Anti-free pressure freeze valve using shape memory alloy

Abstract

The present invention relates to an anti-freeze valve. More specifically, it relates to a waterless anti-freeze valve using a shape memory alloy. To this end, the present invention provides a non-pressure anti-freeze valve using a shape memory alloy, comprising: a body module that can be coupled to a pipe through which fluid flows and is equipped with a fluid inlet to allow fluid to flow in; a first elastic body made of a shape memory alloy material and capable of contracting when the temperature falls below a predetermined temperature; a disc module into which the first elastic body can be inserted and having a protrusion formed at the bottom; a second elastic body into which the disc module can be inserted and having an elastic restoring force; and a cover module having a fluid outlet formed to allow fluid to be discharged, wherein the fluid outlet allows the protrusion of the disc module to be inserted and withdrawn.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an anti-freeze valve. More specifically, it relates to a waterless anti-freeze valve using a shape memory alloy. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, water is used as a heat exchange medium in various equipment and facilities, such as heating, cooling, and air conditioning systems, refrigeration and freezing equipment, and industrial cooling facilities. In particular, water-cooled condensers, heat exchange coils in HVAC systems, and evaporative cooling towers face a very high risk of pipe bursting due to freezing water inside pipes exposed to the outside air when temperatures drop below freezing, such as during the winter.

[0003] Water inside a closed pipe does not easily freeze when in a flowing state, but it freezes easily as the temperature drops when the flow stops; furthermore, as the volume increases during the phase change from liquid to solid, expansion pressure is generated, causing freezing damage in the pipe in the form of cracks or ruptures.

[0004] As general measures to prevent such freezing accidents, methods such as installing insulation or heating devices in pipes, mixing antifreeze into water, and maintaining water flow by continuously draining the pipes are used; however, these methods require the installation of separate insulation or heating devices, consume a large amount of energy to operate the heating devices, and have many problems such as water loss.

[0005] In addition, as described in the Japanese registered patent JP 2019-183924, the anti-freeze device formed inside the faucet is implemented inside the faucet, so the structure is complex, and in the event of a problem, the entire faucet must be replaced.

[0007] Prior Art: JP Patent Publication No. 2019-183924 (Published Oct. 24, 2019) The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a water-free freeze prevention valve using a shape memory alloy that can prevent freezing by being coupled not only to domestic and industrial water supply systems where water pressure is generally applied, but also to pipes where water pressure is not applied. means of solving the problem

[0009] A non-pressure anti-freeze valve using a shape memory alloy according to the present invention, devised to achieve the above objective, comprises: a body module that can be coupled to a pipe through which fluid flows and is provided with a fluid inlet to allow fluid to flow in; a first elastic body made of a shape memory alloy material and capable of contracting when the temperature falls below a predetermined temperature; a disc module into which the first elastic body can be inserted and having a protrusion formed at the bottom; a second elastic body into which the disc module can be inserted and having an elastic restoring force; and a cover module having a fluid outlet formed to allow fluid to be discharged, wherein the protrusion of the disc module can be inserted into and withdrawn from the fluid outlet.

[0010] Additionally, the upper part of the body module has a pipe connection portion formed therein that can be connected to a pipe, and the lower part has a cover module connection portion formed therein that can be connected to a cover module; the pipe connection portion of the body module can be connected to a first O-ring to prevent fluid leakage; and the protrusion at the bottom of the disk module can be connected to a second O-ring to prevent fluid leakage.

[0011] Additionally, it further includes a housing module into which a second elastic body and a disk module can be inserted, and a through hole is formed on the lower surface of the housing module so that a protrusion of the disk module can be inserted into and withdrawn from the through hole. Effects of the invention

[0012] According to the present invention, when the temperature falls below a certain level, the fluid flows into the fluid inlet of the body module and is discharged through the fluid outlet of the commer module, thereby preventing freezing caused by the flow of fluid.

[0013] In addition, it can prevent freezing by being connected not only to domestic and industrial water supply systems where water pressure is applied but also to pipes where water pressure is not applied. Unlike conventional anti-freeze devices that are directly connected to or installed inside the faucet, it is installed in the pipe, which offers the advantage of easy maintenance. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front exploded perspective view of a hydrostatic anti-freeze valve using a shape memory alloy according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear exploded view of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a non-hydrostatic anti-freeze valve using a shape memory alloy according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the disk module. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, it should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Additionally, while preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, it is understood that the technical concept of the present invention is not limited or restricted thereto and can be modified and implemented in various ways by those skilled in the art.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a front exploded perspective view of a hydrostatic anti-freeze valve using a shape memory alloy according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a rear exploded perspective view of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a combined cross-sectional view of a hydrostatic anti-freeze valve using a shape memory alloy according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a disk module.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a waterless anti-freeze valve using a shape memory alloy according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a body module (100), a first elastic body (200), a disk module (300), a second elastic body (400), and a cover module (500), and may include a housing module (600).

