CN113757414A

CN113757414A - Multiple-way selector valve and fluid distribution system

Info

Publication number: CN113757414A
Application number: CN202011276971.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 陶晟; 纪译磊; 张金宝; 章昕
Original assignee: Lincoln Lubrication Equipment Changshu Co ltd; SKF China Co Ltd China; SKF AB
Current assignee: SKF China Co Ltd China; SKF Intelligent Clean Technology Shanghai Co Ltd; SKF AB
Priority date: 2020-11-16
Filing date: 2020-11-16
Publication date: 2021-12-07

Abstract

The invention provides a multi-way selector valve, which comprises a valve body, a plurality of valve body connecting pieces and a plurality of valve body connecting pieces, wherein the valve body comprises a fluid inlet, a plurality of fluid outlets and a valve body inner cavity arranged in the valve body; the valve core is arranged in the inner cavity of the valve body and can rotate around the rotation axis of the valve core; wherein the valve spool includes: a spool cavity disposed in the spool, the spool cavity in communication with the fluid inlet; a plurality of spool outlets in communication with the spool bore, wherein one or more of the plurality of spool outlets are selectively in corresponding communication with one or more of the plurality of fluid outlets based on a rotational position of the spool. The invention also provides a fluid distribution system comprising the multi-way selector valve.

Description

Multiple-way selector valve and fluid distribution system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a multi-way selector valve and to a fluid dispensing system including the multi-way selector valve.

Background

In the field of fluid distribution, particularly in the case of multi-point lubrication, precise feeding of oil to each of a plurality of lubrication points is required. Usually, a device has dozens or even thousands of lubricating points, and in order to realize independent control of each point, an actuating mechanism is required to be installed respectively. At present, an electromagnetic reversing valve is generally adopted to control oil supply, but because the thrust ratio of an electromagnet used for the electromagnetic reversing valve is small, and a spring needs to reset, the valve is easy to block and internally leak, and serious harm is caused to normal use of a split oil tank. Another design is a linear push rod type electrically operated multiplex selector valve which effectively enables the supply of oil to a plurality of lubrication ports. However, since the push rod adopts a linear reciprocating working mode, once the lubricating point at the middle part is damaged, the push rod inevitably contacts the problem point in the reciprocating motion, and oil leakage is caused.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a rotary multiplex valve, a fluid distribution including the same, and a method of operating the same.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a multiplex valve comprising: a valve body comprising a fluid inlet, a plurality of fluid outlets, and a valve body cavity disposed within the valve body; the valve core is arranged in the inner cavity of the valve body and can rotate around the rotation axis of the valve core; wherein the valve spool includes: a spool cavity disposed in the spool, the spool cavity in communication with the fluid inlet; a plurality of spool outlets in communication with the spool bore, wherein one or more of the plurality of spool outlets are selectively in corresponding communication with one or more of the plurality of fluid outlets based on a rotational position of the spool.

Preferably, when the plurality of fluid outlets are provided in the circumferential side surface of the valve body, the plurality of fluid outlets are arranged at intervals in the direction of the central axis of the spool and/or at angular intervals in the rotational direction of the spool.

Preferably, when the plurality of fluid outlets are provided in the circumferential side of the valve body, the plurality of fluid outlets are arranged in one or more planes perpendicular to the central axis to form one or more sets of fluid outlets, respectively, in an annular array.

Preferably, the plurality of spool outlets are provided in a circumferential outer surface of the spool and are arranged at intervals in a central axis direction of the spool and/or at angular intervals in a rotational direction of the spool.

Preferably, when the plurality of spool outlets are provided in the circumferential side of the valve body, the plurality of spool outlets are arranged in one or more planes perpendicular to the central axis to form one or more sets of spool outlets, respectively, in an annular array.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a fluid dispensing system comprising: the multiple selector valve as set forth above, said spool further comprising a connecting portion disposed along said axis of rotation; the rotary driving mechanism is connected with the connecting part to drive the valve core to rotate; a control module at least for controlling the rotary drive mechanism.

Preferably, the fluid dispensing system further comprises a rotational position detection mechanism for detecting the rotational position of the valve element.

Preferably, the rotational position detecting mechanism includes: a rotary encoder mounted on the connecting portion or a drive shaft of the rotary drive mechanism to encode and measure a rotational position of the spool; or a resistive position sensor mounted on the connecting portion or a drive shaft of the rotary drive mechanism to measure a rotational position of the spool.

