Directional switching valve and heat exchange system having the same

The directional control valve with multiple valve elements addresses refrigerant leakage in four-way valves by ensuring consistent refrigerant flow direction, enhancing operational reliability and efficiency in air conditioning systems.

JP7766188B2Active Publication Date: 2025-11-07ZHEJIANG DUNAN ARTIFICIAL ENVIRONMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024517401
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-09-24
Filing Date
2022-09-26
Publication Date
2025-11-07
Estimated Expiration
2042-09-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Refrigerant leakage occurs during the process of switching flow direction in conventional four-way valves, affecting the operational stability and efficiency of air conditioning systems.

Method used

A directional control valve with multiple valve elements controlling communication and blocking between different flow paths, allowing for seamless switching between operating modes without relying on motors to drive pistons, thereby preventing refrigerant leakage.

Benefits of technology

Prevents refrigerant leakage and enhances operational reliability by ensuring consistent refrigerant flow direction, improving the stability and efficiency of air conditioning systems.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present application provides a directional control valve and a heat exchange system having the same. The directional control valve includes a valve seat having a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path, the first flow path having an inlet and the second flow path having an outlet, a first valve body that controls communication and blocking between the first flow path and the third flow path, a second valve body that controls communication and blocking between the first flow path and the fourth flow path, a third valve body that controls communication and blocking between the third flow path and the second flow path, and a fourth valve body that controls communication and blocking between the fourth flow path and the second flow path. When the directional control valve is in a first operating state, the second valve body controls communication and blocking between the second flow path and the third flow path. The valve body controls the first flow path to be communicated with the fourth flow path, so that the refrigerant flows out from the fourth flow path, the third valve body controls the third flow path to be communicated with the second flow path, so that the refrigerant returns to the third flow path and is discharged, and when the directional control valve is in the second operating state, the first valve body controls the first flow path to be communicated with the third flow path, so that the refrigerant flows out from the third flow path, and the fourth valve body controls the fourth flow path to be communicated with the second flow path, so that the refrigerant returns to the fourth flow path and is discharged. The present application solves the problem that refrigerant leakage is likely to occur in four-way valves in the prior art.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of directional control valves, and more particularly to a directional control valve and a heat exchange system having the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, in the field of air conditioning technology, a four-way valve is generally used to adjust the flow direction of the refrigerant in an air conditioning system so that the operating mode of the air conditioning system can be freely switched between a cooling mode and a heating mode. In the prior art, the method for adjusting the flow direction of the refrigerant in the four-way valve is usually to use a motor to drive and move a piston to adjust the flow direction of the refrigerant in the four-way valve.

[0003] However, the above adjustment method not only increases the difficulty of adjustment, but also makes it easy for refrigerant leakage to occur, which affects the operational stability and working efficiency of the air conditioning system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main object of the present application is to provide a directional control valve and a heat exchange system having the same, which solves the problem that refrigerant leakage is likely to occur in the process of switching the flow direction of four-way valves in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present application, a directional control valve includes: a valve seat having a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path, one end of the first flow path being an inlet and one end of the second flow path being an outlet; a first valve element movably provided on the valve seat and used to control communication and cut-off between the first flow path and the third flow path; a second valve element movably provided on the valve seat and used to control communication and cut-off between the first flow path and the fourth flow path; a third valve element movably provided on the valve seat and used to control communication and cut-off between the third flow path and the second flow path; and a fourth valve element movably provided on the valve seat and used to control communication and cut-off between the fourth flow path and the second flow path, and a second operating state, wherein when the directional control valve is in the first operating state, the second valve body controls the first flow path and the fourth flow path to be connected to each other, so that the refrigerant flows in from the inlet and flows out from the fourth flow path, and the third valve body controls the third flow path and the second flow path to be connected to each other, so that the refrigerant returns to the third flow path and is discharged from the outlet, and when the directional control valve is in the second operating state, the first valve body controls the first flow path and the third flow path to be connected to each other, so that the refrigerant flows in from the inlet and flows out from the third flow path, and the fourth valve body controls the fourth flow path and the second flow path to be connected to each other, so that the refrigerant returns to the fourth flow path and is discharged from the outlet.

[0006] When the technical aspects of the present application are applied, different valve bodies are used to control the communication and blocking state between two different flow paths. That is, the first valve body is used to control the communication and blocking state between the first flow path and the third flow path, the second valve body is used to control the communication and blocking state between the first flow path and the fourth flow path, the third valve body is used to control the communication and blocking state between the third flow path and the second flow path, and the fourth valve body is used to control the communication and blocking state between the fourth flow path and the second flow path. The directional control valve has a first operating state and a second operating state, and when the directional control valve is in different operating states, the flow direction of the medium in the third flow path and the fourth flow path is different. Thus, during the operation of the directional control valve, the refrigerant always enters the first flow path from the inlet and flows out from the outlet of the second flow path. When the directional control valve is in the first operating state, the refrigerant enters the first flow path from the inlet and flows out from the fourth flow path, passes through a heat exchanger, returns to the third flow path, and is discharged from the outlet of the second flow path. When the directional control valve is in the second operating state, the refrigerant enters the first flow path through the inlet, flows out through the third flow path, passes through the heat exchanger, returns into the fourth flow path, and is discharged from the outlet of the second flow path. When the directional control valve is switched between the first operating state and the second operating state, the flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat exchange system can be switched, so that the heat exchange system can be in different operating modes (cooling mode and heating mode).

