Temperature control valve for air compressor and air compressor

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of temperature control valve and air compressor for air compressor, to optimize the response sensitivity of temperature control valve to temperature change and introduce initiative adjustment mechanism. Temperature control valve includes valve shell, valve core, temperature sensing package shell and initiative valve stem and valve piece. Valve stem and valve piece are preferably copper, to speed up the conduction of heat to paraffin temperature sensing material, improve the sensitivity of temperature control valve, avoid the oil line switching delay caused by paraffin phase change lag, to effectively reduce lubricating oil temperature fluctuation, maintain compressor in optimum oil temperature interval operation. In addition, temperature control valve is also provided with temperature sensor for real-time monitoring oil temperature, and is equipped with worm gear mechanism. When oil temperature is abnormal or temperature sensing material fails, worm gear mechanism can be driven under motor, actively push temperature sensing package shell, forcibly adjust valve core position, ensure that lubricating oil is promptly flowed to radiator. The double control mechanism significantly improves the safety of system and the accuracy of oil temperature control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of temperature control valves for air compressors, specifically a temperature control valve for an air compressor and an air compressor. Background Technology

[0002] Screw air compressors use high-speed meshing of male and female rotors to compress gas. This meshing process generates significant frictional and compression heat. If this heat cannot be dissipated promptly, it can lead to rotor thermal expansion, reduced meshing clearance, and even seizure, causing equipment failure. Therefore, the compressor continuously injects lubricating oil into the compression chamber. The lubricating oil forms an oil film between the rotors, simultaneously absorbing heat and providing multiple functions including cooling, lubrication, sealing, and vibration damping. The injected lubricating oil, discharged with the compressed gas, experiences a significant temperature increase. If not cooled promptly, this can lead to decreased oil viscosity, seal failure, reduced volumetric efficiency, and accelerated oil oxidation and deterioration, severely impacting compressor operating efficiency and lifespan.

[0003] Therefore, during the operation of an air compressor, the temperature control of the lubricating oil directly affects the system's stability and service life. Traditional temperature control valves mostly use wax-type temperature control valves, whose basic structure includes a valve body, a wax-based temperature sensing bulb, a push rod, a valve core, and a return spring. The working principle is as follows: when the oil temperature rises, the paraffin wax in the temperature sensing bulb melts and undergoes a solid-liquid phase change, causing volume expansion. This expansion force pushes the push rod to overcome the spring force and move the valve core, thereby opening the oil passage to the radiator. When the oil temperature drops, the paraffin wax solidifies and contracts, reducing its volume. Under the action of the spring's return force, the push rod returns to its original position, and the valve core closes the radiator oil passage, allowing the lubricating oil to flow directly back to the compressor.

[0004] However, the paraffin phase change process suffers from a response lag. When the oil temperature rises rapidly, the wax-type thermostatic valve cannot close the oil path to the radiator in time, causing the lubricating oil to overheat and enter the compressor. This results in large oil temperature fluctuations, which in turn reduces compression efficiency and accelerates component wear. Furthermore, wax-type thermostatic valves generally lack real-time oil temperature monitoring capabilities, relying solely on the passive response of the sensing bulb and failing to actively detect oil temperature changes transmitted through the valve housing. During sudden changes in compressor load or drastic fluctuations in ambient temperature, this passive control easily leads to delays in oil path switching, causing the lubricating oil to bypass the radiator for extended periods or even flow back directly, making it difficult to maintain the oil temperature within the optimal range and severely impacting the compressor's operating efficiency and overall lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a temperature control valve for an air compressor and an air compressor, which optimizes the structure of the thermal element, improves the response sensitivity of the temperature control valve to temperature changes, and introduces an oil temperature monitoring and active adjustment mechanism to achieve more precise oil circuit control.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes the following technical solution: a temperature control valve for an air compressor, the temperature control valve comprising: A valve housing, wherein an oil inlet, a first oil outlet, and a second oil outlet are provided on the valve housing; The valve core has a channel. When the valve core is inserted into the second oil outlet, the lubricating oil flows through the channel into the second oil outlet. When the valve core leaves the second oil outlet, the lubricating oil flows into the first oil outlet. A movable valve stem and a movable valve disc, one end of which is fixedly connected to the valve core; A temperature sensing bulb housing, wherein a temperature sensing bulb is disposed inside the temperature sensing bulb housing, and a temperature sensing material is disposed inside the temperature sensing bulb, wherein the temperature sensing material has the characteristics of thermal expansion and contraction, and the movable valve stem and movable valve plate penetrate into the temperature sensing bulb housing. When the temperature sensing bulb expands due to heat, it pushes the movable valve stem and movable valve plate to close the valve core. A temperature sensor, which is mounted on the valve housing, is used to monitor the oil temperature transmitted by the valve housing; A worm gear mechanism is installed at the end of the valve housing. The worm gear mechanism can push the temperature sensing bulb housing, thereby closing the valve core through the movable valve stem and movable valve plate.

