An electrically operated valve

Abstract

An electric valve includes a valve core, a valve body, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a lead screw, and the electric valve includes a bearing. A portion of the bearing is fixedly connected to the lead screw, and another portion of the bearing is fixedly connected to the valve core. This design makes it difficult for the valve core and the lead screw to move relative to each other along the axial direction. Furthermore, the valve core is a single-piece structure, or the various parts of the valve core cannot move relative to each other along the axial direction of the electric valve. This design makes it difficult for fluid pressure to push the valve core away from the valve port when the first or second valve port is blocked by the valve core, thereby reducing the risk of sealing failure at the valve port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to an electric valve for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Electric valves can be used in thermal management systems to control the opening, closing, or reversing of fluid passages. In related technologies, a spring element is placed between the drive section and the valve core, or the valve core is divided into at least two parts that can move relative to each other. This allows the drive section to continue moving a certain distance towards the valve core after it contacts the valve port. Due to the fluid pressure difference across the valve port, the valve core experiences a thrust from the fluid. When this thrust exceeds the force acting on the valve core towards the valve port, the valve core disengages from the valve port, causing the seal at the valve port to fail. Utility Model Content

[0003] One objective of this application is to provide an electric valve that reduces the risk of seal failure at the valve port.

[0004] One technical solution of this application provides an electric valve, including a valve core, a valve body, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a lead screw, and the electric valve includes a bearing. A portion of the bearing is fixedly connected to the lead screw, and a portion of the bearing is fixedly connected to the valve core. The lead screw can drive the valve core to move, and the direction of movement of the valve core is defined as the axial direction of the electric valve. The valve core is a single-piece structure; or, the parts included in the valve core cannot move relative to each other along the axial direction of the electric valve. The valve body includes a first valve port and a second valve port, which are arranged along the axial direction of the electric valve. The valve core can abut against the first valve port and the second valve port.

[0005] In the electric valve provided by the technical solution of this application, a part of the bearing is fixedly connected to the lead screw, and a part of the bearing is fixedly connected to the valve core. This makes it difficult for the valve core and the lead screw to move relative to each other along the axial direction. Furthermore, the valve core is an integral structure, or the various parts of the valve core cannot move relative to each other along the axial direction of the electric valve. This makes it difficult for the fluid pressure to push the valve core to move away from the valve port when the first or second valve port is blocked by the valve core, thereby reducing the risk of sealing failure at the valve port. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electric valve of this application is shown;

[0007] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the electric valve, with the valve core positioned between the first and second positions.

[0008] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the electric valve shown.

[0009] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve core of the electric valve shown.

[0010] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the valve core is shown.

[0011] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the valve core shown.

[0012] Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the nut seat of the electric valve is shown.

[0013] Figure Labels

[0014] 100. Electric valve; 1. Valve core; 11. First adjusting part; 12. Second adjusting part; 121. First inclined surface; 122. Second inclined surface; 13. Main body; 14. Internal channel; 142. First opening; 141. Second opening; 147. Vertical hole; 144. Pressure equalizing hole; 146. Mounting cavity; 15. Neck; 16. Connecting part; 17. Limiting part; 2. Valve body; 20. Inner cavity; 23. Third channel; 201. First valve port; 2 02. Second valve port; 25. Drive chamber; 24. Sleeve; 26. First channel; 27. Second channel; 28. Connecting seat; 291. First part; 292. Second part; 3. Sealing part; 4. Drive assembly; 41. Rotor; 42. Lead screw; 7. Bearing; 71. Inner ring; 72. Outer ring; 73. Rolling element; 81. First sealing ring; 82. Second sealing ring; 9. Nut seat; 91. Threaded hole; 92. Through groove; 93. Connecting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the electric valve 100 includes a valve core 1, a valve body 2, and a drive assembly 4. The valve body 2 has an inner cavity 20, and at least a portion of the valve core 1 is located in the inner cavity 20. The drive assembly 4 can drive the valve core 1 to move, thereby realizing the fluid switching of the electric valve 100. The electric valve 100 of this application can be applied in automotive air conditioning systems for refrigerant switching and flow regulation. In some other embodiments, the electric valve 100 may also simultaneously function as a throttling element, i.e., function as an electronic expansion valve.

