Integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of low-temperature liquid container

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of valves, and relates to an integrated valve for automatically switching the output of a low-temperature liquid container, which comprises a gas driving valve and a switching assembly; the gas driving valve comprises a main valve body with a liquid channel and a gas channel inside, a driving element with an expansion cavity inside, a first valve core, a second valve core, a connecting assembly and an elastic element; the driving element can be elongated with the increase of the expansion cavity pressure; the switching assembly connects the expansion cavity and an air inlet channel, so that the expansion cavity pressure changes with the change of the air inlet channel pressure; the first valve core and the second valve core are connected through the connecting assembly, the connecting assembly connects the telescopic end of the driving element, so that the first valve core and the second valve core move along with the telescopic end of the driving element; when the expansion cavity pressure increases to a preset value, the liquid channel is closed and the gas channel is opened; and the elastic element resets the first valve core and the second valve core when the expansion cavity pressure decreases to a preset value. The number of valves required by the application is greatly reduced, the cost is reduced, and the stability of the control precision is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of technical valves, and more specifically, to an integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of cryogenic liquid containers. Background Technology

[0002] Cryogenic liquids include liquids formed by the liquefaction of gases such as liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquid argon under low-temperature conditions. Cryogenic liquid containers cannot be completely insulated, so the cryogenic liquid inside the container will slowly vaporize under the influence of external conditions, causing the container pressure to rise and creating safety hazards.

[0003] To mitigate the safety hazards caused by increased pressure inside a container due to cryogenic liquid vaporization and to avoid gas waste, existing technologies, such as patent documents with publication numbers "CN115614657A" and "CN108087724A," employ a valve system composed of several valves to maintain a constant pressure within the container while simultaneously enabling gas-liquid switching and output, thus avoiding gas waste and addressing the aforementioned shortcomings. However, these existing methods require a large number of valves, lack stable control precision, and are also costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of cryogenic liquid containers, so as to solve the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention are achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] An integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of a cryogenic liquid container, comprising a gas-driven valve and a switching assembly;

[0007] Gas-driven valves include:

[0008] The main valve body has liquid and gas passages inside.

[0009] The drive unit has an internal expansion chamber and can extend as the pressure in the expansion chamber increases. The expansion chamber is connected to one end of the switching assembly, and the other end of the switching assembly is connected to the intake channel, so that the pressure in the expansion chamber changes with the pressure in the intake channel.

[0010] The first valve core is used to open and close the liquid passage;

[0011] The second valve core is used to open and close the gas passage;

[0012] A connecting assembly is used to connect the first valve core and the second valve core, enabling them to move synchronously. The connecting assembly is also connected to the telescopic end of the drive component, allowing the first and second valve cores to follow the telescopic end of the drive component. Furthermore, when the pressure in the expansion chamber increases to a preset value, the liquid passage closes and the gas passage opens.

[0013] An elastic element is provided between the main valve body and the connecting assembly to cause the first valve core and the second valve core to reset when the pressure in the expansion chamber decreases to a preset value.

[0014] Optionally, the connection component includes:

[0015] A first valve stem, one end connected to a first valve core, and the other end connected to the telescopic end of an expansion assembly; a first baffle is fixedly mounted in the middle of the first valve stem; and the elastic element is disposed between the valve body and the first baffle.

[0016] The second valve stem has one end connected to the second valve core and the other end extending out of the main valve body and fixedly fitted with a second baffle. Several connecting rods are fixedly connected between the second baffle and the first baffle.

[0017] Optionally, the switching component includes a first branch and a second branch. The first branch is provided with a bypass valve, and the second branch is provided with a first one-way valve. The bypass valve includes a secondary valve body with a bypass channel inside and a secondary valve core for opening and closing the bypass channel. The secondary valve core is fixedly connected to the second valve stem, and the bypass channel opens and closes synchronously with the gas channel. Both the first branch and the second branch connect the gas channel to the expansion chamber, and the first one-way valve allows the gas to flow unidirectionally to the expansion chamber in the second branch.

[0018] Furthermore, the secondary valve body is detachably connected to the main valve body.

[0019] Furthermore, a first auxiliary elastic element is provided between the second baffle and the secondary valve body.

[0020] Optionally, the switching component includes a third branch and a fourth branch. The third branch is provided with a second one-way valve and the fourth branch is provided with a third one-way valve. Both the third branch and the fourth branch connect the gas passage to the expansion chamber. The second one-way valve allows gas to flow unidirectionally to the expansion chamber in the third branch, and the third one-way valve allows gas to flow unidirectionally to the gas passage in the fourth branch.

