Valve position feedback structure and plug valve
By integrating the valve stem and micro switch in its structural design, the problem of complex structure and high cost in existing valve control is solved. This achieves the effects of simplifying parts, reducing costs, and improving feedback stability, making it suitable for automated control and intelligent systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG BODUN GAS APPLIANCE TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
Smart Images

Figure CN224364456U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of plug valve technology, specifically relating to a valve position feedback structure and a plug valve. Background Technology
[0002] In existing valve control technologies, valve position feedback typically relies on independent sensor components or complex mechanical linkages. For example, a common practice is to install additional components such as angle sensors, limit switches, or travel switches to detect the degree of valve opening and feed the signal back to the control system.
[0003] However, this design often requires more components, which not only increases the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity of the product, but also makes it easy to affect the feedback accuracy and system stability during long-term use due to component aging or loose connections.
[0004] In addition, the combination of multiple independent parts in the traditional structure also leads to an increase in the overall size, which is not conducive to the miniaturization and integration of valves, especially in application scenarios with limited space or a high degree of automation, where there are certain limitations.
[0005] Therefore, how to simplify the structure, reduce the number of parts, and lower material and processing costs while ensuring the integrity of the valve position feedback function has become an important issue in current valve design. Utility Model Content
[0006] This utility model addresses the aforementioned problems in the existing technology by proposing a valve position feedback structure and plug valve that reduces the number of components.
[0007] This utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:
[0008] A valve position feedback structure, comprising:
[0009] The valve stem has an operating end that is cylindrical and forms a cylindrical surface, while the valve stem is cut axially to form a flat surface.
[0010] A microswitch is disposed on the side of the valve stem, and the microswitch has a trigger button arranged adjacent to the valve stem.
[0011] When the valve stem is in its initial position, the valve stem plane is parallel to the trigger button.
[0012] When the valve stem rotates, the edge of the valve stem plane presses against the trigger button;
[0013] When the valve stem is rotated to its maximum opening, the cylindrical surface of the valve stem completely presses against the trigger button.
[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, the end face of the trigger button that contacts the valve stem is set as an arc surface or a bevel.
[0015] As a further improvement of this utility model, when the end face of the trigger button is set as an arc surface, as the valve stem rotates, the edge of the valve stem plane slides and presses along the arc surface of the trigger button;
[0016] When the valve stem is rotated to its maximum opening, the cylindrical surface of the valve stem presses against the end face of the trigger button.
[0017] As a further improvement of this utility model, when the end face of the trigger button is set as an inclined surface, the trigger button is arranged in a trapezoidal structure and has a contact inclined surface and a pressing surface. The contact inclined surface is located outside the pressing surface, and the pressing surface is closer to the valve stem than the contact inclined surface.
[0018] As a further improvement of this utility model, when the valve stem rotates, the edge of the valve stem plane slides and presses along the contact slope;
[0019] When the valve stem is rotated to its maximum opening, the cylindrical surface of the valve stem presses against the pressing surface.
[0020] As a further improvement of this utility model, the contact slope and the pressing surface are transitioned by a rounded corner.
[0021] A plug valve is also provided, having the above-mentioned valve position feedback structure, comprising:
[0022] A valve body containing a valve core, wherein the valve stem is inserted into the valve body and is linked to the valve core;
[0023] A valve cover is connected to the valve body, the valve stem passes through the valve cover, and the micro switch is disposed on the valve cover.
[0024] As a further improvement of this utility model, the valve cover is provided with a positioning sleeve through which the valve stem passes, and the valve stem is rotatably inserted into the positioning sleeve.
[0025] As a further improvement of this utility model, the side of the positioning sleeve has a window, and the trigger button extends through the window into the inner cavity of the positioning sleeve.
[0026] As a further improvement of this utility model, the area of the largest end face of the trigger button is smaller than the diameter of the window.
[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0028] 1. Simplified structure and high integration: By integrating the valve position feedback function into the cooperation structure of the valve stem and the micro switch, the complex linkage components such as limit switches, connecting rods, and angle sensors required by traditional valves are eliminated, which significantly reduces the number of parts and improves the overall structural compactness and reliability.
[0029] 2. Reduced costs and strong economic efficiency: Reduced material usage and processing steps, simplified assembly process, effectively reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs, and enhanced product competitiveness in the market;
[0030] 3. Stable feedback and precise control: The valve stem acts directly on the micro switch, resulting in a short feedback path and fast response. Combined with the arc-shaped or beveled trigger button design, it can achieve a stable signal output throughout the entire process from "closed" to "fully open", improving the judgment accuracy of the control system.
[0031] 4. Easy to maintain and highly reliable: The trigger button adopts an external end face limiting structure to prevent it from falling off during operation; the structure is reasonably designed, easy to install and debug, and is not prone to jamming or accidental triggering during operation, and has good durability and vibration resistance. Attached Figure Description
[0032] Figure 1 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the plug valve of this utility model;
[0033] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve stem of this utility model in its initial position and the micro switch trigger button (arc surface);
[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the valve stem position when the micro switch is activated;
[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the valve stem position when it is ready to actuate the micro switch according to this utility model;
[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the valve stem of this utility model when the microswitch is fully actuated;
[0037] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve stem of this utility model in its initial position and the microswitch trigger button (trapezoidal structure).