[0021] The present invention is a valve capable of preventing freezing of pipes without water pressure, and can prevent freezing of places where fluid is drained without water pressure, including water tanks in campervans and washing machine drain pipes.

[0023] It goes without saying that it can prevent freezing not only in places without water pressure but also in places where fluids are drained by water pressure, including domestic and industrial water supply systems.

[0025] For the purpose of explaining the invention, the direction in which the fluid flows in is defined as upward and the direction in which the fluid flows out is defined as downward.

[0027] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the components of a hydrostatic anti-freeze valve using a shape-mechanical alloy according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0029] The body module (100) can be connected to a pipe through which fluid flows, and when connected to the pipe, a fluid inlet is provided so that fluid can be introduced from the fluid inlet.

[0031] A pipe connection part that can be connected to a pipe is formed on the upper part of the body module (100), and a cover module connection part that can be connected to a cover module is formed on the lower part.

[0033] Screw threads are formed on the pipe connection part and the cover module connection part, so that the pipe and the cover module can be screw-connected.

[0035] In addition, a first O-ring (110) can be attached to the pipe joint to prevent fluid leakage.

[0037] The first O-ring can be connected, so that when the body module and the piping are connected, fluid leakage from the pipe connection part can be prevented.

[0039] In addition, the body module (100) is provided with a disk insertion section in which a disk module (300) and a housing module (600) can be inserted.

[0041] In addition, a first elastic body fixing groove is formed on the upper surface of the disk insertion portion of the body module (100) so that the first elastic body (200) can be seated thereon and the position of the first elastic body (200) can be fixed.

[0043] That is, the lower surface of the body module (100) is open, and the interior of the open body module (100) is provided with a disc insertion section into which a disc module (300) and a housing module (600) can be inserted, and a fluid inlet is formed in the center of the upper surface of the disc insertion section, which is a through hole into which fluid can be introduced, and a first elastic body fixing groove is formed along the circumference of the fluid inlet.

[0045] The first elastic body (200) is made of a shape memory alloy material and can be a member having elastic restoring force including a spring, and can contract when the temperature falls below a predetermined temperature.

[0047] The lower end of the first elastic body (200) can be inserted into the disk module (300), and the upper end can be seated in the first elastic body fixing groove formed in the body module (100) to fix its position.

[0049] The disk module (300) is open on its upper surface, and a first elastic body (200) can be inserted into the open upper surface.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 5, an opening / closing protrusion (320) is formed on the lower surface of the disk module (300), and a first O-ring (310) for preventing fluid leakage can be attached to the opening / closing protrusion (320).

[0053] In addition, on the lower surface of the disk module (300), a protrusion (320) for opening and closing and a plurality of fluid discharge holes (330) are formed at a predetermined interval around the circumference.

[0055] Since the fluid discharge opening (330) is formed at a predetermined distance from the opening / closing protrusion (320), even if the first O-ring (310) is coupled to the opening / closing protrusion (320), it is possible to prevent the first O-ring (310) from blocking the fluid discharge opening (330).

[0057] A first elastic body fixing protrusion (340) is formed on the outer surface of the disk module (300) at the upper part of the disk module (300).

[0059] A disk module (300) may be inserted into the second elastic body (400), and the second elastic body (400) may be a member having elastic restoring force including a spring.

[0061] The first elastic body (200) can apply downward force to the disk module (300) by means of elastic restoring force, and the second elastic body (400) can apply upward force to the disk module (300) by means of elastic restoring force.

[0063] The housing module (600) has an open upper surface so that the second elastic body (400) and the disk module (300) can be inserted into the open upper surface, and a through hole is formed on the lower surface so that the opening / closing protrusion (320) of the disk module (300) can be inserted into and withdrawn through the through hole of the housing module (600).

[0065] A waterless anti-freeze valve using a shape-mechanical alloy according to a preferred embodiment can be operated even without a housing module (600).

[0067] If the housing module (600) is not provided, the outer diameter of the disk module (300) can be made larger or the inner diameter of the body module (100) can be made smaller for efficient operation.

[0069] The cover module (500) is provided with a body module coupling part at the top that can be screw-coupled with the body module (100), and a fluid discharge port is formed at the bottom that can discharge fluid.

[0071] The opening and closing protrusion (320) of the disk module (300) can be inserted into and withdrawn from the fluid discharge port of the cover module (500). When the opening and closing protrusion (320) of the disk module (300) is inserted into the fluid discharge port, the fluid discharge port is closed and fluid is not discharged, and when the opening and closing protrusion (320) of the disk module (300) is withdrawn from the fluid discharge port, the fluid discharge port is opened and fluid can be discharged.

