JP2985950B2 - High / low pressure path reversal switching device for air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a reversing switching device for a high / low pressure path of a refrigerant in a cooling / heating device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 61-6468 shows a typical example of a reversing switching valve for the above-mentioned refrigerant high / low pressure path in a conventional cooling / heating device.

In this switching valve, as shown in FIG. 7, a high-pressure gas inlet 2 for connecting to a discharge port of a compressor 10 is provided on a side wall of an outer tube 1 having airtightness so that the inside of the outer tube 1 is always filled with high-pressure gas. The first and second high and low pressure gas outlets 3 and 4 are connected to heat exchangers (the indoor coil 11a and the outdoor coil 11b) on the opposite side wall of the pipe, and the inlet of the compressor 10 is filled. And a low-pressure gas outlet 5 connected in parallel with the outer pipe 1, and a slide block as a flow path switching valve that slides linearly left and right in the axial direction of the pipe along the inner surface of the outer pipe 1 where these 3, 4 and 5 open. 6 and one of the first and second high and low pressure gas outlets 3 and 4 and the low pressure gas outlet 5 are communicated via the slide block 6 by sliding the slide block 6 left and right. From the compressor 10 to the heat exchanger 11
The direction of the refrigerant gas passing through a and 11b is switched.

A valve seat 11 is provided on the inner curved surface of the outer tube 1 so that the slide block 6 can slide linearly on the flat surface of the valve seat. Is applied to the surface of the valve seat 11 to ensure airtightness. In the prior art, a pair of left and right pistons 7 and 8 connected to the slide block 6 are provided in the outer tube 1 as means for driving the slide block 6, and the piston is sucked and discharged to the compressor 10 via the switching valve. A pilot valve 9 is provided for driving the pistons 7 and 8 using the difference in pressure between the gas and the refrigerant.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned switching valve, since the passage switching slide block 6 is of a one-sided slide type, it is difficult to secure the close contact on the sliding surface, and the problem of seal defects is reduced. Inherent.

In addition, since the sliding block 6 has a structure in which linear sliding is performed while always applying a high pressure from the high-pressure gas inlet 2 to a relatively large sliding surface of the sliding block 6, the sliding resistance on the sliding surface becomes excessive. This hinders smooth sliding of the slide block 6 and causes deterioration of responsiveness at the time of switching,
Further, there is a problem that abrasion easily occurs due to repeated sliding under a high pressure, and the above-mentioned seal defect is promoted.

In the conventional example, in order to address the above structural problem,
Various efforts have been made in the design specifications such as the installation of the slide block sliding valve seat 11 on the inner curved surface of the outer tube 1, the selection of the materials of the two 6, 11 and the processing technology.

In the prior art, a pair of left and right pistons 7, 8 connected to the slide block 6 is provided in the outer tube 1 as means for driving the slide block 6, and the compressor 10 is connected to the compressor 10 via the switching valve. The structure is complicated, such as installation of a pilot valve 9 for driving the pistons 7 and 8 using the high and low pressure difference of the gas (refrigerant) to be sucked and discharged, and the piping thereof is required, and the number of parts and the number of assembly steps are extremely increased. It has a problem and a problem that leads to an increase in cost.

[0009]

According to the present invention, a sliding block for switching a passage having a sliding surface with a large area is reciprocated linearly in the axial direction of the tube under the printing pressure of high-pressure gas. Provided is a reversing switching device for a high / low pressure path in a cooling and heating device which drastically revises a switching valve structure to be operated.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a reversal switching device for a high / low pressure path in a cooling / heating device in which the inside of a hollow tube is always filled with a low pressure gas. A high-pressure gas introduction port connected to the gas discharge port is provided, and the high-pressure gas is provided on the tube wall of the hollow tube through a ventilation path in a fixed-axis rotating flow path switching means provided in the hollow tube. The first high-pressure gas outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet and the second high-pressure gas outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet are selectively supplied to the first and second high-pressure gas outlets and the low-pressure gas inlet from the air passage. The high-pressure gas is supplied to one end or the other end of the heat exchanger through any one of the above, and the low-pressure gas from the other end or the one end of the heat exchanger is introduced into the hollow tube through the other. The hollow tube is always filled with low-pressure gas. Together, to provide an inverted switching device high-low pressure passage in the air conditioning apparatus in which a low pressure gas outlet port for deriving a low-pressure gas of the hollow tube to the tube wall of the hollow tube to the low-pressure gas suction port of the compressor. The flow path switching means bears both ends thereof on the rotation axis so that the switching operation can be performed soundly.

A high-pressure gas inlet from the compressor is disposed on one end wall of the hollow tube on the axis thereof, and a low-pressure gas outlet toward the compressor is provided on the other end of the coaxial line. And the first and second high-pressure gas outlets and the low-pressure gas inlet are arranged on a circular locus about the axis on the side wall of the hollow tube, and a loop circuit via the heat exchanger is provided. Is formed.

Further, the high-pressure gas inlet at one end of the ventilation passage provided in the switching means of the high-pressure gas flow path and the high-pressure gas introduction port are arranged so as to be always in communication with each other on the rotation axis of the flow path switching means. In this configuration, the high-pressure gas from the compressor is supplied into the ventilation path on the axis of rotation without giving an unbalanced load in which the switching means is inclined.

A solenoid plunger attached to the outer surface of the tube is passed through the side wall of the hollow tube, and the plunger is advanced and retracted in the hollow tube to rotate the flow path switching means. At this time, a pressure receiving portion is provided at an eccentric position of the shaft end of the flow path switching means, and the pressure receiving portion is configured to be pressed and rotated by a ball provided at the tip of the plunger.

