Multi-way valve

Abstract

The invention proposes a multi-way valve.A multi-way valve consists of: a valve body; a valve core arranged to rotate within the valve body; an actuator, which includes a drive unit and a reducer. The reducer has a central gear, planetary gears, a first connecting plate, a second connecting plate, and an output section. The drive unit is connected to the central gear, which has multiple planetary gears, and all planetary gears mesh with the central gear. The first connecting plate rotates with the first ends of the planetary gears, and the second connecting plate rotates with the second ends of the planetary gears. There is clearance between the first end of the central gear and the first connecting plate, and between the second end of the central gear and the second connecting plate. One end of the output section is connected to the planetary gears, and the other end of the output section is connected to the valve core. The drive unit drives the valve core to rotate via the reducer.With the technical solution of the invention, the problem of relatively large friction losses inside planetary gear reducers can be solved.

Description

Multi-way valve

[0001] This application claims priority to a patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on October 31, 2023, with application number 2023114493465 and title “Multi-port Valve.” Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of control valves, and in particular to a multi-way valve. Background Art

[0003] The multi-way valve in the prior art mainly includes a drive assembly, a valve core and a valve body. The valve core is rotatably arranged in the valve body. The valve body has multiple connecting ports and inlets and outlets. The valve core is provided with a flow channel that cooperates with the connecting ports. The drive assembly can drive the valve core to rotate so that the flow channel cooperates with different connecting ports to connect, thereby realizing the switching of heating and cooling modes.

[0004] The drive assembly in the prior art mainly includes a drive device and a planetary gear reduction assembly. The planetary gear reduction assembly can increase the torque of the drive device, so that the valve core can overcome the load torque and friction torque, and ensure the switching effect of the valve core. However, the existing planetary gear reduction assembly will reduce the driving torque applied to the valve core due to the friction between its own structures during operation, thereby affecting the working efficiency of the drive assembly.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a multi-way valve to solve the problem of large internal friction loss of a deceleration component in the prior art.

[0007] The present application provides a multi-way valve, comprising: a valve body; a valve core rotatably arranged in the valve body; a driving assembly, the driving assembly comprising a driving part and a reduction gear set, the reduction gear set comprising a sun gear, a planetary gear, a fixed gear, a first connecting plate, a second connecting plate and an output part, the driving part is driven and connected to the sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears are provided, and the plurality of planetary gears are all meshed with the sun gear, the fixed gear sleeve is arranged on the outer sides of the plurality of planetary gears, and the fixed gear is fixed relative to the sun gear, the outer teeth of the plurality of planetary gears are meshed with the inner teeth of the fixed gear, the first connecting plate is rotatably connected to the first ends of the plurality of planetary gears, and the second connecting plate is rotatably connected to the second ends of the plurality of planetary gears, and there is a gap between the first end of the sun gear and the first connecting plate, and between the second end of the sun gear and the second connecting plate, one end of the output part is drive-connected to the planetary gear, and the other end of the output part is drive-connected to the valve core, and the driving part drives the valve core to rotate through the reduction gear set.

[0008] By applying the technical solution of the present application, the sun gear can transmit the torque of the driving unit to the output unit through multiple planetary gears. The multiple planetary gears and the fixed gear can cooperate to increase the torque from the driving unit and output the increased torque to the valve core, so that the valve core can be rotated quickly, thereby realizing the rapid switching of the cooling and heating modes of the multi-way valve. By providing a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate at both ends of the multiple planetary gears, the synchronous movement of the planetary gears can be ensured, and the multiple planetary gears can be prevented from getting stuck during the rotation process. By providing a gap between the first end of the sun gear and the first connecting plate and between the second end of the sun gear and the second connecting plate, the sun gear can be prevented from rubbing against the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate during the rotation process, thereby reducing the friction torque on the driving unit and the power loss of the driving component, and further ensuring the rapid switching of the cooling and heating modes of the multi-way valve.

