A large flow float switch

Abstract

The present invention discloses a large-flow float switch. By setting a blocking block channel, the movement trajectory of the blocking block is limited to a linear translational movement, and the blocking effect is good. The blocking block blocks the pressure relief hole with a small aperture, and the water pressure of the water inlet is used to reversely press the sealing diaphragm against the sealing surface, thereby meeting the demand for large flow. The elastic reset component can meet the demand for small flow when the pressure difference between the left and right cavities is insufficient at a small flow, so that the sealing diaphragm is pressed against the sealing surface, thereby meeting the demand for small flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to float switches, specifically a high-flow-rate float switch. Background Technology

[0002] A float switch is a simple and easy-to-use liquid level control device. It does not require a power supply and has no complex circuitry. It has advantages such as smaller size and longer service life than ordinary mechanical switches.

[0003] In the design of water purifiers and integrated water dispensers, a water storage tank is installed inside to meet the water purification process requirements. The water level in the storage tank is controlled by an electronic float switch. If the electronic level switch fails, the water purifier or integrated water dispenser will continuously fill the storage tank, causing problems such as water leakage and machine damage. To solve the above problems, a mechanical float switch is installed at the water inlet of the storage tank as a double protection. The existing float switch uses the lever principle, where the buoyancy of the water pushes the float at one end of the lever, blocking the water inlet at the other end of the lever.

[0004] Because existing float switches use a lever principle, the relationship between buoyancy and inlet water pressure is directly related to the length of the lever. The longer the lever, the greater the sealing pressure. This necessitates that existing float switches be made very large to ensure the sealing pressure. Simultaneously, due to the limited volume of the water tank, the buoyancy it can provide is limited. To ensure the sealing pressure, the inlet water pressure cannot be too high; conversely, to reduce the inlet water pressure, the inlet cannot be too large. This situation causes incompatibility issues when existing float switches are used with high-flow-rate water purifiers.

[0005] Because existing float switches all use a structure where the float directly blocks the valve body's inlet, the size of the inlet directly affects the flow rate and sealing performance. A larger inlet is needed for a higher flow rate, but this reduces the sealing performance; conversely, a smaller inlet is needed for a better seal, but this reduces the flow rate. Furthermore, the sealing performance is affected by the float's buoyancy; a larger float results in greater buoyancy and better sealing, and vice versa. Since the water tank volume in drinking water equipment is limited, the float's size cannot be too large. Therefore, to ensure an effective seal, the inlet cannot be too large. Consequently, the float switches used in current drinking water equipment have relatively small inlet capacities.

[0006] Chinese invention patent CN105135036B discloses a large-flow mechanical water inlet control device. Because the diameter of the pressure relief port is smaller than that of the inlet, it controls the pressure relief port and utilizes the inlet water pressure to achieve self-sealing, thus enabling a larger inlet flow rate with the same float size. However, this technical solution still has shortcomings: since the float is rotatably connected to the valve body, the movement curve of the sealing plug on the float rocker arm during the sealing of the pressure relief port is arc-shaped, while both the sealing plug and the pressure relief port are planar, resulting in poor sealing performance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-flow-rate float switch, in which the blocking block is placed in the blocking block channel, and the process of the blocking block sealing the pressure relief hole is a linear motion, resulting in better sealing.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: a high-flow-rate float switch, comprising a switch body and a float assembly; the float assembly includes a float body and a rocker arm, the float body being mounted on the rocker arm, the rocker arm being rotatably mounted on the switch body, the switch body having a valve cavity and a sealing assembly located within the valve cavity, one side of the switch body having an inlet and an outlet communicating with the valve cavity; the sealing assembly being located in a first valve cavity dividing the valve cavity into a first valve cavity on one side and a second valve cavity on the other side; the sealing surface of the sealing assembly being able to seal between the inlet and the outlet; the other side of the switch body having a pressure relief hole communicating with the second valve cavity; the sealing assembly having a pressure boosting hole for positive water flow; the other side of the switch body away from the switch body also having a blocking channel, the blocking channel having a blocking block cooperating with the pressure relief hole, the blocking block being able to move linearly within the blocking channel under the push of the rocker arm and sealing the pressure relief hole.

