An intelligent gas flow regulating valve integrating leakage gas collection and monitoring
By integrating a telescopic chamber and a pressure sensor into the gas flow regulating valve, real-time monitoring and automatic shut-off of gas leaks are achieved, solving the problem that gas flow regulating valves cannot effectively monitor and collect leaked gas, and improving the safety and reliability of gas pipelines.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LESHAN CHUANTIAN GAS EQUIP
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing gas flow regulating valves cannot effectively monitor and collect gas leaks, especially small leaks that are difficult to detect in time during use, leading to a high risk of fire safety accidents.
An intelligent gas flow regulating valve integrating leaked gas collection and monitoring was designed. By setting a telescopic cavity and a pressure sensor inside the valve stem, the valve can monitor the pressure changes caused by the amount of leaked gas in real time and automatically cut off the gas supply when a leak occurs. The valve achieves mechanical safety cut-off by using the meshing and disengagement mechanism of magnetic rack and pinion.
It enables sensitive detection and timely shut-off of minute leaks, preventing gas from spreading into the environment, improving safety and reliability, and is suitable for the renovation or replacement of existing gas pipelines in homes.
Smart Images

Figure CN121497840B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of gas flow regulating valve technology, specifically to an intelligent gas flow regulating valve that integrates leaked gas collection and monitoring. Background Technology
[0002] A gas flow valve is a new type of safety device for gas pipeline engineering. It is used to cut off, connect, and regulate the gas in the pipeline, possessing excellent control characteristics and sealing performance. It is suitable for pipelines carrying various gas media such as city gas, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, and oxygen. Gas valves have a wide range of applications and are diverse in type and classification, but can generally be divided into two main categories.
[0003] The first category of automatic valves are valves that operate automatically by relying on the gas itself, such as check valves, regulating valves, and pressure reducing valves. The second category of actuated valves are valves that are operated manually, electrically, or pneumatically, such as gate valves, globe valves, throttle valves, butterfly valves, ball valves, and plug valves.
[0004] Gas flow control valves are mostly installed on the gas pipeline entering a household to control the on / off state and flow rate of the gas. The gas pipeline typically extends to the user's stove through multiple interconnected pipes. The connection points of the gas pipeline are the most vulnerable to gas leaks. However, current gas flow control valves do not have the function of monitoring gas leaks in the pipeline or collecting leaked gas. Gas leak monitoring is generally performed when the gas is not in use, by monitoring pressure changes in the pipeline to determine whether there is a gas leak. However, during gas use, the accuracy of this monitoring method is low, especially for some very small micro-leaks, which cannot be detected in time. Gas leaks directly into the surrounding environment, which can easily cause fire safety accidents. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a flow control valve that can both monitor gas leaks and collect leaked gas. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent gas flow regulating valve that integrates leak gas collection and monitoring. It can not only monitor gas leaks in the gas pipeline entering the house, but also collect leaked gas and use it to block the gas supply to the gas pipeline entering the house, so as to prevent leaked gas from escaping into the surrounding environment and causing fire safety accidents.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following solution:
[0007] An intelligent gas flow regulating valve integrating leaked gas collection and monitoring includes a flow regulating valve body installed on the gas pipeline entering the house. The flow regulating valve body includes a valve shell and a valve core that controls the opening and closing of the gas path. The upper end of the valve core is provided with a valve stem that can move vertically. The top of the valve shell is provided with a support cylinder. The valve stem has a cavity inside. A magnetic rack is movably provided on the side wall of the valve stem. A motor is provided on the outer wall of the support cylinder. The output end of the motor is connected to a gear that meshes with the magnetic rack. A magnetic plate with the same polarity as the magnetic rack is movably provided in the cavity. The cavity has a telescopic cavity for receiving leaked gas from the gas pipeline entering the house. A pressure sensor is provided on the side wall of the telescopic cavity. When the volume of the telescopic cavity increases, it controls the magnetic plate to move away from the magnetic rack, causing the magnetic rack to disengage from the drive gear. As a result, the valve core falls and blocks the gas path between the inlet and outlet ends.
[0008] In this solution, an intelligent gas flow regulating valve is installed on the gas pipeline entering the house to control the flow and on / off of the gas. An expansion chamber is installed inside the valve stem, which is connected to a potential leak point in the gas pipeline. When a gas leak occurs, the leaked gas will not be directly released into the air, but will be guided and collected in the expansion chamber, preventing the leaked gas from escaping into the surrounding environment and causing a fire.
[0009] A pressure sensor is installed on the side wall of the expansion chamber. As leaked gas continuously enters and is collected, the gas volume inside the expansion chamber gradually increases, causing the internal pressure to rise. The pressure sensor monitors this pressure change in real time. This solution does not rely on pressure fluctuations during pipeline use, but directly monitors the pressure generated by the amount of leaked gas collected. Therefore, it is extremely sensitive and accurate to even minor leaks (micro-leaks) regardless of whether gas is in use or not.
