first valve port via the first sealing member to close the first valve port; wherein the first needle body is provided with a first flow regulating portion, the first flow regulating portion being disposed adjacent to the first sealing member above, and the outer diameter of the first flow regulating portion gradually decreasing in the axial upward direction; and / or, the second valve needle includes a second needle body and a second sealing member disposed on the periphery of the second needle body, the second valve needle sealing the second valve port via the second sealing member to close the second valve port; wherein the second needle body is provided with a second flow regulating portion, the second flow regulating portion being adjacent to the second sealing member below, and the outer diameter of the second flow regulating portion gradually decreasing in the axial downward direction.

[0020] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the advantages and positive effects of the electronic expansion valve proposed in this disclosure are as follows:

[0021] The electronic expansion valve disclosed herein utilizes an elastic element to connect a first valve needle and a second valve needle, and provides an elastic preload between the two valve needles to cause them to move away from each other. Accordingly, when the valve stem is not pressing against the first and second valve needles, the elastic preload of the elastic element allows the two valve needles to close their respective valve ports, thus achieving simultaneous closure of both valve ports. Furthermore, this disclosure utilizes the pressing engagement between the two pressing surfaces of the valve stem and the two valve needles. By driving the valve stem to move axially up and down, one of the valve needles is pushed to move accordingly, enabling the individual opening of the valve port that engages with that needle. During this process, the elastic preload of the elastic element maintains the closure of the other valve needle at the other valve port. Through the above design, this disclosure can achieve the functions of simultaneously closing both valve ports with two valve needles and individually closing one valve port while opening the other. Notably, this disclosure does not require a continuous driving force to the valve stem to drive the valve core assembly to maintain the simultaneous closure of both valve ports. Moreover, this disclosure opens up new functional applications for electronic expansion valves, significantly expanding their application scope. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The various objectives, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely illustrative illustrations of the disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, the same reference numerals always denote the same or similar parts. Wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are two perspective views of an electronic expansion valve shown according to an exemplary embodiment, taken from two different angles.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1The figure shown is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the electronic expansion valve in one operating state;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows an axonal sectional view of the electronic expansion valve in one operating state.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the valve stem is shown;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the valve core assembly is shown;

[0029] Figure 8 and Figure 9 They are Figure 1 Partial enlarged views of the axial sectional view of the electronic expansion valve in two other operating states are shown.

[0030] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows an axonal sectional view of the electronic expansion valve in another operating state.

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0032] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows an axonal sectional view of the electronic expansion valve in another operating state.

[0033] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0034] Figure 14 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the valve stem;

[0035] Figure 15 This is an axial sectional view of an electronic expansion valve in an operating state, according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic expansion valve according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0037] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0038] 100. Valve seat assembly; 222. Second needle body;

[0039] 101. First valve port; 2221. Second flow regulating unit;

[0040] 102. Second valve port; 223. Second sealing element;

[0041] 103. First valve hole; 230. Elastic element;

[0042] 104. Second valve hole; 240. First sealing ring;

[0043] 200. Valve core assembly; 250. Second sealing ring;

[0044] 201. Sealing cavity; 300. Valve stem;

[0045] 210. First valve needle; 301. First pressure surface;

[0046] 2101. Top surface; 302. Second pressing surface;

[0047] 2102. First through hole; 303. Notch;

[0048] 211. Receiving groove; 310. First rod section;

[0049] 212. First needle body; 320. Second shaft;

[0050] 2121. First flow regulation unit; 330. Limiting plate;

[0051] 213. First sealing component; 400. Drive mechanism;

[0052] 220. Second valve needle; 500. Housing;

[0053] 2201. Base; N. Distance;

[0054] 2202. Second through hole; M. Distance;

[0055] 2203. Balance hole; P1. First channel;

