U.S. patent application number 10/141939 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-13 for unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic valve.
Invention is credited to Chen, Chien-An, Chen, Shiang-Fu.
Application Number | 20030209274 10/141939 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31190459 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030209274 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen, Shiang-Fu ; et
al. |
November 13, 2003 |
UNIDIRECTIONAL RETROACTION ELECTROMAGNETIC VALVE
Abstract
A unidirectional-retroaction electromagnetic valve comprises a
valve body, O-ring, manual opening unit, and electrically
controlled blocking unit. The valve body is connected to a gas
source directly and the electrically controlled blocking unit is
used to stop gas in a dangerous situation. Two actions are required
to open the electromagnetic valve when the dangerous situation no
longer exists. First, push the manual opening unit to move the
valve plate of the electromagnetic valve forward a certain
distance, then the electrically controlled blocking unit moves the
valve plate further according to a danger removal signal provided
by a judgment device. The electromagnetic valve is not opened
completely until these two movements are operated, thereby, it can
prevent the blocked valve from opening intentionally during an
unsafe situation.
Inventors: |
Chen, Shiang-Fu; (Hsinchu
Hsien, TW) ; Chen, Chien-An; (Hsinchu, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
31190459 |
Appl. No.: |
10/141939 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/614.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23N 2235/24 20200101;
F23N 2235/14 20200101; F16K 31/06 20130101; F16K 17/0413 20130101;
G01F 15/005 20130101; Y10T 137/0318 20150401; F16K 1/303 20130101;
Y10T 137/88062 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/614.21 |
International
Class: |
E03B 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic valve connected to
a gas meter at a gas inlet, and received a blocking signal and
opening signal transmitted form a control circuit for blocking and
opening the connection of the gas flow, which uses a battery to
supply electric power thereof, comprising: a valve body having a
first exit, second exit and a communication part communicated with
said two exits, which said first exit being is connected to said
gas meter and said second exit is connected to a gas hose; an
O-ring installed at said communication part; a manual opening unit
used to push a blocking valve plate a first distance through said
communication part; and an electrically controlled blocking unit
having a blocking valve plate used to cover said O-ring after
receiving said blocking signal in order to block said communication
part to form an airtight seal, which pushes said blocking valve
plate a second distance after receiving said opening signal; when
said blocking valve plate being moved said first distance and
second distance at the same, said first exit and second exit is
completely ventilated.
2. The valve of claim 1, wherein said electrically controlled
blocking unit with said blocking valve plate further includes: a
electric screw bolt used to push and pull said blocking valve
plate; a permanent magnet buried inside of said electric screw
bolt; a coil set covered outside of said electric screw bolt, for
generating magnetic force to push forward or pull back said
permanent magnet to drive said electric screw bolt; a first
retroactive spring having two ends connected to said coil set and
said blocking valve plate; and a coil set fixing seat combined with
said valve body and covered said coil set, which is used to fix
said electrically controlled blocking unit.
3. The valve of claim 2, wherein said coil set is consisted of a
coil and magnetic covering.
4. The valve of claim 1, wherein said manual opening unit includes:
a spinning cover, for fixing said manual opening unit on said valve
body; a retroactive push rod passed through said spinning cover,
for pushing said blocking valve plate to move forward said first
distance; a second valve plate clipped on said retroactive push
rod; a second O-ring installed on said spinning cover, which forms
an second airtight seal while connecting with said second valve
plate; and a second retroactive spring having two ends connected to
said second valve plate and said communication ring.
5. The valve of claim 1, further comprising a third O-ring,
installed at a contacting point of said spinning cover and said
valve body to form an third airtight seal.
6. The valve of claim 1, further comprising a fourth O-ring
installed at a contacting point of said coil set and said valve
body to form a fourth airtight seal.
7. The valve of claim 1, wherein said first distance plus said
second distance equals to a distance between a position where said
blocking valve plate is blocking and a position where said blocking
valve is opening.
8. A unidirectional valve opening method for opening an
electromagnetic valve connected to a gas source of a gas meter
after said gas source is blocked through a valve plate, wherein
said blocking action processes blocking after a dangerous situation
judgment device judges dangerous situation and transmits a
dangerous situation signal, said method comprising the steps of:
moving said valve plate manually to a first opening distance; and
providing an electrically controlled blocking unit, for pushing
said valve plate to move to a second opening distance to remove
said blocking action in coordination with said manual manner when
said dangerous situation signal is removed.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said first distance plus said
second distance equals to a distance between a position where said
blocking valve plate is blocking and a position where said blocking
valve is opening.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The invention relates to an electromagnetic valve, and more
particularly to a unidirectional-retroaction electromagnetic valve
used in a gas meter.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] The emergency blocking of gas is the most important function
of the microcomputer gas meter. Therefore, the gas-blocking valve
is a very important element in the microcomputer gas meter. The
microcomputer gas meter will become obsolete without the
coordination of the blocking valve.
