A ball valve

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of valve technology, and more specifically, to a ball valve, comprising a valve body, a ball core, and a valve stem. The ball core is movably installed in the valve body, and the valve stem passes through the valve body and is fixedly connected to the ball core. It also includes a first sealing element and a coupling that can be connected to an actuator. The valve stem comprises a plastic base and a metal core. The plastic base has a fixing groove inside that mates with the metal core. One end of the metal core is connected to the coupling, and the other end is fixedly connected to the fixing groove. The plastic base is installed on the ball core. One end of the first sealing element abuts against the ball core, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the valve body. The metal core improves the structural strength of the valve stem, prevents valve stem damage, and extends the service life of the valve stem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of valve technology, and more specifically, to a ball valve. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, some electric or pneumatic double-joint ball valves on the market have a metal bracket added to the valve body of a regular handle ball valve, and a metal shaft fitted onto a plastic valve stem for connecting to an electric or pneumatic actuator. Others have a metal shaft fitted onto a plastic valve stem of an electric or pneumatic double-joint ball valve body with an integrated bracket for connecting to an electric or pneumatic actuator. Still others directly connect the electric or pneumatic actuator to the plastic valve stem. Due to the high-frequency operation of the actuator or a sudden increase in switching resistance caused by certain reasons, the plastic valve stem shaft may wear or be damaged, thus affecting the overall operation of the ball valve. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing plastic valve stems, which are easily damaged, and to provide a ball valve that can improve the strength of the valve stem, prevent valve stem damage, and extend the service life of the ball valve.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0005] A ball valve is provided, comprising a valve body, a ball core, and a valve stem. The ball core is movably mounted in the valve body, and the valve stem passes through the valve body and is fixedly connected to the ball core. The valve valve also includes a first seal and a coupling capable of connecting to an actuator. The valve stem comprises a plastic base and a metal core. The plastic base has a fixing groove inside that mates with the metal core. One end of the metal core is connected to the coupling, and the other end is fixedly connected to the fixing groove. The plastic base is mounted on the ball core. One end of the first seal abuts against the ball core, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the valve body.

[0006] This invention relates to a ball valve where a metal core is placed in a mold of a plastic base and integrally injection molded into a valve stem. The valve stem is then mounted on the ball core, and a first sealing element is fitted onto the ball core. The ball core is then installed in the valve body, ensuring that both the ball core and the valve body abut against the first sealing element, eliminating any gap between them and achieving a seal. One end of a coupling is mounted on the metal core, and the other end is mounted on the output end of the actuator, completing the ball valve installation. In use, the actuator drives the valve stem to rotate via the coupling, which in turn drives the ball core to rotate, controlling the opening and closing of the ball valve. After the valve stem is injection molded, the metal core is located in a fixing groove in the plastic base. The plastic base protects the metal core, preventing corrosion, while also increasing the structural strength of the valve stem, preventing damage, and extending its service life.

[0007] Furthermore, the coupling is a metal structure. Because the coefficient of friction between metals is relatively low, and both the coupling and the metal core are metal structures, frictional loss between the valve stem and the coupling is reduced, extending the service life of the valve stem.

[0008] Furthermore, the metal core includes a connecting section and an insert section. The connecting section is fixedly connected to the coupling, and the insert section is embedded in the fixing groove. The insert section is provided with a limiting part, and the axial end face of the limiting part abuts against the fixing groove. The fixing groove, by blocking the axial movement of the limiting part, blocks the axial movement of the insert section relative to the plastic base, thereby enhancing the interlocking force between the metal core and the plastic base and preventing the metal core from delaminating or even detaching from the plastic base.

[0009] Furthermore, the cross-section of the limiting part perpendicular to the axis of the metal core is octagonal. Because the limiting part has an octagonal cross-section, the fixing groove can block the rotation of the limiting part, thereby preventing relative rotation between the metal core and the plastic base when the actuator drives the valve stem to rotate.

