Switching valve and refrigeration system

Abstract

Disclosed is a switching valve, comprising a valve seat (210) and a piston assembly (220), wherein the valve seat (210) is provided with a valve cavity (211a) adapted for the flow of a fluid; and the piston assembly (220) is configured to be driven by the pressure of the fluid, and is movably accommodated in the valve cavity (211a). In the movement direction of the piston assembly (220), the valve cavity (211a) is provided with a first sub-cavity (213), a second sub-cavity (214) and a third sub-cavity (215), the second sub-cavity (214) being arranged between the first sub-cavity (213) and the third sub-cavity (215). The valve cavity (211a) is further provided with a first valve port (216) for communicating the second sub-cavity (214) with the third sub-cavity (215), and a second valve port (217) for communicating the first sub-cavity (213) with the second sub-cavity (214). The valve seat (210) is further provided with a first through hole (213a), a second through hole (214a) and a third through hole (215a), the first through hole (213a) being in communication with the first sub-cavity (213), the second through hole (214a) being in communication with the second sub-cavity (214), and the third through hole (215a) being in communication with the third sub-cavity (215). In a first position, the piston assembly (220) seals off the first valve port (216) while opening the second valve port (217); in a second position, the piston assembly (220) seals off the second valve port (217) while opening the first valve port (216). Further disclosed are a refrigeration system using the switching valve, and a four-way valve.

Description

Switching valve and refrigeration system

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Publication No. 202323219079.0, filed on November 28, 2023, entitled “Switching Valve and Refrigeration System” and Chinese Patent Publication No. 202323236278.2, entitled “Four-Way Valve”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and in particular to a switching valve and a refrigeration system. Background Art

[0004] The switching valve in the related art usually adopts electromagnetic drive to achieve switching between different flow paths, which has the problems of complex valve structure and high cost.

[0005] Public content

[0006] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a switching valve and a refrigeration system, which can realize flow path switching by the fluid pressure difference in the switching valve, thereby solving the problems of complex structure and high cost in related technologies.

[0007] The switching valve of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0008] a valve seat having a valve cavity for fluid flow; and

[0009] a piston assembly configured to be driven by the pressure of the fluid and movably accommodated in the valve chamber;

[0010] The valve chamber has a first sub-chamber, a second sub-chamber, and a third sub-chamber in the moving direction of the piston assembly, and the second sub-chamber is arranged between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber; the valve chamber is further provided with a first valve port communicating with the second sub-chamber and the third sub-chamber, and a second valve port communicating with the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber;

[0011] The valve seat further has a first through hole, a second through hole and a third through hole, wherein the first through hole is in communication with the first sub-chamber, the second through hole is in communication with the second sub-chamber, and the third through hole is in communication with the third sub-chamber;

[0012] In a first position, the piston assembly closes the first valve port and opens the second valve port; in a second position, the piston assembly closes the second valve port and opens the first valve port.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the piston assembly is movably connected to the valve seat via a guide structure, and the guide structure is used to guide the piston assembly to move along the moving direction.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the piston assembly includes two movable members arranged along the moving direction, and the two movable members are linked; in the first position, one of the movable members closes the first valve port; in the second position, the other movable member closes the second valve port;

[0015] Each movable member is movably connected to the valve seat via one of the guide structures.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the guide structure includes a guide groove and a guide column, the guide groove is provided on one of the valve seat and the movable part, the guide column is provided on the other of the valve seat and the movable part, the guide column is inserted into the guide groove, and the guide column and the guide groove are guided and cooperated along the moving direction.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the guide pillars is provided with a receiving groove opening toward the bottom surface of the guide groove;

[0018] The switching valve also includes two elastic parts, which are respectively accommodated in the two accommodating grooves, and the two ends of each elastic part are respectively in contact with the bottom surface of the guide groove and the bottom surface of the accommodating groove. The elastic part is used to apply an elastic force to the movable part corresponding to the elastic part to move toward the other movable part.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the valve seat includes a seat body and two stop members, the seat body has the first sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber and the third sub-chamber, and the seat body is also provided with the first through hole and the third through hole on both sides along the moving direction; the two stop members are respectively fixed in the first through hole and the third through hole, and the two movable members are located between the two stop members; each movable member is movably connected to the stop member through a guide structure.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the guide structure includes a guide rod and a guide hole, the guide rod is provided on one of the movable part and the stop part, the guide hole is provided on the other of the movable part and the stop part, the guide rod is passed through the guide hole, and the guide rod and the guide hole are guided and cooperated in the moving direction.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the switching valve also includes two elastic members, which are respectively sleeved on the outer circumference of the two guide rods, and the two ends of each elastic member are respectively abutted against the stop member and the movable member, and the elastic member is used to apply an elastic force to the movable member corresponding to the elastic member to move toward the other movable member.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the piston assembly includes a first closing portion for closing the first valve port and a second closing portion for closing the second valve port, wherein the first closing portion and the second closing portion are arranged at intervals along the moving direction;

[0023] The first closing portion has a first pressure-bearing surface on a side facing away from the second closing portion, and the second closing portion has a second pressure-bearing surface on a side facing away from the first closing portion;

[0024] In the first position, a first gap is formed between the second pressure-bearing surface and the inner wall surface of the valve cavity; in the second position, a second gap is formed between the first pressure-bearing surface and the inner wall surface of the valve cavity.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the valve seat includes a hollow cylinder and two blocking members. The cylinder has a cavity inside, and openings communicating with the cavity are formed at both axial ends of the cylinder. The two blocking members are respectively connected to the axial ends of the cylinder and respectively close the two openings. The cylinder and the two blocking members together enclose the valve cavity.

[0026] The cylinder has a first inner annular surface and a second inner annular surface, the first inner annular surface surrounds the third sub-chamber, and the second inner annular surface surrounds the first sub-chamber;

[0027] The outer periphery of the piston assembly has a first outer ring surface that is in guide cooperation with the first inner ring surface, and a second outer ring surface that is in guide cooperation with the second inner ring surface.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the piston assembly includes two movable members arranged along the moving direction, and are respectively defined as a first movable member and a second movable member; in the first position, the first movable member closes the first valve port; in the second position, the second movable member closes the second valve port;

[0029] The inner wall surface of the cylinder is also provided with a first annular protrusion and a second annular protrusion, and the first annular protrusion and the second annular protrusion are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the cylinder. The first annular protrusion is located between the second sub-chamber and the third sub-chamber and surrounds the first valve port; the second annular protrusion is located between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber and surrounds the second valve port.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the switching valve also includes two elastic members, wherein the two ends of one of the elastic members respectively abut against the first annular protrusion and the first movable member, for applying an elastic force to the first movable member away from the second movable member, and the two ends of the other elastic member respectively abut against the second annular protrusion and the second movable member, for applying an elastic force to the second movable member away from the first movable member.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the valve seat includes a valve body and a valve core, the valve body having the first sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber, and the third sub-chamber, and the valve core is confined in the second sub-chamber; the valve body is further provided with the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole;

[0032] The valve core is a sleeve with openings at both axial ends and an inner cavity, and the piston assembly is movably arranged in the inner cavity; the inner cavity of the valve core is connected to the second sub-chamber, and the inner cavity is provided with the first valve port and the second valve port.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the valve core also has an inner surface facing the inner cavity and an outer surface facing away from the inner cavity; the valve core also has a through hole passing through the inner surface and the outer surface, and the inner cavity is connected to the second sub-chamber through the through hole.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the valve core is further provided with a middle portion, and the middle portion has a guide hole penetrating the middle portion along the moving direction;

[0035] The piston assembly includes a first movable part, a second movable part and a connecting rod. The first movable part is movably provided in the inner cavity for closing the first valve port. The second movable part is movably provided in the inner cavity for closing the second valve port. The connecting rod is passed through the guide hole, and the axial ends of the connecting rod are respectively connected to the first movable part and the second movable part.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the switching valve also includes two elastic parts sleeved on the outer periphery of the connecting rod, wherein the two ends of one of the elastic parts respectively abut against the first movable part and the side surface of the middle part facing the first movable part, and the two ends of the other elastic part respectively abut against the second movable part and the side surface of the middle part facing the second movable part.

[0037] The refrigeration system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0038] A device having a fluid outlet and a fluid inlet; the pressure of the fluid flowing out of the device at the fluid outlet is greater than the pressure of the fluid flowing into the device at the fluid inlet;

[0039] a switching valve having a first through hole, a second through hole and a third through hole, wherein the second through hole of the switching valve is connected to the fluid inlet;

[0040] Wherein, the device has a first operating condition and a second operating condition;

[0041] In the first working condition, the fluid outlet is connected to the first through hole, or the fluid outlet is connected to the first through hole and the third through hole at the same time, and the piston assembly inside the switching valve is driven by the fluid pressure difference to switch the switching valve to connect the second through hole and the third through hole;

[0042] In the second working condition, the fluid outlet is connected to the third through hole, or the fluid outlet is connected to the first through hole and the third through hole at the same time, and the piston assembly inside the switching valve is driven by the fluid pressure difference to switch the switching valve to connect the first through hole and the second through hole.

[0043] One embodiment disclosed above has at least the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0044] In the switching valve of the disclosed embodiment, the piston assembly is driven by fluid pressure and can move within the valve seat, connecting the first through-hole with the second through-hole or the second through-hole with the third through-hole, thereby switching the flow path. Compared to related art valves that use electromagnetic drive to achieve flow path switching, the switching valve of the disclosed embodiment has the advantages of simpler structure and lower cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a switching valve according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 , wherein the piston assembly is located in a second position.

[0047] FIG3 is an exploded schematic diagram of the switching valve according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of the cylinder in FIG2 .

[0049] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a switching valve according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB section line in FIG5 , wherein the piston assembly is located at the second position.

[0051] FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic diagram of a switching valve according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of the cylinder in FIG6 .

[0053] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a switching valve according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 9 , wherein the piston assembly is located between the first position and the second position.

[0055] FIG. 11 is an exploded schematic diagram of a switching valve according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG12 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body in FIG10.

[0057] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a switching valve according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the DD section line in FIG. 13 , wherein the piston assembly is located at an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

[0059] FIG. 15 is an exploded schematic diagram of a switching valve according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in the cooling mode.

[0061] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in the heating mode.

[0062] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure in a refrigeration mode.

[0063] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system in a heating mode according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] 20 and 21 are schematic diagrams of the switching valve according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure installed in the mounting seat from two different perspectives.

[0065] FIG22 is a schematic diagram showing a four-way valve from another perspective according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a mounting base from one perspective according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a mounting base from another perspective according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0068] FIG25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the FF section line in FIG24.

[0069] 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 22 , wherein the piston assembly is located in the second position and the second piston assembly is located in the fourth position.

