A four-way temperature and pressure sensing valve for lubricating oil system and a method for controlling the temperature of lubricating oil inlet

Abstract

The application discloses a four-way temperature and pressure sensing valve for a lubricating oil system and a method for controlling the temperature of a lubricating oil inlet, and relates to the technical field of lubricating oil systems. The four-way temperature and pressure sensing valve comprises a shell, a joint, a pressure sensing valve assembly, a temperature sensing valve assembly and a plug cover, the inside of the shell comprises four communicating cavities, the joint and the plug cover are connected with the shell through threads, and the pressure sensing valve assembly and the temperature sensing valve assembly are assembled with the shell through gap fitting. The application can realize the function of automatically controlling the temperature, pressure and flow of the lubricating oil inlet, the pressure sensing valve assembly and the temperature sensing valve assembly are installed in gap fitting mode with the shell, the joint and the plug cover are connected with the shell in threaded mode, the pressure sensing valve assembly and the temperature sensing valve assembly are convenient to maintain and replace, and the application also has the function of connecting four ways with the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of heat dissipation technology for aircraft lubricating oil, fuel, hydraulic oil and other systems, and in particular, it is a four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve structure and a method for controlling the lubricating oil inlet temperature. Background Technology

[0002] Temperature and pressure sensing valves are crucial components of aircraft (including helicopters and drones) lubrication and hydraulic oil systems, used to control the temperature and pressure of the working medium. Traditional temperature and pressure sensing valves are highly integrated, unable to achieve multi-channel connection to the aircraft, and require complete replacement for maintenance. Furthermore, traditional valves are used to control the outlet temperature of the working medium. With industry development, it is necessary to design a valve with four or more channels, where the temperature and pressure sensing components can be repaired and replaced individually, and which controls the inlet temperature of the working medium in the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve for a lubricating oil system and a method for controlling the lubricating oil inlet temperature. On the one hand, it improves the reliability and adaptability of the valve, and on the other hand, it improves the maintainability and expandability of the valve. It can also achieve four-channel control of the temperature of the working medium entering the lubricating oil inlet of the equipment.

[0004] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A four-way temperature and pressure sensing valve for a lubricating oil system, comprising:

[0006] The housing contains four linear cavities: a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, and a fourth cavity.

[0007] The first cavity has a first working medium inlet and a first working medium outlet at its two ends along its length, and the first working medium outlet is located on the extension line of the third cavity along its length.

[0008] The first end of the second cavity in the length direction intersects with the first cavity and is connected to the first communication port, and the second end of the second cavity in the length direction has a first interface.

[0009] The first end of the third cavity in the length direction intersects with the first cavity and is connected to the second communication port, and the second end of the third cavity in the length direction has a second working medium inlet.

[0010] The fourth cavity has a second working medium outlet at its first end along its length and perpendicular to its length. The second end of the fourth cavity intersects with the third cavity and connects to the third connecting port. The fourth cavity penetrates the second cavity and forms a fourth connecting port and a fifth connecting port on the second cavity.

[0011] The connector includes a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, and a fourth connector with external threads, wherein the first connector is assembled at the outlet of the first working medium, the second connector is assembled at the inlet of the first working medium, the third connector is assembled at the outlet of the second working medium, and the fourth connector is assembled at the inlet of the second working medium.

[0012] A temperature-sensing valve assembly is assembled in the second cavity. When the temperature of the working medium at the fifth connection port is lower than the operating temperature of the temperature-sensing valve assembly, the temperature-sensing valve assembly closes the fourth connection port and connects the fifth connection port and the first connection port. When the temperature of the working medium at the fifth connection port is higher than the operating temperature of the temperature-sensing valve assembly, the temperature-sensing valve assembly closes the first connection port and connects the fourth connection port.

