Valve for controlling fluid flow

By introducing a distribution channel structure and diaphragm flow orifice synergistic effect into the microfluidic control valve, a multi-channel outflow mechanism is achieved, which solves the problem of low single-cycle delivery efficiency of existing microfluidic valves, improves fluid discharge and sealing reliability, and meets the ultra-thin requirements of smart wearable devices.

CN121916346APending Publication Date: 2026-04-24JIANGSU ANTSS POWER TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
JIANGSU ANTSS POWER TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-03-13
Publication Date
2026-04-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing microfluidic control valves have low single-cycle delivery efficiency in the outflow stage, and the flow channel cross-sectional area and flow path selection are limited, which affects the fluid discharge rate and pumping system efficiency.

Method used

A valve with an integrated distribution channel structure and diaphragm flow orifice is designed. By setting flow grooves and inner and outer ring holes on the outlet plate, a multi-channel flow mechanism is realized, which increases the effective flow cross-sectional area and flow path selection of the fluid. The sealing response speed is improved by assisting the sealing through the inner ring hole.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves single-cycle fluid delivery efficiency, has a compact and miniaturized structure, reduces assembly costs and process complexity, and improves sealing reliability and service life.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of fluid conveying, in particular to a valve for controlling fluid flowing, which comprises a flow inlet plate, a flow outlet plate and a flow outlet plate, the outflow plate is provided with outflow holes, and a distribution runner structure is integrated on the side, facing the inflow plate, of the outflow plate; the diaphragm is arranged in a cavity formed between the flow inlet plate and the flow outlet plate, and the diaphragm is provided with an overflowing hole communicated with the distribution flow channel structure; when fluid enters the cavity through the inflow hole and pushes the diaphragm to move towards the outflow plate, the overflowing hole of the diaphragm is communicated with the outflow hole through the distribution flow channel structure so as to form at least one additional fluid discharging path different from the mode that the fluid directly flows out of the cavity to the outflow hole, and the distribution flow channel structure is a through-flow groove formed in the surface of the outflow plate. According to the valve, a multi-channel outflow mechanism is achieved in the outflow stage through cooperation of the distribution flow channel structure and the diaphragm overflowing holes, the effective outflow sectional area and flow path selection of fluid are effectively increased, and therefore the single-cycle fluid conveying efficiency is greatly improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fluid transport technology, and in particular to a valve for controlling fluid flow. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of microfluidic control, such as in miniature air pumps for smart wearable devices, diaphragm check valves are widely used due to their simple structure and ease of miniaturization. A typical diaphragm valve consists of an inlet plate, a diaphragm, and an outlet plate. The diaphragm deforms under the action of fluid pressure difference, realizing the opening and closing of the valve port and controlling the unidirectional flow of fluid.

[0003] Current technological improvements primarily focus on increasing valve response speed, reducing flow resistance, or enhancing sealing reliability. However, during the valve's forward outflow phase (i.e., the pumping phase), there is still room for optimization in its fluid delivery efficiency per cycle. In traditional structures, fluid can only be discharged through a single or limited outlet on the outlet plate. The limited cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel and the selection of the flow path restrict the amount of fluid discharged per unit time, affecting the overall aeration or delivery efficiency of the pumping system.

[0004] Therefore, how to substantially improve the single-cycle delivery efficiency of the valve in the outflow stage without significantly increasing the valve body volume and structural complexity is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art and provide a valve with a compact structure that can significantly improve the single-cycle fluid transport efficiency during the outflow operation phase.

[0006] This invention provides a valve for controlling fluid flow, comprising: Inlet plate, with inlet holes, The outlet plate has outlet holes, and the side of the outlet plate facing the inlet plate integrates a distribution channel structure. A diaphragm is disposed within a cavity formed between the inlet and outlet plates, and the diaphragm has flow holes that communicate with the distribution channel structure. When fluid enters the chamber through the inlet orifice and pushes the diaphragm toward the outlet plate, the diaphragm's flow passage is connected to the outlet orifice through the distribution channel structure to form at least one additional fluid discharge path that is different from the fluid flowing directly from the chamber to the outlet orifice.

[0007] By combining the distribution channel structure with the diaphragm flow holes, a multi-channel outflow mechanism is achieved in the outflow stage, which effectively increases the effective outflow cross-sectional area and flow path selection of the fluid, thereby significantly improving the fluid transport efficiency in a single cycle.

