Switching valve and air conditioning system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of switching valve and air conditioning system, switching valve includes valve body, valve core and drive assembly, valve body is formed with valve cavity and multiple import and export being communicated with valve cavity, valve core is movably arranged in valve cavity along first direction, to control the communication or interruption between multiple import and export, drive assembly is used to drive valve core movement and include two driving members, two driving members are located in valve cavity and are located at opposite sides of valve core, driving member is deformable along first direction, one end of driving member is connected with valve core, the other end of driving member is connected with valve body, driving member is shape memory alloy piece and suitable for with power supply unit electric connection.According to the switching valve of the utility model, the structure of switching valve can be simplified better, so that the reliability of switching valve can be improved and the production cost of switching valve is reduced.In addition, the impact noise generated by the contact between valve core and valve body during movement can be effectively avoided, so that the action noise of switching valve can be reduced to improve the quietness of operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning device technology, and in particular to a switching valve and an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, air conditioners have gradually entered thousands of households, becoming an important household appliance. Because air conditioners have multiple internal flow paths, and these paths need to be switched according to operating modes and other requirements, switching valves are typically installed in the flow paths to adjust the refrigerant flow direction. However, the switching valves in related technologies have complex structures and are prone to generating noise during switching, leading to increased production costs and poor quiet operation of the air conditioner. Therefore, improvements are needed. Utility Model Content

[0003] The first aspect of this utility model proposes a switching valve, which has the advantages of simple structure and low operating noise.

[0004] A switching valve according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a valve body having a valve cavity and a plurality of inlets and outlets communicating with the valve cavity; a valve core movably disposed within the valve cavity along a first direction to control the connection or disconnection between the plurality of inlets and outlets, thereby switching the switching valve between a first operating mode and a second operating mode; and a drive assembly for driving the valve core to move and including two drive members located within the valve cavity and on opposite sides of the valve core along the first direction. Each drive member is deformable along the first direction, with one end connected to the valve core and the other end connected to the valve body. The drive member is a shape memory alloy and is adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply unit.

[0005] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the switching valve's driving component is a shape memory alloy part and is suitable for electrical connection with a power supply unit. By controlling the energization or de-energization of the two driving components, the position of the valve core in the first direction can be flexibly adjusted, controlling the switching valve to switch between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. This simplifies the structure of the switching valve, thereby improving its reliability and reducing its production cost. Furthermore, it effectively avoids impact noise generated by the valve core contacting the valve body during movement, thus reducing the operating noise of the switching valve and improving its quiet operation.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve body is provided with a terminal block, the number of the terminal blocks is the same as the number of the driving components and they correspond one-to-one, the driving component is electrically connected to the corresponding terminal block, and the terminal block is used to be electrically connected to the power supply unit.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, along the first direction, the terminal block is located at the end of the corresponding drive member away from the valve core.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the driving component includes a first driving segment and a second driving segment connected together. The first driving segment and the second driving segment are arranged along a second direction and can be deformed in the first direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The terminal block is provided with a first terminal and a second terminal. Along the first direction, one end of the first driving segment and one end of the second driving segment are connected. The other end of the first driving segment is connected to the first terminal, and the other end of the second driving segment is connected to the second terminal, so as to form a closed loop with the power supply unit.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, both the first driving segment and the second driving segment extend in a spiral shape in the first direction.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve core includes a valve core body and a mating protrusion. The mating protrusion is disposed on one side of the valve core body along a second direction. Along the first direction, the size of the mating protrusion is smaller than the size of the valve core body. The end of the driving member near the valve core is connected to the mating protrusion.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the mating protrusion is located at the middle of the valve core body along the first direction.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of inlets and outlets include a first side inlet and outlet and a second side inlet and outlet. The first side inlet and outlet and the second side inlet and outlet are located on opposite sides of the valve body along a second direction. The second side inlet and outlet are provided with a plurality of inlets and outlets arranged at intervals along a first direction. The valve core is spaced apart from the first side inlet and outlet. The valve core is used to control the connection or disconnection between the first side inlet and outlet and the plurality of second side inlets and outlets, and is used to control the connection or disconnection between at least some of the adjacent two second side inlets and outlets.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, along the second direction, the side of the valve core opposite to the first side inlet and outlet is a first side, the valve cavity has a second side opposite to the first side, the first side abuts against the second side, the first side is formed with a connecting groove, a plurality of second side inlets and outlets are formed on the second side, and two adjacent second side inlets and outlets can be connected through the connecting groove.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of second-side inlets and outlets include a first inlet and outlet and a second inlet and outlet; in the first working mode, the first inlet and outlet are opposite to and connected to the connecting groove along the second direction, and along the first direction, the valve core is located on the side of the second inlet and outlet close to the first inlet and outlet and is arranged at intervals with the second inlet and outlet; in the second working mode, both the first inlet and outlet and the second inlet and outlet are opposite to and connected to the connecting groove along the second direction.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of second-side inlets and outlets include a third inlet and outlet, a fourth inlet and outlet, and a fifth inlet and outlet arranged sequentially along the first direction; in the first working mode, the third inlet and outlet and the fourth inlet and outlet are opposite to and connected to the communicating groove along the second direction, and the valve core is located on the side of the fifth inlet and outlet close to the fourth inlet and outlet and is spaced apart from the fifth inlet and outlet; in the second working mode, the fourth inlet and outlet and the fifth inlet and outlet are both opposite to and connected to the communicating groove along the second direction, and the valve core is located on the side of the third inlet and outlet facing the fourth inlet and outlet and is spaced apart from the third inlet and outlet.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve core includes a valve core body and a sealing portion. The sealing portion is connected to one side of the valve core body along the first direction. The communicating groove is formed on the valve core body. The sealing portion is in contact with the second side. A plurality of second side inlets and outlets include a sixth inlet / outlet, a seventh inlet / outlet, an eighth inlet / outlet, and a ninth inlet / outlet arranged sequentially along the first direction. The sealing portion is connected to the side of the valve core body near the ninth inlet / outlet. In the first operating mode, the sixth inlet / outlet and the seventh inlet / outlet are opposite to and connected to the communicating groove along the second direction. The valve core is located on the side of the ninth inlet / outlet near the eighth inlet / outlet and is spaced apart from the ninth inlet / outlet. The sealing portion is opposite to the eighth inlet / outlet along the second direction. In the second operating mode, the seventh inlet / outlet and the eighth inlet / outlet are opposite to and connected to the communicating groove along the second direction. The valve core is located on the side of the sixth inlet / outlet near the seventh inlet / outlet and is spaced apart from the sixth inlet / outlet. The sealing portion is opposite to the ninth inlet / outlet along the second direction.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first side inlet / outlet is used to connect to the exhaust port of the compressor, and the drive member is configured to extend and drive the valve core to move in the energized state so that the switching valve switches between a first working mode and a second working mode, and to maintain the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in through the first side inlet / outlet in the de-energized state so that the switching valve remains in the first working mode or the second working mode.