Preferably, the fluid dispensing system further comprises: a metering valve and/or an on-off valve in fluid connection with the fluid inlet; a one-way valve fluidly connected to the plurality of fluid outlets; a flow sensor, a proximity sensor, and/or a pressure sensor fluidly connected to the plurality of fluid outlets; wherein the control module is further in communication with the position detection device, the metering valve, the flow sensor, the proximity sensor, and/or the pressure sensor and is capable of controlling the on-off valve and/or the rotary drive mechanism in accordance with signals from the position detection device, the metering valve, the flow sensor, the proximity sensor, and/or the pressure sensor.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of operating a multiplex valve controlled by a fluid distribution system as hereinbefore described, the method comprising: the fluid distribution system controls the multiplex valve to communicate a selected one or more of the plurality of spool outlets with a selected one or more of the plurality of fluid outlets.

The multiple selector valve, the fluid dispensing system and the method of operating the same according to the present invention have the following advantages over the prior art:

1) the multi-way selector valve adopts the rotary valve core to configure the fluid outflow position, the rotary position detection mechanism can track and position the fluid outflow position, the power consumption of the multi-way selector valve is equivalent to that of the traditional electromagnet scheme, but the thrust is greatly improved, the valve core is driven by a motor for example, and the multi-way selector valve is stable and reliable, so that compared with an electromagnetic reversing valve for controlling a single outflow point, the multi-way selector valve realizes multi-way fluid supply, reduces valve clamping and reduces the cost. The control module can detect and calibrate each fluid outflow point, and the fluid can be accurately conveyed to the corresponding outlet by controlling the rotating angle of the multi-way selector valve.

2) Under the condition of supplying lubricating oil, compared with the traditional linear push rod type multi-way selector valve, the path selector valve greatly reduces the risk of oil leakage of the oil distribution box caused by the problem of a single lubricating port, and realizes accurate oil supply of each lubricating point. The reason is that once the lubricating point at the middle part is damaged according to the linear reciprocating working mode of the push rod, the push rod inevitably contacts the damaged point in the reciprocating motion, and oil leakage is caused.

Drawings

FIGS. 1-3 are general schematic diagrams of a multiplex valve and fluid distribution system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a valve body and valve spool of a multiplex valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5-6 are cross-sectional views of the valve body of the multiplex valve according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 7-9 are schematic views of a multiplex valve according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

A multiple selector valve and a fluid dispensing system including the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that the multiplex valve and fluid distribution system may be used in any suitable fluid distribution application, such as, preferably, in providing lubrication oil to a lubrication subject.

In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1-6, the present invention provides a multiplex valve consisting essentially of: a valve body 1 and a valve core 2. The valve body 1 comprises a fluid inlet 10, a plurality of fluid outlets 11 and a valve body cavity 12 arranged within the valve body 1. In the preferred embodiment, the number of fluid outlets 11 is 8 (4 of which are shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 1), but any other suitable number is possible. The fluid outlet 11 may be connected with an outflow line 111, for example, which may provide lubrication oil to different lubrication objects. In addition, depending on the general configuration of the valve body, it may include an end cap at one or both valve body axial ends of the valve body, the end cap also forming part of the valve body, and therefore in the following description it is preferred to include its end cap when describing the valve body axial end.

The valve core 2 is preferably cylindrical and can be arranged in the valve body inner cavity 12 and can rotate around the rotation axis C of the valve core 2 (for example, the valve core can rotate forwards or backwards); preferably, the rotation axis may be a rotation axis of the spool 2. Further, the valve body 1 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Of course, it should be understood that the valve body 1 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape or any other suitable shape according to actual needs.

The spool 2 includes: a spool bore 21 provided in the spool 2 in communication with the fluid inlet 10; a plurality of spool outlets 22 in communication with the spool bore 21. Preferably, the fluid inlet 10 is connected, for example, to an inflow line 101 coupled to a fluid source (not shown) to provide fluid into the multiplex valve. Depending on the rotational position of the spool 2, one or more of the plurality of spool outlets 22 can selectively communicate with one or more of the plurality of fluid outlets 11, respectively. The core interior 21 preferably extends along the axis of rotation C of the core 2, i.e. a longitudinal channel is formed inside the core 2, as shown in fig. 1 and 4. Of course, depending on different needs, the spool bore may also be offset with respect to the axis of rotation C but still extend along the axis of rotation C; or the cartridge cavity may be formed in a different location and have a different shape within the cartridge.

