Switching valve and multi-way valve

Abstract

Disclosed are a switching valve and a multi-way valve. The switching valve comprises a second valve seat (100), a second piston (230) assembly (200), and an elastic assembly (300). The second valve seat (100) comprises a second valve cavity (101), and the second valve cavity (101) comprises a first cavity (101a) and a second cavity (101b) that are communicated with each other. At least part of the second piston (230) assembly (200) is movably arranged in the second valve cavity (101); the second piston (230) assembly (200) comprises a piston rod (210), a first piston (220), and a second piston (230); the first piston (220) is connected to the piston rod (210) and moves within the first cavity (101a); and the second piston (230) is connected to the piston rod (210) and moves within the second cavity (101b). The elastic assembly (300) is connected to the second piston (230) assembly (200); and the elastic assembly (300) is located within the first cavity (101a) and not within the second cavity (101b), and is used for enabling the second piston (230) assembly (200) to be in a balanced state, wherein the balanced state indicates that, in the absence of fluid impact, the second piston (230) assembly (200) remains stationary relative to the second valve seat (100). The structure eliminates the need for additional guiding fixtures, thereby reducing assembly difficulty.

Description

Switching valves and multi-way valves

[0001] Cross-referencing

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent applications filed on January 22, 2025, with application number 202510107479.7 entitled "Multi-way Valve" and application number 202510107356.3 entitled "Switching Valve", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of fluid control technology, and more specifically, to a switching valve and a multi-way valve. Background Technology

[0004] The switching valve includes a valve seat, a piston assembly, and two springs. The piston assembly includes a piston rod and two pistons. The valve seat contains a valve chamber, which includes a first chamber for mounting one piston and a second chamber for mounting the other piston. One spring is located in the first chamber, and the other spring is located in the second chamber. Driven by fluid pressure, the piston assembly moves within the valve chamber of the valve seat, thereby switching the flow path. The two springs provide elastic force to the piston assembly, allowing the switching valve to quickly return to an equilibrium state after being impacted by fluid, thus enabling switching between different operating conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, a switching valve is provided, including a second valve seat, a second piston assembly, and a resilient assembly. The second valve seat has a second valve chamber, which includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are in communication with each other. At least a portion of the second piston assembly is movably disposed within the second valve chamber. The second piston assembly includes a piston rod, a first piston, and a second piston. The first piston is connected to the piston rod and moves within the first chamber, and the second piston is connected to the piston rod and moves within the second chamber. The resilient assembly is connected to the second piston assembly and is located within the first chamber but not within the second chamber, for maintaining the second piston assembly in a balanced state. The balanced state refers to the second piston assembly remaining stationary relative to the second valve seat under conditions of no fluid impact.

[0006] According to a second aspect of this application, a multi-way valve is provided, including the switching valve of the first aspect of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0008] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a four-way valve according to an embodiment of this application.

[0009] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the four-way valve according to an embodiment of this application from another angle.

[0010] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the four-way valve according to an embodiment of this application.

[0011] Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the body from one perspective.

[0012] Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the body from another perspective.

[0013] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram obtained after cutting along the CC section line in Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the first and second parts.

[0015] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a tee.

[0016] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the second valve assembly according to the first embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram obtained after cutting along section line AA in Figure 9.

[0018] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the second piston assembly in Figure 10 when it is in a balanced state.

[0019] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the second valve assembly according to the second embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram obtained after cutting along the BB section line in Figure 12.

[0021] Figure 14 shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the piston rod and the first piston in Figure 12 after they are connected. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted.

[0023] It is understood that the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or components inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0024] [Multi-way valve example]

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the multi-way valve in this embodiment can be a four-way valve. Of course, in other embodiments, the multi-way valve can also be a three-way valve. The following description will use a four-way valve as an example.

[0026] Four-way valves are commonly used in refrigeration systems as piping accessories for opening and closing pipelines, controlling flow direction, and regulating and controlling the parameters of the transported medium. However, during operation, the high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the four-way valve and the low-temperature refrigerant flowing out of the valve can easily exchange heat inside the valve, reducing the efficiency of the refrigeration system.

[0027] The four-way valve of this application embodiment includes a mounting base 10, a first valve assembly 20 and a second valve assembly 30, the first valve assembly 20 and the second valve assembly 30 being fixedly mounted on the mounting base 10.

[0028] Mounting base 10 has a first mounting cavity 10a, a second mounting cavity 10b, a first interface 11a, a second interface 11b, a third interface 11c, and a fourth interface 11d. At least a portion of the first valve assembly 20 is located within the first mounting cavity 10a, and at least a portion of the second valve assembly 30 is located within the second mounting cavity 10b. The first interface 11a communicates with the first mounting cavity 10a, the fourth interface 11d communicates with the second mounting cavity 10b, the second interface 11b communicates with both the first and second mounting cavities 10a and 10b, and the third interface 11c communicates with both the first and second mounting cavities 10a and 10b.

[0029] When the four-way valve is applied to a refrigeration system, the first port 11a is used to allow high-temperature refrigerant to flow into the four-way valve, the fourth port 11d is used to allow low-temperature refrigerant to flow out of the four-way valve, and the second port 11b and the third port 11c are connected to the evaporator and condenser of the refrigeration system, respectively.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, in this embodiment of the application, the mounting base 10 includes a body 16 and two manifolds 17. The body 16 has a first mounting cavity 10a, a second mounting cavity 10b, a first interface 11a, and a fourth interface 11d. At least a portion of the first valve assembly 20 is located within the first mounting cavity 10a and is fixedly connected to the body 16. At least a portion of the second valve assembly 30 is located within the second mounting cavity 10b and is fixedly connected to the body 16. The body 16 also has a first manifold 16a and a second manifold 16b. The first manifold 16a communicates with both the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b, respectively, and the second manifold 16b communicates with both the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b, respectively. The two manifolds 17 are connected to the body 16 and respectively seal the first manifold 16a and the second manifold 16b.

[0031] It should be noted that the mounting base 10 in this embodiment includes a body 16 and two manifolds 17. The body 16 is an integral part, and the two manifolds 17 are respectively connected to the body 16. This reduces the number of interfaces on the client side and makes it easier to install the four-way valve into the refrigeration system.

[0032] Regarding the shape of the body 16, this application does not impose any particular limitation. For example, the body 16 can be prism-shaped, cylindrical, etc. Prism-shaped bodies can include, but are not limited to, cubes, cuboids, etc.

[0033] In this embodiment, the body 16 is rectangular, but not limited thereto. For ease of explanation, the length direction of the body 16 is defined as the first direction D1, the width direction as the second direction D2, and the height direction as the third direction D3. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are all mutually perpendicular. In one embodiment, the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b are arranged along the first direction D1.

[0034] The body 16 has two first outer surfaces 16c, two second outer surfaces 16d, and two third outer surfaces 16e. The first outer surfaces 16c, 16d, and 16e are not coplanar and are perpendicular to each other. The two first outer surfaces 16c are positioned opposite each other along a third direction D3, the two second outer surfaces 16d are positioned opposite each other along a second direction D2, and the two third outer surfaces 16e are positioned opposite each other along a first direction D1. The two ends of the first outer surfaces 16c along the second direction D2 are connected to the two second outer surfaces 16d, and the two ends of the first outer surfaces 16c along the first direction D1 are connected to the two third outer surfaces 16e. The two ends of the second outer surfaces 16d along the third direction D3 are connected to the two first outer surfaces 16c, and the two ends of the second outer surfaces 16d along the first direction D1 are connected to the two third outer surfaces 16e. The third outer surface 16e is connected to the two second outer surfaces 16d at both ends along the second direction D2, and the third outer surface 16e is connected to the two first outer surfaces 16c at both ends along the third direction D3.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, a first mounting cavity 10a and a second mounting cavity 10b are formed by recessing from one of the first outer surfaces 16c into the body 16. A first interface 11a is formed by recessing from one of the third outer surfaces 16e into the body 16, and a fourth interface 11d is formed by recessing from the other third outer surface 16e into the body 16. The first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b are located between the first interface 11a and the fourth interface 11d.

