Multi-dialect

Abstract

The present invention discloses a multi-way valve comprising: a motor assembly (10) having a drive end; a valve body (20) having a communication chamber (21), a communication port (23) and an inlet / outlet (22), wherein there are multiple communication ports, which are arranged annularly on the valve body at intervals, and all of the multiple communication ports communicate with the communication chamber, and the inlet / outlet communicates with the communication chamber; and a valve core (30) rotatably mounted within the communication chamber, the center of which the multiple communication ports are arranged annularly is located on the rotation axis of the valve core, the valve core has a flow passage (31), the first end of the flow passage is located on the rotation axis of the valve core and communicates with the inlet / outlet, the second end of the flow passage is selectively communicated with the communication port, the drive end is drive-connected to the valve core, and the motor assembly drives the valve core to rotate it within the communication chamber. This multi-way valve can solve the problems of conventional air conditioning system pipelines, which are complex, have many leaks, and are unreliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of a patent application with application number 202310412135.8, titled "Multi-way Valve", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on April 14, 2023; the priority of a patent application with application number 202322183466.7, titled "Multi-way Valve", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 14, 2023; the priority of a patent application with application number 202311020824.0, titled "Multi-way Valve", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 14, 2023; the priority of a patent application with application number 202322190848.2, titled "Multi-way Valve", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 14, 2023; and the priority of a patent application with application number 202311021442.X, titled "Multi-way Valve", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 14, 2023.

[0002] This application relates to the technical field of valves, specifically to multi-way valves.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, the switching of heating and cooling modes in air conditioning systems is mainly switched by four-way valves.

[0004] Conventional four-way valves include a main valve, a pilot valve, a main flow path, and three branch flow paths. The main flow path communicates with the high-pressure outlet of the compressor, and the three branch flow paths communicate with the condenser, evaporator, and compressor's low-pressure inlet, respectively. When the air conditioning system needs to switch between cooling and heating modes, the four-way valve uses a differential pressure drive structure to connect the main flow path to a branch flow path and to perform directional switching. However, conventional four-way valves are driven using a differential pressure drive structure, which makes them susceptible to changes in the differential pressure within the valve chamber. This can cause the valve core to rotate due to the influence of the differential pressure, and furthermore, it becomes impossible to hold the valve core in a fixed position. Therefore, in current new energy vehicles, multiple single-passage solenoid valves are used to switch between the cooling, heating, defrosting, and dehumidification functions of the air conditioning system, but this results in a complex air conditioning system pipeline. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] This application provides a multi-way valve to solve the problems of conventional air conditioning system pipelines, which are complex, prone to leaks, and unreliable.

[0006] This application provides a multi-way valve comprising: a motor assembly having a drive end; a valve body having a communication chamber, communication ports and an inlet / outlet, wherein there are multiple communication ports, which are arranged on the valve body at annular intervals, and all of the multiple communication ports communicate with the communication chamber, and the inlet / outlet communicates with the communication chamber; and a valve core rotatably mounted within the communication chamber, wherein the center surrounded by the multiple communication ports is located on the rotation axis of the valve core, the valve core has a flow passage, the first end of the flow passage is located on the rotation axis of the valve core and communicates with the inlet / outlet, the second end of the flow passage is selectively communicated with a communication port, the drive end is drive-connected to the valve core, and the motor assembly drives the valve core to rotate it within the communication chamber.

[0007] In the application of the technical aspects of this application, the multi-way valve includes a motor assembly, a valve body, and a valve core. Here, the valve body has a communication chamber, a plurality of communication ports, and an inlet / outlet, the valve core is rotatably mounted within the communication chamber, and the motor assembly is driven and connected to the valve core. The valve core is provided with a flow passage that engages with the communication holes, and by rotation, the valve core engages with and communicates with different communication ports, thereby enabling switching of the flow path. By providing the motor assembly, zero differential pressure starting can be achieved, and since the valve core is not rotated due to changes in the pressure difference during operation, this multi-way valve can be used to replace a plurality of single-passage solenoid valves, and this multi-way valve can enable switching of multiple modes within an air conditioning system. The above embodiment is simple in result, easy to install, and has few components, thus reducing the installation of the valve body and piping, and making attachment / detachment and maintenance easy for workers.

[0008] Furthermore, the multi-way valve further includes a sealing assembly provided between the second end of the flow passage and the valve body, which can seal the space between the second end of the flow passage and the communication port. By providing the valve in this manner, it is possible to avoid a gap between the flow passage and the communication port that would cause leakage of the refrigerant fluid.

[0009] Furthermore, the multiple communication ports are located on the same plane, and the end face where the second end of the flow passage of the valve core is located corresponds to the surface where the communication ports are located. The sealing assembly includes a slider that is movably mounted on the valve core, located at the second end of the flow passage, having a flow hole, one end of which communicates with the second end of the flow passage, and the other end of which abuts against the surface where the communication ports are located, and the communication ports communicate with the flow passage through the flow hole. By providing the assembly as described above, the communication ports and the flow hole are tightly sealed, improving sealing performance and preventing leakage of refrigerant fluid.

[0010] Furthermore, low-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage, high-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber, and a mounting projection is provided on the end face where the second end of the flow passage of the valve core is located. The mounting projection surrounds the outer circumference of the second end of the flow passage, and the slider is fitted onto the outer circumference of the mounting projection. The slider is movable along the axial direction of the mounting projection. By providing the above configuration, when the inside of the valve core is selected as a flow path for low-temperature, low-pressure fluid and the communication chamber as a high-temperature, high-pressure flow path, the slider can be tightly fitted to the mounting projection under the action of differential pressure, thereby ensuring the sealing function of the slider.

[0011] Furthermore, the multiway valve further includes a first sealing ring, which is fitted onto a mounting projection and positioned between the slider and the mounting projection. By providing it in this manner, the first sealing ring can seal the gap between the slider and the mounting projection, thereby improving the sealing performance of the multiway valve.

[0012] Furthermore, a first sealing ring groove is provided on the inner wall of the slider, located at one end away from the communication port of the slider, and the first sealing ring is located within the first sealing ring groove. By providing the above configuration, internal leakage in the multiway valve can be prevented, and the sealing performance of the multiway valve can be further improved.

[0013] Furthermore, high-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage, low-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber, a mounting groove is provided on the end face where the second end of the flow passage of the valve core is located, the mounting groove is in communication with the second end of the flow passage, some of the sliders are located within the mounting grooves, and the sliders are movable along the axial direction of the mounting grooves. By providing the above configuration, when the inside of the valve core is selected as a flow path for high-temperature, high-pressure fluid and the communication chamber as a flow path for low-temperature, low-pressure fluid, the sliders can be tightly fitted to the mounting protrusions under the action of differential pressure, thereby ensuring the sealing function of the sliders.

[0014] Furthermore, the gap between the slider and the bottom of the mounting groove is 0.1 mm or more. By providing it as described above, when the high-temperature refrigerant fluid flows through the slider, it passes over the bottom of the slider, applying an upward force to the slider, further ensuring tight contact between the top of the slider and the surface where the communication port is located, and preventing leakage of the refrigerant fluid.

[0015] Furthermore, the multiway valve further includes a second sealing ring, which is fitted onto the slider and positioned between the slider and the second mounting groove. By providing the valve in this manner, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant fluid from leaking between the slider and the valve core, thereby improving the stability of the internal flow path of the multiway valve.

[0016] Furthermore, a second sealing ring groove is provided on the outer wall of the slider, and the second sealing ring is located within the second sealing ring groove. The inner ring of the second sealing ring and the side wall of the second sealing ring groove are engaged and sealed, and the outer ring of the second sealing ring and the inner wall of the mounting groove are engaged and sealed. By providing the above configuration, the slider and the valve core become tightly engaged via the second sealing ring due to the pressure of the refrigerant, preventing the refrigerant fluid from leaking between the slider and the valve core, and further improving the sealing performance of the sealing ring.

[0017] Furthermore, an annular projection is provided on the end face of the slider adjacent to the communication port. This annular projection surrounds the outer circumference of the flow hole and contacts the surface where the communication port is located. By providing the slider in this manner, the contact area between the slider and the surface where the communication port is located is reduced, thereby improving the sealing effect of the slider under the action of differential pressure.

[0018] Furthermore, if we let S2 be the area of ​​the end face of the annular projection facing the communication port, and S1 be the area of ​​the slider after removing the annular projection from the end face facing the communication port, then 1 ≤ S1 / S2 ≤ 6. By providing the above configuration, it is possible to prevent internal leakage of refrigerant, reduce wear on the slider, and extend the service life of the slider.

[0019] An annular projection is provided on the end face of the slider adjacent to the communication opening. The annular projection surrounds the outer circumference of the flow hole and abuts against the surface where the communication opening is located. Let S6 be the difference between the area enclosed by the outer contour of the annular projection and the area enclosed by the inner contour of the flow hole, and let S7 be the difference between the area enclosed by the outer contour of the annular projection and the area enclosed by the inner contour of the annular projection. Then 1 ≤ S6 / S7 ≤ 6.

