Expansion valve

Abstract

The expansion valve comprises a valve body assembly, a switch piece and a silencing assembly, the valve body assembly is provided with a valve port, a first side and a second side, and the valve port is located between the first side and the second side and communicates with the first side and the second side; the switch piece and the noise reduction assembly are arranged on the first side and / or the second side, the noise reduction assembly is connected to the valve body assembly, a channel is formed between the noise reduction assembly and the valve body assembly, the noise reduction assembly is provided with a porous noise reduction part, the switch piece is movably located between the noise reduction assembly and the valve port, and a first flow channel is formed between the switch piece and the valve body assembly; when the flowing direction of the working medium is from the valve port to the silencing assembly, the porous silencing part is closed by the switch piece; and when the flowing direction of the working medium is from the silencing assembly to the valve port, the porous silencing part is opened. According to the expansion valve, the problems that a refrigerant flowing through the valve port is prone to cavitation to generate noise, and bubbles are prone to being generated in the refrigerant before flowing through the valve port to generate noise can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of valve technology, and in particular to an expansion valve. Background Technology

[0002] An electronic expansion valve is a common throttling element. It is mainly used in refrigeration systems. By changing the valve opening, the flow and pressure of the refrigerant are controlled, thereby realizing the compression, cooling and evaporation cycle of the refrigerant.

[0003] During the operation of electronic expansion valves, discontinuous large bubbles can easily form in the refrigerant before or after throttling at the valve orifice, generating noise. To reduce the noise of electronic expansion valves, porous silencing structures are usually installed in the flow path of the valve. Although the silencing structure can reduce noise, when the electronic expansion valve is in a small opening state under certain operating conditions, the subcooling of the refrigerant before flowing into the valve orifice is relatively large. After flowing through the valve orifice, the highly subcooled pure liquid refrigerant becomes a gas-liquid two-phase state with a higher liquid phase ratio or a purely liquid refrigerant with a small subcooling. The high-velocity refrigerant can easily cause cavitation and generate noise by scouring the porous silencing structure. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an expansion valve to solve the problem that the refrigerant with a high degree of subcooling can easily cause cavitation and generate noise when it flows through the valve port and washes over the porous silencing structure.

[0005] An expansion valve includes a valve body assembly, a switching element, and a silencing assembly. The valve body assembly has a valve port, a first side, and a second side, with the valve port located between and communicating with the first and second sides. The switching element and the silencing assembly are installed on the first side and / or the second side. The silencing assembly is connected to the valve body assembly and forms a channel between them. The silencing assembly has a porous silencing section. The switching element is movably located between the silencing assembly and the valve port, and a first flow channel is formed between the switching element and the valve body assembly. When the flow direction of the working medium is from the valve port to the silencing assembly, the switching element closes the porous silencing section, and the working medium flows along the first flow channel and the channel. When the flow direction of the working medium is from the silencing assembly to the valve port, the porous silencing section opens, allowing the working medium to pass through the porous silencing section and then flow along the first flow channel.

[0006] In one embodiment, the silencing assembly further includes a connecting sleeve fixedly mounted to the valve body assembly and forming a channel between the connecting sleeve and the valve body assembly; the porous silencing part is configured as a silencing block. The silencing block is mounted on the connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve has a first port facing the valve port, and a switching element is used to open or close the first port.

[0007] In one embodiment, the connecting sleeve includes a main body segment and a flange connected to the periphery of the main body segment. The flange is fixedly connected to the valve body assembly, and a through hole or notch is provided on the flange. Alternatively, the inner wall of the valve body assembly has a groove, and the groove and the flange surround to form a second flow channel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the main body segment and the valve body assembly are spaced apart and form a gap. The gap communicates with a through hole or notch to form a channel. Alternatively, the gap communicates with a second flow channel to form a channel (40).

[0009] In one embodiment, when the flow direction of the working medium is from the valve port to the silencing component, after the working medium flows out of the valve port, it flows sequentially through the first flow channel, through hole or notch or second flow channel and gap; when the flow direction of the working medium is from the silencing component to the valve port, the working medium can pass through the porous silencing part and then flow to the valve port through the first flow channel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the switch has a closed position that blocks the first port and an open position that is disconnected from the first port; and the working medium flowing from the valve port to the muffler assembly can push the switch from the open position to the closed position; the working medium flowing from the muffler assembly to the valve port can push the switch from the closed position to the open position.

