Valve device and air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an art which enables improvement of versatility of a valve device and reduction of costs of an air conditioner.SOLUTION: A valve device 6 for opening and closing a passage of a refrigerant, includes: a valve seat 60 formed with a valve port serving as an inlet / outlet of a refrigerant; a valve body 61 which contacts with the valve port to close the passage and separates from the valve port to open the passage; and a valve housing 62 forming a part of the passage. The valve housing 62 includes: a frame part 67 formed with an insertion port for inserting the valve seat 60 into the valve housing 62; and a fixing part 66 which fixes the valve seat 60 inserted from the insertion port by welding using a brazing material. The frame part 67 is formed with a contact surface 68 which comes in contact with an attachment member 320 when the valve device 6 is attached to the attachment member 320 at the outside, and the insertion port is formed on the contact surface 68. The frame part 67 has a portion having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the fixing part 66.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for reducing the cost of an air conditioner by improving the versatility of a valve device. [Background technology]

[0002] Air conditioners achieve heating and cooling functions by forming a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant sealed in a sealed flow path transports heat. Such air conditioners have traditionally been equipped with a valve device that opens and closes the refrigerant flow path. Patent Document 1 describes a valve device that includes a valve body (valve housing), a valve element, and a valve seat. For example, the valve device has a plate-shaped protruding mounting portion and a mounting plate (for example, an exterior wall plate that constitutes the housing of an outdoor unit) that are arranged parallel to each other and fixed with bolts so that they are in close contact with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-169335 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that when brazing (welding) the valve housing and the valve seat, the brazing material overflows from the gap and easily forms a bulge in the fillet. If such a bulge of brazing material is formed, when the valve device is fixed to the mounting plate with bolts, the bulge of brazing material interferes with the mounting plate, preventing the mounting portion (valve device) and the mounting plate from being tightly attached. In other words, the valve device described in Patent Document 1 can only be used in air conditioners equipped with a mounting plate that has been specially modified to prevent interference with the bulge of brazing material, and therefore has a problem of lacking versatility.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a technology for improving the versatility of a valve device and reducing the cost of an air conditioner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 is a valve device that opens and closes a flow path of a refrigerant, comprising: a valve seat formed with a valve orifice that serves as an inlet and outlet for the refrigerant; a valve element that closes the flow path by abutting against the valve orifice and opens the flow path by separating from the valve orifice; and a valve housing that forms part of the flow path, wherein the valve housing comprises a frame portion formed with an insertion orifice for inserting the valve seat into the valve housing, and a fixing portion that fixes the valve seat inserted through the insertion orifice by welding using brazing material, wherein a contact surface that comes into contact with an external mounting member when the valve device is mounted to the mounting member is formed on the frame portion, the insertion orifice is formed on the contact surface, and the frame portion includes a portion with an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the fixing portion.

[0007] The invention of claim 2 is the valve device according to the invention of claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the frame portion gradually decreases continuously in the insertion direction of the valve seat.

[0008] The invention of claim 3 is the valve device according to the invention of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the frame portion is inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the valve seat.

[0009] The invention of claim 4 is the valve device according to the invention of claim 3, wherein the inclination of the inner surface of the frame portion with respect to the insertion direction of the valve seat changes midway.

[0010] The invention of claim 5 is the valve device according to the invention of claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the frame portion is larger than the inner diameter of the fixed portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the invention of claim 6 is a valve device according to the invention of claim 1, wherein the frame portion comprises a first frame portion and a second frame portion, and the inner diameter of the first frame portion is larger than the inner diameter of the second frame portion.

[0012] The invention of claim 7 is an air conditioning system comprising a valve device that opens and closes a flow path of a refrigerant, and a mounting member for mounting the valve device, wherein the valve device comprises a valve seat having a valve orifice that serves as an inlet and outlet for the refrigerant, a valve element that closes the flow path by abutting against the valve orifice and opens the flow path by separating from the valve orifice, and a valve housing that forms part of the flow path, wherein the valve housing comprises a frame portion having an insertion orifice for inserting the valve seat into the valve housing, and a fixing portion that fixes the valve seat inserted through the insertion orifice by welding with brazing material, wherein a contact surface that comes into contact with the mounting member when the valve device is mounted to the mounting member is formed on the frame portion, and the insertion orifice is formed on the contact surface, and the frame portion includes a portion having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the fixing portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The inventions described in claims 1 to 7 include a valve seat with a valve port that serves as an inlet and outlet for the refrigerant; a valve disc that closes the flow path by contacting the valve port and opens the flow path by separating from the valve port; and a valve housing that forms part of the flow path. The valve housing includes a frame portion with an insertion port for inserting the valve seat into the valve housing, and a fixing portion that fixes the valve seat inserted through the insertion port by welding with brazing material. The frame portion has a contact surface that comes into contact with the mounting member when the valve device is attached to the mounting member, the insertion port is formed on the contact surface, and the frame portion includes a portion with an inner diameter larger than that of the fixing portion. This allows ferrets that overflow from the fixing portion to be contained within the valve housing. Therefore, the valve device can be attached to the mounting member without any special processing of the external mounting member, improving the versatility of the valve device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an air conditioning device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which piping is connected to a valve device. [Figure 3]FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve housing of the valve device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the valve housing as seen from the (-Z) side. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the (-X) side of the frame of the valve housing. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a valve housing in a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a valve housing in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, in the following description, descriptions of directions and orientations correspond to the drawings for the convenience of the description, and do not limit, for example, the implementation, product, or scope of rights.