[0020] Furthermore, the port of the annular projection is a slit-shaped opening, and the slit-shaped opening is arc-shaped, with the center of the slit-shaped opening and the rotation axis of the valve core located on the same side of the slit-shaped opening. By providing it in this manner, the rotational moment arm becomes shorter when the valve core rotates to switch the flow path, thereby reducing the load torque during rotational switching of the valve core and enabling high-speed switching functionality.

[0021] Furthermore, the contour of the communication opening and the contour of the slit-shaped opening are aligned, and the circumferential contour of the slider's side wall is aligned with the contour of the slit-shaped opening. By providing it in this manner, the stability of the slider's movement within the mounting groove can be further improved, and the sealing performance of the slider can be further enhanced.

[0022] Furthermore, the port at the second end of the flow passage is a slit-shaped opening, which is arc-shaped, and the center of the slit-shaped opening and the rotation axis of the valve core are located on the same side of the slit-shaped opening. The distance between the two ends of the slit-shaped opening along the circumferential direction is greater than the shortest distance in the circumferential direction between two adjacent communication openings. By providing the above configuration, the rotational moment arm becomes shorter when the valve core rotates to switch the flow path, thereby reducing the load torque during rotational switching of the valve core and enabling high-speed switching. In addition, the slit-shaped opening is closer to the rotation axis of the valve core, contributing to space saving, enabling miniaturization of the multi-way valve, and making the overall pipeline layout of the air conditioning system more rational.

[0023] Furthermore, the communication chamber has a top surface and a bottom surface that are opposite each other, with multiple communication ports located on the top surface and inlets and outlets located on the bottom surface, and a flow-guiding inclined surface is provided on the side wall of the valve core, with the flow-guiding inclined surface facing the communication port, and the distance between the flow-guiding inclined surface and the axis of the valve core gradually increases along the direction from the communication port to the inlet and outlet. By providing the above configuration, the flow resistance of the refrigerant fluid in the communication chamber can be reduced, the pressure loss can be further reduced, and the flow velocity of the refrigerant fluid in the communication chamber can be increased.

[0024] Furthermore, the valve core has a first end and a second end that are positioned opposite each other along its axis, a first bearing is provided between the first end of the valve core and the valve body, and a second bearing is provided between the second end of the valve core and the valve body. By providing the valve core in this manner, the friction load between the valve core and the valve body is reduced, and the operating torque during switching is also reduced, enabling high-speed directional switching of the multi-way valve under high differential pressure.

[0025] Furthermore, the valve core is provided with a first shaft shoulder and a second shaft shoulder, both of which are fitted onto the valve core, the first shaft shoulder is restricted to engage with the end face of the inner ring of the first bearing, the second shaft shoulder is restricted to engage with the end face of the inner ring of the second bearing, both of which are restricted to engage with the outer rings of the first and second bearings, the first shaft shoulder and the first bearing have a first clearance L1 in the axial direction, and the slider and the end face of the valve core facing the communication opening have a second clearance L2 in the axial direction, where L1 <L2である。

[0026] Furthermore, the first end of the flow passage is provided on the end face of the second end of the valve core, the second end of the valve core is inserted into the inlet / outlet, a second sealing ring is provided between the second end of the valve core and the side wall of the inlet / outlet, and the second sealing ring is located on one side away from the communication opening of the second bearing. By providing the above configuration, the overall thermal expansion of the second bearing and the evaporation of lubricating oil inside the second bearing can be prevented, thereby extending the service life of the second bearing.

[0027] Furthermore, a second annular limiting groove is provided on the inner wall of the inlet / outlet, and the second sealing ring is fitted to the second end of the valve core and is located within the second annular limiting groove. By providing it as described above, by applying a pre-pressure to the second sealing ring, the sealing ring can be deformed within the annular limiting groove, and the sealing performance of the second sealing ring can be further improved.

[0028] Furthermore, the valve core has a first end and a second end provided opposite to each other along the axis. The first end of the flow passage is provided on the end face of the second end of the valve core. The second end of the valve core is inserted into the inlet / outlet. A second sealing ring is provided between the second end of the valve core and the side wall of the inlet / outlet. The multi-way valve further includes a sealing ring. The sealing ring is located between the slider and the valve core. Let the sealing area of the second sealing ring be S3 and the sealing area of the sealing ring be S4. Here, when the low-pressure refrigerant flows inside the flow passage and the high-pressure refrigerant flows inside the communication chamber, S3≥S4; when the high-pressure refrigerant flows inside the flow passage and the low-pressure refrigerant flows inside the communication chamber, S3≤S4. By providing it in this way, the force acting on the valve core in the valve seat direction can be made smaller than the force acting on the valve core in the inlet / outlet direction, so that the valve core is abutted against the second bearing as much as possible, the torque acting on the valve core can be reduced, and the smoothness of the rotation of the valve core can be improved.

[0029] Furthermore, a first sealing ring is provided between the first end of the valve core and the valve body. The valve body is provided with a mounting hole. The mounting hole is located at one end where the communication port of the valve body is located. One end of the mounting hole is communicated with the communication chamber, and the other end of the mounting hole is communicated with the outside. The first sealing ring is located within the mounting hole. By providing the first sealing ring, the sealing performance of the valve core against the outside can be further improved.

[0030] Furthermore, a first annular limiting groove is provided on the side wall of the first end of the valve core. The annular limiting groove is provided away from the driving end. The first sealing ring is located in the first annular limiting groove. The outer side wall of the first sealing ring and the inner wall of the mounting hole are engaged and sealed, and the inner side wall of the first sealing ring and the groove bottom provided along the radial direction of the first annular limiting groove are engaged and sealed. By providing it in this way, the structure is simplified, the detachment, inspection, repair of the valve core and the replacement of the first sealing ring are facilitated, and at the same time, the efficiency of heat conduction from the valve core to the driving end can be reduced.

[0031] Furthermore, the multi-way valve further includes a second sealing ring. The second sealing ring is located between the slider and the valve core. Let the sealing area of the second sealing ring be S4, the sealing area of the second sealing wheel be S3, and the sealing area of the first sealing ring be S5. Here, when the low-pressure refrigerant flows inside the flow passage and the high-pressure refrigerant flows inside the communication chamber, S3 ≥ S4 + S5. By providing it as described above, the force acting on the valve seat direction of the valve core can be made smaller than the force acting on the inlet / outlet direction of the valve core, so that the valve core is abutted against the second bearing as much as possible, the torque acting on the valve core can be reduced, and the smoothness of the rotation of the valve core can be improved.

[0032] Furthermore, the motor assembly has a balancing chamber, and a balancing passage is provided in the valve core. One end of the balancing passage is communicated with the flow passage, and the other end of the balancing passage is communicated with the balancing chamber. By providing it as described above, when the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant fluid flows inside the valve core, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant fluid inside the valve core can be made to flow into the motor assembly to cool the motor assembly and lower the temperature, reduce the magnetic loss of the motor assembly, and extend the service life of the motor assembly.

[0033] Furthermore, a mounting hole is provided in the valve body. The mounting hole is located at one end where the communication port of the valve body is located. One end of the mounting hole is communicated with the communication chamber, and the other end of the mounting hole is communicated with the outside. The valve core has a first end and a second end provided opposite to each other along the axis. Both the first end of the valve core and the driving end are inserted into the mounting hole, and the balancing passage penetrates through the first end of the valve core and is communicated with the balancing chamber.

[0034] Furthermore, a limiting structure is provided between the valve body and the valve core, and this limiting structure can restrict the rotation angle of the valve core. By providing the above-described structure, the valve core and drive end can be easily attached using the mounting holes.

[0035] Furthermore, the multi-way valve includes a first communication port, a second communication port, and a third communication port, which are provided in order. The restricting structure includes a restricting column, which is provided on both sides of the third communication port. The restricting column and the valve core are restricted-engaged so that the valve core rotates between the first and second communication ports. The flow hole communicates with one of the first and second communication ports, and the third communication port communicates with the other of the first and second communication ports via a communication chamber. By providing the above configuration, the restricting column and the valve core are restricted-engaged so that the valve core rotates between the first and second communication ports, and furthermore, switching between the first and second communication ports is achieved.

[0036] Furthermore, the motor assembly includes a housing having a balancing chamber, a drive motor provided within the balancing chamber, a reduction gear provided within the balancing chamber and to which the drive motor is driven and connected to the input terminal of the reduction gear, and a connecting shaft, one end of which is driven and connected to the output terminal of the reduction gear and the other end of which is driven and connected to the first end of the valve core, and the balancing chamber passes through the connecting shaft and communicates with the balancing passage. By providing the above configuration, the rotor member is connected to the connecting shaft via the reduction gear, and the torque of the rotor member is increased, thereby allowing the valve core to rotate more smoothly and improving the switching efficiency of the heating and cooling modes of the multiway valve.

