EP4577761A1

EP4577761A1 - Electric valve and thermal management assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4577761A1
Application number: EP23758568.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ze YAO; Xuanchen WAN; Qing Li
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
Current assignee: Valeo Electrification SAS
Priority date: 2022-08-22
Filing date: 2023-08-17
Publication date: 2025-07-02
Also published as: CN117662830A; WO2024041959A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric valve and a thermal management assembly. A valve core (21) of the electric valve has a second position connecting an inlet channel (102) and a bypass channel (103), so refrigerant can enter a through-channel (104) via the bypass channel (103) after flowing out of the inlet channel (102); thus, the refrigerant does not need to flow into the outlet channel (111). Such a design increases the functionality of the electric valve, enabling it to meet different demands. The thermal management assembly provided by the present invention comprises the abovementioned electric valve.

Description

ELECTRIC VALVE AND THERMAL MANAGEMENT ASSEMBLY

Technical field

The present invention relates to an electric valve and a thermal management assembly.

Background art

A conventional air conditioning system comprises four major elements: a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser and a throttle device. Depending on the requirements of the air conditioning system, the throttle device may comprise an expansion valve and a capillary tube. Expansion valves can be categorized as thermal expansion valves or electronic expansion valves, depending on the drive mechanism. Electronic expansion valves can be categorized as electromagnetically driven electronic expansion valves or motor-driven electronic expansion valves, depending on the way in which they are driven. Electronic expansion valves are a type of electric valve having a refrigerant-throttling function.

An electronic expansion valve in the prior art comprises a valve block, a valve assembly, a sensor and an electronic control board. An electric valve in the prior art has the shortcoming of limited functionality.

Summary of the Invention

An objective of the present invention is to provide an electric valve having the advantage of more advanced functionality.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a thermal management assembly comprising the abovementioned electric valve.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle air conditioning system comprising the abovementioned thermal management assembly.

An electric valve for achieving the objectives comprises: a valve body assembly, having a valve cavity, an inlet channel and an outlet channel, the valve cavity being in communication with the inlet channel and the outlet channel separately; a valve assembly comprising a valve core, the valve core being disposed in the valve cavity, and the valve core having a first position connecting the inlet channel and the outlet channel, wherein the valve body assembly also has a bypass channel and a through-channel, the bypass channel connecting the valve cavity and the through-channel; the valve core also has a second position connecting the inlet channel and the bypass channel. In an embodiment of the present invention, the valve body assembly comprises a valve block and an end cap; the valve block has the valve cavity, the inlet channel, the bypass channel and the through- channel; the end cap has the outlet channel; the end cap is connected to the valve block.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the valve cavity and the inlet channel intersect at a first communication hole, wherein the valve cavity has a valve cavity sidewall and a valve cavity bottom wall, and the first communication hole has a first edge formed on the valve cavity bottom wall.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first communication hole also has a second edge formed on the valve cavity sidewall.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet channel has a channel sidewall and a channel bottom wall, and the second edge comprises a first segment and a second segment; the channel sidewall and the valve cavity bottom wall intersect at the first edge; the channel sidewall also intersects with the valve cavity sidewall at the first segment; the channel bottom wall and the valve cavity sidewall intersect at the second segment.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet channel extends in a direction parallel to a center line of the valve cavity.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet channel has a first fluid inlet on the valve block, the outlet channel has a first fluid outlet on the end cap, and the through-channel has a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet on the valve block; the first fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet are located at the same side of the valve block; the first fluid outlet and the second fluid inlet are located at the same side of the valve block.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the valve cavity and the bypass channel intersect at a second communication hole, the second communication hole being formed in the valve cavity bottom wall and/or the valve cavity sidewall.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass channel has a first channel part and a second channel part; the valve cavity and the first channel part intersect at the second communication hole, and the second channel part connects the first channel part and the through-channel, wherein a center line of the first channel part coincides with a center line of the valve cavity, and a center line of the second channel part is transverse to the center line of the first channel part.