[0007] In this way, compared to the conventional method of controlling the flow direction of refrigerant in a four-way valve by using a motor to drive and move a piston, the directional control valve of the present application can prevent refrigerant from leaking in the first, second, third, and fourth flow paths, and further solves the problem of refrigerant leakage being likely to occur in the process of switching the flow direction in the conventional four-way valve, thereby improving the operational reliability of the directional control valve.

[0008] Preferably, when the directional control valve is in a first operating state, the first valve body controls so that communication between the first flow path and the third flow path is blocked, and the fourth valve body controls so that communication between the fourth flow path and the second flow path is blocked, and when the directional control valve is in a second operating state, the second valve body controls so that communication between the first flow path and the fourth flow path is blocked, and the third valve body controls so that communication between the third flow path and the second flow path is blocked.

[0009] Preferably, the first flow path is located above the third flow path, the second flow path is located below the third flow path, and the third flow path and the fourth flow path are located at the same height.

[0010] Preferably, the first valve body and the second valve body are spaced apart along the liquid inlet direction of the first flow path, the fourth valve body and the third valve body are spaced apart along the liquid outlet direction of the second flow path, the first valve body and the third valve body are spaced apart along the extension direction of the third flow path, and the second valve body and the fourth valve body are spaced apart along the extension direction of the fourth flow path.

[0011] Preferably, the first flow path and the second flow path are arranged parallel to each other, and the third flow path and the fourth flow path are arranged parallel to each other, and the first flow path and the third flow path are arranged at an included angle.

[0012] Preferably, the valve seat or the first valve body further has a first valve port communicating with the third flow path, and the spindle of the first valve body seals or avoids the first valve port to control communication and blocking between the first flow path and the first valve port.

[0013] Preferably, the valve seat or the second valve body further has a second valve port communicating with the fourth flow path, and the spindle of the second valve body seals or avoids the second valve port to control communication and blocking between the first flow path and the second valve port.

[0014] Preferably, the valve seat or the third valve body further has a third valve port communicating with the second flow path, and the spindle of the third valve body seals or avoids the third valve port to control communication and blocking between the third flow path and the third valve port.

[0015] Preferably, the valve seat or the fourth valve body further has a fourth valve port communicating with the second flow path, and the spindle of the fourth valve body seals or avoids the fourth valve port to control communication and blocking between the fourth flow path and the fourth valve port.

[0016] Preferably, the valve seat or the first valve body further has a first valve port communicating with the third flow path, and the spindle of the first valve body blocks or avoids the first valve port to control communication and blocking between the first flow path and the first valve port, and the valve seat or the second valve body further has a second valve port communicating with the fourth flow path, and the spindle of the second valve body blocks or avoids the second valve port to control communication and blocking between the first flow path and the second valve port.

[0017] Preferably, the valve seat or the third valve body further has a third valve port communicating with the second flow path, and the spindle of the third valve body blocks or avoids the third valve port to control communication and blocking between the third flow path and the third valve port, and the valve seat or the fourth valve body further has a fourth valve port communicating with the second flow path, and the spindle of the fourth valve body blocks or avoids the fourth valve port to control communication and blocking between the fourth flow path and the fourth valve port.

[0018] Preferably, the valve seat or the first valve body further has a first valve port communicating with a third flow path, and the spindle of the first valve body blocks or avoids the first valve port to control the connection and disconnection between the first flow path and the first valve port; the valve seat or the second valve body further has a second valve port communicating with a fourth flow path, and the spindle of the second valve body blocks or avoids the second valve port to control the connection and disconnection between the first flow path and the second valve port; the valve seat or the third valve body further has a third valve port communicating with the second flow path, and the spindle of the third valve body blocks or avoids the third valve port to control the connection and disconnection between the third flow path and the third valve port; and the valve seat or the fourth valve body further has a fourth valve port communicating with the second flow path, and the spindle of the fourth valve body blocks or avoids the fourth valve port to control the connection and disconnection between the fourth flow path and the fourth valve port.

[0019] Preferably, the valve seat further has a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface, the first mounting surface being higher than the second mounting surface, the first valve body and the second valve body being provided on the first mounting surface, and the third valve body and the fourth valve body being provided on the second mounting surface.

[0020] Preferably, the first valve body is a solenoid valve, or the second valve body is a solenoid valve, or the third valve body is a solenoid valve, or the fourth valve body is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body is a solenoid valve and the second valve body is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body is a solenoid valve and the third valve body is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body is a solenoid valve and the fourth valve body is a solenoid valve, or the second valve body is a solenoid valve and the third valve body is a solenoid valve, or the second valve body is a solenoid valve and the fourth valve body is a solenoid valve, or the third valve body is a solenoid valve and the fourth valve body is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body is a solenoid valve, the second valve body is a solenoid valve, and the third valve body is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body is a solenoid valve, the second valve body is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body is a solenoid valve, the third valve body is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body is a solenoid valve, or the second valve body is a solenoid valve, the third valve body is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body is a solenoid valve, the second valve body is a solenoid valve, the third valve body is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body is a solenoid valve.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a heat exchange system including a compressor, the above-mentioned directional control valve, a first heat exchange device, and a second heat exchange device, wherein an exhaust port of the compressor is connected to an inlet of the directional control valve, an intake port of the compressor is connected to an outlet, the first heat exchange device is connected to both a third flow path of the directional control valve and the second heat exchange device, and the second heat exchange device is connected to a fourth flow path.

