switching valve

Abstract

The application provides a switching valve, which comprises a valve shell structure, a driving shell, a driving assembly, a position sensor and a driven structure, the driving shell is fixedly connected with the valve shell structure, at least a part of the driving assembly is installed in the driving shell, the driven structure is located outside the valve shell structure, the driving assembly drives the driven structure to rotate, the position sensor is installed in the driving shell, and the position sensor detects the position of the driven structure when the driven structure faces the position sensor. According to the technical scheme, the position sensor is not in contact with fluid, the sealing performance requirement of the switching valve is reduced, the switching valve can be directly disassembled and replaced without discharging fluid in the valve when the position sensor is invalid or damaged, and the problem that the maintenance cost of the switching valve in the prior art is high is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of valve technology, and more specifically, to a switching valve. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, switching valves, as important fluid control devices, are widely used in various fields such as industry, chemistry, and energy to control the flow direction and flow rate of fluids. A typical switching valve usually consists of a valve body structure, a valve core component, a drive assembly, and a corresponding control unit. The switching valve has multiple flow ports, and the valve core component switches between different positions by moving or rotating to change the connectivity of different flow ports, thereby altering or controlling the fluid path.

[0003] The position sensor of the existing switching valve is often installed in the threaded mounting hole on the upper end cover of the switching valve body. The threaded mounting hole is connected to the inside of the switching valve body, and the end of the position sensor is in contact with the fluid flowing inside the switching valve. Therefore, the position sensor and the valve body structure need to have a high degree of sealing. Long-term use may lead to fluid leakage due to the aging and failure of the sealing ring. At the same time, when the position sensor fails or is damaged, all the fluid in the valve must be drained before it can be replaced, resulting in high maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a switching valve to solve the problem that in the prior art, when replacing the position sensor in a switching valve, the fluid inside the valve must be drained before replacement, resulting in high maintenance costs.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a switching valve, which includes a valve housing structure, a drive housing, a drive assembly, a position sensor, and a driven structure. The drive housing and the valve housing structure are fixedly connected. At least a portion of the drive assembly is mounted on the drive housing. The driven structure is located outside the valve housing structure. The drive assembly drives the driven structure to rotate. The position sensor is mounted on the drive housing. When the driven structure and the position sensor are facing each other, the position sensor detects the position of the driven structure.

[0006] Furthermore, the driven structure includes a connector and a sensor. The first end of the connector is connected to the drive assembly, and the sensor is disposed at the second end of the connector. When the sensor rotates to be directly opposite the position sensor, the position sensor detects the position of the driven structure.

[0007] Furthermore, the driven structure also includes a mounting base, which is fixed to the second end of the connector, and the sensing element is mounted on the side of the mounting base facing the position sensor.

[0008] Furthermore, the sensing element is made of magnetic material, while the mounting base is made of non-magnetic material.

[0009] Furthermore, the second end of the mounting base and connector is threaded, bonded, riveted, snap-fitted, or welded.

[0010] Furthermore, the mounting base includes a first shaft segment and a second shaft segment connected to each other. The radial dimension of the first shaft segment is greater than that of the second shaft segment. The second shaft segment has an external thread, and the second end of the connector has an internal thread. The second shaft segment and the second end of the connector are threadedly connected. The first shaft segment is located on the side of the connector facing the position sensor, and the sensing element is mounted on the first shaft segment.

[0011] Furthermore, the mounting base has a mounting groove, and the sensing element is fixed in the mounting groove by adhesive, riveting or snap-fit.

[0012] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a drive motor and a transmission shaft. The drive motor is mounted on the drive housing, and the motor shaft of the drive motor is connected to the transmission shaft. The switching valve also includes a valve core assembly rotatably disposed within the valve housing structure, and the transmission shaft is connected to the valve core assembly. The connecting piece is mounted on the motor shaft or the transmission shaft.

[0013] Furthermore, a portion of the drive shaft is located inside the valve housing structure, while the end face of the drive shaft is located outside the valve housing structure, and the first end of the connector is mounted on the end face of the drive shaft.

