Anti-freezing check valve

By introducing a temperature-sensing valve head and an active switch structure into the check valve, the problem of component damage caused by freezing expansion in low-temperature environments is solved, achieving automatic drainage and antifreeze function, and improving the stability and sealing of the valve body.

CN121007245APending Publication Date: 2025-11-25WENZHOU YIHU IND CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511177778.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-21
Publication Date
2025-11-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing check valves are prone to component damage due to fluid freezing in cold environments, which shortens their service life, increases maintenance costs, and may even cause fluid delivery system failures.

Method used

An antifreeze check valve was designed, which adopts a temperature-sensing valve head and a movable switch structure. The temperature-sensing valve head expands and contracts axially with temperature changes, triggering the movable switch to automatically discharge the liquid inside the valve, thus avoiding damage to the valve body caused by freezing expansion.

Benefits of technology

By extending and retracting the temperature-sensing valve head, liquid can be automatically discharged at low temperatures, preventing freezing expansion, ensuring the stability and sealing of the valve body, reducing maintenance costs, and improving system reliability.

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Abstract

According to the technical scheme, the anti-freezing check valve comprises a valve body and a movable valve element installed in the valve body, the valve body is provided with a valve port for sealing the valve element, and the anti-freezing check valve is characterized in that the valve element is provided with a temperature sensing valve head capable of axially stretching out and drawing back along with temperature changes, and the valve body is provided with a first channel corresponding to the temperature sensing valve head in the contraction state; a second channel is arranged corresponding to the valve element, and the inner diameter of the first channel is smaller than that of the second channel. The second channel is provided with an elastic body used for pressing the valve element so that the valve element can close the valve port. The side wall of the first channel is provided with an overflow hole penetrating through the valve body, the overflow hole is provided with a movable switch, a part of the movable switch protrudes out of the end face of the first channel, and the valve element can make contact with and start the movable switch. When the temperature is reduced, the valve element shrinks and can reliably make contact with and trigger the movable switch on the limiting face, so that the overflow hole is communicated, residual liquid in the valve is automatically discharged, and the situation that the valve body is broken due to freezing expansion of the valve element is avoided.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of valve technology, and more specifically to an antifreeze check valve. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, check valves are an indispensable and important component in numerous fluid transport systems. In industries such as petrochemicals, power engineering, and metallurgy, gate valves are essential elements in pipeline systems, used to control the on / off state and flow regulation of various fluid media, such as oil, natural gas, steam, and water.

[0003] However, there are still some defects in the above-mentioned prior art. In the prior art, the internal fluid is prone to freezing in cold environments. When the fluid freezes, the volume of water expands when it freezes. This expansion force may damage the valve body, valve disc and other components of the check valve, shorten the service life of the check valve, increase maintenance costs, and may even cause the failure of the entire fluid delivery system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides an antifreeze check valve.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a valve body comprising a movable valve core installed within the valve body, the valve body having a valve port for sealing the valve core, characterized in that: the valve core is provided with a temperature-sensing valve head capable of axial expansion and contraction with temperature changes; the valve body has a first channel corresponding to the contracted temperature-sensing valve head, and a second channel corresponding to the valve core, the inner diameter of the first channel being smaller than that of the second channel; the second channel is provided with an elastic body for pressing the valve core to close the valve port; the side wall of the first channel has an overflow hole penetrating the valve body, the overflow hole having a movable switch, a portion of the movable switch protruding from the end face of the first channel, the valve core being able to contact and activate the movable switch.

[0006] Preferably, the temperature-sensing valve head includes an axially expandable and contractible body that can change with temperature, and a pressing head connected to the end of the expandable body with an outer diameter matching the inner diameter of the first channel. The expandable body extends at room temperature and contracts at low temperature; the pressing head moves axially synchronously with the expandable body.

[0007] Preferably, the telescopic body includes a movable cavity, in which a temperature sensing block is installed, and the temperature sensing block is covered by a movable outer shell that can move axially within the movable cavity, with a water-stopping washer fixed to the end of the movable outer shell.

[0008] Preferably, the active switch includes a placement cavity opened on the first channel, a plunger that can move axially within the placement cavity, the plunger having an overflow port corresponding to the overflow hole, and a spring-loaded component for driving the plunger to reset within the placement cavity.

[0009] Preferably, when the active switch is in the closed position, a water-stopping block is provided on the plunger at the position corresponding to the overflow hole; an expansion block is provided between the plunger and the water-stopping block.

[0010] Preferably, the end face of the second channel covers part of the overflow port of the movable cavity, and the plunger is provided with a corresponding notch; when the movable switch is closed, the notch of the plunger can abut against the second channel under the action of the spring-loaded component.

