Anti-frost heaving self-draining drip irrigation tape connector

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of irrigation supplies, especially discloses an anti-frost heaving self-draining drip irrigation belt connector, which comprises a main valve body, connecting joints are formed at both ends of the main valve body, a side valve body is formed on the side wall of the main valve body, a sealing sleeve is inlaid on the inner wall of the side valve body, a drainage valve plate is slidably installed in the sealing sleeve, a temperature-driven spring is fixed at one end of the drainage valve plate close to the inner cavity of the main valve body, the other end of the temperature-driven spring abuts against the inner wall of the main valve body, a limiting groove is formed on the inner wall of the main valve body at a position corresponding to the end of the temperature-driven spring, a sealing cover is installed on the outer side of the side valve body, and a plurality of drainage holes are formed on the outer wall of the sealing cover. The utility model has the advantages of automatic triggering by relying on ambient temperature change without manual intervention or external energy, time and labor saving, effective prevention of damage of the whole drip irrigation system due to frost heaving, maintenance cost saving, direct replacement of the ordinary connector of the existing system without the need of reforming the whole system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of irrigation products technology, and in particular to a self-draining drip irrigation tape connector that is resistant to frost heave. Background Technology

[0002] The Hetao Irrigation District has a mid-latitude continental climate with severe winters, where extreme temperatures can reach below -30°C. Existing drip irrigation systems often retain residual water in their PE pipes or drip tapes after the irrigation season. This residual water freezes and expands in winter, causing cracks in pipe walls, joints, drippers, and other components, resulting in significant economic losses and increased maintenance costs the following year.

[0003] Current common solutions involve manual disassembly and drainage or using an air compressor to purge, but these methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to leaving drainage dead zones. This invention aims to provide a connector that can automatically and thoroughly drain residual water, fundamentally solving the problem of freeze-thaw cycles. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model proposes an anti-freeze-heave self-draining drip irrigation tape connector to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0006] The freeze-heave-resistant self-draining drip irrigation tape connector includes a main valve body with connecting joints formed at both ends for connection to upstream and downstream pipes. A side valve body is formed on the side wall of the main valve body, and a sealing sleeve is seamlessly embedded in the inner wall of the side valve body. A drain valve plate is slidably installed inside the sealing sleeve near the inner cavity of the main valve body. A temperature-driven spring that automatically contracts at low temperatures and extends back to its original shape after the temperature rises is fixed at the end of the drain valve plate near the inner cavity of the main valve body. The other end of the temperature-driven spring abuts against the inner wall of the main valve body. A limiting groove is formed on the inner wall of the main valve body corresponding to the position of the end of the temperature-driven spring. A sealing cover that restricts the position of the sealing sleeve is installed on the outer side of the side valve body. Several drain holes connected to its inner cavity are formed on the outer wall of the sealing cover.

[0007] Furthermore, the temperature-driven spring is made of shape memory alloy.

[0008] Furthermore, a limiting post is formed in the center of the limiting groove, and the diameter of the limiting post is the same as the inner diameter of the temperature driving spring.

[0009] Furthermore, a reinforcing part is formed on the outer wall of the main valve body at the position corresponding to the limiting groove.

[0010] Furthermore, the connecting joint is either a standard threaded interface or a quick-connect socket interface.

[0011] Furthermore, the sealing sleeve is made of rubber and includes a cylindrical body with the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the side valve body. A discharge channel is formed inside the cylindrical body, and the drain valve plate is fitted into the discharge channel. One end of the cylindrical body inserted into the inner cavity of the main valve body has a notch that fits the shape of the inner wall of the main valve body, and a limiting protrusion is formed on the outer side of the end of the cylindrical body inserted into the inner cavity of the main valve body.

[0012] Furthermore, a positioning groove is formed on the outer end face of the side valve body, and a positioning disc is formed at the end of the cylinder away from the limiting protrusion, which is placed in the positioning groove. The thickness of the positioning disc is not less than the depth of the positioning groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the discharge channel has a conical structure that is larger inside and smaller outside, with the smaller end of the discharge channel located close to the sealing cover, and the drain valve plate is a conical protrusion that matches the discharge channel.

[0014] Furthermore, a compensating spring is fixed to the side of the drain valve plate near the sealing cover. The compensating spring is a tension spring, and the elastic force of the compensating spring is less than the return force of the temperature driving spring. The end of the compensating spring away from the drain valve plate is fixed to the inner wall of the sealing cover.

