KR101363547B1 - Ball valve assembly having moisture indicator, refrigeration cycle apparatus and method for manufacturing the ball valve assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The ball valve assembly according to the present invention includes a valve body having a first entrance, a second entrance, an internal flow path, a ball chamber, a stem installation hole, a moisture indicator mounting groove, and a refrigerant inlet, and a first connection coupled to both ends of the valve body. Pipe and second connecting pipe, ball rotatably installed in the ball chamber, stem rotatably installed in the stem installation hole to be combined with the ball, and moisture discolored when the moisture contained in the coolant is installed And a refrigerant detector coupled to the valve body to be connected to the detection member and the lens and the moisture indicator mounting groove to be connected to the refrigerant inlet. The ball valve assembly according to the present invention is integrally equipped with a moisture indicator that can detect the moisture contained in the refrigerant in the ball valve for controlling the flow of the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe and the overall manufacturing cost of the refrigeration cycle device Management costs can be reduced.

Description

Ball valve assembly with moisture indicator, refrigeration cycle apparatus having same and method for manufacturing the ball valve assembly {Ball valve assembly having moisture indicator, refrigeration cycle apparatus and method for manufacturing the ball valve assembly}

The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle device, and more particularly, to a ball valve assembly having a water indicator for detecting the moisture contained in the refrigerant circulating inside the refrigeration cycle device, and a refrigeration cycle device having the same and the ball valve assembly It relates to a manufacturing method of.

In general, an air conditioner or a refrigerating device generates cold air by using a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerant. The refrigeration cycle is a thermodynamic cycle of compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation that releases heat to the environment during condensation and absorbs the surrounding heat to produce cold air.

A refrigeration cycle apparatus using a refrigeration cycle of such a refrigerant basically includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for implementing a refrigeration cycle. These compressors, condensers, expansion valves and evaporators are connected to the refrigerant pipes so that the refrigerant can flow in order to form a closed circuit.

The compressor sucks and compresses the medium-temperature low-pressure refrigerant gas evaporated from the evaporator to increase the pressure, and the circulation force of the refrigerant is increased through the liquefaction at high temperature. When the compressor compresses the refrigerant, the kinetic energy of the refrigerant molecules increases to increase the temperature of the refrigerant, and the distance between the refrigerant molecules becomes very narrow, so that the refrigerant molecules are concentrated, thereby liquefying at room temperature.

The condenser liquefies the refrigerant by releasing high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant heat discharged from the compressor into the air at room temperature. The refrigerant passing through the condenser releases heat to the surroundings and becomes a liquid at medium temperature and high pressure, and flows into the expansion valve. The expansion valve makes the medium-temperature high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the condenser into a liquid state of low temperature and low pressure so as to be easily evaporated from the evaporator, and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant to discharge the evaporator.

The evaporator is made of an elongated tube shape and absorbs ambient heat by evaporating the low temperature low pressure refrigerant discharged from the expansion valve. That is, the refrigerant passing through the evaporator absorbs latent heat of evaporation from the air surrounding the evaporator to cool the air around the evaporator. Refrigerant phase-changed into gas while passing through the evaporator is introduced into the compressor again.

The refrigerant circulating inside the refrigeration cycle apparatus may generate moisture in the remaining air while repeatedly compressing and expanding, or may generate moisture due to leakage of a pipe. When the refrigerant containing water circulates inside the refrigeration cycle apparatus, damage to the apparatus, such as lowering of cooling efficiency and corrosion of parts.

In order to solve the problems caused by the moisture content in the refrigerant, a refrigeration cycle apparatus is provided with a filter drier for absorbing and removing the moisture contained in the refrigerant. In addition, when the filter drier has a function to increase the moisture content in the refrigerant, a moisture indicator for allowing a user to know this may be used together with the filter drier. The moisture indicator uses a material that changes color when it comes into contact with moisture contained in the refrigerant. An example of such a moisture indicator is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Publication No. 0391540 (registered on July 25, 2005).

If you use the moisture indicator, the user can easily check the proper replacement time of the filter drier, but if you install the moisture indicator separately, there is a problem that the installation cost and maintenance cost increases.