[0011] In one embodiment, when there is no working medium flowing in the expansion valve, the switching element can remain in the open position in response to an external force; or, the switching element can remain in the closed position in response to an external force.

[0012] In one embodiment, when there is no working medium flowing in the expansion valve, the switch is magnetically attracted to the open position.

[0013] In one embodiment, the switching element and the silencing assembly are axially arranged, and when there is no working medium flowing in the expansion valve, the switching element remains in the closed position under its own gravity.

[0014] In one embodiment, the expansion valve further includes an elastic compression member, which elastically acts on the valve body assembly and the switching member at both ends along the movement direction of the switching member.

[0015] In one embodiment, when the switching element and the silencing assembly are axially arranged, the diameter of the valve port is d, the mass of the switching element is m, and the flow direction of the working medium is from the silencing assembly to the valve port, the pressure difference across the switching element is y, and m < πd. 2 y / 4g, where 0.2Mpa≤y≤3.5Mpa.

[0016] In one embodiment, the silencing assembly further includes a support, and the number of silencing blocks is configured to be multiple, with the multiple silencing blocks spaced apart along the flow direction of the working medium, and the support is disposed between two silencing blocks.

[0017] In one embodiment, the connecting sleeve and the valve body assembly are fixed by laser welding, brazing, or riveting.

[0018] In one embodiment, there is a gap between the edge of the switch and the inner wall of the valve body assembly.

[0019] In one embodiment, one of the valve body assembly and the switching element is provided with a guide rail, and the other is provided with a guide groove. The guide rail and the guide groove are movable and engaged along the switching direction of the switching element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the flow area of ​​the valve port is S1, the minimum flow area of ​​the channel is S2, and S1 < S2 ≤ 3S1.

[0021] In one embodiment, the valve body assembly includes a main valve body, a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe, and a valve port is disposed on the main valve body. The main valve body also includes a first interface section and a second interface section respectively connected to the valve port. The first interface section is disposed on the side wall of the main valve body, and the second interface section is disposed at one end of the main valve body along its own axial direction. The first connecting pipe is connected to the first interface section to form a first side, and the second connecting pipe is connected to the second interface section to form a second side.

[0022] In one embodiment, the expansion valve is configured as a two-way valve, allowing the working medium to enter from a first side and exit from a second side; or, the working medium to enter from a second side and exit from a first side.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the expansion valve provided in this application, by setting the switching element to be movable between the silencing component and the valve port, ensures that the porous silencing section is closed when the working medium flows from the valve port to the silencing component. Thus, when the expansion valve is in a small opening state, the subcooling degree of the refrigerant before flowing into the valve port is relatively large. After flowing through the valve port, the high-velocity, highly subcooled pure liquid refrigerant becomes a gas-liquid two-phase state with a higher liquid phase ratio or a pure liquid refrigerant with a lower subcooling degree. The gas-liquid two-phase state with a higher liquid phase ratio or the pure liquid refrigerant with a lower subcooling degree will not pass through the porous silencing section, that is, it cannot be flushed to the porous silencing section, but flows along the channel. Therefore, it can avoid the cavitation and noise generation caused by the gas-liquid two-phase state with a higher liquid phase ratio or the pure liquid refrigerant with a lower subcooling degree flushing the porous silencing section. Furthermore, since the porous silencing section opens when the working medium flows from the silencing component to the valve port, when the refrigerant subcooling from the silencing component to the valve port is insufficient and the refrigerant contains a high amount of air bubbles, the refrigerant can pass through the silencing component first. The silencing component refines the air bubbles in the refrigerant, thereby helping to reduce refrigerant noise. In other words, the expansion valve provided in this application, by setting up a switching element and a silencing component, can solve the problem that under specific operating conditions, when the refrigerant has a large subcooling before flowing through the valve port 101 and then transforms into a high-velocity, low-subcooling pure liquid refrigerant or a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant with a high liquid phase ratio, it is easy for the porous silencing structure to cavitate and generate noise. It can also solve the problem that when the refrigerant is insufficiently subcooled before flowing through the valve port, air bubbles are easily generated in the refrigerant, thus generating noise. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the expansion valve in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the expansion valve along its own axial direction in Embodiment 1 provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the expansion valve in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shown is an enlarged view of the expansion valve diaphragm at point A when it is closed.

