ES2791550A1 - Valve to regulate the flow of a fluid (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Valve to regulate the flow of a fluid. Valve (1) to regulate the flow of a fluid that comprises a regulation mechanism (2), actuable by means of the output shaft (5). The valve comprises visual indicating means (6) of the angular position of the output shaft, comprising a first outer component (7a) superimposed on a second outer component (7b), the inner component comprising a graphic or set of signals (8) suitable for indicating on it opening levels of the regulation mechanism and the outer component comprising a window (9) through which part of the graphic or set of signals of the inner component can be viewed, one of said components being mechanically linked to the output shaft so that its rotation automatically changes the relative position between the components and thus the information visible through the window. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Valve to regulate the flow of a fluid

Technical sector of the invention

The valve of the present invention is one that allows the hydraulic communication between two ports to be varied gradually, thus regulating the flow of fluid through the valve.

Background of the invention

Valves are known to regulate the flow of a fluid between two mouths provided with a valve or tap that allows to operate an internal regulation mechanism of the valve. Depending on the turn of the key, the valve is opened to a greater or lesser extent. However, in known valves it is not possible to determine with certainty the valve's opening degree by means of a simple inspection, so when an operator cannot determine its opening level from the possible noise or vibrations that the valve may emit , the operator has to manipulate the valve, verifying the path of the tap or tap between its opening and closing to determine its degree of opening. However, this operation not only causes unnecessary valve wear, as well as unwanted opening and closing, but can also be a very laborious operation if the number of valves to be checked is high or they are in inaccessible locations.

To solve this problem, valves based on a ball mechanism are known that allow a transition between the open and closed position of the valve by turning the key a quarter turn. The key of these valves usually has a bar that, as a lever, operates the ball mechanism when it is turned a quarter of a turn. This type of valve usually follows the convention that when the bar is arranged perpendicular to the direction between the two mouths, the valve is closed, and when it is aligned with the direction between the two mouths it is open. However, this convention is not always followed, or it may be that the bar has been tampered with. In addition, the operators do not always know this convention or do not trust that the valve follows the convention, so many times they end up verifying its opening by manipulating the valve, with the wear and other inconveniences mentioned above. Another drawback of these types of valves is that they require enough space around them so that the bar can be comfortably rotated a quarter turn, so a set of valves must be installed leaving enough space between them to avoid the bars of the different valves can collide and hinder their operation. Likewise, when several valves are installed together, users have problems in identifying the function or conduit that regulates each of them, giving rise to handling errors or inefficiencies by having to visually follow the conduits in the installation. .

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a valve for regulating the flow of a fluid that makes it possible to easily and unequivocally determine the opening level of the valve, as well as the function that the valve plays in the system.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a valve that requires less effort on the part of users to actuate

It is also another object of the present invention to provide a valve that can be manually operated even when it is arranged in narrow places with difficult access or with other valves in close proximity.

Explanation of the invention

The valve for regulating the flow of a fluid of the present invention is one of those that comprises a mechanism for regulating a flow of fluid housed in a chamber with at least two openings for hydraulic connection with the outside, the mechanism being actuable by means of at least one output shaft to gradually vary, that is to say gradually open or close, the hydraulic communication between the two ports as a function of the angular position of said output shaft.

In essence, the valve is characterized in that it also comprises visual indicating means for the angular position of the output shaft, so that the opening level of the valve can be determined visually in an unequivocal manner. The valve comprises a first outer component superimposed on a second outer component, so that the outer component and the inner component can move relative to each other. The interior component comprises a graphic or set of signals suitable for indicating thereon opening levels of the regulation mechanism. The exterior component comprises a window through which at least only a part of the graphic or set of signals of the interior component can be viewed, so that advantageously from the portion viewed through the window, the level can be unequivocally determined. valve opening. It is highlighted that one of these components The exterior or interior is mechanically linked to the output shaft, so that its rotation automatically changes the relative position between the exterior component and the interior component and with it the information visible through the window. In this way, advantageously, simply by changing the relative position between the outer component and the inner component, not only will the output shaft be driven, modifying the valve opening level, but the opening level will also be displayed in the part of the graphic. or set of signs visible through the window.

In a variant embodiment, the graphic or set of signals is distributed concentric with respect to the output shaft and one of the outer or inner components is integral with the output shaft, so that rotating the outer or inner component integral with the output shaft is the valve opening level and the display of this level will change.