The fluid inlet 10 and the fluid outlet 11 on the valve body 1 may have various arrangements according to different preferred embodiments.

In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1-6, the fluid inlet 10 is arranged in the circumferential side of the valve body 1, i.e. in the radial direction of the cylindrical valve element 2; a plurality of fluid outlets 11 are also provided in the circumferential side of the valve body 1, through to the outside of the valve body 1. This embodiment provides a radial inflow and outflow configuration.

In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 7-9, which will be described in detail later, the fluid inlet 10A is provided in the first valve body axial end of the valve body 1A (on the upper side in fig. 7); a plurality of fluid outlets 11A are provided in a second valve body axial end (on the lower side in fig. 7) of the valve body 1A opposite to the first valve body axial end. This embodiment provides an axial inflow and outflow configuration.

Although the two preferred embodiments show radial and axial inflow/outflow of the fluid outlet and fluid inlet of the valve body, respectively, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the positions of the fluid inlet and fluid outlet may be in any suitable combination. For example, in the embodiment of fig. 1-6, the fluid inlet 10 may be provided in any of the valve body axial ends of the valve body 1 as in the embodiment of fig. 7-9; similarly, the fluid outlet 11 may also be provided in any valve body axial end of the valve body 1. For another example, the fluid inlet 10A and the plurality of fluid outlets 11A in fig. 7-9 may be reversed, i.e., the fluid inlet may be disposed at a second valve body axial end opposite the first valve body axial end and the plurality of fluid outlets may be disposed at the first valve body axial end. Even, where the structural conditions permit, the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet may be provided at the same axial end of the valve body; or the fluid inlet or certain one or some of the fluid outlets may be provided in a circumferential surface of the valve body.

That is, there may be further an arrangement of radially inflow and axially outflow, an arrangement of axially inflow and radially outflow, an arrangement of inflow and outflow at the same axial end, and the like, according to various combinations of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the valve body. Accordingly, various arrangements of fluid inlets and fluid outlets on the valve body do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 6, i.e. when a plurality of fluid outlets 11 are provided in the circumferential side of the valve body 1, the plurality of fluid outlets 11 are arranged at intervals in the direction of the axis of rotation C of the valve spool 2 and/or at angular intervals in the direction of rotation of the valve spool. The plurality of fluid outlets 11 may be dispersedly provided at any suitable position on the circumferential side of the valve body 1.

For example, in the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1-6, when the plurality of fluid outlets 11 are provided in the circumferential side of the valve body 1, the plurality of fluid outlets 11 are arranged in one or more planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation C, as viewed along the axis of rotation C, to form one or more sets of fluid outlets, respectively, in an annular array. In particular, the 8 fluid outlets 11 in this embodiment are arranged in four planes perpendicular to and spaced from the axis of rotation C, two fluid outlets 11 in each plane making up a set; and the two fluid outlets 11 in each set are in turn angularly spaced in the direction of rotation of the spool 2 (i.e. the circumferential direction of the spool 2/valve body 1), as shown in figures 3 and 4. The angular interval is, for example, any suitable angle of 0-180 °, preferably 15 °, 45 °, 90 °, 135 °, etc. It is therefore understood that the plurality of fluid outlets may be arranged in any manner in the circumferential surface of the valve body 1, according to different needs.

Preferably, the spool 2 further comprises a circumferential groove 23 provided in the circumferential outer surface of the spool 2, the circumferential groove 23 communicating with the fluid inlet 10 through the internal channel 13 of the valve body, and a through hole 24 communicating to the spool bore 21 is provided in the circumferential groove 23.

Specifically, fig. 1 to 5 show that the fluid inlet 10 is preferably located in the middle of the valve body 1 in the direction of the rotation axis C, and the internal passage 13 connected to the fluid inlet 10 is divided into left and right sections along the rotation axis C. Accordingly, left and right two circumferential grooves 23 are formed on the circumferential outer surface of the spool 2 to communicate with the left and right two sections of the internal passages 13, respectively, and further communicate with the fluid inlet 10. Each circumferential groove 23 is recessed by a certain depth with respect to the circumferential outer surface of the spool 2, and each circumferential groove 23 may extend on the circumferential outer surface of the spool 2 by an angular range around the rotational direction, which is any suitable angle of 0-360 °, preferably 45 °, 90 °, 180 °, 270 °, 360 °, or the like. In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 4, the circumferential groove 23 extends 360 ° around the direction of rotation on the circumferential outer surface of the spool 2, forming an annular recessed through groove; if the circumferential groove 23 extends 180 ° around the direction of rotation, a half-ring-shaped groove is formed. The number of through holes 24 in each circumferential groove 23 may also be any suitable number, for example two. According to this structure, the fluid from the fluid inlet 10 of the valve body 1 will first flow into the left and right two circumferential grooves 23, respectively, along the internal passage 13, and then enter the spool internal cavity 21 via the through holes 24 in the circumferential grooves 23. The advantage of this arrangement is that it allows fluid to flow into the cartridge chamber 21 quickly and uniformly. Of course, according to different preferred embodiments, the fluid inlet 10 may also be provided near either valve body axial end of the valve body 1, as long as the fluid inlet is in communication with the circumferential groove by means of a suitable arrangement of the internal channel 13. In addition, the number of circumferential grooves 23 may also be any suitable number, such as one or more than two, as desired.