On the other hand, recently, the regulations on CFC and HFC-based refrigerants, which are frequently used as refrigerants due to environmental problems such as destruction of the ozone layer, have been tightened, and studies on natural refrigerants that can replace conventional refrigerants are being actively conducted. Natural refrigerants are not artificial compounds but are naturally present on the earth and include water, ammonia, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, propane and butane, among them, which are excellent in stability, odorless, nontoxic and non-corrosive, and no combustion and explosion. There is a growing interest in refrigerants.

However, since carbon dioxide has a high saturation pressure, it is necessary to increase the pressure resistance of the components, pipes, and connection portions of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. Therefore, in order to apply a water indicator to a refrigeration cycle device using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, it is necessary to connect the pipe with high pressure resistance, thereby increasing installation and management costs.

The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present invention is a ball valve which is installed to block the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe of the refrigeration cycle unit integrally with a moisture indicator that can detect the moisture contained in the refrigerant It is to provide a ball valve assembly with a moisture indicator that can reduce the manufacturing cost and management cost of the refrigeration cycle apparatus by mounting, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus having the same and a method of manufacturing the ball valve assembly.

The ball valve assembly according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the ball passage and the ball chamber formed in the middle of the inner passage and the inner passage connecting the first entrance and the second entrance and the first entrance and the second entrance; A valve body having a stem installation hole connected to the chamber, a moisture indicator mounting groove connected to the inner channel, and a refrigerant inlet connected to the inner channel, a first connecting pipe coupled to the valve body to be connected to the first entrance; A second connection pipe coupled to the valve body so as to be connected to the second entrance, a ball rotatably installed in the ball chamber and having a passage through which refrigerant flows along the inner passage, and coupled to the ball A stem rotatably installed in the stem installation hole and in contact with a refrigerant flowing along the internal flow path A lens installed in the moisture indicator mounting groove and provided with a moisture detection member that discolors when moisture contained in the refrigerant touches the lens and a lens housing surrounding the lens, and coupled to the moisture indicator mounting groove to seal the moisture indicator mounting groove. A moisture indicator having an assembly, and a refrigerant injector coupled to the valve body to be connected to the refrigerant inlet for injecting the refrigerant into the internal passage.

The valve body is made of a copper-based alloy, the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe is made of stainless steel, and the first connecting pipe has an end thereof inserted into the first entrance so that silver alloy is used as a filler metal. The brazing joint is joined to the valve body, and the second connecting pipe can be joined to the valve body by brazing joint using silver alloy as the end thereof is inserted into the second entrance.

The valve body is made of a copper-based alloy, the lens housing is made of a metal, the lens housing is inserted into the moisture indicator mounting groove can be bonded to the valve body by soldering or brazing bonding using a filler material.

A female thread is provided around the moisture indicator mounting groove of the valve body, and a male thread corresponding to the female thread is provided on an outer surface of the lens housing so that the lens assembly may be screwed to the valve body.

The moisture indicator may further include a moisture display plate having an example mark for displaying a transparent window and an amount of moisture and coupled to the moisture indicator mounting groove to cover the lens assembly.

A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser releasing heat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to liquefy the refrigerant, reducing the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the condenser An expansion valve, an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve, a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the evaporator, and the water to remove moisture contained in the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe. A filter drier installed in the refrigerant pipe, and a ball valve assembly installed in the refrigerant pipe to block the flow of the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe, wherein the ball valve assembly includes a first entrance, a second entrance, and the A middle passage formed between the first passageway and the second passageway and the inner passageway; A valve body having a ball chamber, a stem installation hole connected to the ball chamber, a moisture indicator mounting groove connected to the inner channel, and a refrigerant inlet connected to the inner channel, and coupled to the valve body to be connected to the first entrance A first connection pipe, a second connection pipe coupled to the valve body so as to be connected to the second entrance, a ball rotatably installed in the ball chamber and having a passage through which refrigerant flowing along the internal flow path passes; A stem rotatably installed in the stem installation hole so as to be coupled to the ball, and installed in the moisture indicator mounting groove so as to be in contact with the refrigerant flowing along the internal flow path, and the water discolored when the moisture contained in the refrigerant arrives. It is provided with a detection member, a lens and a lens housing surrounding the lens and coupled to the moisture indicator mounting groove. To control communication with the refrigerant inlet moisture indicator comprising a lens assembly for sealing the moisture indicator mounting groove, intended to inject a refrigerant into the inner flow path and a refrigerant injector coupled to the valve body.

