Flow channel switching valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flow channel switching valves in heat pump systems face issues with the annular seal face of the slide valve element getting caught on port openings, leading to reduced sealing properties, operability, and durability due to a reduced seal area, which can cause scratching, deformation, or rattling.
Innovation Solution
A flow channel switching valve design featuring a protruding face portion outside the annular seal face of the high-pressure side slide valve element, which is integrally movable and slidable, allowing it to pass over port openings without catching, and includes a larger pressure receiving area to distribute contact pressure uniformly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the area of the annular seal face of the slide valve element is reduced to increase pressing force, then the sealing property is improved, but the annular seal face is more likely to be caught on port openings, reducing operability and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a protruding face portion that extends in the axial direction (perpendicular to the seal face) from the annular seal face. This dimensional extension creates a leading surface that guides the slide valve element during movement, preventing the seal face from catching on port openings while maintaining the reduced seal area for adequate pressing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding face portion acts as a preliminary guiding surface that contacts the port opening edges before the annular seal face reaches them during valve element movement. This preliminary action prevents the seal face from catching on the ports, ensuring smooth operation before sealing occurs.
2Reliability
If the area of the annular seal face is reduced to increase pressing force, then the sealing property is improved, but the annular seal face is more likely to be scratched or deformed, reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the seal structure in the axial dimension with the protruding face portion, the invention protects the annular seal face from direct contact and damage with port opening edges. The protruding face absorbs the mechanical stress and potential scratching, preserving the integrity and durability of the seal face over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding face portion serves as an intermediary protective element between the annular seal face and the port openings. It takes the place of the seal face in initial contact with port edges, preventing direct damage to the critical sealing surface and extending component life.
3Reliability
If the area of the annular seal face is reduced to increase pressing force, then the sealing property is improved, but the slide valve element tends to rattle on the valve seat face, reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding face portion extending in the axial direction provides additional contact surfaces and structural support that stabilize the slide valve element during operation. This dimensional addition reduces rattling by providing guiding surfaces and increasing structural rigidity without compromising the reduced seal area.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design effectively prevents the annular seal face from being caught on port openings, reduces rattle, and enhances sealing properties, operability, and durability by ensuring the seal face can easily pass over the ports and maintain uniform pressure distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure chamber is provided between the high-pressure side slide valve element and the low-pressure side slide valve element to receive part of the high-pressure fluid introduced into the high-pressure side U-turn passage. When a high-pressure refrigerant is introduced into the high-pressure side U-turn passage and part of the high-pressure refrigerant introduced into the high-pressure side U-turn passage is filled into the pressure chamber, an annular seal face of the high-pressure side slide valve element is pressed against the valve seat face of the main valve mount due to the pressure difference between the pressure applied by the pressure chamber (or the high-pressure refrigerant therein) and the pressure applied by the refrigerant (i.e., high-pressure refrigerant) flowing through the high-pressure side U-turn passage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a flow channel switching valve that can prevent an annular seal face of a slide valve element from being caught on a port opening on a valve seat face of a main valve mount, with a simple configuration. A protruding face portion 15t having a height that is equal to that of an annular seal face 15s is provided outside of the annular seal face 15s of a first slide valve element (i.e., high-pressure side slide valve element) 15A in the axial direction.