JP6147173B2 - Differential pressure driven four-way valve and air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a differential pressure drive type four-way valve and an air conditioner.

  As a conventional differential pressure drive type four-way valve, a main body having a valve chamber, a piston member sliding in the valve chamber, a main valve fixed between both ends of the piston member, and differential pressure at both ends of the piston member And a differential pressure drive mechanism for switching the position of the main valve. In such a differential pressure drive type four-way valve, a pressure sensor is attached to a pipe connected to the opening of the valve chamber, and the pressure of the fluid passing through the pipe is detected using the pressure sensor. An abnormality in the switching operation of the valve position is detected. In particular, in the differential pressure drive type four-way valve, the position of the main valve is switched by the differential pressure generated at both ends of the piston member. Since an abnormality in the switching operation of the position of the main valve is likely to occur as compared with the valve, the abnormality needs to be reliably detected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-6-50642 (paragraph [0023] to paragraph [0049], FIGS. 1 to 8)

  In the conventional differential pressure driven four-way valve, the piping needs to be extra long as much as the pressure sensor is attached, and a space for attaching the pressure sensor needs to be secured around the piping. Therefore, there is a problem that the space saving performance is low. In addition, for example, when the pressure of the fluid passing through the pipe changes every moment depending on the operating state of the apparatus incorporating the differential pressure drive type four-way valve, there is an abnormality in the switching operation of the main valve position. There was a problem that the detection accuracy was lowered.

  The present invention has been made against the background of the above problems, and provides a differential pressure driven four-way valve with improved space saving performance. Further, it is possible to obtain a differential pressure driven four-way valve in which the detection accuracy of the abnormality in the switching operation of the main valve position is improved. Moreover, the air-conditioner provided with such a differential pressure drive type four-way valve is obtained.

A differential pressure driven four-way valve according to the present invention includes a main body having a valve chamber in which a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening are formed, a piston member that slides in the valve chamber, A main valve fixed between both end portions of the piston member, and a differential pressure is generated at both end portions of the piston member so that the position of the main valve communicates with the first opening and the third opening. In addition, the first position where the second opening and the fourth opening communicate with each other, the first opening and the fourth opening communicate with each other, and the second opening and the third opening communicate with each other. A differential pressure drive mechanism that switches to a second position; and a first proximity sensor that detects a position of the piston member or the main valve in the valve chamber in a state where the main valve is located at the first position; , in a state where the main valve is positioned in said second position, said piston member in the valve chamber also A second proximity sensor for detecting the position of the main valve, in which with a.

  The differential pressure driven four-way valve according to the present invention includes a proximity sensor that detects the position of a piston member or a main valve in a valve chamber. Therefore, an abnormality in the operation of switching the position of the main valve can be detected in a state where the pressure sensor is not attached to the pipe connected to the opening of the valve chamber, so that the space saving performance is improved. In addition, it is possible to directly detect the position of the piston member that slides integrally with the main valve or the position of the main valve based on the output of the proximity sensor that is not directly affected by the change in pressure of the fluid passing through the pipe. The detection accuracy of the abnormality in the switching operation of the main valve position is improved.

It is a figure for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of a four-way valve of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of a four-way valve of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of a four-way valve of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of a four-way valve of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG.

Hereinafter, a differential pressure drive type four-way valve according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, a case where the differential pressure driven four-way valve according to the present invention is applied to an air conditioner that can be switched between a cooling operation and a heating operation is described. The differential pressure drive type four-way valve according to the invention may be applied to other refrigeration cycle apparatuses such as an air conditioner in which a heating operation and a defrosting operation are switched. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same or similar member or part. Further, the illustration of the fine structure is simplified or omitted as appropriate. In addition, overlapping descriptions are simplified or omitted as appropriate.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
The air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 will be described below.
(Structure and operation of air conditioner)
The structure and operation of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the structure and operation of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. In FIG. 1, the refrigerant flow during the cooling operation is indicated by a solid arrow, and the refrigerant flow during the heating operation is indicated by a dotted arrow. Further, the flow path of the four-way valve 12 during the cooling operation is indicated by a solid line, and the flow path of the four-way valve 12 during the heating operation is indicated by a dotted line.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes a compressor 11, a four-way valve 12, an outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger) 13, an expansion valve 14, and an indoor heat exchanger (load side heat). (Exchanger) 15 and an accumulator 16 have a refrigerant circulation flow path connected by piping. The discharge side of the compressor 11 and the inlet side of the accumulator 16 are connected by a flow path 17 for returning oil. The air conditioner 1 has a control unit 18. For example, the compressor 11, the four-way valve 12, the expansion valve 14 and the like are connected to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 controls the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 1. The control unit 18 may be constituted by, for example, a microprocessor unit or the like, may be constituted by firmware or the like that can be updated, and is a program module or the like that is executed by a command from the CPU or the like. May be.