[0009] Furthermore, the planetary gear, the first connecting plate, and the second connecting plate form a planetary assembly. The planetary assembly has an upper limit position and a lower limit position axially relative to the sun gear. The first connecting plate is positioned near the upper limit position, and the second connecting plate is positioned near the lower limit position. When the planetary assembly is at the upper limit position, a gap exists between the second end of the sun gear and the second connecting plate; when the planetary assembly is at the lower limit position, a gap exists between the first end of the sun gear and the first connecting plate. This arrangement provides a gap between the second end of the sun gear and the second connecting plate, or between the first end of the sun gear and the first connecting plate. This reduces the friction torque exerted on the sun gear by the first connecting plate or the second connecting plate when the reduction gear assembly is displaced, thereby improving the reliability of the multi-way valve operation.

[0010] Furthermore, the sun gear is fixedly connected to the drive unit, and the spacing between the first and second connecting plates is greater than the axial length of the sun gear. This arrangement creates a gap between the first end of the sun gear and the first connecting plate, and between the second end of the sun gear and the second connecting plate, thereby reducing friction torque on the drive unit and, in turn, reducing power loss in the drive assembly.

[0011] Furthermore, the output unit includes an output wheel rotatably mounted on the outer sides of the plurality of planetary gears, wherein the external teeth of the plurality of planetary gears mesh with the internal teeth of the output wheel. An output shaft is provided at one end of the output wheel, which is drivably connected to the valve core. This arrangement increases the transmission level of the reduction gear set and the overall transmission ratio of the reduction gear set. The output wheel can further increase the input torque of the drive unit, thereby improving the input torque to the drive unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the output wheel includes a base plate and an internal gear, the internal gear being disposed on one side of the base plate, and the output shaft being disposed on the other side of the base plate. A first limiting protrusion is disposed on the end surface of the base plate on the side where the internal gear is located, and the first limiting protrusion is configured to abut against the second connecting plate. This arrangement prevents the second connecting plate from contacting the entire base plate, reduces the contact area between the two plates, and reduces the friction torque on the second connecting plate from the output wheel, further reducing the power loss of the reduction gear assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, the valve body has a mounting groove, the reduction gear assembly is disposed within the mounting groove, the bottom of the mounting groove is provided with a connecting hole, the output shaft passes through the connecting hole and is drivingly connected to the valve core, and the bottom of the mounting groove is also provided with a second limiting protrusion, which is configured to abut against the bottom plate. This arrangement prevents the bottom plate from contacting the bottom of the mounting groove, reduces the contact area between the bottom of the mounting groove and the bottom plate, reduces the friction torque exerted on the bottom plate by the bottom of the mounting groove, and further reduces the power loss of the reduction gear assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, the valve body has a mounting seat, the reduction gear assembly is disposed within the mounting seat, and the mounting seat has a mounting hole. The drive unit includes a transmission shaft and a bearing. The transmission shaft passes through the mounting hole and is drivingly connected to the sun gear. The bearing is sleeved on the transmission shaft and positioned between the transmission shaft and the inner wall of the mounting hole. This arrangement reduces friction between the transmission shaft and the mounting hole, thereby reducing frictional losses on the transmission shaft from the mounting seat and lowering power loss in the drive assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the drive shaft includes a first mounting section and a second mounting section that are interconnected. The first mounting section is drivingly connected to the sun gear, and the bearing is disposed in the second mounting section. The multi-way valve also includes a first limiting structure disposed between the inner ring of the bearing and the drive shaft. The first limiting structure is used to limit axial displacement of the inner ring of the bearing relative to the drive shaft. Through this arrangement, the first limiting structure can prevent the bearing from moving on the drive shaft, ensuring the stability of the drive unit's operation. It can also prevent axial movement of the drive shaft, further improving the stability of the drive assembly's operation.

[0016] Furthermore, the transmission shaft further includes a limiting section, which is located between the first mounting section and the second mounting section, and the outer diameter of the limiting section is larger than the outer diameters of the first mounting section and the second mounting section. One end of the inner ring of the bearing abuts against the limiting section. The drive assembly further includes a bushing, which is sleeved on the transmission shaft and located at the end of the bearing away from the limiting section. The bushing is limitedly matched with the inner ring of the bearing, and the limiting section and the bushing cooperate to form a first limiting structure. Through the above arrangement, the first limiting structure can limit the bearing in the axial direction, and can achieve axial positioning of the bearing and the transmission shaft, ensuring that the drive unit can stably provide rotational torque to the reduction wheel group, and ensuring the operational stability of the multi-way valve.

