DE102012108987A1 - Locking device for a shut-off and / or regulating device in a fluid line - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device in the actuating unit of a shut-off and / or control device, which is connected to a control shaft (4) of the shut-off and / or control device, in a recess (7) of the operating device (5) which has a push button which is connected to a pin-shaped component (9) can be inserted into a recess in the housing (2) and a locking device for the push button, which prevents a return movement from the depressed position (11) with a securing element, the push button is a structural unit made of a pin-shaped component (9), is an operating button (10) and a compression spring (8), the front end (12) of the pin-shaped component (9) being in a recess in the housing (2) when the pressed position (11) is taken, the operating button (10) of the Push button on its jacket (13) has a groove-shaped depression (14) which, when pressed (11), has a tangent in the operating device (5) to the recess (7) of the Dr Push button extending bore (18) is congruent and allows the insertion of a locking component.

Description

The invention relates to a locking device in the operating unit of a shut-off and / or regulating device in fluid lines, which makes it possible to lock them in certain switching and / or intermediate positions, to protect against unauthorized access and ultimately to prevent an automatic adjustment. The locking device is used in particular also for the purpose that an impediment to unsafe solutions is created, made manipulation of the shut-off and / or regulating devices only by destroying the locking device are possible and thus foreign interference can be reliably detected.

In particular, there is a need to prevent access by unauthorized third parties in supply systems such as drinking water or service water networks, in gas supply systems, and in particular in piping systems which, in the event of unauthorized use, pose latent risks.

A long-known method of performing such locks is that of the seal. However, this has the disadvantage that a necessary intervention by authorized persons without destroying the seal and re-sealing is not possible.

Occasionally, the actuators are removed to prevent the operation of shut-off and / or regulating devices. The resulting difficulty is low because access to the switching shaft of the shut-off and / or operating device with tools or individually procured operating devices still remains possible.

In order to improve this situation, various solutions are known which are intended to prevent a movement of the operating device. That's how it is US 5,285,997A a solution is known in which an actuating lever has been developed so that it has on its underside a cam-shaped member and concentric thereto a bore in which a push button is arranged. Corresponding to this arrangement, a locking index is arranged with a spring-loaded pin in the region of the valve housing, which is concentric with the push button with a corresponding position of the actuating lever. When the actuating lever is moved towards this switching position, the pin of the indexing index is pressed down over the slope of the cam-shaped component and then snaps into the hole in the shift lever. At the same time the push button is pushed upwards.

The arrangement described above is particularly suitable for such applications in which an unintentional operation of the operating lever to be prevented. A third-party access and arbitrary measures to change the switch position are thus not prevented.

An advanced form of such a locking device is out EP 1 039 193 A2 known. Instead of a locking index here a spring-loaded push-button is used, which is arranged in a corresponding recess of an operating element. At the pin-shaped component of the push button is integrally formed integrally a cam, and the receiving bore for this component is a bore with an additionally extended groove through which the cam can be inserted and, corresponding to a further radial extension of the receiving bore, as a bayonet can act. A pin-shaped projection, which is also the same material on the front side of the pin-shaped component, engages in a bore in the housing of a valve and locks the locking device relative to the valve housing. The push button has on its upper side a radially shaped tab which can correspond with a tab formed on the operating device as well. Both tabs each have a through hole, which are concentric with each other in the locking position of the push button and allow the hanging of a U-lock and thus the fixation of the push button in its position. The switching shaft of the valve is connected via a screw to the operating device and covered by a substantially cylindrical cap.

The solution described above has significant disadvantages. Thus, the blockage of the push button and thus the valve to cancel at any time, by removing the cylindrical cap of the shift shaft, the screw removed and then the entire operating device is removed. There are no precautions against attacks on the cap. The push-button can be removed according to its design features, wherein it can not be ensured that the pressure spring located in the bore remains on removal of the push-button on this. Consequently, this spring can be lost. The preparation of the pin-shaped component with the additionally molded nose requires considerable expenditure and high material usage. Similarly, for the push button top and the actuator of the valve produced by preforming components are necessary, which also have mold undercuts and therefore can be produced only at a considerable cost. When the push button, the pin and the top must be made separately and then joined together. Assembly errors lead to unusable results. The tab to be formed on the operating device as well as the tab on the push button leads to increased production costs.

Other disadvantages are that the pin-shaped projection of the push button engages in a bore in the housing. If this hole is closed, locking can no longer be carried out. If the lock is released in certain cases, a third party can remove the push button and make a subsequently necessary re-locking impossible. Thus, at least one additional need arises due to necessary replacements of the push button. Furthermore, the function of the push button is disturbed as soon as the formed on the upper part of the push button tab or tab on the operating device are canceled. At least with constant use of these locks the protruding parts of the control device are also disadvantageous in terms of possible injury hazards.