[0037] Furthermore, the valve body includes a valve seat and an end cover, with multiple communication ports arranged in an annular pattern on the plane of the valve seat facing the valve core, an inlet / outlet provided at one end of the end cover away from the valve core, the valve seat and the end cover being detachably connected, and the valve seat and the end cover engaging with each other to form a communication chamber. By providing the valve in this manner, the attachment and detachment of the valve core, as well as inspection and repair, can be easily performed.

[0038] Furthermore, the multiway valve further includes an elastic member, which is provided between the slider and the valve core, and the elastic member is capable of applying an elastic force so that the slider and the valve core move away from each other. By providing it in this manner, the elastic member provided between the slider and the valve core ensures that the end face of the slider and the surface where the communication port is located are in close contact under the elastic force, and by further ensuring the sealing effect of the slider, leakage of the internal fluid of the multiway valve can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] The drawings in the specification, which constitute part of this application, are provided for further understanding of this application, and the schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof are for interpretation purposes only and do not constitute an unreasonable limitation of this application.

[0040] [Figure 1] This shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-way valve provided by Embodiment 1 of this application. [Figure 2] This shows an exploded view of the multi-way valve provided by Embodiment 1 of this application. [Figure 3] This shows a magnified view of area A in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the plan view where the communication port of the valve body is located. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the slider's structure. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the valve core structure. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows the three-dimensional structure of the valve core. [Figure 8] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional structure diagram in which the valve core and valve seat are engaged. [Figure 9] Figure 1 shows a magnified view of area B. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the valve core connected to one of the communication ports. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram of the switching process of the multiway valve provided in Example 1 is shown. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the valve core rotated to the space between two adjacent communication openings. [Figure 13] A schematic diagram of the multiway valve after switching, as provided in Example 1, is shown. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the valve core rotated until it is in communication with the other communication port. [Figure 15] This shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-way valve provided by Embodiment 2 of this application. [Figure 16] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the valve core structure. [Figure 17] Figure 15 shows a magnified view of area C. [Figure 18] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the slider's structure.

[0041] The above drawing includes the following reference numerals: 10 Motor assembly, 11 Drive motor, 12 Gearbox, 13 Equalizing chamber, 20 Valve body, 21 Communication chamber, 22 Inlet / outlet, 23 Communication port, 23a First communication port, 23b Second communication port, 23c Third communication port, 24 Restriction column, 25 First sealing ring, 26 Mounting hole, 201 Valve seat, 202 End cover, 30 Valve core, 30a Flow guide inclined surface, 31 Flow passage, 32 Mounting projection, 33 Mounting groove, 34 First bearing, 35 Second bearing, 36 Second sealing ring, 37 Equalizing passage, 38 First shaft shoulder, 39 Second shaft shoulder, 41 Slider, 41a Flow hole, 42 Elastic member, 43a First sealing ring, 43b Second sealing ring, 411 Annular projection, 412a First sealing ring groove, 412b Second sealing ring groove. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] The following describes the technical aspects of the embodiments of this application clearly and completely with reference to the drawings of the embodiments of this application, although it is clear that the embodiments described are only a selection of embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is, in practice, merely descriptive and does not imply any limitation on this application or its application or use. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art could obtain without creative effort based on the embodiments of this application are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 13, an embodiment of the present application provides a multi-way valve comprising a motor assembly 10, a valve body 20, and a valve core 30. Here, the motor assembly 10 has a drive end. The valve body 20 has a communication chamber 21, an inlet / outlet 22, and a plurality of communication ports 23, the plurality of communication ports 23 are provided on the valve body 20 at annular intervals, and all of the plurality of communication ports 23 communicate with the communication chamber 21, and the inlet / outlet 22 communicates with the communication chamber 21. The valve core 30 is rotatably mounted within the communication chamber 21, and the center of the valve core 30, surrounded by multiple communication ports 23, is located on the rotation axis of the valve core 30. The valve core 30 has a flow passage 31, the first end of which is located on the rotation axis of the valve core 30 and is in communication with the inlet / outlet 22, the second end of which is selectively in communication with at least one communication port 23, and the drive end is drive-connected to the valve core 30. The motor assembly 10 drives the valve core 30 to rotate within the communication chamber 21. By rotating the valve core 30 with the motor assembly 10, the second end of the flow passage 31 can be connected to at least one of the multiple communication ports 23, so that when it is necessary to switch pipelines, it is only necessary to rotate the valve core 30 to connect the second end of the flow passage 31 to the corresponding communication port 23.

[0044] According to the technical aspects of this application, the multi-way valve includes a motor assembly 10, a valve body 20, and a valve core 30. By providing the motor assembly 10, zero differential pressure starting can be achieved, and during operation, the valve core 30 is not rotated due to changes in differential pressure. Therefore, this multi-way valve can be used to replace multiple single-passage solenoid valves, and this multi-way valve can be used to switch between multiple modes in an air conditioning system. The above embodiment is simple in result, easy to install, and has few components, thus reducing the number of valve bodies and piping to install, and making attachment, detachment, and maintenance easy for workers. Compared to conventional embodiments that use multiple solenoid valves for control, this application significantly reduces the number of valve bodies and piping, simplifying pipeline control.

[0045] Here, the drive end of the motor assembly 10 includes a drive motor 11 and a reduction gear 12. The drive motor 11 is connected to the input terminal of the reduction gear 12, and the output terminal of the reduction gear 12 is driven to the valve core 30. The drive motor 11 drives the valve core 30 via the reduction gear 12, causing it to rotate within the communication chamber 21. By providing the reduction gear 12, the torque of the drive motor 11 can be increased, thereby enabling smoother switching of the flow path. By providing the motor assembly 10, zero differential pressure starting of the multi-way valve can be achieved. The motor assembly 10 is usually equipped with a self-locking structure, so that even if the differential pressure changes in the event of a power outage, the position of the valve core 30 will not change. Specifically, a self-locking structure may be provided within the drive motor 11 and the reduction gear 12. If a power outage occurs after the valve core 30 has switched direction to a predetermined position, the valve core 30 will not move in that position, and the self-locking function will be realized. According to the technical aspects of this application, it is possible to improve the integration density of the system, reduce the number of pipelines in the air conditioning system, and improve the overall reliability of the system. In this embodiment, the rotor of the drive motor 11 may be provided with a self-locking structure, or the gear assembly of the reduction gear 12 may be provided with a self-locking structure, thereby enabling the self-locking function of the motor assembly 10.

[0046] Here, the communication port 23 may be provided in an annular shape on the side wall of the communication chamber 21, or in an annular shape on the top of the communication chamber 21, and the inlet / outlet 22 may be provided on the top or bottom of the communication chamber 21.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 6, and 7, in this application, the communication chamber 21 has a top surface and a bottom surface that are opposite to each other, a plurality of communication ports 23 are located on the top surface, and the inlet / outlet 22 is located on the bottom surface, and a flow-guiding inclined surface 30a is provided on the side wall of the valve core 30, and the flow-guiding inclined surface 30a is provided toward the communication ports 23, and the distance between the flow-guiding inclined surface 30a and the axis of the valve core 30 gradually increases along the direction from the communication ports 23 to the inlet / outlet 22. With the above configuration, at the same flow rate, the flow resistance can be reduced by providing the flow-guiding inclined surface 30a, the pressure loss can be further reduced and the flow velocity can be further increased, and a flow-guiding groove can be provided on the flow-guiding inclined surface 30a to further reduce flow resistance and increase the flow velocity of the refrigerant fluid in the communication chamber 21. Here, the angle between the flow-guiding inclined surface 30a and the axis of the valve core 30 is 35° to 55°. Specifically, this included angle may be 35°, 45°, 50°, or 55°.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, in this application, the valve body 20 includes a valve seat 201 and an end cover 202, a plurality of communication ports 23 are provided at annular intervals on the plane of the valve seat 201 toward the valve core 30, an inlet / outlet 22 is provided at one end of the end cover 202 away from the valve core 30, the valve seat 201 and the end cover 202 are detachably connected, the valve seat 201 and the end cover 202 engage with each other to form a communication chamber 21, and the valve core 30 may be provided within the communication chamber 21 formed by the engagement of the valve seat 201 and the end cover 202. The valve seat 201 and the end cover 202 may be connected and fixed by a fastening member. Specifically, the end faces of the valve seat 201 and the end cover 202 may be provided with a plurality of connecting through holes, which may be spaced in an annular pattern. The fastening member may be inserted into the connecting through holes of the valve seat 201 and the end cover 202 that correspond to each other, thereby facilitating the installation, inspection, and repair of the valve core 30.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 11, in this application, the multiway valve further includes a sealing assembly, which is provided between the second end of the flow passage 31 and the valve body 20, and the sealing assembly can seal the space between the second end of the flow passage 31 and the communication port 23. By providing it in this manner, the sealing assembly prevents a gap from forming between the second end of the flow passage 31 and the valve body 20, tightly connects the second end of the flow passage 31 and the communication port 23, and is advantageous in reducing leakage of the internal fluid of the multiway valve.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, in this application, the multiple communication ports 23 in the valve seat 201 are provided on the same plane, specifically, in this application, the multiple communication ports 23 are provided on the end face of the valve seat 201 facing the end cover 202. The end face of the valve core 30 where the second end of the flow passage 31 is located and the surface where the communication ports 23 are located are provided in correspondence, and the sealing assembly includes a slider 41. The slider 41 is movably provided on the valve core 30, where the slider 41 is located at the second end of the flow passage 31, the slider 41 has a flow hole 41a, one end of the flow hole 41a is in communication with the second end of the flow passage 31, and the other end of the flow hole 41a is in contact with the surface where the communication ports 23 are located, and the communication ports 23 are in communication with the flow passage 31 via the flow hole 41a. Specifically, an auxiliary force may be applied to the slider 41 by another structure so that the slider 41 and the surface on which the communication port 23 of the valve seat 201 is located come into contact, or the slider 41 may be driven by the high-pressure refrigerant in the communication chamber 21 or the flow passage 31 to come into contact with the surface on which the communication port 23 of the valve seat 201 is located.