[0017] Furthermore, the multi-way valve includes a second limiting structure, disposed between the outer ring of the bearing and the mounting hole, and configured to limit the axial displacement of the outer ring of the bearing relative to the drive shaft. With this arrangement, the first and second limiting structures can each axially limit the inner and outer rings of the bearing, respectively. This prevents either the first or second limiting structure from simultaneously limiting the inner and outer rings of the bearing, thus preventing unnecessary friction during the bearing's rotation.

[0018] Furthermore, the second limiting structure includes two washers, which are fixed in the mounting hole and located at either end of the bearing. The washers engage with the outer ring of the bearing. This arrangement allows the two washers to respectively set upper and lower limits on the outer ring of the bearing, preventing axial displacement of the outer ring and ensuring the stability of the multi-way valve.

[0019] The upper limit position of the planetary assembly can be determined by a stopper segment or a washer. When the planetary assembly is at the upper limit position, the first connecting plate abuts against the end of the stopper segment facing the planetary assembly, or abuts against the end of the washer facing the planetary assembly. This arrangement prevents excessive axial movement of the planetary assembly and ensures its stability as it rotates with the sun gear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The drawings that constitute part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an improper limitation on this application. In the drawings:

[0021] FIG1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a multi-way valve according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG2 shows a partial enlarged view of point A in FIG1 ;

[0023] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of the assembly of a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG4 shows a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the sun gear and the planetary gear according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG5 shows a schematic structural diagram of a reduction gear set according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG6 shows a schematic structural diagram of a transmission shaft according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG7 shows a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the transmission shaft and the bearing according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Among them, the above-mentioned drawings include the following figure marks: 100, valve body; 200, valve core; 10, drive assembly; 101, mounting groove; 1011, second limiting protrusion; 102, mounting seat; 11, drive part; 111, transmission shaft; 1111, first mounting section; 1112, second mounting section; 1113, limiting section; 112, bearing; 12, reduction wheel group; 121, sun gear; 122, planetary gear; 123, fixed wheel; 124, first connecting plate; 125, second connecting plate; 126, output wheel; 1261, bottom plate; 1262, internal gear; 1263, first limiting protrusion; 127, output shaft; 13, bushing; 14, gasket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present application and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] 1 to 5 , the multi-way valve provided in the present application includes a valve body 100, a valve core 200 and a drive assembly 10. The valve core 200 is rotatably disposed in the valve body 100. The drive assembly 10 includes a drive unit 11 and a reduction gear set 12. The reduction gear set 12 has a sun gear 121, planetary gears 122, a fixed gear 123, a first connecting plate 124, a second connecting plate 125 and an output unit. The drive unit 11 is connected to the sun gear 121 for driving. A plurality of planetary gears 122 are provided, and the plurality of planetary gears 122 are all engaged with the sun gear 121. The fixed gear 123 is sleeved on the outside of the plurality of planetary gears 122. The fixed gear 123 is fixed relative to the sun gear 121, and the outer teeth of multiple planetary gears 122 are meshed with the inner teeth of the fixed gear 123. The sun gear 121 and the planetary gears 122 have a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other in the axial direction. The first end of the sun gear 121 and the first end of the planetary gears 122 are arranged on the same side. The first connecting plate 124 is rotatably connected to the first ends of the multiple planetary gears 122, and the second connecting plate 125 is rotatably connected to the second ends of the multiple planetary gears 122. There is a gap between the first end of the sun gear 121 and the first connecting plate 124, and between the second end of the sun gear 121 and the second connecting plate 125. One end of the output part is drive-connected to the planetary gears 122, and the other end of the output part is drive-connected to the valve core 200. The driving part 11 drives the valve core 200 to rotate through the reduction wheel group 12.