[0013] A pressure-sensitive valve assembly is assembled in a third cavity. When the pressure difference between the working medium in the third cavity and the first cavity is less than the operating pressure of the pressure-sensitive valve assembly, the pressure-sensitive valve assembly closes the second connection port. When the pressure difference between the working medium in the third cavity and the first cavity is greater than the operating pressure of the pressure-sensitive valve assembly, the pressure-sensitive valve assembly opens the second connection port.

[0014] A plug is fitted at the first interface of the second cavity.

[0015] As an option:

[0016] The temperature-sensing valve assembly and the second cavity are fitted with a gap.

[0017] The pressure-sensitive valve assembly and the third cavity are fitted with a gap.

[0018] As an option:

[0019] The first connector is threadedly connected to the outlet of the first working medium;

[0020] The second connector is threadedly connected to the inlet of the first working medium;

[0021] The third connector is threadedly connected to the outlet of the second working medium.

[0022] The fourth connector is threadedly connected to the second working medium inlet.

[0023] Furthermore, the four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve for the lubricating oil system also includes a second interface, which is located at the first end of the fourth cavity along its length and is sealed by a second plug.

[0024] As one embodiment, the temperature-sensing valve assembly mainly consists of a pressure-adjusting spring, a temperature-sensing valve housing, an upper outer sleeve, a valve, a temperature-sensing element, a lower outer sleeve, a left housing, and a top rod, wherein:

[0025] The left housing includes a base and a cover. The base has a cavity, and the cover is threaded onto the base. The cover has a through hole.

[0026] The push rod is assembled inside the base cavity of the left housing, with one end tightly attached to the cavity surface of the base.

[0027] The first end of the lower outer sleeve includes a through hole, and the first end extends through the through hole on the left shell cover into the cavity of the base body and then forms a hole-shaft fit with the top rod through the through hole. A positioning ring is also provided on the first end of the lower outer sleeve.

[0028] The pressure adjusting spring is sleeved on the first end of the lower outer sleeve, with one end of the pressure adjusting spring attached to the end face of the positioning ring and the other end attached to the inner end face of the cover.

[0029] The upper jacket contains a cavity and is connected to the second end of the lower jacket. A temperature sensing element is installed in the cavity of the upper jacket. The first end of the temperature sensing element extends into the through hole of the lower jacket and contacts the end face of the top rod. The second end of the temperature sensing element is attached to the inner surface of the cavity of the upper jacket. A valve is installed on the outer surface of the upper jacket away from the lower jacket by a spring.

[0030] The temperature-sensing valve housing is a hollow housing with an open first axial end forming a mounting hole and an open second axial end forming a window B for lubricating oil outflow. Its circumferential surface has an oil inlet and an oil outflow window A. The left housing, lower outer sleeve, upper outer sleeve, and valve are all assembled in the cavity of the temperature-sensing valve housing. The valve slides relative to the temperature-sensing valve housing to control the opening and closing of window B, and the upper outer sleeve slides relative to the temperature-sensing valve housing to control the opening and closing of window A.

[0031] A method for controlling the temperature of a lubricating oil inlet includes:

[0032] The aforementioned four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve is installed at the lubricating oil inlet of the equipment, and the first working medium outlet of the four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve is connected to the lubricating oil inlet of the equipment, and the first working medium inlet is connected to the lubricating oil outlet of the radiator.

[0033] By responding to changes in the lubricating oil temperature at the lubricating oil inlet using a temperature sensing element, the opening of window A and window B are automatically adjusted, thereby controlling the lubricating oil flow at window A and window B, and thus controlling the temperature at the outlet of the first working medium.

[0034] Furthermore, the sensitivity of lubricating oil flow and temperature changes can be controlled by changing the materials of the pressure regulating spring and the temperature sensing element.