[0051] Here, an elastic member 42 may be further provided. By providing the elastic member 42 between the slider 41 and the valve core 30, the elastic member 42 applies an elastic force to the valve core 30 so that the slider 41 and the surface where the communication opening 23 is located come into contact. By providing the elastic member 42, contact between the slider 41 and the surface of the valve seat 201 can be further ensured, thereby ensuring the sealing effect of the slider 41.

[0052] As described above, the elastic member 42 provided between the slider 41 and the valve core 30 ensures tight contact between the end face of the slider 41 and the surface where the communication port 23 is located under elastic force, thereby reducing leakage of the internal fluid of the multiway valve. Furthermore, if friction loss occurs during the rotation of the slider 41 together with the valve core 30, the elastic member 42 compensates the slider 41, ensuring the sealing performance between the slider 41 and the surface where the communication port 23 is located. In addition, the elastic member 42 further ensures that vibration does not occur during the transport of the refrigerant fluid by the slider 41, thereby reducing the noise generated when the multiway valve is operating.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, in this application, a sealing ring may be provided between the slider 41 and the valve core 30. By providing a sealing ring groove on the slider 41 for attaching and fixing the sealing ring, the loss of sealing effect due to displacement of the sealing ring can be prevented. By providing the above, the sealing performance at the contact position between the slider 41 and the valve core 30 can be improved, and the overall stability of the multiway valve can be improved.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in this application, when a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage 31 and a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber 21, a mounting projection 32 is provided on the end face of the valve core 30 where the second end of the flow passage 31 is located. The mounting projection 32 surrounds the outer circumference of the second end of the flow passage 31, and the slider 41 is fitted onto the outer circumference of the mounting projection 32. In this way, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant outside the valve core 30 is used to drive the slider 41, which is attached to the outside of the mounting projection 32, to move toward one side of the valve seat 201, and the slider 41 can be brought into contact with the surface where the communication port 23 is located to create a seal. Furthermore, the mounting projection 32 can further restrict the trajectory of the slider 41, preventing sealing failures caused by the slider 41 shifting during the rotation process of the valve core 30, and further improving the stability of the system.

[0055] Specifically, the multiway valve further includes a first sealing ring 43a, in the first embodiment of this application, the first sealing ring 43a is fitted onto a mounting projection 32 and positioned between the slider 41 and the mounting projection 32. As the slider 41 moves along the mounting projection 32 under differential pressure, a certain gap is created between the slider 41 and the mounting projection 32. However, by providing the above configuration, the first sealing ring 43a can seal the gap between the slider 41 and the mounting projection 32, thereby improving the sealing performance of the multiway valve.

[0056] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, a first sealing ring groove 412a is provided on the inner wall of the slider 41, and the first sealing ring groove 412a is located at one end of the slider 41 away from the communication port 23. A first sealing ring 43a is provided between the slider 41 and the valve core 30, and the first sealing ring 43a is located within the first sealing ring groove 412a and seals the space between the slider 41 and the valve core 30. The outer ring of the first sealing ring 43a may be in close contact with the inner wall of the first sealing ring groove 412a, and the inner ring of the first sealing ring 43a may be in close contact with the outer wall of the mounting projection 32. By providing the above configuration, the sealing performance at the point of contact between the slider 41 and the valve core 30 can be improved, and the overall stability of the multiway valve can be improved. The slider 41 is movable along the axial direction of the mounting projection 32 and engages with the elastic member 42 to achieve close contact between the slider 41 and the surface where the communication opening 23 of the valve seat 201 is located.

[0057] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, in this application, an annular projection 411 is provided on the end face of the slider 41 adjacent to the communication port 23. The annular projection 411 surrounds the outer circumference of the flow hole 41a and abuts against the surface where the communication port 23 is located. By designing the annular projection 411, the contact area between the slider 41 and the surface where the communication port 23 is located can be reduced. Under the action of differential pressure and the elastic force provided by the elastic member 42, the sealing effect can be improved, and after the contact area is reduced, the frictional resistance when switching the valve core 30 can also be reduced accordingly. Furthermore, wear of the slider 41 can be reduced, and the service life of the slider 41 can be extended.

[0058] Specifically, let S2 be the area of ​​the end face of the annular projection 411 facing the communication port 23, and S1 be the area of ​​the slider 41 after removing the annular projection 411 from the end face of the slider 41 facing the communication port 23. Here, when high-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage 31 and low-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber 21, 1 ≤ S1 / S2 ≤ 6. If this ratio is less than 1, the area of ​​the end face of the annular projection 411 becomes excessive, increasing the frictional resistance when switching the valve core 30. On the other hand, if this ratio exceeds 6, the pressure acting on the annular projection 411 becomes excessive, leading to significant wear of the slider 41, and further causing refrigerant leakage, affecting the overall stability. Therefore, in this application, the range of the ratio between the two is 1 to 6. Specifically, the ratio of S1 / S2 may be 1, 2, 4, or 6.

[0059] Specifically, if S6 is the difference between the area enclosed by the outer contour of the annular projection 411 and the area enclosed by the inner contour of the flow hole 41a, and S7 is the difference between the area enclosed by the outer contour of the annular projection 411 and the area enclosed by the inner contour of the annular projection 411, then 1 ≤ S6 / S7 ≤ 6 when low-pressure refrigerant flows inside the flow passage 31 and high-pressure refrigerant flows inside the communication chamber 21. If this ratio is less than 1, the flow area of ​​the flow hole 41a decreases, affecting the flow velocity of the refrigerant fluid in the flow passage 31, and the frictional force of the annular projection 411 against the valve seat 201 increases, increasing the torque that must be overcome when the valve core 30 rotates. On the other hand, if this ratio exceeds 6, the sealing area of ​​the annular projection 411 with respect to the communication port 23 decreases, and the sealing effect of the annular projection 411 decreases. Specifically, the ratio of S6 / S7 may be 1, 2, 4, or 6. In one specific embodiment of this application, the inner contour of the annular projection 411 and the inner contour of the flow hole 41a are the same, in which case S1 / S2=1. By providing it in this way, the sealing effect is ensured, and at the same time, the processing and molding of the annular projection 411 is facilitated, thereby reducing production costs.

[0060] Here, the plane on which the communication port 23 of the valve body 20 is located may be polished using a polishing process. This satisfies the smoothness requirement of the plane on which the annular projection 411 and the communication port 23 are located when the valve core 30 is switched, reducing the effect of frictional resistance. At the same time, it can also tighten the engagement between the annular projection 411 and the plane on which the communication port 23 is located, thereby reducing the risk of leakage.

[0061] Furthermore, the port of the annular projection 411 is a slit-shaped opening, and the slit-shaped opening is arc-shaped, with the center of the slit-shaped opening and the rotation axis of the valve core 30 located on the same side of the slit-shaped opening. By making the port of the annular projection 411 a slit-shaped opening, the second end of the flow passage 31 can be brought closer to the rotation axis of the valve core 30, so that the rotation moment arm when the valve core 30 rotates and switches the flow path becomes shorter compared to a flow path with a circular port, when the flow path cross-sectional area is the same. This reduces the load torque when the valve core 30 rotates and enables a high-speed switching function. By making the slit-shaped opening arc-shaped and aligning the center of the slit-shaped opening and the rotation axis of the valve core 30 on the same side of the slit-shaped opening, the slit-shaped opening can be brought closer to the rotation axis of the valve core 30, contributing to space saving, enabling miniaturization of the multi-way valve, and making the overall pipeline layout of the air conditioning system more rational.

