Electronic expansion valve and air conditioner

Abstract

The application provides an electronic expansion valve and an air conditioner. The electronic expansion valve comprises a valve body, a valve needle, a driving mechanism and a valve core. The valve body is provided with a valve cavity, a first communication port and a second communication port which are used for connecting pipelines on the air conditioner. The valve needle is movably connected in the valve cavity to open or close the first communication port. The driving mechanism is configured to drive the valve needle to move when powered. The valve core is electrically connected with a control system of the air conditioner. The valve body is further provided with a third communication port which is used for connecting the inside and outside of the valve cavity. The valve core is movably connected with the third communication port to open or close the third communication port. The valve core is used to open the third communication port to realize the inflow and outflow of refrigerant in the valve cavity. When the valve needle is stuck in the first communication port and cannot realize the flow of refrigerant, the valve core is opened to make the refrigerant flow through the electronic expansion valve smoothly, and the air conditioner is difficult to stop due to the sticking of the valve needle.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Electronic expansion valves are commonly used throttling devices in air conditioners. Because their opening and closing are controlled electronically, their failure rate is higher than that of ordinary mechanical throttling devices. For example, the valve needle may get stuck during the operation of the rotor component, or the failure may be caused by a strong magnetic field. Once a failure occurs, the air conditioner will quickly enter a protective paralysis state, affecting the normal operation of the air conditioner. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides an electronic expansion valve and an air conditioner to solve the technical problem that the air conditioner cannot operate normally when the valve needle is stuck.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes an electronic expansion valve, comprising:

[0005] The valve body has a valve cavity and a first and a second connecting port that connect the inside and outside of the valve cavity. The first and second connecting ports are used to connect to the pipes on the air conditioner.

[0006] A valve needle is movably connected within the valve cavity to open or close the first communication port;

[0007] A drive mechanism configured to drive the valve needle to move when energized; and,

[0008] The valve core is used for electrical connection with the control system of the air conditioner;

[0009] The valve body is further provided with a third connecting port that connects the inside and outside of the valve cavity. The valve core is movably connected to the third connecting port to open or close the third connecting port. The valve core movably opens the third connecting port to realize the inflow and outflow of refrigerant in the valve cavity.

[0010] Optionally, in one embodiment, the valve core movably opens the third communication port along a first direction, the first direction being the direction in which the valve needle moves away from the first communication port.

[0011] Optionally, in one embodiment, at least two valve cores are provided corresponding to the third communication ports. At least one valve core movably opens the corresponding third communication port along the first direction, and at least one valve core movably opens the corresponding third communication port along the second direction, where the second direction is the direction in which the valve needle approaches the first communication port.

[0012] Optionally, in one embodiment, a plurality of valve cores are provided that movably open the third communication port along the first direction, and / or a plurality of valve cores are provided that movably open the third communication port along the second direction.

[0013] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sizes of the plurality of valve cores that movably open the third communication port along the first direction are different, and / or the sizes of the plurality of valve cores that movably open the third communication port along the second direction are different.

[0014] Optionally, in one embodiment, multiple valve cores are provided corresponding to each of the third communication ports, and at least two of the third communication ports are of different sizes.

[0015] Optionally, in one embodiment, each valve core includes a connected insertion portion and a stop portion, the insertion portion being movably connected to the corresponding third communication port, and the stop portion being located in the direction in which the insertion portion movably opens the third communication port.

[0016] Optionally, in one embodiment, a flow-blocking seat is provided inside the valve body, and the flow-blocking seat and at least part of the valve body enclose the valve cavity to form the valve cavity. The flow-blocking seat is provided with a first communication port and a plurality of third communication ports. The valve body is provided with a fourth communication port, and the fourth communication port is located on the side of the flow-blocking seat away from the valve cavity.

[0017] Optionally, in one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a rotor, a stator arranged around the rotor, and a lead screw pair, the stator being configured to drive the rotor to rotate when energized, the nut of the lead screw pair being coaxially connected to the rotor, and the lead screw of the lead screw pair being used to drive the valve needle to open or close the first communication port.

[0018] This application also proposes an air conditioner including an electronic expansion valve as described above.

[0019] The electronic expansion valve provided in this application, by setting a third connection port and a valve core to realize its opening and closing, opens the valve core to allow the refrigerant to flow smoothly through the electronic expansion valve when the valve needle is stuck in the first connection port and cannot realize the flow of refrigerant. The air conditioner is less likely to stop due to valve needle jamming. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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 the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the electronic expansion valve of this application.

[0022] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0023] 1. Valve body; 11. First connecting port; 12. Second connecting port; 13. Third connecting port; 14. Fourth connecting port; 15. Valve cavity; 16. Flow-blocking seat; 2. Valve needle; 3. Drive mechanism; 31. Stator; 32. Rotor; 33. Lead screw pair; 4. Valve core; 41. Insertion part; 42. Stop part.