[0016] <1. Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner 1. The air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 2 placed indoors and an outdoor unit 3 placed outdoors. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 are connected by pipes 80 and 81 that serve as indoor-outdoor communication pipes. As will be described in detail later, the air conditioner 1 forms a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant 90 circulates. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which pipes 80 and 86 are connected by a four-way valve 8, and pipes 84 and 85 are connected.

[0017] The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 20 and a fan 21. A pipe 80 and a pipe 81 are connected to the indoor heat exchanger 20. In this embodiment, the pipes 80 and 81 are made of copper.

[0018] In the state of the four-way valve 8 shown in FIG. 1, refrigerant 90 is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 20 from the pipe 81, and the refrigerant 90 is discharged from the pipe 80. At this time, the refrigerant 90 that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 20 exchanges heat with the indoor air blown by the fan 21, evaporates, and is discharged as a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 1, the indoor heat exchanger 20 functions as an evaporator. Then, the indoor air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant 90 absorbs heat from the refrigerant 90, is cooled, and is released into the room. Therefore, in the state of the four-way valve 8 shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 functions as an air conditioning system that cools the room.

[0019] On the other hand, when the four-way valve 8 is switched from the state shown in FIG. 1 , the pipes 80 and 84 are connected, and the pipes 85 and 86 are connected. In this state, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant 90 is supplied from the pipe 80 to the indoor heat exchanger 20, and the refrigerant 90 is discharged from the pipe 81. At this time, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant 90 that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 20 exchanges heat with the indoor air blown by the fan 21, condenses, and is discharged as a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid. In other words, the indoor heat exchanger 20 functions as a condenser. The indoor air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant 90 is then heated by radiating heat to the refrigerant 90 and released into the room. Therefore, at this time, the air conditioner 1 functions as a heating system that heats the room.

[0020] The outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 30, a fan 31, a housing 32, a compressor 4, a separator 5, a valve device 6, a four-way valve 8, and pipes 82, 83, 84, 85, and 86. The outdoor heat exchanger 30 is connected to a pipe 85 and a pipe 81.

[0021] 1, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant 90 is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 30 through pipe 85, and the refrigerant 90 is discharged through pipe 81. At this time, the refrigerant 90 that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat with the outdoor air blown by the fan 31, condenses, and is discharged as a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid. In other words, when the air conditioner 1 functions as a cooling system, the outdoor heat exchanger 30 functions as a condenser. Note that the outdoor air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant 90 releases heat from the refrigerant 90 and is discharged to the outside.

[0022] On the other hand, when the four-way valve 8 is switched from the state shown in FIG. 1 , refrigerant 90 is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 30 through the pipe 81, and the refrigerant 90 is discharged through the pipe 85. At this time, the refrigerant 90 that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat with the outdoor air blown by the fan 31, evaporates, and is discharged as a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. In other words, when the air conditioner 1 functions as a heating system, the outdoor heat exchanger 30 functions as an evaporator. Then, the outdoor air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant 90 absorbs heat from the refrigerant 90, is cooled, and is discharged outside.

[0023] The housing 32 is a member made by combining thin metal plates into a rectangular shape. The housing 32 has the function of housing and protecting the components of the outdoor unit 3. The housing 32 is not limited to being made of metal. For example, it may be made of resin, or multiple materials may be partially used and combined.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the valve device 6 is attached to the housing 32. In other words, from the perspective of the valve device 6, the housing 32 can be said to be an external mounting member. Furthermore, the portion of the housing 32 to which the valve device 6 is attached is a plate-shaped portion. In other words, the housing 32 constitutes a mounting plate for the valve device 6. In the following description, the portion of the housing 32 to which the valve device 6 is attached may be specifically referred to as the "mounting member 320."

[0025] Although not shown in detail, the valve device 6 is fixed by inserting bolts (not shown) into bolt holes that communicate between the outside and the inside of the outdoor unit 3 and fastening them with nuts (not shown). A cover for protecting the valve device 6 may also be attached to the housing 32.

