Valve device and pneumatic system

Abstract

The application relates to the field of pneumatic technology, and provides a valve device and a pneumatic system. The valve device comprises: a valve shell having a gas inlet and an exhaust port; a filter element having a porous structure, which is installed in a valve cavity of the valve shell and is located on a gas flow path from the gas inlet to the exhaust port; wherein the filter element is configured to diffuse and deliver the gas flow from the gas inlet to the exhaust port through the porous structure. In the valve device, the porous structure of the filter element reduces the gas flow speed and pressure fluctuation by diffusing the gas flow, thereby significantly reducing the exhaust noise. In addition, the porous structure provides high flow resistance, can prevent the reverse flow of ambient air, realizes the one-way conduction function, and plays a basic protection role. Therefore, the valve device can replace the traditional diaphragm type one-way valve, is used for exhaust treatment of the pneumatic system, realizes efficient noise reduction and reliable protection, and improves the working performance and safety of the pneumatic system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pneumatic technology, and more specifically, to valve devices and pneumatic systems. Background Technology

[0002] In pneumatic systems, diaphragm (or valve plate) check valves are typically installed at the exhaust port to control the exhaust process. The basic working principle of a diaphragm check valve is as follows: when the valve is pressurized, the diaphragm opens under the action of air pressure, allowing gas to be discharged; when the internal pressure decreases, the diaphragm closes under its own elasticity, preventing external foreign objects and air from flowing back in.

[0003] A typical drawback of diaphragm check valves is that the compressed gas pressure to be released in the pneumatic system is relatively high. When the high-speed airflow passes through the narrow channel of the diaphragm, it generates strong noise, affecting product performance and user experience.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a valve device and a pneumatic system that achieves efficient noise reduction and reliable protection through a filter element with a porous structure.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, a valve device is provided, comprising: a valve housing having a gas inlet and an exhaust port; and a filter element having a porous structure, installed in a valve cavity of the valve housing and located in an airflow path from the gas inlet to the exhaust port; wherein the filter element is configured to diffuse airflow from the gas inlet to the exhaust port through the porous structure.

[0007] In some embodiments, the porous structure is formed as a continuous and interconnected porous network in three-dimensional space.

[0008] In some embodiments, the filter element is formed as a sintered monolithic component.

[0009] In some embodiments, the filter element is an integral component made of polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or metal powder sintered together.

[0010] In some embodiments, the filter element is formed as a cup-shaped structure having an air inlet chamber communicating with the gas inlet, and the porous structure is distributed on the body of the cup-shaped structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the central axis of the air intake chamber coincides with the central axis of the filter element.

[0012] In some embodiments, the valve housing includes an inner valve housing component and a canister-shaped outer valve housing component. The inner valve housing component is provided with the gas inlet and an opening communicating with the gas inlet. The opening is located on a side opposite to the gas inlet and is used to insert the filter element. The inner valve housing component can be inserted into and connected to the outer valve housing component with the opening of the opening facing the bottom of the outer valve housing component, such that the filter element is held in the opening by the outer valve housing component.

[0013] In some embodiments, the exhaust ports are a plurality of exhaust ports spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the peripheral wall of the inner component of the valve housing, the peripheral wall of the outer component of the valve housing extends in the axial direction to externally shield the exhaust ports in the radial direction, and the peripheral wall of the outer component of the valve housing is spaced apart from the peripheral wall of the inner component of the valve housing to form an exhaust passage.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one set of anti-torsion connection structures is provided between the outer valve housing component and the inner valve housing component, wherein each set of anti-torsion connection structures includes an axially extending rib and a groove separately disposed on the peripheral wall of the inner valve housing component and the peripheral wall of the outer valve housing component, and the rib is inserted into the groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, the anti-torsion connection structure consists of two sets of anti-torsion connection structures that are symmetrical about the central axis of the valve device.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one set of locking connection structures is provided between the outer valve housing component and the inner valve housing component, wherein each set of locking connection structures includes a shoulder and a locking platform separately disposed on the peripheral wall of the inner valve housing component and the peripheral wall of the outer valve housing component, and in the locked state, the locking surface of the shoulder and the locking surface of the locking platform abut against each other in the axial direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the shoulder is formed as a structure that extends continuously in the circumferential direction, and the card platform is a plurality of card platforms that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the valve housing internal component has external threads for mounting the valve device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the valve device is formed as a one-way valve by means of the filter element, wherein compressed gas from the gas inlet can be diffused and delivered to the exhaust port through the porous structure of the filter element.

