A mechanically driven gas distribution valve

Abstract

This utility model discloses a mechanically driven gas distribution valve, including a valve body and a gas chamber. The gas chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber, each with a first air hole, a second air hole, and a third air hole communicating with the outside. A valve stem has its middle portion located in the second chamber and is provided with a first sealing element and a second sealing element. A spring is provided between the return end of the valve stem and the first chamber. The pressing end of the valve stem passes through the third chamber and extends to the valve body, with a sealing ring provided at its penetration point. A driving mechanism is used to apply a driving force to the outer end of the valve stem, and through the return of the spring, drives the first and second sealing elements to move, thereby connecting the first and second air holes or connecting the second and third air holes. Compared with the prior art, this utility model uses a mechanical drive instead of a pneumatic drive, resulting in a longer service life, improved stability, and reduced energy consumption compared to a solenoid valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of valve technology, specifically relating to a mechanically driven gas distribution valve. Background Technology

[0002] Gas distribution valves are mostly installed in oxygen production equipment to deliver high-pressure gas output from the compressor to the adsorption cylinder and to discharge the waste gas discharged after desorption by the adsorption cylinder through the gas distribution valve.

[0003] Traditional gas distribution valves are mostly gas-driven, connecting a solenoid valve to the air intake channel and using the air entering through the intake channel to drive the axial movement of the control components to achieve the input of high-pressure gas or the discharge of waste gas. Existing oxygen concentrators often have two adsorption chambers that alternately produce oxygen, therefore two solenoid valves are also installed. When one solenoid valve is open, the other is closed, and the two alternate in a cycle. This means the gas distribution valve is constantly powered, resulting in high power consumption and thus high energy consumption. Furthermore, with continuous use, the electromagnetic force of the solenoid valve decreases, leading to a decline in the sealing performance of the connection between the gas chambers, thereby affecting the oxygen production effect. Using solenoid valves for driving also results in poor stability.

[0004] To address this issue, this invention provides a mechanically driven gas distribution valve to reduce energy consumption and improve stability. Utility Model Content

[0005] Details of one or more embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of the present application more readily apparent.

[0006] This invention provides a mechanically driven gas distribution valve. By replacing the gas drive with a mechanical drive and using a mechanical drive mechanism instead of a solenoid valve, the service life of the gas distribution valve can be extended and its stability can be improved. The drive mechanism is energized only for a short period of time during operation, which reduces the energy consumption of the gas distribution valve and is beneficial for the low-power operation of oxygen generation equipment.

[0007] This utility model discloses a mechanically driven gas distribution valve, including a valve body and a gas chamber, wherein the gas chamber includes: The first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber are disposed in the valve body along the same axial direction from the valve body to the outside of the valve body, and are respectively provided with a first vent, a second vent, and a third vent that are connected to the outside. A valve stem, the middle portion of which is located within the second chamber, and is provided with a first sealing element for forming an abutment seal with an air hole between the second chamber and the third chamber, and a second sealing element for forming an abutment seal with an air hole between the first chamber and the second chamber; the reset end of the valve stem is located within the first chamber, and a spring is provided between it and the first chamber; the compression end of the valve stem penetrates the third chamber and extends to the valve body, and a sealing ring is provided at its penetration point; A driving mechanism is used to apply a driving force to the outer end of the valve stem, and through the reset of the spring, drive the first seal and the second seal to move, so that the first air hole and the second air hole are connected or the second air hole and the third air hole are connected.

[0008] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism includes: A rotating shaft is disposed outside the valve body above the extrusion end; A motor is connected to the rotating shaft; A pressure block is disposed on the rotating shaft so that the rotation of the rotating shaft is driven by the motor, causing the pressure block to press down on the valve stem or providing space for the valve stem to reset.

[0009] In some embodiments, two gas chambers are provided and symmetrically arranged inside the valve body, and the extrusion ends of the two gas chambers are located on the same side.

[0010] In some embodiments, the rotating shaft is arranged parallel above the two extrusion ends, each extrusion end corresponding to each pressure block; the pressure block is a cam structure, and the two cam structures are arranged in opposite directions.