[0036] The first manifold 16a and the second manifold 16b are both formed by recessing from one of the second outer surfaces 16d into the body 16, and the first manifold 16a and the second manifold 16b are arranged at intervals along the third direction D3.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first manifold 16a and the second manifold 16b are both elongated oval shapes, the first manifold 16a and the second manifold 16b are parallel to each other, and their length direction is parallel to the first direction D1.

[0038] When viewed from the angle along the second direction D2, the first manifold 16a covers at least a portion of the first mounting cavity 10a and at least a portion of the second mounting cavity 10b, and the second manifold 16b covers at least a portion of the first mounting cavity 10a and at least a portion of the second mounting cavity 10b.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, one of the manifolds 17 has a second interface 11b, which is connected to the first manifold 16a, and the other manifold 17 has a third interface 11c, which is connected to the second manifold 16b.

[0040] In the embodiments of this application, the two manifolds 17, while connecting the first manifold 16a and the second manifold 16b, can also isolate the refrigerant in the second interface 11b from heat exchange.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the first valve assembly 20 includes a first piston assembly 20a, which is configured to move relative to the mounting base 10 between a first position and a second position. When the first piston assembly 20a is in the first position, it closes the path within the first mounting cavity 10a used to connect the first interface 11a and the third interface 11c, and opens the path within the first mounting cavity 10a used to connect the first interface 11a and the second interface 11b. When the first piston assembly 20a is in the second position, it closes the path within the first mounting cavity 10a used to connect the first interface 11a and the second interface 11b, and opens the path within the first mounting cavity 10a used to connect the first interface 11a and the third interface 11c.

[0042] The second valve assembly 30 includes a second piston assembly 200 configured to move relative to the mounting base 10 between a third position and a fourth position. When the second piston assembly 200 is in the third position, it closes the path within the second mounting cavity 10b for connecting the fourth interface 11d and the third interface 11c, and opens the path within the second mounting cavity 10b for connecting the fourth interface 11d and the second interface 11b. When the second piston assembly 200 is in the fourth position, it closes the path within the second mounting cavity 10b for connecting the fourth interface 11d and the second interface 11b, and opens the path within the second mounting cavity 10b for connecting the fourth interface 11d and the third interface 11c.

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, the function of a four-way valve can be realized by the movement of the first piston assembly 20a between a first position and a second position, and by the movement of the second piston assembly 200 between a third position and a fourth position. Specifically, when the first piston assembly 20a is in the first position, the first port 11a and the third port 11c are not connected, while the first port 11a and the second port 11b are connected; at this time, the second piston assembly 200 is in the fourth position, the fourth port 11d is not connected to the second port 11b, while the fourth port 11d is connected to the third port 11c. When the first piston assembly 20a is in the second position, the first port 11a and the second port 11b are not connected, while the first port 11a and the third port 11c are connected; at this time, the second piston assembly 200 is in the third position, the fourth port 11d is not connected to the third port 11c, while the fourth port 11d is connected to the second port 11b.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the body 16 of the mounting base 10 also has a first heat insulation structure 15 located between the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b. The heat conduction system of the first heat insulation structure 15 is smaller than that of the mounting base 10. The first heat insulation structure 15 can reduce the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first mounting cavity 10a and the refrigerant in the second mounting cavity 10b, thus avoiding affecting the efficiency of the refrigeration system.

[0045] Therefore, the four-way valve of this application embodiment, by providing a first heat insulation structure 15 between the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b of the mounting base 10, can reduce the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first mounting cavity 10a and the refrigerant in the second mounting cavity 10b, thereby avoiding the problem of affecting the efficiency of the refrigeration system due to heat exchange between high-temperature refrigerant and low-temperature refrigerant.

[0046] In one embodiment, along the arrangement direction of the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b (i.e., the first direction D1), the first interface 11a and the fourth interface 11d are respectively located on both sides of the first heat insulation structure 15. Since the first heat insulation structure 15 separates the first interface 11a and the fourth interface 11d, the first heat insulation structure 15 can reduce the heat exchange between the high-temperature refrigerant flowing into the first interface 11a and the low-temperature refrigerant flowing out of the fourth interface 11d.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, the first mounting cavity 10a includes a first sub-cavity 10c that is directly connected to the first interface 11a, the second mounting cavity 10b includes a second sub-cavity 10d that is directly connected to the fourth interface 11d, and the first heat insulation structure 15 is located between the first sub-cavity 10c and the second sub-cavity 10d.

[0048] The orthographic projection of the first sub-cavity 10c onto the first target plane is the first projection; the orthographic projection of the second sub-cavity 10d onto the first target plane is the second projection; and the orthographic projection of the first heat insulation structure 15 onto the first target plane is the third projection; the first target plane is perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0049] The first projection and the third projection have a first overlapping region; and / or, the second projection and the third projection have a second overlapping region.

[0050] It should be noted that, since the first sub-cavity 10c is directly connected to the first interface 11a, and the second sub-cavity 10d is directly connected to the fourth interface 11d, the temperature in the area of ​​the first sub-cavity 10c within the first mounting cavity 10a is the highest, and the temperature in the area of ​​the second sub-cavity 10d within the second mounting cavity 10b is the lowest. In this embodiment, the first heat insulation structure 15 separates the first sub-cavity 10c and the second sub-cavity 10d, which can reduce the efficiency of heat exchange between the two areas with the largest temperature difference.

[0051] Furthermore, the first projection falls entirely within the third projection; and / or, the second projection falls entirely within the third projection.

[0052] In the embodiments of this application, the first heat insulation structure 15 completely separates the first sub-cavity 10c and the second sub-cavity 10d, thereby improving the heat insulation efficiency and further reducing the efficiency of heat exchange between the two regions with the largest temperature difference.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first interface 11a is located on the side of the first mounting cavity 10a facing away from the first heat insulation structure 15, and the fourth interface 11d is located on the side of the second mounting cavity 10b facing away from the first heat insulation structure 15.

[0054] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first mounting cavity 10a further includes a third sub-cavity 10e and a fourth sub-cavity 10f located at both ends of the first sub-cavity 10c, and the second mounting cavity 10b further includes a fifth sub-cavity 10g and a sixth sub-cavity 10h located at both ends of the second sub-cavity 10d. The third sub-cavity 10e, the fifth sub-cavity 10g, the first manifold 16a, and the second interface 11b are connected. The fourth sub-cavity 10f, the sixth sub-cavity 10h, the second manifold 16b, and the third interface 11c are connected.

[0055] In one embodiment, the first thermal insulation structure 15 includes a groove 15a, which is recessed inward from the outer surface of the body 16.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in this embodiment of the application, the groove 15a penetrates the two first outer surfaces 16c of the body 16 and penetrates the second outer surface 16d of the body 16 where the first confluence hole 16a and the second confluence hole 16b are not provided.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, the first thermal insulation structure 15 further includes a thermal insulation element 15b made of thermal insulation material, which is filled in the groove 15a. By filling the groove 15a with the thermal insulation element 15b, the risk of heat exchange between the high-temperature refrigerant and the low-temperature refrigerant can be further reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of the refrigeration system.

