VALVE DEVICE

A valve device includes a case including an open lower portion and an accommodation space provided therein, a base plate to cover the open lower portion of the case, a refrigerant inlet pipe connected to the base plate and to allow a refrigerant to flow into the accommodation space, an inlet and outlet pipe connected to the base plate to allow the refrigerant to flow in and out, a boss including a refrigerant inlet and outlet hole formed at a first position spaced apart from a center to communicate with the inlet and outlet pipe, and an extending groove extending radially outward from the first position to a second position and connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and a pad including an open cavity rotatable on one side of the boss to close the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and to open the extending groove.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a valve device including an improved structure.

2. Description of Related Art.

In general, in a cooling device to which a refrigeration cycle is applied, a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator to generate cold air.

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor is transferred to the condenser through a refrigerant pipe and then condensed, and the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is transferred to the expansion device and expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the expansion device is transferred to the evaporator, and the refrigerant generates cold air through heat exchange in the evaporator.

In the case of a refrigerator, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is transferred to the expansion device through a refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser is directly transferred to the expansion device or transferred to the expansion device through a hot pipe by passing through a branch tube branched from the refrigerant pipe.

The hot pipe is a pipe installed to prevent dew from forming on a gasket of a refrigerator door, which is a temperature-vulnerable part of the refrigerator. That is, a high-temperature refrigerant in a high-pressure part of the refrigeration cycle passes through the hot pipe to prevent the formation of dew on the gasket of the refrigerator door. The hot pipe only needs to maintain a temperature above the dew point according to a humidity of the outside air, but when the temperature is maintained above the dew point in the refrigerator, it acts as a heat load inside the refrigerator, thereby increasing the power consumption of the refrigerator.

Therefore, according to operating conditions, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is transferred to the expansion device through the hot pipe or directly transferred to the expansion device without passing through the hot pipe. When there is no need to transfer the refrigerant to the hot pipe, it is possible to increase energy efficiency by preventing the refrigerant from being transferred to a branch pipe connected to the hot pipe.

In addition, a plurality of capillary tubes serving as the expansion device may be provided with different inner diameters and different lengths in order to respond to a cooling load that varies according to an external temperature, a set temperature, an input load, and the like. In this case, the refrigerant flows into an appropriate capillary tube among the plurality of capillary tubes according to the cooling load.

Under a high load condition in which the external temperature or the internal temperature of the refrigerator is high, it is required to increase a refrigerant flow rate to the maximum level in order to rapidly cool an internal space and thus there is a need to perform a mode in which a refrigerant passes through all of the plurality of capillary tubes. At the same time, there is a need for a valve device configured to selectively pass or bypass the hot pipe.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an aspect of the disclosure to provide a valve device including an improved structure configured to perform a mode, in which a refrigerant passes or bypasses a hot pipe, and at the same time, configured to perform a mode in which a refrigerant passes a first capillary tube and a second capillary tube.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a valve device includes a case including an open lower portion and an accommodation space, a base plate to cover the open lower portion of the case, a refrigerant inlet pipe connected to the base plate and to allow a refrigerant to flow into the accommodation space, an inlet and outlet pipe connected to the base plate to allow the refrigerant to flow in and out, a boss including a refrigerant inlet and outlet hole formed at a first position spaced apart from a center to communicate with the inlet and outlet pipe, and an extending groove extending radially outward from the first position to a second position and connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and a pad including an open cavity to be rotatable on one side of the boss to close the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and to open the extending groove.

The first position may be at a position away from the center of the boss by a first distance in a radial direction, and the second position may be at a position away from the center of the boss by a second distance in the radial direction. The second distance may be greater than the first direction.

The extending groove may include an opening member in communication with the accommodation space by the open cavity of the pad, to receive the refrigerant, and a connection member connected to the opening member to allow the refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole.

The open cavity of the pad may be cut from an outside of the pad to an inside of the pad to communicate with the accommodation space.

The open cavity may correspond to a first open cavity, and the pad may further include a sealing body in contact with an upper surface of the boss to close the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and the extending groove of the boss, and a second open cavity cut from the outside of the pad to the inside of the pad so as to open the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole at one side of the sealing body.

The sealing body may include a connection cavity cut along the rotational direction of the pad at the first position.

The refrigerant inlet and outlet hole may be a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and the boss may further include a second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, a third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, which are spaced apart from each other at intervals of90degrees clockwise from the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole with respect to the center of the boss.

The valve device may further include a first inlet and outlet pipe connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, a second inlet and outlet pipe connected to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, a third inlet and outlet pipe connected to the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and a fourth inlet and outlet pipe connected to the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole.

The refrigerant inlet pipe may be connected to receive the refrigerant from the condenser therethrough, the first inlet and outlet pipe and the third inlet and outlet pipe may be connected to a hot pipe, the fourth inlet and outlet pipe may be connected to a first capillary tube, and the second inlet and outlet pipe may be connected to a second capillary tube.

In response to operating in a simultaneous open mode of the valve device, the pad is rotated to allow the first open cavity to open the extending groove and to allow the second open cavity to open the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole so that the refrigerant introduced into the accommodation space through the refrigerant inlet pipe is introduced into the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and then flow to the first capillary tube, and at the same time, the refrigerant introduced into the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole through the extending groove is introduced into the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole through the hot pipe, and then introduced into the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole through the connection cavity and flows into the second capillary tube.

The first open cavity and the second open cavity may be to be connected to each other.

The refrigerant inlet and outlet hole may be a second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and the boss may further include a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes including the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, a third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, and a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, which are spaced apart from each other at intervals of90degrees clockwise from the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole with respect to the center of the boss.