[0009] When the pressure relief hole is blocked, the water in the second valve chamber is pressurized and pushes the sealing assembly to seal the first valve chamber, so that the sealing surface of the sealing assembly blocks the water inlet and outlet.

[0010] Preferably, the sealing assembly includes a sealing diaphragm and an elastic reset member, the elastic reset member being located within the second valve cavity and abutting against the sealing diaphragm.

[0011] Preferably, the plug is provided with an elastic part, which is located at the pressure relief hole.

[0012] Preferably, the plug further includes a rigid part, which is cylindrical and has multiple guide strips on its surface. The cylindrical plug moves within the plug channel. If the diameter of the plug is too close to the plug channel, the translational resistance is too high. If the diameter of the plug is significantly smaller than the plug channel, the plug's position within the channel is difficult to maintain, and it is prone to displacement, resulting in poor sealing performance. Using multiple guide strips not only provides positioning and guidance but also minimizes the impact of frictional resistance.

[0013] Preferably, the sealing surface is provided with an inlet port and an outlet port, the inlet port is located in the middle of the sealing surface, and a sealing ring is provided around the inlet port.

[0014] Preferably, the elastic reset element is a spring.

[0015] Preferably, the rocker arm is rotatably mounted on the switch body by means of a pin.

[0016] Preferably, the diameter of any one of the inlet, sealing surface, and outlet is larger than the diameter of the pressure relief hole.

[0017] Preferably, the rocker arm has a hinge structure in the middle, and the rotating hinge structure can adjust the relative angle between the float and the rocker arm.

[0018] Preferably, the inlet and the switch body are provided with threads, and the high-flow float switch is connected to the side wall of the water tank by the threads.

[0019] Preferably, the diameter of the inlet or outlet is within 20 times that of the pressure relief hole; the diameter of the pressure boosting hole is in the range of 0.5 to 2 mm; and the diameter of the pressure relief hole is 0.1 to 1 mm larger than the diameter of the pressure boosting hole.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, the high-flow-rate float switch adopting the above technical solution has the following advantages:

[0021] 1. The high-flow-rate float switch of this invention, by setting a blockage channel, limits the movement trajectory of the blockage to linear translation, resulting in a good sealing effect.

[0022] Second, by blocking the small-diameter pressure relief hole with a plug, the water pressure at the inlet is used to press the sealing diaphragm tightly against the sealing surface, which can meet the needs of large flow rates.

[0023] Third, the elastic reset component can ensure that the sealing diaphragm is pressed tightly against the sealing surface when the flow rate is low and the pressure difference between the left and right cavities is insufficient, thus meeting the requirements for low flow rates. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the high-flow-rate float switch of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the high-flow-rate float switch in this embodiment;

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the high-flow-rate float switch in this embodiment;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the left cover in this embodiment;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the high-flow-rate float switch in this embodiment;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow direction in an embodiment of the high-flow-rate float switch of the present invention.

[0031] Reference numerals: 1. Body; 11. Left cover; 111. Inlet; 112. Outlet; 113. Sealing surface; 114. Inlet end face; 115. Outlet end face; 12. Right cover; 121. Pressure relief hole; 122. Blocking channel; 13. Sealing assembly; 131. Sealing diaphragm; 1311. Pressure boosting hole; 132. Elastic reset element;

[0032] 2. Float assembly; 21. Float body; 22. Rocker arm; 221. Pin;

[0033] 3. Block; 31. Guide bar; 32. Elastic part. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 7 The diagram illustrates a high-flow-rate float switch, comprising a switch body 1 and a float assembly 2. The float assembly 2 includes a float body 21 and a rocker arm 22. The float body 21 is mounted on the rocker arm 22, which is rotatably mounted on the body 1. The switch body 1 has a valve chamber and a sealing assembly 13 located within the valve chamber. One side of the switch body 1 has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the valve chamber. The sealing assembly 13 is located in a first valve chamber dividing the valve chamber into a first valve chamber on one side and a second valve chamber on the other side. The sealing surface of the sealing assembly 13 is capable of... It can be used to seal between the inlet 111 and the outlet 112; the other side of the switch body 1 is provided with a pressure relief hole 121, which is connected to the second valve chamber; the sealing assembly 13 is provided with a pressure boosting hole 1311 for positive water flow; the other side of the switch body 1 away from the switch body 1 is also provided with a blockage channel 122, and the blockage channel 122 is provided with a blockage 3 that cooperates with the pressure relief hole 121. The blockage 3 can move linearly in the blockage channel 122 and seal the pressure relief hole 121 under the push of the rocker arm 22.

