A flow-adjustable solenoid valve

Abstract

This invention discloses a flow-adjustable solenoid valve, comprising a valve body, an isolating element disposed within the valve body, a moving rod assembly disposed above the isolating element, and a connecting spring disposed between the isolating element and the moving rod assembly. The valve body has an inlet and an outlet; the isolating element divides the interior of the valve body into a first cavity and a second cavity, and the isolating element is movably disposed to adjust the opening degree of communication between the first cavity and the outlet; the isolating element has a water flow channel connecting the first cavity and the second cavity, and a through hole connecting the second cavity and the outlet; the moving rod assembly includes a moving rod and a piston cup connected to the moving rod; one end of the connecting spring abuts against the isolating element, and the other end is connected to the piston cup; wherein, the moving rod is movably disposed to allow the isolating element to move. Compared with the prior art, this invention can achieve stepless adjustment from a small flow rate to a large flow rate throughout the entire process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a flow-adjustable solenoid valve, belonging to the field of fluid control technology. Background Technology

[0002] Solenoid valves are widely used in fluid control systems. They control the flow or shut-off of fluid by driving the valve core with electromagnetic force. Traditional solenoid valves are mostly on / off type, meaning they can only achieve two states: fully open or fully closed. To achieve continuous flow regulation, proportional solenoid valves have emerged in existing technology. These typically employ complex closed-loop control circuits, displacement sensors, or multi-stage spring structures, resulting in high cost, complex structure, and relatively low reliability.

[0003] In differential pressure pilot-operated solenoid valves, pilot pressure relief is typically achieved by the interaction between the small orifice on the differential pressure disc and the diaphragm, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the main valve port. However, such valves lack an intermediate component between the moving rod and the differential pressure disc that enables force transmission and precise control, making it difficult to obtain stable, continuous, and linear flow regulation characteristics.

[0004] In view of this, it is indeed necessary to improve the existing solenoid valves to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a flow-adjustable solenoid valve that can stably, continuously, and linearly adjust the flow rate.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is: A flow-adjustable solenoid valve, comprising: The valve body has an inlet and an outlet; An isolator is provided inside the valve body, which divides the interior of the valve body into a first cavity and a second cavity, and the isolator is movably provided to adjust the opening degree of communication between the first cavity and the outlet; the isolator is provided with a water flow channel connecting the first cavity and the second cavity, and a through hole connecting the second cavity and the outlet; A movable rod assembly disposed above the isolation member, the movable rod assembly including a movable rod and a diaphragm connected to the movable rod; A connecting spring is provided between the isolator and the moving rod assembly, one end of the connecting spring abutting against the isolator and the other end connected to the diaphragm cup; The movable rod is movably configured to allow the isolation member to move.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the isolation element includes a differential pressure plate and a diaphragm fixed below the differential pressure plate, and the through hole is provided on the differential pressure plate.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the water flow channel includes at least one small hole provided on the diaphragm, and / or at least one small channel provided on the differential pressure plate.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the cup is provided with an inner hole connected to the head of the moving rod, a sealing gasket that seals with the through hole, and a positioning step that positions with the end of the connecting spring.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the positioning step is an annular boss, and the end of the connecting spring is sleeved on the annular boss.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the leather cup has a thin-walled membrane portion located in the peripheral area of ​​the leather cup, and its thickness is less than that of other parts of the leather cup.

[0012] As a further improvement of the invention, the movable rod is movably configured to provide movement space for the isolation member when it is moved away from the isolation member.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, when the isolator moves toward the moving rod, the opening between the first cavity and the outlet increases, and the opening increases continuously as the moving distance of the isolator increases.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, a first water flow path is formed between the first cavity and the outlet, and a second water flow path is formed between the first cavity, the second cavity, the through hole and the outlet; the ratio of the flow rate of the first water flow path to the flow rate of the second water flow path is proportional to the displacement of the moving rod.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, a compression spring is provided on the side of the moving rod away from the isolation member, the moving rod is driven and moved by an electromagnetic coil, and the driving force of the electromagnetic coil is at least equal to the pressure of the compression spring.