A thermal management assembly for achieving the objectives comprises a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the thermal management assembly further comprises the electric valve as described above, the electric valve being mounted on the heat exchanger, wherein the first opening is in communication with a first fluid outlet of the electric valve, and the second opening is in communication with a second fluid inlet of the electric valve. A motor vehicle air conditioning system for achieving the objectives comprises the thermal management assembly as described above.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an electric valve comprising a valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising a drive assembly, wherein the drive assembly comprises a rotor, a seat body, a first fixed ring gear, a sun gear, a first planet carrier and a first planet gear. The first fixed ring gear is connected to the seat body, the first planet gear is rotatably mounted on the first planet carrier, and the rotor is used to drive the sun gear to rotate, wherein the sun gear is meshed with the first planet gear, the first planet gear is meshed with the first fixed ring gear, and the sun gear is used to drive the first planet gear to rotate, thereby driving the first planet carrier to rotate. The direction of rotation of the first planet gear is opposite to the direction of rotation of the sun gear, and the direction of rotation of the first planet carrier is opposite to the direction of rotation of the first planet gear. The drive assembly further comprises a moving ring gear; the first planet gear is also meshed with the moving ring gear to drive the moving ring gear to rotate, wherein the direction of rotation of the moving ring gear is the same as the direction of rotation of the first planet gear.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the moving ring gear has a first toothed part and a base part; the first planet gear and the first planet carrier are located at one side of the base part, wherein the first planet gear is meshed with the first toothed part.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first planet carrier comprises a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate, the first planet gear being rotatably disposed between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. In an axial direction of the valve assembly, the first mounting plate abuts the sun gear, and the second mounting plate abuts the base part.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the moving ring gear also has a second toothed part, and the drive assembly further comprises a second fixed ring gear, a second planet carrier and a second planet gear, the second fixed ring gear being connected to the seat body; the second planet gear is rotatably mounted on the second planet carrier, the second toothed part is meshed with the second planet gear, and the second planet gear is meshed with the second fixed ring gear; the second planet gear and the second planet carrier are located at the other side of the base part, wherein the second toothed part is used to drive the second planet gear to rotate, thereby driving the second planet carrier to rotate; the direction of rotation of the second planet gear is opposite to the direction of rotation of the second toothed part, and the direction of rotation of the second planet carrier is opposite to the direction of rotation of the second planet gear. In an embodiment of the present invention, the second planet carrier comprises a third mounting plate and a fourth mounting plate, the second planet gear being rotatably disposed between the third mounting plate and the fourth mounting plate. In the axial direction of the valve assembly, the third mounting plate abuts the base part, and the fourth mounting plate abuts the second fixed ring gear.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sun gear has a first limiting part and a columnar toothed part; the columnar toothed part is meshed with the first planet gear, and the first limiting part abuts the first mounting plate.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive assembly further comprises a bearing, the first fixed ring gear has a first inner toothed part and a mounting part, and the sun gear also has a first connecting part and a second limiting part, wherein an outer ring of the bearing is connected to the mounting part, an inner ring of the bearing is connected to the first connecting part, and the first inner toothed part is meshed with the first planet gear; the second limiting part abuts the inner ring of the bearing.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the sun gear also has a second connecting part, and the rotor has a tubular body and a connecting plate; the first fixed ring gear is located at the inside of the tubular body, and the connecting plate extends in a radial direction of the valve assembly and is connected to the second connecting part.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the second fixed ring gear has a second inner toothed part and a support part; the second planet gear is meshed with the second inner toothed part, and the support part abuts the fourth mounting plate, wherein the support part has a ring gear through-hole, and the fourth mounting plate passes through the ring gear through-hole.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the fourth mounting plate has a plate part and a protruding part; the plate part abuts the support part, the second planet gear is rotatably disposed between the third mounting plate and the plate part, and the protruding part passes through the ring gear through- hole, wherein the protruding part and the second planet gear are located at two sides of the plate part respectively.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the second fixed ring gear is located at the inside of the first fixed ring gear.

The positive and progressive effects of the present invention are as follows: Since the valve core has the second position connecting the inlet channel and the bypass channel, refrigerant can enter the through-channel via the bypass channel after flowing out of the inlet channel; thus, the refrigerant does not need to flow into the outlet channel. Such a design increases the functionality of the electric valve, enabling it to meet different demands.

Brief description of the drawings

The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious through the description below which refers to the drawings and embodiments, wherein:

Fig. 1A is a schematic drawing of a thermal management assembly.

Fig. IB is a schematic drawing of an electric valve in an embodiment of the present invention, showing a first fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet.

Fig. 1C is a schematic drawing of an electric valve, showing a first fluid outlet and a second fluid inlet.

Fig. 2A is a schematic drawing of an electric valve after being cut open.

Fig. 2B is a schematic drawing of a valve block.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged drawing of region A in Fig. 2A.

Figs. 4A - 4D are schematic drawings of an electric valve.

Fig. 5A is a schematic drawing of the electric valve after being cut open in direction C-C in Fig. 4C.

Fig. 5B is a sectional drawing of the electric valve after being cut open in direction C-C in Fig. 4C, wherein a valve core is located at a second position.

Fig. 6A is a schematic drawing of the electric valve after being cut open in direction D-D in Fig. 4C.

Fig. 6B is a sectional drawing of the electric valve after being cut open in direction D-D in Fig. 4C, wherein the valve core is located at the second position.

Fig. 7A is a sectional drawing of the electric valve after being cut open in direction C-C in Fig. 4C, wherein the valve core is located at a first fully closed position.

Fig. 7B is a sectional drawing of the electric valve after being cut open in direction C-C in Fig. 4C, wherein the valve core is located at a throttling position in a first position.

Fig. 8A is a sectional drawing of the electric valve after being cut open in direction C-C in Fig. 4C, wherein the valve core is located at a fully open position in the first position.