The method of manufacturing a ball valve assembly according to the present invention for achieving the above object is (a) a valve body of a copper-based alloy having a first entrance and a second entrance, and is provided inside the valve body to allow the refrigerant to flow A ball having a stem rotatably installed in the middle of the inner flow path to open and close the inner flow path, and a stem rotatably installed in the stem installation hole provided in the valve body to rotate the ball. (B) inserting the end of the first connecting pipe made of stainless steel into the first entrance and brazing the first connecting pipe to the valve body using silver alloy as a filler material, (c) ) Insert the end of the second connecting pipe made of stainless steel into the second entrance and the second connection using silver alloy as filler metal Brazing bonding a tape to the valve body, (d) a lens assembly having a water detection member that is discolored when the moisture contained in the refrigerant flowing along the inner flow passage, and a lens and a lens housing surrounding the lens; Preparing a moisture indicator including a moisture indicator, and mounting the moisture indicator to a moisture indicator mounting groove provided on the valve body so as to be connected to the internal passage, and (e) cooling the refrigerant to the internal passage through the refrigerant inlet provided in the valve body. Coupling a refrigerant injector for injection to the valve body so as to be connected to the refrigerant inlet.

The lens housing is made of metal, and the step (d) includes inserting the lens into a lens insertion groove inside the lens housing, and applying heat to the lens housing and the lens inserted into the lens housing. Preparing the lens assembly by attaching the lens housing to the lens housing, inserting the moisture detecting member into the moisture detector mounting groove of the valve body, and inserting the lens assembly to cover the moisture detecting member. The method may include inserting the lens assembly into the mounting groove, and attaching the lens assembly inserted into the moisture indicator mounting groove to the valve body by soldering or brazing using a filler material.

A female thread is provided around the moisture indicator mounting groove of the valve body, and an external thread corresponding to the female thread is provided on an outer surface of the lens housing. In step (d), the lens assembly is screwed to the valve body. While engaging, the lens assembly may be inserted into the moisture indicator mounting groove of the valve body.

The ball valve assembly according to the present invention is integrally equipped with a moisture indicator that can detect the moisture contained in the refrigerant in the ball valve for controlling the flow of the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe and the overall manufacturing cost of the refrigeration cycle device Management costs can be reduced. That is, in order to install the moisture indicator separately in the refrigerant pipe, the component parts of the moisture indicator increase and need to be separately bonded to the refrigerant pipe, thereby increasing the manufacturing process and manufacturing time. By providing and equipping it with a moisture indicator, costs can be saved.

In addition, the ball valve assembly according to the present invention can be conveniently used to replenish the refrigerant when the refrigerant circulating inside the refrigeration cycle device is provided with a refrigerant injector integrally provided in the valve body that can inject the refrigerant into the refrigerant pipe. have.

In addition, the ball valve assembly according to the present invention, the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe made of stainless steel are joined by a brazing method using a valve body made of a copper alloy and a silver alloy filler material, and the moisture indicator is screwed to the valve body. After being bonded to the valve body by soldering or brazing, the pressure resistance is excellent. Therefore, it is applied to a refrigeration cycle device using a high pressure refrigerant such as carbon dioxide can increase the stability of the refrigeration cycle device.

1 is a schematic view showing a refrigeration cycle apparatus having a ball valve assembly with a moisture indicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a ball valve assembly with a moisture indicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing a ball valve assembly with a moisture indicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a plan view showing a ball valve assembly with a moisture indicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a portion of the ball valve assembly is provided with a water indicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be described in detail with respect to the ball valve assembly, the refrigeration cycle device having the same and a manufacturing method of the ball valve assembly provided with a moisture indicator according to the present invention.

In describing the present invention, the sizes and shapes of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or simplified for clarity and convenience of explanation. In addition, terms that are specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present invention may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. These terms are to be construed in accordance with the meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the contents throughout the present specification.