[0016] The beneficial technical effects of the present invention are as follows: The adjustable flow solenoid valve of the present invention, by setting a diaphragm and connecting spring, transmits the electromagnetic force of the moving rod to the isolating element steplessly, thereby realizing continuous adjustment of the opening degree of the outlet and the first chamber. The movement of the moving rod provides the isolating element with movement space, and the isolating element automatically follows the movement under the reaction force of the water flow, forming a dynamic balance, so that the opening degree of the outlet and the first chamber changes continuously, realizing stepless adjustment from small flow to large flow throughout the entire process. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flow-adjustable solenoid valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of the circle with the middle dashed line.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A structural diagram of the intermediate pressure spring, moving rod assembly, connecting spring, and isolating component.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the moving rod assembly, connecting spring, and isolator. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Please see Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this invention discloses a flow-adjustable solenoid valve 100, including a valve body 1. The valve body 1 has an inlet 11 and an outlet 12. An isolating member 2 is disposed inside the valve body 1. The isolating member 2 divides the inner cavity of the valve body 1 into a first cavity 13 and a second cavity 14 located above the outlet 12. The inlet 11 is directly connected to the first cavity 13.

[0024] The isolator 2 is movably disposed within the valve body 1. The isolator 2 is used to adjust the opening degree of the connection between the first chamber 13 and the outlet 12, i.e., the opening degree of the main valve port 6. The isolator 2 is provided with a water flow channel and a through hole 211. The water flow channel connects the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 14, and the through hole 211 connects the second chamber 14 and the outlet 12. Specifically, due to the arrangement of the isolator 2, water in the first chamber 13 must pass through the second chamber 14 before flowing out of the outlet 12. When the isolator 2 is moved, the first chamber 13 and the outlet 12 are connected, allowing at least a portion of the water to flow directly out of the outlet 12.

[0025] In this embodiment, the isolation element 2 includes a differential pressure plate 21 and a diaphragm 22 fixed below the differential pressure plate 21. The differential pressure plate 21 is generally disc-shaped, and the diaphragm 22 is a flexible diaphragm with its central region fixedly connected to the differential pressure plate 21, allowing the differential pressure plate 21 and the diaphragm 22 to move synchronously as a whole. A through hole 211 is located in the central region of the differential pressure plate 21, penetrating the differential pressure plate 21 vertically and connecting the second cavity 14 to the outlet 12. The water flow channel includes at least one small hole 221 on the diaphragm 22 and at least one small channel 212 on the differential pressure plate 21. Both the small hole 221 and the small channel 212 connect the first cavity 13 and the second cavity 14. Under normal conditions, the small hole 221 and the small channel 212 remain unobstructed, providing a basic pressure relief flow rate.

[0026] In other embodiments, only the orifice 221 on the diaphragm 22 may be provided, without the small channel 212 on the differential pressure plate 21. The number of orifices 221 may be one, two, or more. In other scenarios, only the small channel 212 on the differential pressure plate 21 may be provided, without the orifice 221 on the diaphragm 22. The small channel 212 may be in the form of a radial orifice, a combination of an axial blind orifice and a radial orifice, etc. In scenarios requiring a larger pilot flow rate, both the orifice 221 and the small channel 212 may be provided simultaneously.

[0027] A movable rod assembly 3 is disposed above the isolation member 2. The movable rod assembly 3 includes a movable rod 31 and a cup 32. The movable rod 31 is a slender rod driven by an electromagnetic coil, and its lower end is connected to the cup 32. The cup 32 is a one-piece molded part made of an elastic material (such as rubber, silicone, etc.). The cup 32 is provided with an inner hole 321, a sealing gasket 322, a positioning step 323, and a guide surface 324.

