A deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals

Through multiple sealing designs and an intelligent pressure relief system, the problems of valve core damage and poor sealing in deep-sea ball valves under high pressure environments have been solved, thus ensuring the reliability and safety of deep-sea ball valves and guaranteeing normal valve use and resource recovery in emergency situations.

CN122129559APending Publication Date: 2026-06-02ZHEJIANG BETHEL TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG BETHEL TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-03-27
Publication Date
2026-06-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When a deep-sea ball valve is closed, the valve core may be subjected to unexpected pressure, which may lead to damage to the valve core, poor sealing, and safety accidents.

Method used

Design a deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals, including an adjustment component, a pressure measuring component, and a pressure relief component. The valve is opened or closed by rotating the valve stem driven by a stepper motor. It is equipped with a manual operation structure. The valve core pressure is monitored by a pressure sensor, and the pressure is relieved by the pressure relief component when the pressure is too high. The pressure relief component includes first and second pressure relief cylinders and related components to realize the pressure relief and recovery of oil.

Benefits of technology

It improves the reliability and applicability of deep-sea ball valves, ensures normal valve use in emergency situations, provides safe operation data support, reduces the risk of valve core damage, avoids safety accidents, and reduces resource waste.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This invention discloses a multi-seal deep-sea ball valve, belonging to the field of valve technology. The technical problem to be solved is that the valve core of the deep-sea ball valve may be subjected to unexpected pressure when closed, leading to damage to the valve core, poor sealing, and safety accidents. The key points of the technical solution include: setting an adjustment component that can drive the valve core to rotate electrically or manually; installing a pressure measuring component to monitor the valve core pressure in real time; and integrating a pressure relief component that, through a first pressure relief cylinder, a second pressure relief cylinder, and related components, can relieve pressure when the pressure is too high and can recover the pressure-relieved fluid. The improvements of this invention in shape and structure compared to the prior art include: using a clamping plate and a clamping post to achieve mechanical limiting of the valve core; setting an externally expanded pressure relief annular rubber ring; and adding a second pressure relief cylinder to achieve fluid recovery. The main application is deep-sea fluid control.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of valve technology, and in particular to a deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals. Background Technology

[0002] In deep-sea operating environments, deep-sea ball valves play a crucial role as key equipment for controlling fluid flow. The deep-sea environment is characterized by extreme conditions such as high pressure and strong corrosion, which places extremely high demands on the performance and reliability of deep-sea ball valves. In some deep-sea operating conditions, such as when the upstream pumping pressure fluctuates instantaneously, or when the valve needs to be closed for a long time due to the process, the fluid pressure entering the valve inlet will continuously act on the valve core in the closed position. Since there is a necessary rotation clearance between the valve core and the valve body, and the external pressure of the deep-sea environment itself is extremely high, this continuous internal pressure may make the stress state of the valve core more complex. Under certain pressure conditions, this force may approach or exceed the yield limit of the valve core structural material, or aggravate the uneven wear between the valve core and the valve seat sealing surface. If the valve core is slightly deformed or the sealing surface is damaged due to excessive pressure, it may affect the flexibility of its rotation when it is turned again, or cause poor sealing when it is opened later. In the deep sea environment, any tiny leak may cause difficulties in handling. Therefore, in the design of deep sea ball valves, how to deal with the unexpected pressure that the valve core may be subjected to in the closed state is an engineering problem that needs to be considered. To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals, which solves the shortcomings of existing deep-sea ball valves where the valve core may be subjected to unexpected pressure when closed, leading to valve core damage, poor sealing, and safety accidents.

[0004] This invention provides the following technical solution: A deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals includes a valve body, with an inlet and an outlet fixedly installed on both sides of the valve body. A support tube is fixedly installed on the inner top wall of the valve body. A valve core is tightly rotatably connected inside the valve body. A mating groove is formed at the bottom of the valve core, and a positioning shaft is tightly rotatably connected within the mating groove. The bottom end of the positioning shaft is fixedly connected to the inner bottom wall of the valve body. A valve hole is provided on the valve core. The deep-sea ball valve also includes: An adjusting component is installed on top of the valve core to drive the valve core to rotate 90° forward or backward. The top of the adjusting component passes through the support tube and extends above the support tube, and is fixedly connected to the top of the support tube. A pressure testing component, installed inside the valve housing, is used to test the pressure borne by the valve core; A pressure relief component is installed on the inlet end and is used to relieve the pressure of the oil entering the valve body from the inlet end when the valve orifice is not connected to the inlet end and the outlet end.

