Automatic regulating tipping three-way valve based on flow feedback

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of turnover hopper type three-way valves based on flow feedback automatic regulation, including valve body, inner tube, driving mechanism and control assembly. First discharge port and second discharge port are opened in valve body with feed inlet. Inner tube is rotatably arranged in valve body. Driving mechanism includes rotating handle and linear actuator;The cylinder end of linear actuator is rotatably installed on mounting seat. Control assembly includes first flow sensor, second flow sensor, third flow sensor, and controller. Controller is electrically connected with first flow sensor, second flow sensor and third flow sensor, and its output end is electrically connected with linear actuator. Controller is configured as: according to the comparison relation of the flow value of first flow sensor and the sum of the flow value of second flow sensor and third flow sensor, drive linear actuator to retract. The three-way valve is convenient to realize accurate, stable closed-loop control to material distribution ratio, reduce the dependence on manual intervention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of material conveying valve technology, and in particular to a tipping bucket three-way valve based on automatic adjustment of flow feedback. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of industrial material handling, the tipping bucket three-way valve is a common fluid control device, widely used in the distribution and transfer systems of feed, chemical raw materials, grains, and various granular or powder materials. This type of valve switches or distributes the flow direction through its internal tilting cavity (tip). It has a simple structure, reliable operation, and is suitable for various industrial scenarios.

[0003] In applications requiring dynamic proportional allocation of material flow, such as distributing a stream of incoming material to two different downstream process lines according to a set ratio, traditional tipping bucket three-way valves typically rely on manual operation or simple electromechanical positioning control. Operators or the control system, based on experience or a preset time, drive the valve core (inner cylinder) to a fixed angle. However, the actual flow rate of the material often varies due to fluctuations in incoming pressure, changes in material characteristics, or changes in pipeline resistance. A fixed valve core angle cannot guarantee long-term stability and precise proportionality of the output flow, often requiring frequent manual intervention for adjustment.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a valve that can automatically adjust the material distribution ratio in order to achieve precise and stable closed-loop control of the material distribution ratio and reduce the reliance on manual intervention. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the above issues and overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a tipping bucket three-way valve based on automatic flow feedback adjustment. This three-way valve can automatically adjust the material distribution ratio, facilitating precise and stable closed-loop control of the material distribution ratio and reducing reliance on manual intervention.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] This utility model provides a tipping bucket three-way valve based on automatic adjustment of flow feedback, comprising:

[0008] The valve body has an inlet for connecting to a material supply source, a first outlet, and a second outlet; the first outlet is located below the inlet in the direction of gravity.

[0009] The inner cylinder is rotatably disposed in the internal cavity of the valve body via a rotating shaft;

[0010] The drive mechanism includes a rotating handle that is drivenly connected to the rotating shaft of the inner cylinder, and a linear actuator with one end hinged to the end of the rotating handle away from the rotating shaft; the cylinder end of the linear actuator is rotatably mounted on a mounting seat fixedly connected to the valve body via a pin.

[0011] The control component includes a first flow sensor disposed on the inlet pipe, a second flow sensor disposed on the first outlet pipe, a third flow sensor disposed on the second outlet pipe, and...

[0012] The controller has its signal input terminal electrically connected to the first flow sensor, the second flow sensor and the third flow sensor, and its control output terminal electrically connected to the linear actuator.

[0013] in,

[0014] The controller is configured to drive the linear actuator to extend and retract based on the comparison between the flow signal value of the first flow sensor and the sum of the flow signal values ​​of the second and third flow sensors, so as to adjust the flip angle of the inner cylinder and thereby control the distribution ratio of material through the first discharge port and the second discharge port.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner cylinder wall includes a constant cross-section section near the feed inlet and a variable cross-section section away from the feed inlet;

[0016] in,

[0017] The cross-sectional area of ​​the variable cross-section gradually decreases along the material outflow direction.

[0018] Furthermore, at least one vibrator is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the inner cylinder, and the vibrator is electrically connected to the controller;

[0019] The controller is further configured as follows:

[0020] When the difference between the feed flow rate detected by the first flow sensor and the sum of the discharge flow rates detected by the second and third flow sensors continuously exceeds a preset threshold, the vibrator is activated to shake off the material adhering to the inner wall of the inner cylinder.