[0010] Furthermore, the inlay section is also provided with a limiting groove, and the inner wall of the limiting groove is provided with a protrusion that mates with the limiting groove. The protrusion engages with the limiting groove. The limiting groove and the protrusion mutually limit each other, increasing the interlocking force between the metal core and the plastic base, preventing relative movement between the metal core and the plastic base, and preventing the metal core from falling out of the plastic base.

[0011] Furthermore, the inlay segment includes a first square head segment and a cylindrical segment. The first square head segment has a cuboid structure, and the cylindrical segment has a cylindrical structure. One end of the first square head segment is connected to the connecting segment, and the other end is connected to the cylindrical segment. The limiting groove is disposed on the side wall of the first square head segment, and the limiting part is disposed on the cylindrical segment. The fixing groove can prevent relative rotation between the first square head segment and the plastic base, and prevent relative rotation between the metal core and the plastic base. The limiting groove increases the biting force between the first square head and the plastic base, and the limiting part increases the biting force between the cylindrical segment and the plastic base.

[0012] Furthermore, the diameter of the cylindrical segment is smaller than the side length of the axial section of the first square-headed segment. This allows the inner wall of the fixing groove, located between the first square-headed segment and the limiting part, to restrict the axial movement of the metal core relative to the plastic base.

[0013] Furthermore, the axes of the connecting section, the first square head section, the cylindrical section, and the limiting part coincide. When the actuator drives the metal core to rotate, the circumferential force on the metal core is uniform, reducing stress concentration and extending the service life of the valve stem.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a second sealing ring. The outer wall of the plastic base has several second sealing grooves. The second sealing ring is installed in the second sealing grooves, with its inner wall abutting against the plastic base and its outer wall abutting against the valve body. The plastic base and valve body compress the second sealing ring, eliminating the gap between them, improving the sealing between the valve stem and valve body, and preventing liquid leakage from the valve body.

[0015] Furthermore, the axial position of the limiting part is offset from the axial position of the second sealing groove. This offset distribution between the limiting part and the second sealing groove makes the wall thickness of the plastic base more uniform, resulting in a more uniform force distribution on the valve stem.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] The ball valve of this utility model has the following characteristics: 1. The metal core improves the structural strength of the valve stem, prevents valve stem damage, and extends the service life of the valve stem; 2. Both the coupling and the metal core are metal structures, which reduces frictional loss between the valve stem and the coupling and extends the service life of the valve stem; 3. The limiting part and limiting groove on the metal core enhance the interlocking force between the metal core and the plastic base, preventing the metal core from delaminating or even detaching from the plastic base. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ball valve of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the valve stem structure of the ball valve of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the metal core of the ball valve of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the metal core of the ball valve of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plastic base of the ball valve of this utility model.

[0023] In the attached diagram: 1. Valve body; 11. Valve body main body; 12. Socket; 13. Nut; 14. Gland; 2. Ball core; 3. Metal core; 31. Connecting section; 32. Embedded section; 321. Limiting part; 322. Limiting groove; 323. First square head section; 324. Cylindrical section; 4. Plastic base; 41. Second sealing groove; 42. Fixing groove; 5. First sealing element; 51. Washer; 52. First sealing ring; 6. Second sealing ring; 7. Third sealing ring; 8. Fourth sealing ring; 9. Coupling; 10. Actuator. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, representing schematic diagrams rather than actual physical objects, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the 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, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] like Figures 1 to 5 The first embodiment of the ball valve of this utility model is shown. A ball valve is provided, including a valve body 1, a ball core 2, and a valve stem. The ball core 2 is movably installed in the valve body 1. The valve stem passes through the valve body 1 and is fixedly connected to the ball core 2. It also includes a first sealing element 5 and a coupling 9 that can be connected to an actuator 10. Figure 2 As shown, the valve stem includes a plastic base 4 and a metal core 3, as... Figure 5 As shown, the plastic base 4 has a fixing groove 42 inside that mates with the metal core 3, such as... Figure 1 As shown, one end of the metal core 3 is connected to the coupling 9, and the other end is fixedly connected to the fixing groove 42. The plastic base 4 is installed on the ball core 2. One end of the first sealing member 5 abuts against the ball core 2, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the valve body 1. In this embodiment, the actuator 10 can be an electric actuator 10 or a pneumatic actuator 10; the material of the metal core 3 is set to 304 stainless steel; and the material of the plastic base 4 is set to polyoxymethylene or polyphenylene ether.