[0005] In one possible design, the adjusting component includes a valve stem fixedly mounted on the top of the valve core and a valve cover fixedly mounted on the top of the support tube. The top end of the valve stem passes through the support tube and extends into the valve cover. A stepper motor is fixedly mounted on the top inner wall of the valve cover. The output shaft of the stepper motor is fixedly connected to the top end of the valve stem. Two bushings are fixedly mounted inside the support tube. The valve stem passes through the two bushings in sequence and is rotatably connected to the two bushings. The stepper motor is used to drive the valve stem to rotate, and the valve stem is used to drive the valve core to rotate, so that the valve hole is in communication with or misaligned with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet.

[0006] In one possible design, a retaining plate is fixedly sleeved on the valve stem and located inside the valve cover. The retaining plate has slots on both sides. Two retaining posts are fixedly installed on the bottom inner wall of the valve cover, and the two slots are respectively movably engaged with the corresponding retaining posts. When the valve stem rotates 90°, one of the latches on the latch plate engages with the corresponding latch post to mechanically limit the valve stem to the final position of rotation.

[0007] In one possible design, a transmission rod is rotatably connected through the top inner wall of the valve cover, and a transmission gear is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the transmission rod. A driven gear located below the card plate is also fixedly sleeved on the valve rod, and the transmission gear meshes with the driven gear. A mounting box is fixedly installed on one side of the top of the valve cover. The top end of the transmission rod extends into the mounting box and is fixedly connected to a driven bevel gear. A handwheel is rotatably connected to the inner wall of one side of the mounting box. A drive bevel gear is fixedly installed at one end of the handwheel, and the drive bevel gear meshes with the driven bevel gear. The other end of the handwheel extends to the outside of the valve cover. When the stepper motor malfunctions, rotating the handwheel lever can sequentially drive the valve stem to rotate via the driving bevel gear, the driven bevel gear, the transmission rod, the transmission gear, and the driven gear.

[0008] In one possible design, the pressure sensing component includes a mounting ring fixedly installed inside the valve housing and a force-bearing ring in contact with the side of the valve core. The mounting ring is located on the side away from the liquid inlet end, and the mounting ring and the force-bearing ring are connected by multiple sensing components. The detection assembly includes a mounting tube fixedly installed on one side of the mounting ring, and a pressure rod slidably connected inside the mounting tube. One end of the pressure rod is fixedly connected to one side of the force-bearing ring, and a pressure sensor is fixedly installed on the inner wall of one side of the mounting tube. The other end of the pressure rod is in contact with the pressure-bearing end of the pressure sensor. When the valve core is subjected to oil pressure, the pressure is transmitted to the pressure sensor in sequence through the force ring and the pressure rod.

[0009] In one possible design, a controller is fixedly installed on the inner wall of one side of the valve cover. The controller is electrically connected to the back-end data center via wireless transmission. The controller is also electrically connected to the stepper motor and multiple pressure sensors. A battery cover is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the other side of the valve cover. A rechargeable battery is electrically connected inside the battery cover. A cover plate is sealed at the opening of the battery cover. The battery cover is electrically connected to the controller, the stepper motor, and multiple pressure sensors.

[0010] In one possible design, the pressure relief component includes a first pressure relief cylinder fixedly installed on the inner wall of one side of the liquid inlet end, one side of the first pressure relief cylinder extending to the outer side of the liquid inlet end, a first electric push rod fixedly installed on the inner wall of one side of the first pressure relief cylinder, a partition fixedly installed inside the first pressure relief cylinder, the output shaft of the first electric push rod passing through the partition and a sealing plate fixedly installed thereon, the sealing plate being tightly slidably connected to the inner wall of the first pressure relief cylinder, and the first electric push rod being electrically connected to the controller and the battery cover respectively. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor exceeds a preset threshold, the controller activates the first electric push rod, which pushes the sealing plate toward the partition to expand the communication space between the first pressure relief cylinder and the liquid inlet.

[0011] In one possible design, a plurality of flow holes are equally spaced on the inner wall of the first pressure relief cylinder, and a pressure relief annular rubber ring is tightly fitted on the first pressure relief cylinder, the pressure relief annular rubber ring being connected to the plurality of flow holes respectively; When the sealing plate moves to contact the partition, the oil entering the first pressure relief cylinder flows into the pressure relief annular rubber ring through the flow hole. The pressure relief annular rubber ring is used to expand under the external pressure constraint of the deep sea environment to absorb and buffer the oil pressure.

[0012] In one possible design, the pressure relief component further includes a second pressure relief cylinder fixedly installed on the inner wall of the other side of the liquid inlet end. A second electric push rod is fixedly installed inside the second pressure relief cylinder, and a piston plate is fixedly installed on the output shaft of the second electric push rod. The piston plate is tightly slidably connected to the inner wall of the second pressure relief cylinder. A delivery pipe is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the bottom side of the second pressure relief cylinder. One end of the delivery pipe extends into the first pressure relief cylinder and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bottom side of the first pressure relief cylinder. A first micro solenoid valve is fixedly installed inside the delivery pipe. A second micro solenoid valve is fixedly installed at the opening of the second pressure relief cylinder. The second electric push rod, the first micro solenoid valve, and the second micro solenoid valve are all electrically connected to the battery cover and the controller.