[0022] Preferably, the heat exchange system further includes a control module connected to any of the first valve body, the second valve body, the third valve body, and the fourth valve body of the directional control valve, wherein the heat exchange system has a first heat exchange state and a second heat exchange state, and when the heat exchange system is in the first heat exchange state, the control module controls the directional control valve to be in the first operating state, and when the heat exchange system is in the second heat exchange state, the control module controls the directional control valve to be in the second operating state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] The drawings in the specification that form a part of this application are intended to provide a further understanding of the application, and the schematic examples and descriptions thereof are intended to aid in the interpretation of the application and are not intended to unduly limit the application.

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the three-dimensional structure of a directional control valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 shows a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the directional control valve in FIG. 1 at another angle. [Figure 3] 2 shows a front view of the directional control valve in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the directional control valve taken along line AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the directional control valve taken along line BB in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 2 shows a side view of the directional control valve in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the directional control valve taken along CC in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the directional control valve taken along line DD in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 1 shows a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a heat exchange system according to the present application. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a first valve body of a directional control valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

[0025] Here, the above drawings include the following reference numerals: 10 valve seat, 11 first flow path, 111 inlet, 12 second flow path, 121 outlet, 13 third flow path, 14 fourth flow path, 15 first valve port, 16 second valve port, 17 third valve port, 18 fourth valve port, 191 first mounting surface, 192 second mounting surface, 20 first valve body, 30 second valve body, 40 third valve body, 50 fourth valve body, 60 compressor, 61 exhaust port, 62 intake port, 70 directional control valve, 80 first heat exchange device, 90 second heat exchange device, 101 spindle, 102 guide sleeve, 103 piping through port, 104 piping outlet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] It should be noted that, unless contradictory, the embodiments and features in the embodiments in the present application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0027] Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise specified, directional terms such as "upper, lower" used generally refer to the direction shown in the drawings or to the vertical, perpendicular, or gravitational direction. Similarly, for ease of understanding and explanation, "left, right" generally refer to the left, right, and "inner, outer" generally refer to the inner, outer sides of the contours of each component itself, but the above directional terms are not intended to limit this application.

[0029] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the problem that refrigerant leakage is likely to occur in the process of switching the flow direction of the four-way valve in the prior art, the present application provides a directional switching valve and a heat exchange system having the same.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 , the directional control valve includes a valve seat 10, a first valve element 20, a second valve element 30, a third valve element 40, and a fourth valve element 50. The valve seat 10 has a first flow path 11, a second flow path 12, a third flow path 13, and a fourth flow path 14, with one end of the first flow path 11 being an inlet 111 and one end of the second flow path 12 being an outlet 121. The first valve element 20 is movably provided on the valve seat 10 and is used to control communication and blocking between the first flow path 11 and the third flow path 13. The second valve element 30 is movably provided on the valve seat 10 and is used to control communication and blocking between the first flow path 11 and the fourth flow path 14. The third valve element 40 is movably provided on the valve seat 10 and is used to control communication and blocking between the third flow path 13 and the second flow path 12. The fourth valve element 50 is movably mounted on the valve seat 10 and is used to control communication and blocking between the fourth flow path 14 and the second flow path 12. The directional control valve has a first operating state and a second operating state. When the directional control valve is in the first operating state, the second valve element 30 controls communication between the first flow path 11 and the fourth flow path 14, allowing the refrigerant to flow in from the inlet 111 and out from the fourth flow path 14, and the third valve element 40 controls communication between the third flow path 13 and the second flow path 12, allowing the refrigerant to return to the third flow path 13 and be discharged from the outlet 121. When the directional control valve is in the second operating state, the first valve body 20 controls the first flow path 11 and the third flow path 13 to be connected together, so that the refrigerant flows in through the inlet 111 and flows out through the third flow path 13, and the fourth valve body 50 controls the fourth flow path 14 and the second flow path 12 to be connected together, so that the refrigerant returns to the fourth flow path 14 and is discharged from the outlet 121.

[0031] In this embodiment, different valve bodies are used to control communication and blocking between two different flow paths, i.e., the first valve body 20 is used to control communication and blocking between the first flow path 11 and the third flow path 13, the second valve body 30 is used to control communication and blocking between the first flow path 11 and the fourth flow path 14, the third valve body 40 is used to control communication and blocking between the third flow path 13 and the second flow path 12, and the fourth valve body 50 is used to control communication and blocking between the fourth flow path 14 and the second flow path 12. The directional control valve has a first operating state and a second operating state, and when the directional control valve is in different operating states, the flow directions of the medium in the third flow path 13 and the fourth flow path 14 are different. In this way, during the operation of the directional control valve, the refrigerant always enters the first flow path 11 through the inlet 111 of the first flow path 11 and flows out through the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12. When the directional control valve is in a first operating state, the refrigerant enters the first flow path 11 through the inlet 111, flows out through the fourth flow path 14, passes through the heat exchanger, returns to the third flow path 13, and is discharged through the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12. When the directional control valve is in a second operating state, the refrigerant enters the first flow path 11 through the inlet 111, flows out through the third flow path 13, passes through the heat exchanger, returns to the fourth flow path 14, and is discharged through the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12. When the directional control valve is switched between the first operating state and the second operating state, the flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat exchange system can be switched to enable the heat exchange system to be in different operating modes (cooling mode and heating mode).

