oil return tee

By designing a ball valve core and a buffered flow channel switching structure, the water hammer effect and hydraulic shock problems of traditional return oil tees during flow channel switching are solved, achieving smooth transition and precise control of oil flow, and improving the stability and reliability of the hydraulic system.

CN224326734UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-05浙江桢利汽车零部件有限公司

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
浙江桢利汽车零部件有限公司
Filing Date
2025-05-29
Publication Date
2026-06-05

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Abstract

The utility model belongs to valve technical field relates to an oil return tee. The utility model, including valve main body, the valve main body has first port, second port and third port, first port and second port are opposite setting, the rotatable ball valve core that is equipped with in the valve main body, the ball valve core is equipped with buffer formula flow channel switching structure. The utility model when the valve core switches flow channel, the traditional plane structure can be because of the water hammer effect hydraulic impact of oil circuit sudden connection or cut-off, lead to noise, vibration even element damage, the gradual opening characteristic of V type recess surface can make oil flow change gradually, delay pressure mutation, like " soft start " effect, especially applicable to high frequency switching hydraulic system.
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Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In automotive hydraulic systems, the return tee is a key component for switching and diverting oil circuits. Traditional return tees often use a flat valve core or a simple straight-through structure. When the valve core switches the flow path, the oil circuit is suddenly connected or disconnected, which can easily generate water hammer and hydraulic shock. This shock not only causes noise and vibration in the equipment but can also damage seals, pipes, and other components in the system, shortening the equipment's lifespan. Furthermore, the poor flow path design of traditional tees easily generates eddies and turbulence, leading to local vacuum and cavitation phenomena, further reducing the system's stability and reliability. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a return tee that can effectively buffer fluid pressure changes and reduce hydraulic shock and noise.

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, people have continuously explored and proposed various solutions. For example, a Chinese patent discloses a three-way oil return assembly [application number: 202211287935.3], which includes an oil inlet assembly and an oil outlet assembly, which are assembled and connected. The oil inlet assembly includes a reversing valve block, a fixed connector, and a return port connector. The fixed connector is sleeved on one end of the reversing valve block, and the return port connector is inserted into the return end of the reversing valve block. The oil outlet assembly includes a locking nut and a guide valve body inserted into the locking nut, with an oil outlet connector inserted into one end of the guide valve body. However, this solution still easily generates water hammer effect and hydraulic shock when the flow channel needs to be switched, causing impact, noise and vibration in the equipment, and may also damage the seals, pipes, and other components in the system, shortening the service life of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the above-mentioned problems by providing a return oil tee.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A return oil tee includes a valve body with a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are positioned opposite each other. The valve body has a rotatable spherical valve core with a buffered flow channel switching structure. The first port, the second port, and the third port are positioned and shaped to match the buffered flow channel switching structure. The valve body has a rotatable handle adjustment piece that engages with the spherical valve core. The valve body also has three detachable pipe fittings: the first port, the second port, and the third port each correspond to one detachable pipe fitting.

[0007] In the aforementioned return tee, the buffered flow channel switching structure includes a through flow channel and a branch flow channel disposed within the spherical valve core, wherein the bottom of the branch flow channel has a downwardly recessed V-shaped concave surface.

[0008] In the aforementioned return tee, the gap of the V-shaped concave surface gradually increases from near to far from the center of the spherical valve core.

[0009] In the aforementioned return tee, the centerline of the through-flow channel is perpendicular to the centerline of the branch channel.

[0010] In the aforementioned return tee, the handle adjustment component includes a handle mounted on the valve body, the bottom of the handle having an extension extending into the rotating shaft, and the bottom of the rotating shaft having a plug that engages with the ball valve core.

[0011] In the aforementioned return tee, the insert includes a plug at the bottom of the rotating shaft, and the top of the spherical valve core has a strip groove. The plug is inserted into the strip groove and engages with it.

[0012] In the aforementioned return tee, the valve body is provided with a limiting plate, and the handle is provided with two locking plates. The locking plates are positioned corresponding to the limiting plate, and the two locking plates are distributed at right angles.