[0070] The reference numerals are as follows: 20, switching valve 210, valve seat; 210a, seat body; 210b, first stopper; 210c, second stopper; 211, cylinder; 211a, Valve cavity; 211b, opening; 211c, cavity; 212a, first blocking member; 212b, second blocking member; 213, first sub-chamber; 213a, first through hole; 213b, second inner annular surface; 214, second sub-chamber; 214a, second through hole; 215, third sub-chamber; 215a, third through hole; 215b, first inner annular surface; 216, first valve port; 217, second valve port; 218, first annular protrusion; 2181, first annular conical surface; 2182, first annular tip; 219, second annular protrusion; 2191, second annular conical surface; 2192, second annular tip; 220, piston assembly; 221, first movable member; 2211, first closing portion; 2211a, first pressure surface; 2211b, First outer ring surface; 2211c, first sealing gasket; 2211d, first groove; 2211e, third through-hole; 2212, first extension; 222, second movable member; 2221, second closing portion; 2221a, second pressure-bearing surface; 2221b, second outer ring surface; 2221c, second sealing gasket; 2221d, second groove; 2221e, fourth through-hole; 2222, second extension; 223, connecting rod; 231, first guide structure; 2311, first guide groove; 2312, first guide column; 2312a, first receiving groove; 2312b, First through-hole; 2313, first guide rod; 2314, first guide hole; 232, second guide structure; 2321, second guide groove; 2322, second guide post; 2322a, second accommodating groove; 2322b, second through-hole; 2323, second guide rod; 2324, second guide hole; 241, first elastic member; 242, second elastic member; 251, first retaining spring; 252, second retaining spring; 253, first step structure; 254, second step structure; 255, first retaining groove; 256, second retaining groove; 261, valve body; 262, valve core; 262a, inner cavity; 262b, inner surface; 262c, outer surface; 2621, through-hole; 263, stopper; 264, intermediate portion; 2641, guide hole; 41. Outdoor heat exchanger; 42. Indoor heat exchanger; 50. Expansion valve; 61. First valve; 62. Second valve; 63. Three-way valve; 631. Inlet; 632. First outlet; 633. Second outlet; 70. Compressor; 71. Fluid inlet; 72. Fluid outlet; D. Direction of movement; 10. Mounting base; 101. First outer surface; 102. Second outer surface; 103. Third outer surface; 104. Fourth outer surface; 105. Fifth outer surface; 110. First flow channel; 111. First opening; 120. Second flow channel; 121. Second opening; 130. Third flow channel;131, third opening; 140, fourth flow channel; 141, fourth opening; 150, first chamber; 151, first mounting passage; 1511, fifth opening; 152, first communication passage; 153, second communication passage; 154, third communication passage; 160, second chamber; 161, second mounting passage; 1611, sixth opening; 162, fourth communication passage; 163, fifth communication passage; 164, sixth communication passage; 171, first seal; 172, second seal; 173, third seal; 174, fourth seal; 175, fifth seal; 176, sixth seal; 177, seventh seal; 178, eighth seal; 30, second valve assembly; 310, second valve seat; 311, third valve port; 312, fourth valve port; 313, second valve chamber; 320, second piston assembly; D1, first direction; D2, second direction; D3, third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals in the figures represent like or similar structures, and thus their detailed description will be omitted.

[0072] It is understood that the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or components inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0073] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the switching valve 20 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a valve seat 210 and a piston assembly 220. The valve seat 210 has a valve cavity 211a for fluid flow; the piston assembly 220 is configured to be driven by the pressure of the fluid and is movably accommodated in the valve cavity 211a to switch the flow path of the switching valve 20.

[0074] In one embodiment, the valve seat 210 may include a hollow cylinder 211 and two sealing members (212a, 212b). The cylinder 211 has a cavity 211c therein, and openings 211b are formed at both axial ends of the cylinder 211, communicating with the cavity 211c. The two sealing members (212a, 212b) are connected to the axial ends of the cylinder 211 and respectively seal the two openings 211b. The cylinder 211 and the two sealing members (212a, 212b) together form a valve cavity 211a, which is used to seal the piston assembly 220 within the valve cavity 211a.

[0075] The shape of the cylinder 211 may be cylindrical, conical, pyramidal, etc., which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0076] In another embodiment, the valve seat 210 may include a cylindrical body 211 and a sealing member. The cylindrical body 211 has a cavity 211c therein. An opening 211b communicating with the cavity 211c is formed at one axial end of the cylindrical body 211. The sealing member is connected to the axial end of the cylindrical body 211 and closes the opening 211b. The cylindrical body 211 and the sealing member together enclose a valve cavity 211a.

[0077] It should be noted that, as shown in FIG20 , the switching valve 20 of the present embodiment can be installed in a mounting base 10 for use. Specifically, the mounting base 10 has a mounting cavity 150 and flow passages (110, 120, 130, 140). The valve seat 210 of the switching valve 20 is fixedly mounted in the mounting cavity 150. When the piston assembly 210 is driven to move by fluid pressure, the flow passages (110, 120, 130, 140) of the mounting base 10 are switched.

[0078] Next, the switching valve 20 will be described in detail by taking the valve seat 210 including the cylinder 211 and two blocking members ( 212 a , 212 b ) as an example.

[0079] As shown in FIG4 , valve chamber 211a includes a first sub-chamber 213, a second sub-chamber 214, and a third sub-chamber 215 in the direction of movement D of piston assembly 220. Second sub-chamber 214 is disposed between first sub-chamber 213 and second sub-chamber 214. In the disclosed embodiment, cavity 211c of cylinder 211 is divided into first sub-chamber 213, second sub-chamber 214, and third sub-chamber 215 in the axial direction of cylinder 211. The direction of movement D of piston assembly 220 is parallel to the axial direction of cylinder 211.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sub-chamber 213 corresponds to the position of the first communicating channel 152 , the second sub-chamber 214 corresponds to the position of the second communicating channel 153 , and the third sub-chamber 215 corresponds to the position of the third communicating channel 154 .

[0081] The valve chamber 211 a further defines a first valve port 216 communicating with the second sub-chamber 214 and the third sub-chamber 215 , and a second valve port 217 communicating with the first sub-chamber 213 and the second sub-chamber 214 .

[0082] The valve seat 210 further has a first through hole 213a, a second through hole 214a, and a third through hole 215a. The first through hole 213a is connected to the first sub-chamber 213, the second through hole 214a is connected to the second sub-chamber 214, and the third through hole 215a is connected to the third sub-chamber 215. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the cylinder 211 is provided with the first through hole 213a, the second through hole 214a, and the third through hole 215a. The first through hole 213a, the second through hole 214a, and the third through hole 215a are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the cylinder 211. The first through hole 213a, the second through hole 214a, and the third through hole 215a extend through the inner and outer walls of the cylinder 211. The inner wall of the cylinder 211 refers to the side surface facing the cavity 211c, and the outer wall of the cylinder 211 refers to the side surface facing away from the cavity 211c.

[0083] The first sub-chamber 213 communicates with the first communication channel 152 through the first through hole 213a, the second sub-chamber 214 communicates with the second communication channel 153 through the second through hole 214a, and the third sub-chamber 215 communicates with the third communication channel 154 through the third through hole 215a.

[0084] It is understood that the number of each of the first through hole 213a, the second through hole 214a, and the third through hole 215a can be one or more. When the number of the first through hole 213a, the second through hole 214a, and the third through hole 215a is plural, the plurality of first through holes 213a are arranged along the circumference of the cylinder 211, the plurality of second through holes 214a are arranged along the circumference of the cylinder 211, and the plurality of third through holes 215a are arranged along the circumference of the cylinder 211.

[0085] Furthermore, the number of multiple first through holes 213a, multiple second through holes 214a and multiple third through holes 215a can be equal, and along the axial direction of the cylinder 211, the positions of the multiple first through holes 213a, multiple second through holes 214a and multiple third through holes 215a correspond to each other, but are not limited to this. For example, the positions of the first through holes 213a, the second through holes 214a and the third through holes 215a can also be staggered in the axial direction of the cylinder 211.

[0086] The first through hole 213a may also be provided in one of the blocking members 212b, and the third through hole 215a may also be provided in the other blocking member 212a.

[0087] Continuing with FIG4 , the inner wall surface of the cylinder 211 is further provided with a first annular protrusion 218 and a second annular protrusion 219. The first annular protrusion 218 and the second annular protrusion 219 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the cylinder 211. The first annular protrusion 218 is located between the second sub-chamber 214 and the third sub-chamber 215, and is used to separate the second sub-chamber 214 from the third sub-chamber 215. The second annular protrusion 219 is located between the first sub-chamber 213 and the second sub-chamber 214, and is used to separate the first sub-chamber 213 from the second sub-chamber 214.

[0088] The first annular protrusion 218 has a first annular conical surface 2181. The first annular conical surface 2181 forms an included angle with the axis of the cylinder 211. The axis of the cylinder 211 can serve as the axis of the first annular conical surface 2181. The first annular conical surface 2181 encloses the first valve port 216. When the piston assembly 220 is in the first position, the first annular conical surface 2181 is in sealing contact with the piston assembly 220.

[0089] The second annular protrusion 219 has a second annular conical surface 2191. The second annular conical surface 2191 forms an included angle with the axis of the cylinder 211, and the axis of the cylinder 211 can serve as the axis of the second annular conical surface 2191. The second annular conical surface 2191 encloses the second valve port 217. When the piston assembly 220 is in the second position, the second annular conical surface 2191 is in sealing contact with the piston assembly 220.

[0090] When the piston assembly 220 is located at the first position, the piston assembly 220 closes the first valve port 216 and opens the second valve port 217 ; when the piston assembly 220 is located at the second position, the piston assembly 220 closes the second valve port 217 and opens the first valve port 216 .

[0091] Referring back to Figure 2 , the piston assembly 220 is in the second position, closing the second valve port 217 and opening the first valve port 216. The second through hole 214a and the third through hole 215a are now in communication with each other through the first valve port 216. When the piston assembly 220 moves upward to the first position, it closes the first valve port 216 and opens the second valve port 217. The first through hole 213a and the second through hole 214a are now in communication with each other through the second valve port 217.

[0092] The driving force for the movement of the piston assembly 220 within the valve seat 210 is based on the pressure difference between the fluids in the first sub-chamber 213, the second sub-chamber 214, and the third sub-chamber 215 acting on the piston assembly 220. Specifically, when the pressure of the fluid in the first sub-chamber 213 acting on the piston assembly 220 is at its maximum, the fluid pressure can drive the piston assembly 220 to the second position; and when the pressure of the fluid in the third sub-chamber 215 acting on the piston assembly 220 is at its maximum, the fluid pressure can drive the piston assembly 220 to the first position.

[0093] Therefore, in the switching valve 20 of the present disclosure, the piston assembly 220 is driven by fluid pressure and can move within the valve seat 210, thereby connecting the first through-hole 213a with the second through-hole 214a or connecting the second through-hole 214a with the third through-hole 215a, thereby switching the flow path. Compared to related art valves that use electromagnetic drive to switch flow paths, the switching valve 20 of the present disclosure has the advantages of a simpler structure and lower cost.

[0094] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the switching valve 20 further includes two elastic members (241, 242), which are disposed in the valve cavity 211a, and each elastic member is connected to the piston assembly 220. One of the elastic members is used to cause the piston assembly 220 to move in a direction to close the first valve port 216, and the other elastic member is used to cause the piston assembly 220 to move in a direction to close the second valve port 217.

[0095] In the disclosed embodiment, under the elastic force provided by the two elastic members (241, 242), the piston assembly 220 can be positioned intermediate between the first position and the second position when not subject to fluid pressure, neither closing the first valve port 216 nor the second valve port 217, so that both the first valve port 216 and the second valve port 217 are in a half-open state. In this way, when fluid is introduced, the piston assembly 220 can quickly move to the first position or the second position, thereby improving the response speed.

[0096] In one embodiment, the elastic member may be a spring, a rubber pad, or the like.

