Connector, gas valve and gas appliance

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector, a gas valve and a gas appliance. The connector comprises a shell, wherein a gas flow channel, a gas inlet and a gas outlet are formed in the shell; the overflowing protection structure is arranged in the gas flow channel and comprises an elastic piece and a blocking piece abutting against the elastic piece, the elastic piece comprises an outer fixing ring and a plurality of elastic fragments arranged on the outer fixing ring, and the elastic fragments can be changed into a recovery state from an opening state under pushing of the blocking piece when the flow of the gas inlet is larger than the preset flow. The flow area of the gas flow channel is at least reduced. According to the connector, the overflowing protection structure is arranged in the shell, when the flow of the gas inlet is larger than the preset flow, the flow area of the gas flow channel can be adjusted, and the dangerous situation that flames at the stove end are too high is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of gas valves, and in particular to a connector, a gas valve and a gas appliance. Background Art

[0002] A connector is located at the gas inlet of a gas valve and is used to connect to a gas cylinder, allowing gas to flow from the cylinder into the gas valve and then out to the stove. However, existing connectors only provide a connection function and lack protection when the external environment changes, such as excessive intake pressure. This can lead to intense combustion at the stove, even posing a fire risk. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve at least one of the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided, comprising:

[0004] a housing, wherein a gas flow channel, an air inlet, and an air outlet are provided in the housing;

[0005] The overflow protection structure is arranged in the gas flow channel and includes a spring piece and a sealing member that resists the spring piece. The spring piece includes an outer fixing ring and multiple elastic slices arranged on the outer fixing ring. When the flow rate of the air inlet is greater than the preset flow rate, the multiple elastic slices can change from an open state to a retracted state under the push of the sealing member, so as to at least reduce the flow area of ​​the gas flow channel.

[0006] In some embodiments, when the elastic segments are in the retracted state, there is a gap between each two adjacent elastic segments, and the elastic segments can apply elastic force to the blocking member to restore it to the expanded state.

[0007] In some embodiments, the width l of the gap ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0008] In some embodiments, when the elastic segments are in the expanded state, the maximum distance L between any two adjacent elastic segments is in the range of 0.7 mm to 1 mm.

[0009] In some embodiments, a notch is provided at one end of each elastic segment away from the outer fixing ring.

[0010] In some embodiments, the blocking member is a spherical blocking member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connector further includes an over-temperature protection structure, wherein the over-temperature protection structure and the over-current protection structure are arranged side by side in the gas flow channel, and the over-temperature protection structure is used to soften when the ambient temperature is greater than a preset temperature to block the gas flow channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the gas flow channel includes a first section and a second section, the inner diameter of the first section is smaller than the inner diameter of the second section, the first section is arranged toward the gas outlet, and the second section is arranged toward the gas inlet;

[0013] The over-temperature protection structure includes a plastic part and an elastic part. The plastic part is arranged toward the first section to block the first section in a softened state. The elastic part is arranged at the second section to apply elastic force to the plastic part.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a gas valve comprising the above-mentioned connector.

[0015] A third aspect of the present invention provides a gas appliance comprising the above-mentioned gas valve.

[0016] In summary, the cooling system, battery pack, and vehicle provided by the present invention have the following technical effects:

[0017] By arranging an over-flow protection structure in the shell, when the flow rate of the air inlet is greater than the preset flow rate, driven by the airflow, the blocking member can push the multiple elastic slices to adjust from the open state to the retracted state, thereby reducing the flow area of ​​the airflow channel. At this time, the airflow flowing into the air inlet cannot flow out through the air outlet or cannot flow out of the air outlet in large quantities, thereby avoiding the dangerous situation of excessive flames at the stove end. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the connector;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross section along the AA direction;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the shrapnel in the open state;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the shrapnel;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure when the shrapnel is in a recovered state;

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the plastic parts.

[0025] Figures: 100-connector, 10-shell, 11-gas flow channel, 12-air inlet, 13-air outlet, 14-first section, 15-second section, 151-first part, 152-second part, 153-third part, 154-first step surface, 155-second step surface, 20-overflow protection structure, 21-spring, 211-outer fixing ring, 212-elastic partition, 213-air flow channel, 214-notch, 215-gap, 22-sealing part, 30-overtemperature protection structure, 31-plastic part, 311-circulation groove, 32-elastic part, 40-mounting piece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] For better understanding and implementation, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside" and "outside" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used in the specification of the present invention herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0029] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] See also Figures 1 to 7 , a connector 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 10 and an overcurrent protection structure 20 .