1 is a schematic view showing a refrigeration cycle apparatus having a ball valve assembly with a moisture indicator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a ball valve with a moisture indicator according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 is a perspective view of the assembly, Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing a ball valve assembly with a moisture indicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a compressor 105 for compressing the refrigerant, and a refrigerant discharged from the compressor 105 like a conventional refrigeration cycle apparatus The condenser 110 to liquefy, the expansion valve 115 for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the condenser 110, and the evaporator 120 for evaporating the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve 115. These are connected to the refrigerant pipe 125 having a flow path through which the refrigerant can flow, and the refrigerant pipe 125 includes a filter drier 130 and a refrigerant for removing moisture contained in the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe 125. A ball valve assembly 140 is installed to block flow. In addition, between the compressor 105 and the condenser 110 in the refrigerant pipe 125, between the condenser 110 and the expansion valve 115, between the filter drier 130 and the evaporator 120, the evaporator 120 and the compressor ( An opening / closing valve 135 for intermittent flow of the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe 125 is installed between the parts 105 to prevent the refrigerant from leaking inside the refrigerant pipe 125 when the parts are replaced.

The filter drier 130 is installed between the expansion valve 115 and the evaporator 120 in the refrigerant pipe 125, and the ball valve assembly 140 is the expansion valve 115 and the filter drier 130 in the refrigerant pipe 125. Installed between). Of course, the installation location of the filter dryer 130 or the ball valve assembly 140 may be variously changed.

The refrigerant pipe 125 is made of stainless steel having excellent pressure resistance. This is because when the high-pressure refrigerant such as carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, the thickness of the refrigerant pipe 125 needs to be thicker to manufacture the refrigerant pipe 125 using copper-based metal as in the related art, and thus the manufacturing cost is higher and the size of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may be increased. .

As is well known, the compressor 105 sucks and compresses a medium-temperature low-pressure refrigerant gas evaporated from the evaporator 120 to increase the pressure, and improves the circulation force of the refrigerant through the liquefaction at a high temperature. The condenser 110 liquefies the refrigerant by dissipating the heat of the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 105 in the air at room temperature. The expansion valve 115 reduces the pressure of the middle temperature high pressure refrigerant discharged from the condenser 110 to form a low temperature low pressure liquid state, and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant to discharge the evaporator 120. The evaporator 120 has an elongated tube shape, and absorbs the surrounding heat by evaporating the low temperature low pressure refrigerant discharged from the expansion valve 115.

The filter drier 130 is installed in the refrigerant pipe 125 to absorb and remove moisture contained in the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant pipe 125. The water absorption capacity of the filter drier 130 is limited, and the filter drier 130 that absorbs a predetermined amount or more of water has a poor water removal capability.

Therefore, the filter drier 130 should be replaced at an appropriate time. The ball valve assembly 140 includes a moisture indicator 170 capable of detecting moisture in the refrigerant, so that the user can determine when to replace the filter drier 130. To help. That is, when the moisture removal ability of the filter dryer 130 is low and the moisture content of the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe 125 increases, the moisture indicator 170 detects and displays the moisture in the refrigerant, and the user indicates the moisture indicator. By looking at the moisture detection display appearing at 170, it is possible to indirectly determine whether or not the water removal capacity of the filter dryer 130 is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the ball valve assembly 140 includes a ball valve 141 for controlling a flow of refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe 125 and a ball valve 141 for detecting and displaying moisture in the refrigerant. And a refrigerant injector 190 for replenishing the refrigerant with the moisture indicator 170 and the refrigerant pipe 125. The moisture indicator 170 and the refrigerant injector 190 are integrally provided with the ball valve 141.

The ball valve 141 includes a valve body 142, a ball 154 rotatably installed within the valve body 142, and a stem 158 coupled to the valve body 142 to rotate the ball 154. ). The valve body 142 is made of a copper-based alloy, such as brass, which is easy to manufacture and inexpensive.

The valve body 142 includes a first body 143 provided with a first entrance 145 and a second body 144 provided with a second entrance 146. The second body 144 is screwed to one open end of the first body 143 and then welded to form an integral valve body 142 together with the first body 143. The valve body 142 has an internal flow passage 147 connecting the first entrance 145 and the second entrance 146 in addition to the first entrance 145 and the second entrance 146 for the inflow or outflow of the refrigerant. The ball chamber 148 formed in the middle of the inner flow passage 147, the stem installation hole 149 connected to the ball chamber 148, and the moisture indicator mounting groove 150 connected to the inner flow passage 147 are shown. 5), a refrigerant inlet 151 connected to the internal passage 147, and a pair of coupling grooves 152 are provided. Here, the coupling groove 152 may be provided on the lower outer surface of the valve body 142 may be usefully used to couple the ball valve assembly 140 to the external structure.