[0097] 2 and 3 , the piston assembly 220 includes two movable members arranged along the moving direction D. The two movable members ( 221 , 222 ) are linked. In the first position, one movable member closes the first valve port 216 ; in the second position, the other movable member closes the second valve port 217 .

[0098] The linkage manner of the two movable members (221, 222) can have various embodiments, for example: in one embodiment, the two movable members (221, 222) are an integral structure; in another embodiment, the two movable members (221, 222) are abutted under the action of two elastic members; in another embodiment, the two movable members (221, 222) are connected by a linkage member (not shown in the figure).

[0099] Next, the switching valve 20 will be described in detail by taking the example of two movable members ( 221 , 222 ) abutting against each other.

[0100] As shown in FIG2 and FIG3, the two elastic members (241, 242) are respectively located on two sides of the two movable members (221, 222) facing away from each other along the moving direction D. Under the elastic force provided by the two elastic members (241, 242), the two movable members (221, 222) tend to always abut against each other.

[0101] For the sake of convenience, the two movable parts (221, 222) are defined as the first movable part 221 and the second movable part 222 respectively, the two elastic parts (241, 242) are defined as the first elastic part 241 and the second elastic part 242 respectively, and the two blocking parts (212a, 212b) are defined as the first blocking part 212a and the second blocking part 212b respectively.

[0102] The first movable member 221 includes a first sealing portion 2211 and a first extension portion 2212, and the second movable member 222 includes a second sealing portion 2221 and a second extension portion 2222. The first sealing portion 2211 and the second sealing portion 2221 are arranged opposite each other along the movement direction D. The first sealing portion 2211 is used to seal the first valve opening 216, and the second sealing portion 2221 is used to seal the second valve opening 217. The first extension portion 2212 is provided protrudingly on a side surface of the first sealing portion 2211 facing the second sealing portion 2221, and the second extension portion 2222 is provided protrudingly on a side surface of the second sealing portion 2221 facing the first sealing portion 2211. The first extension portion 2212 and the second extension portion 2222 abut against each other.

[0103] The outer circumference of the first sealing portion 2211 is adapted to the shape of the first annular conical surface 2181, so that the first sealing portion 2211 and the first annular conical surface 2181 are sealed together. The outer circumference of the second sealing portion 2221 is adapted to the shape of the second annular conical surface 2191, so that the second sealing portion 2221 and the second annular conical surface 2191 are sealed together.

[0104] In addition, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, a third sealing member 173 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the second blocking member 212b and the inner wall surface of the first installation channel 151, and a fourth sealing member 174 and a fifth sealing member 175 are provided between the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 211 and the inner wall surface of the first installation channel 151.

[0105] As shown in FIG2 , the piston assembly 220 is movably connected to the valve seat 210 via a guide structure, which is used to guide the piston assembly 220 in a movement direction D. The provision of the guide structure can improve the consistency of the reciprocating movement of the piston assembly 220 between the first position and the second position, and improve the sealing performance of the piston assembly 220 in closing the first valve port 216 or the second valve port 217.

[0106] In the disclosed embodiment, the two movable members are movably connected to the two blocking members of the valve seat 210 via two guide structures. For ease of description, the guide structure corresponding to the first movable member 221 is defined as the first guide structure 231, and the guide structure corresponding to the second movable member 222 is defined as the second guide structure 232. That is, the first movable member 221 is movably connected to the first blocking member 212a via the first guide structure 231, and the second movable member 222 is movably connected to the second blocking member 212b via the second guide structure 232.

[0107] The first guide structure 231 includes a first guide groove 2311 and a first guide column 2312. The first guide groove 2311 is provided on one of the first blocking member 212a and the first movable member 221. The first guide column 2312 is provided on the other of the first blocking member 212a and the first movable member 221. The first guide column 2312 is inserted into the first guide groove 2311, and the first guide column 2312 cooperates with the first guide groove 2311 in guiding along the moving direction D.

[0108] In the disclosed embodiment, a first guide post 2312 is protruding from the surface of the first closing portion 2211 of the first movable member 221 on the side facing away from the second movable member 222. A first guide groove 2311 is provided on the first blocking member 212a at a position corresponding to the first guide post 2312. Of course, in another embodiment, the first guide post 2312 can also be provided on the first blocking member 212a, and the first guide groove 2311 can be provided on the first closing portion 2211.

[0109] The second guide structure 232 includes a second guide groove 2321 and a second guide column 2322. The second guide groove 2321 is provided on one of the second blocking member 212b and the second movable member 222. The second guide column 2322 is provided on the other of the second blocking member 212b and the second movable member 222. The second guide column 2322 is inserted into the second guide groove 2321, and the second guide column 2322 cooperates with the second guide groove 2321 in a guiding manner along the moving direction D.

[0110] In the disclosed embodiment, a second guide post 2322 is protruding from the surface of the second closing portion 2221 of the second movable member 222 facing away from the first movable member 221, and a second guide groove 2321 is provided on the second blocking member 212b at a position corresponding to the second guide post 2322. Of course, in another embodiment, the second guide post 2322 can also be provided on the second blocking member 212b, and the second guide groove 2321 can be provided on the second closing portion 2221.

[0111] The first guide column 2312 is provided with a first accommodating groove 2312a with an opening toward the bottom surface of the first guide groove 2311. The first elastic member 241 is accommodated in the first accommodating groove 2312a, and the two ends of the first elastic member 241 are respectively abutted against the bottom surface of the first guide groove 2311 and the bottom surface of the first accommodating groove 2312a. The first elastic member 241 is used to apply an elastic force to the first movable member 221 to move toward the second movable member 222.

[0112] In one embodiment, the first receiving groove 2312 a extends into the first closing portion 2211 .

[0113] The first guide post 2312 further defines a first through-hole 2312b that extends through the inner wall of the first receiving groove 2312a and the outer circumference of the first guide post 2312. The first receiving groove 2312a communicates with the third sub-chamber 215 via the first through-hole 2312b. Fluid within the third sub-chamber 215 can flow into the first receiving groove 2312a through the first through-hole 2312b, thereby squeezing the bottom surface of the first receiving groove 2312a and causing the first movable member 221 to move toward closing the first valve port 216.

[0114] The second guide column 2322 is provided with a second accommodating groove 2322a with an opening toward the bottom surface of the second guide groove 2321. The second elastic member 242 is accommodated in the second accommodating groove 2322a, and the two ends of the second elastic member 242 are respectively abutted against the bottom surface of the second guide groove 2321 and the bottom surface of the second accommodating groove 2322a. The second elastic member 242 is used to apply an elastic force to the second movable member 222 to move toward the first movable member 221.

[0115] In one embodiment, the second receiving groove 2322 a extends into the second closing portion 2221 .

[0116] The second guide post 2322 also has a second through-hole 2322b extending through the inner wall of the second receiving groove 2322a and the outer circumference of the second guide post 2322. The second receiving groove 2322a communicates with the first sub-chamber 213 via the second through-hole 2322b. Fluid within the first sub-chamber 213 can flow through the second through-hole 2322b into the second receiving groove 2322a, thereby squeezing the bottom surface of the second receiving groove 2322a and causing the second movable member 222 to move toward closing the second valve port 217.

[0117] Continuing with Figure 2 , the first sealing portion 2211 has a first pressure-bearing surface 2211a on the side facing away from the second sealing portion 2221, and the second sealing portion 2221 has a second pressure-bearing surface 2221a on the side facing away from the first sealing portion 2211. In the first position, a first gap is always present between the second pressure-bearing surface 2221a and the inner wall of the valve cavity 211a. In the second position, a second gap is always present between the first pressure-bearing surface 2211a and the inner wall of the valve cavity 211a. The fluid in the third sub-chamber 215 can squeeze the first pressure-bearing surface 2211a through the first gap, causing the first movable member 221 to move toward closing the first valve port 216. The fluid in the first sub-chamber 213 can squeeze the second pressure-bearing surface 2221a through the second gap, causing the second movable member 222 to move toward closing the second valve port 217.

[0118] In the disclosed embodiment, the portion of the first sealing portion 2211's surface facing away from the second sealing portion 2221, not covered by the first guide post 2312, constitutes a first pressure-bearing surface 2211a. In the second position, a gap exists between the first pressure-bearing surface 2211a and the first blocking member 212a. The portion of the second sealing portion 2221's surface facing away from the first sealing portion 2211, not covered by the second guide post 2322, constitutes a second pressure-bearing surface 2221a. In the first position, a gap exists between the second pressure-bearing surface 2221a and the second blocking member 212b.

[0119] It can be understood that when the piston assembly 220 is in the extreme position (the first position or the second position), there is a gap between the first closing portion 2211 or the second closing portion 2221 and the inner wall surface of the valve cavity 211a, so that the first pressure surface 2211a or the second pressure surface 2221a will not fit tightly against the inner wall surface of the valve cavity 211a, making it easier for the fluid to push the piston assembly 220 to move, thereby switching the flow path.

[0120] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first movable member 221 and the second movable member 222 are linked, that is, when one of the first movable member 221 and the second movable member 222 moves, the other one will also move accordingly.

[0121] As shown in FIG5 to FIG8 , the switching valve 20 of the second embodiment of the present disclosure is similar to the switching valve 20 of the first embodiment and is not described in detail. The difference between the switching valve 20 and the first embodiment is as follows:

[0122] The cylindrical body 211 has a first inner annular surface 215b and a second inner annular surface 213b. The first inner annular surface 215b surrounds the third sub-chamber 215, while the second inner annular surface 213b surrounds the first sub-chamber 213. The first sealing portion 2211 of the first movable member 221 has a first outer annular surface 2211b on its outer periphery, which guides and engages with the first inner annular surface 215b. The second sealing portion 2221 of the second movable member 222 has a second outer annular surface 2221b on its outer periphery, which guides and engages with the second inner annular surface 213b.

[0123] 8 , the first annular protrusion 218 has a first annular tip 2182 , which encloses the first valve port 216 , while the second annular protrusion 219 has a second annular tip 2192 , which encloses the second valve port 217 .

[0124] As shown in Figures 6 and 7 , a first sealing gasket 2211c is provided on the side of the first sealing portion 2211 of the first movable member 221 facing the first annular tip 2182, and a second sealing gasket 2221c is provided on the side of the second sealing portion 2221 of the second movable member 222 facing the second annular tip 2192. In the first position, the first sealing gasket 2211c abuts the first annular tip 2182 and seals the first valve port 216; in the second position, the second sealing gasket 2221c abuts the second annular tip 2192 and seals the second valve port 217.

[0125] As shown in FIG6 , the two movable members ( 221 , 222 ) are provided with grooves on opposite sides of each other along the moving direction D. The two grooves ( 2211 d , 2221 d ) are respectively connected to the first sub-chamber 213 and the third sub-chamber 215 . The two grooves ( 2211 d , 2221 d ) are respectively defined as the first groove 2211 d and the second groove 2221 d .

[0126] In the disclosed embodiment, a first groove 2211d is defined on the side of the first closed portion 2211 of the first movable member 221 facing away from the second movable member 222. A third through-hole 2211e is defined in the wall of the first groove 2211d, connecting the first groove 2211d to the third sub-chamber 215 via the third through-hole 2211e. A second groove 2221d is defined on the side of the second closed portion 2221 of the second movable member 222 facing away from the first movable member 221. A fourth through-hole 2221e is defined in the wall of the second groove 2221d, connecting the second groove 2221d to the first sub-chamber 213 via the fourth through-hole 2221e.