[0056] 221. Sleeve section; P2. Second channel. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that this disclosure can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and the descriptions and drawings therein are illustrative in nature and not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0058] In the following description of various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure, and which illustrate by way of example different exemplary structures, systems, and steps that can implement various aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that other specific embodiments of the components, structures, exemplary devices, systems, and steps may be used, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, while the terms “above,” “between,” “within,” etc., may be used in this specification to describe different exemplary features and elements of this disclosure, these terms are used herein only for convenience, such as the orientation according to the examples described in the accompanying drawings. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of the structure to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0059] See Figure 1 This illustration represents a perspective view of the electronic expansion valve proposed in this disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the electronic expansion valve is described using an application in a high-pressure or ultra-high-pressure refrigerant system as an example. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, or other changes may be made to the specific embodiments described below to apply the relevant designs of this disclosure to other types of refrigerant systems or other devices; these changes remain within the scope of the principles of the electronic expansion valve proposed in this disclosure.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the electronic expansion valve disclosed herein includes a valve seat assembly 100, a valve core assembly 200, a valve stem 300 (not shown in the figures), and a housing 500. See also... Figures 2 to 14 , Figure 2 The present invention is representatively illustrated in the present invention. Figure 2 The image shows a representative three-dimensional schematic diagram of an electronic expansion valve from another perspective; Figure 3 The image shows a representative three-dimensional sectional view of an electronic expansion valve in one operating state. Figure 4 The image shows a representative axial sectional view of the electronic expansion valve in one operating state. Figure 5 China representatively shows Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0061] Figure 6 China representatively shows Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the valve stem 300 is shown; Figure 7 China representatively shows Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the valve core assembly 200 is shown; Figure 8 and Figure 9 The figures show enlarged views of the axial section of the electronic expansion valve in two other operating states. Figure 10The image shows a representative axial sectional view of the electronic expansion valve in another operating state; Figure 11 China representatively shows Figure 10 A magnified view of a portion of the image; Figure 12 The image shows a representative axial sectional view of the electronic expansion valve in another operating state; Figure 13 China representatively shows Figure 12 A magnified view of a portion of the image; Figure 14 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the valve stem 300 is shown in the figure. The structure, connection method, and functional relationship of the main components of the electronic expansion valve proposed in this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the above-mentioned figures.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the valve seat assembly 100 has a valve cavity inside, and a first valve port 101 is provided inside the valve cavity. The valve seat assembly 100 also has a second valve port 102, a first valve hole 103, and a second valve hole 104 communicating with the outside. The first valve port 101 is located between the first valve hole 103 and the second valve hole 104, and the second valve hole 104 is located between the second valve port 102 and the first valve hole 103. For example, the second valve port 102 communicates with the lower end of the valve cavity, the first valve hole 103 and the second valve hole 104 communicate with the side surfaces of the valve cavity respectively, and the second valve hole 104 is located below the first valve hole 103. The valve core assembly 200 is disposed in the valve cavity and includes a first valve needle 210, a second valve needle 220, and an elastic member 230. The first valve needle 210 is at least partially located below the first valve port 101, and the second valve needle 220 is at least partially located above the second valve port 102. The elastic element 230 connects the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220, and can apply a mutually opposing elastic preload between the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220. The valve stem 300 is disposed in the valve cavity and can be driven axially by the drive mechanism 400. For example, the valve stem 300 can pass through the valve core assembly 200, or it can not pass through the valve core assembly 200. The valve stem 300 is provided with a first abutting surface 301 facing the top surface 2101 of the first valve needle 210 and a second abutting surface 302 facing the bottom surface 2201 of the second valve needle 220. See also... Figure 10 and Figure 11 When the valve stem 300 moves downward, the first pressing surface 301 presses against the first valve needle 210, causing it to move downward and opening the first valve port 101, while the second valve port 102 closes. (See also...) Figure 12 and Figure 13 When the valve stem 300 moves upward, the second pressing surface 302 presses against the second valve needle 220, causing it to move upward and opening the second valve port 102, while the first valve port 101 closes. (See also...) Figure 4 and Figure 5When the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220 are not pressed, both the first valve port 101 and the second valve port 102 are closed. Through the above design, the electronic expansion valve proposed in this disclosure uses an elastic element 230 to connect the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220, and provides an elastic preload force between the two valve needles to cause them to move away from each other. Accordingly, when the valve stem 300 is not pressing against the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220, the elastic preload force of the elastic element 230 allows the two valve needles to close the two valve ports respectively, thereby achieving simultaneous closure of both valve ports. Furthermore, this disclosure utilizes the pressing engagement between the two pressing surfaces of the valve stem 300 and the two valve needles, enabling the valve stem 300 to move axially up and down, pushing one of the valve needles to move accordingly, thus achieving independent opening of the valve port that engages with that valve needle. During this process, the elastic preload force of the elastic element 230 maintains the closure of the other valve needle to the other valve port. Through the above design, this disclosure enables the simultaneous closure of two valve ports by two valve needles and the individual closure of one valve port while opening the other. Furthermore, this disclosure eliminates the need for continuous driving force to the valve stem 300 to drive the valve core assembly 200, thus maintaining the simultaneous closure of both valve ports. Moreover, this disclosure opens up new functional applications for electronic expansion valves, significantly expanding their application scope.