The ball 154 is rotatably installed in the ball chamber 148. In addition to the ball 154, the ball chamber 148 is provided with a pair of ball guide rings 157 to face each other with the ball 154 interposed therebetween. The ball guide ring 157 has a curved surface in contact with the outer surface of the ball 154 to guide the ball 154 to rotate stably. The ball 154 has a passage 155 passing through the center and a coupling groove 156 provided at one side of the outer surface so as to be connected to the inner passage 147 of the valve body 142.

One end of the stem 158 is coupled to the engaging groove 156 of the ball 154. The stem 158 is rotatably inserted into the stem installation hole 149 of the valve body 142, and the other end thereof protrudes out of the stem installation portion 153 of the valve body 142. The sealing member 159 is disposed between the outer surface of the stem 158 and the inner surface of the stem installation portion 153 of the valve body 142. The stem installation cap 153 is detachably coupled to the stem protection cap 160 to cover and protect the stem 158. The outer surface of the stem installation unit 153 is provided with a male thread, and the stem protection cap 160 is provided with a female thread so that the stem protection cap 160 may be screwed to the stem installation unit 153.

The first connection pipe 161 is inserted into and coupled to the first entrance 145 of the valve body 142, and the second connection pipe 162 is inserted into and coupled to the second entrance 146. The first connection pipe 161 and the second connection pipe 162 are made of the same stainless steel as the refrigerant pipe 125. When the first connecting pipe 161 and the second connecting pipe 162 are made of the same stainless steel as the refrigerant pipe 125, the first connecting pipe 161 and the second connecting pipe 162 are superior to the refrigerant pipe 125. It is advantageous because it can be joined by a welding method that can secure the bonding force.

The valve body 142 is made of a copper-based alloy such as brass, and the first connecting pipe 161 and the second connecting pipe 162 are made of stainless steel, whereby the first connecting pipe 161 and the second connecting pipe 162 are formed. ) Cannot be welded to the valve body 142. The first connecting pipe 161 and the second connecting pipe 162 are joined by the brazing method using the valve body 142 and the filler metal. Silver alloy is used for the brazing material used for brazing joining of the valve body 142, the 1st connection pipe 161, and the 2nd connection pipe 162. As shown in FIG. The silver alloy is an alloy containing silver (Ag) as a main component, and Sn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Mn, In, or the like may be added.

The first connecting pipe 161 is provided by the silver alloy seal 163 interposed between the end of the first connecting pipe 161 inserted into the first entrance 145 of the valve body 142 and the valve body 142. It is firmly fixed to the valve body 142. That is, the end of the first connecting pipe 161 is inserted into the first entrance 145 and the ring-shaped silver alloy filler material is disposed around the first connecting pipe 161 positioned at the outermost side of the first entrance 145. After the heat is applied, the silver alloy filler material is melted, and the molten filler material is infiltrated between the first connection pipe 161 and the valve body 142 to firmly bond them.

 Similarly, the end of the second connecting pipe 162 is inserted into the second entrance 146 of the valve body 142 and is ring-shaped around the second connecting pipe 162 located at the outermost side of the second entrance 146. When the silver alloy filler material is placed and then heated, the silver alloy filler material is melted and the molten filler material is infiltrated between the second connection pipe 162 and the valve body 142. The molten filler material soaks between the second connection pipe 162 and the valve body 142 so that the hardened silver alloy sealant 163 firmly bonds the second connection pipe 162 to the valve body 142.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the moisture indicator 170 is mounted to the moisture indicator mounting groove 150 of the valve body 142 to be integral with the ball valve 141. The moisture indicator 170 includes a moisture detection member 171 which is discolored when moisture contained in the refrigerant touches, a lens assembly 173 covering the moisture detection member 171, and moisture disposed on the lens assembly 173. An example plate 177 is included.