[0038] In the diagram, 100 represents the valve stem; 110 represents the cylindrical surface of the valve stem; and 120 represents the flat surface of the valve stem.
[0039] 200. Micro switch; 210. Trigger button; 211. Arc surface; 212. Contact bevel; 213. Pressing surface;
[0040] 300. Valve body;
[0041] 400. Valve cover; 410. Positioning sleeve; 411. Window. Detailed Implementation
[0042] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The technical methods of the present invention will be further described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
[0043] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this utility model provides a valve position feedback structure, including:
[0044] The valve stem 100 has an operating end that is set as a cylindrical structure and forms a valve stem cylindrical surface 110. At the same time, the valve stem 100 is cut along the axial direction to form a valve stem plane 120. That is, the valve stem 100 is designed as a composite structure with a combination of cylindrical and plane surfaces.
[0045] A microswitch 200 is disposed on the side of the valve stem 100. The microswitch 200 has a trigger button 210, which is arranged adjacent to the valve stem 100.
[0046] When the valve stem 100 is in the initial position, the valve stem plane 120 is relatively parallel to the trigger button 210 and the two are in no contact or only slightly in contact.
[0047] When the valve stem 100 rotates, the edge of the valve stem plane 120 presses against the trigger button 210;
[0048] When the valve stem 100 rotates to its maximum opening, the cylindrical surface 110 of the valve stem fully presses against the trigger button 210.
[0049] This structure achieves gradual triggering of the micro switch 200 by changing the shape of the valve stem 100 itself, thereby completing the feedback control of the entire process from "closed" to "open".
[0050] It should be noted that traditional valve position feedback mechanisms typically rely on multiple independent components (such as limit switches, linkages, and angle sensors), resulting in complex structures, cumbersome assembly, and requiring more material input and processing steps, thus increasing production costs.
[0051] In contrast, this application integrates the feedback function into the interaction between the valve stem 100 and the micro switch 200, eliminating the need for additional linkage components. This design offers at least the following advantages:
[0052] 1. Simplified structure and reduced number of parts: The valve position feedback function is achieved by the shape change of the contour surface that contacts the micro switch 200 during the rotation of the valve stem 100. No additional linkage parts are required, which significantly reduces the number of parts and improves the overall structural reliability.
[0053] 2. Reduce costs and improve economic efficiency: Reduce material usage and processing steps, while simplifying the assembly process, effectively reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs;
[0054] 3. Stable feedback and accurate response: The valve stem 100 acts directly on the micro switch 200, resulting in a short feedback path and reliable action, which improves the accuracy of the control system's judgment.
[0055] 4. Suitable for automated control: It provides a stable opening signal output, which is conducive to realizing the automatic control and safety interlock functions of valves and improving the level of system intelligence.
[0056] It is worth mentioning that, in the valve position feedback structure provided in this embodiment, the contact form between the trigger button 210 of the micro switch 200 and the valve stem 100 is an important factor affecting the feedback accuracy and action stability. To improve the smoothness of the triggering process, extend its service life, and adapt to different control requirements, the following two preferred structures are proposed:
[0057] I. Arc-shaped end face structure
[0058] In this structure, the end of the trigger button 210 that contacts the valve stem 100 is designed as an arc surface 211;
[0059] As the valve stem 100 rotates, its flat edge slides along the arc surface 211 of the trigger button 210 and gradually applies pressure;
[0060] When the valve stem 100 rotates to its maximum opening, the cylindrical surface 110 of the valve stem, which was originally far away from the trigger button 210, completely presses against the end face of the trigger button 210, putting it in a fully triggered state.
[0061] Because the arc surface 211 has good pressure distribution characteristics, it can make the trigger button 210 more uniform in the process of being subjected to force, avoiding wear or malfunction caused by local stress concentration. It is suitable for occasions that require continuous feedback signal output (such as proportional control). Although its response is not strictly linear, the overall process is smooth and reliable.
[0062] II. Sloping Plane Structure (Trapezoidal Structure)
[0063] In this structure, the end of the trigger button 210 is trapezoidal and has a contact slope 212 and a pressing surface 213.
[0064] The contact slope 212 is located on the outside, first contacting the edge of the valve stem plane 120 and guiding the compression, while the pressing surface 213 is close to the valve stem 100 and is used to be fully compressed by the valve stem cylindrical surface 110.
[0065] When the valve stem 100 rotates, its flat edge slides along the contact slope 212 and gradually pushes the trigger button 210;
[0066] When the valve stem 100 rotates to the maximum opening, the cylindrical surface 110 of the valve stem presses against the pressing surface 213, thus achieving full-stroke triggering.
