Valve closing mechanism for a shut-off valve, shut-off valve and air conditioner

Abstract

A valve closing mechanism for a stop valve, a stop valve and an air conditioner. The valve closing mechanism is configured to be capable of being mounted to the stop valve to switch the stop valve from an open valve state to a closed valve state, the valve closing mechanism comprising: a cover body configured to be capable of being sealingly mounted to a valve seat of the stop valve; a magnetic rotor rotatably mounted in the cover body, capable of rotating in the cover body under the action of an external magnetic force, the magnetic rotor being configured to be capable of being fixedly connected to a valve needle of the stop valve, wherein, in the case where the valve closing mechanism is mounted to the stop valve, when the magnetic rotor rotates under the action of the external magnetic force, the valve needle is configured to be capable of rotating together with the magnetic rotor and moving in an axial direction, so as to move the valve needle from an open valve position to a closed valve position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a valve closing mechanism for a shut-off valve, a shut-off valve, and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of society, air conditioners have become an important household appliance. They can maintain the temperature inside the house within a certain range in hot or winter weather, providing us with a good living environment.

[0003] As an important auxiliary component in air conditioners, the shut-off valve can prevent refrigerant leakage and also allow the refrigerant to be discharged when the air conditioner needs maintenance by disassembling the shut-off valve with a wrench.

[0004] However, when operating the shut-off valve to switch it from open to closed, the safety cap of the shut-off valve needs to be removed with a wrench before the valve can be operated. After the operation is complete, the safety cap must be reinstalled. However, during this process, the safety cap may not be properly installed, or the operator may even forget to reinstall it, leading to an external leakage point. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the above problems and avoid external leakage points, this application provides a valve closing mechanism for a gate valve. The valve closing mechanism is configured to be installed on the gate valve to switch it from an open state to a closed state. The valve closing mechanism comprises: a housing configured to seal the valve seat installed on the gate valve; and a magnetic rotor rotatably installed within the housing, capable of rotating within the housing under the action of an external magnetic force. The magnetic rotor is configured to be fixedly connected to the valve needle of the gate valve. When the valve closing mechanism is installed on the gate valve, when the magnetic rotor rotates under the action of an external magnetic force, the valve needle is configured to rotate with the magnetic rotor and move axially, thereby moving the valve needle from the open position to the closed position.

[0006] Advantageously, it also includes a guide, fixedly disposed within the housing, having an opening through which the valve needle passes, at least a portion of the inner surface of the opening being provided with internal threads to match at least a portion of the external threads on the outer surface of the valve needle, wherein when the magnetic rotor rotates under the action of an external magnetic force, the valve needle is configured to rotate within the guide while moving axially relative to the guide, thereby moving the valve needle from the open position to the closed position.

[0007] Advantageously, the magnetic rotor includes a magnetic ring arranged circumferentially within the housing and a mounting base fixed to the valve needle, the magnetic ring being fixed to the mounting base.

[0008] Advantageously, it also includes a spring support seat disposed inside the magnetic ring and a first spring disposed between the spring support seat and the guide member.

[0009] Advantageously, the guide member has an opening comprising a first opening portion and a second opening portion. The inner surface of the first opening portion is provided with an internal thread, and the inner surface of the second opening portion is a smooth surface. The size of the first opening portion is smaller than the size of the second opening portion, such that a step is formed between the first opening portion and the second opening portion. The valve needle has a first segment and a second segment. The size of the first segment is smaller than the size of the second segment, such that a corresponding step is formed between the first segment and the second segment. In the closed position, the corresponding step of the valve needle abuts against the step between the first and second segments.

[0010] This application also provides a shut-off valve, which includes the valve closing mechanism described above.

[0011] Advantageously, the shut-off valve also includes a guide sleeve disposed within the valve seat and fixedly mounted to the guide, the guide sleeve having another opening through which the valve needle passes.

[0012] Advantageously, the valve needle further includes a third section, a portion of the second section and the third section passing through another opening of the guide sleeve. The second section is smaller than the third section, such that a first gap is formed between the second section and the guide sleeve. A portion of the third section is provided with a first hole, and the size of the portion of the third section with the first hole is smaller than the size of the other opening, such that a second gap is formed between the portion of the third section with the first hole and the guide sleeve. In the closed position, the first hole is in fluid communication with the valve port, the first gap and the second gap. In the open position, the first hole is in fluid communication with the valve port and the second gap. The guide has a second hole, which is in fluid communication with the first gap and the space inside the housing in the closed position, and in the open position, the second hole is in fluid communication with the second gap and the space inside the housing.