[0013] In the aforementioned return tee, the bottom of the spherical valve core has a weight-reducing chamber, and the opening of the weight-reducing chamber faces downward.

[0014] In the aforementioned return tee, the detachable pipe fitting includes three connecting sleeves disposed within the valve body, wherein the external threads of the connecting sleeves are screwed into the internal threads of the valve body.

[0015] In the aforementioned return tee, a leak-proof sleeve and a sealing ring are provided between the connecting pipe sleeve and the ball valve core.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0017] 1. This utility model achieves a smooth transition of oil flow through the gradual structure of the V-shaped concave surface, effectively mitigating water hammer effect and hydraulic shock, reducing noise and vibration, and protecting system components.

[0018] 2. This utility model uses a handle adjustment component to precisely control the rotation of the ball valve core, enabling flexible switching between the main channel and the branch channel to meet the needs of different working conditions.

[0019] 3. The weight-reducing chamber design of the spherical valve core in this utility model reduces the overall weight and lowers the rotation resistance; the detachable pipe fittings facilitate maintenance and replacement, improving the practicality of the equipment.

[0020] 4. The leak-proof sleeve and sealing ring in this utility model ensure the sealing of the connection parts, and the V-shaped concave surface reduces cavitation and improves the reliability of the system under complex working conditions.

[0021] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be partly apparent from the following description, and partly understood by those skilled in the art through study and practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another aspect of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a ball valve core.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the valve body.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ball valve core from another direction.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Valve body; 2. First port; 3. Second port; 4. Third port; 5. Ball valve core; 6. Buffered flow channel switching structure; 7. Handle adjustment component; 8. Detachable pipe fitting; 9. Through-flow channel; 10. Divider channel; 11. V-shaped recessed surface; 12. Handle; 13. Rotating shaft; 14. Insert; 15. Insert block; 16. Strip groove; 17. Limiting plate; 18. Locking plate; 19. Weight reduction chamber; 20. Connecting pipe sleeve; 21. Leak-proof sleeve; 22. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] like Figure 1-6 As shown, a return oil tee includes a valve body 1, which has a first port 2, a second port 3, and a third port 4. The first port 2 and the second port 3 are arranged opposite each other. The valve body 1 is provided with a rotatable spherical valve core 5. The spherical valve core 5 is provided with a buffered flow channel switching structure 6. The first port 2, the second port 3, and the third port 4 are positioned and matched with the buffered flow channel switching structure 6. The valve body 1 is provided with a rotatable handle adjustment part 7 that engages with the spherical valve core 5. The valve body 1 is also provided with three detachable pipe fittings 8, with the first port 2, the second port 3, and the third port 4 each corresponding to one detachable pipe fitting 8.

[0031] In this embodiment, the ball valve core 5 is rotated by the handle adjustment component 7, thereby switching the buffered flow channel switching structure 6 with the three ports: the first port 2, the second port 3, and the third port 4. When the through flow channel 9 is connected to the first port 2 and the second port 3, a main channel is formed. When the branch flow channel 10 is connected to the first port 2, one opening of the through flow channel 9 is connected to the third port 4, forming a branch channel. When switching to the branch channel type, the buffer structure of the buffered flow channel switching structure 6 makes the bottom of the flow channel present a gradually narrowing wedge structure. When the valve core switches the flow channel, the traditional planar structure may generate hydraulic shock due to the sudden connection or disconnection of the oil circuit, resulting in water hammer effect, which can cause noise, vibration, or even component damage. The gradual opening characteristic of the V-shaped concave surface can make the oil flow gradually change, delaying the pressure change, like a "soft start" effect, which is especially suitable for high-frequency switching hydraulic systems.

[0032] Combination Figure 1-6 As shown, the buffered flow channel switching structure 6 includes a through flow channel 9 and a branch flow channel 10 disposed in the ball valve core 5, and the bottom of the branch flow channel 10 has a downwardly recessed V-shaped concave surface 11.