Fig. 8B is a sectional drawing of the electric valve after being cut open in direction C-C in Fig. 4C, wherein the valve core is located at a second fully closed position.

Fig. 9A is a main view of a valve block.

Fig. 9B is an enlarged drawing of region F in Fig. 9A.

Fig. 10A is a schematic drawing of a valve block, showing a first communication hole.

Fig. 10B is an enlarged drawing of region G in Fig. 10A. Fig. 11 A is a schematic drawing of a valve block after being cut open, showing a valve cavity bottom wall.

Fig. 1 IB is a schematic drawing of a valve block after being cut open, showing a channel bottom wall.

Fig. 12A is a schematic drawing of an electric valve in another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12B is a sectional drawing of an electric valve in another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Various embodiments or examples of the technical solution of the subject matter implemented are disclosed below. To simplify the disclosed content, specific instances of elements and arrangements are described below, but of course, these are merely examples, and do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, the distribution of a first feature at a second feature as disclosed hereinbelow may include an embodiment in which the first and second features are distributed by direct connection, but may also include an embodiment in which an additional feature is formed between the first and second features, such that there may be no direct connection between the first and second features. In addition, in this content, reference labels and/or letters might by repeated in different examples. This repetition is for brevity and clarity, and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the implementations and/or the structures to be discussed. Furthermore, when a first element is described as being connected or joined to a second element, this description includes an embodiment in which the first and second elements are directly connected or joined together, and also includes the addition of one or more other intervening elements such that the first and second elements are indirectly connected or joined together.

It should be noted that Figs. 1A to 12B are merely examples and are not drawn to scale, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of protection actually claimed by the present invention.

Fig. 1A shows a thermal management assembly 900 in an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a heat exchanger 91 and an electric valve 90; the electric valve 90 is mounted on the heat exchanger 91, making the structure of the thermal management assembly 900 compact.

The thermal management assembly 900 is used in a motor vehicle air conditioning system, which comprises a compressor, a condenser, the thermal management assembly 900, a pump, a battery module, a pipeline for refrigerant flow and a pipeline for coolant flow. These pipelines connect the various parts of the motor vehicle air conditioning system.

The heat exchanger 91 may have a first opening, a second opening, a third opening and a fourth opening. A first heat exchange channel of the heat exchanger is formed between the first opening and the second opening; a second heat exchange channel of the heat exchanger is formed between the third opening and the fourth opening. The first heat exchange channel is independent of the second heat exchange channel. The first heat exchange channel allows refrigerant to pass through; the second heat exchange channel allows coolant to pass through. In an embodiment which is not shown, the heat exchanger 91 may also have only a first opening and a second opening, with a first heat exchange channel of the heat exchanger being formed between the first opening and the second opening, the first heat exchange channel allowing refrigerant to pass through. Refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel exchanges heat with an air stream flowing through the heat exchanger 91. The heat exchanger 91 may act as an evaporator.

As shown in Figs. IB and 1C, the electric valve 90 has a first fluid inlet 102a, a first fluid outlet 11 la, a second fluid inlet 104a and a second fluid outlet 104b. The electric valve 90 is mounted on the heat exchanger 91, wherein the first opening is in communication with the first fluid outlet 11 la of the electric valve 90, and the second opening is in communication with the second fluid inlet 104a of the electric valve 90. Refrigerant can enter the electric valve 90 through the first fluid inlet 102a, then leave the electric valve 90 through the first fluid outlet Illa. The refrigerant leaving the electric valve 90 through the first fluid outlet Illa enters the heat exchanger 91 through the first opening of the heat exchanger 91, then leaves the heat exchanger 91 through the second opening of the heat exchanger 91. The refrigerant leaving the heat exchanger 91 through the second opening enters the electric valve 90 through the second fluid inlet 104a of the electric valve 90, then leaves the electric valve 90 through the second fluid outlet 104b of the electric valve 90.

The electric valve 90 may have a throttling function, such that the refrigerant leaving the electric valve 90 through the first fluid outlet 11 la is throttled refrigerant.

Referring to Figs. IB, 1C, 2A and 2B, the electric valve 90 comprises a valve body assembly 1, a valve assembly 2, a sensor 3, a main electronic control board 4 and a housing assembly 5.

The valve body assembly 1 comprises a valve block 10 and an end cap 11, the valve block 10 having a sensor mounting cavity 107; the end cap 11 is connected to the valve block 10, for example by screw- threads or welding. The valve block 10 has a valve cavity 101, an inlet channel 102 and a through-channel 104; the end cap 11 has an outlet channel 111, and the end cap 11 may be pushed into the valve cavity 101 from one side of the valve block 10, so that the outlet channel 111 is in communication with the valve cavity 101, wherein the inlet channel 101 has a first fluid inlet 102a on the valve block 10; the outlet channel 111 has a first fluid outlet 11 la on the end cap 11 ; and the through-channel 104 has a second fluid inlet 104a and a second fluid outlet 104b on the valve block 10.

