Multi-position cylinder and plug valve

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of vacuum valve technology. It provides a multi-position cylinder and slide gate valve, including a cylinder body with an adjusting column rotatably connected to it. A spiral groove is formed on the outer circumference of the adjusting column. A second piston is in contact with a first piston on one side via a push rod, and a limiting post on the other side of the second piston engages with the spiral groove. When the first chamber is filled with gas, the first piston is driven to move towards the inner end of the cylinder. When the second and fourth chambers are filled with gas, the first piston is driven to move towards the outer end of the cylinder. When the first and fourth chambers are filled with gas, the gas pressure area of ​​the second piston in the fourth chamber is greater than that of the first piston in the first chamber. By rotating the adjusting column, the relative position of the limiting post within the spiral groove is changed to restrict the movement of the first piston towards the outer end of the cylinder, converting the rotational motion of the adjusting column into the linear displacement of the second piston. Continuous adjustment of the intermediate position of the first piston is achieved through the arc-shaped trajectory of the spiral groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vacuum valve technology, and more specifically, to a multi-position cylinder and slide gate valve. Background Technology

[0002] In vacuum systems, vacuum valves, as key components used to change airflow direction, regulate gas flow rate, and cut off or connect pipelines, are seeing their application scenarios change significantly with industry development. The traditional vacuum industry's demand for vacuum valves is decreasing, while emerging fields such as new energy and semiconductors are showing extremely broad market potential in China, which is placing higher demands on the performance of vacuum valves.

[0003] Currently, the traditional vacuum field generally uses single-acting or double-acting cylinder actuators consisting of cylinders, bellows and hinge mechanisms. This mechanism drives the valve core to make linear motion through the cylinder, and can only realize the operation of the two basic positions of opening and closing the valve. In complex and ever-changing environments, this valve position setting obviously cannot meet the diverse working conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-position cylinder and slide gate valve, which solves the problem that existing cylinders can only perform two position operations: opening and closing the valve.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a multi-position cylinder, comprising a cylinder body, wherein a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, and a fourth chamber are sequentially arranged within the cylinder body. The first and second chambers are separated by a first piston, and the third and fourth chambers are separated by a second piston. An adjusting column is rotatably connected to the cylinder body, and a spiral groove is formed on the outer periphery of the adjusting column. One side of the second piston contacts the first piston through a push rod, and the other side of the second piston is provided with a limiting column that engages with the spiral groove. When the first chamber is filled with gas, the first piston is driven to move towards the inner end of the cylinder body. When the second and fourth chambers are filled with gas, the first piston is driven to move towards the outer end of the cylinder body. When the first and fourth chambers are filled with gas, the gas pressure action area of ​​the second piston in the fourth chamber is greater than that of the first piston in the first chamber. By rotating the adjusting column, the relative position of the limiting column in the spiral groove is changed to restrict the movement of the first piston towards the outer end of the cylinder body.

[0006] Furthermore, the two ends of the spiral groove are respectively provided with limiting ports for limiting the extreme positions of the cylinder stroke, and the spiral groove is evenly spaced around the adjusting column.

[0007] Furthermore, the cylinder body includes a front end seat and a middle end seat disposed on both sides of the first piston. Both the front end seat and the middle end seat are provided with a buffer mechanism on their end faces facing the first piston. The buffer mechanism includes a connecting cylinder that is interference-fitted with the front end seat and the middle end seat. A buffer cylinder that contacts the first piston is movably sleeved inside the connecting cylinder. A limit rod is slidably connected to the connecting cylinder. One end of the limit rod abuts against the outer end of the connecting cylinder for limitation, and the other end of the limit rod is fixed to the buffer cylinder. A clamping ring is sleeved on the limit rod. A sealing ring is provided between the clamping ring and the connecting cylinder. A compression spring is provided between the clamping ring and the buffer cylinder.

[0008] Furthermore, the second piston is movably connected to a first rotating shaft, one end of which is connected to an adjusting column, and the other end of which is connected to a first bearing disposed in the intermediate end seat.

[0009] Furthermore, the cylinder body includes an intermediate end seat and a rear end seat disposed on both sides of the second piston. A fixed seat connected to the rear end seat by bolts limits the second bearing. A second rotating shaft is rotatably connected inside the second bearing. One end of the second rotating shaft passes through the rear end seat and is connected to the adjusting column. The other end of the second rotating shaft is connected to a rotating handwheel.