[0011] In some embodiments, the rotating shafts are arranged perpendicularly between the two extrusion ends; the pressure block extends radially along the rotating shafts and has grooves or protrusions on its upper and lower end faces to adapt to the extrusion ends and form a sliding engagement.

[0012] In some embodiments, the valve body includes: A first valve body, a second valve body, and a third valve body, wherein the first chamber is located within the first valve body, or between the first valve body and the second valve body; the second chamber is located within the second valve body; and the third chamber is located within the third valve body, or between the second valve body and the third valve body. The second sealing element is a diaphragm structure with a through hole. Its outer end is clamped between the first valve body and the second valve body, and its inner end is fixedly connected to the valve stem and forms an abutment seal with the air hole between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first sealing element is a diaphragm structure with a through hole. Its outer end is clamped between the second valve body and the third valve body, and its inner end is fixedly connected to the valve stem and forms an abutment seal with the air hole between the second chamber and the third chamber. A cover plate is disposed at the outer end of the third valve body and has an opening adapted to the extrusion end; the sealing ring is sandwiched between the cover plate and the third valve body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the valve stem has a groove structure below the reset end.

[0014] In some embodiments, the motor is fixed to the valve body by a mounting support plate, and the mounting support plate completely covers the range of motion of the pressure block and / or a protective cover is provided outside the pressure block.

[0015] In some implementations, it also includes: The first air inlet is connected to the two first air holes; The third air inlet is connected to the two third air holes; The first air hole and the third air hole are located on the two end faces or the same end face of the valve body; Two second air inlets, each of which corresponds to and is connected to each second air hole; The second air inlet is located on the outer end face of the valve body.

[0016] In some implementations, it also includes: A front bolt is located between the front ends of the first valve body, the second valve body, and the third valve body, between the two second air inlets. The rear bolt is located between the rear ends of the first valve body, the second valve body, and the third valve body.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the driving mechanism applies a driving force to the valve stem, and the spring reset can drive the first and second sealing elements to move to achieve the sealing of the air holes between different gas chambers. Compared with gas distribution valves using solenoid valves, this mechanically driven gas distribution valve has stronger stability and longer continuous use time. Moreover, the driving mechanism is only energized when switching between different air holes, which reduces power consumption compared to solenoid valves and has lower energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further illustrate the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a gas distribution valve according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional structural diagram.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of another gas distribution valve of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional structural diagram.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve body of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve stem, the first sealing element, and the second sealing element assembled according to this utility model.

[0025] Figure description: Valve body 1, first valve body 11, second valve body 12, third valve body 13, cover plate 14, first chamber 21, second chamber 22, third chamber 23, valve stem 3, first seal 31, second seal 32, sealing ring 33, through hole 34, spring 4, drive mechanism 5, rotating shaft 51, pressure block 52, motor 53, mounting support plate 6, first air inlet 71, second air inlet 72, third air inlet 73. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be described and explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided by this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0027] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can apply this utility model to other similar scenarios without any creative effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this utility model, any changes to the design, manufacturing, or production methods based on the disclosed technical content are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient disclosure of this utility model.

[0028] In this utility model, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this utility model. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this utility model may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0029] like Figure 1-6 As shown, a mechanically driven gas distribution valve includes a valve body 1 and a gas chamber, the gas chamber comprising: The first chamber 21, the second chamber 22, and the third chamber 23 are disposed inside the valve body 1 and are connected from the inside of the valve body 1 to the outside of the valve body 1 along the same axial direction. They are respectively provided with a first air hole, a second air hole, and a third air hole that are connected to the outside. The valve stem 3 has its middle portion located within the second chamber 22. It is equipped with a first sealing element 31 for forming an abutment seal with the air vent between the second chamber 22 and the third chamber 23, and a second sealing element 32 for forming an abutment seal with the air vent between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22. The sealing performance of the valve body 1 is improved by providing the first sealing element 31 and the second sealing element 32. Preferably, the first sealing element 31 and the second sealing element 32 can be made of flexible materials such as rubber or silicone, which increases sealing performance while reducing friction noise. Furthermore, to enable the valve stem 3 to move axially within the valve body 1, the vertical distance between the first sealing element 31 and the second sealing element 32 is greater than the vertical distance between the second chamber 22. The reset end of the valve stem 3 is located within the first chamber 21, and a spring 4 is provided between it and the first chamber 21. The compression end of the valve stem 3 penetrates the third chamber 23 and extends outside the valve body 1, with a sealing ring 33 provided at its penetration point to prevent gas leakage from the penetration point. The driving mechanism 5 is used to apply a driving force to the outer end of the valve stem 3, and through the reset of the spring 4, drive the first seal 31 and the second seal 32 to move, so that the first air hole and the second air hole are connected or the second air hole and the third air hole are connected.