[0024] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing this application and for simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a unique orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

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

[0028] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0029] The use of "applies to" or "configured to" in this application implies open and inclusive language, which does not exclude the applicability to or configuration to devices performing additional tasks or steps. Additionally, the use of "based on" implies openness and inclusivity, because processes, steps, calculations, or other actions "based on" one or more of the stated conditions or values ​​may in practice be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those stated.

[0030] In this application, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "used as an example, illustration, or description." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" in this application is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this application. Details are set forth in the following description for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that this application can be made without using these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of this application with unnecessary detail. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and features disclosed in this application.

[0031] This application provides an electronic expansion valve to solve the problem of air conditioners failing to operate normally when the valve needle is stuck. The following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the electronic expansion valve includes:

[0033] Valve body 1 is provided with valve cavity 15 and a first connecting port 11 and a second connecting port 12 connecting the inside and outside of valve cavity 15. The first connecting port 11 and the second connecting port 12 are used to connect the pipes on the air conditioner.

[0034] The valve needle 2 is movably connected within the valve cavity 15 to open or close the first communication port 11;

[0035] Drive mechanism 3, which is configured to drive valve needle 2 to move when energized; and,

[0036] Valve core 4 is used for electrical connection with the control system of the air conditioner;

[0037] The valve body 1 is also provided with a third connecting port 13 that connects the inside and outside of the valve cavity 15. The valve core 4 is movably connected to the third connecting port 13 to open or close the third connecting port 13. The valve core 4 movably opens the third connecting port 13 to realize the inflow and outflow of refrigerant in the valve cavity 15.

[0038] It should be noted that the drive mechanism 3 is used to drive the valve needle 2 to movably open or close the first connecting port 11. The third connecting port 13 is located on the same side as the first connecting port 11 in the direction of refrigerant inflow into the valve chamber 15, or on the same side in the direction of refrigerant outflow from the valve chamber 15. Thus, when the first connecting port 11 is blocked by the valve needle 2, the third connecting port 13 can be opened, allowing the refrigerant to flow smoothly through the valve chamber 15. In cooling mode, the refrigerant can flow through the second connecting port 12, the valve needle 2, and the first connecting port 11 in sequence, while the refrigerant flow direction is reversed in heating mode; or, in cooling mode, the refrigerant can flow through the first connecting port 11, the valve needle 2, and the second connecting port 12 in sequence, while the refrigerant flow direction is reversed in heating mode.

[0039] It is understandable that welding solder and installation impurities can easily accumulate in the narrow first connection port 11, clogging it. Furthermore, if the valve needle 2 is damaged by welding or a strong magnetic field causes it to malfunction and become immobile, it will jam at the first connection port 11, leading to air conditioner malfunction. In addition to the valve needle 2, a third connection port 13 and a valve core 4 controlling its opening and closing are provided. When the valve needle 2 is jammed in the first connection port 11, the valve core 4 is moved to open the third connection port 13, allowing refrigerant to flow smoothly through the electronic expansion valve and ensuring the normal operation of the air conditioner. Furthermore, the air conditioner's control system is used to open or close the valve core 4. For example, when refrigerant flows out of the valve chamber 15 through the first connection port 11, if the control system detects that the actual pressure in the valve chamber 15 exceeds the set pressure, it issues a command to control the movement of the valve core 4. When refrigerant flows out of the valve chamber 15 through the second connection port 12, if the control system detects that the actual pressure on the side of the first connection port 11 away from the valve chamber 15 exceeds the set pressure, it issues a command to control the movement of the valve core 4.

[0040] In addition, during high-temperature operation in summer, if the high pressure of the air conditioner continues to rise after the electronic expansion valve has reached its maximum opening, the third connection port 13 can be opened to allow the electronic expansion valve to operate beyond its range, thereby reducing the number of times the air conditioner needs to be protected and protecting the air conditioner's circuit system.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the valve core 4 movably opens the third communication port 13 along the first direction, which is the direction in which the valve needle 2 is away from the first communication port 11.

[0042] It should be noted that, along the first direction, the valve needle 2 moves to open the first communication port 11.

[0043] It is understandable that, since the valve core 4 opens the third connection port 13 in the first direction, the valve core 4 can better seal the third connection port 13 when the refrigerant flows out of the valve chamber 15 through the first connection port 11.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, at least two valve cores 4 and third communication ports 13 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence. At least one valve core 4 can movably open the corresponding third communication port 13 along a first direction, and at least one valve core 4 can movably open the corresponding third communication port 13 along a second direction, where the second direction is the direction in which the valve needle 2 approaches the first communication port 11.

[0045] It should be noted that at least two valve cores 4 open the corresponding third communication port 13 in the first direction and the second direction respectively.