[0010] Under normal conditions, the distance between the magnetic plate and the magnetic rack is appropriate, and the resulting repulsive magnetic force allows the magnetic rack to mesh with the gear. The valve stem is controlled by the motor through the meshing of the gear and the magnetic rack to control the raising and lowering of the valve, thereby driving the valve core to open and close, and realizing flow regulation or on / off.
[0011] When a leak occurs, the increased pressure inside the expansion chamber forces its volume to increase. This physical displacement pushes the magnetic plate, which is linked to the expansion chamber, away from the magnetic rack. The magnetic plate and the magnetic rack are set to have the same polarity. According to the principle of repulsion between like poles of magnets, when the expansion chamber expands and pushes the magnetic plate away from the magnetic rack, the repulsive force decreases, causing the magnetic rack to disengage from its original meshing position with the gear. Once the magnetic rack disengages from the drive gear, the motor's control over the valve stem is released. The valve stem and its connected valve core automatically fall under their own weight, quickly and reliably blocking the gas path between the inlet and outlet, fundamentally cutting off the gas supply and preventing further leakage.
[0012] Optionally, a collection box is provided at the joint of the gas pipeline into the house, and a gas pipe is provided between the collection box and the telescopic cavity. One end of the gas pipe is connected to the collection box, and the other end passes through the support cylinder and is connected to the telescopic cavity.
[0013] Optionally, the collection box has through holes at both ends that are adapted to the size of the gas pipeline entering the house, and a sealant is provided between the inner wall of the through hole and the outer wall of the gas pipeline entering the house.
[0014] Optionally, a first guide rod is provided on the side wall of the cavity, which is opposite to the magnetic rack. A magnetic plate is slidably sleeved on the first guide rod. A fixing plate is provided on the side of the magnetic plate facing the magnetic rack. The fixing plate is connected to the side wall of the cavity. There is a space between the fixing plate and the side wall of the cavity that allows the magnetic rack to move. A sealed telescopic cavity is formed between the magnetic plate and the fixing plate.
[0015] Optionally, an air bladder is provided between the magnetic plate and the fixing plate, and the inner cavity of the air bladder is a telescopic cavity.
[0016] Optionally, a first spring is sleeved on the first guide rod. The first spring is pressed between the magnetic plate and the inner wall of the cavity. The first spring is compressed to the point that the magnetic force generated between the magnetic plate and the magnetic rack is just enough to make the magnetic rack mesh with the gear. A baffle is provided on the end face of the first guide rod near the magnetic rack.
[0017] Optionally, an assembly cavity opposite to the magnetic plate is formed on the side wall of the cavity, and a magnetic rack is movably installed in the assembly cavity. A second spring that is compressed is provided between the inner wall of the assembly cavity and the magnetic rack.
[0018] Optionally, a second guide rod is provided on the inner wall of the assembly cavity. One end of the second guide rod passes through a magnetic rack and is connected to a fixing plate. A second spring is sleeved on the second guide rod, and the magnetic rack and the second guide rod can slide relative to each other.
[0019] Optionally, the magnetic rack is T-shaped, and the side wall of the magnetic rack is provided with a mounting groove opposite to the assembly cavity. One end of the second spring is located in the mounting groove, and one end of the second guide rod passes through the mounting groove.
[0020] Optionally, the air pipe is equipped with a vent valve, and the part of the air pipe that extends into the support cylinder and connects with the telescopic cavity is a flexible hose, which has a margin to allow the valve stem to move up and down.
[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0022] 1. Traditional methods that rely on monitoring changes in pipeline pressure are prone to underreporting when gas usage is affected by flow fluctuations, which can lead to unstable pressure. This makes it difficult to distinguish between normal gas usage and minor leaks.
[0023] This solution uses an independent leak gas collection chamber (expansion chamber) and pressure sensor. Regardless of whether the main gas pipeline is in use, the leak gas will be collected and accumulated separately. The resulting pressure change is continuous and unidirectional, so it can detect tiny, slow leaks that are difficult to detect even when gas is in use, thus achieving real-time and uninterrupted effective monitoring.
[0024] 2. Existing valves only focus on whether there is a leak. The leaked gas is directly discharged into the surrounding environment and cannot be detected before it reaches the lower explosive limit, forming an invisible dangerous gas cloud.
[0025] The expansion chamber in this design acts as a collector, temporarily storing the initially leaked gas and preventing it from immediately spreading into the air. This provides the monitoring system with response time and effectively reduces the rate and risk of flammable gas concentration accumulation in the initial leak environment.
[0026] 3. Many existing intelligent solutions rely on circuit signal processing before commanding solenoid valves and other devices to operate, which may fail under abnormal conditions such as circuit failure or power outage.