[0008] Furthermore, the distribution channel structure consists of flow grooves formed on the surface of the outlet plate. These flow grooves, as an integrated fluid distribution network, have low manufacturing costs and do not require additional parts.

[0009] Furthermore, the outlet plate has an inner ring hole and an outer ring hole, with the two ends of the flow groove connected to the inner ring hole and the outer ring hole respectively; the inner ring hole is opposite to the inlet hole. During the outflow operation, the fluid passing through the diaphragm flow hole enters the flow groove and can be simultaneously distributed to the two outlets, the inner ring hole and the outer ring hole, thereby further multiplying the flow rate and maximizing efficiency; at the same time, the inner ring hole can also assist in pushing the diaphragm to seal during the sealing operation, playing a dual role with one hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the flow-through orifice of the diaphragm is opposite to the flow-through groove, and a distribution hole is formed in the area of ​​the flow-through groove opposite to the flow-through orifice; the diameter of the distribution hole is larger than the width of the flow-through groove. The distribution hole serves to collect and guide the fluid, ensuring effective connection between the diaphragm flow-through orifice and the flow-through groove, and smooth entry of the fluid into the distribution network.

[0011] Furthermore, the flow grooves are arranged radially to evenly distribute the fluid in the distribution orifice to the inner and outer ring orifices. The radial structure can evenly and quickly distribute the fluid from the central region (corresponding to the flow orifice) to the inner and outer ring orifices with the shortest path and least resistance, thus optimizing the fluid dynamics performance.

[0012] Furthermore, the outlet orifice can be a fan-shaped orifice, a curved waist-shaped orifice, or a curved square orifice, with the arc length of the outer orifice being greater than that of the inner orifice. This better conforms to the geometric characteristic of a larger outer circumference in radial distribution, which helps to achieve more uniform flow distribution and optimize structural strength.

[0013] Furthermore, the inlet plate has an annular inlet hole, and the inlet plate inside the annular inlet hole forms a first mounting part for positioning the diaphragm. The inlet plate outside the annular inlet hole forms a sealing part opposite to the flow hole of the diaphragm. The outlet plate inside the inner ring hole forms a second mounting part for positioning the diaphragm. A limiting boss is provided on the first or second mounting part, and the center of the diaphragm has a horizontal positioning hole that matches the limiting boss.

[0014] Achieve precise alignment and assembly of the diaphragm to ensure accurate alignment between the flow holes and the distribution channel structure.

[0015] Furthermore, an annular support is provided on the outer edge of the inlet or outlet plate to form a chamber between the inlet and outlet plates. The height of the annular support determines the chamber volume and the maximum deformation space of the diaphragm, and can be adjusted according to performance requirements.

[0016] Furthermore, a cover plate is provided on the outside of the inlet plate, and a central inlet section is provided on the cover plate. A limiting protrusion that can extend into the inlet hole is provided around the central inlet section, and a flow gap is left between the limiting protrusion and the inlet hole to allow fluid to pass through. During the sealing operation, the limiting protrusion can limit the excessive deformation of the diaphragm in the direction of the inlet hole, thus protecting the diaphragm; during the outflow stage, the flow gap ensures normal fluid inflow.

