electric valve

Abstract

The electric valve includes a valve seat (100), a valve needle (200), a first valve core (310), and a second valve core (320). The valve seat has a valve cavity (110). The valve needle is installed so as to be movable in the valve cavity. The first valve core is installed in the valve cavity and has a first through hole (311), and its material is a non-metallic material. The first valve core is located between the valve needle and the opening of the valve cavity. The second valve core is installed in the valve cavity and has a second through hole (321), and its material is a metallic material. The second valve core is installed adjacent to one side of the first valve core facing the valve needle. The second through hole and the first through hole together form a valve port. When the electric valve is in a completely closed state, the valve needle penetrates the second through hole and comes into contact with the hole wall of the first through hole to form a seal.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to a Chinese application filed on December 2, 2021, with application number 202111457357.9 and title of invention "Electric Valve". This is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of electric valve technology, and more specifically to electric valves. Background Technology

[0003] Conventional electric valves typically employ soft seals to seal the valve ports and prevent leakage problems. However, conventional electric valves have defects in the valve core due to this design. Specifically, soft-sealed valve ports are difficult to control in terms of flow rate and are difficult to manufacture.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electric valve is provided. The electric valve comprises a valve seat, a valve needle, a first valve core, and a second valve core. The valve seat has a valve cavity. The valve needle is movably installed in the valve cavity. The first valve core is installed in the valve cavity and has a first through hole, and its material is a non-metallic material. The first valve core is located between the valve needle and the opening of the valve cavity. The second valve core is installed in the valve cavity and has a second through hole, and its material is a metallic material. The second valve core is installed adjacent to one side of the first valve core facing the valve needle. The second through hole and the first through hole together form a valve port. When the electric valve is in a completely closed state, the valve needle penetrates the second through hole and contacts the hole wall of the first through hole to form a seal. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0005] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of an electric valve according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electric valve shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the partial structure of the electric valve shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an exploded view of some of the structures shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a magnified view of part A of Figure 3. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0006] Exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, exemplary embodiments may be implemented in various forms and should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, such embodiments make the present disclosure comprehensive and complete and fully convey the spirit of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. Since the same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same or similar structures, a detailed description is omitted.

[0007] Referring to FIG. 1, this represents a three-dimensional exploded view of the electric valve provided in the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment above, an electronic expansion valve is described as an example of the electric valve proposed in the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art may make various modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, or other changes to the specific embodiments below in order to apply the relevant design of the present disclosure to other types of electric valves or other valve devices. It will also be readily understood that such changes are within the scope of the principles of the electric valve provided in the present disclosure.

[0008] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the electric valve proposed in the present disclosure comprises a valve seat (100), a valve needle (200), a first valve core (310), and a second valve core (320). Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5, FIG. 2 is a representative cross-sectional view of an electric valve capable of implementing the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a representative enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial structure of an electric valve capable of implementing the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a representative exploded view of a partial structure shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a representative enlarged schematic view of section A of FIG. 3. Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, the structure, connection method, and functional relationship of each major component of the electric valve provided in the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0009] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in this embodiment, the valve seat (100) is provided with a valve cavity (110). The valve needle (200) is installed so as to be movable in the valve cavity (110). Additionally, driven by a driving mechanism, the valve needle (200) can move along the axial direction (X) of the valve seat (100). The first valve core (310) is installed in the valve cavity (110) and is provided with a first through hole (311). The material of the first valve core (310) is a non-metallic material. The first valve core (310) is located between the valve needle (200) and the opening of the valve cavity (110). The second valve core (320) is installed in the valve cavity (110) and is provided with a second through hole (321). The material of the second valve core (320) is a metallic material. Additionally, the second valve core (320) is installed adjacent to one side facing the valve needle (200) of the first valve core (310). Here, the second through hole (321) and the first through hole (311) together form the valve port of the electric valve. Thus, when the electric valve is in a completely closed state, the valve needle (200) passes through the second through hole (321) and comes into contact with the hole wall of the first through hole (311) to form a seal. The present disclosure adopts a design in which the first valve core (310) and the second valve core (320) are joined together to form the valve port. A non-metallic material is selected for the first valve core (310) so that when the first valve core (310) comes into contact with the valve needle (200), a flexible contact between the valve needle (200) and the first valve core (310) can be realized. Accordingly, an excellent sealing effect between the valve needle (200) and the valve port is ensured. The second valve core (320) can be made of a metal material and processed into a required shape by utilizing the characteristics of the metal material, which is less sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, so that it is easy to meet the demand for flow rate control. This further improves the control accuracy of the electric valve.