The valve assembly 2 comprises a drive assembly 20 and a valve core 21; the drive assembly 20 and the valve core 21 are mounted on the valve block 10, the drive assembly 20 being able to drive the valve core 21 to move. More specifically, the valve core 21 is disposed in the valve cavity 101, to control and regulate the refrigerant passing through the electric valve 90. The drive assembly 20 comprises a stator coil 20b and a rotor 200. The specific structure of the drive assembly 20 is described below. Referring to Fig. 3, an axial direction B-B of the valve assembly 2 is the direction of a center line of the rotor 200.

The sensor 3 is mounted in the sensor mounting cavity 107, the sensor 3 being used to detect refrigerant passing through the electric valve 90. The sensor 3 can detect the temperature and/or pressure of the refrigerant. More specifically, the sensor mounting cavity 107 is in communication with the through-channel 104, and a detection end of the sensor 3 extends into the through-channel 104 to detect refrigerant passing through the through-channel 104.

The main electronic control board 4 is electrically connected to the drive assembly 20 and the sensor 3 separately; more specifically, the main electronic control board 4 is electrically connected to the stator coil 20b of the drive assembly 20. The housing assembly 5 comprises a main housing 51, and the stator coil 20b may be integrally formed with the main housing 51 by secondary injection moulding. The main housing 51 has a main control cavity 51a, and the main electronic control board 4 is disposed in the main control cavity 51a, wherein the sensor 3 and the main electronic control board 4 are located at different sides of the valve block 10, while the drive assembly 20 and the main electronic control board 4 are located at the same side of the valve block 10. Referring to Figs. IB, 1C and 2B, the valve block 10 is block-shaped, having three pairs of opposite sides in space. More specifically, the sensor 3 and the main electronic control board 4 are located at adjacent sides of the valve block 10.

Due to the fact that the drive assembly 20 and the main electronic control board 4 are located at the same side of the valve block 10, the main electronic control board 4 can be disposed close to the drive assembly 20, and consequently, the electrical connection between the main electronic control board 4 and the drive assembly 20 can be implemented easily. Furthermore, due to the fact that the sensor 3 and the main electronic control board 4 are located at different sides of the valve block 10, there is no need to reserve space for mounting the sensor 3 at the side of the valve block 10 that faces towards the drive assembly 20 and the main electronic control board 4; this helps to reduce the size of the valve block 10, and ensures that the main electronic control board 4 will not interfere with the process of fitting the sensor 3 to the valve block 10. Thus, the electric valve 90 provided in the present invention has the advantage that components thereof are arranged in sensible positions, and is also structurally compact.

As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, to realize the electrical connection between the sensor 3 and the main electronic control board 4, the valve block 10 is provided with a valve block through-hole 10a; the valve block through-hole 10a connects the sensor mounting cavity 107 and the main control cavity 51a, and the sensor 3 is electrically connected to the main electronic control board 4 through the valve block through- hole 10a. This design results in the valve block 10 having the function of connecting the sensor mounting cavity 107 and the main control cavity 51a, making the electric valve 90 structurally compact. Continuing to refer to Fig. 2B, the sensor mounting cavity 107 has a mounting cavity bottom wall 107a and a mounting cavity sidewall 107b; the mounting cavity bottom wall 107a is configured to abut the sensor 3, and the valve block through-hole 10a is formed in the mounting cavity sidewall 107b. In one particular embodiment, a threaded hole 107a-l is formed in the mounting cavity bottom wall 107a; at least one screw can pass through the sensor 3 and be connected to the threaded hole 107a- 1.

The electric valve 90 further comprises an electric connector 6; the electric connector 6 passes through the valve block through-hole 10a, wherein one end of the electric connector 6 is electrically connected to the refrigerant sensor 31, and the other end of the electric connector 6 is electrically connected to the main electronic control board 4. The electric connector 6 may be a flexible electric connector, for example a flexible flat cable.

There is a gap G between the mounting cavity sidewall 107b and the sensor 3; at least a part of the electric connector 6 extends in the gap G.

As shown in Fig. 2A, the housing assembly 5 further comprises an auxiliary housing 52; the auxiliary housing 52 is connected to the valve block 10, to close the sensor mounting cavity 107. More specifically, a sealing ring is provided between the auxiliary housing 52 and the valve block 10; the seahng ring is arranged around the sensor mounting cavity 107.

As shown in Figs. 12A and 12B, in a different embodiment, the auxiliary housing 52 has an auxiliary control cavity 52a, the auxiliary control cavity 52a being in communication with the sensor mounting cavity 107 and the main control cavity 51a separately, wherein the main control cavity 51a and the auxiliary control cavity 52a are located at different sides of the valve block 10; a part of the sensor 3 is located in the sensor mounting cavity 107, while another part of the sensor 3 is located in the auxiliary control cavity 52a; the electric connector 6 extends from the auxiliary control cavity 52a to the main control cavity 51a, wherein one end of the electric connector 6 is electrically connected to the sensor 3, and another end of the electric connector 6 is electrically connected to the main electronic control board 4. Such a design helps to simplify the structure of the valve block 10.