[0062] Specifically, the contour of the communication port 23 is aligned with the contour of the slit-shaped port, and by providing it in this manner, the smoothness of fluid flow can be further improved. In addition, by providing the circumferential contour of the side wall of the slider 41 to be aligned with the contour of the slit-shaped port, the stability of the movement of the slider 41 within the mounting projection 32 can be further improved, and the probability of refrigerant leakage occurring at the engagement point between the mounting projection 32 and the slider 41 can be reduced, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the slider 41.

[0063] At the same time, in this application, the distance between the two ends of the slit-shaped opening along the circumferential direction may be made greater than the shortest distance between two adjacent communication openings 23 in the circumferential direction. By providing it in this way, it is possible to ensure that the second end of the flow passage 31 communicates with at least one communication opening 23 during the rotational switching process of the valve core 30. In this way, it is possible to avoid a sudden rise or fall in the system pressure during the switching process, which could lead to errors in the system's judgment and cause it to stop.

[0064] Here, the port at the second end of the flow passage 31 may be a circular opening, or it may be a special shaped hole such as an oval opening or a polygonal opening. In this application, the port at the second end of the flow passage 31 is a slit-shaped opening, where the slit-shaped opening is an opening structure having a certain length, and may be, for example, an oval opening, a rectangular opening, a fan-shaped opening, etc. By providing it in this way, the second end of the flow passage 31 can be brought closer to the rotation axis of the valve core 30 so that the rotation moment arm when the valve core 30 rotates and switches the flow path becomes shorter when the same flow path cross-sectional area is reached compared to a flow path with a circular port. This reduces the load torque when the valve core 30 rotates and switches, and realizes a high-speed switching function. Furthermore, the slit-shaped opening is arc-shaped, and the center of the slit-shaped opening and the rotation axis of the valve core 30 are located on the same side of the slit-shaped opening, and the distance between the two ends along the circumferential direction of the slit-shaped opening is greater than the shortest distance in the circumferential direction between two adjacent communication openings 23. By providing the valve in the manner described above, the slit-shaped opening can be brought closer to the rotation axis of the valve core 30, contributing to space saving, enabling miniaturization of the multi-way valve, and making the overall pipeline layout of the air conditioning system more rational. At the same time, the distance between the two ends of the slit-shaped opening along the circumferential direction is made greater than the shortest distance between the two adjacent communication openings 23 in the circumferential direction. By providing the valve in this manner, it is possible to ensure that the second end of the flow passage 31 communicates with at least one communication opening 23 during the rotation switching process of the valve core 30. In this way, it is possible to avoid the system stopping due to a sudden rise or fall in pressure during the switching process, which could lead to errors in system judgment. To further improve the smoothness of fluid flow, the shape of the communication opening 23 may be made to match the shape of the second end of the flow passage 31.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the present application, the valve core 30 has a first end and a second end provided oppositely along the axis. A first bearing 34 is provided between the first end of the valve core 30 and the valve body 20, and a second bearing 35 is provided between the second end of the valve core 30 and the valve body 20. By providing the first bearing 34 and the second bearing 35, the frictional load between the valve core 30 and the valve body 20 can be effectively reduced, the operating torque during switching can be reduced, and the high-speed direction switching function of the multi-way valve under high differential pressure can be realized. Since the valve core 30 receives the axial force of the refrigerant fluid, in order to make the valve core 30 more stable during the rotation process and avoid the valve core 30 from swaying, a thrust ball bearing or an angular ball bearing can be selected for the first bearing 34 and the second bearing 35.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, in the present application, the valve core 30 is provided with a first shaft shoulder 38 and a second shaft shoulder 39. Both the first bearing 34 and the second bearing 35 are fitted to the valve core 30. The first shaft shoulder 38 is engaged and restricted by the end face of the inner ring of the first bearing 34, and the second shaft shoulder 39 is engaged and restricted by the end face of the inner ring of the second bearing 35. The outer rings of the first bearing 34 and the second bearing 35 are both engaged and restricted by the valve body 20. The first shaft shoulder 38 and the first bearing 34 have a first clearance L1 in the axial direction, and the slider 41 and the end face of the valve core 30 facing the communication port 23 have a second clearance L2 in the axial direction, where L1 < L2. By providing as described above, when the valve core 30 contacts the first bearing 34 upward along the axial direction, a certain distance can still be maintained between the slider 41 and the end face of the valve core 30 facing the communication port 23, avoiding the lower end face of the slider 41 from abutting against the valve core 30 and becoming immovable, and the acting force received by the valve core 30 in the axial direction can be absorbed by the first bearing 34 and not act on the slider 41.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the slider 41 is subjected only to gravity and elastic force, there is a minimum gap between the bottom of the slider 41 and the end face of the valve core 30 facing the communication port 23, and this minimum gap is made larger than 0.1 mm. By providing it in this way, sufficient space can be left between the bottom of the slider 41 and the end face of the valve core 30 so that when the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant fluid flows through the slider 41, it is located at the bottom of the slider 41 and applies an upward force to the slider 41. This further ensures tight contact between the top of the slider 41 and the surface where the communication port 23 is located, thus preventing leakage of the refrigerant fluid. Specifically, the minimum gap may be 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.3 mm.

[0068] As shown in Figures 1 and 9, in this application, the first end of the flow passage 31 is provided on the end face of the second end of the valve core 30, the second end of the valve core 30 is inserted into the inlet / outlet 22, a second sealing ring 36 is provided between the second end of the valve core 30 and the side wall of the inlet / outlet 22, and the second sealing ring 36 is located on one side away from the communication port 23 of the second bearing 35. According to the above design, when it is selected that a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant fluid flows inside the flow passage 31 and a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant fluid flows inside the communication chamber 21, the second sealing ring 36 blocks the gap between the second end of the valve core 30 and the end cover 202, further ensuring that the second bearing 35 is always located in a low-temperature environment, preventing expansion of the second bearing 35 due to high temperatures and volatilization of the internal lubricating oil, further extending the service life of the second bearing 35 and increasing the reliability of the entire system.

[0069] Furthermore, a second annular limiting groove is provided on the inner wall of the inlet / outlet 22, and the second sealing ring 36 is fitted to the second end of the valve core 30 and located within the second annular limiting groove. The second annular limiting groove is used to accommodate the second sealing ring 36, and when assembling the valve body of the multiway valve, applying prepressure to the second sealing ring 36 deforms the second sealing ring 36 within the second annular limiting groove, increasing the sealing area and further improving the sealing performance of the second sealing ring 36.

[0070] In a specific embodiment of this application, the multi-way valve further includes a sealing ring located between the slider 41 and the valve core 30. If the sealing area of ​​the second sealing ring 36 is S3 and the sealing area of ​​the sealing ring is S4, then S3 ≥ S4 when low-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage 31 and high-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber 21, and S3 ≤ S4 when high-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage 31 and low-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber 21. Specifically, the sealing area S3 is the area over which the differential pressure acting on the valve core 30 at the second sealing ring 36 is applied, and the sealing area S4 is the area over which the differential pressure acting on the valve core 30 at the sealing ring is applied. By providing the above configuration, the force acting on the valve core 30 toward the valve seat 201 is made smaller than the force acting on the valve core 30 toward the inlet / outlet 22, and the valve core 30 is made to contact the second bearing 35 as much as possible, thereby preventing the valve core 30 from pushing the slider 41 and pressing against the valve seat 201. In this way, the torque acting on the valve core 30 is reduced and the smoothness of the rotation of the valve core 30 is improved. Here, the second sealing ring 36 is provided in a groove formed by the end cover 202, and the sealing ring is provided between the slider 41 and the valve core 30, and the sealing areas S3 and S4 are calculated from the inner diameters of the second sealing ring 36 and the sealing ring, respectively. When low-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage 31 and high-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber 21, the sealing ring is fitted onto the mounting projection 32 and positioned between the slider 41 and the mounting projection 32. When high-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage 31 and low-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber 21, the sealing ring is fitted onto the slider 41 and positioned between the slider 41 and the mounting groove 33.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, in this application, the motor assembly 10 has a balancing chamber 13, one end of which is inserted into the drive end, the valve core 30 has a connecting end, the drive end is inserted into the valve body 20 and is driven to the connecting end, the valve core 30 is provided with a balancing passage 37, one end of which is in communication with a flow passage 31, and the other end of which is inserted into the end face of the connecting end and is in communication with the balancing chamber 13. According to the above design, by providing the balancing passage 37, the pressure difference between the connecting end and the drive end of the valve core 30 is balanced, and the valve core 30 can be rotated stably. Furthermore, when selecting a configuration in which a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant fluid flows through the circulation passage 31 and a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant fluid flows through the communication chamber 21, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant fluid enters the equalization passage 37. Simultaneously, an equalization chamber 13 is provided inside the drive motor 11 and the reduction gear 12, connecting the equalization passage 37 and the equalization chamber 13. In this way, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant fluid inside the valve core 30 flows into the motor assembly 10, cooling the motor assembly 10 and lowering its temperature, thereby reducing the magnetic loss of the motor assembly 10 and extending its service life. Specifically, the motor assembly 10 includes a housing, a drive motor 11, a reduction gear 12, and a connecting shaft. Here, the housing has a balancing chamber 13, the drive motor 11 is provided inside the balancing chamber 13, the reduction gear 12 is provided inside the balancing chamber 13, the drive motor 11 is driven to the input end of the reduction gear, one end of the connecting shaft is driven to the output end of the reduction gear 12, the other end of the connecting shaft is driven to the first end of the valve core 30, and the balancing chamber 13 passes through the connecting shaft and communicates with the balancing passage 37.