[0015] Furthermore, an adjusting screw is installed in the center of the sealing cover via a threaded connection, and the end of the compensating spring is fixed to one end of the adjusting screw that is inserted into the side valve body.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] 1. Fully automatic intelligent air evacuation: No manual intervention or external energy is required. It is automatically triggered by changes in ambient temperature, saving time and effort.

[0018] 2. Thorough drainage: Drainage is directly applied from the connection at the lowest point of the system, resulting in a drainage effect far superior to manual operation;

[0019] 3. High durability: Mechanical structure, no complex circuits, long lifespan, suitable for harsh farmland environments;

[0020] 4. Protection system: Effectively prevents the entire drip irrigation system from being damaged by frost heave, saving maintenance costs;

[0021] 5. Easy installation: It can directly replace the ordinary connectors in the existing system without modifying the entire system. Attached Figure Description

[0022] 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.

[0023] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is the first sectional view of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a second sectional view of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is the front view of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a side view of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing sleeve structure of this utility model.

[0030] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0031] 1. Main valve body; 11. Limiting groove; 12. Limiting post; 13. Reinforcing part; 2. Connecting joint; 3. Side valve body; 4. Temperature driving spring; 5. Drain valve plate; 6. Sealing sleeve; 61. Cylinder; 62. Limiting protrusion; 63. Positioning plate; 64. Discharge channel; 7. Sealing cover; 8. Compensating spring; 9. Adjusting screw. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0033] like Figures 1-6As shown, the anti-freeze-swell self-draining drip irrigation tape connector includes a main valve body 1 injection molded from corrosion-resistant and weather-resistant engineering plastics (such as PP or nylon). Connecting joints 2 for connecting to upstream and downstream pipes are formed at both ends of the main valve body 1. A side valve body 3 is formed on the side wall of the main valve body 1. A sealing sleeve 6 is seamlessly embedded in the inner wall of the side valve body 3. A drain valve plate 5 made of rubber or silicone is slidably installed at one end of the sealing sleeve 6 near the inner cavity of the main valve body 1. A temperature-driven spring 4, which automatically contracts at low temperatures and expands to its original shape after the temperature rises, is fixed at one end of the drain valve plate 5 near the inner cavity of the main valve body 1. The other end of the temperature-driven spring 4 abuts against the inner wall of the main valve body 1. A limiting groove 11 is formed on the inner wall of the main valve body 1 corresponding to the end of the temperature-driven spring 4. A sealing cover 7 restricting the position of the sealing sleeve 6 is installed on the outer side of the side valve body 3. Several drain holes connected to its inner cavity are formed on the outer wall of the sealing cover 7. During installation, at least one drain hole is located below or diagonally below the sealing cover 7 to ensure smooth drainage without residue. The overall structural design enables automatic switching between irrigation and drainage modes, utilizing temperature changes as the driving source. It requires no external energy or manual intervention, offering high reliability and energy efficiency. The directional installation design of the drainage hole 71 effectively utilizes gravity for thorough drainage, preventing damage from frost heave in winter, and is suitable for outdoor applications such as drip irrigation in open fields.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the temperature-driven spring 4 is made of shape memory alloy. This material is chosen because shape memory alloy has excellent temperature sensitivity and phase transition superelasticity, and can undergo significant and reversible deformation at a specific critical temperature (such as 1-4°C), providing a huge driving force to ensure reliable operation of the drain valve plate, long service life and accurate response.

[0035] As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, a limiting post 12 is formed in the center of the limiting groove 11, and the diameter of the limiting post 12 is the same as the inner diameter of the temperature driving spring 4. The purpose of this design is to radially position the end of the temperature driving spring 4 to prevent it from deflecting or slipping during operation, ensuring that the spring force is effectively transmitted axially, and improving the stability and reliability of the action.

[0036] As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, a reinforcing part 13 is formed on the outer wall of the main valve body 1 at the position corresponding to the limiting groove 11. The reinforcing part 13 adopts a local thickening structure to compensate for the reduction in valve body wall thickness caused by the opening of the limiting groove 11, ensuring that the main valve body 1 has sufficient structural strength and pressure resistance at this critical stress position, and preventing cracking or deformation.

[0037] As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1-6As shown, connector 2 can be either a standard threaded interface or a quick-connect socket interface. Threaded connections offer reliable sealing, while socket connections are easy to install, allowing users to quickly select and install the appropriate type based on their existing piping system.