[0017] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the drive assembly 4 includes a rotor 41 and a lead screw 42, with the lead screw 42 either fixedly connected to or circumferentially limited by the rotor 41. The electric valve includes a bearing 7, a portion of which is fixedly connected to the lead screw 42, and another portion of which is fixedly connected to the valve core 1.

[0018] like Figure 2 As shown, the electric valve includes a nut seat 9, which is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the valve body 2. The lead screw 42 includes an external threaded portion, and the nut seat 9 includes a threaded hole 91. At least a portion of the external threaded portion is located in the threaded hole 91 and engages with the wall forming the threaded hole 91. Through the cooperation between the nut seat 9 and the lead screw 42, the rotation of the rotor 41 can be converted into the axial movement of the lead screw 42, thereby driving the valve core 1 to move axially along the electric valve.

[0019] The valve body 2 includes a sealing part 3, which surrounds the valve core 1 and abuts against the outer periphery of the valve core 1. The valve core 1 does not rotate relative to the valve body 2. This arrangement allows the friction between the sealing part 3 and the valve core 1 to impede the rotation of the valve core 1, meaning the sealing part 3 provides a certain degree of anti-rotation function. Therefore, the electric valve does not require a separate anti-rotation structure. The direction of movement of the valve core 1 is defined as the axial direction of the valve core 1 and the axial direction of the electric valve. The axial direction of the electric valve is... Figure 2 It is indicated by H.

[0020] The wall forming the inner cavity 20 includes a first valve port 201 and a second valve port 202. The first valve port 201 and the second valve port 202 are arranged along the axial direction of the electric valve. The valve core 1 can abut against the first valve port 201 and the valve core 1 can abut against the second valve port 202.

[0021] The valve body 2 has a first channel 26 and a second channel 27, both of which communicate with the valve cavity and have openings on the outer side wall of the valve body 2. Along the axial direction of the electric valve, the first channel 26 is closer to the drive assembly 4 relative to the first valve port 201, and the first valve port 201 is farther from the drive assembly 4 relative to the first valve port 201. The second channel 27 is located between the second valve port 202 and the first valve port 201. The valve body 2 also has a third channel 23, and along the axial direction of the electric valve, the third channel 23 and the second channel 27 are located on opposite sides of the second valve port 202, respectively.

[0022] When valve core 1 is in the first position, valve core 1 abuts against the first valve port 201, and the second channel 27 is connected to the third channel 23. When valve core 1 is in the second position, valve core 1 abuts against the second valve port 202, and the second channel 27 is connected to the first channel 26. When valve core 1 is between the first and second positions, the third channel 23 is connected to the second channel 27, and the second channel 27 is connected to the first channel 26. This electric valve can achieve two-position three-way fluid control and can also distribute flow between the first channel 26 and the third channel 23.

[0023] In the electric valve provided by this application, the valve core 1 is an integral structure, or the various parts comprising the valve core 1 cannot move relative to each other along the axial direction of the electric valve. This makes it difficult for the fluid pressure to push the valve core 1 away from the valve port when the first valve port 201 or the second valve port 202 is blocked by the valve core 1 and the axial pressure difference on both sides of the valve port is large. This reduces the risk of sealing failure at the first valve port 201 or the second valve port 202. This advantage is particularly pronounced when the electric valve is applied in a high-pressure refrigerant environment, such as when the fluid inside the electric valve is carbon dioxide refrigerant. When the valve core 1 of the electric valve actuates and gradually approaches the first valve port 201 or the second valve port 202, the rotational speed of the rotor 41 is reduced through an electronic control strategy, which can mitigate the impact when the valve core 1 comes into contact with the first valve port 201 or the second valve port 202.

