Electric temperature control valve
The electronically controlled temperature control valve, which uses a stepper motor to drive the valve core, solves the problem of traditional temperature control valves requiring customized hardware, achieves versatility and system adaptability under different working conditions, and reduces costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
Traditional temperature control valves require hardware customization for specific models and environmental conditions, resulting in a narrow range of applicable operating conditions and increased R&D, production, and inventory costs.
The valve core is driven by a stepper motor, and the temperature control requirements under different working conditions can be adapted by parameter configuration, so that no hardware customization is required.
This improves the versatility and system compatibility of temperature control valves, and reduces production and inventory costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN224093893U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of temperature control valve technology, and in particular to an electrically controlled temperature control valve. Background Technology
[0002] In modern industrial air supply systems, air compressors, as core power equipment, play a crucial role in converting electrical / mechanical energy into gas pressure energy. Their efficient and stable operation directly determines the continuity and energy utilization efficiency of industrial production lines. As the core control hub of the air compressor's lubrication and cooling system, the temperature control valve plays an irreplaceable role in ensuring equipment reliability and optimizing energy efficiency by precisely adjusting the oil circulation path: when the lubricating oil temperature exceeds the set value, the temperature control valve automatically opens the cooling circuit, guiding the high-temperature lubricating oil into the radiator for heat exchange to lower the lubricating oil temperature; during the low-temperature start-up phase, it closes the cooling channel, prompting the lubrication system to quickly warm up to its optimal operating range. This dynamic temperature control mechanism not only directly affects the lubrication status of key moving parts such as bearings and piston rings, but is also closely related to the compressor's energy efficiency ratio, component lifespan, and system stability.
[0003] Traditional temperature control valves generally adopt a mechanical control scheme driven by a temperature sensing bulb. The core principle is to use the thermal expansion and contraction characteristics of the low-boiling-point medium inside the temperature sensing bulb to drive the valve core displacement. For example, a temperature control valve for an air compressor disclosed in Chinese utility model patent (publication number: CN213871218U) includes a valve body, a valve cover, and a temperature-sensing valve core. The temperature-sensing valve core is equipped with a temperature-sensing bulb. When the air compressor operates efficiently, the oil temperature rises to the temperature sensed by the temperature-sensing bulb. The temperature-sensing bulb extends, causing the temperature-sensing valve core to actuate and overcome the spring force, closing the first outlet. The oil flows from the inlet to the valve chamber, through the inner cavity of the temperature-sensing valve core, through the valve hole and bypass hole to the second outlet, and then through the cooling system, connecting hole and second channel to the mixing chamber, causing the oil temperature to drop. The oil then returns from the outlet to the air compressor and back to the temperature control valve, repeating this cycle multiple times until the oil temperature drops back to the normal range. The temperature-sensing bulb retracts, and under the action of the spring force, the first outlet reopens. This cycle repeats continuously, keeping the oil temperature within the normal range.
[0004] However, the air compressor temperature control valve disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art has the following defects: the temperature trigger point preset by the temperature sensing bulb needs to be customized for specific models, environmental conditions or industry standards, resulting in a narrow applicable operating range for a single model of temperature control valve. Enterprises need to stock multiple specifications of products to meet market demand, which significantly increases R&D, production and inventory costs.
[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the existing technology. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to address the shortcomings and deficiencies of the existing technology by providing an electrically controlled temperature control valve. Its controller controls the stepper motor to drive the valve core to move according to the temperature, thereby switching the oil circuit. This stepper motor-based control method does not require customized hardware design. It can adapt to the temperature control requirements under different working conditions simply by configuring parameters, which significantly improves the versatility and system compatibility of the temperature control valve.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0008] An electrically controlled temperature control valve includes a valve body with a valve cavity inside. The valve body has an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, each communicating with the valve cavity. A valve core is disposed within the valve cavity. The first outlet and the second outlet are isolated by the valve core. The valve core has a valve orifice that is always in communication with the inlet. A stepper motor is driven to the valve core, which moves the valve core between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body. When the valve core moves to the first position, the valve orifice moves to a position corresponding to the first outlet, thus connecting the inlet and the first outlet. When the valve core moves to the second position, the valve orifice moves to a position corresponding to the second outlet, thus connecting the inlet and the second outlet. The stepper motor is electrically connected to a controller.