[0010] Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, in this embodiment, the inner diameter of the port facing the valve needle (200) may be larger than the inner diameter of the port facing away from the valve needle (200) of the valve port. Based on this, the inner wall of the valve port can smoothly transition between the two aforementioned ports. Smooth transition can prevent the flow rate change from becoming instantaneously large when the valve is opened or closed.

[0011] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, based on the above design of the valve port, the inner wall of the second through hole (321) in this embodiment may generally have an inclined surface shape. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the flow control section of the valve port generally has an oblique shape. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the valve port may have a different structure that transitions smoothly, such as an arc shape. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the valve port is generally curved, but is not limited thereto.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the second through hole (321) includes a slope surface with different slope rates in multiple sections or a curved surface with different curvatures in multiple sections.

[0013] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, based on the design of the valve port, in this embodiment, the inner diameter of the hole opening facing the valve needle (200) of the first through hole (311) may be the same as the inner diameter of the hole opening facing away from the valve needle (200) of the second through hole (321). In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the hole opening facing the valve needle (200) of the first through hole (311) may be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hole opening facing away from the valve needle (200) of the second through hole (321), but is not limited thereto.

[0014] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, based on the design of the valve port, in this embodiment, the inner diameter of the hole opening facing the valve needle (200) of the first through hole (311) may be larger than the inner diameter of the hole opening facing away from the valve needle (200). Based on this, the hole wall of the first through hole (311) can smoothly transition between the two hole openings.

[0015] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, based on the design of the first through hole (311), the inner wall of the first through hole (311) in this embodiment may generally have an inclined surface shape. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the first through hole (311) generally has an oblique shape. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the first through hole (311) may have a different structure that transitions smoothly, such as an generally curved surface shape. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the first through hole (311) is generally curved, but is not limited thereto.

[0016] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, based on the design of the valve port, in this embodiment, the inner diameter of the hole opening facing the valve needle (200) of the second through hole (321) may be larger than the inner diameter of the hole opening facing away from the valve needle (200). Based on this, the hole wall of the second through hole (321) can be smoothly transitioned between the two hole openings.

[0017] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, based on the design of the second through hole (321), the inner wall of the second through hole (321) in this embodiment may generally have an inclined surface shape. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the second through hole (321) generally has an oblique shape. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the second through hole (321) may have a different structure that transitions smoothly, such as an generally curved surface shape. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the second through hole (321) is generally curved, but is not limited thereto.

[0018] Optionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the thickness of the first valve core (310) along the axial direction (X) of the valve seat (100) may be thicker than the thickness of the second valve core (320). In some embodiments, the thickness of the first valve core (310) may be equal to or slightly smaller than the thickness of the second valve core (320). This can be flexibly adjusted according to sealing requirements and flow control requirements, but is not limited thereto.

[0019] Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a first annular groove (312) may be formed in the first valve core (310). The first annular groove (312) is formed around the circumference of a one-sided hole opening facing away from the valve needle (200) of the first through hole (311).

[0020] Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a second annular groove (322) may be formed in the second valve core (320). The second annular groove (322) is formed around the circumference of a one-sided hole opening facing the valve needle (200) of the second through hole (321).

[0021] Optionally, in this embodiment, the material of the first valve core (310) may be PTFE. In some embodiments, the material of the first valve core (310) may be other non-metallic materials such as PPS, PEAK, nylon, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0022] Optionally, in this embodiment, the material of the second valve core (320) may be stainless steel or aluminum.