There is therefore a need to further develop such a locking device in such a way that on the one hand the disadvantages described above no longer exist and on the other hand such locks can also be used in applications in which there are a priori limitations with regard to the material and financial outlay of such solutions. Likewise with solutions that are to be used on small-scale shut-off and / or regulating devices.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a locking device for shut-off and / or control devices in fluid lines, which does not have the disadvantages described in the prior art, has small dimensions, is inexpensive to produce and in particular a higher degree of security of said devices even at has unauthorized interference using tools.

This object above is achieved with a locking device having the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 in conjunction with the features of the preamble of this claim. Secondary and subordinate claims describe embodiments of the locking device according to the invention.

In the following description, embodiments and claims, the following terms are used with the following meaning:
Shut-off and / or control device - is a valve, a tap or a slide, which are used to control fluid flows in fluid lines. Preferably, but not exclusively, are devices that are movable with an operating device between fixed switching positions.

Operating device - is an actuating element, are transmitted by the operating forces on the switching shaft of a shut-off and / or regulating device in the fluid line.

The operating device is usually firmly connected to the switching shaft of the shut-off and / or regulating device.

Locking device - is a device that is suitable to set the operating device in at least one position such that a further actuation is no longer possible.

Locking element - is an external element that can be introduced in a position of the operating device in which it is blocked, and that makes it impossible to release the lock after insertion.

Locking / locking - is a switching state of the operating device, in which a mechanical connection between a fixed part of the shut-off and / or control device and the movable operating device can be reached.

According to the invention, the locking device is integrated in the form of a push button in the operating device of a shut-off and / or regulating device.

For this purpose, a recess is present in the operating device, which receives the push button together with the return spring necessary for the function.

The recess in the operating device is a stepped bore, so that the push button protrudes with its lower pin-shaped end when actuated from the operating device. At the same time the lower pin-shaped end of the push button protrudes in the depressed position into a recess in the housing of Absperrund / or control device, whereby a rotational movement of the control device is impossible.

The operating device may be a one-sided or two-sided gripping element, a hand wheel, a cap or a pivoting lever. The aforementioned elements are each firmly connected to the switching shaft of the shut-off and / or regulating device.

Spaced to the mounting hole for the shift shaft is provided with a parallel axis, the recess for the push button.

The engagement area for the push button on the housing of the shut-off and / or regulating device can be carried out in various ways. It may be holes or arcuate recesses in a housing on the specially shaped collar-shaped component. In any case, the rod-shaped front end of the push button and this opposite recesses on the housing are compatible with each other and as far as consistent that the operating device can be twisted at most by small angular amounts that cause no changes in the switching position.

The actuating knob of the push button is provided on its lateral surface with a groove-shaped depression. When the push button is pressed and as a result of effective locking relative to the housing of the shut-off and / or regulating device, this groove is at the same height as an existing in the operating device first hole which intersects the recess for the push button tangentially. The radius of the groove in the operating knob and the radius of the first tangential bore are identical, so that in pressed position of the push button by inserting a pin blocking the push button is possible. By this measure, the shut-off and / or regulating device is fixed in a certain position.

In the preparation of the shut-off and / or control device can be selected by the attachment of holes or recesses on the same housing for the front pin-shaped end of the push button, the later required positions for the lock. Preference is given to the switching positions "to" and "closed", at any time intermediate positions can be provided for a lock.

The above-described locking for a shut-off and / or regulating device serves primarily the purpose of withdrawing certain switching or intermediate positions the access of unauthorized third parties. Thus, for example, in fluid networks that serve the supply of drinking water or fuel gases for a fee, a connection effectively shut off and thus be excluded from the supply.

Further applications may relate to fluid systems which, according to safety regulations, may only be put into operation by authorized persons. Furthermore, such fluid systems in which a certain flow is set and maintained on the working fluid.

As a shut-off and / or control device, all devices come into question, which allow to create defined states in fluid systems. Thus, taps, valves or gate valves are suitable for such applications. It is only necessary that the switching shaft in the region of the operating device performs a rotational movement.

It is advantageous to execute the push button so that its movements are limited in amount. For this purpose, conventional measures, such as stepped holes for the recess, stepped active parts for the actuating button and the pin-shaped extension or a combination thereof can be used.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the push button provides a one-piece ram, comprising both actuating button and pin-shaped extension of the same material.

Another preferred embodiment of the push button is to limit its travel by subsequently introduced elements.