  The four-way valve 12 is a differential pressure drive type four-way valve. The structure and operation of the four-way valve 12 will be described in detail later. The four-way valve 12 performs a flow path switching operation based on a command from the control unit 18. When the control unit 18 causes the air conditioner 1 to perform a cooling operation, that is, when the outdoor heat exchanger 13 acts as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger 15 acts as an evaporator, the controller 18 is discharged from the compressor 11. The flow path is switched so that the high-pressure refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the low-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 15 is sucked into the compressor 11. When the control unit 18 causes the air conditioner 1 to perform a heating operation, that is, when the outdoor heat exchanger 13 acts as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger 15 acts as a condenser, the controller 18 is discharged from the compressor 11. The flow path is switched so that the high-pressure refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the low-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is sucked into the compressor 11. The energy saving performance of the air conditioner 1 is improved by switching between the cooling operation and the heating operation of the air conditioner 1 by the four-way valve 12.

(Structure and operation of four-way valve)
The structure and operation of the four-way valve of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 will be described.
2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining the structure and operation of the four-way valve of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 shows a case where the air conditioner 1 performs a cooling operation, and FIG. 3 shows a case where the air conditioner 1 performs a heating operation. Further, in the drawings after FIG. 2, the accumulator 16 and the flow path 17 are not shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the four-way valve 12 includes a main body 21 in which a valve chamber 31 is formed, a piston member 22 that slides in the valve chamber 31, and a main member fixed to the piston member 22. A differential pressure drive mechanism 24 for switching the position of the main valve 23 by generating a differential pressure at both ends of the valve 23 and the piston member 22; a position detecting means 25 for detecting the position of the piston member 22 in the valve chamber 31; Have

  A first opening 32, a second opening 33, a third opening 34, and a fourth opening 35 are formed in the side portion of the valve chamber 31. A pipe communicating with the discharge side of the compressor 11 is connected to the first opening 32 via the first joint 41. A pipe communicating with the suction side of the compressor 11 is connected to the second opening 33 via the second joint 42. A pipe communicating with the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is connected to the third opening 34 via the third joint 43. A pipe communicating with the indoor heat exchanger 15 is connected to the fourth opening 35 via a fourth joint 44. A pipe may be directly connected to the first opening 32, the second opening 33, the third opening 34, or the fourth opening 35.

  The outer peripheral surfaces of both end portions of the piston member 22 are in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber 31. That is, the gap between both ends of the piston member 22 is sealed. Even if the piston member 22 moves to any position in the sliding range, the first opening 32, the second opening 33, the third opening 34, and the fourth opening 35 are connected to the piston member 22. Located between both ends.

  The main valve 23 is fixed between both ends of the piston member 22 and slides together with the piston member 22. The main valve 23 has a flat portion, and a flow path is formed in the flat portion.

  The differential pressure drive mechanism 24 connects, for example, an electromagnetic drive mechanism 51 such as a solenoid, a valve 52 fixed to the tip of the iron core of the electromagnetic drive mechanism 51, and the side of the first joint 41 and the valve 52. Connecting pipe 53, a capillary tube 54 connecting the side of the second joint 42 and the valve 52, a connecting pipe 55 connecting one end of the valve chamber 31 and the valve 52, and a valve And a connection pipe 56 that connects the other end of the chamber 31 and the valve 52.

  When the air conditioner 1 performs a cooling operation, the control unit 18 controls the electromagnetic drive mechanism 51 so that the iron core of the electromagnetic drive mechanism 51 is attracted, and as shown in FIG. The connection pipe 55 is communicated with, and the connection pipe 56 and the capillary tube 54 are communicated. At that time, the high-pressure refrigerant passing through the first joint 41 passes between the one end of the valve chamber 31 and the one end of the piston member 22 via the connection pipe 53, the valve 52, and the connection pipe 55. The refrigerant between the other end of the valve chamber 31 and the other end of the piston member 22 is guided to the second joint 42 via the connection pipe 56, the valve 52, and the capillary tube 54. . As a result, differential pressure is generated at both ends of the piston member 22, and the piston member 22 slides in the direction in which the piston chamber 36 expands.

