Valve lock

Abstract

The utility model provides a valve lock, and belongs to the technical field of valves. The problem that safety and specificity of an existing valve are difficult to guarantee is solved. The valve lock comprises a shell, a driving piece, a driving motor, a controller and a spherical locking piece are arranged in the shell, the controller is electrically connected with the driving motor and provided with an identity recognition module, a locking hole is formed in the side wall of the bottom of the shell in a penetrating mode, and the locking piece is located in the locking hole and can stretch out of the locking hole. The side, opposite to the locking piece, of the driving piece is provided with a concave receding groove, and the driving motor can drive the driving piece to ascend and descend so that the receding groove can directly face the locking piece or the receding groove and the locking piece can be staggered. The valve lock has the advantage of being good in safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of valve technology and relates to a valve lock. Background Technology

[0002] Valves are the most commonly used flow control components in various pipe networks. They are operated by a handle that drives the valve stem, which in turn moves the valve core, thus adjusting the valve opening. However, in some residential areas, ordinary valves can be arbitrarily opened and closed at pipe locations that require property management, making management difficult.

[0003] To address this issue, a magnetic locking valve was designed and a Chinese patent was applied for, with application number 201720043252.1 and publication number CN206377335U. This magnetic locking valve includes a valve body, a valve cap connected to the upper end of the valve body, and a locking cap fitted onto the valve cap. A magnetic locking mechanism is provided between the valve cap and the locking cap. The valve body contains a valve stem that controls the opening and closing of the valve when rotated. The upper end of the valve stem passes upward through the valve cap and extends into the locking cap. The design principle of this valve is to use a magnetic locking mechanism between the valve cap and the locking cap, setting several magnetic points—that is, several magnets—to lock the circumferential position of the valve stem, preventing it from rotating. A special handle that cooperates with the magnets on the magnetic locking mechanism is needed to move the magnets and release the lock before the valve can be turned; otherwise, it cannot be opened, thus providing a certain degree of security.

[0004] However, with the popularization of the magnetic locking valve principle, since it uses a magnet for locking, in reality, the magnetic locking mechanism can be unlocked directly with a magnet without using a special handle, so safety and specialization are still difficult to guarantee. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology by proposing a valve lock that solves the problem of difficulty in ensuring the safety and specialization of existing valves.

[0006] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A valve lock includes a housing, characterized in that the housing contains a drive component, a drive motor, a controller with an identification module electrically connected to the drive motor, and a spherical locking component. A locking hole is formed through the side wall at the bottom of the housing. The locking component is located in the locking hole and can extend out of the locking hole. The drive component has a recessed clearance groove on the side opposite to the locking component. The drive motor can drive the drive component to rise and fall so that the clearance groove is aligned with the locking component or the two are misaligned.

[0008] This valve lock requires a dedicated terminal and an existing valve. The existing valve must have a cylindrical neck with a recessed annular groove on its inner wall. In the locked state, the lower end of the valve lock housing is inserted into the valve neck, aligning the locking hole with the valve's annular groove. The drive motor moves the drive component, causing a clearance groove on the drive component to misalign with the spherical locking component. The outer wall of the drive component presses against the locking component, causing it to extend from the outer port of the locking hole and partially embed into the valve's annular groove. This axially limits the housing and valve neck, preventing the housing from detaching from the valve and thus preventing the operator from manipulating the valve stem's outer end within the neck via the handle. To unlock, the dedicated terminal interacts with the controller to identify and verify the user's identity. Upon successful identification, the controller activates the drive motor, moving the drive component so that the clearance groove on the drive component aligns with the spherical locking component. The locking component retracts from the outer port of the locking hole and extends from the inner port to partially insert into the clearance groove. Because the locking element retracts, the housing and valve neck are no longer axially fixed. The housing can then be pulled out, and the handle can be connected to the outer end of the valve stem inside the valve neck. The handle can be operated to control the rotation of the valve stem, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the valve and the degree of opening.

[0009] In this valve lock, a dedicated terminal is required for identification in order to control the drive motor to unlock the valve, which makes the valve highly secure and specialized.

[0010] In the aforementioned valve lock, a screw is vertically installed inside the housing. A transmission nut is threaded onto the outer side of the upper end of the screw. A gear one is sleeved and fixed to the outer side of the transmission nut. A gear two, meshing with gear one, is fixed to the outer side of the output shaft of the drive motor. The drive component is annular and circumferentially fixed to the housing. The lower end of the screw passes through the drive component and is fixedly connected to it. During operation, the drive motor drives the transmission nut to rotate circumferentially through the meshing gear one and gear two. Because the screw is fixed to the drive component, and the drive component is circumferentially fixed to the housing, the screw and drive component do not rotate circumferentially with the transmission nut, but rather move linearly along the axial direction of the screw, thereby enabling the drive component to rise and fall.

