Valve apparatus for switching refrigerant channel

Abstract

The present invention provides a valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path, comprising a first housing having a plurality of flow path holes formed therein, a second housing connected to the first housing and having a hollow interior, and a valve body portion rotatably disposed on the first housing and forming a refrigerant flow path by communicating at least two of the plurality of flow path holes. The first housing has a side wall portion formed along the circumferential direction, and the inner surface of the side wall portion is formed to slope downward toward the inside of the first housing, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant volume in the first housing.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, major countries around the world have been gradually strengthening fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas regulations in response to climate change, which is accelerating the development and market expansion of electric vehicles compared to internal combustion engine vehicles in the future.

[0003] Electric vehicles, which completely eliminate internal combustion engines, have significantly fewer parts and allow for system simplification compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. This offers the advantage of reducing the risk of vehicle breakdowns and lowering manufacturing costs due to the reduced number of parts.

[0004] Unlike the engines of internal combustion engine vehicles, the drive motors of electric vehicles do not operate at high temperatures, and when an electric vehicle stops, the drive motor ceases operation without idling. Consequently, electric vehicles cannot continuously obtain high-temperature coolant as they can in internal combustion engine vehicles.

[0005] Therefore, electric vehicles can provide cooling or heating through the absorption or release of heat caused by phase changes, such as evaporation or liquefaction, while the refrigerant is circulating, and for this purpose, a valve device that switches the direction of refrigerant circulation may be used.

[0006] Conventionally, there was a problem where durability was reduced due to friction between the components forming the valve device during the process of switching the refrigerant flow path inside such a valve device.

[0007] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1972041 (Registered on April 18, 2019; Title of Invention: Valve Device for Switching Refrigerant Flow Path). The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention provides a valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path that can reduce the amount of refrigerant oil volume in the internal space formed by surrounding the first housing and the second housing, by forming the inner surface of the first housing to slope downward as it extends toward the inside of the first housing. means of solving the problem

[0009] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerant flow path switching device comprising: a first housing having a plurality of flow path holes formed therein; a second housing connected to the first housing and having a hollow interior; and a valve body portion rotatably disposed on the first housing and forming a refrigerant flow path by communicating at least two of the plurality of flow path holes; wherein the first housing has a side wall portion formed along the circumferential direction, and the inner surface of the side wall portion is formed to slope downward as it extends toward the inside of the first housing.

[0010] In addition, the first housing may have a flat portion formed in a predetermined section along the circumferential direction with respect to the center of the first housing.

[0011] In addition, a communication hole portion may be formed in the second housing to connect the external space and the internal space of the second housing.

[0012] In addition, three of the above Eurohole sections may be provided.

[0013] In addition, the distance from the center of one of the plurality of Euroholes to the center of the remaining two Euroholes may be the same.

[0014] In addition, the diameter of the flow path hole portion centered on the rotational center of the valve body portion can be formed to be relatively larger than the diameter of the remaining flow path hole portion.

[0015] Additionally, the valve body portion may include: a valve body having a hollow interior and an opening formed on one side facing the first housing; and a shaft portion connected to the valve body and rotatable along a rotational center axis.

[0016] In addition, an insertion groove into which the shaft portion can be inserted may be formed on the outer surface of the valve body.

[0017] In addition, it may further include a fastening member that penetrates and connects the first housing and the second housing.

[0018] In addition, a fastening hole may be formed in the first housing so that the fastening member can pass through.

[0019] In addition, an extension may be formed toward the inside of the first housing in the area where the above-mentioned fastening portion is formed.

[0020] In addition, it may further include a driving unit connected to the second housing and transmitting power to the valve body.

[0021] In addition, it may further include a cover part that covers the driving part and is compatible with the second housing. Effects of the invention

[0022] A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of reducing the amount of refrigerant oil accumulated on one surface of the first housing where the flow path hole is formed, as the inner circumferential surface of the first housing is formed to slope downward toward the inside of the first housing. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a first housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a first housing and a valve body according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a first housing, a second housing, and a valve body according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 5. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a first housing and a valve body according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional drawing based on the AA' line of Figure 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the volume of refrigerant oil inside a valve device for switching a refrigerant path according to another embodiment of the present invention when the valve is tilted. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0026] In the following examples, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0028] Where an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or proceed in the reverse order of the description.

[0029] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the following embodiments are not necessarily limited to those illustrated.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a first housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a first housing and a valve body according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a first housing, a second housing, and a valve body according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of section A of FIG. 5.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing (100), a second housing (200), a valve body part (300), a fastening member, a sealing member (500), a driving part (600), and a cover part (700).

[0032] The valve device for switching the refrigerant flow path provides a path that enables cooling and heating by allowing a fluid (hereinafter referred to as "refrigerant") in an electric vehicle to pass through a heat exchanger (not shown in the drawing), a battery (not shown in the drawing), etc., and specifically can provide a flow path for the refrigerant (RF).

