Protective electronic flow controller
The electronic flow controller, with its snap-fit assembly and piston disc design, solves the problem of loose threaded connections caused by vibration and impact, achieving more stable flow control and a longer equipment lifespan.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411703880.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing electronic flow controllers suffer from loosened threaded connections due to vibration and impact in irrigation environments, affecting the stability and accuracy of flow control.
The design employs a locking assembly and piston disc, which, through the cooperation of a mechanical locking mechanism and a one-way valve, enhances connection stability and durability, and reduces loosening caused by vibration and impact.
It improves the connection stability of electronic flow controllers under vibration and shock environments, reduces the risk of inconsistent flow, and extends the service life of the equipment.
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Figure CN120969601A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The application relates to the technical field of electronic flow controllers, in particular to a protective electronic flow controller. BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic flow controllers play a key role in modern irrigation systems by precisely controlling water flow, enabling efficient and accurate irrigation management. These controllers are typically integrated into smart irrigation systems, utilizing advanced sensors and automation technology to monitor soil moisture, rainfall, and weather conditions in real-time. For example, when soil moisture sensors detect dry soil, electronic flow controllers automatically increase water supply; when the soil is sufficiently moist or after rainfall, irrigation is reduced or paused, saving water resources and improving irrigation efficiency. Additionally, electronic flow controllers can optimize irrigation plans through data analysis and remote monitoring, ensuring crops grow in optimal conditions. For example, controllers can synchronize with weather station data to predict future weather changes and dynamically adjust irrigation strategies. This intelligent management not only improves crop yield and quality but also helps reduce water waste, especially in water-stressed areas. In summary, electronic flow controllers provide technical support for sustainable modern agriculture development by their precise flow control and intelligent management systems, making the irrigation process more scientific and efficient.
[0003] Currently, electronic flow controllers are generally installed with threads, and threaded connections provide a structurally firm and tight connection method that can withstand certain pressure. However, vibrations and impacts often exist in irrigation environments, which can cause the threads in threaded connections to slide relative to each other, gradually loosening. Electronic flow controller loosening can cause internal component position sensing abnormalities, and flow rates may not be consistent at different time intervals or irrigation rounds. Therefore, it does not meet the existing needs, and for this purpose, we propose a protective electronic flow controller. SUMMARY
[0004] The present application provides a protective electronic flow controller, which has the beneficial effect of reducing the risk of loosening, solving the problem that the electronic flow controller mentioned in the background art is generally installed with threads, and threaded connections provide a structurally firm and tight connection method that can withstand certain pressure. However, vibrations and impacts often exist in irrigation environments, which can cause the threads in threaded connections to slide relative to each other, gradually loosening, and electronic flow controller loosening can cause internal component position sensing abnormalities, and flow rates may not be consistent at different time intervals or irrigation rounds.
[0005] The present invention provides the following technical solution: a protective electronic flow controller, comprising a controller body, a first connecting pipe body and a second connecting pipe body, the first connecting pipe body being installed on the side of the controller body, the first connecting pipe body being detachably installed on the end of the second connecting pipe body, and a locking component being provided on the side of the second connecting pipe body, the locking component being used in conjunction with the first connecting pipe body.
[0006] As an optional solution of the protective electronic flow controller described in this invention, the first connecting pipe body has a threaded pipe head connected to its end, the inner wall of the second connecting pipe body is configured as a threaded wall, the second connecting pipe body is threaded to the outside of the first connecting pipe body, the first connecting pipe body has a first mounting groove on its side, the second connecting pipe body has a second mounting groove on its side, and the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are correspondingly provided.
[0007] As an optional solution for the protective electronic flow controller described in this invention, the engaging assembly includes a connecting main cylinder and a sliding sub-cylinder. The connecting main cylinder is connected to the side of the second connecting pipe body. An installation cavity is provided inside the connecting main cylinder. The installation cavity is connected to the first installation groove and the second installation groove. The sliding sub-cylinder is slidably sleeved on one end of the connecting main cylinder. The sliding sub-cylinder is slidably engaged with the installation cavity.
[0008] As an optional solution of the protective electronic flow controller described in this invention, a locking post is provided at the other end of the connecting main cylinder, the locking post is slidably engaged with the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove, a pressing post body is slidably engaged inside the mounting cavity, and a rotating disk is connected to the end of the pressing post body.
[0009] As an optional solution of the protective electronic flow controller described in this invention, the bottom of the sliding cylinder is connected to a sliding ring, the side of the sliding ring is connected to a fixing block, the side of the fixing block is provided with a first groove, the inner wall of the mounting cavity is provided with a second groove, and the other end of the pressing column body is connected to a locking column.