[0014] Furthermore, one end of the motor shaft can be pulled out and inserted into the groove of the transmission shaft, and the one end of the motor shaft and the inner wall of the groove are circumferentially limited and fitted; the first end of the connector has a clearance hole through which the motor shaft passes; the connector is plate-shaped, and the switching valve also includes a fastener, which passes through the end faces of the connector and the transmission shaft and fixes the connector and the transmission shaft together.

[0015] Furthermore, the valve housing structure has an assembly hole through which the drive shaft passes, and a sealing ring is provided between the outer wall of the drive shaft and the inner wall of the assembly hole; the valve housing structure has multiple valve ports in its circumference, and different connection states of the multiple valve ports can be switched by rotating the valve core assembly at different angles.

[0016] Furthermore, the drive housing includes a cylinder and a flange. The flange is located at one end of the cylinder. A portion of the drive assembly is installed inside the cylinder. The position sensor is installed on the flange. The flange and the valve housing structure are connected, and a clearance space is formed between the flange and the valve housing structure. The driven structure rotates within the clearance space.

[0017] Applying the technical solution of this application, embodiments of this application provide a switching valve, which includes a valve housing structure, a valve core assembly, a drive housing, a drive assembly, a position sensor, and a driven structure. The valve core assembly is rotatably disposed within the valve housing structure, allowing it to change its position as needed, thereby switching the fluid path. The drive housing and the valve housing structure are fixedly connected, ensuring that the drive assembly acts stably on the valve core assembly. At least a portion of the drive assembly is mounted on the drive housing, and the drive connection between the drive assembly and the valve core assembly facilitates the transmission of power to the valve core assembly, thereby controlling its rotation. The driven structure is mounted on the drive assembly and located outside the valve housing structure. This isolates the driven structure from the fluid inside the valve body, preventing it from being affected by the fluid inside the valve housing structure, thus improving the reliability and stability of the pipeline system, including the switching valve. The drive assembly drives the valve core assembly and the driven structure to rotate, while the position sensor is mounted on the drive housing, reducing the sealing performance requirements of the switching valve and simplifying its installation process. In case of position sensor failure or damage, it can be directly removed and replaced without draining the fluid inside the valve, reducing maintenance difficulty and cost. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 An exploded view of the switching valve provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the switching valve provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the switching valve from another angle;

[0022] Figure 4 This illustration shows an assembly diagram of the valve housing structure and driven structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the driven structure.

[0024] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0025] 10. Valve housing structure; 11. Assembly hole; 12. Valve port;

[0026] 20. Drive housing; 21. Cylinder; 22. Flange; 221. Clearance space;

[0027] 30. Drive assembly; 31. Drive motor; 311. Motor shaft; 32. Transmission shaft;

[0028] 40. Position sensor;

[0029] 50. Driven structure; 51. Connector; 511. Clearance hole; 52. Sensing element; 53. Mounting base; 531. First shaft section; 532. Second shaft section; 533. Mounting groove;

[0030] 60. Fasteners; 70. Valve core assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this application or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this application embodiment provides a switching valve, which includes a valve housing structure 10, a drive housing 20, a drive assembly 30, a position sensor 40, and a driven structure 50. The drive housing 20 and the valve housing structure 10 are fixedly connected. At least a portion of the drive assembly 30 is installed on the drive housing 20. The driven structure 50 is located outside the valve housing structure 10. The drive assembly 30 drives the driven structure 50 to rotate. The position sensor 40 is installed on the drive housing 20. When the driven structure 50 and the position sensor 40 are facing each other, the position sensor 40 detects the position of the driven structure 50.

[0033] By applying the technical solution of this application, the driven structure 50 is located outside the valve housing structure 10, so that the driven structure 50 is not affected by the fluid inside the valve housing structure 10, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the pipeline system, including the switching valve. The drive assembly 30 drives the driven structure 50 to rotate, while the position sensor 40 is installed on the drive housing 20. The position sensor 40 does not come into contact with the fluid, which reduces the sealing performance requirements of the switching valve and simplifies its installation process. When the position sensor 40 fails or is damaged, it can be removed and replaced directly without draining the fluid inside the valve, thereby reducing maintenance difficulty and cost.