[0033] Although not shown in the drawing, refrigerant oil can circulate together with heat exchangers, batteries, etc., in the heating and cooling system for electric vehicles to lubricate the refrigerant (RF).

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a first housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) formed therein, and together with a second housing (200) to be described later, can form the exterior of a valve device (1) for switching refrigerant flow paths.

[0035] A first housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention forms a hollow internal space together with a second housing (200), and a refrigerant (RF) introduced from the outside flows along a refrigerant path (FP) and can be discharged to the outside again.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a valve body part (300), which will be described later, can be movably arranged on a first housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As the valve body part (300) moves inside the first housing (100), the refrigerant flow path (FP), which is the flow path of the refrigerant (RF), can be changed.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of flow path holes may be formed in a first housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, three flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) may be formed in the first housing (100).

[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, in a valve device (1) for switching a refrigerant flow path according to one embodiment of the present invention, as the valve body part (300) moves on the first housing (100), two of the three flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) (101a, 101b) can be connected, and accordingly, the flow path of the refrigerant can be changed within a heating and cooling system for an electric vehicle (not shown in the drawing) in which the valve device (1) for switching a refrigerant flow path is placed.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing (100) has three flow hole portions (101a, 101b, 101c) formed therein, but is not limited thereto and various modifications are possible, such as having four or more flow hole portions.

[0040] Below, we will explain the case where three Euroholes are formed in the first housing (100).

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, a first housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a second housing (200), and a refrigerant (RF) can flow through an internal space formed by being surrounded by the first housing (100) and the second housing (200).

[0042] Although not shown in the drawing, a plurality of pipe sections through which refrigerant (RF) can flow may be connected to the first housing (100) and the second housing (200), and as the flow path of the refrigerant (RF) formed by the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) changes, the refrigerant (RF) may be introduced or discharged through the pipe sections.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a plurality of Eurohole portions (101a, 101b, 101c) may be formed in the first housing (100).

[0044] Specifically, three flow hole sections (101a, 101b, 101c) may be formed, and as the valve body section (300) described later moves out of the first housing (100), two of the three flow hole sections (101a, 101b, 101c) (101a, 101b in Fig. 4) may be connected, and the remaining flow hole section (101c in Fig. 4) may be connected to a connecting hole section (201) formed in the second housing (200) and may form a refrigerant flow path (FP).

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the distances (d1, d2) from the center (C1) of one of the plurality of Eurohole sections (101a, 101b, 101c) to the centers (C2, C3) of the remaining two Eurohole sections (101b, 101c) can be formed equally.

[0046] As a result, the valve body (300), specifically the valve body (310) to be described later, can form a refrigerant flow path (FP) by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise (based on FIG. 4) with the center of one of the plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) as the center of rotation, while selectively surrounding one of the remaining two flow path holes (101b, 101c).

[0047] Among the plurality of flow hole portions (101a, 101b, 101c) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the flow hole portion (101a) with the rotation center of the valve body (310) as the center (C1) may be formed to be relatively larger than the diameter of the remaining two flow hole portions (101b, 101c).

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, in a first housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a flat portion (102) may be formed in a section that is predetermined along the circumferential direction with respect to the center of the first housing (100).

[0049] Specifically, a flat portion (102) may be formed flatly in a section facing two of the plurality of Eurohole portions (101a, 101b, 101c). A flat portion (102) may be formed along the outer circumference of the first housing (100) in a pre-set section, and a curved portion (103) may be formed in a section where the flat portion (102) is not formed.

[0050] In the section where the curved portion (103) is formed, the distance from the center of the first housing (100) can be formed equally.

[0051] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a flat portion (102) is formed in the first housing (100), so that the entire section along the circumference of the first housing (100) is formed as a curved portion (103), thereby reducing the size and weight of the valve device (1) for switching the refrigerant flow path.

[0052] In addition, due to the flat portion (102) formed in a predetermined section along the outer circumference of the first housing (100), the contact area with the space where the refrigerant flow path switching valve device (1) is installed is increased, thereby allowing for stable placement.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a fastening hole portion (100h) may be formed in the first housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. A fastening hole (not shown in the drawing) may also be formed in the second housing (200), which will be described later, facing the fastening hole portion (100h), and the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) may be joined by fastening a fastening member (400a) through the fastening hole portion (100h) and the fastening hole formed in the first housing (100) and the second housing (200), respectively.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of fastening holes (100h) formed in the first housing (100) may be provided, and a plurality of fastening members (400a) may also be provided to correspond to the plurality of fastening holes (100h).

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a fastening hole portion (100h) formed in a first housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed on the same plane as a plurality of flow path hole portions (101a, 101b, 101c).

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, a second housing (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a first housing (100) and may have a hollow interior.