[0026] The compressor 4 has a function of compressing the refrigerant 90 supplied from the pipe 82, changing it to a high-temperature, high-pressure state, and discharging it from the pipe 83. Conventionally, various structures and types of compressors 4 have been proposed, and the present invention can employ any of these as appropriate. That is, any device that has the function of changing the supplied refrigerant 90 to a high-temperature, high-pressure state and discharging it may be employed as the compressor 4 as appropriate.

[0027] Although detailed description will be omitted, the compressor 4 has sliding parts (for example, a cylinder, a piston, etc.) inside as a mechanism for compressing the refrigerant 90. As shown in Fig. 1, refrigeration oil 91 is stored (supplied) inside the compressor 4 as a lubricant for smooth sliding of the sliding parts.

[0028] The compressor 4 discharges the refrigerant 90 from the pipe 83 while maintaining a high temperature and pressure. At this time, refrigerating machine oil 91 is mixed with the discharged refrigerant 90 and is discharged from the compressor 4. This causes a shortage of refrigerating machine oil 91 in the compressor 4. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the discharged refrigerating machine oil 91 may adversely affect other components. Therefore, in the air conditioner 1, it is necessary to recover the refrigerating machine oil 91 discharged from the compressor 4 and return it to the compressor 4.

[0029] For example, the technology described in JP 2022-054728 A can be applied to the separator 5 provided in the air conditioner 1, so detailed description will be omitted below. However, the technology adopted by the separator 5 is not limited to the above technology.

[0030] The separator 5 has a function of separating refrigerating machine oil 91 from high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant 90 flowing in from a pipe 83 and discharging the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant 90 from a pipe 84 .

[0031] The separator 5 removes the refrigerating machine oil 91, and the discharged high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant 90 is guided by piping 84 toward the four-way valve 8. The refrigerant 90 discharged from the separator 5 is guided to the indoor heat exchanger 20 or the outdoor heat exchanger 30, depending on the state of the four-way valve 8. Of the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the outdoor heat exchanger 30, the one to which the refrigerant 90 discharged from the separator 5 is guided functions as a condenser in the refrigeration cycle.

[0032] On the other hand, the separated refrigerating machine oil 91 is discharged towards the compressor 4 via the pipe 82. In this way, in the air conditioner 1, the refrigerating machine oil 91 that has been discharged from the compressor 4 is recovered in the separator 5 and returned to the compressor 4.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 1, the separator 5 is connected to the four-way valve 8 via a pipe 86. A refrigerant 90 is guided to the pipe 86 from the indoor heat exchanger 20 or the outdoor heat exchanger 30 depending on the state of the four-way valve 8. Of the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the outdoor heat exchanger 30, the one connected to the pipe 86 by the four-way valve 8 functions as an evaporator in the refrigeration cycle. That is, the refrigerant 90 from the evaporator is supplied to the separator 5 via the pipe 86.

[0034] The refrigerant 90 supplied from the evaporator to the separator 5 via the pipe 86 is in a state where a gas component and a liquid component are mixed together. The liquid component of the refrigerant 90 introduced into the separator 5 falls by gravity and accumulates at the bottom of the separator 5. On the other hand, the gas component of the refrigerant 90 introduced into the separator 5 does not fall and accumulate at the bottom of the separator 5, but is discharged to the outside through the pipe 82.

[0035] In this way, separator 5 also has the function of separating gas refrigerant 90 from liquid refrigerant 90. However, the principle and method by which separator 5 separates gas and liquid components of refrigerant 90 are not limited to those exemplified here. For example, other methods employed in conventionally known gas-liquid separators may be employed as appropriate.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing how a pipe 80 is connected to a valve device 6. Note that the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in FIG. 2 are mutually orthogonal. The Z-axis indicates the insertion direction of the valve seat 60 into the valve housing 62. The axis O is an axis substantially parallel to the Z-axis. Also, in FIG. 2, a mechanism for supplying the refrigerant 90 into the pipe 80 is omitted. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, an actual valve device 6 is connected to a pipe 80 on the inlet side and a pipe 80 on the outlet side of the refrigerant 90. However, FIG. 2 only shows the pipe 80 that is opened and closed by the valve device 6. This also applies to the following drawings unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in FIG. 2, the mounting member 320 of the housing 32 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0037] 2, the valve device 6 includes a valve seat 60, a valve element 61, and a valve housing 62. The valve device 6 has a function of opening and closing the flow path of the refrigerant 90, which will be described in detail later.

[0038] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the valve seat 60. The valve seat 60 is a substantially cylindrical member, and has a space 600 formed therein. In this embodiment, the valve seat 60 is made of brass, but is not limited to this.

[0039] 2, pipe 80 is inserted into the (-Z) side of space 600, and the internal space of pipe 80 is connected to space 600. This allows refrigerant 90 to move between the internal space of pipe 80 and space 600. Therefore, valve seat 60 forms part of the flow path of refrigerant 90.