As shown in fig. 1 and 4, a plurality of spool outlets 22 are provided in the circumferential outer surface of the spool 2, the plurality of spool outlets 22 being arranged at intervals in the direction of the rotational axis C of the spool 2 and/or at angular intervals in the rotational direction of the spool 2, similarly to the arrangement of the valve body outlets 11 as described above. In other words, the plurality of spool outlets 22 are arranged in one or more planes that are perpendicular to and spaced apart from the axis of rotation C, each spool outlet 22 being angularly spaced relative to each other in the direction of rotation of the spool 2. The spool outlets in each plane are grouped and each group of spool outlets is selectively communicable with a selected group of the plurality of fluid outlets, wherein each group of fluid outlets includes at least one fluid outlet.

In the embodiment of fig. 1 to 6, the plurality of spool outlets 22 are arranged at angular intervals in the rotational direction of the spool 2 and the fluid outlets 11 corresponding to each spool outlet 22 are arranged in two rows in the rotational axis direction, so that different fluid outlets 11 can be selected at different times to supply fluid depending on the rotational position of the spool 2. It should be understood that a plurality of spool outlets may be arranged in a row in the direction of the rotation axis, and the fluid outlets corresponding to each spool outlet may be arranged at angular intervals in the direction of rotation of the spool 2, so that it is also possible to select different fluid outlets 11 for supplying fluid at different times. The same is true for the case where each set of spool outlets includes a plurality of spool outlets, so long as the spool outlets in each plane are grouped and each set of spool outlets is selectively communicable with a selected one of the plurality of fluid outlets so that each set of spool outlets can provide fluid to the respective fluid outlet relatively independently.

In particular, in the embodiment shown in fig. 1-6, the four spool outlet ports 22 are each located in four planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation C, so that the four spool outlet ports 22 are divided into four groups, one spool outlet port 22 in each group, so that the spool outlet ports 22 in each group are arranged at angular intervals, for example 45 °, with respect to each other in the direction of rotation of the spool 2, viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation C. Such that each set of spool outlets 22 can selectively communicate with selected two of the plurality of fluid outlets 11 (e.g., the two fluid outlets being used to provide fluid to the same object) based on different rotational positions of the spool 2, such that the combination of the spool outlets 22 and the respective fluid outlets 11 in different sets can provide fluid to different objects. According to this arrangement and by optimizing the position (angular position) setting of the spool outlets 22, each set of spool outlets 22 can be made to supply fluid to the corresponding fluid outlets 11 relatively independently, and thus to supply fluid to different subjects relatively independently. In addition, when the two fluid outlets 11 corresponding to each set (or each) of the spool outlets 22 are relatively close (such as the case shown in fig. 1 and 4), the set of the spool outlets 22 can be rapidly communicated with one of the corresponding fluid outlets 11 through the forward and reverse rotation of the spool 2, so that when one of the fluid outlets 11 leaks, the set of the spool outlets 22 can be rapidly switched to the other fluid outlet 11, and the stable fluid supply to the same object is realized.

It should be understood that although the embodiment shown in fig. 1-5 includes one spool outlet per set of spool outlets, it should be understood that multiple spool outlets may be provided in each set of spool outlets (i.e., in each plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation) as desired. Moreover, the number of the fluid outlets corresponding to each set of valve core outlets may also be one or more (without being limited to two in the embodiments shown in fig. 1 to 4), so that different combinations of valve core outlets and fluid outlets may be provided, and thus flexible and various fluid outflow modes may be implemented according to the rotation position of the valve core 2.