[0028] The inner hole 321 is located in the center of the cup 32, forming an interference fit or snap-fit ​​with the head of the moving rod 31, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the cup 32 and the moving rod 31. The sealing gasket 322 is located in the central area of ​​the lower surface of the cup 32, corresponding to the through hole 211 on the differential pressure plate 21, and is used to form a sealing contact with the periphery of the through hole 211, thereby blocking or opening the fluid communication path between the through hole 211 and the second cavity 14. The guide surface 324 is located on the outer peripheral surface of the cup 32, and is used to slide with the guide structure in the valve body 1, providing guidance for the up and down movement of the cup 32 and ensuring smooth movement.

[0029] The cup 32 also has a thin-walled diaphragm portion 325. The thin-walled diaphragm portion 325 is located in the peripheral region of the cup 32, specifically as an annular diaphragm extending outward from the main body of the cup 32. The thickness of this thin-walled diaphragm portion 325 is significantly less than the thickness of other parts of the cup 32 (e.g., the main body). For example, the thickness of the thin-walled diaphragm portion 325 can be 1 / 5 to 1 / 2 of the thickness of the main body of the cup 32. Due to the significantly reduced thickness, the thin-walled diaphragm portion 325 has lower stiffness in the axial direction, and when the cup 32 is stretched or compressed as a whole, the thin-walled diaphragm portion 325 easily undergoes elastic deformation, generating almost no additional elastic resistance.

[0030] A connecting spring 4 is provided between the isolator 2 and the moving rod assembly 3. The connecting spring 4 is a helical compression spring. The lower end of the connecting spring 4 abuts against the isolator 2, specifically against the upper surface of the differential pressure plate 21. The upper end of the connecting spring 4 is connected to the cup 32, specifically sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the positioning step 323 of the cup 32. Because the thin-walled diaphragm portion 325 is prone to elastic deformation, it generates almost no additional elastic resistance. This means that when the cup 32 deforms axially, the additional resistance generated by its compressive force on the connecting spring 4 is much smaller than the elastic force of the connecting spring 4 itself (e.g., less than 10%), thereby achieving "force decoupling" between the cup 32 and the connecting spring 4.

[0031] The moving rod 31 is movably disposed within the valve body 1. A compression spring 5 is disposed above the moving rod 31 (on the side away from the isolator 2). The compression spring 5 is sleeved on the upper part of the moving rod 31. The compression spring 5 is always in a compressed state, applying downward pressure to the moving rod 31. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, it generates electromagnetic force, driving the moving rod 31 to move upward. The driving force of the electromagnetic coil is at least equal to the pressure of the compression spring 5 to ensure that the moving rod 31 can move upward from the initial position. That is, when the electromagnetic coil is not activated, the moving rod 31 is restricted to a fixed position by the compression spring 5, and the rubber cup 32 blocks the through hole 211, thus sealing the outlet 12.

[0032] The movable design of the moving rod 31 provides the prerequisite for the movement of the isolator 2. Specifically, when the moving rod 31 moves upward (away from the isolator 2), the diaphragm 32 moves upward accordingly, and the connecting spring 4 disengages from the isolator 2. At this time, the sealing gasket 322 of the diaphragm 32 gradually moves away from the through hole 211 on the differential pressure plate 21, causing the opening between the through hole 211 and the second cavity 14 to gradually increase. The high-pressure water in the first cavity 13 flows to the second cavity 14 and the outlet 12 through the small hole 221, the small channel 212, and the through hole 211. Due to the pressure relief effect of the through hole 211, the pressure in the second cavity 14 decreases, and a pressure difference is formed between the first cavity 13 and the second cavity 14. This pressure difference generates upward water pressure, which acts on the isolator 2 (differential pressure plate 21 and diaphragm 22), pushing the isolator 2 to move upward (towards the moving rod 31). When the isolator 2 moves upward, the outer edge of the diaphragm 22 is fixed, and the central area arches upward, increasing the opening of the main valve port 6 between the first cavity 13 and the outlet 12. Thus, the upward movement of the moving rod 31 provides upward movement space for the isolator 2, and the actual movement of the isolator 2 occurs under the drive of water pressure difference and reaction force.