  When the piston member 22 slides to the first position which is the limit of the sliding range, the flow path of the main valve 23 is connected to the second joint 42 connected to the second opening 33 and the fourth opening 35. Between the first joint 41 connected to the first opening 32 and the third joint 43 connected to the third opening 34 on the outside of the main valve 23. Communicated. As a result, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 13, and the low-pressure refrigerant that flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 15 is sucked into the compressor 11.

  When the air conditioner 1 performs the heating operation, the control unit 18 controls the electromagnetic drive mechanism 51 so that the iron core of the electromagnetic drive mechanism 51 is opened, and as shown in FIG. 53 and the connection pipe 56 communicate with each other, and the connection pipe 55 and the capillary tube 54 communicate with each other. At that time, the high-pressure refrigerant passing through the first joint 41 passes between the other end of the valve chamber 31 and the other end of the piston member 22 via the connection pipe 53, the valve 52, and the connection pipe 56. The refrigerant between one end of the valve chamber 31 and one end of the piston member 22 is guided to the second joint 42 via the connection pipe 55, the valve 52, and the capillary tube 54. . As a result, differential pressure is generated at both ends of the piston member 22, and the piston member 22 slides in the direction in which the piston chamber 37 expands.

  When the piston member 22 slides to the second position which is the limit of the sliding range, the flow path of the main valve 23 is connected to the second joint 42 connected to the second opening 33 and the third opening 34. The third joint 43 communicates between the first joint 41 connected to the first opening 32 and the fourth joint 44 connected to the fourth opening 35 outside the main valve 23. Communicated. As a result, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the low-pressure refrigerant that flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is sucked into the compressor 11.

  The differential pressure drive mechanism 24 is not limited to the above-described form. That is, as long as differential pressure can be generated at both ends of the piston member 22, other forms may be used.

  The position detection unit 25 includes, for example, a magnet 61 and a magnetic sensor 62. The magnets 61 are provided at both ends of the piston member 22. The magnet 61 may be provided on the outer surface of the piston member 22 or may be embedded in the end of the piston member 22. The magnetic sensor 62 is provided on the main body 21 at a position facing the magnet 61. The magnetic sensor 62 may be exposed inside the valve chamber 31 or may not be exposed.

  The magnetic sensor 62 may be a digital output or an analog output. If the magnetic sensor 62 has a digital output, whether the magnet 61 is within the detection range depending on whether the strength of the detected magnetic field is equal to or greater than the threshold or less than the threshold. Or it is good to detect whether there is no magnet 61 in the detection range. In such a case, the position detection means 25 is simplified. Further, when the magnetic sensor 62 is of analog output, the distance to the magnet 61 may be detected according to the strength of the detected magnetic field. In such a case, detailed information on the position of the main valve 23 can be obtained by the position detection means 25 when an abnormality occurs in the switching operation of the position of the main valve 23. When the magnetic sensor 62 is of analog output and the detection range is sufficiently longer than the sliding distance of the piston member 22, only one side of both ends of the piston member 22 and the valve chamber 31 is used. In addition, a magnet 61 and a magnetic sensor 62 may be provided.

  Further, the magnetic sensor 62 may be provided on the outer surface of the main body 21. In such a case, although the space-saving performance may be reduced as compared with the case where the magnetic sensor 62 is provided inside the main body 21, for example, the magnetic sensor 62 can be magnetized without disassembling the four-way valve 12. The sensor 62 can be exchanged and the maintenance performance is improved.

  The output of the magnetic sensor 62 is input to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 recognizes the position of the piston member 22 in the valve chamber 31 based on the output, and when the air conditioner 1 performs the cooling operation, the piston member 22, that is, the main valve 23 switches to the first position. When the air conditioner 1 performs the heating operation, it is determined whether or not the piston member 22, that is, the main valve 23 is switched to the second position. When the control unit 18 determines that the switching has not been performed, the control unit 18 determines that an abnormality in the switching operation of the position of the main valve 23 has occurred, and performs predetermined processing such as, for example, stopping the operation of the air conditioner 1. .