[0032] In this way, compared to the conventional method of controlling the flow direction of the refrigerant in the four-way valve by using a motor to drive and move a piston, the directional control valve in this embodiment can prevent refrigerant from leaking in the first flow path 11, the second flow path 12, the third flow path 13, and the fourth flow path 14, and further solves the problem of refrigerant leakage being likely to occur in the process of switching the flow direction in the four-way valve in the conventional technology, thereby improving the operational reliability of the directional control valve.

[0033] In this embodiment, when the directional control valve is in a first operating state, the first valve element 20 controls to block communication between the first flow path 11 and the third flow path 13, and the fourth valve element 50 controls to block communication between the fourth flow path 14 and the second flow path 12. When the directional control valve is in a second operating state, the second valve element 30 controls to block communication between the first flow path 11 and the fourth flow path 14, and the third valve element 40 controls to block communication between the third flow path 13 and the second flow path 12. Thus, the above design ensures that the refrigerant flows in the set flow direction within the directional control valve when the directional control valve is in the first operating state or the second operating state, thereby improving the operational reliability of the directional control valve.

[0034] Specifically, when the directional control valve is in the first operating state, the second valve body 30 controls the first flow path 11 to communicate with the fourth flow path 14, the third valve body 40 controls the third flow path 13 to communicate with the second flow path 12, the first valve body 20 controls the first flow path 11 to block the communication between the third flow path 13, and the fourth valve body 50 controls the fourth flow path 14 to block the communication between the second flow path 12, and further ensures that the refrigerant enters the first flow path 11 from the inlet 111 and flows out of the fourth flow path 14, passes through the heat exchanger, returns to the third flow path 13, and is discharged from the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12.

[0035] Specifically, when the directional control valve is in the second operating state, the first valve body 20 controls the first flow path 11 to communicate with the third flow path 13, the fourth valve body 50 controls the fourth flow path 14 to communicate with the second flow path 12, the second valve body 30 controls the first flow path 11 to block the communication between the fourth flow path 14, and the third valve body 40 controls the third flow path 13 to block the communication between the second flow path 12, and further ensures that the refrigerant enters the first flow path 11 from the inlet 111 and flows out of the third flow path 13, passes through the heat exchanger, returns into the fourth flow path 14, and is discharged from the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12.

[0036] 1 to 8 , the first flow path 11 is located above the third flow path 13, and the second flow path 12 is located below the third flow path 13. The third flow path 13 and the fourth flow path 14 are located at the same height. In this way, during the operation of the directional control valve, the first flow path 11 can be selectively connected to the third flow path 13 or the fourth flow path 14, and the second flow path 12 can be selectively connected to the third flow path 13 or the fourth flow path 14. This design not only ensures that the refrigerant that has entered the first flow path 11 flows into the third flow path 13 or the fourth flow path 14 due to its own weight, but also ensures that the refrigerant that has entered the fourth flow path 14 or the third flow path 13 flows into the second flow path 12 due to its own weight, thereby improving the smoothness of the refrigerant flow within the directional control valve.

[0037] Specifically, the first flow path 11, the second flow path 12, the third flow path 13, and the fourth flow path 14 are all circular hole-shaped flow paths, and the fact that the third flow path 13 and the fourth flow path 14 are located at the same height means that the central axis of the third flow path 13 and the central axis of the fourth flow path 14 are located at the same height. Here, the fact that the third flow path 13 and the fourth flow path 14 are located between the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 along the height direction of the directional control valve makes the structure and layout of the flow paths in the directional control valve more rational and compact, reducing the overall size of the directional control valve, while allowing the refrigerant that has entered the directional control valve to flow by its own weight, eliminating the need for a separate power supply and saving energy.

[0038] 1 to 8 , the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30 are spaced apart in the liquid inlet direction of the first flow path 11, and the fourth valve body 50 and the third valve body 40 are spaced apart in the liquid outlet direction of the second flow path 12. The first valve body 20 and the third valve body 40 are spaced apart in the extension direction of the third flow path 13, and the second valve body 30 and the fourth valve body 50 are spaced apart in the extension direction of the fourth flow path 14. In this way, the above-described designs of the first valve body 20, the second valve body 30, the third valve body 40, and the fourth valve body 50 ensure that the directional control valve can be used normally and improve the operational reliability of the directional control valve, while also realizing a more rational and compact layout of the valve bodies within the directional control valve, thereby achieving a more compact design of the directional control valve.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are arranged parallel to each other, and the third flow path 13 and the fourth flow path 14 are arranged parallel to each other. Here, the first flow path 11 and the third flow path 13 are arranged at an included angle. Optionally, the first flow path 11 and the third flow path 13 are arranged at a 90° included angle. In this manner, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are located on a first side of the directional control valve, and the third flow path 13 and the fourth flow path 14 are located on a second side of the directional control valve, and the first side and the second side are arranged adjacent to each other. This simplifies the piping connection relationship of the directional control valve within the heat exchange system and also makes it easier and simpler to install and remove the directional control valve, reducing the difficulty of installation and removal.

[0040] It should be noted that the angle between the first flow path 11 and the third flow path 13 is not limited to the above and can be adjusted according to the working conditions and usage requirements. Optionally, the angle between the first flow path 11 and the third flow path 13 is 30°, 45°, 60°, or 75°.

[0041] 4 and 7, the valve seat 10 or the first valve body 20 further has a first valve port 15 communicating with the third flow path 13, and the spindle of the first valve body 20 seals or avoids the first valve port 15 to control the communication and blocking between the first flow path 11 and the first valve port 15. In this way, the above design makes it easier and simpler to control the communication and blocking of the first valve body 20 with the first flow path 11 and the third flow path 13, and reduces the difficulty of control.