[0009] Furthermore, the inner wall of the valve cavity is provided with an annular protrusion that fits tightly with the outer wall of the valve core. The annular protrusion, in conjunction with the valve core, divides the valve cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is connected to the first liquid outlet, and the second chamber is connected to the second liquid outlet.
[0010] Furthermore, the first chamber and the second chamber are respectively connected to the liquid inlet through the valve hole of the valve core.
[0011] Furthermore, the valve body is provided with an end cap for sealing the valve cavity, and the end cap is detachably fixedly connected to the valve body.
[0012] Furthermore, a first O-ring is provided between the end cap and the valve body.
[0013] Furthermore, the output shaft of the stepper motor is screwed through the end cover to the valve core, and an oil seal and a second O-ring are provided between the output shaft and the end cover.
[0014] Furthermore, a positioning guide post is fixedly provided on the side of the end cap facing the valve cavity, and the free end of the positioning guide post is slidably connected to the valve core.
[0015] Furthermore, the lower end of the valve cavity is provided with a stepped portion that fits tightly with the outer wall of the lower end of the valve core.
[0016] Furthermore, the valve core is cylindrical.
[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model after adopting the above structure are as follows: The electrically controlled temperature control valve of this utility model includes a valve body, a valve cavity is provided inside the valve body, and an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet are respectively provided on the valve body and communicate with the valve cavity. A valve core is provided inside the valve cavity, and the first outlet and the second outlet are isolated by the valve core. A valve hole is provided on the valve core, and the valve hole is always in communication with the inlet. A stepper motor is driven to the valve core, and the stepper motor drives the valve core to move between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body. When the valve core moves to the first position, the valve hole moves to the position corresponding to the first outlet to realize the communication between the inlet and the first outlet; when the valve core moves to the second position, the valve hole moves to the position corresponding to the second outlet to realize the communication between the inlet and the second outlet; the stepper motor is electrically connected to a controller. The controller of this invention controls the stepper motor's operation based on temperature. Specifically, when the temperature of the oil-gas mixture exceeds a set value, the stepper motor drives the valve core to move to a second position relative to the valve body. At this point, the inlet and the second outlet are connected, and the second outlet is connected to the radiator. The high-temperature lubricating oil separated from the oil separator flows from the second outlet to the radiator for cooling, and the cooled lubricating oil then flows to the air compressor to perform work. When the temperature of the oil-gas mixture is within the set range, the stepper motor drives the valve core to move to a first position relative to the valve body. At this point, the inlet and the first outlet are connected, and the first outlet is connected to the air compressor. The lubricating oil separated from the oil separator flows from the first outlet to the air compressor to perform work. This stepper motor-based control method eliminates the need for customized hardware design; it can adapt to temperature control requirements under different operating conditions simply by configuring parameters, significantly improving the versatility and system compatibility of the temperature control valve. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model. Figure 1 (Valve core in first position);
[0021] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model. Figure 2 (Valve core is in the second position);
[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 5 This is a sectional view of the valve body of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the temperature control valve of this utility model and the radiator, oil separator, and air compressor.
[0025] Figures 1 to 6 The winning number is:
[0026] 1. Valve body; 11. Valve chamber; 111. First chamber; 112. Second chamber; 12. Liquid inlet; 13. First liquid outlet; 14. Second liquid outlet; 15. Annular protrusion; 16. End cap; 17. Stepped section; 2. Valve core; 21. Valve hole; 3. Stepper motor; 31. Output shaft; 4. First O-ring seal; 5. Oil seal; 6. Second O-ring seal; 7. Positioning guide post; 100. Temperature control valve; 200. Radiator; 300. Oil separator; 400. Air compressor. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0030] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0031] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact, or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0032] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this invention are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.
[0033] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0034] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, an electrically controlled temperature control valve includes a valve body 1, within which a valve cavity 11 is provided. The valve body 1 has an inlet 12, a first outlet 13, and a second outlet 14, all communicating with the valve cavity 11. A valve core 2 is disposed within the valve cavity 11. The first outlet 13 and the second outlet 14 are isolated by the valve core 2. The valve core 2 has a valve hole 21, which is always connected to the inlet 12. A stepper motor 3 is drivenly connected to the valve core 2. Motor 3 drives valve core 2 to move between a first position and a second position relative to valve body 1. When valve core 2 moves to the first position, valve orifice 21 moves to the position corresponding to the first liquid outlet 13 to achieve communication between liquid inlet 12 and the first liquid outlet 13. When valve core 2 moves to the second position, valve orifice 21 moves to the position corresponding to the second liquid outlet 14 to achieve communication between liquid inlet 12 and the second liquid outlet 14. Stepper motor 3 is electrically connected to a controller.
