Drain valve structure of heater

Abstract

The utility model relates to a drain valve structure of a heater. The base comprises a sealing seat, a liquid inlet hole, a liquid outlet hole and a hole channel which extends to the surface of the sealing seat and can be respectively communicated with the liquid inlet hole and the liquid outlet hole; the heater is mounted on the base and is adjacent to the hole channel; the shell is arranged outside the base in a sleeving manner and surrounds the heater; the valve structure comprises a static iron core assembly, an armature assembly, a coil assembly and a diaphragm assembly, the coil assembly is arranged around the periphery of the static iron core assembly, the armature assembly can move in the direction close to the static iron core assembly when the coil assembly is powered on, the armature assembly is connected with the diaphragm assembly, and the diaphragm assembly is connected with the armature assembly. And the diaphragm assembly can be in sealing fit with the surface of the sealing seat. According to the utility model, the heat transfer efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of discharge in hydrogen fuel cells, in particular to a water discharge valve structure of a heater. Background Art

[0002] The drain valve is a key component of the hydrogen fuel cell exhaust system. Its main function is to manage and discharge the water and gas mixture produced during the fuel cell reaction. When a certain amount is reached, the drain valve is opened and closed by adding a solenoid valve to effectively remove the water produced by the fuel cell reaction and the excess gas in the system.

[0003] When starting a fuel cell stack in an environment below freezing, the drain valve needs to be de-iced by heating its own valve structure to ensure the normal operation of the system under low temperature conditions. Conventional heaters are usually installed at the bottom of the drain valve and attached to the surface of the part through thermal conductive adhesive. However, due to its location far away from the internal flow channel, the heat transfer effect is poor, resulting in low de-icing efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the problems of poor heat transfer effect and low deicing efficiency of the heater in the prior art.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides a drain valve structure of a heater, comprising:

[0006] A base, comprising a sealing seat, a liquid inlet hole and a liquid outlet hole, and a channel extending from a surface of the sealing seat and capable of being communicated with the liquid inlet hole and the liquid outlet hole respectively;

[0007] a heater mounted on the base and adjacent to the hole;

[0008] A housing, which is sleeved outside the base and surrounds the heater;

[0009] The valve structure includes a static iron core assembly, an armature assembly, a coil assembly and a diaphragm assembly, wherein the coil assembly is arranged around the outer periphery of the static iron core assembly, the armature assembly can move toward the static iron core assembly when the coil assembly is energized, the armature assembly is connected to the diaphragm assembly, and the diaphragm assembly can be sealed with the surface of the sealing seat;

[0010] Wherein, when the armature assembly moves to the first position, the diaphragm assembly can abut against the sealing seat surface and separate the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; when the armature assembly moves to the second position, the diaphragm assembly can separate from the sealing seat surface and connect the liquid inlet with the liquid outlet through the channel.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present utility model, it further includes a liquid inlet joint connected to the liquid inlet hole and a liquid outlet joint connected to the liquid outlet hole.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present utility model, the heater includes a plurality of PTC heaters, and the plurality of PTC heaters are symmetrically distributed along the axis of the liquid outlet joint. Installation grooves for embedding the PTC heaters are correspondingly arranged on the side wall of the base along the circumferential direction of the axis of the liquid outlet joint.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present utility model, the liquid inlet joint and the liquid outlet joint are respectively installed on the outer shell and correspondingly extend into the liquid inlet hole and the liquid outlet hole.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present utility model, a wiring plug is installed on the outer shell, an NTC sensor is installed on the base, and the wires of the PTC heaters and the wires of the NTC sensor are respectively connected to the wiring plug.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present utility model, it further includes an elastic bracket that abuts against the surface of the heater and a pressing plate arranged outside the elastic bracket. The elastic bracket includes elastic claws arranged at its ends and elastic sheets distributed along its length direction. The elastic claws are clamped to the edge of the heater. One of the elastic sheets is pressed into the positioning hole of the pressing plate, and the remaining elastic sheets abut against the surface of the pressing plate. The pressing plate is connected to the base by screws.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present utility model, the static iron core assembly includes a static iron core and a guide sleeve embedded in the outer peripheral end of the bottom of the static iron core. The upper part of the static iron core is locked on the coil assembly by a nut, and the guide sleeve allows the armature assembly to move axially along the static iron core.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present utility model, the armature assembly includes an armature. A spring is arranged between one axial end of the armature and the static iron core, and the spring provides a force for the armature to move away from the static iron core. A connecting column connected to the diaphragm assembly is installed at the other axial end of the armature.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present utility model, it further includes a flange that cooperates with the base. The circumferential edge of the diaphragm assembly is pressed against the base on the outer peripheral side of the seal seat by the flange.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present utility model, a positioning step extending into the inner hole of the flange is arranged at the lower part of the guide sleeve, and the base is connected to the flange.