[0034] The switching valve also includes a valve core assembly 70, which is rotatably disposed within the valve housing structure 10, allowing the valve core assembly 70 to change its position as needed, thereby achieving the switching of the fluid path; the drive connection between the drive assembly 30 and the valve core assembly 70 facilitates the transmission of power to the valve core assembly 70, thereby controlling the rotation of the valve core assembly 70.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the driven structure 50 includes a connector 51 and a sensor 52. The first end of the connector 51 is connected to the drive assembly 30, and the sensor 52 is disposed at the second end of the connector 51. When the sensor 52 rotates to face the position sensor 40, the position sensor 40 detects the position of the driven structure 50. The driven structure 50 includes a connector 51 and a sensor 52. The first end of the connector 51 is connected to the drive assembly 30, and the sensor 52 is disposed at the second end of the connector 51, ensuring a stable connection between the driven structure 50 and the drive assembly 30. At the same time, the position of the sensor 52 can accurately reflect the state of the valve core assembly 70. When the sensor 52 rotates to face the position sensor 40, the position sensor 40 detects the position of the driven structure 50, thereby enabling real-time monitoring of the rotation angle of the valve core assembly 70, ensuring accurate switching of the switching valve in different working modes, and improving the stability and reliability of the system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the driven structure 50 further includes a mounting base 53, which is fixed to the second end of the connector 51. The sensing element 52 is mounted on the side of the mounting base 53 facing the position sensor 40. The mounting base 53 ensures that the relative position between the sensing element 52 and the connector 51 remains unchanged through its own fixing structure, thereby ensuring that the position sensor 40 can accurately detect the position information of the valve core assembly 70, increasing the installation stability of the sensing element 52, facilitating the precise alignment of the sensing element 52 with the position sensor 40, avoiding positional deviation of the sensing element 52 due to vibration or wear, improving the accuracy of position detection, and thus enhancing the long-term operational stability of the switching valve.

[0037] In some embodiments, the sensing element 52 is made of a magnetic material, and the mounting base 53 is made of a non-magnetic material. When the sensing element 52, made of a magnetic material, rotates, it causes a change in the magnetic field, which can generate a magnetic field interaction with the position sensor 40. The position sensor 40 detects the change in the magnetic field to determine the moving position of the sensing element 52, and thus the position of the valve core assembly 70. The mounting base 53, made of a non-magnetic material, avoids interference with the magnetic field, ensuring the accuracy and sensitivity of the position detection.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second ends of the mounting base 53 and the connector 51 are connected by thread, adhesive, riveting, snap-fit, or welding. Threaded connections facilitate disassembly and maintenance, improving ease and flexibility; adhesive connections are suitable for light-load applications, achieving structural lightweighting; riveting and welding connections offer higher connection strength and enhance connection stability; snap-fit ​​connections are simple to operate, simplifying installation. By using different connection methods to securely connect the mounting base 53 and the connector 51, the stability and reliability of the driven structure 50 are ensured.

[0039] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the mounting base 53 includes a first shaft segment 531 and a second shaft segment 532 connected to each other. The radial dimension of the first shaft segment 531 is larger than that of the second shaft segment 532. The second shaft segment 532 has an external thread, and the second end of the connector 51 has an internal thread. The second shaft segment 532 and the second end of the connector 51 are threadedly connected. The first shaft segment 531 is located on the side of the connector 51 facing the position sensor 40, and the sensing element 52 is mounted on the first shaft segment 531. The first shaft segment 531 provides mounting space for the sensing element 52, and its radial dimension is larger than that of the second shaft segment 532, so that the first shaft segment 531 is positioned on the upper end face of the connector 51, ensuring that the sensing element 52 and the position sensor 40 are in the optimal detection position. The external thread of the second shaft segment 532 cooperates with the internal thread of the second end of the connector 51, providing a reliable mechanical connection, optimizing the dynamic response and position detection accuracy of the driven structure 50, and reducing the risk of errors caused by unreasonable structural design.

[0040] In some embodiments, the mounting base 53 has a mounting groove 533, and the sensing element 52 is fixed in the mounting groove 533 by means of bonding, riveting, or snap-fitting. The mounting groove 533 provides installation space for the sensing element 52. Through the positioning function of the mounting groove 533, the stability of the sensing element 52 during rotation is ensured. Bonding, riveting, or snap-fitting provides additional fixing force for the sensing element 52, preventing displacement when it rotates rapidly or is subjected to external impact. This configuration improves the installation accuracy and connection reliability of the sensing element 52, reduces position detection errors, and improves the overall performance of the switching valve.

