four-way valve

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of valves, in particular to a four-way valve. The four-way valve comprises a valve part, a D connecting pipe and a supporting piece. The valve part comprises a main valve body, a pilot valve body and a supporting pipe. The supporting pipe is arranged between the main valve body and the pilot valve body along the axial direction of the supporting pipe and is connected with the main valve body and the pilot valve body respectively. The supporting pipe is communicated with the main valve body and the pilot valve body respectively. One end of the D connecting pipe is connected with the main valve body, and the other end is used for connecting the exhaust port of a compressor. One end of the supporting piece is connected with the valve part, and the other end extends along a first direction and forms a limiting space. The D connecting pipe is inserted into the limiting space, and at least part of the D connecting pipe in the limiting space abuts against the side wall forming the limiting space along the first direction. The four-way valve provided by the application solves the problem that the connection part of the main valve, the D capillary and the D connecting pipe of the existing four-way valve is prone to fatigue cracking due to continuous vibration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of valve technology, and in particular to a four-way valve. Background Technology

[0002] The four-way valve is an important component in an air conditioning system. It mainly consists of a main valve and a pilot valve. The pilot valve changes the direction of refrigerant flow by switching the position of the slider in the main valve, thereby switching between cooling and heating modes.

[0003] Currently, the main valve of a four-way valve is often connected to the compressor's exhaust port via a D-connector, while the D-connector is connected to the pilot valve via a D-capillary tube. However, since the compressor often generates severe vibrations during operation, these vibrations are transmitted to the main valve and D-capillary tube through the D-connector. This causes fatigue cracking at the connection between the D-connector and the main valve and D-capillary tube due to continuous vibration, affecting the normal use of the four-way valve. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a four-way valve to solve the problem that the connection between the main valve, D capillary tube and D connecting pipe of the existing four-way valve is prone to fatigue cracking due to continuous vibration.

[0005] This application provides a four-way valve, which includes a valve component, a D-connector, and a support member. The valve component includes a main valve body, a pilot valve body, and a support pipe. Along the axial direction of the support pipe, the support pipe is disposed between the main valve body and the pilot valve body and is connected to both the main valve body and the pilot valve body respectively. Both ends of the support pipe are connected to the main valve body and the pilot valve body respectively. One end of the D-connector is connected to the main valve body, and the other end is used to connect to the exhaust port of the compressor. One end of the support member is connected to the valve component, and the other end extends along a first direction and forms a limiting space. The D-connector is inserted into the limiting space, and along the first direction, at least a portion of the D-connector located in the limiting space abuts against the side wall forming the limiting space.

[0006] In one embodiment, the D-connector includes a first connecting section, a second connecting section, and a bend connecting the first connecting section and the second connecting section. The bend is bent. The end of the first connecting section away from the bend is connected to and communicates with the valve component. The second connecting section is spaced apart from the valve component along the first direction, and the end of the second connecting section away from the bend is used to connect to the compressor. The support includes a first support frame and a second support frame. The first support frame is connected to the valve component. At least a portion of the second support frame is located on the side of the second connecting section away from the valve component, and the second support frame is engaged with the first support frame. The second support frame and the first support frame form the limiting space, and along the first direction, both the second support frame and the first support frame partially abut against the second connecting section.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first support frame includes a first main body and a hook portion. One end of the first main body abuts against the second connecting section. The hook portion is connected to the side of the first main body along its own width direction, and the end of the hook portion near the valve component is spaced apart from the first main body along its width direction. The second support frame includes a second main body and a connecting portion. One end of the second main body abuts against the second connecting section. The connecting portion is connected to the side of the second main body along its own width direction, and the connecting portion has a slot that extends through the width direction of the second main body. The hook portion engages with the slot.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second main body portion is bent into an arc-shaped segment near the connection portion and directed away from the valve component.

[0009] In one embodiment, there are two hook portions, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the first main body along its width direction; there are two connecting portions, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the second main body along its width direction, and each connecting portion has a slot.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first support frame has a first support groove recessed at one end near the second connecting segment, and the inner wall of the first support groove is at least partially in contact with the outer wall of the second connecting segment; and / or, the second support frame has a second support groove recessed at one end near the second connecting segment, and the inner wall of the second support groove is at least partially in contact with the outer wall of the second connecting segment.