[0024] The valve body 2 includes an inner cavity 20, a first channel 26 and a second channel 27. At least a portion of the valve core 1 is located in the inner cavity 20. Both the first channel 26 and the second channel 27 have openings in the wall forming the inner cavity 20. Along the axial direction of the electric valve, the first channel 26 is closer to the drive assembly 4 relative to the first valve port 201, and the first valve port 201 is farther away from the drive assembly 4 relative to the first valve port 201. The second channel 27 is located between the second valve port 202 and the first valve port 201.

[0025] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the valve core 1 includes a main body 13, most of which is located between the first valve port 201 and the second valve port 202. The radial dimension of the main body 13 is larger than the radial dimension of the first valve port 201 and the second valve port 202. The main body 13 is an integral structure. (Reference) Figure 2Since the first channel 26 is generally used as the inlet channel when using an electric valve, the space between the first valve port 201 and the second valve port 202 is filled with a relatively high-pressure fluid. When the valve core 1 abuts against the first valve port 201, the upper side of the first valve port 201 is filled with a relatively low-pressure fluid. At this time, the main body 13 will be subjected to a downward fluid force, that is, a force that pushes the main body 13 away from the first valve port 201. The integral structure of the main body 13 can better withstand this pressure difference and is less prone to deformation. Similarly, when the valve core 1 abuts against the second valve port 202, the main body 13 will be subjected to a force that pushes the main body 13 away from the second valve port 202.

[0026] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the main body 13 includes a first adjusting part 11, which can abut against the first valve port 201. From the drive assembly 4 toward the second valve port 202, the radial dimension of the first adjusting part 11 gradually increases, enabling more precise adjustment of the flow rate at the first valve port 201. The main body 13 also includes a second adjusting part 12, which can abut against the second valve port 202. From the drive assembly 4 toward the second valve port 202, the radial dimension of the second adjusting part 12 gradually decreases, enabling more precise adjustment of the flow rate at the second valve port 202. Specifically, the second adjusting part 12 includes a first inclined surface 121 and a second inclined surface 122. Both the first inclined surface 121 and the second inclined surface 122 are conical. The radial dimension of the second inclined surface 122 is smaller than that of the first inclined surface 121. The angle between the second inclined surface 122 and the axial direction of the electric valve is less than 45°, the angle between the first inclined surface 121 and the axial direction of the electric valve is less than 30°, and the angle between the second inclined surface 122 and the extending direction of the first inclined surface 121 is greater than 5°. The first inclined surface 121 can abut against the second valve port 202. The smaller axial angle of the first inclined surface 121 is more conducive to fine adjustment of the flow rate at the second valve port 202. The first adjusting part 11 also has the same structure. The outer periphery of the main body 13 is cylindrical, which is convenient for processing. The outlines of the first valve port 201 and the second valve port 202 are both annular.

[0027] The valve core 1 includes a neck 15. Along the axial direction of the valve core 1, a connecting portion 16, a neck 15, and a main body 13 are arranged sequentially. The radial dimension of the neck 15 is smaller than that of the main body 13, and the radial dimension of the neck 15 is smaller than that of the connecting portion 16. The neck 15 is used to connect the main body 13 and the connecting portion 16. Specifically, the radial dimension of the neck 15 is less than or equal to two-thirds of the radial dimension of the main body 13. Reducing the radial dimension of the neck 15 will increase the fluid passage diameter of the first valve port 201, and the passage diameter of the portion of the inner cavity 20 located at the same height as the first channel 26 will also increase.

[0028] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 16, the neck 15, and the main body 13 are an integral structure, which reduces the number of parts and decreases axial mobility. In other embodiments, the connecting portion 16 and the neck 15 may be an integral structure, with the neck 15 and the main body 13 fixedly connected. The main body 13 may be sleeved on the outside of the rod-shaped neck 15 or fixedly connected to one end of the rod. In still some embodiments, the connecting portion 16 and the neck 15 are fixedly connected, and the neck 15 and the main body 13 are an integral structure.