[0036] When the pressure relief hole 121 is blocked, the water in the second valve chamber is pressurized and pushes the sealing assembly 13 to seal the first valve chamber, so that the sealing surface of the sealing assembly 13 blocks the water inlet 111 and the water outlet 112.

[0037] The valve cavity described above is a cavity formed by connecting the left cover 11 and the right cover 12 with screws.

[0038] Compared to the prior art method of sealing the pressure relief hole by using the end of a rocker arm, the rocker arm moves in an arc around a pin, while both the pressure relief hole surface and the rocker arm end are flat. The sealing effect is poor because the two flat surfaces cooperate to seal the hole through arc-shaped movement. In this invention, by setting a blocking channel and an independent blocking block, the blocking block can move in a straight line, resulting in a better sealing fit with the pressure relief hole. The blocking block 3 includes a rigid part and an elastic part 32. The elastic part 32 is embedded within the rigid part, and the contact point with the pressure relief hole 121 is the elastic part 32. The elastic part 32, in conjunction with the pressure relief hole, achieves a better sealing effect.

[0039] To facilitate the linear movement of the block 3 within the block channel, the block 3 is cylindrical, with multiple guide strips 31 on the outer side of its rigid portion. Of course, if the block channel is square, the block is also square to match, and its rigid portion also has multiple guide strips on the outer side, which should also fall within the scope of protection of this case.

[0040] The aforementioned rocker arm 22 is rotatably mounted on the switch body 1 via a pin 221. The diameter of any of the inlet, sealing surface, and outlet is larger than the diameter of the pressure relief hole 121.

[0041] The sealing surface 113 is provided with an inlet port 114 and an outlet port 115. The inlet port 114 is located in the middle of the sealing surface 113, and a sealing ring is provided around the inlet port 114. The inlet port 114 is connected to the inlet pipe, and the outlet port 115 is connected to the outlet pipe. When the water level in the tank is low, the float falls and drives the rocker arm. At this time, the block does not block the pressure relief hole. The water entering from the inlet port passes through the inlet port 114 and enters the left cavity between the left and right covers. Under the action of water pressure, it pushes open the sealing diaphragm. The water flows through the outlet port 115 to the outlet and finally enters the water tank. At this time, because there is a pressure boosting hole in the middle of the sealing diaphragm, there is no pressure difference between the left and right cavities. Under the action of the inlet water pressure, the sealing diaphragm maintains sufficient space in the left cavity. When the water level in the tank reaches the set limit value, the float rises and drives the rocker arm. The rocker arm pushes the block in the block channel, and the block seals the pressure relief hole. Water entering through the inlet passes through inlet port 114 and enters the left cavity between the left and right covers. Under water pressure, it pushes open the sealing diaphragm, and water flows out from the outlet port. Simultaneously, some water, under the pressure of the inlet, enters the right cavity through the pressure-boosting hole on the sealing diaphragm. However, the block has already blocked the pressure relief hole, causing the water pressure entering the right cavity to increase rapidly in a short time. Eventually, the pressure exceeds the inlet pressure in the left cavity, and the pressure difference presses the sealing diaphragm against the sealing surface. At the same time, there is a sealing ring around the inlet face. When the sealing diaphragm presses against the sealing surface, the inlet face is blocked, thus stopping further water from being added to the tank.

[0042] By blocking the pressure relief hole, which is much smaller than the inlet, a larger flow rate can be achieved with a smaller float size.