[0030] In some possible embodiments, the spring 4 is a compression spring. The drive mechanism 5 applies a downward driving force to the valve stem 3, causing the first seal 31 and the second seal 32 to move downward. The spring 4 is in a compressed state, and the first vent and the second vent are connected. As the driving force gradually weakens, the spring 4 gradually resets, causing the first seal 31 and the second seal 32 to move upward and connect the second vent and the third vent.

[0031] In some other possible embodiments, the spring 4 is a tension spring with its two ends fixed to the bottom of the first chamber and the bottom of the valve stem reset end, respectively. The driving mechanism 5 applies an upward driving force to the valve stem 3 to keep the spring 4 in a stretched state, thereby driving the first seal 31 and the second seal 32 to move upward and open the second and third air holes. When the driving force gradually weakens, the spring 4 gradually resets, and the first seal 31 and the second seal 32 move downward to open the first and second air holes.

[0032] The driving mechanism 5 applies a driving force to the outer end of the valve stem 3, causing the valve stem 3 to move axially, thereby driving the first sealing element 31 and the second sealing element 32 to move. This achieves the contact sealing between the first sealing element 31 and the air holes of the second chamber 22 and the third chamber 23, or the contact sealing between the second sealing element 32 and the air holes of the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22. Compared with the gas distribution valve driven by the solenoid valve, this method has stronger stability and is beneficial for the long-term use of the gas distribution valve. The driving mechanism 5 is only energized when switching between different air holes, which reduces power consumption compared to the solenoid valve, resulting in relatively low energy consumption.

[0033] The drive mechanism can employ various drive structures such as electric push cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic oil, and lead screw motor to realize the movement of valve stem 3.

[0034] In some embodiments, in order to improve the switching rate of the drive mechanism 5 and coordinate it with the oxygen generation process of the oxygen concentrator, specifically, such as... Figure 1-4 As shown, the driving mechanism 5 includes: a rotating shaft 51, disposed outside the valve body 1 above the extrusion end; a motor 53, connected to the rotating shaft 51, driving the rotating shaft 51 to rotate; and a pressure block 52, disposed on the rotating shaft 51, so that the pressure block 52 can press down on the valve stem 3 or provide space for the valve stem 3 to reset by the rotation drive of the rotating shaft 51 by the motor 53. Specifically, spring 4 is a compression spring. When valve stem 3 is subjected to a downward driving force, spring 4 is in a compressed state. When valve stem 3 is not subjected to a driving force, spring 4 is in a reset state. Motor 53 drives rotating shaft 51 to rotate. Rotating shaft 51 drives pressure block 52 to rotate synchronously. When pressure block 52 rotates to abut against valve stem 3 and presses valve stem 3 downward to make it move downward, the first sealing element 31 forms an abutment seal with the air hole between the second chamber 22 and the third chamber 23, making the first air hole and the second air hole open. When pressure block 52 rotates away from valve stem 3, valve stem 3 resets under the action of spring 4. The second sealing element 32 forms an abutment seal with the air hole between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22, making the second air hole and the third air hole open.

[0035] To improve the oxygen production efficiency of portable oxygen concentrators, two adsorption cells are typically used. The oxygen production efficiency is improved by the alternating adsorption of oxygen by the two cells. To match the adsorption cells, two gas distribution valves are also needed. However, to make the gas distribution valve structure more compact, the two gas distribution valves can be integrated into one, such as... Figure 1-4 As shown, there are two gas chambers, which are symmetrically arranged inside the valve body 1, and the extrusion ends of the two gas chambers are located on the same side so as to be controlled by a motor 53.