[0057] The second housing (200) can cover the first housing (100) on which the valve body part (300), which will be described later, is placed. An opening (311) may be formed on one side (lower side according to FIG. 2) of the second housing (200) facing the first housing (100), and the second housing (200) can cover the first housing (100) and form an internal space.

[0058] The internal space formed by being surrounded by the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) can form a refrigerant flow path (FP) which is a flow path for refrigerant circulating in the electric vehicle heating and cooling system.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, a second housing (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a connecting hole (201) formed therein to connect the internal space of the second housing (200) with the external space.

[0060] The communication hole portion (201) is formed as a single unit and can be in communication with any one of the plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) formed in the first housing (100) connected to the second housing (200). That is, the refrigerant (RF) flowing into the internal space formed by surrounding the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) from the external space of the refrigerant flow path switching valve device (1) through the communication hole portion (201) can be discharged back into the external space through any one of the plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the communication hole portion (201) may be formed on one side of the second housing (200) connected to the first housing (100).

[0062] Specifically, it can be formed on a side extending along the circumferential direction based on the central axis in the longitudinal direction (up and down direction based on FIG. 2) of the second housing (200) connected to the first housing (100).

[0063] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the side of the second housing (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a region formed as a curved surface along the circumferential direction and a region formed as a flat surface.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, the side area of ​​the second housing (200) connected to the flat portion (102) formed in the first housing (100) can be formed flat, and the communication hole portion (201) can be formed on one side of the second housing (200) connected to the flat portion (102) of the first housing (100).

[0065] The refrigerant (RF) flowing into the interior of the second housing (200) through the communication hole (201) can be discharged to the outside through any one of the plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) formed in the first housing (100).

[0066] That is, the communication hole portion (201) formed in the second housing (200) is in communication with any one of the three flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) formed in the first housing (100) (either 101b or 101c), and the remaining two flow path holes (the other one among 101 and 101b, 101c) can be in communication through the internal space surrounded by the valve body portion (300), specifically the valve body (310) and the first housing (100).

[0067] As a result, a total of two refrigerant flow paths (FP) can be formed in the valve device (1) for switching refrigerant flow paths according to one embodiment of the invention, and as the valve body part (300) moves inside the first housing (100), the refrigerant flow paths (FP) can be switched.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 2, a driving unit (600) to be described later may be connected to the second housing (200), and the driving unit (600) may drive the valve body (300) by transmitting power to the valve body (300) disposed inside the second housing (200).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, a second housing (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a fastening hole (200h) formed therein, and a fastening member (400b) to be described later may pass through the cover part (700) and the driving part (600) and be fastened to the fastening hole (200h) formed in the second housing (200).

[0070] A plurality of fastening holes (200h) formed in the second housing (200) may be provided, and a plurality of fastening members (400b) may also be provided corresponding to the plurality of fastening holes (200h).

[0071] As the fastening member (400b) penetrates the cover part (700) and the driving part (600) and is fastened to the fastening hole part (200h) formed in the second housing (200), the driving part (600) and the cover part (700) can be stably fixed in position on the upper side of the second housing (200) (based on FIG. 2).

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5, a sealing groove (205) may be formed on one side of a second housing (200) facing a first housing (100). The sealing groove (205) has a predetermined depth, and a sealing member (500) to be described later may be inserted and disposed therein.

[0073] The sealing groove (205) may be formed to extend along the circumferential direction based on the longitudinal central axis of the second housing (200). After the sealing member (500) is inserted and placed in the sealing groove (205), the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) are joined, thereby having the effect of preventing the refrigerant (RF) from leaking into the space between the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) from the internal space surrounded by the first housing (100) and the second housing (200).

[0074] The depth of the sealing groove (205) formed in the second housing (200) can be formed to be relatively smaller than the thickness of the sealing member (500).

[0075] As a result, even after the sealing member (500) is inserted and placed in the sealing groove (205), it protrudes to the outside of the second housing (200), and when the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) are combined, the sealing member (500) is elastically deformed and adheres, thereby preventing the refrigerant (RF) from leaking out between the connection area of ​​the first housing (100) and the second housing (200).

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 6, a valve body part (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention is rotatably disposed in an internal space formed by being surrounded by a first housing (100) and a second housing (200), and specifically can be disposed on the first housing (100).

[0077] The valve body (300) rotates on the first housing (100) and can selectively connect two of the plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) formed in the first housing (100).

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 4, and FIGS. 5, a valve body part (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a valve body (310) and a shaft part (330).

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, a valve body (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a hollow interior and forms a refrigerant flow path (FP), and can connect two of a plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c).

[0080] A valve body (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be in contact with a first housing (100), can be movable on the first housing (100), and can be connected to some of a plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c).

[0081] The valve body (310) may have an opening (311) formed on one side facing the first housing (100) (lower side according to FIG. 2).

[0082] As a result, a refrigerant flow path (FP) can be formed in the internal space formed by surrounding the valve body (310) and one side (upper surface based on FIG. 2) of the first housing (100) in which a plurality of flow paths (101a, 101b, 101c) are formed.