[0020] According to another aspect of this application, a pneumatic system is provided, the pneumatic system being equipped with a valve device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pneumatic system is a compressed air system for a vehicle.

[0022] In some embodiments, the pneumatic system is a pneumatic shifting actuator.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this application compared to the prior art include at least the following:

[0024] The valve housing, as the main structure, provides a gas inlet and an exhaust port, and forms a valve cavity for housing the filter element. The gas inlet receives compressed gas from the pneumatic system, and the exhaust port discharges the treated gas. The filter element is installed in the valve cavity and located in the airflow path. Its porous structure reduces airflow velocity and pressure fluctuations by diffusing the airflow, thereby significantly reducing exhaust noise. Specifically, compressed gas enters the valve cavity through the gas inlet and flows through the porous structure of the filter element; during this process, the airflow is diffused and buffered by the porous structure, forming a dispersed, stable, and low-noise airflow, which is then discharged from the exhaust port.

[0025] Furthermore, the porous structure provides high flow resistance, preventing backflow of ambient air, enabling unidirectional flow, and providing basic protection (IP protection). Therefore, the valve device of this application can replace traditional diaphragm-type check valves for exhaust treatment in pneumatic systems, achieving efficient noise reduction and reliable protection, and improving the performance and safety of the pneumatic system.

[0026] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This document shows a cross-sectional view of the valve device in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 2 This illustration shows a three-dimensional structural diagram of the filter element in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 This document shows a cross-sectional view of the filter element in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the internal components of the valve housing in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the internal components of the valve housing in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 6 This illustration shows a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve housing external component in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 7 This shows a cross-sectional structural diagram of the valve housing external component in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 Enlarged structural diagram of region A in the middle;

[0036] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the pneumatic shifting actuator in an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this application more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0038] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this application and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore, repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0039] In the description of this application, the term "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly and specifically defined. Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly specified and defined, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two elements.

[0040] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application and the features in different embodiments can be combined with each other. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the cross-sectional structure of the valve device in an embodiment of this application, with reference to... Figure 1 As shown, the valve device 800 provided in this embodiment may include:

[0042] The valve housing has a gas inlet 110 and an exhaust port 120;

[0043] The filter element 300 with a porous structure is installed in the valve cavity of the valve housing and is located in the airflow path from the gas inlet 110 to the exhaust port 120;

[0044] The filter element 300 is configured to diffuse and deliver airflow from the gas inlet 110 to the exhaust port 120 through a porous structure.

[0045] In the valve device 800 of this application, the valve housing serves as the main structure, providing a gas inlet 110 and an exhaust port 120, and forming a valve cavity for accommodating the filter element 300. The gas inlet 110 receives compressed gas from the pneumatic system, and the exhaust port 120 discharges the treated gas. The filter element 300 is installed in the valve cavity and located in the airflow path. Its porous structure reduces airflow velocity and pressure fluctuations by diffusing the airflow, thereby significantly reducing exhaust noise. Specifically, compressed gas enters the valve cavity from the gas inlet 110 and flows through the porous structure of the filter element 300; during this process, the airflow is diffused and buffered by the porous structure, forming a dispersed, stable, and low-noise airflow, which is then discharged from the exhaust port 120.

[0046] Furthermore, the porous structure provides high flow resistance, preventing backflow of ambient air, achieving one-way flow, and providing basic protection (IP protection). That is, through the filter element 300, the valve device 800 can be configured as a one-way valve, allowing compressed gas from the gas inlet 110 to be diffused and transported to the exhaust port 120 through the porous structure of the filter element 300, while ambient air cannot flow back into the filter element 300 due to the high flow resistance.

[0047] Therefore, the valve device 800 of this application can replace the traditional diaphragm check valve for exhaust treatment of pneumatic systems, achieving efficient noise reduction and reliable protection, and improving the working performance and safety of pneumatic systems.

[0048] In some embodiments, the porous structure is formed as a continuous and interconnected porous network in three-dimensional space to provide a uniform, multi-path airflow diffusion mode, ensuring that the airflow is evenly distributed in any direction and increasing the contact area with the airflow, so that the airflow is more fully diffused and buffered, thereby effectively reducing noise.

