JP6823864B2 - Six-way switching valve - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a six-way switching valve configured by combining a plurality of flow path switching valves (four-way switching valves) that switch the flow path by moving the valve body, and particularly, the flow path switching is performed in a heat pump type heating / cooling system or the like. The present invention relates to a hexagonal switching valve suitable for use as a flow path switching valve.

In general, heat pump air-conditioning systems such as room air conditioners and car air conditioners have a flow path switching valve as a flow path (flow direction) switching means in addition to a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve. It has.

As a flow path switching valve of this type, a four-way switching valve is well known, but it is considered to use a six-way switching valve instead.

An example of a heat pump type heating / cooling system provided with a six-way switching valve will be briefly described below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. In the heat pump type heating / cooling system 100 of the illustrated example, the operation mode (cooling operation and heating operation) is switched by the six-way switching valve 180, and basically, the compressor 110, the outdoor heat exchanger 120, and the indoor heat exchanger 120 are used. A six-way switching valve 180 provided with a heat exchanger 130, an expansion valve 150 for cooling, and an expansion valve 160 for heating, and having six ports pA, pB, pC, pD, pE, and pF is arranged between them. There is.

Each of the devices is connected by a flow path formed by a conduit (pipe) or the like, and when the cooling operation mode is selected, the high temperature discharged from the compressor 110 is as shown in FIG. 8 (A). The high-pressure refrigerant is guided from the port pA of the six-way switching valve 180 to the outdoor heat exchanger 120 via the port pB, where it exchanges heat with the outdoor air and condenses to become a high-pressure two-phase refrigerant and expands for cooling. Introduced to valve 150. The high-pressure refrigerant is depressurized by the cooling expansion valve 150, and the depressurized low-pressure refrigerant is introduced into the indoor heat exchanger 130 from the port pE of the hexagonal switching valve 180 via the port pF, where indoor air and heat are introduced. After exchanging (cooling) and evaporating, the low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant is returned from the indoor heat exchanger 130 from the port pC of the hexagonal switching valve 180 to the suction side of the compressor 110 via the port pD.

On the other hand, when the heating operation mode is selected, as shown in FIG. 8B, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 enters the room from the port pA of the hexagonal switching valve 180 via the port pF. It is guided to the heat exchanger 130, where it exchanges heat (heating) with the room air, condenses it, becomes a high-pressure two-phase refrigerant, and is introduced into the expansion valve 160 for heating. The high-pressure refrigerant is depressurized by the heating expansion valve 160, and the depressurized low-pressure refrigerant is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 120 from the port pC of the hexagonal switching valve 180 via the port pB, where the outdoor air and heat are generated. After exchanging and evaporating, the low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant is returned from the outdoor heat exchanger 120 from the port pE of the hexagonal switching valve 180 to the suction side of the compressor 110 via the port pD.

As a six-way switching valve incorporated in the heat pump type heating / cooling system as described above, a sliding type as described in Patent Document 1 is known. This slide-type six-way switching valve has a valve body (valve housing) incorporating a slide-type main valve body and an electromagnetic pilot valve (four-way pilot valve), and the ports pA to pF are provided in the valve housing. In addition, the sliding main valve body is slidably arranged in the left-right direction. On the left and right sides of the sliding main valve body in the valve housing, a pair of left and right piston type packings connected to the compressor discharge side and the compressor suction side via a pilot valve, respectively, are connected to the sliding main valve body. Two working chambers are provided, and high-pressure fluid (refrigerant) is selectively introduced and discharged into the two working chambers by the pilot valve, and the pressure difference between the two working chambers is used to perform the above-mentioned The flow path is switched by sliding the sliding main valve body in the left-right direction.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-170864

The conventional flow path switching valve as described above has the following problems to be solved.

That is, the slide-type six-way switching valve described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which the slide-type main valve body with a pair of left and right piston-type packings is slid to switch the flow path. The amount of valve leakage due to durability deterioration, such as the problem that it is difficult to ensure the accuracy of the sealing surface and the initial leakage increases, and the sliding part is easily worn due to repeated operation, and the sealing property of the sliding part deteriorates accordingly. May increase.

Further, since the slide type main valve body is slid in the valve housing having a relatively small internal volume to switch the flow path, it is difficult to secure the flow path area of both high and low pressure fluids (refrigerants), and the flow path is high. I hate that the pressure loss increases in both low-pressure fluids (refrigerants).

In addition, since the sliding main valve body having a large sliding area is moved by a pair of left and right piston type packings to switch the flow path, there is a problem that the operating differential pressure becomes high.

In addition to the above, in the conventional flow path switching valve, particularly the flow path switching valve used in the heat pump type heating / cooling system described above, a high temperature and high pressure refrigerant (port pA to port pB, port pA to port pF) is used in the valve housing. (Refrigerant flowing to) and low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant (refrigerant flowing from port pC to port pD, port pE to port pD) are flowed in close proximity (a state separated only by the wall of the sliding main valve body). There is also a problem that the amount of heat exchange in these valve housings becomes large and the efficiency of the system deteriorates.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is that pressure loss and wear of sliding portions can be effectively suppressed, durability can be improved, and valve leakage is unlikely to occur. It is an object of the present invention to provide a six-way switching valve which can suppress the operating differential pressure for moving the main valve body as much as possible.

Another object of the present invention is a heat pump type heating / cooling system that can reduce heat loss when used in an environment where a high temperature / high pressure fluid and a low temperature / low pressure fluid flow, such as a heat pump type heating / cooling system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a six-way switching valve capable of improving the efficiency of the above.

In order to achieve the above object, the six-way switching valve according to the present invention basically includes two flow path switching valves and two communication passages for communicating between the two flow path switching valves. The communication state between the two flow path switching valves and the six ports provided in the two communication passages in total is switched, and each of the two flow path switching valves defines a main valve chamber. It has a tubular main valve housing, and three ports are opened in the main valve chamber at different positions in the axial direction, and one end side between two adjacent ports of the three ports. A main valve seat and an other end side main valve seat are provided, and a sub valve seat is provided on one end side or the other end side of the three ports, and the one end side main valve seat and the other end side main valve seat are selected. Poppet-type main valve bodies that are brought into contact with and separated from the sub-valve seat at the same time are arranged so as to be movable in the axial direction, and in each of the two flow path switching valves, the said in the main valve chamber. By moving the main valve body in conjunction with each other, two adjacent ports out of the three ports opened in the main valve chamber of each flow path switching valve are communicated with each other, and the main of each flow path switching valve is connected. One of the three ports that open in the valve chamber is characterized in that the other one port can selectively take two communication states that are communicated with each other through the communication passage provided between them. It is said.

In a more specific preferred embodiment, the six-way switching valve according to the present invention includes a first and second flow path switching valve and a first and second flow path switching valve that communicate between the first and second flow path switching valves. The first and second flow path switching valves and the first and second communication passages are provided with a total of six ports so that the communication state can be switched. The first main valve chamber has a tubular first main valve housing that defines the first main valve chamber, and the first, second, and third ports are opened in the first main valve chamber at different positions in the axial direction. , The first one end side main valve seat is provided between the first port and the second port, the first other end side main valve seat is provided between the second port and the third port, and one end of the first port. A first sub-valve seat is provided on the side or the other end side of the third port, and at the same time, the first sub valve seat is selectively brought into contact with the first one end side main valve seat and the first other end side main valve seat. A poppet-type first main valve body that is in contact with and detached from the valve seat is movably arranged in the axial direction, and a first actuator portion for moving the first main valve body is provided. The path switching valve has a tubular second main valve housing that defines the second main valve chamber, and the second main valve chamber has fourth, fifth, and sixth ports at different positions in the axial direction. Is opened, a second one end side main valve seat is provided between the fourth port and the fifth port, and a second other end side main valve seat is provided between the fifth port and the sixth port. A second auxiliary valve seat is provided on one end side of the four ports or on the other end side of the sixth port, and at the same time, the second one end side main valve seat and the second other end side main valve seat are selectively brought into contact with each other. A poppet-type second main valve body that is in contact with and detached from the second sub-valve seat is movably arranged in the axial direction, and a second actuator portion for moving the second main valve body is provided. By moving the first and second main valve bodies in the first and second flow path switching valves in conjunction with each other in the first and second main valve chambers by the first and second actuator units. The first port and the second port opened in the first main valve chamber are communicated with each other, and the fourth port and the fifth port opened in the second main valve chamber are communicated with each other, and the first main valve chamber is communicated with each other. The first communication state in which the third port opening to the chamber and the sixth port opening to the second main valve chamber are communicated with each other through the second communication passage provided between them, and the first main valve chamber. The opening second port and the third port are communicated with each other, the fifth port and the sixth port opening to the second main valve chamber are communicated with each other, and the first main valve chamber is communicated with the first main valve chamber. It is possible to have a second communication state in which the opening first port and the fourth port opening in the second main valve chamber are communicated with each other through the first communication passage provided between them. It is characterized by.