[0072] Specifically, the valve body 20 is provided with a mounting hole 26, which is located at one end of the valve body where the communication port 23 is located. One end of the mounting hole 26 communicates with the communication chamber 21, and the other end of the mounting hole 26 communicates with the outside. The valve core 30 has a first end and a second end that are opposite each other along its axis. Both the first end and the drive end of the valve core 30 are inserted into the mounting hole 26. The balancing passage 37 passes through the first end of the valve core 30 and communicates with the balancing chamber 13. With this configuration, the drive end of the motor assembly 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 26 and connected to the first end of the valve core 30, which is also inserted into the mounting hole 26. The mounting hole 26 is used to accommodate the drive end and the first end of the valve core 30. The drive end of the motor assembly 10 rotates the valve core 30 to switch the refrigerant fluid flow path and switch between heating and cooling modes.

[0073] According to the technical aspects of this application, the multiway valve further includes a first sealing ring 25, which is fitted onto the first end of the valve core 30 and is located within the mounting hole 26. By providing the first sealing ring 25, a seal can be achieved between the communication chamber 21 and the mounting hole 26, preventing the high-temperature, high-pressure fluid inside the communication chamber 21 from entering the motor assembly 10 through the mounting hole 26 and causing the motor assembly 10 to overheat and shorten its service life. At the same time, leakage of the refrigerant fluid to the outside can be reduced, improving the sealing performance of the multiway valve. Specifically, the first sealing ring 25 may be fitted onto the first end of the valve core 30, and a sealing groove may be provided on the first end of the valve core 30, with the first sealing ring 25 fitted into the sealing groove to achieve a seal between the communication chamber 21 and the mounting hole 26. Alternatively, the sealing groove may be provided on the inner wall of the mounting hole 26, with the first sealing ring 25 fitted into the sealing groove to achieve a seal between the communication chamber 21 and the mounting hole 26.

[0074] In this application, an annular limiting groove is provided on the side wall of the first end of the valve core 30, the annular limiting groove is provided away from the drive end, the first sealing ring 25 is located within the first annular limiting groove, the outer wall of the first sealing ring 25 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 26 are engaged and sealed, and the inner wall of the first sealing ring 25 and the groove bottom provided along the radial direction of the first annular limiting groove are engaged and sealed. By providing the above, the sealing performance of the valve core 30 against the outside can be improved, and since the first sealing ring 25 is mounted inside the first annular limiting groove provided in the valve core 30, the first sealing ring 25 can be removed from the mounting hole 26 when the valve core 30 is removed, thus making it easy to replace the first sealing ring 25. At the same time, the first sealing ring 25 and the valve core 30 are made of different materials and have different thermal conductivity, so when heat is conducted, it passes through two different materials. In this way, the efficiency of heat conduction along the valve core 30 can be reduced, further reducing the impact of the high-temperature refrigerant fluid on the motor assembly 10 and further extending the service life of the motor assembly 10.

[0075] In yet another specific embodiment of this application, the multi-way valve further includes a second sealing ring 43b, which is located between the slider 41 and the valve core 30, with the sealing area of ​​the second sealing ring 43b being S4, the sealing area of ​​the second sealing ring 36 being S3, and the sealing area of ​​the first sealing ring 25 being S5, where S3 ≥ S4 + S5 when a low-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage 31 and a high-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber 21. Specifically, the sealing area S5 is the area over which the differential pressure acting on the valve core 30 at the first sealing ring 25 is applied. By providing the valve core 30, the force acting on the valve core 30 toward the valve seat 201 is made smaller than the force acting on the valve core 30 toward the inlet / outlet 22, so that the valve core 30 contacts the second bearing 35 as much as possible, thereby preventing the valve core 30 from pushing the slider 41 and pressing against the valve seat 201. In this way, the torque acting on the valve core 30 is reduced and the smoothness of the rotation of the valve core 30 is improved. Here, when the sealing groove is provided at the first end of the valve core 30, the sealing area S5 is calculated using the outer diameter of the first sealing ring 25, and when the sealing groove is provided on the inner wall of the mounting hole 26, the sealing area S5 is calculated using the inner diameter of the first sealing ring 25.

[0076] In this embodiment, the multi-way valve is provided with three communication ports, specifically a first communication port 23a, a second communication port 23b, and a third communication port 23c. The valve body 20 is provided with a first refrigerant passage, a second refrigerant passage, and a third refrigerant passage. One end of the first refrigerant passage is located on the side wall of the valve body 20, and the other end of the first refrigerant passage has a first communication port 23a. One end of the second refrigerant passage and one end of the third refrigerant passage are both located on the side wall of the valve body 20, the other end of the second refrigerant passage has a second communication port 23b, and the other end of the third refrigerant passage has a third communication port 23c.

[0077] In this embodiment, a limiting structure is provided between the valve body 20 and the valve core 30 to limit the rotation angle of the valve core 30, preventing the valve core 30 from rotating excessively during the rotation process, which could cause misengagement between the flow hole 41a and the communication hole, resulting in a gap and refrigerant leakage. By providing the limiting structure, it is possible to ensure that the valve core 30 is switched to a predetermined position, further reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage.

[0078] Here, the multi-way valve can connect different pipelines. Specifically, a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant may flow through the flow passage 31 and inlet / outlet 22, and a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant may flow through the communication chamber 21. Alternatively, a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant may flow through the flow passage 31 and inlet / outlet 22, and a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant may flow through the communication chamber 21.

[0079] In the embodiment provided in this application, a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant passage is realized by the engagement of the flow passage 31 and the inlet / outlet 22, while a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passage is realized inside the communication chamber 21. When the refrigerant fluid inside the communication chamber 21 is in a high-temperature, high-pressure state, the pressure of the refrigerant causes the slider 41 and the valve core 30 to be tightly engaged via a sealing ring, preventing the refrigerant fluid from leaking between the slider 41 and the valve core 30, thereby improving the stability of the internal flow path of the multi-way valve.

[0080] The specific process for switching the multiway valve is as follows. As shown in Figure 10, at this time, the second end of the flow passage 31 is in communication with the first communication port 23a, the first communication port 23a is in communication with the inlet / outlet 22 via the flow passage 31, the second communication port 23b is in communication with the third communication port 23c via the communication chamber 21, low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flows inside the flow passage 31, the inlet / outlet 22 is the low-pressure outlet, the first communication port 22a is the low-pressure inlet, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber 21, the second communication port 23b is the high-pressure outlet, and the third communication port 23c is the high-pressure inlet. The drive motor 11 drives the valve core 30 via the reduction gear 12 to rotate it counterclockwise, reaching the state shown in Figures 11 and 12, at which point the second end of the flow passage 31 can communicate with both the first communication port 23a and the second communication port 23b. As the valve core 30 continues to rotate, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the second end of the flow passage 31 is connected to the second communication port 23b. At this time, the second communication port 23b is connected to the inlet / outlet 22 via the flow passage 31, and the first communication port 23a is connected to the third communication port 23c via the communication chamber 21. At this time, the inlet / outlet 22 is the low-pressure outlet, the second communication port 23b is the low-pressure inlet, the first communication port 23a is the high-pressure outlet, and the third communication port 23c is the high-pressure inlet. In this way, the direction switching of the valve body is achieved.

[0081] Referring to Figures 8 and 10, the limiting structure includes limiting columns 24, which are provided on both sides of the third communication port 23c. The limiting columns 24 and the valve core 30 are restricted-engaged so that the valve core 30 rotates between the first communication port 23a and the second communication port 23b, and further enable switching between the first communication port 23a and the second communication port 23b. The flow hole 41a communicates with one of the first communication port 23a and the second communication port 23b to form a flow passage for low-pressure refrigerant, and the third communication port 23c communicates with the other of the first communication port 23a and the second communication port 23b via the communication chamber 21 to form a flow passage for high-pressure refrigerant.

[0082] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, Embodiment 2 of this application provides a multi-way valve and is distinguished from Embodiment 1 mainly in terms of the valve core 30. Specifically, when high-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage 31 and low-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber 21, a mounting groove 33 is provided on the end face of the valve core 30 where the second end of the flow passage 31 is located. The mounting groove 33 communicates with the second end of the flow passage 31, a part of the slider 41 is located within the mounting groove 33, and the elastic member 42 is located at the bottom of the mounting groove 33 and connected to the slider 41, and the slider 41 is movable along the axis of the mounting groove 33.