[0005] At present, the blocking valves found in the market are
mostly ever-closed and ever-open types of electromagnetic valves;
these are electromagnetic valves that are only open or closed when
they are not supplied with electric power. The electromagnetic
valve that is at an open state when electric power is not supplied
is called the ever-open electromagnetic valve; otherwise it is
called the ever-closed electromagnetic valve. The power supply must
be supplied continuously in order to change the state of such kinds
of electromagnetic valves. Besides, the power sources usually used
for general electromagnetic valves in the market are 12 DC volts or
110 AC volts, and the volume of these is quite large.
[0006] The greatest characteristic of the microcomputer gas meter
is that a gas flow blocking mechanism is contained therein. For
example, the electromagnetic valve disclosed by U.S. Pat. No.
5,408,457 is installed inside the gas meter; the invention uses a
keep type electric screw bolt to push a membrane to block gas flow.
Although this invention has an easy control circuit design and an
excellent gas blocking effect, it has defects in the
electromagnetic valve design: a balance must be achieved between
the valve seat volume and flow resistance, and the stroke of the
screw bolt is thus limited. If the electromagnetic valve is located
in the traditional gas meter, the original mechanical structure of
the gas meter must be changed greatly because of the limitation of
the valve seat design.
[0007] The electromagnetic valve disclosed by Taiwan patent 424,857
has a plurality of ports, a valve seat disposed in the flow routes
connected with these ports, a valve element used for opening and
closing the seat, a coil wound around an iron core hole and used
for moving the valve element, a magnetic frame wound around the
coil, and a movable iron core fixed at one side of the iron core
hole in an air-tight fashion and magnetically connected with the
magnetic frame. The valve element is connected to the front end of
the movable iron core and forms a gap between the iron core hole
and the movable iron core. Magnetic force is applied in the gap
filled with magnetic fluid. Magnetic force is imposed upon the
movable iron core, which is then attracted to the fixed iron core.
The advantage of this is that magnetic force is increased through
the magnetic fluid. The defect of this design is that the process
guarding the flow from leaking is very complex.
[0008] Another gas valve in a geyser is disclosed in Taiwan
research. It benefits from its small volume and an airtight effect
can be created from the attraction of the movable and fixed yokes.
The defect of this is that the stroke of the valve is too
small.
[0009] Also, a dual-opening electromagnetic valve structure has
been developed in Taiwan patent number 271,857. It is basically the
same as a general electromagnetic valve. It provides an improvement
of the structure thereof, and its benefit is that it can open and
close continuously. Its defect is that repeated opening and closing
can cause the electromagnetic valve to become too hot to function
properly. Also, its volume is quite large.
[0010] Finally, a manual retroaction electromagnetic valve
developed by a Japanese gas company provides a push rod to retroact
the valve cover of an electric screw bolt back to switch position,
enabling the permanent magnet with strong magnetism to attract the
movable axle and complete the retroaction.
[0011] The electromagnetic valves in the prior art are mostly large
in volume. In addition, the designs of the electromagnetic valves
require that they be provided with general city electricity, and no
electromagnetic valves take batteries as their power sources.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The main object of the invention is to provide a
unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic valve, which can be
installed at the gas inlet of a gas meter and needs no changes in
the structure of the gas meter. Therefore, it can substantially
reduce the upgrading expense of the gas meter.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a
unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic valve that can be
operated manually to push a blocking push rod and increase a
blocking stroke so that it can reduce the flow resistance of the
electromagnetic valve. This electromagnetic valve utilizes
batteries to provide electricity.
[0014] The O-ring at the intersection of the valve opening is
replaceable. It is small in volume and only needs lathe work to be
finished. Therefore, it is simple to manufacture.
[0015] A blocking push rod is pushed manually when the valve is
opened, and electricity is provided in coordination with a control
circuit. This can reduce the electricity consumed by the
electromagnetic valve. Other springs are arranged in pairs when the
valve is opened. Only a little electricity (approximately 3 volts)
is needed to activate the switch of the electromagnetic valve.
[0016] The unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic valve of the
invention achieves an airtight state while opening. Also, a user is
prevented from opening the electromagnetic valve forcibly without a
valve opening command being given by the control circuit.
[0017] The unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic valve of the
invention comprises a valve body having a first exit, second exit
and communication part of the two exits. The first exit is
connected to a gas meter, and the second exit is connected to a gas
hose. An O-ring is installed at the communication part. A manual
switch unit is used to push the blocking valve plate a first
distance through the communication part. An electrically controlled
blocking unit having a blocking valve plate is used to cover the O
type ring after receiving the blocking signal in order to block the
communication part to form an airtight seal, and to move the
blocking valve plate a second distance after receiving an opening
signal. The blocking valve is completely opened to let the first
exit and second exit form a ventilation state when it is moved
completely the second distance plus first distance totally. A coil
set consists of a coil and magnetic cover.