In a more preferred embodiment, in the first communication state, the first port and the second port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber, and the fourth port and the fifth port communicate with the second main valve chamber. The third port and the sixth port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber, the second main valve chamber, and the second main valve chamber, and in the second communication state, the third port is communicated with each other. The 2nd port and the 3rd port are communicated through the 1st main valve chamber, the 5th port and the 6th port are communicated through the 2nd main valve chamber, and the 1st port and the 4th port are communicated with each other. Is made to communicate with each other through the first main valve chamber, the first communication passage, and the second main valve chamber.

In a more preferred embodiment, in the first communication state, the first port and the second port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber, and the fourth port and the fifth port are the first communication passage and the said. The third port and the sixth port are communicated through the second main valve chamber, and the third port and the sixth port are communicated through the second passage and the second main valve chamber. In the second communication state, the second port And the third port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber and the second main valve chamber, and the fifth port and the sixth port are communicated with each other through the second main valve chamber, and the first port is communicated with each other. And the fourth port are made to communicate with each other through the first main valve chamber and the first communication passage.

In a more preferred embodiment, in the first communication state, the first port and the second port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber, and the fourth port and the fifth port communicate with the second main valve chamber. The third port and the sixth port are communicated with each other through the second communication passage and the second main valve chamber, and in the second communication state, the second port and the third port are communicated with each other. The first main valve chamber is communicated with each other, the fifth port and the sixth port are communicated with each other through the second main valve chamber, and the first port and the fourth port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber. And the communication is made through the first communication passage.

In a more preferred embodiment, the first passageway is communicated with one end side of the first port in the first main valve chamber and is communicated with the fourth port, and the second passageway is the third passageway. In addition to being communicated with the port, it is also communicated with the other end side of the sixth port in the second main valve chamber, and the first auxiliary valve seat is one end side of the first port and the other end of the first communication passage. The second auxiliary valve seat is provided on the side, and is provided on the other end side of the sixth port and on one end side of the second continuous passage.

In another preferred embodiment, the communication passage is arranged at the same height as one of the two ports communicated by the communication passage.

In a more preferred embodiment, the communication passage is arranged so as to face one of the two ports communicated by the communication passage.

In another preferred embodiment, the two flow path switching valves are arranged side by side with their axial directions oriented in the same direction, and the main valve bodies of the two flow path switching valves are moved in different directions. The two communication states are switched.

In another preferred embodiment, in each of the two flow path switching valves, one end side and the other end side of the main valve chamber in the main valve housing are defined by a pair of one end side and the other end side pistons. One end side and other end side working chambers having variable capacities for selectively introducing and discharging high-pressure fluid are provided, and the main valve body is movable in the axial direction in conjunction with the one end side and the other end side pistons. The two flow path switching valves are arranged so as to control the introduction and discharge of the high-pressure fluid into the one-end side and the other-end working chambers of the two flow path switching valves, respectively, and move the one-end side and the other-end side pistons. The main valve body is moved in conjunction with each other in the main valve chamber of each of the two flow path switching valves.

In a more preferable embodiment, the control of the introduction / discharge of the high-pressure fluid into the one-end side and the other-end side operating chambers of the two flow path switching valves is controlled by the one end side of each of the two flow path switching valves. It is performed by a port provided in the operating chamber on the other end side and a single four-way pilot valve connected to the high-pressure portion and the low-pressure portion of the six-way switching valve.

In the six-way switching valve according to the present invention, in each flow path switching valve, a port that communicates by moving a poppet-type main valve body in an interlocking manner in a main valve chamber defined by a tubular main valve housing. Since the area (communication state between 6 ports in total, flow path) can be switched, valve leakage can be suppressed compared to the 6-way switching valve that uses the conventional sliding main valve body. At the same time, the flow path area can be made relatively large, and the pressure loss can be reduced. Further, since each flow path switching valve is provided with an actuator portion (piston or the like) for moving the main valve body, it is possible to suppress an increase in the operating differential pressure.

In addition to the above, when the six-way switching valve according to the present invention is used in an environment such as a heat pump type heating / cooling system in which a high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant and a low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant flow, each flow path switching valve is provided between them. Since it is provided relatively far apart by the communication passage, the conventional one in which the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant and the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant are in close proximity (partitioned only by the wall of the sliding main valve body). Compared with the above, the amount of heat exchange in the main valve housing can be significantly reduced, and therefore the efficiency of the system can be improved.

Further, in the six-way switching valve according to the present invention, only two flow path switching valves (four-way switching valve) and two communication passages are used to switch between the communicating ports. Therefore, for example, three three-way switching valves. It also has the effect of reducing the cost, downsizing, and simplifying the configuration of the entire six-way switching valve, as compared with the one using.

Issues, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following embodiments.

The vertical sectional view which shows the 1st communication state (during heating operation) of one Embodiment of the hexagonal switching valve which concerns on this invention. The vertical sectional view which shows the 2nd communication state (during the cooling operation) of one Embodiment of the hexagonal switching valve which concerns on this invention. FIG. 1 is a partially decomposed vertical sectional view of the main valve housing shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a partially decomposed vertical sectional view of the main valve housing shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the four-way pilot valve of the six-way switching valve shown in FIG. 1, in which (A) is the first communication state (during heating operation) (when energization is OFF), and (B) is the second communication state (cooling). Vertical cross-sectional view showing each (when operating) (when energization is ON). A vertical cross-sectional view showing a hexagonal valve main body portion of another example of the hexagonal switching valve shown in FIG. 1 (first communication state (during heating operation)). A vertical cross-sectional view showing a hexagonal valve main body portion of a further example of the hexagonal switching valve shown in FIG. 1 (first communication state (during heating operation)). In an example of a heat pump type heating / cooling system in which a six-way switching valve is used as a flow path switching valve, (A) is a schematic configuration diagram showing a cooling operation and (B) a schematic configuration diagram showing a heating operation.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 are views showing an embodiment of a six-way switching valve according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a first communication state (during heating operation), and FIG. 2 is a second communication. It is a vertical cross-sectional view which shows the state (during the cooling operation).

In this specification, the descriptions indicating the positions and directions such as up / down, left / right, front / back, etc. are added for convenience according to the drawings in order to avoid complicated explanation, and are actually incorporated into a heat pump type heating / cooling system or the like. It does not always point to the position or direction in the state of being struck.

Further, in each drawing, the gap formed between the members, the separation distance between the members, etc. are larger than the dimensions of each constituent member in order to facilitate understanding of the invention and for convenience in drawing. Or it may be drawn small.

The six-way switching valve 1 of the illustrated embodiment is used, for example, as the six-way switching valve 180 in the heat pump type heating / cooling system 100 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B described above, and basically two flow paths are switched. It includes a hexagonal valve main body 9 formed by combining valves (four-way switching valves) 10 and 50, and a single electromagnetic four-way pilot valve 90 as a pilot valve. The six ports provided in the six-way switching valve 1 of the present embodiment have the same reference numerals corresponding to the ports pA to pF of the six-way switching valve 180.

<Structure of hexagonal valve body 9>
The six-way valve main body 9 mainly consists of two cylinder-type flow path switching valves 10 and 50 each provided with three ports (six in total) and the two flow path switching valves 10 and 50. It is equipped with two communication passages 85 and 86 that allow communication.

The two flow path switching valves 10 and 50 are vertically installed side by side with a predetermined distance (arranged vertically with the axis lines O1 and O5 facing up and down).

Further, each of the passages 85 and 86 is composed of a straight (straight) tubular body made of metal such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel, and is formed on the upper left of the flow path switching valve 10 (main valve housing 11). A continuous passage extending in the lateral direction between a portion (a portion above the port pA) and an upper right portion (a portion facing the port pB at the same height as the port pB) of the flow path switching valve 50 (main valve housing 51). (1st continuous passage) 85 is airtightly connected by brazing or the like, and is connected to the lower left portion (the portion facing the port pE at the same height as the port pE) of the flow path switching valve 10 (main valve housing 11). The lower right part (the part below the port pD) of the flow path switching valve 50 (main valve housing 51) is airtightly connected by brazing or the like by a continuous passage (second continuous passage) 86 extending in the lateral direction. ing.