[0017] Furthermore, the outer edge of the cover plate is provided with a connecting part, on which circumferentially arranged lateral inlet grooves are formed, which communicate with the inlet holes. This increases the inlet area and, in conjunction with the large outflow, meets the flow requirements of the valve body under high load conditions.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention provides a valve for controlling fluid flow. (1) Improved single-cycle conveying efficiency: Through the synergistic effect of the diaphragm flow holes and the flow distribution channel of the outlet plate, a multi-channel outflow mechanism is constructed in the outflow stage, which includes direct outflow and outflow after distribution through the orifice-groove. In particular, the distribution channel connects the inner and outer ring outflow holes at the same time, and the fluid is efficiently distributed to multiple outlets, which increases the fluid discharge per unit time (i.e., single-cycle conveying efficiency) by multiple times, far exceeding the traditional single-path valve. (2) High integration and miniaturization of structure: All functional structures used to improve efficiency, such as flow grooves and inner and outer ring holes, are integrated on the flow plate without the need to introduce additional independent components, making the valve body structure extremely compact, with fewer parts and a very thin overall thickness, perfectly meeting the stringent requirements of smart wearable devices for ultra-thin components, while reducing assembly costs and process complexity. (3) Multifunctional synergy of inner ring orifice: In the outflow stage, the inner ring orifice serves as an additional outlet, contributing to the flow rate; in the sealing stage, due to its opposing inlet orifice, the reverse fluid can act more effectively on the diaphragm, pushing the diaphragm upward to seal the inlet orifice more quickly and reliably, improving the sealing response speed and reliability, and maximizing efficiency; (4) Optimization of fluid distribution and reduction of flow resistance: The radial flow grooves provide the optimal geometric path for fluid distribution, resulting in smooth flow and low local resistance; the outer ring hole arc is greater than the inner ring hole, which makes the flow distribution more in line with the physical law of radial flow and further optimizes the flow uniformity; these features work together to ensure the efficiency of the additional flow channel and avoid additional flow loss caused by the introduction of the new flow channel. (5) Enhanced reliability and extended lifespan: The diaphragm achieves precise positioning through the cooperation of the limiting boss and the horizontal positioning hole, ensuring the long-term accuracy of the alignment between the flow hole and the distribution channel; the limiting protrusion on the cover plate works with the elasticity of the diaphragm itself during the sealing stage to limit its excessive deformation and prevent stress fatigue and damage; the annular support determines the reasonable working stroke of the diaphragm; these structures together provide a stable and reliable working environment for the diaphragm, significantly improving the service life and long-term stability of the valve. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the valve's external structure; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the valve's internal structure; Figure 3 This is a first-angle disassembly view of Embodiment 1; Figure 4 This is a second-angle disassembly view of Embodiment 1; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the diaphragm and the flow groove; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate structure in Embodiment 2; Figure 7 It refers to the diaphragm state and gas flow direction during outflow operation; Figure 8 It refers to the diaphragm state and gas flow direction during the sealing operation; In the figure: 1. Inlet plate, 11. Inlet hole, 12. Chamber, 13. Annular support; 2. Outlet plate, 21. Outlet hole, 211. Outer ring hole, 212. Inner ring hole, 22. Flow groove, 23. Distribution hole; 3. Diaphragm, 31. Flow hole, 32. Horizontal positioning hole, 33. Limiting boss; 4. Cover plate, 41. Central inlet, 42. Limiting protrusion, 43. Flow gap, 44. Connecting part, 45. Lateral inlet groove. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0021] Example 1 To improve the single-cycle venting efficiency of the check valve, a valve for controlling fluid flow is designed, such as... Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the system includes an inlet plate 1, a diaphragm 3, and an outlet plate 2. The inlet plate 1 has an annular inlet hole 11, with the inner region of the annulus serving as a first mounting portion and the outer region as a sealing portion. An annular support portion 13 is provided on its outer edge. The diaphragm 3 is a circular sheet of elastic material with a horizontal positioning hole 32 at its center and multiple flow holes 31 around it. The core of this technical solution lies in the outlet plate 2, whose surface is machined with radially distributed flow grooves 22. Each flow groove 22 has a relatively large-diameter distribution hole 23 approximately in its central region. The outlet holes 21 on the outlet plate 2 are divided into inner ring holes 212 and outer ring holes 211, and all flow grooves 22 connect to the inner ring holes 212 and the outer ring holes 211. A second mounting portion is formed in the middle of the inner ring hole 212, on which a limiting boss 33 is provided. During assembly, the inlet plate 1 and the outlet plate 2 are stacked, and a chamber 12 that can accommodate the diaphragm 3 is formed between the two plates by the annular support part 13. The horizontal positioning hole 32 of the diaphragm 3 is fitted onto the limiting boss 33 to achieve precise installation of the diaphragm 3. When fluid enters the chamber 12 through the inlet hole 11 and pushes the diaphragm 3 toward the outlet plate 2, the flow passage 31 of the diaphragm 3 is connected to the outlet hole 21 through the distribution channel structure to form at least one additional fluid discharge path that is different from the fluid flowing directly from the chamber 12 to the outlet hole 21.