[0038] As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the sealing sleeve 6 is made of rubber, providing a good sealing base. The sealing sleeve 6 includes a cylindrical body 61, the outer diameter of which is the same as the inner diameter of the side valve body 3. A discharge channel 64 is formed inside the cylindrical body 61. The drain valve plate 5 is fitted into the discharge channel 64 to ensure airtightness during the irrigation season and prevent water leakage. One end of the cylindrical body 61 that is inserted into the inner cavity of the main valve body 1 has a notch that fits the shape of the inner wall of the main valve body 1. The notch design allows the cylindrical body 61 to better adapt to the inner cavity curve of the main valve body 1 and reduce water flow resistance. The outer side of the end of the cylindrical body 61 that is inserted into the inner cavity of the main valve body 1 has a limiting protrusion 62, which ensures that the limiting protrusion 62 fits against the inner cavity wall of the main valve body 1 after installation, limiting the axial installation position of the sealing sleeve 6. At the same time, it avoids affecting the normal water flow inside the main valve body 1 and prevents it from being pushed into or pulled out of the side valve body 3 under internal water pressure or spring action, thus ensuring the stability of the structure and the durability of the seal.

[0039] As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, a positioning groove is formed on the outer end face of the side valve body 3, and a positioning disc 63 is formed at the end of the cylinder 61 away from the limiting protrusion 62, which is placed in the positioning groove. The thickness of the positioning disc 63 is not less than the depth of the positioning groove. This mating structure provides secondary positioning and fixation for the sealing sleeve 6 from the outside. Working in conjunction with the limiting protrusion 62 on the inside, it precisely and firmly clamps the sealing sleeve 6 in the side valve body 3, preventing loosening or leakage in any direction, and ensuring that the movement axis of the drain valve plate 5 is aligned.

[0040] As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the discharge channel 64 has a conical structure with a larger inner diameter and a smaller outer diameter. The smaller end of the discharge channel 64 is located near the sealing cover 7, and the drain valve plate 5 is a conical protrusion that matches the discharge channel 64. Conical sealing is a classic sealing method. The conical fit can achieve extremely high sealing pressure with a relatively small preload of the compensating spring 8, effectively preventing leakage of high-pressure irrigation water. Simultaneously, when opened, the conical structure helps guide the water flow out, reducing resistance.

[0041] As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7As shown, a compensating spring 8 is fixed to the side of the drain valve plate 5 near the sealing cover 7. The compensating spring 8 is a tension spring, and its elastic force is less than the return force of the temperature drive spring 4. The end of the compensating spring 8 away from the drain valve plate 5 is fixed to the inner wall of the sealing cover 7. When the temperature rises and the temperature drive spring 4 relaxes, it provides a restoring force to pull the drain valve plate 5 back and reseal the discharge channel 64. The core function of the compensating spring 8 is to provide a reliable closing driving force when the temperature rises and the drive spring 4 returns to its original length but the driving force decreases, ensuring that the drain valve plate 5 can automatically reset and re-tighten the sealing sleeve 6 to achieve a seal.

[0042] As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, an adjusting screw 9 is threadedly connected to the center of the sealing cover 7. The end of the compensating spring 8 is not fixed to the sealing cover 7 but to the end of the valve body 3 inserted into the adjusting screw 9. By screwing in or out the adjusting screw 9, the initial tension of the compensating spring 8 can be changed, thereby precisely adjusting the preload applied to the drain valve plate 5. This allows the connector to adapt to different system operating pressures or to compensate for the performance degradation of the drive spring 4, enhancing the product's applicability and long-term reliability.

[0043] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0044] Normal irrigation mode (temperature > critical temperature): In this mode, the temperature-driven spring 4 is in a martensitic state, with a longer length (or smaller force). Under the preload of the compensating spring 8, the drain valve plate 5 presses tightly against the sealing sleeve 6 at the valve body 3, sealing it tightly. Irrigation water flows normally through the main irrigation channel without leakage. In this mode, the conical sealing structure can effectively withstand the water pressure inside the pipe, ensuring the normal operation of the irrigation system.