[0018] The second aspect of this utility model proposes an air conditioning system.

[0019] An air conditioning system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: the aforementioned switching valve.

[0020] According to the air conditioning system of the second aspect embodiment of this utility model, the driving component is a shape memory alloy part and is suitable for electrical connection with the power supply unit. By controlling the energization or de-energization state of the two driving components, the position of the valve core in the first direction can be flexibly adjusted, controlling the switching valve to switch between the first and second operating modes. This can effectively simplify the structure of the switching valve, thereby improving its reliability and reducing its production cost. Furthermore, it can effectively avoid impact noise generated by the valve core contacting the valve body during movement, thereby reducing the operating noise of the switching valve and improving its quiet operation.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve in the first working mode according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve in the second working mode according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve in the first working mode according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve in the second working mode according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve in the first working mode according to Embodiment 3 of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the switching valve in the second working mode according to Embodiment 3 of this utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the wiring socket and drive component of the switching valve according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system in heating mode according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system in cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure label: 100. Air conditioning system; 10. Switching valve; 1. Valve body; 11. Valve chamber; 111. First sub-chamber; 112. Second sub-chamber; 12. Inlet / outlet; 121. First side inlet / outlet; 122. Second side inlet / outlet; 1221. First inlet / outlet; 1222. Second inlet / outlet; 1223. Third inlet / outlet; 1224. Fourth inlet / outlet; 1225. Fifth inlet / outlet; 1226. Sixth inlet / outlet; 1227. Seventh inlet / outlet; 1228. Eighth inlet / outlet; 1229. Ninth inlet / outlet; 3. Second side; 2. Valve core; 21. Valve core body; 211. First side; 212. Communicating groove; 22. Mating protrusion; 23. Sealing part; 3. Drive assembly; 31. Drive component; 31a. First drive component; 31b. Second drive component; 311. First drive section; 312. Second drive section; 4. Terminal block; 41. First terminal; 42. Second terminal; 20. Compressor; 30. First heat exchanger; 40. Second heat exchanger; 50. Throttling component. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0025] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, the terms "above", "over" and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] The switching valve 10 according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the switching valve 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: a valve body 1, a valve core 2, and a drive assembly 3. The valve body 1 forms a valve cavity 11 and a plurality of inlets and outlets 12 communicating with the valve cavity 11. The valve core 2 is movably disposed in the valve cavity 11 along a first direction (e1 as shown in the figure) to control the connection or disconnection between the plurality of inlets and outlets 12, so that the switching valve 10 switches between a first working mode and a second working mode. The drive assembly 3 is used to drive the valve core 2 to move and includes two drive members 31. The two drive members 31 are located in the valve cavity 11 and on opposite sides of the valve core 2 along the first direction. The drive members 31 are deformable along the first direction. One end of the drive member 31 is connected to the valve core 2, and the other end of the drive member 31 is connected to the valve body 1. The drive member 31 is a shape memory alloy part and is suitable for electrical connection with a power supply unit.