[0031] By applying the technical solution of the present application, the sun gear 121 can transmit the torque of the drive unit 11 to the output unit through the multiple planetary gears 122. The multiple planetary gears 122 and the fixed gear 123 can cooperate to increase the torque from the drive unit 11 and output the increased torque to the valve core 200. In this way, the valve core 200 can be rotated rapidly, thereby realizing rapid switching of the cooling and heating modes of the multi-way valve. By providing a first connecting plate 124 and a second connecting plate 125 at both ends of the multiple planetary gears 122, the synchronous movement of the planetary gears 122 can be ensured, and the multiple planetary gears 122 can be prevented from getting stuck during rotation. A gap is provided between the first end of the sun gear 121 and the first connecting plate 124, and between the second end of the sun gear 121 and the second connecting plate 125. This can prevent the sun gear 121 from rubbing against the first connecting plate 124 and the second connecting plate 125 during rotation, thereby reducing the friction torque on the drive unit 11 and reducing the power loss of the drive assembly 10, further ensuring rapid switching of the cooling and heating modes of the multi-way valve.

[0032] Specifically, the planetary gear 122, the first connecting plate 124, and the second connecting plate 125 form a planetary assembly. The planetary assembly has an upper limit position and a lower limit position in the axial direction relative to the sun gear 121. The first connecting plate 124 is located near the upper limit position, and the second connecting plate 125 is located near the lower limit position. When the planetary assembly is at the upper limit position, a gap exists between the second end of the sun gear 121 and the second connecting plate 125. When the planetary assembly is at the lower limit position, a gap exists between the first end of the sun gear 121 and the first connecting plate 124. Due to the above arrangement, when the reduction gear assembly 12 is impacted by fluid and moves away from the valve core 200, the planetary assembly is at the upper limit position, or when the reduction gear assembly 12 naturally falls due to gravity, the planetary assembly is at the lower limit position, and the two ends of the sun gear 121 are spaced from the corresponding first connecting plate 124 and second connecting plate 125, respectively. This can reduce the friction torque on the sun gear 121 from the first connecting plate 124 or the second connecting plate 125, thereby improving the reliability of the multi-way valve.

[0033] In the present application, the upper limit position of the planetary assembly can be determined by the limiting section 1113, the gasket 14, or the inner wall of the mounting seat 102, and the lower limit position of the planetary assembly can be determined by the first limiting protrusion 1263. When the planetary assembly is in the upper limit position, the first connecting plate 124 abuts against the end of the limiting section 1113 facing the planetary assembly, or against the end of the gasket 14 facing the planetary assembly, or against the inner wall of the mounting seat 102, to prevent the planetary assembly from excessively moving away from the valve core 200. When the planetary assembly is in the lower limit position, the second connecting plate 125 abuts against the first limiting protrusion 1263, to prevent the planetary assembly from excessively moving toward the valve core 200. Through the above arrangement, the stability of the planetary assembly can be ensured during rotation with the sun gear 121.

[0034] Specifically, the sun gear 121 is fixedly connected to the drive unit 11 and has an interference fit with the transmission shaft 111. The spacing between the first connecting plate 124 and the second connecting plate 125 is greater than the axial length of the sun gear 121. This arrangement creates a gap between the first end of the sun gear 121 and the first connecting plate 124, and between the second end of the sun gear 121 and the second connecting plate 125, thereby reducing the friction torque applied to the drive unit 11 and, in turn, the power loss of the drive assembly 10.

[0035] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the output unit includes an output wheel 126, which is rotatably mounted on the outer sides of the plurality of planetary gears 122. The outer teeth of the plurality of planetary gears 122 mesh with the inner teeth of the output wheel 126. An output shaft 127 is provided at one end of the output wheel 126, which is drivingly connected to the valve core 200. This arrangement increases the transmission level of the reduction gear assembly 12 and the overall transmission ratio of the reduction gear assembly 12. The output wheel 126 can further increase the input torque of the drive unit 11, thereby improving the input torque to the drive unit and the rotation performance of the valve core 200, thereby facilitating rapid switching between cooling and heating modes of the multi-way valve.