[0011] This application also provides a four-way valve, which includes a valve component, a D-connector, and a reinforcing bushing. The valve component includes a main valve body, a pilot valve body, and a support pipe. Along the axial direction of the support pipe, the support pipe is disposed between the main valve body and the pilot valve body and is connected to both the main valve body and the pilot valve body respectively. Both ends of the support pipe are in communication with the main valve body and the pilot valve body respectively. One end of the D-connector is connected to the main valve body, and the other end is used to connect to the exhaust port of the compressor. The reinforcing bushing includes a fixed part and an extension part. The fixed part is fitted and connected to the outer side wall of the main valve body, and the extension part is connected to the end of the fixed part away from the main valve body and surrounds a portion of the periphery of the D-connector. The reinforcing bushing at least partially covers the connection position between the D-connector and the main valve body.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sidewall of the main valve body protrudes to form a flange, the flange surrounding the outer periphery of the D-connector; the reinforcing bushing has a flange hole, the flange hole being disposed along the axial direction of the flange through the fixing part and the extension part; wherein, the flange hole is fitted around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the flange.

[0013] In one embodiment, the end face of the extension away from the main valve body is not lower than the end face of the flange away from the main valve body, and the distance between the end face of the extension away from the main valve body and the end face of the flange away from the main valve body along the axial direction of the flange is L, where L≤3mm.

[0014] In one embodiment, the extension is welded to the flange, and the gap between the inner wall of the extension and the outer wall of the flange is T, where 0.01mm≤T≤0.3mm.

[0015] In one embodiment, the flange hole is circular or semi-circular.

[0016] Compared with related technologies, the four-way valve provided in this application, by setting a support pipe between the main valve body and the pilot valve body, can both support the pilot valve body and perform the function of a traditional D-capillary tube, that is, to introduce the high-pressure refrigerant in the main valve body into the pilot valve body, so that the components in the pilot valve body can switch directions. Furthermore, by eliminating the traditional D-capillary tube, the risk of fatigue cracking due to long-term vibration at the D-capillary tube connection is eliminated, and the number of parts is reduced, making assembly simpler and helping to reduce the cost of the four-way valve. At the same time, the addition of a support component rigidly connected to the valve components can assist in supporting the D-connector connected to the compressor, thereby forming a rigid frame, changing the vibration transmission path, and diverting the alternating load originally transmitted through the D-connector weld to two paths: one through the D-connector body and the other through the support component. This directly reduces the alternating stress and vibration impact at the weld between the D-connector and the valve components, thereby reducing the risk of fatigue cracking at its source and improving the reliability of the four-way valve product. Furthermore, the D-connector is in contact with the support along the first direction, ensuring a reliable connection and reducing the risk of the D-connector detaching from the support, thus ensuring a stable and reliable transmission path. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the four-way valve provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first support frame provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second support frame provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the four-way valve according to Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the support member provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the four-way valve of Embodiment 3 provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the support member according to Embodiment 3 of this application.

[0025] The symbols in the diagram represent the following meanings:

[0026] 100. Four-way valve; 10. Valve component; 11. Main valve body; 111. Flanged flange; 12. Pilot valve body; 20. D-connector; 21. First connecting section; 22. Second connecting section; 23. Bend section; 30. Support pipe; 40. Support component; 401. Limiting space; 402. Slot; 403. First support slot; 404. Second support slot; 41. First support frame; 411. First main body; 412. Hook part; 42. Second support frame; 421. Second main body; 4211. Arc-shaped section; 422. Connecting part; 4221. Guide section; 50. Reinforcing bushing; 501. Flanged hole; 51. Fixing part; 52. Extension part. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The four-way valve is an important component in an air conditioning system. It mainly consists of a main valve and a pilot valve. The pilot valve changes the direction of refrigerant flow by switching the position of the slider in the main valve, thereby switching between cooling and heating modes.