[0042] 4 and 8, the valve seat 10 or the second valve body 30 further has a second valve port 16 communicating with the fourth flow path 14, and the spindle of the second valve body 30 seals or avoids the second valve port 16 to control the communication and blocking between the first flow path 11 and the second valve port 16. In this way, the above design makes it easier and simpler to control the communication and blocking of the second valve body 30 with the first flow path 11 and the fourth flow path 14, and reduces the difficulty of control.

[0043] 5 and 7, the valve seat 10 or the third valve body 40 further has a third valve port 17 communicating with the second flow path 12, and the spindle of the third valve body 40 seals or avoids the third valve port 17 to control the communication and blocking between the third flow path 13 and the third valve port 17. In this way, the above design makes it easier and simpler to control the communication and blocking between the third valve body 40 and the third flow path 13 and the second flow path 12, and reduces the difficulty of control.

[0044] 5 and 8, the valve seat 10 or the fourth valve body 50 further has a fourth valve port 18 communicating with the second flow path 12, and the spindle of the fourth valve body 50 seals or avoids the fourth valve port 18 to control the communication and blocking between the fourth flow path 14 and the fourth valve port 18. In this way, the above design makes it easier and simpler to control the communication and blocking between the fourth valve body 50 and the fourth flow path 14 and the second flow path 12, and reduces the difficulty of control.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the valve seat 10 further has a first mounting surface 191 and a second mounting surface 192, the first mounting surface 191 being higher than the second mounting surface 192, the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30 being provided on the first mounting surface 191, and the third valve body 40 and the fourth valve body 50 being provided on the second mounting surface 192.

[0046] Alternatively, the first valve body 20 is a solenoid valve, or the second valve body 30 is a solenoid valve, or the third valve body 40 is a solenoid valve, or the fourth valve body 50 is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body 20 is a solenoid valve and the second valve body 30 is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body 20 is a solenoid valve and the third valve body 40 is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body 20 is a solenoid valve and the fourth valve body 50 is a solenoid valve, or the second valve body 30 is a solenoid valve and the third valve body 40 is a solenoid valve, or the second valve body 30 is a solenoid valve and the fourth valve body 50 is a solenoid valve, or the third valve body 40 is a solenoid valve and the fourth valve body 50 is a solenoid valve, or the third valve body 40 is a solenoid valve and the fourth valve body 50 are solenoid valves, or the first valve body 20 is a solenoid valve, the second valve body 30 is a solenoid valve, and the third valve body 40 is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body 20 is a solenoid valve, the second valve body 30 is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body 50 is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body 20 is a solenoid valve, the third valve body 40 is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body 50 is a solenoid valve, or the second valve body 30 is a solenoid valve, the third valve body 40 is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body 50 is a solenoid valve, or the first valve body 20 is a solenoid valve, the second valve body 30 is a solenoid valve, the third valve body 40 is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body 50 is a solenoid valve.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first valve element 20 is a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve controls the connection and disconnection between the first flow path 11 and the third flow path 13 by turning on or off the solenoid valve. This also makes it easier for an operator or user to operate the first valve element 20, reducing the difficulty of control. At the same time, the above design improves the intelligence of the directional control valve.

[0048] In this embodiment, the second valve element 30 is a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve controls the connection and disconnection between the first flow path 11 and the fourth flow path 14 by turning on or off the solenoid valve. This also makes it easier for an operator or user to operate the second valve element 30, reducing the difficulty of control. At the same time, the above design improves the intelligence of the directional control valve.

[0049] In this embodiment, the third valve element 40 is a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve controls the connection and disconnection between the third flow path 13 and the second flow path 12 by turning on or off the solenoid valve. This also makes it easier for an operator or user to operate the third valve element 40, reducing the difficulty of control. At the same time, the above design improves the intelligence of the directional control valve.

[0050] In this embodiment, the fourth valve body 50 is a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve controls the connection and disconnection between the fourth flow path 14 and the second flow path 12 by turning on or off the solenoid valve. This also makes it easier for an operator or user to operate the fourth valve body 50, reducing the difficulty of control. At the same time, the above design improves the intelligence of the directional control valve.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first valve body 20 and the fourth valve body 50 are normally closed solenoid valves (when not energized, the piston members of the solenoid valves close the valve ports), and the second valve body 30 and the third valve body 40 are normally open solenoid valves (when not energized, the piston members of the solenoid valves avoid the valve ports). In this manner, when the directional control valve is not energized, the refrigerant flows into the first flow path 11 from the inlet 111 and flows out of the fourth flow path 14, passes through a heat exchanger, returns to the third flow path 13, and is discharged from the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12. After an operator energizes the directional control valve, the refrigerant flows into the first flow path 11 from the inlet 111 and flows out of the third flow path 13, passes through a heat exchanger, returns to the fourth flow path 14, and is discharged from the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12, thereby realizing switching between the third flow path 13 and the fourth flow path 14.

[0052] It should be noted that the types of the first valve body 20, the second valve body 30, the third valve body 40 and the fourth valve body 50 are not limited to those mentioned above, and can be adjusted according to the working conditions and usage requirements.