[0049] In some embodiments, the filter element 300 is formed as a sintered monolithic component to create a porous structure with uniformly distributed pores, achieving buffering and noise reduction, and possessing high mechanical strength to withstand high-pressure airflow. During the sintering process, parameters such as pore size (e.g., forming micron-sized pores) and shape can be precisely controlled to ensure the noise reduction effect and stability of the porous structure. Furthermore, the high flow resistance and micropores effectively block dust, particulate matter, and moisture from the external environment, improving the reliability of the valve device 800. Suitable materials such as polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or metal powder can be selected for sintering to form a monolithic filter element 300 with excellent noise reduction and protective functions.

[0050] Figure 2The diagram illustrates the three-dimensional structure of filter element 300. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the cross-sectional structure of filter element 300, combined with... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the filter element 300 is formed as a cup-shaped structure with an air inlet chamber 310 communicating with the gas inlet 110, and a porous structure is distributed on the body of the cup-shaped structure. The cup-shaped structure provides a larger surface area and air inlet chamber 310, increasing the contact area between the airflow and the porous structure. During operation, the air inlet chamber 310 guides the airflow into the interior of the filter element 300, and then the airflow is diffused in multiple directions through the porous structure distributed on the body of the cup-shaped structure, enhancing the buffering effect. Furthermore, the cup-shaped structure is compact and simple overall, with high strength, facilitating its use in the valve device 800.

[0051] In some embodiments, the central axis Z1 of the intake chamber 310 coincides with the central axis Z2 of the filter element 300, making the airflow diffusion path basically symmetrically distributed, ensuring uniform diffusion, and enhancing the structural strength of the filter element 300. In some embodiments, the intake chamber 310 and the gas inlet 110 are aligned in the axial direction Z, and the inner diameter of the intake chamber 310 can be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the gas inlet 110 to improve gas flow efficiency, allowing the airflow to enter the intake chamber 310 smoothly and ensuring uniform diffusion.

[0052] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the three-dimensional structure of the internal components of the valve housing. Figure 5 The diagram shows the cross-sectional structure of the internal components of the valve housing. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the three-dimensional structure of the external components of the valve housing. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the cross-sectional structure of the external components of the valve housing; combined with... Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the valve housing includes an inner valve housing component 100 and a canister-shaped outer valve housing component 200. The inner valve housing component 100 is provided with a gas inlet 110 and an opening 130 communicating with the gas inlet 110. The opening 130 is open on the side opposite to the gas inlet 110, and the filter element 300 is inserted into the opening 130. The inner valve housing component 100 can be inserted into and connected to the outer valve housing component 200 with the opening of the opening 130 facing the bottom of the outer valve housing component 200, so that the filter element 300 is held in the opening 130 by the outer valve housing component 200. The outer valve housing component 200 mates with the end face 130' of the opening 130, thus defining the valve cavity. The separate design of the inner valve housing component 100 and the outer valve housing component 200 facilitates the installation, replacement, and maintenance of the filter element 300. In other embodiments, the valve housing can also be formed as a single integral component.

[0053] In some embodiments, the exhaust ports 120 are a plurality of exhaust ports spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the peripheral wall of the inner valve housing component 100, forming a more uniform exhaust channel on the peripheral wall of the inner valve housing component 100, reducing local noise and vibration, and improving exhaust efficiency. Further, the peripheral wall of the outer valve housing component 200 extends axially in the Z direction to externally shield the exhaust ports 120 in the radial direction X, and the peripheral wall of the outer valve housing component 200 is spaced apart from the peripheral wall of the inner valve housing component 100 to form an exhaust channel 120'. The exhaust channel 120' can be formed as an annular structure. Using the exhaust channel 120', the airflow is further buffered and diffused before discharge, optimizing the airflow direction and smoothness, and reducing direct exhaust noise. Furthermore, the peripheral wall of the outer valve housing component 200 shielding the exhaust ports 120 provides additional protection against the ingress of foreign objects.