The main housing 51 protrudes from the valve block 10, such that the main control cavity 51a protrudes from the valve block 10; the auxiliary housing 52 is connected to the part of the main housing 51 that protrudes from the valve block 10. Such a design helps to make the structure of the housing assembly 5 compact.

Referring to Figs. 2A and 3, the valve assembly 2 comprises a drive assembly 20 and a valve core 21. The drive assembly 20 can drive the valve core 21 to move. More specifically, the valve core 21 is spherical, and rotates about its center line, the direction of which is the axial direction B-B of the valve assembly 2. The drive assembly 20 comprises a stator coil 20b and a rotor 200. The stator coil 20b is electrically connected to the main electronic control board 4. The main electronic control board 4 can output a varying current to the stator coil 20b, so that the stator coil 20b generates a varying magnetic field, thereby driving the rotor 200 to rotate about its center line, the direction of which is the axial direction B-B of the valve assembly 2.

The drive assembly 20 further comprises a seat body 201, a first fixed ring gear 202, a sun gear 203, a first planet carrier 204 and a first planet gear 205. The first fixed ring gear 202 is connected to the seat body 201, the first planet gear 205 is rotatably mounted on the first planet carrier 204, and the rotor 200 is used to drive the sun gear 203 to rotate, wherein the sun gear 203 is meshed with the first planet gear 205, the first planet gear 205 is meshed with the first fixed ring gear 202, and the sun gear 203 is used to drive the first planet gear 205 to rotate, thereby driving the first planet carrier 204 to rotate. The direction of rotation of the first planet gear 205 is opposite to the direction of rotation of the sun gear 203, and the direction of rotation of the first planet carrier 204 is opposite to the direction of rotation of the first planet gear 205. The drive assembly 20 further comprises a moving ring gear 206; the first planet gear 205 is also meshed with the moving ring gear 206 to drive the moving ring gear 206 to rotate, wherein the direction of rotation of the moving ring gear 206 is the same as the direction of rotation of the first planet gear 205. The first fixed ring gear 202 is annular, and the first planet gear 205 is located at the inside of the first fixed ring gear 202. The seat body 201 is connected to the valve block 10. There may be multiple first planet gears 205, for example three.

Due to the fact that the first planet gear 205 is separately meshed with the sun gear 203, the first fixed ring gear 202 and the moving ring gear 206, the structure of the drive assembly 20 is simplified.

Continuing to refer to Fig. 3, the moving ring gear 206 has a first toothed part 2061 and a base part 2060; the first planet gear 205 and the first planet carrier 204 are located at one side of the base part 2060, wherein the first planet gear 205 is meshed with the first toothed part 2061. The first toothed part 2061 is annular and has inner teeth; the first planet gear 205 is located at the inside of the first toothed part 2061 and meshed with the inner teeth.

The first planet carrier 204 comprises a first mounting plate 2041 and a second mounting plate 2042, the first planet gear 205 being rotatably disposed between the first mounting plate 2041 and the second mounting plate 2042. In the axial direction B-B of the valve assembly 2, the first mounting plate 2041 abuts the sun gear 203, and the second mounting plate 2042 abuts the base part 2060. This design enables the first planet carrier 204 to be positioned.

More specifically, the first planet carrier 204 further comprises a first fixed shaft which connects the first mounting plate 2041 and the second mounting plate 2042, the first planet gear 205 being rotatably fitted round the first fixed shaft.

Continuing to refer to Fig. 3, the moving ring gear 206 also has a second toothed part 2062, and the drive assembly 20 further comprises a second fixed ring gear 207, a second planet carrier 208 and a second planet gear 209. The second fixed ring gear 207 is connected to the seat body 201, the second planet gear 209 is rotatably mounted on the second planet carrier 208, the second toothed part 2062 is meshed with the second planet gear 209, and the second planet gear 209 is meshed with the second fixed ring gear 207. The second planet gear 209 and the second planet carrier 208 are located at the other side of the base part 2060, wherein the second toothed part 2062 is used to drive the second planet gear 209 to rotate, thereby driving the second planet carrier 208 to rotate; the direction of rotation of the second planet gear 209 is opposite to the direction of rotation of the second toothed part 2062, and the direction of rotation of the second planet carrier 208 is opposite to the direction of rotation of the second planet gear 209. The second toothed part 2062 is columnar teeth. There may be multiple second planet gears 209, for example three. The second fixed ring gear 207 is located at the inside of the first fixed ring gear 202.

The second planet carrier 208 comprises a third mounting plate 2081 and a fourth mounting plate 2082, the second planet gear 209 being rotatably disposed between the third mounting plate 2081 and the fourth mounting plate 2082. In the axial direction B-B of the valve assembly 2, the third mounting plate 2081 abuts the base part 2060, and the fourth mounting plate 2082 abuts the second fixed ring gear 207. This design enables the second planet carrier 208 to be positioned.