[0010] As an optional solution of the protective electronic flow controller described in this invention, the mounting cavity is provided with a locking plate, the end of the locking plate is connected to a spring plate, the side of the spring plate is provided with a locking groove, the locking groove is slidably locked with the locking column, the side of the locking plate is connected to a telescopic column, and a first return spring is sleeved on the outside of the telescopic column.
[0011] As an optional solution of the protective electronic flow controller described in this invention, the telescopic column includes a fixed cylinder and a sliding column. The fixed cylinder is connected to the inside of the mounting cavity, and the sliding column is slidably disposed inside the fixed cylinder. A piston cavity is opened inside the fixed cylinder.
[0012] As an optional solution of the protective electronic flow controller described in this invention, the bottom of the sliding column is connected to a piston disc, the piston disc slides in conjunction with the piston chamber, the bottom of the piston disc is connected to a fixing rod, the fixing rod passes through the end of the connecting main cylinder, and the fixing rod is connected to the end of the locking column.
[0013] As an optional solution of the protective electronic flow controller described in this invention, the piston disc has two air chambers on its side, the inner wall of the air chamber is connected to a rectangular block, and a one-way valve is provided inside the air chamber. The one-way valve includes a valve plate and a valve block, the valve block is connected to the bottom of the valve plate, and the valve plate is located on the side of the rectangular block.
[0014] As an optional solution of the protective electronic flow controller described in this invention, the rectangular block has a placement groove body on its side, and a second return spring is connected inside the placement groove body. The other end of the second return spring is connected to the side of the valve plate.
[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0016] 1. This protective electronic flow controller, through the setting of the locking assembly, threadedly installs the second connecting pipe body onto the end of the first connecting pipe body. Rotating the rotating disk causes the corner of the spring plate to unlock with the first slot. Pressing the rotating disk then causes the spring plate to press the locking plate, squeezing the telescopic column. This causes the fixing rod inside the telescopic column to squeeze the locking column and engage with the first and second mounting slots. This locking provides stronger fixing force. Compared to a simple threaded connection, this mechanical locking mechanism can maintain the stability of the connection under vibration and impact, reducing the risk of loosening leading to abnormal position sensing of internal components. It solves the problem that electronic flow controllers are generally threaded. While threaded connections provide a robust and tight connection that can withstand certain pressure, vibration and impact are common in irrigation environments. These factors can cause the threads in the threaded connection to slip relative to each other, gradually loosening. Loosening of the electronic flow controller may lead to abnormal position sensing of internal components, resulting in inconsistent flow rates at different times or irrigation cycles.
[0017] 2. This protective electronic flow controller features a piston disc that works in conjunction with the telescopic column. While the telescopic column is being compressed, the sliding column drives the piston disc to slide against the inner wall of the fixed cylinder, stably moving the fixed rod. This design enhances connection stability. The sliding contact between the piston disc and the inner wall of the fixed cylinder ensures stable movement of the fixed rod, preventing loosening due to vibration or impact and effectively improving system reliability.
[0018] 3. This protective electronic flow controller utilizes a one-way valve. The one-way valve works in conjunction with the piston disc. When the telescopic column is compressed, the sliding column moves the one-way valve on the side of the piston disc. As the pressure decreases, the airflow pushes the one-way valve up, separating the valve plate from the rectangular block. Then, as the sliding column slides in the opposite direction, the valve plate re-engages with the rectangular block. This design of the one-way valve and piston disc reduces wear and friction between mechanical components. Especially under high-frequency vibration or high-pressure environments, the elastic valve plate of the one-way valve, in conjunction with the rectangular block, effectively reduces component wear, extends the equipment's service life, enhances system durability, and improves the overall system performance. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the snap-fit assembly structure of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding cylinder structure of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding ring structure of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the piston disc of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 6 A magnified structural diagram at point A.