In addition, other structures and components may be included in a multiplex valve according to the present invention. For example, it is preferable that a sealing ring installation groove is arranged at one end and/or two ends of the valve core and/or the valve core in the axial direction, and a sealing ring S is installed in the installation groove to realize the sealing of the valve core and the valve body with the external environment. Preferably, a bearing B can be additionally arranged between the valve body and the valve core, so that the valve core can rotate more smoothly. Preferably, end covers can be arranged at two ends of the valve body; or an integrally formed end portion at the end of the valve body remote from the rotary drive mechanism (i.e., the second valve body axial end as above) (see the embodiment of fig. 7-9) so that the end cap at this end may be omitted.

A multiplex valve according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to fig. 7-9. The multiple selector valve of this embodiment includes a valve body 1A and a valve spool 2A.

The fluid inlet 10A of the valve body 1A is provided at a first valve body axial end (an end near a connecting portion L for connecting a rotary drive mechanism) of the valve body 1A in the direction of the rotation axis C. Specifically, the first valve body axial end of the valve body 1A includes an end cover 15A, and thus the fluid inlet 10A is formed in this end cover 15A.

The plurality of fluid outlets 11A of the valve body 1A are provided at a second valve body axial end (i.e., the end remote from the connecting portion L) in the direction of the rotation axis C. Preferably, a plurality of fluid outlets 11A (eight fluid outlets 11A in the embodiment of fig. 7-9) are disposed about the axis of rotation C of the spool 2A. The position of the plurality of fluid outlets 11A may take various forms, for example, the plurality of fluid outlets are all disposed at the same distance from the rotation axis C in the radial direction; alternatively, in the radial direction, there are fluid outlets closer to the axis of rotation C and fluid outlets further from the axis of rotation C. Preferably, the second body axial end of the valve body 1A does not include an end cap, and the end portion at the second body axial end is integrally formed with the body of the valve body 1A, and thus the end cap at that end is omitted. Of course, it is also possible to add an end cap at the second valve body axial end of the valve body 1A as the first valve body axial end, if so, a plurality of fluid outlets 11A are formed in the end cap at the second valve body axial end.

The spool 2A includes a spool bore 21A at an axial end of the first spool, and the fluid inlet 10A of the valve body 1A communicates directly with the spool bore 21A of the spool 2A. A plurality of spool outlet ports 22A of the spool 2A (only one spool outlet port 22A is shown in fig. 7-9 for clarity) are provided at a second spool axial end of the spool 2A about the rotational axis C of the spool 2A such that the plurality of spool outlet ports 22A can selectively communicate with the plurality of fluid outlet ports 11A depending on the rotational position of the spool 2A.

The plurality of spool outlets 22A may be grouped in a plurality of groups by radial distance from the axis of rotation C and/or by angular position relative to the axis of rotation C, and each group of spool outlets 22A may be selectively in communication with a selected group of the plurality of fluid outlets 11A, wherein each group of fluid outlets includes at least one fluid outlet.

In particular, in the embodiment of fig. 7-9, a plurality of spool outlets 22A (four are preferred, although only one is shown) are located the same radial distance from the axis of rotation of the spool 2A and at an angular position relative to the axis of rotation of the spool 2A. It should be understood that the respective angular positions of the spool outlets 22A may be the same or different, such as four spool outlets 22A equally angularly spaced about the axis of rotation in the embodiment of fig. 7-9, but may be differently angularly spaced. Further, the spool outlets 22A may be divided into groups according to their angular positions, each of the spool outlets 22A forming one group by itself as in this embodiment. It should be understood that in different embodiments, each two spool outlets 22A may be grouped together.

Further, each set of spool outlets may be selectively in communication with a selected set of fluid outlets, such as when each spool outlet 22A is self-organizing, it may be selectively in communication with one of the two fluid outlets 11A, as shown in FIG. 7. Similar to the embodiment of fig. 1-6, the two fluid outlets 11A corresponding to each set (or each) of spool outlets 22A may be used to provide fluid to the same object by rapidly communicating with one of the corresponding fluid outlets 11A through the forward and reverse rotation of the spool 2, thereby rapidly switching to the other fluid outlet 11A when one of the fluid outlets 11A leaks, and achieving stable fluid supply to the same object.