[0058] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation material may include, but is not limited to, rock wool, ceramics, glass fiber, etc.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the second interface 11b is not directly connected to the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b respectively, but is connected to the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b respectively through the first manifold 16a. Similarly, the third interface 11c is not directly connected to the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b respectively, but is connected to the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b respectively through the second manifold 16b. Therefore, when the first piston assembly 20a and the second piston assembly 200 are in motion, the switching path of the four-way valve is as follows:

[0060] When the first piston assembly 20a is in the first position, it closes the path within the first mounting cavity 10a used to connect the first interface 11a and the second manifold 16b, and opens the path within the first mounting cavity 10a used to connect the first interface 11a and the first manifold 16a. At this time, the first interface 11a cannot connect to the third interface 11c through the second manifold 16b, but it can connect to the second interface 11b through the first manifold 16a. When the first piston assembly 20a is in the second position, it closes the path within the first mounting cavity 10a used to connect the first interface 11a and the first manifold 16a, and opens the path within the first mounting cavity 10a used to connect the first interface 11a and the second manifold 16b. At this time, the first interface 11a cannot connect to the second interface 11b through the first manifold 16a, but it can connect to the third interface 11c through the second manifold 16b.

[0061] When the second piston assembly 200 is in the third position, it closes the path within the second mounting cavity 10b used to connect the fourth interface 11d and the second manifold 16b, and opens the path within the second mounting cavity 10b used to connect the fourth interface 11d and the first manifold 16a. At this time, the fourth interface 11d cannot connect to the third interface 11c through the second manifold 16b, but it can connect to the second interface 11b through the first manifold 16a. When the second piston assembly 200 is in the fourth position, it closes the path within the second mounting cavity 10b used to connect the fourth interface 11d and the first manifold 16a, and opens the path within the second mounting cavity 10b used to connect the fourth interface 11d and the second manifold 16b. At this time, the fourth interface 11d cannot connect to the second interface 11b through the first manifold 16a, but it can connect to the third interface 11c through the second manifold 16b.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first manifold 16a and the second manifold 16b are disposed on the same side surface of the body 16. In the embodiments of this application, the first manifold 16a and the second manifold 16b are both disposed on one of the second outer surfaces of the body 16.

[0063] Of course, in other embodiments, the first manifold 16a and the second manifold 16b may also be disposed on different surfaces of the body 16. For example, the first manifold 16a and the second manifold 16b may be disposed on two second outer surfaces 16d of the body 16, respectively.

[0064] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the body 16 also has a second heat insulation structure 18 located between the first manifold 16a and the second manifold 16b. The thermal conductivity of the second heat insulation structure 18 is less than that of the body 16 of the mounting base 10.

[0065] In the embodiments of this application, the second heat insulation structure 18 can not only isolate the heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first interface 11a and the fourth interface 11d, but also isolate the heat exchange between the refrigerant in the second interface 11b and the third interface 11c.

[0066] In one embodiment, the second heat insulation structure 18 is a groove, which is formed by recessing the outer surface of the body 16 inward.

[0067] In the embodiments of this application, the groove is formed by recessing from the second outer surface 16d into the body 16 along the second direction D2.

[0068] In one embodiment, the groove may communicate with the trench 15a.

[0069] As shown in Figure 3, the orthographic projections of the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b onto a second target plane are the fourth and fifth projections, respectively. The orthographic projections of the second interface 11b and the third interface 11c onto the second target plane are the sixth and seventh projections, respectively. The sixth projection overlaps with the fifth projection, but does not overlap with the fourth projection. The seventh projection overlaps with the fifth projection, but does not overlap with the fourth projection. The second target plane is parallel to the second outer surface 16d. The second target plane is also perpendicular to the second direction D2.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second interface 11b is closer to the second mounting cavity 10b than the first mounting cavity 10a. This shortens the connection path between the second interface 11b and the second mounting cavity 10b, thereby reducing the flow resistance on the low-pressure side of the four-way valve. Similarly, the third interface 11c is closer to the second mounting cavity 10b than the first mounting cavity 10a. This shortens the connection path between the third interface 11c and the second mounting cavity 10b, thereby reducing the flow resistance on the low-pressure side of the four-way valve.

[0071] Furthermore, the sixth projection is located within the fifth projection, and the seventh projection is located within the fifth projection. Thus, in the second direction D2, the position of the second interface 11b is directly opposite the position of the second mounting cavity 10b, and the position of the third interface 11c is directly opposite the position of the second mounting cavity 10b, minimizing the connection path between the second interface 11b and the second mounting cavity 10b, and minimizing the connection path between the third interface 11c and the second mounting cavity 10b, thereby maximizing the reduction of flow resistance on the low-pressure side of the four-way valve.

[0072] In one embodiment, the flow area of ​​the fourth interface 11d is greater than or equal to the flow area of ​​the second interface 11b, the flow area of ​​the third interface 11c is greater than or equal to the flow area of ​​the first interface 11a, and the flow area of ​​the second interface 11b is equal to the flow area of ​​the third interface 11c.

[0073] In the embodiments of this application, since the flow area is inversely proportional to the flow resistance, the flow area of ​​the fourth port 11d is the largest, so the flow resistance of the refrigerant passing through the fourth port 11d is the smallest, thus achieving the purpose of reducing the flow resistance on the low-pressure side of the four-way valve.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6, the first valve assembly 20 further includes a first valve seat 20b, at least a portion of which is fixedly disposed within the first mounting cavity 10a. The first valve seat 20b has a first valve cavity 20c communicating with the first mounting cavity 10a, and at least a portion of the first piston assembly 20a is movably disposed within the first valve cavity 20c. The cavity wall of the first valve cavity 20c has a third valve port 21 and a fourth valve port 22. The third valve port 21 is located on the communication path between the first interface 11a and the second interface 11b, and the fourth valve port 22 is located on the communication path between the first interface 11a and the third interface 11c.

[0075] When the first piston assembly 20a is in the first position, the first piston assembly 20a closes the fourth valve port 22 and opens the third valve port 21; when the first piston assembly 20a is in the second position, the first piston assembly 20a closes the third valve port 21 and opens the fourth valve port 22.

[0076] The second valve assembly 30 further includes a second valve seat 100, at least a portion of which is fixedly disposed within the second mounting cavity 10b. The second valve seat 100 has a second valve chamber 101 communicating with the second mounting cavity 10b, and at least a portion of the second piston assembly 200 is movably disposed within the second valve chamber 101. The cavity wall of the second valve chamber 101 has a first valve port 102 and a second valve port 103. The first valve port 102 is located on the communication path between the fourth interface 11d and the second interface 11b, and the second valve port 103 is located on the communication path between the fourth interface 11d and the third interface 11c.

[0077] When the second piston assembly 200 is in the third position, the second piston assembly 200 closes the second valve port 103 and opens the first valve port 102; when the second piston assembly 200 is in the fourth position, the second piston assembly 200 closes the first valve port 102 and opens the second valve port 103.

[0078] It is understood that the third valve port 21 and the fourth valve port 22 may not be simultaneously disposed on the first valve seat 20b, and the first valve port 102 and the second valve port 103 may not be simultaneously disposed on the second valve seat 100. For example, in another embodiment, the third valve port 21 is disposed on the cavity wall of the first valve chamber 20c of the first valve seat 20b, while the fourth valve port 22 is disposed on the cavity wall of the first mounting cavity 10a of the body 16; the first valve port 102 is disposed on the cavity wall of the second valve chamber 101 of the second valve seat 100, while the second valve port 103 is disposed on the cavity wall of the second mounting cavity 10b of the body 16.

[0079] Of course, in another embodiment, the first valve seat 20b of the first valve assembly 20 can be omitted, and a third valve port 21 and a fourth valve port 22 can be provided on the cavity wall of the first mounting cavity 10a. Similarly, the second valve seat 100 of the second valve assembly 30 can be omitted, and a first valve port 102 and a second valve port 103 can be provided on the cavity wall of the second mounting cavity 10b.

[0080] In one embodiment, the first valve assembly 20 is an electronic expansion valve and the second valve assembly 30 is a switching valve, but this is not a limitation.

[0081] When the second valve assembly 30 is a switching valve, the second piston assembly 200 is configured to be driven by fluid pressure and move between a third position and a fourth position.