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 3The diagram shows an enlarged view of the expansion valve diaphragm at point A when it is open.

[0030] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the expansion valve at BB in Embodiment 1 provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 7 An exploded view of the diaphragm and sound-absorbing component in Embodiment 1 provided in this application;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the piston when it is closed in Embodiment 2 provided in this application;

[0033] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the expansion valve at BB in Embodiment 2 provided in this application;

[0034] Figure 10 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the piston and muffler assembly in Embodiment 2 provided in this application;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the piston when it is closed in Embodiment 3 provided in this application.

[0036] Reference numerals: 100, Expansion valve; 10, Valve body assembly; 101, Valve port; 102, First side; 103, Second side; 104, Second flow channel; 11, Main valve body; 111, First interface section; 112, Second interface section; 12, First connecting pipe; 13, Second connecting pipe; 14, Guide groove; 15, Stop surface; 16, Protrusion; 161, Guide surface; 20, Switching element; 210, First flow channel; 201, Diaphragm; 202, Piston ; 21. Guide rail; 30. Silencing assembly; 31. First port; 32. Second port; 33. Connecting sleeve; 331. Main body section; 332. Flanged edge; 332a. Through hole; 332b. Notch; 333. Gap; 304. Multi-hole silencing part; 34. Silencing block; 341. First silencing block; 341a. First through hole; 342. Second silencing block; 342a. Second through hole; 35. Bracket; 40. Channel; 50. Elastic compression element. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0038] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0039] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] Please see Figures 1 to 6This application provides an expansion valve 100, which includes a valve body assembly 10, a switching element 20, and a silencing assembly 30. The valve body assembly 10 has a valve port 101, a first side 102, and a second side 103. The valve port 101 is located between and communicates with the first side 102 and the second side 103. The switching element 20 and the silencing assembly 30 are installed on the first side 102 and / or the second side 103. The silencing assembly 30 is connected to the valve body assembly 10, and a channel 40 is formed between the silencing assembly 30 and the valve body assembly 10. The silencing assembly 30 has a porous silencing portion 304. The switching element 20 is movably located between the silencing assembly 30 and the valve port 101, and a first flow channel 210 is formed between the switching element 20 and the valve body assembly 10. When the flow direction of the working medium is from the valve port 101 to the silencing component 30, the switch 20 closes the porous silencing part 304, and the working medium flows along the first flow channel 210 and the channel 40; when the flow direction of the working medium is from the silencing component 30 to the valve port 101, the porous silencing part 304 opens, and the working medium can pass through the porous silencing part 304 and then flow along the first flow channel 210.

[0043] It should be noted that the expansion valve 100 provided in this application may have the switching element 20 and the silencing component 30 installed only on the first side 102, or only on the second side 103, or both on the first side 102 and the second side 103. The working medium can flow bidirectionally between the valve port 101 and the silencing component 30; that is, the flow direction of the working medium can be from the valve port 101 to the silencing component 30, or from the silencing component 30 to the valve port 101. The expansion valve 100 may include, but is not limited to, an electronic expansion valve, and the working medium may be refrigerant. The following description uses refrigerant as the working medium to illustrate the working process and principle of the expansion valve 100.