[0036] As shown in FIG5 , there is a gap between the output wheel 126 and the fixed wheel 123 , which can prevent friction between the fixed wheel 123 and the output wheel 126 , reduce the friction torque on the output wheel 126 , improve the smoothness of the reduction wheel set 12 , and improve mechanical efficiency.

[0037] Furthermore, the output wheel 126 includes a base plate 1261 and an internal gear 1262. The internal gear 1262 is disposed on one side of the base plate 1261, and the output shaft 127 is disposed on the other side of the base plate 1261. The end surface of the base plate 1261, which is adjacent to the internal gear 1262, is provided with a first limiting protrusion 1263. The first limiting protrusion 1263 is configured to abut against the second connecting plate 125. Through this configuration, the end surface of the second connecting plate 125 facing the base plate 1261 contacts the first limiting protrusion 1263 of the internal gear 1262, thereby preventing the entire second connecting plate 125 from contacting the base plate 1261. This reduces the contact area between the second connecting plate 125 and the base plate 1261, reduces the friction torque on the second connecting plate 125 from the output wheel 126, and further reduces the power loss of the reduction gear assembly 12.

[0038] Specifically, the first limiting protrusion 1263 can be annularly provided on the end surface of the bottom plate 1261 on the side where the internal gear 1262 is located to reduce friction with the second connecting plate 125. In the present application, the end surface of the first limiting protrusion 1263 facing the second connecting plate 125 can be configured as an arc surface to further reduce the contact area with the second connecting plate 125, or configured as a flat surface to reduce friction loss caused by the second connecting plate 125 on the first limiting protrusion 1263, thereby increasing the service life of the reduction gear assembly 12.

[0039] In a specific embodiment of the present application, a lubricating layer can be added to the end surface of the first limiting protrusion 1263 facing the second connecting plate 125 to further reduce the friction between the first limiting protrusion 1263 and the second connecting plate 125, further reduce the power loss of the reduction wheel group 12, and improve the rotation performance of the reduction wheel group 12.

[0040] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the valve body 100 has a mounting groove 101, and the reduction gear assembly 12 is disposed in the mounting groove 101. A connecting hole is provided at the bottom of the mounting groove 101, through which the output shaft 127 passes to be drivingly connected to the valve core 200. The bottom of the mounting groove 101 is also provided with a second limiting protrusion 1011, which is configured to abut against the bottom plate 1261. Through the above configuration, the end surface of the bottom plate 1261 facing the bottom of the mounting groove 101 will contact the second limiting protrusion 1011 at the bottom of the mounting groove 101, preventing the bottom plate 1261 from contacting the bottom of the mounting groove 101 as a whole, reducing the contact area between the bottom of the mounting groove 101 and the bottom plate 1261, reducing the friction torque between the bottom plate 1261 and the bottom of the mounting groove 101, and further reducing the power loss of the reduction gear assembly 12.

[0041] Specifically, in the present application, the second limiting protrusion 1011 can be annularly arranged at the bottom of the mounting groove 101 to reduce the friction force on the reduction wheel group 12. Furthermore, the second limiting protrusion 1011 can be annularly arranged on the outer periphery of the communicating hole to further reduce the area of ​​the second limiting protrusion 1011 toward the bottom plate 1261, thereby reducing the contact area between the second limiting protrusion 1011 and the bottom plate 1261, reducing the friction force on the reduction wheel group 12, reducing the friction torque from the mounting groove 101 on the reduction wheel group 12, reducing the power loss of the drive assembly 10, and improving the reliability of the multi-way valve operation. Among them, in the present application, the upper limit position of the output wheel 126 can be determined by the fixed wheel 123, or by the upper limit position of the planetary assembly; the lower limit position of the output wheel 126 can be determined by the second limiting protrusion 1011, which can prevent the output wheel 126 from excessively moving in the axial direction, further ensuring that the drive assembly 10 can stably drive the valve core 200 to rotate, thereby improving the stability of the multi-way valve operation.

[0042] In other specific embodiments of the present application, a lubricating layer may also be added to the end surface of the second limiting protrusion 1011 facing the bottom plate 1261 to further reduce the friction between the second limiting protrusion 1011 and the bottom plate 1261, further reduce the power loss of the reduction wheel group 12, and improve the rotation performance of the reduction wheel group 12.