[0083] As shown in Figure 18, in this embodiment, the second sealing ring groove 412b is provided on the outer wall of the slider 41, and when assembling the second sealing ring 43b, the inner ring of the second sealing ring 43b and the side wall of the second sealing ring groove 412b engage and seal, and the outer ring of the second sealing ring 43b and the inner wall of the mounting groove 33 engage and seal.

[0084] According to the second embodiment provided in this application, a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passage is realized by the engagement of the flow passage 31 and the inlet / outlet 22, and a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant passage is realized inside the communication chamber 21. When the refrigerant fluid in the flow passage 31 is in a high-temperature, high-pressure state, the pressure of the refrigerant causes the slider 41 and the valve core 30 to be tightly engaged via the second sealing ring 43b, preventing the refrigerant fluid from leaking between the slider 41 and the valve core 30 and improving the stability of the internal flow path of the multiway valve. As shown in Figure 10, the inlet / outlet 22 is a high-pressure inlet, the first communication port 23a is a high-pressure outlet, the third communication port 23c is a low-pressure outlet, and the second communication port 23b is a low-pressure inlet. After the multiway valve has switched, referring to Figure 14, the inlet / outlet 22 is a high-pressure inlet, the second communication port 23b is a high-pressure outlet, the third communication port 23c is a low-pressure outlet, and the first communication port 23a is a low-pressure inlet.

[0085] Furthermore, the gap between the slider 41 and the bottom of the mounting groove 33 is 0.1 mm or more. By providing it in this way, sufficient space can be left between the bottom of the slider 41 and the end face of the valve core 30 so that when the high-pressure refrigerant fluid flows through the bottom of the mounting groove 33, it passes over the bottom of the slider 41 and applies an upward force to the slider 41. This further ensures tight contact between the top of the slider 41 and the surface where the communication port 23 is located, thus preventing leakage of the refrigerant fluid. Specifically, the minimum gap may be 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.3 mm.

[0086] In a second embodiment of this application, the multiway valve further includes a second sealing ring 43b, which is fitted onto the slider 41 and positioned between the slider and the mounting groove 33. By providing the valve in this manner, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant fluid from leaking between the slider 41 and the valve core 30, thereby improving the stability of the internal flow path of the multiway valve.

[0087] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, according to the second embodiment provided in this application, a second sealing ring groove 412b is provided on the outer wall of the slider 41, and a second sealing ring 43b is fitted onto the slider 41 and located between the slider 41 and the mounting groove 33. The second sealing ring 43b is located within the second sealing ring groove 412b, the inner ring of the second sealing ring 43b and the side wall of the second sealing ring groove 412b are engaged and sealed, and the outer ring of the second sealing ring 43b and the inner wall of the mounting groove 33 are engaged and sealed. By providing the above configuration, when the refrigerant fluid in the flow passage 31 is under high pressure, the pressure of the refrigerant is used to create a tight engagement between the slider 41 and the valve core 30 via the second sealing ring 43b, preventing the refrigerant fluid from leaking between the slider 41 and the valve core 30, and further improving the stability of the internal flow path of the multiway valve.

[0088] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments provided herein. Unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, the singular form is intended to include the plural form, and it should also be understood that when the terms “include” and / or “contain” are used herein, they also indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, assemblies and / or combinations thereof.

[0089] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements, formulas, and numerical values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. At the same time, for the sake of descriptive convenience, it should be understood that the dimensions of the parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to actual proportional relationships. While techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art are not discussed in detail, where appropriate, described techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification. In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​are merely illustrative and should not be interpreted as limiting. Accordingly, other examples in the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters indicate similar elements in subsequent drawings, and therefore, once an element is defined in one drawing, no further explanation is required for it in subsequent drawings.

[0090] In the description of this application, directions or positional relationships indicated by directional terms such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," "right," "lateral," "vertical," "horizontal," and "top" and "bottom" are usually directions or positional relationships based on the illustrations and are merely for the convenience and simplification of the description in this application. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the specified device or element has a particular direction or must be configured and operated in a particular direction, and should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application. The directional terms "inside" and "outside" should be understood as meaning inside and outside with respect to the contour of each component itself.

[0091] For convenience of description, spatially relative terms such as "on top of," "above," "on the top surface," and "on the top surface" may be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship between one illustrated device or feature and another device or feature. Spatially relative terms should be understood as intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation described in the drawing. For example, if the device in the drawing is reversed, a device described as "above another device or structure" or "on top of another device or structure" will subsequently be positioned as "below another device or structure" or "below another device or structure." Thus, the exemplary term "above" may include both the orientations of "above" and "below." The device may be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here may be interpreted accordingly.

[0092] Furthermore, it should be explained that the use of words such as "first," "second," etc., to specify parts is simply to easily distinguish corresponding parts, and unless otherwise stated, the aforementioned words do not have any special meaning and should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0093] The foregoing describes preferred embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit it. Those skilled in the art will know that this application is subject to various modifications and changes. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the scope of the intent and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection.

Claims

1. A motor assembly (10) having a drive end, A valve body (20) having a communication chamber (21), an inlet / outlet (22), and a communication port (23), wherein there are multiple communication ports (23), the multiple communication ports (23) are provided on the valve body (20) at annular intervals, and all of the multiple communication ports (23) are in communication with the communication chamber (21), and the inlet / outlet (22) is in communication with the communication chamber (21), and the valve body (20) A multiway valve comprising a valve core (30), the center of which is rotatably mounted within the communication chamber (21) and surrounded by a plurality of communication ports (23) is located on the rotation axis of the valve core (30), the valve core (30) has a flow passage (31), the first end of the flow passage (31) is located on the rotation axis of the valve core (30) and is in communication with the inlet / outlet (22), the second end of the flow passage (31) is selectively in communication with the communication ports (23), the drive end is drive-connected to the valve core (30), and the motor assembly (10) drives the valve core (30) to rotate within the communication chamber (21).

2. The multiway valve according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing assembly provided between the second end of the flow passage (31) and the valve body (20), which can seal the space between the second end of the flow passage (31) and the communication port (23).

3. The multiple communication ports (23) are on the same plane, and the end face on which the second end of the flow passage (31) of the valve core (30) is located corresponds to the surface on which the communication ports (23) are located, and the sealing assembly is, A multiway valve according to claim 2, comprising a slider (41) movably provided on the valve core (30), wherein the slider (41) is located at the second end of the flow passage (31), the slider (41) has a flow hole (41a), one end of the flow hole (41a) is in communication with the second end of the flow passage (31), the other end of the flow hole (41a) is in contact with the surface on which the communication port (23) is located, and the communication port (23) is in communication with the flow passage (31) through the flow hole (41a).

4. A multi-way valve according to claim 3, wherein a low-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage (31), a high-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber (21), a mounting projection (32) is provided on the end face of the valve core (30) where the second end of the flow passage (31) is located, the mounting projection (32) surrounds the outer circumference of the second end of the flow passage (31), the slider (41) is fitted onto the outer circumference of the mounting projection (32), and the slider (41) is movable along the axial direction of the mounting projection (32).

5. The multiway valve according to claim 4, further comprising a first sealing ring (43a), the first sealing ring (43a) being fitted onto the mounting projection (32) and positioned between the slider (41) and the mounting projection (32).

6. A first sealing ring groove (412a) is provided on the inner wall of the slider (41), the first sealing ring groove (412a) is located at one end of the slider (41) away from the communication port (23), and the first sealing ring (43a) is located within the first sealing ring groove (412a), as described in claim 5.

7. A multi-way valve according to claim 3, wherein a high-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage (31), a low-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber (21), a mounting groove (33) is provided on the end face of the valve core (30) where the second end of the flow passage (31) is located, the mounting groove (33) is in communication with the second end of the flow passage (31), a portion of the slider (41) is located in the mounting groove (33), and the slider (41) is movable along the axial direction of the mounting groove (33).

8. The multi-way valve according to claim 7, wherein the distance between the slider (41) and the bottom of the mounting groove (33) is 0.1 mm or more.

9. The multiway valve according to claim 7, further comprising a second sealing ring (43b), the second sealing ring (43b) being fitted onto the slider (41) and positioned between the slider (41) and the mounting groove (33).

10. A second sealing ring groove (412b) is provided on the outer wall of the slider (41), the second sealing ring (43b) is located within the second sealing ring groove (412b), the inner ring of the second sealing ring (43b) and the side wall of the second sealing ring groove (412b) are engaged and sealed, and the outer ring of the second sealing ring (43b) and the inner wall of the mounting groove (33) are engaged and sealed, as described in claim 9.