[0007] Furthermore, in this utility model, the first oil outlet is connected to the air compressor, the second oil outlet is connected to the radiator, and the oil inlet is connected to the lubricating oil tank. The oil inlet is vertically connected to the first oil outlet, and the oil inlet is horizontally connected to the second oil outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, in this invention, the movable valve stem and the movable valve plate are made of copper.

[0009] Furthermore, in this invention, a return spring is provided between the valve core and the temperature sensing bulb housing.

[0010] Furthermore, in this invention, the temperature-sensing material is paraffin wax, which undergoes volume expansion during its solid-liquid phase transition.

[0011] Furthermore, in this utility model, the worm gear mechanism includes a worm gear, a worm, and a threaded push rod. A motor is also provided at the end of the valve housing. The motor is used to drive the worm. The threaded push rod is threadedly connected to the valve housing. One end of the threaded push rod is located at the end of the temperature sensing bulb housing. The threaded push rod is fixedly connected to the worm. The motor drives the threaded push rod to rotate through the worm gear and the worm, thereby pushing the temperature sensing bulb housing.

[0012] Furthermore, in this invention, a limiting seat is fixedly connected inside the valve housing, and the limiting seat is located in the second oil outlet.

[0013] An air compressor includes the aforementioned temperature control valve for an air compressor.

[0014] Furthermore, in this utility model, the air compressor also includes a lubricating oil tank and a radiator. A filter is provided between the first oil outlet and the air compressor. The oil outlet of the lubricating oil tank is connected to the oil inlet of the temperature control valve. The oil inlet of the lubricating oil tank is connected to the air compressor. The oil outlet of the radiator is connected to the oil inlet of the filter.

[0015] Furthermore, in this invention, the radiator is an air-cooled radiator or a liquid-cooled radiator.

[0016] Beneficial effects: The technical solution of this application has the following technical effects: This invention, by setting a movable valve stem and movable valve plate on the valve housing, can conduct oil temperature to the paraffin temperature-sensing material more quickly, enabling the paraffin temperature-sensing material to sense oil temperature changes faster, shortening the valve core opening and closing time, significantly improving the response speed to temperature changes, enhancing the sensitivity of the temperature control valve, avoiding oil circuit switching delays caused by the hysteresis of paraffin phase transformation, thereby effectively reducing lubricating oil temperature fluctuations and maintaining the compressor operating within the optimal oil temperature range.

[0017] By monitoring oil temperature in real time with a temperature sensor and coordinating with the active drive of a worm gear mechanism, the valve core can still be adjusted even when the temperature-sensing material fails, ensuring timely flow to the radiator when the oil temperature rises abnormally. This dual control mechanism overcomes the shortcomings of traditional temperature control valves that lack monitoring methods, preventing damage to the compressor from overheating or undercooling of the lubricating oil when the temperature-sensing material fails, and improving system safety.

[0018] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts described in more detail below can be considered as part of the utility model subject matter of this disclosure, provided that such concepts do not contradict each other.

[0019] The foregoing and other aspects, embodiments, and features of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Other additional aspects of the present invention, such as features and / or beneficial effects of exemplary embodiments, will become apparent from the following description or may be learned through practice of specific embodiments according to the teachings of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in the various figures may be denoted by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component is labeled in each figure. Embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 The diagram shown in this utility model illustrates the transmission of lubricating oil. In the figure, the meanings of the various reference numerals are as follows: 1. Temperature control valve; 101. Valve body; 102. Oil inlet; 103. First oil outlet; 104. Second oil outlet; 105. Valve core; 106. Channel; 107. Movable valve stem; 108. Movable valve plate; 109. Temperature sensing bulb housing; 110. Worm gear mechanism; 110-1. Worm; 110-2. Worm gear; 110-3. Threaded push rod; 111. Limit seat; 112. Return spring; 113. Temperature sensor; 2. Lubricating oil tank; 3. Radiator; 4. Filter; 5. Air compressor. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to clearly illustrate the structure, purpose, advantages, positional relationship, and connection method of each component. It should be noted that the directional indicators (such as "front," "rear," "up," and "down") involved in this embodiment are based on the posture shown in the drawings and are only used to describe the relative positional relationship and movement of the components. If the posture changes, the directional indicators will be adjusted accordingly. The term "connection" includes mechanical connections and electrical connections, and can be fixed connections, detachable connections, or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. The specific meaning is understood by those skilled in the art based on the context. Example