[0127] It can be understood that the fluid can enter the first groove 2211d and the second groove 2221d, making it easier for the fluid to push the piston assembly 220 to move.

[0128] Continuing with FIG6 , the first elastic member 241 has two ends abutting the first annular protrusion 218 and the first movable member 221, respectively, for applying an elastic force to the first movable member 221 away from the second movable member 222. The second elastic member 242 has two ends abutting the second annular protrusion 219 and the second movable member 222, respectively, for applying an elastic force to the second movable member 222 away from the first movable member 221.

[0129] In one embodiment, both the first elastic member 241 and the second elastic member 242 are springs. The end of the first elastic member 241 closest to the second movable member 222 is sleeved around the outer periphery of the first annular tip 2182, and the first extension 2212 is inserted through the first elastic member 241. The end of the second elastic member 242 closest to the first movable member 221 is sleeved around the outer periphery of the second annular tip 2192, and the second extension 2222 is inserted through the second elastic member 242.

[0130] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the piston assembly 220 is driven by fluid pressure, the first movable member 221 and the second movable member 222 are linked together. When the piston assembly 220 is in a free state (i.e., not driven by fluid pressure), the first movable member 221 and the second movable member 222 do not abut against each other.

[0131] Specifically, when no fluid flows into the valve chamber 211a of the switching valve 20, the first movable member 221, under the elastic force of the first elastic member 241, abuts against the first blocking member 212a, thereby not sealing the first valve port 216. The second movable member 222, under the elastic force of the second elastic member 242, abuts against the second blocking member 212b, thereby not sealing the second valve port 217. At this point, the first movable member 221 and the second movable member 222 do not abut against each other, and a gap exists between the first extension portion 2212 and the second extension portion 2222. This gap provides space for either the first movable member 221 or the second movable member 222 to move.

[0132] When fluid flows into the valve chamber 211a within the switching valve 20 and the fluid pressure within the third sub-chamber 215 reaches its maximum, the fluid pressure overcomes the elastic force of the first elastic member 241 and pushes the first movable member 221 toward the first position until the first movable member 221 closes the first valve port 216. At this time, the first movable member 221 abuts against the second movable member 222. During the movement of the first movable member 221 toward the first position, the second movable member 222 does not move and remains in the open state of the second valve port 217. Furthermore, when the first movable member 221 moves to the first position, the first movable member 221 abuts against the second movable member 222. To a certain extent, the first movable member 221 can prevent the second movable member 222 from moving in the direction of closing the second valve port 217. When the fluid pressure in the first sub-chamber 213 is at its maximum, the fluid pressure overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic member 242 and pushes the second movable member 222 toward the second position until the second movable member 222 closes the second valve port 217. At this time, the second movable member 222 abuts against the first movable member 221. During the movement of the second movable member 222 toward the second position, the first movable member 221 does not move, and remains in the open state of the first valve port 216. Furthermore, when the second movable member 222 moves to the second position, the second movable member 222 abuts against the first movable member 221. To a certain extent, the second movable member 222 can prevent the first movable member 221 from moving in the direction of closing the first valve port 216.

[0133] It can be seen that when the piston assembly 220 of the switching valve 20 of the second embodiment of the present disclosure is in the extreme position (the first position or the second position), the first movable part 221 and the second movable part 222 abut against each other, so that the movable part corresponding to the valve port in the open state can be subjected to the abutting force of the other movable part, and this abutting force can prevent the two valve ports from being closed due to other reasons to a certain extent.

[0134] As shown in FIG9 to FIG12 , the switching valve 20 of the third embodiment of the present disclosure is similar to the switching valve 20 of the first embodiment and is not described in detail. The difference between the switching valve 20 and the first embodiment is as follows:

[0135] The valve seat 210 includes a seat body 210a and two stoppers (210b, 210c). The seat body 210a has a first sub-chamber 213, a second sub-chamber 214, and a third sub-chamber 215. A first through-hole 213a and a third through-hole 215a are provided on either side of the seat body 210a along the movement direction D. The first through-hole 213a and the third through-hole 215a are arranged opposite each other along the movement direction D. The first through-hole 213a communicates with the first sub-chamber 213, and the third through-hole 215a communicates with the third sub-chamber 215. The seat body 210a also has a second through-hole 214a, which communicates with the second sub-chamber 214. The two stoppers (210b, 210c) are respectively limited in the first through hole 213a and the third through hole 215a, and the two movable members (221, 222) are located between the two stoppers (210b, 210c); each movable member is movably connected to the stopper via a guide structure.

[0136] For ease of explanation, two stoppers ( 210 b , 210 c ) are defined as a first stopper 210 b and a second stopper 210 c , respectively. The first stopper 210 b corresponds to the first movable member 221 , and the second stopper 210 c corresponds to the second movable member 222 .

[0137] As shown in FIG12 , a first step structure 253 and a first clamping groove 255 are provided on the wall of the third through hole 215 a , and a second step structure 254 and a second clamping groove 256 are provided on the wall of the first through hole 213 a .

[0138] As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the switching valve 20 further includes a first retaining spring 251 and a second retaining spring 252. The first stopper 210b is disposed within the third through hole 215a and abuts against the first step structure 253. The first retaining spring 251 is engaged with the first retaining groove 255, and the first retaining spring 251 and the first step structure 253 jointly secure the first stopper 210b. The second stopper 210c is disposed within the first through hole 213a and abuts against the second step structure 254. The second retaining spring 252 is engaged with the second retaining groove 256, and the second retaining spring 252 and the second step structure 254 jointly secure the second stopper 210c.

[0139] The first movable member 221 is movably connected to the first stopper 210 b via the first guide structure 231 , and the second movable member 222 is movably connected to the second stopper 210 c via the second guide structure 232 .

[0140] The first guide structure 231 includes a first guide rod 2313 and a first guide hole 2314. The first guide rod 2313 is arranged on one of the first movable part 221 and the first stop part 210b, and the first guide hole 2314 is arranged on the other of the first movable part 221 and the first stop part 210b. The first guide rod 2313 is passed through the first guide hole 2314, and the first guide rod 2313 and the first guide hole 2314 are guided and matched in the moving direction D.

[0141] In the disclosed embodiment, the first guide rod 2313 is disposed on the side of the first closing portion 2211 of the first movable member 221 that faces away from the second movable member 222, and the first guide hole 2314 is disposed in the first stopper 210b. Of course, in another embodiment, the first guide rod 2313 can also be disposed on the first stopper 210b, and the first guide hole 2314 can be disposed in the first movable member 221.

[0142] The second guide structure 232 includes a second guide rod 2323 and a second guide hole 2324. The second guide rod 2323 is arranged on one of the second movable part 222 and the second stop part 210c, and the second guide hole 2324 is arranged on the other of the second movable part 222 and the second stop part 210c. The second guide rod 2323 is passed through the second guide hole 2324, and the second guide rod 2323 and the second guide hole 2324 are guided and matched in the moving direction D.

[0143] In the disclosed embodiment, the second guide rod 2323 is disposed on the side of the second closing portion 2221 of the second movable member 222 facing away from the first movable member 221, and the second guide hole 2324 is disposed in the second stopper 210c. Of course, in another embodiment, the second guide rod 2323 can also be disposed on the second stopper 210c, and the second guide hole 2324 can be disposed in the second movable member 222.

[0144] The first elastic member 241 is sleeved around the outer periphery of the first guide rod 2313, and its two ends respectively abut against the first stopper 210b and the first closing portion 2211 of the first movable member 221. The first elastic member 241 is used to apply an elastic force to the first movable member 221 to move toward the second movable member 222.

[0145] The second elastic member 242 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second guide rod 2323, and its two ends respectively abut against the second stopper 210c and the second closing portion 2221 of the second movable member 222. The second elastic member 242 is used to apply elastic force to the second movable member 222 to move toward the first movable member 221.

[0146] As shown in FIG13 to FIG15 , the switching valve 20 of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is similar to the switching valve 20 of the second embodiment and is not described in detail. The difference between the switching valve 20 and the second embodiment is as follows:

[0147] The valve seat 210 includes a valve body 261, a valve core 262 and a limiter 263. The valve body 261 has a first sub-chamber 213, a second sub-chamber 214 and a third sub-chamber 215. The valve core 262 is arranged in the second sub-chamber 214. The limiter 263 is arranged in the first sub-chamber 213 and is used to limit the valve core 262 in the second sub-chamber 214. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the limiter 263 is a cylindrical structure, but is not limited to this. The valve body 261 is also provided with a first through hole 213a, a second through hole 214a and a third through hole 215a. The first through hole 213a is connected to the first sub-chamber 213, the second through hole 214a is connected to the second sub-chamber 214, and the third through hole 215a is connected to the third sub-chamber 215.

[0148] The valve core 262 is a sleeve with openings at both ends in the axial direction and an inner cavity 262a. The valve core 262 has an inner surface 262b and an outer surface 262c. The inner surface 262b faces the inner cavity 262a, while the outer surface 262c faces away from the inner cavity 262a. A first annular protrusion 218 and a second annular protrusion 219 are both protruding from the inner surface 262b of the valve core 262. The first annular protrusion 218 and the second annular protrusion 219 are spaced apart along the movement direction D. The first annular protrusion 218 defines the first valve port 216, and the second annular protrusion 219 defines the second valve port 217.

[0149] The valve core 262 also has a through-hole 2621 extending through the inner surface 262b and outer surface 262c of the valve core 262. The inner cavity 262a of the valve core 262 communicates with the second sub-chamber 214 via the through-hole 2621. The valve core 262 also has an intermediate portion 264 connected to the inner surface 262b of the valve core 262 and positioned between the first annular protrusion 218 and the second annular protrusion 219. The intermediate portion 264 has a guide hole 2641 extending through the intermediate portion 264 along the direction of movement D.

[0150] The piston assembly 220 includes a first movable member 221, a second movable member 222, and a connecting rod 223. The connecting rod 223 is disposed within a guide hole 2641 in the intermediate portion 264. The connecting rod 223 has two axial ends connected to the first movable member 221 and the second movable member 222, respectively. This allows the first movable member 221, the second movable member 222, and the connecting rod 223 to move together when the piston assembly 220 is driven by fluid pressure.

[0151] The first elastic member 241 is sleeved around the outer periphery of the connecting rod 223, with both ends of the first elastic member 241 respectively contacting the first movable member 221 and the side surface of the middle portion 264 facing the first movable member 221. The second elastic member 242 is sleeved around the outer periphery of the connecting rod 223, with both ends of the second elastic member 242 respectively contacting the second movable member 222 and the side surface of the middle portion 264 facing the second movable member 222.

[0152] In one embodiment, in the free state, the inner surface 262b of the valve core 262 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first movable member 221, with a small gap between the outer circumferential surface of the first movable member 221 and the inner surface 262b of the valve core 262. In the free state, the inner surface 262b of the valve core 262 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the second movable member 222, with a small gap between the outer circumferential surface of the second movable member 222 and the inner surface 262b of the valve core 262.

[0153] It should be noted that the magnitude of the driving force exerted by a fluid on an object depends on the product of the pressure differential of the fluid passing through the object and the area of ​​the object subjected to the force. For the first movable member 221, due to the small gap between the outer circumference of the first movable member 221 and the inner surface 262b of the valve core 262, the pressure differential of the fluid in this gap is the greatest when the fluid passes through it. Simultaneously, the area of ​​the first movable member 221 subjected to the fluid's impact force is the greatest at this location. Therefore, the driving force exerted by the fluid on the first movable member 221 is maximized, thereby enhancing the movement capability of the first movable member 221.