[Structure of flow path switching valve 10]
The flow path switching valve (first flow path switching valve) 10 arranged on the right side of the hexagonal valve main body 9 has a cylindrical main valve housing 11 made of metal such as brass, aluminum, or stainless steel. One end side working chamber 41, one end side piston 31, main valve chamber 12, other end side piston 32, and the other end side working chamber 42 are sequentially arranged in the main valve housing 11 from one end side (upper end side). ..

One end side and the other end side pistons 31 and 32 having a concave cross section have an outer peripheral surface (the outer peripheral surface of the one end side and the other end side pistons 31 and 32) and a main valve housing 11 (more specifically). In order to seal the sliding surface gap between the upper and lower inner housing members 21, 22) (inner peripheral surfaces) fitted in the main valve housing 11 described later (in other words, the main valve housing 11 is airtight. An O-ring 33 as a sealing member is attached to the outside of the O-ring 33, and a ring-shaped packing 34 made of synthetic resin such as Teflon (registered trademark) for reducing sliding resistance is attached to the outside of the O-ring 33. Along with being attached, an annular pressing member 35 for holding the O-ring 33 and the packing 34 from coming off is attached and fixed (for example, by press fitting or caulking).

Thick disk-shaped one-sided lid member by screwing, caulking, welding, etc. so as to airtightly seal the one end side opening (upper end side opening) and the other end side opening (lower end side opening) of the main valve housing 11. 11A and the other end lid member 11B are fixed. In this example, one end (upper end) and the other end (lower end) of the main valve housing 11 have a slightly larger diameter, and one end and the other end large diameter portions 11a and 11b (female threaded portions formed on the inner circumference) have a slightly larger diameter. A stepped disk-shaped one-end lid member 11A and the other-end lid member 11B (male screw portions formed on the outer circumference of the lid member 11B) are screwed and fixed. As a result, one end side (lower side of one end lid member 11A and upper side of the one end side piston 31) and the other end side (upper side of the other end lid member 11B and lower side of the other end side piston 32) of the main valve housing 11 A variable-capacity one-side operating chamber 41 and another-side operating chamber 42, in which a high-pressure fluid (refrigerant) is selectively introduced and discharged, are defined. High-pressure fluid (refrigerant) is introduced and discharged into one end side operating chamber 41 and the other end side operating chamber 42 at one end (one end large diameter portion 11a) and the other end (other end large diameter portion 11b) of the main valve housing 11, respectively. Ports p10a and p10b are attached for this purpose.

In the main valve housing 11, three ports (first port pA, second port pF, third port pE from one end side (upper end side)) composed of pipe joints extending to the right are substantially equally spaced. It is airtightly connected vertically (arranged in the direction of the axis O1) by brazing or the like to open the main valve chamber 12.

Further, the communication passage 85 (the communication passage 85) communicating with one end (upper end) side of the port pA in the main valve chamber 12 from the one end side main valve seat 67 of the main valve chamber 52 of the flow path switching valve 50. ) Sideways, and the communication passage 86 (communication passage 86 communicating with the other end side of the auxiliary valve seat 69 of the main valve chamber 52 of the flow path switching valve 50) so as to face the port pE. It is connected sideways.

The upper (inner circumference) and lower (inner circumference) of the main valve housing 11 are internally fitted and fixed with metal upper and lower inner housing members 21 and 22, such as aluminum or stainless steel, respectively.

Specifically, the upper and lower inner housing members 21 and 22 are formed of a cylindrical tubular body having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the main valve housing 11, and can be easily understood by referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together with FIG. The upper inner housing member 21 inserted into the upper part of the main valve housing 11 is, from the lower side, a short cylindrical member 21a that is relatively short in the axis O1 direction and a long cylindrical member 21b that is relatively long in the axis O1 direction. It is composed of two parts. The side portion (right portion) of the short cylindrical member 21a is provided with an opening 23 (continuous) corresponding to the upper port pA provided in the main valve housing 11, and is provided inward from the lower end portion (axis line). (Toward O1), one end side main valve seat 27 having an upper inner end as a valve seat portion is projected. On the other hand, the side portion (left portion) of the long cylindrical member 21b is provided with an opening 24 (consecutive) corresponding to the communication passage 85, and the lower end portion thereof is provided inward (toward the axis O1). A sub-valve seat 29 having a valve seat portion at the lower part of the inner end is projected. The short-cylindrical member 21a and the long-cylindrical member 21b are sealed by welding or the like at the upper end of the short-cylindrical member 21a to a flange-shaped portion (outer terrace) provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the long-cylindrical member 21b. They are joined and integrally connected.

Here, an annular step portion (a step portion formed by reducing the inner diameter) 13 is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the port pF in the main valve housing 11.

After connecting the ports pA, pF, pE and the communication passages 85, 86 to the main valve housing 11 by brazing or the like, the upper inner housing member 21 has the opening 23 (of the short cylindrical member 21a) and the opening 23. With the opening 24 (of the long cylindrical member 21b) aligned with respect to the port pA and the communication passage 85, it is inserted into the main valve housing 11 through the one end side opening of the main valve housing 11 and its (short). The lower end (of the cylindrical member 21a) is in contact with the stepped portion 13 (upper surface) of the main valve housing 11, and the upper end (of the long cylindrical member 21b) is the upper inner circumference of the main valve housing 11 (FIG. In the illustrated example, the caulking portion 14a provided at one end (inner circumference immediately below the large-diameter portion 11a) is crimped and locked to prevent it from coming off.

Inside the upper inner housing member 21 (long cylindrical member 21b) (specifically, the inner circumference above the opening 24 corresponding to the communication passage 85), the one end side piston 31 is in the vertical direction (axis O1 direction). It is slidably distributed in. That is, the inner circumference (surface) of the upper inner housing member 21 (the elongated cylindrical member 21b) is a smooth piston sliding surface 36 to which the one end side piston 31 is in sliding contact.

It should be noted that it is formed between the upper inner housing member 21 (outer circumference) and the main valve housing 11 (inner circumference), specifically, on the outer circumference of the lower end portion of the upper inner housing member 21 (short cylindrical member 21a). A corner portion defined between the chamfered portion (inclined surface) and the stepped portion 13 of the main valve housing 11, and the lower side of the opening 24 of the upper inner housing member 21 (long cylindrical member 21b). In the annular grooves formed on the outer circumference (in other words, between the opening 23 and the opening 24) and on the upper side (in other words, between the opening 23 and the upper end), three O-rings 21c as sealing members, respectively. 21d and 22e are mounted (particularly, see FIG. 3).

On the other hand, as can be easily understood by referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together with FIG. 4, the lower inner housing member 22 inserted in the lower part of the main valve housing 11 is provided on the right side of the main valve housing 11. A (continuous) opening 25 corresponding to the lower port pE is provided, and a (continuous) opening 26 corresponding to the communication passage 86 is provided on the left side thereof, and is provided inward (axis line) from the upper end portion thereof. (Toward O1), the other end side main valve seat 28 having the lower inner end as the valve seat portion is projected.

After each port pA, pF, pE and each communication passage 85, 86 are connected to the main valve housing 11 by brazing or the like, the lower inner housing member 22 has an opening 25 and an opening 26 having a port pE and a communication passage. In a state of being aligned with respect to 86, it is inserted into the main valve housing 11 through the other end side opening of the main valve housing 11, and the upper end portion thereof is inserted into the step portion 13 (lower surface) of the main valve housing 11. The lower end is crimped by a caulking portion 14b provided on the lower inner circumference of the main valve housing 11 (in the illustrated example, the inner circumference immediately above the other end large diameter portion 11b) to prevent it from coming off. ing.

The other end side piston 32 is vertically (axis O1) inside the lower inner housing member 22 (specifically, the inner circumference below the opening 25 corresponding to the port pE and the opening 26 corresponding to the communication passage 86). It is slidably distributed in the direction). That is, the inner circumference (surface) of the lower inner housing member 22 is a smooth piston sliding surface 37 with which the other end side piston 32 is in sliding contact.