[0054] In some embodiments, at least one set of anti-torsion connection structures is provided between the outer valve housing component 200 and the inner valve housing component 100. Each set of anti-torsion connection structures includes an axially extending rib 240 and a groove 140 separately disposed on the peripheral wall of the inner valve housing component 100 and the peripheral wall of the outer valve housing component 200, respectively, with the rib 240 inserted into the groove 140. The rib 240 may be disposed on the outer valve housing component 200, and correspondingly, the groove 140 may be disposed on the inner valve housing component 100; or, the rib 240 may be disposed on the inner valve housing component 100, and correspondingly, the groove 140 may be disposed on the outer valve housing component 200. The anti-torsion connection structure prevents relative rotation between the outer valve housing component 200 and the inner valve housing component 100, ensuring that they maintain a fixed relative position during assembly and use, protecting the internal filter element 300 from torsional damage, and maintaining the overall structural stability and reliability of the valve device 800.

[0055] In some embodiments, the anti-torsion connection structure includes two sets of anti-torsion connection structures symmetrical about the central axis of the valve device to provide balanced torsional force, ensuring that the outer valve housing component 200 and the inner valve housing component 100 are subjected to uniform force and avoiding deformation. In other embodiments, the anti-torsion connection structure may also be configured as multiple sets evenly or unevenly distributed along the circumference.

[0056] Figure 8 Indicate Figure 7 The magnified structure of region A in the middle, combined with Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 8As shown, in some embodiments, at least one set of locking connection structures is provided between the outer valve housing component 200 and the inner valve housing component 100. Each set of locking connection structures includes a shoulder 150 and a locking platform 250 separately disposed on the peripheral wall of the inner valve housing component 100 and the peripheral wall of the outer valve housing component 200. In the locked state, the locking surface 150' of the shoulder 150 and the locking surface 250' of the locking platform 250 abut against each other in the axial direction Z. During assembly, the anti-torsional connection structures of the outer valve housing component 200 and the inner valve housing component 100 are aligned. As the outer valve housing component 200 moves in the axial direction Z, the locking platform 250 slides over the shoulder 150 and locks, forming a strong axial locking structure. This achieves a quick and reliable connection between the outer valve housing component 200 and the inner valve housing component 100 and prevents them from separating under external force or air pressure.

[0057] In some embodiments, the shoulder 150 is formed as a structure that extends continuously in the circumferential direction, for example, as two semi-circular rings, to provide a continuous locking surface 150', reducing manufacturing precision requirements, ensuring multi-point circumferential locking, and preventing local failure. The locking table 250 consists of multiple locking tables spaced apart in the circumferential direction, which facilitate slight elastic deformation of the locking table 250 during assembly to engage with the locking surface 150' of the shoulder 150.

[0058] Both the shoulder 150 and the locking platform 250 can be formed as protruding structures. The shoulder 150 can be provided on the outer part 200 of the valve body, and correspondingly, the locking platform 250 is provided on the inner part 100 of the valve body; or, the shoulder 150 can be provided on the inner part 100 of the valve body, and correspondingly, the locking platform 250 is provided on the outer part 200 of the valve body.

[0059] In some embodiments, the valve housing inner component 100 has an external thread 160 for mounting a valve device, serving as a mounting interface for the valve device 800, allowing the valve device 800 to be easily installed into the threaded hole of the pneumatic system. During installation, torque can be transmitted using an anti-torsion connection structure, and the entire valve device 800 can be tightened by rotating the valve housing outer component 200.

[0060] This application also provides a pneumatic system equipped with a valve device 800 as described in any of the above embodiments. The valve device 800 reduces exhaust noise and prevents contaminants from entering, thereby improving the overall performance and user experience of the pneumatic system.

[0061] Pneumatic systems can be pneumatic shift actuators, braking mechanisms, compressed air systems, etc. in vehicles, pneumatic manipulators, pneumatic grippers, etc. in industrial automation systems. Any system that requires fast, reliable, and clean pneumatic actuation can be equipped with the valve device 800 of this application at its exhaust port to achieve efficient noise reduction and reliable protection, thereby improving the working performance and safety of the pneumatic system.