More specifically, the second planet carrier 208 further comprises a second fixed shaft which connects the third mounting plate 2081 and the fourth mounting plate 2082, the second planet gear 209 being rotatably fitted round the second fixed shaft.

Continuing to refer to Fig. 3, the sun gear 203 has a first limiting part 2031 and a columnar toothed part 2030; the columnar toothed part 2030 is meshed with the first planet gear 205, and the first limiting part 2031 abuts the first mounting plate 2041. More specifically, the first limiting part 2031 abuts the first mounting plate 2041 in the axial direction B-B of the valve assembly 2 and also in a radial direction of the valve assembly 2, wherein the radial direction of the valve assembly 2 is perpendicular to the axial direction B-B of the valve assembly 2. This design enables the first mounting plate 2041 of the first planet carrier 204 to be positioned in both the axial direction B-B and the radial direction of the valve assembly 2.

Continuing to refer to Fig. 3, the drive assembly 20 further comprises a bearing 20a, the first fixed ring gear 202 has a first inner toothed part 2021 and a mounting part 2022, and the sun gear 203 also has a first connecting part 2033 and a second limiting part 2032, wherein an outer ring of the bearing 20a is connected to the mounting part 2022, an inner ring of the bearing 20a is connected to the first connecting part 2033, the first inner toothed part 2021 is meshed with the first planet gear 205, and the second limiting part 2032 abuts the inner ring of the bearing 20a. More specifically, the inner ring of the bearing 20a is fitted round the first connecting part 2033, and the second limiting part 2032 abuts the inner ring of the bearing 20a in the axial direction B-B of the valve assembly 2. This design enables the bearing 20a to be positioned.

The sun gear 203 also has a second connecting part 2034, and the rotor 200 has a tubular body 2001 and a connecting plate 2002; the first fixed ring gear 202 is located at the inside of the tubular body 2001, and the connecting plate 2002 extends in a radial direction of the valve assembly 2 and is connected to the second connecting part 2034.

The second fixed ring gear 207 has a second inner toothed part 2071 and a support part 2070; the second planet gear 209 is meshed with the second inner toothed part 2071, and the support part 2070 abuts the fourth mounting plate 2082, wherein the support part 2070 has a ring gear through-hole 2070a, and the fourth mounting plate 2082 passes through the ring gear through-hole 2070a.

The fourth mounting plate 2082 has a plate part 2082a and a protruding part 2082b; the plate part 2082a abuts the support part 2070, the second planet gear 209 is rotatably disposed between the third mounting plate 2081 and the plate part 2082a, and the protruding part 2082b passes through the ring gear through-hole 2070a, wherein the protruding part 2082b and the second planet gear 209 are located at two sides of the plate part 2082a respectively. The protruding part 2082b is connected to the valve core 21, so as to drive the valve core 21 to rotate.

The operating process of the valve assembly 2 is as follows: the stator coil 20b generates a varying magnetic field, thereby driving the rotor 200 to rotate about its center line; the rotor 200 drives the sun gear 203, via the second connecting part 2034, to rotate in a first direction. The first direction is clockwise or anticlockwise. The sun gear 203 rotating in the first direction can drive the first planet gear 205 to rotate in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction. Under the action of the first fixed ring gear 202, the first planet gear 205 rotating in the second direction can drive the first planet carrier 204 to rotate in the first direction. The first planet gear 205 rotating in the second direction can also drive the moving ring gear 206 to rotate in the second direction, and the moving ring gear 206 rotating in the second direction drives the second planet gear 209 to rotate in the first direction; under the action of the second fixed ring gear 207, the second planet gear 209 rotating in the first direction can drive the second planet carrier 208 to rotate in the second direction. The second planet carrier 208 rotating in the second direction can drive the valve core 21, via the protruding part 2082b, to rotate in the second direction.

As shown in Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B, the valve core 21 has a valve core channel 210 and an expansion recess M, wherein the valve core 21 has a first position connecting the inlet channel 102 and the outlet channel 111. The valve body assembly 1 also has a bypass channel 103 and the through-channel 104; the bypass channel 103 connects the valve cavity 101 and the through-channel 104, and the valve core 21 also has a second position connecting the inlet channel 102 and the bypass channel 103. In Figs. 7B and 8A, the valve core 21 is located at the first position, the first position comprising a throttling position and a fully open position; in Figs. 5 A, 5B, 6A and 6B, the valve core 21 is located at the second position. A surface of the valve core 21 is provided with the expansion recess M; the expansion recess M and the valve core channel 210 are connected and in communication with each other at an opening in the surface of the valve core 21. The expansion recess M has a set length and depth at the surface of the valve core 21.

