WO2008043362A1 - Flow adjustment valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow adjustment valve (1) comprising a valve box (2) having a flow channel (3) in which a throttle unit having a throttle element that can be adjusted from outside is arranged, and digital display that displays a throttle position of the throttle element. The aim of the invention is to simplify adjustment of a flow adjustment valve of the aforementioned type. For this purpose, the display comprises at least three read positions (25, 26, 29) pointing in different directions in which read positions the same position symbol is displayed.

Description

 flow adjustment

The invention relates to a Durchflußeinstellventil with a valve housing having a flow passage in which a throttle device is arranged with a handle by an externally adjustable throttle element, and with a digital display, which indicates a throttle position of the throttle element.

Such Durchflußeinsteilventil is known for example from EP 0671 578 B1. The throttle element is designed as a ball element having a through-channel. The ball can be rotated from a position in which the passageway is aligned with the flow channel, to a position in which the passageway is substantially perpendicular to the flow channel. In this position, the Durchflußeinstellventil is closed. Before and behind the throttle device branch measuring channels from the flow channel, which are in communication with measuring points where pressure sensors can be arranged.

Such a flow control valve is used in liquid-operated systems, for example heating or cooling systems, in order to ensure a distribution of the liquid to different sections of the system. For this purpose, the throttle device is adjusted so that a certain flow is achieved. Of course, this flow also depends on the pressure prevailing in the relevant section of the installation.

In principle, there are two types of flow control valves. One species uses a constant throttle. The pressure difference across the constant throttle is measured and the throttle device, which is separate from the constant throttle, is used to adjust the flow rate. provide that over the Koπstantdrossel a predetermined pressure drop arises.

Another type of flow control valve uses the throttling device to generate the pressure drop by which the flow is detected. In this case, however, since the throttle device simultaneously throttles the fluid flow through the valve, the information about the pressure drop is not sufficient to make the correct adjustment of the flow. The operator or an evaluation device additionally requires the information about the throttle position of the

Throttling element, which conclusions can be drawn on the throttle resistance of the throttle device. Usually, a table is then used for the evaluation, in which a relationship between a setting of the throttle device and the pressure difference and the set flow can be removed.

For this reason, the display is provided which indicates the throttle position of the throttle element.

Such Durchflußeinstellventil is usually very rarely adjusted, namely at startup or a change to the system in which it is installed. Otherwise it does not bother, it is often installed in positions that are difficult to access, for example, under ceilings or in shafts. In such Einbaupositi- oπen the digital display is often difficult to read.

Another type of cartridge valves therefore uses analogue displays, in which with the adjustment of the throttle element a mark is moved, which can then be compared with a scale in order to obtain the information about the throttle position of the throttle element. Such Durchflußeinstellventil is disclosed for example in DE 35 15 752 A1. However, when the flow adjusting valve is mounted in the above unfavorable positions, it is also difficult to read and evaluate this analog display with the necessary accuracy. For a clear statement digital displays have a certain advantage, because for each throttle position of the throttle element almost always a unique value can be read, which is indicated by a position symbol, usually a digit.

The invention has for its object to facilitate the setting of a Durchflußeinstellventils.

This object is achieved in a Durchflußeinstellventil of the type mentioned above in that the display has at least three pointing in different directions reading locations, in each of which the same position symbol appears.

With this configuration, the ability to read the position symbol is considerably increased. Since the installer can look at the flow adjusting valve from different directions and still recognize the respective valid position symbol with high reliability, the installation position for the flow adjusting valve no longer plays such a large role. Basically, the fitter will always be able to look at a reading point in which the position symbol appears. Since the same position symbol always appears at all reading points, the same information is always obtained by looking at different points. The setting is thus considerably simplified.

Preferably, two measuring ports are provided which open into the flow channel on both sides of the throttle arrangement. With the help of the measuring ports, a pressure difference across the throttle assembly can be determined from the outside. It is preferred that the handle is rotatable about an axis and at least three reading points are distributed in the circumferential direction about the axis. The handle is thus designed as a rotary handle which is rotatable about the axis 5. In this case, the installer must only have the option of being able to look laterally at the flow-adjusting valve, ie perpendicular to the axis, in order to be able to recognize the position symbol with a high degree of probability. If you distribute at least three readouts in the circumferential direction, then you have a uniform distribution IO each after 120 ° in the circumferential direction a new reading point. At such a distance but can be sure over the entire extent usually that the fitter can recognize the reading so that he can identify the position symbol.

Preferably, at least one further reading point is directed parallel to the axis. This further enhances the recognizability. The position symbols are then practically readable from all the pages that are accessible anyway for the view of the fitter. The person skilled in the art will not want to look through the pipe or conduit to which the flow adjusting valve is mounted anyway.