[0033] Specifically, when the oil flows through the flow divider 10, the V-shaped concave surface 11 can change the flow pattern of the oil, redistributing the oil velocity and pressure to avoid sudden pressure changes caused by flow channel changes. During the flow channel switching process, the presence of the V-shaped concave surface 11 makes the oil flow more stable, effectively reducing hydraulic shock and noise. Based on the traditional valve core flow channel, the flow divider 10 with the V-shaped concave surface 11 is creatively introduced, upgrading the simple flow channel structure into a complex structure with buffering function, fundamentally solving the problem of large hydraulic shock in traditional three-way valves.

[0034] Combination Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the gap of the V-shaped concave surface 11 gradually increases from near to far from the center of the spherical valve core 5.

[0035] In this embodiment, the gap of the V-shaped concave surface 11 gradually increases from near to far from the center of the spherical valve core 5. When the oil flows in the diversion channel 10, as the gap of the V-shaped concave surface 11 gradually increases, the flow rate of the oil will gradually decrease, and the pressure will change steadily. The change process is gradual and continuous, which can effectively avoid pressure fluctuations and turbulence caused by sudden expansion or contraction of the flow channel. Compared with the traditional fixed width flow channel, the gradual V-shaped concave surface 11 of the present invention can better adapt to the dynamic changes of the oil, further improve the buffering effect of hydraulic shock, and ensure the stability and reliability of the system operation.

[0036] The centerline of the through-flow channel 9 is perpendicular to the centerline of the branch channel 10.

[0037] In this embodiment, the vertical layout ensures that the main channel and branch channel do not interfere with each other when the ball valve core 5 rotates to switch flow channels. When the ball valve core 5 rotates, the through-flow channel 9 and the branch channel 10 can connect or disconnect with the port according to the predetermined trajectory and position, ensuring the accuracy and stability of flow channel switching. Whether switching from the main channel to the branch channel or from the branch channel back to the main channel, the flow path of the oil can be precisely controlled, and there will be no problems such as oil leakage or poor transmission caused by flow channel misalignment.

[0038] Combination Figure 1-2 As shown, the handle adjustment component 7 includes a handle 12 disposed on the valve body 1, the bottom of the handle 12 is provided with an extension extending into the rotating shaft 13, and the bottom of the rotating shaft 13 is provided with a plug 14 that engages with the ball valve core 5.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the operator turns the handle 12, the rotational torque of the handle 12 is precisely transmitted to the plug 14 through the rotating shaft 13, and the plug 14 then drives the ball valve core 5 to rotate synchronously. This structural design enables the operator to achieve precise control of the ball valve core 5 through simple manual operation. The operation process is smooth and the control accuracy is high, which can meet the rapid response requirements for flow channel switching under different working conditions.

[0040] The plug-in 14 includes a plug block 15 disposed at the bottom of the rotating shaft body 13. The top of the spherical valve core 5 has a strip groove 16. The plug block 15 is inserted into the strip groove 16 and engages with the strip groove 16.

[0041] In this embodiment, during the rotation of the spherical valve core 5, the engagement between the insert block 15 and the strip groove 16 remains stable, ensuring that the rotation of the handle adjustment component 7 can be accurately transmitted to the spherical valve core 5. This engagement method has a simple structure and reliable connection, effectively avoiding problems such as inaccurate flow channel switching caused by loose connections.

[0042] The valve body 1 is provided with a limiting plate 17, and the handle 12 is provided with two locking plates 18. The locking plates 18 are positioned corresponding to the limiting plate 17, and the two locking plates 18 are distributed at right angles.

[0043] In this embodiment, when the spherical valve core 5 rotates to a specific position, i.e., when the flow channel switches to a predetermined main channel or branch channel state, the locking plate 18 on the handle 12 will rotate accordingly to a position corresponding to the limiting plate 17. At this time, the locking plate 18 and the limiting plate 17 abut against each other, forming a mechanical limit, and stably locking the spherical valve core 5 in the current position. This limiting and locking method can effectively prevent the spherical valve core 5 from rotating accidentally due to external force vibration or misoperation, ensuring the stability of the flow channel state, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the entire hydraulic system operation.