[0041] like Figure 2As shown, the drive assembly 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission shaft 32. The drive motor 31 is mounted on the drive housing 20. The motor shaft 311 of the drive motor 31 is connected to the transmission shaft 32, and the transmission shaft 32 is connected to the valve core assembly 70. A connecting piece 51 is mounted on either the motor shaft 311 or the transmission shaft 32. Through the connection between the motor shaft 311 and the transmission shaft 32, the torque generated by the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the transmission shaft 32. Then, through the connection between the transmission shaft 32 and the valve core assembly 70, the rotation of the valve core assembly 70 is achieved, thereby completing the switching of the fluid path. This configuration ensures that the drive assembly 30 can precisely control the movement of the valve core assembly 70, improving the response speed and control accuracy of the switching valve.

[0042] In some embodiments, a portion of the drive shaft 32 is located inside the valve housing structure 10, while the end face of the drive shaft 32 is located outside the valve housing structure 10. The first end of the connector 51 is mounted on the end face of the drive shaft 32. The portion of the drive shaft 32 is mechanically coupled to the valve core assembly 70 inside the valve housing structure 10, and the outer end face is fixedly connected to the connector 51. This arrangement ensures power transmission while facilitating the installation and adjustment of the driven structure 50. This configuration simplifies the structure of the switching valve and improves assembly efficiency and maintenance convenience.

[0043] In some embodiments, one end of the motor shaft 311 is pullable into the groove of the drive shaft 32, and the one end of the motor shaft 311 and the inner wall of the groove are circumferentially limited. The first end of the connector 51 has a clearance hole 511 through which the motor shaft 311 passes. The connector 51 is plate-shaped, and the switching valve also includes a fastener 60, which passes through the end faces of the connector 51 and the drive shaft 32 and fixes the connector 51 and the drive shaft 32. The pullable connection provides quick disassembly and assembly capability between the motor shaft 311 and the drive shaft 32, facilitating maintenance and replacement. The circumferential limited engagement between the motor shaft 311 and the drive shaft 32 ensures their synchronization in the rotation direction, avoiding relative slippage. The fastener 60 strengthens the fixed connection between the connector 51 and the drive shaft 32, improving the efficiency and reliability of power transmission.

[0044] In some embodiments, the valve housing structure 10 has a mounting hole 11 through which the drive shaft 32 passes. A sealing ring is provided between the outer wall of the drive shaft 32 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 11. The valve housing structure 10 has multiple valve ports 12 circumferentially. By rotating the valve core assembly 70 at different angles, different communication states of the multiple valve ports 12 can be switched. The function of the sealing ring is to fill the gap between the drive shaft 32 and the mounting hole 11, preventing the internal fluid of the switching valve from leaking into the external environment, improving the safety and reliability of the system, and ensuring the normal operation of the switching valve. The valve housing structure 10 has multiple valve ports 12 circumferentially, and the communication states of the multiple valve ports 12 can be switched as needed to form different fluid flow paths.

[0045] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the drive housing 20 includes a cylindrical body 21 and a flange 22. The flange 22 is located at one end of the cylindrical body 21. A portion of the drive assembly 30 is installed inside the cylindrical body 21, and the position sensor 40 is installed on the flange 22. The flange 22 is connected to the valve housing structure 10, and a clearance space 221 is formed between the flange 22 and the valve housing structure 10. The driven structure 50 rotates within the clearance space 221. The drive assembly 30 and the position sensor 40 are rationally arranged. The cylindrical body 21 is used to accommodate a portion of the drive assembly 30, while the flange 22 serves as the mounting base for the position sensor 40 and also as the connection structure between the drive housing 20 and the valve housing structure 10. The design of the clearance space 221 ensures that the driven structure 50 has sufficient rotation space and will not interfere with the flange 22 or other components, thereby improving the integration of the drive assembly 30 and the position sensor 40 and simplifying the assembly process of the switching valve.