Referring to Figs. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B, the valve core 21 is located at the second position, wherein the valve core 21 connects the inlet channel 102 and the bypass channel 103. Specifically, refrigerant F enters the inlet channel 102 via the first fluid inlet 102a, then enters the bypass channel 103 via the valve cavity

101 and the valve core channel 210, and then enters the through-channel 104 via the bypass channel 103; the refrigerant F will not be throttled. At the second position, the valve core 21 cuts off communication between the valve cavity 101 and the outlet channel 111, to prevent refrigerant F from entering the outlet channel 111 from the valve cavity 101, so the second position is also called the bypass position.

Referring to Fig. 7A, the valve core 21 has rotated through a certain angle in a rotation direction R under the action of the drive assembly 20, such that the valve core 21 rotates to a first fully closed position. At the first fully closed position, the valve core 21 cuts off communication between the valve cavity 101 and the outlet channel 111, and the valve core 21 also cuts off communication between the valve cavity 101 and the bypass channel 103.

Referring to Fig. 7B, the valve core has continued to rotate through a certain angle in the rotation direction R under the action of the drive assembly 20, such that the valve core 21 rotates to the throttling position in the first position. At the throttling position in the first position, the valve core 21 connects the inlet channel 102 and the outlet channel 111. Specifically, refrigerant F flowing out of the inlet channel

102 enters the outlet channel 111 through the expansion recess M. The refrigerant F is throttled when passing through the expansion recess M. At the throttling position in the first position, the valve core 21 cuts off communication between the valve cavity 101 and the bypass channel 103.

Referring to Fig. 8 A, the valve core 21 has continued to rotate through a certain angle in the rotation direction R under the action of the drive assembly 20, such that the valve core 21 rotates to the fully open position in the first position. At the fully open position in the first position, the valve core 21 connects the inlet channel 102 and the outlet channel 111. Specifically, refrigerant F flowing out of the inlet channel 102 enters the outlet channel 111 through the valve core channel 210. At the fully open position in the first position, the valve core 21 cuts off communication between the valve cavity 101 and the bypass channel 103.

Referring to Fig. 8B, the valve core 21 has continued to rotate through a certain angle in the rotation direction R under the action of the drive assembly 20, such that the valve core 21 rotates to a second fully closed position. At the second fully closed position, the valve core 21 cuts off communication between the valve cavity 101 and the outlet channel 111, and the valve core 21 also cuts off communication between the valve cavity 101 and the bypass channel 103.

Since the valve core 21 has the second position connecting the inlet channel 102 and the bypass channel 103, refrigerant F can enter the through-channel 104 via the bypass channel 103 after flowing out of the inlet channel 102; thus, the refrigerant F does not need to flow into the outlet channel 111. Such a design increases the functionality of the electric valve 90, enabling it to meet different demands.

As shown in Figs. 6A, 6B, 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B, the valve cavity 101 and the inlet channel 102 intersect at a first communication hole 105, wherein the valve cavity 101 has a valve cavity sidewall 1010 and a valve cavity bottom wall 1011, and the first communication hole 105 has a first edge 105a formed on the valve cavity bottom wall 1011. More specifically, the valve cavity bottom wall 1011 is a wall inside the valve cavity 101 that is transverse to a center line E-E of the valve cavity 101, and the valve cavity sidewall 1010 is a wall inside the valve cavity 101 that is parallel to the center line E-E of the valve cavity 101. The fact that the first communication hole 105 has the first edge 105a formed on the valve cavity bottom wall 1011 helps to increase the area of the first communication hole 105.

As shown in Figs. 10B, 11 A and 1 IB, the first communication hole 105 also has a second edge 105b formed on the valve cavity sidewall 1010. Such a design helps to increase the area of the first communication hole 105.

Continuing to refer to Figs. 10B, 11A and 11B, the inlet channel 102 has a channel sidewall 1020 and a channel bottom wall 1021; the second edge 105b comprises a first segment 105b-l and a second segment 105b-2; the channel sidewall 1020 and the valve cavity bottom wall 1011 intersect at the first edge 105a; the channel sidewall 1020 also intersects with the valve cavity sidewall 1010 at the first segment 105b- 1; and the channel bottom wall 1021 and the valve cavity side wall 1010 intersect at the second segment 105b-2.

As shown in Fig. 6B, the inlet channel 102 extends in a direction parallel to the center line E-E of the valve cavity 101. Such a design makes the inlet channel 102 easy to manufacture and the first communication hole 105 easy to form.

As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the first fluid inlet 102a and the second fluid outlet 104b are located at the same side of the valve block 10; the first fluid outlet Illa and the second fluid inlet 104a are located at the same side of the valve block 10. Such a design makes the electric valve 90 structurally compact and easy to connect to the heat exchanger 91.

