Three-way valve

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a three-way valve. The three-way valve comprises: a valve body having a valve cavity, wherein a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe are provided on the side wall of the valve body, and both the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe are in communication with the valve cavity; a valve core movably arranged in the valve cavity, wherein the valve core has a first sealing end and a second sealing end arranged opposite each other, the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe are both located between the first sealing end and the second sealing end, the first sealing end fits with the valve cavity to form a first chamber, the second sealing end fits with the valve cavity to form a second chamber, the valve core is provided with a sealing member, and the sealing member is configured to seal the first connecting pipe or the second connecting pipe; and a pilot valve in communication with the valve cavity, wherein the pilot valve is configured to control the pressure difference between the first chamber and the second chamber so as to drive the valve core to move. By means of applying the technical solution of the present application, the problem in the prior art of manufacturing costs increasing caused by the relatively large volume and complex structure of a three-way valve product can be solved.

Description

Three-way valve

[0001] This application claims priority to the patent application filed on January 6, 2025, with China National Intellectual Property Administration, application number 202520028066.5, entitled "Three-way Valve". Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of control valve technology, and more specifically, to a three-way valve. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, the manufacturing process of three-way valves involves modifying the structure of traditional four-way valves. Traditional four-way valves have three connecting pipes (E, S, and C) with a gap between adjacent pipes. In the modification process, the S connecting pipe is removed, retaining only the E and C connecting pipes. However, this modification increases the gap between the E and C connecting pipes, forcing the valve body and its internal components such as the swivel cup, guide frame, and valve seat to retain the existing structure of the traditional four-way valve. This results in a larger and more complex product, increasing the material cost of the three-way valve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a three-way valve to solve the problem that the existing three-way valves are large in size and have complex structures, which leads to increased manufacturing costs.

[0005] This application provides a three-way valve, comprising: a valve body having a valve cavity, a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe disposed on the side wall of the valve body, both the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe communicating with the valve cavity; a valve core movably disposed within the valve cavity, the valve core having a first sealing end and a second sealing end disposed opposite to each other, the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe being located between the first sealing end and the second sealing end, the first sealing end cooperating with the valve cavity to form a first chamber, the second sealing end cooperating with the valve cavity to form a second chamber, a sealing element disposed on the valve core for sealing the first connecting pipe or the second connecting pipe, the inner diameter of the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe being larger than the distance between the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe; and a pilot valve communicating with the valve cavity, the pilot valve being used to control the pressure difference between the first chamber and the second chamber to drive the valve core to move.

[0006] Furthermore, the valve core includes a connecting plate that extends along the valve body's extension direction. The connecting plate has a first sealing end and a second sealing end at its two opposite ends along the extension direction. A sealing element is installed on the connecting plate, and the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe are spaced apart along the extension direction of the connecting plate.

[0007] Furthermore, a third connecting pipe is provided on the valve body, which communicates with the valve cavity. The first and second connecting pipes are located on one side of the connecting plate, and the third connecting pipe is located on the other side of the connecting plate. A flow structure is provided on the connecting plate to connect the two sides of the connecting plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the flow structure includes multiple flow holes, which are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the sealing member along the extension direction of the connecting plate.

[0009] Furthermore, there are two flow holes, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the connecting plate. When the sealing component blocks the first connecting pipe, one of the flow holes is coaxial with the second connecting pipe; when the sealing component blocks the second connecting pipe, one of the flow holes is coaxial with the first connecting pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, the connecting plate is provided with a socket, and the sealing component has a sealing block and a mounting boss that are connected to each other. The sealing block is used to seal the first or second pipe, and the mounting boss is engaged with the socket.

[0011] Furthermore, the connection between the mounting boss and the sealing block forms a stepped surface facing the connecting plate, and there is a gap between the stepped surface and the connecting plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the three-way valve also includes a valve seat, which is fixedly disposed in the valve cavity and located between the first sealing end and the second sealing end. The valve seat is provided with a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole, and the first connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the first connecting hole and the second connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the second connecting hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the side wall on one side of the valve seat is adapted to the shape of the side wall of the valve body, and the side wall on the other side of the valve seat has a sealing surface, which is sealed in conjunction with the sealing element.