[0021] Furthermore, the number of vibrators is at least two, and they are distributed circumferentially along the inner cylinder.

[0022] Furthermore, the vibrator is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the variable cross-section section of the inner cylinder.

[0023] Furthermore, the linear actuator is a hydraulic cylinder.

[0024] Furthermore, the linear actuator is a cylinder.

[0025] This utility model has at least the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0026] This invention employs a structure with flow sensors installed at the inlet and outlet. These flow sensors can detect the instantaneous flow rate of the material in real time and generate corresponding electrical signals. It also incorporates a controller that receives these electrical signals and drives a linear actuator. This controller can determine whether the actual distribution ratio meets expectations by comparing the logical relationship between the inlet and outlet flow rates. Furthermore, it utilizes a drive mechanism consisting of a linear actuator and a rotating handle, which can precisely adjust the tilting angle of the inner cylinder according to control commands. Overall, this invention can automatically form a closed-loop control based on real-time flow feedback and dynamically adjust the valve core position, thereby facilitating the automated and precise adjustment of the material distribution ratio and reducing reliance on human experience and frequent manual intervention.

[0027] This invention employs a vibrator fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the inner cylinder, which generates mechanical vibration upon triggering. It also incorporates controller logic that automatically triggers the vibrator based on the difference between the inlet and outlet flow rates. This logic activates an anti-clogging mechanism when it detects potential flow imbalance caused by material adhesion. Overall, this invention automatically clears blockages upon detecting initial signs of material adhesion, helping to maintain unobstructed flow within the valve and ensuring the accuracy of subsequent flow measurement and control. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a tipping bucket three-way valve that automatically adjusts based on flow feedback;

[0030] Figure 2 A front view of a tipping bucket three-way valve that automatically adjusts based on flow feedback;

[0031] Figure 3 A top view of a tipping bucket three-way valve that automatically adjusts based on flow feedback;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inner cylinder and drive mechanism.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 1-Valve body; 11-Inlet; 12-First outlet; 13-Second outlet;

[0035] 2-Inner cylinder; 21-Rotating shaft; 22-Constant cross-section section; 23-Variable cross-section section; 24-Vibrator;

[0036] 3-Drive mechanism; 31-Rotating handle; 32-Linear actuator; 33-Mounting base;

[0037] 4-Control component; 41-First flow sensor; 42-Second flow sensor; 43-Third flow sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In this utility model, terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "side", and "bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used to facilitate the description of the structural relationship between the various parts or elements of this utility model and do not specifically refer to any part or element in this utility model. They should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0042] In this utility model, terms such as "fixed", "connected", and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, indicating that it can be a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For relevant scientific researchers or technicians in this field, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be determined according to the specific circumstances, and should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0043] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below.

[0044] This utility model discloses a tipping bucket three-way valve with automatic adjustment based on flow feedback. This valve is mainly used in conveying and distributing systems for solid materials such as feed, grain, and plastic granules. The three-way valve mainly includes a valve body 1, an inner cylinder 2, a drive mechanism 3, and a control component 4.

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a tipping bucket three-way valve that automatically adjusts based on flow feedback; Figure 2 A front view of a tipping bucket three-way valve that automatically adjusts based on flow feedback; Figure 3 This is a top view of a tipping bucket three-way valve that automatically adjusts based on flow feedback.

[0046] The valve body 1, as the main pressure-bearing and connecting structure of the valve, functions to form a material flow channel and provide an installation base for other components. The valve body 1 has an inlet 11, a first outlet 12, and a second outlet 13. The inner diameter of each outlet can be designed according to the system flow requirements. The inlet 11 is used to connect to upstream feeding equipment. The first outlet 12 is located below the positive gravity direction of the inlet 11; this vertical arrangement helps the material smoothly enter the first outlet 12 under gravity. The second outlet 13 is located at a certain angle to the first outlet 12. Flanges are typically provided at the ends of each outlet for detachable connection to external pipelines via bolts; in other embodiments, quick-connect clamps or welding connections can also be used.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inner cylinder 2 and the drive mechanism 3.