The moisture detecting member 171 has a disc shape in which a through hole 172 is formed at a center thereof so as to correspond to the first seating seat 164 provided in the moisture indicator mounting groove 150 of the valve body 142. The internal passage 147 of the valve body 142 and the moisture indicator mounting groove 150 are connected through the passage 167 so that the refrigerant flowing along the internal passage 147 passes through the passage 167. The water detection member 171 located in the 150 may be reached. When moisture is present in the refrigerant reaching the moisture detecting member 171, the color of the moisture detecting member 171 changes due to the moisture reaching the moisture detecting member 171.

The lens assembly 173 includes a lens 174 and a hollow lens housing 175 surrounding the lens 174. The lens housing 175 is made of a copper alloy such as brass or a metal such as stainless steel. When the lens 174 is inserted into the lens insertion groove 176 of the lens housing 175, and heat is applied to the lens housing 175 and the lens 174 inserted into the lens housing 175, the lens 174 and the lens housing are applied. 175 can be firmly combined. A male thread is provided on an outer surface of the lens housing 175, and a female thread is provided around the moisture indicator mounting groove 150 of the valve body 142, and the lens housing 175 is screwed to the valve body 142.

When the moisture detecting member 171 is first seated on the first seating seat 164 of the valve body 142, and the lens assembly 173 is screwed to the valve body 142 to mount the moisture detector mounting groove 150. The lower surface of the lens assembly 173 is in close contact with the second seating sheet 165 provided around the first seating sheet 164 in the moisture indicator mounting groove 150. At this time, the lens assembly 173 seals the moisture detector mounting groove 150 while covering the moisture detection member 171. Even if the lens assembly 173 covers the moisture detecting member 171, the user may externally check the moisture detecting member 171 through the lens 174 of the lens assembly 173.

In order to more firmly couple the lens assembly 173 to the valve body 142, the lens assembly 173 is screwed to the valve body 142 and then soldered by the silver lead filler material. That is, the lens assembly 173 is screwed into the valve body 142 to be inserted into the moisture indicator mounting groove 150, and the silver solder filler material is melted when heat is applied to the silver solder filler material around the upper outer circumference of the lens assembly 173. The molten silver filler material soaks between the lens assembly 173 and the valve body 142. In addition, the silver solder filler material that penetrates between the lens assembly 173 and the valve body 142 is hardened to form a silver solder seal 181 to thereby firmly bond the lens assembly 173 to the valve body 142.

The lens assembly 173 may be bonded to the valve body 142 through brazing bonding in addition to soldering. When brazing the lens assembly 173 to the valve body 142, a silver alloy filler material as described above may be used.

The moisture sample plate 177 is attached to the third seating sheet 166 disposed in the moisture watch mounting groove 150 to cover the lens assembly 173 inserted into the moisture watch mounting groove 150. A transparent transparent window 178 is provided at the center of the moisture sample plate 177 to allow the user to check the moisture detecting member 171 from the outside, and a mark display unit 179 is provided around the transparent window 178. . An example mark 180 is marked on the mark display unit 179. The example mark 180 indicates the color of the moisture detecting member 171 and the amount of moisture absorbed by the moisture detecting member 171 to be easily understood by the user, and may be displayed in various forms.

For example, when the moisture detection member 171 is dried (DRY) is darker color and the wet (WET) is lighter color, as shown, the color of the moisture detection member 171 and the moisture detection according to the color When the state DRY or WET of the member 171 is marked with the example mark 180, the user compares the discolored color of the moisture detection member 171 with the example mark 180 to the state of the moisture detection member 171. Can be easily identified. The moisture sample plate 177 may be coupled to the valve body 142 by various methods such as adhesion by an adhesive.

The moisture indicator 170 may be protected by a moisture indicator protective cap 182. The moisture indicator protective cap 182 is detachably coupled to the valve body 142 to cover the moisture indicator mounting groove 150. The worker covers the moisture indicator 170 with the moisture indicator protective cap 182 to protect the moisture indicator 170, and only when the moisture indicator 170 is checked, the moisture indicator protective cap 182 is removed from the valve body 142 to check the moisture indicator 170. Can be.