  The magnetic sensor 62 may be another proximity sensor as long as it can detect the position of the piston member 22 without contact. For example, an optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit may be used. Similarly to the magnetic sensor 62, the optical sensor may be a digital output sensor or an analog output sensor. When the optical sensor is of a digital output, for example, the presence or absence of light that is reflected by the piston member 22 itself or a member attached to the piston member 22 and incident on the light receiving unit may be detected. Further, it may be detected whether or not the amount of light incident on the light receiving portion is reduced by shielding the piston member 22 itself or a member attached to the piston member 22. Further, when the optical sensor is of an analog output, for example, the position of the light that is reflected by the piston member 22 itself or a member attached to the piston member 22 and is incident on the light receiving unit is detected. Just do it. When the proximity sensor is the magnetic sensor 62, the occurrence frequency of the failure of the position detection means 25 is reduced.

(Operation of air conditioner)
The operation of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 will be described.
The differential pressure drive type four-way valve 12 has a proximity sensor that detects the position of the piston member 22 in the valve chamber 31 without contact. Therefore, an abnormality in the switching operation of the position of the main valve 23 can be detected in a state where the pressure sensor is not attached to the pipe, so that the space saving performance is improved. Further, since the position of the piston member 22 that slides integrally with the main valve 23 can be detected without being directly affected by the change in the pressure of the refrigerant, the detection accuracy of the abnormality in the switching operation of the position of the main valve 23 is improved. Is done. In addition, since there is no contact, the frequency of failure is reduced.

  Further, the proximity sensor detects the position of the end portion of the piston member 22. Therefore, the distance between the proximity sensor and the detection target can be shortened, and the detection accuracy of the abnormality in the switching operation of the position of the main valve 23 is further improved.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Hereinafter, the air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 will be described.
In addition, the description which overlaps with the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1 is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably.
(Structure and operation of four-way valve)
The structure and operation of the four-way valve of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 will be described.
4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining the structure and operation of the four-way valve of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 4 shows a case where the air conditioner 1 performs a cooling operation, and FIG. 5 shows a case where the air conditioner 1 performs a heating operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the position detection unit 25 includes, for example, a magnet 61 and a magnetic sensor 62. The magnet 61 is provided on the side portion of the main valve 23. The magnet 61 may be provided on the outer surface of the main valve 23 or may be embedded in the main valve 23. The magnetic sensor 62 includes a position of the main body 21 that faces the magnet 61 when the main valve 23 is located at the first position, and a position that faces the magnet 61 when the main valve 23 is located at the second position. , Provided. The magnetic sensor 62 may be exposed inside the valve chamber 31 or may not be exposed.

  The magnetic sensor 62 may be a digital output or an analog output. If the magnetic sensor 62 has a digital output, whether the magnet 61 is within the detection range depending on whether the strength of the detected magnetic field is equal to or greater than the threshold or less than the threshold. Or it is good to detect whether there is no magnet 61 in the detection range. In such a case, the position detection means 25 is simplified. Further, when the magnetic sensor 62 is of analog output, the distance to the magnet 61 may be detected according to the strength of the detected magnetic field. In such a case, detailed information on the position of the main valve 23 can be obtained by the position detection means 25 when an abnormality occurs in the switching operation of the position of the main valve 23. The magnetic sensor 62 has an analog output, and the distance to the magnet 61 when the main valve 23 is located at the first position and the distance to the magnet 61 when the main valve 23 is located at the second position. In the case where both can be detected, only one magnetic sensor 62 may be provided.

  Further, the magnetic sensor 62 may be provided on the outer surface of the main body 21. In such a case, although the space-saving performance may be reduced as compared with the case where the magnetic sensor 62 is provided inside the main body 21, for example, the magnetic sensor 62 can be magnetized without disassembling the four-way valve 12. The sensor 62 can be exchanged and the maintenance performance is improved.

  The output of the magnetic sensor 62 is input to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 recognizes the position of the main valve 23 in the valve chamber 31 based on the output, and when the air conditioner 1 performs the cooling operation, whether or not the main valve 23 is switched to the first position. When the air conditioner 1 performs the heating operation, it is determined whether or not the main valve 23 is switched to the second position. When the control unit 18 determines that the switching has not been performed, the control unit 18 determines that an abnormality in the switching operation of the position of the main valve 23 has occurred, and performs predetermined processing such as, for example, stopping the operation of the air conditioner 1. .