[0048] The inner cylinder 2, as the core diversion component, is rotatably disposed in the internal cavity of the valve body 1 via the rotating shaft 21.

[0049] The two ends of the rotating shaft 21 are supported in the shaft seats on the side wall of the valve body 1 by rolling bearings or oil-impregnated sliding bearings to ensure smooth rotation.

[0050] The inner cylinder 2 has a wall structure consisting of a constant cross-section section 22 and a variable cross-section section 23. The constant cross-section section 22 is located near the feed inlet 11 and its function is to receive the falling material with a constant cross-sectional area. The variable cross-section section 23 is located downstream, and its flow cross-sectional area gradually decreases linearly or curvilinearly along the material flow direction. This converging shape can guide and accelerate the material flow and reduce the retention and accumulation of material at corners.

[0051] To ensure reliable rotation and sealing, a sealing ring can be installed between the rotating shaft 21 and the valve body 1 bearing seat. To further address the material adhesion problem, a vibrator 24 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the inner cylinder 2. The vibrator 24 can be a pneumatic piston high-frequency vibrator, an electric vibrator, or an electromagnetic vibrator. In this embodiment, two vibrators 24 are installed, arranged at a 90-degree angle along the circumference of the inner cylinder 2; in other embodiments, depending on the length of the inner cylinder, three or four vibrators can be installed and arranged in an array along the circumference and axial direction. In particular, these vibrators 24 are all fixedly installed on the outer wall of the variable cross-section section 23 of the inner cylinder 2, because this area has a changing flow channel and is a critical section where material adhesion is likely to occur. Directly arranging the vibration source here can improve the energy transmission efficiency for unblocking.

[0052] The drive mechanism 3 is used to provide power to flip the inner cylinder 2, and it includes a rotating handle 31 and a linear actuator 32.

[0053] The rotating handle 31 is usually made of steel connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the rotating shaft 21 of the inner cylinder 2 by key connection or interference fit, converting linear motion into rotational motion.

[0054] The piston rod end of the linear actuator 32 is hinged to the end of the rotating handle 31 away from the rotating shaft 21 via a first pin; its cylinder end is connected to the mounting seat 33 fixedly connected to the valve body 1 via a second pin to form a rotating pair.

[0055] Mounting base 33 is fastened to the reinforcing ribs on the outer wall of valve body 1 by bolts or direct welding to provide stable support.

[0056] In this embodiment, the linear actuator 32 serves as the power source and is a hydraulic cylinder; in another embodiment, the linear actuator 32 can be a pneumatic cylinder, which is particularly suitable for environments with clean compressed air sources. Compared to directly using a rotary actuator, the structure of using a linear actuator to drive the rotating handle provides greater torque output and simpler displacement control.

[0057] The control component 4 is the core of the automatic adjustment function, which includes a first flow sensor 41, a second flow sensor 42, a third flow sensor 43, and a controller (not shown in the figure).

[0058] The first flow sensor 41 is installed on the pipe at the inlet 11 to detect the total feed flow rate; the second flow sensor 42 and the third flow sensor 43 are installed on the pipes at the first outlet 12 and the second outlet 13, respectively, to detect the flow rates of the two branches.

[0059] The signal input terminal of the controller is electrically connected to the first flow sensor 41, the second flow sensor 42 and the third flow sensor 43, and its control output terminal is electrically connected to the linear actuator 32 and the vibrator 24.

[0060] The controller's program is configured to perform closed-loop control:

[0061] The controller collects the signal value of the first flow sensor 41 in real time and compares it with the sum of the signal values ​​of the second flow sensor 42 and the third flow sensor 43. If the difference between the two (i.e. the distribution error) exceeds the allowable range, the controller sends a control signal to the linear actuator 32 to drive it to extend and retract, thereby precisely adjusting the flipping angle of the inner cylinder 2 and ultimately dynamically correcting the distribution ratio of the material flow to the two discharge ports.