[0040] The end face on the (+Z) side of the valve seat 60 is a contact surface 601 that is approximately parallel to the XY plane. The contact surface 601 comes into contact with the main body 620 of the valve housing 62, as will be described in detail later.

[0041] A valve port 602 is formed in the center of the contact surface 601. The valve port 602 forms an opening on the (+Z) side of the space 600. Therefore, the (+Z) side of the space 600 is open to the outside of the valve seat 60. In other words, the valve port 602 serves as an entrance and exit for the refrigerant 90 to enter and exit the space 600 of the valve seat 60.

[0042] 2, the valve body 61 is arranged in a movable state in a space 621, which is the internal space of the valve housing 62. The valve body 61 includes a first seal portion 611 arranged on the (-Z) side of the valve body 61, a second seal portion 612 arranged on the (+Z) side of the valve body 61, and an O-ring 613.

[0043] An external operator can operate the valve disc 61. When the valve disc 61 is operated, the valve disc 61 rotates around an axis O shown in FIG. 2. Although not shown in detail, threads and grooves are formed on the inner surface of the valve housing 62 and the outer surface of the valve disc 61. Therefore, by rotating the valve disc 61 around the axis O, the valve disc 61 can move back and forth in the Z-axis direction.

[0044] When the valve disc 61 advances in the (-Z) direction and the first seal portion 611 abuts against the valve seat 60 (valve port 602), communication between the space 600 of the valve seat 60 and the space 621 is blocked. In other words, movement of the refrigerant 90 between the space 600 of the valve seat 60 and the space 621 of the valve housing 62 is blocked. This closes the piping 80, which is the flow path of the refrigerant 90. In the following description, the position of the valve disc 61 when the first seal portion 611 abuts against the valve seat 60 may be referred to as the "closed position." Figure 2 shows the valve disc 61 in the closed position.

[0045] When the valve element 61 retracts in the (+Z) direction and the first seal portion 611 separates from the valve seat 60, the valve port 602 opens, and the space 600 of the valve seat 60 and the space 621 communicate with each other. That is, the refrigerant 90 can move between the space 600 of the valve seat 60 and the space 621 of the valve housing 62. This opens the piping 80, which is the flow path of the refrigerant 90. Therefore, the valve seat 60 forms part of the flow path of the refrigerant 90. In the following description, the position of the valve element 61 when the first seal portion 611 and the valve seat 60 separate may be referred to as the "open position."

[0046] In this way, the valve element 61 has the function of closing the flow path of the refrigerant 90 by abutting against the valve port 602 , and opening the flow path of the refrigerant 90 by separating from the valve port 602 .

[0047] When the valve body 61 retracts in the (+Z) direction and the second seal portion 612 abuts against the seal portion 622 of the valve housing 62, communication between the space 621 of the valve housing 62 and the outside is blocked. As a result, the second seal portion 612 has a function of sealing (hermetically sealing) the space 621 to prevent the refrigerant 90 from leaking to the outside.

[0048] The O-ring 613 is an annular resin member that is fitted into a predetermined position on the valve body 61. When the valve body 61 is disposed in the space 621 of the valve housing 62, the O-ring 613 comes into contact with the inner surface of the valve housing 62 and has the function of sealing (hermetically sealing) the space 621 to prevent the refrigerant 90 from leaking to the outside. As a result, in the valve device 6, the refrigerant 90 is prevented from leaking to the outside even until the second seal portion 612 comes into contact with the seal portion 622 of the valve housing 62.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the valve housing 62 of the valve device 6. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the valve housing 62 as seen from the (-Z) side shown in Fig. 2.

[0050] The valve housing 62 includes a main body 620, a pair of mounting portions 63 and 64, a press-fit portion 65, a fixed portion 66, and a frame portion 67, and the end face on the (-Z) side forms a contact surface 68. In the valve housing 62 of the valve device 6, the main body 620, the mounting portions 63 and 64, the press-fit portion 65, the fixed portion 66, and the frame portion 67 form an integrated structure. This structure can be manufactured by forging, for example. In the valve device 6, the valve housing 62 is made of brass, but the valve housing 62 may be made of other materials.

[0051] The main body 620 is a substantially cylindrical portion of the valve housing 62 that is located on the (+Z) side of the center, and has a space 621 formed therein. The main body 620 is formed with a seal portion 622 and a reference surface 623.

[0052] As already explained, the seal portion 622 has the function of sealing the space 621 so that the refrigerant 90 does not leak to the outside by abutting against the second seal portion 612 of the valve body 61 that has retreated in the (+Z) direction.

[0053] The reference surface 623 functions as a stopper that abuts against the (+Z) side end (contact surface 601) of the inserted valve seat 60. As a result, the reference surface 623 restricts movement of the valve seat 60 in the (+Z) direction. In other words, the reference surface 623 is a surface that serves as a reference for positioning the valve seat 60 in the (+Z) direction.