[0013] In one possible design, the controller is also used to control the opening and closing of the first micro solenoid valve and the second micro solenoid valve, and to control the second electric push rod to drive the piston plate to reciprocate laterally within the second pressure relief cylinder, so as to pump the oil in the pressure relief annular rubber ring to the inlet end.

[0014] In this invention, during use, the ball valve is first connected to the oil supply pipes on both sides via its inlet and outlet ends. The oil flows from the inlet end to the outlet end. Under normal operating conditions, when operating the ball valve, a command is sent wirelessly from the data center to the controller. The controller starts the stepper motor, and the stepper motor output shaft drives the valve stem to rotate. The valve stem drives the valve core to rotate, keeping the valve hole on the valve core connected to the inlet and outlet ends. The ball valve opens, and the oil enters from the inlet end, flows through the valve hole on the valve core, and exits from the outlet end. When it is necessary to close the ball valve, the data center sends a command to the controller, which controls the stepper motor to rotate in the opposite direction, driving the valve stem and valve core to rotate 90° in the opposite direction, keeping the valve hole on the valve core connected to the inlet and outlet ends. When the liquid end remains misaligned, the ball valve is closed. During the rotation of the valve stem with the stepper motor output shaft, the clamping plate rotates. After adjustment, the clamp engages with the corresponding clamping post, positioning the valve stem and subsequently the valve core. In long-term use, if the stepper motor malfunctions and cannot drive the valve core, maintenance personnel can dive into the sea and manually rotate the handwheel to drive the active bevel gear. The meshing of the active and driven bevel gears drives the transmission rod, which in turn meshes with the driven gear on the valve stem, rotating the valve stem and allowing manual opening or closing of the ball valve. After the ball valve closes, the oil entering the inlet applies pressure to the valve core. This pressure is transmitted through the valve core to the force ring, which then... Pressure is transmitted to the pressure rod, which presses against the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor detects the pressure on the valve core and transmits the data to the controller. The controller then transmits the data to the backend data center. When the pressure sensor detects excessive hydraulic pressure on the valve core, the controller activates the first electric push rod. The first electric push rod moves the sealing plate into the first pressure relief cylinder, increasing the area between the first pressure relief cylinder and the inlet end, thus reducing the pressure on the valve core. When the sealing plate moves to contact the partition, the oil entering the first pressure relief cylinder flows into the pressure relief annular rubber ring through multiple flow holes. The pressure relief annular rubber ring expands to relieve pressure on the oil. Because the pressure relief annular rubber ring is subjected to seawater pressure, it relieves pressure on the oil and provides cushioning support using seawater pressure. Simultaneously, the controller also controls the first micro solenoid valve to close, and the second micro solenoid valve... When the solenoid valve opens, it activates the second electric actuator, causing the piston plate to move closer to the actuator, thus increasing the space between the second pressure relief cylinder and the inlet. Later, if oil needs to be transported via a ball valve, after the ball valve is opened, the controller activates the first electric actuator, causing the sealing plate to move towards the opening of the first pressure relief cylinder, opening the second micro solenoid valve. The first micro solenoid valve closes, and the second electric actuator then moves the piston plate closer to it, pushing the oil into the inlet. Afterward, the second electric actuator pulls the piston plate closer to itself, closing the second micro solenoid valve and opening the first micro solenoid valve. The movement of the piston plate creates negative pressure in the second pressure relief cylinder, causing the oil in the pressure relief ring to flow back into the first pressure relief cylinder, and then back into the second pressure relief cylinder via the delivery pipe.Finally, the second electric push rod drives the piston plate to move in the opposite direction, closing the first micro solenoid valve and opening the second micro solenoid valve. This pushes the oil drawn into the second pressure relief cylinder to the inlet end. The second electric push rod then drives the piston plate to reciprocate laterally within the second pressure relief cylinder, pumping the oil from the pressure relief ring to the inlet end, thus promoting the repositioning of the pressure relief ring.

[0015] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit the invention.