[0033] Since the driving component 31 is a shape memory alloy, it has electrical conductivity and the ability to deform according to temperature. When the driving component 31 is energized, if current is supplied to the driving component 31 through the power supply unit, the resistance of the driving component 31 impedes the current flow, and part of the electrical energy flowing through the driving component 31 is converted into heat energy, causing the temperature of the driving component 31 to rise. When the temperature reaches the phase transition temperature, the length of the shape memory alloy elongates with the rise in temperature, that is, the length of the driving component 31 along the first direction elongates after being energized. When the driving component 31 is de-energized, such as when the power supply unit stops supplying the circuit to the driving component 31, the current in the driving component 31 disappears, and the temperature of the driving component 31 decreases. When the temperature drops below the phase transition temperature, the length of the shape memory alloy returns to its initial state as the temperature decreases, that is, the length of the driving component 31 along the first direction shortens after being de-energized.

[0034] In other words, the drive component 31 is a shape memory alloy component and is suitable for electrical connection with the power supply unit. The length of the drive component 31 along the first direction can be adjusted by turning on or off the power. Since one end of the drive component 31 is connected to the valve core 2 and the other end of the drive component 31 is connected to the valve body 1, adjusting the length of the drive component 31 along the first direction is actually adjusting the position of the end of the drive component 31 close to the valve core 2 in the first direction, thereby realizing the adjustment of the position of the valve core 2 in the first direction.

[0035] In other words, by controlling the energization or de-energization of the two drive components 31, the position of the valve core 2 in the first direction can be flexibly adjusted, controlling the switching valve 10 to switch between the first and second operating modes. This simplifies the structure of the switching valve 10, thereby improving its reliability and reducing its production cost. Furthermore, the two drive components 31 are respectively supported on opposite sides of the valve core 2 along the first direction between the valve core 2 and the valve body 1. For example, in both the first and second operating modes, the valve core 2 is spaced apart from the sidewall of the valve cavity 11 along the first direction, effectively preventing impact noise generated by the valve core 2 contacting the valve body 1 during movement, thus reducing the operating noise of the switching valve 10 and improving its quietness.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the first direction is the left-right direction. For ease of description, the driving members 31 located on opposite sides of the valve core 2 along the first direction are defined as the first driving member 31a and the second driving member 31b, respectively. In the following description, the first driving member 31a is located to the left of the second driving member 31b. Specifically, when the first driving member 31a is de-energized and the second driving member 31b is energized, the length of the second driving member 31b extends, causing the left end of the second driving member 31b to move to the left. This allows the valve core 2 to be pushed to the left by the second driving member 31b, thus switching the switching valve 10 to the first operating mode. When the first driving member 31a is energized and the second driving member 31b is de-energized, the length of the first driving member 31a extends, causing the right end of the first driving member 31a to move to the right. The length of the second driving member 31b shortens, allowing the valve core 2 to be pushed to the right by the first driving member 31a, thus switching the switching valve 10 to the second operating mode.

[0037] According to the first aspect embodiment of the switching valve 10 of this utility model, the driving component 31 is a shape memory alloy component and is suitable for electrical connection with the power supply unit. By controlling the energization or de-energization state of the two driving components 31, the position of the valve core 2 in the first direction can be flexibly adjusted, controlling the switching valve 10 to switch between the first working mode and the second working mode. This can effectively simplify the structure of the switching valve 10, thereby improving the reliability of the switching valve 10 and reducing the production cost of the switching valve 10. In addition, it can effectively avoid the impact noise generated by the valve core 2 contacting the valve body 1 during movement, thereby reducing the operating noise of the switching valve 10 and improving the quietness of operation.

[0038] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the valve body 1 is provided with a terminal block 4. The number of terminal blocks 4 is the same as that of the driving components 31, and they correspond one-to-one. The driving component 31 is electrically connected to the corresponding terminal block 4, and the terminal block 4 is used for electrical connection with the power supply unit. That is to say, the two driving components 31 can be individually electrically connected to the power supply unit through their respective terminal blocks 4. This facilitates the individual control of the power on and off of the two driving components 31 and reduces the difficulty of electrical connection between the driving component 31 and the power supply unit. For example, the connecting wire harness with connectors can be plugged into the terminal block 4 and the power supply unit respectively to achieve electrical connection between the driving component 31 and the power supply unit.

[0039] In one specific example, the terminal block 4 includes a fixed base and terminals (which may include a first terminal block 41 and a second terminal block 42) disposed within the fixed base. The fixed base is disposed on the valve body 1 and faces open to facilitate the connection between the power supply unit and the terminal block 4. The outer periphery of the terminals is provided with an insulating structure, such as glass, to ensure insulation performance.