[0014] Furthermore, a first piston and a second piston are respectively provided on both sides of the connecting plate. The first piston forms a first sealing end and the second piston forms a second sealing end. Both ends of the connecting plate that are opposite to each other along the extension direction are provided with a flange structure. The first piston and the second piston are fixedly connected to the connecting plate through the flange structure.

[0015] Applying the technical solution of this application, the pilot valve can control the pressure difference between the first and second chambers through the cooperation of an electromagnetic coil and a return spring. When the pressure in the first chamber is greater than the pressure in the second chamber, the valve core moves towards the second chamber, at which point the sealing element can move to the position of the second connecting pipe, opening the first connecting pipe and sealing the second connecting pipe. Conversely, when the pressure in the second chamber is greater than the pressure in the first chamber, the valve core moves towards the first chamber, again moving the sealing element to the position of the first connecting pipe, opening the second connecting pipe and sealing the first connecting pipe. With the overall movement of the valve core, the flow path between the first and second connecting pipes can be switched. Compared to the valve core structure of a traditional four-way valve, this design shortens the distance between the first and second connecting pipes, thus reducing the valve body length and the overall volume of the valve core. By eliminating the need for a traditional sliding cup structure, material requirements are reduced, thereby lowering the overall material cost of the three-way valve. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the three-way valve provided in this application;

[0018] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the sealing component provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the connecting plate provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the valve seat provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve seat provided in this application.

[0022] The above-mentioned figures include the following reference numerals: 100, valve body; 101, first connecting pipe; 102, second connecting pipe; 103, third connecting pipe; 201, first chamber; 202, second chamber; 210, sealing element; 211, sealing block; 212, mounting boss; 220, connecting plate; 221, flow hole; 222, insertion hole; 230, first piston; 240, second piston; 250, flange structure; 300, pilot valve; 400, valve seat; 410, first connecting hole; 420, second connecting hole; 430, sealing surface. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this application or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, this embodiment of the application provides a three-way valve, which includes a valve body 100, a valve core, and a pilot valve 300. The valve body 100 has a valve cavity, and a first connecting pipe 101 and a second connecting pipe 102 are disposed on the side wall of the valve body 100, both communicating with the valve cavity. The valve core is movably disposed within the valve cavity and has a first sealing end and a second sealing end disposed opposite to each other. The first connecting pipe 101 and the second connecting pipe 102 are both located between the first sealing end and the second sealing end. The first sealing end cooperates with the valve cavity to form a first chamber 201, and the second sealing end cooperates with the valve cavity to form a second chamber 202. A sealing element 210 is disposed on the valve core, used to seal either the first connecting pipe 101 or the second connecting pipe 102. The inner diameters of both the first connecting pipe 101 and the second connecting pipe 102 are larger than the distance between them. The pilot valve 300 is connected to the valve chamber and is used to control the pressure difference between the first chamber 201 and the second chamber 202 to drive the valve core to move.

[0025] By applying the technical solution of this application, the pilot valve 300 can control the pressure difference between the first chamber 201 and the second chamber 202 through the cooperation of the electromagnetic coil drive and the return spring. When the pressure in the first chamber 201 is greater than the pressure in the second chamber 202, the valve core will move towards the second chamber 202. At this time, the sealing member 210 can move to the position of the second connecting pipe 102, opening the first connecting pipe 101 and sealing the second connecting pipe 102. When the pressure in the second chamber 202 is greater than the pressure in the first chamber 201, the valve core will move towards the first chamber 201. At this time, the sealing member 210 can move to the position of the first connecting pipe 101, opening the second connecting pipe 102 and sealing the first connecting pipe 101. With the overall movement of the valve core, the flow channel switching between the first connecting pipe 101 and the second connecting pipe 102 can be realized. This design, compared to the valve core structure of a traditional four-way valve, can shorten the distance between the first connecting pipe 101 and the second connecting pipe 102, thus shortening the length of the valve body 100 and reducing the overall volume of the valve core. By not using the traditional sliding cup structure, material requirements are reduced, thereby reducing the overall material cost of the three-way valve.