[0043] The elastic reset element 132 is a spring. The elastic reset element 132 exists to prevent leakage when the pressure difference is insufficient to fully press the sealing diaphragm against the sealing surface, especially when the inlet water pressure is low (i.e., the flow rate is low) and the pressure relief hole is blocked. By installing the elastic reset element 132, preferably a spring, the sealing diaphragm can be pressed firmly against the sealing surface even at lower inlet water pressures, thus enabling operation even at lower flow rates.

[0044] The rocker arm 22 has a hinge structure in the middle, which can be rotated to adjust the relative angle between the float 21 and the rocker arm 22. This rotating hinge structure allows for easy adjustment of the relative angle between the float and the rocker arm, meeting the requirements of various water tank levels.

[0045] In this embodiment, the inlet 111 of the high-flow float switch is threaded between the inlet 111 and the left cover 11, and can be connected to the side wall or top wall of the water tank by the thread, which is convenient to install and remove and has a wide range of applications.

[0046] To achieve the desired effect, the diameter of the inlet or outlet is no more than 20 times that of the pressure relief hole, and the diameter of the pressure boosting hole 1311 is in the range of 0.5 to 2 mm. The diameter of the pressure relief hole 121 is 0.1 to 1 mm larger than the diameter of the pressure boosting hole 1311.

[0047] The above description is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-flow-rate float switch, comprising a switch body (1) and a float assembly (2); the float assembly (2) comprises a float body (21) and a rocker arm (22), the float body (21) being mounted on the rocker arm (22), the rocker arm (22) being rotatably mounted on the body (1), characterized in that: The switch body (1) is provided with a valve cavity and a sealing assembly (13) located in the valve cavity. The switch body (1) is provided with an inlet and an outlet communicating with the valve cavity on one side. The sealing assembly (13) is located in a first valve chamber that divides the valve chamber into a first valve chamber on one side and a second valve chamber on the other side; The sealing surface of the sealing assembly (13) is capable of sealing between the inlet (111) and the outlet (112); The switch body (1) is provided with a pressure relief hole (121) on the other side, and the pressure relief hole (121) is connected to the second valve chamber; The sealing assembly (13) is provided with a pressure boosting hole (1311) for positive water flow; The switch body (1) is provided with a blockage channel (122) on the other side away from the switch body (1). The blockage channel (122) is provided with a blockage (3) that cooperates with the pressure relief hole (121). The blockage (3) can move linearly in the blockage channel (122) and block the pressure relief hole (121) under the push of the rocker arm (22). When the pressure relief hole (121) is blocked, the water in the second valve chamber is pressurized and pushes the sealing assembly (13) to seal the first valve chamber, so that the sealing surface of the sealing assembly (13) is blocked between the water inlet (111) and the water outlet (112).

2. The high-flow-rate float switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing assembly (13) includes a sealing diaphragm (131) and an elastic reset member (132), the elastic reset member (132) being located in the second valve chamber and abutting against the sealing diaphragm (131).

3. The high-flow-rate float switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plug (3) is provided with an elastic part (32), which is located at the pressure relief hole (121).

4. The high-flow-rate float switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The block (3) also includes a rigid part, which is cylindrical and has multiple guide strips (31) on its surface.

5. The high-flow-rate float switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing surface (113) is provided with an inlet port (114) and an outlet port (115). The inlet port (114) is located in the middle of the sealing surface (113), and a sealing ring is provided around the inlet port (114).

6. The high-flow-rate float switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic reset element (132) is a spring.

7. The high-flow-rate float switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rocker arm (22) is rotatably mounted on the switch body (1) by means of a pin (221).

8. The high-flow-rate float switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of any of the inlet, sealing surface, and outlet is larger than the diameter of the pressure relief hole (121).

9. The high-flow-rate float switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rocker arm (22) is provided with a hinge structure in the middle. The rotating hinge structure can adjust the relative angle between the float (21) and the rocker arm (22).

10. The high-flow-rate float switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the inlet or outlet is within 20 times that of the pressure relief hole; the diameter of the boosting hole (1311) is in the range of 0.5 to 2 mm; the diameter of the pressure relief hole (121) is 0.1 to 1 mm larger than the diameter of the boosting hole (1311).

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