[0053] Alternatively, the first valve body 20 and the fourth valve body 50 may be normally open solenoid valves (when not energized, the piston members of the solenoid valves avoid the valve ports), and the second valve body 30 and the third valve body 40 may be normally closed solenoid valves (when not energized, the piston members of the solenoid valves close the valve ports). In this manner, when the directional control valve is not energized, the refrigerant flows into the first flow path 11 from the inlet 111 and flows out of the third flow path 13, passes through a heat exchanger, returns to the fourth flow path 14, and is discharged from the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12. After an operator energizes the directional control valve, the refrigerant flows into the first flow path 11 from the inlet 111 and flows out of the fourth flow path 14, passes through a heat exchanger, returns to the third flow path 13, and is discharged from the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12, thereby realizing switching between the third flow path 13 and the fourth flow path 14.

[0054] Alternatively, the first valve body 20, the second valve body 30, the third valve body 40, and the fourth valve body 50 may all be normally closed solenoid valves (when not energized, the piston members of the solenoid valves close the valve ports). In this manner, when the first valve body 20 and the fourth valve body 50 are energized and the second valve body 30 and the third valve body 40 are not energized, the refrigerant enters the first flow path 11 from the inlet 111, flows out of the third flow path 13, passes through the heat exchanger, returns to the fourth flow path 14, and is discharged from the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12. When the second valve body 30 and the third valve body 40 are energized and the first valve body 20 and the fourth valve body 50 are not energized, the refrigerant enters the first flow path 11 from the inlet 111, flows out of the fourth flow path 14, passes through the heat exchanger, returns to the third flow path 13, and is discharged from the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12.

[0055] Alternatively, the first valve element 20, the second valve element 30, the third valve element 40, and the fourth valve element 50 may all be normally open solenoid valves (when not energized, the piston members of the solenoid valves avoid the valve ports). In this manner, when the first valve element 20 and the fourth valve element 50 are energized and the second valve element 30 and the third valve element 40 are not energized, the refrigerant enters the first flow path 11 from the inlet 111, flows out of the fourth flow path 14, passes through the heat exchanger, returns to the third flow path 13, and is discharged from the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12. When the second valve element 30 and the third valve element 40 are energized and the first valve element 20 and the fourth valve element 50 are not energized, the refrigerant enters the first flow path 11 from the inlet 111, flows out of the third flow path 13, passes through the heat exchanger, returns to the fourth flow path 14, and is discharged from the outlet 121 of the second flow path 12.

[0056] 9 , the present application further provides a heat exchange system including a compressor 60, a directional switching valve 70, a first heat exchange device 80, and a second heat exchange device 90, wherein the exhaust port 61 of the compressor 60 communicates with the inlet 111 of the directional switching valve 70, the intake port 62 of the compressor 60 communicates with the outlet 121, the first heat exchange device 80 communicates with both the third flow path 13 of the directional switching valve 70 and the second heat exchange device 90, and the second heat exchange device 90 communicates with the fourth flow path 14. Here, the directional switching valve 70 is the above-mentioned directional switching valve 70.

[0057] Specifically, when the directional control valve 70 is in the first operating state (when the directional control valve 70 is not energized), the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port 61 of the compressor 60 enters the first flow path 11 of the directional control valve 70, flows into the first heat exchange device 80 via the fourth flow path 14, and after the refrigerant has finished flowing through the second heat exchange device 90, enters the third flow path 13 and returns to the intake port 62 of the compressor via the second flow path 12. When the directional control valve 70 is in the second operating state (when the directional control valve 70 is not energized), the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port 61 of the compressor 60 enters the first flow path 11 of the directional control valve 70, flows into the first heat exchange device 80 via the fourth flow path 14, and after the refrigerant has finished flowing through the second heat exchange device 90, enters the third flow path 13 and returns to the intake port 62 of the compressor via the second flow path 12. ) The refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port 61 of the compressor 60 enters the first flow path 11 of the directional control valve 70, flows into the second heat exchange device 90 via the third flow path 13, and after the refrigerant has finished flowing through the first heat exchange device 80, enters the fourth flow path 14 and returns to the intake port 62 of the compressor via the second flow path 12.

[0058] In this embodiment, the heat exchange system further includes a control module. The control module is connected to each of the first valve element 20, the second valve element 30, the third valve element 40, and the fourth valve element 50 of the directional control valve 70. Here, the heat exchange system has a first heat exchange state and a second heat exchange state, and when the heat exchange system is in the first heat exchange state, the control module controls the directional control valve 70 to be in the first operating state. When the heat exchange system is in the second heat exchange state, the control module controls the directional control valve 70 to be in the second operating state.

[0059] Example 2 The directional control valve of the second embodiment is distinguished from the first embodiment in that the first valve body 20, the second valve body 30, the third valve body 40 and the fourth valve body 50 have different structures.

[0060] 10, the first valve body 20 is a valve island. The valve island includes a spindle 101, a guide sleeve 102, a pipe opening 103, and a pipe outlet 104. The spindle 101 is movably mounted within the guide sleeve 102 to seal or bypass the pipe outlet 104, ensuring that the refrigerant can pass through the first valve body 20 through the two pipe openings 103 and flow into the flow path.

[0061] Optionally, the second valve body 30 is a valve island.

[0062] Optionally, the third valve body 40 is a valve island.

[0063] Optionally, the fourth valve body 50 is a valve island.