[0018] The electric blocking unit having the blocking valve plate
therein further comprises an electric screw bolt used to push and
pull the blocking valve plate, a permanent magnet buried inside the
electric screw bolt, a coil set outside of the electric screw bolt
used to generate magnetic force to push or pull the permanent
magnet to move the electric screw bolt, a first retroactive spring
with both ends connected to the coil set and blocking valve plate,
and a coil set fixing seat combined with the valve body that covers
the coil set, which is used to fixe the electrically controlled
blocking unit.
[0019] The manual switch unit comprises a spinning cover used to
fix the manual switch unit on the valve body, a retroactive push
rod passed through the spinning cover and used to push the blocking
valve forward the first distance, a second valve plate clipped on
the retroactive push rod, a second O-ring installed on the spinning
cover to form an airtight seal while connecting with the second
valve plate, and a second retroactive spring with both ends
connected to the second valve plate and communication ring.
[0020] The invention further discloses a method for opening the
electromagnetic valve. It is a method for opening the
electromagnetic valve after the gas source of the gas meter is
blocked through a valve plate of the electromagnetic valve
mentioned above. A judgment device determines whether there is a
dangerous situation and processes blocking after transmitting a
dangerous situation signal. It comprises the following steps: move
the valve plate to a first opening distance and provide an
electrically controlled blocking unit to push the valve plate to a
second opening distance to remove the blocking action when the
dangerous situation signal is removed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description of the
preferred but non-limiting embodiments. The description is made
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a unidirectional
retroaction electromagnetic valve according to the invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an explosive view of a unidirectional retroaction
electromagnetic valve according to the invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a valve body of a
unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic valve according to the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a coil-fixing seat of a
unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic valve according to the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view of a unidirectional
retroaction electromagnetic valve at normal operation according to
the invention;
[0027] FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view of a unidirectional
retroaction electromagnetic valve while being closed according to
the invention;
[0028] FIG. 5C is a cross sectional view of a unidirectional
retroaction electromagnetic valve when a retroactive push rod is
pushed according to the invention; and
[0029] FIG. 5D is a cross sectional view of a unidirectional
retroaction electromagnetic valve when electromagnetic attraction
is in operation according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] First, the electrically controlled blocking part blocks the
electromagnetic valve when a control circuit outputs a danger
signal, i.e. it can stop gas by creating an airtight seal.
Secondly, because most energy is consumed whenever the valve is
opened. Therefore, for using a low power supplied from a battery, a
manual unblocking is used in the invention. The manual unblocking
part only needs to assist the opening of an electromagnetic
valve.
[0031] Consequently, the electromagnetic valve is usually at an
open state. Once a dangerous situation occurs, the electromagnetic
valve receives a dangerous state assignment and processes blocking.
If we want to reopen the electromagnetic valve of the invention, we
must use both manual and electromagnetic actions to process
unblocking. That is to say, the action of electro-magnetically
activated opening is not executed before a dangerous state command
is received, and the electromagnetic valve cannot be opened
manually.
[0032] Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. A unidirectional retroaction
electromagnetic valve mainly comprises a valve body 101, first
valve plate 102, first retroaction spring 103, electrical screw
bolt 104, permanent magnet 105, coil set 106, coil set fixing seat
107, second valve plate 108, retroaction push rod 109, second
retroaction spring 110, spinning cover, first O-ring 112, second
O-ring 113, third O-ring 114, and fourth O-ring 115.
[0033] The valve body 101 is connected to the gas source of a gas
meter directly. It comprises two exits, which are connected to the
gas meter and a gas hose. Besides, two valve plates are installed
at the other two exits of the valve body 101 respectively. The two
valve plates can control the air communication state between the
valve body 101 and gas meter or gas hose.
[0034] The two valve plates mentioned above are controlled via
manual opening and electrically controlled blocking; they will be
illustrated as follows.
[0035] The electrically controlled blocking part comprises several
elements, they are the first valve plate 102, first retroactive
spring 103, electrical screw bolt 104, permanent magnet 105, coil
set 106 and coil set fixing seat 107. The coil set consists of
coils and a permeable cover for the coils. As FIG. 1 shows, the
magnetic force yielded by the coil set 106 is used to move the
permanent magnet 105 buried inside of the electrical screw bolt
104, and consequently to push the electric screw forward, and then
to push the first valve plate 102 disposed at the tail end of the
electrical screw bolt 104. An airtight seal can be formed only if
the first valve plate 102 connects with the first O-ring 112 to
cause the air-flow at the first exit 101a and second exit 101b to
be stopped so that blocking can be achieved. Besides, both ends of
the first retroactive spring 103 are connected to the coil set 106
and the first valve plate 102. Normally, the retroactive spring 103
shrinks. The first retroactive spring 103 is extended when the push
force of the coil set 106 pushes the electric screw bolt 104, and
the extension force balances with the push force of the coil set
106. Therefore, the distance that the first valve plate is moved
while blocking relates to both the coil number of the coil set 106
and the force balance state of the first retroactive spring
103.