[0020] The above technical solution of the present utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0021] The drainage valve structure of a heater described in the present utility model has the heater close to the internal flow path of the valve structure, improving the sealing performance of the heater installation and enhancing the heat transfer efficiency.

[0022] The design of the elastic support and pressure plate in the present utility model enables the heater to be stably installed in the base, effectively preventing the loosening or failure of the heater caused by vibration or external force. At the same time, the elastic claws and elastic sheet structures on the elastic support provide additional support and locking effects, further enhancing the structural stability.

[0023] In the valve structure of the present utility model, the static iron core assembly and the armature assembly precisely control the opening and closing of the valve by energizing or de-energizing the coil. The NTC sensor in the base real-time monitors the internal temperature, providing an accurate temperature control and feedback mechanism, improving the operation convenience and accuracy of the system. Description of the Drawings

[0024] In order to make the content of the present utility model easier to be clearly understood, the following further details the present utility model according to the specific embodiments of the present utility model in combination with the drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the drainage valve structure of the heater of the present utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a side view of the drainage valve structure of the heater of the present utility model.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a top view of the drainage valve structure of the heater of the present utility model.

[0028] Explanation of the Reference Numerals in the Drawings of the Specification:

[0029] 1. Outer shell; 2. Liquid inlet joint; 3. Base; 301. Channel; 302. Sealing seat; 4. Flange; 5. Coil assembly; 6. Nut; 7. Static iron core assembly; 701. Static iron core; 702. Guide sleeve; 8. Spring; 9. Armature assembly; 901. Armature; 902. Connecting column; 10. Diaphragm assembly; 11. Liquid outlet joint; 12. NTC temperature sensor; 13. Screw; 14. Pressure plate; 15. Heater; 151. PTC heater; 16. Elastic support; 161. Elastic claw; 162. Elastic sheet. Detailed Embodiments

[0030] The following further illustrates the present utility model in combination with the drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand the present utility model and be able to implement it, but the exemplified embodiments shall not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model.

[0031] In the present utility model, when directions (up, down, left, right, front, and back) are described, it is only for facilitating the description of the technical solution of the present utility model, rather than indicating or implying that the technical features referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model.

[0032] In the present utility model, the meaning of "several" is one or more, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more, and "greater than", "less than", "exceeding", etc. are understood not to include the base number; "above", "below", "within", etc. are understood to include the base number. In the description of the present utility model, if "first" and "second" are described, they are only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features or the sequence relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0033] In the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as "set", "installed", "connected", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; they can be fixedly connected, or detachably connected, or integrally formed; they can be mechanically connected, or electrically connected or capable of communicating with each other; they can be the communication inside two components or the interaction relationship between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in the present utility model in combination with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1 as shown, a drain valve structure of a heater 15 of the present utility model includes:

[0035] A base 3, including a sealing seat 302, a liquid inlet hole and a liquid outlet hole, and a hole channel 301 extending on the surface of the sealing seat 302 and capable of communicating with the liquid inlet hole and the liquid outlet hole respectively;

[0036] A (PTC) heater 15, installed on the base 3 and adjacent to the hole channel 302;

[0037] A housing 1, sleeved outside the base 3 and surrounding the heater 15;

[0038] A valve structure, including a static iron core assembly 7, an armature assembly 9, a coil assembly 5, and a diaphragm assembly 10. The coil assembly 5 is arranged around the outer periphery of the static iron core assembly 7. The armature assembly 9 can move towards the direction close to the static iron core assembly 7 when the coil assembly 5 is energized. The armature assembly 9 is connected to the diaphragm assembly 10, and the diaphragm assembly 10 can be in sealing cooperation with the surface of the sealing seat 302;

[0039] Wherein, when the armature assembly 9 moves to the first position, the diaphragm assembly 10 can abut against the surface of the sealing seat 302 and separate the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; when the armature assembly 9 moves to the second position, the diaphragm assembly 10 can separate from the surface of the sealing seat 302 and connect the liquid inlet with the liquid outlet through the channel 301.

[0040] By providing a valve structure having a sealing seat 302 and a diaphragm assembly 10, the sealing cooperation between the sealing seat 302 and the diaphragm assembly 10 forms an internal sealing portion, and the contact and separation between the diaphragm and the sealing seat 302 are controlled by the movement of the armature assembly 9, thereby achieving effective isolation or connection between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, thereby ensuring the sealing and leak-proof performance of the drain valve.