[0054] In addition, a press-fitting portion 65, which will be described later, is disposed on the (-Z) side of the main body portion 620.

[0055] 2, the space 621 is a space in which the valve element 61 is disposed. As already explained, the space 621 can be connected in communication with the pipe 80 via the valve seat 60. Therefore, the space 621 is a space in which the refrigerant 90 moves, and the valve housing 62 thereby constitutes a part of the flow path of the refrigerant 90.

[0056] The (+Z) side of space 621 is open to the outside. However, as already explained, space 621 is sealed from the outside by valve element 61. Furthermore, the (-Z) side of space 621 is connected in communication with space 600 of valve seat 60 when valve seat 60 is inserted into valve housing 62. However, as already explained, in valve device 6, valve element 61 can block the communication between space 600 and space 621, as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0057] A pair of mounting portions 63, 64 protruding like plates substantially parallel to the XY plane are formed in a part of the valve housing 62. A bolt insertion hole 630 is formed in the mounting portion 63, and a bolt insertion hole 640 is formed in the mounting portion 64. The bolt insertion holes 630, 640 are both circular holes that penetrate the mounting portions 63, 64 in the Z-axis direction.

[0058] The bolts (not shown) inserted into the bolt insertion holes 630, 640 are also inserted into holes that pass through the housing 32 and are screwed into nuts (not shown) that are arranged opposite to them. In this way, the mounting portions 63, 64 have the function of fixing the valve device 6 to the housing 32 by the fastening force of the bolts and nuts described above.

[0059] The (-Z) side end faces of the mounting portions 63, 64 are substantially parallel to the XY plane and form flat surfaces. The (-Z) side end faces of the mounting portions 63, 64 are disposed at positions that are equal in the Z-axis direction to the (-Z) side end face of the frame portion 67, which will be described later. In other words, the (-Z) side end faces of the mounting portions 63, 64 and the (-Z) side end face of the frame portion 67, which will be described later, form one continuous surface (contact surface 68).

[0060] The contact surface 68 is the surface that comes into contact with the outer surface of the plate-like portion (mounting member 320) of the housing 32 when the valve device 6 is fixed to the housing 32. That is, in order to stably fix the valve device 6, it is important to attach the contact surface 68 in close contact with the outer surface of the mounting member 320.

[0061] 4 and 5, an insertion hole 650 is formed for inserting the valve seat 60 into the valve housing 62. More specifically, the insertion hole 650 is formed by a press-fit portion 65, a fixing portion 66, and a frame portion 67. The (+Z) side of the insertion hole 650 is connected to the space 621. On the other hand, the (-Z) side of the insertion hole 650 is open to the outside in the valve housing 62, and an opening formed in the contact surface 68 forms an insertion port 670.

[0062] With this structure, when manufacturing the valve device 6, the valve seat 60 can be inserted in the (+Z) direction (insertion direction) from the insertion port 670 of the valve housing 62, which is open to the outside. As is clear from FIG. 4 , when comparing the cross-sectional areas in a plane parallel to the XY plane, the insertion hole 650 is designed to be larger than the space 621. This makes it possible to insert the valve disc 61 into the space 621 from the insertion hole 650 before inserting the valve seat 60. Therefore, the valve device 6 does not require processes such as inserting the valve disc 61 from the (+Z) side and covering the main body 620 with a cover member or crimping the (+Z) side, or manufacturing the valve housing 62 in multiple parts and then welding them together.

[0063] The press-fit portion 65 is a substantially cylindrical portion that is disposed on the (-Z) side of the main body portion 620. In other words, the press-fit portion 65 is a portion that is disposed near the (+Z) side end of the inserted valve seat 60.

[0064] As described above, the press-fit portion 65 is part of the member that forms the insertion hole 650, and has an inner surface 651. The inner diameter of the press-fit portion 65 is determined according to the outer diameter of the valve seat 60. More specifically, the inner diameter of the press-fit portion 65 is designed to a size suitable for press-fitting the valve seat 60 into the press-fit portion 65. Therefore, the (+Z) side portion of the valve seat 60 that is inserted from the (-Z) side is press-fitted into the press-fit portion 65 in the insertion hole 650.

[0065] When the valve seat 60 moves in the (+Z) direction due to being press-fitted into the press-fit portion 65, as already explained, the contact surface 601 of the valve seat 60 eventually comes into contact with the reference surface 623 of the main body portion 620. This stops the movement (insertion) of the valve seat 60 in the (+Z) direction, and the position of the valve seat 60 in the (+Z) direction is determined.

[0066] In addition, since the inner diameter of the press-fit portion 65 has a small play relative to the outer diameter of the valve seat 60, the positioning accuracy (axial alignment) of the valve seat 60 in the XY plane is improved by press-fitting the valve seat 60 into the press-fit portion 65. In addition, since welding, which will be described later, can be performed in a state in which the valve seat 60 is temporarily fixed by press-fitting, there is also the advantage that the position of the valve seat 60 is less likely to become distorted during welding.