[0044] By setting the switch 20 to be movable between the silencing component 30 and the valve port 101, since the porous silencing section 304 is closed when the refrigerant flows from the valve port 101 to the silencing component 30, when the expansion valve 100 is in a small opening state, the subcooling degree of the refrigerant before flowing into the valve port 101 is relatively large. After flowing through the valve port 101, the high-velocity, high-subcooling pure liquid refrigerant becomes a gas-liquid two-phase state with a higher liquid phase ratio or a pure liquid refrigerant with a lower subcooling degree. The gas-liquid two-phase state with a higher liquid phase ratio or the pure liquid refrigerant with a lower subcooling degree will not pass through the porous silencing section 304, that is, it cannot be flushed to the porous silencing section 304, but flows along the channel 40. Therefore, it can avoid the gas-liquid two-phase state with a higher liquid phase ratio or the pure liquid refrigerant with a lower subcooling degree from easily cavitating and generating noise due to flushing the porous silencing section 304. Furthermore, since the porous silencing section 304 opens when the refrigerant flows from the silencing component 30 to the valve port 101, when the refrigerant subcooling from the silencing component 30 to the valve port 101 is insufficient and the refrigerant contains a high amount of air bubbles, the refrigerant can first pass through the porous silencing section 304. The porous silencing section 304 refines the air bubbles in the refrigerant, thereby helping to reduce refrigerant noise. In other words, the expansion valve 100 provided in this application, by setting the switching component 20 and the silencing component 30, can solve the problem that under specific operating conditions, when the refrigerant has a large subcooling before flowing through the valve port 101 and then becomes a high-velocity, low-subcooling pure liquid refrigerant or a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant with a high liquid phase ratio after flowing through the valve port 101, it is prone to cavitation and noise generation when it erodes the porous silencing structure. It can also solve the problem that when the refrigerant is insufficiently subcooled before flowing through the valve port 101, air bubbles are easily generated in the refrigerant, thus generating noise.

[0045] The following describes the working process of the switching element 20 between the valve port 101 and the silencer assembly 30, based on the specific structure and working conditions of the expansion valve 100.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the valve body assembly 10 includes a main valve body 11, a first connecting pipe 12, and a second connecting pipe 13. A valve port 101 is disposed on the main valve body 11. The main valve body 11 also includes a first interface section 111 and a second interface section 112 that are respectively connected to the valve port 101. The first interface section 111 is disposed on the side wall of the main valve body 11, and the second interface section 112 is disposed at one end of the main valve body 11 along its own axial direction. The first connecting pipe 12 is connected to the first interface section 111 to form a first side 102, and the second connecting pipe 13 is connected to the second interface section 112 to form a second side 103.

[0047] In one embodiment, for example, both the switch element 20 and the silencing component 30 are disposed on the second side 103, specifically on the second pipe 13, the second interface section 112, or at the connection between the second pipe 13 and the second interface section 112. The expansion valve 100 has a heating mode and a cooling mode. When the expansion valve is in the heating mode, the refrigerant enters the valve body assembly 10 from the first side 102, the switch element 20 closes the porous silencing part 304, and the refrigerant flows along the channel 40 after being throttled by the valve port 101, and then flows out from the second side 103. When the expansion valve is in the cooling mode, the refrigerant enters the valve body assembly 10 from the second side 103, the switch element 20 opens the porous silencing part 304, the refrigerant can pass through the porous silencing part 304, the bubbles are refined by the porous silencing part 304, and then it flows along the first flow channel 210 to the valve port 101 for throttling, and finally flows out from the first side 102.

[0048] For example, in another embodiment, both the switch 20 and the silencing assembly 30 are disposed on the first side 102, specifically on the first connecting pipe 12, the first interface section 111, or at the connection between the first connecting pipe 12 and the first interface section 111. The expansion valve 100 has a heating mode and a cooling mode. When the expansion valve is in the heating mode, the refrigerant enters the valve body assembly 10 from the second side 103, the switch 20 closes the porous silencing section 304, and the refrigerant flows along the channel 40 after being throttled by the valve port 101, and then flows out from the first side 102. When the expansion valve is in the cooling mode, the refrigerant enters the valve body assembly 10 from the first side 102, the switch 20 opens the porous silencing section 304, the refrigerant can pass through the porous silencing section 304, the bubbles are refined by the porous silencing section 304, and then it flows along the first flow channel 210 to the valve port 101 for throttling, and finally flows out from the second side 103.

[0049] Similarly, in another embodiment, the first side 102 is provided with a switch element 20 and a silencing component 30, and the second side 103 is also provided with a switch element 20 and a silencing component 30. When the refrigerant enters from the first side 102 and exits from the second side 103, the switch element 20 in the first side 102 opens the corresponding porous silencing part 304, and the switch element 20 in the second side 103 closes the corresponding porous silencing part 304. When the refrigerant enters from the second side 103 and exits from the first side 102, the switch element 20 in the second side 103 opens the corresponding porous silencing part 304, and the switch element 20 in the first side 102 closes the corresponding porous silencing part 304.