[0082] In addition, the first valve assembly 20 and the second valve assembly 30 can both be cartridge valves, that is, the first valve assembly 20 and the second valve assembly 30 are installed into the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b of the mounting base 10 by means of cartridge.

[0083] As shown in Figure 6, three sealing rings are fitted onto the outer peripheral side of the first valve seat 20b. Each sealing ring is sandwiched between the outer peripheral side of the first valve seat 20b and the cavity wall of the first mounting cavity 10a to seal between the first valve seat 20b and the mounting base 10. The three sealing rings are defined as the first sealing ring 410, the second sealing ring 420, and the third sealing ring 430. The first sealing ring 410, the second sealing ring 420, and the third sealing ring 430 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the valve, with the second sealing ring 420 located between the first sealing ring 410 and the third sealing ring 430. The second sealing ring 420 is located between the first sub-cavity 10c and the third sub-cavity 10e. The third sealing ring 430 is located between the first sub-cavity 10c and the fourth sub-cavity 10f.

[0084] The first valve chamber 20c includes a first inner cavity 20d and a second inner cavity 20e. The portion of the first valve seat 20b located between the first sealing ring 410 and the second sealing ring 420 has the first inner cavity 20d, and the portion of the first valve seat 20b located between the second sealing ring 420 and the third sealing ring 430 has the second inner cavity 20e. The first inner cavity 20d communicates with the third sub-cavity 10e, and the second inner cavity 20e communicates with the first sub-cavity 10c.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 6. Three sealing rings are provided on the outer peripheral side of the second valve seat 100. Each sealing ring is sandwiched between the outer peripheral side of the second valve seat 100 and the cavity wall of the second mounting cavity 10b to seal between the second valve seat 100 and the mounting base 10. The three sealing rings are defined as the fourth sealing ring 510, the fifth sealing ring 520, and the sixth sealing ring 530. The fourth sealing ring 510, the fifth sealing ring 520, and the sixth sealing ring 530 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the valve, with the fifth sealing ring 520 located between the fourth sealing ring 510 and the sixth sealing ring 530. The fifth sealing ring 520 is located between the fifth sub-cavity 10g and the second sub-cavity 10d, and the sixth sealing ring 530 is located between the second sub-cavity 10d and the sixth sub-cavity 10h.

[0086] The second valve chamber 101 includes a third inner chamber 101c and a fourth inner chamber 101d. The portion of the second valve seat 100 located between the fourth sealing ring 510 and the fifth sealing ring 520 has the third inner chamber 101c, and the portion of the second valve seat 100 located between the fifth sealing ring 520 and the sixth sealing ring 530 has the fourth inner chamber 101d. The third inner chamber 101c communicates with the fifth sub-chamber 10g, and the fourth inner chamber 101d communicates with the second sub-chamber 10d.

[0087] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the first piston assembly 20a moves downward until it reaches the first position. At this point, the first piston assembly 20a closes the fourth valve port 22 and opens the third valve port 21. At this time, the first interface 11a and the second interface 11b are connected through the third valve port 21, while the first interface 11a and the third interface 11c are not connected. If high-pressure fluid flows into the first interface 11a, the fluid flows through the third valve port 21 into the second mounting cavity 10b. The fluid in the second mounting cavity 10b is under high pressure, and the second piston assembly 200 moves downward under the pressure of the fluid. When the second piston assembly 200 reaches the fourth position, it closes the first valve port 102 and opens the second valve port 103. At this time, the fourth interface 11d is connected to the third interface 11c, while the fourth interface 11d is not connected to the second interface 11b. The high-pressure fluid flowing out of the second port 11b is processed by other equipment and becomes low-pressure fluid, which flows into the third port 11c, enters the second mounting cavity 10b, and then flows out from the fourth port 11d.

[0088] The first piston assembly 20a moves upward until it reaches the second position, at which point it closes the third valve port 21 and opens the fourth valve port 22. At this time, the third port 11c is connected to the first port 11a, while the second port 11b is not connected. If high-pressure fluid flows into the first port 11a, the fluid passes through the fourth valve port 22 and enters the second mounting cavity 10b. The fluid in the second mounting cavity 10b is under high pressure, and the second piston assembly 200 moves upward under the pressure of the fluid. When the second piston assembly 200 reaches the third position, it closes the second valve port 103 and opens the first valve port 102. At this time, the fourth port 11d is connected to the second port 11b, but not to the third port 11c. The high-pressure fluid flowing out of the third port 11c, after being processed by other equipment, becomes low-pressure fluid that flows into the second port 11b, enters the second mounting cavity 10b, and then flows out from the fourth port 11d.

[0089] Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, the function of the four-way valve is realized through the cooperation of the four interfaces of the first valve assembly 20, the second valve assembly 30 and the mounting base 10.

[0090] Understandably, the second valve assembly 30 uses a switching valve, which can switch the flow path without being powered during operation, and has the advantages of simple structure and low cost.

[0091] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the mounting base 10 in this embodiment of the application can also adopt the following structure:

[0092] Mounting base 10 includes a first split 12, a second split 13, and two tees 14. The first split 12 has a first mounting cavity 10a, a first interface 11a, a first opening 12a, and a second opening 12b. The first opening 12a and the second opening 12b are spaced apart and both communicate with the first mounting cavity 10a. When the first piston assembly 20a is in the first position, it closes the path within the first mounting cavity 10a connecting the first interface 11a and the second opening 12b, and opens the path within the first mounting cavity 10a connecting the first interface 11a and the first opening 12a. When the first piston assembly 20a is in the second position, it closes the path within the first mounting cavity 10a connecting the first interface 11a and the first opening 12a, and opens the path within the first mounting cavity 10a connecting the first interface 11a and the second opening 12b.

[0093] The second component 13 has a second mounting cavity 10b, a fourth interface 11d, a third opening 13a, and a fourth opening 13b. The third opening 13a and the fourth opening 13b are spaced apart and both communicate with the second mounting cavity 10b. When the second piston assembly 200 is in the third position, the second piston assembly 200 closes the path in the second mounting cavity 10b that connects the fourth interface 11d and the fourth opening 13b, and opens the path in the second mounting cavity 10b that connects the fourth interface 11d and the third opening 13a. When the second piston assembly 200 is in the fourth position, the second piston assembly 200 closes the path in the second mounting cavity 10b that connects the fourth interface 11d and the third opening 13a, and opens the path in the second mounting cavity 10b that connects the fourth interface 11d and the fourth opening 13b.

[0094] The first component 12 and the second component 13 are arranged at intervals, and the gap between the first component 12 and the second component 13 is the first heat insulation structure 15.

[0095] In one embodiment, the gap may be filled with a heat insulation element 15b.

[0096] As shown in Figure 8, each tee 14 has three openings. For ease of explanation, the three openings of each tee 14 are defined as the first opening 14a, the second opening 14b, and the third opening 14c, respectively, and the first opening 14a, the second opening 14b, and the third opening 14c are interconnected in pairs.

[0097] Two tees 14 are defined as a first tee 14d and a second tee 14e. The first tee 14d is connected to the first split body 12 and the second split body 13, and seals the first opening 12a and the third opening 13a. The first port 14a and the second port 14b of the first tee 14d are connected to the first opening 12a and the third opening 13a, respectively. The third port 14c of the first tee 14d is the second interface 11b. The second tee 14e is connected to the first split body 12 and the second split body 13, and seals the second opening 12b and the fourth opening 13b. The first port 14a and the second port 14b of the second tee 14e are connected to the second opening 12b and the fourth opening 13b, respectively. The third port 14c of the second tee 14e is the fourth interface 11d.