[0010] Furthermore, a locking bolt is connected to the rotating handwheel, which abuts against the fixed seat to lock the circumferential position of the adjusting column.

[0011] Furthermore, at least three push rods are arranged along the circumference of the second piston, and the push rod movable seal passes through the intermediate end seat.

[0012] Furthermore, the limiting post is rotatably connected to the second piston via a third bearing.

[0013] Furthermore, a magnetic ring, a support ring, and a sealing ring are fitted on the outer walls of both the first and second pistons. The magnetic ring cooperates with a magnetic induction switch installed on the outer wall of the cylinder to detect the position of the first and second pistons.

[0014] A slide gate valve includes a housing and a valve plate, with a cylinder mounted on the lower side of one side of the housing, and a first piston driving the valve plate to move linearly within the housing via a transmission mechanism.

[0015] The present invention has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects: (1) By rotating the adjusting column, the relative position of the limiting column in the spiral groove is changed to restrict the first piston from moving towards the outer end of the cylinder. The rotational motion of the adjusting column is converted into the linear displacement of the second piston. The continuous adjustment of the middle position of the first piston is achieved through the arc trajectory of the spiral groove.

[0016] (2) By using the difference between the cylinder force acting on the second piston and the cylinder force acting on the first piston as the driving force to drive the adjustment of the middle position of the first piston, the force on the limiting post is reduced and the service life of the adjusting post and the limiting post is extended.

[0017] (3) By setting a buffer mechanism on the end face of the front end seat and the middle end seat facing the first piston, the impact force when the first piston moves to the limit position is absorbed, the vibration and noise of the equipment are reduced, and the system stability is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-position cylinder provided by the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the first piston in a multi-position cylinder with its first piston fully moved inward, as provided by the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a multi-position cylinder in which the first piston is completely moved outward, as provided by the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a multi-position cylinder in which the first piston is in the middle position, as provided by the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the compression state of a buffer mechanism in a multi-position cylinder provided by the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the buffer mechanism in a multi-position cylinder in its free state, as provided by the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the position of the rotating handwheel in a multi-position cylinder provided by the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a half-sectional view of a multi-position cylinder provided by the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjusting column in a multi-position cylinder provided by the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a slide gate valve provided by the present invention.

[0028] Reference numerals: 1-Cylinder body, 101-First chamber, 102-Second chamber, 103-Third chamber, 104-Fourth chamber, 11-Front end seat, 12-Intermediate end seat, 13-Rear end seat, 14-First bearing, 2-First piston, 21-First rotating shaft, 22-Magnetic ring, 23-Support ring, 24-Sealing ring, 3-Second piston, 31-Push rod, 32-Limiting post, 4-Adjusting post, 40-Spiral groove, 41-Limiting port, 5-Buffer mechanism, 51-Connecting cylinder, 52-Buffer cylinder, 53-Limiting rod, 54-Pressure ring, 55-Sealing ring, 56-Compression spring, 61-Fixed seat, 62-Second bearing, 63-Second rotating shaft, 64-Rotating handwheel, 65-Locking bolt, 7-Housing shell, 8-Valve plate, 9-Transmission mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The specific implementation method is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Example like Figures 1 to 9As shown, this embodiment mainly discloses a multi-position cylinder, including a cylinder body 1. A first chamber 101, a second chamber 102, a third chamber 103, and a fourth chamber 104 are sequentially arranged inside the cylinder body 1. The first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 are separated by a first piston 2, and the third chamber 103 and the fourth chamber 104 are separated by a second piston 3. An adjusting column 4 is rotatably connected to the cylinder body 1. A spiral groove 40 is formed on the outer periphery of the adjusting column 4. One side of the second piston 3 contacts the first piston 2 through a push rod 31, and the other side of the second piston 3 is provided with a groove for engaging with the spiral groove 40. With the corresponding limiting post 32, when the first chamber 101 is filled with air, it drives the first piston 2 to move towards the inner end of the cylinder 1. When the second chamber 102 and the fourth chamber 104 are filled with air, they drive the first piston 2 to move towards the outer end of the cylinder 1. When the first chamber 101 and the fourth chamber 104 are filled with air, the gas pressure area of ​​the second piston 3 in the fourth chamber 104 is greater than the gas pressure area of ​​the first piston 2 in the first chamber 101. By rotating the adjusting post 4, the relative position of the limiting post 32 in the spiral groove 40 is changed to restrict the movement of the first piston 2 towards the outer end of the cylinder 1. Specifically, the first piston 2 is connected to a piston rod by an internal hexagonal screw, and the air pressure entering each chamber is the same. When only the first chamber 101 is filled with air, the other chambers are in a deflated state. The first piston 2 is driven to move inward on one side of the first chamber 101 by air pressure, which drives the piston rod to retract. When the second chamber 102 and the fourth chamber 104 are filled with air, the air pressure acts on the first piston 2 and the second piston 3 at the same time. On the one hand, the air pressure in the second chamber 102 directly drives the first piston 2 to move outward, and on the other hand, the air pressure in the fourth chamber 104 acts on the second piston 3 to push the first piston 2 outward through the push rod 31, thereby realizing the extension of the piston rod driven by the multiplier cylinder and improving the reliability of the system. When the first chamber 101 and the fourth chamber 104 are filled with gas, the area of ​​the second piston 3 acting on the gas pressure in the fourth chamber 104 is greater than the area of ​​the first piston 2 acting on the gas pressure in the first chamber 101 (the cross-sectional diameter of the first rotating shaft 21 is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the piston rod). This results in the pressure on the second piston 3 being the difference between the cylinder force acting on the second piston 3 and the cylinder force acting on the first piston 2, reducing the force on the limiting column 32 and thus extending the service life of the adjusting column 4 and the limiting column 32. The second piston 3 firmly holds the first piston 2 against the push rod 31, forming an outward pushing force. Then, the adjusting column 4 is rotated, converting the rotational motion of the adjusting column 4 into the linear displacement of the second piston 3. The first piston 2 and the second piston 3 are linked by the push rod 31, and with the limiting effect of the spiral groove 40, the stroke of the first piston 2 is limited, forming a dual control of gas filling drive and mechanical limiting. This achieves continuous adjustment of the cylinder's intermediate position, meeting the diverse needs of valve opening under complex working conditions.