[0040] According to some embodiments of this utility model, along the first direction, the terminal block 4 is located at the end of the corresponding driving member 31 away from the valve core 2. If the terminal block 4 is installed in the middle of the driving member 31 along the first direction, since the terminal block 4 is located on the valve body 1 and the end of the driving member 31 away from the valve core 2 is connected to the valve body 1, the portion of the driving member 31 located between the terminal block 4 and the valve body 1 will not be able to deform. Therefore, by placing the terminal block 4 at the end of the corresponding driving member 31 away from the valve core 2, the influence of the terminal block 4 on the deformation of the driving member 31 can be effectively avoided, thereby ensuring that the driving member 31 has sufficient deformation along the first direction, and thus improving the reliability of driving the valve core 2 to move along the first direction via the driving member 31.

[0041] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 8 As shown, the driving component 31 includes a first driving segment 311 and a second driving segment 312 connected together. The first driving segment 311 and the second driving segment 312 are arranged along a second direction (e2 as shown in the figure) and can be deformed in the first direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The terminal block 4 is provided with a first terminal 41 and a second terminal 42. Along the first direction, one end of the first driving segment 311 and one end of the second driving segment 312 are connected. The other end of the first driving segment 311 is connected to the first terminal, and the other end of the second driving segment 312 is connected to the second terminal 42 to form a closed loop with the power supply unit. That is, by setting the first driving segment 311, the second driving segment 312, the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42, a closed loop can be formed between the driving component 31 and the power supply unit. For example, the power supply unit can supply current to the first driving segment 311 through the first terminal 41, and the current enters the second driving segment 312 along the first driving segment 311 and returns to the power supply unit through the second terminal 42. That is, it is ensured that the current can flow in the drive component 31 according to the set path so as to uniformly heat different positions of the drive component 31, thereby increasing the deformation range of the drive component 31 after being energized and heated, and thus improving the reliability of driving the valve core 2 to move through the drive component 31.

[0042] According to some embodiments of this utility model, both the first driving segment 311 and the second driving segment 312 extend in a spiral shape in the first direction. The spiral shape memory alloy component can achieve a greater deformation amount with the same material usage; in other words, the shape memory alloy component can have a greater amount of expansion and contraction deformation, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the driving component 31 in moving the valve core 2 by elongating or shortening. Furthermore, the spiral structure has good elasticity, which can reduce the risk of fatigue damage to the driving component 31 under compression, thereby extending the service life of the driving component 31 and reducing the operating cost of the switching valve 10.

[0043] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the valve core 2 includes a valve core body 21 and a mating protrusion 22. The mating protrusion 22 is located on one side of the valve core body 21 along the second direction. Along the first direction, the size of the mating protrusion 22 is smaller than the size of the valve core body 21. The end of the drive member 31 near the valve core 2 is connected to the mating protrusion 22. The smaller the size of the mating protrusion 22 in the first direction, the more installation space can be reserved for the drive member 31 on both sides. Therefore, by setting the mating protrusion 22, more installation space can be provided for the drive member 31 in the first direction, facilitating the installation of a drive member 31 with a larger size in the first direction. The larger the size of the drive member 31 along the first direction, the greater the deformation amplitude along the first direction after energization, that is, the deformation amplitude of the drive member 31 after energization can be increased, thereby improving the reliability of driving the valve core 2 through the drive member 31.

[0044] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the mating protrusion 22 is located in the middle of the valve core body 21 along the first direction. Thus, along the first direction, the mating protrusion 22 can reserve the same installation space for the driving members 31 on both sides, allowing driving members 31 of the same size to be installed on opposite sides of the mating protrusion 22. This reduces the number of different types of driving members 31 and ensures that the driving members 31 on both sides have sufficient length, enabling them to have sufficient deformation amplitude after being energized, thereby stably driving the valve core 2 to switch between the first and second operating modes.

[0045] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, the plurality of inlets and outlets 12 include a first side inlet and outlet 121 and a second side inlet and outlet 122. The first side inlet and outlet 121 and the second side inlet and outlet 122 are located on opposite sides of the valve body 1 along the second direction. The second side inlet and outlet 122 is provided with a plurality of inlets and outlets arranged at intervals along the first direction. The valve core 2 is spaced apart from the first side inlet and outlet 121. The valve core 2 is used to control the connection or disconnection between the first side inlet and outlet 121 and the plurality of second side inlets and outlets 122, and is used to control the connection or disconnection between at least some of the adjacent two second side inlets and outlets 122.

[0046] In other words, valve core 2 can control the connection between the first side inlet / outlet 121 and one of the second side inlet / outlet 122, that is, a connected flow path can be formed between the first side inlet / outlet 121 and one of the second side inlet / outlet 122; valve core 2 can also control the connection between at least two partially adjacent second side inlet / outlet 122, that is, another connected flow path can be formed between at least two partially adjacent second side inlet / outlet 122. Thus, by moving valve core 2, the switching valve 10 can form at least two different flow paths, thereby realizing the switching of different flow paths.