[0154] Similarly, the driving force of the fluid acting on the second movable member 222 is also significantly improved, thereby improving the movement capability of the second movable member 222.

[0155] Therefore, by designing the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the first movable part 221 and the inner surface 262b of the valve core 262 to be smaller, and by designing the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the second movable part 222 and the inner surface 262b of the valve core 262 to be smaller, the movement ability of the piston assembly 220 can be improved, thereby reducing the pressure difference driving force required when the piston assembly 220 moves.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 , the refrigeration system of the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes the switching valve 20 , the outdoor heat exchanger 41 , the indoor heat exchanger 42 , the expansion valve 50 , and the device 70 according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0157] Since the switching valve 20 of any of the above embodiments is included, the refrigeration system of the embodiment of the present disclosure has all the advantages and beneficial effects of any of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0158] Device 70 has a fluid outlet 72 and a fluid inlet 71. The pressure of the fluid flowing out of device 70 at fluid outlet 72 is greater than the pressure of the fluid flowing into device 70 at fluid inlet 71. Device 70 has a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first operating mode is cooling mode, and the second operating mode is heating mode.

[0159] The fluid inlet 71 of the device 70 communicates with the second through hole 214 a of the switching valve 20 .

[0160] In the first working condition, the fluid outlet 72 of the device 70 is connected to the first through hole 213a of the switching valve 20, or the fluid outlet 72 is connected to the first through hole 213a and the third through hole 215a at the same time, and the piston assembly 220 of the switching valve 20 is driven by the fluid pressure difference to switch the switching valve 20 to connect with the second through hole 214a and the third through hole 215a.

[0161] Specifically, when the fluid outlet 72 is in communication with the first through-hole 213a of the switching valve 20, the pressure difference between the fluid in the first through-hole 213a and the fluid in the second through-hole 214a causes the switching valve 20 to switch to communication between the third through-hole 215a and the second through-hole 214a. When the fluid outlet 72 is in communication with both the first through-hole 213a and the third through-hole 215a, a first pressure difference exists between the fluid pressure in the first through-hole 213a and the fluid pressure in the second through-hole 214a, and a second pressure difference exists between the fluid pressure in the second through-hole 214a and the fluid pressure in the third through-hole 215a. The pressure difference between the first and second pressure differences causes the switching valve 20 to switch to communication between the third through-hole 215a and the second through-hole 214a.

[0162] In the case where there is a pressure difference between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference, this can be achieved by performing differential processing on the force-bearing areas of the first movable member 221 and the second movable member 222 .

[0163] In the second working condition, the fluid outlet 72 of the device 70 is connected to the third through hole 215a of the switching valve 20, or the fluid outlet 72 is connected to the first through hole 213a and the third through hole 215a at the same time, and the piston assembly 220 of the switching valve 20 is driven by the fluid pressure difference to switch the switching valve 20 to connect with the first through hole 213a and the second through hole 214a.

[0164] Specifically, when the fluid outlet 72 is in communication with the third through-hole 215a of the switching valve 20, the pressure difference between the fluid in the second through-hole 214a and the fluid in the third through-hole 215a causes the switching valve 20 to switch to communication between the first through-hole 213a and the second through-hole 214a. When the fluid outlet 72 is in communication with both the first through-hole 213a and the third through-hole 215a, a third pressure difference exists between the fluid in the first through-hole 213a and the fluid in the second through-hole 214a, and a fourth pressure difference exists between the fluid in the second through-hole 214a and the fluid in the third through-hole 215a. The pressure difference between the third and fourth pressure differences causes the switching valve 20 to switch to communication between the first through-hole 213a and the second through-hole 214a.

[0165] In the case where there is a pressure difference between the third pressure difference and the fourth pressure difference, this can be achieved by performing differential processing on the force-bearing areas of the first movable member 221 and the second movable member 222 .

[0166] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the refrigeration system also includes a first valve 61 and a second valve 62. The fluid outlet 72 of the device 70 is connected to the third through hole 215a of the switching valve 20 through the first valve 61, and the fluid outlet 72 of the device 70 is connected to the first through hole 213a of the switching valve 20 through the second valve 62.

[0167] The switching valve 20 , the outdoor heat exchanger 41 , the expansion valve 50 and the indoor heat exchanger 42 form a circulation flow path through the pipeline. The first through hole 213 a of the switching valve 20 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 41 , and the third through hole 215 a of the switching valve 20 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 42 .

[0168] In one embodiment, the first valve 61 and the second valve 62 may be stop valves, solenoid valves, etc.

[0169] In one embodiment, the device 70 may be a compressor, but is not limited thereto.

[0170] As shown in FIG16 , in cooling mode (device 70 is in the first operating state), first valve 61 is closed and second valve 62 is open. High-pressure fluid provided by fluid outlet 72 of device 70 passes only through second valve 62, not through first valve 61. After passing through second valve 62, the high-pressure fluid is divided into two high-pressure fluid paths. The first high-pressure fluid path passes through outdoor heat exchanger 41, expansion valve 50, and indoor heat exchanger 42 in sequence, becoming low-pressure fluid before flowing to third through hole 215a of switching valve 20. The second high-pressure fluid path flows to first through hole 213a of switching valve 20. Under the action of the second high-pressure fluid path, piston assembly 220 of switching valve 20 moves to the second position. At this point, second valve port 217 is closed, first valve port 216 is opened, and second through hole 214a communicates with third through hole 215a via first valve port 216. Consequently, the low-pressure fluid from the first high-pressure fluid path passes through third through hole 215a and second through hole 214a of switching valve 20 and returns to fluid inlet 71 of device 70.

[0171] As shown in FIG17 , in heating mode (device 70 is in the second operating state), first valve 61 is open and second valve 62 is closed. High-pressure fluid provided by fluid outlet 72 of device 70 passes only through first valve 61 and not through second valve 62. After passing through first valve 61, the high-pressure fluid is similarly divided into two high-pressure fluid paths. The first high-pressure fluid path passes sequentially through indoor heat exchanger 42, expansion valve 50, and outdoor heat exchanger 41, becoming low-pressure fluid before flowing to first through hole 213a of switching valve 20. The second high-pressure fluid path flows to third through hole 215a of switching valve 20. Under the action of the second high-pressure fluid path, piston assembly 220 of switching valve 20 moves to the first position. At this point, second valve port 217 opens, first valve port 216 closes, and first through hole 213a and second through hole 214a communicate via second valve port 217. Consequently, the low-pressure fluid from the first high-pressure fluid path passes through first and second through holes 213a, 214a of switching valve 20 and returns to fluid inlet 71 of device 70.

[0172] As shown in FIG18 and FIG19 , the similarities between the refrigeration system of the second embodiment of the present disclosure and the refrigeration system of the first embodiment are not repeated here, and the differences are as follows:

[0173] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a three-way valve 63 is used to replace the first valve 61 and the second valve 62 of the first embodiment.

[0174] The three-way valve 63 has an inlet 631, a first outlet 632, and a second outlet 633. The inlet 631 communicates with the second through-hole 214a of the switching valve 20, the first outlet 632 communicates with the first through-hole 213a of the switching valve 20, and the first outlet 632 communicates with the outdoor heat exchanger 41. The second outlet 633 communicates with the third through-hole 215a of the switching valve 20, and the second outlet 633 communicates with the indoor heat exchanger 42.

[0175] As shown in Figure 18, in the cooling mode, the second outlet 633 of the three-way valve 63 is closed, connecting the inlet 631 and the first outlet 632. The flow direction of the fluid is the same as that in the cooling mode of the first embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0176] As shown in Figure 19, in the heating mode, the first outlet 632 of the three-way valve 63 is closed, connecting the inlet 631 and the second outlet 633. The flow direction of the fluid is the same as that in the heating mode of the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0177] In one embodiment, the three-way valve 63 may be a stop valve, a solenoid valve, or the like.

[0178] The present disclosure also relates to a four-way valve, a pipeline accessory used to open and close pipelines, control flow direction, and adjust and control the parameters of a conveyed medium. However, during operation, the sealing components of some related art valves (such as ball valves and slide valves) are constantly worn, resulting in a short service life.

[0179] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a four-way valve with a prolonged service life to a certain extent, thereby solving the problem of short service life of valves in related technologies.

[0180] The four-way valve of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0181] The mounting seat has a first chamber, a second chamber, a first flow channel, a second flow channel, a third flow channel, and a fourth flow channel; the first flow channel connects the first chamber and the second chamber, the second flow channel connects the first chamber and the second chamber, the third flow channel connects the first chamber, and the fourth flow channel connects the second chamber;

[0182] a switching valve, at least a portion of which is located in a first chamber; the switching valve includes a piston assembly, which is disposed in the first chamber and is configured to be driven by fluid pressure to move relative to the mounting seat between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the piston assembly closes a path in the first chamber for connecting the second flow channel and the third flow channel, and opens a path in the first chamber for connecting the first flow channel and the third flow channel; in the second position, the piston assembly opens a path in the first chamber for connecting the second flow channel and the third flow channel, and closes a path in the first chamber for connecting the first flow channel and the third flow channel; and

[0183] A second valve assembly, at least part of which is located in the second chamber; the second valve assembly includes a second piston assembly, which is arranged in the second chamber and moves between a third position and a fourth position relative to the mounting seat; in the third position, the second piston assembly opens a path in the second chamber for connecting the second flow channel and the fourth flow channel, and closes a path in the second chamber for connecting the first flow channel and the fourth flow channel; in the fourth position, the second piston assembly opens a path in the second chamber for connecting the first flow channel and the fourth flow channel, and closes a path in the second chamber for connecting the second flow channel and the fourth flow channel.

[0184] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the switching valve also includes a valve seat, at least a portion of which is fixedly installed in the first chamber, the valve seat has a valve cavity connected to the first chamber, and the valve cavity has a first valve port and a second valve port; the first flow channel is connected to the third flow channel through the second valve port, and the second flow channel is connected to the third flow channel through the first valve port; the piston assembly is arranged in the valve cavity, and in the first position, the piston assembly closes the first valve port and opens the second valve port; in the second position, the piston assembly closes the second valve port and opens the first valve port.

[0185] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the piston assembly closes the first valve port via a first seal, and the piston assembly closes the second valve port via a second seal.

[0186] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first chamber comprises:

[0187] a first installation channel, which passes through a side surface of the installation seat, and the valve seat is fixedly installed in the first installation channel;

[0188] a first communicating channel surrounding the outer periphery of the first mounting channel and communicating with the first mounting channel; and the first flow channel communicating with the first communicating channel;

[0189] a second communicating channel surrounding the outer periphery of the first mounting channel and communicating with the first mounting channel; and the third flow channel communicating with the second communicating channel;

[0190] The third communication channel surrounds the outer periphery of the first installation channel and is communicated with the first installation channel; the second flow channel is communicated with the third communication channel.

[0191] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a third seal, a fourth seal, and a fifth seal are further provided in the first installation channel;

[0192] The third sealing member is sealed between the valve seat and the inner wall surface of the first installation channel, and is used to isolate the first communication channel from the external space of the installation seat;

[0193] The fourth sealing member is sealed between the valve seat and the inner wall surface of the first installation channel, and is used to isolate the first communication channel from the second communication channel;

[0194] The fifth sealing member is sealed between the valve seat and the inner wall surface of the first installation channel to isolate the second communication channel from the third communication channel.