The open cavity may correspond to a first open cavity, and the pad may further include a sealing body in contact with an upper surface of the boss to close the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes and the extending groove of the boss, and a second open cavity cut from the outside of the sealing body to the inside of the sealing body so as to sequentially open the plurality of the refrigerant inlet and outlet holes according to the rotation of the pad.

The first open cavity and the second open cavity may be to be spaced apart from to each other.

In response to operating in a simultaneous open mode of the valve device, the first open cavity opens the extending groove, the second open cavity opens the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and the refrigerant flows into the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole, passes through the second capillary tube, flows through the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole and passes through the first capillary tube.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a valve device includes a case including an open lower portion and an accommodation space therein, a base plate to cover the open lower portion of the case, a refrigerant inlet pipe connected to the base plate and to allow a refrigerant to flow into the accommodation space, a plurality of inlet and outlet pipes connected to the base plate to allow the refrigerant to flow in and out, a first boss including a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes connected to the plurality of inlet and outlet pipes, a first pad including a first open cavity to be rotatable on one side of the first boss so as to sequentially open the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes, a second boss including a refrigerant flow hole connected to a connection pipe communicating with one of the plurality of inlet and outlet pipes, and a second pad including a second open cavity to be rotatable on one side of the second boss so as to open the refrigerant flow hole.

The valve device may include a pinion gear, a first pad gear coupled to the first pad so as to rotate the first pad by interlocking with the rotation of the pinion gear, and a second pad gear coupled to the second pad to rotate the second pad by interlocking with the rotation of the pinion gear.

In response to operating in a simultaneous open mode of the valve device, the first open cavity of the first pad opens the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole connected to a first capillary tube of the first boss so that the refrigerant flows into the inlet and outlet pipe connected to the first capillary tube, and at the same time, the second open cavity of the second pad opens the refrigerant flow hole of the second boss so that the refrigerant flows into the inlet and outlet pipe connected to a second capillary tube through the connection pipe.

In response to opening the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole connected to the first capillary tube of the first boss by the first open cavity of the first pad, the refrigerant may flow into the inlet and outlet pipe connected to the first capillary tube, and at the same time, in response to opening the refrigerant flow hole of the second boss by the second open cavity of the second pad, the refrigerant may flow into the inlet and outlet pipe connected to a hot pipe through the connection pipe.

The first pad may further include a connection cavity recessed to form a space in which the refrigerant flows, and in response to operating in the simultaneous open mode, the refrigerant flowing through the inlet and outlet pipe connected to the hot pipe flows into the inlet and outlet pipe connected to the second capillary tube through the connection cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described in the disclosure and configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the disclosure, and may be modified in various different ways at the time of filing of the present application to replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.

In addition, the same reference numerals or signs illustrated in the drawings of the disclosure indicate elements or components performing substantially the same function.

Also, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and/or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms “including”, “having”, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, elements, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, but elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, a first element may be termed as a second element, and a second element may be termed as a first element. The term of “and/or” includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

The disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.2is an exploded perspective view of the valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.3is a bottom view illustrating a state, in which a pad gear and a pad of the valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure are coupled.FIG.4is a view illustrating the pad and a boss according to an embodiment of the valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.5is a bottom view illustrating the boss of the valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.6is a cross-sectional view illustrating the pad of the valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.7is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As illustrated inFIGS.1to7, a valve device1may include a case10, a base plate20covering an open lower portion of the case10, and a refrigerant inlet pipe100through which a refrigerant is introduced, a plurality of inlet and outlet pipes200through which a refrigerant flows in and out, a boss80including a plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82through which the refrigerant flows in and out, and a pad90rotatably arranged on the upper side of the boss80.

The case10may be provided such that the lower portion is opened and an accommodation space11is formed therein.

A rotor30may be provided in the accommodation space11inside the case10. The rotor30may include a rotor shaft31.

Further, a pinion gear40may be provided in the accommodation space11. The pinion gear40may be connected to the rotor30. The pinion gear40may be connected to the rotor shaft31so as to rotate together with the rotor30.

In addition, a pad gear50may be provided in the accommodation space11. The pad gear50may be arranged on a lateral side of the pinion gear40. The pad gear50may be gear-coupled to the pinion gear40and interlock with the pinion gear40.

Accordingly, in response to the rotation of the pinion gear40by the rotor30, the pad gear50may be rotated by the pinion gear40.

The pad gear50may include a pad valve shaft51that is a rotation shaft. The pad valve shaft51may be connected to the pad90to allow the pad90to rotate together with the pad gear50.

The pad gear50may include a pad coupling protrusion53coupled to the pad90. The pad coupling protrusions53may be provided in plurality. The pad coupling protrusion53may be provided on a lower surface of the pad gear50. The pad coupling protrusion53may be coupled to a pad gear coupling hole93formed on an upper surface of the pad90.

In addition, an elastic support spring60may be provided in the accommodation space11. The elastic support spring60may be fixed to the case10in the accommodation space11. The elastic support spring60may be formed in a plate shape. The elastic support spring60may elastically support an upper central portion of the pad gear50. The pad gear50may be rotatably mounted to the elastic support spring60.

Further, a rotor support plate spring70may be provided in the accommodation space11. The rotor support plate spring70may be fixed to the case10in the accommodation space11. The rotor support plate spring70may elastically support the rotor30. The rotor30may be rotatably supported by the rotor support plate spring70.

The base plate20may cover the open lower portion of the case10. The base plate20may include a rotor shaft support hole21through which the rotor shaft31is rotatably supported. The base plate20may include a refrigerant inlet hole23connected to the refrigerant inlet pipe100through which the refrigerant flows. The base plate20may include a boss hole25in which the boss80is installed.