[0098] In the embodiments of this application, the first part 12 has a first mounting cavity 10a and a first interface 11a, and the second part 13 has a second mounting cavity 10b and a fourth interface 11d. The first part 12 and the second part 13 are not directly connected, but a gap is formed between the first part 12 and the second part 13. The gap can play a better heat insulation role and avoid heat exchange between high-temperature refrigerant and low-temperature refrigerant.

[0099] It is understood that in other embodiments, the mounting base 10 may not include the manifold 17 or the tee 14, but may adopt the structure shown in Figures 4 and 5. The body 16 has a first mounting cavity 10a, a second mounting cavity 10b, a first interface 11a and a fourth interface 11d. The first manifold 16a in Figures 4 and 5 can be regarded as the second interface 11b, and the second manifold 16b can be regarded as the third interface 11c.

[0100] Example 1 of the switching valve

[0101] The second valve assembly 30 can be a switching valve. In related technologies, a switching valve typically includes a valve seat, a piston assembly, and two springs. The piston assembly includes a piston rod and two pistons. The valve seat contains a valve chamber, which includes a first chamber for mounting one piston and a second chamber for mounting the other piston. One spring is located in the first chamber, and the other spring is located in the second chamber. Driven by fluid pressure, the piston assembly can move within the valve chamber of the valve seat, thereby switching the flow path. The two springs provide elastic force to the piston assembly so that the switching valve quickly returns to an equilibrium state after being impacted by fluid, enabling switching between different operating conditions.

[0102] The installation process of the mechanical switching valve in the related technology is as follows: first, the piston rod is assembled with one of the pistons, then two springs are assembled, and finally the other piston is connected to the piston rod. However, when assembling the other piston with the piston rod, the other piston will be subjected to the force of the two springs, which makes the assembly of the piston inconvenient and affects the assembly efficiency.

[0103] Based on this, the present application also provides a switching valve to solve the problem of inconvenient assembly of switching valves in related technologies.

[0104] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the switching valve (i.e., the second valve assembly 30) of this embodiment includes a second valve seat 100, a second piston assembly 200, and an elastic component 300. The second valve seat 100 includes a second valve chamber 101 having a valve port. At least a portion of the second piston assembly 200 is movably disposed within the second valve chamber 101 for blocking or opening the valve port. The elastic component 300 is connected to the second piston assembly 200 for maintaining the second piston assembly 200 in a balanced state; wherein, the balanced state means that, under no fluid impact, the second piston assembly 200 remains stationary relative to the second valve seat 100.

[0105] The valve port includes a first valve port 102 and a second valve port 103. The second valve seat 100 also has a fifth opening 151, a sixth opening 152, and a seventh opening 153, all of which communicate with the second valve chamber 101. Along the axial direction of the second valve assembly 30 (i.e., the direction of movement of the second piston assembly 200), the fifth opening 151, the sixth opening 152, and the seventh opening 153 are arranged sequentially, and the first valve port 102 is located between the fifth opening 151 and the sixth opening 152, and the second valve port 103 is located between the sixth opening 152 and the seventh opening 153.

[0106] Specifically, when the second piston assembly 200 blocks the first valve port 102, the second valve port 103 is in the open state, and at this time the sixth opening 152 is connected to the seventh opening 153 through the second valve port 103; when the second piston assembly 200 blocks the second valve port 103, the first valve port 102 is in the open state, and at this time the fifth opening 151 is connected to the sixth opening 152 through the first valve port 102.

[0107] In one embodiment, the second valve seat 100 includes a first valve body 130 and a second valve body 140. The first valve body 130 is connected to the second valve body 140 and forms a second valve cavity 101. In this embodiment, the first valve body 130 is a cylindrical structure with openings at both ends. A first valve port 102 and a second valve port 103 are formed on the first valve body 130. A sixth opening 152 and a seventh opening 153 are formed on the first valve body 130. For example, the sixth opening 152 is opened on the side wall of the cylindrical structure, one end of the cylindrical structure is the seventh opening 153, and the second valve body 140 covers the other end opening of the cylindrical structure. A fifth opening 151 is formed on the second valve body 140.

[0108] As shown in Figure 10, the second piston assembly 200 includes a piston rod 210, a first piston 220, and a second piston 230. Both the first piston 220 and the second piston 230 are connected to the piston rod 210. The first piston 220 is used to block or open the first valve port 102, and the second piston 230 is used to block or open the second valve port 103. In the embodiments of this application, when the first piston 220 blocks the first valve port 102, the second piston 230 opens the second valve port 103; when the second piston 230 blocks the second valve port 103, the first piston 220 opens the first valve port 102.

[0109] The inner wall surface of the second valve chamber 101 is provided with a partition 110, which divides the second valve chamber 101 into a first chamber 101a and a second chamber 101b. The partition 110 is located within a fourth inner chamber 101d, and the first chamber 101a includes a portion of the third inner chamber 101c and the fourth inner chamber 101d, while the second chamber 101b includes the remaining portion of the fourth inner chamber 101d. The inner wall surface of the first chamber 101a has a first valve port 102, and the inner wall surface of the second chamber 101b has a second valve port 103. In this embodiment, the partition 110 is formed on the inner wall surface of the first valve body 130. The piston rod 210 is guided and engaged with the partition 110. The first piston 220 is located on one side of the partition 110 along the axial direction of the piston rod 210, meaning the first piston 220 moves within the first cavity 101a. The second piston 230 is located on the other side of the partition 110 along the axial direction of the piston rod 210, meaning the second piston 230 moves within the second cavity 101b. The elastic component 300 is located on one side of the partition 110 along the axial direction of the piston rod 210, meaning the elastic component 300 and the first piston 220 are located on the same side of the partition 110, or the elastic component 300 and the second piston 230 are located on the same side of the partition 110. In this embodiment, the elastic component 300 and the first piston 220 are located within the first cavity 101a, while the elastic component 300 is not located within the second cavity 101b.

[0110] When assembling the second valve assembly 30, the first piston 220 and piston rod 210 can be assembled first, followed by the elastic component 300, and then the second valve seat 100. At this point, the elastic component 300 and the first piston 220 are located on the same side of the partition 110. Finally, the second piston 230 is assembled. Since the second piston 230 and the elastic component 300 are located on opposite sides of the partition 110, when the second piston 230 is mounted on the piston rod 210, the second piston 230 is not directly subjected to the reaction force provided by the elastic component 300, making it easier to mount the second piston 230 onto the piston rod 210. Furthermore, since the second piston 230 is not subjected to the reaction force of the elastic component 300, the position of the second piston 230 relative to the piston rod 210 is easier to control during installation, eliminating the need for additional guide fixtures and reducing assembly difficulty.

[0111] Therefore, in the second valve assembly 30 of this application embodiment, the first piston 220 and the second piston 230 are located in the first cavity 101a and the second cavity 101b, respectively, and the elastic component 300 is located in the first cavity 101a and not in the second cavity 101b. This way, when assembling the second valve assembly 30, the later-assembled piston is not directly subjected to the reaction force provided by the elastic component 300, making it easier for the later-assembled piston to be positioned on the piston rod 210. Furthermore, since the later-assembled piston is not subjected to the reaction force of the elastic component 300, the position of the later-assembled piston relative to the piston rod 210 is easier to control, eliminating the need for additional guide fixtures and reducing assembly difficulty.

[0112] The elastic assembly 300 includes two elastic elements, both of which are connected to the second piston assembly 200 and located on the same side of the partition 110 along the axial direction of the piston rod 210. For ease of explanation, the two elastic elements are defined as the first elastic element 310a and the second elastic element 310b, respectively.

[0113] When assembling the second valve assembly 30, the first piston 220 and piston rod 210 are assembled first, followed by the assembly of the first elastic element 310a and the second elastic element 310b. Then, the assembled components are inserted into the second valve seat 100, and the piston rod 210 is guided into engagement with the partition 110. Finally, the second piston 230 is assembled. During the assembly of the second piston 230 and piston rod 210, the second piston 230 is not directly subjected to the elastic force provided by the second elastic element 310b, thus making the installation of the second piston 230 more convenient.