[0050] In one embodiment, the flow area of ​​valve port 101 is S1, the flow area of ​​channel 40 is S2, and S1 < S2 ≤ 3S1. It is understood that by setting S1 < S2, the valve port 101 can be guaranteed to have a throttling effect, preventing the small flow area of ​​channel 40 from affecting the flow capacity of expansion valve 100; by setting S2 ≤ 3S1, it is possible to avoid uneven flow of refrigerant through channel 40 due to an excessively large flow area, which would generate turbulence within channel 40 and further scour the structural edges, causing excitation and noise.

[0051] It should be noted that the flow area of ​​channel 40 can be a fixed value or it can vary along the axis of the muffler assembly 30. When the flow area of ​​channel 40 varies along the axis of the muffler assembly 30, S2 refers to the minimum flow area of ​​channel 40.

[0052] The following description of the expansion valve 100 provided in this application will be based on the example where both the switch 20 and the silencer assembly 30 are located on the second side 103.

[0053] like Figures 2 to 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the silencing assembly 30 further includes a connecting sleeve 33, which is fixedly installed on the valve body assembly 10 and forms a channel 40 between it and the valve body assembly 10; the porous silencing part 304 is configured as a silencing block 34, which is installed on the connecting sleeve 33. The connecting sleeve 33 has a first port 31 facing the valve port 101 and a second port 32 facing away from the valve port 101. The switch 20 is used to open or close the first port 31.

[0054] Understandably, since the silencing block 34 is installed inside the connecting sleeve 33, when the refrigerant flows from the valve port 101 to the silencing assembly 30, the switch 20 closes the first port 31. The refrigerant in a two-phase state with a high liquid-liquid ratio, or a pure liquid refrigerant with a small subcooling, after being throttled by the valve port 101, cannot reach the silencing block 34, thus effectively preventing cavitation noise. When the refrigerant flows from the silencing assembly 30 to the valve port 101, the switch 20 opens the first port 31, and the two ends of the connecting sleeve 33 are connected. Refrigerant with insufficient subcooling can enter the connecting sleeve 33 through the second port 32 and have its bubbles refined by the silencing block 34 inside the connecting sleeve 33.

[0055] The connecting sleeve 33 and the valve body assembly 10 can be fixed by laser welding, brazing, or riveting. The silencer block 34 can be configured as a filter screen sintered block.

[0056] Furthermore, the connecting sleeve 33 includes a main body section 331 and a flange 332 connected to the periphery of the main body section 331, and the flange 332 is fixedly connected to the valve body assembly 10.

[0057] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the channel 40 is located between the flange 332 and the valve body assembly 10. Specifically, the flange 332 has a through hole 332a or a notch 332b; the main body segment 331 is spaced apart from the valve body assembly 10 and surrounds it to form a gap 333, and the gap 333 communicates with the through hole 332a or the notch 332b to form the channel 40.

[0058] The number of through holes 332a or notches 332b is configured to be multiple, and the through holes 332a or notches 332b are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the connecting sleeve 33, for example, they can be evenly distributed. Specifically, one end of the flange 332 is connected to the main body segment 331, and the other end extends outward along the radial direction of the main body segment 331. In this embodiment, the flow area of ​​the channel 40 is minimized at the cross-section of the flange 332, specifically the sum of the flow areas of the multiple through holes 332a or the sum of the flow areas of the multiple notches 332b.

[0059] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the valve body assembly 10 may have a groove inside, which, together with the flange 332, forms a second flow channel 104. The gap 333 communicates with the second flow channel 104 to form a channel 40.

[0060] Thus, when the flow direction of the working medium is from the valve port 101 to the silencing component 30, after the working medium flows out of the valve port 101, it flows sequentially through the first flow channel 210, the through hole 332a or the notch 332b or the second flow channel 104 and the gap 333; when the flow direction of the working medium is from the silencing component 30 to the valve port 101, the working medium can pass through the porous silencing part 304, and then flow to the valve port 101 through the first flow channel 210.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, the silencing assembly 30 also includes a support 35. Multiple silencing blocks 34 are configured, spaced apart along the refrigerant flow direction, with the support 35 positioned between them. Thus, as the refrigerant passes through the silencing assembly 30, each silencing block 34 refines the air bubbles in the refrigerant, thereby improving the refining effect. The support 35 provides support between two silencing blocks 34. "Multiple silencing blocks 34" refers to two or more silencing blocks 34.