[0026] In the diagram: 1110, Controller body; 1120, First connecting pipe body; 1121, Threaded pipe end; 1122, First mounting groove; 1130, Second connecting pipe body; 1131, Second mounting groove; 1140, Engaging assembly; 1141, Connecting main cylinder; 1142, Sliding sub-cylinder; 1143, Mounting cavity; 1144, Locking pin; 1145, Pressing pin body; 1150, Rotating disc; 1151, Sliding ring; 1152, Fixing block; 1153, First slot; 1154 1155. Second slot; 1160. Engaging post; 1161. Engaging plate; 1162. Engaging slot; 1163. First return spring; 1170. Telescopic post; 1171. Fixed cylinder; 1172. Sliding post; 1173. Piston chamber; 1174. Piston disc; 1175. Fixed rod; 1180. Air chamber; 1181. Rectangular block; 1190. One-way valve; 1191. Valve plate; 1192. Valve block; 1194. Placement slot body; 1195. Second return spring. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0028] Example 1: This example aims to address the issue that electronic flow controllers are generally threaded, providing a robust and tight connection capable of withstanding certain pressures. However, irrigation environments often experience vibrations and impacts, which can cause the threads to slip relative to each other, gradually loosening the flow controller. This loosening can lead to abnormal position sensing of internal components, resulting in inconsistent flow rates at different times or during different irrigation cycles. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1-7 A protective electronic flow controller includes a controller body 1110, a first connecting pipe body 1120, and a second connecting pipe body 1130. The first connecting pipe body 1120 is installed on the side of the controller body 1110, and the first connecting pipe body 1120 is detachably installed at the end of the second connecting pipe body 1130. A locking component 1140 is provided on the side of the second connecting pipe body 1130, and the locking component 1140 is used in conjunction with the first connecting pipe body 1120.
[0029] The design of the locking assembly 1140 ensures a secure connection between the first connecting pipe body 1120 and the second connecting pipe body. This locking mechanism can withstand significant mechanical stress, ensuring the system's stability under high-pressure environments. The locking assembly 1140 provides precise positioning, ensuring the alignment and stability of the first connecting pipe body 1120 and the second connecting pipe body during installation. This helps reduce errors and misalignments during system operation, improving the equipment's accuracy and reliability.
[0030] The first connecting pipe body 1120 is connected to a threaded pipe head 1121 at its end. The inner wall of the second connecting pipe body 1130 is configured as a threaded wall. The second connecting pipe body 1130 is threaded to the outside of the first connecting pipe body 1120. The first connecting pipe body 1120 has a first mounting groove 1122 on its side, and the second connecting pipe body 1130 has a second mounting groove 1131 on its side. The first mounting groove 1122 and the second mounting groove 1131 are correspondingly arranged. The engaging assembly includes a connecting main cylinder 1141 and a sliding sub-cylinder 1142. The connecting main cylinder 1141 is connected to the side of the second connecting pipe body 1130. The connecting main cylinder 1141 has a mounting cavity 1143 inside. The mounting cavity 1143 communicates with the first mounting groove 1122 and the second mounting groove 1131. The sliding sub-cylinder 1142 is slidably sleeved on one end of the connecting main cylinder 1141. The sliding sub-cylinder 1142 is slidably engaged with the mounting cavity 1143.
[0031] The corresponding arrangement of the first mounting slot 1122 and the second mounting slot 1131, along with the engagement of the connecting main cylinder 1141 and the sliding branch cylinder 1142 of the engaging assembly, provides precise positioning. This ensures the alignment and stability of the two connecting pipe bodies during installation, preventing offset or misalignment. The sliding engagement of the sliding branch cylinder 1142 within the connecting main cylinder 1141 allows the two connecting pipe bodies to slide relative to each other within a certain range.
[0032] A locking pin 1144 is provided at the other end of the connecting main cylinder 1141. The locking pin 1144 is slidably engaged with the first mounting groove 1122 and the second mounting groove 1131. A pressing pin body 1145 is slidably engaged inside the mounting cavity 1143. A rotating disk 1150 is connected to the end of the pressing pin body 1145. A sliding ring 1151 is connected to the bottom of the sliding sub-cylinder 1142. A fixing block 1152 is connected to the side of the sliding ring 1151. A first slot 1153 is opened on the side of the fixing block 1152. The inner wall of the mounting cavity 1143 is provided with a second groove 1154. The other end of the pressing column body 1145 is connected to a locking column 1155. The mounting cavity 1143 is provided with a locking plate 1160. The end of the locking plate 1160 is connected to a spring plate 1161. The side of the spring plate 1161 is provided with a locking groove 1162. The locking groove 1162 is slidably locked with the locking column 1155. The side of the locking plate 1160 is connected to a telescopic column 1170. The outside of the telescopic column 1170 is fitted with a first return spring 1163.
[0033] The bottom of the sliding cylinder 1142 is connected to a sliding ring 1151 and a fixing block 1152, which are engaged by the first groove 1153 and the second groove 1154. This design minimizes the risk of loosening due to thread engagement.