[0029] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, the valve core 1 includes a connecting portion 17, which has a mounting cavity 146. The mounting cavity 146 has an opening on the side near the drive assembly. At least a portion of the bearing 7 is located in the mounting cavity 146 to facilitate the positioning of the bearing 7.

[0030] Bearing 7 is a rolling bearing, which can be a ball bearing or a needle bearing. Valve core 1 includes a limiting portion 17, at least a portion of which is fixed to the opening side of mounting cavity 146. Along the axial direction of valve core 1, one end of bearing 7 abuts against limiting portion 17, and the other end of bearing 7 abuts against the wall forming mounting cavity 146, thereby fixing bearing 7 to valve core 1. In other embodiments, the outer wall of bearing 7 is interference-fitted with the side wall forming mounting cavity 146, thereby achieving a fixed connection between bearing 7 and valve core 1.

[0031] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the bearing 7 includes an inner ring 71, an outer ring 72, and a rolling element 73. The outer ring 72 is located radially outside the inner ring 71, and the rolling element is located between the inner ring 71 and the outer ring 72. The wall forming the mounting cavity 146 has a first stepped portion 149. Along the axial direction of the electric valve, one end face of the outer ring 72 abuts against the limiting portion 17, and the other end face of the outer ring 72 abuts against the first stepped portion 149. The lead screw 42 includes a second stepped portion 48, and the electric valve includes a second limiting portion 49. The second limiting portion 49 is fixedly connected to the lead screw or is an integral structure. Along the axial direction of the electric valve, one end face of the inner ring 71 abuts against the second stepped portion, and the other end face of the inner ring 71 abuts against the second limiting portion 49, so that the lead screw 42 can drive the valve core 1 to move axially.

[0032] The valve core 1 has an internal channel 14, which includes a vertical hole 147. The vertical hole 147 extends along the axial direction of the valve core 1. One end of the vertical hole 147 communicates with the mounting cavity 146. The other end of the vertical hole 147 has a first opening 142 on the end face of the valve core 1 away from the drive assembly 4. When the bearing 7 is installed in the mounting cavity 146, the vertical hole 147 can discharge gas, which facilitates the installation of the bearing 7.

[0033] The inner cavity 20 includes a drive cavity 25. Along the axial direction of the electric valve, the drive cavity 25, the first channel 26, and the first valve port 201 are arranged in sequence, and at least part of the lead screw 42 is located in the drive cavity 25.

[0034] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the internal channel 14 includes a pressure equalization hole 144, which communicates with the mounting cavity 146. The pressure equalization hole 144 has a first opening 142 on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting part 16. The valve body 2 includes a sealing part 3, which surrounds the valve core 1 and abuts against the outer peripheral part of the valve core 1. The first opening 142 is closer to the rotor 41 assembly than the sealing part 3. By providing the pressure equalization hole 144, the two ends of the valve core 1 can be fluidly connected, thereby making the pressure on the two ends of the valve core 1 the same or basically the same. This allows the pressure on the two ends of the valve core 1 along the axial direction to cancel each other out, which helps to reduce the driving force of the drive assembly 4 and facilitates the smooth operation of the valve core 1. At least part of the connecting part 16 is located inside the nut seat 9. The connecting part 16 is separated from the inner wall of the nut seat 9. This gap allows the fluid to communicate, enabling the space at the upper end of the valve core 1 to communicate with the pressure equalization hole 144, thereby balancing the fluid pressure on the valve core 1 more quickly.