[0021] Furthermore, a second auxiliary elastic element is fixedly connected between the second baffle and the main valve body.

[0022] Optionally, the liquid channel includes a liquid inlet channel and a liquid outlet channel, which are connected by a first connecting port, and the first valve core is located at the first connecting port; the gas channel includes a gas inlet channel and a gas outlet channel, which are connected by a second connecting port, and the second valve core is located at the second connecting port.

[0023] Optionally, the gas outlet channel and the liquid outlet channel share the same channel.

[0024] Optionally, the driving element includes:

[0025] Fixed guide components;

[0026] The fixing plate is fixedly connected to the guide component;

[0027] The movable plate is slidably connected to the guide and configured to act as the telescopic end of the drive element;

[0028] An expansion joint is fixedly connected between a fixed plate and a movable plate, and the fixed plate, the movable plate, and the expansion joint together form the expansion cavity.

[0029] The present invention has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects: In the present invention, when the cryogenic liquid container outputs liquid, the liquid channel is open and the gas channel is closed. When the gas in the liquid container increases and the gas pressure in the gas channel increases to a preset value, the gas enters the expansion chamber of the driving component through the switching component, causing the driving component to extend. Through the connecting component, the first valve core and the second valve core move simultaneously, the liquid channel is closed and the gas channel is opened, and the cryogenic liquid container switches from liquid output to gas output.

[0030] As the gas is output, the gas in the cryogenic liquid container decreases, the gas channel pressure decreases, and the expansion chamber pressure also decreases. When the expansion chamber pressure decreases to a preset value, the elastic element causes the drive element to retract, and at the same time, the connecting assembly drives the first valve core and the second valve core to move simultaneously. When the expansion chamber pressure decreases to the preset value, the first valve core and the second valve core reset (i.e., the liquid channel opens and the gas channel closes), and the cryogenic liquid container switches from gas output to liquid output.

[0031] By repeating this process, automatic switching between gas and liquid output can be achieved, preventing safety hazards caused by increased container pressure and avoiding gas waste. Moreover, compared with existing technologies, an integrated valve can be formed by a single pneumatically driven valve and switching components, greatly reducing the number of valves required, lowering costs, and improving the stability of control precision. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the principle of an integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of a cryogenic liquid container provided in Embodiment 1;

[0034] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the first baffle, the connecting rod, and the main valve body.

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the principle of an integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of a cryogenic liquid container provided in Embodiment 2;

[0036] Icons: 1-Main valve body, 2-Liquid inlet channel, 3-Gas inlet channel, 4-Driver, 401-Guide, 402-Fixed plate, 403-Moving plate, 404-Expansion joint, 405-Expansion chamber, 5-First valve core, 6-Second valve core, 701-First valve stem, 702-First baffle, 703-Second valve stem, 704-Second baffle, 705-Connecting rod, 8-Elastic element, 9-First check valve, 10-Bypass valve, 11-Second check valve, 12-Third check valve, 13-First auxiliary elastic element, 14-Second auxiliary elastic element, 15-First cover. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Example 1

[0038] refer to Figure 1 An integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of cryogenic liquid containers, comprising a gas-driven valve and a switching assembly.

[0039] The gas-driven valve includes a main valve body 1, a driving component 4, a first valve core 5, a second valve core 6, a connecting assembly, and an elastic component 8. The main valve body 1 has a liquid passage and a gas passage. The first valve core 5 is used to open and close the liquid passage, and the second valve core 6 is used to open and close the gas passage. Specifically, the liquid passage includes a liquid inlet passage 2 and a liquid outlet passage, which are connected by a first connecting port. The first valve core 5 is located at the first connecting port. The gas passage includes a gas inlet passage 3 and a gas outlet passage, which are connected by a second connecting port. The second valve core 6 is located at the second connecting port. In this embodiment, the gas outlet passage and the liquid outlet passage share the same channel, meaning that gas and liquid share a single outlet. It should be understood that this is only an option and not a limitation; in other embodiments, the liquid passage and the gas passage can also be two independent channels.