[0067] The fixed portion 66 is a substantially cylindrical portion that is arranged on the (-Z) side of the press-fit portion 65. In other words, the fixed portion 66 is a portion that is arranged near the center of the inserted valve seat 60 in the Z-axis direction.

[0068] As described above, the fixing portion 66 is part of the member that forms the insertion hole 650, and has an inner surface 661. The inner diameter of the fixing portion 66 is determined according to the outer diameter of the valve seat 60. More specifically, the inner diameter of the fixing portion 66 is designed to a size suitable for fixing the outer surface of the valve seat 60 and the inner surface 661 by welding using brazing material. That is, although not shown in detail, a gap is provided between the inner surface 661 and the outer surface of the inserted valve seat 60 to allow the brazing material to soak in.

[0069] Since a gap is provided between the fixed portion 66 and the valve seat 60, the fixed portion 66 does not normally come into contact with the valve seat 60. On the other hand, the inner surface 651 of the press-fit portion 65 into which the valve seat 60 is press-fitted comes into contact with the outer surface of the valve seat 60. In other words, the inner diameter of the fixed portion 66 is larger than the inner diameter of the press-fit portion 65.

[0070] In this way, the fixing portion 66 fixes the valve seat 60 inserted through the insertion port 670 by welding using the brazing material. Furthermore, the fixing portion 66 seals the gap between the valve seat 60 and the valve housing 62 by welding using the brazing material.

[0071] As described above, the frame portion 67 is part of the member that forms the insertion hole 650, and the surface on the (-Z) side constitutes the contact surface 68. That is, the contact surface 68 is formed on the frame portion 67. As shown in FIG. 5 , the insertion port 670 is formed on the contact surface 68 of the frame portion 67. In other words, the frame portion 67 is a frame-shaped portion that is arranged in the valve housing 62 so as to frame the outer periphery of the insertion port 670.

[0072] Mounting portions 63 and 64 are disposed on both ends of the frame portion 67 in the X-axis direction.

[0073] Furthermore, the fixing portion 66 is disposed on the (+Z) side of the center of the frame portion 67. In other words, the frame portion 67 is disposed on the side where the fixing portion 66 is open to the outside. Therefore, welding of the fixing portion 66 is performed from the frame portion 67 side.

[0074] 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view mainly showing the mounting portion 63 side of frame portion 67 of valve housing 62. Frame portion 67 in this embodiment includes first frame portion 674 as a portion that forms contact surface 68 and first inclined surface 671, and second frame portion 675 as a portion that forms flat surface 672 and second inclined surface 673.

[0075] The (+Z) side end of the second inclined surface 673 of the frame portion 67 is connected to the inner surface 661 of the fixed portion 66, and in that portion, the inner diameter of the frame portion 67 is the same size as the inner diameter of the fixed portion 66. However, in portions other than the (+Z) side end of the second inclined surface 673, the inner diameter of the frame portion 67 is larger than the inner diameter of the fixed portion 66.

[0076] In welding using brazing filler metal, the brazing filler metal overflowing from gaps may form fillets. In welding, it is generally difficult to control the amount of fillets with high precision. For example, if the amount of brazing filler metal used is limited to prevent the formation of fillets, there is a risk that the brazing filler metal will not penetrate sufficiently, and the welded surface will not have sufficient strength. On the other hand, if a sufficient amount of brazing filler metal is used, the brazing filler metal that does not penetrate will overflow and form fillets.

[0077] When welding is performed near the contact surface (the surface that comes into contact with the outer surface of the external component to which the valve device is attached) as in the conventional technology, a bulge is formed on the contact surface due to the resulting fillet. When such a valve device is attached to the outer surface of the external component, the fillet interferes with the outer surface, making it impossible to stably attach it. Therefore, in the conventional technology, it was necessary to process the external component in advance so that the fillet would not interfere with it. Conversely, there is a problem in that conventional valve devices can only be attached to components that have been specially processed.

[0078] However, in the valve device 6, the frame portion 67 is disposed between the gap in the fixing portion 66 where welding is performed (the gap between the inner surface 661 and the outer peripheral surface of the valve seat 60) and the contact surface 68. As a result, even if a fillet is generated from the fixing portion 66, the fillet can be accommodated in a part of the insertion hole 650 (the part formed by the frame portion 67).

[0079] That is, as long as the fillet does not overflow from the insertion opening 670, the fillet of the valve device 6 will not interfere with the housing 32 (mounting member 320). Therefore, the valve housing 62 (contact surface 68) and the housing 32 (mounting member 320) can be tightly attached to each other without special processing being performed on the housing 32. This improves the versatility of the valve device 6. Furthermore, because the air conditioner 1 does not require special processing on the housing 32, costs can be reduced.