A chamfered portion (inclined surface) formed between the lower inner housing member 22 (outer circumference) and the main valve housing 11 (inner circumference), specifically, on the outer periphery of the upper end portion of the lower inner housing member 22. The corner portion defined between the main valve housing 11 and the stepped portion 13 of the main valve housing 11 and the lower side of the openings 25 and 26 of the lower inner housing member 22 (in other words, between the openings 25 and 26 and the lower end portion). ), Two O-rings 22c and 22d as sealing members are mounted on the annular groove formed on the outer circumference thereof (in particular, see FIG. 4).

The upper and lower inner housing members 21 and 22 fitted in the main valve housing 11 and the main valve housing 11 can be made of appropriate materials as described above, but the upper and lower inner housing members 21 and 22 are used. In order to reduce heat exchange with the main valve housing 11, or in contact with the upper and lower inner housing members 21 and 22 (one end side main valve seat 27, other end side main valve seat 28, sub valve seat 29). In order to suppress deterioration due to wear of the sliding parts (piston sliding surface 36, piston sliding surface 37) and the like, the upper and lower inner housing members 21 and 22 are made of a material or rigidity having a lower thermal conductivity than the main valve housing 11. It should be made of a material with high (strength). As an example, if the main valve housing 11 is made of brass, the upper and lower inner housing members 21 and 22 are preferably made of stainless steel.

That is, in the present embodiment, the upper and lower inner housing members 21 and 22 fitted in the main valve housing 11 allow the upper part of the inner end to be the valve seat portion between the port pF and the port pA in the main valve chamber 12. One end side main valve seat 27 is provided, and the other end side main valve seat 28 whose inner end lower portion is a valve seat portion is provided between the port pF and the port pE in the main valve chamber 12, and the main valve is provided. A sub-valve seat 29 having a lower inner end as a valve seat portion is provided on one end side of the chamber 12 from the port pA and on the other end side of the communication passage 85 (in other words, between the port pA and the communication passage 85). There is.

Further, as described above, the one end side main valve seat 27, the sub valve seat 29, and the other end side main valve seat 28 are the upper inner housing member 21 and the lower inner housing member 22 fitted in the main valve housing 11. It is formed (integrally) by projecting from the inner circumference toward the inside (toward the axis O1), and is defined by the main valve seat 27 on one end side, the auxiliary valve seat 29, and the main valve seat 28 on the other end side. The diameters of the one-side main valve port, the sub-valve port, and the other end side main valve port (inner diameter of the valve seat portion) are the upper inner housing member 21 and the lower inner housing member arranged in the main valve housing 11. It is made smaller than the inner diameter of 22 (that is, the outer diameter of one end side working chamber 41, one end side piston 31, the other end side piston 32, and the other end side working chamber 42).

Further, in the main valve chamber 12, a poppet type main valve body 15 is movably arranged in the axis O1 direction (vertical direction) (with a predetermined interval from the inner circumference of the main valve housing 11). ..

In this example, the main valve body 15 includes an upper valve body 16 made of, for example, a synthetic resin, which is arranged between the sub valve seat 29 and one end side main valve seat 27 in the main valve chamber 12, and the main valve. It has, for example, a synthetic resin lower valve body 17 arranged below the other end side main valve seat 28 in the chamber 12, and the upper valve body 16 and the lower valve body 17 extend along the axis O1 direction ( That is, they are connected and integrated via a connecting shaft 18 (which is inserted inside the stepped portion 13 of the main valve housing 11).

Here, the upper end of the connecting shaft 18 is attached to the female screw portion formed on the lower inner circumference of the central hole (vertical through hole) 16a provided in the upper valve body 16 (along the vertical direction (axis O1 direction)). A male screw portion formed on the outer periphery of the portion is screwed and airtightly connected and fixed, and a central hole (vertical through hole) 17a provided in the lower valve body 17 (along the vertical direction (axis O1 direction)). The lower end of the connecting shaft 18 is fitted inward by press fitting, caulking, or the like to airtightly connect and fix the connecting shaft 18. The central hole 16a of the upper valve body 16 and the central hole 17a of the lower valve body 17 are provided with lateral holes 16b and 17b that open into the main valve chamber 12, respectively.

In the main valve body 15, as described above, the upper valve body 16 and the lower valve body 17 are integrally moved (via the connecting shaft 18) in the axis O1 direction, and the upper valve body 16 (of the upper valve body 16) is moved. The upper outer peripheral portion and the lower outer peripheral portion) are selectively brought into contact with and separated from the sub valve seat 29 and the one end side main valve seat 27, and in conjunction with this, the lower valve body 17 (the outer peripheral portion) is the other end side main valve. It is designed to be in contact with and separated from the seat 28. Specifically, when the upper valve body 16 of the main valve body 15 is seated on the sub valve seat 29 and separates from the one end side main valve seat 27, the lower valve body 17 is seated on the other end side main valve seat 28. Then, when the upper valve body 16 is separated from the sub valve seat 29 and is seated on the one end side main valve seat 27, the lower valve body 17 is separated from the other end side main valve seat 28. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper valve body 16 (upper outer peripheral portion) is seated on the sub valve seat 29 (valve seat portion), and the lower valve body 17 (outer peripheral portion) is the other end side main. Seated on the valve seat 28 (valve seat portion), the port pA and the port pF are communicated with each other (via the one end side main valve port of the one end side main valve seat 27), and the port pE and the communication passage 86 are communicated with each other. One end (upper end) position (heating position) to be communicated and the upper valve body 16 (lower outer peripheral portion) as shown in FIG. 2 are seated on one end side main valve seat 27 (valve seat portion) and the lower valve. The body 17 (outer peripheral portion) is separated from the other end side main valve seat 28 (valve seat portion), and the port pE and the port pF are separated (via the other end side main valve opening of the other end side main valve seat 28). ) The other end (lower end) position (cooling position) at which the port pA and the communication passage 85 are communicated (via the auxiliary valve port of the auxiliary valve seat 29) can be selectively taken.

When the main valve body 15 is at the other end position (cooling position), the port pE and the port pF are also in communication with the communication passage 86, but each port provided in the communication passage 86 and the flow path switching valve 50. Between (ports pB, pC, pD), the main valve body 55 (lower valve body 57) is seated on the sub valve seat 69 provided on the flow path switching valve 50 (the other end side of the port pD). It is designed so that it does not communicate (the state of communication is cut off) (detailed later).

One end side piston 31 and the other end side piston 32 are connected to the main valve body 15 via the one end side connecting shaft 38 and the other end side connecting shaft 39, respectively, and are integrally movable. In this example, the upper end of the one-end connecting shaft 38 is airtightly connected and fixed to the fitting / insertion hole 31a provided in the center of the one-end piston 31 by press fitting, caulking, welding, etc., and the lower end of the one-end connecting shaft 38 is , It is inwardly fitted into the upper part of the central hole 16a of the upper valve body 16 by press fitting, caulking or the like, and is airtightly connected and fixed. Further, the lower end of the other end side connecting shaft 39 is airtightly connected and fixed to the fitting / insertion hole 32a provided in the center of the other end side piston 32 by press fitting, caulking, welding or the like, and the outer circumference of the upper end of the other end side connecting shaft 39. The male threaded portion formed in the above is screwed to the female threaded portion formed on the lower inner circumference of the central hole 17a of the lower valve body 17 to be airtightly connected and fixed. As a result, the main valve body 15 is pushed by the one end side connecting shaft 38 and the other end side connecting shaft 39 as the pair of upper and lower one end side and the other end side pistons 31 and 32 reciprocate, and is pushed to the cooling position (upper end). It is designed to move back and forth (moving up and down) between the position) and the heating position (lower end position).

That is, in the flow path switching valve 10 of the present embodiment, one end side operating chamber 41, one end side piston 31 having one end side connecting shaft 38, the other end side piston 32 having the other end side connecting shaft 39, and the other end side operating chamber At 42, a fluid pressure type actuator unit (specifically, a fluid pressure type that utilizes the differential pressure between the high pressure refrigerant and the low pressure refrigerant in the system) that moves the main valve body 15 in the axis O1 direction (vertical direction) is configured. There is.

In FIG. 4, the lower inner housing member 22, the other end side piston 32, the other end side connecting shaft 39, and the like are assembled and then inserted into the main valve housing 11, but the lower inner housing is inserted into the main valve housing 11. Of course, the other end side piston 32, the other end side connecting shaft 39, and the like may be assembled with only the member 22 inserted.