[0063] like Figure 6 and Figure 14 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the valve stem 300 may include a first stem portion 310 and a second stem portion 320 fixedly connected or integrally formed, with the second stem portion 320 connected to the lower end of the first stem portion 310. For example, the second stem portion 320 may pass through the valve core assembly 200, or it may not pass through the valve core assembly 200. Based on this, the outer diameter of the first stem portion 310 may be larger than the outer diameter of the second stem portion 320, so that the connection between the first stem portion 310 and the second stem portion 320 forms a stepped surface facing the top surface of the first valve needle 210. This stepped surface can serve as the aforementioned first pressure surface 301. Through the above design, the valve stem 300 of this disclosure has a simple and reasonable structure, effectively forming the first pressure surface 301, which is beneficial for achieving adjustment and control of the valve core assembly 200.

[0064] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a limiting piece 330 may be provided at the lower end of the valve stem 300. Figure 14(Not shown in the image), the top surface of the limiting piece 330 faces the bottom surface 2201 of the second valve needle 220, and the top surface of the limiting piece 330 can serve as the second pressing surface 302 mentioned above. With the above design, since the valve stem 300 passes through the valve core assembly 200, and the first pressing surface 301 and the second pressing surface 302 of the valve stem 300 need to be able to abut and cooperate with the top surface 2101 of the first valve needle 210 and the bottom surface 2201 of the second valve needle 220 respectively, the width of the first pressing surface 301 and the second pressing surface 302 needs to be greater than the diameter of the through hole (e.g., the first through hole 2102 and the second through hole 2202 described below) of the valve core assembly 200 through which the valve stem 300 passes. The present disclosure adopts the design of the limiting piece 330, which can first pass the valve stem 300 without the limiting piece 330 through the valve core assembly 200 from the side of the first valve needle 210 to the side of the second valve needle 220 during the assembly process, and then assemble the limiting piece 330 with the valve stem 300, which helps to reduce the assembly difficulty.

[0065] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the axial distance N between the first pressing surface 301 and the second pressing surface 302 is n. When the first valve port 101 is closed and the second valve port 102 is closed, the axial distance M between the top surface 2101 of the first valve needle 210 and the bottom surface 2201 of the second valve needle 220 is m. Based on this, n > m. Accordingly, when both the first valve port 101 and the second valve port 102 are closed, the relationship between the two pressing surfaces of the valve stem 300 and the corresponding surfaces of the valve core assembly 200 may include being spaced apart or in contact (i.e., no pressure is generated).

[0066] For example, see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one working state shown, the first pressing surface 301 is spaced apart from the top surface 2101 of the first valve needle 210, and the second pressing surface 302 is also spaced apart from the bottom surface 2201 of the second valve needle 220. In this state, since neither of the two pressing surfaces of the valve stem 300 contacts the corresponding surface of the valve core assembly 200, the first valve needle 210 is not subjected to downward pressure from the valve stem 300, and the second valve needle 220 is not subjected to upward pressure from the valve stem 300. Therefore, under the action of the elastic preload of the elastic element 230, the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220 can be kept in a state where the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220 respectively block the first valve port 101 and the second valve port 102, that is, the first valve port 101 and the second valve port 102 are kept closed.

[0067] For example, see Figure 8In another operating state shown, when both the first valve port 101 and the second valve port 102 are closed, the valve stem 300 moves downward a certain distance, causing the first pressure surface 301 to contact the top surface 2101 of the first valve needle 210. However, no downward pressure is generated on the first valve needle 210, thus maintaining the closure of both the first valve port 101 and the second valve port 102. Furthermore, in Figure 8 In the shown operating state, if the valve stem 300 continues to move downward, that is, the valve stem 300 begins to apply downward pressure to the first valve needle 210, the first valve needle 210 moves downward under pressure, the first valve port 101 opens, the elastic element 230 is compressed, and under the action of the elastic preload of the elastic element 230, it still maintains downward pressure on the second valve needle 220, thus keeping the second valve port 102 closed. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The diagram shows the working state where the first valve port 101 is open and the second valve port 102 is closed. At this time, the first valve hole 103 and the second valve hole 104 are connected through the first valve port 101, and the second valve hole 104 is disconnected from the second valve port 102.