[0022] like Figure 1-2 As shown in the figure, the temperature control valve 1 for an air compressor provided in this embodiment has the following structure and connection relationship: The temperature control valve 1 includes a valve body 101. The valve body 101 is the foundation of the entire valve and has ports for connecting to the oil circuit, including an oil inlet 102, a first oil outlet 103, and a second oil outlet 104. The oil inlet 102 and the first oil outlet 103 are connected vertically, while the oil inlet 102 and the second oil outlet 104 are connected horizontally. This T-shaped layout facilitates oil circuit installation. The first oil outlet 103 is connected to the air compressor 5, the second oil outlet 104 is connected to the radiator 3, and the oil inlet 102 is connected to the lubricating oil tank 2.

[0023] Inside the valve housing 101, a valve core 105 is disposed. The valve core 105 is the core moving component controlling the switching of the oil circuit, and a channel 106 is formed on it. The valve core 105 can move inside the valve housing 101 to achieve two working states: When the oil temperature is low (cold state), the valve core 105 leaves the second oil outlet 104. At this time, the lubricating oil flows directly from the oil inlet 102 to the first oil outlet 103 and enters the compressor 5 through the filter 4.

[0024] When the oil temperature is high (hot state), the valve core 105 moves under force and inserts into the second oil outlet 104. At this time, the valve core 105 blocks the path to the first oil outlet 103, and the lubricating oil flows to the second oil outlet 104 through the channel 106 on the valve core 105. To ensure accurate positioning of the valve core 105 when hot, a limiting seat 111 is fixedly connected inside the valve housing 101, specifically in the second oil outlet 104, to limit the final insertion position of the valve core 105.

[0025] The temperature control valve 1 has a passive temperature control mechanism. This mechanism includes a temperature-sensing bulb housing 109, inside which a temperature-sensing bulb is installed, filled with a temperature-sensing material. This temperature-sensing material is preferably paraffin wax, which has the characteristic of significant volume expansion during a solid-liquid phase transition at a specific temperature. Simultaneously, a movable valve stem 107 and a movable valve plate 108 are also provided. The movable valve plate 108 increases the contact area with the temperature-sensing bulb housing 109. One end of both is fixedly connected to the valve core 105, and the other end extends into the temperature-sensing bulb housing 109, making close contact with the temperature-sensing bulb. The movable valve stem 107 and the movable valve plate 108 are preferably made of copper. Copper has excellent thermal conductivity, and the temperature-sensing bulb housing 109 is generally made of pure copper. The purpose is to conduct the temperature of the lubricating oil in the valve housing 101 to the paraffin wax in the temperature-sensing bulb more quickly and sensitively. This allows the paraffin wax to sense oil temperature changes more quickly, shortening the response time of the valve core opening and closing, and improving the sensitivity of the temperature control valve.

[0026] A return spring 112 is also provided between the valve core 105 and the temperature sensing bulb housing 109. Its function is that when the oil temperature drops and the paraffin cools and contracts, the elastic force of the return spring 112 pulls the valve core 105 back to its original position, causing it to leave the second oil outlet 104 and switch back to the cold oil circuit.

[0027] The temperature control valve 1 also has an active control and monitoring mechanism as a supplement and guarantee to the passive mechanism. This mechanism includes a temperature sensor 113, which is installed on the valve housing 101. Its purpose is to monitor the oil temperature transmitted by the valve housing 101 in real time, provide data for active control, and overcome the deficiency of traditional temperature control valves that lack monitoring means.