[0031] Among them, a gas flow channel 11, an air inlet 12 and an air outlet 13 are provided in the shell 10; the overflow protection structure 20 is provided in the gas flow channel 11, including a spring piece 21 and a sealing piece 22 that resists the spring piece 21, the spring piece 21 includes an outer fixing ring 211 and a plurality of elastic slices 212 provided on the outer fixing ring 211, and the plurality of elastic slices 212 can change from an open state to a recovered state under the push of the sealing piece 22 when the flow rate of the air inlet 12 is greater than a preset flow rate, so as to at least achieve a reduction in the flow area of ​​the gas flow channel 11.

[0032] The above-mentioned connector 100 is provided with an over-current protection structure 20 in the shell 10. When the flow rate of the air inlet 12 is greater than the preset flow rate, the blocking member 22 is driven by the airflow to push the multiple elastic segments 212 from the open state to the retracted state, thereby reducing the flow area of ​​the airflow channel 213. At this time, the airflow flowing into the air inlet 12 cannot flow out through the air outlet 13 or cannot flow out of the air outlet 13 in large quantities, thereby avoiding the dangerous situation of excessive flames at the stove end.

[0033] When the gas flow channel 11 is provided in the shell 10 , it is provided along the axial direction of the shell 10 , the air inlet 12 is provided at one end of the shell 10 , and the air outlet 13 is provided at the other end of the shell 10 .

[0034] In some embodiments, the preset flow rate of the gas flowing in from the air inlet 12 can be set to ≥2.8m 3 / h or when the preset pressure is ≥0.7Mpa, the airflow flowing in from the air inlet 12 will push the blocking member 22 to flow from the air inlet 12 to the air outlet 13. The movement of the blocking member 22 will push the elastic segment 212 to be recovered, thereby achieving the blocking of the gas flow channel 11.

[0035] It should be noted that after the elastic segment 212 described in this embodiment is recovered, it may refer to the gas flow channel changing from a flowing state to a completely closed state, that is, the air flow cannot flow at this time; or it may refer to the state of changing from a flowing state to a state of reduced flow, at this time a small amount of gas can still flow through the spring piece 21 and flow out from the air outlet 13.

[0036] Specifically, see Figure 6When the elastic segment 212 of this embodiment is in the recovered state, the flow area of ​​the fluid flow channel 11 is in a reduced state. At this time, there is a gap 215 between each two adjacent elastic segments 212, and the elastic segment 212 can apply elastic force to the blocking piece 22 to restore it to the open state. In this way, after the blocking piece 22 is blocked on the spring piece 21, a small amount of airflow flowing in from the air inlet 12 can still flow out through the air outlet 13. At this time, the flame at the stove end is decreasing, and the user will turn off the gas source. The gas can only flow in from the air inlet 12, but cannot flow out from the air outlet 13. When the air pressure in the shell 10 is the same as the air pressure at the gas cylinder end, the blocking piece 22 is driven back to its original position under the elastic force of the elastic segment 212, and it restores itself to the open state. The user can turn on the gas appliance and continue to use it.

[0037] Furthermore, the spring piece 21 of this embodiment is made of steel to ensure its structural strength and elastic properties. Specifically, during the molding of the spring piece 21, the elastic segments 212 will bend and retract or bend and expand relative to the outer retaining ring 211. Therefore, the elastic segments 212 and the outer retaining ring 211 are integrally arranged to facilitate molding. In the initial state, the spring piece 21 is flat, and the elastic segments 212 are formed by cutting the flat spring piece 21.

[0038] Further, see Figure 6 When the elastic segments 212 are in the retracted state, the width l of the gap 215 between each two connected elastic segments 212 ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The total area of ​​the multiple gaps 215 constitutes the flow area of ​​the fluid flow channel 11 after the elastic segments 212 are retracted. In this way, the size of the gap 215 is not too large, and a small amount of gas can flow in from the air inlet 12, pass through the gap 215, and then flow out from the air outlet 13. At this time, a small amount of flame can be generated at the stove end, and the reduction of the flame can remind the user to turn off the stove. The size of the gap is also not too small to avoid the situation where combustion cannot be achieved when the gas flows out from the stove end.

[0039] For example, the width of the gap can be set to 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, or 0.3 mm, etc., which is not limited here.

[0040] Specifically, in this embodiment, four elastic slices 212 are provided, so that the area of ​​each elastic slice 212 is not too large, that is, the connection area between each elastic slice 212 and the outer fixing ring 211 is not too large to make it difficult to elastically deform, and the connection area between each elastic slice 212 and the outer fixing ring 211 is not too small to have sufficient structural strength, and to avoid the connection area being too small to change from an open state to a retracted state under the push of the sealing member 22 under a smaller air pressure.