[0062] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, such as Figure 8As shown, two silencers 34 are configured, namely a first silencer 341 and a second silencer 342. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the first silencer 341 is positioned closer to the valve port 101 than the second silencer 342. The first silencer 341 has a first through-hole 341a, and the second silencer 342 has a second through-hole 342a. The projection of the first through-hole 341a along the refrigerant flow direction at least partially overlaps with the non-second through-hole 342a of the second silencer 342; the projection of the second through-hole 342a along the refrigerant flow direction at least partially overlaps with the non-first through-hole 341a of the first silencer 341.

[0063] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The switching element 20 has a closed position that blocks the first port 31 and an open position that disengages from the first port 31; furthermore, refrigerant flowing from the valve port 101 to the silencing assembly 30 can push the switching element 20 from the open position to the closed position; refrigerant flowing from the silencing assembly 30 to the valve port 101 can push the switching element 20 from the closed position to the open position. Thus, the pressure generated by the refrigerant flow can be used to move the switching element 20 between the closed and open positions.

[0064] Optionally, in one embodiment, the switching element 20 and the silencing assembly are axially arranged. The diameter of the valve port 101 is d, the mass of the switching element 20 is m, and when the refrigerant flows from the silencing assembly 30 to the valve port 101, the pressure difference across the switching element 20 is y, and m < πd. 2 y / 4g, where 0.2Mpa≤y≤3.5Mpa.

[0065] It should be noted that when the refrigerant flow direction changes from from valve port 101 to silencer assembly 30 to from silencer assembly 30 to valve port 101, the refrigerant applies a pressure F to the switching element 20, and F = πd 2 y / 4, the self-weight of switch 20 is G, and G=mg, therefore, by setting m<πd 2 y / 4g, which makes F>mg, thus ensuring that the refrigerant overcomes the gravity of the switch 20 and pushes the switch 20 to open the first port 31.

[0066] In one embodiment, such as Figures 4 to 7 As shown, there is a gap between the edge of the switch element 20 and the inner wall of the valve body assembly 10, and the gap between the edge of the switch element 20 and the inner wall of the valve body assembly 10 forms a first flow channel 210. Of course, it is not limited to this, holes or notches can also be made in the switch element 20 to form the first flow channel, as long as the refrigerant can flow between the valve port 101 and the silencer assembly 30.

[0067] Optionally, a guide structure is provided between the valve body assembly 10 and the switching element 20. Specifically, one of the valve body assembly 10 and the switching element 20 is provided with a guide rail 21, and the other is provided with a guide groove 14. The guide rail 21 and the guide groove 14 are movably engaged along the switching direction of the switching element 20. It can be understood that the engagement of the guide rail 21 and the guide groove 14 can guide the switching element 20 to move more smoothly between the closed position and the open position.

[0068] The cross-section of the guide rail 21 can be configured as an arc, rectangle, or other polygon, and the shape of the guide groove 14 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail 21. The number of guide rails 21 can be one or more. When multiple guide rails 21 are configured, they are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the switching element 20 to make the force on the switching element 20 more uniform. For example, multiple guide rails 21 can be evenly distributed at intervals along the circumference of the switching element 20.

[0069] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the valve body assembly 10 is provided with a guide rail 21, and the guide rail 21 has a stop surface facing the switch member 20, the end of the switch member 20 facing the valve port 101 can be stopped by the stop surface 15. That is, the stop surface 15 is the maximum open position of the switch member 20, and the stroke of the switch member 20 is limited between the stop surface 15 and the first port 31.

[0070] Optionally, in one embodiment, when there is no refrigerant flowing in the expansion valve 100, the switching element 20 can remain in the open position in response to external force; or, the switching element 20 can remain in the closed position in response to external force. That is, when there is no refrigerant flowing in the expansion valve 100, the switching element 20 can be normally open or normally closed, thereby preventing the switching element 20 from vibrating due to vibration of the valve body assembly 10, and further preventing the switching element 20 from colliding with the valve body assembly 10 and generating noise.

[0071] The following describes several implementation forms of the switch element 20.

