Low-torque three-way valve
By incorporating a rolling ball and lubrication system within the three-way valve, the problem of friction and wear between the valve core and valve body is solved, achieving low-torque rotation and extending valve life.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511812715.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-13
AI Technical Summary
During long-term use, existing three-way valves suffer from wear on the metal contact surface due to rotational friction between the valve core and valve body, resulting in burrs and scratches, increased frictional resistance, the need for greater torque for adjustment, which affects the difficulty of operation and accelerates wear.
By incorporating a rolling ball and lubrication system within the three-way valve body, and through the combined sliding and rolling motion between the first and second rotary valve cores, frictional roughness is reduced. The uniform distribution of lubricating oil and the drainage structure further reduce friction, thereby achieving low-torque rotation.
It effectively reduces frictional resistance during valve rotation, maintains normal torque levels, extends valve service life, and reduces operational difficulty.
Smart Images
Figure CN121322686A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of three-way valve technology, and in particular to a low-torque three-way valve. Background Technology
[0002] Valves are pipeline accessories used to open and close pipelines, control flow direction, and regulate and control the parameters of the transported medium. Based on their function, they can be divided into shut-off valves, check valves, regulating valves, etc. Valves are control components in fluid transport systems, possessing functions such as shut-off, regulation, flow diversion, backflow prevention, pressure stabilization, flow splitting, or overflow pressure relief. Valves used in fluid control systems range from the simplest shut-off valves to various valves used in extremely complex automated control systems, with a wide variety of types and specifications. Valves can be used to control the flow of various types of fluids, including air, water, steam, various corrosive media, mud, oil, liquid metals, and radioactive media. Valves are also classified according to their material, such as cast iron valves, cast steel valves, stainless steel valves, chrome-molybdenum steel valves, chrome-molybdenum-vanadium steel valves, duplex steel valves, plastic valves, and non-standard customized valves.
[0003] A search revealed a valve core assembly and a low-torque valve (publication number CN10306776B). The valve core assembly is mounted within a valve body and can rotate around an axis. The valve core assembly includes a valve core, two driving components, and a transmission component. The valve core has recesses at both its top and bottom, with radially inwardly convex profiles formed within these recesses. Each of the two driving components has a radially outwardly convex profile and an elastic rib, which is disengaged from the inner wall of the recess. When the valve is closed, the rotation of the driving components first causes the valve core to rotate around the axis, and then converts this rotation into a radial movement of the upper and lower ends of the valve core, pressing against the valve seat. When the valve is open, the rotation of the driving components, under the elastic action of the elastic ribs, first causes the valve ends to move radially, separating from the valve seat, and then the driving components cause the valve core to rotate around the axis. The valve core assembly and valve of this invention not only have low opening and closing torque but also feature a simple structure, excellent manufacturing process, simple operation, and good sealing performance.
[0004] While the above methods can achieve low torque, commonly available three-way valves on the market suffer from a significant problem during long-term use. When operators frequently rotate the valve to adjust the flow rate, the continuous rotational friction between the valve core and body causes the metal contact surface to gradually wear down over time, resulting in numerous tiny burrs and scratches. This surface damage not only affects the valve's appearance but, more importantly, significantly increases the frictional resistance during valve rotation. Therefore, in actual operation, operators must apply greater torque to complete the valve rotation adjustment, which not only increases the operational difficulty but also accelerates the valve's wear process. Therefore, improvements are needed, and a low-torque three-way valve is proposed. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Technical problem to be solved: Due to the continuous rotational friction between the valve core and the valve body, the metal contact surface will gradually wear down and produce a large number of tiny burrs and scratches after a period of time. These surface damages not only affect the appearance of the valve, but more importantly, they significantly increase the frictional resistance when the valve rotates. Therefore, in actual operation, operators have to apply greater torque to complete the valve rotation adjustment, which not only increases the difficulty of operation, but also accelerates the wear process of the valve.
[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a low-torque three-way valve, thereby solving the technical problems mentioned in the background section.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a low-torque three-way valve, comprising a three-way valve body and a second rotating valve core in the inner cavity of the three-way valve body, a first rotating valve core sleeved in the second rotating valve core, a rotatable oil injection mechanism sleeved at the top of the three-way valve body, circular grooves evenly arranged inside the three-way valve body, movable rolling balls embedded in the circular grooves inside the three-way valve body, channels opened inside the rolling balls, and each circular groove connected by a second connecting groove, a first connecting groove with an inclined tail end opened at the tail end of the second connecting groove, and a connecting groove inside the three-way valve body opened at the tail end of the first connecting groove.