[0011] In the aforementioned valve lock, the outer side of the drive component has a strip-shaped groove, the length direction of which is consistent with the axial direction of the drive component. The inner wall of the housing has a protrusion that is embedded in the strip-shaped groove. By relying on the method of the protrusion being embedded in the strip-shaped groove, the drive component is circumferentially fixed to the housing, and at the same time, it also facilitates the guidance of the drive component during installation.

[0012] In the valve lock described above, a limiting nut is also connected to the outer side of the upper end of the screw, and the limiting nut is located above the transmission nut. The limiting nut abuts against the transmission nut to limit the stroke of the driving component, shortening its movable stroke and preventing the driving component from directly abutting against the bottom of the housing or completely misaligning with the locking component, which could cause the locking component to disengage from the locking hole, thus ensuring the effectiveness of the lock.

[0013] In the aforementioned valve lock, the outer side of the housing is fitted with a ring-shaped or barrel-shaped limiting sleeve to prevent the locking element from dislodging from the locking hole. By utilizing the limiting sleeve, the spherical locking element can partially extend out of the outer port of the locking hole while remaining securely in place.

[0014] In the valve lock described above, there are several locking holes distributed circumferentially around the housing, and the number of locking elements is the same as the number of locking holes, with each element corresponding to the other. The clearance groove is annular. The multiple locking elements make the locking between the housing and the valve more stable.

[0015] In the aforementioned valve lock, the controller also includes a Type-C port. The Type-C port necessitates a dedicated terminal for power to start the controller and drive motor. This means the dedicated terminal must provide power while simultaneously performing identity verification, further raising the barrier to entry for valve-specific applications and enhancing safety. It also prevents power degradation caused by prolonged periods of inactivity of the built-in power supply.

[0016] In the aforementioned valve lock, the lower end of gear one has a downwardly protruding, annular positioning portion. An annular positioning bearing is disposed between the outer side of the positioning portion and the inner wall of the housing. The positioning bearing, in conjunction with the positioning portion, is used to radially position gear one, ensuring the stability of the meshing between gear one and gear two, thereby ensuring the stability of the drive motor's operation.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, this valve lock requires a dedicated terminal for power supply and identification in order to control the drive motor to unlock, which makes the valve more secure and specialized. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the valve lock.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the valve lock housing.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the valve lock.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the valve lock's operating principle.

[0022] In the diagram, 1 is the housing; 1a is the locking hole; 2 is the driving component; 2a is the clearance groove; 2b is the strip groove; 3 is the drive motor; 4 is the controller; 4a is the identification module; 5 is the power supply module; 6 is the locking component; 7 is the screw; 8 is the first gear; 9 is the second gear; 10 is the limit nut; 11 is the terminal; 12 is the transmission nut; 13 is the positioning bearing; 14 is the limit sleeve; and 14a is the limit hole. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, this valve lock includes a cylindrical housing 1. The outer diameter of the lower end of the housing 1 is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper end, thus forming a step on the outside of the housing 1. A circular locking hole 1a is provided through the side of the lower end of the housing 1. A spherical locking element 6 is provided in the locking hole 1a and can protrude from the locking hole 1a. In this embodiment, the number of locking holes 1a and locking elements 6 is the same, both being several, and they are distributed along the circumference of the housing 1.

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing 1 is provided with a ring-shaped drive component 2, a drive motor 3, and a controller 4 with an identification module 4a electrically connected to the drive motor 3. The controller 4 includes a control chip and a power supply module 5 electrically connected to the drive motor 3. The side of the drive component 2 opposite to the locking component 6 has a recessed ring-shaped clearance groove 2a. The drive motor 3 can drive the drive component 2 to rise and fall so that the clearance groove 2a is directly opposite to the locking component 6 or so that the two are misaligned.