In addition, although not shown, according to a preferred variant, the plurality of spool outlets may be arranged at different radial distances from the axis of rotation, so that the plurality of spool outlets may also be divided into groups at different radial distances, i.e. with some spool outlets closer to the axis of rotation C and some spool outlets further away from the axis of rotation C. Further, the spool outlets of each set of spool outlets grouped by radial distance may be further subdivided into subgroups by respective angular positions as described above, i.e., the plurality of spool outlets are grouped by radial distance from and angular position relative to the axis of rotation. With this configuration, different combinations of the spool outlet and the fluid outlet can be provided, and thus flexible and various fluid outflow modes can be realized according to the rotational position of the spool 2A.

It should also be understood that although the above-described embodiments describe a multiplex valve according to the present invention with respect to a radial inflow/outflow embodiment (the embodiment of fig. 1-5) and an axial inflow/outflow embodiment (the embodiment of fig. 7-9), respectively, there may be a mixed embodiment of the two embodiments, for example, some of the plurality of spool outlets of the spool are disposed on the circumferential outer surface of the spool (i.e., as in the embodiment of fig. 1-6), while the other spool outlets are disposed on the axial end surface of the spool as in the embodiment of fig. 7-9, i.e., at least some of the plurality of spool outlets are disposed in the circumferential outer surface of the spool or in the first and/or second spool axial ends of the spool about the axis of rotation, so that a mixed structure of radial inflow/outflow and axial inflow/outflow may be provided, it is only necessary to flexibly set the positions of the communication passage and the fluid outlet inside the valve body according to the teaching of the present invention.

Also, in the embodiment of fig. 7-9, the cartridge cavity 21A is formed as an oblate cylindrical cavity, although any suitable shape of cavity may be formed in different embodiments.

A fluid dispensing system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described next with reference to fig. 1-9. The fluid distribution system includes the above multiplex valve, and the spool 2(2A) further includes a connecting portion L provided along the rotation axis. The connection L may take any suitable form, such as a shaft extending out of the valve body, or a keyway recessed into the valve body, etc. The rotation driving mechanism 3 can be connected to the connecting portion L to drive the valve element 2(2A) to rotate. Preferably, the rotation driving mechanism 3 is, for example, any suitable electric motor, the output shaft of which is connected to the connection portion L of the valve element 2(2A) by any suitable means, for example, by means of a coupling, mechanical keying, pins, etc. In addition, the rotation driving mechanism 3 may be another rotation structure or component, that is, the rotation of the valve element 2(2A) is not directly driven by a single motor, but is driven by another rotation structure or component of the applied structure, for example, the rotation motion of the other rotation structure or component is transmitted to the connecting portion L through a gear, a pulley, or the like to rotate the valve element 2 (2A).

The system also includes a control module 4 for controlling the rotary drive mechanism 3 and thus the rotational position of the spool 2 (2A). In the simplest case, for example, when the rotary drive mechanism 3 rotates in a periodic pattern (including constant speed rotation in both the forward and reverse directions or variable speed rotation), the rotational position of the spool 2(2A) is also changed in accordance with the pattern (i.e., the rotational position is periodically changed), and thus fluid distribution with a fixed pattern is achieved in accordance with the corresponding positional relationship between the spool outlet and the fluid outlet. Of course, it should be understood that the control module 4 may also drive the rotary drive mechanism 3 according to a complicated program, thereby giving the multi-way selector valve a complicated and various fluid inflow and outflow modes.

Preferably, the system may further include a rotational position detection mechanism M for detecting the rotational position of the spool 2 (2A). According to various preferred embodiments, the rotational position detection mechanism M may include: a turntable M1 mounted to the link L (as shown in fig. 2) or alternatively to the drive shaft of the rotary drive mechanism. The dial M1 has a detected characteristic portion corresponding to the rotational position of the valve element 2 (2A); and a sensor M2 for detecting the detected characteristic portion and outputting a detection signal.

Preferably, in the embodiment of fig. 2, the detected features are a plurality of through holes (not shown) provided on the turntable M1, and the sensor M2 is a photoelectric sensor cooperating with the plurality of through holes. So that when the through hole rotates with the dial M1 and the detection light of the photo sensor passes through the through hole, the photo sensor M2 can output a detection signal indicating that the valve element 2(2A) has performed a certain range of rotation. The detection signal is input to the control module 4, so that the control module 4 can judge or calculate the rotational position of the spool 2(2A) according to a program therein.

