Six-way pipe fitting and six-way valve and timing irrigation device using same

CN224665367UActive Publication Date: 2026-08-21NINGBO HANCI ELECTRICAL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522251315.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-10-24
Publication Date
2026-08-21
Estimated Expiration
2035-10-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

这不仅对定时器与水龙头之间的连接稳定性提出更高要求,容易影响长期使用的可靠性

Benefits of technology

[0009] This invention, by installing six solenoid valves on the same side of an integrated six-way pipe fitting, makes the connection between each solenoid valve and the six-way pipe fitting more centralized and orderly, significantly reducing pipe crossing and installation interference problems caused by cross-plane layout. This structure ensures that the overall arrangement of the solenoid valves is consistent, facilitating electrical wiring and maintenance, and improving the operability of installation and the neatness of the appearance.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses six -way pipe fittings and the six -way valve and timing irrigation device of application thereof, wherein six -way pipe fittings includes water inlet pipe, water outlet pipe spare and water outlet joint, one end of water inlet pipe is equipped with water inlet joint, and the other end is sealed, six water outlet pipe spares are along the axial symmetry of water inlet pipe and are evenly distributed in the both sides of water inlet pipe, and the same side of each water outlet pipe spare has the installation part for installing solenoid valve, six water outlet joints are connected with six water outlet pipe spares respectively, and each water outlet joint is communicated with water inlet pipe through the inner chamber of its corresponding water outlet pipe spare, and water inlet pipe, water outlet pipe spare and water outlet joint are integrally formed structure. The utility model provides a kind of six -way pipe fittings, by installing six solenoid valves on integral six -way pipe fittings same side, realize compact structure, arrangement neat, to facilitate horizontal installation, and with integral forming instead of two four -way superposition structure, significantly reduce processing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connecting pipe technology, and more specifically, to a six-way pipe fitting and a six-way valve and a timed irrigation device using the same. Background Technology

[0002] An irrigation timer is a device used to automatically control the flow of water for timed irrigation. These devices are typically installed on faucets and contain a control circuit and a solenoid valve. Users can set time parameters in the control circuit to automatically open or close the solenoid valve at predetermined times, thus achieving automated irrigation control. Existing irrigation timers are often used in conjunction with multi-pipe systems to accommodate the simultaneous irrigation needs of multiple water pipes.

[0003] In large-area irrigation scenarios, multi-port branch structures are often used to improve irrigation efficiency. For example, some devices use a combination of four-way connectors to form a "one-outlet-six-way" flow channel structure, with multiple solenoid valves enabling independent control of each branch. However, in such structures, the solenoid valve positions often overlap at the two interconnecting four-way connectors, leading to a compact local layout, installation difficulties, and redundant solenoid valve functions or unreasonable pipeline allocation, resulting in resource waste and uneven flow.

[0004] Furthermore, most existing irrigation timers are installed vertically, meaning they are arranged vertically along the direction of the faucet's water flow. When multiple water pipes are connected, each branch pipe is easily subjected to external forces such as pulling and swaying during irrigation, causing the timer to shake or shift. This not only places higher demands on the stability of the connection between the timer and the faucet but also easily affects the reliability of long-term use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This utility model aims to solve one of the technical problems in related technologies to a certain extent. To this end, the embodiments of this utility model propose a six-way pipe fitting, which achieves a compact structure and regular arrangement by installing six solenoid valves on the same side of an integrated six-way pipe fitting, so as to facilitate horizontal installation. Furthermore, the integral molding replaces the stacked structure of two four-way fittings, significantly reducing the complexity of processing and assembly and the manufacturing cost.

[0006] This utility model embodiment also proposes a six-way valve having the above-mentioned six-way fittings.