[0023] Optionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, in this embodiment, the electric valve proposed in this disclosure may further include a valve core sleeve (400). Specifically, the valve core sleeve (400) is partially installed in the valve cavity (110). Additionally, the valve core sleeve (400) is installed adjacent to one side facing away from the valve needle (200) of the first valve core (310). Here, a channel is installed in the valve core sleeve (400) that penetrates both ends along the axial direction (X). The channel communicates with a valve port formed by the first through hole (311) and the second through hole (321) together. Specifically, it communicates with a hole opening on one side facing away from the valve needle (200) of the first through hole (311).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a flow hole (120) is installed in the valve seat (100).

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the electric valve also further includes a mounting base (510) and a socket (520). A mounting cavity is installed in the mounting base (510). The valve seat (100), the first valve core (310), the second valve core (320), and the valve core sleeve (400) are mounted within the mounting cavity and connected so as to be detachable from the mounting cavity.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the driving mechanism includes a rotor assembly (610) and a nut assembly (620) installed in a socket (520). The rotor assembly (610) is installed to be placed over the outside of the nut assembly (620). The end of the screw rod (630) that is far from the valve needle (200) is fixedly connected to the rotor assembly (610). The rotor assembly (610) controls the opening of the valve port by moving the valve needle (200) in the axial direction (X) through the screw rod (630). A female thread is installed within the nut assembly (620) to be threaded to the valve needle (200). Additionally, the nut assembly (620) is fixedly connected to the valve seat (100).

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the electric valve further comprises a screw rod (630), a spring sleeve (640), a spring (650), and a rotating member (660) (e.g., a bearing). One end of the spring sleeve (640) is installed to be fitted over the end of the valve needle (200). The spring (650) is mounted within the spring sleeve (640), and the spring sleeve (640) has a balance hole (641). The screw rod (630) is installed at the other end of the spring sleeve (640). A bearing is installed to be fitted over the screw rod (630). The bearing is located between the screw rod (630) and the spring sleeve (640). A bearing is installed between the screw rod (630) and the spring sleeve (640), and the first valve core (310) and the valve seat (100) are softly sealed. This makes the frictional force between the first valve core (310) and the screw rod (630) smaller than the frictional force between the valve core and the valve seat (100). Therefore, the problem of wear on the soft seal valve port is prevented.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a balance channel (210) is installed within the valve needle (200) to balance the pressure at both ends of the valve needle (200). The balance channel (210) includes a first section adjacent to the spring sleeve (640) and a second section adjacent to the valve port. The inner diameter of the second section is larger than the inner diameter of the first section and is used to close the valve for the flow of a large amount of fluid.

[0029] In summary, the electric valve proposed in this disclosure adopts a design in which a first valve core and a second valve core are combined to form a valve port. A non-metallic material is selected for the first valve core so that when the first valve core contacts the valve needle, flexible contact between the valve needle and the first valve core can be achieved. Thus, an excellent sealing effect between the valve needle and the valve port is ensured. Based on this, a metallic material is selected for the second valve core, and by utilizing the characteristics of the metallic material, which is less sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, the second valve core can be made to easily meet the flow rate control requirements. This further improves the control accuracy of the electric valve.