[0046] Understandably, in cooling mode, if refrigerant flows out of valve chamber 15 through first connection port 11, in heating mode, valve core 4, which opens third connection port 13 in the second direction, can provide a good seal for third connection port 13. At the same time, if valve needle 2 is stuck in first connection port 11, valve core 4, which opens third connection port 13 in the second direction, can achieve the throttling effect of electronic expansion valve on refrigerant, ensuring smooth operation of air conditioner.

[0047] In heating mode, if refrigerant flows into valve chamber 15 through the first connecting port 11, in cooling mode, the valve core 4, which opens the third connecting port 13 in the first direction, provides a good seal for the third connecting port 13. Simultaneously, if the valve needle 2 is stuck in the first connecting port 11, the valve core 4, which opens the third connecting port 13 in the first direction, enables the electronic expansion valve to throttle the refrigerant, ensuring smooth operation of the air conditioner. This allows the air conditioner to still operate smoothly even when the valve needle 2 is stuck in both cooling and heating modes.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, multiple valve cores 4 are provided that can movably open the third communication port 13 in the first direction, and / or multiple valve cores 4 are provided that can movably open the third communication port 13 in the second direction.

[0049] It is understandable that multiple valve cores 4 are electrically connected to the air conditioner's control system. Specifically, in cooling mode, when refrigerant flows out of valve chamber 15 through the first connection port 11, if multiple valve cores 4 are provided that can movably open the third connection port 13 in the second direction, and if valve needle 2 is stuck in the first connection port 11, the valve cores 4 can be opened one by one until the throttling target is achieved, allowing for more flexible adjustment of the refrigerant flow rate after valve needle 2 is stuck. In heating mode, when refrigerant flows into valve chamber 15 through the first connection port 11, if multiple valve cores 4 are provided that can movably open the third connection port 13 in the first direction, and if valve needle 2 is stuck in the first connection port 11, the valve cores 4 can be opened one by one until the throttling target is achieved, allowing for more flexible adjustment of the refrigerant flow rate after valve needle 2 is stuck.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the multiple valve cores 4 that movably open the third communication port 13 along the first direction are of different sizes, and / or the multiple valve cores 4 that movably open the third communication port 13 along the second direction are of different sizes.

[0051] It should be noted that if the valve core 4 is of different sizes, then the corresponding third connecting port 13 will also be of different sizes.

[0052] Understandably, by setting different sized third connecting ports 13, different refrigerant flow rates can be achieved when the valve needle 2 is stuck. Furthermore, multiple valve cores 4 of different sizes can open in stages to correspond to the refrigerant demand in different modes of the air conditioner.

[0053] In addition, when the ambient temperature is too high during summer heating or when the heating frequency is too high during winter, the electronic expansion valve may be already fully open and unable to open further. Taking high-temperature operation in summer as an example, after the electronic expansion valve is fully open, the high pressure of the air conditioner continues to rise. At this time, the relatively large valve core 4 can be opened to allow the electronic expansion valve to operate beyond its range, reducing the number of times the air conditioner malfunctions and protecting the air conditioner's circuit system.

[0054] For example, there are two valve cores 4 that open the third communication port 13 along the first direction, and the two valve cores 4 are of different sizes. There are also two valve cores 4 that open the third communication port 13 along the second direction, and the two valve cores 4 are of different sizes.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, multiple valve cores 4 and third communication ports 13 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence, and at least two third communication ports 13 are of different sizes.

[0056] It should be noted that if the size of the third connecting port 13 is different, then the size of the corresponding valve core 4 will also be different.

[0057] It is understandable that when valve needle 2 is stuck, the opening of the electronic expansion valve can be adjusted through the third connecting port 13 of different sizes to achieve different throttling purposes of the electronic expansion valve.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, each valve core 4 includes a connected insertion part 41 and a stop part 42. The insertion part 41 is movably connected to the corresponding third communication port 13, and the stop part 42 is located in the direction in which the insertion part 41 movably opens the third communication port 13.

[0059] Understandably, since the stop portion 42 is located in the direction in which the insertion portion 41 movably opens the third communication port 13, the stop portion 42 can better seal the third communication port 13 when the valve core 4 closes the corresponding third communication port 13. For example, when refrigerant flows out through the first communication port 11, the valve core 4 opens the third communication port 13 in the first direction. Since the stop portion 42 of the valve core 4 is located inside the valve cavity 15, it can provide a good seal for the third communication port 13. When refrigerant flows into the valve cavity 15 through the first communication port 11, the valve core 4 opens the third communication port 13 in the second direction. Since the stop portion 42 of the valve core 4 is located outside the valve cavity 15, it can provide a good seal for the third communication port 13.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, along the direction in which the valve core 4 opens the corresponding third communication port 13, the gap between the insertion part 41 and the third communication port 13 gradually decreases.

