Memory metal hydrophobic valve

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of memory metal hydrophobic valve, it includes valve cover, valve body, lifting assembly and switch assembly;First flow passage and second flow passage are equipped on the valve cover;The valve cover is located on the valve body, first space is formed between the valve cover and the valve body, the first flow passage and the second flow passage are all communicated with the first space;One end of the lifting assembly is inserted in the first space;The switch assembly includes plugging structure and the memory metal sheet with the outer contour of C letter type, one end of the memory metal sheet is connected with the moving end of the lifting assembly, the other end of the memory metal sheet is connected with the plugging structure, the memory metal sheet is used to drive plugging structure to control the communication state of the second flow passage, the lifting assembly is used to drive the switch assembly lifting movement.The utility model solves the problem that the reset accuracy of traditional thermal static type (such as bimetallic strip) hydrophobic valve is limited by material fatigue or temperature fluctuation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of steam trap technology, and more specifically, to a shape memory metal steam trap. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial steam systems, steam traps play a crucial role. Their main function is to automatically and efficiently remove condensate and non-condensable gases (such as air) generated in equipment such as pipes, heat exchangers, and steam tracing lines, while minimizing the leakage of valuable steam. This ensures efficient system operation, reduces energy consumption, prevents water hammer, and protects equipment safety.

[0003] However, traditional thermostatic (such as bimetallic) steam traps suffer from limitations in reset accuracy due to material fatigue or temperature fluctuations. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, in order to solve the problem that the reset accuracy of traditional thermostatic (such as bimetallic) steam traps is limited by material fatigue or temperature fluctuations, this utility model provides a shape memory metal steam trap, the specific technical solution of which is as follows:

[0005] A shape memory metal steam trap, including

[0006] A valve cover, wherein the valve cover is provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel;

[0007] The valve body has a valve cover disposed on it, and a first space is formed between the valve cover and the valve body. The first flow channel and the second flow channel are both connected to the first space.

[0008] A lifting assembly, one end of which is inserted into the first space;

[0009] A switching assembly includes a sealing structure and a shape memory metal sheet with a C-shaped outer contour. One end of the shape memory metal sheet is connected to the moving end of the lifting assembly, and the other end of the shape memory metal sheet is connected to the sealing structure. The shape memory metal sheet is used to drive the sealing structure to control the connection state of the second flow channel, and the lifting assembly is used to drive the switching assembly to move up and down.

[0010] The aforementioned shape memory metal steam trap utilizes a C-shaped shape memory metal sheet as the direct-drive sealing structure in its switching assembly. This shape memory metal sheet is extremely sensitive to temperature changes. When the condensate temperature drops below its phase transition point, the C-shaped shape memory metal sheet deforms rapidly and significantly (e.g., opening or contracting), causing the sealing structure to deform quickly and promptly open the second flow channel to discharge condensate. When high-temperature steam arrives or the condensate temperature rises, the shape memory metal sheet quickly and reliably returns to its original shape, causing the sealing structure to tightly seal the second flow channel, effectively preventing steam leakage. This direct-drive mechanism based on the inherent properties of shape memory metal makes the opening and closing actions more sensitive and timely. By operating the lifting assembly, the entire switching assembly (including the shape memory metal sheet and the sealing structure) can be moved up and down. This up and down movement can slightly adjust the initial position or pre-tightening force of the sealing structure relative to the valve seat (second flow channel opening). This is crucial for compensating for manufacturing tolerances, wear on sealing surfaces after long-term use, or optimizing sealing performance and opening characteristics according to specific operating conditions (such as different pressure levels). It improves the valve's adaptability and long-term performance stability. Furthermore, the shape memory metal properties may undergo slight changes after long-term use, and the lifting adjustment provides a means of compensation. This shape memory metal steam trap solves the problem of traditional thermostatic (such as bimetallic strip) steam traps where the reset accuracy is limited by material fatigue or temperature fluctuations.

[0011] Furthermore, the shape memory metal steam trap also includes a shut-off valve, which is located on the valve cover and is used to control the connectivity of the first flow channel; a filter screen is also provided inside the first flow channel.