[0033] As the isolator 2 moves upward, the connection opening between the first cavity 13 and the outlet 12 (the opening of the main valve port 6) gradually increases. Furthermore, this opening continuously increases with the increase in the moving distance of the isolator 2. Moreover, there is a monotonically positive correlation between the moving distance of the isolator 2 and the displacement of the moving rod 31; therefore, the opening of the main valve port 6 continuously increases with the increase in the displacement of the moving rod 31.

[0034] Preferably, the inlet and outlet directions are L-shaped, meaning the inlet 11 and outlet are perpendicular to each other. A main valve port 6 is located in the outlet direction. When the isolator 2 is pressed by the connecting spring, the through hole 211 is located inside the main valve port 6, allowing water to flow directly to the outlet 12. The small hole 221 is positioned close to the main valve port 6. Thus, as the isolator 2 moves further, the water in the first cavity 13 will no longer flow into the small hole 221, but instead directly into the main valve port 6 and then into the outlet 12. This is because the small hole 221 is located above the main valve port 6; the closer the water is to the main valve port 6, the greater its downward tendency, and the less likely it is to flow into the small hole 221.

[0035] Regarding the fluid path, the solenoid valve of this invention has two main water flow paths: The first water flow path is between the first cavity 13 and the outlet 12. The flow rate in this path is the main flow rate; when the main valve 6 is opened, most of the water flows out through this path.

[0036] The second water flow path consists of the first cavity 13, the water flow channel, the second cavity 14, the through hole 211, and the outlet 12. The flow rate in this path is the pilot flow rate, which is maintained when the main valve port 6 is not fully open.

[0037] During the operation of the solenoid valve, the ratio of the flow rate in the first water flow path to the flow rate in the second water flow path is positively correlated with the increase of the displacement of the moving rod 31. Specifically, in the small opening stage, the flow rate in the second water flow path is dominant; as the displacement of the moving rod 31 increases, the opening of the main valve port 6 gradually increases, and the proportion of the flow rate in the first water flow path rises rapidly. The ratio between the two is approximately proportional to the displacement of the moving rod 31.

[0038] The outer circumferential surface of the cup 32 is provided with a plurality of guide surfaces 324 distributed circumferentially. These guide surfaces 324 slide in engagement with the inner wall of the guide tube 7 fixed inside the valve body 1. The inner wall of the guide tube 7 is provided with an axially extending mating surface 71. The guide surfaces 324 of the cup 32 and the mating surface 71 form a sliding engagement, thereby restricting the circumferential rotation of the cup 32 and ensuring the linearity of its axial movement.

[0039] The solenoid valve of the present invention has the following states: (a) Power outage state When the electromagnetic coil is de-energized, the moving rod 31 has no upward electromagnetic attraction. Under the downward pressure of the compression spring 5, the moving rod 31 is in its lowest position. The diaphragm 32 is in its lowest position along with the moving rod 31, and the sealing gasket 322 of the diaphragm 32 tightly seals the through hole 211 on the differential pressure plate 21. At this time, the first cavity 13 and the second cavity 14 are connected only through the small hole 221 on the diaphragm 22 and the small channel 212 on the differential pressure plate 21. The water pressure from the inlet 11 enters the first cavity 13 and slowly enters the second cavity 14 through the small hole 221 and the small channel 212, and then flows through the through hole 211 (because the sealing gasket 322 blocks the flow, the through hole 211 is not connected to the first cavity 13, but the second cavity 14 is connected to the outlet 12 through the through hole 211) to the outlet 12, but the flow rate is extremely small. Because the water pressure area of ​​the first chamber 13 is greater than that of the second chamber 14 and the outlet 12, the water pressure presses the diaphragm 22 tightly against the main valve port 6 of the valve body 1, forming a seal. No flow passes through the outlet 12, thus forming a closed system. At this stage, the main valve port 6 is completely closed.