[Structure of flow path switching valve 50]
Since the basic configuration of the flow path switching valve (second flow path switching valve) 50 arranged on the left side of the hexagonal valve main body 9 is almost the same as that of the flow path switching valve 10 described above, a portion having the same function and function. The same reference numerals (reference numerals obtained by adding 40 to the reference numerals of each part of the flow path switching valve 10) are added thereto, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The flow path switching valve 50 basically has three ports (port pB, port pC, port pD) and a main valve housing 51 provided in the main valve housing 51 with respect to the above-mentioned flow path switching valve 10. The arrangement configurations of the one-sided main valve seat 67, the other-side main valve seat 68, and the sub-valve seat 69 provided on the inner circumference are different.

In the flow path switching valve 50, the main valve housing 51 has three ports (from one end side (upper end side), a fourth port pB, a fifth port pC, and a sixth port) composed of pipe joints extending to the left. The ports pD) are arranged vertically (arranged in the direction of the axis O5) and airtightly connected by brazing or the like to open the main valve chamber 52.

Further, the communication passage 85 (the communication passage 85 communicating with one end side from the sub valve seat 29 of the main valve chamber 12 of the flow path switching valve 10) is laterally communicated so as to face the port pB. , Communicate to the other end (lower end) side of the port pD in the main valve chamber 52, and to the other end side of the other end side main valve seat 28 of the main valve chamber 12 of the flow path switching valve 10 described above. The communication passage 86) is connected sideways.

The upper inner housing member 61 inserted into the upper part (inner circumference) of the main valve housing 51 includes a short cylindrical member 61a relatively short in the axis O5 direction and a relatively long long cylinder in the axis O5 direction from the lower side. It is composed of two parts with the shape member 61b. The side portion (left portion) of the short cylindrical member 61a is provided with an opening 63 (consecutive) corresponding to the central port pC provided in the main valve housing 51, and is provided inward from the lower end portion (axis line). (Toward O5), the other end side main valve seat 68 having an upper inner end as a valve seat portion is projected. On the other hand, the side portion (left side portion) of the elongated cylindrical member 61b of the upper inner housing member 61 is provided with an opening 65 corresponding to the upper port pB provided in the main valve housing 51 (right side portion). The portion) is provided with an opening 64 corresponding to the communication passage 85, and one end side from the lower end portion thereof toward the inside (toward the axis O5) and the lower portion of the inner end serving as a valve seat portion. The main valve seat 67 is projected. The short-cylindrical member 61a and the long-cylindrical member 61b are sealed by welding or the like at the upper end of the short-cylindrical member 61a to a flange-shaped portion (outer terrace) provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the long-cylindrical member 61b. They are joined and integrally connected.

On the other hand, a side portion (right side portion) of the lower inner housing member 62 inserted into the lower portion (inner circumference) of the main valve housing 51 is provided with an opening 66 corresponding to the communication passage 86. A sub-valve seat 69 having a valve seat portion at the lower part of the inner end is projected from the upper end portion toward the inside (toward the axis O5).

That is, in the present embodiment, the upper and lower inner housing members 61 and 62 fitted in the main valve housing 51 allow the lower inner end of the main valve chamber 52 to be between the port pB and the port pC. One end side main valve seat 67 is provided, and the other end side main valve seat 68 whose inner end upper portion is a valve seat portion is provided between the port pC and the port pD in the main valve chamber 52. On the other end side of the port pD and one end side of the communication passage 86 (in other words, between the port pD and the communication passage 86) in the chamber 52, an auxiliary valve seat 69 whose inner end lower portion is a valve seat portion is provided. There is.

In this example, the poppet type main valve body 55 movably arranged in the main valve chamber 52 in the axis O5 direction (vertical direction) is one end side main valve seat 67 and the other end side in the main valve chamber 52. It has an upper valve body 56 arranged between the main valve seat 68 and a lower valve body 57 arranged below the sub valve seat 69 in the main valve chamber 52, and the upper valve body 56 thereof. The lower valve body 57 is integrally moved (via the connecting shaft 58), and the upper valve body 56 (upper outer peripheral portion and lower outer peripheral portion) is one end side main valve seat 67 and the other end side main valve. The lower valve body 57 (the outer peripheral portion of the lower valve body 57) is brought into contact with and detached from the sub-valve seat 69 in conjunction with the selective attachment and detachment to the seat 68. Specifically, when the upper valve body 56 of the main valve body 55 is seated on the other end side main valve seat 68 and separates from the one end side main valve seat 67, the lower valve body 57 separates from the sub valve seat 69. When the upper valve body 56 is separated from the other end side main valve seat 68 and is seated on the one end side main valve seat 67, the lower valve body 57 is seated on the sub valve seat 69. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper valve body 56 (lower outer peripheral portion) is seated on the other end side main valve seat 68 (valve seat portion), and the lower valve body 57 (outer peripheral portion) is subordinate. Apart from the valve seat 69 (valve seat portion), the port pC and the port pB are communicated with each other (via the one end side main valve port of the one end side main valve seat 67), and the port pD and the communication passage 86 (via the one end side main valve opening). The other end (lower end) position (heating position) through which the auxiliary valve seat 69 is communicated (via the auxiliary valve port) and the upper valve body 56 (upper outer peripheral portion) as shown in FIG. 2 are one end side main valve seats. The lower valve body 57 (outer peripheral portion) is seated on the sub valve seat 69 (valve seat portion), and the port pC and the port pD (the other end side main valve seat) are seated on 67 (valve seat portion). In addition to communicating (via the main valve port on the other end side of 68), one end (upper end) position (cooling position) of communicating the port pB and the communication passage 85 can be selectively taken.

When the main valve body 55 is at the other end position (heating position), the port pC and the port pB are also in communication with the communication passage 85, but each port provided in the communication passage 85 and the flow path switching valve 10. (Ports pA, pF, pE) communicate with each other by seating the main valve body 15 (upper valve body 16) on the sub valve seat 29 provided on the flow path switching valve 10 (one end side of the port pA). It is designed not to (communication state is cut off).

In this example, the diameters of the ports pA to pF provided in the flow path switching valves 10 and 50 and the passage diameters of the communication passages 85 and 86 are set to substantially the same diameter.

<Operation of hexagonal valve body 9>
Next, the operation of the hexagonal valve main body 9 having the above-described configuration will be described.

The main valve bodies 15 and 55 arranged in the main valve housings 11 and 51 of the flow path switching valves 10 and 50 are in the heating position (the main valve body 15 of the flow path switching valve 10 is at one end (upper end) position and flow. When the main valve body 55 of the path switching valve 50 is at the other end (lower end) position (first communication state as shown in FIG. 1), the flow path switching valve 10 is passed through the four-way pilot valve 90 described later. One end side operating chamber 41 and the other end side operating chamber 82 of the flow path switching valve 50 are communicated with port pA which is a discharge side high pressure port, and the other end side operating chamber 42 and the flow path switching valve of the flow path switching valve 10 are communicated with each other. When the working chamber 81 on one end side of 50 is communicated with the port pD which is the low pressure port on the suction side, a high temperature and high pressure refrigerant is connected to the working chamber 41 on one end side of the flow path switching valve 10 and the working chamber 82 on the other end side of the flow path switching valve 50. Is introduced, and high temperature and high pressure refrigerant is discharged from the other end side operating chamber 42 of the flow path switching valve 10 and the one end side operating chamber 81 of the flow path switching valve 50. Therefore, in the flow path switching valve 10, the pressure of the one end side operating chamber 41 becomes higher than the pressure of the other end side operating chamber 42, and the one end side and the other end side pistons 31, 32 and the main valve body 15 move downward, and the main valve body 15 moves downward. The valve body 15 (the upper outer peripheral portion of the upper valve body 16 and the outer peripheral portion of the lower valve body 17) is separated from the sub valve seat 29 (valve seat portion) and the other end side main valve seat 28 (valve seat portion). The sub valve port and the other end side main valve port are opened, and the main valve body 15 (the lower outer peripheral portion of the upper valve body 16) is seated on the one end side main valve seat 27 (the valve seat portion) and is engaged. Be stopped. At the same time, in the flow path switching valve 50, the pressure of the other end side operating chamber 82 becomes higher than the pressure of the one end side operating chamber 81, and the one end side and the lower end side pistons 71, 72 and the main valve body 55 move upward. , The main valve body 55 (the lower outer peripheral portion of the upper valve body 56) is separated from the other end side main valve seat 68 (the valve seat portion) to open the other end side main valve opening, and the main valve body 55 (of) The upper outer peripheral portion of the upper valve body 56 and the outer peripheral portion of the lower valve body 57) are seated on one end side main valve seat 67 (valve seat portion) and sub valve seat 69 (valve seat portion) and are engaged and locked. To. As a result, the main valve bodies 15 and 55 of the flow path switching valves 10 and 50 are in the cooling position (the main valve body 15 of the flow path switching valve 10 is in the other end (lower end) position, and the main valve body of the flow path switching valve 50 is in the cooling position. 55 takes one end (upper end) position) (second communication state as shown in FIG. 2).