[0016] Beneficial effects: 1. The regulating component drives the valve stem to rotate via a stepper motor, which in turn drives the valve core to rotate, thereby opening or closing the ball valve. It also features a manual operation mechanism. In case of a stepper motor failure, maintenance personnel can dive to the seabed and turn the handwheel lever. Through a series of gear transmissions, the valve stem is rotated to manually open or close the ball valve, ensuring the normal use of the ball valve in emergency situations and improving the reliability and applicability of the ball valve. 2. The pressure measuring component is connected by an mounting ring, a force ring, and multiple detection components. When the valve hole on the valve core is not connected to the inlet and outlet, the oil entering the inlet applies pressure to the valve core. The pressure is transmitted through the valve core to the force ring, and then through the pressure rod to the pressure sensor. This can accurately detect the pressure on the valve core and provide data support for the safe operation of the ball valve. 3. The pressure relief component includes a first pressure relief cylinder, a second pressure relief cylinder, and related components. When the pressure sensor detects that the hydraulic pressure on the valve core is too high, the first pressure relief cylinder activates the first electric push rod via the controller to move the sealing plate, expanding the oil loading space and reducing the pressure. When the sealing plate moves to contact the partition, the oil flows into the pressure relief annular rubber ring through the flow hole. The pressure relief annular rubber ring expands to relieve pressure, and the use of seawater pressure for pressure relief can avoid damage. At the same time, it buffers and supports the oil pressure. The second pressure relief cylinder controls the opening and closing of the electric push rod, piston plate, and miniature solenoid valve via the controller to realize the pumping of oil, promote the repositioning of the pressure relief annular rubber ring, and further ensure the pressure relief effect and the safe operation of the ball valve.

[0017] This invention monitors the valve core pressure using a pressure sensor. When the pressure is too high, it uses a first pressure relief cylinder, a second pressure relief cylinder, and related components to relieve the pressure, reducing the risk of valve core damage. It also allows for manual operation in case of stepper motor failure and can promote the reset of the pressure relief components in the later stages, ensuring the normal opening and closing of the ball valve, avoiding safety accidents, and reducing resource waste and economic losses. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A first-view three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the multi-sealed deep-sea ball valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A second-view three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the multi-sealed deep-sea ball valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram from a third-view perspective of the deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the multi-sealed deep-sea ball valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a front-view sectional view of the deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connection structure of the stepper motor, valve stem, valve core and handwheel rod of the deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals provided in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first pressure relief cylinder of the multi-sealed deep-sea ball valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second pressure relief cylinder of the multi-sealed deep-sea ball valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 A side sectional view of the deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the battery box, rechargeable battery, and cover plate separation structure of the multi-sealed deep-sea ball valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure label: 1. Valve housing; 2. Inlet end; 3. Outlet end; 4. Support tube; 5. Valve cover; 6. Battery cover; 7. Valve core; 8. Positioning shaft; 9. Valve stem; 10. Stepper motor; 11. Clamping plate; 12. Bayonet; 13. Clamping post; 14. Transmission rod; 15. Transmission gear; 16. Driven gear; 17. Mounting box; 18. Handwheel lever; 19. Driven bevel gear; 20. Driven bevel gear; 21. Controller; 22. Mounting ring; 23. Safety pinion. 24. Pipe; 25. Pressure rod; 26. Force ring; 27. Pressure sensor; 28. First pressure relief cylinder; 29. ​​Partition plate; 30. First electric push rod; 31. Sealing plate; 32. Flow hole; 33. Pressure relief annular rubber ring; 34. Delivery pipe; 35. Second pressure relief cylinder; 36. Second electric push rod; 37. Piston plate; 38. First miniature solenoid valve; 39. Second miniature solenoid valve; 40. Fixing plate; 41. Rechargeable battery; 42. Cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection" and "installation" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "connection" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. "Fixed" means that the devices are connected to each other and their relative positional relationship remains unchanged after the connection. The directional terms mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention, such as "inner," "outer," "top," and "bottom," are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] In this embodiment of the invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0023] In this embodiment of the invention, "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0024] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as used in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0025] In one embodiment: Refer to Figure 1-10A ball valve includes a valve body 1, which is a hollow cavity structure. Its left and right sides are fixedly connected to an inlet end 2 and an outlet end 3 via flanges and multiple M30 high-strength bolts, respectively. Both the inlet end 2 and the outlet end 3 are thick-walled alloy steel pipes with an inner diameter of 50mm. A vertical support pipe 4 with an inner diameter of 25mm is welded and fixed to the center of the top inner wall of the valve body 1, and its top extends to the outside of the valve body 1, where a valve cover 5 is fixedly installed with bolts. The valve cover 5 is a sealed cavity. A vertically upward positioning shaft 8 with a diameter of 15mm and made of 316L stainless steel is fixed to the center of the bottom inner wall of the valve body 1.

[0026] like Figure 4-5 As shown, the valve core 7 is a sphere, the diameter of which matches the inner cavity of the valve body 1, and a through valve hole is formed on the sphere. A mating groove adapted to the positioning shaft 8 is formed at the bottom of the valve core 7, through which the valve core 7 is sleeved on the positioning shaft 8 and tightly rotatably connected to it. A valve stem 9 is fixedly connected to the top center of the valve core 7 via a flat key and a set screw. The valve stem 9 has a diameter of 20mm, and its top end passes through the bottom of the support tube 4 and the valve cover 5. Inside the support tube 4, two polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bushings are fitted on the valve stem 9, and the valve stem 9 rotatably engages with these two bushings. The outer wall of the bushings is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the support tube 4. The distance between these two bushings is 80mm, used to constrain the valve stem 9 in the vertical direction, reducing its radial wobble. Simultaneously, the use of two bushings to engage with 9 achieves multiple seals to prevent oil leakage from the support tube 4.

