Low-torque ball valve

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of valves, in particular to a low-torque ball valve which comprises a valve body, a ball core, a valve rod and an executing mechanism, a flow channel and a rotating cavity for the ball core to rotate are arranged in the valve body, an overflowing hole penetrates through the center of the ball core, the executing mechanism drives the ball core to rotate through the valve rod, and a valve seat is further arranged in the valve body. The valve seat and the ball core are matched in a sealing mode to divide the flow channel into an inlet end and an outlet end, an auxiliary flow channel is formed in the valve body, the inlet end is communicated with the rotating cavity through the auxiliary flow channel, a through hole is formed in the ball core, the overflowing hole is communicated with the rotating cavity through the through hole, and a piston assembly is arranged in the auxiliary flow channel and comprises a piston piece and an elastic piece. According to the ball valve, fluid at the inlet end flows into the rotating cavity and the overflowing hole, hydraulic pressure on the inner side and the outer side of the ball core is balanced, and the rotating torque of the ball core is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of valves, in particular to a low-torque ball valve. Background Art

[0002] Ball valves are one of the most widely used valves due to their reliable sealing, simple structure, and easy maintenance. Ball valves are generally installed horizontally in pipelines. Their main features are compact structure, high reliability, and easy operation and maintenance.

[0003] However, in the existing ball valve structure design, the ball core will always be in contact with the valve seat during the opening and closing process. Especially for ball valves installed in high-pressure pipelines, large friction will be generated between the ball core and the valve seat, resulting in increased torque. In addition, the valve seat will be greatly worn under frequent friction, causing leakage and reducing the working reliability of the ball valve.

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide corresponding solutions to the above technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art and to provide a low-torque ball valve. The present invention allows the fluid at the inlet end to flow into the rotating chamber and the flow hole, balances the hydraulic pressure inside and outside the ball core, and reduces the torque of the ball core rotation.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a low-torque ball valve, including a valve body, a ball core, a valve stem and an actuator, a flow channel and a rotating chamber for the ball core to rotate are provided in the valve body, the center of the ball core passes through a flow hole, the actuator drives the ball core to rotate through the valve stem, and a valve seat is also provided in the valve body, the valve seat and the ball core seal to separate the flow channel into an inlet end and an outlet end, an auxiliary flow channel is provided on the valve body, the inlet end is connected to the rotating chamber through the auxiliary flow channel, a through hole is provided on the ball core, the flow hole is connected to the rotating chamber through the through hole, a piston assembly is provided in the auxiliary flow channel, the piston assembly includes a piston part and an elastic part, the elastic part abuts against the end of the piston part away from the inlet end, and the piston part blocks or conducts the auxiliary flow channel through the elastic part.

[0007] A narrow hole is provided at one end of the auxiliary flow channel close to the inlet end, the inner diameter of the narrow hole is smaller than the inner diameter of the auxiliary flow channel, a blocking part is provided at the end of the piston member, the diameter of the blocking part is larger than the inner diameter of the narrow hole, and the elastic member squeezes the blocking part toward the narrow hole.

[0008] The piston assembly also includes a T-shaped base and a locking cover. A plug-in portion is provided on the other end of the piston away from the blocking portion. The plug-in portion is plugged into and fitted with the T-shaped base. The elastic member is sleeved on the T-shaped base. The locking cover is threadedly connected to the valve body, and the locking cover limits the T-shaped base in the auxiliary flow channel.

[0009] The auxiliary flow channel includes a main path, a first bypass and a mounting hole. One end of the first bypass is connected to the side wall of the main path and the other end is connected to the rotating chamber. The mounting hole is connected to the main path and is coaxial. The T-shaped base and the locking cover are both arranged in the mounting hole. The outer wall of the plug-in part is in contact with the inner wall of the main path.

[0010] The auxiliary flow channel also includes a second bypass, which is also connected to the side wall of the main channel. The valve seat is sealed with the ball core through a seal. A drainage hole is provided on the valve seat. One end of the seal extends into the drainage hole and blocks the drainage hole. The end of the second bypass away from the main channel is connected to the drainage hole.

[0011] An elastic movable part is further provided between the valve seat and the valve body, and the elastic movable part presses the valve seat toward the ball core.

[0012] The inner diameter of the drainage hole is larger than the inner diameter of the second bypass.

