ES1285009U - valve blocker (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Valve blocker, to prevent relative rotation between the valve body and the valve or drive shaft, characterized in that it comprises: a locking bushing (2) with a general "H" shape, comprising a first opening (21) attachable to the valve body, a second opening (23), opposite the first opening (21) and a central section (22) with a through hole between both openings (21, 23) for the passage of the valve stem; a seal (1) attachable to the second opening (23) by means of a security screw (3). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

valve blocker

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention relates to a series of blockers for valves for gas, water and other fluids. These blockers prevent the valve from being opened without the permission of the gas or water company. They are generally placed on the valve and prevent the rotation of the shaft that activates the opening/closing mechanism.

STATE OF THE ART

In all gas installations, water. there is a point where the general distribution network branches off to the facilities where its use is required. In construction this branching is taken into account up to the point where companies install their meters. But not every time the construction is finished, it starts to be used immediately. On these occasions and for any case in which the supply must be cut off, a valve is used.

It may also be necessary to cut off the supply at one point to carry out maintenance, replacement of elements. so that the operator who has blocked the valve is certain that no one will open the valve without his consent.

These valves are usually closed with a handle, a lever or any other system. But once closed by the supply company they can be opened without the company's permission. To solve this problem blockers were created. These blockers are installed once the valve is closed and prevent it from opening.

It has been observed that, depending on the type of valve used and the size (1/2, 3/4 or 1 inch generally (1.27, 1.9 and 2.54 cm)), there are different blockers with different opening keys. and with different locking systems. This is a complication for installers who must carry all kinds of material to be able to block the supply. Searching for a unification of the material to be used and a robust blocking mechanism, the invention described below was carried out.

The applicant is not aware of the existence of devices that can be considered similar to the invention in terms of the requirements considered.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention consists of a unified blocker for gas, water or similar valves. This set shares different parts between models so that it is possible to interchange them. This solves the existing problems detailed in the state of the art.

The main feature is that it blocks the rotation of the valve shaft by fixing the shaft to the valve body through a locking bushing. This piece is fixed to the valve by means of the mechanical fixing (nut or screw) of the opening mechanisms (handle, lever, square, etc.), which allows the installer to use basic tools for fixing it.

On the other hand, access to the shaft is prevented by a robust piece, called a seal, and a security screw that, for installation, requires a special tool or key that only installers have. There are different models of security key and screw, ensuring that only the user who is using the blocker can unlock it.

The valve blocker, to prevent relative rotation between the valve body and the valve or drive shaft, comprises a locking bushing with a first opening attachable to the valve body, a second opening opposite the first opening and a central section with a through hole between both openings for the passage of the valve shaft. Once passed, it is fixed by means of a tightening screw or nut in the same way that the handle or lever would be fixed. In your case a shaft adapter can be used if the bolt or nut is too small. In that case, the shaft adapter will have a larger section than the through hole of the central section. This through hole, or the stem adapter, will preferably be non-circular, but will correspond to the section of the valve stem, so that it can only be placed when the valve stem is in the correct position. Normally the correct position will be with the valve closed.

It also comprises a seal that can be coupled to the second opening by means of a safety screw, and that covers or blocks access to the screw or nut for fixing the bushing to the valve. The seal can be internal, in the second opening, or external, totally or partially covering the blocking bushing.

To facilitate adaptation to other sizes or shapes of valve body, it may comprise a body adapter engageable in the first opening.

The security screw can be covered by a security and/or protection cap, a lock... Preventing the screw hole from getting dirty over time and making it difficult to remove.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, the following figures are included:

Figure 1: Exploded view of the blocker general assembly.

Figure 2: Assembly security key.

Figure 3: Adapter element for the body of a market-specific valve in two variants (A) and (B).

MODES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is briefly described below, as an illustrative but non-limiting example of the latter.

Figure 1 shows an example of the assembly that forms the blocker. This set is made up of different parts that are described below.

The first piece is a blocking bushing (2) with a general "H" shape. The lower face includes a first opening (21) for inserting the valve body. A through hole in the central section (22) of the bushing (2) allows the passage of the valve shaft for the placement of a tightening screw or nut, corresponding to the system for fixing the handle or other valve handling tool. o Locking nut secures the locking bushing (2) to the valve body. A second opening (23), opposite the first opening (21) allows the placement of this tightening screw or nut and comprises a seal (1) that covers this second opening. The second opening (23) can be very small, since it is only essential that it allows the tightening screw or nut to pass through.

In this way, the sides of the first opening (21) straddle both sides of the valve body and prevent any movement of the shaft. On the other hand, the tightening screw or nut is not accessible thanks to the seal (1).

The seal (1) is fixed to the blocking bushing (2) by means of two through holes, in this case perpendicular to the valve axis. A security screw (3) is inserted through these holes and is screwed or passes through at least one arm of the blocking bushing (2) or in the seal (1). The security screw (3) has a special head that is only accessible by means of a security key (6), shown in figure 2. The type of head and security key (6) can vary depending on the installer. A safety cap (4) blocks physical or visual access to the safety screw (3) and protects it against external agents.

In order to adapt the seal (1) to the diameter of the valve shafts, a shaft adapter (5) is used, which is placed above the through hole of the central section (22) of the locking bushing (2), before fixing. of the tightening screw or nut. The adapter (5) has a shape that cannot go through the through hole of the central section (22), for example because it has a larger diameter or section.

On the other hand, to adapt to the body of the specific valve, a body adapter (7) is used that adjusts the size and shape of the first opening (21) to it. Thus, the outer shape of the body adapter (7) roughly corresponds to that of the first opening (21) while the inner shape corresponds to that of the corresponding valve body. Figure 3 shows two examples of adapters (7) depending on the type of valve.

Thus, it is enough to carry several different types of adapters (5,7) to block any model or type of shut-off valve.

Claims (1)

1- Valve blocker, to prevent relative rotation between the valve body and the valve or drive shaft, characterized in that it comprises: a blocking cap (2) with a general "H" shape, comprising a first opening (21) attachable to the valve body, a second opening (23), opposite the first opening (21) and a central section (22 ) with a through hole between both openings (21, 23) for the passage of the valve stem; a seal (1) attachable to the second opening (23) by means of a safety screw (3). 2- Valve blocker, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a shaft adapter (5) with a section larger than the through hole of the central section (22). 3- Valve blocker, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a body adapter (7) engageable in the first opening (21). 4- Valve blocker, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a safety cap (4) that covers the safety screw (3). 5- Valve blocker, according to claim 1, characterized in that the through hole corresponds to the non-circular section of the valve shaft.