Further, the second invention provides a reversing switching device for a high-low pressure passage in a cooling and heating device in which the inside of a hollow tube is always filled with high-pressure gas and the flow passage switching means is rotated with low resistance. Is connected to the high-pressure gas discharge port of the compressor on the tube wall of the hollow tube, introduces high-pressure gas from the compressor into the hollow tube, and provides a high-pressure gas inlet that constantly fills the inside of the hollow tube with high-pressure gas. A first high-pressure gas outlet and low-pressure gas inlet connected to one end of the heat exchanger, a second high-pressure gas outlet and low-pressure gas inlet connected to the other end of the heat exchanger, and an inlet of the compressor. And a low-pressure gas discharge port connected to the gas supply port.

In the hollow tube, there is provided a flow path switching means for rotating a fixed axis, and the flow path switching means bears both end shafts on a rotation axis, respectively. An air passage is provided for selectively connecting the low-pressure gas outlet to either the first or second high-pressure gas outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet. When the switching means is switched to one of the first and second high-pressure gas outlets and the low-pressure gas inlet, the high-pressure gas in the hollow tube is sent to one end or the other end of the heat exchanger through the other end. And at the same time, introduce the low-pressure gas from the other end or one end of the heat exchanger into the ventilation path in the flow path switching means through the same side, and communicate with the low-pressure gas outlet at one end of the ventilation path. A high-low pressure passage reversal switching device in a cooling and heating device configured to be led out from an outlet to a suction port of the compressor.

In the same manner as in the first invention, a high-pressure gas inlet from the compressor is disposed at one end wall on the axis of the hollow tube.
The low-pressure gas outlet toward the compressor is disposed on the other end of the tube on the coaxial line, and the first and second high-pressure gas outlets and the low-pressure gas inlet are connected to the axis of the tube side wall of the hollow tube. Arranged on a circular locus centered on the center, a loop circuit is formed via the heat exchanger.

Further, the low-pressure gas outlet at one end of the ventilation path provided in the switching means of the low-pressure gas flow path and the low-pressure gas outlet are always communicated on the rotation axis of the flow path switching means, and the switching means is inclined. The structure is such that the low-pressure gas in the ventilation path is supplied to the compressor without giving an unbalanced load.

Further, the flow path switching means is rotated by the plunger penetrating the side wall of the hollow tube. At this time, a pressure receiving portion is provided at an eccentric position of the shaft end of the flow path switching means, and the pressure receiving portion is configured to be pressed and rotated by a ball provided at the tip of the plunger.

[0019]

The high-pressure gas from the compressor (discharge port) in the first aspect of the present invention is passed through a high-pressure gas inlet provided in the tube wall of the hollow tube so that both ends of the high-pressure gas are supported in the hollow tube and rotate in a fixed axis. The air always flows into the ventilation path in the high-pressure flow path switching means provided, and the switching means is switched by a plunger or the like, whereby it is rotated around the bearings at both ends, and is, for example, ventilated with the compressor (discharge port). The passage and the first high-pressure gas outlet / low-pressure gas inlet are communicated with each other, and high-pressure gas is supplied to one end of the heat exchanger from the first high-pressure gas outlet / low-pressure gas inlet,
The low-pressure gas from the other end of the heat exchanger is supplied into the hollow tube through the second high-pressure gas outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet, and the tube is filled with the low-pressure gas. The low-pressure gas in the hollow tube is supplied to a suction port of the compressor through a low-pressure gas outlet provided in a wall of the hollow tube.

Conversely, by switching the switching means, the compressor (discharge port) communicates with the ventilation path and the second high-pressure gas outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet, thereby providing the second high-pressure gas outlet. A high-pressure gas is supplied to the other end of the heat exchanger from the low-pressure gas inlet, and the low-pressure gas from one end of the heat exchanger is supplied to the first heat exchanger.
The gas is supplied into the hollow tube through the high-pressure gas outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet, and the inside of the tube is filled with the low-pressure gas. The low-pressure gas in the hollow tube is supplied to a suction port of the compressor through a low-pressure gas outlet provided in a wall of the hollow tube.

In the manner described above, the reversal switching of the high- and low-pressure flow paths of the refrigerant is performed. In each of the reversal switching, the inside of the hollow pipe is connected to the low-pressure gas introduced through one of the first and second high-pressure gas outlets and the low-pressure gas inlet. The switching means is switched in this low-pressure gas atmosphere filled with gas.

The switching means for the high-pressure gas flow path forms a sliding surface between the high-pressure gas inlet provided on the wall of the hollow tube and the first and second high-pressure gas outlets and the low-pressure gas inlet. An airtight seal at this interface is indispensable. The sliding on the sliding surface of the seal portion is performed under the printing pressure of the low-pressure gas, and the sliding surface has a very limited area and is switched by a constant axis rotation. 7, the sliding resistance of the switching means is greatly reduced, and the switching means can be replaced with a sliding block having a sliding surface of a wide area linearly reciprocally slid under the printing pressure of a high-pressure gas as in the prior art shown in FIG. Smooth sliding is possible, and particularly, responsiveness at the time of switching is improved.
In addition, the problem of abrasion on the sliding surface and a defect of the seal due to the abrasion can be effectively solved.