[0043] Furthermore, the valve body 100 has a mounting seat 102, and the reduction wheel assembly 12 is disposed within the mounting seat 102. The mounting seat 102 has a mounting hole. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the drive unit 11 includes a transmission shaft 111 and a bearing 112. The transmission shaft 111 is disposed within the mounting hole and is drivingly connected to the sun gear 121. The bearing 112 is sleeved on the transmission shaft 111 and is located between the transmission shaft 111 and the inner wall of the mounting hole. Through the above arrangement, the bearing 112 disposed on the transmission shaft 111 can reduce the friction between the transmission shaft 111 and the mounting hole, reduce the friction loss of the transmission shaft 111 from the mounting seat 102, and reduce the power loss of the drive assembly 10.

[0044] In the present application, the bearing 112 is fixedly arranged on the transmission shaft 111. The bearing 112 and the transmission shaft 111 can be specifically interference fit to reduce the probability of the bearing 112 moving on the transmission shaft 111 and improve the stability of the multi-way valve operation.

[0045] Specifically, the bearing 112 is press-fitted into the mounting hole, and the outer wall of the bearing 112 and the inner wall of the mounting hole are interference fit, so that the radial fixation of the bearing 112 and the transmission shaft 111 can be achieved, preventing the transmission shaft 111 from shaking or swinging during rotation, ensuring the normal operation of the drive assembly 10, and improving the stability of the multi-way valve operation.

[0046] Specifically, the transmission shaft 111 includes a first mounting section 1111 and a second mounting section 1112 that are interconnected. The first mounting section 1111 is drivingly connected to the sun gear 121. The bearing 112 is disposed in the second mounting section 1112. The multi-way valve further includes a first limiting structure disposed between the inner ring of the bearing 112 and the transmission shaft 111. The first limiting structure is used to limit the axial displacement of the inner ring of the bearing 112 relative to the transmission shaft 111. Through the above arrangement, the first limiting structure can prevent the bearing 112 from moving on the transmission shaft 111, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the drive unit 11. At the same time, because the bearing 112 is fixedly disposed on the transmission shaft 111, the first limiting structure can prevent the axial movement of the transmission shaft 111 while limiting the displacement of the bearing 112, further improving the operational stability of the drive assembly 10.

[0047] In the present application, the transmission shaft 111 also includes a limiting section 1113, which is located between the first mounting section 1111 and the second mounting section 1112, and the outer diameter of the limiting section 1113 is larger than the outer diameters of the first mounting section 1111 and the second mounting section 1112. One end of the inner ring of the bearing 112 abuts against the limiting section 1113. The drive assembly 10 also includes a bushing 13, which is sleeved on the transmission shaft 111. The bushing 13 is located at one end of the bearing 112 away from the limiting section 1113. The bushing 13 is limitedly matched with the inner ring of the bearing 112, and the limiting section 1113 cooperates with the bushing 13 to form a first limiting structure. Through the above arrangement, the limiting section 1113 can lower the bearing 112 to prevent the bearing 112 from moving toward the limiting section 1113 during rotation, and the bushing 13 can upper the bearing 112 to prevent the bearing 112 from moving away from the limiting section 1113 during rotation. The bushing 13 cooperates with the limiting section 1113 to limit the bearing 112 in the axial direction, thereby achieving axial positioning of the bearing 112 and the transmission shaft 111, ensuring that the drive unit 11 can stably provide rotational torque to the reduction wheel assembly 12, and ensuring the operational stability of the multi-way valve. Specifically, the bushing 13 can be press-fitted onto the transmission shaft 111 or fixed to the transmission shaft 111 by welding, as long as it can achieve the function of limiting the bearing 112.

[0048] Furthermore, the multi-way valve also includes a second limiting structure, which is arranged between the outer ring of the bearing 112 and the mounting hole. The second limiting structure is used to limit the axial displacement of the outer ring of the bearing 112 relative to the transmission shaft 111. Through the above arrangement, the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure can respectively limit the axial position of the inner ring and outer ring of the bearing 112. This can prevent the first limiting structure or the second limiting structure from limiting the inner ring and outer ring of the bearing 112 at the same time, preventing the bearing 112 from being subjected to unnecessary friction during the rotation process, reducing the friction force on the bearing 112, thereby reducing unnecessary friction torque and reducing the power loss of the drive unit 11.