[0044] Combination Figure 6 As shown, the bottom of the spherical valve core 5 has a weight-reducing chamber 19, and the opening of the weight-reducing chamber 19 faces downward.

[0045] In this embodiment, while ensuring the structural strength and load-bearing capacity of the spherical valve core 5, the weight-reducing chamber 19 effectively reduces the overall weight of the valve core. This weight reduction directly lowers the inertial resistance of the spherical valve core 5 during rotation, making the handle adjustment component 7 easier and less strenuous to operate. Simultaneously, due to the reduced rotational resistance, the spherical valve core 5 can respond more quickly to the rotational operation of the handle adjustment component 7, improving the response speed of flow channel switching. Furthermore, the design of the weight-reducing chamber 19 can also reduce vibration and noise during valve core rotation to a certain extent, further improving the operating performance of the equipment.

[0046] Combination Figure 1-5 As shown, the detachable pipe fitting 8 includes three connecting pipe sleeves 20 disposed inside the valve body 1, and the external threads of the connecting pipe sleeves 20 are screwed into the internal threads of the valve body 1.

[0047] In this embodiment, the connecting sleeve 20 of the detachable pipe fitting 8 is connected to the valve body 1 by a threaded connection. The external thread of the connecting sleeve 20 and the internal thread of the valve body 1 are precision machined so that they can fit tightly together. During installation, the connection can be completed simply by screwing the connecting sleeve 20 into the valve body 1. During disassembly, the connecting sleeve 20 can be easily removed from the valve body 1 by rotating it in the opposite direction.

[0048] Combination Figure 2-3 As shown, a leak-proof sleeve 21 and a sealing ring 22 are provided between the connecting sleeve 20 and the ball valve core 5.

[0049] In this embodiment, the leak-proof sleeve 21 and the sealing ring 22 installed between the connecting sleeve 20 and the ball valve core 5 together constitute a multi-layer sealing protection system. The leak-proof sleeve 21 mainly plays the role of initially blocking oil leakage. Its material and structure can effectively prevent oil from seeping out from the gap between the connecting sleeve 20 and the ball valve core 5. The sealing ring 22 further enhances the sealing effect. Its elastic material can tightly fit the surface of the connecting sleeve 20 and the ball valve core 5, filling the tiny gaps and ensuring that oil will not leak from this part. The double protection of the leak-proof sleeve 21 and the sealing ring 22 can effectively avoid hydraulic system pressure loss and environmental pollution caused by leakage, and greatly improve the reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0050] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0051] Main channel working state: When the operator turns the handle adjustment component 7, the handle 12 drives the ball valve core 5 to rotate through the rotating shaft body 13 and the plug 14. When the through flow channel 9 is accurately aligned and connected with the first port 2 and the second port 3, the main channel is formed. At this time, the oil can flow directly from the first port 2 by the system pressure, and flow out from the second port 3 through the straight path of the through flow channel 9. This state is suitable for working conditions that require a large flow rate and have no diversion requirements, such as the rapid oil return process of the hydraulic system, which can ensure efficient oil transmission.

[0052] Branch channel working state: Continue to rotate the handle adjustment component 7, the ball valve core 5 rotates further until the branch channel 10 is connected to the first port 2, and at the same time, one opening of the through channel 9 is connected to the third port 4, thus forming a branch channel. After the oil flows in from the first port 2, part of it flows to the third port 4 through the branch channel 10, and the other part continues to flow through the through channel 9, realizing the diversion and transmission of oil. In the branch channel state, the V-shaped concave surface 11 at the bottom of the branch channel 10 plays a core role. Since the gap of the V-shaped concave surface 11 gradually increases from near to far from the center of the ball valve core 5, when the oil flows through this area, its flow rate and pressure will smoothly transition with the change of the channel, effectively buffering the pressure change, like a "soft start" effect, avoiding the generation of hydraulic shock.