That is, the reliability and durability are significantly higher than the conventional four-way switching valve structure in which a relatively wide area slide block for switching the flow path is brought into contact with the surface of the conventional valve seat and the pilot valve slides linearly. In addition to the improvement, the structure can be significantly simplified and the cost can be reduced by half.

The high-pressure gas inlet and the high-pressure gas inlet at one end of the air passage in the high-pressure flow path switching means are always coaxially and reliably connected to each other. A state of correspondence with the first and second high-pressure gas outlets and the low-pressure gas inlet can be easily formed only by rotating about the center, and highly reliable switching is achieved by constant-axis rotation.

Further, the structure for rotating the flow path switching means at a constant axis and the structure for rotating the flow path switching means in a low-pressure gas atmosphere reduce the sliding resistance and the responsiveness at the time of switching. Contributes to the improvement of

On the other hand, the high-pressure gas from the discharge port of the compressor according to the second aspect of the present invention always fills the inside of the hollow tube through the high-pressure gas introduction port provided on the tube wall of the hollow tube, and the low-pressure flow passage provided in the hollow tube. When the switching means is switched by a plunger or the like, the fixed high-pressure gas is rotated around the bearings at both ends. For example, the second high-pressure gas is rotated by switching the switching means to the first high-pressure gas outlet and low-pressure gas inlet. The high-pressure gas in the hollow tube is supplied to one end of the heat exchanger through the outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet, and the low-pressure gas from the other end of the heat exchanger passes through the first high-pressure gas outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet to switch the flow path. The low-pressure gas is supplied to the compressor through a low-pressure gas outlet and a low-pressure gas outlet through a switching means.

Conversely, by switching the flow path switching means to the second high-pressure gas outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet and rotating it, the high-pressure gas in the hollow tube passes through the first high-pressure gas outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet, so that the heat exchanger is changed. And the low-pressure gas from one end of the heat exchanger flows through the second high-pressure gas outlet port and the low-pressure gas inlet port into the ventilation path in the flow path switching means. Through the low-pressure gas outlet to the compressor inlet. As described above, the reversal switching of the high / low pressure passage of the refrigerant is performed.

The switching means for the low-pressure gas flow path forms a sliding surface between the high-pressure gas inlet provided on the wall of the hollow tube and the first and second high-pressure gas outlets and the low-pressure gas inlet. However, an airtight seal at this interface is indispensable, but the sliding surface has a very limited area and is switched by pivoting.
Therefore, the sliding resistance of the switching means is greatly reduced as compared with the conventional example shown in FIG. 7 in which a slide block having a wide sliding surface is linearly reciprocated under the printing pressure of high-pressure gas. The means can be slid smoothly and, in particular, the responsiveness during switching is improved. In addition, the problem of abrasion on the sliding surface and a defect of the seal due to the abrasion can be effectively solved.

That is, as compared with the conventional four-way switching valve structure in which the slide block for switching the flow path is brought into contact with the surface of the conventional valve seat and slides by the pilot valve, not only the reliability and durability are greatly improved, The structure is significantly simplified and the cost can be reduced by half.

The low-pressure gas outlet at one end of the ventilation passage and the low-pressure gas outlet at the one end of the low-pressure passage switching means are always concentrically and reliably connected to each other. A state of correspondence with the first and second high-pressure gas outlets and the low-pressure gas inlet can be easily formed only by rotating about the center, and highly reliable switching is achieved by constant-axis rotation.

Other features of the first and second aspects of the present invention will be clarified with the description of the embodiment described below.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, the basic concept of the first invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

A high-pressure gas inlet 2 is provided in a wall of the hollow tube, and a high-pressure gas discharge port 4 of a compressor 3 is supplied to the high-pressure gas inlet 2 by a pipe 10. To connect. A first high-pressure gas outlet / low-pressure gas inlet 5 (hereinafter referred to as a first high-low pressure gas outlet) and a second high-pressure gas outlet / low-pressure gas inlet 6 (hereinafter referred to as a first high-pressure gas outlet) are provided on the tube wall of the hollow tube 1. 2 referred to as a high and low pressure gas outlet).
The high and low pressure gas outlet 5 is connected to one end of a heat exchanger 7 by a pipe 11, and the other end of the heat exchanger 7 is connected to a second end by a pipe 12.
It is connected to the high and low pressure gas outlet 6.

A high-pressure channel switching means 9 for selectively supplying high-pressure gas supplied from the high-pressure gas inlet 2 to the first and second high- and low-pressure gas outlets 5 and 6 is provided in the hollow tube. .

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, when the high-pressure flow switching means 9 is switched to the first high-low pressure gas outlet 5, the high-pressure gas from the compressor 3 is supplied to the high-pressure gas inlet 2
Through the ventilation passage 18 in the switching means 9, is supplied to the first high-low pressure gas outlet 5, and the high-pressure gas derived from the outlet 5 is supplied to one end of the heat exchanger 7 through the pipe 11, The low-pressure gas discharged from the other end of the exchanger 7 is supplied to the second high-low pressure gas outlet 6 through the pipe 12, and the low-pressure gas is introduced into the hollow pipe 1 from the outlet 6 to fill the pipe.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the high-pressure passage switching means 9 is switched to the second high-low pressure gas outlet 6, the high-pressure gas from the compressor 3 is supplied to the pipe 10 and the high-pressure gas introduction port. Through the port 2, the gas is supplied to the second high- and low-pressure gas outlet 6 through an air passage 18 in the switching means 9, and the high-pressure gas derived from the outlet 6 is supplied to the other end of the heat exchanger 7 through the pipe 12. The low-pressure gas discharged from one end of the heat exchanger 7 is supplied to the first high-low pressure gas outlet 5 through the pipe 11, and the low-pressure gas is introduced into the hollow pipe 1 from the outlet 5 to fill the inside of the tube.