The boss80may be installed in the boss hole25of the base plate20. An upper portion of the boss80may be arranged in the accommodation space11. A lower portion of the boss80may be arranged outside the accommodation space11.

The boss80may include a pad valve shaft hole81into which the pad valve shaft51is rotatably inserted.

The boss80may include the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82through which the refrigerant flows in and out. Four refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82may be provided. Accordingly, four inlet and outlet pipes200connected to the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82may be provided.

The boss80may include a plurality of insertion holes83into which the plurality of inlet and outlet pipes200is inserted. The plurality of insertion holes83may be connected to the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82.

The pad90may be rotatably arranged on the boss80. The pad90may include a pad valve shaft coupling hole91to which the pad valve shaft51is coupled. The pad90may include a pad gear coupling hole93to which the pad coupling protrusion53of the pad gear50is coupled. Accordingly, the pad90may rotate together with the pad gear50.

The pad90may include a first open cavity951provided to selectively open one of the refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82formed in the boss80. The pad90may include a second open cavity952.

That is, the pad90may rotate together with the pad gear50to selectively open one of the refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82formed in the boss80.

The first open cavity951and the second open cavity952may be formed in the lower portion of the pad90. The first open cavity951and the second open cavity952may be provided on the lower surface of the pad90and formed in the form of a groove recessed upward. The first open cavity951and the second open cavity952may be provided to extend to an edge of the pad90in a radial direction of the pad90.

The first open cavity951may be provided to close the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82and open an extending groove825of the boss80to be described later. In addition, the second open cavity952may be provided to open the extending groove825as well as the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82. Details of the first open cavity951and the second open cavity952will be described later.

The pad90may include a connection cavity97provided to selectively connect two adjacent refrigerant inlet and outlet holes among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82formed in the boss80.

The connection cavity97may be formed in the lower portion of the pad90. The connection cavity97may be provided on the lower surface of the pad90and formed in the form of a groove recessed upward. The connection cavity97may connect two adjacent refrigerant inlet and outlet holes among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82.

The valve device1may further include a stator (not shown). The stator may be provided to surround a portion, in which the rotor30is arranged, from the outside of the case10.

In addition, the valve device1may further include a bracket (not shown). The bracket may allow the case10and the stator to be coupled to each other. The bracket may allow the valve device1to be fixed to an external device.

Referring toFIG.4, the boss80may include the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82formed at a first position, which is spaced apart from the center, to communicate with the plurality of inlet and outlet pipes200, respectively. In this case, being formed at the first position may mean that a center of the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is formed at the first position.

The boss80may include the extending groove825connected to one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82so as to extend radially outward from the first position to a second position.

The first position may be provided at a position away from the center of the boss80by a first distance R1in a radial direction. Further, the second position may be provided at a position spaced apart from the center of the boss80by a second distance R2in the radial direction. The second distance R2may be greater than the first distance R1.

The extending groove825may include an opening member8251communicating with the accommodation space11by the first open cavity951of the pad90to receive a refrigerant. The extending groove825may include a connection member8252connected to the opening member8251to allow the refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole.

Accordingly, that the extending groove825is formed at the second position may mean that the center of the opening member8251is formed at the second position.

That is, the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole may be formed at the first position, the opening member8251of the extending groove825may be formed at the second position, and the connection member8252of the extending groove825may extend between the first position and the second position.

The extending groove825may be formed by being recessed downward from the upper surface of the boss80. Because the extending groove825does not completely penetrate the boss80, the refrigerant introduced into the extending groove825may flow to a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821along the extending groove825.

The pad90may include a sealing body92.

The sealing body92may be provided in contact with the upper surface of the boss80to close the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82and the extending groove825of the boss80. The sealing body92may form a lower surface of the pad90and may be provided to protrude downward of the pad90.

The pad90may include the first open cavity951and the second open cavity952.

The first open cavity951and the second open cavity952may be cut from the outside of the pad90toward the inside of the pad90. Particularly, the first open cavity951and the second open cavity952may be provided on one side of the sealing body92.

The first open cavity951may be cut from the outside of the pad90toward the inside of the pad90. The first open cavity951may be cut from the outside of the pad90to the second position in which the opening member8251of the boss80is arranged.

The second open cavity952may be cut from the outside to the inside of the pad90. The second open cavity952may be cut from the outside of the pad90to the first position in which the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82is arranged.

The first open cavity951may be provided to close the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82and to open the opening member8251of the extending groove825.

In addition, the second open cavity952may be provided to open the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82, the connection member8252and the opening member8251of the extending groove825. The second open cavity952may have a size capable of selectively opening one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82. The second open cavity952may have a size incapable of simultaneously opening two refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82.

The first open cavity951and the second open cavity952of the pad90may be provided to communicate with the accommodation space11inside the case10. Therefore, in a state in which the refrigerant flows into the accommodation space11through the refrigerant inlet pipe100, the refrigerant may flow into the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole in response to opening the opening member8251of the extending groove825by the first open cavity951.

In addition, in response to opening one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82by the second open cavity952, the refrigerant flowing into the accommodation space11may flow into one of the refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82.

The pad90may include the connection cavity97.

The connection cavity97may be formed at a position corresponding to the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82of the boss80. Particularly, the connection cavity97may be cut along the rotational direction of the pad90at the first position in which the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82is formed. As described above, an opening angle of the connection cavity97may be provided to be approximately90degrees to open two adjacent refrigerant inlet and outlet holes among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82.

FIGS.8to14are top views illustrating a state in which various modes are performed as the pad of the valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure rotates on the top of the boss.FIG.15is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which a simultaneous open mode is performed by the pad and the boss ofFIG.14.