[0031] Furthermore, in specific implementation, such as Figure 9As shown, the spiral groove 40 provided in this embodiment of the invention has limiting ports 41 at both ends for limiting the extreme positions of the cylinder stroke. The spiral groove 40 has several spiral grooves evenly spaced around the adjusting post 4. Correspondingly, the number of limiting posts 32 is the same as the number of spiral grooves 40. The limiting posts 32 abut against the limiting ports 41 at both ends of the spiral groove 40, respectively corresponding to the complete outward and inward movement of the first piston 2. The middle position of the first piston 2 is continuously adjusted through the arc-shaped trajectory of the spiral groove 40.

[0032] Furthermore, in specific implementation, such as Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the cylinder 1 provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a front end seat 11 and a middle end seat 12 disposed on both sides of the first piston 2. Both the front end seat 11 and the middle end seat 12 are provided with a buffer mechanism 5 on their end faces facing the first piston 2. The buffer mechanism 5 includes a connecting cylinder 51 that is interference-fitted with the front end seat 11 and the middle end seat 12. A buffer cylinder 52 that contacts the first piston 2 is movably sleeved inside the connecting cylinder 51. A limiting rod 53 is slidably connected to the connecting cylinder 51. One end of the limiting rod 53 abuts against the outer end of the connecting cylinder 51 for limitation, and the other end of the limiting rod 53 is fixed to the buffer cylinder 52. A clamping ring 54 is sleeved on the limiting rod 53. A sealing ring 55 is provided between the clamping ring 54 and the connecting cylinder 51. A compression spring 56 is provided between the clamping ring 54 and the buffer cylinder 52. Specifically, the buffer mechanism 5 absorbs the impact force when the first piston 2 moves to its limit position through the compression spring 56, reducing equipment vibration and noise, and improving system stability. The sliding fit between the buffer cylinder 52 and the connecting cylinder 51 provides a buffer stroke and prevents gas leakage through the sealing ring 55. At the same time, the limiting rod 53 ensures the linearity of the buffer action and avoids seal failure caused by piston tilting.

[0033] Furthermore, in specific implementation, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, a first rotating shaft 21 is movably connected to the inner side of the second piston 3. One end of the first rotating shaft 21 is connected to the adjusting column 4, and the other end of the first rotating shaft 21 is connected to the first bearing 14 disposed in the intermediate end seat 12. It should be noted that the cross-sectional diameter of the first rotating shaft 21 is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the piston rod, so that the gas pressure action area of ​​the second piston 3 in the fourth chamber 104 is greater than the gas pressure action area of ​​the first piston 2 in the first chamber 101. A rubber sealing ring is disposed inside the second piston 3 and sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21. The first rotating shaft 21 is disposed on the axis of the cylinder body 1 and can guide the sliding of the second piston 3.