[0067] The structure, through the design of the contact inclined surface 212, makes the displacement of the trigger button 210 and the rotation angle of the valve stem 100 present an approximately linear relationship, which is particularly suitable for application scenarios that require precise position feedback.
[0068] In addition, the contact slope 212 and the plane can be transitioned by rounded corners to enhance sliding smoothness, reduce frictional resistance and mechanical wear, and improve structural durability.
[0069] Combining the two preferred structures of the micro switch 200 and the trigger button 210 described above has the following significant advantages:
[0070] 1. Improve feedback accuracy and stability: By rationally designing the end face shape of the trigger button 210, the effect of the valve stem 100 rotation on the micro switch 200 is more controllable, thereby improving the accuracy and repeatability of the feedback signal;
[0071] 2. Enhanced adaptability and functionality: Offers two different end faces for flexible configuration based on actual application needs, meeting various control scenarios;
[0072] 3. Simplified assembly and maintenance: The structure is compact and reasonable, which facilitates installation and debugging. It is also less prone to jamming or false triggering during operation, resulting in low maintenance costs.
[0073] 4. Supports automated control requirements: Provides stable and reliable valve position feedback signals, which is conducive to the subsequent realization of automatic control, remote monitoring and safety interlock functions of valve system, and improves the level of system intelligence.
[0074] This utility model also provides a plug valve having the above-mentioned valve position feedback structure, including:
[0075] The valve body 300 contains a valve core, and the valve stem 100 is inserted into the valve body 300 and linked to the valve core. When the valve stem 100 rotates, it drives the valve core to rotate synchronously, thereby opening or closing the valve.
[0076] The valve cover 400 is connected to the valve body 300. The valve stem 100 passes through the valve cover 400. The micro switch 200 is set on the valve cover 400. Its trigger button 210 is set towards the valve stem 100 and the two are kept at a set distance. It makes contact or disengage according to the rotation state of the valve stem 100, thereby realizing valve position feedback.
[0077] By directly integrating the valve position feedback structure into the plug valve body, there is no need to install additional sensor components, which reduces material and assembly costs. The entire plug valve has a high degree of integration and a simple and compact structure.
[0078] Preferably, the valve cover 400 is provided with a positioning sleeve 410 through which the valve stem 100 passes. The valve stem 100 is rotatably inserted into the positioning sleeve 410. The side of the positioning sleeve 410 has a window 411. The area of the largest end face of the trigger button 210 is smaller than the diameter of the window 411. The trigger button 210 extends into the inner cavity of the positioning sleeve 410 through the window 411 to ensure that the relative position between the trigger button 210 and the valve stem 100 is accurate.
[0079] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those described above, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. The above are specific embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0080] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0081] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "a" is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. The terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two elements or the interaction between two elements, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0082] The technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they can be implemented by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the protection scope claimed by this utility model.
[0083] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples illustrating the spirit of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of this utility model or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A valve position feedback structure, characterized in that, include: The valve stem has an operating end that is cylindrical and forms a cylindrical surface, while the valve stem is cut axially to form a flat surface. A microswitch is disposed on the side of the valve stem, and the microswitch has a trigger button arranged adjacent to the valve stem. When the valve stem is in its initial position, the valve stem plane is parallel to the trigger button. When the valve stem rotates, the edge of the valve stem plane presses against the trigger button; When the valve stem is rotated to its maximum opening, the cylindrical surface of the valve stem completely presses against the trigger button.
2. The valve position feedback structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger button has an arc-shaped or beveled end face that contacts the valve stem.
3. The valve position feedback structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the end face of the trigger button is set to an arc surface, as the valve stem rotates, the edge of the valve stem plane slides and presses along the arc surface of the trigger button; When the valve stem is rotated to its maximum opening, the cylindrical surface of the valve stem presses against the end face of the trigger button.
4. The valve position feedback structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the end face of the trigger button is set as an inclined surface, the trigger button is arranged in a trapezoidal structure and has a contact inclined surface and a pressing surface. The contact inclined surface is located outside the pressing surface, and the pressing surface is closer to the valve stem than the contact inclined surface.
5. The valve position feedback structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the valve stem rotates, the edge of the valve stem plane slides and presses along the contact slope; When the valve stem is rotated to its maximum opening, the cylindrical surface of the valve stem presses against the pressing surface.
6. The valve position feedback structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The contact slope and the pressing surface are connected by a rounded corner.
7. A plug valve having a valve position feedback structure as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, include: A valve body containing a valve core, wherein the valve stem is inserted into the valve body and is linked to the valve core; A valve cover is connected to the valve body, the valve stem passes through the valve cover, and the micro switch is disposed on the valve cover.
8. A plug valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The valve cover is provided with a positioning sleeve through which the valve stem passes, and the valve stem is rotatably inserted into the positioning sleeve.
9. A plug valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The positioning sleeve has a window on its side, and the trigger button extends through the window into the inner cavity of the positioning sleeve.
10. A plug valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The area of the largest end face of the trigger button is smaller than the diameter of the window.