[0047] According to some embodiments of this utility model, along the second direction, the side of the valve core 2 facing away from the first side inlet / outlet 121 is a first side surface 211, and the valve cavity 11 has a second side surface 13 opposite to the first side surface 211. The first side surface 211 and the second side surface 13 abut against each other, and a connecting groove 212 is formed on the first side surface 211. A plurality of second side inlets / outlets 122 are formed on the second side surface 13, and two adjacent second side inlets / outlets 122 can be connected through the connecting groove 212. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0048] In other words, the connecting groove 212 is a recessed groove formed on the first side surface 211 and facing away from the second side surface 13. By providing the connecting groove 212, the position of the connecting groove 212 in the first direction can be adjusted by moving the valve core 2. When two adjacent second side inlets / outlets 122 are opposite to and connected to the connecting groove 212 along the second direction, the two adjacent second side inlets / outlets 122 are connected through the connecting groove 212. Here, "the second side inlets / outlets 122 are opposite to the connecting groove 212 along the second direction" means that the projection of the second side inlets / outlets 122 on the reference surface is located within the projection of the connecting groove 212 on the reference surface, and the reference surface is perpendicular to the second direction. Furthermore, since the first side surface 211 abuts against the second side surface 13, the first side inlets / outlets 121 and the connecting groove 212 can be separated, thereby preventing the second side inlets / outlets 122 that are opposite to and connected to the connecting groove 212 from connecting with the first side inlets / outlets 121, thus achieving a good sealing effect. Therefore, by setting multiple second-side inlets and outlets 122 on the same side of the valve body 1 and providing a connecting groove 212 on the valve core 2, it is convenient to realize the valve core 2 to control the connection or disconnection of different inlets and outlets 12, which can simplify the structure of the valve core 2 and reduce the production cost of the switching valve 10.

[0049] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the multiple second-side inlets and outlets 122 include a first inlet and outlet 1221 and a second inlet and outlet 1222. That is, the switching valve 10 is a three-way valve. In the first working mode, the first inlet and outlet 1221 is opposite to and connected to the connecting groove 212 along the second direction. Along the first direction, the valve core 2 is located on the side of the second inlet and outlet 1222 close to the first inlet and outlet 1221 and is spaced apart from the second inlet and outlet 1222. That is, in the first working mode, the valve core 2 connects the second inlet and outlet 1222 with the first side inlet and outlet 121 and cuts off the connection between the first inlet and outlet 1221 and the first side inlet and outlet 121 and the second inlet and outlet 1222. At this time, the first side inlet and outlet 121 is connected to the second inlet and outlet 1222 through the valve cavity 11 to form a connected flow path between the first side inlet and outlet 121, the valve cavity 11 and the second inlet and outlet 1222.

[0050] In the second operating mode, both the first inlet / outlet 1221 and the second inlet / outlet 1222 are opposite to and connected to the connecting groove 212 along the second direction. That is, in the second operating mode, the valve core 2 connects the first inlet / outlet 1221 and the second inlet / outlet 1222, and disconnects the connection between the first side inlet / outlet 121 and the second inlet / outlet 1222. Specifically, the connection between the first side inlet / outlet 121 and the second inlet / outlet 1221 is cut off, and the connection between the first side inlet / outlet 121 and the second inlet / outlet 1222 is also cut off. The first inlet / outlet 1221 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 1222 through the connecting groove 212, thus forming a connected flow path between the first inlet / outlet 1221, the connecting groove 212, and the second inlet / outlet 1222. Therefore, the switching valve 10 can form two different flow paths in the first and second operating modes to achieve switching between different flow paths.

[0051] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the multiple second-side inlets and outlets 122 include a third inlet and outlet 1223, a fourth inlet and outlet 1224, and a fifth inlet and outlet 1225 arranged sequentially along the first direction. That is, the switching valve 10 is a four-way valve. In the first operating mode, the third inlet and outlet 1223 and the fourth inlet and outlet 1224 are opposite to and connected to the connecting groove 212 along the second direction. The valve core 2 is located on the side of the fifth inlet and outlet 1225 close to the fourth inlet and outlet 1224 and spaced apart from the fifth inlet and outlet 1225. The valve core 2 connects the third inlet and outlet 1223 and the fourth inlet and outlet 1224 and connects the first-side inlet and outlet 121 and the fifth inlet and outlet 1225. In other words, in the first working mode, the first inlet / outlet 121 is cut off from the third inlet / outlet 1223 and the fourth inlet / outlet 1224. The first inlet / outlet 121 is connected to the fifth inlet / outlet 1225 through the valve chamber 11, so as to form a connected flow path between the first inlet / outlet 121, the valve chamber 11 and the fifth inlet / outlet 1225. The third inlet / outlet 1223 is connected to the fourth inlet / outlet 1224 through the connecting groove 212, so as to form another connected flow path between the third inlet / outlet 1223, the connecting groove 212 and the fourth inlet / outlet 1224.