[0083] The above internal space is connected to two of the plurality of Eurohole sections (101a, 101b, 101c), and refrigerant (RF) flowing in through one of the Eurohole sections can pass through the internal space and be discharged through another Eurohole section.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the space corresponding to the external space of the valve body (310) among the internal spaces surrounded by the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) (hereinafter referred to as the 'first space') and the internal space surrounded by the valve body (310) and the first housing (100) (hereinafter referred to as the 'second space') can be separated, and different refrigerant flow paths (FP) can be formed in the first space and the second space.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, one of the plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) formed in the first housing (100) and the communication hole portion (201) formed in the second housing (200) can be connected to form a refrigerant flow path (FP), and the remaining two flow path portions (101a, 101c), excluding the flow path hole portion (101b) connected to the communication hole portion (201) through the second space, can be connected to form a refrigerant flow path (FP) for a plurality of refrigerants (RF).

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a valve body (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to a preset rotation center axis (AX). Specifically, the rotation center of the valve body (310) can be formed to be the same as the center (C1) of any one (101a) of a plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c).

[0087] That is, the internal space formed by being surrounded by the valve body (310) and the first housing (100) remains in communication with one of the plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) (101a), and as the valve body (310) rotates, it can selectively communicate with one of the remaining two flow path holes (101b, 101c).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4, the valve body (310) can be rotated by a predetermined angle (θ) with the center (C1) of one of the plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) on the first housing (100) as the center of rotation, and can form a refrigerant flow path (FP) by communicating through the internal space with the flow path hole (101a) having the same center (C1) as the center of rotation and one of the remaining two flow path holes (101b, 101c) excluding the flow path hole (101a).

[0089] Referring to FIG. 2, a shaft portion (330) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a valve body (310) and is rotatable along a preset center axis. The shaft portion (330) receives power from the outside and can rotate around a preset rotational center axis.

[0090] Specifically, the shaft portion (330) is connected to the drive portion (600) to be described later, and receives power from the drive portion (600) and can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to a preset rotation center axis (AX).

[0091] A shaft portion (330) according to one embodiment of the present invention is coupled with a valve body (310) and can transmit the rotational force of the shaft portion (330) to the valve body (310). That is, the valve body (310) can rotate on the first housing (100) in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft portion (330).

[0092] The rotation center of the shaft portion (330) may coincide with the center of any one of the plurality of flow hole portions (101a, 101b, 101c) formed in the first housing (100).

[0093] As a result, when the shaft portion (330) receives power from the driving portion (600) and rotates, the valve body (310) is linked to the rotation of the shaft portion (330) and can rotate with the center (C1) of the flow hole portion (101a) as the center of rotation.

[0094] In addition, the valve body (310) covers one of the remaining flow holes (101b, 101c) excluding the flow hole portion (101a), and two of the plurality of flow holes (101a, 101b, 101c) are connected in the second space surrounded by the valve body (310) and the first housing (100) to form a refrigerant flow path (FP).

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an insertion groove (315) may be formed on the outer surface of a valve body (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a shaft portion (330) may be inserted into the insertion groove (315).

[0096] As the insertion groove (315) is formed with a predetermined depth, the shaft portion (330) is inserted into the valve body (310), specifically the insertion groove (315), and then the power transmitted from the driving portion (600) to the shaft portion (330) can be effectively transmitted to the valve body (310).

[0097] A shaft portion (330) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be connected to a driving portion (600) by penetrating a second housing (200).

[0098] Although not shown in the drawing, a sealing portion (not shown in the drawing) for airtightness may be disposed between the shaft portion (330) and the second housing (200). Due to the sealing portion, it is possible to prevent refrigerant from leaking to the outside through the area between the second housing (200) and the shaft portion (330).

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, a fastening member (400a) according to one embodiment of the present invention connects a first housing (100) and a second housing (200) by penetrating them, and can be coupled to the second housing (200) by passing through a fastening hole (100h) formed in the first housing (100).

[0100] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of fastening members (400a) may be provided, and a plurality of fastening holes (400h) formed in the first housing (100) may also be formed corresponding to the plurality of fastening members (400a).

[0101] A fastening member (400a) according to one embodiment of the present invention is fastened to a first housing (100) and a second housing (200) by a screw coupling method, but is not limited thereto, and various modifications such as a clamp method are possible within the technical concept of connecting and fastening the first housing (100) and the second housing (200).

[0102] The fastening member (400b) can be connected to the second housing (200) by passing through the cover portion (700) and the driving portion (600). Specifically, a fastening hole portion (200h) may be formed in the second housing (200), and the fastening member can be fastened to the fastening hole portion (200h) by penetrating the cover portion (700) and the driving portion (600).

[0103] A fastening member (400b) connecting a cover part (700), a driving part (600), and a second housing (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration, operating principle, and effect as a fastening member (400a) connecting a first housing (100) and a second housing (200).