[0007] This utility model embodiment also proposes a timed irrigation device having the above-mentioned six-way pipe fitting.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is: to provide a six-way pipe fitting, including an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe fitting and an outlet connector; One end of the water inlet pipe is equipped with a water inlet connector, and the other end is sealed. The six outlet pipe fittings are symmetrically and evenly distributed on both sides of the inlet pipe along the axial direction of the inlet pipe. Each outlet pipe fitting has a mounting part on the same side for mounting a solenoid valve. The six water outlet connectors are respectively connected to the six water outlet fittings, and each water outlet connector is connected to the water inlet pipe through the inner cavity of its corresponding water outlet fitting. The inlet pipe, outlet pipe fittings, and outlet connector are integrally molded structures.

[0009] This invention, by installing six solenoid valves on the same side of an integrated six-way pipe fitting, makes the connection between each solenoid valve and the six-way pipe fitting more centralized and orderly, significantly reducing pipe crossing and installation interference problems caused by cross-plane layout. This structure ensures that the overall arrangement of the solenoid valves is consistent, facilitating electrical wiring and maintenance, and improving the operability of installation and the neatness of the appearance.

[0010] When this device is installed horizontally, the six-way fitting can be attached to the ground, and all six solenoid valves are arranged along the same plane, which can effectively avoid the solenoid valves pulling on the pipeline, ensure the stable operation of the solenoid valves, and facilitate the modular integration and horizontal expansion of the overall equipment.

[0011] Furthermore, the six-way fitting of this invention features an integral, one-piece structure. Compared to the existing technology that achieves six-way functionality through the stacking of two four-way valves or two four-way fittings, this significantly reduces the number of fittings and sealing interfaces, lowering the complexity of processing and assembly. This design not only improves the airtightness and operational stability of the system but also offers significant economic advantages in terms of material consumption, processing steps, assembly labor, and maintenance costs. It effectively reduces the overall manufacturing cost and enhances the product's market competitiveness.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the inner opening of the water outlet fitting is provided with an annular groove, and the annular groove is located at the center of the mounting part. This annular groove is used to install a sealing ring, providing a reliable sealing fit area between the solenoid valve and the water outlet fitting, thereby improving the sealing performance at the interface and preventing leakage.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the axial direction of the six water outlet connectors is perpendicular to the axial direction of the water inlet pipe, and the water outlet connectors are located on the side away from the water inlet pipe.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this utility model, when the solenoid valve is installed in the mounting part, the solenoid valve seals the annular groove. Sealing is achieved by directly pressing the sealing ring within the annular groove with the solenoid valve, thus improving assembly efficiency.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water outlet fitting is provided with an extension pipe, which extends from the bottom of the inner cavity of the water outlet fitting toward the mounting part.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the water outlet connector is connected to the extension pipe, and the solenoid valve is used to control the opening and closing of the extension pipe. This structure allows the solenoid valve to directly control the water flow interruption position, resulting in a more sensitive response and lower flow resistance, thereby improving the water outlet response speed and control accuracy.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this utility model, a connecting part is provided between two adjacent water outlet pipe fittings, and the connecting part is integrally formed with the water outlet pipe fittings. By connecting adjacent water outlet pipe fittings through the connecting part, it can act as a reinforcing rib, enhance the overall support effect between the water outlet pipe fittings, and thus effectively improve the structural strength and stability of the entire six-way pipe fitting.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the surface of the connecting part is uniformly provided with material-reducing grooves, and the extending direction of the connecting part is parallel to the axial direction of the water inlet pipe. By providing material-reducing grooves on the connecting part, the wall thickness distribution of the connecting part can be made more uniform, thereby effectively reducing the internal stress during the injection molding process. At the same time, this structure can also reduce material usage, lower production costs, and has good economic efficiency and structural optimization effects.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a six-way valve is provided, comprising six solenoid valves and a six-way fitting as described in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the six solenoid valves are respectively installed on corresponding mounting portions of the six-way fitting. This design enables modular installation of multi-way solenoid valves, facilitating unified assembly and maintenance, and allowing each branch to be controlled independently, making it suitable for large-area automatic irrigation systems.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the solenoid valve includes a flange portion for sealing the annular groove of a six-way pipe fitting. This flange structure further enhances the sealing fit between the solenoid valve and the pipe fitting, avoids leakage problems during high-pressure operation, and improves system stability.