[0041] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the elastic slices 212 are in the open state, the distance L between each two adjacent elastic slices 212 gradually increases from the end connected to the outer fixing ring 211 to the end away from the outer fixing ring 211. When the elastic slices 212 are in the open state, the maximum distance L between each two adjacent elastic slices 212 is in the range of 0.7mm-1mm. Specifically, when the elastic slices 212 are in the open state, the shape of the distance between each two adjacent elastic slices 212 is similar to a triangle, which is equivalent to the length of the base of the triangle in the range of 0.7mm-1mm. Through this range setting, it can be adapted to the air flow rate of the air inlet 12 to ensure that a larger flow rate can flow into the air inlet 12 to meet the normal usage requirements.

[0042] In some embodiments, the value of the maximum spacing L can be set to 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, etc. according to the intake air flow rate, which is not limited here.

[0043] See also Figure 5 In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent the elastic slices 212 from scratching the sealing member 22, a notch 214 is provided at one end of each elastic slice 212 away from the outer fixing ring 211. In this way, when the elastic slice 212 is in the open state, the provision of the notch 214 is equivalent to removing the tip of the elastic slice 212, thereby avoiding the risk of the elastic slice 212 being scratched by the tip when it contacts the sealing member 22 in a pointed manner; further, through the provision of the notch 214, when multiple elastic slices 212 are in the open state, part of the sealing member 22 can be located in the notch 214, having a certain contact area with the elastic slice 212, and being able to maintain a stable contact with the elastic slice 212.

[0044] Specifically, the sealing member 22 of this embodiment is spherical, capable of pushing the elastic segments 212 from the open state to the retracted state. Furthermore, because the spherical sealing member 22 and the sidewall of the gas flow path form an arc-shaped contact, when the pressure from the air inlet 12 pushes the spherical sealing member 22 to move, the arc-shaped contact has a smaller contact area and lower frictional resistance, facilitating the sealing member 22 to push the elastic segments 212 to the retracted state. In other embodiments, the sealing member 22 can be adjusted to a square or other sealing structure depending on the intake pressure of the air inlet 12.

[0045] See also Figure 3In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to provide protection when the external environment is at high temperature, the connector 100 also includes an over-temperature protection structure 30. The over-temperature protection structure 30 and the over-current protection structure 20 are arranged in parallel in the gas flow channel 11. The over-temperature protection structure 30 is used to soften when the ambient temperature is greater than a preset temperature to block the gas outlet 13. In this way, as the external ambient temperature rises and reaches the softening temperature of the over-temperature protection structure 30, the over-temperature protection structure 30 gradually softens and blocks the gas flow channel, so that the gas cannot flow out of the gas outlet 13, thereby avoiding explosion at the stove end at high temperature and harm to the user.

[0046] Among them, when the over-temperature protection structure 30 softens, it may be due to thermal expansion that causes the volume to increase, thereby achieving the blockage of the gas flow channel 11; or after deformation, it gradually extends into a section of the gas flow channel 11 with a smaller inner diameter to achieve the blockage of the gas flow channel 11; specifically, the plastic part 31 of this embodiment is polypropylene or polyethylene. When the external environment reaches 80°C, the plastic part 31 gradually softens and fills the gas flow channel 11.

[0047] Specifically, the gas flow channel 11 of this embodiment includes a first section 14 and a second section 15. The inner diameter of the first section 14 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second section 15. The first section 14 is arranged toward the gas outlet 13, and the second section 15 is arranged toward the gas inlet 12.

[0048] The overtemperature protection structure 30 includes a plastic component 31 and an elastic component 32. The plastic component 31 is positioned toward the first section 14 to block the first section 14 when softened. The elastic component 32 is positioned in the second section 15 to apply an elastic force to the plastic component 31. As the plastic component 31 softens, the elastic component 32 pushes the plastic component 31 gradually into the first section 14, which has a smaller inner diameter. As the plastic component 31 further softens to a molten state, it flows into the first section 14, filling it and thereby blocking the gas flow channel 11. As can be understood, because the plastic component 31 deforms after softening and is pushed into the first section 14 by the elastic component 32, the overtemperature protection structure 30 is an irreversible protection mechanism.

[0049] Understandably, see Figure 7 In order to allow the gas to flow out smoothly from the gas outlet 13 in a normal state, a flow groove 311 is provided on the outer wall of the plastic part 31. The flow groove 311 is used for allowing the gas to flow through, thereby increasing the outflow of the gas.

