JP2002195694A - Four-way changeover valve - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a four-way valve where changeover operation of a refrigerant flow passage is improved in ease and quickness, and reliability of the changeover valve is improved, and further miniaturization of a motor section is achieved. SOLUTION: There are provided a stepping motor section 10, a valve chamber in which a main valve 70C is disposed, and a valve seat 80 that forms the valve chamber. The valve seat 80 includes a suction pressure conduit hole communicated with a suction pressure side of a compressor; a discharge pressure conduit hole 83 communicating with a discharge pressure side of the compressor, and a conduit hole communicating with indoor and outdoor heat exchangers; the main valve 70C includes a suction pressure conduit holes and a communication section communicated with the respective suction pressure conduit hole, and further a sub valve 52C, that is a release valve where pressure movement is intended; the stepping motor drives the sub valve 52C mounted on a planetary gear 220 via a planetary gear drive apparatus 200 and the main valve 70C which is to be mounted on an internal gear 250.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a four-way switching valve, and more particularly to a four-way switching valve having a main valve having a discharge pressure relief valve as a sub-valve.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, an air conditioner used for a room air conditioner or the like can perform a cooling operation or a heating operation in accordance with the season by switching the direction of refrigerant flow. This is performed by a switching valve.
FIG. 15 shows an example of a cooling and heating cycle of an air conditioner using the above-mentioned switching valve, which includes a compressor C, a switching valve SV, a heat exchanger E, and an electronic linear control valve T. And the refrigerant during the cooling operation flows in the order of the compressor C, the switching valve SV, the outdoor heat exchanger E1, the electronic linear control valve T, and the indoor heat exchanger E2, as indicated by the solid line arrow. After the SV, the refrigerant returns to the compressor C and circulates again. on the other hand,
The refrigerant at the time of the heating operation flows in the order of the compressor C, the switching valve SV, the indoor heat exchanger E2, the electronic linear control valve T, and the outdoor heat exchanger E1, as indicated by the one-dot chain line arrow, and passes through the switching valve SV. It returns to the compressor C again and circulates.

Here, as an example of the switching valve, a four-way switching valve technology has been proposed (see, for example, Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 2523031). The proposed technique comprises an electromagnet disposed at an upper portion of a valve body, a valve seat attached to a lower end of the valve body, and a valve body rotatably disposed within the valve body. The valve seat has a discharge pressure passage for introducing a discharge pressure on a high pressure side of the compressor, a suction pressure passage for introducing a suction pressure on a low pressure side, and a passage for an outdoor heat exchanger communicated with the heat exchanger. And a conduction hole for the indoor heat exchanger are provided at required angular intervals, and the valve body is formed of a plastic magnet, and a guide hole capable of alternately communicating with the discharge pressure conduction hole and one of the two conduction holes. Are formed, and a connection groove capable of communicating with the suction pressure conduction hole and one of the two conduction holes alternately is formed, and the discharge pressure conduction hole has a tip at an end of the guide hole. A protruding inlet pipe is attached The protruding portion of the introduction pipe is obtained by a stopper for limiting rotation of the valve body is brought into contact with the end portion of the guide hole.

As another example of the same four-way switching valve as described above, a discharge pressure passage hole and a suction pressure passage hole, a passage hole for an outdoor exchanger and a passage hole for an indoor exchanger are provided in a valve seat. A slidable main valve for switching a hole, a valve chamber that covers the entirety of the communication hole with the main valve to define a valve body, an auxiliary valve for opening and closing the suction pressure communication hole by electromagnetic force, There has been proposed a technology of a four-way switching valve including a valve and a spring connecting the main valve, wherein the diameter of the discharge pressure communication hole is smaller than the diameter of the suction pressure communication hole (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-1980). -32389).

[0005]

Among the above-mentioned conventional techniques, the technique of the four-way switching valve described in Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 2523031 discloses the four-way switching valve in the valve main body. Switching of the refrigerant flow path between the suction pressure passage hole and the passage hole is performed inside and outside the main valve. However, inside the main valve, the low suction pressure is generated, and the main valve is closed. Since the high discharge pressure is generated on the outside, the switching operation tends to be heavy because there is a pressure difference across the main valve, and the four-way switching valve is easy to switch the refrigerant flow path. Agility is not specifically considered.