[0021] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the solenoid valve is fixed to the mounting part of the six-way pipe fitting by fasteners. The fastener installation method allows for quick assembly and disassembly of the solenoid valve, facilitating later maintenance and replacement, and enhancing assembly flexibility and operational reliability.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a timed irrigation device is provided, comprising a circuit board, six solenoid valves, and a six-way pipe fitting as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the six solenoid valves are respectively installed on corresponding mounting portions of the six-way pipe fitting, and the circuit board is used to control the opening and closing of the solenoid valves. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the six-way pipe fitting in the embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the six-way pipe fitting in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a half-sectional perspective view of the six-way pipe fitting in the embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a top view of the six-way pipe fitting in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along the BB line.

[0030] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the six-way valve in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the six-way valve in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0032] Explanation of the labels in the diagram: 10. Six-way pipe fitting; 20. Solenoid valve; 30. Connecting nut; 40. Fastener; 11. Inlet pipe; 12. Outlet pipe fitting; 13. Outlet connector; 14. Connecting part; 11a. Water inlet connector; 11b. Water inlet hole; 12a. Mounting section; 12b. Annular groove; 12c. Extension tube; 14a. Material reducing trough; 21. Flange section. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. Example 1

[0034] like Figures 1-8 As shown in the figure, a six-way pipe fitting 10 is disclosed in this embodiment, which includes an inlet pipe 11, an outlet pipe fitting 12, and an outlet connector 13. One end of the inlet pipe 11 is provided with an inlet connector 11a for connecting to a water source, and the other end is a sealed structure to prevent liquid from flowing out or leaking. The inlet pipe 11 is a one-piece molded structure, ensuring a smooth internal channel and low fluid resistance, while improving the overall strength and sealing reliability of the fitting.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, six outlet pipe fittings 12 are symmetrically and evenly distributed along the axial direction of the inlet pipe 11, meaning that three outlet pipe fittings 12 are evenly spaced on both sides of the inlet pipe 11. The inlet pipe 11 and the outlet pipe fittings 12 share a side wall, and this side wall is provided with an inlet hole 11b. The outlet pipe fittings 12 are connected to the inlet pipe 11 through the inlet hole 11b. Each outlet pipe fitting 12 has a mounting part 12a on the same side for mounting a solenoid valve 20. That is, the six-way pipe fitting 10 is generally plate-shaped, with upper and lower sides. The upper side of each of the six outlet pipe fittings 12 is provided with a mounting part 12a, and the lower surface is flush. The interior of the outlet pipe fitting 12 is hollow, forming an inner cavity. Its inner cavity is connected to the inlet pipe 11 through the inlet hole 11b, forming a flow channel. The mounting part 12a of each outlet pipe fitting 12 is designed as a protruding or flat platform structure, which can fix the solenoid valve 20 and ensure the airtightness and stability between the solenoid valve 20 and the pipe fitting. Six water outlet connectors 13 are connected to corresponding water outlet fittings 12 to form water outlet passages. The water outlet connectors 13 are connected to the water inlet pipe 11 through the inner cavity of the water outlet fitting 12, realizing fluid conduction between the water inlet and each water outlet fitting 12. The water inlet pipe 11, water outlet fittings 12 and water outlet connectors 13 are integrally molded structures, thereby avoiding problems such as poor sealing, leakage or installation deviation caused by assembling multiple parts.

[0036] Furthermore, combined Figure 3 As shown, six outlet connectors 13 are connected to corresponding outlet pipe fittings 12, with their axial direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the inlet pipe 11. The outlet connectors 13 are located on the side away from the inlet pipe 11, thus forming a lateral water outlet structure. This arrangement provides ample space for the installation of the solenoid valve 20. The inner cavity of the outlet connector 13 communicates with the inner cavity of the outlet pipe fitting 12, ensuring unobstructed fluid flow. Quick-connect interfaces or threaded connections can be installed at the ends according to irrigation needs to facilitate pipeline installation and maintenance.