[0035] Based on the above embodiments, the present invention aims to provide an electrically controlled temperature control valve, including a valve body 1, a valve cavity 11 disposed within the valve body 1, an inlet 12, a first outlet 13, and a second outlet 14 respectively communicating with the valve cavity 11, a valve core 2 disposed within the valve cavity 11, the first outlet 13 and the second outlet 14 being isolated by the valve core 2, a valve hole 21 disposed on the valve core 2, the valve hole 21 being always communicating with the inlet 12, and the valve core 2 being drivenly connected to a step Stepper motor 3 drives valve core 2 to move between a first position and a second position relative to valve body 1. When valve core 2 moves to the first position, valve orifice 21 moves to a position corresponding to the first liquid outlet 13, thereby connecting liquid inlet 12 and the first liquid outlet 13. When valve core 2 moves to the second position, valve orifice 21 moves to a position corresponding to the second liquid outlet 14, thereby connecting liquid inlet 12 and the second liquid outlet 14. Stepper motor 3 is electrically connected to a controller. In this embodiment, the controller is a PLC controller, which integrates a temperature sensing element. The PLC controller collects the temperature value of the oil-gas mixture at the outlet of air compressor 400 through the temperature sensing element and controls the operation of stepper motor 3 according to the temperature value. Specifically, when the air compressor 400 is operating normally and the temperature of the oil-air mixture is within the set range of the controller, the stepper motor 3 drives the valve core 2 to move to the first position relative to the valve body 1. At this time, the inlet 12 is connected to the first outlet 13, and the first outlet 13 is connected to the air compressor 400. The lubricating oil flowing from the oil separator 300 flows from the inlet 12 to the inner cavity of the valve core 2, then flows through the valve hole 21 of the valve core 2 to the first chamber 111, and finally flows from the first outlet 13 to the air compressor 400 to perform work. When the air compressor 400 operates efficiently, it enables... When the temperature of the oil-gas mixture rises and exceeds the controller's set value, the stepper motor 3 drives the valve core 2 to move to a second position relative to the valve body 1. At this time, the inlet 12 is connected to the second outlet 14, which is connected to the radiator 200. The lubricating oil flowing from the oil separator 300 flows from the inlet 12 into the inner cavity of the valve core 2, then through the valve hole 21 of the valve core 2 into the second chamber 112, and finally through the second outlet 14 to the radiator 200, thus lowering the temperature of the lubricating oil. The lubricating oil, after its temperature has decreased, flows to the air compressor 400 to perform work. The control method based on the stepper motor 3 does not require customized hardware design; it can adapt to temperature control requirements under different operating conditions simply by configuring parameters, significantly improving the versatility and system compatibility of the temperature control valve 100.
[0036] In another preferred embodiment of this utility model, the valve core 2 is cylindrical. The inner wall of the valve cavity 11 is provided with an annular protrusion 15 that fits tightly with the outer wall of the valve core 2. The annular protrusion 15, in conjunction with the valve core 2, divides the valve cavity 11 into a first chamber 111 and a second chamber 112. The first chamber 111 communicates with the first liquid outlet 13, and the second chamber 112 communicates with the second liquid outlet 14. The first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 are respectively connected to the liquid inlet 12 through the valve hole 21 of the valve core 2. The lower end of the valve cavity 11 is provided with a stepped portion 17 that fits tightly with the outer wall of the lower end of the valve core 2. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the valve core 2 is cylindrical, with its upper port closed and its lower port open. The outer wall of the lower end of the valve core 2 is tightly fitted with the stepped portion 17, preventing a large amount of lubricating oil from directly entering the second chamber 112 and then the second outlet 14 through the gap between the valve core 2 and the inner wall of the valve cavity 11. Instead, the lubricating oil enters the inner cavity of the valve core 2 and then enters the first chamber 111 or the second chamber 112 through the valve hole 21 of the valve core 2, thereby achieving the switching of the lubricating oil circuit. The annular protrusion 15 has the following functions: First, the annular protrusion 15 cooperates with the valve core 2 to divide the valve cavity 11 into the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112; second, it avoids the contact area between the outer wall of the valve core 2 and the inner wall of the valve cavity 11 being too large, which would increase friction. When the friction is too large, it is not easy to achieve timely response of the valve core 2.