[0027] The safety shut-off action of this solution is triggered and executed by a purely mechanical and magnetic physical process, which proceeds sequentially as follows: leakage pressure, cavity expansion, magnetic force reduction, gear and rack disengagement, and mechanical closure of the valve. It does not rely on electronic control logic or continuous power supply, and the response is direct and reliable, meeting the high reliability requirements of gas safety equipment.
[0028] 4. The monitoring, data collection, and tripping mechanism are highly integrated into the valve stem and support cylinder, without occupying too much extra space. This facilitates modification or replacement of existing inlet pipeline valves. The highly practical flow control valve body not only provides an alarm but also automatically cuts off the gas supply upon detecting a leak. This changes the traditional passive mode of only alarming and requiring manual intervention. Safety intervention is completed before the user may even notice (especially minor leaks), truly achieving proactive safety protection. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of the structure at point A in the middle;
[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the magnetic rack and gear disengage when a gas pipeline leaks into a house.
[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Local method structure diagram at point B;
[0033] Figure 5 This is a side view of the flow control valve body.
[0034] Reference numerals: 1-valve housing, 2-inlet end, 3-outlet end, 4-gas pipe into the house, 5-collection box, 6-gas pipe, 7-vent valve, 8-support cylinder, 9-telescopic cavity, 10-gear, 11-magnetic rack, 12-limit sleeve, 13-manual adjustment component, 14-magnetic plate, 15-cavity, 16-sealing ring, 17-valve stem, 18-weighting block, 19-valve core, 20-fixing plate, 21-first guide rod, 22-baffle, 23-first spring, 24-second guide rod, 25-second spring, 26-assembly cavity, 27-mounting groove, 28-motor, 29-airbag, 30-connector, 31-gas passage cavity. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.
[0036] An intelligent gas flow regulating valve integrating leaked gas collection and monitoring includes a flow regulating valve body installed on the gas pipeline 4 entering the house. The flow regulating valve body includes a valve shell 1 and a valve core 19 for controlling the opening and closing of the gas path. The upper end of the valve core 19 is provided with a valve stem 17 that can move vertically. The top of the valve shell 1 is provided with a support cylinder 8. The valve stem 17 has a cavity 15 inside. A magnetic rack 11 is movably provided on the side wall of the valve stem 17. A motor 28 is provided on the outer wall of the support cylinder 8. The output end of the motor 28 is connected to a gear 10 that meshes with the magnetic rack 11. A magnetic plate 14 with the same polarity as the magnetic rack 11 is movably provided in the cavity 15. The cavity 15 has a telescopic cavity 9 for receiving leaked gas from the gas pipeline 4 entering the house. A pressure sensor is provided on the side wall of the telescopic cavity 9. When the volume of the telescopic cavity 9 increases, it controls the magnetic plate 14 to move away from the magnetic rack 11, so that the magnetic rack 11 is disengaged from the drive gear 10. Then, the valve core 19 falls down to block the gas path between the gas inlet 2 and the gas outlet 3.
[0037] In this embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, the flow regulating valve body includes a valve housing 1. An inlet end 2 is provided at the lower end of the valve housing 1, which is fitted onto the incoming gas pipeline 4. An outlet end 3 is provided at the upper end of the valve housing 1, serving as the gas outlet. A valve core 19 is fitted at the connection between the inlet end 2 and the outlet end 3. The valve core 19 controls the gas flow rate. A weight block 18 is attached to the valve core 19 to maintain its stability and prevent it from tilting due to gas pressure. A cavity 1 is connected through the weight block 18. The valve stem 17 of valve 5 moves the valve core 19 up and down. A support cylinder 8 overlaps the top of the valve body 1, protecting the internal components. The valve stem 17 is located inside the support cylinder 8. Sealing rings 16 are provided at the bottom of the support cylinder 8 where it contacts the valve stem 17, and at the top of the valve body 1 where it contacts the valve stem 17. The sealing rings 16 provide a sealing structure to prevent gas leakage from the flow regulating valve body through the installation gap. A magnetic rack 11 is movably mounted on one side of the valve stem 17. Figure 5 As shown, the motor 28 is mounted on the side wall of the support cylinder 8. The output end of the motor 28 passes through the side wall of the support cylinder 8 and is connected to the gear 10 inside the support cylinder 8. The gear 10 meshes with the magnetic rack 11. The upper end of the valve stem 17 and the top of the support cylinder 8 are fitted with a limiting sleeve 12. The limiting sleeve 12 prevents excessive movement and plays a limiting role. The limiting sleeve 12 can be made of flexible material. There is a gap between the limiting sleeve 12 and the valve stem 17. The top of the valve stem 17 is also provided with a manual adjustment component 13, which is generally a handle.