[0114] It should be noted that when assembling the second piston 230 and the piston rod 210, although the piston rod 210 will be subjected to the reaction force of the first elastic element 310a, the piston rod 210 is guided and engaged with the partition 110. Therefore, when assembling the second piston 230, the movement direction of the piston rod 210 is limited to the axial direction of the piston rod 210 and will not be deflected, thus not affecting the installation position of the second piston 230 relative to the piston rod 210.

[0115] In one embodiment, the first elastic element 310a and the second elastic element 310b are springs or other components that can provide elastic force under pressure, such as rubber components.

[0116] In one embodiment, when the second piston assembly 200 is in a balanced state, the length of the first elastic member 310a along the valve axis is equal to the length of the second elastic member 310b along the valve axis.

[0117] In this embodiment, a first elastic member 310a is connected to the second valve body 140 and the piston rod 210, and is used to provide a first elastic force to the second piston assembly 200 to move in the direction of blocking the first valve port 102. A second elastic member 310b is connected to the second piston assembly 200 and the partition 110, and is used to provide a second elastic force to the second piston assembly 200 to move in the direction of blocking the second valve port 103. The first elastic force provided by the first elastic member 310a to the second piston assembly 200 and the second elastic force provided by the second elastic member 310b to the second piston assembly 200 are in opposite directions.

[0118] In one embodiment, the partition 110 has a guide hole 113 that extends through the partition 110 along the axial direction of the piston rod 210. The piston rod 210 is movably disposed within the guide hole 113 and is guided and engaged with the wall of the guide hole 113.

[0119] As shown in Figure 10, one end of the first elastic element 310a and one end of the second elastic element 310b are both fixedly connected to the second piston assembly 200.

[0120] In this embodiment, one end of the first elastic member 310a is fixedly connected to the second piston assembly 200, which prevents the first elastic member 310a from generating noise due to surging when the second piston assembly 200 blocks the first valve port 102 and opens the second valve port 103. One end of the second elastic member 310b is fixedly connected to the second piston assembly 200, which also prevents the second elastic member 310b from generating noise due to surging when the second piston assembly 200 blocks the second valve port 103 and opens the first valve port 102.

[0121] In one embodiment, the second piston assembly 200 has a first limiting groove 240 and a second limiting groove 250, at least a portion of the first elastic member 310a is limited within the first limiting groove 240, and at least a portion of the second elastic member 310b is limited within the second limiting groove 250.

[0122] In the embodiments of this application, since at least a portion of the first elastic member 310a is confined within the first limiting groove 240 and at least a portion of the second elastic member 310b is confined within the second limiting groove 250, the axial dimension of the second valve assembly 30 is reduced, which is beneficial for product miniaturization design.

[0123] In one embodiment, the piston rod 210 has a first limiting groove 240, the groove wall of the first limiting groove 240 has a first interference fit portion 241, and the first elastic member 310a is interference-fitted with the first interference fit portion 241. Of course, in other embodiments, the first elastic member 310a can also be fixedly connected to the piston rod 210 by means of snap-fit, riveting, welding, etc., and this application does not make any particular limitation in this regard.

[0124] In one embodiment, a first piston 220 is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of a piston rod 210, and the first piston 220 and the piston rod 210 form a second limiting groove 250, the opening of which faces the partition portion 110. A second elastic member 310b is sleeved on the outer periphery of the portion of the piston rod 210 surrounded by the second limiting groove 250 and is fixedly connected to the piston rod 210. Both ends of the second elastic member 310b abut against the bottom wall of the second limiting groove 250 and the partition portion 110, respectively.

[0125] In one embodiment, the groove wall of the second limiting groove 250 has a second interference fit portion 251, and the second elastic member 310b is interference fitted with the second interference fit portion 251.

[0126] Of course, in other embodiments, the second limiting groove 250 may also be formed on the piston rod 210, or the second limiting groove 250 may be formed on the first piston 220.

[0127] In one embodiment, when the second valve port 103 is in the open state, there is a gap between the top of the first elastic member 310a and the second valve body 140.

[0128] In one embodiment, when the first valve port 102 is in the open state, there is a gap between the bottom of the second elastic member 310b and the partition portion 110.

[0129] As shown in Figure 10, the second valve body 140 of the second valve seat 100 has a guide groove 120, and the piston rod 210 has a guide section 260. The guide section 260 is located in the guide groove 120, and the outer peripheral side of the guide section 260 is guided and engaged with the groove side wall of the guide groove 120.

[0130] In this embodiment of the application, the guide section 260 and the guide groove 120 are guided and cooperated to ensure the accuracy of the movement trajectory of the second piston assembly 200, avoid the second piston assembly 200 from deflection, and ensure the sealing of the first piston 220 blocking the first valve port 102 and the second piston 230 blocking the second valve port 103.

[0131] In one embodiment, a first limiting groove 240 is formed in the guide section 260 of the piston rod 210, and the first limiting groove 240 is disposed at the end of the guide section 260. The two ends of the first elastic member 310a abut against the bottom wall of the first limiting groove 240 and the bottom wall of the guide groove 120, respectively.

[0132] There is a small gap between the outer peripheral side of the guide section 260 and the side wall of the guide groove 120. When the second piston assembly 200 reciprocates, the fluid cannot quickly pass through the gap to generate a certain pressure difference. Thus, the gap can buffer the second piston assembly 200 and prevent excessive impact noise when the second piston assembly 200 switches.

[0133] As shown in Figure 10, the partition 110 has a first stop surface 111 and a second stop surface 112 on both sides along the axial direction of the piston rod 210; the first piston 220 has a first sealing element 221 for sealing the first valve port 102, and the second piston 230 has a second sealing element 231 for sealing the second valve port 103. When the first piston 220 blocks the first valve port 102, the first piston 220 contacts the first stop surface 111; when the second piston 230 blocks the second valve port 103, the second piston 230 contacts the second stop surface 112.

[0134] In this embodiment, when the first piston 220 blocks the first valve port 102, the first stop surface 111 can stop the first piston 220, preventing the first piston 220 from excessively compressing the first seal 221 and causing the first seal 221 to be damaged or fail. Similarly, when the second piston 230 blocks the second valve port 103, the second stop surface 112 can stop the second piston 230, preventing the second piston 230 from excessively compressing the second seal 231 and causing the second seal 231 to be damaged or fail.

[0135] As shown in Figure 11, when the second piston assembly 200 is in a balanced state, each elastic element is limited to the space between the second piston assembly 200 and the second valve seat 100. In this embodiment, when the second piston assembly 200 is in a balanced state, the first elastic element 310a is limited to the space between the second valve body 140 and the piston rod 210, and the second elastic element 310b is limited to the space between the piston rod 210 and the partition 110.

[0136] In this embodiment, both elastic members are positioned between the second piston assembly 200 and the second valve seat 100. In other words, the two elastic members simultaneously axially limit the second piston assembly 200, thus preventing the second piston assembly 200 from shifting due to loosening of at least one of the elastic members, thereby avoiding noise caused by the second piston assembly 200. Furthermore, the two elastic members ensure that the second piston assembly 200 remains in a balanced state, preventing the second piston assembly 200 from shifting to other positions due to the overall movement of the second valve assembly 30.

[0137] As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment of the application, one end of the first elastic member 310a contacts the bottom surface of the guide groove 120, and the other end is in interference fit with the first interference fit portion 241 of the first limiting groove 240. One end of the second elastic member 310b contacts the partition portion 110, and the other end is confined within the second limiting groove 250.

[0138] In one embodiment, when the second piston assembly 200 is in a balanced state, each elastic element is in its original length state or compressed state.