[0013] Advantageously, it also includes a sealing ring disposed between the third section of the valve needle and the guide sleeve.

[0014] Advantageously, the valve needle includes a transmission screw and a sub-valve needle connected together. The transmission screw is fixedly mounted to a fixed base and has an external thread on its outer surface. It is threadedly connected to the guide member via an internal thread through the opening of the guide member. The sub-valve needle is disposed inside the guide sleeve, and the transmission screw passes through the sub-valve needle and is connected to the sub-valve needle.

[0015] Advantageously, the lead screw has a first stepped portion, the sub-valve needle has a first corresponding stepped portion, and a second spring is disposed between the first stepped portion and the first corresponding stepped portion. In the closed position, the second spring is in a compressed state.

[0016] Advantageously, the lead screw has a second stepped portion, the sub-valve needle has a second corresponding stepped portion, and an elastic gasket is disposed between the second stepped portion and the second corresponding stepped portion. In the closed position, the elastic gasket is in a compressed state.

[0017] Advantageously, a retaining sleeve is provided on the outside of the portion of the conductive screw that extends through the sub-valve needle, the retaining sleeve forming a second corresponding step portion.

[0018] Advantageously, a sealing ring is provided between the valve needle and the guide sleeve.

[0019] Advantageously, a gap is formed between the sub-valve needle and the guide sleeve, the sub-valve needle having a first opening that is in fluid communication with the gap and the valve port, and the guide having a second hole that is in fluid communication with the gap and the space inside the housing, thereby providing fluid communication between the first opening, the gap, the second hole, and the space inside the housing.

[0020] This application also provides an air conditioner that includes the shut-off valve as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the shut-off valve according to this application is shown, in which the shut-off valve is in the closed state.

[0023] Figure 2 Showing with Figure 1 The corresponding diagram shows that the shut-off valve is in the open state at this time.

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the shut-off valve according to this application is shown, in which the shut-off valve is in the closed state.

[0025] Figure 4 Showing with Figure 3 The corresponding diagram shows that the shut-off valve is in the open state at this time. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0027] Compared to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, feasible embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may have fewer components, other components not shown in the drawings, different components, components arranged differently, or components with different connections, etc. Furthermore, two or more components in the drawings may be implemented in a single component, or a single component shown in the drawings may be implemented as multiple separate components.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Where the number of components is not specified, the number of components may be one or more; similarly, the terms “a,” “the,” “described,” and similar terms do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or “including,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “install,” “set,” “connect,” or “link,” and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical installation, setting, or connection, but may include electrical installation, setting, or connection, whether direct or indirect. “Above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” etc., are used only to indicate the relative positional relationship of the equipment during use or the positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0029] Before describing specific embodiments of this application, it should be noted that during normal operation of the gate valve, it is generally in the open state, and it is only necessary to switch the gate valve from the open state to the closed state during installation or removal. Therefore, in this case, the valve closing mechanism of this application can be installed on the gate valve, such that the cover of the valve closing mechanism is sealed to the valve seat of the gate valve, thereby eliminating any external leakage points. The safety cap of the gate valve can be removed, and then the valve closing mechanism of this application can be sealed to the valve seat of the gate valve, and the magnetic rotor of the valve closing mechanism can be fixedly connected to the valve needle of the gate valve, thereby realizing the valve closing operation.

[0030] For ease of understanding, the following description will focus on the gate valve.

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a gate valve according to this application is shown. The gate valve includes a valve closing mechanism and a valve seat 1. A cover 2 of the valve closing mechanism is sealed to the valve seat 1, for example by welding, so that the cover 2 substantially seals the valve seat and there are no external leakage points.