[0027] like Figure 4-5As shown, the top of the valve stem 9 extends into the interior of the valve cover 5 and is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor 10 via a flange. The stepper motor 10 is bolted to the top inner wall of the valve cover 5. A retaining plate 11 is also fixedly fitted inside the valve cover 5 on the valve stem 9. The retaining plate 11 has symmetrically arranged arc-shaped slots 12 on both sides. On the bottom inner wall of the valve cover 5, corresponding to the positions of the two slots 12, two cylindrical retaining posts 13 are fixedly installed. The diameter of the retaining posts 13 is slightly smaller than the width of the slots 12. When the stepper motor 10 drives the valve stem 9 to rotate, it drives the retaining plate 11 to rotate synchronously. After the valve stem 9 rotates 90°, one slot 12 on the retaining plate 11 engages with the corresponding retaining post 13, thereby mechanically limiting the rotation endpoint of the valve stem 9. This embodiment adopts the above-mentioned retaining plate and retaining post cooperation structure based on engineering considerations requiring reliable positioning of deep-sea valves. Without such a mechanical limiting structure, relying solely on the stepping angle control of the stepper motor 10, the actual stopping position of the valve core 7 may deviate slightly when subjected to long-term fluid impact torque or when the motor control signal is interfered with. Simulation analysis shows that when the valve core 7 is subjected to a lateral pressure of 50 MPa, this positional deviation may cause misalignment between the valve orifice and the flow channel, increasing flow resistance or affecting the complete sealing of the sealing surface.

[0028] like Figure 4-5 As shown, a manual drive backup mechanism is also provided inside the valve cover 5. Specifically, a transmission rod 14 is rotatably connected to the top of the valve cover 5 via a bearing. A transmission gear 15 is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the transmission rod 14. On the valve stem 9, a driven gear 16 is fixedly sleeved below the retaining plate 11. The transmission gear 15 meshes with the driven gear 16, with a transmission ratio of 3:1. The top end of the transmission rod 14 extends into a mounting box 17 fixed to the top of the valve cover 5 and is fixedly connected to a driven bevel gear 20. A handwheel rod 18 is tightly rotatably connected to the inner wall of one side of the mounting box 17 via a bearing. One end of the handwheel rod 18, which extends into the mounting box 17, is fixed to a driving bevel gear 19, which meshes with the driven bevel gear 20. The other end of the handwheel rod 18 passes through a fixing plate 39 fixed to the valve cover 5 and extends to the outside, where a handwheel can be installed. When the stepper motor 10 fails, the maintenance personnel can turn the external handwheel, which, through the transmission of the bevel gear pair and the spur gear pair, ultimately drives the valve stem 9 and the valve core 7 to rotate, thereby opening and closing the valve.

[0029] like Figure 4-5As shown, an annular mounting ring 22 is fixedly installed inside the valve housing 1 on the side away from the inlet end 2. The mounting ring 22 is welded to the inner wall of the valve housing 1 by multiple supports. An annular force-bearing ring 25 is in contact with the side of the valve core 7. Between the mounting ring 22 and the force-bearing ring 25, multiple detection components are connected at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Each detection component includes a mounting tube 23 fixed to the mounting ring 22. One end of the mounting tube 23 is closed and extends into the valve housing 1, and a pressure rod 24 is slidably connected inside it. One end of the pressure rod 24 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the force-bearing ring 25, and the other end is in contact with the sensing end of a pressure sensor 26. The pressure sensor 26 is fixed to the inner wall of the closed end of the mounting tube 23. When the valve core 7 is subjected to fluid pressure from the inlet end 2, it transmits the pressure to the force-bearing ring 25 in contact with it. The force-bearing ring 25 then transmits the pressure through the multiple pressure rods 24 to each pressure sensor 26, thereby realizing multi-point detection of the lateral pressure on the valve core 7. The range of pressure sensor 26 can be selected according to the design pressure, for example, 0-100MPa.

[0030] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, the controller 21 is fixedly mounted on the inner wall of one side of the valve cover 5, and its outer casing is sealed with potting compound. The controller 21 is connected to the back-end data center on the sea surface via a wireless transmission module. The controller 21 is electrically connected to the stepper motor 10 and all pressure sensors 26 via cables. The battery cover 6 is sealed and fixed to the other side of the valve cover 5, and a rechargeable battery 40 is installed inside it and sealed by a cover plate 41. The rechargeable battery 40 powers the controller 21, the stepper motor 10, and subsequent electric components.

