FR2733566A1 - Two three or four way fluid valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The two, three or four way liquid or gas valve body (2) which contains a movable vane (9) has its fluid passage sections defined by one or more removable parts (1,3,4). These parts are independent of the main body and placed in the fluid flow paths. The body can be moulded from aluminium, steel, glass or plastics and has pipe connections (6). These removable parts have different mechanical and geometric shapes which alter the profile of the fluid passage section when the movable vane varies its opening angle. A plate closing the valve is sealed onto the body by a joint The incidence of the angle of rotation of the movable vane varies the proportion of return and supply circuit flows.

Description

2, 3 AND 4-WAY VALVES
TO ADAPTABLE AUTHORITY
There are currently commercially available 2, 3 and 4 way valves which are used in the
regulation, whether industrial or domestic.

The role of these valves, and more particularly the 3 and 4-way valves, is to be able to
regulate, on a circuit, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid intended for the emitters of
calories. These valves mainly allow to change, from 0 to 100% the
proportion of fluid directly from the energy generator in the
loss of calories (for example, radiators, heated floor, air heater,
domestic hot water exchanger). The heat transfer fluid circulates in the pipes
thanks to a circulation pump, a pump which propels the fluid in the pipes.

These valves are also used in the field of air conditioning. in hot regulation and
cold on gaseous fluid, liquid or emulsion.

It turns out that to satisfy the precision of the regulation (these valves can be
motorized) depending on the different installations, (three main types emerge
in domestic heating: new installation with radiators. underfloor heating and
renovation), these valves must have, for each of the different types of circuits, a
pressure drop coefficient translated by the concept of authority. This notion of authority
is materialized by the fact that the adjustment of the opening angle of the anne from its position
closed to full opening induces a variation in linear flow rate of the fluid to be diluted
(eg on position I, 10% of the flow. on VII, 70 O / o of the flow). This notion is also
represented by a coefficient called Kvs.

The translation of the mentioned problem is very well imagined in reality 'an installation
where the customer finds that on position 0 there is no heating and on the
position I, it is much too hot. while the graduations allow a variation
up to X. This is because the valve has been incorrectly calibrated (authority)) unsuitable).

There are therefore on the domestic market three types of valves, generally molded in
brass or cast iron. But these valves are unique (as far as their authority) and it
must therefore have 3 valves for a given diameter in stock (3 types of authority) to
respond to the request.

It should be noted that the notion <(of authority is directly concerned by the profile of the
fluid passage section, profile currently secured to the valve body (made
during molding).

Also, the domestic valves currently on the market offer curves
change in boiler water in installation flow rate relative to valve position (from
0 to X) which are not linear over the entire curve (hysteresis type), but only over
part of it. The largest change in% (sensitive) does not occur over the entire
adjustment range, but only on the linear part of the curve. So we don't use
the entire regulation range satisfactorily.

The present invention allows, at low cost (because it is not the valve body in
this case which conditions the Kvs). to propose a solution adapted to each situation. The ideal curve is a straight line. ranging from 0% for a closed position (position 0), it is
say flow rate only on the radiator circuit, 100% for the open position
maximum (position X), flow passing entirely through the energy generator. Faculty
to have a proportional evolution allows a coherent adjustment of the adaptation to the
request and the assurance of absence of <(pumping)) in the case of a motorized valve.

The present invention makes it possible, in a standard valve body, to be able to adapt the authority as a function of its needs, and possibly to be able to change this authority according to the reality and the evolution of the installation. This new solution avoids changing the traditional valve body, an expensive operation due to the fact that you have to dismantle the 2, 3 or 4 pipes attached to it (risk of leaks).

This invention also makes it possible to reduce the valve stock. because a single valve body can meet all requests for type of authority by simply adding a part, very simple to implement. and which does not require the disassembly of the pipes in the event of an adaptation after installation.

This valve can be molded under presslon in reinforced polyethylene. heat and water resistant.

Another characteristic of this invention is to be able to possibly observe the flow of the fluid. and thereby. to simultaneously become a visual flow controller.

The different figures which illustrate the different ways of adapting the fitting on a single valve body.

We will call autonté>) for the rest of the description. the fact of the incidence of the angle of rotation of the movable vane (9) on the variation of the proportion of return flow from the calone loss circuit and flow from the start of the energy generator. hot and cold fluids mixing to go to the loss circuit.

Figures I and 2 show the four pnnclpaux elements which constitute a valve with adaptable authority>>.

The part (2) represents the valve body. This body can be obtained by molding of any material (aluminum, cast iron, steel, glass, plastic, etc.). opaque or transparent. or obtained by machining on a machine with connections (6) to the pipes.

The part (9) the rotary pallet. movable around an axis.

The closing plate (11). opaque or transparent. This plate (11) seals the valve body by the seal (13).

The pieces (1). (3) and (4) objects of the invention for the adaptation of authority. .

These pieces (1). (3) and (4) are different mechanical and geometric possibilities which are the subject of the invention. It is thus noted that the element governing the authority by the section (10) for passage of the fluid is not integral with the valve body. but quite independent of the latter.

This variation in authority is reflected in the opening profile of section (10) of
passage of the fluid over the parts (1), (3) and (4) when the movable pallet (9) varies in angle
opening hours.

The UV plate represents the valve in section, seen from the front and from above,
The IUV, 1111V and lVlV plates show the different possible geometries of
fluid passage sections, by different mechanical means (tube, lids, strip)
For the tube or cylinder (l):
Figure nO 3.0 shows an example of circular sections (10) on the 4 sides.

Figure n "3.1 shows an example of circular and triangular sections (10)
rounded,
Figure nO 3.2 shows an example of triangular sections (10),
Figure 3.3 shows an example of horizontal elliptical sections (10),
Figure n "3.4 shows an example of sections (10) by horizontal slots.