[0032] Valve seat 1 includes valve port A and interface B. The first connecting pipe T1 of the air conditioner is connected to valve port A, and the second connecting pipe T2 of the air conditioner is connected to interface B. Those skilled in the art understand that a shut-off valve can be used to connect the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Therefore, the first connecting pipe can belong to one of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and the second connecting pipe can belong to the other of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

[0033] The gate valve includes a valve needle 4 that extends axially into the valve seat. The valve needle 4 is capable of moving up and down in the axial direction of the gate valve, thereby moving between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the valve needle 4 does not block the valve port A, and in the closed position, the valve needle 4 blocks the valve port A.

[0034] The shut-off valve includes a magnetic rotor 3 disposed within a housing 2. The magnetic rotor 3 includes a magnetic ring 31 arranged circumferentially within the housing and a mounting base 32 fixed to the magnetic ring. The magnetic rotor 3 is configured to rotate within the housing 2 under the action of an external magnetic force. This external magnetic force can be applied, for example, by a separate external magnetic ring (not shown), which can constitute a valve opener used by an operator to apply the external magnetic force by fitting the valve opener over the housing 2 when the shut-off valve needs to be opened or closed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the valve opener is not limited to this and is not the focus of this application; it can have any suitable form as long as it can apply an external magnetic force to rotate the magnetic rotor 3. A valve needle 4 is fixedly mounted to the magnetic rotor 3 by, for example, a retaining ring 43, and particularly to the mounting base 32, so that the valve needle 4 rotates as the magnetic rotor 3 rotates.

[0035] The guide member 5 is fixedly disposed within the housing 2, specifically inside the magnetic ring 31. The guide member 5 has an opening through which the valve needle 4 passes. The guide member 5 also has another retaining spring 55 disposed on the outer periphery of the guide member, providing a force to engage the guide member and the valve needle, preventing accidental disengagement. At least a portion of the inner surface of the opening of the guide member 5 is provided with internal threads; for example, the guide member can be in the form of a nut. At least a portion of the outer surface of the valve needle 4 is provided with external threads. When the valve needle 4 is threadedly connected to the guide member 5, when the magnetic rotor 3 rotates the valve needle 4 together, the valve needle 4 moves up and down along the axial direction of the shut-off valve under the guidance of the guide member 5, thereby achieving movement between the open and closed positions.

[0036] The guide member 5 has an opening including a first opening portion 51 and a second opening portion 52. The inner surface of the first opening portion is provided with internal threads, and the inner surface of the second opening portion is a smooth surface. The size of the first opening portion is smaller than the size of the second opening portion, forming a step 53 between the first and second opening portions. The valve needle 4 has a first section 41 and a second section 42. The size of the first section is smaller than the size of the second section, forming a corresponding step 44 between the first and second sections. In the closed position, the corresponding step 44 of the valve needle abuts against the step 53 between the first and second sections, such as... Figure 1 As shown; in the open position, the corresponding step 44 of the valve needle is separated from step 53, as... Figure 2 As shown. That is to say, in the closed position, step 53 abuts against the corresponding step 44, which serves to limit the valve needle.

[0037] The shut-off valve also includes a guide sleeve 6, fixedly mounted within the valve seat 1 (e.g., by welding) and fixedly mounted to the guide member 5. The guide sleeve 6 has another opening through which the valve needle passes. The valve needle 4 also includes a third section 45, a portion of the second section 42, and the third section 45 passing through the other opening of the guide sleeve 6. A large portion of the third section 45 corresponds in size to the size of this other opening. The size of the second section 42 is smaller than the size of the third section 45, such that a first gap 46 is formed between the second section 42 and the guide sleeve 6. A portion of the third section 45 is provided with a first hole 451, the size of which is smaller than the other opening, such that a second gap 452 is formed between this portion of the third section with the first hole 451 and the guide sleeve. In the closed position, the first hole 451 is in fluid communication with the first gap 46, the second gap 452, and the valve port A, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown; in the open valve position, the first hole 415 is in fluid communication with the second gap 452 and valve port A, as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0038] Guide member 5 has a second hole 54, such as Figure 1 As shown, in the closed position, the second hole 54 is in fluid communication with the first gap 46 and the space S inside the cover; in the open position, the second hole 54 is in fluid communication with the second gap 452 and the space inside the cover.

[0039] As described above, the first hole 451, the first gap 46, the second gap 452, and the second hole 54 (referred to as the "balance hole") enable fluid communication between the valve port A and the space S inside the cover, regardless of whether the valve is closed or open, thereby ensuring that the pressure in the upper and lower cavities is the same, which facilitates valve closing and opening operations.