[0033] Currently, the main valve of a four-way valve is often connected to the compressor's exhaust port via a D-connector, while the D-connector is connected to the pilot valve via a D-capillary tube. However, since the compressor often generates severe vibrations during operation, these vibrations are transmitted to the main valve and D-capillary tube through the D-connector. This causes fatigue cracking at the connection between the D-connector and the main valve and D-capillary tube due to continuous vibration, affecting the normal use of the four-way valve.

[0034] Please see Figures 1-7This application provides a four-way valve 100, which includes a valve component 10 and a D-connector 20. The valve component 10 includes a main valve body 11 and a pilot valve body 12, which are spaced apart along a first direction. One end of the D-connector 20 is connected to the main valve body 11, and the other end is used to connect to the exhaust port of the compressor. The D-connector 20 can be a straight pipe or a bent pipe. This application specifically uses a bent pipe as an example. Specifically, the D-connector 20 includes a first connecting section 21, a second connecting section 22, and a bent pipe section 23 connected between the first connecting section 21 and the second connecting section 22. The bent pipe section 23 is bent. The end of the first connecting section 21 away from the bent pipe section 23 is connected to and communicates with the main valve body 11 of the valve component 10. The second connecting section 22 is spaced apart from the valve component 10 along the first direction, and the end of the second connecting section 22 away from the bent pipe section 23 is used to connect to the exhaust port of the compressor. Here, the axes of the main valve body 11 and the pilot valve body 12 are located in the same plane. A straight line located in this plane and perpendicular to the axes of the main valve body 11 and the pilot valve body 12 is defined as the first straight line, and the extension direction of the first straight line is the first direction.

[0035] Specifically, the valve component 10 provided in this application also includes a support pipe 30. Along the axial direction of the support pipe 30, it is positioned between the main valve body 11 and the pilot valve body 12, and is connected to both the main valve body 11 and the pilot valve body 12. Both ends of the support pipe 30 are connected to the main valve body 11 and the pilot valve body 12, respectively. The support pipe 30 is a straight pipe. By providing the support pipe 30 between the main valve body 11 and the pilot valve body 12, it can both support the pilot valve body 12 and perform the function of a traditional D-capillary tube, i.e., introduce the high-pressure refrigerant from the main valve body 11 into the pilot valve body 12, facilitating the reversing of components within the pilot valve body 12. Furthermore, eliminating the traditional D-capillary tube also eliminates the risk of fatigue cracking at the D-capillary tube connection due to long-term vibration, reduces the number of components, simplifies assembly, and helps reduce the cost of the four-way valve 100.

[0036] Furthermore, to reduce the probability of cracking due to vibration at the connection between the D-connector 20 and the main valve body 11, this application provides the following three embodiments, as detailed below:

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figures 1-3As shown, the four-way valve 100 in this embodiment also includes a support member 40. One end of the support member 40 is connected to the valve component 10, and the other end extends along a first direction to form a limiting space 401. The D-connector 20 is inserted into the limiting space 401, and at least a portion of the D-connector 20 located in the limiting space 401 abuts against the side wall forming the limiting space 401 along the first direction. In this way, by adding the support member 40 rigidly connected to the valve component 10, the support member 40 can be used to assist in supporting the D-connector 20 connected to the compressor, thereby forming a rigid frame, changing the vibration transmission path, and diverting the alternating load originally transmitted through the weld of the D-connector 20 into two paths: the body of the D-connector 20 and the support member 40. This directly reduces the alternating stress and vibration impact at the weld between the D-connector 20 and the valve component 10, thereby reducing the risk of fatigue cracking at the source and improving the reliability of the four-way valve 100. Furthermore, the D-connector 20 is in contact with the support member 40 along the first direction, ensuring a reliable connection and reducing the risk of the D-connector 20 detaching from the support member 40, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the transmission path.

[0039] Here, the support member 40 can be connected to any one or two or more of the main valve body 11, pilot valve body 12, and support pipe 30 of the valve component 10.