[0011] Preferably, the plunger has a protruding stop on its side, and the stop moves into the cavity as the plunger moves. The rebound member is a spring with one end abutting the stop and the other end abutting the bottom surface of the cavity.

[0012] Preferably, the plunger is fitted with packing material adapted to the placement cavity near the upper side of the second channel.

[0013] Preferably, the first channel is further provided with a spring A for assisting the valve core to open; the end of the second channel is provided with a tail cap, which is used to press the elastic body.

[0014] Preferably, the overflow channel gradually expands outward, and the inner wall of the hole is sprayed with a hydrophobic coating.

[0015] In summary, this invention offers the following advantages: The temperature-sensing valve head design allows the valve core to expand and contract with temperature changes. When the temperature decreases, the valve core contracts, reliably contacting and triggering the movable switch on the limiting surface, thus opening the overflow hole and automatically discharging residual liquid inside the valve. When the residual liquid inside freezes and expands, it compresses the valve body, releasing some of the liquid and relieving internal pressure, preventing the valve body from cracking due to freezing and expansion. This structure, through precise setting of the trigger point of the movable switch on the limiting surface, ensures the inevitability, immediacy, and stable reliability of the low-temperature drainage action, exhibiting strong anti-interference capabilities. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a magnified view of part A in this embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a workflow in this embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the open state in this embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a magnified view of part B in this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of a telescopic body in this embodiment;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the plunger structure in this embodiment;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a top sectional view of a plunger in this embodiment;

[0024] Reference numerals: 1. Valve body; 11. First channel; 111. Overflow hole; 112. Spring A; 12. Second channel; 121. Tail cap; 122. Elastic body; 13. Limiting surface; 2. Valve core; 21. Temperature sensing valve head; 211. Pressing head; 212. Telescopic body; 2121. Movable cavity; 2122. Telescopic block; 2123. Water-stopping washer; 2124. Movable outer shell; 3. Movable switch; 31. Placement cavity; 32. Plunger; 321. Overflow port; 322. Stop block; 323. Notch; 324. Water-stopping block; 325. Expansion block; 33. Rebound element; 3212. Packing. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] This embodiment discloses an antifreeze check valve, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the device includes a valve body 1 and a movable valve core 2 installed within the valve body 1. The valve body has a valve port for sealing the valve core 2. The valve core 2 is characterized by having a temperature-sensing valve head 21 that can axially expand and contract with temperature changes. The valve body 1 has a first channel corresponding to the contracted temperature-sensing valve head 21 and a second channel corresponding to the valve core 2. The inner diameter of the first channel is smaller than that of the second channel. The second channel 12 has an elastic body 122 for pressing the valve core 2 to close the valve port. The elastic body 122 provides the valve core 2 with a normal pressing force to seal the valve port, ensuring a check valve function. In this embodiment, the elastic body 122 is preferably a spring, which has a simple structure, low price, and is easy to replace. The side wall of the first channel 11 has an overflow hole 111 that penetrates the valve body 1. The overflow hole 111 has a movable switch 3, a portion of which protrudes from the end face of the first channel 11. The valve core 2 can contact and activate the movable switch 3. The temperature sensing valve head 21 can extend or retract according to the ambient temperature. When the temperature sensing valve head 21 is shortened, the valve core 2 can contact and activate the active switch 3 under the action of the elastic body 122, so that the overflow hole 111 is opened to drain liquid and relieve pressure.

[0027] Preferably, the temperature-sensing valve head 21 includes an axially expandable and contractile body 211 that can expand and contract with temperature changes, and a clamping head 211 connected to the end of the expandable body 212 whose outer diameter matches the inner diameter of the first channel 11. The clamping head 211 matches the inner diameter of the first channel 11, so that the clamping head 211 is stable and does not shake when the first channel 11 is in operation, reducing the noise generated when the valve body is working. The expandable body 212 expands at normal temperature and contracts at low temperature. The clamping head 211 moves axially synchronously with the expandable body 212.

[0028] like Figure 8 As shown, the telescopic body 212 includes a movable cavity 2121, within which a temperature-sensing block 2122 is installed. The movable cavity 2121 provides a track and space for the temperature-sensing block 2122 to move. The temperature-sensing block 2122 is externally covered by a movable outer shell 2124 that can move axially within the movable cavity 2121. The movable outer shell 2124 encloses and protects the temperature-sensing block 2122, reducing interference from the external environment. A water-stopping washer 2123 is fixed to the end of the movable outer shell 2124. The water-stopping washer 2123 provides a seal to prevent leakage. The temperature-sensing block 2122 is a thermosensitive telescopic element made of paraffin wax expandable material. Paraffin wax expandable material has high temperature sensitivity and linear expansion characteristics, providing precise displacement output when contracting at low temperatures and expanding at normal temperatures. This makes the temperature-sensing valve head 21 respond quickly and reliably, and is fatigue-resistant, improving the long-term stability of its antifreeze performance.