[0034] Furthermore, in specific implementation, such as Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 7As shown, the cylinder 1 provided in this embodiment of the invention includes an intermediate end seat 12 and a rear end seat 13 disposed on both sides of the second piston 3. A fixed seat 61 connected to the rear end seat 13 by bolts limits a second bearing 62. A second rotating shaft 63 is rotatably connected inside the second bearing 62. One end of the second rotating shaft 63 passes through the rear end seat 13 and is connected to an adjusting column 4. The other end of the second rotating shaft 63 is connected to a rotating handwheel 64. Specifically, the second bearing 62 is secured between the rear end seat 13 and the fixed seat 61 by the fixed seat 61. A rubber sealing ring is disposed inside the rear end seat 13 and sleeved on the second rotating shaft 63. The second rotating shaft 63 is disposed on the axis of the cylinder 1, connecting the adjusting column 4 and the rotating handwheel 64 inside the cylinder 1 into one unit to achieve synchronous rotation.

[0035] Furthermore, in specific implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, a locking bolt 65 is connected to the rotating handwheel 64, which abuts against the fixed base 61 to lock the circumferential position of the adjusting column 4. The locking bolt 65 passes radially through the rotating handwheel 64 and abuts against the outer wall of the fixed base 61, providing rigid locking and fixing the circumferential position of the adjusting column 4.

[0036] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 8 A cylinder is sealed between the front end seat 11 and the middle end seat 12, and between the middle end seat 12 and the rear end seat 13. A guide post is threaded onto the front end seat 11, passing through the middle end seat 12 and the rear end seat 13, and is then fastened with an Allen screw. The front end seat 11, the first piston 2, and the cylinder form a first chamber 101; the first piston 2, the middle end seat 12, and the cylinder form a second chamber 102; the middle end seat 12, the second piston 3, and the cylinder form a third chamber 103; and the second piston 3, the rear end seat 13, and the cylinder form a fourth chamber 104. A first air nozzle communicating with the first chamber 101 is provided on the front end seat 11; a second air nozzle communicating with the second chamber 102 and a third air nozzle communicating with the third chamber 103 are provided on the middle end seat 12; and a fourth air nozzle communicating with the fourth chamber 104 is provided on the rear end seat 13.

[0037] Furthermore, in specific implementations, at least three push rods 31 are arranged circumferentially around the second piston 3 as provided in the embodiments of the present invention, and the push rods 31 movably and sealingly pass through the intermediate end seat 12. The push rods 31 further guide and slide the second piston 3, so that the second piston 3 can only achieve linear movement and cannot rotate. At the same time, it ensures that the thrust of the second piston 3 is evenly transmitted to the first piston 2, avoiding the tilting of the first piston 2 caused by unilateral force.

[0038] Furthermore, in a specific implementation, the aforementioned limiting post 32 provided in this embodiment of the invention is rotatably connected to the second piston 3 via a third bearing. Specifically, the third bearing is embedded within the second piston 3 and is evenly distributed along the circumference of the second piston 3. The other end of the limiting post 32 is L-shaped, and its bent portion is used for limiting and engaging within the spiral groove 40. The rotational characteristics of the third bearing allow the limiting post 32 to automatically adjust its angle within the spiral groove 40, avoiding jamming and ensuring a smooth adjustment process.

[0039] Furthermore, in specific implementation, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, a magnetic ring 22, a support ring 23, and a sealing ring 24 are fitted onto the outer walls of both the first piston 2 and the second piston 3. The magnetic ring 22 cooperates with a magnetic induction switch provided on the outer wall of the cylinder 1 to detect the position of the first piston 2 and the second piston 3. Specifically, the magnetic induction switch is positioned corresponding to the first piston 2 being fully inward, fully outward, and in the middle position between the full inward and full outward movements. The magnetic induction switch in the middle position can be set according to actual working conditions. The support ring 23 reduces friction between the piston and the cylinder wall. The sealing ring 24 prevents gas leakage.

[0040] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, a slide gate valve is also disclosed, including a housing 7 and a valve plate 8. A cylinder 1 is installed on one side of the housing 7, resulting in a compact overall structure. A first piston 2 drives the valve plate 8 to move linearly within the housing 7 via a transmission mechanism 9. The first piston 2 drives the piston rod to fully extend, fully retract, and adjust to a third intermediate position, respectively adjusting the valve plate 8 to its closed, open, and partially open states. The transmission mechanism 9 is a lever structure that requires considerable effort to achieve transmission between the cylinder and the valve plate 8, enabling rapid response of the valve plate 8's action.