Hereinafter a flow mode of the refrigerant according to the rotation of the pad90will be described with reference toFIGS.8to14and15.

Referring toFIGS.8to14, a refrigerant compressed in a compressor (not shown) may be transferred to a condenser C and then condensed. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser C may be transferred to capillary tubes CA1and CA2corresponding to expansion devices and then expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the capillary tubes CA1and CA2may be transferred to an evaporator E, and the refrigerant may generate cold air through the heat exchange in the evaporator E.

As for a refrigerator, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C may be transferred to the capillary tubes CA1and CA2. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser C may be directly transferred to the capillary tubes CA1and CA2or transferred to the capillary tubes CA1and CA2through a hot pipe H.

The hot pipe H may be a pipe that is installed to prevent the formation of dew on a gasket of a refrigerator door, which is a temperature-vulnerable part of the refrigerator. That is, a high-temperature refrigerant in a high-pressure part of the refrigeration cycle may pass through the hot pipe H to prevent the formation of dew on the gasket of the refrigerator door.

The hot pipe H only needs to maintain at a temperature greater than or equal to the dew point according to a humidity of the outside air, but when the temperature is maintained at the temperature greater than the dew point in the refrigerator, it acts as a heat load inside the refrigerator, thereby increasing the power consumption of the refrigerator. Therefore, according to operating conditions, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C may be transferred to the capillary tubes CA1and CA2through the hot pipe H or directly transferred to the capillary tubes CA1and CA2without passing through the hot pipe H. For this, the valve device1may be installed to the outlet pipe through which the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C is discharged.

The capillary tubes CA1and CA2may include a first capillary tube CA1and a second capillary tube CA2. The first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2may have different inner diameters and different lengths. The first capillary tube CA1may have a large inner diameter and a short length. That is, in a state in which the cooling load is high, it is possible to allow the refrigerant to flow into the first capillary tube CA1having a small refrigerant flow resistance, and then to expand. The second capillary tube CA2may have a smaller inner diameter and a longer length than that of the first capillary tube CA1. That is, in a state in which the cooling load is low, it is possible to allow the refrigerant to flow into the second capillary tube CA2having a large refrigerant flow resistance and then to expand.

In addition, under a high load condition in which an external temperature or an internal temperature of the refrigerator is high, it may be required to increase a refrigerant flow rate to a maximum level in order to cool an internal space as quickly as possible. Accordingly, the refrigerant may flow into both the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2in order to secure the maximum refrigerant flow rate.

That is, by controlling the valve device1to allow the refrigerant to flow through the first capillary tube CA1or the second capillary tube CA2or allow the refrigerant to flow through both of the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2according to the cooling load, it is possible to perform efficient operation in a relatively wide cooling load range.

The refrigerant inlet pipe100may be connected to an outlet pipe of the condenser C. The refrigerant inlet pipe100may be connected to the accommodation space11inside the case10through the refrigerant inlet hole23(refer toFIGS.2and7).

The boss80may include the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821, a second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822, a third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823, and a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824. The extending groove825may be provided to be connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821.

The second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822, the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823, and the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at intervals of90degrees clockwise from the first refrigerant outlet hole821with respect to the center of the boss80.

The plurality of inlet and outlet pipes200may include a first inlet and outlet pipe210connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821, a second inlet and outlet pipe220connected to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822, a third inlet and outlet pipe230connected to the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823and a fourth inlet and outlet pipe240connected to the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824.

The first inlet and outlet pipe210and the third inlet and outlet pipe230may be connected to the hot pipe H. The refrigerant may flow into the first inlet and outlet pipe210and flow out to the third inlet and outlet pipe230through the hot pipe H. Alternatively, the refrigerant may flow into the third inlet and outlet pipe230and may flow out into the first inlet and outlet pipe210through the hot pipe H.

The fourth inlet and outlet pipe240may be connected to the first capillary tube CA1. The second inlet and outlet pipe220may be connected to the second capillary tube CA2.

As illustrated inFIG.8, in response to the second open cavity952of the pad90being arranged at a position of opening the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821, only the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821may be opened by the second open cavity952.

The second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822may be closed by the pad90. Particularly, the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822may be closed by the sealing body92of the pad90. The third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823and the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824may be connected through the connection cavity97of the pad90.

Accordingly, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant inlet pipe100from the condenser C may be introduced into the accommodation space11through the refrigerant inlet hole23. The introduced refrigerant may flow out to the first inlet and outlet pipe210through the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821opened by the second open cavity952of the pad90. The refrigerant flowing out to the first inlet and outlet pipe210may be introduced into the third inlet and outlet pipe230through the hot pipe H. The refrigerant introduced into the third inlet and outlet pipe230may flow out to the fourth inlet and outlet pipe240through the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824connected to the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823by the connection cavity97. The refrigerant flowing out to the fourth inlet and outlet pipe240may be introduced into the first capillary tube CA1. The refrigerant introduced into the first capillary tube CA1and expanded may be transferred to the evaporator E, and may generate cold air through the heat exchange in the evaporator E.

FIG.8illustrates that the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2are connected to a single evaporator E, but is not limited thereto. That is, two evaporators E may be provided. Based on two evaporators E being provided, the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2may be connected to a different evaporator E, respectively.

As illustrated inFIG.9, in response to the pad90rotating at a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction with respect to the center of the boss80in the state ofFIG.8, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C may be introduced into the second capillary tube CA2without passing through the hot pipe H, and then expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the second capillary tube CA2may be transferred to the evaporator E, and may generate cold air through the heat exchange in the evaporator E.