[0061] It is understandable that by adjusting the length of the movement path of the valve core 4, the opening degree of the third connecting port 13 can be adjusted, thereby changing the refrigerant flow rate.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a flow-blocking seat 16 is provided inside the valve body 1. The flow-blocking seat 16 and at least part of the valve body 1 enclose a valve cavity 15. The flow-blocking seat 16 is provided with a first communication port 11 and a plurality of third communication ports 13. The valve body 1 is provided with a fourth communication port 14, which is located on the side of the flow-blocking seat 16 away from the valve cavity 15.

[0063] It should be noted that the flow divider 16 divides the valve body 1 into two parts: one part is the valve cavity 15, and the other part is connected to the fourth communication port 14.

[0064] It is understandable that the flow-blocking seat 16 facilitates the further installation of the first connecting port 11 and multiple third connecting ports 13.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the drive mechanism 3 includes a rotor 32, a stator 31 arranged around the rotor 32, and a lead screw pair 33. The stator 31 is configured to drive the rotor 32 to rotate when energized. The nut of the lead screw pair 33 is coaxially connected to the rotor 32. The lead screw of the lead screw pair 33 is used to drive the valve needle 2 to open or close the first communication port 11.

[0066] Understandably, the lead screw assembly 33 includes the lead screw and the nut threaded onto the lead screw. The stator 31 refers to the energized coil, and the rotor 32 refers to the permanent magnet. When the stator 31 is energized, it generates electromagnetic torque on the rotor 32. The rotor 32 drives the nut to rotate, which in turn causes the lead screw to move linearly, moving the valve needle 2 closer to or away from the first communication port 11, thereby opening or closing the first communication port 11.

[0067] This application also provides an air conditioner that includes the electronic expansion valve described above. The specific structure of the electronic expansion valve is as described in the above embodiments. Since this air conditioner adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0068] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. Parts not described in detail in a particular embodiment can be referred to in the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. In the description of this application, 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 indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features.

[0069] The electronic expansion valve and air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. An electronic expansion valve, characterized in that, include: The valve body (1) is provided with a valve cavity (15) and a first connecting port (11) and a second connecting port (12) connecting the inside and outside of the valve cavity (15). The first connecting port (11) and the second connecting port (12) are used to connect the pipes on the air conditioner. The valve needle (2) is movably connected to the valve cavity (15) to open or close the first communication port (11); A drive mechanism (3) configured to drive the valve needle (2) to move when energized; and, Valve core (4) is used for electrical connection with the control system of the air conditioner; The valve body (1) is also provided with a third communication port (13) connecting the inside and outside of the valve cavity (15). The valve core (4) is movably connected to the third communication port (13) to open or close the third communication port (13). The valve core (4) movably opens the third communication port (13) to realize the inflow and outflow of refrigerant in the valve cavity (15).

2. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core (4) movably opens the third communication port (13) in a first direction, the first direction being the direction in which the valve needle (2) moves away from the first communication port (11).

3. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least two valve cores (4) are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the third communication port (13). At least one valve core (4) movably opens the corresponding third communication port (13) along the first direction, and at least one valve core (4) movably opens the corresponding third communication port (13) along the second direction, where the valve needle (2) is close to the first communication port (11).

4. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple valve cores (4) are provided that movably open the third communication port (13) along the first direction, and / or multiple valve cores (4) are provided that movably open the third communication port (13) along the second direction.

5. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sizes of the plurality of valve cores (4) that movably open the third communication port (13) along the first direction are different, and / or the sizes of the plurality of valve cores (4) that movably open the third communication port (13) along the second direction are different.

6. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve core (4) is provided with multiple third communication ports (13) in a one-to-one correspondence, and at least two of the third communication ports (13) are of different sizes.

7. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each valve core (4) includes a connected insertion part (41) and a stop part (42), the insertion part (41) being movably connected to the corresponding third communication port (13), and the stop part (42) being located in the direction in which the insertion part (41) movably opens the third communication port (13).

8. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, A flow-blocking seat (16) is provided inside the valve body (1), and the flow-blocking seat (16) and at least part of the valve body (1) enclose the valve cavity (15). The flow-blocking seat (16) is provided with a first communication port (11) and a plurality of third communication ports (13). The valve body (1) is provided with a fourth communication port (14), and the fourth communication port (14) is located on the side of the flow-blocking seat (16) away from the valve cavity (15).

9. The electronic expansion valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (3) includes a rotor (32), a stator (31) arranged around the rotor (32), and a lead screw pair (33). The stator (31) is configured to drive the rotor (32) to rotate when energized. The nut of the lead screw pair (33) is coaxially connected to the rotor (32), and the lead screw of the lead screw pair (33) is used to drive the valve needle (2) to open or close the first communication port (11).

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the electronic expansion valve as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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