[0036] To match the installation space of the oxygen generator and make the overall structure more compact for miniaturization, in some specific embodiments, such as... Figure 3-4 As shown, the rotating shaft 51 is arranged parallel above the two extrusion ends, and each extrusion end corresponds to each pressure block 52; the pressure block 52 is a cam structure, and the protrusion directions of the two cam structures are arranged in opposite directions. When one cam structure presses the valve stem 3 downward, the other cam structure moves away from the valve stem 3, so that the valve stem 3 is in the reset state.

[0037] To accommodate different installation spaces, in some other specific embodiments, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the rotating shaft 51 is perpendicularly intersecting between the two extrusion ends; the pressure block 52 extends along the radial direction of the rotating shaft 51, and has grooves or protrusions on the upper and lower end faces of the pressure block 52 to adapt to the extrusion ends and form a sliding engagement.

[0038] In some embodiments, to facilitate the molding and assembly of the gas distribution valve, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, valve body 1 includes: a first valve body 11, a second valve body 12, and a third valve body 13. The first chamber 21 is located inside the first valve body 11, or between the first valve body 11 and the second valve body 12; the second chamber 22 is located inside the second valve body 12; and the third chamber 23 is located inside the third valve body 13, or between the second valve body 12 and the third valve body 13. The second sealing element 32 is a diaphragm structure with a through hole 34 to facilitate the delivery of gas from the first chamber 21 to the second chamber 22. Its outer end is clamped between the first valve body 11 and the second valve body 12 to reduce gas leakage from the mating surface of the first valve body 11 and the second valve body 12. Its inner end is fixedly connected to the valve stem 3 and forms an abutment seal with the air hole between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 to enhance the sealing performance. The first sealing element 31 is a diaphragm structure with a through hole 34 to allow gas to be transported from the second chamber 22 to the third chamber 23. Its outer end is clamped between the second valve body 12 and the third valve body 13 to reduce gas leakage from the mating surface of the second valve body 12 and the third valve body 13. Its inner end is fixedly connected to the valve stem 3 and forms an abutment seal with the air hole between the second chamber 22 and the third chamber 23 to enhance the sealing performance. A cover plate 14 is disposed at the outer end of the third valve body 13 and has an opening adapted to the extrusion end; the sealing ring 33 is sandwiched between the cover plate 14 and the third valve body 13 to prevent the sealing ring 33 from shifting and causing gas leakage.

[0039] In some embodiments, a groove structure is provided below the reset end of the valve stem 3 to facilitate the limiting of the spring 4.

[0040] In some embodiments, to facilitate the fixing of the motor 53, the motor 53 is fixed to the valve body 1 by a mounting support plate 6; to prevent other components from being too close to the pressure block 52 and affecting the rotation of the pressure block 52, the mounting support plate 6 completely covers the range of motion of the pressure block 52, and / or a protective cover is provided outside the pressure block 52, thereby increasing the stability of the gas distribution valve operation by eliminating interference factors.

[0041] In some embodiments, to make the valve body 1 more compact and reduce gas path connections, the gas distribution valve further includes: a first gas inlet 71, connected to two first gas holes; a third gas inlet 73, connected to two third gas holes; the first gas holes and the third gas holes are located on the two end faces or the same end face of the valve body 1; to facilitate docking with the gas inlets of the two adsorption cylinders, the gas distribution valve further includes two second gas inlets 72, each second gas inlet 72 corresponding to and connected to each second gas hole; and the second gas inlets 72 are located on the outer end face of the valve body 1.

[0042] In some embodiments, to facilitate the fixed connection of the first valve body 11, the second valve body 12, and the third valve body 13, the gas distribution valve further includes: a front end bolt, located between the front ends of the first valve body 11, the second valve body 12, and the third valve body 13 at the two second gas inlets 72. In some possible embodiments, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the front bolt is inserted through a groove at the bottom of the front end of the first valve body 11 and passes sequentially through the first valve body 11, the second valve body 12, and is positioned on the third valve body 13; the rear bolt is located between the rear ends of the first valve body 11, the second valve body 12, and the third valve body 13. In some possible embodiments, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the rear bolts can be connected to the holes in the rear convex ridges of the first valve body 11, the second valve body 12, and the third valve body 13 in sequence.