[0013] The piston member is slidably arranged in the main path and has a first position, a second position and a third position. When the piston member slides to the first position, the main path and the inlet end are blocked. When the piston member slides to the second position, the inlet end is connected to the second bypass through the main path. When the piston member slides to the third position, the inlet end is connected to the first bypass and the second bypass at the same time through the main path.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the present invention flows the fluid at the inlet end to the rotating chamber and the flow hole, that is, the inlet end is connected to the rotating chamber through the auxiliary flow channel, and the rotating chamber is connected to the flow hole through the through hole, so that the fluid at the inlet end flows to the flow hole in turn, which will not affect the sealing fit between the ball core and the valve seat, and balance the hydraulic pressure inside and outside the ball core, reduce the torque of the ball core rotation, and reduce the friction between the ball core and the valve seat, thereby improving the working reliability of the ball valve, and a piston assembly for blocking or conducting is provided in the auxiliary flow channel. When the hydraulic pressure of the fluid at the inlet end is greater than the elastic force of the elastic member, the piston member will conduct the auxiliary flow channel, thereby reducing the risk of leakage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, without paying creative labor, other drawings obtained based on these drawings still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a low-torque ball valve of the utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ball core in the closed state of the utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of point A in the middle;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the present invention when the piston slides to the second position;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the utility model when the piston slides to the third position;

[0021] In the figure, 1-valve body, 2-ball core, 3-valve stem, 4-actuator, 5-rotating chamber, 6-flow hole, 7-valve seat, 8-inlet end, 9-outlet end, 10-auxiliary flow channel, 11-through hole, 12-piston, 13-elastic member, 14-narrow hole, 15-blocking part, 16-T-type base, 17-locking cover, 18-plug-in part, 19-main path, 20-first bypass, 21-mounting hole, 22-second bypass, 23-sealing member, 24-drainage hole, 25-elastic movable part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] It should be noted that all expressions using "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of distinguishing two non-identical entities or non-identical parameters with the same name. It can be seen that "first" and "second" are only for the convenience of expression and should not be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. Subsequent embodiments will not explain this one by one.

[0024] The directional and positional terms used in this invention, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "top," "bottom," and "side," are used solely to refer to the directions or positions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional and positional terms used are intended to illustrate and facilitate understanding of this invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 5The figure shows an embodiment of the present utility model, a low-torque ball valve, including a valve body 1, a ball core 2, a valve stem 3 and an actuator 4, the valve body 1 is provided with a flow channel and a rotating chamber 5 for rotating the ball core 2, the center of the ball core 2 is penetrated by a flow hole 6, the actuator 4 drives the ball core 2 to rotate through the valve stem 3, the valve body 1 is further provided with a valve seat 7, the valve seat 7 and the ball core 2 are sealed to separate the flow channel into an inlet end 8 and an outlet end 9, an auxiliary flow channel 10 is provided on the valve body 1, the inlet end 8 is connected with the rotating chamber 5 through the auxiliary flow channel 10, a through hole 11 is provided on the ball core 2, the flow hole 6 is connected with the rotating chamber 5 through the through hole 11, a piston assembly is provided in the auxiliary flow channel 10, the piston assembly includes a piston member 12 and an elastic member 13, the elastic member 13 abuts against the end of the piston member 12 away from the inlet end 8, and the piston member 12 blocks or conducts the auxiliary flow channel 10 through the elastic member 13.

[0026] This arrangement has the following beneficial effects: The present invention directs the fluid from the inlet into the rotating chamber and the flow hole. Specifically, the inlet is connected to the rotating chamber via an auxiliary flow channel, which in turn is connected to the flow hole via a through hole. This allows the fluid from the inlet to flow sequentially into the flow hole. This does not affect the sealing fit between the ball core and the valve seat, while balancing the hydraulic pressure inside and outside the ball core, reducing the torque of the ball core's rotation and the friction between the ball core and the valve seat, thereby improving the operational reliability of the ball valve. Furthermore, a piston assembly for blocking or opening the auxiliary flow channel is provided within the auxiliary flow channel. The piston opens the auxiliary flow channel only when the hydraulic pressure of the inlet fluid exceeds the elastic force of the elastic member, thereby reducing the risk of leakage. In this embodiment, the elastic member utilizes a spring from the prior art.

[0027] It is further provided that a narrow hole 14 is provided at one end of the auxiliary flow channel 10 close to the inlet end 8, the inner diameter of the narrow hole 14 is smaller than the inner diameter of the auxiliary flow channel 10, and a blocking portion 15 is provided at the end of the piston member 12, the diameter of the blocking portion 15 is larger than the inner diameter of the narrow hole 14, and the elastic member 13 squeezes the blocking portion 15 toward the narrow hole 14.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this arrangement are as follows: the auxiliary flow channel is blocked by the cooperation of the narrow hole and the blocking part, and the spring is used to keep the blocking part in contact with the narrow hole. The narrow hole can also prevent the blocking part from extending out of the auxiliary flow channel to the inlet end, thereby playing a limiting role. The sophisticated structure can achieve the blocking effect and reduce costs.