Preferably, at least a part of the position symbols is arranged on a cylindrical surface, wherein these position symbols are divided into a plurality of axially offset groups, each of which has a reading point

25 is assigned, and the groups are circumferentially offset according to an angular distance of the reading points to each other. This allows the individual position symbols, for example the numbers already mentioned above, to be distributed on the cylindrical surface in such a way that the same number always appears in each reading point. If, for example, the reading

3 C are offset by 120 ° to each other, then you will arrange the individual groups of numbers in three rings, of which two successive rings are always offset by 120 ° to each other. One must just make sure that there is a clear reference to a ring of position symbols at each reading point.

It is preferred that the cylindrical surface is formed by the peripheral surface of a drum, at the end face of which at least one further group of positional symbols is arranged. This makes it easy to realize the reading point, which can be viewed parallel to the axis.

Preferably, at least three reading points are formed as windows in a peripheral wall of the handle, wherein these windows are offset from each other in the circumferential and in the axial direction. A window forms a recess in the peripheral wall of the handle, wherein a window may well extend to the axial edge of the handle. Each window is so large that one can recognize a position symbol. It can also be larger in the circumferential direction. In this case, a mark is appropriate, which points to the respective valid position symbol. Through the windows, a simple gradation in the axial direction can be achieved and thus ensure that in each case the correct ring on the cylinder surface is selected.

Preferably, the Ablesestelleπ are separated by projections. The projections facilitate the fitter to attack the handle. They form, so to speak, extended torque contact surfaces. The reading points, so the windows are protected between the

Projections arranged so that the risk of damage or contamination can be kept small from the outside. Moreover, in this way, it is possible to keep the windows very close to the cylindrical surface, so that the risk of erroneous reading when viewed at an unfavorable angle can be kept small. Preferably, the handle has a revolution counter. In addition to the information about the current angular position of the handle in a revolution then can also gain information about how many revolutions you have done with the handle already. However, a revolution counter need not be visible from all angular positions. Rather, it is sufficient if the revolution counter is visible once per revolution.

In this case, it is preferred that the revolution counter has a counter wheel, which rotates further per revolution of the handle by a counting symbol division. For example, if the meter wheel has ten counting symbols to indicate ten revolutions of the handle, then the meter wheel rotates one tenth of a turn per revolution of the handle.

It is preferred that in each case a counting symbol on the peripheral surface of the counter wheel and a similar counting symbol on the front side of the counter wheel is visible. The counting symbols can be viewed, for example, through windows arranged in the wall of the handle. The counting symbols on the circumferential surface and on the front side of the handle must then be offset from one another in the circumferential direction only in the same way as the windows on the handle.

The invention will be described below with reference to a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the drawings. Herein show:

Fig. 1 is a view of a Durchflußeinstellventils, partially in

Cut,

2 shows the Durchflußeinstellventil in an exploded view, 3 shows the Durchflußeinstellventil in a perspective view,

4 shows the Durchflußeinstellventil of FIG. 3 from a different direction,

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a handle of Durchflußeinstellventils and

Fig. 6, the handle in the assembled state.

A Durchflußeinstellventil 1 has a valve housing 2, which surrounds a flow channel 3. In the flow channel 3, a throttle device 6 is disposed between an inlet 4 and an outlet 5, which can change the free cross section between inlet 4 and outlet 5 by means of a throttle element 7.

In the direction between inlet 4 and outlet 5, a first measuring connection 8 and behind the throttle device, a second measuring connection 9 is provided in front of the throttle device 6, both depart from the flow channel 3. The measuring ports 8, 9 are led out to nozzle 10, 11. Each nozzle 10. 11 is normally closed by a closure flap 12, 13. After removing the protective caps 12, 13, pressure probes can be introduced into the nozzles 10, 11 in order to determine a pressure difference, which is established via the throttle device 6, when the flow channel 3 is traversed by a liquid, for example hot or cold water.

By changing the position of the throttle element 7, a flow cross-section 14 is changed, which in turn determines the flow through the Durchflußeinstellventil 1. In order to be able to determine the size of the flow, however, it is not only the knowledge of the pressure difference between see the Meßanschlüsseπ 8, 9 necessary, but also information about how large the flow cross-section 14 is, in other words, which position the throttle element 7 actually has.

5, the throttle element 7 is fixed to an adjusting spindle 15 having an external thread 16 which is in engagement with a corresponding internal thread 17. The internal thread 17 is attached to a part 18, which is held in the axial direction (relative to an axis 19 of the adjusting spindle 15) fixed in the valve housing 2. 0

Upon rotation of the adjusting spindle 15 about the axis 19, the throttle element 7 is displaced parallel to the axis 19 and increases or decreases so that the flow cross-section 14 of the flow channel 3 in the region of the throttle device 6. 5

To rotate the adjusting spindle 15, a handle 20 is provided which has distributed in the circumferential direction a plurality of projections 21-23 to facilitate the application of torque.