As described above, when the switching means 9 incorporated in the hollow tube 1 is switched to one of the first and second high and low pressure gas outlets 5 and 6, the other is in the hollow tube 1. , The hollow tube 1 is always filled with low-pressure gas.

A low-pressure gas outlet 8 is provided on the pipe wall of the hollow tube 1, and the low-pressure gas outlet 8 is connected to a low-pressure gas inlet 14 of the compressor 3 by a pipe 13. As a result, the low-pressure gas discharged into the hollow tube 1 from one of the first and second high-low pressure gas outlets 5 and 6 fills the inside of the tube 1 and passes through the low-pressure gas outlet 8 and the pipe 13. It is supplied to the suction port 14 of the compressor 3. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the reversal switching of the high / low pressure path of the refrigerant is performed.

As described above, the hollow tube 1 is provided with the high-pressure gas inlet 2, the first and second high-low pressure gas outlets 5, 6 and the low-pressure gas outlet 8, and incorporates the high-pressure channel switching means 9 to form a four-way tube. Construct a switching valve. Hereinafter, a specific example of the structure of the four-way switching valve will be described with reference to FIGS.

The hollow tube 1 is formed of a metal cylindrical body 1 'whose one end and the other end are sealed. For example, the cylindrical body 1' is formed by a first cylindrical body 15 which is a separate part divided from a substantially central portion. And the second cylindrical body 16, and the two cylindrical bodies are fitted and welded at the ends to form a hollow structure. A cylindrical high-pressure gas inlet 2 is formed in the center of one tube end wall of the cylindrical body 1 ', and a cylindrical low-pressure gas outlet 8 is formed outward in the center of the other tube end wall. doing. That is, the high-pressure gas inlet 2 and the low-pressure gas outlet 8 are arranged on the axis X of the cylindrical body 1 ′ forming the hollow tube 1.

On the other hand, on the side wall of the cylindrical body 1 ',
Second high and low pressure gas outlets 5 and 6 are provided. The outlets 5, 6 are juxtaposed and arranged close to each other on a circular locus about the axis X of the cylindrical body 1 '. To restate, the high-pressure gas inlet 2 is arranged on one tube end wall on the axis X of the hollow tube 1, and the low-pressure gas outlet 8 is arranged on the other tube end wall on the coaxial line X, The first and second high- and low-pressure gas outlets 5 and 6 are arranged close to each other on a circular locus about the axis on the tube side wall of the cylindrical body 1 '.

Further, the switching means 9 for switching the high-pressure gas flow path is rotated on an axis X in the hollow tube 1 by a rotation switching shaft 17.
The ventilation path 18 is formed in the axis of the rotation switching shaft 17. A high-pressure gas inlet 19 that opens at the shaft end face is provided at one end of the ventilation path 18 so as to communicate concentrically with the high-pressure gas inlet 2, and a high-pressure gas outlet 20 that opens at the shaft end at the other end is connected to L The first and second high and low pressure gas outlets 5 and 6 are selectively bent to form a letter shape.
The rotation switching shaft 17 is a rotation shaft tube 1 extending on the rotation axis X.
7a and a curved tube portion 17b radially bent from the rotating shaft tube portion 17a. Both the tube portions 17a and 17b have a substantially L shape, and the core portion of each tube portion has an L-shaped core. It has an air passage 18.

The high pressure gas inlet 19 of the rotation switching shaft 17
The space between the high pressure gas inlet 2 of the hollow tube 1 and the high pressure gas inlet 2 is hermetically sealed by a seal 21. Similarly, the space between the high pressure gas outlet 20 of the switching shaft 17 and the first and second high and low pressure gas outlets 5 and 6 is sealed. At 22, it is selectively hermetically sealed. That is, the seals 21 and 22 are means for preventing high-pressure gas from leaking into the hollow tube 1.

The rotating shaft portion 17a of the switching shaft 17 is supported by a bearing 23 at the end side peripheral surface provided with the high-pressure gas inlet 19 so as to be maintained at the shaft center. The lower surface of the pipe portion 17b is received by the bearing 24 around the axis X,
Further, the peripheral surface of the lower end shaft portion extending on the axis X of the rotation shaft portion 17a of the rotation switching shaft 17 is supported by the bearings 24, so that the rotation switching shafts are fixed by the bearings 23 and 24. And pivoted at a fixed position. The bearing 24 is formed of a disk partitioning an intermediate portion of the hollow tube 1, and a through hole 24 a is provided in the disk to allow low-pressure gas to flow.

The rotation switching shaft 17 is configured to be rotated by a plunger 29 of a solenoid 31 penetrating the side wall of the cylindrical body 1 'forming the hollow tube 1. On the other hand, a pressure receiving pin 28 made of a circular pin is provided at an eccentric position of the shaft end of the shaft portion extending on the axis from the portion of the rotation switching shaft 17 connected to the curved tube portion in parallel with the axis. Is pressed by a ball 30 provided at the end of the plunger 29 of the solenoid 31 to rotate the rotation switching shaft 17. A pair of balls 30 is provided at a position 180 degrees opposite to the pressure receiving pin 28 so as to sandwich the pressure receiving pin 28, and a plunger 29 is provided.
The ball 30 pushes the pressure receiving pin 28 in one direction or in the other direction so that the rotation switching shaft 17 is rotated.