[0012] Furthermore, a first sleeve is provided within the first flow channel. The shut-off valve includes a valve body, a first threaded rod, a first bellows, and an abutment block with an arc-shaped outer contour. The valve body is disposed on the valve cover. One end of the first threaded rod is inserted into the valve body and threadedly connected to it. The other end of the first threaded rod inserted into the valve body is connected to the abutment block. The first bellows is sleeved on the first threaded rod. One end of the first bellows is connected to the abutment block, and the other end is connected to the valve body. The first threaded rod is used to control the abutment state between the abutment block and the first sleeve.

[0013] Furthermore, the lifting assembly also includes a second threaded rod, a sealing block, a second bellows, and a moving block; the sealing block is disposed on the valve body, the sealing block is sleeved on the second threaded rod, and one end of the second threaded rod extends through the valve body into the first space.

[0014] Furthermore, the second threaded rod is provided with a flange, the second bellows is sleeved on the second threaded rod, one end of the second bellows is connected to the flange, and the other end of the second bellows is connected to the sealing block; the second threaded rod is also provided with a sealing gasket, and the sealing gasket abuts against the sealing block.

[0015] Furthermore, the movable block is sleeved on the second threaded rod and threadedly connected to the second threaded rod.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealing structure includes a connecting rod and a sealing head; one end of the connecting rod is inserted into the moving block and slidably connected to the moving block, and the second threaded rod abuts against the connecting rod; one end of the memory metal sheet is connected to the moving block, and the other end of the memory metal sheet is connected to the connecting rod, and the memory metal sheet is used to drive the sealing head to control the communication state between the second flow channel and the first space. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention can be further understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; rather, the focus is on illustrating the principles of the embodiments. In different views, the same reference numerals designate corresponding parts.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a memory metal steam trap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a memory metal steam trap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA section view;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 BB cross-sectional view;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a memory metal steam trap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 1-Valve cover; 2-Valve body; 3-Lifting assembly; 31-Second threaded rod; 32-Sealing block; 33-Second bellows; 34-Flanged edge; 35-Moving block; 4-Switch assembly; 41-Blocking structure; 411-Connecting rod; 412-Blocking head; 42-Memory metal sheet; 5-First flow channel; 6-Second flow channel; 7-First space; 8-Stop valve; 81-Valve body; 82-First threaded rod; 83-First bellows; 84-Abutting block; 9-First sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with its embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the utility model and do not limit its scope of protection.

[0026] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] In this utility model, "first" and "second" do not represent a specific quantity or order, but are merely used to distinguish names.

[0029] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a memory metal steam trap according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a valve cover 1, a valve body 2, a lifting assembly 3, and a switching assembly 4. The valve cover 1 is provided with a first flow channel 5 and a second flow channel 6. The valve cover 1 is disposed on the valve body 2, and a first space 7 is formed between the valve cover 1 and the valve body 2. The first flow channel 5 and the second flow channel 6 are both connected to the first space 7. One end of the lifting assembly 3 is inserted into the first space 7. The switching assembly 4 includes a sealing structure 41 and a memory metal sheet 42 with a C-shaped outer contour. One end of the memory metal sheet 42 is connected to the moving end of the lifting assembly 3, and the other end of the memory metal sheet 42 is connected to the sealing structure 41. The memory metal sheet 42 is used to drive the sealing structure 41 to control the connection state of the second flow channel 6, and the lifting assembly 3 is used to drive the switching assembly 4 to move up and down.