[0008] In one possible implementation, the oil injection mechanism includes an L-shaped second arc groove inside the top of the three-way valve body, a sliding block inside the second arc groove, the sliding block being fixedly connected to the disc via a round rod, and a detachable rolling ball of the three-way valve body being threaded onto the top surface of the disc.
[0009] In one possible implementation, a first arc-shaped groove is formed at the contact position between the second rotary valve core and the disc. The interior of the first arc-shaped groove is connected to the oil outlet of the rolling ball of the three-way valve body. A sliding plate is provided inside the first arc-shaped groove that contacts the top surface of the three-way valve body.
[0010] In one possible implementation, the diameter of the second connecting groove is larger than the diameter of the channel in the rolling ball, and the end face of the rolling ball contacts the surface of the first rotary valve core.
[0011] In one possible implementation, the inner surface of the first rotary valve core is provided with a straight groove, which is flush with the inner surface of the three-way valve body. The end of the straight groove is an arc surface, and the rolling ball is located in the straight groove.
[0012] In one possible implementation, a ball valve is fixedly connected to the tail end of the second rotary valve core.
[0013] In one possible implementation, a gasket is provided between the second rotary valve core and the ball valve.
[0014] In one possible implementation, the disc is fixedly connected to a first rotary valve core, and the top of the first rotary valve core is provided with a turntable.
[0015] In one possible implementation, the tail end of the first rotary valve core is provided with a fixing block, which is inserted into the second rotary valve core.
[0016] Beneficial effects compared to existing technologies: 1. In this design, the rolling ball of the three-way valve body is installed in a detachable component threaded onto the top of the disc, and the ball contains lubricating oil. The first arc-shaped groove connects the oil outlet of the rolling ball to the second rotary valve core, allowing the lubricating oil to flow to the second rotary valve core. The sliding plate is fixed inside the disc, its size adapted to the first arc-shaped groove, and its bottom is arc-shaped. When sliding, it pushes the lubricating oil through each of the second rotary valve cores, achieving uniform distribution. The second rotary valve core is bowl-shaped with an open bottom, facilitating the downward flow of lubricating oil. The diameter of the second connecting groove is larger than the internal channel of the rolling ball, causing some lubricating oil to remain on the outer surface of the second rotary valve core, while some flows along the second connecting groove and the rolling ball. The rolling ball contacts the surface of the first rotary valve core. The rotation of the first rotary valve core drives the rolling ball, and the lubricating oil on the ball surface lubricates itself, with some flowing towards the inner wall of the first rotary valve core, reducing frictional roughness. The No. 1 rotary valve core contains multiple No. 2 rotary valve cores, No. 2 connecting grooves, and rolling balls. When rotating, it transforms into a motion that combines sliding and rolling, allowing the valve to be opened with low torque. Furthermore, these components lubricate the inner wall of the No. 1 rotary valve core, reducing the roughness caused by friction and ensuring low-torque rotation of the valve.
[0017] 2. In this design, the straight groove on the inner surface of the No. 1 rotary valve core is flush with the inner surface of the three-way valve body, which does not affect the rotation of the No. 1 rotary valve core. The arc surface at the end of the straight groove can guide lubricating oil to flow to the sliding contact surface between the No. 1 rotary valve core and the three-way valve body, accelerating the flow of lubricating oil to lubricate the contact surface and avoiding increased roughness due to friction, which would affect the torque. The No. 1 connecting groove at the end of the No. 2 connecting groove has a slope, which can guide lubricating oil to the contact surface between the No. 2 rotary valve core and the three-way valve body, reducing the increased roughness caused by friction on the surfaces of the No. 1 rotary valve core, the No. 2 rotary valve core, and the three-way valve body, thus avoiding affecting the torque.
[0018] 3. In this solution, a disc is installed at the top of the three-way valve body. The L-shaped second arc groove inside the top of the three-way valve body limits the matching sliding block. The rounded corners of the sliding block reduce its friction in the second arc groove. At the same time, the disc is fixedly connected to the exposed cylinder of the first rotary valve core, ensuring that when the first rotary valve core is rotated, the torque required for the rotation of the first rotary valve core will not be indirectly increased due to the limitation of the disc by the second arc groove and the sliding block, so that the valve is at a normal torque level during the opening process. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front cross-sectional view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the local structure at point A; Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of the local structure at point B Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point C Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the side of the present invention; Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 7 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point D in the diagram.