[0028] The mechanism also includes a worm gear mechanism 110, installed at the end of the valve housing 101. Specifically, mechanism 110 includes a motor, a worm 110-1, a worm wheel 110-2, and a threaded push rod 110-3. Their positions and transmission relationships are as follows: the motor is installed at the end of the valve housing 101 to drive the worm 110-1; the threaded push rod 110-3 is fixedly connected to the worm wheel 110-2; the motor drives the threaded push rod 110-3 to rotate through the meshing transmission of the worm 110-1 and the worm wheel 110-2. The threaded push rod 110-3 is threadedly connected to the valve housing 101, so its rotation is converted into linear displacement, as shown in the figure, a leftward or rightward movement. One end of the threaded push rod 110-3 faces the end of the temperature sensing bulb housing 109. Its purpose is that when the temperature sensor 113 detects an abnormal oil temperature, such as excessively high, and the passive temperature sensing bulb (paraffin) fails or has a delayed response, the motor can be activated to drive the worm gear mechanism 110. The threaded push rod 110-3 advances, actively pushing the temperature sensing bulb housing 109, which in turn forces the valve core 105 to move via the movable valve stem 107 and movable valve plate 108, switching the oil circuit to the heat dissipation path. This dual control mechanism greatly improves the safety of the system.

[0029] The working principle of this embodiment (combining the temperature control valve and compressor system) is as follows: Cold start or low-temperature operation: When the air compressor 5 is first started or the oil temperature is low, the paraffin temperature-sensing material in the temperature control valve 1 is in a contracted state. The return spring 112 pushes the valve core 105 away from the second oil outlet 104. At this time, the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil tank 2 enters the oil inlet 102 and flows directly to the first oil outlet 103. After passing through the filter 4, it enters the air compressor 5 for lubrication and cooling. In this path, the lubricating oil bypasses the radiator 3, which helps the compressor quickly reach the ideal operating temperature.

[0030] Passive regulation under normal high-temperature operation: When compressor 5 is running, the oil temperature rises and reaches the paraffin phase change point, causing the temperature of valve housing 101 to rise. Because the movable valve stem 107 and movable valve plate 108 are made of highly thermally conductive copper, heat is rapidly transferred to the paraffin inside the temperature sensing bulb. The paraffin melts upon heating, expands in volume, and generates a huge thrust, overcoming the elasticity of the return spring 112, pushing the movable valve stem 107 and movable valve plate 108, and thus pushing the valve core 105 to move. The valve core 105 inserts into the second oil outlet 104 and is blocked by the limit seat 111, simultaneously closing the path to the first oil outlet 103. At this time, lubricating oil from the oil inlet 102 is forced to flow through the channel 106 on the valve core 105 into the second oil outlet 104, entering the radiator 3 for cooling. The cooled lubricating oil then enters compressor 5 through filter 4. This path effectively controls the oil temperature and prevents overheating. When the oil temperature drops, the paraffin contracts, and the spring 112 pushes the valve core 105 back, reopening the bypass path 103.

[0031] Abnormal High Temperature or Fault Condition (Active Adjustment): If the oil temperature continues to rise abnormally (e.g., due to sudden load changes or sensor failure), the temperature sensor 113 installed on the valve housing 101 will detect the abnormality. Upon receiving the sensor signal, the control system starts the motor (which can be a PLC). The motor drives the worm gear mechanism 110, causing the threaded push rod 110-3 to rotate and advance, forcibly pushing the sensor housing 109 and the valve stem 107 / valve plate 108, compelling the valve core 105 to insert into the second oil outlet 104. This action forcibly switches the oil circuit to the radiator 3 path, ensuring the lubricating oil is cooled, thereby protecting the compressor 5 from high-temperature damage and providing double protection.

[0032] In summary, this embodiment improves the sensitivity of passive temperature control through an optimized heat-conducting structure (copper valve stem / plate), while adding a temperature sensor and a motor-driven worm gear mechanism to achieve active monitoring and adjustment functions. This solves the problems of lag response and lack of fault protection in traditional wax-type temperature control valves. Example

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment also provides an air compressor, which includes the temperature control valve 1 of Embodiment 1 above. In a complete lubricating oil circulation system, the system includes a lubricating oil tank 2, a radiator 3, a filter 4, an air compressor 5, and the aforementioned temperature control valve 1.

[0034] The specific oil circulation path is as follows: Oil supply: The oil outlet of the lubricating oil tank 2 is connected to the oil inlet 102 of the temperature control valve 1.

[0035] Oil return: After the oil-gas mixture discharged from the air compressor 5 is separated (separation device not shown), the lubricating oil flows back to the oil inlet of the lubricating oil tank 2.