[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, an air passage cavity 31 is provided at the connection between the inlet end 2 and the outlet end 3 to house the valve core 19. The diameter of the air passage cavity 31 is equal to the maximum cross-sectional diameter of the valve core 19, allowing the valve core 19 to move freely. However, the valve core 19 cannot completely pass through the air passage cavity 31. The valve core 19 is bullet-shaped, with its larger end connected to the bottom end of the valve stem 17. This design, with the valve core 19 being larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, enables gas flow control. When the valve stem 17 descends, the top of the valve core 19 should just block the connection between the inlet end 2 and the outlet end 3. This prevents excessive movement that could cause the valve core 19 to disengage, while also preventing insufficient movement that could obstruct gas flow. The inner wall of the outlet end 3 can also be provided with a one-way diaphragm (not shown in the figure, prior art). The gas flows from left to right, and the one-way diaphragm prevents gas backflow.
[0039] In this embodiment, the intelligent gas flow regulating valve is installed on the gas pipeline 4 to control the flow and on / off of the gas. A telescopic cavity 9 is arranged inside the valve stem 17. The telescopic cavity 9 is connected to the potential leak point of the gas pipeline 4. When a gas leak occurs, the leaked gas will not be directly discharged into the air, but will be guided and collected in the telescopic cavity 9 to prevent the leaked gas from escaping into the surrounding environment and causing a fire safety accident.
[0040] A pressure sensor (not shown in the figure) is installed on the side wall of the expansion chamber 9. As leaked gas continuously enters and is collected, the gas inside the expansion chamber 9 gradually increases, causing its internal pressure to rise. The pressure sensor monitors this pressure change in real time. This solution does not rely on pressure fluctuations during pipeline use, but directly monitors the pressure generated by the amount of leaked gas collected. Therefore, it is extremely sensitive and accurate to even minor leaks (micro-leaks) regardless of whether gas is in use or not.
[0041] During normal operation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, before use, the inlet end 2 is fixedly installed on the gas pipeline 4. When in use, the motor 28 is started. The rotation of the motor 28 drives the gear 10 to move in a circular motion through the output shaft. Under the action of repulsive force, the magnetic rack 11 meshes with the gear 10. The circular motion of the gear 10 drives the magnetic rack 11 to move, which in turn causes the valve stem 17 to move up and down. When the valve stem 17 moves upward, the valve core 19 moves upward from the through hole opened at the connection between the inlet end 2 and the outlet end 3, disengaging from the through hole, and the gas enters the outlet end 3. When the valve stem 17 moves downward, the valve core 19 moves to the position at the connection between the inlet end 2 and the outlet end 3. In this way, the gap between the valve core 19 and the valve hole becomes smaller and smaller, thereby reducing the gas flow and accurately controlling the gas flow.
[0042] Under normal conditions, the distance between the magnetic plate 14 and the magnetic rack 11 is appropriate, and the resulting repulsive magnetic force allows the magnetic rack 11 to mesh with the gear 10. The valve stem 17 is controlled by the motor 28 through the meshing transmission between the gear 10 and the magnetic rack 11, thereby driving the valve core 19 to open and close, and realizing flow regulation or on / off.
[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when a leak occurs, the pressure inside the expansion chamber 9 increases, forcing its volume to increase. The resulting physical displacement pushes the magnetic plate 14, which is linked to the expansion chamber 9, away from the magnetic rack 11. The magnetic plate 14 and the magnetic rack 11 are set to have the same polarity. According to the principle of repulsion between like poles of magnets, when the expansion chamber 9 expands and pushes the magnetic plate 14 away from the magnetic rack 11, the increased distance reduces the repulsive force. The magnetic rack 11 is fixed in position and meshes with the gear 10 by the repulsive magnetic force between it and the magnetic plate 14. The decrease in repulsive magnetic force causes the magnetic rack 11 to disengage from its original position meshing with the gear 10. Once the magnetic rack 11 disengages from the drive gear 10, the control of the valve stem 17 by the motor 28 is released. The valve stem 17 and the valve core 19 connected to it automatically fall under their own gravity, quickly and reliably blocking the gas path between the inlet end 2 and the outlet end 3, fundamentally cutting off the gas supply and preventing the leak from continuing.
[0044] Furthermore, a collection box 5 is fitted at the joint 30 of the gas pipeline 4, and a gas pipe 6 is provided between the collection box 5 and the telescopic cavity 9. One end of the gas pipe 6 is connected to the collection box 5, and the other end passes through the support cylinder 8 and is connected to the telescopic cavity 9.
[0045] Furthermore, the collection box 5 has through holes at both ends that are adapted to the size of the gas pipeline 4, and sealant is applied between the inner wall of the through holes and the outer wall of the gas pipeline 4. It should be noted that the collection box 5 can be composed of two symmetrical halves, and the whole can be rectangular or cylindrical. The collection box 5 has through holes at both ends, and the two halves are directly snapped onto the gas pipeline 4, and then locked with bolts. Finally, sealant is applied at the contact point with the pipeline.