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 5, and FIGS. 6, a sealing member (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention is disposed between a first housing (100) and a second housing (200) and can be formed in a ring shape.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 5, the sealing member (500) can be inserted and disposed on a sealing groove (205) formed on one side (lower surface based on FIG. 5) of the second housing (200) facing the first housing (100).

[0106] The sealing member (500) is connected along the circumferential direction to the sealing groove (205) formed in the second housing (200) and can be formed of a material capable of elastic deformation.

[0107] A sealing member (500) inserted into a sealing groove (205) formed in a second housing (200) may have a preset area positioned outside of one side of the second housing (200) where the sealing groove (205) is formed.

[0108] As a result, an elastically deformable sealing member (500) can be closely attached between the second housing (200) and the first housing (100), and the internal space surrounded by the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) and the external space of the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) can be spatially blocked.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 5, and FIGS. 6, in a sealing member (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one projection (501) may be formed protruding outwardly.

[0110] As an optional embodiment, a plurality of protrusions (501) may be provided, and the plurality of protrusions (501) may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the sealing member (500) with a preset spacing.

[0111] Due to the protrusion (501) formed on the sealing member (500), when the sealing member (500) is inserted into the sealing groove (205) formed in the second housing (200), it can be compressed and closely attached between the outer surface of the sealing member (500) and the inner surface of the sealing groove (205), and fixed in position.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 5, a sealing member (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be disposed inside a fastening hole portion formed in a first housing (100).

[0113] As a result, in the internal space formed by being surrounded by the first housing (100) and the second housing (200), it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from leaking into the area between the first housing (100) and the second housing (200), and to block the refrigerant from flowing into the fastening hole (100h).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 2, a driving unit (600) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a second housing (200) and can receive power from an external source to transmit power to a valve body (300).

[0115] The driving unit (600) may include an electric motor and can transmit power to the valve body (300), specifically the shaft (330), through a plurality of gears (drawing symbols not set).

[0116] Power is transmitted from the drive unit (600) to the shaft unit (330), and the shaft unit (330) rotates clockwise or counterclockwise along the rotation center axis (AX), and the valve body (310) connected to the shaft unit (330) can move on the first housing (100).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 4, the shaft portion (330) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise (based on FIG. 4) with the center (C1) of one of the plurality of flow path portions (101a, 101b, 101c) formed in the first housing (100) as the center of rotation, and the valve body (310) connected to the shaft portion (330) rotates together, thereby connecting two of the plurality of flow path portions (101a, 101b, 101c) to form a refrigerant flow path (FP).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 2, a driving unit (600) according to one embodiment of the present invention is disposed on a second housing (200), and the driving unit (600) disposed on the second housing (200) is covered by a cover unit (700) to be described later, but is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible, such as the driving unit (600) being disposed on the inside of the second housing (200) and connected to a valve body (300).

[0119] The driving unit (600) can be connected to the second housing (200) through a fastening member (400b), and specifically, the cover unit (700), the driving unit (600), and the second housing (200) can be connected by the fastening member (400b) penetrating the cover unit (700) and the driving unit (600) and being fastened to a fastening hole (200h) formed in the second housing (200).

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cover portion (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention covers a driving portion (600) disposed on a second housing (200) and can be coupled with the second housing (200). The cover portion (700) may have an open side (lower side based on FIG. 2) facing the driving portion (600) and the second housing (200), and the interior may be formed as a hollow.

[0121] By the cover portion (700) covering the second housing (200), it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering from the outside into the internal space formed by being surrounded by the cover portion (700) and the second housing (200) and where the driving portion (600) is placed.

[0122] The operating principle and effect of the valve device (1) for switching the refrigerant flow path according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above will be explained.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a valve device (1) for switching a refrigerant flow path according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing (100), a second housing (200), a valve body part (300), a driving part (600), and a cover part (700).

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a plurality of flow holes (101a, 101b, 101c) may be formed in the first housing (100), and the valve body part (300) may be movable on the first housing (100). Referring to FIG. 2, the valve body part (300) may include a valve body (310) and a shaft part (330).

[0125] The valve body (310) has an open side (lower side in Fig. 2) facing the first housing (100), and the interior may be formed as a hollow. The valve body (310) may cover some of the plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) formed in the first housing (100).

[0126] Specifically, the valve body (310) can connect two of the three flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) formed in the first housing (100).

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the valve body (300) receives power from the driving unit (600) and can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the rotation center axis (AX). Specifically, the valve body (310) receives power from the driving unit (600) and can rotate together with the rotation of the shaft unit (330) as the shaft unit (330) rotates.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the rotational center axis (AX) of the valve body (310) passes through the center (C1) of one of the multiple flow paths (101a, 101b, 101c) covered by the valve body (310), and can cover one of the flow paths (101a) and one of the remaining two flow paths (101b, 101c) (101c).