[0026] Specifically, in this application, the valve core includes a connecting plate 220, which extends along the extension direction of the valve body 100. A first sealing end and a second sealing end are provided at opposite ends of the connecting plate 220 along the extension direction. A sealing member 210 is installed on the connecting plate 220. A first connecting pipe 101 and a second connecting pipe 102 are spaced apart along the extension direction of the connecting plate 220. With this configuration, the connecting plate 220 will move linearly during flow channel switching to switch between the first connecting pipe 101 and the second connecting pipe 102.

[0027] In other embodiments of this application, the connecting plate 220 may also rotate around the axis of the valve body 100 during movement via a rotating structure such as a threaded structure. The first connecting pipe 101 and the second connecting pipe 102 are arranged circumferentially on the side wall of the valve body 100, and the valve core realizes the rotational switching of the three-way valve under the drive of pressure.

[0028] Furthermore, a third connecting pipe 103 is also provided on the valve body 100, which communicates with the valve cavity. The first connecting pipe 101 and the second connecting pipe 102 are located on one side of the connecting plate 220, and the third connecting pipe 103 is located on the other side of the connecting plate 220. A flow structure is provided on the connecting plate 220 to connect both sides of the connecting plate 220. Through the above arrangement, the flow structure can connect the third connecting pipe 103 with the first connecting pipe 101 or the third connecting pipe 103 with the second connecting pipe 102, reducing the flow resistance of the fluid when flowing through the three-way valve and ensuring the flow efficiency of the fluid.

[0029] Furthermore, the width of the connecting plate 220 can be smaller than the overall diameter of the valve body 100 to allow for fluid flow.

[0030] Specifically, the flow structure includes multiple flow holes 221, which are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the sealing member 210 along the extending direction of the connecting plate 220. Referring to FIG3, this embodiment provides two flow holes 221, which are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the sealing member 210. This arrangement can increase the flow area of ​​the flow structure, thereby further improving the flow efficiency. In addition, it can reduce the material requirements for manufacturing the connecting plate 220, thereby further reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0031] In one specific embodiment of this application, two flow holes 221 are provided, spaced apart along the extension direction of the connecting plate 220. When the sealing member 210 blocks the first connecting pipe 101, one of the flow holes 221 is coaxial with the second connecting pipe 102; when the sealing member 210 blocks the second connecting pipe 102, one of the flow holes 221 is coaxial with the first connecting pipe 101. This arrangement reduces the obstruction of the fluid by the connecting plate 220, reduces the turning points in the fluid flow path, ensures the flow effect of the flow holes 221, and improves the flow performance of the fluid in the three-way valve.

[0032] It is worth noting that the shape of the flow hole 221 includes, but is not limited to, a circle or other polygons, such as a regular hexagon or a groove structure.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connecting plate 220 is provided with an insertion hole 222, and the sealing member 210 has a sealing block 211 and a mounting boss 212 connected to each other. The sealing block 211 is used to seal the first connecting pipe 101 or the second connecting pipe 102, and the mounting boss 212 is inserted into the insertion hole 222. Through the above configuration, the connection between the connecting plate 220 and the sealing member 210 can be realized. In this application, the mounting boss 212 can be interference-fitted with the insertion hole 222 to ensure the stability of the installation of the sealing member 210.