[0006] Of the above conventional techniques, Japanese Patent Publication No.
In the technique of the four-way switching valve described in Japanese Patent No. 32389, the switching operation of the refrigerant passage by the main valve is performed after the pressure difference of the valve body is eliminated, but the rotation of the main valve is caused by expansion and contraction of the elastic member. The reliability of the four-way switching valve,
No particular consideration is given to the agility of the switching operation of the refrigerant flow path.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to improve the ease and agility of the switching operation of the refrigerant flow path and to reduce the size of the motor section. An object of the present invention is to provide a four-way switching valve capable of improving the reliability of the switching valve.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a four-way switching valve comprising:
A stepping motor, a valve chamber in which a main valve is disposed, and a valve seat forming the valve chamber, wherein the valve seat has a suction pressure passage hole communicating with a suction pressure side of the compressor; The main valve includes a discharge pressure communication hole communicating with the discharge pressure side, and a communication hole communicating with the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, and the main valve includes a communication portion communicating with the suction pressure communication hole and the communication hole. In addition, a sub-valve for moving the pressure between the communication portion and the valve chamber is provided.The sub-valve is a relief valve provided for the main valve and for moving the pressure. And means for rotationally driving the sub-valve and the main valve via a planetary gear drive.

[0009] The planetary gear driving device is characterized by comprising a sun gear attached to the drive shaft of the stepping motor, a planetary gear attached to the sub-valve, and an internal gear attached to the main valve. Further, the internal gear has a space in which the planetary gear rotates by a predetermined angle, and is provided with locking portions at both ends of the space to restrict the rotation of the planetary gear. Further, the locking portion transmits the rotational force of the planetary gear to the main valve.

Further, the internal gear is an arc-shaped member or a ring-shaped member. Further, the planetary gear is one gear or three gears. Furthermore,
The planetary gear is supported by a carrier and transmits the rotational force of the carrier to the main valve.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a four-way switching valve according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 5 show a first embodiment of a four-way switching valve of the present invention.
Is a perspective view showing its appearance, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof, and FIG.
(A) is a longitudinal sectional view thereof.

The four-way switching valve 100 of the illustrated embodiment includes a motor unit 10 having a stepping motor and a main body 50 having a main valve 70. The four-way switching valve 100 of this embodiment is controlled by a stepping motor. The main valve 70 is rotated to switch the flow path of the refrigerant.

The motor unit 10 includes a stator unit 20 and
And the rotor section 40, and the stator section 20 includes:
A stator coil 21 and a yoke 22 are stored vertically, and a cable 23 in which lead wires are bundled and a connector 24 provided on the outer periphery of the stator unit 20 are connected to the stator coil 21. In the present embodiment, the can 51 is made of stainless steel formed in a two-stage cylindrical shape, and the stator portion 20 is externally fitted to the upper-stage small-diameter cylindrical portion.

The rotor section 40 is built in the small diameter section of the can 51, and has a rotor 41, a rotating shaft 42 fixed at the center of the rotor 41, and a rotor section 40 attached downward. And a pressing spring 44 for urging the cable 2
3 and the connector 24 to energize and excite the stator coil 21 to rotate the rotor section 40 and rotate the main valve 70 engaged with the rotating shaft 42 thereof, thereby allowing the refrigerant The flow is switched.

The main body 50 comprises a plate 60, a main valve 70, a valve seat 80, and a group of conduits 90. The plate 60 is a substantially semicircular plate, and the rotation shaft 42
And a surface member 62 extending in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 42 from the fixing hole 61 by press fitting or the like. The surface member 62 is provided at the peripheral end thereof in the longitudinal direction of the rotary shaft 42 and the main valve 70.
A claw 63 is provided as a locking means extending toward the main valve 70, and a relief valve engaging portion 64 which is concave toward the main valve 70 is formed in the vicinity of the substantially outer peripheral end of the arc portion.

The main valve 70 is housed in a large-diameter lower portion of the can 51 and is engaged with the lower portion 43 of the rotary shaft 42 in a substantially circular columnar body. And has a substantially elliptical cylindrical body having an opening on the lower side, and is formed of, for example, nylon resin. The rotating shaft 4 is provided on the upper surface side of the columnar portion.
A bearing 71 is formed on the end of the lower portion 43 of the second bearing, and a bearing 72 is formed on the lower surface side and is concentric with the bearing 71 and is engaged with the shaft 81 of the valve seat 80. .
And the inner part of the large diameter portion of the can 51,
An outer portion of the main valve 70 forms a valve chamber 73.