[0030] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to various typical embodiments, it should be noted that the terms used are descriptive and illustrative and are not limiting. The present disclosure may be specifically implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the present disclosure. The embodiments are not limited to the details described above and should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it should be noted that all variations and improvements falling within the scope of the claims or equivalents are encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 In an electric valve, the valve seat comprises a valve needle, a first valve core, and a second valve core, wherein the valve seat comprises a valve cavity, the valve needle is movably installed in the valve cavity, the first valve core is installed in the valve cavity and comprises a first through hole, the material of which is a non-metallic material, the first valve core is located between the valve needle and the opening of the valve cavity, the second valve core is installed in the valve cavity and comprises a second through hole, the material of which is a metallic material, the second valve core is installed adjacent to one side of the first valve core facing the valve needle, the second through hole and the first through hole together form a valve port, and when the electric valve is in a completely closed state, the valve needle penetrates the second through hole and contacts the hole wall of the first through hole to form a seal, and the inner wall of the second through hole includes an inclined surface with a different slope rate in a plurality of sections or an arc surface with a different arc degree in one or more sections. Valve. Claim 2 An electric valve according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the port facing the valve needle of the valve port is larger than the inner diameter of the port facing away from the valve needle, and the inner wall of the valve port transitions smoothly between the two ports. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the inner diameter of the hole opening of the first through hole facing the valve needle is smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the hole opening of the second through hole facing away from the valve needle, in an electric valve. Claim 4 An electric valve according to paragraph 2, wherein the inner diameter of the hole opening of the first through hole facing the valve needle is larger than the inner diameter of the hole opening facing away from the valve needle, and the hole wall of the first through hole transitions smoothly between the two hole openings. Claim 5 An electric valve according to paragraph 2, wherein the inner diameter of the hole opening of the second through hole facing the valve needle is larger than the inner diameter of the hole opening facing away from the valve needle, and the hole wall of the second through hole transitions smoothly between the two hole openings. Claim 6 In an electric valve, the valve seat comprises a valve needle, a first valve core, and a second valve core, wherein the valve seat has a valve cavity, the valve needle is movably installed in the valve cavity, the first valve core is installed in the valve cavity and has a first through hole, the material thereof is a non-metallic material, the first valve core is located between the valve needle and the opening of the valve cavity, the second valve core is installed in the valve cavity and has a second through hole, the material thereof is a metallic material, the second valve core is installed adjacent to one side of the first valve core facing the valve needle, the second through hole and the first through hole together form a valve port, and when the electric valve is in a completely closed state, the valve needle penetrates the second through hole and contacts the hole wall of the first through hole to form a seal, and the inner diameter of the hole opening facing the valve needle of the first through hole is a hole facing away from the valve needle of the second through hole Electric valve smaller than the inner diameter of the opening. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 In an electric valve, the valve seat comprises a valve needle, a first valve core, and a second valve core, wherein the valve seat has a valve cavity, the valve needle is movably installed in the valve cavity, the first valve core is installed in the valve cavity and has a first through hole, the material thereof is a non-metallic material, the first valve core is located between the valve needle and the opening of the valve cavity, the second valve core is installed in the valve cavity and has a second through hole, the material thereof is a metallic material, the second valve core is installed adjacent to one side of the first valve core facing the valve needle, the second through hole and the first through hole together form a valve port, and when the electric valve is in a completely closed state, the valve needle penetrates the second through hole and contacts the hole wall of the first through hole to form a seal, and the first valve core has a first Electric valve in which an annular groove is formed. Claim 9 An electric valve comprises a valve seat, a valve needle, a first valve core, and a second valve core, wherein the valve seat has a valve cavity, the valve needle is movably installed in the valve cavity, the first valve core is installed in the valve cavity and has a first through hole, the material thereof is a non-metallic material, the first valve core is located between the valve needle and the opening of the valve cavity, the second valve core is installed in the valve cavity and has a second through hole, the material thereof is a metallic material, the second valve core is installed adjacent to one side of the first valve core facing the valve needle, the second through hole and the first through hole together form a valve port, and when the electric valve is in a completely closed state, the valve needle penetrates the second through hole and contacts the hole wall of the first through hole to form a seal, and the second valve core has a second through hole around the one side opening of the second through hole facing the valve needle Electric valve in which an annular groove is formed. Claim 10 In claim 1, the electric valve further comprises a valve core sleeve, wherein the valve core sleeve is partially installed in the valve cavity and is installed adjacent to one side facing away from the valve needle of the first valve core, and a through channel is installed in the valve core sleeve, and the channel communicates with the valve port. Claim 11 In claim 10, the electric valve further comprises a mounting base, wherein a mounting cavity is installed in the mounting base, and the valve seat, the first valve core, the second valve core, and the valve core sleeve are mounted within the mounting cavity and connected to the mounting cavity so as to be detachable.

Images