[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, a collection box 5 is installed at the joint 30 of the gas pipeline 4 (the most vulnerable point for leaks). Both ends of the collection box 5 are sealed to the outer wall of the pipeline through through holes with sealant, forming a closed chamber surrounding the joint 30. If a leak occurs at the joint 30, the leaked gas will be effectively trapped inside the collection box 5 and will not directly escape into the surrounding atmosphere. A gas pipe 6 then connects the closed chamber of the collection box 5 to the expansion chamber 9 inside the valve, guiding the leaked gas from the collection box 5 into the expansion chamber 9.
[0047] Leaking gas enters the expansion chamber 9, causing its internal pressure to rise. The pressure sensor continuously monitors this pressure change. Even if the leakage rate is very slow (micro-leakage), the gas gradually accumulates in the sealed collection box 5, gas pipe 6, and expansion chamber 9 system, eventually generating a pressure signal that can be accurately detected, thus solving the problem of micro-leakage not being detected in time.
[0048] When the pressure reaches the preset threshold, indicating a significant leak, the volume of the telescopic cavity 9 increases, pushing the magnetic plate 14 to move and increasing the distance between it and the magnetic rack 11. This reduces the repulsive magnetic force, forcing the magnetic rack 11 to disengage from the drive gear 10 of the motor 28. The valve stem 17 loses control of the motor 28 and, under the influence of gravity, drives the valve core 19 to fall automatically, completely cutting off the main gas passage and completing the safety action of cutting off the gas path. The valve core 19 can be made of solid material, making it easier to fall.
[0049] By directly installing the collection box 5 at the most leak-prone joint 30, targeted monitoring and active sealing of the main risk source are achieved. This is more direct and earlier than simply monitoring the valve itself or waiting for the gas to diffuse to the environmental sensor. For extremely slow or intermittent leaks, the gas will be rapidly diluted when it diffuses into the open air and is difficult to be detected by any environmental sensor. However, this system can store and transport the trace amount of gas that leaks intermittently over a long period of time to the monitoring point through the sealing and collection of the collection box 5 and the directional guidance of the gas pipe 6. The gas is reliably detected by the pressure sensor through the accumulation effect. Since the monitoring is of the pressure of the sealed and collected gas, it is completely unaffected by other odors, fumes, and air flow in the external environment. It also avoids misjudgment caused by changes in pipeline pressure due to stove switching and flame fluctuations (existing leak monitoring methods).
[0050] From the moment the leak occurs, the gas is first sealed in the collection box 5, then safely guided through the gas pipe 6 to the telescopic chamber 9 for temporary storage and monitoring, ultimately triggering a mechanical automatic shut-off. Throughout the entire response chain, the leaked gas is always confined within the sealed pipes and chambers, with absolutely no chance of being released into the environment, truly achieving risk control from the source and greatly reducing the risk of fire and explosion.
[0051] Furthermore, a first guide rod 21 is provided on the side wall of the cavity 15, which is opposite to the magnetic rack 11. The magnetic plate 14 is slidably sleeved on the first guide rod 21. A fixing plate 20 is provided on the side of the magnetic plate 14 facing the magnetic rack 11. The fixing plate 20 is connected to the side wall of the cavity 15. There is a space between the fixing plate 20 and the side wall of the cavity 15 that allows the magnetic rack 11 to move. The magnetic plate 14 and the fixing plate 20 form a sealed telescopic cavity 9.
[0052] Furthermore, an airbag 29 is provided between the magnetic plate 14 and the fixing plate 20, and the inner cavity of the airbag 29 is a telescopic cavity 9.
[0053] Furthermore, a first spring 23 is sleeved on the first guide rod 21. The first spring 23 is pressed between the magnetic plate 14 and the inner wall of the cavity 15. The first spring 23 is compressed to the extent that the magnetic force generated between the magnetic plate 14 and the magnetic rack 11 just causes the magnetic rack 11 to mesh with the gear 10. A baffle 22 is provided on the end face of the first guide rod 21 near the magnetic rack 11.
[0054] Furthermore, an assembly cavity 26 opposite to the magnetic plate 14 is provided on the side wall of the cavity 15, and the magnetic rack 11 is movably installed in the assembly cavity 26. A second spring 25 is provided between the inner wall of the assembly cavity 26 and the magnetic rack 11 and is compressed.
[0055] Furthermore, a second guide rod 24 is provided on the inner wall of the assembly cavity 26. One end of the second guide rod 24 passes through the magnetic rack 11 and is connected to the fixing plate 20. A second spring 25 is sleeved on the second guide rod 24, and the magnetic rack 11 and the second guide rod 24 can slide relative to each other.