[0021] Legend: 1. Three-way valve body; 2. Rotary valve core No. 1; 3. Rotary valve core No. 2; 4. Connecting groove No. 2; 5. Rolling ball; 6. Circular groove; 7. Connecting groove No. 1; 8. Connecting groove; 9. Fixing block; 10. Disc; 11. Arc groove No. 1; 12. Slide plate; 13. Arc groove No. 2; 14. Sliding block; 17. Ball valve; 18. Gasket; 19. Straight groove. Detailed Implementation
[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can also be implemented in various different forms, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In addition, for the purpose of more clearly describing the present invention, parts not connected to the invention will be omitted from the drawings. The technical solution in this application embodiment is to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, and the overall idea is as follows: Example 1:
[0023] Existing three-way valves, due to prolonged use and continuous friction during rotation, will develop numerous burrs on their surface over time. Therefore, turning the valve requires a large torque. To solve this problem, please refer to... Figures 1 to 7As shown in the figure, this embodiment introduces a low-torque three-way valve, which includes the following specific structure: The valve includes a three-way valve body 1, inside which is installed a first rotary valve core 2. The tail end of the first rotary valve core 2 is connected to a second rotary valve core 3. The second rotary valve core 3 and the first rotary valve core 2 are fixed together by a fixing block 9. Through the multi-segment design, the path of torsion transmission can be optimized. A rotating disc 10 is fixedly connected to the top of the first rotary valve core 2, so that the operator can easily open the valve. During the continuous opening and closing of the valve, the first rotary valve core 2 and the second rotary valve core 3 continuously generate sliding friction with the inner wall of the three-way valve body 1, thereby increasing the roughness between the first rotary valve core 2 and the second rotary valve core 3 and the inner wall of the three-way valve body 1, which leads to an increase in the torque of the three-way valve. In order to reduce the friction between the first rotary valve core 2 and the second rotary valve core 3 and the inner wall of the three-way valve body 1, and to keep the roughness between the first rotary valve core 2 and the second rotary valve core 3 and the inner wall of the three-way valve body 1 within a controllable range; The operator has installed a disc 10 at the top of the three-way valve body 1. A second arc-shaped groove 13 is formed inside the top of the three-way valve body 1. The second arc-shaped groove 13 is L-shaped. A sliding block 14, adapted to the second arc-shaped groove 13, is installed in the L-shaped second arc-shaped groove 13, thereby limiting the sliding block 14. Figure 7 It can be clearly observed that the side of the sliding block 14 is designed with rounded corners, which can reduce the friction of the sliding block 14 inside the second arc groove 13 while ensuring movement. Since the disc 10 and the exposed cylinder of the first rotary valve core 2 are fixedly connected together, it can be ensured that during the rotation of the first rotary valve core 2, the torque required for the rotation of the first rotary valve core 2 will not be indirectly increased due to the limitation of the disc 10 by the second arc groove 13 and the sliding block 14, thus ensuring that the valve is at a normal torque level during the opening process. The top surface of the disc 10 is threaded with a detachable three-way valve body 1 rolling ball 5. The three-way valve body 1 rolling ball 5 is filled with lubricating oil, and a second rotary valve core 3 is evenly arranged inside the three-way valve body 1. A first arc groove 11 is opened at the contact position between the second rotary valve core 3 and the disc 10. The interior of the first arc groove 11 is connected to the oil outlet of the three-way valve body 1 rolling ball 5, so as to ensure that the lubricating oil in the three-way valve body 1 rolling ball 5 can flow to the second rotary valve core 3. Since there are multiple circular grooves 6 on the top of the three-way valve body 1, in order to ensure that the lubricating oil flows evenly into each circular groove 6, a sliding plate 12 is provided on the contact surface between the circular groove 6 and the disc 10. The sliding plate 12 is fixedly connected to the inside of the disc 10, and at the same time, from the attached... Figure 7It can be clearly observed that the size of the slide plate 12 is adapted to the size of the first arc groove 11 opened inside the disc 10. In order to make the slide plate 12 slide more smoothly inside the first arc groove 11, the bottom of the slide plate 12 is arc-shaped, and under the action of the lubricating oil in the first arc groove 11, the smooth operation of the slide plate 12 is ensured. At the same time, when the slide plate 12 slides along the inside of the first arc groove 11, the slide plate 12 will push the rolling ball 5 of the three-way valve body 1 to flow the lubricating oil in the disc 10 through each circular groove 6, so that the lubricating oil can be evenly distributed in the circular groove 6.