[0068] For example, see Figure 9 In another operating state shown, when both the first valve port 101 and the second valve port 102 are closed, the valve stem 300 moves upward a certain distance, causing the second pressure surface 302 to contact the bottom surface 2201 of the second valve needle 220. However, no upward pressure is generated on the second valve needle 220, thus maintaining the closure of both the first valve port 101 and the second valve port 102. Furthermore, in Figure 9 In the shown operating state, if the valve stem 300 continues to move upward, that is, the valve stem 300 begins to apply upward pressure to the second valve needle 220, then the second valve needle 220 moves upward under pressure, the second valve port 102 opens, the elastic element 230 is compressed, and under the action of the elastic preload of the elastic element 230, it still maintains the upward pressure on the first valve needle 210, thus keeping the first valve port 101 closed. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The diagram shows the working state where the second valve port 102 is open and the first valve port 101 is closed. At this time, the second valve hole 104 is connected to the second valve port 102, and the first valve hole 103 is disconnected from the second valve hole 104.

[0069] As mentioned above, by utilizing the design of n>m, during the process of switching from "both the first valve port 101 and the second valve port 102 are closed" to "the first valve port 101 is open and the second valve port 102 is closed" or "the second valve port 102 is open and the first valve port 101 is closed", this disclosure enables the valve stem 300 to have a "no-stroke" period in both its upward and downward movements.

[0070] It should be understood that in other embodiments of this disclosure, to achieve the switching between "both valve ports closed" and "one valve port open and the other valve port closed," a design of m=n can also be adopted, which still falls within the scope of the electronic expansion valve design concept proposed in this disclosure. Specifically, please refer to the relevant references. Figure 15 The image shows a partially enlarged axial sectional view of an electronic expansion valve embodying the principles of this disclosure in another exemplary embodiment. Figure 15 As shown, when both the first valve port 101 and the second valve port 102 are closed, the first pressure surface 301 contacts the top surface 2101 of the first valve needle 210, and the second pressure surface 302 contacts the bottom surface 2201 of the second valve needle 220. At this time, the valve stem 300 does not apply any upward or downward pressure to the valve core assembly 200. Based on this, once the valve stem 300 begins to move downward from the above state, it immediately applies downward pressure to the first valve needle 210, opening the first valve port 101. Similarly, once the valve stem 300 begins to move upward from the above state, it immediately applies upward pressure to the second valve needle 220, opening the second valve port 102. In other words, when a design of m=n is adopted, the aforementioned "empty stroke" will no longer exist.

[0071] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the area enclosed by the sealing regions of the first valve port 101 and the first valve needle 210 is S1, and the area enclosed by the sealing regions of the second valve port 102 and the second valve needle 220 is S2, where S2 and S1 can be equal. Furthermore, when the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220 are respectively provided with the first sealing ring 240 and the second sealing ring 250, by controlling the sealing area of ​​the first sealing ring 240 to be equal to the area of ​​the first valve port 101, and the sealing area of ​​the second sealing ring 250 to be equal to the area of ​​the second valve port 102, the internal balance design of the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220 can be further achieved.

[0072] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a first sealing ring 240 can be provided between the first valve needle 210 and the inner wall of the valve cavity, and the first valve hole 103 is located between the first sealing ring 240 and the first valve port 101. For example, an annular groove can be provided on the outer wall of the first valve needle 210, and the first sealing ring 240 can be disposed in the annular groove. Of course, an annular groove can also be provided on the inner wall of the valve cavity alone or simultaneously, so as to provide the first sealing ring 240 alone or together. Through the above design, this disclosure can achieve the sealing design between the first valve needle 210 and the valve cavity.

[0073] Based on the design of the first sealing ring 240, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the area enclosed by the sealing regions of the first sealing ring 240 and the first valve needle 210 is S3, and the area enclosed by the sealing regions of the first valve port 101 and the first valve needle 210 is S1. S1 and S3 can be equal. Through the above design, this disclosure facilitates the internal balance design of the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220. Alternatively, the area enclosed by the sealing regions of the first sealing ring 240 and the valve seat assembly 100 is S3, and the area enclosed by the sealing regions of the first valve port 101 and the first valve needle 210 is S1. S1 and S3 can be equal. Through the above design, since the movement position of the first valve needle 210 when the first valve port 101 is open and the second valve port 102 is closed can be understood as the "lowest" state, this disclosure enables the first sealing ring 240 to maintain the sealing effect in the above state.