Alternatively, although not shown, the rotational position detecting mechanism may be implemented as a rotary encoder mounted on the connecting portion or the drive shaft of the rotary drive mechanism to encode and measure the rotational position of the spool. Alternatively, the rotational position detecting mechanism may be implemented as a resistive position sensor mounted on the connecting portion or the drive shaft of the rotational drive mechanism to measure the rotational position of the spool. In addition, an indication scale may be provided on the connecting portion or the drive shaft of the rotary drive mechanism, and a number or a symbol corresponding to the current valve element position may be provided on the scale, so that a user can visually check the current operating state of the multiplex valve.

Further preferably, the fluid dispensing system further comprises a metering valve 6 and/or an on-off valve 7 in fluid connection with the fluid inlet 10 (10A). In particular, a switching valve 7 (which is preferably an electrically operated quick on/off valve) is connected to the fluid source to switch the fluid supply on or off. The metering valve 6 is connected between the on-off valve 7 and the multiplex valve to meter the flow into the multiplex valve. It will be appreciated that the system may not include a metering valve or on-off valve, as desired, but rather the opening and closing of the fluid supply and flow metering may be accomplished by any other suitable means.

Preferably, the system may further comprise a one-way valve 8 and a pressure sensor 9 in fluid connection with the plurality of fluid outlets 11 (11A). Specifically, the check valve 8 is connected to an outlet line at the fluid outlet 11(11A), preventing the reverse flow of the fluid. The fluid flowing out of the check valve 8 passes through the pressure sensor 9 so that the presence of the flowing fluid and its pressure can be known. It will be appreciated that the system may also not comprise the pressure sensor 9, but only the non-return valve 8, if desired.

Further preferably, a flow sensor (not shown) may also be provided for the plurality of fluid outlets 11(11A) to meter the flow of fluid out of the plurality of fluid outlets 11 (11A). Further preferably, a proximity sensor (not shown) may also be provided for the plurality of fluid outlets 11(11A) so that the proximity sensor can sense the presence of the fluid whenever the fluid flows out of the fluid outlets 11(11A) and into the vicinity of the proximity sensor.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the flow sensor, the proximity sensor and/or the pressure sensor provided for the plurality of fluid outlets 11(11A) as described above may be arbitrarily selected according to actual needs, except for the necessary check valve.

Preferably, the control module 4 is in communication with the position detection means M, the metering valve 6, the flow sensor, the proximity sensor, and/or the pressure sensor 9 and is capable of controlling the on-off valve 7 and/or the rotary drive 3 in accordance with signals from the position detection means M, the metering valve 6, the flow sensor, the proximity sensor, and/or the pressure sensor 9.

One mode of operation of the fluid dispensing system is illustrated below. When the fluid distribution system is operating, the control module 4 controls the spool 2(2A) of the multi-way selector valve to turn to the selected fluid outlet 11 (11A). Subsequently, the control module 4 opens the on-off valve 7, and the fluid passes through the on-off valve 7 into the metering valve 6 and further into the fluid inlet 10(10A) of the multi-way selector valve, and the fluid is metered by the metering valve 6, and then the fluid flows out from the selected fluid outlet 11(11A) of the multi-way selector valve. In the process, the block control module 4 counts the pulse signals sent by the metering valve 6, and when the preset metering times are reached, the switch valve 7 is closed, and the fluid dispensing action is finished.

In addition, the pressure sensor 9 senses the pressure of the fluid flowing out of the fluid outlet 11(11A) in real time. As long as the fluid pressure is within a certain range, this indicates that no leakage has occurred. If any fluid outlet and the outlet pipeline connected with the fluid outlet leak, the pressure of the flow path is reduced. When the pressure value is lower than the set value of the pressure sensor 9, the control module 4 will receive a signal from the pressure sensor 9 that the pressure is too low, so that the control module 4 controls the multi-way selector valve to change or reselect the fluid outlet (e.g., by changing the rotational position of the spool to communicate the spool outlet with the non-leaking fluid outlet as described above) to achieve normal fluid supply.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the multiplex valve and fluid dispensing system including the multiplex valve of the present invention are suitable for use in a variety of fluid dispensing and supply situations, and particularly for supplying lubricants.