[0046] The clearance space 221 can be formed by a groove on the flange 22, or by a groove on the valve body structure 10, or by a combination of the groove on the flange 22 and the groove on the valve body structure 10.

[0047] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0048] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not 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 on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0050] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A switching valve, characterized in that, The switching valve includes a valve housing structure (10), a drive housing (20), a drive assembly (30), a position sensor (40), and a driven structure (50). The drive housing (20) and the valve housing structure (10) are fixedly connected. At least a portion of the drive assembly (30) is installed on the drive housing (20). The driven structure (50) is located outside the valve housing structure (10). The drive assembly (30) drives the driven structure (50) to rotate. The position sensor (40) is installed on the drive housing (20). When the driven structure (50) and the position sensor (40) are facing each other, the position sensor (40) detects the position of the driven structure (50).

2. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driven structure (50) includes a connector (51) and a sensor (52). The first end of the connector (51) is connected to the drive assembly (30), and the sensor (52) is disposed at the second end of the connector (51). When the sensor (52) rotates to face the position sensor (40), the position sensor (40) detects the position of the driven structure (50).

3. The switching valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driven structure (50) also includes a mounting base (53), which is fixed to the second end of the connector (51), and the sensing element (52) is mounted on the side of the mounting base (53) facing the position sensor (40).

4. The switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensing element (52) is made of magnetic material, and the mounting base (53) is made of non-magnetic material.

5. The switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second ends of the mounting base (53) and the connector (51) are threaded, bonded, riveted, snap-fitted, or welded.

6. The switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting base (53) includes a first shaft segment (531) and a second shaft segment (532) connected to each other. The radial dimension of the first shaft segment (531) is greater than that of the second shaft segment (532). The second shaft segment (532) has an external thread, and the second end of the connector (51) has an internal thread. The second shaft segment (532) and the second end of the connector (51) are threaded together. The first shaft segment (531) is located on the side of the connector (51) facing the position sensor (40). The sensing element (52) is mounted on the first shaft segment (531).

7. The switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting base (53) has a mounting groove (533), and the sensing element (52) is fixed in the mounting groove (533) by means of adhesive bonding, riveting or snap-fitting.

8. The switching valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive assembly (30) includes a drive motor (31) and a transmission shaft (32). The drive motor (31) is mounted on the drive housing (20). The motor shaft (311) of the drive motor (31) is connected to the transmission shaft (32). The switching valve also includes a valve core assembly (70) rotatably disposed within the valve housing structure (10). The transmission shaft (32) is connected to the valve core assembly (70). The connecting piece (51) is mounted on the motor shaft (311) or the transmission shaft (32).

9. The switching valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, A portion of the drive shaft (32) is located inside the valve housing structure (10), and the end face of the drive shaft (32) is located outside the valve housing structure (10). The first end of the connector (51) is mounted on the end face of the drive shaft (32).

10. The switching valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, One end of the motor shaft (311) can be pulled out and inserted into the groove of the drive shaft (32), and one end of the motor shaft (311) and the inner wall of the groove are circumferentially limited to fit; the first end of the connector (51) has a clearance hole (511), and the motor shaft (311) passes through the clearance hole (511); the connector (51) is plate-shaped, and the switching valve also includes a fastener (60), which passes through the end faces of the connector (51) and the drive shaft (32) and fixes the connector (51) and the drive shaft (32) together.

11. The switching valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The valve housing structure (10) has an assembly hole (11), through which the drive shaft (32) passes. A sealing ring is provided between the outer wall of the drive shaft (32) and the inner wall of the assembly hole (11). The valve housing structure (10) has multiple valve ports (12) in the circumferential direction. By rotating the valve core assembly (70) at different angles, the multiple valve ports (12) can be switched to different communication states.

12. The switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive housing (20) includes a cylinder (21) and a flange (22). The flange (22) is disposed at one end of the cylinder (21). A portion of the drive assembly (30) is installed inside the cylinder (21). The position sensor (40) is installed on the flange (22). The flange (22) is connected to the valve housing structure (10) and a clearance space (221) is formed between the flange (22) and the valve housing structure (10). The driven structure (50) rotates within the clearance space (221).

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