[0028] The ball valve of this utility model involves placing a metal core 3 into a mold of a plastic base 4 and integrally injection molding it into a valve stem, such as... Figure 2As shown; the valve stem is installed on the ball core 2, the first sealing element 5 is fitted onto the ball core 2, and the ball core 2 is installed in the valve body 1, so that both the ball core 2 and the valve body 1 abut against the first sealing element 5, eliminating the gap between the ball core 2 and the valve body 1, and achieving a seal. One end of the coupling 9 is installed on the metal core 3, and the other end is installed on the output end of the actuator 10, completing the installation of the ball valve. In use, the actuator 10 drives the valve stem to rotate through the coupling 9, and the valve stem drives the ball core 2 to rotate, controlling the opening and closing of the ball valve. After the valve stem is injection molded, the metal core 3 is located in the fixing groove 42 of the plastic base 4. The plastic base 4 protects the metal core 3, preventing the metal core 3 from being corroded. At the same time, the metal core 3 improves the structural strength of the valve stem, prevents valve stem damage, and extends the service life of the valve stem.

[0029] Coupling 9 is a metal structure. Due to the low coefficient of friction between metals, both coupling 9 and metal core 3 are metal structures, which reduces frictional loss between the valve stem and coupling 9 and extends the service life of the valve stem.

[0030] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the valve body 1 includes a valve body 11, a socket 12, and a nut 13. The inner wall of the nut 13 has an internal thread, and the outer wall of the valve body 11 has an external thread that mates with the internal thread. The nut 13 is connected to the valve body 11 via the threaded connection. A pressure cap 14 is provided inside the valve body 11. The outer wall of the pressure cap 14 has a third sealing groove, in which a third sealing ring 7 is installed. The third sealing ring 7 abuts against the inner wall of the valve body 11, achieving a seal between the pressure cap 14 and the valve body 11. A fourth sealing groove is provided on the end face of the pressure cap 14 near the socket 12, in which a fourth sealing ring 8 is installed. A limiting seat is provided at one end of the socket 12 facing the ball core 2. One end of the limiting seat abuts against the inner wall of the nut 13 away from the ball core 2, and the other end abuts against the fourth sealing ring 8, thereby achieving a seal between the socket 12 and the valve body 11. The first sealing element 5 includes a washer 51 and a first sealing ring 52. The washer 51 is sleeved on the side wall of the ball core 2 facing the socket 12. One end of the washer 51 abuts against the ball core 2, and the other end abuts against the gland 14. A first sealing groove is provided on the wall surface of the gland 14 that abuts against the washer 51. The first sealing ring 52 is installed in the first sealing groove. The first sealing ring 52 abuts against the washer 51, thereby achieving a seal between the gland 14 and the ball valve.

[0031] The working principle of the ball valve in this embodiment is as follows: The metal core 3 is placed into the mold of the plastic base 4 and integrally injection molded into a valve stem; when installing the ball valve, the washer 51 is fitted onto the ball core 2, the first sealing ring 52 is installed in the first sealing groove of the gland 14, and the ball core 2 and gland 14 are installed in the valve body 11, so that the first sealing ring 52 installed in the first sealing groove of the gland 14 abuts against the washer 51; the second sealing ring 6 is installed in the second sealing groove 41 on the valve body 1, and the valve stem is installed on the ball core 2, so that the second sealing ring 6 abuts against the valve body 11; the fourth sealing ring 8 is installed in the fourth sealing groove of the gland 14, the socket 12 is passed through the nut 13, the nut 13 is fitted onto both ends of the valve body 11, and the nut 13 is tightened, so that the socket 12 abuts against the fourth sealing ring 8 installed in the fourth sealing groove of the valve body 11; one end of the coupling 9 is installed on the metal core 3, and the other end is installed on the output end of the actuator 10, completing the installation of the ball valve;

[0032] In use, the actuator 10 drives the metal core 3 to rotate through the coupling 9. The metal core 3 drives the plastic base 4 to rotate, and the plastic base 4 drives the ball core 2 to rotate, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the ball valve.