[0072] Example 1

[0073] Please see Figures 2 to 7 The switch element 20 is configured as a diaphragm 201, and when there is no refrigerant flowing in the expansion valve, the switch element 20 (diaphragm 201) is magnetically attracted to the open position. That is, the switch element 20 is normally open when there is no refrigerant flowing in the expansion valve 100.

[0074] Of course, this is not the only option. The diaphragm 201 may not be magnetic, but may simply be movably installed within the valve body assembly 10 and move between the closed and open positions by relying on the pressure generated by the flow of refrigerant.

[0075] Furthermore, the valve body assembly 10 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 16, each protrusion 16 having a guide surface 161 disposed toward the circumferential edge of the diaphragm 201 and a stop surface 15 disposed toward the muffler assembly 30. The circumferential edge of the diaphragm 201 moves along the guide surface 161, and the diaphragm 201 can be magnetically adsorbed onto the stop surface 15, or the diaphragm 201 can abut against the first port 31.

[0076] Optionally, the first port 31 has a protruding edge along its circumference, which is used to fit with the diaphragm 201, thereby improving the sealing performance of the first port 31 when it is closed.

[0077] Example 2

[0078] Please see Figures 8 to 10 The switching element 20 is configured as a piston 202. The switching element 20 and the silencing assembly 30 are vertically arranged. When there is no refrigerant flow in the expansion valve 100, the switching element 20 (piston 202) remains in the closed position under its own weight. For example, in one specific embodiment, when both the switching element 20 and the silencing assembly 30 are located on the second side 103, and the expansion valve 100 is vertically installed, with the switching element 20 and the silencing assembly 30 axially aligned, the silencing assembly 30 is located below the valve port 101 along the direction of gravity. Utilizing the weight of the piston 202, the piston 202 is normally closed when there is no refrigerant flow in the expansion valve 100, or when the refrigerant flow direction is from the valve port 101 to the silencing assembly 30.

[0079] Example 3

[0080] Please see Figure 11 The expansion valve also includes an elastic compression member 50. The two ends of the elastic compression member 50 along the moving direction of the switching member 20 elastically act on the valve body assembly 10 and the switching member 20 respectively, keeping the switching member 20 in the closed position under the elastic force. It can be understood that by providing the elastic compression member 50, the elastic compression member 50 can apply an elastic force to the piston 202 from the valve port 101 towards the silencing assembly 30. Therefore, when the switching member 20 and the silencing assembly 30 are not vertically positioned, the elastic force of the elastic compression member 50 can ensure that when there is no refrigerant flowing in the expansion valve 100, or when the refrigerant flows from the valve port 101 to the silencing assembly 30, the piston 202 is normally closed. This also prevents the piston 202 from being misaligned due to the installation angle of the expansion valve 100, which would cause the first port 31 to not close tightly, allowing some refrigerant to enter the connecting sleeve 33 from the first port 31 and flush the silencing block 34, generating noise.

[0081] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0082] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An expansion valve, characterized in that, The expansion valve includes a valve body assembly (10), a switching element (20), and a silencer assembly (30). The valve body assembly (10) has a valve port (101), a first side (102), and a second side (103). The valve port (101) is located between the first side (102) and the second side (103) and communicates with the first side (102) and the second side (103). The switch (20) and the silencing assembly (30) are mounted on the first side (102) and / or the second side (103). The silencing assembly (30) is connected to the valve body assembly (10) and forms a channel (40) between it and the valve body assembly (10). The silencing assembly (30) has a porous silencing part (304). The switch (20) is movably located between the silencing assembly (30) and the valve port (101). A first flow channel (210) is formed between the switch (20) and the valve body assembly (10). When the flow direction of the working medium is from the valve port (101) to the silencing component (30), the switch (20) closes the porous silencing part (304), and the working medium flows along the first flow channel (210) and the channel (40); when the flow direction of the working medium is from the silencing component (30) to the valve port (101), the porous silencing part (304) opens, and the working medium can pass through the porous silencing part (304) and then flow along the first flow channel (210).

2. The expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The silencing assembly (30) further includes a connecting sleeve (33), which is fixedly installed on the valve body assembly (10) and forms the channel (40) between the connecting sleeve (33) and the valve body assembly (10); The porous silencing part (304) is configured as a silencing block (34), the silencing block (34) is installed on the connecting sleeve (33), the connecting sleeve (33) has a first port (31) facing the valve port (101), and the switch (20) is used to open or close the first port (31).