As a result, the port pA in the flow path switching valve 10 and the port pB in the flow path switching valve 50 are communicated with each other through the communication passage 85 provided between them, and the port pE and the port pF are connected in the flow path switching valve 10. Since the port pC and the port pD are communicated with each other in the flow path switching valve 50, the cooling operation is performed in the heat pump type heating / cooling system 100 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

When the main valve bodies 15 and 55 arranged in the main valve housings 11 and 51 of the respective flow path switching valves 10 and 50 are in the cooling position (second communication state as shown in FIG. 2), they will be described later. The other end side operating chamber 42 of the flow path switching valve 10 and the one end side operating chamber 81 of the flow path switching valve 50 are communicated with the port pA which is the discharge side high pressure port through the four-way pilot valve 90, and the flow path is switched. When the one end side operating chamber 41 of the valve 10 and the other end side operating chamber 82 of the flow path switching valve 50 are communicated with the port pD which is the suction side low pressure port, the other end side operating chamber 42 and the flow path of the flow path switching valve 10 A high temperature and high pressure refrigerant is introduced into the one end side operating chamber 81 of the switching valve 50, and a high temperature and high pressure refrigerant is introduced from the one end side operating chamber 41 of the flow path switching valve 10 and the other end side operating chamber 82 of the flow path switching valve 50. It is discharged. Therefore, in the flow path switching valve 10, the pressure of the other end side operating chamber 42 becomes higher than the pressure of the one end side operating chamber 41, and the one end side and the other end side pistons 31, 32 and the main valve body 15 move upward, and the main valve body 15 moves upward. The valve body 15 (the lower outer peripheral portion of the upper valve body 16) is separated from the one end side main valve seat 27 (the valve seat portion) to open the one end side main valve opening, and the main valve body 15 (the upper valve body 16) is opened. The upper outer peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion of the lower valve body 17) are seated on the sub valve seat 29 (valve seat portion) and the other end side main valve seat 28 (valve seat portion) and are engaged and locked. At the same time, in the flow path switching valve 50, the pressure of the one end side operating chamber 81 becomes higher than that of the other end side operating chamber 82, and the one end side and the other end side pistons 71, 72 and the main valve body 55 move downward. The main valve body 55 (the upper outer peripheral portion of the upper valve body 56 and the outer peripheral portion of the lower valve body 57) is separated from the main valve seat 67 (valve seat portion) and the sub valve seat 69 (valve seat portion) on one end side. One end side main valve opening and sub valve opening are opened, and the main valve body 55 (lower outer peripheral portion of the upper valve body 56) is seated on the other end side main valve seat 68 (valve seat portion) and is engaged. It will be stopped. As a result, the main valve bodies 15 and 55 of the flow path switching valves 10 and 50 are in the heating position (the main valve body 15 of the flow path switching valve 10 is at one end (upper end) position, and the main valve body 55 of the flow path switching valve 50 is located. Takes the other end (lower end) position) (first communication state as shown in FIG. 1).

As a result, the port pA and the port pF are communicated with each other in the flow path switching valve 10, the port pC and the port pB are communicated with each other in the flow path switching valve 50, and the port pE and the flow path switching valve in the flow path switching valve 10 are communicated with each other. Since the port pD in 50 is communicated with the communication passage 86 provided between them, the heating operation is performed in the heat pump type heating / cooling system 100 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

Here, in the present embodiment, the outer diameters (seat diameters) of the main valve bodies 15 (upper and lower valve bodies 16 and 17) of the flow path switching valve 10 are the upper and lower parts fitted in the main valve housing 11. The inner diameters of the inner housing members 21 and 22 (that is, the pressure receiving diameters of the pistons 31 and 32 on one end side and the other end side) are made smaller than the main valve body 55 (upper and lower valve bodies 56 and 57) in the flow path switching valve 50. The outer diameter (seat diameter) of is smaller than the inner diameters of the upper and lower inner housing members 61 and 62 (that is, the pressure receiving diameters of the pistons 71 and 72 on one end side and the other end side) fitted in the main valve housing 51. Therefore, in the above-mentioned flow path switching (that is, when switching from the heating operation to the cooling operation and when switching from the cooling operation to the heating operation), the flow path switching valves 10 and 50 of the respective flow path switching valves 10 and 50 have a simple configuration. The main valves 15 and 55 can be reliably moved.

<Structure of four-way pilot valve 90>
The structure of the four-way pilot valve 90 as a pilot valve is well known, and as shown in the enlarged views of FIGS. 5A and 5B, electromagnetic waves are applied to the outer periphery of the base end side (left end side). A valve case 92 made of a cylindrical straight pipe to which a coil 91 is externally fitted and fixed is provided, and a suction element 95, a compression coil spring 96, and a plunger 97 are sequentially arranged in the valve case 92 from the base end side. Being present.

The left end of the valve case 92 is hermetically sealed to the flange-shaped portion (outer terrace portion) of the attractor 95 by welding or the like, and the attractor 95 is attached to the cover case 91A that covers the outer periphery of the electromagnetic coil 91 for energization excitation. It is fastened and fixed by bolts 92B.

On the other hand, a lid member 98 with a filter having a thin tube insertion port (high pressure introduction port a) for introducing a high pressure refrigerant is airtightly attached to the right end opening of the valve case 92 by welding, brazing, caulking or the like. The area surrounded by the lid member 98, the plunger 97, and the valve case 92 is the valve chamber 99. The valve chamber 99 is entered from the port (discharge side high pressure port) pA via a flexible high pressure thin tube #a that is airtightly inserted into the thin tube insertion port (high pressure introduction port a) of the lid member 98. High temperature and high pressure refrigerants are being introduced.

Further, a valve seat 93 whose inner end surface is a flat valve seat surface is airtightly joined between the plunger 97 and the lid member 98 in the valve case 92 by brazing or the like. On the valve seat surface (inner end surface) of the above, one end side operating chamber 41 of the flow path switching valve 10 of the hexagonal valve main body 9 and the other end side operating chamber of the flow path switching valve 50 are sequentially formed from the tip side (right end side). Port b connected to 82 via a thin tube # b, port c connected to port (low pressure port on the suction side) pD via a thin tube # c, the other end side working chamber 42 of the flow path switching valve 10 and the flow path. Ports d connected to the working chamber 81 on one end side of the switching valve 50 via a thin tube #d are opened side by side at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the valve case 92.

The plunger 97 arranged to face the suction element 95 is basically cylindrical, and is slidably arranged in the valve case 92 in the axial direction (direction along the center line L of the valve case 92). .. At the end of the plunger 97 opposite to the suction element 95 side, a valve body holder 94A that holds the valve body 94 slidably in the thickness direction on the free end side holds the base end portion together with the fitting 94B. It is attached and fixed by press fitting, caulking, etc. A leaf spring 94C that urges the valve body 94 in the direction of pressing the valve body 94 against the valve seat 93 (thickness direction) is attached to the valve body holder 94A. The valve body 94 is in contact with the valve seat surface of the valve seat 93 in order to switch the communication state between the ports b, c, and d that open on the valve seat surface of the valve seat 93. The valve seat surface slides as the plunger 97 moves in the left-right direction.

Further, the valve body 94 has a size such that the adjacent ports bc and cd of the three ports b to d opened on the valve seat surface of the valve seat 93 can be selectively communicated with each other. A recess 94a is provided.

Further, the compression coil spring 96 is compressed between the suction element 95 and the plunger 97 to urge the plunger 97 in the direction of pulling it away from the suction element 95 (to the right in the figure). In the example, the valve seat 93 (the left end portion of the valve seat 93) is used as a stopper that prevents the plunger 97 from moving to the right. Needless to say, other configurations can be adopted as the configuration of this stopper.

The four-way pilot valve 90 is attached to an appropriate position such as the back side of the hexagonal valve main body 9 via the attachment 92A.