[0056] Furthermore, the magnetic rack 11 is T-shaped, and the side wall of the magnetic rack 11 is provided with a mounting groove 27 opposite to the assembly cavity 26. One end of the second spring 25 is located in the mounting groove 27, and one end of the second guide rod 24 passes through the mounting groove 27.
[0057] The specific cutting principle:
[0058] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the magnetic plate 14 and the magnetic rack 11 have the same polarity, forming a magnetic trigger for the system. The repulsive force between them is the driving force that drives the rack to disengage from or engage with the gear 10. The first guide rod 21 (horizontally set) provides linear guidance for the lateral movement of the magnetic plate 14, ensuring its stable motion trajectory and directly converting the pressure of the airbag 29 into displacement. The first guide rod 21 is a smooth round rod, and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer can be provided on its surface to improve the flexibility of the movement of the magnetic plate 14. The magnetic plate 14 has a hole that matches the first guide rod 21, through which the first guide rod 21 passes. The second guide rod 24 provides linear guidance for the lateral movement (disengagement or engagement direction) of the magnetic rack 11, ensuring that its engagement and disengagement with the gear 10 are precise and without jamming. The second guide rod 24 is also a smooth round rod with a polytetrafluoroethylene layer on its surface. The first guide rod 21 and the second guide rod 24 are provided with at least two of each, which can ensure the stability of the movement of the magnetic plate 14 and the magnetic rack 11. Both the first guide rod 21 and the second guide rod 24 are made of non-magnetic materials.
[0059] The first spring 23 is sleeved on the first guide rod 21 and is pre-pressed between the magnetic plate 14 and the left inner wall of the cavity 15. Its preset compression force determines the minimum leakage pressure threshold required to trigger the system to operate. The second spring 25 is sleeved on the second guide rod 24 and is pre-pressed between the magnetic rack 11 and the inner wall of the assembly cavity 26. Its function is to provide the rebound force for the magnetic rack 11 to disengage from the gear 10. That is, during normal engagement, the repulsive magnetic force is greater than the pre-pressure of the second spring 25, so that the magnetic rack 11 is located in the assembly cavity 26. The assembly cavity 26 is a through cavity. After the teeth of the magnetic rack 11 pass through the assembly cavity 26, they are located outside the valve stem 17 and mesh with the gear 10. When the repulsive magnetic force decreases to the point that it cannot overcome the pre-pressure of the second spring 25, the second spring 25 pushes the magnetic rack 11 to the left (towards the magnetic plate 14), so that the magnetic rack 11 disengages from the gear 10. The valve stem 17 then loses the limit of the gear 10. Under the gravity of the valve core 19, the valve stem 17 and related internal components of the valve stem 17, the valve core 19 falls and blocks the air passage between the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3.
[0060] The airbag 29 serves as an actuator that converts leaked gas pressure into mechanical displacement. The fixed plate 20 and the magnetic plate 14 together form the installation boundary of the airbag 29. The baffle 22 is used to limit the range of rightward movement of the magnetic plate 14 and also limits the preload of the first spring 23. When the right side of the magnetic plate 14 contacts the baffle 22, the repulsive magnetic force between the magnetic plate 14 and the magnetic rack 11 presses the magnetic rack 11 tightly and meshes with the gear 10. This is also the schematic position where the motor 28 can normally drive the valve stem 17 to move up and down. The fixed plate 20 is used to prevent the airbag 29 from contacting the magnetic rack 11, so as to avoid the right side of the airbag 29 from hitting the magnetic rack 11 when it expands, thus preventing the magnetic rack 11 from disengaging from the gear 10. The thickness of the fixed plate 20 is appropriate, and the material of the fixed plate 20 is sufficient to impede the magnetic force between the magnetic plate 14 and the magnetic rack 11. The T-shaped magnetic rack 11 and the mounting groove 27 optimize the spatial layout, ensuring that the second spring 25 can be stably accommodated and pre-compressed, while allowing the second guide rod 24 to pass through. The left end of the second guide rod is connected to the fixing plate 20, forming an effective fixation to the fixing plate 20.
[0061] Under normal and safe operating conditions: The first spring 23 is pre-compressed, and its elastic force maintains an initial distance between the magnetic plate 14 and the magnetic rack 11. The repulsive magnetic force between the magnetic plate 14 and the magnetic rack 11 is strong, and this repulsive magnetic force pushes the magnetic rack 11 to compress the second spring 25. This repulsive magnetic force also keeps the magnetic rack 11 stably engaged with the drive gear 10 of the motor 28. At this time, the repulsive magnetic force is greater than the preload of the second spring 25, the system is in stable engagement, and the valve opening can be normally controlled by the motor 28 through the rack and pinion transmission of the gear 10.