[0037] In another preferred embodiment of this utility model, the valve body 1 is provided with an end cap 16 for sealing the valve cavity 11, and the end cap 16 is detachably fixedly connected to the valve body 1. A first O-ring seal 4 is provided between the end cap 16 and the valve body 1. The output shaft 31 of the stepper motor 3 passes through the end cap 16 and is screwed to the valve core 2, and an oil seal 5 and a second O-ring seal 6 are provided between the output shaft 31 and the end cap 16. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the end cap 16 facilitates the installation and subsequent maintenance of the internal components of the valve body 1, and the first O-ring seal 4 improves the airtightness between the end cap 16 and the valve body 1. The oil seal 5 prevents oil leakage at the connection between the end cap 16 and the output shaft 31 of the stepper motor 3, and the second O-ring seal 6 improves the airtightness between the end cap 16 and the output shaft 31 of the stepper motor 3.
[0038] As another preferred embodiment of this utility model, a positioning guide post 7 is fixedly provided on the side of the end cap 16 facing the valve cavity 11, and the free end of the positioning guide post 7 is slidably connected to the valve core 2. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the positioning guide post 7 is used to guide the valve core 2 to move between the first position and the second position, so that the valve core 2 will not be stuck or deviated during the movement, thus making the movement of the valve core 2 smoother.
[0039] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. An electrically controlled temperature control valve, comprising a valve body (1), wherein a valve cavity (11) is provided inside the valve body (1), and an inlet (12), a first outlet (13), and a second outlet (14) respectively communicating with the valve cavity (11) are provided on the valve body (1), a valve core (2) is provided inside the valve cavity (11), the first outlet (13) and the second outlet (14) are isolated by the valve core (2), and a valve hole (21) is provided on the valve core (2), the valve hole (21) always communicating with the inlet (12), characterized in that: The valve core (2) is connected to a stepper motor (3) for transmission. The stepper motor (3) drives the valve core (2) to move between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body (1). When the valve core (2) moves to the first position, the valve hole (21) moves to the position corresponding to the first liquid outlet (13) to realize the connection between the liquid inlet (12) and the first liquid outlet (13). When the valve core (2) moves to the second position, the valve hole (21) moves to the position corresponding to the second liquid outlet (14) to realize the connection between the liquid inlet (12) and the second liquid outlet (14). The stepper motor (3) is electrically connected to a controller.
2. The electrically controlled temperature valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the valve cavity (11) is provided with an annular protrusion (15) that fits tightly with the outer wall of the valve core (2). The annular protrusion (15) and the valve core (2) cooperate to divide the valve cavity (11) into a first chamber (111) and a second chamber (112). The first chamber (111) is connected to the first liquid outlet (13), and the second chamber (112) is connected to the second liquid outlet (14).
3. The electrically controlled temperature valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first chamber (111) and the second chamber (112) are respectively connected to the inlet (12) through the valve hole (21) of the valve core (2).
4. The electrically controlled temperature valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body (1) is provided with an end cap (16) for sealing the valve cavity (11), and the end cap (16) is detachably fixedly connected to the valve body (1).
5. The electrically controlled temperature valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first O-ring (4) is provided between the end cap (16) and the valve body (1).
6. The electrically controlled temperature valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The output shaft (31) of the stepper motor (3) is screwed through the end cover (16) to the valve core (2). An oil seal (5) and a second O-ring seal (6) are provided between the output shaft (31) and the end cover (16).
7. The electrically controlled temperature valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: A positioning guide post (7) is fixedly provided on the side of the end cap (16) facing the valve cavity (11), and the free end of the positioning guide post (7) is slidably connected to the valve core (2).
8. The electrically controlled temperature valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the valve cavity (11) is provided with a stepped portion (17) that fits tightly with the outer wall of the lower end of the valve core (2).
9. An electrically controlled temperature valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core (2) is cylindrical.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Temperature control valve of air compressor
CN213871218U