[0040] (II) First stage of valve opening (micro-flow regulation stage) When a small current is applied to the electromagnetic coil, a small electromagnetic attraction is generated. This electromagnetic attraction overcomes part of the pressure of the compression spring 5, causing the moving rod 31 to move upward a short distance. The moving rod 31 drives the piston cup 32 to move upward synchronously. As the piston cup 32 moves upward, it drives the connecting spring 4 upward, causing it to release its pressure on the isolator 2; on the other hand, the sealing gasket 322 of the piston cup 32 gradually moves away from the through hole 211 on the differential pressure plate 21, causing the opening between the through hole 211 and the second cavity 14 to gradually increase. At this time, the high-pressure water in the first cavity 13 begins to be injected into the second cavity 14 and flows out from the outlet 12 through the through hole 211. Because the opening of the through hole 211 is very small, the jet velocity is very high, forming a high-speed jet. This jet generates an upward reaction force on the differential pressure plate 21, so the isolator 2 begins to move upward slowly. At this stage, the water flow rate comes entirely from the jet of the through hole 211, the flow rate is very small, and it increases continuously with the increase of the input current. This is the initial stage of stepless regulation.

[0041] (III) Second stage of valve opening (the stage of gradual opening of main valve port 6) As the input current of the electromagnetic coil continues to increase, the electromagnetic attraction further increases, and the moving rod 31 continues to move upward. The opening of the through hole 211 further increases, and both the jet flow rate and velocity through the through hole 211 increase. The reaction force of the jet on the differential pressure plate 21 also increases accordingly, and the isolator 2 begins to move upward until it compresses the connecting spring 4 to generate a certain buffer and slow down the opening speed of the main valve port 6. At this time, a portion of the water flow begins to flow directly from the first cavity 13 through the main valve port 6 to the outlet 12. At this time, the outlet flow rate is composed of the jet from the through hole 211 and the flow rate of the main valve port 6, and the proportion of the flow rate of the main valve port 6 gradually increases as the isolator 2 moves upward. During this process, the connecting spring 4 is further compressed, and its elastic force increases linearly with the increase of the compression. Meanwhile, the thin-walled diaphragm portion 325 of the cup 32 undergoes a certain axial elongation (tensile deformation) under the compressive force of the connecting spring 4. Since the stiffness of the thin-walled diaphragm portion 325 is very small, the additional elastic force it generates is much smaller than the elastic force of the connecting spring 4, and therefore hardly affects the characteristics of the connecting spring 4. The elongation of the cup 32 acts as a buffer, slowing down the instantaneous opening speed of the isolator 2, making the flow rate change smoother, and realizing a stepless transition from small flow rate to medium flow rate.

[0042] (iv) Third stage of valve opening (main valve port 6, main control stage) As the input current continues to increase, once the displacement of the moving rod 31 reaches a certain critical value, the isolator 2 has moved upward a considerable distance, and the main valve port 6 opens significantly. At this point, the pressure in the first chamber 13 is rapidly released through the large-opening main valve port 6, reducing the pressure difference between the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 14, and relatively weakening the jetting effect of the through-hole 211. Water mainly flows out through the first water flow path, while the flow rate of the second water flow path gradually decreases. The upward movement of the isolator 2 is mainly influenced by the water flow dynamics at the main valve port 6 and the elasticity of the connecting spring 4, but overall it still continuously increases with the increase of the displacement of the moving rod 31. At this point, the flow rate ratio of the first water flow path to the second water flow path is positively correlated with the displacement of the moving rod 31. This achieves stepless adjustment from medium to large flow rates.