2 and 4, the refrigerant injector 190 is integrally coupled to the valve body 142 to be connected to the refrigerant inlet 151 of the valve body 142. The refrigerant injector 190 includes a port body 191 provided with an injection passage 192 connected to the refrigerant injection hole 151 therein, and a backflow preventer 193 installed in the injection passage 192. The backflow preventer 193 allows the refrigerant to flow toward the internal passage 147 of the valve body 142 through the injection passage 192 of the port body 191, and the refrigerant of the internal passage 147 flows into the injection passage. Flowing out of the port body 191 through 192 is prevented. The non-return checker 193 may be implemented in a well-known one-way valve structure of various forms, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Male outer is provided on the outer surface of the port body 191, the refrigerant injector protective cap 194 provided with female acid is detachably coupled to the port body 191. The refrigerant injector protection cap 194 is coupled to the port body 191 to cover the injection passage 192 of the port body 191, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the injection passage 192.

When the amount of circulation of the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe 125 falls below a certain amount, the cooling efficiency of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 may decrease, and components of the compressor 105 and the like may be impaired. It is necessary to refill the refrigerant with 125. The user may replenish the refrigerant to the refrigerant pipe 125 simply and quickly through the refrigerant injector 190.

As described above, the ball valve assembly 140 according to the present invention is a moisture indicator that can detect the moisture contained in the refrigerant in the ball valve 141 for controlling the flow of the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe 125 170 is integrally mounted to reduce the overall manufacturing cost and management cost of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. In order to install the moisture indicator 170 in the refrigerant pipe 125 separately, a housing that can support and protect the moisture indicator 170 must be manufactured separately, and it must be bonded to the refrigerant pipe 125 by a welding or brazing method. Therefore, the manufacturing cost and manufacturing time are long, and the management cost is increased due to the increase of parts. However, the present invention provides a moisture indicator mounting groove 150 in the valve body 142 of the ball valve assembly 140 and mounts the moisture indicator 170 therein, thereby preventing a problem occurring when the moisture indicator 170 is separately installed. Can be reduced.

In addition, the ball valve assembly 140 according to the present invention is provided with a refrigerant injector 190 in the valve body 142 that can inject a refrigerant into the refrigerant pipe 125, so that when the user lacks a circulating refrigerant refrigerant injector 190 ) Allows for simple and rapid replenishment of the refrigerant.

In addition, the ball valve assembly 140 according to the present invention is the first connecting pipe 161 and the second connecting pipe 162 made of stainless steel brazing bonding method using the valve body 142 and the silver alloy filler material made of a copper-based alloy And the moisture indicator 170 is screwed to the valve body 142 and then contacted to the valve body 142 by soldering or brazing bonding, so that the pressure resistance is excellent. Therefore, it is applied to a refrigeration cycle device using a high pressure refrigerant such as carbon dioxide can increase the stability of the refrigeration cycle device.

In the present invention, the material of the refrigerant pipe 125, the material of the valve body 142, the material of the first connecting pipe 161 and the second connecting pipe 162, the first connecting pipe 161 and the second connection The kind of filler metal used for brazing the pipe 162 to the valve body 142, the kind of filler material for bonding the moisture indicator 170 to the valve body 142, etc. are not limited to the above description but may be variously changed. Can be.

The embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting the technical idea of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is limited only by the matters described in the claims, and those skilled in the art can improve and modify the technical idea of the present invention in various forms. Accordingly, these modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as long as it is obvious to those skilled in the art.

100: refrigeration cycle device 105: compressor
110: condenser 115: expansion valve
120: evaporator 125: refrigerant pipe
130: filter drier 140: ball valve assembly
141: ball valve 143: valve body
143, 144: 1st, 2nd body 145, 146: 1st, 2nd doorway
147: internal flow path 148: ball chamber
150: moisture indicator mounting groove 151: refrigerant inlet
154 ball 157 ball guide
158 stem 160 stem protection cap
161, 162: 1st, 2nd connection pipe 163: silver alloy sealing material
164, 165, 166: 1st, 2nd, 3rd seating seat
170: moisture indicator 171: moisture indicating member
173 Lens Assembly 174 Lens
175: lens housing 177: moisture sample
180: Example mark 181: Silver solder sealant
182: moisture indicator protective cap 190: refrigerant injector
191 port body 193 backflow preventer
194: Refrigerant injector protective cap