[0074] like Figures 3 to 5 , Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the lower part of the first valve needle 210 and the upper part of the second valve needle 220 can be sleeved together and slide relative to each other along the axial direction. Based on this, a second sealing ring 250 can be provided between the sleeved portions of the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220, forming a sealing cavity 201 between them. The elastic member 230 is accommodated in this sealing cavity 201. Through the above design, this disclosure can utilize the sleeved design to achieve a guiding function during the relative movement of the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220, while simultaneously utilizing the second sealing ring 250 to achieve a sealing design between the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220.

[0075] Based on the design of the second sealing ring 250, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the area enclosed by the sealing region of the second sealing ring 250 and the first valve needle 210 is S4, and the area enclosed by the sealing region of the second valve port 102 and the second valve needle 220 is S2, where S2 and S4 can be equal. Through this design, this disclosure facilitates the achievement of an internal balance design between the second valve needle 220 and the second valve needle 220. Alternatively, the area enclosed by the sealing region of the second sealing ring 250 and the second valve needle 220 is S4, and the area enclosed by the sealing region of the second valve port 102 and the second valve needle 220 is S2, where S2 and S4 can be equal. Through this design, since the relative positions of the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220 when both valve ports are closed can be understood as the "farthest apart" state, this disclosure enables the second sealing ring 250 to maintain the sealing effect under the aforementioned state.

[0076] like Figure 7As shown, based on the design of the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220 being sleeved together, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper end of the second valve needle 220 may be provided with a sleeve portion 221, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the lower end of the first valve needle 210. Furthermore, a second sealing ring 250 may be disposed between the inner wall of the sleeve portion 221 and the first valve needle 210.

[0077] like Figure 7 As shown, based on the design of the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220 being nested together to form a sealing cavity 201, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the bottom surface of the first valve needle 210 can be provided with a receiving groove 211, which communicates with the sealing cavity 201. Based on this, the elastic element 230 can be partially accommodated in the receiving groove 211. Through the above design, this disclosure can utilize the receiving groove 211 to accommodate part of the elastic element 230, facilitating the arrangement of an elastic element 230 of sufficient length, thereby providing sufficient elastic preload. Furthermore, by accommodating part of the elastic element 230 in the receiving groove 211, this disclosure can also reduce the axial dimension of the overall structure of the electronic expansion valve.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, based on the design of the receiving groove 211 provided in the first valve needle 210, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the elastic element 230 can be a spring, which is wound around the outer periphery of the valve stem 300. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the spring can be less than or equal to the width of the receiving groove 211. Through the above design, this disclosure can utilize the receiving groove 211 to constrain the elastic element 230, improving the stability and reliability of the elastic preload provided by the elastic element 230 between the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, based on the design of forming a sealing cavity 201 between the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220, in one embodiment of this disclosure, an internal balance channel can be provided between the valve core assembly 200 and the valve stem 300. This internal balance channel connects the sealing cavity 201 with the portion of the valve cavity located above the first valve needle 210 and the portion located below the second valve needle 220. Specifically, the internal balance channel may include a first channel P1 and a second channel P2. The first channel P1 is disposed between the valve stem 300 and the first valve needle 210, connecting the sealing cavity 201 with the portion of the valve cavity located above the first valve needle 210. The second channel P2 is disposed between the valve stem 300 and the second valve needle 220, connecting the sealing cavity 201 with the portion of the valve cavity located below the second valve needle 220. Through the above design, this disclosure can achieve the internal balance design of the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220.

[0080] like Figure 14As shown, based on the design of the internal balance channel, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the valve stem 300 may be provided with an axially extending notch 303. Furthermore, the first valve needle 210 is provided with a first through hole 2102 for the valve stem 300 to pass through, and the second valve needle 220 is provided with a second through hole 2202 to accommodate the valve stem 300. Based on this, the notch 303, together with the hole walls of the first through hole 2102 and the second through hole 2202, together form the internal balance channel. In other embodiments of this disclosure, a first through groove extending axially may be provided in the hole wall of the first through hole 2102, and a second through groove extending axially may be provided in the hole wall of the second through hole 2202. Accordingly, the valve stem 300, together with the first and second through grooves, can form the internal balance channel. Furthermore, the notch 303 may also be provided on the valve stem 300 simultaneously, in which case the balance channel is formed by the notch 303 of the valve stem 300, the first through groove, and the second through groove, and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0081] See Figure 16 , Figure 16 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional schematic of an electronic expansion valve that embodies the principles of this disclosure in another exemplary embodiment.