3. The expansion valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting sleeve (33) includes a main body section (331) and a flange (332) connected to the periphery of the main body section (331), and the flange (332) is fixedly connected to the valve body assembly (10); The flange (332) is provided with a through hole (332a) or a notch (332b) that extends through both sides of itself; or, the inner wall of the valve body assembly (10) has a groove, and the groove and the flange (332) surround each other to form a second flow channel (104).

4. The expansion valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main body segment (331) and the valve body assembly (10) are spaced apart and enclosed to form a gap (333); The gap (333) communicates with the through hole (332a) or the notch (332b) to form the channel (40); or, the gap (333) communicates with the second flow channel (104) to form the channel (40).

5. The expansion valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the flow direction of the working medium is from the valve port (101) to the silencer assembly (30), after the working medium flows out of the valve port (101), it flows through the first flow channel (210), the through hole (332a) or the notch (332b) or the second flow channel (104), and the gap (333) in sequence. When the flow direction of the working medium is from the silencing component (30) to the valve port (101), the working medium can pass through the porous silencing part (304) and then flow to the valve port (101) through the first flow channel (210).

6. The expansion valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switch (20) has a closed position that blocks the first port (31) and an open position that is disconnected from the first port (31); Furthermore, the working medium flowing from the valve port (101) to the silencing assembly (30) can push the switch (20) from the open position to the closed position; the working medium flowing from the silencing assembly (30) to the valve port (101) can push the switch (20) from the closed position to the open position.

7. The expansion valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, When there is no working medium flowing in the expansion valve, the switch (20) can remain in the open position in response to external force; or, the switch (20) can remain in the closed position in response to external force.

8. The expansion valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, When there is no working medium flowing in the expansion valve, the switch (20) is magnetically attracted to the open position.

9. The expansion valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the switch (20) and the silencer assembly (30) are axially arranged, and when there is no working medium flowing in the expansion valve, the switch (20) is held in the closed position by its own gravity.

10. The expansion valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The expansion valve further includes an elastic compression member (50), which elastically acts on the valve body assembly (10) and the switching member (20) at both ends along the moving direction of the switching member (20).

11. The expansion valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the switching element (20) and the silencing assembly (30) are axially arranged, the diameter of the valve port (101) is d, the mass of the switching element (20) is m, and the flow direction of the working medium is from the silencing assembly (30) to the valve port (101), the pressure difference across the switching element (20) is y, and m < πd 2 y / 4g, where 0.2Mpa≤y≤3.5Mpa.

12. The expansion valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The silencing assembly (30) further includes a bracket (35), and the number of silencing blocks (34) is configured to be multiple, with the multiple silencing blocks (34) spaced apart along the flow direction of the working medium, and the bracket (35) is located between two of the silencing blocks (34).

13. The expansion valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting sleeve (33) is fixed to the valve body assembly (10) by laser welding, brazing, or riveting.

14. The expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a gap between the edge of the switch (20) and the inner wall of the valve body assembly (10).

15. The expansion valve according to claim 14, characterized in that, One of the valve body assembly (10) and the switch (20) is provided with a guide rail (21), and the other is provided with a guide groove (14). The guide rail (21) and the guide groove (14) are in movable cooperation along the switching direction of the switch (20).

16. The expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow area of ​​the valve port (101) is S1, the flow area of ​​the channel (40) is S2, and S1 < S2 ≤ 3S1.

17. The expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body assembly (10) includes a main valve body (11), a first connecting pipe (12) and a second connecting pipe (13). The valve port (101) is disposed on the main valve body (11). The main valve body (11) also includes a first interface section (111) and a second interface section (112) respectively communicating with the valve port (101). The first interface section (111) is disposed on the side wall of the main valve body (11), and the second interface section (112) is disposed at one end of the main valve body (11) along its own axial direction. The first connector (12) is connected to the first interface segment (111) to form the first side (102), and the second connector (13) is connected to the second interface segment (112) to form the second side (103).

18. The expansion valve according to claim 17, characterized in that, The expansion valve is configured as a two-way valve, allowing the working medium to enter from the first side (102) and exit from the second side (103); or, allowing the working medium to enter from the second side (103) and exit from the first side (102).

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