[0195] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first communicating channel, the second communicating channel, and the third communicating channel are sequentially arranged in the moving direction of the piston assembly.

[0196] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second valve assembly also includes a second valve seat, at least a portion of the second valve seat is fixedly installed in the second chamber, the second valve seat has a second valve chamber connected to the second chamber, the second valve chamber has a third valve port and a fourth valve port, the first flow channel is connected to the fourth flow channel through the fourth valve port, and the second flow channel is connected to the fourth flow channel through the third valve port; the second piston assembly is arranged in the second chamber, in the third position, the second piston assembly closes the fourth valve port and opens the third valve port; in the fourth position, the second piston assembly closes the third valve port and opens the fourth valve port.

[0197] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second chamber comprises:

[0198] a second mounting channel, passing through a side surface of the mounting seat, wherein the second valve seat is fixedly mounted in the second mounting channel;

[0199] a fourth communication channel surrounding the outer periphery of the second installation channel and communicating with the second installation channel; the first flow channel communicating with the fourth communication channel;

[0200] a fifth communication channel surrounding the outer periphery of the second installation channel and communicating with the second installation channel; the fourth flow channel communicating with the fifth communication channel;

[0201] The sixth communication channel is connected to one end of the second installation channel and communicates with the second installation channel; the second flow channel is communicated with the sixth communication channel.

[0202] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a sixth seal, a seventh seal, and an eighth seal are further provided in the second installation channel;

[0203] The sixth sealing member is sealed between the second valve seat and the inner wall surface of the second mounting channel, and is used to isolate the fourth communicating channel from the external space of the mounting seat;

[0204] The seventh sealing member is sealed between the second valve seat and the inner wall surface of the second installation channel, and is used to isolate the fourth communication channel from the fifth communication channel;

[0205] The eighth sealing member is sealed between the second valve seat and the inner wall surface of the second installation channel to isolate the fifth communication channel from the sixth communication channel.

[0206] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fourth communication channel, the fifth communication channel, and the sixth communication channel are sequentially arranged in a moving direction of the second piston assembly.

[0207] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mount has a first outer surface, a second outer surface, and a third outer surface that are not coplanar;

[0208] The first flow channel and the second flow channel penetrate the first outer surface; the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel penetrate the second outer surface; and the first chamber and the second chamber penetrate the third outer surface.

[0209] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first flow channel and the second flow channel form a first opening and a second opening with the first outer surface, respectively, and the arrangement direction of the first opening and the second opening is defined as a first direction;

[0210] The third flow channel and the fourth flow channel form a third opening and a fourth opening with the second outer surface respectively, and the arrangement direction of the third opening and the fourth opening is defined as a second direction;

[0211] The first cavity and the second cavity form a fifth opening and a sixth opening with the third outer surface respectively, and the arrangement direction of the fifth opening and the sixth opening is defined as the second direction;

[0212] The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0213] One embodiment disclosed above has at least the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0214] In the four-way valve of the disclosed embodiment, when the piston assembly is in the first position, it closes the path in the first chamber that connects the second flow channel with the third flow channel, and opens the path in the first chamber that connects the first flow channel with the third flow channel; when the piston assembly is in the second position, it closes the path in the first chamber that connects the first flow channel with the third flow channel, and opens the path in the first chamber that connects the second flow channel with the third flow channel. Thus, in the first position, the portion of the piston assembly that seals one of the paths is not squeezed; in the second position, the portion of the piston assembly that seals the other path is not squeezed; when the piston assembly moves between the first and second positions, at least one of the two portions of the piston assembly that seal the two paths can be relaxed and is not constantly in a state of wear, thereby increasing the service life.

[0215] As shown in Figures 20 to 22 , the four-way valve according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a mounting seat 10, a switching valve 20, and a second valve assembly 30. The switching valve 20 and the second valve assembly 30 are fixedly mounted on the mounting seat 10.

[0216] The present disclosure does not particularly limit the shape of the mounting seat 10 . For example, the mounting seat 10 may be prismatic, cylindrical, or the like.

[0217] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the mounting base 10 is a cube, but the shape is not limited thereto.

[0218] As shown in Figures 23 to 25, the mounting base 10 of the present embodiment has a first chamber 150, a second chamber 160, a first flow channel 110, a second flow channel 120, a third flow channel 130, and a fourth flow channel 140. The first flow channel 110 connects the first chamber 150 and the second chamber 160, the second flow channel 120 connects the first chamber 150 and the second chamber 160, the third flow channel 130 connects the first chamber 150, and the fourth flow channel 140 connects the second chamber 160.

[0219] The mounting base 10 has a non-coplanar first outer surface 101, a second outer surface 102, and a third outer surface 103. A first flow channel 110 and a second flow channel 120 extend through the first outer surface 101; a third flow channel 130 and a fourth flow channel 140 extend through the second outer surface 102; and a first cavity 150 and a second cavity 160 extend through the third outer surface 103.

[0220] Continuing with Figures 23 to 25 , the first flow channel 110 and the second flow channel 120 form a first opening 111 and a second opening 121, respectively, with the first outer surface 101. The first opening 111 and the second opening 121 are arranged in a first direction D1. The third flow channel 130 and the fourth flow channel 140 form a third opening 131 and a fourth opening 141, respectively, with the second outer surface 102. The third opening 131 and the fourth opening 141 are arranged in a second direction D2. The first cavity 150 and the second cavity 160 form a fifth opening 1511 and a sixth opening 1611, respectively, with the third outer surface 103. The fifth opening 1511 and the sixth opening 1611 are arranged in a second direction D2. The first direction D1 is perpendicular to the second direction D2.

[0221] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, a third direction D3 is defined, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first outer surface 101 and the second outer surface 102 are arranged opposite each other along the third direction D3, and the third outer surface 103 is connected to the first outer surface 101 and the second outer surface 102 at both ends along the third direction D3.

[0222] The mounting base 10 further has two fourth outer surfaces 104 and a fifth outer surface 105. The two fourth outer surfaces 104 are arranged opposite each other along the second direction D2, and each fourth outer surface 104 is connected to the first outer surface 101, the second outer surface 102, and the third outer surface 103. The fifth outer surface 105 is arranged opposite the third outer surface 103 along the first direction D1, and is connected to the first outer surface 101, the second outer surface 102, and the two fourth outer surfaces 104.

[0223] It can be understood that there can be various embodiments for the arrangement positions of the first opening 111, the second opening 121, the third opening 131, the fourth opening 141, the fifth opening 1511 and the sixth opening 1611 on the mounting base 10. For example, in one embodiment, the first opening 111 and the second opening 121, the third opening 131 and the fourth opening 141 are arranged on the other two oppositely arranged outer surfaces, such as the first opening 111 and the second opening 121 are arranged on one of the fourth outer surfaces 104, and the third opening 131 and the fourth opening 141 are arranged on the other fourth outer surface 104; in another embodiment, the first opening 111 and the second opening 121, the third opening 131 and the fourth opening 141 are arranged on two adjacent outer surfaces of the mounting base 10, such as the first opening 111 and the second opening 121 are arranged on the first outer surface 101, and the third opening 131 and the fourth opening 141 are arranged on one of the fourth outer surfaces 104.

[0224] At least part of the switching valve 20 is located in the first chamber 150; the switching valve 20 includes a piston assembly 220, which is arranged in the first chamber 150 and moves between a first position and a second position relative to the mounting seat 10; in the first position, the piston assembly 220 closes the path in the first chamber 150 for connecting the second flow channel 120 and the third flow channel 130, and opens the path in the first chamber 150 for connecting the first flow channel 110 and the third flow channel 130; in the second position, the piston assembly 220 opens the path in the first chamber 150 for connecting the second flow channel 120 and the third flow channel 130, and closes the path in the first chamber 150 for connecting the first flow channel 110 and the third flow channel 130.

[0225] At least a portion of the second valve assembly 30 is located in the second chamber 160; the second valve assembly 30 includes a second piston assembly 320, which is located in the second chamber 160 and moves between a third position and a fourth position relative to the mounting seat 10; in the third position, the second piston assembly 320 opens a path in the second chamber 160 for connecting the second flow channel 120 and the fourth flow channel 140, and closes a path in the second chamber 160 for connecting the first flow channel 110 and the fourth flow channel 140; in the fourth position, the second piston assembly 320 opens a path in the second chamber 160 for connecting the first flow channel 110 and the fourth flow channel 140, and closes a path in the second chamber 160 for connecting the second flow channel 120 and the fourth flow channel 140.

[0226] As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the switching valve 20 also includes a valve seat 210, which is fixedly installed in the first chamber 150. The valve seat 210 has a valve cavity 211a connected to the first chamber 150, and the valve cavity 211a has a first valve port 216 and a second valve port 217. The first flow channel 110 is connected to the third flow channel 130 through the second valve port 217, and the second flow channel 120 is connected to the third flow channel 130 through the first valve port 216; the piston assembly 220 is arranged in the valve cavity 211a and moves between a first position and a second position relative to the valve seat 210; in the first position, the piston assembly 220 closes the first valve port 216 through the first sealing member 171 and opens the second valve port 217; in the second position, the piston assembly 220 closes the second valve port 217 through the second sealing member 172 and opens the first valve port 216.

[0227] The second valve assembly 30 also includes a second valve seat 310, which is fixedly installed in the second chamber 160. The second valve seat 310 has a second valve cavity 313 connected to the second chamber 160. The second valve cavity 313 has a third valve port 311 and a fourth valve port 312. The first flow channel 110 and the fourth flow channel 140 are connected through the fourth valve port 312, and the second flow channel 120 and the fourth flow channel 140 are connected through the third valve port 311; the second piston assembly 320 is arranged in the second valve cavity 313 and moves between a third position and a fourth position relative to the second valve seat 310; in the third position, the second piston assembly 320 closes the fourth valve port 312 and opens the third valve port 311; in the fourth position, the second piston assembly 320 closes the third valve port 311 and opens the fourth valve port 312.

[0228] It is understood that in the four-way valve of the disclosed embodiment, when the piston assembly 220 is in the first position, the first valve port 216 is closed by the first sealing member 171, and the second valve port 217 is opened. When the piston assembly 220 is in the second position, the second valve port 217 is closed by the second sealing member 172, and the first valve port 216 is opened. Thus, in the first position, the second sealing member 172 is not squeezed by the piston assembly 220 and the second valve port 217. In the second position, the first sealing member 171 is not squeezed by the second piston assembly 320 and the first valve port 216. When the piston assembly 220 moves between the first and second positions, at least one of the first sealing member 171 and the second sealing member 172 can be relaxed and is not constantly in a state of wear, thereby improving the service life of the four-way valve.

[0229] It should be noted that the piston assembly 220 is respectively sealed with the first valve port 216 and the second valve port 217 by the first sealing member 171 and the second sealing member 172, which can be considered as a soft seal. In other embodiments, the first sealing member 171 and the second sealing member 172 can also be omitted, so that the piston assembly 220 and the first valve port 216 and the second valve port 217 are hard seals.

[0230] In addition, in other embodiments, the valve seat 210 of the switching valve 20 may be omitted, and the first valve port 216 and the second valve port 217 are provided in the first chamber 150 of the mounting seat 10 .