[0033] Example 2

[0034] This embodiment is the second embodiment of the ball valve of this utility model. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the metal core 3 includes a connecting section 31 and an insert section 32. The connecting section 31 is fixedly connected to the coupling 9. The insert section 32 is embedded in the fixing groove 42. The insert section 32 is provided with a limiting part 321, and the axial end face of the limiting part 321 abuts against the fixing groove 42. The fixing groove 42 prevents the axial movement of the insert section 32 relative to the plastic base 4 by blocking the axial movement of the limiting part 321, thereby enhancing the interlocking force between the metal core 3 and the plastic base 4 and preventing the metal core 3 from delaminating or even detaching from the plastic base 4.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, the cross-section of the limiting part 321 perpendicular to the axis of the metal core 3 is octagonal. Since the cross-section of the limiting part 321 is octagonal, the fixing groove 42 can block the rotation of the limiting part 321, thereby preventing the metal core 3 from rotating relative to the plastic base 4 when the actuator 10 drives the valve stem to rotate.

[0036] The inlay section 32 is also provided with a limiting groove 322. The inner wall of the limiting groove 322 is provided with a protrusion that mates with the limiting groove 322. The protrusion engages with the limiting groove 322. The limiting groove 322 and the protrusion limit each other, improve the interlocking force between the metal core 3 and the plastic base 4, prevent relative movement between the metal core 3 and the plastic base 4, and prevent the metal core 3 from falling out of the plastic base 4.

[0037] The working principle of the ball valve in this embodiment is as follows: When in use, the actuator 10 drives the connecting section 31 of the metal core 3 to rotate through the coupling 9, which in turn drives the insert section 32 of the actuator 10 to rotate. The insert section 32 drives the plastic base 4 to rotate, and the plastic base 4 drives the ball core 2 to rotate, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the ball valve. The limiting part 321 and the limiting groove 322 enhance the biting force between the metal core 3 and the plastic base 4, preventing the metal core 3 from delaminating or even detaching from the plastic base 4.

[0038] Example 3

[0039] This embodiment is the third embodiment of the ball valve of this utility model. This embodiment is similar to embodiment two, except that, as Figure 3 As shown, the inlay segment 32 includes a first square head segment 323 and a cylindrical segment 324. The first square head segment 323 has a cuboid structure, and the cylindrical segment 324 has a cylindrical structure. One end of the first square head segment 323 is connected to the connecting segment 31, and the other end is connected to the cylindrical segment 324. A limiting groove 322 is provided on the side wall of the first square head segment 323, and a limiting part 321 is provided on the cylindrical segment 324. The fixing groove 42 can prevent relative rotation between the first square head segment 323 and the plastic base 4, and prevent relative rotation between the metal core 3 and the plastic base 4. The limiting groove 322 increases the biting force between the first square head and the plastic base 4, and the limiting part 321 increases the biting force between the cylindrical segment 324 and the plastic base 4.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the diameter of the cylindrical segment 324 is smaller than the side length of the axial section of the first square segment 323. This allows the inner wall of the fixing groove 42, located between the first square segment 323 and the limiting part 321, to restrict the axial movement of the metal core 3 relative to the plastic base 4.

[0041] The axes of the connecting section 31, the first square head section 323, the cylindrical section 324, and the limiting part 321 coincide. When the actuator 10 drives the metal core 3 to rotate, the circumferential force on the metal core 3 is uniform, reducing stress concentration and extending the service life of the valve stem.