[0034] Furthermore, the connection between the mounting boss 212 and the sealing block 211 forms a stepped surface facing the connecting plate 220, and there is a gap between the stepped surface and the connecting plate 220. Through this arrangement, the fluid in the valve chamber can enter the gap between the stepped surface and the connecting plate 220, applying a force to the sealing block 211 in the direction of the first connecting pipe 101 and the second connecting pipe 102, enabling the sealing member 210 to stably seal the first connecting pipe 101 or the second connecting pipe 102, thus ensuring the sealing performance of the sealing member 210.

[0035] Specifically, the mounting boss 212 and the insertion hole 222 can both be set as round holes for easy processing, or they can be set as irregular holes, such as pentagonal or other polygonal hole structures, so as to prevent the sealing member 210 from rotating relative to the connecting plate 220.

[0036] Similarly, the sealing block 211 can also be designed with an irregular hole structure, as long as the sealing effect of the sealing component 210 can be guaranteed.

[0037] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the three-way valve further includes a valve seat 400. The valve seat 400 is fixedly disposed within the valve cavity and located between the first sealing end and the second sealing end. The valve seat 400 is provided with a first connecting hole 410 and a second connecting hole 420. A first connecting pipe 101 is fixedly connected to the first connecting hole 410, and a second connecting pipe 102 is fixedly connected to the second connecting hole 420. Specifically, the first connecting pipe 101 can be inserted into the first connecting hole 410 of the valve seat 400, and the second connecting pipe 102 can be inserted into the second connecting hole 420 of the valve seat 400, ensuring the stability of the connection between the first connecting pipe 101 and the second connecting pipe 102 and the valve body 100. The first connecting pipe 101 and the second connecting pipe 102 can also be welded to the valve body 100.

[0038] Furthermore, the sidewall of the valve seat 400 is shaped to match the sidewall of the valve body 100, and the sidewall of the valve seat 400 has a sealing surface 430, which seals with the plugging member 210. This configuration ensures the stability of the valve seat 400 within the valve body 100, while the cooperation between the plugging member 210 and the sealing surface 430 guarantees both the switching performance and sealing performance of the plugging member 210.

[0039] Specifically, both the first connecting hole 410 and the second connecting hole 420 are stepped holes. After the first connecting pipe 101 is inserted into the first connecting hole 410, it is limited by the stepped surface of the stepped hole. Similarly, after the second connecting pipe 102 is inserted into the second connecting hole 420, it is limited by the stepped surface of the stepped hole. This ensures that the first connecting pipe 101 and the second connecting pipe 102 are properly installed. Furthermore, this design ensures that neither the first connecting pipe 101 nor the second connecting pipe 102 protrudes from the sealing surface 430. The sealing element 210 seals either the first connecting hole 410 or the second connecting hole 420, guaranteeing a proper sealing fit between the sealing element 210 and the sealing surface 430.

[0040] Furthermore, the side wall of the valve seat 400 is welded to the inner wall of the valve body 100 to ensure the connection strength between the valve seat 400 and the valve body 100. The specific welding method can be planar contact welding.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, as shown in FIG4, the valve body 100 is a circular tubular structure, and correspondingly, the sidewall of the valve seat 400 is an arc surface. In other embodiments of this application, the valve body 100 may also be configured as a straight pipe structure or other irregular pipe structures.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, a first piston 230 and a second piston 240 are respectively provided on both sides of the connecting plate 220. The first piston 230 forms a first sealing end, and the second piston 240 forms a second sealing end. Both ends of the connecting plate 220, which are arranged opposite each other along the extending direction, are provided with flange structures 250. The first piston 230 and the second piston 240 are fixedly connected to the connecting plate 220 through the flange structures 250. With the above arrangement, the first piston 230 and the inner wall of the valve body 100 can form a first chamber 201 through a sealing fit, and the second piston 240 and the inner wall of the valve body 100 can form a second chamber 202 through a sealing fit, thereby driving the valve core. By providing flange structures 250 at both ends of the connecting plate 220, the connection and installation of the connecting plate 220 with the first piston 230 and the second piston 240 can be achieved. Furthermore, no separate connecting structure is required; only flange processing is needed on the connecting plate 220, reducing the processing requirements of the three-way valve parts and further reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the three-way valve.