Particularly advantageous here is the introduction of a second, the recess for the push button tangentially cutting, small diameter bore. In this second tangential bore, a securing part, such as a pin, a dowel pin, a grooved pin, a notched nail, a screw, a stud, a rivet pin, a rivet or a split pin can be used.

The second tangential bore can be designed as a through hole. Preferably, however, a combination consisting of a blind hole and a clamping or grooved pin, as they can not be pulled by simple means.

Particularly advantageous is an embodiment in which the position of the second tangential bore is located in the region of the groove-shaped recess in the operating knob. Thereby, a limitation of the travel can be made such that it corresponds to the width of the groove in the operating button minus the width of the protruding into the groove pin-shaped component. At the same time, the pin-shaped component serves as an assembly aid for the push button.

If the securing part is arranged captive in the second tangential bore and protrudes into the groove-shaped depression of the actuating knob, a disassembly of the push button is excluded.

The pin-shaped component can be fixed in the second tangential bore so that it can not be removed without destruction. For example, the pin-shaped component before or after installation by gluing, potting, by a form-fitting closure in the second tangential bore or through Calking the same done. Which embodiment is ultimately chosen depends on the required level of security and therefore the degree of resistance of the particular embodiment of the locking device to be selected.

The same requirements apply to the locking component to be introduced into the first tangential bore. This may be a simple pin, which in a preferred embodiment is made captive, or a screw. Furthermore, various higher security locks, such as coded or codable pins, a Kensington lock, a key lock, or a padlock with a bracket can be used.

An indispensable part of the locking device is at the same time a backup of the shift shaft, so that a release of the control device in the locked state or at all either impossible or violent applications are easily detected by third parties.

In this case, the shift shaft may be designed so that it can be caulked or riveted to the operating device.

Further embodiments may consist in that a conventional screw fastening of the operating device on the switching shaft by gluing or casting is permanently connected to the surrounding components.

It is also possible to carry out the screw connection with the aid of screws without the possibility of attacking tools, such as, for example, as magnetically attractable screws.

Another preferred embodiment of the blockage may be through the use of a closure disc in the externally accessible opening of the operating device.

The fastening screw can also be secured against rotation by caulking against the operating device.

The invention will be described below with reference to embodiments and figures. Showing:

1 - An illustration of a shut-off and / or regulating device in the form of a valve insertable into a fluid line valve with an operating device and the locking mechanism according to the invention.

2 - The preferably used component for the push button.

3 - A cross section through the operating device in the region of the push button approximately at the height of the first and second tangential bore.

A valve 1 is on his case 2 with a material integrally molded collar 3 Mistake. On the shift shaft 4 of the valve 1 is an operating device 5 with the help of a fixing screw 6 attached. In the control device 5 is a recess 7 arranged, which is a spring 8th and a push button consisting of a pin-shaped component 9 and a control knob 10 consists, absorbs. In the depressed position 11 the push button protrudes the front end 12 of the pin-shaped component 9 of the push button in an in 1 not shown recess in the collar 3 of the housing 2 into it. The control knob 10 is on his coat 13 with a groove-shaped depression 14 Mistake. A security pin 15 Holds the control button 10 such that the compression spring 8th holds the push button in the initial position.

The locking pin 15 is in a second, the recess 7 tangentially drilled hole 16 arranged so that it is in the region of the groove-shaped depression 14 of the control knob 10 is located and thereby at the same time there is a limitation of the travel of the push button. The hole 16 is preferably designed as a blind hole.

The locking pin 15 may be a cylindrical pin, which after installation in the second tangential bore 16 by gluing, potting or caulking the bore 16 is secured. It may also be a self-locking pin in the embodiment as a grooved pin, dowel pin or dowel pin. Likewise a notched nail, a rivet or a rivet pin.

The second tangential bore 16 can be designed as a through hole when the safety pin to be used 15 this requires or can be additionally secured.

The compression spring 8th rests on the bottom edge 17 of the control knob 10 from. In the control device 5 is still a first, the recess 7 tangentially drilled hole 18 present, which has a slightly larger diameter.

The diameters of the first tangential bore 18 and the groove-shaped recess 14 in the control knob 10 however, largely agree. In any case, the agreement goes so far that, when the pushbutton is depressed, a cross-section of the first tangential bore 18 arises, which allows the insertion of locking elements. These can be components that almost completely fill the cross section.

As locking elements components come into question, the at least one straight portion in the length of the first tangential bore 18 and have a suitable diameter. Preferably therefore screws or pins can be used. Also suitable are chains or ropes.

Such components can be made captive by appropriate measures. They can also be equipped with additional fuses that make removal by unauthorized third parties impossible. In that regard, especially a Kensington lock, a plug lock or a padlock in the embodiment as a padlock come into question.