[0040] The drive unit 4 has an expansion chamber 405 inside, and the drive unit 4 can extend as the pressure in the expansion chamber 405 increases. The expansion chamber 405 is connected to one end of the switching component, and the other end of the switching component is connected to the intake channel, so that the pressure in the expansion chamber 405 changes with the pressure change in the intake channel. Specifically, in this embodiment, the drive unit 4 adopts the following structure:

[0041] The driving component 4 includes a guide 401, a fixed plate 402, a movable plate 403, and an expansion joint 404. The guide 401 is cylindrical and can be closed at both ends. In practical applications, the guide 401 can be fixedly connected to the main valve body 1 to form an integral unit. The fixed plate 402 is fixedly connected to the guide 401. The movable plate 403 is slidably connected to the guide 401 and is configured to act as the telescopic end of the driving component 4. The expansion joint 404 is fixedly connected between the fixed plate 402 and the movable plate 403. The fixed plate 402, the movable plate 403, and the expansion joint 404 enclose the aforementioned expansion cavity 405. Based on this, when the pressure in the expansion cavity 405 increases, the movable plate 403 will move away from the fixed plate 402 under the guidance of the guide 401, which is equivalent to the extension of the driving component 4. It should be understood that the above-described structure of the drive component 4 is only an option, not a limitation. In other embodiments, it can of course be designed into other structures, such as a piston cylinder, with the piston rod connected to the connecting assembly. When the piston is inlet, the pressure increases, driving the piston rod to move.

[0042] The first valve core 5 and the second valve core 6 are connected by a connecting assembly to enable synchronous movement. The connecting assembly is connected to the telescopic end of the drive component 4 so that the first valve core 5 and the second valve core 6 follow the telescopic end of the drive component 4. When the pressure in the expansion chamber 405 increases to a preset value, the liquid passage closes and the gas passage opens. In this example, the connecting assembly includes a first valve stem 701 and a second valve stem 703. One end of the first valve stem 701 is connected to the first valve core 5, and the other end is connected to the movable plate 403. A first baffle 702 is fixedly provided in the middle of the first valve stem 701. One end of the second valve stem 703 is connected to the second valve core 6, and the other end extends out of the main valve body 1 and is fixedly provided with a second baffle 704. Several connecting rods 705 are fixedly connected between the second baffle 704 and the first baffle 702 (see reference). Figure 2 In this way, the first valve core 5, the second valve core 6, the first valve stem 701, the second valve stem 703, the first baffle 702, and the second baffle 704 are equivalent to a whole unit. When the pressure in the expansion chamber 405 increases, the whole unit will move along with the movement of the movable plate 403. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the connecting component can of course be designed in other forms. For example, the connecting component can be a rod inside the valve body that directly connects the first valve core 5 and the second valve core 6.

[0043] The elastic element 8 is located between the main valve body 1 and the first baffle 702. When the pressure in the expansion chamber 405 decreases to a preset value, it causes the first valve core 5 and the second valve core 6 to reset, i.e., the liquid passage opens and the gas passage closes. In this embodiment, the elastic element 8 is a spring, and the first valve stem 701 passes through the center line of the spring. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the elastic element 8 can also be other components that can recover their deformation after being compressed, such as rubber, or a gas spring.

[0044] The switching component in this embodiment includes a first branch and a second branch. The first branch is equipped with a bypass valve 10, and the second branch is equipped with a first one-way valve 9. The bypass valve 10 includes a secondary valve body with a bypass channel inside and a secondary valve core for opening and closing the bypass channel. The secondary valve core is fixedly connected to a second valve stem 703, and the bypass channel opens and closes synchronously with the gas channel; that is, when the gas channel is closed, the bypass channel is also closed, and when the gas channel is open, the bypass channel is also open. Both the first and second branches connect the gas channel to the expansion chamber 405, and the first one-way valve 9 ensures that gas flows unidirectionally to the expansion chamber 405 in the second branch. It should be understood that there are multiple ways to connect the gas passage and the expansion chamber 405 in both the first branch and the second branch. The first branch and the second branch can be two independent pipelines, or they can share a pipeline at one end near the gas passage and at the other end near the expansion chamber 405. Alternatively, they can share a pipeline at one end near the gas passage or the other end near the expansion chamber 405, while the other end is two independent pipelines. The relationship between the first one-way valve 9 and the bypass valve 10 is equivalent to being connected in parallel in a circuit.

[0045] In this embodiment, a first auxiliary elastic element 13 is provided between the second baffle 704 and the secondary valve body. The first auxiliary elastic element 13 is also selected as a spring, which works together with the elastic element 8 to help the first valve core 5 and the second valve core 6 to reset.

[0046] It is worth noting that when the cryogenic liquid container outputs liquid, the liquid channel is open and the gas channel is closed. When the gas in the liquid container increases and the gas pressure in the gas channel increases to the preset value of the first one-way valve 9 of the second branch, the first one-way valve 9 opens, and the gas enters the expansion chamber 405 of the drive component 4 through the second branch, which increases the pressure in the expansion chamber 405. The movable plate 403 begins to move away from the fixed plate 402. At the same time, the movable plate 403 drives the first valve core 5 and the second valve core 6 to move simultaneously. The liquid channel closes and the gas channel opens, and the cryogenic liquid container switches from liquid output to gas output. At this time, the bypass channel also opens, and the gas channel is connected to the expansion valve through the first branch. When the gas is output, the pressure in the expansion chamber 405 is maintained to ensure that the gas channel is open.