[0052] In the second operating mode, the fourth inlet / outlet 1224 and the fifth inlet / outlet 1225 are both opposite to and connected to the connecting groove 212 along the second direction. The valve core 2 is located on the side of the third inlet / outlet 1223 facing the fourth inlet / outlet 1224 and is spaced apart from the third inlet / outlet 1223. The valve core 2 connects the first side inlet / outlet 121 and the third inlet / outlet 1223, and also connects the fourth inlet / outlet 1224 and the fifth inlet / outlet 1225. That is, in the second operating mode, the first side inlet / outlet 121 is cut off from the fourth inlet / outlet 1224 and the fifth inlet / outlet 1225. The first side inlet / outlet 121 is connected to the third inlet / outlet 1223 through the valve cavity 11, so as to form a connected flow path between the first side inlet / outlet 121, the valve cavity 11, and the third inlet / outlet 1223. The fourth inlet / outlet 1224 is connected to the fifth inlet / outlet 1225 through the connecting groove 212, so as to form another connected flow path between the fourth inlet / outlet 1224, the connecting groove 212, and the fifth inlet / outlet 1225.

[0053] Therefore, the switching valve 10 can form two flow paths in the first working mode and two flow paths in the second working mode. Furthermore, the two flow paths formed by the switching valve 10 in the first working mode are different from the two flow paths formed by the switching valve 10 in the second working mode, thereby enabling the switching of different flow paths to meet different flow path requirements.

[0054] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the valve core 2 includes a valve core body 21 and a sealing portion 23. The sealing portion 23 is connected to one side of the valve core body 21 along a first direction. A connecting groove 212 is formed on the valve core body 21. The sealing portion 23 fits against the second side surface 13, allowing some of the second side inlets / outlets 122 to be opened or closed via the sealing portion 23. The plurality of second side inlets / outlets 122 include a sixth inlet / outlet 1226, a seventh inlet / outlet 1227, an eighth inlet / outlet 1228, and a ninth inlet / outlet 1229 arranged sequentially along the first direction. The sealing portion 23 is connected to the side of the valve core body 21 closest to the ninth inlet / outlet 1229. That is, the switching valve 10 is a five-way valve. In the first working mode, the sixth inlet / outlet 1226 and the seventh inlet / outlet 1227 are opposite to and connected to the connecting groove 212 along the second direction. The valve core 2 is located on the side of the ninth inlet / outlet 1229 close to the eighth inlet / outlet 1228 and is spaced apart from the ninth inlet / outlet 1229. The sealing part 23 is opposite to the eighth inlet / outlet 1228 along the second direction. The valve core 2 connects the sixth inlet / outlet 1226 and the seventh inlet / outlet 1227 and connects the first side inlet / outlet 121 and the ninth inlet / outlet 1229.

[0055] In other words, in the first working mode, the valve core body 21 isolates the sixth inlet / outlet 1226 and the seventh inlet / outlet 1227 from the first side inlet / outlet 121, the sealing part 23 isolates the eighth inlet / outlet 1228 from the valve cavity 11, and the first side inlet / outlet 121 is connected to the ninth inlet / outlet 1229 through the valve cavity 11, thereby forming a connected flow path between the first side inlet / outlet 121, the valve cavity 11, and the ninth inlet / outlet 1229; the sixth inlet / outlet 1226 is connected to the seventh inlet / outlet 1227 through the connecting groove 212, so as to form another connected flow path between the sixth inlet / outlet 1226, the connecting groove 212, and the seventh inlet / outlet 1227.

[0056] In the second working mode, the seventh inlet / outlet 1227 and the eighth inlet / outlet 1228 are opposite to and connected to the connecting groove 212 along the second direction. The valve core 2 is located on the side of the sixth inlet / outlet 1226 close to the seventh inlet / outlet 1227 and is spaced apart from the sixth inlet / outlet 1226. The sealing part 23 is opposite to the ninth inlet / outlet 1229 along the second direction. The valve core 2 connects the first side inlet / outlet 121 and the sixth inlet / outlet 1226 and connects the seventh inlet / outlet 1227 and the eighth inlet / outlet 1228. In other words, in the second working mode, the valve core body 21 isolates the seventh inlet / outlet 1227 and the eighth inlet / outlet 1228 from the first side inlet / outlet 121, the sealing part 23 isolates the ninth inlet / outlet 1229 from the valve cavity 11, and the first side inlet / outlet 121 is connected to the sixth inlet / outlet 1226 through the valve cavity 11, thereby forming a connected flow path between the first side inlet / outlet 121, the valve cavity 11 and the sixth inlet / outlet 1226; the seventh inlet / outlet 1227 is connected to the eighth inlet / outlet 1228 through the connecting groove 212, so as to form another connected flow path between the seventh inlet / outlet 1227, the connecting groove 212 and the eighth inlet / outlet 1228.

[0057] Therefore, the switching valve 10 can form two flow paths in the first working mode and two flow paths in the second working mode. Furthermore, the two flow paths formed by the switching valve 10 in the first working mode are different from the two flow paths formed by the switching valve 10 in the second working mode, thereby enabling the switching of different flow paths to meet different flow path requirements.

[0058] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first side inlet / outlet 121 is used to connect to the exhaust port of the compressor 20. The drive member 31 is configured to extend and drive the valve core 2 to move in the energized state, so that the switching valve 10 switches between the first operating mode and the second operating mode, and to maintain the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in through the first side inlet / outlet 121 in the de-energized state so that the switching valve 10 is kept in the first operating mode or the second operating mode.