The second open cavity952of the pad90may be positioned to open the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822. In response to the second open cavity952being arranged at a position of the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822, the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822may be opened by the second open cavity952. The first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823may be closed by the pad90.

The refrigerant introduced from the condenser C to the refrigerant inlet pipe100may be introduced into the accommodation space11through the refrigerant inlet hole23. The introduced refrigerant may flow out to the second inlet and outlet pipe220through the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822opened by the second open cavity952of the pad90. The refrigerant flowing out to the second inlet and outlet pipe220may be introduced into the second capillary tube CA2. The refrigerant introduced into the second capillary tube CA2and expanded may be transferred to the evaporator E, and may generate cold air through the heat exchange in the evaporator E.

FIG.9illustrates that the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2are connected to a single evaporator E, but is not limited thereto. That is, two evaporators E may be provided. Based on two evaporators E being provided, the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2may be connected to a different evaporator E, respectively. In this case, because the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823are closed, the refrigerant may be prevented from flowing into the first inlet and outlet pipe210and the third inlet and outlet pipe230.

As illustrated inFIG.10, in response to the pad90rotating at a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction with respect to the center of the boss80in the state ofFIG.9, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C may be introduced into the second capillary tube CA2without passing through the hot pipe H, and then expanded, which is the same as the flow of the refrigerant shown inFIG.9.

However, as the connection cavity97of the pad90is arranged to connect the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821to the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824, the refrigerant remaining in the first inlet and outlet pipe210connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821may be recovered through the fourth inlet and outlet pipe240. The recovered refrigerant may pass through the first capillary tube CA1and be mixed with the refrigerant passing through the second capillary tube CA2, thereby flowing into the evaporator E.

As illustrated inFIG.11, in response to the pad90rotating at a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction with respect to the center of the boss80in the state ofFIG.10, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C may not flow.

Particularly, the second open cavity952of the pad90may be positioned to open the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823. At the same time, the pad90may be positioned to close the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822and the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824. The connection cavity97of the pad90may communicate with the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821.

The third inlet and outlet pipe230connected to the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823may be connected to the first inlet and outlet pipe210connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821through the hot pipe H. However, because the connection cavity97does not communicate with the outside, the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821is provided in a closed state.

Therefore, the refrigerant may not flow to any of the plurality of inlet and outlet pipes200.

As illustrated inFIG.12, in response to the pad90rotating at a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction with respect to the center of the boss80in the state ofFIG.11, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C may be introduced into the second capillary tube CA2by passing through the hot pipe H, and then expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the second capillary tube CA2may be transferred to the evaporator E, and may generate cold air through the heat exchange in the evaporator E.

Referring toFIG.12, the second open cavity952of the pad90may be arranged at a position of the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823. In this case, the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823may be opened by the second open cavity952. The fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824may be closed by the pad90. The first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821and the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822may be connected by the connection cavity97.

The refrigerant introduced from the condenser C to the refrigerant inlet pipe100may be introduced into the accommodation space11through the refrigerant inlet hole23. The introduced refrigerant may be introduced into the third inlet and outlet pipe230through the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823opened by the second open cavity952of the pad90. The refrigerant flowing out to the third inlet and outlet pipe230may be introduced into the first inlet and outlet pipe210through the hot pipe H.

The refrigerant introduced into the first inlet and outlet pipe210may flow out to the second inlet and outlet pipe220through the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821by the connection cavity97. The refrigerant flowing out to the second inlet and outlet pipe220may be introduced into the second capillary tube CA2. The refrigerant introduced into the second capillary tube CA2and expanded may be transferred to the evaporator E, and may generate cold air through the heat exchange in the evaporator E.

FIG.12illustrates that the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2are connected to a single evaporator E, but is not limited thereto. That is, two evaporators E may be provided. Based on two evaporators E being provided, the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2may be connected to a different evaporator E, respectively.

As illustrated inFIG.13, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C may be introduced into the first capillary tube CA1without passing through the hot pipe H, and then expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the first capillary tube CA1may be transferred to the evaporator E, and may generate cold air through the heat exchange in the evaporator E.

In response to the pad90rotating at a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction with respect to the center of the boss80in the state ofFIG.12, the second open cavity952may be arrange at a position of the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824. That is, the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824may be opened by the second open cavity952. The first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823may be closed by the pad90.

The refrigerant introduced from the condenser C to the refrigerant inlet pipe100may be introduced into the accommodation space11through the refrigerant inlet hole23. The introduced refrigerant may flow out to the fourth inlet and outlet pipe240through the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824opened by the second open cavity952of the pad90. The refrigerant flowing out to the fourth inlet and outlet pipe240may be introduced into the first capillary tube CA1. The refrigerant introduced into the first capillary tube CA1and expanded may be transferred to the evaporator E, and may generate cold air through the heat exchange in the evaporator E.

FIG.13illustrates that the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2are connected to a single evaporator E, but is not limited thereto. That is, two evaporators E may be provided. Based on two evaporators E being provided, the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2may be connected to a different evaporator E, respectively. In this case, because the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823are closed, the refrigerant may be prevented from flowing into the first inlet and outlet pipe210and the third inlet and outlet pipe230.

As illustrated inFIGS.14and15, the refrigerant condensed in the condenser C may be introduced into the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2by passing through the hot pipe H, and then expanded. The refrigerant expanded in the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2may be transferred to the evaporator E, and may generate cold air through the heat exchange in the evaporator E.

In response to the pad90rotating at a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction with respect to the center of the boss80in the state ofFIG.13, the first open cavity951may be arranged at a position of the opening member8251of the extending groove825and the second open cavity952may be arranged at a position of the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824. That is, the opening member8251of the extending groove825may be opened by the first open cavity951, and the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824may be opened by the second open cavity952. The third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823may be connected to the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824by the connection cavity97of the pad90.