[0047] As the gas is output, the gas in the cryogenic liquid container decreases, the pressure in the gas channel decreases, and the pressure in the expansion chamber 405 also decreases. When the pressure in the expansion chamber 405 decreases to a preset value, the elastic element 8 pushes the first baffle to move, causing the movable plate 403 to move closer to the fixed plate 402. At the same time, the first valve core 5 and the second valve core 6 move simultaneously. When the pressure in the expansion chamber 405 decreases to the preset value, the first valve core 5 and the second valve core 6 reset (i.e., the liquid channel opens and the gas channel closes), and the cryogenic liquid container switches from gas output to liquid output.

[0048] By repeating this process, automatic switching between gas and liquid output can be achieved, preventing safety hazards caused by increased container pressure and avoiding gas waste. Moreover, compared with existing technologies, an integrated valve can be formed by a single pneumatically driven valve and switching components, greatly reducing the number of valves required, lowering costs, and improving the stability of control precision.

[0049] Based on the above, the secondary valve body and the main valve body 1 are detachably connected, and the connection method is not limited. For example, a connecting cylinder (not shown in the figure) is provided between the secondary valve body and the main valve body 1. One end of the connecting cylinder is welded to one of the secondary valve body and the main valve body 1, and a flange is provided at the other end of the connecting cylinder. The other of the secondary valve body and the main valve body 1 is provided with a flange connected to it; or flanges are provided at both ends of the connecting cylinder, and the end of the connecting cylinder is connected to both the secondary valve body and the main valve body 1 through flanges.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main valve body 1 is externally connected to a first cover 15. The first cover 15 can be fixed to the main valve body 1 by fasteners (e.g., screws). The first cover 15 covers both the secondary valve body and the first check valve 9, so that the whole can better form an integrated valve.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] refer to Figure 2 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the specific structure of the switching component. In this embodiment, the switching component includes a third branch and a fourth branch. The third branch is equipped with a second one-way valve 11, and the fourth branch is equipped with a third one-way valve 12. Both the third and fourth branches connect the gas passage to the expansion chamber 405, similar to the arrangement of the first one-way valve 9 and the bypass valve 10 in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the second one-way valve 11 and the third one-way valve 12 are equivalent to parallel connection in a circuit. The second one-way valve 11 allows gas to flow unidirectionally to the expansion chamber 405 in the third branch; the third one-way valve 12 allows gas to flow unidirectionally to the gas passage in the fourth branch.

[0053] Based on the above, when the cryogenic liquid container outputs liquid, the liquid channel is open and the gas channel is closed. When the gas in the liquid container increases and the gas pressure in the gas channel increases to the preset value of the second one-way valve 11 of the third branch, the second one-way valve 11 opens, and the gas enters the expansion chamber 405 of the drive component 4 through the third branch, which increases the pressure in the expansion chamber 405. The movable plate 403 begins to move away from the fixed plate 402. At the same time, the movable plate 403 drives the first valve core 5 and the second valve core 6 to move simultaneously. The liquid channel is closed and the gas channel is opened, and the cryogenic liquid container switches from liquid output to gas output.

[0054] As gas is output, the gas in the cryogenic liquid container decreases, the pressure in the gas channel decreases, and the pressure in the expansion chamber 405 is greater than that in the gas channel, creating a pressure difference. When the pressure difference reaches the opening value of the third one-way valve 12, the third one-way valve 12 of the fourth branch opens, and the pressure in the gas expansion chamber 405 drops to be equal to that in the gas channel. The pressure in the gas channel continues to decrease, and when the pressure difference reaches the opening value of the third one-way valve 12, the third one-way valve 12 opens again, causing the pressure in the gas expansion chamber 405 to drop to be equal to that in the gas channel. This process of intermittently opening and closing the third one-way valve 12 continues until the pressure in the expansion chamber 405 decreases to a preset value. Under the action of the elastic element 8, the first valve core 5 and the second valve core 6 reset (i.e., the liquid channel opens and the gas channel closes), and the cryogenic liquid container switches from gas output to liquid output. This process is repeated to achieve automatic switching between gas and liquid output.