[0231] Similarly, the second valve seat 310 of the second valve assembly 30 may be omitted, and the third valve port 311 and the fourth valve port 312 are provided in the first chamber 150 of the mounting seat 10 .

[0232] In one embodiment, the switching valve 20 of the disclosed embodiment is a pressure differential valve, and the second valve assembly 30 is an electronic expansion valve, but the present invention is not limited thereto. When the piston assembly 220 is a pressure differential valve, the piston assembly 220 is configured to be driven by fluid pressure to move between a first position and a second position.

[0233] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the movement directions of the piston assembly 220 and the second piston assembly 320 are parallel and parallel to the first direction D1. For the convenience of explanation, the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 26 is defined as upward, and the opposite direction is defined as downward.

[0234] Next, the flow path switching of the four-way valve in the embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail by taking the switching valve 20 as a pressure differential valve and the second valve assembly 30 as an electronic expansion valve as an example.

[0235] As shown in Figure 26, the second piston assembly 320 moves downward along the first direction D1 until it moves to the fourth position, at which point the second piston assembly 320 closes the third valve port 311 and opens the fourth valve port 312. At this point, the first flow channel 110 and the fourth flow channel 140 are connected through the fourth valve port 312, while the second flow channel 120 and the fourth flow channel 140 are disconnected. If a high-pressure fluid flows into the fourth flow channel 140, the fluid flows into the first flow channel 110 through the fourth valve port 312. The fluid in the first flow channel 110 is in a high-pressure state and enters the valve cavity 211a of the valve seat 210. The piston assembly 220 moves downward (toward the second position) under the pressure of the fluid. When the piston assembly 220 moves to the second position, the piston assembly 220 closes the second valve port 217 through the second sealing member 172 and opens the first valve port 216. At this point, the second flow channel 120 is connected to the third flow channel 130, while the first flow channel 110 is disconnected from the third flow channel 130. The high-pressure fluid flowing out of the first flow channel 110, after being processed by other equipment, becomes a low-pressure fluid and flows into the second flow channel 120. It then enters the valve chamber 211a and flows out of the third flow channel 130. The second piston assembly 320 moves upward in the first direction D1 until it reaches the third position, at which point it closes the fourth valve port 312 and opens the third valve port 311. At this point, the second flow channel 120 is connected to the fourth flow channel 140, while the first flow channel 110 is disconnected from the fourth flow channel 140. If high-pressure fluid flows into the fourth flow channel 140, it flows through the third valve port 311 into the second flow channel 120. The fluid in the second flow channel 120 is then in a high-pressure state and enters the valve chamber 211a of the valve seat 210. The piston assembly 220 moves upward (toward the first position) under the pressure of the fluid. When the piston assembly 220 moves to the first position, it seals the first valve port 216 via the first seal 171 and opens the second valve port 217. At this point, the first flow channel 110 is connected to the third flow channel, while the second flow channel 120 is disconnected from the third flow channel 130. The high-pressure fluid flowing out of the second flow channel 120, after being processed by other equipment, becomes low-pressure fluid and flows into the first flow channel 110. It then enters the valve chamber 211a and flows out of the third flow channel 130.

[0236] It can be seen that in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the function of a four-way valve is achieved through the cooperation of the switching valve 20, the second valve assembly 30 and the mounting seat 10.

[0237] It is understandable that the switching valve 20 is a pressure differential valve, which can complete flow path switching without power supply during operation, and has the advantages of simple structure and low cost.

[0238] In addition, for the second valve assembly 30 , the structure for driving the second piston assembly 320 to move between the third position and the fourth position may adopt mature technology in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here.

[0239] As shown in Figure 25, the first chamber 150 includes a first mounting channel 151, a first communication channel 152, a second communication channel 153, and a third communication channel 154. The first mounting channel 151 extends along the first direction D1 and penetrates a side surface of the mounting base 10. The valve seat 210 is fixedly mounted within the first mounting channel 151. In the disclosed embodiment, the first mounting channel 151 penetrates the third outer surface 103 of the mounting base 10, and the first mounting channel 151 and the third outer surface 103 form a fifth opening 1511.

[0240] The first communication channel 152 surrounds the outer circumference of the first mounting channel 151 and communicates with the first mounting channel 151. The first flow channel 110 communicates with the first communication channel 152. The second communication channel 153 surrounds the outer circumference of the first mounting channel 151 and communicates with the first mounting channel 151. The third flow channel 130 communicates with the second communication channel 153. The third communication channel 154 surrounds the outer circumference of the first mounting channel 151 and communicates with the first mounting channel 151. The second flow channel 120 communicates with the third communication channel 154.

[0241] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first communication channel 152, the second communication channel 153, and the third communication channel 154 are arranged sequentially in the direction of movement of the piston assembly 220. The first communication channel 152 surrounds the outer circumference of the portion of the first mounting channel 151 close to the fifth opening 1511, the third communication channel 154 surrounds the outer circumference of the portion of the first mounting channel 151 away from the fifth opening 1511, and the second communication channel 153 is located between the first communication channel 152 and the third communication channel 154 and surrounds the middle portion of the first mounting channel 151 along the first direction D1.

[0242] Continuing with Figure 25 , the second chamber 160 includes a second mounting channel 161, a fourth communication channel 162, a fifth communication channel 163, and a sixth communication channel 164. The second mounting channel 161 extends along the first direction D1 and penetrates a side surface of the mounting base 10. The second valve seat 310 is fixedly mounted within the second mounting channel 161. In the disclosed embodiment, the second mounting channel 161 penetrates the third outer surface 103 of the mounting base 10, and the second mounting channel 161 and the third outer surface 103 form a sixth opening 1611.

[0243] The fourth connecting channel 162 surrounds the outer periphery of the second mounting channel 161 and is connected to the second mounting channel 161; the first flow channel 110 is connected to the fourth connecting channel 162; the fifth connecting channel 163 surrounds the outer periphery of the second mounting channel 161 and is connected to the second mounting channel 161; the fourth flow channel 140 is connected to the fifth connecting channel 163; the sixth connecting channel 164 is connected to one end of the second mounting channel 161 and is connected to the second mounting channel 161; the second flow channel 120 is connected to the sixth connecting channel 164.

[0244] In the disclosed embodiment, the fourth communication channel 162, the fifth communication channel 163, and the sixth communication channel 164 are arranged sequentially in the direction of movement of the second piston assembly 320. The fourth communication channel 162 surrounds the outer circumference of the portion of the second mounting channel 161 near the sixth opening 1611. The sixth communication channel 164 is connected to the end of the second mounting channel 161 away from the sixth opening 1611. The fifth communication channel 163 is located between the fourth communication channel 162 and the sixth communication channel 164.

[0245] In the second direction D2 , the first flow channel 110 is located between the first installation channel 151 and the second installation channel 161 , and the second flow channel 120 is located between the first installation channel 151 and the second installation channel 161 .

[0246] As shown in Figure 26, a third sealing member 173, a fourth sealing member 174, and a fifth sealing member 175 are further provided within the first installation channel 151. The third sealing member 173 seals between the valve seat 210 and the inner wall of the first installation channel 151, isolating the first communication channel 152 from the external space of the installation seat 10. The fourth sealing member 174 seals between the valve seat 210 and the inner wall of the first installation channel 151, isolating the first communication channel 152 from the second communication channel 153. The fifth sealing member 175 seals between the valve seat 210 and the inner wall of the first installation channel 151, isolating the second communication channel 153 from the third communication channel 154.

[0247] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, when the switching valve 20 includes the valve seat 210, the portion of the valve seat 210 located between the fourth sealing member 174 and the fifth sealing member 175 may be omitted. In other words, in the disclosed embodiment, the valve seat 210 is divided into two independent portions, one portion corresponding to the first communication channel 152 and the other portion corresponding to the third communication channel 154.

[0248] In another embodiment, the portion of the valve seat 210 below the fourth sealing member 174 may be completely eliminated.

[0249] A sixth seal 176, a seventh seal 177 and an eighth seal 178 are also provided in the second installation channel 161; the sixth seal 176 is sealed between the second valve seat 310 and the inner wall surface of the second installation channel 161, and is used to isolate the fourth connecting channel 162 from the external space of the installation seat 10; the seventh seal 177 is sealed between the second valve seat 310 and the inner wall surface of the second installation channel 161, and is used to isolate the fourth connecting channel 162 from the fifth connecting channel 163; the eighth seal 178 is sealed between the second valve seat 310 and the inner wall surface of the second installation channel 161, and is used to isolate the fifth connecting channel 163 from the sixth connecting channel 164.

[0250] It can be understood that the first to eighth sealing members mentioned above can all be sealing rings, but are not limited thereto.

[0251] It is understandable that the various embodiments / implementations provided in the present disclosure can be combined with each other without causing any contradiction, and they will not be illustrated one by one here.

[0252] In the disclosed embodiments, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "plurality" refers to two or more, unless expressly limited otherwise. Terms such as "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "connected" can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the disclosed embodiments can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0253] In the description of the disclosed embodiments, it should be understood that the terms "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "back", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the disclosed embodiments and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the disclosed embodiments.

[0254] Throughout this specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," and "specific embodiments" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the disclosed embodiments. Throughout this specification, schematic representations of these terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0255] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the disclosed embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the disclosed embodiments shall be included within the scope of protection of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A switching valve, characterized in that: include: A valve seat having a valve cavity for fluid flow; as well as a piston assembly, configured to be driven by the pressure of the fluid and movably accommodated in the valve chamber; The valve chamber has a first sub-chamber, a second sub-chamber and a third sub-chamber in the moving direction of the piston assembly, and the second sub-chamber is arranged between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber; the valve chamber is also provided with a first valve port connecting the second sub-chamber and the third sub-chamber, and a second valve port connecting the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber; The valve seat further has a first through hole, a second through hole and a third through hole, the first through hole is communicated with the first sub-chamber, the second through hole is communicated with the second sub-chamber, and the third through hole is communicated with the third sub-chamber; In a first position, the piston assembly closes the first valve port and opens the second valve port; in a second position, the piston assembly closes the second valve port and opens the first valve port.

2. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piston assembly is movably connected to the valve seat via a guide structure, and the guide structure is used to guide the piston assembly to move along the moving direction.

3. The switching valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The piston assembly includes two movable members arranged along the moving direction, and the two movable members are linked; in the first position, one of the movable members closes the first valve port; in the second position, the other movable member closes the second valve port; Each movable member is movably connected to the valve seat via one of the guide structures.

4. The switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide structure includes a guide groove and a guide column, the guide groove is arranged on one of the valve seat and the movable part, the guide column is arranged on the other of the valve seat and the movable part, the guide column is inserted into the guide groove, and the guide column cooperates with the guide groove in guiding along the moving direction.

5. The switching valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the guide pillars is provided with a receiving groove opening toward the bottom surface of the guide groove; The switching valve also includes two elastic parts, which are respectively accommodated in the two accommodating grooves, and the two ends of each elastic part are respectively abutted against the bottom surface of the guide groove and the bottom surface of the accommodating groove. The elastic part is used to apply an elastic force to the movable part corresponding to the elastic part to move toward the other movable part.

6. The switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The valve seat includes a seat body and two stoppers, the seat body has the first sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber and the third sub-chamber, and the seat body is also provided with the first through hole and the third through hole on both sides along the moving direction; the two stoppers are respectively fixed in the first through hole and the third through hole, and the two movable parts are located between the two stoppers; each movable part is movably connected to the stopper through a guide structure.