[0035] In some embodiments, the valve core 1 includes a limiting portion 17, at least a portion of which is fixed to the opening side of the mounting cavity 146. Along the axial direction of the valve core 1, one end of the bearing 7 abuts against the limiting portion 17, and the other end of the bearing 7 abuts against the wall forming the mounting cavity 146, thereby fixing the bearing 7 to the valve core 1. In other embodiments, the outer wall of the bearing 7 is interference-fitted with the side wall forming the mounting cavity 146, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the bearing 7 and the valve core 1.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the valve body 2 includes a connecting seat 28, a first part 291, and a second part 292. The connecting seat 28, the first part 291, and the second part 292 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the valve core 1. The connecting seat 28 is fixedly connected to the first part 291. The sealing part 3 is a separate structure from the first part 291 and the connecting seat 28. Along the axial direction of the valve core 1, one side of the sealing part 3 abuts or has a clearance fit with the first part 291, and the other side of the sealing part 3 abuts or has a clearance fit with the connecting seat 28. The first part 291 and the connecting seat 28 are manufactured separately, which facilitates the installation of the sealing part 3 between the first part 291 and the connecting seat 28 when assembling the valve body 2. In this embodiment, the sealing part 3 does not move with the valve core 1. Along the radial direction of the electric valve, the sealing part 3 is pressed between the valve core 1 and the inner side of the housing. Specifically, the sealing part 3 is a Gladwell ring.

[0037] The first valve port 201 and the second valve port 202 are made of metal, and the main body 13 is made of metal. The valve core 1 and the first valve port 201 and the second valve port 202 can form a hard seal, which is less prone to deformation compared to a soft seal.

[0038] In another embodiment, the valve core 1 may include a sealing ring (not shown in the figure), which may be made of polymer material. The sealing ring is located in a groove on the surface of the main body 13. The sealing ring moves together with the valve core 1. The sealing part 3 is integrally formed with the rest of the valve body 2. In this case, the radial outer periphery of the sealing ring abuts against the inner wall of the sealing part 3 to seal.

[0039] It should be noted that "fixed connection" in this application includes welding, vulcanization fixing, insert injection molding, thread fixing, interference fit, etc.

[0040] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in this application. Although this specification has described this application with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that those skilled in the art can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to this application, and all technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this application should be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electric valve, characterized in that, The device includes a valve core (1), a valve body (2), and a drive assembly (4). The drive assembly (4) includes a lead screw (42). The electric valve includes a bearing (7). A part of the bearing (7) is fixedly connected to the lead screw (42). A part of the bearing (7) is fixedly connected to the valve core (1). The lead screw (42) can drive the valve core (1) to move. The direction of movement of the valve core (1) is defined as the axial direction of the electric valve. The valve core (1) is an integral structure. Alternatively, the parts included in the valve core (1) cannot move relative to each other along the axial direction of the electric valve. The valve body (2) includes a first valve port (201) and a second valve port (202). The first valve port (201) and the second valve port (202) are arranged along the axial direction of the electric valve. The valve core (1) can abut against the first valve port (201) and the second valve port (202).

2. The electric valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body (2) includes an inner cavity (20), a first channel (26) and a second channel (27). At least a portion of the valve core (1) is located in the inner cavity (20). The first channel (26) and the second channel (27) both have openings in the wall forming the inner cavity (20). Along the axial direction of the electric valve, the first channel (26) is closer to the drive assembly (4) relative to the first valve port (201), and the first valve port (201) is farther away from the drive assembly (4) relative to the first valve port (201). The second channel (27) is located between the second valve port (202) and the first valve port (201). The valve core (1) includes a main body (13). Most of the main body (13) is located between the first valve port (201) and the second valve port (202). The radial dimension of the main body (13) is greater than the radial dimension of the first valve port (201) and the second valve port (202). The main body (13) is an integral structure.

3. The electric valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main body (13) includes a first adjustment part (11), which is capable of abutting against the first valve port (201). The radial dimension of the first adjustment part (11) gradually increases from the drive assembly (4) toward the second valve port (202). The main body (13) also includes a second adjustment part (12), which is capable of abutting against the second valve port (202). The radial dimension of the second adjustment part (12) gradually decreases from the drive assembly (4) toward the second valve port (202).