[0036] Besides, the coil set 106 must be fixed, so a coil set
fixing seat 107 is installed. The coil set fixing seat 107 can be
connected to the valve body 101 to fix the whole coil set 106. A
fourth O-ring 115 is disposed between the coil set 106 and the
valve body 101 in order to allow the space between the coil set 106
and valve body 101 to be airtight.
[0037] The manual part is designed to save electricity while the
valve is opened. The manual opening part consists of a second valve
plate 108, retroactive push rod 109, second retroactive spring 110
and spinning cover 111, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The spinning
cover 111 fixes the manual opening part on the valve body. A third
O-ring 114 may also be installed on the spinning cover 111 to allow
the contacting face of the spinning cover 111 and valve body 101 to
be airtight.
[0038] The push end of the retroactive push rod 109 can be seen
outside of the valve body 101. This also means that the tail end is
a manual push part. The head end can touch the first valve plate
102 that is pushed to the edge of the first O-ring 112. The second
retroactive spring 110 is disposed at both ends of the first O-ring
and second valve plate 108, and it can push the second valve plate
108 back to its original position once a user's hand is released
after pushing the retroactive push rod forward.
[0039] The manual opening part must be designed to be airtight
because the valve is normally ventilated. So, a second O-ring 113
is disposed at the contact point of the second valve plate 108 and
the spinning cover 111 to form an airtight seal.
[0040] Next, refer to FIGS. 3 and 4. As the figures show, the valve
body 101 is connected to the coil set fixing seat 107 through screw
holes. Two projecting parts of the fixing seat 107 can be combined
to hollow parts of the valve body 101. The coil set 106 is
sandwiched between the valve body 101 and the coil set fixing seat
107.
[0041] Please refer to FIGS. 5A to 5D. FIG. 5A shows a valve in
normal operation; the first valve plate 102 and second valve plate
108 are opened completely.
[0042] Next, as FIG. 5B shows, an emergency message is transmitted
to an electromagnetic valve after the control circuit determines
that an emergency has occurred. The coil set 106 of the
electromagnetic valve soon generates a polarity opposite to the
permanent magnet 105. Therefore, the electrical screw bolt 104 is
driven to move through the permanent magnet 105 to push the first
valve plate 102 to the end to process blocking.
[0043] Pushing down the retroactive push rod 109 manually does not
open the electromagnetic valve. However, blocking cannot be
achieved even if the retroactive push rod 109 is pressed down
because the control circuit does not output a blocking removal
signal if the control circuit determines that the emergency
situation has not ended, as shown in FIG. 5C. The theory is very
simple; the coil set 106 continues generating repulsive magnetic
force with the permanent magnet 105 when an emergency takes place.
Therefore, even if the retroactive push rod 109 is moved, the
repulsive force yielded by the coil set 106 can push the first
valve plate 102 to the first O-ring 112 to process blocking after
the retroactive push rod 109 is released.
[0044] Therefore, the valve opening process according to the
invention can be clearly seen from FIGS. 5C and 5D. Completing the
valve opening action must have two indispensable conditions. The
first condition is that the coil set 106 no longer generates a
repulsive force to push the first valve plate forward to the first
O-ring 112 after the emergency situation ends, but generates an
attractive electromagnetic force to let the permanent magnet 105
attract the coil set 106. Here, the attractive distance is
designated to be a first distance d1. The second indispensable
condition is that the manual retroactive action can push the first
valve plate toward the coil set 106; the pushing distance can be
designated to be a second distance d2. The distance pushed by these
two forces is d1+d2; it is exactly the distance for pushing the
first valve plate 102 back to the normal position, as can be seen
in FIG. 5D.
[0045] The unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic valve
according to the invention can be operated for ten years under the
power supply of a battery (3V), owing to the use of its assistant
manual valve opening.
[0046] The unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic valve
according to the invention can be installed at a gas supply end to
block gas directly in order to attain the effect of immediate
blocking, owing to the power supply of a battery.
[0047] The unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic valve
according to the invention can achieve an airtight seal owing to
the installment of a spinning cover.
[0048] Besides, the unidirectional retroaction electromagnetic
valve according to the invention can prevent a valve from being
opened forcibly by manual action when a dangerous situation still
exists because a judgment logic is added.
[0049] It is noted that the invention is described above for the
purpose of illustration only, and this description is not intended
as a definition of the limits and scope of the invention disclosed.
Any modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person
skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of
the following claims.
* * * * *