[0029] Preferably, the movable switch 3 includes a placement cavity 31 opened on the first channel 12 and an axially movable plunger 32 disposed in the placement cavity 31. The plunger 32 has an overflow port 321 corresponding to the overflow hole 111. When the plunger 32 is pressed down, the overflow port 321 and the overflow hole 111 are connected to form a flow channel for pressure relief and liquid discharge. The placement cavity is provided with a spring-loaded member 33 for driving the plunger 32 to reset. The placement cavity 31 is used to accommodate the plunger 32 and the spring-loaded member 33. The spring-loaded member 33 provides elasticity so that the plunger 32 automatically returns to its initial position (default closed state) when there is no external force. Since the movable switch 3 will be activated when the plunger 32 is pressed, when the temperature sensing valve head 21 fails, the ice expansion force generated by the freezing of the fluid in the valve body 1 can push the plunger 32 to move, causing the overflow hole 111 to open urgently and the valve body 1 to be destroyed. In this embodiment, the plunger 32 is made of low-temperature resistant lightweight plastic, which can adapt to low-temperature working environments and is easy to push.

[0030] Preferably, when the active switch 3 is in the closed position, a water-stopping block 324 is provided on the plunger 32 at the position corresponding to the overflow hole 111; an expansion block 325 is provided between the plunger 32 and the water-stopping block 324. The volume of the expansion block 325 changes with temperature. At room temperature, the expansion block 325 expands when heated, pushing the water-stopping block 324 to press tightly against the overflow hole 111, thus achieving a good sealing effect and preventing leakage. When the temperature drops, the expansion block 325 contracts when cooled, reducing the pressure of the water-stopping block 324 on the placement cavity 31, reducing the resistance encountered by the active switch 3 during opening and closing operations. Therefore, the water-stopping block 324 will not hinder the normal opening and closing of the active switch 3 at low temperatures. The expansion block 325 is a thermosensitive expansion element made of paraffin wax expandable material.

[0031] Preferably, the end face of the second channel 12 covers part of the overflow outlet of the movable cavity 31, and the plunger 32 is provided with a corresponding notch 323; when the movable switch 3 is in the closed state, the notch 323 of the plunger 32 can abut against the second channel 12 under the action of the spring member 33. The cooperation between the notch 323 and the end of the second channel 12 can restrict the axial movement of the plunger 32, so that the plunger 32 can be stably placed in the placement cavity 31 and is not easy to fall out.

[0032] like Figures 6 to 7 As shown, a protruding stop 322 is provided on the side of the plunger 32. The stop 322 moves within the placement cavity 31 as the plunger 32 moves. The spring member 33 is a spring with one end abutting against the stop 322 and the other end abutting against the bottom surface of the placement cavity 31. The stop 322 allows the spring member 33 to be installed on the side of the plunger 32. When the plunger 32 moves to its limit position, it will contact the bottom surface of the placement cavity 31, thereby limiting the excessive movement of the plunger and preventing the spring from being damaged due to over-compression, thus providing a protective function.

[0033] Preferably, the plunger 32 is fitted with a packing 3212 adapted to the placement cavity 31 near the upper side of the second channel 12. The packing 3212 (such as a rubber or polymer sealing ring) provides an additional sealing layer to prevent fluid from seeping into the placement cavity 31 and causing leakage, thereby enhancing the overall sealing performance and reducing the risk of leakage.

[0034] Preferably, the first channel 11 is further provided with a spring A112 for assisting the valve core 2 in opening. The spring A112 can reduce the pressure required when the valve port is opened, making it smooth to use. The end of the second channel 12 is provided with a tail cap 121. The tail cap 121 is used to press the elastic body 122. The tail cap 121 provides a pre-tightening force fixing point for the elastic body 122, preventing the elastic body 122 from loosening, so that the elastic body 122 can continuously provide effective pressure to the valve core 2.