[0062] When a gas leak occurs: the leaking gas enters the airbag 29, the pressure increases, the airbag 29 expands, the airbag 29 pushes the magnetic plate 14 to overcome the elastic force of the first spring 23 and move along the first guide rod 21 away from the magnetic rack 11. At the same time, the pressure sensor monitors the change in gas pressure inside the airbag 29 and issues a gas leak alarm. The pressure sensor is electrically connected to the external control board to achieve communication. Alternatively, a pressure sensor with a built-in wireless transmission module can be used to achieve wireless information transmission.
[0063] Critical triggering and safety cut-off (operation process): As the magnetic plate 14 moves away, the distance between it and the magnetic rack 11 increases, and the magnetic repulsion force decreases sharply. When the leakage pressure reaches the preset threshold (i.e., the expansion force of the airbag 29 is sufficient to move the magnetic plate 14 to a certain critical position), the repulsion force decreases to the point that it cannot overcome the elastic force of the second spring 25.
[0064] At this time, the elastic force of the second spring 25 pushes the magnetic rack 11 laterally along the second guide rod 24 a certain distance (towards the magnetic plate 14), causing it to disengage from the drive gear 10. Once disengaged, the valve stem 17 and valve core 19 lose the control of the motor 28 and fall automatically and quickly under the action of gravity, cutting off the main gas passage.
[0065] Reset (after troubleshooting): After the leakage problem is resolved, the pressure inside the airbag 29 is released. The valve stem 17 is raised to a suitable position by manually adjusting the component 13. The elastic force of the first spring 23 pushes the magnetic plate 14 back to its initial position. The magnetic plate 14 approaches the magnetic rack 11, and the magnetic force is enhanced, pushing the magnetic rack 11 back to its original position and compressing the second spring 25, so that the magnetic rack 11 re-engages with the gear 10 (the motor 28 may need to be finely adjusted to re-engage the gears). The system returns to the standby state.
[0066] The pre-compression of the first spring 23 can be adjusted to set the leakage pressure threshold for system triggering. This allows for calibration according to safety standards (such as hourly leakage) to avoid malfunctions due to minor pressure fluctuations, ensuring triggering only under real risk conditions. Under normal conditions, the first spring 23 and the second spring 25 work together to form a dual-stabilizing structure, ensuring that the magnetic rack 11 will never accidentally disengage under normal vibration or slight disturbance. Triggering relies on magnetic force, and its response is instantaneous and non-contact, faster and more reliable than any mechanical latch or electromagnet. After disengagement, the valve closes mechanically without relying on any external power or signal, meeting the highest safety requirements. The first and second guide rods 24 ensure that all moving parts move precisely in a straight line, greatly reducing the possibility of wear and jamming, and improving the service life and reliability of the entire actuator. Through the design of T-shaped magnetic rack 11, mounting groove 27, and coaxial guide rod, the three major functions of sensing (pressure to form displacement), judgment (spring threshold comparison), and execution (magnetic tripping) are highly integrated in the cavity 15 of valve stem 17, achieving the ultimate space utilization.
[0067] Furthermore, the air pipe 6 is provided with a venting valve 7, and the part of the air pipe 6 that extends into the support cylinder 8 and connects with the telescopic cavity 9 is a flexible hose, which has a margin to allow the valve stem 17 to move up and down.
[0068] Specifically, the vent valve 7 is a manual reset device that restores the system to normal operation after a safe shutdown, and it is also the interface for system maintenance.
[0069] Working principle: After the leak has been dealt with (the leak point at pipe joint 30 has been repaired), when the gas valve needs to be reopened, the operator can manually open the vent valve 7. After opening the vent valve 7, the residual gas or air trapped in the entire circuit of the collection box 5, gas pipe 6, and telescopic air bag 29 will be safely discharged to the outside (usually connected to an outdoor or dedicated exhaust pipe 6) through the vent valve 7. The pressure inside the telescopic air bag 29 is released, and its volume shrinks. Under the elastic force of the first spring 23, the magnetic plate 14 is pushed back to its initial position, close to the magnetic rack 11, and the magnetic force is strengthened. The magnetic rack 11 is reset, and the vertical position of the valve stem 17 can be adjusted by manually adjusting the component 13, for example, by lifting the valve stem 17 upwards, so that it re-engages with the gear 10 of the motor 28. After closing the vent valve 7, the system returns to its initial monitoring standby state.