[0035] Compared with existing technologies, the components of this invention are assembled into a single valve structure, integrating automatic temperature, flow, and pressure control functions. It also provides four channels to meet installation requirements. The pressure-sensing valve assembly enables automatic control of lubricating oil pressure, and the temperature-sensing valve assembly enables automatic control of lubricating oil inlet temperature. This invention has the following characteristics:

[0036] 1) It can realize the function of automatic control of lubricating oil temperature and pressure. Since the temperature-sensing valve assembly and the pressure-sensing valve assembly are installed in independent cavities, they do not affect each other and can independently complete the automatic control of temperature and pressure.

[0037] 2) The pressure-sensing valve assembly and the temperature-sensing valve assembly are installed with a clearance fit to the housing, and the connectors and plugs are threaded to the housing, which facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the pressure-sensing valve assembly and the temperature-sensing valve assembly. When it is necessary to adjust the sensitivity of the pressure-sensing valve assembly and the temperature-sensing valve assembly, there are more options and the disassembly and assembly are more convenient.

[0038] 3) It features four-way connectivity, improving adaptability and changing the traditional approach of integrating temperature and pressure sensing valves onto radiators. This allows the valves to be installed further away from the radiator and closer to the lubricating oil inlet, enabling more sensitive and accurate control of the lubricating oil temperature entering the equipment, ensuring normal and stable operation. Because the housing has four channels, its multiple interfaces can accommodate different connection methods.

[0039] 4) It has the function of automatically controlling the lubricating oil inlet temperature. By controlling the opening of the two windows on the temperature-sensing valve assembly, it controls the amount of lubricating oil flowing directly from the second working medium inlet to the first working medium outlet in the first path, and the amount of lubricating oil flowing from the second working medium inlet through the radiator, the first working medium inlet (connected to the radiator lubricating oil outlet), and then back to the first working medium outlet in the second path. This generates two streams of lubricating oil with different flow rates and temperatures. After mixing, the lubricating oil temperature can be controlled (the lubricating oil temperature in the second path is controlled by the radiator). For example, if the lubricating oil flow rate in the first path varies from 2% to 98% of the lubricating oil inlet flow rate, the lubricating oil flow rate in the second path will vary between 98% and 2% of the lubricating oil inlet flow rate.

[0040] 5) The four ports of the four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve are spatially distributed in different directions, which improves adaptability and facilitates connection with pipelines in different positions and directions. The second port can not only change the direction of medium flow, but also add an extra flow channel for the working medium, thus expanding its functionality. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve used in the lubricating oil system of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature-sensing valve assembly in this invention;

[0043] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 2. Connector; 3. Pressure-sensing valve assembly; 4. Temperature-sensing valve assembly; 41. Pressure regulating spring; 42. Temperature-sensing valve housing; 43. Upper outer sleeve; 44. Valve; 45. Temperature sensing element; 46. Lower outer sleeve; 47. Left housing; 48. Top rod; 5. Plug. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve for the lubricating oil system in this embodiment includes a housing 1, a connector 2, a pressure sensing valve assembly 3, a temperature sensing valve assembly 4, and a plug 5. The connector 2 and the plug 5 are connected to the housing 1 by threads, and the pressure sensing valve assembly 3 and the temperature sensing valve assembly 4 are assembled with the housing 1 by clearance fit.

[0046] like Figure 1 In the diagram, letters A, B, C, and D represent cavities A, B, C, and D inside the housing 1 (i.e., the first, second, third, and fourth cavities, respectively). These four cavities form a rectangle-like structure with four sides connected end-to-end. Different interfaces extend from the four vertices of the rectangle. Cavity A includes a first working medium inlet (the working medium cooled by the radiator, such as lubricating oil, enters cavity A through this interface) and a first working medium outlet. Both interfaces are connected by threaded connectors 2. Cavity B contains a first interface (used for the installation and removal of the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4), which is sealed by a plug 5. Cavity C contains a second working medium inlet and is equipped with a connector 2. Cavity D contains a second working medium outlet (the working medium flows to the radiator through this outlet, also equipped with a connector 2) and a second interface (for backup, allowing adjustment of the working medium flow direction so that housing 1 can accommodate different installation directions and positions). Cavity A and cavity B intersect and connect at the first connecting port. Cavity B is penetrated by cavity D, forming the fourth and fifth connecting ports. Cavity C intersects with cavity A and connects at the second connecting port. Cavity C intersects with cavity D and connects at the third connecting port.