[0062] In addition, the controller has a preset anti-clogging trigger threshold, which can be set in the interface according to the material characteristics (such as the stickiness of feed pellets). When the controller detects that the difference between the flow rate of the first flow sensor 41 and the sum of the flow rates of the second flow sensor 42 and the third flow sensor 43 exceeds the threshold for a certain period of time (e.g., 5 seconds), it determines that the inner wall of the inner cylinder 2 may be stuck. Then, it outputs a start signal to the vibrator 24 and controls the vibrator 24 to work for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds) to shake off the attached material. After the flow rate returns to balance, the controller automatically stops the vibrator 24.

[0063] Overall, this invention integrates mechanical structure with automatic control logic through the combination of valve body 1, inner cylinder 2 with a specific shape, drive mechanism 3, and closed-loop control component 4. Specifically, valve body 1 provides a stable flow channel; inner cylinder 2 with variable cross-section section 23 optimizes the material flow path; targeted arrangement of vibrator 24 enables online unblocking; and drive mechanism 3, composed of linear actuator 32 and rotating handle 31, provides reliable power conversion. The combination of these various structures allows the three-way valve to automatically adjust its working state based on real-time flow feedback, thereby improving the proportional accuracy of solid material distribution and long-term operational stability, reducing the frequency of manual intervention required due to flow fluctuations or material adhesion during production, and demonstrating significant application value in automated material distribution processes.

[0064] 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 tipping-type three-way valve with automatic adjustment based on flow feedback, characterized in that, include: The valve body (1) has an inlet (11), a first outlet (12) and a second outlet (13) for connecting to a material supply source; the first outlet (12) is located below the inlet (11) in the direction of gravity. The inner cylinder (2) is rotatably disposed in the internal cavity of the valve body (1) via a rotating shaft (21); The drive mechanism (3) includes a rotating handle (31) that is drivenly connected to the rotating shaft (21) of the inner cylinder (2), and a linear actuator (32) with one end hinged to the end of the rotating handle (31) away from the rotating shaft (21); the cylinder end of the linear actuator (32) is rotatably mounted on a mounting seat (33) fixedly connected to the valve body (1) by a pin. Control component (4), which includes a first flow sensor (41) disposed on the inlet (11) pipe, a second flow sensor (42) disposed on the first outlet (12) pipe, a third flow sensor (43) disposed on the second outlet (13) pipe, and The controller has its signal input terminal electrically connected to the first flow sensor (41), the second flow sensor (42) and the third flow sensor (43), and its control output terminal electrically connected to the linear actuator (32); in, The controller is configured to drive the linear actuator (32) to extend and retract based on the comparison relationship between the flow signal value of the first flow sensor (41) and the sum of the flow signal values ​​of the second flow sensor (42) and the third flow sensor (43), so as to adjust the flip angle of the inner cylinder (2) and control the distribution ratio of material through the first discharge port (12) and the second discharge port (13).

2. The tipping bucket three-way valve based on flow feedback automatic adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner cylinder (2) has a constant cross-section section (22) near the feed inlet (11) and a variable cross-section section (23) away from the feed inlet (11). in, The cross-sectional area of ​​the variable cross section (23) gradually decreases along the material outflow direction.

3. The tipping bucket three-way valve based on flow feedback automatic adjustment according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one vibrator (24) is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the inner cylinder (2), and the vibrator (24) is electrically connected to the controller; The controller is further configured as follows: When the difference between the feed flow rate detected by the first flow sensor (41) and the sum of the discharge flow rates detected by the second flow sensor (42) and the third flow sensor (43) exceeds a preset threshold, the vibrator (24) is activated to shake off the material attached to the inner wall of the inner cylinder (2).

4. The tipping bucket three-way valve based on flow feedback automatic adjustment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of vibrators (24) is at least two, and they are distributed circumferentially along the inner cylinder (2).

5. The tipping bucket three-way valve based on flow feedback automatic adjustment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vibrator (24) is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the variable cross-section section (23) of the inner cylinder (2).

6. The tipping bucket three-way valve based on flow feedback automatic adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear actuator (32) is a hydraulic cylinder.

7. The tipping bucket three-way valve based on flow feedback automatic adjustment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear actuator (32) is a cylinder.

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