[0070] After the air tube 6 extends into the support cylinder 8, it needs to pass through the valve stem 17 and enter the inner cavity to connect with the telescopic cavity 9. The valve stem 17 needs to move up and down under the drive of the motor 28 to adjust the flow rate or open and close the valve. If the air tube 6 connected to the cavity 15 (telescopic cavity 9) of the valve stem 17 is a rigid connection, it will be repeatedly bent and stretched, which is very easy to fatigue and break, causing new leakage points or causing the monitoring system to fail. The part of the air tube 6 that enters the support cylinder 8 and connects to the valve stem 17 is designed as a flexible hose, with sufficient allowance for movement. The flexible hose can bend freely, and the allowance can absorb length changes, ensuring that the air tube 6 connection is not subjected to any additional stress when the valve stem 17 moves up and down throughout its full stroke, and the connection is reliable.
[0071] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Based on the technical essence of the present invention, any simple modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made to the above embodiments within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An intelligent gas flow regulating valve integrating leaked gas collection and monitoring, comprising a flow regulating valve body installed on the inlet gas pipeline (4), characterized in that, The flow regulating valve body includes a valve shell (1) and a valve core (19) for controlling the opening and closing of the air passage. The upper end of the valve core (19) is provided with a valve stem (17) that can move vertically. The top of the valve shell (1) is provided with a support cylinder (8). The valve stem (17) has a cavity (15) inside. A magnetic rack (11) is movably provided on the side wall of the valve stem (17). A motor (28) is provided on the outer wall of the support cylinder (8). The output end of the motor (28) is connected to a gear (10) that meshes with the magnetic rack (11). The cavity (15) is movable. A magnetic plate (14) with the same polarity as the magnetic rack (11) is provided. The cavity (15) has a telescopic cavity (9) for receiving leaked gas from the gas pipeline (4). A pressure sensor is provided on the side wall of the telescopic cavity (9). The increase in volume of the telescopic cavity (9) controls the magnetic plate (14) to move away from the magnetic rack (11), so that the magnetic rack (11) is disengaged from the drive gear (10). Then, the valve core (19) falls under its own gravity and blocks the gas path between the inlet end (2) and the outlet end (3). The cavity (15) has a first guide rod (21) opposite to the magnetic rack (11) on its side wall. The magnetic plate (14) is slidably sleeved on the first guide rod (21). The magnetic plate (14) has a fixing plate (20) on the side facing the magnetic rack (11). The fixing plate (20) is connected to the side wall of the cavity (15). There is a space between the fixing plate (20) and the side wall of the cavity (15) that allows the magnetic rack (11) to move. The magnetic plate (14) and the fixing plate (20) form a sealed telescopic cavity (9). An airbag (29) is provided between the magnetic plate (14) and the fixed plate (20), and the inner cavity of the airbag (29) is a telescopic cavity (9). A first spring (23) is sleeved on the first guide rod (21). The first spring (23) is pressed between the magnetic plate (14) and the inner wall of the cavity (15). The first spring (23) is compressed to the extent that the magnetic force generated between the magnetic plate (14) and the magnetic rack (11) is just enough to make the magnetic rack (11) mesh with the gear (10). A baffle (22) is provided on the end face of the first guide rod (21) near the magnetic rack (11). An assembly cavity (26) opposite to the magnetic plate (14) is provided on the side wall of the cavity (15). The magnetic rack (11) is movably installed in the assembly cavity (26). A second spring (25) is provided between the inner wall of the assembly cavity (26) and the magnetic rack (11). The inner wall of the assembly cavity (26) is provided with a second guide rod (24). One end of the second guide rod (24) passes through the magnetic rack (11) and is connected to the fixing plate (20). The second spring (25) is sleeved on the second guide rod (24). The magnetic rack (11) and the second guide rod (24) can slide relative to each other. The magnetic rack (11) is T-shaped, and the side wall of the magnetic rack (11) is provided with a mounting groove (27) opposite to the assembly cavity (26). One end of the second spring (25) is located in the mounting groove (27), and one end of the second guide rod (24) passes through the mounting groove (27).
2. The intelligent gas flow regulating valve integrating leaked gas collection and monitoring according to claim 1, characterized in that, A collection box (5) is fitted at the joint (30) of the gas pipeline (4) entering the house. A gas pipe (6) is provided between the collection box (5) and the telescopic cavity (9). One end of the gas pipe (6) is connected to the collection box (5), and the other end passes through the support cylinder (8) and is connected to the telescopic cavity (9).
3. The intelligent gas flow regulating valve integrating leaked gas collection and monitoring according to claim 2, characterized in that, The collection box (5) has through holes at both ends that are adapted to the size of the gas pipeline (4) entering the house, and sealant is provided between the inner wall of the through hole and the outer wall of the gas pipeline (4).
4. The intelligent gas flow regulating valve integrating leaked gas collection and monitoring according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air pipe (6) is provided with an air release valve (7). The part of the air pipe (6) that extends into the support cylinder (8) and connects with the telescopic cavity (9) is a flexible hose. The flexible hose has a margin that allows the valve stem (17) to move up and down.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
High-pressure fuel gas pressure regulating equipment
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