7. The switching valve according to claim 6, characterized in that: The guide structure includes a guide rod and a guide hole, the guide rod is arranged on one of the movable part and the stopper, the guide hole is arranged on the other of the movable part and the stopper, the guide rod is passed through the guide hole, and the guide rod and the guide hole cooperate in guiding in the moving direction.

8. The switching valve according to claim 7, characterized in that: The switching valve also includes two elastic members, which are respectively sleeved on the outer circumference of the two guide rods, and the two ends of each elastic member are respectively abutted against the stop member and the movable member, and the elastic member is used to apply an elastic force to the movable member corresponding to the elastic member to move toward the other movable member.

9. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piston assembly comprises a first closing portion for closing the first valve port and a second closing portion for closing the second valve port, wherein the first closing portion and the second closing portion are arranged at intervals along the moving direction; The first closing portion has a first pressure-bearing surface on a side facing away from the second closing portion, and the second closing portion has a second pressure-bearing surface on a side facing away from the first closing portion; In the first position, a first gap is provided between the second pressure-bearing surface and the inner wall surface of the valve cavity; in the second position, a second gap is provided between the first pressure-bearing surface and the inner wall surface of the valve cavity.

10. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve seat comprises a hollow cylinder and two blocking members, the cylinder has a cavity inside, the two axial ends of the cylinder are provided with openings communicating with the cavity, the two blocking members are respectively connected to the two axial ends of the cylinder and respectively close the two openings, and the cylinder and the two blocking members together enclose the valve cavity; The cylinder has a first inner annular surface and a second inner annular surface, the first inner annular surface surrounds the third sub-chamber, and the second inner annular surface surrounds the first sub-chamber; The outer periphery of the piston assembly comprises a first outer ring surface which is in guiding cooperation with the first inner ring surface, and a second outer ring surface which is in guiding cooperation with the second inner ring surface.

11. The switching valve according to claim 10, characterized in that: The piston assembly includes two movable members arranged along the moving direction, and are respectively defined as a first movable member and a second movable member; in the first position, the first movable member closes the first valve port; In the second position, the second movable member closes the second valve port; The inner wall surface of the cylinder is also provided with a first annular protrusion and a second annular protrusion, and the first annular protrusion and the second annular protrusion are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the cylinder. The first annular protrusion is located between the second sub-chamber and the third sub-chamber and surrounds the first valve port; the second annular protrusion is located between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber and surrounds the second valve port.

12. The switching valve according to claim 11, characterized in that: The switching valve also includes two elastic parts, wherein two ends of one of the elastic parts respectively abut against the first annular protrusion and the first movable part, so as to apply an elastic force to the first movable part away from the second movable part, and two ends of the other elastic part respectively abut against the second annular protrusion and the second movable part, so as to apply an elastic force to the second movable part away from the first movable part.

13. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve seat comprises a valve body and a valve core, the valve body has the first sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber and the third sub-chamber, the valve core is limited in the second sub-chamber; the valve body is also provided with the first through hole, the second through hole and the third through hole; The valve core is a sleeve with openings at both axial ends and an inner cavity, and the piston assembly is movably arranged in the inner cavity; the inner cavity of the valve core is connected to the second sub-chamber, and the inner cavity is provided with the first valve port and the second valve port.

14. The switching valve according to claim 13, characterized in that: The valve core also has an inner surface facing the inner cavity and an outer surface facing away from the inner cavity; the valve core also has a through hole penetrating the inner surface and the outer surface, and the inner cavity is connected to the second sub-chamber through the through hole.

15. The switching valve according to claim 14, characterized in that: The inner surface of the valve core is also provided with a middle portion, and the middle portion has a guide hole penetrating the middle portion along the moving direction; The piston assembly includes a first movable part, a second movable part and a connecting rod. The first movable part is movably disposed in the inner cavity for closing the first valve port. The second movable part is movably disposed in the inner cavity for closing the second valve port. The connecting rod is passed through the guide hole, and the axial ends of the connecting rod are respectively connected to the first movable part and the second movable part.

16. The switching valve according to claim 15, characterized in that: The switching valve also includes two elastic parts sleeved on the outer periphery of the connecting rod, wherein two ends of one of the elastic parts respectively abut against the first movable part and a side surface of the middle part facing the first movable part, and two ends of the other elastic part respectively abut against the second movable part and a side surface of the middle part facing the second movable part.

17. A refrigeration system, characterized in that: include: A device having a fluid outlet and a fluid inlet; The pressure of the fluid flowing out of the device through the fluid outlet is greater than the pressure of the fluid flowing into the device through the fluid inlet; A switching valve having a first through hole, a second through hole and a third through hole, wherein the second through hole of the switching valve is connected to the fluid inlet; Wherein, the device has a first operating condition and a second operating condition; In the first working condition, the fluid outlet is connected to the first through hole, or the fluid outlet is connected to the first through hole and the third through hole at the same time, and the piston assembly inside the switching valve is driven by the fluid pressure difference to switch the switching valve to the second through hole and the third through hole. In the second working condition, the fluid outlet is connected to the third through hole, or the fluid outlet is connected to the first through hole and the third through hole at the same time, and the piston assembly inside the switching valve is driven by the fluid pressure difference to switch the switching valve to connect the first through hole and the second through hole.

18. A four-way valve, characterized in that: include: The mounting seat has a first chamber, a second chamber, a first flow channel, a second flow channel, a third flow channel, and a fourth flow channel; the first flow channel connects the first chamber and the second chamber, the second flow channel connects the first chamber and the second chamber, the third flow channel connects the first chamber, and the fourth flow channel connects the second chamber; a switching valve, at least part of which is located in a first chamber; the switching valve includes a piston assembly, which is disposed in the first chamber and is configured to be driven by fluid pressure to move relative to the mounting seat between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the piston assembly closes a path in the first chamber for connecting the second flow channel with the third flow channel, and opens a path in the first chamber for connecting the first flow channel with the third flow channel; in the second position, the piston assembly opens a path in the first chamber for connecting the second flow channel with the third flow channel, and closes a path in the first chamber for connecting the first flow channel with the third flow channel; and A second valve assembly, at least a portion of which is located in the second chamber; the second valve assembly includes a second piston assembly, which is disposed in the second chamber and moves between a third position and a fourth position relative to the mounting seat; in the third position, the second piston assembly opens a path in the second chamber for connecting the second flow channel with the fourth flow channel, and closes a path in the second chamber for connecting the first flow channel with the fourth flow channel; in the fourth position, the second piston assembly opens a path in the second chamber for connecting the first flow channel with the fourth flow channel, and closes a path in the second chamber for connecting the second flow channel with the fourth flow channel.

19. The four-way valve according to claim 18, characterized in that: The switching valve also includes a valve seat, at least a portion of which is fixedly installed in the first chamber, the valve seat has a valve cavity connected to the first chamber, the valve cavity has a first valve port and a second valve port; the first flow channel is connected to the third flow channel through the second valve port, and the second flow channel is connected to the third flow channel through the first valve port; the piston assembly is arranged in the valve cavity, in the first position, the piston assembly closes the first valve port and opens the second valve port; in the second position, the piston assembly closes the second valve port and opens the first valve port.

20. The four-way valve according to claim 19, characterized in that The piston assembly closes the first valve port via a first sealing member, and the piston assembly closes the second valve port via a second sealing member.

21. The four-way valve according to claim 19, characterized in that: The first chamber comprises: A first installation channel runs through a side surface of the installation seat, and the valve seat is fixedly installed in the first installation channel; a first communication channel surrounding the outer periphery of the first installation channel and communicating with the first installation channel; and the first flow channel communicating with the first communication channel; a second communication channel surrounding the outer periphery of the first installation channel and communicating with the first installation channel; and the third flow channel communicating with the second communication channel; The third communication channel surrounds the outer periphery of the first installation channel and is communicated with the first installation channel; the second flow channel is communicated with the third communication channel.

22. The four-way valve according to claim 21, characterized in that: A third sealing member, a fourth sealing member and a fifth sealing member are also provided in the first installation channel; The third sealing member is sealed between the valve seat and the inner wall surface of the first installation channel, and is used to isolate the first communication channel from the external space of the installation seat; The fourth sealing member is sealed between the valve seat and the inner wall surface of the first installation channel, and is used to isolate the first communication channel from the second communication channel; The fifth sealing member is sealed between the valve seat and the inner wall surface of the first installation channel to isolate the second communication channel from the third communication channel.

23. The four-way valve according to claim 21, characterized in that: The first communication channel, the second communication channel, and the third communication channel are arranged in sequence in a moving direction of the piston assembly.

24. The four-way valve according to claim 18, characterized in that: The second valve assembly also includes a second valve seat, at least a portion of which is fixedly installed in the second chamber, the second valve seat has a second valve chamber connected to the second chamber, the second valve chamber has a third valve port and a fourth valve port, the first flow channel is connected to the fourth flow channel through the fourth valve port, and the second flow channel is connected to the fourth flow channel through the third valve port; the second piston assembly is arranged in the second chamber, in the third position, the second piston assembly closes the fourth valve port and opens the third valve port; in the fourth position, the second piston assembly closes the third valve port and opens the fourth valve port.

25. The four-way valve according to claim 24, characterized in that The second chamber comprises: A second installation channel runs through a side surface of the installation seat, and the second valve seat is fixedly installed in the second installation channel; a fourth communication channel, surrounding the outer periphery of the second installation channel and communicating with the second installation channel; the first flow channel communicating with the fourth communication channel; a fifth communication channel, surrounding the outer periphery of the second installation channel and communicating with the second installation channel; the fourth flow channel communicating with the fifth communication channel; The sixth communication channel is connected to one end of the second installation channel and communicates with the second installation channel; the second flow channel is communicated with the sixth communication channel.

26. The four-way valve according to claim 25, characterized in that: A sixth sealing member, a seventh sealing member and an eighth sealing member are also provided in the second installation channel; The sixth sealing member is sealed between the second valve seat and the inner wall surface of the second mounting channel, and is used to isolate the fourth communicating channel from the external space of the mounting seat; The seventh sealing member is sealed between the second valve seat and the inner wall surface of the second installation channel, and is used to isolate the fourth communication channel from the fifth communication channel; The eighth sealing member is sealed between the second valve seat and the inner wall surface of the second installation channel to isolate the fifth communication channel from the sixth communication channel.

27. The four-way valve according to claim 25, characterized in that: The fourth communication passage, the fifth communication passage, and the sixth communication passage are sequentially arranged in a moving direction of the second piston assembly.

28. The four-way valve according to claim 18, characterized in that: The mounting base has a first outer surface, a second outer surface, and a third outer surface that are not coplanar; The first flow channel and the second flow channel penetrate the first outer surface; the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel penetrate the second outer surface; and the first chamber and the second chamber penetrate the third outer surface.

29. The four-way valve according to claim 28, characterized in that The first flow channel and the second flow channel respectively form a first opening and a second opening with the first outer surface, and an arrangement direction of the first opening and the second opening is defined as a first direction; The third flow channel and the fourth flow channel respectively form a third opening and a fourth opening with the second outer surface, and the arrangement direction of the third opening and the fourth opening is defined as a second direction; The first chamber and the second chamber respectively form a fifth opening and a sixth opening with the third outer surface, and the arrangement direction of the fifth opening and the sixth opening is defined as the second direction; The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

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