[0082] like Figure 16 As shown, taking the aforementioned internal balance channel design as an example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a balance hole 2203 may be provided at the lower end of the second valve needle 220. This balance hole 2203 radially connects the outer periphery of the second valve needle 220 and the internal balance channel. Accordingly, when the second valve needle 220 closes the second valve port 102, the balance hole 2203 is located below the second valve port 102, thereby enabling the external passage of the second valve port 102 to connect with the internal balance channel via the balance hole 2203, ensuring the function of the internal balance channel. For example, the balance hole 2203 shown in the figure is actually a through-slot structure, that is, the balance hole 2203 is a slot-shaped structure with the opening of the slot on the bottom end face of the second valve needle 220. When the limiting piece 330 of the valve stem 300 abuts against the bottom end face of the second valve needle 220, the upper surface of the limiting piece 330 (i.e., the second pressing surface 302) covers at least part of the slot of the balance hole 2203 (slot-shaped structure), thereby forming a flow channel structure. This simplifies the processing difficulty of the balance hole 2203 on the second valve needle 220. In other embodiments of this disclosure, the balance hole 2203 may also be a complete hole structure, and is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0083] like Figure 7As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first valve needle 210 may include a first needle body 212 and a first sealing member 213 disposed on the outer periphery of the first needle body 212. The first valve needle 210 seals the first valve port 101 via the first sealing member 213 to close the first valve port 101. The first sealing member 213 may be, for example, a sealing ring. Based on this, the first needle body 212 may be provided with a first flow regulating part 2121, which is disposed adjacent to the first sealing member 213 above it, and the outer diameter of the first flow regulating part 2121 gradually decreases in the axial upward direction. With the above design, when the valve stem 300 moves downward and simultaneously drives the first valve needle 210 downward, the first valve port 101 gradually opens. The gap between the first valve port 101 and the first flow regulating part 2121 is the flow cross section when open. Based on the above-mentioned variable diameter design of the first flow regulating part 2121, as the first valve needle 210 moves downward, the flow area of ​​the first valve port 101 gradually increases. Furthermore, when the first valve port 101 is open, the first valve needle 210 can be moved downward to different positions by adjusting the valve stem 300, thereby achieving flow regulation of the opened first valve port 101.

[0084] And / or, the second valve needle 220 includes a second needle body 222 and a second sealing member 223 disposed on the outer periphery of the second needle body 222. The second valve needle 220 seals the second valve port 102 via the second sealing member 223 to close the second valve port 102. The second needle body 222 is provided with a second flow regulating part 2221, which is disposed adjacent to the lower part of the second sealing member 223. The outer diameter of the second flow regulating part 2221 gradually decreases in the axial downward direction.

[0085] like Figure 7As shown, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second valve needle 220 may include a second needle body 222 and a second sealing member 223 disposed on the outer periphery of the second needle body 222. The second valve needle 220 seals the second valve port 102 via the second sealing member 223 to close the second valve port 102. The second sealing member 223 may be, for example, a sealing ring. Based on this, the second needle body 222 may be provided with a second flow regulating part 2221, which is disposed adjacent to the lower part of the second sealing member 223, and the outer diameter of the second flow regulating part 2221 gradually decreases in the axial downward direction. With the above design, when the valve stem 300 moves upward and simultaneously drives the second valve needle 220 to move upward, the second valve port 102 gradually opens. The gap between the second valve port 102 and the second flow regulating part 2221 is the flow cross section when open. Based on the above-mentioned variable diameter design of the second flow regulating part 2221, as the second valve needle 220 moves upward, the flow area of ​​the second valve port 102 gradually increases. Furthermore, when the second valve port 102 is open, the flow rate of the opened second valve port 102 can be adjusted by adjusting the valve stem 300 to drive the second valve needle 220 to different positions.

[0086] It should be noted that the electronic expansion valves shown in the accompanying drawings and described in this specification are merely a few examples among many electronic expansion valves capable of employing the principles of this disclosure. It should be clearly understood that the principles of this disclosure are by no means limited to any detail or component of the electronic expansion valves shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification.