4. The electric valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve core (1) includes a neck (15) and a connecting part (16). The connecting part (16) is fixedly connected to a portion of the bearing (7). Along the axial direction of the valve core (1), the connecting part (16), the neck (15), and the main body (13) are arranged in sequence. The radial dimension of the neck (15) is less than two-thirds of the radial dimension of the main body (13), and the radial dimension of the neck (15) is less than the radial dimension of the connecting part (16). The connecting part (16), the neck (15), and the main body (13) are an integral structure. Alternatively, the connecting part (16) and the neck (15) are an integral structure, and the neck (15) and the main body (13) are fixedly connected. Alternatively, the connecting part (16) and the neck (15) are fixedly connected, and the neck (15) and the main body (13) are an integral structure.

5. The electric valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first valve port (201) and the second valve port (202) are made of metal, and the main body (13) is made of metal.

6. The electric valve according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The electric valve includes a nut seat (9), which is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the valve body (2). The lead screw (42) includes an external thread portion. The nut seat (9) includes a threaded hole (91). At least a portion of the external thread portion is located in the threaded hole (91) and engages with the wall forming the threaded hole (91). The drive assembly (4) includes a rotor. One end of the lead screw (42) is fixedly connected to the rotor (41).

7. The electric valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bearing (7) is a rolling bearing, and the valve core (1) includes a connecting portion (16), the connecting portion (16) having a mounting cavity (146), the mounting cavity (146) having an opening on the side near the drive assembly, and at least a portion of the bearing (7) being located in the mounting cavity (146); the valve core (1) includes a limiting portion (17), at least a portion of the limiting portion (17) being fixed to the opening side of the mounting cavity (146); along the axial direction of the valve core (1), one end of the bearing (7) abuts against the limiting portion (17), and the other end of the bearing (7) abuts against the wall forming the mounting cavity (146).

8. The electric valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bearing (7) includes an inner ring (71), an outer ring (72) and a rolling element (73), wherein the outer ring (72) is located radially outside the inner ring (71) and the rolling element is located between the inner ring (71) and the outer ring (72); The wall forming the mounting cavity (146) has a first stepped portion (149). Along the axial direction of the electric valve, one end face of the outer ring (72) abuts against the limiting portion (17), and the other end face of the outer ring (72) abuts against the first stepped portion (149). The lead screw (42) includes a second step portion (48), and the electric valve includes a second limiting portion (49). The second limiting portion (49) is fixedly connected to the lead screw or is an integral structure. Along the axial direction of the electric valve, one end face of the inner ring (71) abuts against the second step portion, and the other end face of the inner ring (71) abuts against the second limiting portion (49).

9. The electric valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The valve core (1) has an internal channel (14) including a vertical hole (147) extending axially along the valve core (1). One end of the vertical hole (147) communicates with the mounting cavity (146), and the other end of the vertical hole (147) has a first opening (142) on the end face of the valve core (1) away from the drive assembly (4). The internal channel (14) includes a pressure equalization hole (144) communicating with the mounting cavity (146). The equalizing hole (144) has a second opening (141) on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting part (16); the valve body (2) includes a sealing part (3) surrounding the valve core (1) and abutting against the outer peripheral portion of the valve core (1); the first opening (142) is close to the rotor (41) assembly relative to the sealing part (3); at least a portion of the connecting part (16) is located inside the nut seat (9), and the connecting part (16) is spaced from the inner wall of the nut seat (9).

10. The electric valve according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The valve body (2) has a third channel (23). Along the axial direction of the electric valve, the third channel (23) and the second channel (27) are located on both sides of the second valve port (202). When the valve core (1) is in the first position, the valve core (1) abuts against the first valve port (201), and the second channel (27) communicates with the third channel (23). When the valve core (1) is in the second position, the valve core (1) abuts against the second valve port (202), and the second channel (27) communicates with the first channel (26). When the valve core (1) is between the first position and the second position, the third channel (23) communicates with the second channel (27), and the second channel (27) communicates with the first channel (26).

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