<Operation of four-way pilot valve 90>
In the four-way pilot valve 90 having the configuration as described above, when the energization of the electromagnetic coil 91 is turned off, the plunger 97 is subjected to the urging force of the compression coil spring 96 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 (A). The right end is pushed to a position where it contacts the valve seat 93. In this state, the valve body 94 is located on the port b and the port c, and the port b and the port c communicate with each other by the recess 94a, and the port d and the valve chamber 99 communicate with each other. ) The high-pressure fluid flowing into pA is introduced into the other end side working chamber 42 and the one end side working chamber 81 via the high pressure thin tube #a → valve chamber 99 → port d → thin tube # d → port p10b and port p50a. High-pressure fluid in the working chamber 41 on one end and the working chamber 82 on the other end flows to port p10a and port p50b → thin tube # b → port b → recess 94a → port c → thin tube #c → port (low pressure port on the suction side) pD. Is discharged.

On the other hand, when the energization of the electromagnetic coil 91 is turned on, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5B, the position where the left end of the plunger 97 comes into contact with the suction element 95 due to the suction force of the suction element 95. Is attracted to (against the urging force of the compression coil spring 96). At this time, the valve body 94 is located on the port c and the port d, and the port c and the port d communicate with each other by the recess 94a, and the port b and the valve chamber 99 communicate with each other. Therefore, the port (discharge side high pressure port). The high-pressure fluid flowing into pA is introduced into the working chamber 41 on one end side and the working chamber 82 on the other end side via the high-pressure thin tube #a → valve chamber 99 → port b → thin tube # b → port p10a and port p50b, and other The high-pressure fluid of the end-side operating chamber 42 and the one-side operating chamber 81 flows to port p10b and port p50a → thin tube #d → port d → recess 94a → port c → thin tube #c → port (suction side low-pressure port) pD. It is discharged.

Therefore, when the energization of the electromagnetic coil 91 is turned off, the main valve bodies 15 and 55 of the flow path switching valves 10 and 50 of the hexagonal valve main body 9 change from the cooling position (second communication state) to the heating position (first communication state). ), While the flow path switching as described above is performed, when the energization of the electromagnetic coil 91 is turned on, the main valve bodies 15 and 55 of the flow path switching valves 10 and 50 of the hexagonal valve main body 9 are heated. The position (first communication state) shifts to the cooling position (second communication state), and the flow path is switched as described above.

As described above, in the six-way switching valve 1 of the present embodiment, the high-pressure fluid (port pA which is a high-pressure portion) circulating in the six-way switching valve 1 is switched by switching the energization of the electromagnetic four-way pilot valve 90 by ON / OFF. The main valves 15 and 55 of the flow path switching valves 10 and 50 constituting the hexagonal valve main body 9 are main valves by utilizing the differential pressure between the flowing fluid) and the low pressure fluid (the fluid flowing through the port pD which is the low pressure portion). By moving in conjunction with the chambers 12 and 52, the communication state between the six ports provided in the two flow path switching valves 10 and 50 is switched, and FIGS. 8 (A) and 8 (B) show. In the heat pump type heating / cooling system 100 as shown, it is possible to switch from the heating operation to the cooling operation and from the cooling operation to the heating operation.

<Effect of hexagonal switching valve 1>
As can be understood from the above description, in the hexagonal switching valve 1 of the present embodiment, the main valve chamber 12 defined by the cylindrical main valve housings 11 and 51 in the flow path switching valves 10 and 50, respectively. By moving the poppet-type main valve bodies 15 and 55 in conjunction with each other in 52, the communication ports (communication state and flow path between a total of 6 ports) can be switched. Therefore, as compared with the conventional six-way switching valve using the sliding main valve body, valve leakage can be suppressed, the flow path area can be relatively large, and the pressure loss can be reduced. Further, since each of the flow path switching valves 10 and 50 is provided with an actuator portion for moving the main valve bodies 15 and 55, it is possible to suppress an increase in the operating differential pressure.

In the above embodiment, the main valve bodies 15 and 55 are driven in the main valve chambers 12 and 52 by using a four-way pilot valve 90, a piston, or the like, but an actuator unit for moving the main valve body is adopted. As described above, in addition to the configuration using the four-way pilot valve 90, the piston, or the like, a configuration in which the main valve body is driven by using a solenoid or a motor may be used.

In addition to the above, when the six-way switching valve 1 of the present embodiment is used in an environment such as a heat pump type heating / cooling system in which a high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant and a low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant flow, the flow path switching valves 10 and 50 are in between. Since it is provided relatively far apart by the communication passages 85 and 86 provided in the above, a state in which the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant and the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant are in close proximity (a state in which only the wall of the sliding main valve body separates the refrigerant). ), The amount of heat exchange in the main valve housings 11 and 51 can be significantly reduced as compared with the conventional one, and therefore the efficiency of the system can be improved.

Further, in the six-way switching valve 1 of the present embodiment, only two flow path switching valves (four-way switching valves) 10 and 50 and two communication passages 85 and 86 are used to switch between the communicating ports. For example, compared to those using a plurality of flow path switching valves (two-way switching valve or three-way switching valve), the effect of reducing the cost, downsizing, and simplifying the configuration of the entire six-way switching valve can be achieved. There is also.

In the hexagonal switching valve 1 of the above-described embodiment, the flow path switching valve 10 is provided with three ports (port pA, port pF, port pE) to the right, and the flow path switching valve 50 is provided with three ports to the left. Ports (port pB, port pC, port pD) are provided, but it goes without saying that the arrangement configuration (direction, position, etc.) of the six ports pA to pF is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the ports (pipe fittings) pA, pF, pE provided in the flow path switching valve 10 and the ports (pipe fittings) pB, pC, pD provided in the flow path switching valve 50 are directed forward or backward. It may be extended so that the mounting directions of all the ports (pipe fittings) pA to pF are the same.

Further, in the hexagonal switching valve 1 of the above embodiment, the third port pE is attached to the main valve housing 11 of the flow path switching valve 10, and the fourth port pB is attached to the main valve housing 51 of the flow path switching valve 50. In the heating position (first communication state), the first port pA and the second port pF are communicated with each other via the main valve chamber 12, and the fourth port pB and the fifth port pC communicate with each other through the main valve chamber 52. The third port pE and the sixth port pD are communicated with each other through the main valve chamber 12, the communication passage 86, and the main valve chamber 52, and in the cooling position (second communication state), the second port is communicated with each other. The port pF and the third port pE are communicated with each other through the main valve chamber 12, the fifth port pC and the sixth port pD are communicated with each other through the main valve chamber 52, and the first port pA and the fourth port are communicated with each other. The pB is communicated with the main valve chamber 12, the communication passage 85, and the main valve chamber 52. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the third port pE is attached to the communication passage 86 (instead of the main valve housing 11 of the flow path switching valve 10), and the fourth port pB is attached (mainly of the flow path switching valve 50). It is needless to say that the same effect can be obtained even if it is attached to the communication passage 85 (instead of the valve housing 51). In this case, in the heating position (first communication state), the first port pA and the second port pF are communicated with each other via the main valve chamber 12, and the fourth port pB and the fifth port pC are communicated with each other through the communication passage 85 (the first communication state). (Left half part) and the main valve chamber 52 are communicated with each other, and the third port pE and the sixth port pD are communicated with each other through the communication passage 86 (the left half part) and the main valve chamber 52, and are cooled. At the position (second communication state), the second port pF and the third port pE are communicated with each other via the main valve chamber 12 and the communication passage 86 (the right half portion of the main valve chamber 12), and the fifth port pC and the sixth port pD. Is communicated via the main valve chamber 52, and the first port pA and the fourth port pB are communicated with each other via the main valve chamber 12 and the communication passage 85 (the right half portion).

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the communication passage 85 (left end) is attached to the fourth port pB (instead of the main valve housing 51 of the flow path switching valve 50), and the communication passage 86 (right end) is (flow). Even if it is attached to the third port pE (instead of the main valve housing 11 of the path switching valve 10), it is natural that the same effect can be obtained. In FIG. 7, the fourth port pB is connected to the right portion of the main valve housing 51 (flow path switching valve 10 side), and the third port pE is connected to the left portion of the main valve housing 11 (flow path switching valve 50 side). ) Is connected. In this case, in the heating position (first communication state), the first port pA and the second port pF are communicated with each other via the main valve chamber 12, and the fourth port pB and the fifth port pC are connected to the main valve chamber 52. The third port pE and the sixth port pD are communicated with each other via the communication passage 86 and the main valve chamber 52, and in the cooling position (second communication state), the second port pF and the third port pF are communicated with each other. The port pE is communicated with the main valve chamber 12, the fifth port pC and the sixth port pD are communicated with each other via the main valve chamber 52, and the first port pA and the fourth port pB are the main valves. It is made to be communicated through the chamber 12 and the communication passage 85.