[0043] (v) Fully open valve stage When the input current reaches its maximum value, the moving rod 31 moves upward until it contacts the fixed iron core (or uniform magnetic ring) of the electromagnetic coil. The air gap reaches its minimum value, and the electromagnetic attraction is much greater than various resistances, so the moving rod 31 is firmly held in place. At this time, the isolating element 2 moves to its highest position, the main valve port 68 reaches its maximum opening, and the water flow reaches its maximum value. There is basically no flow in the second water flow path, and the solenoid valve is in the fully open state.

[0044] (vi) Valve closing process When the electromagnetic coil is de-energized or the current decreases, the electromagnetic attraction decreases or disappears. The moving rod 31 moves downward under the downward pressure of the compression spring 5. The diaphragm cup 32 moves downward with the moving rod 31, reducing the opening of the through hole 211. Simultaneously, the connecting spring 4 presses the isolating member 2 downward. The isolating member 2 moves downward under the action of water pressure and its own weight, reducing the opening of the main valve port 6. When the through hole 211 is completely blocked by the diaphragm cup 32, the pressure in the first cavity 13 slowly builds up through the small hole 221 and the small channel 212, eventually pressing the diaphragm 22 tightly against the main valve port 6, completing the valve closure. The valve closure process also has a continuously adjustable characteristic.

[0045] In summary, the adjustable flow solenoid valve 100 of the present invention, by setting a cup 32 and a connecting spring 4, continuously transmits the electromagnetic force of the moving rod 31 to the isolating member 2, thereby realizing continuous adjustment of the opening degree of the outlet 12 and the first chamber 13. The movement of the moving rod 31 provides the isolating member 2 with movement space. The isolating member 2 automatically follows the movement under the reaction force of the water flow, forming a dynamic balance, so that the opening degree of the outlet 12 and the first chamber 13 changes continuously, realizing stepless adjustment from small flow rate to large flow rate.

[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow-adjustable solenoid valve, characterized in that, include: The valve body has an inlet and an outlet; An isolator is provided inside the valve body, which divides the interior of the valve body into a first cavity and a second cavity, and the isolator is movably provided to adjust the opening degree of communication between the first cavity and the outlet; the isolator is provided with a water flow channel connecting the first cavity and the second cavity, and a through hole connecting the second cavity and the outlet; A movable rod assembly disposed above the isolation member, the movable rod assembly including a movable rod and a diaphragm connected to the movable rod; A connecting spring is provided between the isolator and the moving rod assembly, one end of the connecting spring abutting against the isolator and the other end connected to the diaphragm cup; The movable rod is movably configured to allow the isolation member to move.

2. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The isolation element includes a differential pressure plate and a diaphragm fixed below the differential pressure plate, and the through hole is provided on the differential pressure plate.

3. The solenoid valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water flow channel includes at least one small hole on the diaphragm and / or at least one small channel on the differential pressure plate.

4. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cup is provided with an inner hole that connects to the head of the moving rod, a sealing gasket that seals with the through hole, and a positioning step that positions with the end of the connecting spring.

5. The solenoid valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning step is an annular boss, and the end of the connecting spring is sleeved on the annular boss.

6. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leather cup has a thin-walled membrane portion located in the peripheral area of ​​the leather cup, and its thickness is less than that of other parts of the leather cup.

7. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable lever is movably configured to provide space for the isolation member to move when it is away from the isolation member.

8. The solenoid valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the isolator moves toward the moving rod, the opening between the first cavity and the outlet increases, and this opening increases continuously as the distance the isolator moves increases.

9. The solenoid valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, A first water flow path is formed between the first cavity and the outlet, and a second water flow path is formed between the first cavity, the second cavity, the through hole, and the outlet; the ratio of the flow rate of the first water flow path to the flow rate of the second water flow path is proportional to the displacement of the moving rod.

10. The solenoid valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, A compression spring is provided on the side of the moving rod away from the isolator. The moving rod is driven and moved by an electromagnetic coil, and the driving force of the electromagnetic coil is at least equal to the pressure of the compression spring.

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