[0129] That is, the second space, which is an internal space formed by being surrounded by the valve body (310) and the first housing (100), is connected to two flow path holes (101a, 101c) and can form a refrigerant flow path (FP).

[0130] Referring to FIG. 5, among the plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) formed in the first housing (100), the remaining flow path hole (101b), excluding the two flow path holes (101a, 101c) that are in communication with the second space, is in communication with the communication hole (201) formed in the second housing (200) through the first space and can form a refrigerant flow path (FP).

[0131] Referring to FIG. 5, a communication hole (201) may be formed on the side of a second housing (200) connected to a first housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a refrigerant (RF) may be introduced from the outside through the communication hole (201).

[0132] The refrigerant flowing in through the communication hole (201) formed on the side of the second housing (200) flows along the downward direction (based on FIG. 5) and passes through the flow path hole (101b) formed by penetrating the first housing (100) connected to the second housing (200), and can be discharged to the outside of the refrigerant flow path switching valve device (1).

[0133] Referring to FIG. 5, the communication hole portion (201) formed in the second housing (200) is not formed on one side of the first housing (100) where a plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) are formed, but is formed on one side of the second housing (200) connected to the first housing (100), specifically on a side formed along the circumference with respect to the longitudinal central axis, thereby reducing the change in the flow direction of the refrigerant and improving differential pressure performance by reducing the pressure difference between the communication hole portion (201) and the flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c).

[0134] That is, the two inlet areas and two outlet areas for forming two refrigerant flow paths (FP) are not all located on the same plane, but rather the flow direction axis of the refrigerant flowing in through the connecting hole portion (201) formed in the second housing (200) and the flow direction axis of the refrigerant flowing through the plurality of flow path holes (101a, 101b, 101c) formed in the first housing (100) can be formed perpendicular to each other.

[0135] As a result, when the refrigerant flows into and out of the refrigerant flow path switching valve device (1), the flow direction axis of the refrigerant inlet area and the outlet area is formed parallel to each other, thereby reducing the pressure difference of the refrigerant in the inlet area and the outlet area, so that the differential pressure performance can be improved.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the sealing member (500) is positioned between the second housing (200) and the first housing (100), thereby having the effect of preventing refrigerant from leaking out between the internal space and the external space of the refrigerant flow path switching valve device (1) formed by being surrounded by the first housing (100) and the second housing (200).

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of protrusions (501) are spaced apart along the outer circumference of the sealing member (500), so that the sealing member (500) can be pressed and adhered to the sealing groove (205) formed in the second housing (200), and thus the airtightness between the first housing (100) and the second housing (200) can be improved.

[0139] Hereinafter, the configuration, operating principle, and effects of a valve device (2) for switching a refrigerant flow path according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0140] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a first housing and a valve body according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the volume of refrigerant oil inside the valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to another embodiment of the present invention when it is tilted.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, a valve device (2) for switching a refrigerant flow path according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing (100'), a second housing (200'), a valve body part, a fastening member, a sealing member, a driving part, and a cover part.

[0142] The valve device (2) for switching the refrigerant flow path according to another embodiment of the present invention differs from the valve device (1) for switching the refrigerant flow path according to one embodiment of the present invention in that it has a first housing (100'), so this difference will be explained in detail below.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the first housing (100') according to another embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of flow path holes formed therein, and together with the second housing (200'), can form the exterior of the valve device (2) for switching the refrigerant flow path.

[0144] The first housing (100') forms a hollow internal space together with the second housing (200'), and refrigerant introduced from the outside flows along the refrigerant path and can be discharged back to the outside.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 8, a valve body portion can be movably positioned on the first housing (100'). As the valve body portion, specifically the valve body (310'), rotates on the first housing (100') around a rotational center axis, it can form a refrigerant flow path by connecting two of the plurality of flow path holes.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 8, three flow path holes may be formed on the first housing (100') according to another embodiment of the present invention, similar to the first housing (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the state in which two flow path holes are connected by the valve body (310') is illustrated.

[0147] The remaining one Eurohole section (101'c) can be connected to the connecting hole section (201') formed in the second housing and can form a refrigerant flow path (FP).

[0148] Three flow path holes may be formed in the first housing (100'), and the rotation center of the valve body (310') coincides with the center of one of the three flow path holes. When the valve body (310') rotates with the center as the rotation center, it selectively covers one of the remaining two flow path holes, and the flow path of the refrigerant can be changed and switched within the electric vehicle heating and cooling system (not shown in the drawing) in which the refrigerant flow path switching valve device (2) is positioned.

[0149] In the first housing (100') according to another embodiment of the present invention, three flow holes are formed, but it is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible, such as having four or more flow holes.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 9, the first housing (100') is connected to the second housing (200'), and a refrigerant flow path (FP) can be formed through the internal space formed by being surrounded by the first housing (100') and the second housing (200'), through which the refrigerant flows.