[0064] From the above description, it can be seen that the above embodiments of the present application achieve the following technical effects:

[0065] The different valve bodies are used to control the communication and blocking between the two different flow paths. That is, the first valve body is used to control the communication and blocking between the first and third flow paths, the second valve body is used to control the communication and blocking between the first and fourth flow paths, the third valve body is used to control the communication and blocking between the third and second flow paths, and the fourth valve body is used to control the communication and blocking between the fourth and second flow paths. The directional control valve has a first operating state and a second operating state, and when the directional control valve is in different operating states, the flow direction of the medium in the third and fourth flow paths is different. Thus, during the operation of the directional control valve, the refrigerant always enters the first flow path from the inlet and flows out the second flow path from the outlet. When the directional control valve is in the first operating state, the refrigerant enters the first flow path from the inlet and flows out the fourth flow path, passes through the heat exchanger, returns to the third flow path, and is discharged from the outlet of the second flow path. When the directional control valve is in the second operating state, the refrigerant enters the first flow path through the inlet, flows out through the third flow path, passes through the heat exchanger, returns into the fourth flow path, and is discharged from the outlet of the second flow path. When the directional control valve is switched between the first operating state and the second operating state, the flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat exchange system can be switched, so that the heat exchange system can be in different operating modes (cooling mode and heating mode).

[0066] In this way, compared to the conventional method of controlling the flow direction of refrigerant in a four-way valve by using a motor to drive and move a piston, the directional control valve of the present application can prevent refrigerant from leaking in the first, second, third, and fourth flow paths, and further solves the problem of refrigerant leakage being likely to occur in the process of switching the flow direction in the conventional four-way valve, thereby improving the operational reliability of the directional control valve.

[0067] It is clear that the above-mentioned embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, and are not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments that can be obtained by a person skilled in the art without creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0068] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, the singular also intends to include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, and it should also be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "comprises" are used herein, it means that features, steps, operations, devices, assemblies, and / or combinations thereof are present.

[0069] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc. in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are intended to distinguish between similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this application may be interchanged, if necessary, to enable the embodiments of the application described herein to be practiced, for example, in an order other than that shown or described herein.

Claims

1. a valve seat (10) having a first flow path (11), a second flow path (12), a third flow path (13), and a fourth flow path (14), one end of the first flow path (11) being an inlet (111) and one end of the second flow path (12) being an outlet (121); a first valve body (20) movably provided on the valve seat (10) and operable in a direction perpendicular to the first flow path (11) and the third flow path (13) to control communication and blocking between the first flow path (11) and the third flow path (13); a second valve body (30) movably provided on the valve seat (10) and operable in a direction perpendicular to the first flow path (11) and the fourth flow path (14) to control communication and blocking between the first flow path (11) and the fourth flow path (14); a third valve body (40) movably provided on the valve seat (10) and operable in a direction perpendicular to the third flow path (13) and the second flow path (12) to control communication and blocking between the third flow path (13) and the second flow path (12); a fourth valve body (50) movably provided on the valve seat (10) and operable in a direction perpendicular to the fourth flow path (14) and the second flow path (12) to control communication and blocking between the fourth flow path (14) and the second flow path (12); a directional control valve; The first flow path (11) is located above the third flow path (13), the second flow path (12) is located below the third flow path (13), and the third flow path (13) and the fourth flow path (14) are located at the same height; the directional control valve has a first operating state and a second operating state, When the directional control valve is in the first operating state, the second valve body (30) controls the first flow path (11) and the fourth flow path (14) to be communicated with each other, so that the refrigerant flows in from the inlet (111) and flows out from the fourth flow path (14), and the third valve body (40) controls the third flow path (13) and the second flow path (12) to be communicated with each other, so that the refrigerant returns to the third flow path (13) and is discharged from the outlet (121), When the directional control valve is in the second operating state, the first valve body (20) controls the first flow path (11) and the third flow path (13) to be connected to each other, so that the refrigerant flows in from the inlet (111) and flows out from the third flow path (13), and the fourth valve body (50) controls the fourth flow path (14) and the second flow path (12) to be connected to each other, so that the refrigerant returns to the fourth flow path (14) and is discharged from the outlet (121).

2. 2. The direction switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, when the direction switching valve is in the first operating state, the first valve body (20) controls the communication between the first flow path (11) and the third flow path (13) to be blocked, and the fourth valve body (50) controls the communication between the fourth flow path (14) and the second flow path (12) to be blocked, and when the direction switching valve is in the second operating state, the second valve body (30) controls the communication between the first flow path (11) and the fourth flow path (14) to be blocked, and the third valve body (40) controls the communication between the third flow path (13) and the second flow path (12) to be blocked.

3. 2. The directional control valve according to claim 1, wherein the first valve body (20) and the second valve body (30) are provided at an interval along a liquid inlet direction of the first flow path (11), the fourth valve body (50) and the third valve body (40) are provided at an interval along a liquid outlet direction of the second flow path (12), the first valve body (20) and the third valve body (40) are provided at an interval along an extension direction of the third flow path (13), and the second valve body (30) and the fourth valve body (50) are provided at an interval along an extension direction of the fourth flow path (14).

4. 2. The directional control valve according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path (11) and the second flow path (12) are arranged parallel to each other, and the third flow path (13) and the fourth flow path (14) are arranged parallel to each other, and an included angle is formed between the first flow path (11) and the third flow path (13).

5. 2. The directional control valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve seat (10) or the first valve body (20) further has a first valve port (15) communicating with the third flow path (13), and the spindle of the first valve body (20) seals or avoids the first valve port (15) to control communication and blocking between the first flow path (11) and the first valve port (15).