The solenoid 31 is attached to the outer surface of the hollow tube 1 and energized or de-energized to cause the plunger 29 to retreat against the spring 32 or to advance in accordance with the spring 32 to move in one direction with respect to the pressure receiving pin 28 and the other. Press in the direction. The switching shaft 17 is biased by a spring 32 so as to always rotate in one direction.
Of the pair of balls 30 of the plunger 29 due to the elasticity of the
Rotates following while maintaining contact with

Therefore, when the solenoid 31 is energized and the plunger 29 is retracted, the switching shaft 17 and the pressure receiving pin 28
Rotates in one direction by a required angle following this. By this rotation, the first and second high and low pressure gas outlets 5, 6
, For example, 5 communicates with the high-pressure gas outlet 20. Conversely, when the power supply to the solenoid 31 is stopped, the plunger 29 moves forward and presses the pressure receiving pin 28, and the pressure receiving pin 28 and the switching shaft 17 are rotated by the required angle in the direction opposite to the above according to the spring 32. By this rotation, one of the first and second high and low pressure gas outlets 5 and 6, for example, 6 communicates with the high pressure gas outlet 20.

The high pressure flow path is switched by the rotation of the switching shaft 17, and at the time of this switching, the high pressure gas inlet 2 is switched.
The high-pressure gas inlet 19 and the high-pressure gas inlet 19 maintain a communication state on the axis X. The switching of the high-pressure flow path switching means 9 by the advance and retreat of the plunger 29 of the solenoid 31 may be performed in a reverse operation.

As means for setting the rotation angle of the switching shaft 17, the first detent 2 is provided on a circular locus about the axis X.
6 and a second detent 27, and a rotating piece 34 that integrally rotates with the switching shaft 17 in a direction (one side) orthogonal to the axis X from the shaft end of the other switching shaft 17 or the side surface of the pressure receiving pin 28. Are projected, and the first and second
The detents 26 and 27 are arranged. When the plunger 29 is retracted, the rotating piece 34 hits the first detent 26,
The rotation angle of the switching shaft 17 is set by hitting the second detent 27 when the plunger 29 advances.

In the pressure receiving pin 28, the eccentric portion of the switching shaft may be used as the pressure receiving pin portion. Ball 30 is plunger 29
The switching shaft 1 is rotatably held in opposition to the tip of the switching shaft 1 while sliding on the surface of the pressure receiving pin 28 at a fixed position.
7 makes the rotation operation smooth.

As described above, the rotating shaft portion 17a of the switching shaft 17
Is extended on the axis X of the cylindrical body 1 ′ so as to be coaxial with the cylindrical body 1 ′, and the plunger 29 advances and retreats on a line orthogonal to the axis of the switching shaft 17, and receives the pressure receiving pin via the ball 30. 28, one-way pressing and other-direction pressing. As a result, the switching shaft 17 is rotated about the axis X in one direction or the other by a predetermined angle, and the high / low pressure flow path of the heat exchanger is reversed.

Next, the basic concept of the second invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

A high-pressure gas inlet 2 is provided in a wall of the hollow tube. A high-pressure gas from a high-pressure gas discharge port 4 of a compressor 3 is supplied to the high-pressure gas inlet 2 through a pipe 10. Connect as supplied by. A first high-pressure gas outlet / low-pressure gas inlet 5 (hereinafter referred to as a first high-low pressure gas outlet) and a second high-pressure gas outlet / low-pressure gas inlet 6 (hereinafter referred to as a first high-pressure gas outlet) are provided on the tube wall of the hollow tube 1. The first high-low pressure gas outlet 5 is connected to one end of a heat exchanger 7 by a pipe 11, and the other end of the heat exchanger 7 is connected to a second high-low pressure Connected to gas outlet 6. The suction port 1 of the compressor 3 is provided on the pipe wall of the hollow pipe 1 through a pipe 13.
4 is provided with a low-pressure gas outlet 8.

Further, low-pressure flow path switching means 9 'for selectively switching the low-pressure gas outlet 8 to the first and second high-low pressure gas outlets 5, 6 is incorporated in the hollow tube 1.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the low pressure passage switching means 9 'is switched to the second high / low pressure gas outlet 6, the first high / low pressure gas outlet 5 is opened in the hollow tube. On the other hand, the high-pressure gas from the compressor 3 is introduced into the hollow tube 1 through the pipe 10 and the high-pressure gas inlet 2, and the inside of the hollow tube 1 is always filled with the high-pressure gas. One low pressure gas is supplied to one end of the heat exchanger 7 through a pipe 11 through a first high / low pressure gas outlet 5, and discharged from the other end of the heat exchanger 7 to a pipe 12.
To the second high / low pressure gas outlet 6, through which the low pressure gas outlet 1 is introduced into the switching means 9 '.
The gas is supplied to the suction port 14 of the compressor 3 through 9 ′, the low-pressure gas outlet port 8 and the pipe 13.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the low-pressure passage switching means 9 'is switched to the first high-low pressure gas outlet 5, the second high-low pressure gas outlet 6 is connected to the inside of the hollow tube. On the other hand, the high-pressure gas from the compressor 3 is introduced into the hollow pipe 1 through the pipe 10 and the high-pressure gas inlet 2, and the inside of the hollow pipe 1 is always filled with the high-pressure gas. The low pressure gas discharged from one end of the heat exchanger 7 is supplied to the other end of the heat exchanger 7 through the pipe 12 through the second high / low pressure gas outlet 6 in the state. Supply to
From the outlet 5, the gas is introduced into the switching means 9 ′ and supplied to the suction port 14 of the compressor 3 through the low-pressure gas outlet 19 ′, the low-pressure gas outlet 8, and the pipe 13.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, reversal switching of the high / low pressure path of the refrigerant is performed.