[0030] The aforementioned shape memory metal steam trap utilizes a C-shaped shape memory metal sheet 42 in the switching assembly 4 to directly drive the sealing structure 41. This shape memory metal sheet 42 is extremely sensitive to temperature changes. When the condensate temperature drops below its phase transition point, the C-shaped shape memory metal sheet 42 can quickly and significantly deform (e.g., open or contract), causing the sealing structure 41 to deform rapidly and promptly open the second flow channel 6 to discharge condensate. When high-temperature steam arrives or the condensate temperature rises, the shape memory metal sheet 42 can quickly and reliably return to its original shape, causing the sealing structure 41 to tightly seal the second flow channel 6, effectively preventing steam leakage. This direct drive mechanism based on the inherent properties of shape memory metal makes the opening and closing actions more sensitive and timely. By operating the lifting assembly 3, the entire switching assembly 4 (including the shape memory metal sheet 42 and the sealing structure 41) can be moved up and down. This up and down movement can slightly adjust the initial position or pre-tightening force of the sealing structure 41 relative to the valve seat (the port of the second flow channel 6). This is crucial for compensating for manufacturing tolerances, wear on sealing surfaces after long-term use, or optimizing sealing performance and opening characteristics according to specific operating conditions (such as different pressure levels). It improves the valve's adaptability and long-term performance stability. Furthermore, the shape memory metal properties may undergo slight changes after long-term use, and the lifting adjustment provides a means of compensation. This shape memory metal steam trap solves the problem of traditional thermostatic (such as bimetallic strip) steam traps where the reset accuracy is limited by material fatigue or temperature fluctuations.

[0031] like Figures 1-5As shown, in one embodiment, the shape memory metal steam trap further includes a shut-off valve 8, which is disposed on the valve cover 1 and is used to control the connection state of the first flow channel 5. A filter screen is also provided in the first flow channel 5. A first sleeve 9 is provided in the first flow channel 5. The shut-off valve 8 includes a valve body 81, a first threaded rod 82, a first bellows 83, and an abutment block 84 with an arc-shaped outer contour. The valve body 81 is disposed on the valve cover 1. One end of the first threaded rod 82 is inserted into the valve body 81 and threadedly connected to the valve body 81. The end of the first threaded rod 82 inserted into the valve body 81 is connected to the abutment block 84. The first bellows 83 is sleeved on the first threaded rod 82. One end of the first bellows 83 is connected to the abutment block 84, and the other end of the first bellows 83 is connected to the valve body 81. The first threaded rod 82 is used to control the abutment state between the abutment block 84 and the first sleeve 9. Thus, by adding a shut-off valve 8 to the valve cover 1, its core function is to control the connectivity of the first flow channel 5. This allows the fluids (condensate and steam) entering the steam trap to be completely cut off without affecting the operation of the upstream main steam pipeline when the steam trap needs online maintenance, replacement of internal components (such as the filter screen, shape memory metal sheet 42, and sealing structure 41), or long-term shutdown. By rotating the first threaded rod 82 to drive the abutment block 84 to move, making it tightly abut against the first sleeve 9, the first flow channel 5 can be reliably closed. This design provides a key safety isolation means for valve maintenance and system operation, avoiding the risk of leakage of high-temperature and high-pressure media during maintenance, and significantly improving operational safety and convenience. The first bellows 83 itself forms a sealed chamber, completely isolating the rotating part of the first threaded rod 82 (located outside the valve body 81) from the pressure medium inside the valve body 81. The effective expansion and contraction deformation of the bellows allows the threaded rod to rotate while maintaining a reliable axial static seal, fundamentally eliminating the leakage problem (i.e., "stem leakage") commonly found in traditional gate valves. It is especially suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure steam environments.

[0032] like Figures 1-5As shown, in one embodiment, the lifting assembly 3 further includes a second threaded rod 31, a sealing block 32, a second bellows 33, and a moving block 35; the sealing block 32 is disposed on the valve body 2, and the sealing block 32 is sleeved on the second threaded rod 31, one end of the second threaded rod 31 extending through the valve body 2 into the first space 7; the second threaded rod 31 is provided with a flange 34, the second bellows 33 is sleeved on the second threaded rod 31, one end of the second bellows 33 is connected to the flange 34, and the other end of the second bellows 33 is connected to the sealing block 32; the second threaded rod 31 is also provided with a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket abuts against the sealing block 32; the movable block 35 is sleeved on the second threaded rod 31 and threadedly connected to the second threaded rod 31; the sealing structure 41 includes a connecting rod 411 and a sealing head 412; one end of the connecting rod 411 is inserted into the movable block 35 and slidably connected to the movable block 35, and the second threaded rod 31 abuts against the connecting rod 411; one end of the shape memory metal sheet 42 is connected to the movable block 35, and the other end of the shape memory metal sheet 42 is connected to the connecting rod 411, and the shape memory metal sheet 42 is used to drive the sealing head 412 to control the communication state between the second flow channel 6 and the first space 7. In this way, a completely sealed and expandable isolation barrier is established between the second bellows 33 and the high-pressure, high-temperature steam / condensate environment (first space 7) inside the valve, and the adjusting part of the second threaded rod 31 (located outside the valve body 2).