[0024] After the lubricating oil flows into the circular groove 6, from the attached Figure 4 As can be observed, the circular groove 6 is bowl-shaped and has an opening at the bottom to facilitate the continued downward flow of lubricating oil. A second connecting groove 4 is provided below the circular groove 6, and the other end of the second connecting groove 4 is connected to another circular groove 6. In addition, a rotatable rolling ball 5 is embedded inside the circular groove 6, and a channel is provided in the center of the rolling ball 5. The diameter of the second connecting groove 4 is larger than the diameter of the channel in the rolling ball 5, so that when the lubricating oil flows downward, part of the lubricating oil stays on the outer surface of the circular groove 6, and part of the lubricating oil continues to flow along the straight-lined second connecting groove 4 and the rolling ball 5. Furthermore, one end face of the rolling ball 5 is in contact with the surface of the first rotary valve core 2, so that the first rotary valve core 2 will drive the rolling ball 5 to rotate during the rotation process. At the same time, there is lubricating oil on the surface of the rolling ball 5, which ensures that the surface of the rolling ball 5 is lubricated, and also ensures that some of the lubricating oil flows into the inner wall of the first rotary valve core 2, thereby lubricating the first rotary valve core 2 and the three-way valve body 1, reducing the roughness caused by friction. Furthermore, the first rotary valve core 2 has multiple circular grooves 6, a second connecting groove 4, and a rolling ball 5 arranged inside. As the first rotary valve core 2 rotates, its rotation changes to a combination of sliding and rolling motion. This ensures that the valve requires only low torque to open. The circular grooves 6, the second connecting groove 4, and the rolling ball 5 lubricate the inner wall of the first rotary valve core 2, reducing the roughness caused by friction between the first rotary valve core 2 and the inner wall of the three-way valve body 1, as well as the roughness caused by rolling friction between the first rotary valve core 2 and the rolling ball 5. This further ensures that the valve operates under low torque. After the lubricating oil flows to the surface of the rolling ball 5, a straight groove 19 is provided on the inner surface of the first rotary valve core 2. The straight groove 19 is flush with the inner surface of the three-way valve body 1 and has no protrusions, so it will not affect the rotation of the first rotary valve core 2. At the same time, the setting of the first rotary valve core 2 can play a role in guiding the flow. There is a certain gap between the straight groove 19 and the rolling ball 5. When the lubricating oil adhering to the surface of the rolling ball 5 will flow straight down through its surface, the tail end of the straight groove 19 is set as an arc surface. The lubricating oil will lubricate the surface of the first rotary valve core 2 and the three-way valve body 1 that slides in contact, thereby accelerating the flow of lubricating oil and lubricating the surface of the contact between the first rotary valve core 2 and the three-way valve body 1. This will not increase the roughness due to friction, thus affecting its torque.
[0025] A first connecting groove 7 is provided at the tail end of the second connecting groove 4. The tail end of the first connecting groove 7 has a certain slope and a connecting groove 8 is provided at the tail end of the first connecting groove 7. This allows lubricating oil to be guided to the surface of the second rotating valve core 3 that contacts the three-way valve body 1. When the first rotating valve core 2 rotates and drives the second rotating valve core 3 to rotate, the surfaces of the first rotating valve core 2 and the second rotating valve core 3 and the three-way valve body 1 will be continuously lubricated by lubricating oil, thereby reducing the increase in roughness caused by friction and thus affecting the torque.
[0026] A ball valve 17 is installed and connected below the second rotary valve core 3. A gasket 18 is provided between the second rotary valve core 3 and the ball valve 17. The gasket 18 provides a certain sealing function to prevent the liquid flowing through the valve from flowing into the second rotary valve core 3 located in the three-way valve body 1, thereby affecting the airtightness of the entire valve and thus affecting the smoothness of valve opening. At the same time, the gasket 18 also prevents the lubricating oil in the three-way valve body 1 from flowing into the pipe diameter of the liquid flowing in the three-way valve body 1, thereby affecting the water quality.