[0040] The gate valve also includes a sealing ring 7, which is disposed between the third section of the valve needle and the guide sleeve, such as Figure 1As shown, this is to achieve a seal between the valve needle and the guide sleeve.

[0041] The shut-off valve also includes a spring support seat 8 disposed inside the magnetic ring and a first spring 9 disposed between the spring support seat and the guide member. This first spring provides a self-locking force to the rotating component (such as a magnetic rotor), preventing valve opening or closing actions caused by accidental vibration. Additionally, the sealing ring 7 also provides a self-locking force, preventing valve opening or closing actions caused by accidental vibration.

[0042] The above reference Figure 1 and 2 A shut-off valve according to a first embodiment of this application is described. Reference is made below. Figure 3 and 4 A shut-off valve according to a second embodiment of this application is described. Most of the components of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment; therefore, only the differences between the second and first embodiments, namely the structure of the valve needle, are described below.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the valve needle 4 has a transmission screw 47 and a sub-valve needle 48 connected to the transmission screw. The transmission screw 47 is fixedly connected to the fixed seat 32 (e.g., laser welded together at W), and its outer surface is provided with external threads, which are threaded to the guide member 5. The sub-valve needle 48 is disposed in the guide sleeve 6, and the transmission screw passes through the sub-valve needle 48 and is connected to the sub-valve needle 48.

[0044] A second spring 49 is provided between the lead screw 47 and the valve needle 48. In the closed position, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the second spring 49 is in a compressed state, achieving an elastic seal. Specifically, when the lead screw 47, together with the sub-valve needle 48, moves downward along the axial direction to the closed position, the sub-valve needle 48 blocks valve port A. At this time, the lead screw 47 can continue to move downward under the action of the magnetic rotor, thereby compressing the second spring 49, increasing the elastic contact between the sub-valve needle and the valve port, and providing a seal. The lead screw 47 has a first stepped portion 471, the sub-valve needle 48 has a first corresponding stepped portion 481, and the second spring is disposed between the first stepped portion and the first corresponding stepped portion.

[0045] In addition, the portion of the lead screw 47 extending through the sub-valve needle forms a second step (in this example, the second step is in the form of a fixing sleeve 472, which is fitted onto the lead screw), the sub-valve needle 48 has a second corresponding step 482, and an elastic washer 49' is disposed between the second step 472 and the second corresponding step 482. In the closed position, the elastic washer is in a compressed state. The function of this elastic washer is basically the same as that of the second spring 49, so it will not be described in detail.

[0046] In this embodiment, the sealing ring 7 is disposed between the sub-valve needle 48 and the guide sleeve 6.

[0047] Similar to the first embodiment, a gap is formed between the sub-valve needle 48 and the guide sleeve 6 (this gap is not shown in the drawings due to its relatively small size; this gap can be referred to as the first gap or the second gap in the first embodiment). The sub-valve needle 48 has a first opening 483, which is in fluid communication with the gap and the valve port. The guide has a second hole 54 (see, for example, the first embodiment), which is in fluid communication with the gap and the space inside the housing, thereby providing fluid communication between the first opening, the gap, the second hole, and the space inside the housing. This is similar to the first embodiment, and the purpose is to ensure that the pressure in the upper and lower cavities is the same, facilitating valve closing and opening operations.

[0048] The valve closing mechanism of this application achieves valve closing operation through electromagnetic force, eliminating the need to remove the safety cap and eliminating external leakage points; the "balance hole" design ensures that the pressure in the upper and lower chambers of the shut-off valve is the same, making valve opening or closing operations less strenuous; the first spring and sealing ring provide a self-locking force to the rotating parts (such as magnetic rotors), preventing valve opening or closing actions caused by accidental vibrations; and the second spring compresses at the valve closing position to achieve elastic sealing.