As described above, the hollow tube 1 has the high-pressure gas inlet 2, the first and second high-low pressure gas outlets 5, 6 and the low-pressure gas outlet 8, and incorporates the low-pressure channel switching means 9 '. Construct a four-way switching valve. The mechanical structure of the four-way switching valve is exactly the same as that of the first invention, and the high-pressure passage switching means 9 in the first invention constitutes the low-pressure passage switching means 9 '. Hereinafter, a specific structural example of the four-way switching valve will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 6A.

Similarly to the above, the hollow tube 1 is formed of a metal cylindrical body 1 'whose one end and the other end are sealed. For example, the cylindrical body 1' is formed of a separate part divided from a substantially central portion. It is formed of one cylindrical body 15 and a second cylindrical body 16, and has a hollow structure in which both cylindrical bodies are fitted and welded at the ends. A cylindrical high-pressure gas inlet 2 is provided at the center of one of the end walls of the cylindrical body 1 '.
And a cylindrical low-pressure gas outlet 8 protrudes outward at the center of the other pipe end wall. That is, the high-pressure gas inlet 2 and the low-pressure gas outlet 8 are arranged on the axis X of the cylindrical body 1 ′ forming the hollow tube 1.

On the other hand, on the side wall of the cylindrical body 1 ',
Second high and low pressure gas outlets 5 and 6 are provided. The outlets 5, 6 are juxtaposed and arranged close to each other on a circular locus about the axis X of the cylindrical body 1 '. To restate, the high-pressure gas inlet 2 is arranged on one tube end wall on the axis X of the hollow tube 1, and the low-pressure gas outlet 8 is arranged on the other tube end wall on the coaxial line X, The first and second high- and low-pressure gas outlets 5 and 6 are arranged close to each other on a circular locus about the axis on the tube side wall of the cylindrical body 1 '.

Further, the switching means 9 for switching the high-pressure gas flow path on the axis X in the hollow tube 1 is turned.
The ventilation path 18 is formed in the axis of the rotation switching shaft 17. At one end of the ventilation path 18, a low-pressure gas outlet 19 'opening at the shaft end face is provided to communicate concentrically with the low-pressure gas outlet 8, and at the other end a low-pressure gas inlet 20' opening at the shaft side wall. Is formed into an L-shape to selectively communicate with the first and second high and low pressure gas outlets 5 and 6. The rotation switching shaft 17 includes a rotation shaft tube portion 17a extending on the rotation axis X and a curved tube portion 17b bent radially from the rotation shaft tube portion 17a. The core 17b has the L-shaped air passage 18 described above.

The low pressure gas outlet 1 of the rotation switching shaft 17
9 'and the low-pressure gas outlet 8 of the hollow tube 1 are hermetically sealed by a seal 21. Similarly, the low-pressure gas inlet 2 of the switching shaft 17 is provided.
The seal 22 selectively seals the space between the first and second high and low pressure gas outlets 5 and 6. That is, the seal 21,
Reference numeral 22 denotes a means for preventing the low-pressure gas from leaking into the hollow tube 1.

The rotating shaft 17a of the switching shaft 17 is supported at its end side peripheral surface provided with the low-pressure gas outlet 19 'by a bearing 23 so as to be maintained at the shaft center. The lower surface of the curved tube portion 17b is received by the bearing 24 around the axis X, and the peripheral surface of the lower end shaft portion extending on the axis line X of the rotation shaft portion 17a of the rotation switching shaft 17 is supported by the bearing 24. And
Therefore, each of the bearings 23 and 24 supports the rotation switching shaft so as to rotate at a fixed position and at a fixed position. This bearing 24
Is formed by a disk partitioning an intermediate portion of the hollow tube 1, and this disk is provided with a through hole 24 a to enable high-pressure gas to flow in the hollow tube 1.

The rotation switching shaft 17 is configured to be rotated by a plunger 29 of a solenoid 31 penetrating the tube side wall of the cylindrical body 1 ′ forming the hollow tube 1. On the other hand, a pressure receiving pin 28 made of a circular pin is provided in parallel with the axis at an eccentric position of the shaft end of the shaft portion extending on the axis from the portion of the rotation switching shaft 17 connected to the curved tube portion 17b. Ball 28 provided at the end of plunger 29 of solenoid 31
To rotate the rotation switching shaft 17.
A pair of balls 30 are provided at positions 180 degrees opposite to the pressure receiving pins 28 to hold the pressure receiving pins 28, and the pressure receiving pins 28 are pressed in one direction or in the other direction by the balls 30 as the plunger 29 advances and retreats. Then, the rotation switching shaft 17 is rotated.