The refrigerant introduced from the condenser C to the refrigerant inlet pipe100may be introduced into the accommodation space11through the refrigerant inlet hole23.

The introduced refrigerant may flow to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821through the extending groove825opened by the first open cavity951of the pad90. Particularly, the opening member8251of the extending groove825may be opened by the first open cavity951, and the refrigerant may flow through the connection member8252connected to the opening member8251. The refrigerant flowing to the connection member8252may flow into the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821and then may flow out to the first inlet and outlet pipe210connected to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821.

The refrigerant flowing out to the first inlet and outlet pipe210may flow to the third inlet and outlet pipe230through the hot pipe H. The refrigerant flowing out to the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823through the third inlet and outlet pipe230may flow to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822connected through the connection cavity97and flow to the second inlet and outlet pipe220.

The refrigerant flowing to the second inlet and outlet pipe220may be introduced into the second capillary tube CA2. The refrigerant introduced into the second capillary tube CA2and expanded may be transferred to the evaporator E, and may generate the cold air through heat exchange in the evaporator E.

At the same time, the refrigerant flowing into the accommodation space11may flow out to the fourth inlet and outlet pipe240through the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824opened by the second open cavity952of the pad90. The refrigerant flowing out to the fourth inlet and outlet pipe240may be introduced into the first capillary tube CA1. The refrigerant introduced into the first capillary tube CA1and expanded may be transferred to the evaporator E, and may generate the cold air through heat exchange in the evaporator E.

FIGS.14and15illustrate that the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2are connected to a single evaporator E, but is not limited thereto. That is, two evaporators E may be provided. Based on two evaporators E being provided, the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2may be connected to a different evaporator E, respectively. In this case, because the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823are closed, the refrigerant may be prevented from flowing into the first inlet and outlet pipe210and the third inlet and outlet pipe230.

Therefore, in the mode according toFIGS.14and15, the simultaneous open mode, in which the refrigerant flows into both the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2, is performed and the refrigerant passes through the hot pipe H.

FIG.16is a view illustrating a pad and a boss according to another embodiment of the valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.17is a top view illustrating a state in which a simultaneous open mode is performed by the pad and the boss ofFIG.16.

As illustrated inFIGS.16and17, the boss80may include the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82formed at the first position spaced apart from the center to communicate with the plurality of inlet and outlet pipes200, respectively. In this case, being formed at the first position may mean that the center of the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole is formed at the first position.

The boss80may include an extending groove825aconnected to one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82so as to extend radially outward from the first position to the second position.

The first position may be provided at a position away from the center of the boss80by a first distance R1in a radial direction. Further, the second position may be provided at a position spaced apart from the center of the boss80by a second distance R2in the radial direction. The second distance R2may be greater than the first distance R1.

The extending groove825amay include an opening member8251acommunicating with the accommodation space11by a second open cavity952aof a pad90ato receive a refrigerant. The extending groove825amay include a connection member8252aconnected to the opening member8251ato allow the refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole.

Accordingly, that the extending groove825ais formed at the second position may mean that the center of the opening member8251ais formed at the second position.

That is, the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole may be formed at the first position, the opening member8251aof the extending groove825amay be formed at the second position. The connection member8252aof the extending groove825amay extend between the first position and the second position.

The extending groove825amay be formed by being recessed downward from the upper surface of the boss80. Because the extending groove825adoes not completely penetrate the boss80, the refrigerant introduced into the extending groove825amay flow to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822along the extending groove825a.

The boss80according to another embodiment of the valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be provided such that the extending groove825ais connected to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822, unlike the boss80according to an embodiment. This is because the second open cavity952aand a first open cavity951aof the pad90a,which will be described later, are separately formed.

The pad90may include a sealing body92a.

The sealing body92amay be provided in contact with the upper surface of the boss80to close the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82and the extending groove825aof the boss80. The sealing body92amay form a lower surface of the pad90aand may be provided to protrude downward of the pad90a.

The pad90amay include the second open cavity952aand the first open cavity951a.

The second open cavity952aand the first open cavity951amay be cut from the outside of the pad90atoward the inside of the pad90a.Particularly, the second open cavity952aand the first open cavity951amay be provided on one side and the other side of the sealing body92a,respectively.

The second open cavity952amay be cut from the outside of the pad90atoward the inside of the pad90a.The second open cavity952amay be cut from the outside of the pad90ato the second position in which the opening member8251aof the boss80is arranged.

The first open cavity951amay be cut from the outside to the inside of the pad90a.The first open cavity951amay be cut from the outside of the pad90ato the first position in which the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82is arranged.

The second open cavity952amay be provided to close the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82and to open the opening member8251aof the extending groove825a.

In addition, the first open cavity951amay be provided to open the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82, the connection member8252aand the opening member8251aof the extending groove825a.The first open cavity951amay have a size capable of selectively opening one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82. The first open cavity951amay have a size incapable of simultaneously opening two refrigerant inlet and outlet holes among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82.

The second open cavity952aand the first open cavity951aof the pad90amay be provided to communicate with the accommodation space11inside the case10. Therefore, in a state in which the refrigerant flows into the accommodation space11through the refrigerant inlet pipe100, the refrigerant may flow into the refrigerant inlet and outlet hole in response to opening the opening member8251aof the extending groove825aby the second open cavity952a.

In addition, in response to opening one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82by the first open cavity951a,the refrigerant flowing into the accommodation space11may flow into one of the refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82.

Unlike the pad90aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second open cavity952aand the first open cavity951amay be formed separately in the pad90aaccording to another embodiment of the valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Particularly, the second open cavity952aand the first open cavity951amay be formed at positions facing each other. The second open cavity952aand the first open cavity951amay be provided not to be connected to each other.

The pad90may include a connection cavity97a.

The connection cavity97amay be formed at a position corresponding to the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82of the boss80. Particularly, the connection cavity97amay be cut along the rotational direction of the pad90aat the first position in which the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82is formed. As described above, an opening angle of the connection cavity97amay be provided to be approximately 90 degrees to open two adjacent refrigerant inlet and outlet holes among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes82.

As illustrated inFIG.17, in the simultaneous open mode, the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant inlet pipe100may flow through the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2, but bypass the hot pipe H.

In this case, the first cavity may be positioned to open the opening member8251aof the extending groove825aconnected to the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822. Further, the second cavity may be positioned to open the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824. The second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822and the third inlet and outlet hole may be connected through the connection cavity97a.The first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821may be provided to be closed by the sealing body92aof the pad90a.

Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing into the accommodation space11inside the case10through the refrigerant inlet pipe100may be introduced into the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822by passing through the connection member8252athrough the opening member8251aof the extending groove825aopened by the second open cavity952a.The refrigerant introduced into the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822may flow into the second capillary tube CA2through the second inlet and outlet pipe220. Although the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole822and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823are connected by the connection cavity97a,the refrigerant may not flow into the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823because the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole823, and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole821connected to the third inlet and outlet pipe230, the hot pipe H, and the first inlet and outlet pipe210are closed.

In addition, the refrigerant flowing into the accommodation space11inside the case10through the refrigerant inlet pipe100may be introduced into the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824opened by the first open cavity951a,and the refrigerant introduced into the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole824may flow into the first capillary tube CA1through the fourth inlet and outlet pipe240.

The refrigerant introduced into the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2and expanded may be transferred to the evaporator E, and may generate cold air through the heat exchange in the evaporator E.

FIG.17illustrates that the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2are connected to a single evaporator E, but is not limited thereto. That is, two evaporators E may be provided. Based on two evaporators E being provided, the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2may be connected to a different evaporator E, respectively

Therefore, in the mode illustrated inFIGS.16and17, the simultaneous open mode, in which the refrigerant flows into both the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2, is performed, and the refrigerant may bypass the hot pipe H.

Accordingly, as a single valve device, the valve device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may selectively pass or bypass the hot pipe H while performing the simultaneous open mode of using both of the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2.

Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the structure of the pipe, and thus it is possible to increase cost reduction and space utilization.

FIG.18is an exploded perspective view illustrating a partial configuration of the valve device according to another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG.19is a top view illustrating a pinion gear, a first pad gear, and a second pad gear ofFIG.18.

As illustrated inFIGS.18and19, the valve device may include a pinion gear40b,a first pad gear51b,a second pad gear52b,a first pad91brotated by the first pad gear51b,and a second pad92brotated by the second pad gear52b.

The valve device may include a first boss81barranged under the first pad91band a second boss82barranged under the second pad92b.

The pinion gear40bmay include a toothed member401b.The toothed member401bmay be meshed with the first pad gear51band the second pad gear52bpositioned on opposite sides of the pinion gear40b,so as rotate the first pad gear51band the second pad gear52b.

The first pad gear51bmay include a first engaging member511bmeshed with the toothed member401bof the pinion gear40b.The second pad gear52bmay include a second engaging member521bmeshed with the toothed member401bof the pinion gear40b.The first pad gear51band the second pad gear52bmay be provided to be rotated in opposite directions according to the rotation of the pinion gear40b.

The first pad gear51bmay include a first pad valve shaft512b.The first pad valve shaft512bmay be provided to pass through the first pad91b.

The second pad gear52bmay include a second pad valve shaft522b.The second pad valve shaft522bmay be provided to pass through the second pad92b.

The first pad91bmay include a first pad valve shaft coupling hole911b.The first pad valve shaft512bof the first pad gear51bmay be provided to pass through the first pad valve shaft coupling hole911bof the first pad91b.

The second pad92bmay include a second pad valve shaft coupling hole921b.The second pad valve shaft522bof the second pad gear52bmay be provided to pass through the second pad valve shaft coupling hole921bof the second pad92b.

The first pad91bmay include a first open cavity913band a connection cavity914b.

The first open cavity913bmay be provided to open one of the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes811b,812b,813b,and814bof the first boss81b,which will be described later. The first open cavity913bmay be opened by being cut from the outside to the inside of the first pad91b.Accordingly, the refrigerant introduced into the accommodation space11may flow into the first open cavity913b.

The connection cavity914bmay be provided in the shape of a groove recessed upward from the lower surface of the pad. The connection cavity914bmay be provided to connect two adjacent refrigerant inlet and outlet holes among the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes811b,812b,813b,and814bof the first boss81bto be described later. Because the connection cavity914bis not opened to the outside of the pad, the refrigerant flowing into the accommodation space11may not directly flow into the connection cavity914b.

The first boss81bmay include the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes811b,812b,813b,and814b.The plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes811b,812b,813b,and814bmay include a first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole811b,a second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole812b,a third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole813b,and a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole814b.The plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes811b,812b,813b,and814bmay be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at intervals of90degrees. In addition, the plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes811b,812b,813b,and814bmay be arranged at positions spaced apart from the center of the first boss81bby the same distance in the radial direction.

The plurality of refrigerant inlet and outlet holes811b,812b,813b,and814bmay be connected to a plurality of inlet and outlet pipes. Particularly, the first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole811bmay be connected to a first inlet and outlet pipe210b,the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole812bmay be connected to a second inlet and outlet pipe220b,the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole813bmay be connected to a third inlet and outlet pipe230b,and the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole814bmay be connected to a fourth inlet and outlet pipe240b.