  The magnetic sensor 62 may be another proximity sensor as long as it can detect the position of the main valve 23 without contact. For example, an optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit may be used. Similarly to the magnetic sensor 62, the optical sensor may be a digital output sensor or an analog output sensor. When the optical sensor is of a digital output, for example, the presence or absence of light that is reflected by the main valve 23 itself or a member attached to the main valve 23 and incident on the light receiving unit may be detected. Moreover, the presence or absence of a decrease in the amount of light incident on the light receiving unit may be detected by shielding the main valve 23 itself or a member attached to the main valve 23. Further, when the optical sensor is of an analog output, for example, the position of the light incident on the light receiving portion reflected by the main valve 23 itself or a member attached to the main valve 23 is detected. Just do it. When the proximity sensor is the magnetic sensor 62, the occurrence frequency of the failure of the position detection means 25 is reduced.

(Operation of air conditioner)
The operation of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 will be described.
The differential pressure drive type four-way valve 12 has a proximity sensor that detects the position of the main valve 23 in the valve chamber 31 without contact. Therefore, an abnormality in the switching operation of the position of the main valve 23 can be detected in a state where the pressure sensor is not attached to the pipe, so that the space saving performance is improved. Further, since the position of the main valve 23 can be detected without being directly affected by the change in the refrigerant pressure, the detection accuracy of the abnormality in the switching operation of the position of the main valve 23 is improved. In addition, since there is no contact, the frequency of failure is reduced.

  Further, the proximity sensor detects the position of the main valve 23 from the side in the sliding direction of the piston member 22 (from the radial direction of the piston member 22). Therefore, the distance between the proximity sensor and the detection target can be shortened, and the detection accuracy of the abnormality in the switching operation of the position of the main valve 23 is further improved. In addition, as compared with the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1, the number of magnets 61 can be reduced, and the position detection means 25 is further simplified.

  As mentioned above, although Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 were demonstrated, this invention is not limited to description of each embodiment. For example, all or some of the embodiments can be combined.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioner, 11 Compressor, 12 Four-way valve, 13 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger), 14 Expansion valve, 15 Indoor heat exchanger (load side heat exchanger), 16 Accumulator, 17 Flow path, 18 Control unit, 21 body, 22 piston member, 23 main valve, 24 differential pressure drive mechanism, 25 position detecting means, 31 valve chamber, 32 first opening, 33 second opening, 34 third opening, 35 fourth opening, 36 Piston chamber, 37 Piston chamber, 41 First joint, 42 Second joint, 43 Third joint, 44 Fourth joint, 51 Electromagnetic drive mechanism, 52 Valve, 53 Connection piping, 54 Capillary tube, 55 Connection piping, 56 Connection piping , 61 Magnet, 62 Magnetic sensor.

Claims (8)

A body having a valve chamber in which a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening are formed;
A piston member sliding in the valve chamber;
A main valve fixed between both ends of the piston member;
Causing differential pressure at both ends of the piston member;
The position of the main valve,
A first position where the first opening and the third opening communicate with each other, and the second opening and the fourth opening communicate with each other;
A second position in which the first opening and the fourth opening communicate with each other, and the second opening and the third opening communicate with each other;
Differential pressure drive mechanism to switch to,
A first proximity sensor for detecting a position of the piston member or the main valve in the valve chamber in a state where the main valve is located at the first position;
A second proximity sensor for detecting a position of the piston member or the main valve in the valve chamber in a state where the main valve is located at the second position;
A differential pressure drive type four-way valve characterized by comprising: The first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are switches that detect the presence or absence of a detection target.
The differential pressure drive type four-way valve according to claim 1. The first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are distance sensors that detect a distance to a detection target.
The differential pressure drive type four-way valve according to claim 1. Wherein the first proximity sensor detects the positions of the ends of the piston member,
The second proximity sensor detects a position of the other end of the piston member ;
The differential pressure drive type four-way valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: To one end of the piston member, the first magnet is provided,
Wherein the first proximity sensor, Ri magnetic sensor der to detect the magnetism of the first magnet provided on the body,
A second magnet is provided at the other end of the piston member,
The second proximity sensor, Ru magnetic sensor der to detect the magnetism of the disposed in said body second magnet,
The differential pressure drive type four-way valve according to claim 4. The first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor detect the position of the main valve from the side of the sliding direction of the piston member.
The differential pressure drive type four-way valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The main valve is provided with one magnet,
Wherein the first proximity sensor, Ri magnetic sensor der to detect the magnetism of the one magnet provided on the body,
The second proximity sensor, Ru magnetic sensor der to detect the magnetism of the one magnet provided on the body,
The differential pressure drive type four-way valve according to claim 6. The differential pressure drive type four-way valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An air conditioner characterized by that.

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