[0087] In summary, the electronic expansion valve proposed in this disclosure utilizes an elastic element 230 to connect the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220, and provides an elastic preload between the two valve needles to cause them to move away from each other. Accordingly, when the valve stem 300 is not pressing against the first valve needle 210 and the second valve needle 220, the elastic preload of the elastic element 230 allows the two valve needles to close their respective valve ports, thus achieving simultaneous closure of both valve ports. Furthermore, this disclosure utilizes the pressing engagement between the two pressing surfaces of the valve stem 300 and the two valve needles, enabling the valve stem 300 to move axially up and down, pushing one of the valve needles to move accordingly, thereby achieving individual opening of the valve port that engages with that valve needle. During this process, the elastic preload of the elastic element 230 maintains the closure of the other valve needle at the other valve port. Through the above design, this disclosure can achieve the functions of simultaneously closing both valve ports with two valve needles and individually closing one valve port while opening the other. This disclosure eliminates the need to continuously provide driving force to the valve stem 300 to drive the valve core assembly 200, thus maintaining both valve ports in a simultaneously closed state. Furthermore, this disclosure opens up new functional applications for electronic expansion valves, significantly expanding their application scope.

[0088] The exemplary embodiments of the electronic expansion valve proposed in this disclosure have been described and / or illustrated in detail above. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein; rather, components and / or steps of each embodiment may be used independently and separately from other components and / or steps described herein. Each component and / or step of one embodiment may also be used in combination with other components and / or steps of other embodiments. In describing the elements / components / etc. described and / or illustrated herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the above” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and to mean that additional elements / components / etc. may exist in addition to those listed. Furthermore, the terms “first” and “second” in the claims and description are used only as illustrative marks and are not intended to limit the numerical scope of the object.

[0089] Although the electronic expansion valve proposed in this disclosure has been described according to different specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications may be made to the implementation of this disclosure within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic expansion valve characterized by, The utility model relates to an electronic expansion valve, comprising: a valve seat assembly (100) internally provided with a valve cavity, the valve cavity is internally provided with a first valve port (101), the valve seat assembly (100) is further provided with a second valve port (102) in communication with the outside, a first valve hole (103) and a second valve hole (104), the first valve port (101) is located between the first valve hole (103) and the second valve hole (104), and the second valve hole (104) is located between the second valve port (102) and the first valve hole (103); a valve core assembly (200) arranged in the valve cavity and comprising a first valve needle (210), a second valve needle (220) and an elastic member (230), the first valve needle (210) is at least partially located below the first valve port (101), the second valve needle (220) is at least partially located above the second valve port (102), and the elastic member (230) is connected between the first valve needle (210) and the second valve needle (220) and is configured to apply elastic pre-tightening force away from each other between the first valve needle (210) and the second valve needle (220); a valve stem (300) arranged in the valve cavity and capable of moving in the axial direction, the valve stem (300) is provided with a first pressing surface (301) facing the top surface (2101) of the first valve needle (210) and a second pressing surface (302) facing the bottom surface (2201) of the second valve needle (220); when the valve stem (300) moves downward, the first pressing surface (301) presses the first valve needle (210) to move downward to open the first valve port (101), and the second valve port (102) is closed; when the valve stem (300) moves upward, the second pressing surface (302) presses the second valve needle (220) to move upward to open the second valve port (102), and the first valve port (101) is closed; when the first valve needle (210) and the second valve needle (220) are not pressed, the first valve port (101) and the second valve port (102) are closed.

2. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein: the valve stem (300) comprises a first stem portion (310) and a second stem portion (320) fixedly connected or integrally arranged, and the second stem portion (320) is connected to the lower end of the first stem portion (310); wherein the outer diameter of the first stem portion (310) is greater than the outer diameter of the second stem portion (320), so that a stepped surface facing the top surface of the first valve needle (210) is formed at the connection between the first stem portion (310) and the second stem portion (320), and the stepped surface is the first pressing surface (301); and / or the lower end of the valve stem (300) is provided with a limiting sheet (330), the top surface of the limiting sheet (330) faces the bottom surface (2201) of the second valve needle (220), and the top surface of the limiting sheet (330) is the second pressing surface (302).

3. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein The distance (N) between the first pressing surface (301) and the second pressing surface (302) is n, and the distance (M) between the top surface (2101) of the first valve needle (210) and the bottom surface (2201) of the second valve needle (220) is m when the first valve port (101) is closed and the second valve port (102) is closed; wherein n≥m.

4. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein The area surrounded by the sealing region of the first valve port (101) and the first valve needle (210) is S1, and the area surrounded by the sealing region of the second valve port (102) and the second valve needle (220) is S2, S2 is equal to S1.

5. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein A first sealing ring (240) is arranged between the first valve needle (210) and the inner wall of the valve cavity, and the first valve hole (103) is located between the first sealing ring (240) and the first valve port (101).

6. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 5, wherein The area surrounded by the sealing region of the first sealing ring (240) and the first valve needle (210) is S3, or the area surrounded by the sealing region of the first sealing ring (240) and the valve seat assembly (100) is S3, the area surrounded by the sealing region of the first valve port (101) and the first valve needle (210) is S1, and S1 is equal to S3.

7. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 1, wherein The lower part of the first valve needle (210) and the upper part of the second valve needle (220) are mutually sleeved and can slide axially relative to each other, a second sealing ring (250) is arranged between the sleeved parts of the first valve needle (210) and the second valve needle (220), so as to form a sealing cavity (201) between the first valve needle (210) and the second valve needle (220); the elastic member (230) is accommodated in the sealing cavity (201).

8. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 7, characterized in that The area surrounded by the sealing region of the second sealing ring (250) and the first valve needle (210) is S4, or the area surrounded by the sealing region of the second sealing ring (250) and the second valve needle (220) is S4, the area surrounded by the sealing region of the second valve port (102) and the second valve needle (220) is S2, and S2 is equal to S4.

9. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 7, wherein The upper end of the second valve needle (220) is provided with a sleeve part (221) which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the lower end of the first valve needle (210); the second sealing ring (250) is arranged between the inner wall of the sleeve part (221) and the first valve needle (210).

10. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 9, wherein The bottom surface of the first valve needle (210) is provided with an accommodation groove (211) which is communicated with the sealing cavity (201); the elastic member (230) is partially accommodated in the accommodation groove (211).

11. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 10, wherein The elastic member (230) is a spring which is wound on the outer periphery of the valve rod (300); the outer diameter of the spring is less than or equal to the width of the accommodation groove (211).

12. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 7, wherein An inner balance channel is arranged between the valve core assembly (200) and the valve stem (300); the inner balance channel communicates the sealing cavity (201) with the part of the valve cavity above the first valve needle (210) and the part of the valve cavity below the second valve needle (220).

13. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 12, characterized in that: The valve stem (300) is provided with an axial notch (303); the first valve needle (210) is provided with a first through hole (2102) for the valve stem (300) to pass through, and the second valve needle (220) is provided with a second through hole (2202) for accommodating the valve stem (300); the notch (303), the hole wall of the first through hole (2102), and the hole wall of the second through hole (2202) jointly form the inner balance channel; and / or The first valve needle (210) is provided with a first through hole (2102) for the valve stem (300) to pass through, and the second valve needle (220) is provided with a second through hole (2202) for accommodating the valve stem (300); the hole wall of the first through hole (2102) is provided with a first axial through slot, and the hole wall of the second through hole (2202) is provided with a second axial through slot; the valve stem (300), the first axial through slot, and the second axial through slot jointly form the inner balance channel.

14. The electronic expansion valve of claim 12, wherein, The lower end of the second valve needle (220) is provided with a balance hole (2203) which radially communicates the outer periphery of the second valve needle (220) with the inner balance channel; when the second valve needle (220) closes the second valve port (102), the balance hole (2203) is located below the second valve port (102).

15. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first valve needle (210) comprises a first needle body (212) and a first blocking member (213) arranged on the outer periphery of the first needle body (212); the first valve needle (210) blocks the first valve port (101) via the first blocking member (213) to close the first valve port (101); wherein the first needle body (212) is provided with a first flow regulating portion (2121) which is arranged above the first blocking member (213); the outer diameter of the first flow regulating portion (2121) gradually decreases in the upward axial direction; and / or The second valve needle (220) comprises a second needle body (222) and a second blocking member (223) arranged on the outer periphery of the second needle body (222); the second valve needle (220) blocks the second valve port (102) via the second blocking member (223) to close the second valve port (102); wherein the second needle body (222) is provided with a second flow regulating portion (2221) which is arranged below the second blocking member (223); the outer diameter of the second flow regulating portion (2221) gradually decreases in the downward axial direction.

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