The inside of the valve chamber 70 in the substantially oval cylindrical state is formed by the suction pressure passage 82 of the valve seat 80 and the conduction hole 84 for the outdoor heat exchanger or the conduction hole 85 for the indoor heat exchanger. A communicating portion 74 communicating with one of the communicating portions, a relief valve chamber 75 provided at an upper portion of the communicating portion 74, and a relief valve seat 7;
A communication hole 77 is provided for communicating the relief valve chamber 75 with the valve chamber 73 outside the main valve 70 through the relief valve 6. The relief valve seat 76 and the spring receiver 7 incorporated in the relief valve chamber 75 are provided.
8, a relief valve body support spring 79 is provided between the relief valve 52 and the relief valve 52.
The valve body 53 is biased in the closing direction. The relief valve 52 includes a valve body 53 and an operating rod 54, and the upper end of the operating rod 54 is in contact with the relief valve shaft engaging portion 64 of the plate 60.

The valve seat 80 is a substantially circular stainless steel plate which is in contact with the lower end of the main valve 70 and is engaged with the lower end of the large diameter portion of the can 51, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), a shaft 81 concentric with the bearing 72 and a suction pressure passage hole 82 for introducing the suction pressure of the compressor at a predetermined position in the radial direction from the axis of the shaft 81 are provided at the center thereof. And a discharge pressure conducting hole 83 for introducing a discharge pressure,
A conduction hole 84 for the outdoor heat exchanger and a conduction hole 85 for the indoor heat exchanger, which are communicated with the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers; and, for example, substantially half-moon shaped stoppers 86, 86 for regulating the rotational position of the main valve 70. Is provided.

The suction pressure communication hole 82 and the discharge pressure communication hole 83 are provided on the same straight line passing through the axis of the shaft 81, and the communication hole 84 for the outdoor heat exchanger and the communication hole 85 for the indoor heat exchanger are provided. The suction pressure passage hole 82 and the discharge pressure passage hole 8 pass through the axis of the shaft 81.
A position symmetrical with respect to a straight line having 3 and
It is provided at a predetermined angular position from the discharge pressure conducting hole 83, respectively.

The conduit group 90 is provided with the suction pressure passage hole 8.
2, a discharge pressure conducting tube 93 connected to the discharge pressure conducting hole 83, an outdoor heat exchanger conducting tube 94 connected to the outdoor heat exchanger conducting hole 84, The valve seat 8 is composed of a total of four conductive tubes 95 for the indoor exchanger connected to the conductive holes 85 for the indoor heat exchanger.
0 is connected to each of the holes 82, 83, 84, 85 from the lower end side.

Next, the operation of the four-way switching valve 100 will be described. 4A to 4D show the four-way switching valve 1.
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the four-way switching valve 100, and FIGS.
(A) to (d) in each figure correspond to each other.

(A) shows a set state during the cooling operation, in which the discharge pressure conductive pipe 93 and the outdoor heat exchanger conductive pipe 9 are connected.
4 communicates with the outside of the main valve 70, that is, in the valve chamber 73, and communicates with the suction pressure conducting pipe 92, the indoor heat exchanger conducting pipe 95, and the communicating section 74 of the picture valve 70. In this state, since there is a large pressure difference between the pressure in the valve chamber 73 and the pressure in the communication portion 74, the main valve 70 causes the valve seat 80 by the discharge pressure.
And is not easily moved. Therefore, when the refrigerant flow path is switched from this state, in the present embodiment, the relief valve 52 is used to balance the respective pressures of the valve chamber 73 and the communication portion 74, and then the rotation of the main valve 70 is performed. Is going.

First, in the state (a), the plate 60 which is operated via the rotor 40 by the pulse input to the stepping motor rotates in the hour hand direction in FIG. 4 (left direction in FIG. 5). The claw 63 of 60 contacts the main valve 70 and rotates until the main valve 70 contacts the stopper 86. When the plate 60 rotates, the upper end of the operating rod 54 of the relief valve 52 and the relief valve shaft engaging portion 64 of the plate 60
Is disengaged, and the operating rod 54 is moved to the plate surface member 62.
Abuts on the lower side to move the relief valve body 53 downward, so that the relief valve 52 is opened and the pressure in the valve chamber 73 is reduced by the communication portion 7.
4, the pressure in the valve chamber 73 is reduced, and the pressure is balanced.