[0031] like Figure 7-8 As shown, a pressure relief component is integrated on the inlet end 2. A first pressure relief cylinder 27 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of one side of the inlet end 2 via a flange, and partially extends to the outside of the inlet end 2. A partition 28 is fixed inside the first pressure relief cylinder 27, dividing the internal space. A first electric push rod 29 is fixed to the inner wall of the cylinder at the end away from the inlet end 2, its output shaft passing through the partition 28, and its end fixedly connected to a sealing plate 30. The outer edge of the sealing plate 30 slides and seals against the inner wall of the first pressure relief cylinder 27 through a sealing ring. The first electric push rod 29 is electrically connected to the controller 21 and the rechargeable battery 40. Four flow holes 31 are formed on the cylinder wall of the first pressure relief cylinder 27, and an annular pressure relief ring 32 is tightly fitted onto the outside of the first pressure relief cylinder 27, covering all the flow holes 31. The pressure relief ring 32 is made of oil-resistant and seawater-resistant rubber material, with a wall thickness of 5 mm.

[0032] When the pressure sensor 26 detects that the pressure on the valve core 7 exceeds a preset threshold (e.g., 75 MPa), the controller 21 activates the first electric push rod 29, pushing the sealing plate 30 towards the partition 28. This increases the space available for fluid containment within the first pressure relief cylinder 27, temporarily reducing the pressure peak at the inlet end 2 and relieving the stress on the valve core 7. If the pressure remains high, the sealing plate 30 eventually moves to contact the partition 28. At this point, the fluid entering the first pressure relief cylinder 27 will enter the pressure relief annular rubber ring 32 through the flow hole 31, causing it to expand. Since the pressure relief annular rubber ring 32 is in a deep-sea environment, the external seawater pressure (e.g., 30 MPa) will constrain it, limiting its expansion and thus absorbing and buffering fluid pressure energy in a controlled manner. This embodiment uses this external expansion rubber ring structure based on engineering considerations of utilizing external pressure in the deep-sea environment. If only an infinitely large pressure relief chamber is used, it would be difficult to recover the fluid after pressure relief, and the structure would be bulky. The use of an elastic rubber ring constrained by external pressure can both relieve pressure and temporarily store fluid, providing the possibility for subsequent recovery. Without this external constraint, the rubber ring may over-expand and rupture under extremely high inlet pressure.

[0033] This application can be used in the field of valve technology, or in other fields applicable to this application.

[0034] In another embodiment: Reference Figure 7-8 Based on the above embodiments, an improvement is made to a deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals, which is applied to the field of valve technology. The structure of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the previous embodiments, except that the fluid recovery function of the pressure relief component has been optimized and a second pressure relief cylinder 34 and related components have been added.

[0035] like Figure 7-8 As shown, a second pressure relief cylinder 34 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the other side of the liquid inlet end 2 via a flange. The axis of the second pressure relief cylinder 34 is parallel to the axis of the liquid inlet end 2. A second electric actuator 35 is fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the second pressure relief cylinder 34 away from the liquid inlet end 2 via a bracket. A piston plate 36 is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the second electric actuator 35. The outer edge of the piston plate 36 achieves a sliding seal with the inner wall of the second pressure relief cylinder 34 through a sealing ring. The second electric actuator 35 is electrically connected to the controller 21 and the rechargeable battery 40.

[0036] like Figure 7-8As shown, a delivery pipe 33 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the second pressure relief cylinder 34, near the liquid inlet 2. The other end of the delivery pipe 33 extends into the first pressure relief cylinder 27 and is fixedly connected to the bottom inner wall of the first pressure relief cylinder 27. A first micro solenoid valve 37 is installed inside the delivery pipe 33. A second micro solenoid valve 38 is installed at the opening of the second pressure relief cylinder 34 (i.e., the end near the liquid inlet 2). Both the first micro solenoid valve 37 and the second micro solenoid valve 38 are electrically connected to the controller 21 and the rechargeable battery 40.

[0037] When excessive pressure is detected and pressure relief is initiated, if it is necessary to recover the fluid temporarily stored in the pressure relief ring 32 and reintroduce it into the system, the following procedure can be followed: 1. Ensure the ball valve is in the open position (valve orifice aligned with flow path).

[0038] 2. The controller 21 controls the first micro solenoid valve 37 to close and the second micro solenoid valve 38 to open.

[0039] 3. Activate the second electric push rod 35 to push the piston plate 36 towards the second micro solenoid valve 38 (i.e., towards the inlet end 2). The movement of the piston plate 36 pushes the fluid in the inner cavity of the second pressure relief cylinder 34 into the main channel of the inlet end 2 through the opened second micro solenoid valve 38.

[0040] 4. When the piston plate 36 moves to the limit position close to the second micro solenoid valve 38, the controller 21 controls the second micro solenoid valve 38 to close and the first micro solenoid valve 37 to open.