Claims

1. A multi-position cylinder comprising a cylinder body (1) in which a first chamber (101), a second chamber (102), a third chamber (103) and a fourth chamber (104) are arranged in sequence, the first chamber (101) and the second chamber (102) being separated by a first piston (2), the third chamber (103) and the fourth chamber (104) being separated by a second piston (3), characterized in that, The cylinder (1) is rotatably connected to an adjusting column (4). A spiral groove (40) is provided on the outer periphery of the adjusting column (4). One side of the second piston (3) contacts the first piston (2) via a push rod (31). The other side of the second piston (3) is provided with a limiting post (32) that engages with the spiral groove (40). When the first chamber (101) is inflated, it drives the first piston (2) to move towards the inner end of the cylinder (1). When the second chamber (102) and the fourth chamber (104) are inflated, they drive the... When the first piston (2) moves toward the outer end of the cylinder (1), and the first chamber (101) and the fourth chamber (104) are filled with gas, the gas pressure area of ​​the second piston (3) in the fourth chamber (104) is greater than the gas pressure area of ​​the first piston (2) in the first chamber (101). By rotating the adjusting column (4), the relative position of the limiting column (32) in the spiral groove (40) is changed to restrict the first piston (2) from moving toward the outer end of the cylinder (1).

2. A multiple position cylinder as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The spiral groove (40) is provided with limiting ports (41) at both ends for limiting the limit position of the cylinder stroke. The spiral groove (40) is provided with several evenly spaced spiral grooves around the adjusting column (4).

3. A multi-position cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder body (1) includes a front end seat (11) and a middle end seat (12) disposed on both sides of the first piston (2). Both the front end seat (11) and the middle end seat (12) have a buffer mechanism (5) on their end faces facing the first piston (2). The buffer mechanism (5) includes a connecting cylinder (51) that is interference-fitted with the front end seat (11) and the middle end seat (12). A buffer cylinder (51) that contacts the first piston (2) is movably sleeved inside the connecting cylinder (51). 52) The connecting cylinder (51) is slidably connected to a limiting rod (53). One end of the limiting rod (53) abuts against the outer end of the connecting cylinder (51) for limiting. The other end of the limiting rod (53) is fixed to the buffer cylinder (52). A clamping ring (54) is sleeved on the limiting rod (53). A sealing ring (55) is provided between the clamping ring (54) and the connecting cylinder (51). A compression spring (56) is provided between the clamping ring (54) and the buffer cylinder (52).

4. A multi-position cylinder according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second piston (3) is sealed and movably connected to a first rotating shaft (21). One end of the first rotating shaft (21) is connected to the adjusting column (4), and the other end of the first rotating shaft (21) is connected to a first bearing (14) provided in the intermediate end seat (12).

5. A multi-position cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder body (1) includes an intermediate end seat (12) and a rear end seat (13) disposed on both sides of the second piston (3). A second bearing (62) is limited by a fixed seat (61) connected by bolts to the rear end seat (13). A second rotating shaft (63) is rotatably connected inside the second bearing (62). One end of the second rotating shaft (63) passes through the rear end seat (13) and is connected to the adjusting column (4). The other end of the second rotating shaft (63) is connected to a rotating handwheel (64).

6. A multi-position cylinder according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotating handwheel (64) is connected to a locking bolt (65) that abuts against the fixed seat (61) to lock the circumferential position of the adjusting column (4).

7. A multi-position cylinder according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that, At least three push rods (31) are arranged around the second piston (3), and the push rods (31) are movably sealed through the intermediate end seat (12).

8. A multi-position cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting post (32) is rotatably connected to the second piston (3) via a third bearing.

9. A multi-position cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer walls of the first piston (2) and the second piston (3) are fitted with a magnetic ring (22), a support ring (23) and a sealing ring (24). The magnetic ring (22) cooperates with the magnetic induction switch provided on the outer wall of the cylinder (1) to detect the position of the first piston (2) and the second piston (3).

10. A slide gate valve based on any one of claims 1 to 9 of a multi-position cylinder, characterized in that, Includes a housing (7) and a valve plate (8). The cylinder (1) is installed below one side of the housing (7). The first piston (2) drives the valve plate (8) to move linearly within the housing (7) through a transmission mechanism (9).

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