The first inlet and outlet pipe210band the third inlet and outlet pipe230bmay be connected with the hot pipe H interposed therebetween. The fourth inlet and outlet pipe240bmay be connected to the first capillary tube CA1. The second inlet and outlet pipe220bmay be connected to the second capillary tube CA2.

The second pad92bmay include a second open cavity923b.

The second open cavity923bmay be provided to open a refrigerant flow hole821bof the second boss82bto be described later. The second open cavity923bmay be opened by being cut from the outside to the inside of the second pad92b.Accordingly, the refrigerant introduced into the accommodation space11may flow into the second open cavity923b.

The second boss82bmay include the refrigerant flow hole821b.The refrigerant flow hole821bmay be connected to a connection pipe250b.The connection pipe250bmay be connected to one of the plurality of inlet and outlet pipes. Details related to this will be described later.

FIG.20is a top view illustrating a state in which the hot pipe is bypassed while the simultaneous open mode is performed by the first pad91b,the first boss81b,the second pad92b,and the second boss82bof the valve device according toFIG.18

The flow of refrigerant according to the positions of the first pad91band the first boss81band the positions of the second pad92band the second boss82bin the simultaneous open mode will be described with reference toFIG.20.

In the simultaneous open mode of the valve device according to another embodiment of the disclosure, the first open cavity913bof the first pad91bis positioned to open the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole814bof the first boss81b.At the same time, the connection cavity914bof the first pad91bis positioned to connect the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole812bto the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole813bof the first boss81b.The first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole811bis closed by the first pad91b.

Further, the second open cavity923bof the second pad92bis positioned to open the refrigerant flow hole821bof the second boss82b.

The refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant inlet pipe through the compressor flows into the accommodation space11of the case10. The refrigerant flows to the fourth inlet and outlet pipe240bthrough the opened fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole814bof the first boss81b.The fourth inlet and outlet pipe240bis connected to the first capillary tube CA1, and thus the refrigerant is expanded while passing through the first capillary tube CA1.

At the same time, the refrigerant flowing into the accommodation space11of the case10through the refrigerant inlet pipe flows to the connection pipe250bthrough the refrigerant flow hole821bof the open second boss82b.

The connection pipe250bmay be connected to the second inlet and outlet pipe220bconnected to the second capillary tube CA2. That is, the connection pipe250bmay be provided to branch from the second inlet and outlet pipe220b.

Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing to the connection pipe250bthrough the refrigerant flow hole821bof the second boss82bflows to the second inlet and outlet pipe220band is expanded while passing through the second capillary tube CA2.

Therefore, the valve device illustrated inFIG.20may be provided to allow the refrigerant to bypass the hot pipe H in the simultaneous open mode in which the refrigerant passes through both the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2.

FIG.21is a top view illustrating a state in which the hot pipe is passed while the simultaneous open mode is performed by the first pad91b,the first boss81b,the second pad92b,and the second boss82bof the valve device according toFIG.18.

In the simultaneous open mode of the valve device according to another embodiment of the disclosure, the connection pipe250bofFIG.21may be provided to be connected to the first inlet and outlet pipe210b,which is unlikeFIG.20.

The first open cavity913bof the first pad91bis positioned to open the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole814bof the first boss81b.At the same time, the connection cavity914bof the first pad91bis positioned to connect the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole812bto the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole813bof the first boss81b.The first refrigerant inlet and outlet hole811bis closed by the first pad91b.

Further, the second open cavity923bof the second pad92bis positioned to open the refrigerant flow hole821bof the second boss82b.

The refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant inlet pipe through the compressor flows into the accommodation space11of the case10. The refrigerant flows to the fourth inlet and outlet pipe240bthrough the opened fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet hole814bof the first boss81b.The fourth inlet and outlet pipe240bis connected to the first capillary tube, and the refrigerant is expanded while passing through the first capillary tube CA1.

At the same time, the refrigerant flowing into the accommodation space11of the case10through the refrigerant inlet pipe flows to the connection pipe250bthrough the opened refrigerant flow hole821bof the second boss82b.

The connection pipe250bmay be connected to the first inlet and outlet pipe210bconnected to the hot pipe H. That is, the connection pipe250bmay be provided to branch from the first inlet and outlet pipe210b.

Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing to the connection pipe250bthrough the refrigerant flow hole821bof the second boss82bmay flow to the first inlet and outlet pipe210b,and flow to the third inlet and outlet pipe230bthrough the hot pipe H.

The refrigerant flowing to the third inlet and outlet pipe230bmay be introduced into the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole812bconnected to the connection cavity914bthrough the third refrigerant inlet and outlet hole813b.The refrigerant introduced into the second refrigerant inlet and outlet hole812bmay pass through the second capillary tube CA2through the second inlet and outlet pipe220b.The refrigerant may be expanded while passing through the second capillary tube CA2.

Therefore, the valve device illustrated inFIG.21may be provided to allow the refrigerant to pass the hot pipe H in the simultaneous open mode in which the refrigerant passes through both the first capillary tube CA1and the second capillary tube CA2.

Accordingly, in the state in which a single valve device performs the simultaneous open mode, the refrigerant may pass or bypass the hot pipe H according to the designer's selection.

As is apparent from the above description, a single valve device may implement the simultaneous open mode in which the refrigerant flows through the first capillary tube and the second capillary tube while allowing the refrigerant to selectively flow through the hot pipe.

In addition, it is possible to perform various refrigerant flow modes while simplifying the configuration of the pipe, and thus it is effective to reduce costs and increase space utilization.