[0040] In one embodiment, the support member 40 includes a first support frame 41 and a second support frame 42. The first support frame 41 is connected to the valve component 10, and at least a portion of the second support frame 42 is located on the side of the second connecting section 22 away from the valve component 10, and the second support frame 42 is engaged with the first support frame 41. The second support frame 42 and the first support frame 41 form a limiting space 401, and along a first direction, both the second support frame 42 and the first support frame 41 partially abut against the second connecting section 22. It is easy to understand that the engaging connection method of the first support frame 41 and the second support frame 42 is relatively simple, effectively improving assembly efficiency and ensuring the support and limiting effect on the D-connector 20.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first support frame 41 includes a first main body portion 411 and a hook portion 412. One end of the first main body portion 411 abuts against the second connecting section 22. The hook portion 412 is connected to the side portion of the first main body portion 411 along its width direction, and the end of the hook portion 412 near the valve component 10 is spaced apart from the first main body portion 411 along its width direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 3As shown, the second support frame 42 includes a second main body 421 and a connecting part 422. One end of the second main body 421 abuts against the second connecting section 22. The connecting part 422 is connected to the side of the second main body 421 along its width direction, and a slot 402 is formed on the connecting part 422 that extends through the width direction of the second main body 421. The hook part 412 is engaged in the slot 402. This facilitates the engagement of the first support frame 41 and the second support frame 42.

[0042] Furthermore, the second main body 421 is bent into an arc-shaped segment 4211 near the connecting portion 422, moving away from the valve component 10. Thus, during the engagement of the first support frame 41 and the second support frame 42, the arc-shaped segment 4211 provides a certain deformation, facilitating the engagement of the hook portion 412 into the slot 402 and reducing the difficulty of engagement.

[0043] Specifically, there are two hook portions 412, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the first main body portion 411 along its width direction. There are also two connecting portions 422, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the second main body portion 421 along its width direction, and each connecting portion 422 has a slot 402. That is, the second support frame 42 is U-shaped overall, and both hook portions 412 can be engaged into their corresponding slots 402, thereby ensuring the efficiency and reliability of the connection between the first support frame 41 and the second support frame 42.

[0044] The distance between the side walls of the two hook portions 412 is greater than the distance between the two connecting portions 422. Thus, during assembly, the second support frame 42 only needs to be pressed towards the first support frame 41. The first support frame 41 will extend between the two connecting portions 422 and spread them apart until the hook portion 412 moves to the position corresponding to the slot 402. At this time, since the connecting portion 422 is no longer under the force of the hook portion 412, the connecting portion 422 will return to its original position, thereby allowing the hook portion 412 to be inserted into the slot 402. It should be noted that during the process of the hook portion 412 moving to the position corresponding to the slot 402, the arc-shaped segment 4211 begins to deform at the predetermined position, so that the connecting portion 422 can move further towards the valve component 10. When the bottom of the hook portion 412 is higher than or flush with the bottom of the slot 402, as the connecting portion 422 returns to its original shape, the hook portion 412 can pass through the slot 402 as a whole. After passing through the slot 402, the arc-shaped segment 4211 loses the external force and returns to its original shape, causing the connecting portion 422 to move upward as a whole. At this time, the position of the connecting portion 422 at the bottom of the slot 402 will be locked in the gap between the hook portion 412 and the first main body portion 411, thereby completing the engagement of the first support frame 41 and the second support frame 42.

[0045] To facilitate the insertion of the first support frame 41 between the two connecting portions 422, a guide section 4221 can be provided on the connecting portion 422. Along the first direction, and from the valve component 10 to the second connecting portion 22, the distance between the two guide sections 4221 gradually decreases, thereby guiding the insertion of the first support frame 41 and reducing assembly difficulty. Of course, in other embodiments, a hook portion 412 and a slot 402 can be provided only on one side of the first support frame 41 and the second support frame 42. In this case, the other side of the first support frame 41 and the second support frame 42 can be connected by means of hinge, flange connection, etc.