[0055] In this embodiment, a second auxiliary elastic member 14 is fixedly connected between the second baffle 704 and the main valve body 1. It should be understood that, based on this, the second auxiliary elastic member 14 is stretched when the movable plate 403 moves away from the fixed plate 402, and when the first valve core 5 and the second valve core 6 are reset, the second auxiliary elastic member 14 returns to its length before stretching.

[0056] In this embodiment, the main valve body 1 is externally connected to a second cover 16. The second cover 16 can be fixed to the main valve body 1 by fasteners (e.g., screws). The second cover 16 covers both the second check valve 11 and the third check valve 12, so that the whole can better form an integrated valve.

[0057] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of a cryogenic liquid container, characterized in that, Includes gas-driven valves and switching components; Gas-driven valves include: The main valve body (1) has a liquid passage and a gas passage inside; The drive (4) has an expansion chamber (405) inside, and the drive (4) can extend as the pressure of the expansion chamber (405) increases. The expansion chamber (405) is connected to one end of the switching assembly, and the other end of the switching assembly is connected to the intake channel, so that the pressure of the expansion chamber (405) changes with the pressure change of the intake channel. The first valve core (5) is used to open and close the liquid passage; The second valve core (6) is used to open and close the gas passage; The connecting assembly connects the first valve core (5) and the second valve core (6) to make them move synchronously. The connecting assembly is connected to the telescopic end of the drive member (4) so ​​that the first valve core (5) and the second valve core (6) follow the telescopic end of the drive member (4) to move. When the pressure in the expansion chamber (405) increases to a preset value, the liquid passage is closed and the gas passage is opened. The elastic member (8) is located between the main valve body (1) and the connecting assembly so that when the pressure in the expansion chamber (405) decreases to a preset value, it causes the first valve core (5) and the second valve core (6) to reset. The connection components include: The first valve stem (701) is connected to the first valve core (5) at one end and to the telescopic end of the expansion assembly at the other end. A first baffle (702) is fixed in the middle of the first valve stem (701), and the elastic element (8) is located between the valve body and the first baffle (702). And a second valve stem (703), one end of which is connected to the second valve core (6), and the other end extends out of the main valve body (1) and is fixedly provided with a second baffle (704). Several connecting rods (705) are fixedly connected between the second baffle (704) and the first baffle (702). The switching assembly includes a first branch and a second branch. The first branch is provided with a bypass valve (10), and the second branch is provided with a first check valve (9). The bypass valve (10) includes a secondary valve body with a bypass channel inside and a secondary valve core for opening and closing the bypass channel. The secondary valve core is fixedly connected to the second valve stem (703), and the bypass channel is opened and closed synchronously with the gas channel. Both the first branch and the second branch connect the gas channel to the expansion chamber (405), and the first check valve (9) makes the gas flow unidirectionally to the expansion chamber (405) in the second branch.

2. The integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of a cryogenic liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The secondary valve body is detachably connected to the main valve body (1).

3. The integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of a cryogenic liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first auxiliary elastic element (13) is provided between the second baffle (704) and the secondary valve body.

4. The integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of a cryogenic liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching assembly includes a third branch and a fourth branch. The third branch is equipped with a second one-way valve (11) and the fourth branch is equipped with a third one-way valve (12). Both the third and fourth branches connect the gas passage to the expansion chamber (405). The second one-way valve (11) allows the gas to flow unidirectionally to the expansion chamber (405) in the third branch, and the third one-way valve (12) allows the gas to flow unidirectionally to the gas passage in the fourth branch.

5. The integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of a cryogenic liquid container according to claim 4, characterized in that, A second auxiliary elastic element (14) is fixedly connected between the second baffle (704) and the main valve body (1).

6. The integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of a cryogenic liquid container according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The liquid channel includes a liquid inlet channel (2) and a liquid outlet channel, which are connected through a first connecting port. The first valve core (5) is located at the first connecting port. The gas channel includes a gas inlet channel (3) and a gas outlet channel, which are connected through a second connecting port. The second valve core (6) is located at the second connecting port.

7. The integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of a cryogenic liquid container according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gas outlet channel and the liquid outlet channel share the same channel.

8. The integrated valve for automatic gas-liquid switching output of a cryogenic liquid container according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The driving component (4) includes: Fixed guide component (401); The fixing plate (402) is fixedly connected to the guide member (401); The movable plate (403) is slidably connected to the guide (401) and configured to act as the telescopic end of the drive (4); An expansion joint (404) is fixedly connected between a fixed plate (402) and a movable plate (403). The fixed plate (402), the movable plate (403), and the expansion joint (404) together form the expansion cavity (405).

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