In the state (b), when the pressure in the valve chamber 73 and the communication portion 74 is balanced, the main valve 70 is placed on the valve seat 80 via the claw 63 with the rotation of the plate 60. The main valve 70 rotates until it comes into contact with the stopper 86. By this operation, the communication between the suction pressure conducting pipe 92 and the indoor heat exchanger conducting pipe 95 is established by the suction pressure conducting pipe 9.
2 and communication with the outdoor heat exchanger conducting tube 94.

In the state (c), the suction pressure conduit 9
When the second and the outdoor heat exchanger conducting tube 94 are communicated with each other in the communicating portion 74, the stepping motor is operated in the opposite direction, and the plate 60 moves in the counter-hour hand direction in FIG. 4 (to the right in FIG. 5). The upper end of the operating rod 54 of the relief valve 52 is a plate 6
It is rotated until it engages with the relief valve shaft engaging portion 64 of zero.
With this engagement, the relief valve element 53 is moved upward by the urging force of the relief valve element support spring 79 to close the relief valve 52,
The set state during the heating operation, that is, the discharge pressure conducting pipe 9
3 communicates with the indoor heat exchanger conduit 95 in the valve chamber 73,
The suction pressure conducting tube 92 and the outdoor heat exchanger conducting tube 94 communicate with each other in the communicating portion 74 of the main valve 70.

When switching from the state (d) to the set state (a) during the cooling operation, the operation opposite to the above operation is performed. FIGS. 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the four-way switching valve of the present invention, which has the same configuration as the first embodiment except for the shapes of the plate and the main valve. For this reason, the plate and the main valve will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 6, the four-way switching valve 100A
The plate 60A has a substantially U-shaped cross section in the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft 42, and a fixing hole 61A integrally fixed to the lower portion 43 of the rotating shaft 42 by press fitting or the like. The surface member 6 extending in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 42
2A and the rotation shaft 42 from the outer peripheral end of the surface member 62A.
And a semi-cylindrical column 63A extending toward the main valve 70A. Further, a main valve contact portion 65A extending from the lower end of the semi-cylindrical column 63A toward the main valve 70A and serving as the claw 63 is provided.
A relief valve shaft engaging portion 64A that is concave toward the main valve 70A is formed near the substantially central portion of the arc portion of A.

The main valve 70A is housed in the large diameter portion of the can 51, is engaged with the lower portion 43 of the rotary shaft 42, and has a substantially circular columnar shape, and is continuous with the outer peripheral side of the columnar shape. It has a substantially elliptical cylindrical shape having an opening below the cage, and is formed of, for example, nylon resin. Further, a bearing 71A engaged with the lower portion 43 of the rotating shaft 42, and a valve seat 80 concentric with the bearing 71A
And a bearing 72A engaged with the shaft 81. A valve chamber 73 is formed inside the large diameter portion of the can 51 and outside the main valve 70A.

The inner part of the main valve 70A in the substantially elliptical cylindrical state is provided with a suction pressure conducting hole 82 of a valve seat 80,
A communicating portion 74A communicating with either the outdoor heat exchanger conducting hole 84 or the indoor heat exchanger conducting hole 85, and the main valve contact portion provided on the upper portion of the communicating portion 74A and communicated with the communicating portion 74A. A relief valve chamber 75A provided toward the valve 65A and a communication hole 77A for communicating the relief valve chamber 75A with the outside of the main valve 70A through a relief valve seat 76A are provided. The relief valve seat 76A and the relief are provided. Valve chamber 75A
A relief valve body support spring 79A is provided between the spring support 78A and the spring receiver 78A, which biases the valve body 53A of the relief valve 52A in the closing direction. The relief valve 52A is
It comprises a valve body 53A and an operating rod 54A.
The tip of the relief valve shaft engaging portion 64A of the plate 60A
Is in contact with The spring receiver 78A seals the space between the spring receiver 78A and the valve chamber 73.

The operation of the four-way switching valve 100A is shown in FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (d), where (a) is a set state during cooling operation and (d) is a set state during heating operation. is there. First, in the state of (a), the plate 60A operated via the rotor 40 rotates in the hour hand direction in FIG. 7 until the main valve contact portion 65A contacts the main valve 70A and the main valve 70A contacts the stopper 86. Be moved. When the plate 60A rotates, the tip of the operating rod 54A and the relief valve shaft engaging portion 64
A is disengaged from the main valve contact portion 65A.
To release the relief valve 53A to the left, the relief valve 52A is opened, and the pressure in the valve chamber 73 is reduced
4A is introduced to balance the pressure.

In the state (b), when the pressure in the valve chamber 73 and the communicating portion 74A is balanced, the main valve 70A is connected to the valve seat 80 through the main valve contact portion 65A with the rotation of the plate 60A. The main valve 70A is moved to the stopper 8
It is rotated until it contacts 6. By this operation, communication between the suction pressure conducting pipe 92 and the conducting pipe 95 for the indoor heat exchanger is switched to communication between the suction pressure conducting pipe 92 and the conducting pipe 94 for the outdoor heat exchanger.

In the state (c), the suction pressure conduit 9
When the second and the outdoor heat exchanger conducting pipe 94 are communicated with each other in the communicating portion 74A, the stepping motor is operated in the opposite direction, and the plate 60 is released in the counter-hour hand direction in FIG.
The end of the operating rod 54A of A is rotated until it engages with the relief valve shaft engaging portion 64A of the plate 60A. By this engagement, the relief valve body 53A is moved to the right by the urging force of the relief valve body support spring 79A to close the relief valve 52A. The conduit tube 95 communicates with the valve chamber 73, and the suction pressure conduit 92 and the conduit 94 for the outdoor heat exchanger communicate with the main valve 70.
The communication is established within the communication section 74A of A.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of the four-way switching valve according to the present invention, which is the same as the first embodiment except for the shapes of the plate and the main valve. Therefore, the plate and the main valve will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 8, the four-way switching valve 10
The plate 60B of 0B is a substantially T-shaped plate, and has a fixing hole 61B integrally fixed to the lower portion 43 of the rotating shaft 42 by press fitting or the like, and a radial direction of the rotating shaft 42 from the fixing hole 61B. A surface member 62B that extends, and a relief valve engaging portion 64B that extends in the longitudinal direction of the rotary shaft 42 from the outer peripheral end of the surface member 62B toward the main valve 70B, for example, has a substantially U-shaped cross section. And the fixing hole 61B
And a second surface member 66B, 66B extending in a predetermined angular direction, for example, a perpendicular direction to the surface member 62B and symmetrically with respect to the surface member 62B, and the second surface members 66B, 66B.
B from the outer peripheral end in the longitudinal direction of the rotary shaft 42,
Claws 63B, 63B functioning as locking means extending toward the main valve 70B.

The main valve 70B is accommodated in the large diameter portion of the can 51, is engaged with the lower portion 43 of the rotating shaft 42, and has a substantially circular columnar shape, and is continuous with the outer peripheral side of the columnar shape. It has a shape consisting of a substantially elliptical cylindrical body with an opening on its lower side, and is formed of, for example, nylon resin,
Bearing 71B engaged with the lower part 43 of the rotating shaft 42
And the shaft 8 of the valve seat 80 concentric with the bearing 71B.
1 and a bearing 72B engaged with the bearing 72. A valve chamber 73 is formed inside the large diameter portion of the can 51 and outside the main valve 70B.

The substantially elliptical cylindrical portion of the main valve 70B is provided with a suction pressure conducting hole 82 of a valve seat 80 and a conducting hole 84 for the outdoor heat exchanger or a conducting hole 8 for the indoor heat exchanger.
5 and a communication portion 74B that covers one of the
4B has a communication hole 77B provided at the upper part of the valve 4B and communicating with the relief valve seat 76B, and a relief valve seat 76B.
A slide groove 75B in which B slides. Relief valve 5
2B comprises a valve body 53B and an engaging portion 54B, and the outer engaging portion 54B is engaged with the relief valve engaging portion 64B.

The operation of the four-way switching valve 100B is shown in FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (d), where (a) is the set state during the cooling operation and (d) is the set state during the heating operation. is there. First, in the state of FIG. 8A, the plate 60B operated via the rotor 40 has the pawl 63B in contact with the main valve 70B in the hour hand direction (left direction in FIG. 9) in FIG. Is rotated until it contacts the stopper 86. When the plate 60B rotates, the relief valve engaging portion 64B is interlocked, and the relief valve body 53B is moved to the left away from the relief valve seat 76B, so that the valve chamber 73 and the communication portion 74B communicate with each other. The pressure in the valve chamber 73 is introduced into the communication portion 74B to balance the pressure.

In the state (b), when the pressure in the valve chamber 73 and the communicating portion 74B is balanced, the main valve 70B is rotated on the valve seat 80 with the rotation of the plate 60B, and the main valve 70B is rotated. The valve 70B is rotated until it contacts the stopper 86. By this operation, communication between the suction pressure conducting pipe 92 and the conducting pipe 95 for the indoor heat exchanger is switched to communication between the suction pressure conducting pipe 92 and the conducting pipe 94 for the outdoor heat exchanger.

In the state (c), the suction pressure conduit 9
When the second and the outdoor heat exchanger conducting pipe 94 are communicated with each other in the communicating portion 74B, the stepping motor is operated in the opposite direction, and the plate 60 is moved in the counter-hour hand direction in FIG. The relief valve element 53B is rotated until it contacts the relief valve seat 76B to close the communication hole 77B, and the set state during the heating operation, that is, the discharge pressure conducting pipe 93 and the indoor heat exchanger conducting pipe 95 are closed. The chamber 73 communicates, and the suction pressure conducting pipe 92 and the outdoor exchanger conducting pipe 94 communicate within the communicating portion 74B of the main valve 70B. As described above, each of the above embodiments of the present invention has the following functions due to the above configuration.

The four-way switching valve 100 (100A) of the first and second embodiments is different from the main valve 70 (70A)
An elliptical columnar body accommodated in the large diameter portion of the can 51 and engaged with the lower portion 43 of the rotary shaft 42, and an opening substantially below the columnar body continuous with the outer peripheral side of the columnar body. The inner part of the substantially elliptical cylindrical body has a suction pressure passage hole 82 of the valve seat 80.
And a communication portion 74 (74) communicating with one of the outdoor heat exchanger conductive hole 84 and the indoor heat exchanger conductive hole 85.
A), a relief valve chamber 75 (75A) provided above the communication portion 74 (74A), and the relief valve chamber 75 (75A) and the main valve 70 (70A) via a relief seat 76 (76A).
And a communication hole 77 (77A) that communicates with the outside of the
The relief valve 52 (52A) is provided in the relief valve chamber 75 (75A).
A). The relief valve 52 (53A)
Plate 60 (60A) actuated via rotor 40
The valve chamber 73 and the communicating portion 74
After balancing the pressure with (74A), the flow of the refrigerant can be switched, and the operation of switching the flow path of the refrigerant can be easily performed.

The operating mechanism, which is the plate 60 (60A), is operated by a stepping motor to operate and control the amount of rotation of the main valve 70 (70A). (70A) and a relief valve shaft engaging portion 64 (64A), and further, a press-fit into the lower portion 43 of the rotating shaft 42 of the rotor 40. , The switching operation of the refrigerant flow path can be performed quickly, and the life of the four-way switching valve 100 (100A) can be extended as compared with the case where the main valve is moved using the elastic member. it can.

Further, in the four-way switching valve 100B of the third embodiment, the substantially elliptical cylindrical portion of the main valve 70B is connected to the suction pressure conducting hole 82 of the valve seat 80 by the outdoor heat exchange. A communication portion 74B communicating with one of the device communication hole 84 and the indoor heat exchanger communication hole 85; and the communication portion 74B.
And a communication hole 77B which is provided at an upper portion of the valve and communicates with the relief valve seat 76B, and the relief valve seat 76B.
The relief valve 52B is composed of a valve body 53B and an engagement portion 54B, and the engagement portion 54B is engaged with the relief valve engagement portion 64B. Therefore, the relief valve 52B can be smoothly operated by the torque of the rotor 40, and the valve chamber 7
3 and the communication portion 74B can be more easily balanced in pressure.

That is, in the third embodiment, since the spring force acting on the relief valve is not required, the communication hole 77
Since the diameter of B can be increased and the pressures in the valve chamber and the communicating portion are quickly balanced, agility can be further improved. In addition, since a support spring is not required as a relief valve, the spring force does not act on the rotating shaft, so that the stepping motor can rotate the main valve with a smaller torque, thereby realizing the downsizing of the stepping motor. be able to.

FIGS. 10 to 14 show another embodiment of the present invention. In these four-way switching valves, the motor 10
A rotary shaft 43 connected to the rotor 41 and a relief valve 52
And a planetary gear drive 200 between the main valve 70. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described four-way switching valve. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the main members, and the description is omitted.

The four-way switching valve 100C shown in FIG. 10 includes a planetary gear drive 200 as a drive for the rotary shaft 43, the relief valve 52C and the main valve 70C. The planetary gear drive 200 includes a sun gear 210 mounted on the rotating shaft 43.
, A planetary gear 220 and an internal gear 250. The planetary gear 220 meshes with the sun gear 210 and the internal gear 250 at the same time. The planetary gear 220 is
0, and the shaft 240 is formed integrally with the relief valve 52C. The upper part of the shaft 240 is connected to the rotating shaft 43 by the carrier 230.

The internal gear 250 constitutes a sector gear in which the internal teeth 252 are formed, and has a space 255 in which the planet gear 220 can float within a predetermined angle range. This space 25
Locking portions 254 and 256 are provided at both end portions of the lock 5.
This internal gear 250 is connected to the main valve 70C.

The planetary gear 220 shown in FIGS.
In the position (2), the relief valve 52C is in a state in which the relief passage of the main valve 70C is closed. When an operation command for the switching valve is input to the stepping motor 10, the rotor 41 rotates by a predetermined angle. This rotation drives the sun gear 210 via the rotation shaft 43. Due to the rotation of the sun gear 210, the planet gear 220 moves in the space 255 of the internal gear 250, and opens the relief valve 52C. By opening the relief valve 52C, the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the main valve 70C is equalized.

When the planetary gear 220 is further moved, the external teeth of the planetary gear 220 are engaged with the locking portions 254 and 254 of the internal gear 250.
The main valve 70 </ b> C is rotated by contacting one of the 256 and the switching of the valve path is executed. When the switching position of the main valve 70C is determined, the rotor 41 is rotated in the reverse direction to return the planetary gear 220 to the initial position, and the relief valve 52C is closed. The direction of rotation of the rotor 41 can be switched in four directions by controlling the amount of rotation.

According to the four-way switching valve of the present invention, a stepping motor 1 is provided by providing a planetary gear drive.
0 planetary gear 220 and internal gear 250
Can be transmitted to Therefore, the relief valve and the main valve can be reliably driven by the small-sized and low-torque stepping motor.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
This four-way switching valve 100D has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 10 in the configuration including the planetary gear driving device 200. In the four-way switching valve 100D, the locking portions 254d and 256d of the internal gear 250d are formed at positions where the relief valve 52d abuts without contacting the external teeth of the planetary gear 220. With this configuration, the external teeth of the planetary gear 220 do not directly contact the locking portions of the internal gear 250d, and damage to the gears and the like are prevented.

FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. The four-way switching valve 100E includes a planetary gear drive 20
0 is common to the previous embodiment. The planetary gear driving device 200 of the four-way switching valve 100E includes a planetary gear 220e having a two-stage gear structure. This planetary gear 22
0e is a large-diameter gear 222e meshing with the sun gear 210
And a small-diameter gear 224e that meshes with the internal gear 250e. The large-diameter gear 222e and the small-diameter gear 224e use the same tooth profile, and the number of teeth of the large-diameter gear 222e is larger than the number of teeth of the small-diameter gear 224e. With this configuration, the torque of the rotor 41 is further increased and the relief valve 52
e and the torque transmitted to the main valve can be transmitted without increasing, and the operation reliability is improved.

FIG. 13 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. The four-way switching valve 100F includes a planetary gear drive 20
0, and is common to the previous embodiment. The planetary gear driving device 200 of the four-way switching valve 100F includes ring-shaped internal teeth having internal teeth formed all around and a gear 250F. By using the three planetary gears 220f, more stable operation is achieved. Main valve 70f
Pins 254f and 256f are implanted in the planet gear 220f.
And drives the main valve 70f.