[0041] 5. The second electric push rod 35 moves in the opposite direction, pulling the piston plate 36 away from the liquid inlet end 2. At this time, a negative pressure is generated in the inner cavity of the second pressure relief cylinder 34 (relative to the outside). Through the opened first micro solenoid valve 37 and the delivery pipe 33, the fluid stored in the first pressure relief cylinder 27 and the pressure relief annular rubber ring 32 is drawn into the second pressure relief cylinder 34.

[0042] 6. Repeat steps 2 to 5. The piston plate 36 is driven by the second electric push rod 35 to move laterally and reciprocate in the second pressure relief cylinder 34. This will gradually pump the fluid in the pressure relief ring 32 into the main channel of the inlet end 2, promote the repositioning of the pressure relief ring 32, and realize the recycling of the pressure relief fluid.

[0043] The addition of a second pressure relief cylinder and piston pumping mechanism in this embodiment is based on engineering considerations for resource recovery and environmental protection in deep-sea operations. Without this recovery function, fluid entering the rubber ring during pressure relief may not be effectively returned to the main flow path, resulting in media loss. Furthermore, cavitation or vibration may occur due to pressure imbalance during rubber ring reset. Active pumping recovery allows for more precise control of the total fluid volume and pressure balance within the system.

[0044] However, as is well known to those skilled in the art, the working principles and wiring methods of the stepper motor 10, controller 21, pressure sensor 26, first electric push rod 29, second electric push rod 35, first miniature solenoid valve 37, second miniature solenoid valve 38 and rechargeable battery 40 are conventional means or common knowledge, and will not be described in detail here. Those skilled in the art can make any selections according to their needs or convenience.

[0045] The accompanying drawings in this application are for illustrative purposes only. The dimensions and shapes of the components shown are not actual limitations but are merely schematic representations. In actual implementation, the components can be reasonably configured and adjusted according to specific needs and actual conditions.

[0046] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. In the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals, comprising a valve housing (1), wherein an inlet end (2) and an outlet end (3) are fixedly installed on both sides of the valve housing (1), a support tube (4) is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the top of the valve housing (1), a valve core (7) is tightly rotatably connected inside the valve housing (1), a mating groove is provided at the bottom of the valve core (7), a positioning shaft (8) is tightly rotatably connected inside the mating groove, the bottom end of the positioning shaft (8) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bottom of the valve housing (1), and a valve hole is provided on the valve core (7), characterized in that, The deep-sea ball valve also includes: An adjusting component is installed on the top of the valve core (7) to drive the valve core (7) to rotate 90° in the forward or reverse direction. The top of the adjusting component passes through the support tube (4) and extends above the support tube (4), and is fixedly connected to the top of the support tube (4). A pressure testing component is installed inside the valve housing (1) and is used to test the pressure borne by the valve core (7); A pressure relief component is installed on the inlet end (2) and is used to relieve the pressure of the oil entering the valve body (1) from the inlet end (2) when the valve hole is not connected to the inlet end (2) and the outlet end (3).

2. The deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting component includes a valve stem (9) fixedly installed on the top of the valve core (7) and a valve cover (5) fixedly installed on the top of the support tube (4). The top end of the valve stem (9) passes through the support tube (4) and extends into the valve cover (5). A stepper motor (10) is fixedly installed on the top inner wall of the valve cover (5). The output shaft of the stepper motor (10) is fixedly connected to the top end of the valve stem (9). Two bushings are fixedly installed inside the support tube (4). The valve stem (9) passes through the two bushings in sequence and is rotatably connected to the two bushings. The stepper motor (10) is used to drive the valve stem (9) to rotate, and the valve stem (9) is used to drive the valve core (7) to rotate, so that the valve hole is connected to or misaligned with the liquid inlet (2) and the liquid outlet (3).

3. The deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve stem (9) is fixedly fitted with a card plate (11) located inside the valve cover (5). The card plate (11) has slots (12) on both sides. Two locking posts (13) are fixedly installed on the bottom inner wall of the valve cover (5). The two slots (12) are respectively engaged with the corresponding locking posts (13). When the valve stem (9) rotates 90°, one of the latches (12) on the latch plate (11) engages with the corresponding latch (13) to mechanically limit the valve stem (9) to the end position of rotation.

4. The deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, A transmission rod (14) is rotatably connected through the top inner wall of the valve cover (5). A transmission gear (15) is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the transmission rod (14). A driven gear (16) located below the card plate (11) is also fixedly sleeved on the valve stem (9). The transmission gear (15) meshes with the driven gear (16). A mounting box (17) is fixedly installed on one side of the top of the valve cover (5). The top end of the transmission rod (14) extends into the mounting box (17) and is fixedly connected to a driven bevel gear (20). A handwheel rod (18) is rotatably connected to the inner wall of one side of the mounting box (17). One end of the handwheel rod (18) is fixedly installed with a driving bevel gear (19). The driving bevel gear (19) meshes with the driven bevel gear (20). The other end of the handwheel rod (18) extends to the outside of the valve cover (5). When the stepper motor (10) fails, rotating the handwheel lever (18) can drive the valve stem (9) to rotate in sequence through the active bevel gear (19), the driven bevel gear (20), the transmission rod (14), the transmission gear (15), and the driven gear (16).