[0037] Furthermore, combining Figure 5As shown, to enhance the overall strength of the six-way fitting 10, a connecting part 14 is provided between two adjacent outlet fittings 12, and the connecting part 14 is integrally formed with the outlet fitting 12. The connecting part 14 has a strip-shaped or plate-shaped structure, which fixes the adjacent outlet fittings 12 together, acts as a reinforcing rib, improves the support performance between the outlet fittings 12, and ensures the stability and structural strength of the six-way fitting 10 under liquid flow and external force.

[0038] Furthermore, the surface of the connecting portion 14 is uniformly provided with material reduction grooves 14a, and the extending direction of the connecting portion 14 is parallel to the axial direction of the water inlet pipe 11. The material reduction grooves 14a can evenly distribute the wall thickness of the connecting portion 14, reduce the internal stress generated during injection molding, and reduce material consumption, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The distribution design of the material reduction grooves 14a can be multiple parallel grooves or annular grooves, which can be optimized according to mold processing and fluid dynamics requirements to balance structural strength and economy.

[0039] Furthermore, combined Figure 4 As shown, each outlet pipe fitting 12 has an annular groove 12b at its inner opening. The annular groove 12b is located at the center of the mounting part 12a and is used to install the sealing ring. When the solenoid valve 20 is installed on the mounting part 12a, its flange 21 directly presses against the sealing ring on the annular groove 12b to achieve a reliable seal, prevent liquid leakage, and ensure the independent control accuracy of each branch.

[0040] Furthermore, combining Figures 3-4 As shown, the outlet pipe fitting 12 has an extension pipe 12c inside. The extension pipe 12c extends from the bottom of the inner cavity of the outlet pipe fitting 12 towards the mounting part 12a and communicates with the outlet connector 13. The solenoid valve 20 controls the opening and closing of the extension pipe 12c to regulate the flow of water. The extension pipe 12c can be designed as a straight-through type or a micro-conical type to optimize flow distribution, reduce fluid resistance, thereby ensuring uniform irrigation water flow, rapid response, and improving the overall control accuracy of the system.

[0041] Furthermore, all six solenoid valves 20 are installed on the same side of the six-way fitting 10, forming a centralized arrangement. When installed horizontally, the six-way fitting 10 can be attached to the ground, and the solenoid valves 20 are arranged along the same plane, improving system stability and facilitating electrical wiring, maintenance, and overall modular integration.

[0042] Furthermore, to ensure reliable fixation of the solenoid valves 20, each solenoid valve 20 is mounted on the mounting portion 12a of the outlet pipe fitting 12 using fasteners 40. The fasteners 40 can be bolts, nuts, or snap-fit ​​structures, ensuring the stability of the solenoid valves 20 during operation while facilitating disassembly, maintenance, and replacement.

[0043] Combination Figures 7-8As shown, in another embodiment, a six-way valve is disclosed, including six solenoid valves 20 and the six-way fitting 10 in the aforementioned embodiment, wherein the six solenoid valves 20 are respectively installed on the corresponding mounting portions 12a of the six-way fitting 10.

[0044] Furthermore, the solenoid valve 20 includes a flange 21, which mates with the annular groove 12b of the six-way fitting 10 to form a seal. The solenoid valve 20 is fixed to the mounting portion 12a of the six-way fitting 10 by fasteners 40. The fasteners 40 are bolts. A connecting nut 30 is rotatably mounted on the inlet connector 11a, which can rotate relative to the inlet connector 11a for threaded connection to an external pipeline or water source.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the six-way valve also includes a housing (not shown in the figure), with the six-way fitting 10 and the solenoid valve 20 both located inside the housing, and the inlet connector 11a and outlet connector 13 of the six-way fitting 10 extending to the outside of the housing. When the six-way valve is installed horizontally, the inlet connector 11a is connected to an external water source via a water pipe; the six-way valve can be placed on the ground, with the bottom of the housing attached to the ground. The housing has upper and lower sides and front, back, left, and right sides, with the inlet connector 11a located on one of the front, back, left, right, or center sides, and the outlet connectors 13 located on the two sides opposite to the inlet connector 11a. For example, when the inlet connector 11a is located on the front side, three outlet connectors 13 are provided on each of the left and right sides of the housing, so that the six outlet connectors 13 are arranged along the same plane, which facilitates horizontal arrangement and pipeline distribution, while ensuring the convenience of installation and maintenance operations.