[0151] Although not shown in the drawing, a plurality of pipe sections through which refrigerant can flow may be connected to the first housing (100') and the second housing (200'), and as the flow path of the refrigerant formed by the first housing (100') and the second housing (200') changes, the refrigerant may be introduced or discharged through the pipe sections.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first housing (100') may have a flat portion (102') formed in a section that is predetermined along the circumferential direction with respect to the center of the first housing (100').

[0153] Specifically, a flat section (102') can be formed flatly in a section facing two of the multiple Eurohole sections. A flat section (102') is formed along the outer circumference of the first housing (100') in a pre-set section, and a curved section (103') can be formed in a section where the flat section (102') is not formed.

[0154] In the section where the curved portion (103') is formed, the distance from the center of the first housing (100') can be formed equally.

[0155] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a flat portion (102') is formed in the first housing (100'), so that the entire section along the circumference of the first housing (100') is formed as a curved portion (103'), thereby reducing the size and weight of the refrigerant flow path switching valve device (2).

[0156] In addition, due to the flat portion (102') formed in a predetermined section along the outer circumference of the first housing (100'), the contact area with the space where the refrigerant flow path switching valve device (2) is installed is increased, thereby providing the effect of being stably positioned.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 8, in another embodiment of the present invention, a first housing (100') may have a side wall portion (105') extended along the circumferential direction. The side wall portion (105') may be positioned relatively higher (based on FIG. 9) than the bottom portion (104') where a plurality of flow holes are formed in the first housing (100').

[0158] Specifically, the upper surface of the side wall portion (105') formed in the first housing (100') and the lower surface portion (104') where a plurality of flow holes are formed may have a predetermined distance and a height difference. The inner surface of the side wall portion (105') formed along the circumferential direction of the first housing (100') may have an inclined surface (105'a) formed so as to slope downward as it goes towards the inside of the first housing (100').

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, as the inner surface of the side wall (105') is formed as an inclined surface (105'a), the cross-sectional area can be relatively reduced from the upper end (upper end in FIG. 9) of the side wall (105') which protrudes upward along the perimeter of the first housing (100') facing the second housing (200') to the lower end (104') of the first housing (100') where a plurality of flow holes are formed.

[0160] In other words, there is a space where refrigerant oil circulating in an electric vehicle heating and cooling system can accumulate together with the refrigerant on the bottom portion (104') of the first housing (100') in which a plurality of Eurohole portions are formed, and there is an effect of reducing the volume of refrigerant oil on the bottom portion (104').

[0161] That is, compared to the case where the inclined surface (105'a) is not formed and the bottom surface (104') and the side wall (105') of the first housing (100') are vertical, the amount of refrigerant oil accumulated on the bottom surface (104') of the first housing (100') where a plurality of flow holes are formed can be reduced.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 10, when the valve device (2) for switching the refrigerant flow path according to another embodiment of the present invention is in a fixed position, it is tilted by a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the longitudinal central axis (AX0), and when the longitudinal central axis (AX1) is tilted, the refrigerant oil circulating in the electric vehicle heating and cooling system can be filled in the internal space formed by being surrounded by the first housing (100') and the second housing (200').

[0163] Referring to FIG. 10, refrigerant oil can be volumetrically placed at the edge of the internal space enclosed by the first housing (100') and the second housing (200') from one of the plurality of Eurohole sections (101'a) to the inner wall of the second housing (200').

[0164] As the inner surface of the side wall portion (105') that extends along the circumferential direction from one side of the first housing (100') connected to the second housing (200') is formed with an inclined surface (105'a) that slopes downward toward the inner side of the first housing (100'), specifically toward the side of the flow hole portion, the amount of refrigerant oil that is volumetrically stored can be reduced by the volume (V2) corresponding to the inclined surface (105'a).

[0165] That is, when an inclined surface (105'a) is not formed on the inner circumference of the side wall portion (105'), when the first housing (100') and the second housing (200') are tilted by a predetermined angle (θ), the amount of refrigerant oil volume at the edge corresponding to the outer side of the flow hole portion (101'a) in the internal space formed by being surrounded by the first housing (100') and the second housing (200') may correspond to V1+V2.

[0166] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion (105') of the first housing (100') is formed with an inclined surface (105'a) that slopes downward as it moves toward the inner side of the first housing (100'), specifically toward the flow hole portion, thereby having the effect of reducing the volume of refrigerant oil by V2, which is the volume of the side wall portion (105') where the inclined surface (105'a) is formed.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 8, a fastening hole portion (100'h) may be formed in a second housing (200') according to another embodiment of the present invention. The fastening hole portion (100'h) may be formed on a side wall portion (105') formed along the perimeter of the first housing (100'), and a fastening member (not shown in the drawing) may pass through the fastening hole portion (100'h) to connect the first housing (100') and the second housing (200').