[0041] In one embodiment, it further includes a liquid inlet joint 2 connected to the liquid inlet hole and a liquid outlet joint 11 connected to the liquid outlet hole.

[0042] In one embodiment, the heater 15 includes a plurality of PTC heaters 151, which are symmetrically distributed along the axis of the liquid outlet connector 11, and mounting grooves for embedding the PTC heaters 151 are correspondingly provided on the side wall of the base 3 along the circumferential direction of the axis of the liquid outlet connector 11.

[0043] By using multiple symmetrically distributed PTC heaters 151, the heaters 15 are arranged symmetrically along the axis of the liquid outlet joint 11, which reduces the power requirement of a single heater 15, thereby reducing energy consumption and cost. At the same time, the housing 1 fits tightly with the base 3, with excellent sealing performance, which enhances the heat transfer efficiency, makes the heating more uniform, and improves the working efficiency of the equipment.

[0044] In one embodiment, the liquid inlet connector 2 and the liquid outlet connector 11 are respectively mounted on the housing 1 and extend into the liquid inlet hole and the liquid outlet hole respectively.

[0045] Specifically, a wiring plug is installed on the housing 1 , an NTC sensor is installed on the base 3 , and the wires of the PTC heater 151 and the wires of the NTC sensor are respectively connected to the wiring plug.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, two symmetrical PTC heaters 151 are provided. With a symmetrical arrangement, the power of the heater 15 can be reduced while the ice-melting effect is the same, and the cost is reduced.

[0047] Through the above arrangement, the heater 15 can be sealed through the housing 1 and close to the internal sealing portion (close to the sealing seat 302 and the diaphragm assembly 10), thereby improving the sealing of the installation of the heater 15 and improving the heat transfer efficiency.

[0048] In one embodiment, it further includes an elastic bracket 16 that abuts against the surface of the heater 15 and a pressing plate 14 arranged outside the elastic bracket 16. The elastic bracket 16 includes elastic claws 161 arranged at its ends and elastic pieces 162 distributed along its length direction. The elastic claws 161 are clamped to the edge of the heater 15. One of the elastic pieces 162 is pressed into the positioning hole of the pressing plate 14, and the remaining elastic pieces 162 abut against the surface of the pressing plate 14. The pressing plate 14 is connected to the base 3 by screws 13. By providing the elastic bracket 16, the heater 15 can be firmly locked to prevent the PTC heating sheet of the heater 15 from loosening and failing. In addition, the elastic pieces 162 can provide additional support and stability, and at the same time allow a certain amount of elastic deformation to prevent the heater 15 from being subjected to excessive stress due to thermal expansion or contraction during operation.

[0049] In one embodiment, the static iron core assembly 7 includes a static iron core 701 and a guide sleeve 702 embedded in the outer peripheral end of the bottom of the static iron core 701. The upper part of the static iron core 701 is locked to the coil assembly 5 by a nut 6. The guide sleeve 702 allows the armature assembly 9 to move axially along the static iron core 701.

[0050] In one embodiment, the armature assembly 9 includes an armature 901. A spring 8 is arranged between one axial end of the armature 901 and the static iron core 701. The spring 8 provides a force for the armature 901 to move away from the static iron core 701. A connecting column 902 connected to the diaphragm assembly 10 is installed at the other axial end of the armature 901.

[0051] In one embodiment, it further includes a flange 4 that cooperates with the base 3. The circumferential edge of the diaphragm assembly 10 is pressed against the base 3 on the outer peripheral side of the seal seat 302 by the flange 4.

[0052] In one embodiment, a positioning step extending into the inner hole of the flange 4 is provided at the lower part of the guide sleeve 702, and the base 3 is connected to the flange 4.

[0053] Specifically, the guide sleeve 702 and the flange 4, and the base 3 and the housing 1 are connected by laser welding.

[0054] The working principle of the present utility model is as follows:

[0055] In the case where the coil is not energized, pressure fluid (liquid water, water vapor or other gas) enters the flow channel of the base 3 from the liquid inlet joint 2. The armature 901 is subjected to the spring force of the spring 8, so that the diaphragm assembly 10 and the armature 901 are pressed tightly on the surface of the sealing seat 302. At this time, the pressure fluid cannot be discharged through the diaphragm assembly 10 of the armature 901. When the coil is energized, a magnetic flux is formed in the coil under the action of the current, and a magnetic circuit is formed with the static iron core assembly 7 and the armature 901. Under the action of the electromagnetic force, the armature 901 moves upward, overcoming the spring force of the spring 8, separating the diaphragm assembly 10 from the surface of the sealing seat 302, opening the drain valve, and discharging the pressure fluid.