[0022] like Figure 3-5 As shown, specifically, the distribution channel structure is a flow-through groove 22 formed on the surface of the outlet plate 2. The outlet hole 21 of the outlet plate 2 is divided into an inner ring hole 212 and an outer ring hole 211, and the two ends of the flow-through groove 22 are connected to the inner ring hole 212 and the outer ring hole 211, respectively. The flow-through groove 22 is arranged radially to uniformly distribute the fluid in the distribution hole 23 to the inner ring hole 212 and the outer ring hole 211. The flow passage hole 31 of the diaphragm 3 is opposite to the flow-through groove 22, and the area of ​​the flow-through groove 22 opposite to the flow passage hole 31 is formed with a distribution hole 23; the diameter of the distribution hole 23 is larger than the groove width of the flow-through groove 22.

[0023] With the radial flow grooves 22, the fluid can form an orderly, multi-path flow on the surface of the outlet plate 2 as it flows from the distribution hole 23 to the inner ring hole 212 and the outer ring hole 211. This effectively avoids the problem of low flow rate when the fluid flows directly from the chamber 12 to the outer ring hole 211, as well as the problem of turbulence or uneven flow distribution that may occur, thus ensuring the high efficiency and stability of the additional fluid discharge path.

[0024] In order to seal the inlet hole 11 more quickly during the sealing operation, the inner ring hole 212 is positioned opposite the inlet hole 11. When the diaphragm 3 moves towards the inlet plate 1 under the action of the reverse fluid, the fluid flows directly into the inner ring hole 212 and acts directly on the diaphragm 3, so that the diaphragm 3 is quickly pushed to the inlet hole 11 and sealed, thereby shortening the sealing response time.

[0025] Optionally, the outlet orifice 21 can be a circumferentially distributed fan-shaped orifice, a curved waist-shaped orifice, or a curved square orifice, with the arc length of the outer ring orifice 211 being greater than the arc length of the inner ring orifice 212. By cooperating with the curved arc-shaped orifice and the circular diaphragm 3, more effective sealing can be achieved.

[0026] In order to achieve precise positioning of the diaphragm 3, the outlet plate 2 inside the inner ring hole 212 forms a second mounting part for positioning the diaphragm 3; a limiting boss 33 is provided on the first mounting part or the second mounting part, and the center of the diaphragm 3 has a horizontal positioning hole 32 that matches the limiting boss 33.

[0027] like Figure 7 As shown, in the outflow working state: high-pressure fluid (such as air) enters the chamber 12 through the inlet hole 11, pushing the diaphragm 3 towards the outlet plate 2 and pressing it tightly against the outlet plate 2. At this time, the first path (direct outflow): part of the fluid is discharged directly from the periphery of the diaphragm 2 through the outer ring hole 211; the second path (distributed outflow): another part of the fluid passes through the flow holes 31 on the diaphragm 3 and enters the corresponding distribution hole 23 on the outlet plate 2. It is then captured by the radial flow grooves 22 and quickly distributed radially. The distributed fluid flows in two directions simultaneously: one part flows to the outer ring hole 211 for discharge, and the other part flows to the inner ring hole 212 for discharge. The first path is the conventional path, and the second path, which is the auxiliary fluid discharge path, is achieved by the combination of the flow holes 31 and the distribution channel structure. This realizes multi-path outflow, which greatly improves the fluid discharge rate per unit time (i.e., single-cycle conveying efficiency).

[0028] like Figure 8 As shown, in the sealing operation: high-pressure fluid (such as air) flows into the chamber 12 in reverse from the outer ring hole 211 and the inner ring hole 212. The fluid pressure acts on the lower surface of the diaphragm 2, pushing it towards the inlet plate 1 and adhering to it. At this time, the flow passage 31 area of ​​the diaphragm 3 is pressed against the sealing part of the inlet plate 1, achieving a seal on the flow passage 31 and cutting off the path of fluid back to the inlet hole 11. At the same time, since the inner ring hole 212 is directly opposite the inlet hole 11, the fluid entering from here acts directly on the center of the diaphragm 3, working in conjunction with the fluid entering from the outer ring hole 211 to push the diaphragm 3 towards the inlet plate 1 more quickly and stably, ensuring the immediacy and reliability of the seal.

[0029] Example 2 like Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, based on Embodiment 1, a cover plate 4 is added to the outside of the inlet plate 1. The cover plate 4 is provided with a central inlet portion 41, and a limiting protrusion 42 that can extend into the inlet hole 11 is provided around the central inlet portion 41. A flow gap 43 is left between the limiting protrusion 42 and the inlet hole 11 for fluid to pass through. A connecting portion 44 is provided on the outer edge of the cover plate 4, and a circumferentially arranged lateral inlet groove 45 is formed on the connecting portion 44, which communicates with the inlet hole 11.