[0168] Referring to FIG. 8, a fastening hole portion (100'h) may be formed in a side wall portion (105') that extends along the circumferential direction of the first housing (100'), and an extension portion (106') may be extended with a predetermined distance (r) from the center of the fastening hole portion (100'h).

[0169] As an extension portion (106') is formed with a predetermined distance (r) toward the inside of the first housing (100') in the area where the fastening hole portion (100'h) is formed, the area of ​​the bottom portion (104') of the first housing (100') where a plurality of flow hole portions are formed can be relatively reduced.

[0170] As the area of ​​the bottom portion (104') is reduced, the amount of refrigerant oil accumulated on the bottom portion (104'), where multiple Eurohole portions are formed, can also be reduced.

[0171] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of fastening holes (100'h) formed in the first housing (100') may be provided, and a plurality of fastening members may also be provided to correspond to the plurality of fastening holes (100'h).

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, a second housing (200') according to another embodiment of the present invention is connected to a first housing (100') and may have a hollow interior.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 7, a communication hole portion (201') that connects the internal space and the external space of the second housing (200') may be formed on one side of the second housing (200') connected to the first housing (100'). Specifically, a communication hole portion (201') may be formed on the side of the second housing (200') connected to the flat portion (102') formed in the first housing (100').

[0174] As a result, as the valve body part, specifically the valve body (310'), rotates on the first housing (100'), one of the communication hole part (201') and one of the plurality of flow path holes are connected, and the remaining two of the plurality of flow path holes are connected, and each can form a refrigerant flow path.

[0175] In a valve device (2) for switching a refrigerant flow path according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first housing (100') has a side wall portion (105') formed extending along the circumferential direction, and the inner surface of the side wall portion (105') has an inclined surface (105'a) formed so as to slope downward toward the inner side of the first housing (100'), specifically toward the flow path hole portion. Since the configuration, operating principle, and effect of the second housing (200), valve body portion (300), fastening member (400), sealing member (500), driving portion (600), and cover portion (700) are identical to those of the valve device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a detailed description is omitted in the scope of overlap.

[0176] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and all scopes equivalent to or equivalently modified from the claims set forth below, as well as the claims set forth below, shall be considered to fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0177] 1, 2: Valve device for refrigerant flow path switching RF: Refrigerant FP: Refrigerant path 100: 1st housing 101a, 101b, 101c: Euroholbu 102: Flat part 103: Curved part 104: Bottom section 105: Side wall section 105`a: Inclined surface 106`: Extension 100h, 200h: Fastening hole section 200: Second housing 201: Chimney hole 205: Ceiling groove 300: Valve body part 310: Valve body 311: Opening 315: Insertion groove 330: Shaft section 400a, 400b: Fastening members 500: Sealing member 501: Protrusion 600: Drive unit 700: Cover unit

Claims

Claim 1 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path, comprising: a first housing having a bottom portion having a plurality of flow path holes formed therein; a second housing connected to the first housing and having a hollow interior; and a valve body portion rotatably disposed on the first housing and connecting at least two of the plurality of flow path holes to form a refrigerant flow path, wherein the first housing has a side wall portion protruding along the circumferential direction, and the inner surface of the side wall portion has an inclined surface formed to slope downward as it extends toward the inside of the first housing, and the inclined surface is connected to the bottom portion. Claim 2 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to claim 1, wherein the first housing is characterized by having a flat portion formed in a predetermined section along the circumferential direction with respect to the center of the first housing. Claim 3 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to claim 1, characterized in that the second housing has a connecting hole formed therein that connects the external space and the internal space of the second housing. Claim 4 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path, characterized in that, in claim 1, the above-mentioned Eurohole portion is provided with three. Claim 5 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to claim 4, characterized in that the distance from the center of one of the plurality of flow path sections to the center of the remaining two flow path sections is the same. Claim 6 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path, characterized in that, in claim 1, the diameter of the flow path hole portion centered on the rotational center of the valve body portion is formed to be relatively larger than the diameter of the remaining flow path hole portion. Claim 7 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to claim 1, wherein the valve body portion comprises: a valve body having a hollow interior and an opening formed on one side facing the first housing; and a shaft portion connected to the valve body and rotatable along a rotational center axis. Claim 8 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path according to claim 7, characterized in that an insertion groove is formed on the outer surface of the valve body into which the shaft portion can be inserted. Claim 9 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path, characterized in that, in claim 1, it further includes a fastening member that penetrates and connects the first housing and the second housing. Claim 10 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path, characterized in that, in claim 9, a fastening hole is formed in the first housing so that the fastening member can pass through. Claim 11 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path, characterized in that, in the area where the above-mentioned connecting portion is formed, an expansion portion is formed toward the inside of the first housing. Claim 12 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path, characterized in that, in claim 1, it further includes a driving unit connected to the second housing and transmitting power to the valve body. Claim 13 A valve device for switching a refrigerant flow path, characterized in that, in claim 12, it further includes a cover part that covers the driving part and is connectable with the second housing.

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