In a variant embodiment, it is emphasized that the inner component is fixed and the outer component is integral with the output shaft, so that by actuating the outer component the adjustment mechanism is actuated. Preferably, the outer component is maneuverable manually, like a ring or knob, and is preferably adapted to be turned by hand between the open position and the closed position of the adjustment means.

In a variant embodiment, the graphics or set of signals comprise a dial or a gradient or a color code that represents the different valve opening levels when viewed through the window.

In a variant embodiment, the contour of the outer component is circular or polygonal, allowing the rotation of the outer component to be carried out without essentially occupying space beyond the perimeter occupied by the outer component, so that different valves can be placed close to each other allowing the actuation of its external components.

In a variant embodiment, the outer or inner component is mechanically linked to the output shaft by means of a reduction mechanism, thus allowing less torque for the user, as well as greater travel, that is, greater variation in position. angular or rotation, of the outer or inner component, so that the variation of the angular position transmitted to the output shaft is less. Preferably, the reduction mechanism will have a transmission ratio equal to or less than 4, that is, a 4: 1 gear ratio, so that when the outer or inner component mechanically linked to the output shaft rotates one full turn, the output shaft rotates one quarter turn. It is also envisaged that the reduction mechanism has a transmission ratio equal to or less than 2, that is, a 2: 1 transmission, so that when the outer or inner component mechanically linked to the output shaft rotates a full half turn, the output shaft rotate a quarter turn. These reductions are especially useful when the adjustment mechanism is a ball mechanism, whose travel between opening and closing is a quarter of a turn to its output shaft. Naturally, any other transmission ratio is also envisaged that allows the rotation of the outer or inner component mechanically linked to the output shaft to be transferred to the output shaft. In this way, a finer control of the valve opening level is advantageously allowed, as well as the need for less torque on the part of the user.

In a variant embodiment, the reduction mechanism is a planetary reduction mechanism, advantageously allowing the gears to be integrated inside the valve, and when the outer component is circular or polygonal, the part to be driven is directly the crown. o ring of the planetary reduction mechanism.

In a variant embodiment, the outer component is provided with a removable label arranged around the window, so that the valve can be personalized and information of interest can be added. Preferably the label will be covered by a transparent protective element that can be removed to replace the label. In this way, information about the conduit that regulates the valve, as well as information about the type of valve or its actuation, can be incorporated into the label. This removable label may also or alternatively contain information about the function of the valve in a system of which the valve is a part, so that by inspecting this label it is possible to know the function that the valve plays in the system, such as the type of fluid that regulates or where it comes from or where the conduit goes. This information can be, for example, a diagram or a set of annotations that allow an operator to know the function that the valve plays in the system.

It is also envisaged that the external component is provided with an identifying code of the valve, which can be incorporated in the label, and that allows easy access, for example to the instruction manual or information of the valve when for example the identifier code is a two-dimensional code such as a QR code that links to a web page for help or instructions about the valve, or for example a web page about from the point of installation where the valve is mounted and its operation.

Brief description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being made and in order to facilitate the understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the present specification is accompanied by a set of drawings in which, by way of illustration and not limitation, the following has been represented:

Figs. 1a, 1b and 1c present a valve of the present invention in different fluid regulation positions;

Fig. 2 presents a detail of a valve of the present invention;

Fig. 3 presents an exploded view of a valve of the present invention;

Fig. 4 presents a sectional view of the valve of Fig. 3 in which the reduction mechanism is observed;

Fig. 5 presents another valve of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a set of valves installed in respective fluid conduits; Fig. 7 shows another set of valves installed in respective fluid conduits; Figs. 8a and 8b present, respectively, a label and a set of graphics or signs for a valve of the present invention;

Figs. 9a and 9b present, respectively, a label and a set of graphics or signs for a valve of the present invention.

Detailed description of the drawings

Figs. 1a, 1b and 1c present a valve 1 according to the present invention to regulate the flow of a fluid in different positions that represent different levels of opening of the valve 1. The valve 1 is of the type that comprises a regulation mechanism 2 of a flow fluid, such as a ball mechanism, housed in an interior chamber 3, and two ports 4a, 4b for hydraulic connection with the exterior. The regulation mechanism 2 is actuated by an output shaft 5 that allows the hydraulic communication between the two ports 4a, 4b to be gradually varied as a function of the angular position of said output shaft 5, as will be seen later.