Claims (13)

A first entrance, a second entrance, an internal passage connecting the first entrance and the second entrance, a ball chamber formed in the middle of the internal passage, a stem installation hole connected to the ball chamber, and the inside A valve body having a moisture indicator mounting groove connected to the inner flow passage through a passage connected to the flow passage and a refrigerant inlet connected to the passage;
A first connecting pipe coupled to the valve body to be connected to the first entrance;
A second connecting pipe coupled to the valve body so as to be connected to the second entrance;
A ball rotatably installed in the ball chamber, the ball having a passage through which a refrigerant flowing along the internal flow path passes;
A stem rotatably installed in the stem installation hole to engage with the ball;
A moisture detection member installed in the moisture indicator mounting groove so as to be in contact with the refrigerant flowing along the internal flow path and discolored when moisture contained in the refrigerant arrives; and a lens housing surrounding the lens and the lens. And a lens assembly coupled to the indicator mounting groove to seal the moisture indicator mounting groove, and having a transparent window and an example mark indicating the amount of water, and a moisture example plate coupled to the moisture indicator mounting groove to cover the lens assembly. Moisture indicator; And
And a refrigerant injector coupled to the valve body to be connected to the refrigerant inlet for injecting the refrigerant into the internal flow path.
The valve body is made of a copper-based alloy, the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe is made of stainless steel,
The first connecting pipe is inserted into the first entrance and is joined to the valve body by brazing using a silver alloy, and the second connecting pipe is inserted into the second entrance and the silver alloy. The ball valve assembly, characterized in that joined to the valve body by a brazing method using a filler material.
delete The method of claim 1,
The valve body is made of a copper-based alloy, the lens housing is made of metal,
The lens housing is inserted into the moisture indicator mounting groove ball valve assembly, characterized in that bonded to the valve body by soldering or brazing bonding method using filler material.
delete delete A compressor for compressing the refrigerant;
A condenser releasing heat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to liquefy the refrigerant;
An expansion valve for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the condenser;
An evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve;
A refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve and the evaporator, and made of stainless steel;
A filter drier installed in the refrigerant pipe to remove moisture contained in the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe; And
And a ball valve assembly installed in the refrigerant pipe to block the flow of the refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant pipe.
The ball valve assembly,
A first entrance, a second entrance, an internal passage connecting the first entrance and the second entrance, a ball chamber formed in the middle of the internal passage, a stem installation hole connected to the ball chamber, and the inside A valve body having a moisture indicator mounting groove connected to the inner flow passage through a passage connected to the flow passage and a refrigerant inlet connected to the passage;
A first connecting pipe coupled to the valve body so as to be connected to the first entrance,
A second connecting pipe coupled to the valve body so as to be connected to the second entrance;
A ball rotatably installed in the ball chamber, the ball having a passage through which a refrigerant flowing along the internal flow path passes;
A stem rotatably installed in the stem installation hole to be engaged with the ball,
A moisture detection member installed in the moisture indicator mounting groove so as to be in contact with the refrigerant flowing along the internal flow path and discolored when moisture contained in the refrigerant arrives; and a lens housing surrounding the lens and the lens. And a lens assembly coupled to the indicator mounting groove to seal the moisture indicator mounting groove, and having a transparent window and an example mark indicating the amount of water, and a moisture example plate coupled to the moisture indicator mounting groove to cover the lens assembly. Moisture indicators, and
A refrigerant injector coupled to the valve body to be connected to the refrigerant inlet for injecting a refrigerant into the internal flow path,
The valve body is made of a copper-based alloy, the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe is made of stainless steel,
The first connecting pipe is inserted into the first entrance and is joined to the valve body by brazing using a silver alloy, and the second connecting pipe is inserted into the second entrance and the silver alloy. Refrigeration cycle apparatus, characterized in that bonded to the valve body by a brazing method using a filler material.
delete The method according to claim 6,
The valve body is made of a copper-based alloy, the lens housing is made of metal,
The lens housing is a refrigeration cycle device is characterized in that the insert is inserted into the moisture indicator mounting groove is bonded to the valve body by soldering or brazing bonding method using filler material.
delete delete delete delete delete

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