[0059] For example, the first driving component 31a is used to move the valve core 2 to switch the switching valve 10 to the second operating mode, and the second driving component 31b is used to move the valve core 2 to switch the switching valve 10 to the first operating mode. The temperature of the compressor 20's exhaust port is high. When switching to the first operating mode is required, the second driving component 31b is energized and extends. After the valve core 2 moves into position, the second driving component 31b is de-energized. The second driving component 31b can remain in the extended state under the influence of the high-temperature refrigerant flowing in through the first side inlet / outlet 121, so that the switching valve 10 can still remain in the first operating mode after the second driving component 31b is de-energized. When switching to the second operating mode is required, the first driving component 31a is energized and extends. After the valve core 2 moves into position, the first driving component 31a is de-energized. The first driving component 31a can remain in the extended state under the influence of the high-temperature refrigerant flowing in through the first side inlet / outlet 121, so that the switching valve 10 can still remain in the second operating mode after the first driving component 31a is de-energized. This reduces the power consumption of the switching valve 10 in maintaining both the first and second operating modes.

[0060] Specifically, the valve core 2 is used to divide the valve chamber 11 into a first sub-chamber 111 and a second sub-chamber 112 located on opposite sides of the valve core 2 along the first direction. That is, the first sub-chamber 111 and the second sub-chamber 112 are not connected. The first driving member 31a is disposed in the first sub-chamber 111 and the second driving member 31b is disposed in the second sub-chamber 112. When the switching valve 10 is in the first working mode, the first side inlet / outlet 121 is connected to the second sub-cavity 112 and disconnected from the first sub-cavity 111. That is, the high-temperature refrigerant entering through the first side inlet / outlet 121 can only enter the second sub-cavity 112 to heat the second driving member 31b, keeping the second driving member 31b in an extended state, and preventing the high-temperature refrigerant from entering the first sub-cavity 111 to heat the first driving member 31a, keeping the first driving member 31a in an unextended and deformed state. When the switching valve 10 is in the second working mode, the first side inlet / outlet 121 is connected to the first sub-cavity 111 and disconnected from the second sub-cavity 112. That is, the high-temperature refrigerant entering through the first side inlet / outlet 121 can only enter the first sub-cavity 111 to heat the first driving member 31a, keeping the first driving member 31a in an extended state, and preventing the high-temperature refrigerant from entering the second sub-cavity 112 to heat the second driving member 31b, keeping the second driving member 31b in an unextended and deformed state.

[0061] In other embodiments, after the switching valve 10 switches to the first working mode or the second working mode, the position of the valve core 2 can be maintained by the pressure generated by the refrigerant in the valve body 1, and the phase change temperature of the drive component 31 can be higher than the highest temperature setting of the exhaust port of the compressor 20.

[0062] An air conditioning system 100 according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the air conditioning system 100 according to the second aspect embodiment of the present utility model includes: a switching valve 10.

[0064] According to the air conditioning system 100 of the second aspect embodiment of the present invention, the driving component 31 is a shape memory alloy component and is suitable for electrical connection with the power supply unit. By controlling the energization or de-energization state of the two driving components 31, the position of the valve core 2 in the first direction can be flexibly adjusted, and the switching valve 10 can be controlled to switch between the first working mode and the second working mode. This can simplify the structure of the switching valve 10, thereby improving the reliability of the switching valve 10 and reducing the production cost of the switching valve 10. In addition, it can effectively avoid the impact noise generated by the valve core 2 contacting the valve body 1 during movement, thereby reducing the operating noise of the switching valve 10 and improving the quietness of operation.

[0065] In some embodiments, the air conditioning system 100 includes an electrical control box, which includes a power supply unit, thereby controlling the power supply or de-energization of the drive unit 31 through the electrical control box to achieve the switching of the switching valve 10 between a first operating mode and a second operating mode.

[0066] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 The air conditioning system 100 includes a compressor 20, a first heat exchanger 30, a second heat exchanger 40, and a throttling device 50. Multiple inlets and outlets 12 include a first inlet / outlet 121, a third inlet / outlet 1223, a fourth inlet / outlet 1224, and a fifth inlet / outlet 1225. Specifically, the outlet of the compressor 20 is connected to the first inlet / outlet 121, and the inlet of the compressor 20 is connected to the fourth inlet / outlet 1224. The first heat exchanger 30, the throttling device 50, and the second heat exchanger 40 are connected in series between the third inlet / outlet 1223 and the fifth inlet / outlet 1225. For example, the first heat exchanger 30 can be an indoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger 40 can be an outdoor heat exchanger. When the switching valve 10 is in the first operating mode, the air conditioning system 100 is in cooling mode; when the switching valve 10 is in the second operating mode, the air conditioning system 100 is in heating mode.