[0062] Take a pneumatic gear shifting actuator as an example. Figure 9 The structure of the pneumatic shift actuator is shown in the diagram, with reference to... Figure 9 and combined Figures 1 to 8 As shown, pneumatic shift actuators, as a common type of power actuator, are widely used in vehicle transmissions, industrial automation, and other fields. The working principle of a pneumatic shift actuator is to control the on / off state and flow direction of compressed gas to drive the piston movement in the cylinder, thereby completing the shifting operation. After the shifting operation is completed, the high-pressure compressed gas in the chamber of the pneumatic shift actuator needs to be quickly discharged to achieve reset or prepare for the next operation. Using the valve device 800 of this application, the exhaust noise of the pneumatic shift actuator can be effectively reduced, improving comfort, and unidirectional flow protection can be achieved, ensuring the reliability of the pneumatic shift actuator.

[0063] This application also conducted exhaust tests on the valve device 800 and a conventional diaphragm check valve. The test gas source pressure was 8 bar (gauge pressure), and a decibel meter was used at a distance of 0.5 meters from the gas exhaust position of both the valve device 800 and the conventional diaphragm check valve. The background noise of the test environment was approximately 35 decibels. Six samples were selected from both the valve device 800 and the conventional diaphragm check valve, and each sample was tested three times. After the tests, the average of the three test results for each sample was calculated first, and then the average of the six samples from both the valve device 800 and the conventional diaphragm check valve was calculated separately, serving as the final evaluation criterion. The test results showed that the exhaust noise of the conventional diaphragm check valve exceeded 80 decibels, while the exhaust sound of the valve device 800 in this application was only around 60 decibels, demonstrating a significant noise reduction effect.

[0064] Finally, it should be noted that the above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of this application and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this application to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of this application, and all such modifications or substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized in that, include: The valve body has a gas inlet and an exhaust port; A filter element with a porous structure is installed in the valve cavity of the valve housing and is located on the airflow path from the gas inlet to the exhaust port; The filter element is configured to diffuse and deliver airflow from the gas inlet to the exhaust port through the porous structure.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The porous structure is formed as a continuous and interconnected porous network in three-dimensional space.

3. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element is an integral component made of polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or metal powder sintered together.

4. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element is formed into a cup-shaped structure, having an air inlet chamber communicating with the gas inlet, and the porous structure is distributed on the body of the cup-shaped structure.

5. The valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The central axis of the air intake chamber coincides with the central axis of the filter element.

6. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve housing includes an inner valve housing component and a canister-shaped outer valve housing component. The inner valve housing component has a gas inlet and an opening communicating with the gas inlet. The opening is located on a side opposite to the gas inlet. The opening allows the filter element to be inserted into the outer valve housing component. The inner valve housing component can be inserted into the outer valve housing component with the opening of the opening facing the bottom of the outer valve housing component and connected to the outer valve housing component, so that the filter element is held in the opening by the outer valve housing component.

7. The valve device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The exhaust ports are a plurality of exhaust ports spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the peripheral wall of the inner component of the valve housing. The peripheral wall of the outer component of the valve housing extends in the axial direction to externally shield the exhaust ports in the radial direction, and the peripheral wall of the outer component of the valve housing is spaced apart from the peripheral wall of the inner component of the valve housing to form an exhaust channel.

8. The valve device according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one set of anti-torsional connection structures is provided between the outer component of the valve housing and the inner component of the valve housing, wherein each set of anti-torsional connection structures includes an axially extending rib and a groove separately disposed on the peripheral wall of the inner component of the valve housing and the peripheral wall of the outer component of the valve housing, and the rib is inserted into the groove; and / or At least one set of locking connection structures is provided between the outer component of the valve housing and the inner component of the valve housing. Each set of locking connection structures includes a shoulder and a locking platform separately disposed on the peripheral wall of the inner component of the valve housing and the peripheral wall of the outer component of the valve housing. In the locked state, the locking surface of the shoulder and the locking surface of the locking platform abut against each other in the axial direction.

9. The valve device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The shoulder is formed as a structure that extends continuously in the circumferential direction, and the card platform is a plurality of card platforms that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

10. The valve device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The internal components of the valve housing have external threads for mounting the valve device.

11. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The valve device is formed as a one-way valve by means of the filter element, wherein compressed gas from the gas inlet can be diffused and delivered to the exhaust port through the porous structure of the filter element.

12. A pneumatic system, characterized in that, The pneumatic system is equipped with a valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The pneumatic system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The pneumatic system is a compressed air system used in vehicles.

14. The pneumatic system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The pneumatic system is a pneumatic gear shifting actuator.

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