C in each case windows 24, 25, 26 are provided in the spaces between the projections, wherein a mark 27, for example an arrow, may be present on each window. The windows 24-26 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the handle 20 approximately 120 ° to each other. They are relative to the axis 19 in the axial direction to-5 offset each other.

Through the window 24-26 can look at a drum 27 which is rotatably and axially stationary held in a cap 28, which in turn is connected to the valve housing 2. C

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 2 and 5, the drum 27 has on its circumferential surface three groups of numbers (each group contains the numerals 0-9), wherein the groups are offset in the axial direction just as the same as the windows 24-26. In the circumferential direction, the same numbers of the groups are offset to each other as far as the windows 24-26 in the handle 20. This ensures that in each rotational position of the handle 20 in all windows 24-26 the same number appears.

In addition, a further group of digits 0-9 is provided on the front side of the drum 27, these digits being visible through a further window 29. The same number then appears in the window 29 as in the windows 24-26.

The windows 24-26, 29 thus form readouts, these readout points can be seen in the direction of rotation of the handle 20 from three directions and additionally from a direction parallel to the axis 19. This allows an installer to recognize virtually any position in which angular position the handle 20 is located. This is a part of the information available to the installer needed to determine the throttle position of the throttle element 7. The installation position of Durchflußeinstellventils 1 is thus largely uncritical.

In addition, the handle 20 still has a revolution counter with a counter wheel 30, which also has on its peripheral surface a number of Zählsymbolen, for example, again numbers from 0 to 9. In addition, corresponding counting symbols or numerals are also arranged on the front side of the counter wheel 30. The meter wheel 30 is rotatably mounted on a pin 31 of the attachment 28 and is connected via a transmission device shown only schematically by a toothing 32 with the handle 20 into engagement, so that the counter wheel 30 rotates per revolution of the handle 20 by a respective Zählsymbol-division on ,

The handle has two more windows 33, 34. Through the window 33, the counting symbols on the peripheral side of the counter wheel 30 are seen. bar. Through the window 34, the counting symbols or digits on the front side of the counter wheel 30 can be seen.

The window 33 is not always visible. But this is usually not necessary because it can be assumed that a fitter can remember the count symbol over a revolution of the handle 20, which appears in the window 33.

The fitter will therefore first make a rough presetting position with the handle 20 by turning the handle until the throttle element 7 has reached a desired position. If, for example, 10 revolutions are necessary for the entire travel of the throttle element 7, then the fitter will turn the handle 20 five times to move the throttle element 7 approximately to a central position.

Based on the visible in the windows 24-26, 29 digits, the fitter can then make a fine adjustment, where he can win the information about the respective angular position of the handle 20 and thus also the axial adjustment of the throttle element 7 during this fine adjustment practically from all necessary viewing directions ,

Claims

claims 1. Durchflußeinstellventil (1) with a valve housing (2) having a flow channel (3) in which a throttle device (6) is arranged with a by a handle externally adjustable throttle element (7), and with a digital display, the indicates a throttle position of the throttle element, characterized in that the display has at least three pointing in different directions reading points (24-26, 29), in each of which the same position symbol (0-9) appears. 2. Valve according to claim 1, characterized in that two measuring ports are provided, which open on both sides of the throttle arrangement in the flow channel. 3. Valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the handle (20) about an axis (19) is rotatable and at least three read-out points (24-26) are distributed in the circumferential direction about the axis (19). 4. Valve according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one reading point (29) is directed parallel to the axis (19). 5. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least a part of the position symbols (0-9) is arranged on a cylindrical surface, said position symbols (0-9) are divided into a plurality of axially offset groups, each of which a reading point (24-26) is assigned, and the groups in the circumferential direction are offset from each other according to an angular distance of the reading points (24-26). 6. Valve according to claim 5, characterized in that the cylindrical surface is formed by the peripheral surface of a drum (27), at whose end face at least one further group of position symbols (0-9) is arranged. 5 7. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least three reading points as a window (24-26) in a peripheral wall of the handle (20) are formed, said windows (24-26) in the circumferential direction and in Axially offset from each other I C are. 8. Valve according to claim 7, characterized in that the reading points (24-26) by projections (21-23) are separated from each other. 9. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the handle (20) has a revolution counter. 10. Valve according to claim 9, characterized in that the revolution counter has a meter wheel (30), which is per revolution 2 G of the handle (20) by a counter symbol division continues to rotate. 11. Valve according to claim 10, characterized in that in each case a counter symbol (0-9) on the peripheral surface of the Zählrades (30) and a similar counter symbol (0-9) on the front side of the Zählra- 25 of (30) is visible.