[0043] 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 three-way valve, characterized in that, The three-way valve includes: A valve body (100) has a valve cavity. A first connecting pipe (101) and a second connecting pipe (102) are provided on the side wall of the valve body (100). Both the first connecting pipe (101) and the second connecting pipe (102) are in communication with the valve cavity. A valve core is movably disposed within the valve cavity. The valve core has a first sealing end and a second sealing end disposed opposite to each other. The first connecting pipe (101) and the second connecting pipe (102) are both located between the first sealing end and the second sealing end. The first sealing end cooperates with the valve cavity to form a first chamber (201), and the second sealing end cooperates with the valve cavity to form a second chamber (202). A sealing element (210) is disposed on the valve core. The sealing element (210) is used to seal the first connecting pipe (101) or the second connecting pipe (102). The inner diameters of the first connecting pipe (101) and the second connecting pipe (102) are both greater than the distance between the first connecting pipe (101) and the second connecting pipe (102). A pilot valve (300) is connected to the valve chamber. The pilot valve (300) is used to control the pressure difference between the first chamber (201) and the second chamber (202) to drive the valve core to move.

2. The three-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core includes a connecting plate (220) that extends along the extension direction of the valve body (100). The connecting plate (220) has a first sealing end and a second sealing end at its two opposite ends along the extension direction. The sealing member (210) is installed on the connecting plate (220). The first connecting pipe (101) and the second connecting pipe (102) are spaced apart along the extension direction of the connecting plate (220).

3. The three-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve body (100) is also provided with a third connecting pipe (103), which communicates with the valve cavity. The first connecting pipe (101) and the second connecting pipe (102) are located on one side of the connecting plate (220), and the third connecting pipe (103) is located on the other side of the connecting plate (220). The connecting plate (220) is provided with a flow structure for connecting the two sides of the connecting plate (220).

4. The three-way valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flow structure includes multiple flow holes (221), which are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the sealing member (210) along the extension direction of the connecting plate (220).

5. The three-way valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, Two flow holes (221) are provided, and the two flow holes (221) are spaced apart along the extension direction of the connecting plate (220). When the sealing member (210) blocks the first connecting pipe (101), one of the flow holes (221) is coaxial with the second connecting pipe (102); when the sealing member (210) blocks the second connecting pipe (102), one of the flow holes (221) is coaxial with the first connecting pipe (101).

6. The three-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting plate (220) is provided with a socket (222), and the sealing member (210) has a sealing block (211) and a mounting boss (212) connected to each other. The sealing block (211) is used to seal the first pipe (101) or the second pipe (102), and the mounting boss (212) is inserted into the socket (222).

7. The three-way valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connection between the mounting boss (212) and the sealing block (211) forms a stepped surface facing the connecting plate (220), and there is a gap between the stepped surface and the connecting plate (220).

8. The three-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-way valve also includes a valve seat (400), which is fixedly disposed in the valve cavity and located between the first sealing end and the second sealing end. The valve seat (400) is provided with a first connecting hole (410) and a second connecting hole (420). The first connecting pipe (101) is fixedly connected to the first connecting hole (410), and the second connecting pipe (102) is fixedly connected to the second connecting hole (420).

9. The three-way valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The side wall of the valve seat (400) is adapted to the shape of the side wall of the valve body (100), and the side wall of the valve seat (400) has a sealing surface (430), which is sealed to the sealing member (210).

10. The three-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first piston (230) and a second piston (240) are respectively provided on both sides of the connecting plate (220). The first piston (230) forms the first sealing end, and the second piston (240) forms the second sealing end. Both ends of the connecting plate (220) arranged opposite to each other along the extension direction are provided with flange structures (250). The first piston (230) and the second piston (240) are fixedly connected to the connecting plate (220) through the flange structures (250).

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