[0073] That is, a second elastic body (200) is inserted into the open upper surface of the housing module (600), a disk module (300) is inserted into the second elastic body (200), and a first elastic body (200) is inserted into the open upper surface of the disk module (300).

[0075] Then, the mutually combined housing module (600), second elastic body (400), disk module (300), and first elastic body (200) are inserted into the open lower surface of the body module (100), and in the inserted state, the body module (100) and the cover module (500) are screw-coupled.

[0077] Hereinafter, a method of operation of a non-pressure anti-freeze valve using a shape-mechanical alloy according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0079] The first and second elastic bodies are not limited in shape as long as they have a structure capable of having elastic restoring force; however, the following description assumes that the first and second elastic bodies have a spring-like structure.

[0081] First, we will explain the case where the temperature is above the deformation temperature of the shape memory alloy.

[0083] With fluid flowing into the body module through the fluid inlet of the body module, the disc module receives a downward force due to the elastic restoring force of the first elastic body and simultaneously receives an upward force due to the elastic restoring force of the second elastic body inside the body module.

[0085] At room temperature, which is above the deformation temperature of the shape memory alloy, the elastic restoring force of the first elastic body is greater than that of the second elastic body, so the resultant force of the elastic restoring force of the first elastic body and the elastic restoring force of the second elastic body is applied downward.

[0087] When the disc module receives downward force, the opening / closing protrusion penetrates the through hole of the housing module and is inserted, and while the opening / closing protrusion has penetrated the housing module, it is inserted into the fluid outlet of the cover module.

[0089] Since the opening and closing protrusion of the disc module is inserted into the fluid outlet of the cover module and closes the fluid outlet, the fluid is not discharged through the fluid outlet.

[0091] The following describes the operation method when the temperature is below the deformation temperature of the shape memory alloy.

[0093] With fluid flowing into the body module through the fluid inlet of the body module, the disc module receives a downward force due to the elastic restoring force of the first elastic body and simultaneously receives an upward force due to the elastic restoring force of the second elastic body inside the body module.

[0095] When the temperature of the first elastic body made of shape memory alloy material is below the deformation temperature of the shape memory alloy, it contracts, and thus the downward elastic restoring force applied to the disk module is weakened.

[0097] As the first elastic body contracts, the disk module receives an upward force due to the elastic restoring force of the second elastic body, and the disk module moves upward until the elastic restoring forces of the first elastic body and the second elastic body are in equilibrium while the first elastic body is in a contracted state.

[0099] When the disc module moves upward, the opening / closing protrusion formed at the bottom of the disc module is withdrawn from the fluid outlet of the cover module and the through-hole of the housing module.

[0100] Fluid flowing into the fluid inlet of the body module can be discharged through the fluid discharge opening of the disc module to the fluid outlet of the cover module.

[0102] That is, according to the present invention, when the temperature falls below a certain level, the fluid flows into the fluid inlet of the body module and is discharged through the fluid outlet of the commer module, thereby preventing freezing caused by the flow of fluid.

[0104] In addition, it can prevent freezing by being connected not only to domestic and industrial water supply systems where water pressure is generally applied, but also to pipes where water pressure is not applied. Unlike conventional anti-freeze devices that are directly connected to the faucet or installed inside the faucet, it has the advantage of being easy to maintain as it is installed in the pipe.

[0106] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications, changes, and substitutions within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention and the accompanying drawings are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments and accompanying drawings. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0108] 100 - Body Module 200 - First Elastomer 300 - Disk Module 400 - Second Elastic Body 500 - Cover Module 600 - Housing Module

Claims

Claim 1 A non-pressure anti-freeze valve using a shape memory alloy, comprising: a body module that can be coupled to a pipe through which fluid flows and is provided with a fluid inlet to allow fluid to flow in; a first elastic body made of a shape memory alloy material and capable of contracting when the temperature falls below a predetermined temperature; a disc module into which the first elastic body can be inserted and which has a protrusion formed at its bottom; a second elastic body into which the disc module can be inserted and which has an elastic restoring force; a cover module having a fluid outlet formed to allow fluid to be discharged, wherein the fluid outlet includes a protrusion of the disc module that can be inserted and withdrawn, and further comprising a housing module into which the second elastic body and the disc module can be inserted, wherein a through hole is formed on the lower surface of the housing module so that the protrusion of the disc module can be inserted and withdrawn into the through hole. Claim 2 A non-pressure anti-freeze valve using a shape memory alloy, further comprising: a pipe connection portion formed on the upper part of the body module that can be connected to a pipe, and a cover module connection portion formed on the lower part that can be connected to a cover module; a first O-ring that can be connected to the pipe connection portion of the body module to prevent fluid leakage; and a second O-ring that can be connected to the protrusion at the bottom of the disk module to prevent fluid leakage. Claim 3 delete

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