[0067] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0068] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0069] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A switching valve, characterized in that, include: A valve body having a valve cavity and multiple inlets and outlets communicating with the valve cavity; A valve core is movably disposed within the valve cavity along a first direction to control the connection or disconnection between the plurality of inlets and outlets, thereby switching the switching valve between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. A drive assembly for driving the valve core to move includes two drive members located inside the valve cavity and on opposite sides of the valve core along a first direction. The drive members are deformable along the first direction, with one end connected to the valve core and the other end connected to the valve body. The drive members are shape memory alloy parts and are adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply unit.

2. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body is provided with a terminal block, and the number of terminal blocks is the same as that of the driving components and they correspond one-to-one. The driving components are electrically connected to the corresponding terminal blocks, and the terminal blocks are used to be electrically connected to the power supply unit.

3. The switching valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the first direction, the terminal block is located at the end of the corresponding drive member away from the valve core.

4. The switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The driving component includes a first driving segment and a second driving segment connected together. The first driving segment and the second driving segment are arranged along a second direction and can be deformed in the first direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The terminal block is provided with a first terminal and a second terminal. Along the first direction, one end of the first driving segment and one end of the second driving segment are connected. The other end of the first driving segment is connected to the first terminal, and the other end of the second driving segment is connected to the second terminal, so as to form a closed loop with the power supply unit.

5. The switching valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the first drive segment and the second drive segment extend in a spiral shape in the first direction.

6. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core includes a valve core body and a mating protrusion. The mating protrusion is located on one side of the valve core body along the second direction. Along the first direction, the size of the mating protrusion is smaller than the size of the valve core body. The end of the drive member near the valve core is connected to the mating protrusion.

7. The switching valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mating protrusion is located at the middle of the valve core body along the first direction.

8. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of inlets and outlets include a first side inlet and outlet and a second side inlet and outlet, the first side inlet and outlet and the second side inlet and outlet are located on opposite sides of the valve body along a second direction, the second side inlet and outlet are provided with a plurality of them arranged at intervals along a first direction, the valve core is spaced apart from the first side inlet and outlet, the valve core is used to control the connection or disconnection between the first side inlet and outlet and the plurality of second side inlets and outlets, and is used to control the connection or disconnection between at least some of the adjacent two second side inlets and outlets.

9. The switching valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, Along the second direction, the side of the valve core opposite to the first side inlet / outlet is the first side, the valve cavity has a second side opposite to the first side, the first side abuts against the second side, the first side has a connecting groove, a plurality of second side inlets / outlets are formed on the second side, and two adjacent second side inlets / outlets can be connected through the connecting groove.

10. The switching valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The multiple second-side inlets and outlets include a first inlet and outlet and a second inlet and outlet; In the first working mode, the first inlet and outlet are opposite to and connected to the communicating groove along the second direction, and along the first direction, the valve core is located on the side of the second inlet and outlet close to the first inlet and outlet and is spaced apart from the second inlet and outlet; In the second working mode, both the first inlet and the second inlet are opposite to and connected to the connecting groove along the second direction.

11. The switching valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The plurality of second-side inlets and outlets include a third inlet and outlet, a fourth inlet and outlet, and a fifth inlet and outlet arranged sequentially along the first direction; In the first working mode, the third inlet and the fourth inlet and the connecting groove are opposite to and connected to the connecting groove along the second direction, and the valve core is located on the side of the fifth inlet and the fourth inlet and the valve core is spaced apart from the fifth inlet and the fifth inlet; In the second working mode, the fourth inlet and the fifth inlet are both opposite to and connected to the communicating groove along the second direction, and the valve core is located on the side of the third inlet and the fourth inlet and is spaced apart from the third inlet and the fourth inlet.

12. The switching valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The valve core includes a valve core body and a sealing part. The sealing part is connected to one side of the valve core body along the first direction. The communicating groove is formed on the valve core body. The sealing part is in contact with the second side. The plurality of second side inlets and outlets include a sixth inlet and outlet, a seventh inlet and outlet, an eighth inlet and outlet, and a ninth inlet and outlet arranged sequentially along the first direction. The sealing part is connected to the side of the valve core body near the ninth inlet and outlet. In the first working mode, the sixth inlet and the seventh inlet and the communicating groove are opposite to and connected to each other along the second direction, the valve core is located on the side of the ninth inlet and the eighth inlet and the valve core is spaced apart from the ninth inlet and the sealing part is opposite to the eighth inlet and the eighth inlet and the valve core is located along the second direction. In the second working mode, the seventh inlet and the eighth inlet and the communicating groove are opposite to and connected to each other along the second direction. The valve core is located on the side of the sixth inlet and the seventh inlet and is spaced apart from the sixth inlet and the sealing part is opposite to the ninth inlet and ...

13. The switching valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first side inlet / outlet is used to connect to the exhaust port of the compressor. The drive is configured to extend and drive the valve core to move in the energized state, so that the switching valve switches between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, and to maintain the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in through the first side inlet / outlet in the de-energized state so that the switching valve remains in the first operating mode or the second operating mode.

14. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, include: The switching valve according to any one of claims 1-13.

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