[0050] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the installation of the over-temperature protection structure 30 and the over-current protection structure 20, from the air outlet 13 to the air inlet 12, the second section 15 includes a first portion 151, a second portion 152 and a third portion 153, the inner diameters of which increase in sequence, so that a first step surface 154 is formed between the first portion 151 and the second portion 152. The connector 100 also includes a mounting plate 40, which is connected to the first step surface 154 so that one end of the elastic member 32 can be abutted against it, thereby applying an elastic force to the plastic member 31; a second step surface 155 is formed between the second portion 152 and the third portion 153, and the spring piece 21 is arranged on the second step surface 155 so as to apply an elastic force to the blocking member 22

[0051] The usage process of the above-mentioned connector 100 is as follows: when the air intake flow rate of the air inlet 12 is greater than the preset flow rate, the air path pushes the blocking piece 22 to move toward the air outlet 13, and the blocking piece 22 pushes the elastic segment 212 to adjust from the open state to the recovery state. At this time, the gas flow area is decreasing, and the flame at the stove end is decreasing. The user will close the stove end. As the gas continues to flow in from the air inlet 12, the pressure in the shell 10 is continuously increasing. When the inside and outside of the shell reach equilibrium, the elastic force of the elastic segment 212 pushes the blocking piece 22 back to its original position. At this time, the elastic segment 212 returns to the open state and the gas valve can continue to be used; when the temperature of the external environment is greater than the softening temperature of the plastic part, the plastic part gradually softens and melts, and is sealed in the first section 14, blocking the fluid flow channel 11. At this time, the gas cannot flow out from the air outlet 13. After a high temperature occurs, the plastic part cannot return to its initial state.

[0052] In another embodiment, the present invention further provides a gas valve, comprising a valve body and the above-mentioned connector 100 disposed in the valve body.

[0053] The above-mentioned gas valve, because the connector 100 installed in the valve body can, when the flow rate at the air inlet 12 is greater than the preset flow rate, the blocking member 22 in the connector 100 can push the multiple elastic segments 212 from the open state to the retracted state, thereby at least reducing the flow area of ​​the air flow channel 213. At this time, the air flow flowing into the air inlet 12 cannot flow out through the air outlet 13 or cannot flow out of the air outlet 13 in large quantities, thereby avoiding the dangerous situation of excessive flames at the stove end.

[0054] In another embodiment, the present invention further provides a gas appliance comprising the above-mentioned gas valve.

[0055] The above-mentioned gas appliance has an overflow protection structure 10 installed in the gas valve, which can adjust the flow area of ​​the fluid flow channel when the pressure at the air inlet is greater than the preset pressure, thereby avoiding the dangerous situation of excessive flame at the stove end.

[0056] The technical means disclosed in the solutions of the present invention are not limited to those disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above-mentioned technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and such improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector (100), characterized in that: include: A housing (10), wherein a gas flow channel (11), an air inlet (12) and an air outlet (13) are provided in the housing (10); An over-flow protection structure (20) is provided in the gas flow channel (11), comprising a spring piece (21) and a blocking member (22) abutting against the spring piece (21); the spring piece (21) comprises an outer fixing ring (211) and a plurality of elastic segments (212) provided on the outer fixing ring (211); the plurality of elastic segments (212) can, when the flow rate of the air inlet (12) is greater than a preset flow rate, change from an open state to a retracted state under the push of the blocking member (22), so as to at least reduce the flow area of ​​the gas flow channel (11).

2. The connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that When the elastic segments (212) are in the retracted state, a gap (215) is provided between each two adjacent elastic segments (212), and the elastic segments (212) can apply elastic force to the blocking member (22) to restore the sealing member to the expanded state.

3. The connector (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that The width l of the gap (215) ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

4. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: When the elastic slices (212) are in an open state, the maximum distance L between each two adjacent elastic slices (212) is in the range of 0.7 mm to 1 mm.

5. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A notch (214) is provided at one end of each elastic segment (212) away from the outer fixing ring (211).

6. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The blocking member (22) is a spherical blocking member.

7. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The connector (100) further comprises an over-temperature protection structure (30), wherein the over-temperature protection structure (30) and the over-current protection structure (20) are arranged in parallel in the gas flow channel (11), and the over-temperature protection structure (30) is used to soften when the ambient temperature is greater than a preset temperature, so as to block the gas flow channel.

8. The connector (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that The gas flow channel (11) comprises a first section (14) and a second section (15), the inner diameter of the first section (14) is smaller than the inner diameter of the second section (15), the first section (14) is arranged toward the gas outlet (13), and the second section (15) is arranged toward the gas inlet (12); The over-temperature protection structure (30) comprises a plastic part (31) and an elastic part (32), wherein the plastic part (31) is arranged toward the first section (14) to block the first section (14) in a softened state, and the elastic part (32) is arranged at the second section (15) to apply an elastic force to the plastic part (31).

9. Gas valve, characterized in that, The invention comprises a connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A gas appliance, characterized in that: Comprising the gas valve as claimed in claim 9.

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