[0080] The first inclined surface 671 and the second inclined surface 673, which are the inner surfaces of the frame portion 67, form inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the valve seat 60. That is, the inner diameters of the first frame portion 674 and the second frame portion 675 gradually decrease continuously in the insertion direction of the valve seat 60.

[0081] The inclination angle of the first inclined surface 671 is different from the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 673. That is, in the valve housing 62, the inclination of the inner surface of the frame portion 67 relative to the insertion direction of the valve seat 60 changes midway.

[0082] In the valve device 6, a fillet is first formed on the second inclined surface 673 that continues from the fixing portion 66. The second inclined surface 673 is steeper than the first inclined surface 671. As a result, the insertion hole 650 formed by the second inclined surface 673 forms a relatively narrow groove-like structure when the valve seat 60 is inserted. Therefore, it is expected that the fillet formed in this portion will contribute to fixing the valve seat 60 by welding to some extent.

[0083] Furthermore, in the frame portion 67, the inner diameter of the first frame portion 674 is larger than the inner diameter of the second frame portion 675. Therefore, the volume of the insertion hole 650 can be made larger than when these inner diameters are the same. This makes it possible to further prevent the brazing material from overflowing outside the insertion hole 650 even if the brazing material overflows from the fixing portion 66.

[0084] Furthermore, a flat surface 672 is formed on the frame portion 67. This allows the volume of the insertion hole 650 to be increased without increasing the size in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the amount of fillet that can be accommodated in the insertion hole 650 can be increased without increasing the size of the valve device 6.

[0085] As described above, the air conditioning device 1 in this embodiment includes the valve device 6 that opens and closes the flow path of the refrigerant 90, and the mounting member 320 for mounting the valve device 6. The valve device 6 includes the valve seat 60 having the valve port 602 that serves as an inlet and outlet for the refrigerant 90, the valve element 61 that closes the flow path by abutting against the valve port 602 and opens the flow path by separating from the valve port 602, and the valve housing 62 that forms part of the flow path. The valve housing 62 also includes a frame portion 67 having an insertion port 670 for inserting the valve seat 60 into the valve housing 62, and a fixing portion 66 that fixes the valve seat 60 inserted through the insertion port 670 by welding using brazing material. The frame portion 67 has a contact surface 68 that comes into contact with the mounting member 320 when the valve device 6 is mounted to the mounting member 320, the insertion port 670 is formed on the contact surface 68, and the frame portion 67 includes a portion having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the fixing portion 66. As a result, the fillet of brazing material that overflows from the fixing portion 66 can be contained within the frame portion 67, and will not overflow outside the valve housing 62 (outside the insertion hole 650). Therefore, the valve device 6 can be attached with the contact surface 68 in close contact with the attachment member 320, without requiring any special processing on the attachment member 320. In other words, the versatility of the valve device 6 is improved, and the cost of the air conditioner 1 can be reduced.

[0086] Welding is also used to fix the valve seat 60 to the pipe 80. Structurally, welding between the valve seat 60 and the pipe 80 can also be performed from the (-Z) side. Therefore, in the assembly process of the valve device 6, there is no need to turn the components upside down for welding.

[0087] Furthermore, a structure such as the frame portion 67 can be easily formed, for example, by countersinking the corners of the insertion opening 670 of the insertion hole 650 after forming the fixing portion 66. To make the inner surface an inclined surface (first inclined surface 671 and second inclined surface 673), a so-called countersunk countersink may be applied. This allows a mortar-shaped or funnel-shaped structure to be formed. However, the manufacturing method of the valve housing 62 is not limited to this manufacturing method.

[0088] <2. Modifications> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the frame 67 includes two frame portions, a first frame portion 674 and a second frame portion 675. However, the frame of the present invention does not have to be divided into multiple portions. Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a valve housing 62a in a modified example. Figure 7 shows the same portions of the valve housing 62a as those of the valve housing 62 shown in Figure 6.

[0090] The valve housing 62a differs from the valve housing 62 in that it has a fixed portion 66a instead of the fixed portion 66 and a frame portion 676 instead of the frame portion 67.

[0091] The fixed portion 66a differs from the fixed portion 66 in that it has not only an inner surface 661 but also a flat surface 662. The flat surface 662 is a surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0092] Frame portion 676 is not divided into multiple portions, and instead of first inclined surface 671 and second inclined surface 673, only one inclined surface 677 is formed. The (+Z) side end of inclined surface 677 is connected to flat surface 662 of fixed portion 66a. Therefore, the minimum value of the inner diameter of frame portion 676 is not the same as the inner diameter of fixed portion 66a, and the inner diameter of frame portion 676 is larger than the inner diameter of fixed portion 66a at all portions. This allows insertion hole 650a formed by frame portion 676 to have a larger volume than insertion hole 650 without increasing the size in the Z axis direction.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, the inclination of first inclined surface 671 is constant, but the shape is not limited to this. For example, the inclined surface may be a curved surface in which the inner diameter of the frame changes irregularly in the insertion direction, similar to the inner or outer surface of a trumpet bell.