[0029] It is further configured that the piston assembly also includes a T-shaped base 16 and a locking cover 17. A plug-in portion 18 is provided on the other end of the piston member 12 away from the blocking portion 15. The plug-in portion 18 is plugged into and fitted with the T-shaped base 16. The elastic member 13 is sheathed on the T-shaped base 16. The locking cover 17 is threadedly connected to the valve body 1, and the locking cover 17 limits the T-shaped base 16 in the auxiliary flow channel 10.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this arrangement are as follows: the T-shaped base can prevent the spring from twisting and limit the reciprocating movement of the piston along the axis, avoiding the misalignment of the piston and resulting in unblocking; the threaded lock cover is detachable; when the lock cover is removed, other accessories in the piston assembly can be replaced, which makes maintenance convenient; and the lock cover can adjust the position of the T-shaped base, thereby adjusting the compression amount of the spring and controlling the sensitivity of the piston; the auxiliary flow channel will only be opened when the fluid at the inlet end has a greater hydraulic pressure.

[0031] It is further provided that the auxiliary flow channel 10 includes a main path 19, a first bypass 20 and a mounting hole 21, one end of the first bypass 20 is connected to the side wall of the main path 19 and the other end is connected to the rotating chamber 5, the mounting hole 21 is connected to the main path 19 and is coaxial, the T-shaped base 16 and the locking cover 17 are both arranged in the mounting hole 21, and the outer wall of the plug-in portion 18 is in contact with the inner wall of the main path 19.

[0032] The beneficial effects of this arrangement are as follows: the piston member slides back and forth between the main path and the mounting hole, and the plug-in portion extends into the mounting hole when compressing the spring, providing space for the plug-in portion to make way, and while the blocking portion blocks the narrow hole, the plug-in portion blocks the main path and the first bypass, forming a secondary sealing effect.

[0033] It is further configured that the auxiliary flow channel 10 also includes a second bypass 22, which is also connected to the side wall of the main path 19. The valve seat 7 is sealed with the ball core 2 through a seal 23. A drainage hole 24 is provided on the valve seat 7. One end of the seal 23 extends into the drainage hole 24 and blocks the drainage hole 24. The end of the second bypass 22 away from the main path 19 is connected to the drainage hole 24.

[0034] The beneficial effects of this arrangement are as follows: the main path is also connected to the drainage hole on the valve seat through the second bypass, and a seal is installed at the other end of the drainage hole. The seal is used to cooperate with the ball core seal to separate the flow channel. When the fluid hydraulic pressure at the inlet end increases, it will flow along the main path and the second bypass to the drainage hole. The fluid in the drainage hole will push the seal toward the ball core, further improving the sealing effect between the seal and the ball core, and the seal blocks the drainage hole to prevent leakage from the drainage hole.

[0035] Furthermore, an elastic movable member 25 is provided between the valve seat 7 and the valve body 1 , and the elastic movable member 25 presses the valve seat 7 toward the ball core 2 .

[0036] This arrangement has the following beneficial effects: the valve seat is movable under the action of the elastic movable member, that is, the valve seat moves toward the ball core under the elastic force of the elastic movable member, forming an elastic seal, which can self-compensate for wear and improve the sealing effect. The elastic movable member also adopts a spring of the existing technology.

[0037] It is further provided that the inner diameter of the drainage hole 24 is larger than the inner diameter of the second bypass 22 .

[0038] The beneficial effect of such an arrangement is as follows: even after the valve seat moves toward the ball core, the drainage hole can remain in communication with the second bypass.

[0039] It is further provided that the piston member 12 is slidably arranged in the main path 19 and has a first position, a second position and a third position. When the piston member 12 slides to the first position, the main path 19 is blocked from the inlet end 8. When the piston member 12 slides to the second position, the inlet end 8 is connected to the second bypass 22 through the main path 19. When the piston member 12 slides to the third position, the inlet end 8 is connected to the first bypass 20 and the second bypass 22 at the same time through the main path 19.