[0030] like Figure 7 and 8 As shown, in the blocked state, when the diaphragm 3 moves towards the inlet plate 1, the limiting protrusion 42 can physically prevent the diaphragm 3 from excessively protruding into the inlet hole 11, that is, limit the displacement of the diaphragm 3 towards the inlet hole 11, and prevent the diaphragm 3 from being damaged or having its lifespan reduced due to excessive deformation caused by fluid impact. In the outflow state, the fluid can enter from both the side inlet groove 45 and the central inlet section 41, increasing the air intake area, reducing the air intake resistance, and, in conjunction with the internal high-flow-rate distribution channel structure, further increasing the overall flow rate.

[0031] The above description is illustrative only and not restrictive of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications, variations or equivalents can be made without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims, and all such modifications, variations or equivalents will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A valve for controlling fluid flow, characterized in that: include The inlet plate (1) has an inlet hole (11). The outlet plate (2) has an outlet hole (21), and the outlet plate (2) has a distribution channel structure integrated on the side facing the inlet plate (1). A diaphragm (3) is disposed in a cavity (12) formed between the inlet plate (1) and the outlet plate (2), and the diaphragm (3) has a flow hole (31) communicating with the distribution channel structure. When fluid enters the chamber (12) through the inlet (11) and pushes the diaphragm (3) toward the outlet plate (2), the flow passage (31) of the diaphragm (3) is connected to the outlet (21) through the distribution channel structure to form at least one additional fluid discharge path that is different from the fluid flowing directly from the chamber (12) to the outlet (21).

2. A valve for controlling fluid flow according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distribution channel structure is a flow groove (22) formed on the surface of the outlet plate (2).

3. A valve for controlling fluid flow according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outlet hole (21) of the outlet plate (2) is divided into an inner ring hole (212) and an outer ring hole (211). The two ends of the flow groove (22) are connected to the inner ring hole (212) and the outer ring hole (211) respectively. The inner ring hole (212) is opposite to the inlet hole (11).

4. A valve for controlling fluid flow according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flow passage hole (31) of the diaphragm (3) is opposite to the flow groove (22), and a distribution hole (23) is formed in the area of ​​the flow groove (22) opposite to the flow passage hole (31); the diameter of the distribution hole (23) is greater than the groove width of the flow groove (22).

5. A valve for controlling fluid flow according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flow groove (22) is arranged radially to evenly distribute the fluid in the distribution hole (23) to the inner ring hole (212) and the outer ring hole (211).

6. A valve for controlling fluid flow according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outlet hole (21) is a fan-shaped hole, a curved waist-shaped hole, or a curved square hole, and the arc length of the outer ring hole (211) is greater than the arc length of the inner ring hole (212).

7. A valve for controlling fluid flow according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inlet hole (11) of the inlet plate (1) is annular. The inlet plate (1) inside the annular inlet hole (11) forms a first mounting part for positioning the diaphragm (3). The inlet plate (1) outside the annular inlet hole (11) forms a sealing part opposite to the flow hole (31) of the diaphragm (3).

8. A valve for controlling fluid flow according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outlet plate (2) inside the inner ring hole (212) forms a second mounting part for positioning the diaphragm (3); a limiting boss (33) is provided on the first mounting part or the second mounting part, and the diaphragm (3) has a horizontal positioning hole (32) at the center that is adapted to the limiting boss (33).

9. A valve for controlling fluid flow according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer edge of the inlet plate (1) or outlet plate (2) is provided with an annular support (13) so that the chamber (12) is formed between the inlet plate (1) and the outlet plate (2).

10. A valve for controlling fluid flow according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cover plate (4) is also provided on the outside of the inlet plate (1). A central inlet part (41) is provided on the cover plate (4). A limiting protrusion (42) that can extend into the inlet hole (11) is provided around the central inlet part (41). A flow gap (43) is left between the limiting protrusion (42) and the inlet hole (11) for fluid to pass through.

11. A valve for controlling fluid flow according to claim 10, characterized in that: The outer edge of the cover plate (4) is provided with a connecting part (44), and a circumferentially arranged lateral inlet groove (45) is formed on the connecting part (44), which communicates with the inlet hole (11).