[0046] In other embodiments, a timed irrigation device is provided, comprising a circuit board, six solenoid valves 20, and a six-way pipe fitting 10 as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the six solenoid valves 20 are respectively mounted on corresponding mounting portions 12a of the six-way pipe fitting 10. The circuit board is disposed in a control module inside or outside the device and is electrically connected to the six solenoid valves 20 for controlling the opening and closing of each solenoid valve 20 according to a preset time or a user-defined program, thereby realizing the timed on / off switching of water flow.

[0047] Furthermore, the combined module consisting of the six-way fitting 10 and the solenoid valve 20 is connected to the water source via the inlet pipe 11 and the outlet connector 13 is connected to each branch pipe. The circuit board can simultaneously or independently control each solenoid valve 20, ensuring precise control of the irrigation time and flow rate of each outlet branch. This arrangement realizes automated control of multi-channel irrigation, is easy to operate, and is convenient for horizontal installation and modular integration.

[0048] Furthermore, the circuit board can include functional modules such as a microprocessor, a timing control unit, a display interface, and button settings. Different irrigation times, intervals, and cycles can be programmed to control the six solenoid valves 20 to operate sequentially or simultaneously. This is conventional technology and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0049] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0050] 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, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; 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.

[0051] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact through 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. "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.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A six-way pipe fitting, characterized in that: Includes inlet pipe, outlet pipe fittings, and outlet connector; One end of the water inlet pipe is equipped with a water inlet connector, and the other end is sealed. The six outlet pipe fittings are symmetrically and evenly distributed on both sides of the inlet pipe along the axial direction of the inlet pipe. Each outlet pipe fitting has a mounting part on the same side for mounting a solenoid valve. The six water outlet connectors are respectively connected to the six water outlet fittings, and each water outlet connector is connected to the water inlet pipe through the inner cavity of its corresponding water outlet fitting. The inlet pipe, outlet pipe fittings, and outlet connector are integrally molded structures.

2. A six-way pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner opening of the water outlet pipe fitting is provided with an annular groove, and the annular groove is located at the center of the mounting part; or The six outlet connectors are axially perpendicular to the inlet pipe, and the outlet connectors are located on the side away from the inlet pipe.

3. A six-way pipe fitting according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the solenoid valve is installed in the mounting part, the solenoid valve seals the annular groove.

4. A six-way pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water outlet fitting is provided with an extension pipe, which extends from the bottom of the inner cavity of the water outlet fitting toward the mounting part.

5. A six-way pipe fitting according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water outlet connector is connected to the extension pipe, and the solenoid valve is used to control the opening and closing of the extension pipe.

6. A six-way pipe fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting part is provided between two adjacent water outlet pipe fittings, and the connecting part is integrally formed with the water outlet pipe fitting.

7. A six-way pipe fitting according to claim 6, characterized in that: The surface of the connecting part is uniformly provided with material reduction grooves, and the extension direction of the connecting part is parallel to the axial direction of the water inlet pipe.

8. A six-way valve, characterized in that: It includes six solenoid valves and a six-way fitting as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the six solenoid valves are respectively mounted on corresponding mounting portions of the six-way fitting.

9. A six-way valve according to claim 8, characterized in that: The solenoid valve includes a flange portion for sealing the annular groove of the six-way fitting; or The solenoid valve is fixed to the mounting part of the six-way fitting by fasteners; or The six-way valve also includes a housing, and the six-way fitting and the solenoid valve are all located inside the housing, with the inlet and outlet connectors on the six-way fitting extending outside the housing.

10. A timed irrigation device, characterized in that: The device includes a circuit board, six solenoid valves, and a six-way pipe fitting as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the six solenoid valves are respectively mounted on corresponding mounting portions of the six-way pipe fitting, and the circuit board is used to control the opening and closing of the solenoid valves.