[0034] The specific models, working principles, and usage of electronic flow controllers are well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be elaborated upon here.
[0035] In this embodiment: By setting the engaging assembly, the second connecting pipe body is threadedly installed at the end of the first connecting pipe body 1120. Rotating the rotating disk 1150 causes the corner of the spring plate 1161 to unlock with the first slot 1153. Pressing the rotating disk 1150 causes the spring plate 1161 to press the engaging plate 1160 to squeeze the telescopic column 1170, causing the fixing rod 1175 inside the telescopic column 1170 to squeeze the locking column 1144 and engage with the first mounting slot 1122 and the second mounting slot 1131. This engagement provides stronger fixing force. Compared with a simple threaded connection, this mechanical locking mechanism can maintain the stability of the connection under vibration and impact environments, reduce the risk of loosening, and solve the problem that electronic flow controllers are generally threaded. Threaded connections provide a strong and tight connection that can withstand certain pressure. However, vibration and impact are often present in irrigation environments. These factors can cause the threads in the threaded connection to slip relative to each other, gradually loosening and causing abnormal position sensing of internal components.
[0036] Example 2 aims to improve upon Example 1 by addressing the problem of sliding instability. For details, please refer to Example 1. Figures 1-7The telescopic column 1170 includes a fixed cylinder 1171 and a sliding column 1172. The fixed cylinder 1171 is connected to the interior of the mounting cavity 1143. The sliding column 1172 is slidably disposed inside the fixed cylinder 1171. A piston cavity 1173 is provided inside the fixed cylinder 1171. A piston disc 1174 is connected to the bottom of the sliding column 1172. The piston disc 1174 is slidably engaged with the piston cavity 1173. A fixing rod 1175 is connected to the bottom of the piston disc 1174. The fixing rod 1175 passes through the end of the connecting main cylinder 1141 and is connected to the end of the locking column 1144.
[0037] The combination of the fixed cylinder 1171 and the sliding column 1172 ensures that the entire telescopic column 1170 has a compact structure, enabling efficient telescopic functionality within a limited space. This is particularly important for space-constrained applications, such as robotic arms or robots, where this design can significantly reduce the size and weight of the equipment. The sliding engagement of the sliding column 1172 within the fixed cylinder 1171, and the sliding connection between the piston disc 1174 and the piston chamber 1173, ensure the smoothness and positioning accuracy of the telescopic column 1170 during telescopic movement. This helps reduce swaying during movement, improving the stability and working accuracy of the equipment. The fixed rod 1175 passes through the end of the connecting main cylinder 1141 and connects to the locking column 1144, providing a reliable locking function when engaging the first slot 1153 and the second slot 1154. This design ensures the robustness of the locking column 1144, preventing loosening or displacement due to external forces or vibrations.
[0038] In this embodiment: The piston disc 1174, which cooperates with the telescopic column 1170, allows the piston disc 1174 to slide against the inner wall of the fixed cylinder 1171 while the telescopic column 1170 is being compressed. This stable movement of the fixed rod 1175 enhances the stability of the connection. The sliding cooperation between the piston disc 1174 and the inner wall of the fixed cylinder 1171 ensures the stable movement of the fixed rod 1175, preventing loosening of the connection due to vibration or impact and effectively improving the reliability of the system. The presence of the second return spring 1195 allows the valve plate 1191 to buffer pressure, reducing the impact of sudden pressure fluctuations on the system.
[0039] Example 3 aims to further address the wear and tear problem. This example is an improvement upon Example 1. For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1-7The piston disc 1174 has two air chambers 1180 on its side. A rectangular block 1181 is connected to the inner wall of the air chamber 1180. A one-way valve 1190 is provided inside the air chamber 1180. The one-way valve 1190 includes a valve plate 1191 and a valve block 1192. The valve block 1192 is connected to the bottom of the valve plate 1191. The valve plate 1191 is located on the side of the rectangular block 1181. A placement groove body 1194 is provided on the side of the rectangular block 1181. A second return spring 1195 is connected inside the placement groove body 1194. The other end of the second return spring 1195 is connected to the side of the valve plate 1191.
[0040] In this embodiment, the one-way valve 1190, in cooperation with the piston disc 1174, allows the sliding column 1172 to move the one-way valve 1190 on the side of the piston disc 1174 while the telescopic column 1170 is being compressed. Simultaneously, the airflow pushes the one-way valve 1190 upwards, causing the valve plate 1191 to separate from the rectangular block 1181. As the sliding column 1172 slides in the opposite direction, the valve plate 1191 and the rectangular block 1181 come into contact. This design of the one-way valve 1190 and piston disc 1174 reduces wear and friction between mechanical components. Especially under high-frequency vibration or high-pressure environments, the cooperation between the elastic valve plate 1191 and the rectangular block 1181 of the one-way valve 1190 effectively reduces component wear, extends the service life of the equipment, enhances the durability of the system, and improves the overall design.