[0035] Preferably, the overflow hole 111 has a gradually expanding flow channel. This expanding design (similar to a trumpet shape) reduces fluid flow resistance, improves drainage efficiency, and facilitates rapid fluid discharge during antifreeze operation, preventing the hole from freezing and clogging. The inner wall of the hole is coated with a hydrophobic coating (such as Teflon), which repels water molecules, reducing the possibility of water remaining or freezing inside the hole, ensuring unobstructed flow in the overflow hole 111 when needed, and enhancing antifreeze reliability.

[0036] Working principle of the invention

[0037] At room temperature, the valve core 2 will press against the valve port under the action of the elastic body 122. When the pressure at the valve port is sufficient, it will push the valve core 2 to move, and the fluid will enter and pass through the valve cavity.

[0038] At low temperatures, the telescopic body 212 contracts, causing the temperature-sensing valve head 21 to shorten. As the temperature-sensing valve head 21 continues to shorten, the valve core 2 will approach the limiting surface 13. When the temperature approaches the freezing point, the valve core 2 will contact and push the movable switch 3 to open the overflow hole 111, allowing the valve body 1 to drain liquid and prevent freezing. At this time, when the valve port pressure is sufficient to push the valve core 2 to open, as the valve core 2 moves away, the movable switch 3 will automatically close to prevent unnecessary leakage of fluid in the valve cavity.

[0039] When the temperature rises, the telescopic body 212 will expand again, causing the temperature sensing valve head 21 to extend, and the valve core 2 to move away from the limiting surface 13. The plunger 32 will close the overflow hole 111 under the action of the spring-loaded member 33 to avoid unnecessary leakage.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the design concept of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An antifreeze check valve, comprising a valve body (1) and a movable valve core (2) installed within the valve body (1), wherein the valve body is provided with a valve port for sealing the valve core (2), characterized in that: The valve core (2) is provided with a temperature-sensing valve head (21) that can axially expand and contract with temperature changes. The valve body (1) is provided with a first channel corresponding to the temperature-sensing valve head (21) in the contracted state, and a second channel corresponding to the valve core (2). The inner diameter of the first channel is smaller than that of the second channel. The second channel (12) is provided with an elastic body (122) for pressing the valve core (2) to close the valve port. The side wall of the first channel (11) is provided with an overflow hole (111) that penetrates the valve body (1). The overflow hole (111) is provided with a movable switch (3). A part of the movable switch (3) protrudes from the end face of the first channel (11). The valve core (2) can contact and activate the movable switch (3).

2. The antifreeze check valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature sensing valve head (21) includes an axially expandable and contractible body (211) that can expand and contract with temperature changes, and a pressing head (211) connected to the end of the expandable body (212) whose outer diameter matches the inner diameter of the first channel (11). The expandable body (212) expands at room temperature and contracts at low temperature. The pressing head (211) moves axially synchronously with the expandable body (212).

3. The antifreeze check valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The telescopic body (212) includes a movable cavity (2121), a temperature sensing block (2122) is installed inside the movable cavity (2121), and the temperature sensing block (2122) is covered with a movable outer shell (2124) that can move axially inside the movable cavity (2121). A water-stopping washer (2123) is fixed at the end of the movable outer shell (2124).

4. The antifreeze check valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The active switch (3) includes a placement cavity (31) opened on the first channel (12) and a plunger (32) that can move axially in the placement cavity (31). The plunger (32) has an overflow port (321) adapted to the overflow hole (111). The placement cavity is provided with a spring-loaded member (33) for driving the plunger (32) to reset.

5. The antifreeze check valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the active switch (3) is in the closed position, a water-stopping block (324) is provided on the plunger (32) at the position corresponding to the overflow hole (111); an expansion block (325) is provided between the plunger (32) and the water-stopping block (324).

6. The antifreeze check valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end face of the second channel (12) covers the overflow port of the movable cavity (31), and the plunger (32) is provided with a corresponding notch (323); when the movable switch (3) is closed, the notch (323) of the plunger (32) can abut against the second channel (12) under the action of the spring member (33).

7. The antifreeze check valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plunger (32) has a protruding stop (322) on its side. The stop (322) moves into the placement cavity (31) as the plunger (32) moves. The spring (33) is a spring with one end abutting against the stop (322) and the other end abutting against the bottom surface of the placement cavity (31).

8. The antifreeze check valve according to claim 6, characterized in that: The plunger (32) is fitted with a packing material (3212) adapted to the placement cavity (31) on the upper side near the second channel (12).

9. The antifreeze check valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first channel (11) is also provided with a spring A (112) for assisting the valve core (2) to open; the end of the second channel (12) is provided with a tail cap (121), which is used to press the elastomer (122).

10. The antifreeze check valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overflow hole (111) gradually expands outward, and the inner wall of the hole is sprayed with a hydrophobic coating.