[0047] The four-way temperature and pressure sensing valve for the lubrication system provides four connectors 2 for connection to external equipment.

[0048] The pressure-sensing valve assembly 3 ensures the pressure-sensing function of the temperature and pressure-sensing valve, which is an existing structure and will not be described in detail here. When the pressure (here referring to the pressure difference between cavity C and cavity A) exceeds the working pressure value of the pressure-sensing valve assembly 3, the pressure-sensing valve assembly 3 opens, and the working medium flows directly to the first working medium outlet through the second connecting port. Figure 1 As shown by the middle arrow, the working medium enters cavity C from the second working medium inlet, passes through the second connecting port and cavity A, and then flows out from the first working medium outlet.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4 mainly consists of a pressure-adjusting spring 41, a temperature-sensing valve housing 42, an upper outer sleeve 43, a valve 44, a temperature-sensing element 45, a lower outer sleeve 46, a left housing 47, and a push rod 48. When the temperature exceeds the opening temperature of the temperature-sensing element 45, the telescopic rod of the temperature-sensing element 45 begins to extend. After the telescopic rod pushes against the push rod 48, the upper outer sleeve 43 drives the lower outer sleeve 46 and the valve 44 to gradually move towards window B, and window A gradually opens. At the same time, the pressure-adjusting spring 41 is compressed. When the valve 44 contacts the temperature-sensing valve housing 42, window B closes and window A fully opens. The pressure-adjusting spring 41 provides deformation resistance and reset force for the temperature-sensing element 45. On the one hand, it can adjust the deformation relationship between the temperature-sensing element 45 and the temperature; on the other hand, it assists the upper outer sleeve 43 and the lower outer sleeve 46 in resetting. The outer surface of the upper outer sleeve 43 slides on the inner wall of the temperature-sensing valve housing 42, thereby opening or closing window A from which lubricating oil flows. The valve 44, driven by the upper outer sleeve 43, opens or closes the window B through which lubricating oil flows out. Figure 2 The arrows indicate the two flow paths of the lubricating oil in the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4. The temperature-sensing element 45 drives the upper outer sleeve 43 and the lower outer sleeve 46 to move axially within the cavity of the temperature-sensing valve housing 42 through axial deformation. The push rod 48 acts as a limiting structure to ensure that the temperature-sensing element 45 can only move the upper outer sleeve 43 and the lower outer sleeve 46 towards the window B side. The left housing 47 is fitted into the cavity of the temperature-sensing valve housing 42 via external threads.

[0050] Temperature-sensing valve assembly 4 controls the flow direction of the working medium by sensing its temperature. When the temperature exceeds the closing temperature of temperature-sensing valve assembly 4, it closes, and the working medium flows to the radiator for heat dissipation. Specifically, the working medium enters cavity C and cavity D from the second working medium inlet (here, cavity D is located in...). Figure 1 The cavity on the right side of the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4 enters through the fifth connecting port (corresponding to the lubricating oil inlet of the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4) and the fourth connecting port (corresponding to window A of the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4) into cavity D (here, cavity D is located in...). Figure 1The working medium flows from the second working medium outlet to the radiator (the working medium cooled by the radiator flows into cavity A from the first working medium inlet and then to the first working medium outlet); when the temperature has not reached the closing temperature of the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4, the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4 opens, and the working medium flows to the first working medium outlet through the bypass passage. Specifically, the working medium enters cavity C and cavity D from the second working medium inlet (here, cavity D is located in...). Figure 1 The medium flows from the cavity on the right side of the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4, through the fifth connecting port and the first connecting port (corresponding to window B of the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4), into cavity A, and finally flows out through the first working medium outlet.