Further, it goes without saying that the six-way switching valve 1 of the present embodiment can be incorporated not only into a heat pump type heating / cooling system but also into other systems, devices, and devices.

1 Hexagonal switching valve 9 Hexagonal valve body 10, 50 Flow path switching valve (1st flow path switching valve, 2nd flow path switching valve)
11, 51 Main valve housing (1st main valve housing, 2nd main valve housing)
12, 52 Main valve chambers (1st main valve chamber, 2nd main valve chamber)
13,53 Steps 15,55 Main valve body (1st main valve body, 2nd main valve body)
16,56 Upper valve body 17, 57 Lower valve body 18, 58 Connection shaft 21, 61 Upper inner housing member 22, 62 Lower inner housing member 27, 67 One end side main valve seat (first one end side main valve seat, second One end side main valve seat)
28, 68 Other end side main valve seat (first other end side main valve seat, second other end side main valve seat)
29, 69 Sub-valve seats (1st sub-valve seat, 2nd sub-valve seat)
31, 71 One end side piston 32, 72 One end side piston 36, 37, 76, 77 Piston sliding surface 38, 78 One end side connecting shaft 39, 79 One end side connecting shaft 41, 81 One end side operating chamber 42, 82, etc. End side operating chamber 85, 86 passages (1st passage, 2nd passage)
90 four-way pilot valve pA, pB, pC, pD, pE, pF port

Claims (11)

It is provided with two flow path switching valves and two communication passages that communicate between the two flow path switching valves, and between the two flow path switching valves and a total of six ports provided in the two communication passages. It is a six-way switching valve that allows the communication state of
Each of the two flow path switching valves has a tubular main valve housing that defines the main valve chamber, and the main valve chamber is opened with three ports at different positions in the axial direction. One end side main valve seat and the other end side main valve seat are provided between two adjacent ports of the three ports, and a sub valve seat is provided on one end side or the other end side of the three ports. A poppet-type main valve body that selectively contacts and detaches from the one-side main valve seat and the other-end side main valve seat and at the same time detaches from the sub-valve seat is movably arranged in the axial direction. ,
By moving the main valve body in conjunction with each other in the main valve chamber in each of the two flow path switching valves.
Of the three ports that open in the main valve chamber of each flow path switching valve, two adjacent ports are communicated with each other, and the other of the three ports that open in the main valve chamber of each flow path switching valve. A six-way switching valve, characterized in that one port of the above can selectively take two communication states which are communicated with each other through the communication passage provided between the ports. The first and second flow path switching valves and the first and second communication passages that communicate between the first and second flow path switching valves are provided, and the first and second flow path switching valves and the first flow path switching valve are provided. And a six-way switching valve that can switch the communication state between the six ports provided in the second communication passage.
The first flow path switching valve has a tubular first main valve housing that defines the first main valve chamber, and the first main valve chamber has first and second positions at different positions in the axial direction. , The third port is opened, the first one end side main valve seat is provided between the first port and the second port, and the first other end side main valve seat is provided between the second port and the third port. The first auxiliary valve seat is provided on one end side of the first port or the other end side of the third port, and the first one end side main valve seat and the first other end side main valve seat are selectively provided. A poppet-type first main valve body that comes into contact with and separates from the first sub-valve seat is movably arranged in the axial direction, and a first actuator unit for moving the first main valve body. Is provided,
The second flow path switching valve has a tubular second main valve housing that defines the second main valve chamber, and the second main valve chamber has fourth and fifth positions at different positions in the axial direction. , The 6th port is opened, the 2nd one end side main valve seat is provided between the 4th port and the 5th port, and the 2nd other end side main valve seat is provided between the 5th port and the 6th port. A second auxiliary valve seat is provided on one end side of the fourth port or the other end side of the sixth port, and the second one end side main valve seat and the second other end side main valve seat are selectively provided. A poppet-type second main valve body that comes into contact with and separates from the second sub-valve seat is movably arranged in the axial direction, and a second actuator unit for moving the second main valve body. Is provided,
By moving the first and second main valve bodies in the first and second flow path switching valves in conjunction with each other in the first and second main valve chambers by the first and second actuator units.
The first port and the second port opened in the first main valve chamber are communicated with each other, and the fourth port and the fifth port opened in the second main valve chamber are communicated with each other, and the first main valve chamber is communicated with each other. The first communication state in which the third port opening to the chamber and the sixth port opening to the second main valve chamber are communicated with each other through the second communication passage provided between them.
The second port and the third port opened in the first main valve chamber are communicated with each other, and the fifth port and the sixth port opened in the second main valve chamber are communicated with each other, and the first main valve chamber is communicated with each other. A second communication state in which the first port opening to the chamber and the fourth port opening to the second main valve chamber are communicated with each other through the first communication passage provided between them.
A six-way switching valve characterized in that it can be used. In the first communication state, the first port and the second port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber, and the fourth port and the fifth port are communicated with each other through the second main valve chamber. , The third port and the sixth port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber, the second main valve chamber, and the second main valve chamber.
In the second communication state, the second port and the third port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber, and the fifth port and the sixth port are communicated with each other through the second main valve chamber. The second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the first port and the fourth port are made to communicate with each other through the first main valve chamber, the first communication passage, and the second main valve chamber. The six-way switching valve described. In the first communication state, the first port and the second port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber, and the fourth port and the fifth port are the first communication passage and the second main valve chamber. The third port and the sixth port are communicated with each other through the second connecting passage and the second main valve chamber.
In the second communication state, the second port and the third port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber and the second communication passage, and the fifth port and the sixth port are the second main valve chamber. 2. The second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the first port and the fourth port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber and the first connecting passage. Six-way switching valve. In the first communication state, the first port and the second port are communicated through the first main valve chamber, and the fourth port and the fifth port are communicated through the second main valve chamber. , The third port and the sixth port are communicated with each other through the second communication passage and the second main valve chamber.
In the second communication state, the second port and the third port are communicated with each other through the first main valve chamber, and the fifth port and the sixth port are communicated with each other through the second main valve chamber. The six-way switching valve according to claim 2, wherein the first port and the fourth port are made to communicate with each other through the first main valve chamber and the first communication passage. The first communication passage is communicated with one end side of the first port in the first main valve chamber and is communicated with the fourth port.
The second communication passage is communicated with the third port and is communicated with the other end side of the sixth port in the second main valve chamber.
The first auxiliary valve seat is provided on one end side of the first port and on the other end side of the first continuous passage.
The six-way switching according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second auxiliary valve seat is provided on the other end side of the sixth port and one end side of the second connecting passage. valve. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the communication passage is arranged at the same height as one of the two ports communicated by the communication passage. Six-way switching valve. The six-way switching valve according to claim 7, wherein the communication passage is arranged so as to face one of the two ports communicated by the communication passage. The two flow path switching valves are arranged side by side with the axial directions facing the same direction, and the main valve bodies of the two flow path switching valves are moved in different directions to obtain the two communication states. The six-way switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the six-way switching valve is designed to be switched. In each of the two flow path switching valves, a high-pressure fluid defined by a pair of pistons on one end side and the other end side is selectively formed on one end side and the other end side of the main valve chamber in the main valve housing. One end side and the other end side working chambers of variable capacity to be introduced and discharged are provided, and the main valve body is arranged so as to be movable in the axial direction in conjunction with the one end side and the other end side pistons.
The two flow path switching valves are switched by controlling the introduction and discharge of the high-pressure fluid into the one-end side and the other-end side operating chambers of the two flow path switching valves and moving the one-end side and the other-end side pistons. The six-way switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the main valve body is moved in conjunction with the main valve chamber in each of the valves. The control of the introduction and discharge of the high-pressure fluid into the one-sided and the other-end working chambers of the two flow-through switching valves, respectively, is controlled by the one-sided and the other-end working chambers of the two flow-through switching valves, respectively. The six-way switching valve according to claim 10, wherein the port is provided in the above, and a single four-way pilot valve connected to the high-pressure portion and the low-pressure portion of the six-way switching valve is used. ..

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