5. The deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure measuring component includes a mounting ring (22) fixedly installed in the valve housing (1) and a force-bearing ring (25) in contact with the side of the valve core (7). The mounting ring (22) is located on the side away from the liquid inlet end (2). The mounting ring (22) and the force-bearing ring (25) are connected by multiple detection components. The detection assembly includes a mounting tube (23) fixedly installed on one side of the mounting ring (22), and a pressure rod (24) slidably connected inside the mounting tube (23). One end of the pressure rod (24) is fixedly connected to one side of the force ring (25). A pressure sensor (26) is fixedly installed on the inner wall of one side of the mounting tube (23). The other end of the pressure rod (24) is in contact with the pressure-receiving end of the pressure sensor (26). When the valve core (7) is subjected to oil pressure, the pressure is transmitted to the pressure sensor (26) in sequence through the force ring (25) and the pressure rod (24).

6. The deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals according to claim 5, characterized in that, A controller (21) is fixedly installed on one inner wall of the valve cover (5). The controller (21) is electrically connected to the background data center through wireless transmission. The controller (21) is electrically connected to the stepper motor (10) and multiple pressure sensors (26) respectively. A battery cover (6) is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the other side of the valve cover (5). A rechargeable battery (40) is electrically connected inside the battery cover (6). A cover plate (41) is sealed at the opening of the battery cover (6). The battery cover (6) is electrically connected to the controller (21), the stepper motor (10), and a plurality of pressure sensors (26).

7. The deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure relief component includes a first pressure relief cylinder (27) fixedly installed on the inner wall of one side of the liquid inlet (2). One side of the first pressure relief cylinder (27) extends to the outer side of the liquid inlet (2). A first electric push rod (29) is fixedly installed on the inner wall of one side of the first pressure relief cylinder (27). A partition (28) is fixedly installed inside the first pressure relief cylinder (27). The output shaft of the first electric push rod (29) passes through the partition (28) and is fixedly installed with a sealing plate (30). The sealing plate (30) is tightly slidably connected to the inner wall of the first pressure relief cylinder (27). The first electric push rod (29) is electrically connected to the controller (21) and the battery cover (6) respectively. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor (26) exceeds the preset threshold, the controller (21) activates the first electric push rod (29), which is used to push the sealing plate (30) to move towards the partition (28) to expand the communication space between the first pressure relief cylinder (27) and the liquid inlet (2).

8. The deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first pressure relief cylinder (27) has multiple flow holes (31) evenly spaced on its inner wall. A pressure relief annular rubber ring (32) is tightly fitted on the first pressure relief cylinder (27). The pressure relief annular rubber ring (32) is connected to the multiple flow holes (31) respectively. When the sealing plate (30) moves to contact the partition plate (28), the oil entering the first pressure relief cylinder (27) flows into the pressure relief annular rubber ring (32) through the flow hole (31). The pressure relief annular rubber ring (32) is used to expand under the external pressure constraint of the deep sea environment to absorb and buffer the oil pressure.

9. The deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pressure relief component also includes a second pressure relief cylinder (34) fixedly installed on the inner wall of the other side of the liquid inlet end (2). A second electric push rod (35) is fixedly installed inside the second pressure relief cylinder (34). A piston plate (36) is fixedly installed on the output shaft of the second electric push rod (35). The piston plate (36) is tightly slidably connected to the inner wall of the second pressure relief cylinder (34). A delivery pipe (33) is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the bottom side of the second pressure relief cylinder (34). One end of the delivery pipe (33) extends into the first pressure relief cylinder (27) and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bottom side of the first pressure relief cylinder (27). A first micro solenoid valve (37) is fixedly installed inside the delivery pipe (33). A second micro solenoid valve (38) is fixedly installed at the opening of the second pressure relief cylinder (34). The second electric push rod (35), the first micro solenoid valve (37) and the second micro solenoid valve (38) are all electrically connected to the battery cover (6) and the controller (21).

10. The deep-sea ball valve with multiple seals according to claim 9, characterized in that, The controller (21) is also used to control the opening and closing of the first micro solenoid valve (37) and the second micro solenoid valve (38), and to control the second electric push rod (35) to drive the piston plate (36) to reciprocate laterally in the second pressure relief cylinder (34) so ​​as to pump the oil in the pressure relief ring (32) to the inlet end (2).