11. The multi-way valve according to claim 3, wherein an annular projection (411) is provided on the end face of the slider (41) adjacent to the communication port (23), the annular projection (411) is provided surrounding the outer circumference of the flow hole (41a), and the annular projection (411) and the surface on which the communication port (23) is located are in contact.

12. An annular projection (411) is provided on the end face of the slider (41) adjacent to the communication opening (23), the annular projection (411) surrounds the outer circumference of the flow hole (41a), and the annular projection (411) abuts against the surface where the communication opening (23) is located. The multi-way valve according to claim 7, wherein if S2 is the area of ​​the end face of the annular projection (411) facing the direction of the communication port (23), and S1 is the area of ​​the end face of the slider (41) facing the direction of the communication port (23) excluding the annular projection (411), then 1 ≤ S1 / S2 ≤ 6.

13. An annular projection (411) is provided on the end face of the slider (41) adjacent to the communication opening (23), the annular projection (411) surrounds the outer circumference of the flow hole (41a), and the annular projection (411) abuts against the surface where the communication opening (23) is located. The multi-way valve according to claim 4, wherein S6 is the difference between the area enclosed by the outer contour of the annular projection (411) and the area enclosed by the inner contour of the flow hole (41a), and S7 is the difference between the area enclosed by the outer contour of the annular projection (411) and the area enclosed by the inner contour of the annular projection (411), such that 1 ≤ S6 / S7 ≤ 6.

14. The multiway valve according to claim 11, wherein the port of the annular projection (411) is a slit-shaped opening, the slit-shaped opening is arc-shaped, and the center of the slit-shaped opening and the axis of rotation of the valve core (30) are located on the same side of the slit-shaped opening.

15. The multi-way valve according to claim 14, wherein the contour of the communication port (23) and the contour of the slit-shaped port are aligned, and the circumferential contour of the side wall of the slider (41) and the contour of the slit-shaped port are aligned.

16. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the port at the second end of the flow passage (31) is a slit-shaped opening, the slit-shaped opening is arc-shaped, the center of the slit-shaped opening and the axis of rotation of the valve core (30) are located on the same side of the slit-shaped opening, and the distance between the two ends of the slit-shaped opening along the circumferential direction is greater than the shortest distance in the circumferential direction between two adjacent communication openings (23).

17. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the communication chamber (21) has a top surface and a bottom surface that are opposite to each other, a plurality of communication ports (23) are located on the top surface, the inlet / outlet (22) is located on the bottom surface, a flow-guiding inclined surface (30a) is provided on the side wall of the valve core (30), the flow-guiding inclined surface (30a) is provided toward the communication ports (23), and the distance between the flow-guiding inclined surface (30a) and the axis of the valve core (30) gradually increases along the direction from the communication ports (23) to the inlet / outlet (22).

18. The multi-way valve according to claim 3, wherein the valve core (30) has a first end and a second end provided opposite to each other along its axis, a first bearing (34) is provided between the first end of the valve core (30) and the valve body (20), and a second bearing (35) is provided between the second end of the valve core (30) and the valve body (20).

19. The multi-way valve according to claim 18, wherein the valve core (30) is provided with a first shaft shoulder (38) and a second shaft shoulder (39), the first bearing (34) and the second bearing (35) are both fitted onto the valve core (30), the first shaft shoulder (38) is restricted to engage with the end face of the inner ring of the first bearing (34), the second shaft shoulder (39) is restricted to engage with the end face of the inner ring of the second bearing (35), the outer rings of the first bearing (34) and the second bearing (35) are restricted to engage with the valve body (20), the first shaft shoulder (38) and the first bearing (34) have a first clearance L1 in the axial direction, and the slider (41) and the end face of the valve core (30) toward the communication port (23) have a second clearance L2 in the axial direction, where L1 < L2.

20. The multiway valve according to claim 18, wherein the first end of the flow passage (31) is provided on the end face of the second end of the valve core (30), the second end of the valve core (30) is inserted into the inlet / outlet (22), a second sealing ring (36) is provided between the second end of the valve core (30) and the side wall of the inlet / outlet (22), and the second sealing ring (36) is located on one side away from the communication port (23) of the second bearing (35).

21. The multi-way valve according to claim 20, wherein a second annular limiting groove is provided on the inner wall of the inlet / outlet (22), and the second sealing ring (36) is fitted to the second end of the valve core (30) and is located within the second annular limiting groove.

22. The valve core (30) has a first end and a second end that are arranged opposite to each other along its axis, the first end of the flow passage (31) is provided on the end face of the second end of the valve core (30), the second end of the valve core (30) is inserted into the inlet / outlet (22), and a second sealing ring (36) is provided between the second end of the valve core (30) and the side wall of the inlet / outlet (22). The present invention further includes a sealing ring, the sealing ring being located between the slider (41) and the valve core (30), the sealing area of ​​the second sealing ring (36) being S3, and the sealing area of ​​the sealing ring being S4. The multi-way valve according to claim 3, wherein S3 ≥ S4 when a low-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage (31) and a high-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber (21), and S3 ≤ S4 when a high-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage (31) and a low-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber (21).

23. A first sealing ring (25) is provided between the first end of the valve core (30) and the valve body (20), a mounting hole (26) is provided in the valve body (20), the mounting hole (26) is located at one end of the valve body (20) where the communication port (23) is located, one end of the mounting hole (26) is in communication with the communication chamber (21), the other end of the mounting hole (26) is in communication with the outside, and the first sealing ring (25) is located inside the mounting hole (26), as described in claim 20.

24. A first annular limiting groove is provided on the side wall of the first end of the valve core (30), the annular limiting groove is provided away from the drive end, the first sealing ring (25) is located in the first annular limiting groove, the outer wall of the first sealing ring (25) and the inner wall of the mounting hole are engaged and sealed, and the inner wall of the first sealing ring (25) and the groove bottom provided along the radial direction of the first annular limiting groove are engaged and sealed, as described in claim 23.

25. It further includes a second sealing ring (43b), the second sealing ring (43b) being located between the slider (41) and the valve core (30), the sealing area of ​​the second sealing ring (43b) being S4, the sealing area of ​​the second sealing ring (36) being S3, and the sealing area of ​​the first sealing ring (25) being S5. The multi-way valve according to claim 23, wherein S3 ≥ S4 + S5 when a low-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow passage (31) and a high-pressure refrigerant flows through the communication chamber (21).

26. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the motor assembly (10) has a balancing chamber (13), the valve core (30) is provided with a balancing passage (37), one end of the balancing passage (37) is in communication with the flow passage (31), and the other end of the balancing passage (37) is in communication with the balancing chamber (13).

27. The multi-way valve according to claim 26, wherein the valve body (20) is provided with a mounting hole (26), the mounting hole (26) is located at one end of the valve body (20) where the communication port (23) is located, one end of the mounting hole (26) is in communication with the communication chamber (21), the other end of the mounting hole (26) is in communication with the outside, the valve core (30) has a first end and a second end provided opposite to each other along its axis, both the first end and the drive end of the valve core (30) are inserted into the mounting hole (26), and the balancing passage (37) penetrates the first end of the valve core (30) and is in communication with the balancing chamber (13).

28. A limiting structure is provided between the valve body (20) and the valve core (30), and the limiting structure is capable of limiting the rotation angle of the valve core (30), as described in claim 3.

29. A multiway valve according to claim 28, comprising a first communication port (23a), a second communication port (23b), and a third communication port (23c) provided in order, wherein the restricting structure includes a restricting column (24), the restricting column (24) provided on both sides of the third communication port (23c), the restricting column (24) and the valve core (30) are restrictedly engaged so that the valve core (30) rotates between the first communication port (23a) and the second communication port (23b), the flow hole (41a) communicates with one of the first communication port (23a) and the second communication port (23b), and the third communication port (23c) communicates with the other of the first communication port (23a) and the second communication port (23b) via the communication chamber (21).

30. The motor assembly (10) is A housing having the balancing chamber (13), A drive motor (11) is provided inside the balancing chamber (13), A reduction gear (12) provided within the balancing chamber (13), the drive motor (11) is driven and connected to the input terminal of the reduction gear (12), The multiway valve according to claim 26, comprising a connecting shaft, one end of which is driven and connected to the output end of the reduction gear (12), and the other end of which is driven and connected to the first end of the valve core (30), and the balancing chamber (13) passing through the connecting shaft and communicating with the balancing passage (37).

31. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve body (20) includes a valve seat (201) and an end cover (202), a plurality of the communication ports (23) are provided at annular intervals on the plane of the valve seat (201) toward the valve core (30), the inlet / outlet (22) is provided at one end of the end cover (202) away from the valve core (30), the valve seat (201) and the end cover (202) are detachably connected, and the valve seat (201) and the end cover (202) engage with each other to form the communication chamber (21).

32. The multiway valve according to claim 3, further comprising an elastic member (42), the elastic member (42) provided between the slider (41) and the valve core (30), and the elastic member (42) capable of applying an elastic force so that the slider (41) and the valve core (30) move away from each other.

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