The blocking of the fixing screw 6 in the opening 19 the operating device 5 can by making a cohesive connection in the area of the thread 20 or by pouring the opening 19 done with a potting compound.

A preferred embodiment of the blocking, which can also be combined with the measures described above, is the caulking of the opening 19 with a shutter disc 21 ,

Further precautions against loosening the screw 6 For example, in the use of screws with screw heads without possibility of attack for tools or in caulking the screw 6 against the operating device 5 consist.

Likewise, the connection between the switching shaft 4 and operating device 5 be secured by pinning or with the help of an inserted snap ring.

The invention thus has the advantage that it makes it possible with a minimum of components and by appropriate design of the same to ensure a much higher level of security in locking devices for the control of Absperrund / or control devices in fluid lines and thus requirements for mass production even with small Absperrund / or controls at acceptable cost.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Valve

2

 casing

3

 collar

4

 shift shaft

5

 operating device

6

 fixing screw

7

 recess

8th

 compression spring

9

 Pin-shaped component

10

 control knob

11

 Press button pressed down

12

Front end of the pin-shaped component [ 9 ]

13

Sheath of the control knob [ 10 ]

14

 Grooved recess

15

 safety pin

16

 drilling

17

Lower edge of the control knob [ 10 ]

18

 drilling

19

 opening

20

 thread

21

 sealing washer

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5285997 A [0005]
• EP 1039193 A2 [0007]

Claims (10)

Locking device for an operating device of a shut-off and / or regulating device in a fluid line, with an operating device ( 5 ), which with a switching shaft ( 4 ) of the shut-off and / or regulating device is connected, in a recess ( 7 ) of the operating device ( 5 ) has a lock in the form of a push button, which with a pin-shaped component ( 9 ) in a recess of the housing ( 2 ) of the shut-off and / or control device can be introduced, and a lock for the push button such that with a securing element, a return movement of the push button from the depressed position ( 11 ) can be prevented in a rest position, wherein the push button is a structural unit of a pin-shaped component ( 9 ), a control knob ( 10 ) and a compression spring ( 8th ) is, by the interaction of an axial movement in the recess ( 7 ) between an upper end position and a depressed position ( 11 ), taking into account the depressed position ( 11 ) the front end ( 12 ) of the pin-shaped component ( 9 ) in a recess of the housing ( 2 ), characterized in that the control knob ( 10 ) of the push button on his coat ( 13 ) a groove-shaped depression ( 14 ) when reaching the depressed position ( 11 ) with one in the operating device ( 5 ) tangential to the recess ( 7 ) of the push button extending bore ( 18 ) is congruent and allows the insertion of a locking member and in which the actuation of the switching shaft ( 4 ) is blocked. Locking device for an operating device of a shut-off and / or regulating device in a fluid line according to claim 1, characterized in that the push button between two end positions is movable, wherein the travel approximately the diameter of the tangential to the direction of actuation bore ( 18 ) corresponds. Locking device for an operating device of a shut-off and / or regulating device in a fluid line according to claim 2, characterized in that the limitation of the travel of the push button by a in a second tangential bore ( 16 ) of the recess ( 7 ) for the push button lying safety pin ( 15 ) and the second tangential bore ( 16 ) spaced from the first tangential bore ( 18 ) is arranged. Locking device for an operating device of a shut-off and / or regulating device in a fluid line according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking pin ( 15 ) is a cylindrical pin, a grooved pin, a notched nail, a rivet, a rivet pin, a screw, a stud, a dowel pin or a split pin. Locking device for an operating device of a shut-off and / or regulating device in a fluid line according to claim 3, characterized in that the securing part is a resilient component, which in an annular recess in the shell of the recess ( 7 ) is arranged, and the push button is pressed during assembly against the resistance of the resilient member in the recess. Locking device for an operating device of a shut-off and / or regulating device in a fluid line according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the blocking element is a pin, a lockable pin, a codable pin, a screw, a Kensington lock, a key lock or a padlock is. Locking device for an operating device of a shut-off and / or regulating device in a fluid line according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the blocking element is a chain or a rope. Locking device for an operating device of a shut-off and / or control device in a fluid line according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the blocking of the operating device with the switching shaft by gluing, pouring with potting compounds, caulking or by lacquer protection. Locking device for an operating device of a shut-off and / or regulating device in a fluid line according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the blocking of the connection between the switching shaft and operating device in the bore by a closure disc ( 21 ) he follows. Locking device for an operating device of a shut-off and / or regulating device in a fluid line according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the blocking of the connection between the switching shaft and operating device is effected by a pin or a snap ring connection.

Images