[0053] Flow channel switching process: During the process of rotating the ball valve core 5 to switch the flow channel, the planar structure of the traditional return oil tee will cause the oil flow rate to change instantaneously due to the sudden connection or disconnection of the oil circuit, thereby triggering a strong water hammer effect and hydraulic shock. However, in this invention, the gradual opening characteristic of the V-shaped concave surface 11 allows the oil flow rate to change gradually. For example, when switching from the main channel to the branch channel, as the ball valve core 5 rotates, the oil first contacts the narrower end of the V-shaped concave surface 11. At this time, the degree of oil diversion is small. As the valve core continues to rotate, the gap of the V-shaped concave surface 11 gradually increases, and the oil diversion ratio also gradually increases. Throughout the process, the changes in oil flow rate and pressure are continuous and gradual. At the same time, the smooth slope of the V-shaped concave surface 11 can guide the oil to flow smoothly, reduce the generation of eddies and turbulence, and avoid the occurrence of local vacuum (cavitation phenomenon), which greatly improves the stability and reliability of the system during the flow channel switching process and meets the application requirements of high noise and reliability.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Although this document frequently uses terms such as valve body 1, first port 2, second port 3, third port 4, ball valve core 5, buffered flow channel switching structure 6, handle adjustment component 7, detachable pipe port component 8, through-flow channel 9, branch channel 10, V-shaped recessed surface 11, handle 12, rotating shaft 13, plug 14, insert block 15, strip groove 16, limiting stop plate 17, locking plate 18, weight reduction chamber 19, connecting pipe sleeve 20, leak-proof sleeve 21, sealing ring 22, etc., the possibility of using other terms is not excluded. The use of these terms is merely for the convenience of describing and explaining the essence of this utility model; interpreting them as any additional limitation would contradict the spirit of this utility model.

Claims

1. A return oil tee, comprising a valve body (1), wherein the valve body (1) has a first port (2), a second port (3), and a third port (4), wherein the first port (2) and the second port (3) are arranged opposite each other, characterized in that, The valve body (1) is provided with a rotatable spherical valve core (5), and the spherical valve core (5) is provided with a buffered flow channel switching structure (6). The first port (2), the second port (3) and the third port (4) are positioned and matched with the buffered flow channel switching structure (6). The valve body (1) is provided with a handle adjustment component (7) that is engaged with the spherical valve core (5) and is rotatable. The valve body (1) is also provided with three detachable pipe fittings (8). The first port (2), the second port (3) and the third port (4) correspond to one detachable pipe fitting (8) respectively.

2. The return tee according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffered flow channel switching structure (6) includes a through flow channel (9) and a branch flow channel (10) disposed in the ball valve core (5), and the bottom of the branch flow channel (10) has a downwardly recessed V-shaped concave surface (11).

3. The return tee according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gap of the V-shaped concave surface (11) gradually increases from the center of the ball valve core (5) to the center of the ball valve core (5).

4. The return tee according to claim 3, characterized in that, The centerline of the through-flow channel (9) is perpendicular to the centerline of the branch channel (10).

5. The return tee according to claim 4, characterized in that, The handle adjustment component (7) includes a handle (12) disposed on the valve body (1), the bottom of the handle (12) is provided with an extension extending into the rotating shaft (13), and the bottom of the rotating shaft (13) is provided with a plug (14) that engages with the ball valve core (5).

6. The return tee according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plug (14) includes a plug (15) disposed at the bottom of the rotating shaft (13), and the top of the spherical valve core (5) is provided with a strip groove (16). The plug (15) is inserted into the strip groove (16) and engages with the strip groove (16).

7. The return tee according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The valve body (1) is provided with a limiting plate (17), and the handle (12) is provided with two locking plates (18). The locking plates (18) are positioned opposite to the limiting plate (17), and the two locking plates (18) are distributed at right angles.

8. The return tee according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ball valve core (5) has a weight-reducing chamber (19) at its bottom, and the opening of the weight-reducing chamber (19) faces downward.

9. The return tee according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable port component (8) includes three connecting sleeves (20) disposed inside the valve body (1), and the external threads of the connecting sleeves (20) are screwed into the internal threads of the valve body (1).

10. The return tee according to claim 9, characterized in that, A leak-proof sleeve (21) and a sealing ring (22) are provided between the connecting sleeve (20) and the ball valve core (5).