[0056] When starting in a sub-zero environment, the PTC heater 151 will be energized and turned on for heating, playing a role in de-icing at low temperatures. The PTC heater 151 with overcurrent protection will increase the internal heating resistance as the temperature rises. Eventually, after the PTC heater 151 reaches its internal Curie temperature, the internal resistance of the PTC heater 151 steps up to a million times, opening the heater 15 and achieving the effect of protecting the heater 15. At the same time, the NTC sensor inside the drain valve can monitor the internal temperature of the drain valve.

[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the examples, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention can be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drain valve structure of a heater, characterized in that: include: A base (3) comprising a sealing seat (302), a liquid inlet hole, a liquid outlet hole, and a hole (301) extending from a surface of the sealing seat (302) and capable of being communicated with the liquid inlet hole and the liquid outlet hole respectively; A heater (15) mounted on the base (3) and adjacent to the hole (301); A housing (1) is sleeved outside the base (3) and surrounds the heater (15); A valve structure, comprising a static iron core assembly (7), an armature assembly (9), a coil assembly (5) and a diaphragm assembly (10), wherein the coil assembly (5) is arranged around the outer periphery of the static iron core assembly (7), the armature assembly (9) is capable of moving towards the static iron core assembly (7) when the coil assembly (5) is energized, the armature assembly (9) is connected to the diaphragm assembly (10), and the diaphragm assembly (10) is capable of sealingly cooperating with the surface of the sealing seat (302); Wherein, when the armature assembly (9) moves to a first position, the diaphragm assembly (10) can abut against the surface of the sealing seat (302) to isolate the liquid inlet hole from the liquid outlet hole; when the armature assembly (9) moves to a second position, the diaphragm assembly (10) can separate from the surface of the sealing seat (302) to connect the liquid inlet hole with the liquid outlet hole through the hole (301).

2. A drain valve structure of a heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a liquid inlet joint (2) connected to the liquid inlet hole and a liquid outlet joint (11) connected to the liquid outlet hole.

3. A drain valve structure of a heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heater (15) comprises a plurality of PTC heaters (151), the plurality of PTC heaters (151) being symmetrically distributed along the axis of the liquid outlet joint (11), and mounting grooves for embedding the PTC heaters (151) being correspondingly provided on the side wall of the base (3) along the circumferential direction of the axis of the liquid outlet joint (11).

4. A drain valve structure of a heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The liquid inlet connector (2) and the liquid outlet connector (11) are respectively mounted on the housing (1) and extend into the liquid inlet hole and the liquid outlet hole respectively.

5. A drain valve structure of a heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: A wiring plug is installed on the housing (1), an NTC sensor is installed on the base (3), and the wires of the PTC heater (151) and the wires of the NTC sensor are respectively connected to the wiring plug.

6. The drain valve structure of a heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an elastic bracket (16) that abuts against the surface of the heater (15) and a pressure plate (14) arranged on the outside of the elastic bracket (16), wherein the elastic bracket (16) includes an elastic claw (161) arranged at its end and spring sheets (162) distributed along its length direction, wherein the elastic claw (161) is clamped to the edge of the heater (15), one of the spring sheets (162) is pressed into the positioning hole of the pressure plate (14), and the other spring sheets (162) abut against the surface of the pressure plate (14), and the pressure plate (14) is connected to the base (3) via a screw (13).

7. A drain valve structure of a heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The static iron core assembly (7) comprises a static iron core (701) and a guide sleeve (702) whose upper portion is embedded in the outer peripheral end of the bottom of the static iron core (701); the upper portion of the static iron core (701) is locked onto the coil assembly (5) via a nut (6); and the guide sleeve (702) is used to guide the armature assembly (9) to move along the axial direction of the static iron core (701).

8. A drain valve structure of a heater according to claim 7, characterized in that: The armature assembly (9) comprises an armature (901), a spring (8) being arranged between one axial end of the armature (901) and the static iron core (701), the spring (8) providing a force for the armature (901) to move away from the static iron core (701), and a connecting column (902) connected to the diaphragm assembly (10) being installed at the other axial end of the armature (901).

9. A drain valve structure of a heater according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a flange (4) that cooperates with the base (3), and the circumferential edge of the diaphragm assembly (10) is pressed against the base (3) on the outer peripheral side of the sealing seat (302) through the flange (4).

10. A drain valve structure of a heater according to claim 9, characterized in that: The guide sleeve (702) is provided with a positioning step at the bottom thereof, which extends into the inner hole of the flange (4), and the base (3) is connected to the flange (4).

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