[0041] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0042] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A protective electronic flow controller, comprising a controller body (1110), a first connecting pipe body (1120), and a second connecting pipe body (1130), wherein the first connecting pipe body (1120) is mounted on the side of the controller body (1110), and the first connecting pipe body (1120) is detachably mounted on the end of the second connecting pipe body (1130), characterized in that: The second connecting tube body (1130) is provided with a locking component (1140) on its side, which is used in conjunction with the first connecting tube body (1120).
2. The protective electronic flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting pipe body (1120) is connected to a threaded pipe head (1121) at its end. The inner wall of the second connecting pipe body (1130) is configured as a threaded wall. The second connecting pipe body (1130) is threaded to the outside of the first connecting pipe body (1120). The first connecting pipe body (1120) has a first mounting groove (1122) on its side. The second connecting pipe body (1130) has a second mounting groove (1131) on its side. The first mounting groove (1122) and the second mounting groove (1131) are correspondingly provided.
3. A protective electronic flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The engaging assembly (1140) includes a connecting main cylinder (1141) and a sliding sub-cylinder (1142). The connecting main cylinder (1141) is connected to the side of the second connecting pipe body (1130). The connecting main cylinder (1141) has an installation cavity (1143) inside. The installation cavity (1143) is connected to the first installation groove (1122) and the second installation groove (1131). The sliding sub-cylinder (1142) is slidably sleeved on one end of the connecting main cylinder (1141). The sliding sub-cylinder (1142) is slidably engaged with the installation cavity (1143).
4. A protective electronic flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: A locking pin (1144) is provided at the other end of the connecting main cylinder (1141). The locking pin (1144) is slidably engaged with the first mounting groove (1122) and the second mounting groove (1131). A pressing pin body (1145) is slidably engaged inside the mounting cavity (1143). A rotating disk (1150) is connected to the end of the pressing pin body (1145).
5. A protective electronic flow controller according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the sliding cylinder (1142) is connected to a sliding ring (1151), the side of the sliding ring (1151) is connected to a fixing block (1152), the side of the fixing block (1152) is provided with a first groove (1153), the inner wall of the mounting cavity (1143) is provided with a second groove (1154), and the other end of the pressing column body (1145) is connected to a locking column (1155).
6. A protective electronic flow controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting cavity (1143) is provided with a locking plate (1160), and a spring plate (1161) is connected to the end of the locking plate (1160). The spring plate (1161) has a locking groove (1162) on its side. The locking groove (1162) is slidably locked with the locking post (1155). The locking plate (1160) is connected to a telescopic post (1170) on its side. A first return spring (1163) is sleeved on the outside of the telescopic post (1170).
7. A protective electronic flow controller according to claim 6, characterized in that: The telescopic column (1170) includes a fixed cylinder (1171) and a sliding column (1172). The fixed cylinder (1171) is connected to the inside of the mounting cavity (1143). The sliding column (1172) is slidably disposed inside the fixed cylinder (1171). A piston cavity (1173) is provided inside the fixed cylinder (1171).
8. A protective electronic flow controller according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the sliding column (1172) is connected to a piston disc (1174), the piston disc (1174) is slidably engaged with the piston chamber (1173), the bottom of the piston disc (1174) is connected to a fixing rod (1175), the fixing rod (1175) is inserted through the end of the connecting main cylinder (1141), and the fixing rod (1175) is connected to the end of the locking column (1144).
9. A protective electronic flow controller according to claim 8, characterized in that: The piston disc (1174) has two air chambers (1180) on its side. A rectangular block (1181) is connected to the inner wall of the air chamber (1180). A one-way valve (1190) is provided inside the air chamber (1180). The one-way valve (1190) includes a valve plate (1191) and a valve block (1192). The valve block (1192) is connected to the bottom of the valve plate (1191). The valve plate (1191) is located on the side of the rectangular block (1181).
10. A protective electronic flow controller according to claim 9, characterized in that: The rectangular block (1181) has a placement groove body (1194) on its side. A second return spring (1195) is connected inside the placement groove body (1194). The other end of the second return spring (1195) is connected to the side of the valve plate (1191).