The solenoid 31 is mounted on the outer surface of the hollow tube 1 and is energized or de-energized so that the plunger 29 retreats against the spring 32 or advances in accordance with the spring 32 to move in one direction relative to the pressure receiving pin 28 and the other. Press in the direction. The switching shaft 17 is biased by a spring 32 so as to always rotate in one direction.
Of the pair of balls 30 of the plunger 29 due to the elasticity of the
Rotates following while maintaining contact with

Accordingly, when the solenoid 31 is energized and the plunger 29 is retracted, the switching shaft 17 and the pressure receiving pin 28
Rotates in one direction by a required angle following this. By this rotation, the first and second high and low pressure gas outlets 5, 6
, For example, 5 communicates with the low-pressure gas inlet 20 ′. Conversely, when the power supply to the solenoid 31 is stopped, the plunger 29 moves forward and presses the pressure receiving pin 28, and the pressure receiving pin 28 and the switching shaft 17 are rotated by the required angle in the direction opposite to the above according to the spring 32. By this rotation, one of the first and second high and low pressure gas outlets 5 and 6
For example, 6 communicates with the low-pressure gas inlet 20 ′. The reciprocating operation of the plunger 29 and the switching operation of the switching shaft 17 may be reversed from the above description.

The rotation of the switching shaft 17 switches the low-pressure flow path and indirectly switches the high-pressure flow path. At this time, the low-pressure gas outlet 8 and the low-pressure gas outlet 1 are switched.
9 'maintains a communication state on the axis X.

As means for setting the rotation angle of the switching shaft 17, a first detent 2 is provided on a circular locus about the axis X.
6 and a second detent 27, and a rotating piece 34 that rotates integrally with the switching shaft 17 in a direction (one side) orthogonal to the axis X from the shaft end of the other switching shaft 17 or the side surface of the pressure receiving pin 28. Are projected, and the first and second
The detents 26 and 27 are arranged. When the plunger 29 is retracted, the rotating piece 34 hits the first detent 26,
The rotation angle of the switching shaft 17 is set by hitting the second detent 27 when the plunger 29 advances.

In the pressure receiving pin 28, the eccentric portion of the switching shaft may be used as the pressure receiving pin portion. Ball 30 is plunger 29
The switching shaft 1 is rotatably held in opposition to the tip of the switching shaft 1 while sliding on the surface of the pressure receiving pin 28 at a fixed position.
7 makes the rotation operation smooth.

As described above, the rotating shaft portion 17a of the switching shaft 17
Is extended on the axis X of the cylindrical body 1 ′ so as to be coaxial with the cylindrical body 1 ′, and the plunger 29 advances and retreats on a line orthogonal to the axis of the switching shaft 17, and receives the pressure receiving pin via the ball 30. 28, one-way pressing and other-direction pressing. As a result, the switching shaft 17 is rotated about the axis X in one direction or the other by a predetermined angle, and the high / low pressure flow path of the heat exchanger is reversed.

[0071]

According to the first and second aspects of the invention, in any of the above-described reversal switching, the switching is carried out by rotating the fixed shaft while bearing both ends, and the switching sliding surface is extremely limited. Since the sliding resistance is small on the sliding surface, compared with the conventional example shown in FIG. 7, a sliding block having a relatively large area sliding surface is reciprocally slid under the printing pressure of a high-pressure gas. In addition, the sliding resistance at the seal portion of the switching means is greatly reduced, and the switching means can slide smoothly.

In particular, according to the first invention, the inside of the hollow tube is filled with the low-pressure gas introduced through one of the first and second high- and low-pressure gas outlets, and the switching is performed in the low-pressure gas atmosphere. The above effect is further enhanced.

As a result, the responsiveness of the switching means at the time of the switching operation is extremely sharp. In addition, the problem of abrasion on the sliding surface of the seal portion and the resulting seal defect can be effectively solved.
That is, the reliability and durability are higher than the conventional four-way switching valve structure in which a relatively wide area slide block for switching the flow path is applied to the surface of the valve seat, and the pilot valve slides back and forth linearly. Not only improves the width, but also reduces the number of parts,
The structure can be significantly simplified and the cost can be greatly reduced.

The high-pressure gas inlet (low-pressure gas outlet) and the high-pressure gas inlet (low-pressure gas outlet) at one end of the ventilation path are always coaxially and reliably connected to each other while the high-pressure gas at the other end of the ventilation path is maintained. The outlet (low-pressure gas inlet) rotates around the axis, and the corresponding state with the first and second high-low pressure gas outlets can be easily formed, and high-reliability switching is achieved by constant-axis rotation.

Further, the eccentric portion of the flow path switching means is sandwiched between balls provided on the plunger so as to perform pressing in one direction and pressing in the other direction. It can be operated and switched stably with extremely small force, and together with the reduction of the sliding resistance, the responsiveness at the time of switching can be further sharpened.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the basic principle of the reversing switching device for the high / low pressure passage in the cooling and heating device according to the first invention with one switching operation, and FIG. 1A is a longitudinal sectional view showing the specific structure example; It is.

FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram showing the basic principle of the reversing switching device for the high / low pressure passage in the cooling and heating device according to the first invention with the other being switched, and FIG. 2A is a longitudinal sectional view showing the specific structure example; It is.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing a mechanism for switching a flow path switching shaft by a plunger.

FIG. 5B is an explanatory view showing the basic principle of the reversing switching device for the high / low pressure passage in the cooling and heating apparatus according to the second invention with one switching operation, and FIG. 5A is a longitudinal sectional view showing the specific structure example; It is.