FIG. 14 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. The four-way switching valve 100G includes a planetary gear drive 20
0, and is common to the previous embodiment. The planetary gear drive 200 of the four-way switching valve 100G has an arcuate internal gear 25 on which a sector internal gear 252G is formed.
It has 0G. The internal gear 250G has locking portions 254G and 256G at both ends. The carrier 230G supporting the planetary gear 220G is an arc-shaped member, and both ends of the carrier 230G are engaging portions 254 of the internal gear 250G.
G, 256G, and the main valve 70G integral with the internal gear 250G is rotated.

[0053]

As can be understood from the above description, in the four-way switching valve of the present invention, the main valve is provided with the sub-valve, and the main valve is switched after the pressure is balanced. The ease and agility of the switching operation of the flow path can be improved, and the reliability of the switching valve can be improved. Further, the size of the motor unit can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a four-way switching valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the four-way switching valve of FIG. 1;

3A is a longitudinal sectional view of the four-way switching valve of FIG. 1, and FIG.
1A is a sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of the valve seat of the four-way switching valve of FIG.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing the operation of the four-way switching valve of FIG. 1;

5 (a) to 5 (d) are longitudinal sectional views showing the operation of the four-way switching valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a four-way switching valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
(A) is a front view, (b) is a view taken along the line VI-VI of (a).

FIGS. 7A to 7D are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the four-way switching valve of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a four-way switching valve according to a third embodiment of the present invention,
(A) is a longitudinal sectional view, (b) is a sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of (a).

FIGS. 9A to 9D are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the four-way switching valve in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cycle configuration diagram during a cooling / heating operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 40 Rotor part of stepping motor 51 Can 52 Sub-valve (relief valve) 60, 60A, 60B Operating mechanism (plate) 63, 63B Locking means (claw) 64, 64A, 64B Engaging portion 65A Locking means (main valve contact) 70, 70A, 70B Main valve 73 Valve chamber 74, 74A, 74B Communication part 80 Valve seat 82 Suction pressure conduction hole 83 Discharge pressure conduction hole 84 Conduction hole 85 Conduction hole 90 Pipe group 92 Suction pressure conduction pipe 93 Discharge pressure conduction Pipe 94 Conductive tube for outdoor heat exchanger 95 Conductive tube for indoor heat exchanger 100 Four-way switching valve 200 Planetary gear drive 210 Sun gear 220 Planetary gear 230 Carrier 250 Internal gear

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Naoya Kurosawa 7-17-24 Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Inside Fuji Machinery Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tetsuya Aoki 7-17-24, Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo F-term in Fujikoki Co., Ltd. (reference)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A stepping motor, a valve chamber in which a main valve is arranged, and a valve seat forming the valve chamber, wherein the valve seat has a suction pressure passage hole communicating with a suction pressure side of a compressor. ,
A discharge pressure passage hole communicating with a discharge pressure side of the compressor,
A communication hole communicating with the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, and the main valve includes a communication portion communicating with the suction pressure communication hole and the communication hole, and a pressure between the communication portion and the valve chamber. The auxiliary valve is provided in the main valve, is a relief valve that moves the pressure, the stepping motor,
A four-way switching valve characterized by rotating a sub-valve and a main valve via a planetary gear drive. 2. The planetary gear driving device according to claim 1, further comprising a sun gear mounted on a drive shaft of the stepping motor, a planetary gear mounted on the auxiliary valve, and an internal gear mounted on the main valve. 4. The four-way switching valve according to 1. 3. The internal gear has a space in which the planetary gear rotates by a predetermined angle, and is provided with locking portions at both ends of the space for restricting the rotation of the planetary gear. 2. The four-way switching valve according to 2. 4. The four-way switching valve according to claim 2, wherein the internal gear is an arc-shaped member. 5. The four-way switching valve according to claim 2, wherein the internal gear is a ring-shaped member. 6. The four-way switching valve according to claim 2, wherein the planetary gear is a single gear. 7. The four-way switching valve according to claim 2, wherein said planetary gears are three gears. 8. The four-way switching valve according to claim 3, wherein the locking portion transmits the torque of the planetary gear to the main valve. 9. The four-way switching valve according to claim 2, wherein the planetary gear is supported by a carrier and transmits a rotational force of the carrier to the main valve.