[0042] In this embodiment, the connecting segment 31 is a second square head segment, which is a cuboid structure. The cross-sectional shape of the second square head segment perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical segment 324 is the same as that of the first square head segment 323, and both are square. The cuboid structure composed of the first square head segment 323 and the second square head segment has a horizontal cross-sectional side length of 9mm, 11mm, 14mm, and 17mm. The axial length of the limiting groove 322 is 3-4mm. There are two limiting parts 321, with an axial length of 4-5mm. The center-to-center distance of the limiting parts 321 is equal to the side length of the cross-section of the first square head segment 323 perpendicular to the axis. The distance between the two limiting parts 321, and the distance between the limiting part 321 closest to the first square head segment 323 and the first square head segment 323, is 6-8mm.

[0043] It also includes a second sealing ring 6. The outer wall of the plastic base 4 has several second sealing grooves 41. The second sealing ring 6 is installed in the second sealing grooves 41. The inner wall of the second sealing ring 6 abuts against the plastic base 4, and the outer wall of the second sealing ring 6 abuts against the valve body 1. The plastic base 4 and the valve body 1 press against the second sealing ring 6, eliminating the gap between the plastic base 4 and the valve body 1, improving the sealing performance between the valve stem and the valve body 1, and preventing liquid leakage from the valve body 1.

[0044] The axial position of the limiting part 321 is offset from the axial position of the second sealing groove 41. The offset distribution of the limiting part 321 and the second sealing groove 41 makes the wall thickness of the plastic base 4 more uniform, and makes the force on the valve stem more uniform.

[0045] In the specific implementation of the above embodiments, the technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the above technical features are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features is not contradictory, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0046] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A ball valve, comprising a valve body (1), a ball core (2), and a valve stem, wherein the ball core (2) is movably mounted in the valve body (1), and the valve stem passes through the valve body (1) and is fixedly connected to the ball core (2), characterized in that, It also includes a first seal (5) and a coupling (9) that can be connected to the actuator (10). The valve stem includes a plastic base (4) and a metal core (3). The plastic base (4) has a fixing groove (42) inside that mates with the metal core (3). One end of the metal core (3) is connected to the coupling (9), and the other end is fixedly connected to the fixing groove (42). The plastic base (4) is mounted on the ball core (2). One end of the first seal (5) abuts against the ball core (2), and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the valve body (1).

2. The ball valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling (9) is of metal structure.

3. The ball valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal core (3) includes a connecting section (31) and an inlay section (32). The connecting section (31) is fixedly connected to the coupling (9). The inlay section (32) is inlaid in the fixing groove (42). The inlay section (32) is provided with a limiting part (321). The axial end face of the limiting part (321) abuts against the fixing groove (42).

4. The ball valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting part (321) has an octagonal cross section perpendicular to the axis of the metal core (3).

5. The ball valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inlay section (32) is also provided with a limiting groove (322), and the inner wall of the limiting groove (322) is provided with a protrusion that cooperates with the limiting groove (322), and the protrusion engages with the limiting groove (322).

6. The ball valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inlay segment (32) includes a first square head segment (323) and a cylindrical segment (324). The first square head segment (323) is a cuboid structure, and the cylindrical segment (324) is a cylindrical structure. One end of the first square head segment (323) is connected to the connecting segment (31), and the other end is connected to the cylindrical segment (324). The limiting groove (322) is disposed on the side wall of the first square head segment (323), and the limiting part (321) is disposed on the cylindrical segment (324).

7. The ball valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The diameter of the cylindrical segment (324) is smaller than the side length of the axial section of the first square segment (323).

8. The ball valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The axes of the connecting segment (31), the first square head segment (323), the cylindrical segment (324), and the limiting part (321) coincide.

9. The ball valve according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes a second sealing ring (6), and the outer wall of the plastic base (4) is provided with a plurality of second sealing grooves (41). The second sealing ring (6) is installed in the second sealing grooves (41), the inner wall of the second sealing ring (6) abuts against the plastic base (4), and the outer wall of the second sealing ring (6) abuts against the valve body (1).

10. The ball valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The axial position of the limiting part (321) is misaligned with the axial position of the second sealing groove (41).

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