[0049] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the second limiting structure includes two gaskets 14, which are fixed in the mounting holes and are respectively located at the two ends of the bearing 112. The two gaskets 14 cooperate with the outer ring of the bearing 112 to limit the position. Through the above arrangement, the two gaskets 14 can respectively perform upper and lower limit operations on the outer ring of the bearing 112, preventing the outer ring of the bearing 112 from circumferential displacement and ensuring the stability of the multi-way valve operation. Specifically, the gasket 14 has a through-hole, and the transmission shaft 111 is inserted into the through-hole. The diameter of the through-hole is larger than the diameter of the inner ring of the bearing 112. In this way, the gasket 14 can avoid the inner ring of the bearing 112, prevent the gasket 14 from rubbing against the inner ring of the bearing 112, and reduce the friction torque applied to the bearing 112 during rotation.

[0050] Through the above-mentioned setting, in the present application, the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure can cooperate together to play an axial limiting role on the bearing 112, and the mounting hole and the bearing 112 can cooperate to realize the radial limiting role of the bearing 112. Since the bearing 112 is fixedly connected to the transmission shaft 111, the first limiting structure, the second limiting structure and the mounting hole can position the transmission shaft 111 in the axial and radial directions, realize the centering of the transmission shaft 111, and enable the sun gear 121 fixed on the transmission shaft 111 to better engage with the planetary gear 122, thereby reducing the probability of the sun gear 121 and the planetary gear 122 getting stuck and improving the reliability of the operation of the drive assembly 10.

[0051] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0052] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application. At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to actual proportional relationships. The techniques, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the techniques, methods and equipment should be considered as part of the authorization specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as being merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0053] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0054] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0055] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0056] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A multi-way valve, characterized in that: The multi-way valve comprises: Valve body (100); A valve core (200) is rotatably disposed in the valve body (100); A drive assembly (10), the drive assembly (10) comprising a drive unit (11) and a reduction gear set (12), the reduction gear set (12) comprising a sun gear (121), planetary gears (122), a fixed gear (123), a first connecting plate (124), a second connecting plate (125) and an output unit, the drive unit (11) being drivingly connected to the sun gear (121), a plurality of planetary gears (122) being provided, the plurality of planetary gears (122) being meshed with the sun gear (121), the fixed gear (123) being sleeved on the outside of the plurality of planetary gears (122), and the fixed gear (123) being fixedly provided on the valve body (100), the plurality of planetary gears (122) ) are meshed with the internal teeth of the fixed wheel (123); the first connecting plate (124) is rotatably connected to the first ends of the plurality of planetary gears (122); the second connecting plate (125) is rotatably connected to the second ends of the plurality of planetary gears (122); there is a gap between the first end of the sun gear (121) and the first connecting plate (124), and between the second end of the sun gear (121) and the second connecting plate (125); one end of the output portion is drivingly connected to the planetary gears (122), and the other end of the output portion is drivingly connected to the valve core (200); the driving portion (11) drives the valve core (200) to rotate via the reduction wheel group (12).

2. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The planetary gear (122), the first connecting plate (124) and the second connecting plate (125) form a planetary assembly. The planetary assembly has an upper limit position and a lower limit position in the axial direction relative to the sun gear (121). The first connecting plate (124) is arranged close to the upper limit position, and the second connecting plate (125) is arranged close to the lower limit position. When the planetary assembly is located at the upper limit position, there is a gap between the second end of the sun gear (121) and the second connecting plate (125); when the planetary assembly is located at the lower limit position, there is a gap between the first end of the sun gear (121) and the first connecting plate (124).

3. The multi-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sun gear (121) is fixedly connected to the driving part (11), and the distance between the first connecting plate (124) and the second connecting plate (125) is greater than the axial length of the sun gear (121).

4. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output part comprises an output wheel (126), wherein the output wheel (126) is rotatably sleeved on the outer sides of the plurality of planetary wheels (122), wherein the outer teeth of the plurality of planetary wheels (122) mesh with the inner teeth of the output wheel (126), and an output shaft (127) is provided at one end of the output wheel (126), and the output shaft (127) is drivingly connected to the valve core (200).

5. The multi-way valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The output wheel (126) includes a base plate (1261) and an internal gear (1262), wherein the internal gear (1262) is arranged on one side of the base plate (1261), and the output shaft (127) is arranged on the other side of the base plate (1261). A first limiting protrusion (1263) is arranged on the end surface of the base plate (1261) on the side where the internal gear (1262) is located, and the first limiting protrusion (1263) is used to abut against the second connecting plate (125).

6. The multi-way valve according to claim 5, characterized in that: The valve body (100) has a mounting groove (101), the reduction wheel group (12) is arranged in the mounting groove (101), the bottom of the mounting groove (101) is provided with a connecting hole, the output shaft (127) passes through the connecting hole and is drivingly connected to the valve core (200), and the bottom of the mounting groove (101) is also provided with a second limiting protrusion (1011), and the second limiting protrusion (1011) is used to abut against the bottom plate (1261).

7. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body (100) has a mounting seat (102), the reduction wheel group (12) is arranged in the mounting seat (102), the mounting seat (102) has a mounting hole, the driving part (11) comprises a transmission shaft (111) and a bearing (112), the transmission shaft (111) is inserted into the mounting hole and is drivingly connected to the sun gear (121), and the bearing (112) is sleeved on the transmission shaft (111) and is located between the transmission shaft (111) and the inner wall of the mounting hole.

8. The multi-way valve according to claim 7, characterized in that: The transmission shaft (111) comprises a first mounting section (1111) and a second mounting section (1112) which are connected to each other, the first mounting section (1111) being drivingly connected to the sun gear (121), the bearing (112) being arranged on the second mounting section (1112), and the multi-way valve further comprises a first limiting structure, the first limiting structure being arranged between the inner ring of the bearing (112) and the transmission shaft (111), the first limiting structure being used for limiting the axial displacement of the inner ring of the bearing (112) relative to the transmission shaft (111).

9. The multi-way valve according to claim 8, characterized in that: The transmission shaft (111) further comprises a limiting section (1113), wherein the limiting section (1113) is located between the first mounting section (1111) and the second mounting section (1112), and the outer diameter of the limiting section (1113) is greater than the outer diameters of the first mounting section (1111) and the second mounting section (1112), and one end of the inner ring of the bearing (112) abuts against the limiting section (1113). The driving assembly (10) further comprises a bushing (13), wherein the bushing (13) is sleeved on the transmission shaft (111), and the bushing (13) is located at one end of the bearing (112) away from the limiting section (1113), and the bushing (13) is limitedly matched with the inner ring of the bearing (112), and the limiting section (1113) and the bushing (13) cooperate to form the first limiting structure.

10. The multi-way valve according to claim 9, characterized in that: The multi-way valve further comprises a second limiting structure, which is arranged between the outer ring of the bearing (112) and the mounting hole, and is used to limit the axial displacement of the outer ring of the bearing (112) relative to the transmission shaft (111).

11. The multi-way valve according to claim 10, characterized in that: The second limiting structure comprises two gaskets (14), the two gaskets (14) are fixed in the mounting hole, and the two gaskets (14) are respectively located at two ends of the bearing (112), and the two gaskets (14) are limitedly matched with the outer ring of the bearing (112).

12. The multi-way valve according to claim 11, characterized in that: The planetary gear (122), the first connecting plate (124) and the second connecting plate (125) form a planetary assembly. The planetary assembly has an upper limit position and a lower limit position in the axial direction relative to the sun gear (121). The upper limit position of the planetary assembly can be determined by the limiting segment (1113) or the gasket (14). When the planetary assembly is located at the upper limit position, the first connecting plate (124) abuts against one end of the limiting segment (1113) toward the planetary assembly, or abuts against one end of the gasket (14) toward the planetary assembly.

Images