Specifically speaking, through the cooperation of control module, rotational position detection mechanism, pressure sensor etc. can realize the independent controllable fuel feeding respectively of a plurality of oil-outs, and because the adjacent fuel feeding point of multiple-way selector valve does not influence each other, the manifold lubricated demand of different equipment of fully provided, greatly reduced cost prevents the card valve. And the multi-way selector valve can rotate in the positive and negative directions, so that the risk of oil leakage in the fluid distribution system is effectively reduced, and the normal service life of the system is greatly prolonged. The maintenance cost (including the aspects of grease consumption, labor cost, time cost and the like) can be reduced by adopting the multi-way selector valve and the fluid distribution system thereof; the real-time and remote detection of the lubricating system is realized, the monitoring is convenient, and the on-site spot inspection efficiency is improved; good safety and reliability are realized, and the unplanned outage rate of a user is effectively reduced; the bearing can be linked with other equipment or systems of users, and the service life of the bearing is prolonged by changing the oil supply logic through the working condition change of customer equipment; and data storage and communication are realized.

Exemplary embodiments of the proposed solution of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments, however, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications may be made to the specific embodiments described above, and that many combinations of the various technical features and structures presented in the present disclosure may be made without departing from the concept of the present disclosure, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-way selector valve comprises

A valve body comprising a fluid inlet, a plurality of fluid outlets, and a valve body cavity disposed within the valve body;

the valve core is arranged in the inner cavity of the valve body and can rotate around the rotation axis of the valve core;

wherein the valve spool includes:

a spool cavity disposed in the spool, the spool cavity in communication with the fluid inlet;

a plurality of valve core outlets communicated with the valve core inner cavity,

wherein one or more of the plurality of spool outlets are selectively communicable with one or more of the plurality of fluid outlets in correspondence with a rotational position of the spool.

2. The multiplex valve of claim 1, said fluid inlet being disposed in a first valve body axial end of said valve body, in a second valve body axial end of said valve body opposite said first valve body axial end, and/or in a circumferential side of said valve body; and is

The plurality of fluid outlets are disposed in a first valve body axial end of the valve body, in a second valve body axial end of the valve body opposite the first valve body axial end, and/or in a circumferential side of the valve body.

3. The multiplex valve of claim 2, wherein the spool further comprises a circumferential groove disposed in a circumferential outer surface of the spool, the circumferential groove communicating with the fluid inlet through an internal passage of the valve body, and a through-hole communicating to the spool interior cavity is disposed in the circumferential groove.

4. A multiplex valve as defined in any one of claims 1-3 wherein at least some of said plurality of spool outlets are disposed in a circumferential outer surface of said spool and are arranged in a plurality of planes perpendicular to and spaced from said axis of rotation;

wherein each plane includes at least one spool outlet, the spool outlets in each plane are grouped into one set and each set of spool outlets is selectively communicable with a selected set of the plurality of fluid outlets, wherein each set of fluid outlets includes at least one fluid outlet.

5. A multiplex valve according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein at least some of said plurality of spool outlets are disposed in first and/or second spool axial ends of said spool about said axis of rotation,

wherein the plurality of spool outlets are grouped in groups by radial distance from the axis of rotation and/or by angular position relative to the axis of rotation, and each group of spool outlets is selectively communicable with a selected group of the plurality of fluid outlets, wherein each group of fluid outlets includes at least one fluid outlet.

6. A fluid dispensing system comprising:

a multiplex valve as defined in any one of claims 1-5, said spool further including a connection disposed along said axis of rotation;

the rotary driving mechanism is connected with the connecting part to drive the valve core to rotate;

a control module at least for controlling the rotary drive mechanism.

7. The fluid dispensing system of claim 6 further comprising a rotational position sensing mechanism for sensing the rotational position of the valve spool.

8. The fluid dispensing system of claim 7, the rotational position sensing mechanism comprising:

a rotary plate mounted on the connecting portion or a drive shaft of the rotary drive mechanism, the rotary plate having a plurality of through holes corresponding to rotational positions of the valve element;

and the photoelectric sensor is used for sensing the through holes and outputting a sensing signal to the control module.

9. A method of operating a multiplex valve controlled by a fluid distribution system as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, the method comprising:

the fluid distribution system controls the multiplex valve to communicate a selected one or more of the plurality of spool outlets with a selected one or more of the plurality of fluid outlets.

10. The method of operation of claim 9, wherein the fluid distribution system further comprises a pressure sensor connected to each fluid outlet, respectively, and the pressure sensor is in communicative connection with the control module;

the operating method further comprises:

when the control module judges that the fluid pressure at a fluid outlet is lower than a threshold value according to the signal of the pressure sensor, the control module controls the multi-path rotary valve to enable the valve core outlet corresponding to the fluid outlet to rotate away from the fluid outlet, and enables the valve core outlet to be in fluid communication with other valve core outlets and/or enables other valve core outlets to be in fluid communication with corresponding fluid outlets.