As can be seen, the valve 1 is advantageously provided with visual indicating means 6 of the angular position of the output shaft 5, comprising a first outer component 7a superimposed on a second outer component 7b, the inner component 7b comprising a graphic or set of signs 8 suitable for signaling above it, opening levels of the adjustment mechanism 2 and the outer component 7b comprising a window 9 through which at least a part of the graphics or set of signals 8 of the inner component 7b can be viewed.

In the embodiment presented in Figs. 1a, 1b and 1c, the outer component 7a is mechanically linked to the output shaft 5, so that the inner component 7b is fixed and the outer component 7a is integral with the output shaft 5, so that the rotation of the outer component 7a automatically changes the relative position between the outer component 7a and the inner component 7b and thus the information visible through the window 9.

In Fig. 1 a valve is shown in which through the window 9 a part of the graphic 8 corresponding to a red color can be observed, informing, in a similar way to a traffic light, that the regulation mechanism 2 of valve 1 is closed.

After the actuation of the outer component 7a of the valve 1, which is carried out in this case by means of a manual turning action of the outer component 7a, the window 9 moves at the same time that the regulating mechanism 2 is actuated proportionally to the rotation it performs the exterior component 7a through a reduction mechanism 10 as will be described later, until reaching a part of the yellow graphic, informing in a similar way to a traffic light that the regulating mechanism is half open, in the mode illustrated in Fig. 1b. In this way, by simple inspection of the information visible through the window 9 a user can easily know the opening level of the valve 1 unequivocally. Advantageously, as the outer component 7a is circular, it can be easily grasped and operated by hand by the user, also ensuring that it does not protrude from its perimeter when operated. This effect is also achieved when the outer component has a polygonal perimeter.

In this embodiment, it is envisaged that by actuating the outer component 7a half a turn, the regulating mechanism 2 fully opens the passage of fluid through the valve. Therefore, if the regulating mechanism 2 is a ball mechanism, which has a travel of a quarter of a turn between its open and closed position, it is envisaged that the reduction mechanism 10 has an equal transmission ratio 2, so that By turning the outer component 7a half a turn, the output shaft 5 of the regulating mechanism turns a quarter turn.

After turning the outer component 7a of the valve half a turn, that is, a quarter turn more than the situation previously illustrated in Fig. 1b, the window 9 will move again, at the same time that the adjustment mechanism 2 is actuated proportionally to the turn made by the external component 7a through a reduction mechanism 10, until reaching a part of the graphic in green, informing in a similar way to a traffic light that the regulation mechanism 2 is completely open.

Naturally, it is envisaged that many other intermediate turning points of the outer component 7a can be established between the positions illustrated in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1c that allow the opening level of valve 1 to be adjusted in a fine manner. so much so that the graphics or set of signals 8 comprise, for example, a dial or a gradient or a color code that allows reporting the opening level of valve 1.

Fig. 2 shows the valve 1 in which the outer component 7a has been separated from the rest of the valve 1. Therefore, the graphism or set of signals 8 arranged on the inner component 7b and which are distributed concentrically with respect to the output shaft 5 to which the external component 7a is connected, which in this case is integral with the output shaft 5, in this case the gradient goes from red to green, passing through yellow, so that they can not only the red, yellow and green colors indicated above, but also any other intermediate, which will give information on the opening of valve 1. It is also envisaged in other embodiments that it is the interior component 7b that is connected and integral with the output shaft 5.

Fig. 3 presents an exploded or exploded view of an embodiment of the valve 1 of the present invention. In this Fig. 3 you can see the regulation mechanism 2, in this case a ball mechanism, which is housed in a chamber 3 with two ports 4a, 4b for hydraulic connection with the outside. This regulation mechanism 2 is actuable by means of an output shaft 5, so that the hydraulic communication between the two ports is gradually varied as a function of the angular position of the output shaft 5. Naturally, the type of mechanism of regulation 2 could be different, for example a butterfly valve, and the number of output shafts 5 could be greater, for example if the valve controlled two lines simultaneously, so that when a user opened or closed valve 1 It should act on all the output shafts 5 of each of the regulating means 2 of the valve 1.