[0051] The four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve of the lubricating oil system of the present invention can automatically control temperature, automatically control pressure, and control flow, thereby controlling the heat dissipation of the system. The pressure sensing valve assembly 3 and the temperature sensing valve assembly 4 adopt a split structure design and are installed in the two channels of cavity B and cavity C of the housing 1 respectively by a clearance fit installation method.

[0052] The housing 1 has six interfaces, which are installed via threads and four connectors 2, a plug 5 and a second plug.

[0053] The housing 1 can replace the second plug with a connector 2 to achieve five-way connection with external pipelines, meeting the requirements of multi-channel interfaces.

[0054] Compared to traditional methods of controlling lubricating oil outlet temperature, this invention adopts the approach of controlling inlet lubricating oil temperature. In this case, the four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve for the lubricating oil system is located upstream of the radiator, enabling it to quickly sense changes in lubricating oil temperature and react accordingly, resulting in a relatively fast response speed. When it is necessary to adjust the response sensitivity, the specifications of the pressure regulating spring 41 can be directly adjusted, or the material of the temperature sensing element 45 can be replaced.

[0055] As one approach, in this invention, regardless of whether the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4 is open or closed, the flow rate of the two working medium flow paths it controls is not zero. For example, when the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4 is open, a portion of the working medium still flows to the radiator (e.g., 2% of the working medium flow rate at the lubricating oil inlet). Similarly, when the temperature-sensing valve assembly 4 is closed, a portion of the working medium still flows directly into cavity A.

[0056] The method for controlling the temperature of the inlet lubricating oil in this invention is often used in systems that are sensitive to changes in lubricating oil temperature and require rapid preliminary adjustment, such as the lubricating oil system of some aircraft engines. The four-way temperature- and pressure-sensitive valve for the lubricating oil system is installed at the lubricating oil inlet of the key component. It can be used as an independent valve to pre-adjust the temperature of the lubricating oil before it enters the key component, instead of being integrated at the radiator far away from the key component in the traditional way to control the lubricating oil temperature at the radiator outlet.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made under the concept of the present invention using the contents of the specification and drawings of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve for a lubricating oil system, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) contains four linear cavities: a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, and a fourth cavity, wherein: The first cavity has a first working medium inlet and a first working medium outlet at its two ends along its length, and the first working medium outlet is located on the extension line of the third cavity along its length. The first end of the second cavity in the length direction intersects with the first cavity and is connected to the first communication port, and the second end of the second cavity in the length direction has a first interface. The first end of the third cavity in the length direction intersects with the first cavity and is connected to the second communication port, and the second end of the third cavity in the length direction has a second working medium inlet. The fourth cavity has a second working medium outlet at its first end along its length and perpendicular to its length. The second end of the fourth cavity intersects with the third cavity and connects to the third connecting port. The fourth cavity penetrates the second cavity and forms a fourth connecting port and a fifth connecting port on the second cavity. The connector (2) includes a first connector, a second connector, a third connector and a fourth connector with external threads, wherein the first connector is assembled at the outlet of the first working medium, the second connector is assembled at the inlet of the first working medium, the third connector is assembled at the outlet of the second working medium and the fourth connector is assembled at the inlet of the second working medium. Temperature-sensing valve assembly (4) is assembled in the second cavity. When the working medium temperature at the fifth connection port is lower than the operating temperature of the temperature-sensing valve assembly (4), the temperature-sensing valve assembly (4) closes the fourth connection port and connects the fifth connection port and the first connection port. When the working medium temperature at the fifth connection port is higher than the operating temperature of the temperature-sensing valve assembly (4), the temperature-sensing valve assembly (4) closes the first connection port and connects the fourth connection port. Pressure-sensitive valve assembly (3) is assembled in the third cavity. When the pressure difference between the working medium in the third cavity and the first cavity is less than the operating pressure of the pressure-sensitive valve assembly (3), the pressure-sensitive valve assembly (3) closes the second communication port. When the pressure difference between the working medium in the third cavity and the first cavity is greater than the operating pressure of the pressure-sensitive valve assembly (3), the pressure-sensitive valve assembly (3) opens the second communication port. A plug (5) is fitted at the first interface of the second cavity.