6. 2. The directional control valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve seat (10) or the second valve body (30) further has a second valve port (16) communicating with the fourth flow path (14), and the spindle of the second valve body (30) seals or avoids the second valve port (16) to control communication and blocking between the first flow path (11) and the second valve port (16).

7. 2. The directional control valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve seat (10) or the third valve body (40) further has a third valve port (17) communicating with the second flow path (12), and the spindle of the third valve body (40) seals or avoids the third valve port (17) to control communication and blocking between the third flow path (13) and the third valve port (17).

8. 2. The directional control valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve seat (10) or the fourth valve body (50) further has a fourth valve port (18) communicating with the second flow path (12), and the spindle of the fourth valve body (50) seals or avoids the fourth valve port (18) to control communication and blocking between the fourth flow path (14) and the fourth valve port (18).

9. 2. The directional control valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve seat (10) or the first valve body (20) further has a first valve port (15) communicating with the third flow path (13), and the spindle of the first valve body (20) seals or avoids the first valve port (15) to control communication and blocking between the first flow path (11) and the first valve port (15), and the valve seat (10) or the second valve body (30) further has a second valve port (16) communicating with the fourth flow path (14), and the spindle of the second valve body (30) seals or avoids the second valve port (16) to control communication and blocking between the first flow path (11) and the second valve port (16).

10. 2. The directional control valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve seat (10) or the third valve body (40) further has a third valve port (17) communicating with the second flow path (12), and the spindle of the third valve body (40) seals or avoids the third valve port (17) to control communication and blocking between the third flow path (13) and the third valve port (17), and the valve seat (10) or the fourth valve body (50) further has a fourth valve port (18) communicating with the second flow path (12), and the spindle of the fourth valve body (50) seals or avoids the fourth valve port (18) to control communication and blocking between the fourth flow path (14) and the fourth valve port (18).

11. The valve seat (10) or the first valve body (20) further has a first valve port (15) communicating with the third flow path (13), and a spindle of the first valve body (20) seals or avoids the first valve port (15) to control communication and blocking between the first flow path (11) and the first valve port (15); the valve seat (10) or the second valve body (30) further has a second valve port (16) communicating with the fourth flow path (14), and a spindle of the second valve body (30) seals or avoids the second valve port (16) to control communication and blocking between the first flow path (11) and the second valve port (16); the valve seat (10) or the third valve body (40) further has a third valve port (17) communicating with the second flow path (12), and a spindle of the third valve body (40) seals or avoids the third valve port (17) to control communication and blocking between the third flow path (13) and the third valve port (17); 2. The directional control valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve seat (10) or the fourth valve body (50) further has a fourth valve port (18) communicating with the second flow path (12), and the spindle of the fourth valve body (50) seals or avoids the fourth valve port (18) to control communication and blocking between the fourth flow path (14) and the fourth valve port (18).

12. 2. The directional control valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve seat (10) further comprises a first mounting surface (191) and a second mounting surface (192), the first mounting surface (191) is higher than the second mounting surface (192), the first valve body (20) and the second valve body (30) are provided on the first mounting surface (191), and the third valve body (40) and the fourth valve body (50) are provided on the second mounting surface (192).

13. the first valve body (20) is a solenoid valve, or the second valve body (30) is a solenoid valve, or the third valve body (40) is a solenoid valve, or the fourth valve body (50) is a solenoid valve, or The first valve body (20) is a solenoid valve and the second valve body (30) is a solenoid valve, or The first valve body (20) is a solenoid valve and the third valve body (40) is a solenoid valve, or The first valve body (20) is a solenoid valve and the fourth valve body (50) is a solenoid valve, or The second valve body (30) is a solenoid valve and the third valve body (40) is a solenoid valve, or The second valve body (30) is a solenoid valve and the fourth valve body (50) is a solenoid valve, or The third valve body (40) is a solenoid valve and the fourth valve body (50) is a solenoid valve, or The first valve body (20) is a solenoid valve, the second valve body (30) is a solenoid valve, and the third valve body (40) is a solenoid valve, or The first valve body (20) is a solenoid valve, the second valve body (30) is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body (50) is a solenoid valve, or The first valve body (20) is a solenoid valve, the third valve body (40) is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body (50) is a solenoid valve, or The second valve body (30) is a solenoid valve, the third valve body (40) is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body (50) is a solenoid valve, or 2. The directional control valve according to claim 1, wherein the first valve body (20) is a solenoid valve, the second valve body (30) is a solenoid valve, the third valve body (40) is a solenoid valve, and the fourth valve body (50) is a solenoid valve.

14. 14. A heat exchange system comprising: a compressor (60), a directional control valve (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a first heat exchange device (80); and a second heat exchange device (90), wherein an exhaust port (61) of the compressor (60) and an inlet (111) of the directional control valve (70) are in communication with each other; an intake port (62) of the compressor (60) and the outlet (121) are in communication with each other; the first heat exchange device (80) is in communication with both a third flow path (13) of the directional control valve (70) and the second heat exchange device (90); and the second heat exchange device (90) is in communication with the fourth flow path (14).

15. 15. The heat exchange system of claim 14, further comprising a control module connected to all of the first valve body (20), the second valve body (30), the third valve body (40), and the fourth valve body (50) of the directional control valve (70), wherein the heat exchange system has a first heat exchange state and a second heat exchange state, and when the heat exchange system is in the first heat exchange state, the control module controls the directional control valve (70) to be in a first operating state, and when the heat exchange system is in the second heat exchange state, the control module controls the directional control valve (70) to be in a second operating state.

Citation Information

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