It is further observed in this Fig. 3 the visual indicating means 6 of the angular position of the output shaft 5, which comprise a first outer component 7a superimposed on a second inner component 7b. The inner component 7b will be provided with the graphics or set of signs 8, for example, arranged on a sheet, which will be suitable for indicating the opening levels of the regulation mechanism 2. The outer component 7a presents the window 9 through from which the graphic or set of signals 8 of the interior component 7b can be viewed.As can be seen, the exterior component 7a is also provided with a removable label 11 that will be arranged around the window 9, preferably provided with an identifying code 12 of the valve, such as a two-dimensional code. It is also envisaged that the removable label 11 contains, in an alternative or complementary manner, information on the function of the valve 1 in a system of which the valve is part, for example by means of a schematic or brief description, so that by inspecting This label 11 shows the function of valve 1 in the system.

As can be seen, the outer component 7a is mechanically linked to the output shaft 5 so that its rotation after the valve 1 is assembled will automatically change the relative position between the outer component 7a and the inner component 7b and with it the information visible through window 9, as previously described.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the reduction mechanism 10 of valve 1, which in this case is a planetary or epicycloidal reduction mechanism, so that it is completely contained within the outer component 7a. In this way, when the outer component 7a is actuated, the rotation of this outer component 7a will be transmitted to the output shaft 5 with a transmission ratio as the planetary reduction mechanism has been designed. Thus, if the transmission ratio is 4 (4: 1) after making a complete turn of the outer component 7a, the output shaft 5 will make a quarter turn, suitable for opening or closing a ball mechanism. Naturally, if it is not possible to use the same graphic or set of signals 8 in which it can be differentiated when the outer component is in an angular position of 0 degrees or 360 degrees, it may be more appropriate to use a slightly lower transmission ratio, of so that the maximum rotation of the outer component 7a is less than 360 degrees, so that the graphics or set of signals 8 the angular position of 0 degrees or 360 degrees of the outer component 7a are differentiated. Although in Fig, 4 they have been presented, so schematically, the edges of the planetary reduction mechanism components smooth, it is envisaged that these can be formed by toothed wheels, forming gears.

Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of valve 1, in which the outer component protrudes superiorly from valve 1 and has an indicator in the form of a vane, allowing the opening level of valve 1 to be known from other angles of view. view.

Figs. 6 and 7 present two installations with a plurality of valves 1 each, in which the valves 1 can advantageously be placed close to each other without being prevented from being actuated. Advantageously, in these installations a user can unequivocally determine the opening level of each of the valves, in the installation presented in Fig. 6 by means of a color code and in the installation presented in Fig. 7 by means of a system dial.

Figs. 8a and 8b as well as Figs. 9a and 9b present pairs of labels 11 and graphics or sets of signals 8 which can be used in the valve indicating means 6 according to the present invention.

Claims (15)

1. Valve (1) to regulate the flow of a fluid comprising - a regulation mechanism (2) of a fluid flow housed in a chamber (3) with at least two openings (4a, 4b) for hydraulic connection with the outside, the mechanism being actuable by means of at least one output shaft (5) to gradually vary the hydraulic communication between the two mouths as a function of the angular position of said output shaft; characterized by comprising, in addition: - Visual indicating means (6) of the angular position of the output shaft, comprising a first outer component (7a) superimposed on a second outer component (7b), the inner component comprising a suitable graphic or set of signals (8) to indicate thereon opening levels of the regulation mechanism and the outer component comprising a window (9) through which at least a part of the graphics or set of signals of the inner component can be viewed, and because one of said outer components or The interior is mechanically linked to the output shaft so that its rotation automatically changes the relative position between the exterior component and the interior component and thus the information visible through the window. Valve (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the graphic or set of signals (8) is distributed concentrically with respect to the output shaft (5) and one of the outer (7a) or inner (7b) components is integral. output shaft. Valve (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the inner component (7b) is fixed and the outer component (7a) is integral with the output shaft (5). 4. Valve (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the outer component (7a) is manually operable. Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the graphics or set of signals (8) comprise a dial or a gradient or a color code. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contour (9) of the outer component (7a) is circular or polygonal. Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer (7a) or inner (7b) component is mechanically linked to the output shaft (5) by means of a reduction mechanism (10). 8. Valve (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the reduction mechanism (10) has a transmission ratio equal to or less than 4 (4: 1). 9. Valve (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the reduction mechanism (10) has a transmission ratio equal to or less than 2 (2: 1). Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the regulating mechanism (2) is a ball mechanism. Valve (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the reduction mechanism (10) is a planetary reduction mechanism. Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer component (7a) is provided with a removable label (11) arranged around the window (9). Valve (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the removable label (11) contains information on the function of the valve in a system of which the valve is part. Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer component (7a) is provided with an identifying code (12) of the valve. Valve (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the identifier code (12) is a two-dimensional code.