[0049] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A shut-off valve, comprising: a valve closing mechanism configured to be mounted to the shut-off valve to switch the shut-off valve from an open valve state to a closed valve state, characterized in that the valve closing mechanism comprises: a cover body configured to be sealingly mounted to a valve seat of the shut-off valve; a magnetic rotor rotatably mounted in the cover body and capable of rotating in the cover body under the action of an external magnetic force, the magnetic rotor being configured to be fixedly connected to a valve needle of the shut-off valve, a guide member fixedly arranged in the cover body and having an opening through which the valve needle passes, at least a portion of an inner surface of the opening being provided with internal threads to match external threads of at least a portion of an outer surface of the valve needle, the valve needle being configured to rotate in the guide member while moving in an axial direction relative to the guide member when the magnetic rotor rotates under the action of the external magnetic force, thereby moving the valve needle from an open valve position to a closed valve position, wherein, when the valve closing mechanism is mounted to the shut-off valve, the valve needle is configured to rotate together with the magnetic rotor and move in the axial direction when the magnetic rotor rotates under the action of the external magnetic force, thereby moving the valve needle from the open valve position to the closed valve position, a guide sleeve arranged in the valve seat and fixedly mounted to the guide member, the guide sleeve having another opening through which the valve needle passes, wherein the valve needle comprises a first section, a second section, and a third section, the first section having a smaller size than the second section, a portion of the second section and the third section passing through the other opening of the guide sleeve, the second section having a smaller size than the third section, such that a first gap is formed between the second section and the guide sleeve, a portion of the third section being provided with a first hole, and the portion of the third section provided with the first hole having a smaller size than the other opening, such that a second gap is formed between the portion of the third section provided with the first hole and the guide sleeve, in the closed valve position, the first hole being in fluid communication with the valve port, the first gap, and the second gap, in the open valve position, the first hole being in fluid communication with the valve port and the second gap, the guide member having a second hole, in the closed valve position, the second hole being in fluid communication with the first gap and a space in the cover body, in the open valve position, the second hole being in fluid communication with the second gap and the space in the cover body.

2. The stop valve according to claim 1, wherein The magnetic rotor comprises a magnetic ring arranged circumferentially in the cover body and a fixing seat fixed to the valve needle.

3. The stop valve according to claim 1, wherein Further comprising a spring support seat arranged inside the magnetic ring and a first spring arranged between the spring support seat and the guide member.

4. The shut-off valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The opening of the guide member comprises a first opening portion and a second opening portion, an inner surface of the first opening portion being provided with internal threads, an inner surface of the second opening portion being a smooth surface, the first opening portion having a smaller size than the second opening portion, such that a step is formed between the first opening portion and the second opening portion, a corresponding step being formed between the first section and the second section, in the open valve position, the corresponding step of the valve needle abutting the step between the first portion and the second portion.

5. The stop valve according to claim 1, wherein Further comprising a sealing ring arranged between the third section of the valve needle and the guide sleeve.

6. The stop valve according to claim 1, wherein The valve needle comprises a conducting screw rod and a sub-valve needle connected together, the conducting screw rod is fixedly installed to the fixed seat and has external threads on the outer surface, and is screwed to the guide through the internal threads of the opening of the guide, and the sub-valve needle is arranged in the guide sleeve and connected to the conducting screw rod through the conducting screw rod.

7. The shut-off valve according to claim 6, characterized in that The conducting screw rod has a first step portion, the sub-valve needle has a first corresponding step portion, and a second spring is arranged between the first step portion and the first corresponding step portion, and in the closed valve position, the second spring is in a compressed state.

8. The shut-off valve according to claim 7, characterized in that The conducting screw rod has a second step portion, the sub-valve needle has a second corresponding step portion, and an elastic gasket is arranged between the second step portion and the second corresponding step portion, and in the closed valve position, the elastic gasket is in a compressed state.

9. The shut-off valve according to claim 8, characterized in that The part of the conducting screw rod extending out of the sub-valve needle is externally provided with a fixing sleeve, and the fixing sleeve forms the second corresponding step portion.

10. The shut-off valve according to claim 6, wherein A sealing ring is arranged between the sub-valve needle and the guide sleeve.

11. The shut-off valve according to claim 6, characterized in that A gap is formed between the sub-valve needle and the guide sleeve, the sub-valve needle has a first opening in fluid communication with the gap and the valve port, and the guide has a second hole in fluid communication with the gap and the space in the cover, so that the first opening, the gap, the second hole and the space in the cover are in fluid communication.

12. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The air conditioner comprises the stop valve according to any one of claims 1-11.

Images