[0139] When the elastic element is in a compressed state, the compression amount of the elastic element is C, where C≤5mm, for example, C is 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, or 5mm.

[0140] In this embodiment, when the second piston assembly 200 is in a balanced state, each elastic element is in a compressed state, and the compression amount C of the elastic element is ≤ 5mm, that is, the elastic element is in a slightly compressed state. In other words, when the second piston assembly 200 is in a balanced state, each elastic element is in a slightly compressed state, which avoids affecting the service life of the elastic element due to excessive compression.

[0141] In one embodiment, the first piston 220 and the piston rod 210 can be connected by welding, and the second piston 230 and the piston rod 210 can be connected by interference fit, but this is not a limitation.

[0142] As shown in Figure 11, the outer periphery of the first piston 220 has a first inclined surface 222 for engaging with the first valve port 102, the first inclined surface 222 extending away from the piston rod 210 and the partition 110. The outer periphery of the second piston 230 has a second inclined surface 232 for engaging with the second valve port 103, the second inclined surface 232 extending away from the piston rod 210 and the partition 110. The first inclined surface 222 and the second inclined surface 232 can reduce the resistance to fluid flow.

[0143] In one embodiment, the first inclined surface 222 and the second inclined surface 232 are both external conical surfaces, but this is not a limitation.

[0144] [Example 2 of the switching valve]

[0145] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the similarities between the second valve assembly 30 of the second embodiment and the second valve assembly 30 of the first embodiment will not be repeated here. The differences are as follows:

[0146] The guide groove 120 has at least one air guide groove 261 on its groove sidewall and the outer peripheral side of the guide section 260. The air guide groove 261 is connected to the first limiting groove 240 and the second valve chamber 101, respectively.

[0147] In this embodiment of the application, an air guide groove 261 is provided between the guide section 260 and the second valve body 140. The air guide groove 261 is connected to the first limiting groove 240 and the first cavity 101a respectively. When the second piston assembly 200 is switched, the fluid can quickly flow into and out of the first limiting groove 240, thereby reducing the fluid resistance when the second piston assembly 200 is switched.

[0148] In one embodiment, the first piston 220 and the piston rod 210 can be connected by injection molding. For example, the first piston 220 is made of plastic material, and the piston rod 210 is made of metal material, with the piston rod 210 as a metal insert, and the first piston 220 is integrally injection molded to one end of the piston rod 210. The first piston 220 has a guide section 260, and a first limiting groove 240 is formed on the guide section 260.

[0149] In one embodiment, the fifth opening 151, the sixth opening 152 and the seventh opening 153 are all formed on the first valve body 130.

[0150] In the embodiments of this application, the first valve body 130 may be made of plastic material and formed by injection molding, but is not limited thereto.

[0151] In summary, the four-way valve of this application embodiment has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0152] The four-way valve of this application embodiment, by providing a first heat insulation structure 15 between the first mounting cavity 10a and the second mounting cavity 10b of the mounting base 10, can reduce the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first mounting cavity 10a and the refrigerant in the second mounting cavity 10b, thereby avoiding the problem of affecting the efficiency of the refrigeration system due to heat exchange between high-temperature refrigerant and low-temperature refrigerant.

[0153] In this embodiment of the switching valve, the first piston 220 and the second piston 230 are respectively located on both sides of the partition 110 along the axial direction of the piston rod 210, and the elastic component 300 is located on one side of the partition 110 along the axial direction of the piston rod 210. That is, the elastic component 300 and one of the first piston 220 and the second piston 230 are located on the same side of the partition 110. In this way, when assembling the second valve assembly 30, the later-assembled piston is not directly subjected to the reaction force provided by the elastic component 300, which facilitates the later-assembled piston being placed on the piston rod 210. In addition, since the later-assembled piston is not subjected to the reaction force of the elastic component 300, the position of the later-assembled piston relative to the piston rod 210 is easier to control, eliminating the need for additional guide fixtures and reducing the assembly difficulty.

[0154] It is understood that the various embodiments / implementations provided in this application can be combined with each other without creating contradictions, and will not be described one by one here.

[0155] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "link" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0156] In the description of the embodiments of the application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the application.

[0157] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the claims. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above 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 one or more embodiments or examples.

[0158] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the application examples and are not intended to limit the application examples. For those skilled in the art, the application examples can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the application examples should be included within the protection scope of the application examples.

Claims

1. A switching valve, wherein, include: The second valve seat has a second valve chamber, which includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are connected to each other. A second piston assembly, at least a portion of which is movably disposed within the second valve chamber, the second piston assembly including a piston rod, a first piston, and a second piston, the first piston being connected to the piston rod and movable within the first chamber, and the second piston being connected to the piston rod and movable within the second chamber; as well as An elastic component, connected to the second piston assembly, is located within the first cavity but not within the second cavity, for maintaining the second piston assembly in a balanced state; wherein, the balanced state means that, in the absence of fluid impact, the second piston assembly remains stationary relative to the second valve seat.

2. The switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic component includes two elastic elements, both of which are connected to the second piston assembly and located within the first cavity.

3. The switching valve according to claim 2, wherein, When the second piston assembly is in the equilibrium state, each of the elastic elements is positioned between the second piston assembly and the second valve seat; each of the elastic elements is in its original length state or compressed state, and the two elastic elements in the compressed state provide elastic forces to the second piston assembly in opposite directions.

4. The switching valve according to claim 2, wherein, One of the two elastic elements is defined as the first elastic element; The second piston assembly has a first limiting groove, and at least a portion of the first elastic element is located within the first limiting groove.

5. The switching valve according to claim 4, wherein, The first limiting groove has a first interference fit portion on its groove wall, and the first elastic member is interference fitted with the first interference fit portion.

6. The switching valve according to claim 4, wherein, The inner wall of the second valve chamber has a second valve port, and the second piston is used to open or block the second valve port; when the second valve port is in the open state, there is a gap between the top of the first elastic member and the second valve seat.

7. The switching valve according to claim 4, wherein, The piston rod has a guide section, the first limiting groove is disposed at the end of the guide section, and the two ends of the first elastic member abut against the bottom wall of the first limiting groove and the second valve seat, respectively.

8. The switching valve according to claim 2, wherein, The other of the two elastic elements is defined as the second elastic element; The second piston assembly has a second limiting groove, and at least a portion of the second elastic element is located within the second limiting groove.

9. The switching valve according to claim 8, wherein, The inner wall of the second valve chamber is provided with a partition, and the first chamber and the second chamber are respectively on both sides of the partition; The first piston is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the piston rod, and the first piston and the piston rod form the second limiting groove. The opening of the second limiting groove faces the partition. The second elastic member is sleeved on the outer periphery of the part of the piston rod surrounded by the second limiting groove. The two ends of the second elastic member abut against the bottom wall of the second limiting groove and the second valve seat, respectively.

10. The switching valve according to claim 8, wherein, The second limiting groove has a second interference fit portion on its groove wall, and the second elastic member is interference fit with the second interference fit portion.

11. The switching valve according to claim 8, wherein, The inner wall of the second valve chamber is provided with a partition, and the first chamber and the second chamber are respectively on both sides of the partition; The inner wall of the second valve chamber has a first valve port, and the first piston is used to open or block the first valve port; when the first valve port is in the open state, there is a gap between the bottom of the second elastic member and the partition.

12. The switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, The second valve seat has a guide groove, and the second piston assembly has a guide section, which is disposed in the guide groove, and the outer peripheral side of the guide section is guided and engaged with the groove sidewall of the guide groove.

13. The switching valve according to claim 12, wherein, The elastic component includes two elastic elements, both of which are connected to the second piston assembly, and the guide section has a first limiting groove for accommodating one of the elastic elements; The guide groove has at least one air guide groove on its sidewall and the outer peripheral side of the guide section, and the air guide groove is connected to the first limiting groove and the first cavity, respectively.