[0094] Furthermore, the inner surfaces formed on the frame 67 are all inclined surfaces (first inclined surface 671, second inclined surface 673). However, the inner surface of the frame is not limited to an inclined surface inclined with respect to the insertion direction. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a valve housing 62b in a modified example. FIG. 8 shows a portion of the valve housing 62b equivalent to the valve housing 62a shown in FIG.

[0095] The valve housing 62b differs from the valve housing 62a in that it has a fixed portion 66b instead of the fixed portion 66a, and a frame portion 678 instead of the frame portion 676.

[0096] Fixed portion 66b differs from fixed portion 66a in that fixed portion 66b has flat surface 663 instead of flat surface 662. Flat surface 663 is a surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0097] Frame portion 678 differs from frame portion 678 in that it has inner surface 679 instead of inclined surface 677. Inner surface 679 is a surface that is approximately parallel to the Z axis. Therefore, the inner diameter of frame portion 678 is constant and does not change, and the portion of insertion hole 650b formed by frame portion 678 is approximately cylindrical. This allows insertion hole 650b formed by frame portion 678 to have a larger volume than insertion hole 650a without increasing the size in the Z axis direction.

[0098] Moreover, the air conditioner 1 is configured as both a cooling device and a heating device. However, the air conditioner 1 may be configured as either a cooling device or a heating device.

[0099] Furthermore, the pipe attached to the valve device 6 is not limited to the pipe 80. Any pipe may be used as long as it is located on the flow path of the refrigerant 90 and can appropriately open and close the flow path. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1 Air conditioner 2 Indoor unit 20 Indoor heat exchanger 21,31 Fans 3 Outdoor unit 30 Outdoor heat exchanger 32 Case 320 Mounting parts 4 Compressor 5 Separator 6 Valve device 60 Valve seat 600,621 space 601,68 Contact surface 602 Valve Orifice 61 Valve body 611 First seal part 612 Second seal part 613 O-ring 62, 62a, 62b Valve housing 620 Main body 622 Seal part 623 Reference plane 63,64 Mounting part 630,640 Bolt insertion hole 65 Press-fit part 650, 650a, 650b Insertion holes 651,661,679 Interior 66,66a,66b Fixed part 662,663,672 flat surface 67,676,678 Frame 670 Insertion port 671 1st slope 673 2nd slope 674 First Frame 675 Second Frame 677 Slope 8 Four-way valve 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 Piping 90 Refrigerant 91 Refrigerating machine oil

Claims

1. A valve device that opens and closes a refrigerant flow path, a valve seat having a valve port serving as an inlet and outlet of the refrigerant; a valve body that closes the flow path by contacting the valve port and opens the flow path by separating from the valve port; a valve housing that forms a part of the flow path; Equipped with The valve housing includes: a frame portion having an insertion opening formed therein for inserting the valve seat into the valve housing; a fixing portion that fixes the valve seat inserted through the insertion port by welding using a brazing material; Equipped with a contact surface that comes into contact with an external mounting member when the valve device is mounted to the mounting member is formed on the frame portion; The insertion opening is formed on the contact surface, The frame portion includes a portion having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the fixed portion.

2. 2. The valve device according to claim 1, The valve device wherein the inner diameter of the frame portion gradually decreases continuously in the insertion direction of the valve seat.

3. 2. The valve device according to claim 1, The valve device wherein the inner surface of the frame is inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the valve seat.

4. The valve device according to claim 3, A valve device in which the inclination of the inner surface of the frame portion relative to the insertion direction of the valve seat changes midway.

5. 2. The valve device according to claim 1, A valve device in which the inner diameter of the frame portion is larger than the inner diameter of the fixed portion.

6. 2. The valve device according to claim 1, The frame portion includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion, The valve device wherein the inner diameter of the first frame portion is larger than the inner diameter of the second frame portion.

7. An air conditioning device, a valve device that opens and closes a flow path of the refrigerant; a mounting member for mounting the valve device; Equipped with The valve device a valve seat having a valve port serving as an inlet and outlet of the refrigerant; a valve body that closes the flow path by contacting the valve port and opens the flow path by separating from the valve port; a valve housing that forms a part of the flow path; Equipped with The valve housing includes: a frame portion having an insertion opening formed therein for inserting the valve seat into the valve housing; a fixing portion that fixes the valve seat inserted through the insertion port by welding using a brazing material; Equipped with a contact surface that comes into contact with an external mounting member when the valve device is mounted to the mounting member is formed on the frame portion; The insertion opening is formed on the contact surface, The frame portion includes a portion having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the fixing portion.

Images