[0026] Specifically, a screw 7 is vertically installed inside the housing 1. The upper outer side of the screw 7 is threaded with a transmission nut 12, which is in the shape of an annulus, and a limiting nut 10 located above the transmission nut 12. A gear 8 is sleeved and fixed on the outer side of the transmission nut 12. A gear 9 that meshes with the gear 8 is fixed on the outer side of the output shaft of the drive motor 3. The drive component 2 is circumferentially fixed to the housing 1. The lower end of the screw 7 passes through the drive component 2 and is fixedly connected to the drive component 2. In this embodiment, a strip groove 2b is provided on the outer side of the drive member 2, and the length direction of the strip groove 2b is consistent with the axial direction of the drive member 2. The inner wall of the housing 1 has a protrusion that protrudes and is embedded in the strip groove 2b. The lower end of the gear 8 has a downward protruding annular positioning part. An annular positioning bearing 13 is provided between the outer side of the positioning part and the inner wall of the housing 1. A barrel-shaped limiting sleeve 14 is sleeved and fixed on the outer side of the lower end of the housing 1. A limiting hole 14a is provided through the limiting sleeve 14 at the position corresponding to the outer port of the locking hole 1a. The width of the limiting hole 14a is smaller than the diameter of the locking member 6 to prevent the spherical locking member 6 from coming out of the outer port of the locking hole 1a. Here, the limiting sleeve 14 can be made of stainless steel. The power supply module 5 includes a type-c socket disposed inside the housing 1 with the port facing upward. The top of the housing 1 has a top cover that can be opened to expose the type-c socket.

[0027] This valve lock requires the use of a dedicated terminal 11 and an existing valve. The existing valve must be a valve with a cylindrical neck and a recessed annular groove on the inner wall of the neck.

[0028] In the locked state, the lower end of the valve lock housing 1 is located inside the valve neck, so that the locking hole 1a is aligned with the annular groove of the valve. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the drive motor 3 drives the drive component 2 to move downward, so that the clearance groove 2a on the drive component 2 is misaligned with the position of the spherical locking component 6. The locking component 6 is held in place by the outer wall of the drive component 2, so that the locking component 6 extends out from the outer port of the locking hole 1a and is partially embedded in the annular groove of the valve, thereby achieving axial limiting of the housing 1 and the valve neck. The housing 1 cannot be removed from the valve, so the operator cannot operate the outer end of the valve stem located in the neck by the handle.

[0029] When unlocking is required, a dedicated terminal 11, specifically a handheld terminal such as an iPad, is connected to the Type-C port of the power supply module 5 via a data cable. While supplying power to the valve lock, the terminal 11 outputs its identification code to the controller 4. The controller 4 compares this identification code with a preset identification code; if they match, identification is successful. The controller 4 then controls the drive motor 3 to operate, causing the drive component 2 to move upwards, aligning the clearance groove 2a on the drive component 2 with the spherical locking component 6. The locking component 6 retracts from the outer port of the locking hole 1a and extends from the inner port of the locking hole 1a, partially inserting into the clearance groove 2a.

[0030] As the locking element 6 retracts, the housing 1 and the valve neck are no longer axially fixed. The housing 1 can then be pulled out, and the handle can be connected to the outer end of the valve stem inside the valve neck. The handle can be operated to control the rotation of the valve stem, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the valve and the degree of opening.

[0031] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples illustrating the spirit of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to replace them, without departing from the spirit of this utility model or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve lock, comprising a housing (1), characterized in that... The housing (1) is provided with a drive member (2), a drive motor (3), a controller (4) with an identification module (4a) electrically connected to the drive motor (3), and a spherical locking member (6). A locking hole (1a) is provided through the side wall at the bottom of the housing (1). The locking member (6) is located in the locking hole (1a) and can extend out of the locking hole (1a). The drive member (2) has a recessed clearance groove (2a) on the side opposite to the locking member (6). The drive motor (3) can drive the drive member (2) to rise and fall so that the clearance groove (2a) is directly opposite to the locking member (6) or the two are offset.

2. The valve lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, A screw (7) is vertically arranged inside the housing (1). A transmission nut (12) is threaded to the outer side of the upper end of the screw (7). A gear (8) is sleeved and fixed on the outer side of the transmission nut (12). A gear (9) that meshes with the gear (8) is fixed on the outer side of the output shaft of the drive motor (3). The drive component (2) is annular and circumferentially fixed to the housing (1). The lower end of the screw (7) passes into the drive component (2) and is fixed to the drive component (2).

3. The valve lock according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive member (2) has a strip groove (2b) on its outer side, and the length direction of the strip groove (2b) is consistent with the axial direction of the drive member (2). The inner wall of the housing (1) has a protrusion that protrudes and is embedded in the strip groove (2b).

4. The valve lock according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, A limiting nut (10) is also connected to the outer side of the upper end of the screw (7), and the limiting nut (10) is located above the transmission nut (12).

5. The valve lock according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The number of locking holes (1a) is several and distributed around the circumference of the housing (1). The number of locking elements (6) is the same as that of locking holes (1a) and they are set in a one-to-one correspondence. The clearance groove (2a) is annular.

6. The valve lock according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The controller (4) includes a type-C port located inside the housing (1) with the port facing upwards.

7. The valve lock according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The lower end of the gear (8) has a downward protruding annular positioning part, and an annular positioning bearing (13) is provided between the outer side of the positioning part and the inner wall of the housing (1).

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