14. The switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, The inner wall of the first cavity has a first valve port, the inner wall of the second cavity has a second valve port, the first piston has a first sealing element for opening or sealing the first valve port, and the second piston has a second sealing element for opening or sealing the second valve port. The inner wall of the second valve chamber is provided with a partition, and the two sides of the partition are the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively. The partition has a first stop surface and a second stop surface on both sides along the axial direction of the piston rod. When the first seal of the first piston blocks the first valve port, the first piston contacts the first stop surface; when the second seal of the second piston blocks the second valve port, the second piston contacts the second stop surface.

15. The switching valve according to claim 2, wherein, When the second piston assembly is in equilibrium, the two elastic elements have equal lengths along the valve axis.

16. A multi-way valve, wherein, Includes the switching valve as described in any one of claims 1-15.

17. The multi-way valve according to claim 16, wherein, The multi-way valve also includes: The mounting base has a first mounting cavity, a second mounting cavity, a first interface, and a fourth interface. The first interface communicates with the first mounting cavity, and the fourth interface communicates with the second mounting cavity. The mounting base also has a first heat insulation structure located between the first mounting cavity and the second mounting cavity. The thermal conductivity of the first heat insulation structure is less than the thermal conductivity of the mounting base. Furthermore, along a first direction, the first interface and the fourth interface are located on opposite sides of the first heat insulation structure, and the first direction is the arrangement direction of the first mounting cavity and the second mounting cavity. At least a portion of the switching valve is located within the second mounting cavity.

18. The multi-way valve according to claim 17, wherein, The first mounting cavity includes a first sub-cavity that is directly connected to the first interface, the second mounting cavity includes a second sub-cavity that is directly connected to the fourth interface, and the first heat insulation structure is located between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity; The orthographic projection of the first sub-cavity onto a first target plane is the first projection; the orthographic projection of the second sub-cavity onto the first target plane is the second projection; and the orthographic projection of the first thermal insulation structure onto the first target plane is the third projection; the first target plane is perpendicular to the first direction. The first projection and the third projection have a first overlapping region; and / or, the second projection and the third projection have a second overlapping region.

19. The multi-way valve according to claim 18, wherein, The first projection falls entirely within the third projection; and / or, the second projection falls entirely within the third projection.

20. The multi-way valve according to claim 17, wherein, The first interface is located on the side of the first mounting cavity facing away from the first heat insulation structure, and the fourth interface is located on the side of the second mounting cavity facing away from the first heat insulation structure.

21. The multi-way valve according to claim 17, wherein, The first thermal insulation structure includes a groove formed by an inward recess from the outer surface of the mounting base.

22. The multi-way valve according to claim 21, wherein, The first heat insulation structure also includes a heat insulation element filled in the groove.

23. The multi-way valve according to claim 17, wherein, The mounting base further includes a second interface and a third interface, wherein the second interface is connected to the first mounting cavity and the second mounting cavity respectively, and the third interface is connected to the first mounting cavity and the second mounting cavity respectively.

24. The multi-way valve according to claim 23, wherein, The multi-way valve also includes: A first valve assembly, at least partially located within the first mounting cavity, includes a first piston assembly configured to move relative to the mounting base between a first position and a second position. When the first piston assembly is in the first position, it closes the path within the first mounting cavity connecting the first interface and the third interface, and opens the path within the first mounting cavity connecting the first interface and the second interface. When the first piston assembly is in the second position, it closes the path within the first mounting cavity connecting the first interface and the second interface, and opens the path within the first mounting cavity connecting the first interface and the third interface. The second piston assembly of the switching valve is configured to move relative to the mounting base between a third position and a fourth position. When the second piston assembly is in the third position, it closes the path within the second mounting cavity that connects the fourth interface and the third interface, and opens the path within the second mounting cavity that connects the fourth interface and the second interface. When the second piston assembly is in the fourth position, it closes the path within the second mounting cavity that connects the fourth interface and the second interface, and opens the path within the second mounting cavity that connects the fourth interface and the third interface.

25. The multi-way valve according to claim 23, wherein, The mounting base includes: The body comprises a first mounting cavity, a second mounting cavity, a first interface, a fourth interface, and a first heat insulation structure; the body further comprises a first manifold and a second manifold, the first manifold communicating with the first mounting cavity and the second mounting cavity respectively, and the second manifold communicating with the first mounting cavity and the second mounting cavity respectively; and Two manifolds are connected to the body and respectively seal the first manifold and the second manifold; one of the manifolds has a second interface that communicates with the first manifold, and the other manifold has a third interface that communicates with the second manifold.

26. The multi-way valve according to claim 25, wherein, The first manifold and the second manifold are located on the same side surface of the body.

27. The multi-way valve according to claim 25, wherein, The first mounting cavity includes a first sub-cavity directly connected to the first interface, and the second mounting cavity includes a second sub-cavity directly connected to the fourth interface; the first thermal insulation structure is located between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity. The first mounting cavity further includes a third sub-cavity and a fourth sub-cavity located at both ends of the first sub-cavity; the second mounting cavity further includes a fifth sub-cavity and a sixth sub-cavity located at both ends of the second sub-cavity; the third sub-cavity, the fifth sub-cavity, the first manifold, and the second interface are connected; the fourth sub-cavity, the sixth sub-cavity, the second manifold, and the third interface are connected.

28. The multi-way valve according to claim 26, wherein, The body also has a second heat insulation structure located between the first manifold and the second manifold, the thermal conductivity of the second heat insulation structure being less than that of the mounting base.

29. The multi-way valve according to claim 28, wherein, The first heat insulation structure includes a groove, which is formed by an inward recess of the outer surface of the mounting base. The second heat insulation structure is a groove, which is formed by an inward recess of the outer surface of the mounting base and communicates with the groove.

30. The multi-way valve according to claim 25, wherein, The body has a first outer surface and a second outer surface that are perpendicular to each other. The first mounting cavity and the second mounting cavity are recessed into the body from the first outer surface. The first confluence hole and the second confluence hole are located on the side of the second outer surface of the body. The first mounting cavity and the second mounting cavity are projected onto a second target plane as a fourth projection and a fifth projection, respectively. The second interface and the third interface are projected onto the second target plane as a sixth projection and a seventh projection, respectively. The sixth projection and the fifth projection have overlapping areas, while the sixth projection and the fourth projection do not overlap. The seventh projection and the fifth projection have overlapping areas, while the seventh projection and the fourth projection do not overlap. The second target plane is parallel to the second outer surface.

31. The multi-way valve according to claim 30, wherein, The sixth projection is located within the fifth projection.

32. The multi-way valve according to claim 23, wherein, The mounting base includes: The first component has the first mounting cavity, the first interface, the first opening and the second opening, the first opening and the second opening being spaced apart and both communicating with the first mounting cavity; The second component includes the second mounting cavity, the fourth interface, a third opening, and a fourth opening, wherein the third opening and the fourth opening are spaced apart and both communicate with the second mounting cavity; and Two T-junctions, each having three openings, are defined as a first T-junction and a second T-junction. The first T-junction is connected to the first split body and the second split body, and seals the first opening and the third opening. Two openings of the first T-junction are respectively connected to the first opening and the third opening, and the remaining opening of the first T-junction is the second interface. The second T-junction is connected to the first split body and the second split body, and seals the second opening and the fourth opening. Two openings of the second T-junction are respectively connected to the second opening and the fourth opening, and the remaining opening of the second T-junction is the fourth interface. The first and second components are arranged at intervals, and the gap between the first and second components is the first heat insulation structure.

33. The multi-way valve according to claim 23, wherein, The circulation area of ​​the fourth interface is greater than or equal to the circulation area of ​​the second interface, and the circulation area of ​​the third interface is greater than or equal to the circulation area of ​​the first interface.

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