[0027] In summary: The rolling ball of the three-way valve body is housed in a detachable component threaded onto the top of the disc, and contains lubricating oil. The first arc-shaped groove connects the oil outlet of the rolling ball to the second rotary valve core, allowing lubricating oil to flow to it. The sliding plate, fixed within the disc and sized to fit the first arc-shaped groove, has a rounded bottom. During sliding, it pushes the lubricating oil through each of the second rotary valve cores, achieving uniform distribution. The second rotary valve core is bowl-shaped with an open bottom, facilitating the downward flow of lubricating oil. The diameter of the second connecting groove is larger than the internal channel of the rolling ball, causing some lubricating oil to remain on the outer surface of the second rotary valve core, while some flows along the second connecting groove and the rolling ball. The rolling ball contacts the surface of the first rotary valve core; the rotation of the first rotary valve core drives the rolling ball, and the lubricating oil on the ball's surface lubricates itself, with some flowing towards the inner wall of the first rotary valve core, reducing frictional roughness. The No. 1 rotary valve core contains multiple No. 2 rotary valve cores, No. 2 connecting grooves, and rolling balls. When rotating, it transforms into a motion that combines sliding and rolling, allowing the valve to be opened with low torque. Furthermore, these components lubricate the inner wall of the No. 1 rotary valve core, reducing the roughness caused by friction and ensuring low-torque rotation of the valve.
[0028] The straight groove on the inner surface of the No. 1 rotary valve core is flush with the inner surface of the three-way valve body, which does not affect the rotation of the No. 1 rotary valve core. The arc surface at the end of the straight groove can guide the lubricating oil to flow to the sliding contact surface between the No. 1 rotary valve core and the three-way valve body, accelerating the flow of lubricating oil to lubricate the contact surface and avoiding increased roughness due to friction, which would affect the torque. The No. 1 connecting groove at the end of the No. 2 connecting groove has a slope, which can guide the lubricating oil to the contact surface between the No. 2 rotary valve core and the three-way valve body, reducing the increased roughness caused by friction on the surfaces of the No. 1 rotary valve core, the No. 2 rotary valve core, and the three-way valve body, and avoiding affecting the torque.
[0029] By setting a disc at the top of the three-way valve body, the L-shaped second arc groove inside the top of the three-way valve body limits the matching sliding block. The rounded corners of the sliding block reduce its friction in the second arc groove. At the same time, the disc is fixedly connected to the exposed cylinder of the first rotary valve core, ensuring that when the first rotary valve core is rotated, the torque required for the rotation of the first rotary valve core will not be indirectly increased due to the limitation of the disc by the second arc groove and the sliding block, so that the valve is at a normal torque level during the opening process.
[0030] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.
Claims
1. A low-torque three-way valve, comprising a three-way valve body (1) and a second rotary valve core (3) within the cavity of the three-way valve body (1), wherein a first rotary valve core (2) is sleeved within the second rotary valve core (3), characterized in that, The top of the three-way valve body (1) is fitted with a rotatable oil injection mechanism. The interior of the three-way valve body (1) is uniformly arranged with circular grooves (6). The circular grooves (6) inside the three-way valve body (1) are inlaid with movable rolling balls (5). The interior of the rolling balls (5) is provided with channels. Each circular groove (6) is connected to the other through a second connecting groove (4). The tail end of the second connecting groove (4) is provided with a first connecting groove (7) with an inclined tail end. The tail end of the first connecting groove (7) is provided with a connecting groove (8) located inside the three-way valve body (1).
2. The low-torque three-way valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The oil injection mechanism includes a second arc groove (13) with an L-shape inside the top of the three-way valve body (1). A sliding block (14) is provided in the second arc groove (13). The sliding block (14) is fixedly connected to the disc (10) by a round rod. A detachable rolling ball (5) of the three-way valve body (1) is threaded onto the top surface of the disc (10).
3. A low-torque three-way valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A first arc groove (11) is provided at the contact position between the second rotary valve core (3) and the disc (10). The interior of the first arc groove (11) is connected to the oil outlet of the rolling ball (5) of the three-way valve body (1). The interior of the first arc groove (11) is provided with a sliding plate (12) that contacts the top surface of the three-way valve body (1).
4. A low-torque three-way valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the second connecting groove (4) is greater than the diameter of the channel in the rolling ball (5), and the end face of the rolling ball (5) is in contact with the surface of the first rotating valve core (2).
5. A low-torque three-way valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the first rotary valve core (2) is provided with a straight groove (19), which is flush with the inner surface of the three-way valve body (1). The tail end of the straight groove (19) is an arc surface, and the rolling ball (5) is located in the straight groove (19).
6. A low-torque three-way valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A ball valve (17) is fixedly connected to the tail end of the second rotary valve core (3).
7. A low-torque three-way valve as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A gasket (18) is provided between the second rotary valve core (3) and the ball valve (17).
8. A low-torque three-way valve as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The disc (10) is fixedly connected to the first rotary valve core (2), and the top of the first rotary valve core (2) is provided with a turntable.
9. A low-torque three-way valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tail end of the first rotary valve core (2) is provided with a fixing block (9), which is inserted into the second rotary valve core (3).