[0043] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mechanically actuated gas dispensing valve comprising a valve body and a gas chamber, characterized in that, The gas chamber includes: The first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber are disposed in the valve body along the same axial direction from the valve body to the outside of the valve body, and are respectively provided with a first vent, a second vent, and a third vent that are connected to the outside. A valve stem, the middle portion of which is located within the second chamber, and is provided with a first sealing element for forming an abutment seal with an air hole between the second chamber and the third chamber, and a second sealing element for forming an abutment seal with an air hole between the first chamber and the second chamber; the reset end of the valve stem is located within the first chamber, and a spring is provided between it and the first chamber; the compression end of the valve stem penetrates the third chamber and extends to the valve body, and a sealing ring is provided at its penetration point; A driving mechanism is used to apply a driving force to the outer end of the valve stem, and through the reset of the spring, drive the first seal and the second seal to move, so that the first air hole and the second air hole are connected or the second air hole and the third air hole are connected.

2. The mechanically actuated gas distribution valve of claim 1, wherein, The drive mechanism includes: A rotating shaft is disposed outside the valve body above the extrusion end; A motor is connected to the rotating shaft; A pressure block is disposed on the rotating shaft so that the rotation of the rotating shaft is driven by the motor, causing the pressure block to press down on the valve stem or providing space for the valve stem to reset.

3. The mechanically actuated gas distribution valve of claim 2, wherein, The gas chambers are provided in two symmetrically arranged inside the valve body, and the extrusion ends of the two gas chambers are located on the same side.

4. The mechanically actuated gas distribution valve of claim 3, wherein, The rotating shaft is arranged parallel above the two extrusion ends, and each extrusion end corresponds to each pressure block; the pressure block is a cam structure, and the protrusion directions of the two cam structures are arranged in opposite directions.

5. The mechanically actuated gas distribution valve of claim 3, wherein, The rotating shafts are perpendicularly intersecting between the two extrusion ends; the pressure block extends radially along the rotating shafts and has grooves or protrusions on its upper and lower end faces to adapt to the extrusion ends and form a sliding engagement.

6. The mechanically actuated gas distribution valve of claim 3, wherein, The valve body includes: A first valve body, a second valve body, and a third valve body, wherein the first chamber is located within the first valve body, or between the first valve body and the second valve body; the second chamber is located within the second valve body; and the third chamber is located within the third valve body, or between the second valve body and the third valve body. The second sealing element is a diaphragm structure with a through hole. Its outer end is clamped between the first valve body and the second valve body, and its inner end is fixedly connected to the valve stem and forms an abutment seal with the air hole between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first sealing element is a diaphragm structure with a through hole. Its outer end is clamped between the second valve body and the third valve body, and its inner end is fixedly connected to the valve stem and forms an abutment seal with the air hole between the second chamber and the third chamber. A cover plate is disposed at the outer end of the third valve body and has an opening adapted to the extrusion end; the sealing ring is sandwiched between the cover plate and the third valve body.

7. The mechanically actuated gas distribution valve of claim 1, wherein, The valve stem has a groove structure below its reset end.

8. The mechanically driven gas distribution valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The motor is fixed to the valve body by a mounting support plate, and the mounting support plate completely covers the movement range of the pressure block and / or a protective cover is provided outside the pressure block.

9. The mechanically driven gas distribution valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: The first air inlet is connected to the two first air holes; The third air inlet is connected to the two third air holes; The first air hole and the third air hole are located on the two end faces or the same end face of the valve body; Two second air inlets, each of which corresponds to and is connected to each second air hole; The second air inlet is located on the outer end face of the valve body.

10. The mechanically driven gas distribution valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A front bolt is located between the front ends of the first valve body, the second valve body, and the third valve body, between the two second air inlets. The rear bolt is located between the rear ends of the first valve body, the second valve body, and the third valve body.

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