[0045] Automatic draining mode (temperature ≤ critical temperature): When the ambient temperature drops to or below the critical point (e.g., critical temperature), the temperature-driven spring 4 undergoes a phase change, transforming into an "austenitic" state, generating a huge contraction force. This contraction force overcomes the preload of the compensation spring 8 and the water pressure, forcefully pulling the drain valve plate 5 inward to open the drain outlet. At this time, the residual water in the pipeline system is quickly and automatically discharged through the discharge channel 64 and the drain hole under the action of gravity, realizing system draining. This process is completely automatic and requires no intervention, effectively preventing damage to pipes, joints, and drippers caused by the expansion of frozen water.

[0046] Automatic reset mode (temperature rise > critical temperature): When the spring temperature rises above the critical point, the temperature-driven spring 4 gradually relaxes and stretches, returning to its original state. The restoring force of the compensation spring 8 then takes over, driving the drain valve plate 5 to reset and reseal the cylinder 61, preparing for the new irrigation season. The automatic reset function ensures the cyclical use of the irrigation system, guarantees a smooth start to the next irrigation season, and achieves fully automated seasonal management.

[0047] Components not described in detail in this article are existing technologies.

[0048] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. Anti-frost heaving self-draining drip irrigation tape connector, comprising a main valve body (1), characterized in that: The main valve body (1) has connecting joints (2) formed at both ends to connect with upstream and downstream pipelines. A side valve body (3) is formed on the side wall of the main valve body (1). A sealing sleeve (6) is seamlessly embedded on the inner wall of the side valve body (3). A drain valve plate (5) is slidably installed at one end of the sealing sleeve (6) near the inner cavity of the main valve body (1). A temperature drive spring (4) is fixed at one end of the drain valve plate (5) near the inner cavity of the main valve body (1). It automatically shrinks at low temperature and stretches back to its original shape after the temperature rises. The other end of the temperature drive spring (4) abuts against the inner wall of the main valve body (1). A limiting groove (11) is formed on the inner wall of the main valve body (1) corresponding to the position of the end of the temperature drive spring (4). A sealing cover (7) is installed on the outer side of the side valve body (3) to limit the position of the sealing sleeve (6). A plurality of drain holes connected to its inner cavity are formed on the outer wall of the sealing cover (7).

2. The frost-resistant self-draining drip irrigation tape connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting groove (11) has a centrally formed limiting post (12), the diameter of which is the same as the inner diameter of the temperature driving spring (4).

3. The anti-frost heave self-draining drip irrigation tape connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main valve body (1) has a reinforcing part (13) formed on its outer wall at the position corresponding to the limiting groove (11).

4. The anti-freezing self-draining drip irrigation tape connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting joint (2) is either a standard threaded interface or a quick-connect socket interface.

5. The anti-frost heave self-draining drip irrigation tape connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing sleeve (6) includes a cylindrical body (61), the outer diameter of which is the same as the inner diameter of the side valve body (3), and a discharge channel (64) is formed inside the cylindrical body (61). The drain valve plate (5) is fitted into the discharge channel (64) with a transition fit. One end of the cylindrical body (61) inserted into the inner cavity of the main valve body (1) is formed with a notch that fits the shape of the inner wall of the main valve body (1). A limiting protrusion (62) is formed on the outer side of the end port of the cylindrical body (61) inserted into the inner cavity of the main valve body (1).

6. The frost-resistant self-draining drip irrigation tape connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The side valve body (3) has a positioning groove formed on its outer end face, and the end of the cylinder (61) away from the limiting protrusion (62) has a positioning disc (63) placed in the positioning groove. The thickness of the positioning disc (63) is not less than the depth of the positioning groove.

7. The anti-freezing self-draining drip irrigation tape connector according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The discharge channel (64) is a conical structure with a larger inner diameter and a smaller outer diameter. The smaller end of the discharge channel (64) is located close to the sealing cover (7). The drain valve plate (5) is a conical protrusion that matches the discharge channel (64).

8. The frost-resistant self-draining drip irrigation tape connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: A compensating spring (8) is fixed on the side of the drain valve plate (5) near the sealing cover (7). The compensating spring (8) is a tension spring. The elastic force of the compensating spring (8) is less than the retraction force of the temperature driving spring (4). The end of the compensating spring (8) away from the drain valve plate (5) is fixed on the inner wall of the sealing cover (7).

9. The frost-resistant self-draining drip irrigation tape connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: An adjusting screw (9) is installed in the center of the sealing cover (7) via a threaded connection, and the end of the compensating spring (8) is fixed to one end of the adjusting screw (9) inserted into the side valve body (3).

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