As shown in Figs. 9A, 9B, 11A and 11B, the valve cavity 101 and the bypass channel 103 intersect at a second communication hole 106; the second communication hole 106 is formed in the valve cavity bottom wall 1011. More specifically, referring to Fig. 11 A, the valve cavity bottom wall 1011 comprises a first wall 1011a and a second wall 1011b. The first wall 1011a and the second wall 1011b are spaced apart by a certain distance along the center line E-E of the valve cavity 101, and are perpendicular to the first wall 1011a and the second wall 1011b. The first edge 105a is formed on the first wall 101 la, and the second communication hole 106 has an edge formed on the second wall 1011b. A center line of the second communication hole 106 coincides with the center line E-E of the valve cavity 101.

In an embodiment which is not shown in the drawings, at least a part of an edge of the second communication hole 106 is formed on the valve cavity sidewall 1010.

As shown in Figs. 5B and 11 A, the bypass channel 103 has a first channel part 1031 and a second channel part 1032; the valve cavity 101 and the first channel part 1031 intersect at the second communication hole 106, and the second channel part 1032 connects the first channel part 1031 and the through-channel 104, wherein a center line of the first channel part 1031 coincides with the center line E- E of the valve cavity 101, and a center line of the second channel part 1032 is transverse to the center line of the first channel part 1031. More specifically, the center line of the second channel part 1032 is perpendicular to the center line of the first channel part 1031. This design makes the bypass channel 103 easy to manufacture.

Although the present invention has been disclosed above through preferred embodiments, these are not intended to limit it. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and amendments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Any amendments, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical substance of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric valve, comprising: a valve body assembly (1), having a valve cavity (101), an inlet channel (102) and an outlet channel (111), the valve cavity (101) being in communication with the inlet channel (102) and the outlet channel (111) separately; a valve assembly (2) comprising a valve core (21), the valve core (21) being disposed in the valve cavity (101), and the valve core (21) having a first position connecting the inlet channel (102) and the outlet channel (111), wherein the valve body assembly (1) also has a bypass channel (103) and a through- channel (104), the bypass channel (103) connecting the valve cavity (101) and the through- channel (104); the valve core (21) also has a second position connecting the inlet channel (102) and the bypass channel (103).

2. The electric valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve body assembly (1) comprises a valve block (10) and an end cap (11); the valve block (10) has the valve cavity (101), the inlet channel (102), the bypass channel (103) and the through-channel (104); the end cap (11) has the outlet channel (111); the end cap (11) is connected to the valve block (10).

3. The electric valve as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve cavity (101) and the inlet channel (102) intersect at a first communication hole (105), wherein the valve cavity (101) has a valve cavity sidewall (1010) and a valve cavity bottom wall (1011), and the first communication hole (105) has a first edge (105a) formed on the valve cavity bottom wall (1011).

4. The electric valve as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first communication hole (105) also has a second edge (105b) formed on the valve cavity sidewall (1010).

5. The electric valve as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inlet channel (102) has a channel sidewall (1020) and a channel bottom wall (1021), and the second edge (105b) comprises a first segment (105b-l) and a second segment (105b-2); the channel sidewall (1020) and the valve cavity bottom wall (1011) intersect at the first edge (105a); the channel sidewall (1020) also intersects with the valve cavity sidewall (1010) at the first segment (105b-l); the channel bottom wall (1021) and the valve cavity sidewall (1010) intersect at the second segment (105b-2).

6. The electric valve as claimed in claim 3, wherein the inlet channel (102) extends in a direction parallel to a center line (E-E) of the valve cavity (101).

7. The electric valve as claimed in claim 3, wherein the inlet channel (102) has a first fluid inlet (102a) on the valve block (10), the outlet channel (111) has a first fluid outlet (I lla) on the end cap (11), and the through-channel (104) has a second fluid inlet (104a) and a second fluid outlet (104b) on the valve block (10); the first fluid inlet (102a) and the second fluid outlet (104b) are located at the same side of the valve block (10); the first fluid outlet (Illa) and the second fluid inlet (104a) are located at the same side of the valve block (10).

8. The electric valve as claimed in claim 3, wherein the valve cavity (101) and the bypass channel (103) intersect at a second communication hole (106), the second communication hole (106) being formed in the valve cavity bottom wall (1011) and/or the valve cavity sidewall (1010).

9. The electric valve as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bypass channel (103) has a first channel part (1031) and a second channel part (1032); the valve cavity (101) and the first channel part (1031) intersect at the second communication hole (106), and the second channel part (1032) connects the first channel part (1031) and the through-channel (104), wherein a center line of the first channel part (1031) coincides with a center line (E-E) of the valve cavity (101), and a center line of the second channel part (1032) is transverse to the center line of the first channel part (1031).

10. A thermal management assembly, comprising a heat exchanger (91), the heat exchanger (91) having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the thermal management assembly (900) further comprises the electric valve (90) as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 9, the electric valve (90) being mounted on the heat exchanger (91), wherein the first opening is in communication with a first fluid outlet (11 la) of the electric valve (90), and the second opening is in communication with a second fluid inlet (104a) of the electric valve (90).