[0046] To enhance the support effect of the first support frame 41 on the second connecting section 22, in one embodiment, a first support groove 403 is recessed at one end of the first support frame 41 near the second connecting section 22. The inner wall of the first support groove 403 is at least partially in contact with the outer wall of the second connecting section 22. This increases the contact area between the first support frame 41 and the second connecting section 22, preventing the second connecting section 22 from shifting relative to the valve component 10. This ensures a stable frame structure can be formed between the D-connector 20 and the valve component 10. Furthermore, the fit between the first support frame 41 and the second connecting section 22 is simple, effectively improving assembly efficiency. The first support frame 41 can be welded to the second connecting section 22 for further support. Similarly, a second support groove 404 is recessed at one end of the second support frame 42 near the second connecting section 22. The inner wall of the second support groove 404 is at least partially in contact with the outer wall of the second connecting section 22. This increases the contact area between the second support frame 42 and the second connecting section 22, making the connection more reliable.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the four-way valve 100 further includes a reinforcing bushing 50. The reinforcing bushing 50 includes a fixing part 51 and an extension part 52. The fixing part 51 is fitted and connected to the outer wall of the main valve body 11, and the extension part 52 is connected to the end of the fixing part 51 away from the main valve body 11 and surrounds a portion of the periphery of the D-connector 20. The reinforcing bushing 50 at least partially covers the connection position between the D-connector 20 and the main valve body 11. That is, in this embodiment, the reinforcing bushing 50 can directly strengthen the connection between the D-connector 20 and the main valve body 11, thereby directly improving the structural strength and vibration resistance of the connection between the D-connector 20 and the main valve body 11, and reducing fatigue cracking caused by vibration.

[0049] Specifically, the sidewall of the main valve body 11 protrudes to form a flange 111, which surrounds the outer periphery of the D-connector 20, thereby improving the connection strength between the D-connector 20 and the main valve body 11. Simultaneously, the reinforcing bushing 50 has a flange hole 501, which extends through the fixing part 51 and the extension part 52 along the axial direction of the flange 111. The flange hole 501 is fitted around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the flange 111. Thus, the reinforcing bushing 50 can both ensure sufficient contact area with the main valve body 11 through the fixing part 51, improving the connection strength, and support and reinforce the flange 111 through the extension part 52, preventing breakage between the flange 111 and the main valve body 11, and ensuring a reliable connection between the D-connector 20 and the main valve body 11.

[0050] Furthermore, the end face of the extension 52 away from the main valve body 11 is not lower than the end face of the flange 111 away from the main valve body 11. Also, along the axial direction of the flange 111, the distance between the end face of the extension 52 away from the main valve body 11 and the end face of the flange 111 away from the main valve body 11 is L, where L ≤ 3mm. In this way, the extension 52 can completely cover the length of the flange 111, thereby improving the structural strength of the flange 111, effectively ensuring the vibration resistance of the connection part, and preventing cracking. At the same time, avoiding excessively long axial length of the extension 52 helps reduce costs.

[0051] Preferably, the end face of the extension 52 is flush with the end face of the flange 111. Of course, the distance L between the end face of the extension 52 and the end face of the flange 111 can be 1mm, 2mm or 3mm.

[0052] In one embodiment, the extension 52 is welded to the flange 111, and the gap between the inner wall of the extension 52 and the outer wall of the flange 111 is T, where 0.01mm ≤ T ≤ 0.3mm. This balances the welding and reinforcement effects on the flange 111. When T > 0.3mm, the gap between the extension 52 and the flange 111 is large, leading to unstable fit and potentially reducing the reinforcement effect of the extension 52 on the flange 111. When T < 0.01mm, the gap between the extension 52 and the flange 111 is small, making complete solder penetration difficult and increasing the risk of incomplete solder penetration.

[0053] Optionally, the value of T can be 0.01mm, 0.1mm, 0.2mm or 0.3mm, etc.

[0054] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the flange hole 501 is circular, that is, the extension 52 surrounds the entire outer periphery of the flange 111, making the connection more reliable.

[0055] Example 3

[0056] The structure of this embodiment is basically the same as that of Embodiment 2, and the similarities will not be repeated. The difference is that in this embodiment, as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the flanged hole 501 is semi-circular, that is, the reinforcing bushing 50 in this embodiment is half of the structure in embodiment two, which facilitates processing and installation and saves costs.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

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