Figure 3.5 shows an example of various mixed sections (10),
FIG. 4 represents an example of circular sections (10) on only 3 faces,
solution adopted for use as a 3-way valve (the 4th unused pipe is fitted
a plug).

For the cover (4):
Figure n "5 represents the cover positioned in its housing, in abutment on
the shoulder (5),
Figure n 6.0 shows an example of an elliptical section (10),
Figure n 6.1 shows an example of rounded triangular section (10),
Figure n 6.2 shows an example of a section (10) with multiple holes.

For the strip (3) shown in the press:
Figure n 7.0 shows an example of circular alternating sections (10) and
triangular rounded.

 Figure 7.1 shows an example of elliptical sections (10).

 Figure n 7.2 shows an example of triangular sections (10).

 Figure n 7.3 shows an example of any sections (10) mixed.

The positioning of the strip is done by winding it on itself and by positioning it
in the bore of the valve body. The rotary pallet is positioned inside.

This solution allows easy machining of passage sections (laser cutting,
stamping).

All mixtures and possibilities of passage geometry (10) are possible to set
artwork. We do not deny the multitude of possibilities. but know they are
possible.

Note that it is also possible to 'superimpose' passage sections (tube
and strip, strip and lids. tube and covers for example).

'' The profile of the movable pallet can be in the shape of a helix (fig. 9) so that
make the most of the offset of the passage sections.

The cylinder (1) may be rigid or cut along its length in the axis of the latter. To fix it and keep it in its housing (to prevent it from turning), one solution is to provide it with a shoulder (8) which is positioned in a groove in the bore. By sliding it over, the shoulder prevents the cylinder (1) from turning,
Another solution is that its diameter being slightly greater than that of the housing in which it is inserted, it is by pressing the two parts of the cylinder (1) that it can be positioned. It remains in its housing thanks to the residual force exerted on the side walls of its housing.

The sections (10) of passages can be identical on the three or four pipes, or simply different, for example ellipses for the boiler flow and radiator return and vertical slots for the return to the boiler and radiator flow, or another example, no lids on the flow to the radiators and on the return to the boiler and presence of lids on the boiler flow and return to the radiators. All mixtures are possible to implement.

The lids (4) are put in place by clipping. screwing or any other means allowing their interchangeability.

These lids can likewise be positioned directly on the cylinder (1), and not on the valve body (2).

It exists. in the housing provided, a section allowing the fitting of the cover (4) so that it does not rotate by itself around an axis parallel to the axis of the pipe (6) (fig. 5) , in this case, these lids (4) are obtained by molding, machining or stamping. They can have an external hexagonal, square, rectangular outline or any other shape which does not allow rotation in its housing. The surface of the cover (4) looking at the inside of the valve, that is to say the place where the movable pallet (9) is, is preferably rounded so that there is continuity of interior surface. There may be a slight withdrawal so that the movable pallet (9) does not abut on an asperity of the cover (4) when it is in motion.

Likewise, a stop (5) in the valve body makes it possible to maintain the cover (4).

It is possible that the closure plate (11) is transparent. with seal (13), and to be able to visualize the flow of the fluid thanks to a lighting using an electric lamp for example, or to illuminate the interior of the valve thanks to a system of clean lighting (fig. 8). A battery or a connection to the mains allows, by means of a switch positioned preferably on the valve body. activate the bulb (15) which allows the lighting of the fluid passage cavity.

Another way (fig. 8.2) of doing this is to position the bulb (16) on the very axis of the movable pallet (9), in its middle for example. This solution helps. with a single bulb (16). to light up on both sides of the palette.

Another characteristic is that the movable pallet (9) has (fig.8), on the part facing the transparent closing plate (il). a wall cleaning function. Indeed,
The heating water having a strong tendency to foul, it is necessary to ensure. without dismantling the assembly, cleaning the wall (11) serving to visualize the flow. To do this, a rubbing element (14) (a small broom, a rubber or any other malleable material) can be fixed on the movable pallet (9). When the pallet (9) rotates, it rubs, via the cleaning part (14). the inner surface of the closure plate (11). Cleaning is therefore carried out.

Likewise, another characteristic of this valve body is to have two types of pipe fasteners, i.e. simultaneously an internal thread (7) (in 26/34 for example) and an external thread (12) (in 40/49 for example). The external thread makes it possible to directly fix a removable connector. with the flat seal bearing directly on the valve body.

This valve body also has a section. allowing to fix a flat or adjustable wrench to facilitate the tightening of the fittings. This section is located on the parts used to connect (6) the pipes in the case of an internal thread (7) only.

Claims (5)

1- 2, 3 or 4-way valve for liquid or gaseous fluid with a rotary vane characterized in that the shapes of the fluid passage sections are defined by one or more removable elements. independent of the main body and placed on the fluid flow path. 2- removable element according to claim 1 and characterized in that it can be of geometry: - cylindrical with passage sections on the periphery. - Strip to be rolled up with any passage sections. - Lid to be positioned with any passage section. 3- 2, 3 or 4-way valve according to any one of the preceding claims and characterized in that it comprises a means of display by transparency of the flow of the fluid, 4- 2, 3 or 4-way valve according to the any one of the preceding claims and characterized in that it comprises a means of lighting the flow of the fluid. - Lighting positioned on the closing plate, - Lighting positioned on the rotary vane. 5- 2, 3 or 4-way valve according to any one of the preceding claims and characterized in that it comprises a means positioned on the rotary pallet for internal cleaning of the closure plate. 6- 3 or 4-way valve with rotary vane according to any one of the preceding claims and characterized in that the rotary vane can be of helical shape,