[0036] Oil circuit control: Temperature control valve 1 controls the oil flow direction based on oil temperature. Cold bypass path: The first oil outlet 103 of the thermostatic valve 1 is connected to the filter 4, and the outlet of the filter 4 is then connected to the oil injection port of the air compressor 5.

[0037] Hot cooling path: The second oil outlet 104 of the temperature control valve 1 is connected to the oil inlet of the radiator 3.

[0038] After cooling, the oil flows into the air compressor 5: the oil outlet of radiator 3 (i.e., the cooled oil) is connected to the oil inlet of filter 4, and after filtration, it enters the air compressor 5.

[0039] All standard parts used in this application can be purchased from the market, and can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art. The control method is automatic control through a controller. The control circuit of the controller can be implemented by simple programming by those skilled in the art and is common knowledge in the field. Since this application is mainly used to protect mechanical devices, this application will not explain the control method and circuit connection in detail.

[0040] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A temperature control valve for an air compressor, characterized in that: Thermostatic valve (1) includes: The valve housing (101) is provided with an oil inlet (102), a first oil outlet (103), and a second oil outlet (104). The valve core (105) has a channel (106) on it. When the valve core (105) is inserted into the second oil outlet (104), the lubricating oil flows through the channel (106) into the second oil outlet (104). When the valve core (105) leaves the second oil outlet (104), the lubricating oil flows into the first oil outlet (103). The movable valve stem (107) and the movable valve plate (108) are fixedly connected at one end to the valve core (105); A temperature sensing bulb housing (109) is provided inside the temperature sensing bulb housing (109), and a temperature sensing material is provided inside the temperature sensing bulb. The temperature sensing material has the characteristics of thermal expansion and contraction. The movable valve stem (107) and the movable valve plate (108) penetrate into the temperature sensing bulb housing (109). When the temperature sensing bulb expands due to heat, it pushes the movable valve stem (107) and the movable valve plate (108) to close the valve core (105). Temperature sensor (113) is mounted on valve housing (101) and is used to monitor the oil temperature transmitted by valve housing (101); A worm gear mechanism (110) is installed at the end of the valve housing (101). The worm gear mechanism (110) can push the temperature sensing bulb housing (109), thereby closing the valve core (105) through the movable valve stem (107) and the movable valve plate (108).

2. The temperature control valve for an air compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first oil outlet (103) is connected to the air compressor (5), the second oil outlet (104) is connected to the radiator (3), and the oil inlet (102) is connected to the lubricating oil tank (2). The oil inlet (102) is vertically connected to the first oil outlet (103), and the oil inlet (102) is horizontally connected to the second oil outlet (104).

3. The temperature control valve for an air compressor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The movable valve stem (107) and movable valve plate (108) are made of copper.

4. The temperature control valve for an air compressor according to claim 3, characterized in that: A return spring (112) is provided between the valve core (105) and the temperature sensing bulb housing (109).

5. The temperature control valve for an air compressor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The temperature-sensing material is paraffin wax, which expands in volume during a solid-liquid phase transition.

6. The temperature control valve for an air compressor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The worm gear mechanism (110) includes a worm (110-1), a worm wheel (110-2), and a threaded push rod (110-3). A motor is also provided at the end of the valve housing (101). The motor is used to drive the worm (110-1). The threaded push rod (110-3) is threadedly connected to the valve housing (101). One end of the threaded push rod (110-3) is located at the end of the temperature sensing bulb housing (109). The threaded push rod (110-3) is fixedly connected to the worm wheel (110-2). The motor drives the threaded push rod (110-3) to rotate through the worm (110-1) and the worm wheel (110-2), thereby pushing the temperature sensing bulb housing (109).

7. The temperature control valve for an air compressor according to claim 6, characterized in that: The valve housing (101) is internally fixedly connected to a limiting seat (111), which is located in the second oil outlet (104).

8. An air compressor, characterized in that: Includes the temperature control valve for an air compressor as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. The air compressor according to claim 8, characterized in that: The air compressor also includes a lubricating oil tank (2) and a radiator (3). A filter (4) is provided between the first oil outlet (103) and the air compressor. The oil outlet of the lubricating oil tank (2) is connected to the oil inlet (102) of the temperature control valve (1). The oil inlet of the lubricating oil tank (2) is connected to the air compressor (5). The oil outlet of the radiator (3) is connected to the oil inlet of the filter (4).

10. The air compressor according to claim 9, characterized in that: The radiator (3) is either an air-cooled radiator or a liquid-cooled radiator.

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