2. A four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve for a lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature-sensing valve assembly (4) is fitted with the second cavity with a gap; The pressure-sensitive valve assembly (3) is fitted with the third cavity with a gap.

3. A four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve for a lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connector is threadedly connected to the outlet of the first working medium; The second connector is threadedly connected to the inlet of the first working medium; The third connector is threadedly connected to the outlet of the second working medium. The fourth connector is threadedly connected to the second working medium inlet.

4. A four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve for a lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a second interface, which is located at the first end of the fourth cavity along its length and is sealed by a second plug.

5. A four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve for a lubrication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature-sensing valve assembly (4) mainly consists of a pressure regulating spring (41), a temperature-sensing valve housing (42), an upper outer sleeve (43), a valve (44), a temperature-sensing element (45), a lower outer sleeve (46), a left housing (47), and a top rod (48), wherein: The left housing (47) includes a base and a cover. The base has a cavity, and the cover is threaded to the base. The cover has a through hole. The push rod (48) is assembled in the base cavity of the left housing (47) and one end is in close contact with the cavity surface of the base; The first end of the lower outer sleeve (46) includes a through hole, and the first end extends into the cavity of the base body after passing through the through hole on the cover of the left housing (47) and then forms a hole-shaft fit with the top rod (48) through the through hole. A positioning ring is also provided on the first end of the lower outer sleeve (46). The pressure adjusting spring (41) is sleeved on the first end of the lower outer sleeve (46), and one end of the pressure adjusting spring (41) is attached to the end face of the positioning ring, and the other end is attached to the inner end face of the cover. The upper jacket (43) contains a cavity and is connected to the second end of the lower jacket (46). A temperature sensing element (45) is installed in the cavity of the upper jacket (43). The first end of the temperature sensing element (45) extends into the through hole of the lower jacket (46) and contacts the end face of the top rod (48). The second end of the temperature sensing element (45) is attached to the inner surface of the cavity of the upper jacket (43). A valve (44) is installed on the outer surface of the upper jacket (43) away from the lower jacket (46) by a spring. The temperature-sensing valve housing (42) is a hollow housing with an open first axial end forming an installation hole and an open second axial end forming a window B for lubricating oil to flow out. Its circumferential surface has an oil inlet and an oil outlet window A. The left housing (47), lower outer sleeve (46), upper outer sleeve (43) and valve (44) are all assembled in the cavity of the temperature-sensing valve housing (42). The valve (44) slides relative to the temperature-sensing valve housing (42) to control the opening and closing of window B, and the upper outer sleeve (43) slides relative to the temperature-sensing valve housing (42) to control the opening and closing of window A.

6. A method for controlling the temperature of a lubricating oil inlet, characterized in that, include: The four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve as described in claim 5 is installed at the lubricating oil inlet of the equipment, and the first working medium outlet of the four-channel temperature and pressure sensing valve is connected to the lubricating oil inlet of the equipment, and the first working medium inlet is connected to the lubricating oil outlet of the radiator. The temperature sensing element (45) responds to the change in lubricating oil temperature at the lubricating oil inlet, thereby automatically adjusting the opening of window A and the opening of window B, and thus controlling the lubricating oil flow at window A and window B, thereby controlling the temperature of the first working medium outlet.

7. The method for controlling the temperature of lubricating oil inlet according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sensitivity of lubricating oil flow rate and temperature change can be controlled by changing the materials of the pressure regulating spring (41) and the temperature sensing element (45).

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