[0033] Working principle:

[0034] Temperature sensing and actuation:

[0035] The C-shaped memory metal sheet 42 in the switch assembly is the core temperature-sensing drive element.

[0036] Low-temperature drainage: When the temperature of the condensate drops below the phase transition point of the shape memory metal sheet 42, the shape memory metal sheet 42 undergoes significant deformation (such as opening or contracting). This deformation directly pulls or pushes the sealing structure 41 (sealing head), causing it to quickly move away from the second flow channel opening 6, thereby opening the second flow channel 6 and allowing the condensate to drain quickly.

[0037] High-temperature / steam seal: When high-temperature steam arrives or the condensate temperature rises, the shape memory metal sheet 42 returns to its original shape. This return action causes the sealing structure 41 (sealing head) to reset, tightly sealing the second flow channel opening 6 and effectively preventing steam leakage.

[0038] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0039] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shape memory metal steam trap, characterized in that, include: A valve cover, wherein the valve cover is provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel; The valve body has a valve cover disposed on it, and a first space is formed between the valve cover and the valve body. The first flow channel and the second flow channel are both connected to the first space. A lifting assembly, one end of which is inserted into the first space; A switching assembly includes a sealing structure and a shape memory metal sheet with a C-shaped outer contour. One end of the shape memory metal sheet is connected to the moving end of the lifting assembly, and the other end of the shape memory metal sheet is connected to the sealing structure. The shape memory metal sheet is used to drive the sealing structure to control the connection state of the second flow channel, and the lifting assembly is used to drive the switching assembly to move up and down.

2. The shape memory metal steam trap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape memory metal steam trap also includes a shut-off valve, which is located on the valve cover and is used to control the connectivity of the first flow channel; a filter screen is also provided in the first flow channel.

3. The shape memory metal steam trap according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first flow channel is provided with a first sleeve. The shut-off valve includes a valve body, a first threaded rod, a first bellows, and an abutment block with an arc-shaped outer contour. The valve body is disposed on the valve cover. One end of the first threaded rod is inserted into the valve body and threadedly connected to the valve body. The other end of the first threaded rod inserted into the valve body is connected to the abutment block. The first bellows is sleeved on the first threaded rod. One end of the first bellows is connected to the abutment block, and the other end of the first bellows is connected to the valve body. The first threaded rod is used to control the abutment state between the abutment block and the first sleeve.

4. The shape memory metal steam trap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting assembly also includes a second threaded rod, a sealing block, a second bellows, and a moving block; the sealing block is disposed on the valve body, the sealing block is sleeved on the second threaded rod, and one end of the second threaded rod extends through the valve body into the first space.

5. The shape memory metal steam trap according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second threaded rod is provided with a flange, and the second bellows is sleeved on the second threaded rod. One end of the second bellows is connected to the flange, and the other end of the second bellows is connected to the sealing block. The second threaded rod is also provided with a sealing gasket, and the sealing gasket abuts against the sealing block.

6. The shape memory metal steam trap according to claim 5, characterized in that, The movable block is sleeved on the second threaded rod and threadedly connected to the second threaded rod.

7. The shape memory metal steam trap according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing structure includes a connecting rod and a sealing head; one end of the connecting rod is inserted into the moving block and slidably connected to the moving block, and the second threaded rod abuts against the connecting rod; one end of the memory metal sheet is connected to the moving block, and the other end of the memory metal sheet is connected to the connecting rod, and the memory metal sheet is used to drive the sealing head to control the communication state between the second flow channel and the first space.

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