[0040] The beneficial effects of such a setting are as follows: when the hydraulic pressure of the fluid at the inlet end is less than the elastic force of the elastic member under the cooperation of the blocking part and the plug-in part, the blocking part closes the narrow hole, and the piston part can completely block the main path and the inlet end; or when the hydraulic pressure of the fluid at the inlet end is just greater than the elastic force of the elastic member, the blocking part is away from the narrow hole but the plug-in part still closes the first bypass, and the inlet end is connected with the second bypass through the main path, and the fluid flows to the drainage hole to squeeze the sealing member, thereby enhancing the sealing effect of the valve seat; or when the hydraulic pressure of the fluid at the inlet end is much greater than the elastic force of the elastic member, the plug-in part moves into the mounting hole, and the inlet end is connected with the first bypass and the second bypass at the same time through the main path, and the fluid can flow to the rotating chamber and the flow hole, as well as to the drainage hole, thereby reducing the torque of the ball core.

[0041] The above disclosure is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and certainly cannot be used to limit the scope of rights of the present invention. Therefore, equivalent changes made according to the claims of the present invention are still within the scope covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-torque ball valve, comprising a valve body (1), a ball core (2), a valve stem (3) and an actuator (4), wherein a flow channel and a rotation chamber (5) for the ball core (2) to rotate are provided in the valve body (1), a flow hole (6) is passed through the center of the ball core (2), the actuator (4) drives the ball core (2) to rotate via the valve stem (3), a valve seat (7) is further provided in the valve body (1), the valve seat (7) and the ball core (2) are sealed to separate the flow channel into an inlet end (8) and an outlet end (9), and the valve body (1) is characterized in that: The valve body (1) is provided with an auxiliary flow channel (10), the inlet end (8) is communicated with the rotating chamber (5) through the auxiliary flow channel (10), the ball core (2) is provided with a through hole (11), the flow hole (6) is communicated with the rotating chamber (5) through the through hole (11), a piston assembly is provided in the auxiliary flow channel (10), the piston assembly includes a piston member (12) and an elastic member (13), the elastic member (13) is in contact with an end of the piston member (12) away from the inlet end (8), and the piston member (12) blocks or conducts the auxiliary flow channel (10) through the elastic member (13).

2. A low torque ball valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: A narrow hole (14) is provided at one end of the auxiliary flow channel (10) close to the inlet end (8), and the inner diameter of the narrow hole (14) is smaller than the inner diameter of the auxiliary flow channel (10). A blocking portion (15) is provided at the end of the piston member (12), and the diameter of the blocking portion (15) is larger than the inner diameter of the narrow hole (14). The elastic member (13) presses the blocking portion (15) toward the narrow hole (14).

3. A low torque ball valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The piston assembly further comprises a T-shaped base (16) and a locking cover (17). A plug-in portion (18) is provided on the other end of the piston member (12) away from the blocking portion (15). The plug-in portion (18) is plugged into and fitted with the T-shaped base (16). The elastic member (13) is sheathed on the T-shaped base (16). The locking cover (17) is threadedly connected to the valve body (1), and the locking cover (17) limits the T-shaped base (16) in the auxiliary flow channel (10).

4. A low torque ball valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The auxiliary flow channel (10) includes a main channel (19), a first bypass channel (20) and a mounting hole (21). One end of the first bypass channel (20) is connected to the side wall of the main channel (19) and the other end is connected to the rotating chamber (5). The mounting hole (21) is connected to the main channel (19) and is coaxial. The T-shaped base (16) and the locking cover (17) are both arranged in the mounting hole (21). The outer wall of the plug-in portion (18) is in contact with the inner wall of the main channel (19).

5. A low torque ball valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The auxiliary flow channel (10) further includes a second bypass (22), which is also communicated with the side wall of the main flow channel (19). The valve seat (7) is sealed with the ball core (2) via a sealing member (23). A drainage hole (24) is provided on the valve seat (7). One end of the sealing member (23) extends into the drainage hole (24) and blocks the drainage hole (24). The end of the second bypass (22) away from the main flow channel (19) is communicated with the drainage hole (24).

6. A low torque ball valve according to claim 5, characterized in that: An elastic movable member (25) is further provided between the valve seat (7) and the valve body (1), and the elastic movable member (25) presses the valve seat (7) toward the ball core (2).

7. A low torque ball valve according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the drainage hole (24) is larger than the inner diameter of the second bypass (22).

8. The low-torque ball valve according to claim 5, characterized in that: The piston member (12) is slidably arranged in the main path (19) and has a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the piston member (12) slides to the first position, the main path (19) is blocked from the inlet end (8). When the piston member (12) slides to the second position, the inlet end (8) is communicated with the second bypass path (22) through the main path (19). When the piston member (12) slides to the third position, the inlet end (8) is communicated with both the first bypass path (20) and the second bypass path (22) through the main path (19).

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