FIG. 6B is an explanatory view showing the basic principle of the reversing switching device for the high / low pressure flow path in the cooling and heating apparatus according to the second invention, with the other being switched, and FIG. 6A is a longitudinal sectional view showing the specific structure example; It is.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a high-low pressure passage reversal switching device in a cooling and heating device using a conventional four-way switching valve.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hollow tube 1 'Cylindrical body 2 High-pressure gas inlet 3 Compressor 5 1st high-low-pressure gas outlet 6 Second high-low-pressure gas outlet 7 Heat exchanger 8 Low-pressure gas outlet 9 High-pressure channel switching means 9' Low-pressure flow Route switching means 17 Rotation switching shaft 18 Vent path 19 High-pressure gas inlet 19 'Low-pressure gas outlet 20 High-pressure gas outlet 20' Low-pressure gas inlet 26 First detent 27 Second detent 28 Pressure receiving pin 29 Plunger 30 Ball 31 Solenoid 34 Rotating piece

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A high-pressure gas inlet connected to a high-pressure gas discharge port of a compressor is provided on a wall of a hollow tube, and a first high-pressure gas outlet connected to one end of a heat exchanger is provided on the pipe wall. A low-pressure gas inlet, a second high-pressure gas outlet and a low-pressure gas inlet connected to the other end of the heat exchanger, and a flow path switching means that is rotatable about a fixed axis in the hollow tube; The switching means is supported at both ends on the rotation axis thereof, and the high-pressure gas introduced from the high-pressure gas introduction port by alternately rotating the flow switching means in one direction and the other direction in the flow switching means. Are selectively supplied to the first high-pressure gas outlet and low-pressure gas inlet and the second high-pressure gas outlet and low-pressure gas inlet, and an air passage for switching the flow path of the high-pressure gas is provided. What is the high pressure gas outlet and low pressure gas inlet or the second high pressure gas outlet and low pressure gas inlet When high-pressure gas is supplied to one end of the heat exchanger through one of them, a low-pressure gas from the other end of the heat exchanger is introduced into the hollow tube through the other while the inside of the hollow tube is always filled with low-pressure gas. Along with
A cooling / heating device, characterized in that a low-pressure gas outlet for connecting the low-pressure gas in the hollow tube to the low-pressure gas inlet is provided on a wall of the hollow tube and connected to a low-pressure gas inlet of the compressor. High / low pressure path reversing switching device. 2. The high pressure gas introduction port is disposed on one of the pipe end walls on the axis of the hollow tube, and the low pressure gas discharge port is disposed on the other pipe end wall on the coaxial line. 2. A reversing switching device for a high / low pressure path in a cooling and heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the high pressure gas outlet and the low pressure gas inlet are arranged on a circular locus about the axis on the side wall of the hollow tube. . 3. The high-pressure gas inlet at one end of the ventilation path and the high-pressure gas inlet are arranged to be always in communication with each other on the rotation axis of the flow path switching means. Switching device for high / low pressure path in the air conditioner of the present invention. 4. A high-low pressure passage in a cooling and heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said flow passage switching means is rotated by a plunger penetrating a tube side wall of said hollow tube. Inversion switching device. 5. A pressure receiving portion is provided at an eccentric position of a shaft end of said flow path switching means, and said pressure receiving section is pressed by a ball provided at a tip of said plunger to rotate said flow path switching means. The reversal switching device for a high / low pressure path in a cooling and heating device according to claim 4, characterized in that: 6. A high-pressure gas inlet, which is connected to a high-pressure gas discharge port of a compressor, is provided on a wall of the hollow pipe to introduce a high-pressure gas from the compressor into the hollow pipe, and always fills the hollow pipe with the high-pressure gas. A first high-pressure gas outlet and a low-pressure gas inlet connected to one end of the heat exchanger on the pipe wall; a second high-pressure gas outlet and a low-pressure gas inlet connected to the other end of the heat exchanger; A low-pressure gas outlet connected to the suction port of the machine, and further provided with a flow path switching means that is fixedly rotated in the hollow tube, and the flow path switching means is supported at both ends on the rotation axis thereof,
In the passage switching means, the low-pressure gas outlet is alternately rotated in one direction and the other direction to the low-pressure gas outlet to either the first or second high-pressure gas outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet. An air passage for selectively communicating is provided, and the flow passage switching means is provided with a first air passage.
While being switched to one of the second high-pressure gas outlet and the low-pressure gas inlet, the high-pressure gas in the hollow tube is led out to the one end or the other end of the heat exchanger through the other while being rotated. A cooling / heating device characterized in that a low-pressure gas from the other end or one end of the heat exchanger is introduced into an air passage in the flow path switching means and flows out from the low-pressure gas outlet to a suction port of the compressor. High / low pressure path reversal switching device. 7. The first high pressure gas introduction port is disposed on one end wall of the hollow tube on the axis thereof, and the low pressure gas discharge port is disposed on the other end wall of the coaxial line. 7. The reversing switching device for a high / low pressure passage in a cooling and heating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the high pressure gas outlet and the low pressure gas inlet are arranged on a circular locus about the axis on the side wall of the hollow tube. . 8. The low-pressure gas outlet at one end of the ventilation path and the low-pressure gas outlet are arranged so as to be always in communication with each other on the axis of rotation of the flow path switching means. Switching device for high / low pressure path in the air conditioner of the present invention. 9. A high / low pressure passage in a cooling / heating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said flow passage switching means is rotated by a plunger penetrating a tube side wall of said hollow tube. Inversion switching device. 10. A pressure receiving portion is provided at an eccentric position of a shaft end of the flow path switching means, and the pressure receiving section is pressed by a ball provided at the tip of the plunger to rotate the flow path switching means. The reversal switching device for a high / low pressure path in a cooling and heating device according to claim 9, wherein: