GB2557731A

GB2557731A - Sealing element and valve for interrupting a gas flow

Info

Publication number: GB2557731A
Application number: GB1718416.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ettrich Torsten; Bakhshi Majid
Original assignee: Johnson Electric SA
Current assignee: Johnson Electric SA
Priority date: 2016-12-09
Filing date: 2017-11-07
Publication date: 2018-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-07
Also published as: DE202016106875U1; GB2557731B; JP7093177B2; CN108223828A; GB201718416D0; JP2018112310A

Abstract

A sealing element 1 for a valve (8, Fig. 3) includes two sheath elements 2.1, 2.2, and lateral bearing elements 6. The two sheath elements 2.1, 2.2 are connected to each other in at least one location, and the first sheath element 2.1 has at least one recess 3. The sealing element 1 is pivoted, so that either fluid is allowed to flow through the valve via recess 3, or the second sheath element 2.2 (with a closed surface 4) is positioned in the flow path so that the flow through the valve is interrupted. A sheath surface of the second sheath element 2.2 has a shape at least in one part that balances out a sheath surface of the first sheath element 2.1 in the area around the recess 3.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Sealing element and valve for interrupting a gas flow Abstract Title: Sealing element for valve (57) A sealing element 1 for a valve (8, Fig. 3) includes two sheath elements 2.1,2.2, and lateral bearing elements 6. The two sheath elements 2.1,2.2 are connected to each other in at least one location, and the first sheath element 2.1 has at least one recess 3. The sealing element 1 is pivoted, so that either fluid is allowed to flow through the valve via recess 3, or the second sheath element 2.2 (with a closed surface 4) is positioned in the flow path so that the flow through the valve is interrupted. A sheath surface of the second sheath element 2.2 has a shape at least in one part that balances out a sheath surface of the first sheath element 2.1 in the area around the recess 3.

Fig. 1a

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Fig. 1b

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2.2

.... . . 2.2b

Fig. 2 a

Fig. 2c

2.1b

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..2.2

Fig. 2b

2.2 ·

2.1b .3 ’ 2b

Fig. 2d

3/5

4/5

Fig. 4

5/5

Fig. 5

TITLE [0001] Sealing Element and Valve for Interrupting a Gas Flow

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention concerns a sealing element for a valve in order to interrupt a gas flow in a gas meter, as well as a valve that consists of such a sealing element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Rotary valves are used in gas meters to regulate or interrupt the gas flow. In such cases, a sealing element is locked into a closed or open position so that the gas flow is interrupted or allowed to pass through.

[0004] The current state of the art has sealing elements in either a spherical or conical shape, made of metal or plastic, with an outlet for a specified volume flow. In addition, sealing elements can be found in a spherical shape, consisting of a metal core with plastic moulding. The operating principle with this type of valve is a 90° rotary movement of the sealing element so that the gas flow is either interrupted or allowed to pass through.

[0005] A ball valve and an injection moulding process used in its production are described in EP 0 575 643 BI. A valve ball with a slot-shaped outlet opening can be switched by a switching shaft. The one-piece design of the housing reduces leaks.

[0006] A valve arrangement is known from US 2015/0369377 Al where the valve can be switched by means of the rotation of a hollow cylinder which is equipped with openings.

[0007] Furthermore, a control element for a fluid valve is described in EP 0 423 094 BI. Two fixings are available on a main body with a rounded external surface.

[0008] A ball valve with an opened flow channel is described in publication DE 203 10 203 Ul. In this case two valve elements are spherically shaped, where one valve element has a concave recess and the other has a convex recess. The flow channel is either open or closed depending on the position of both valve elements.

[0009] Patent DE 10 2011 110 384 Al describes a ball valve that is driven by an electric motor. In this case, the sealing element is designed as a sphere. Depending on the position of the sealing element, the flow channel is either open or closed.

[0010] The high material costs for the components are a disadvantage of the stated valves. Thick walls do not just lead to greater material costs, but also to considerably greater costs for the injection moulding process itself. This ultimately leads to an increase in costs for the component in the production process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] Hence there is a desire for a sealing element and a valve for interrupting a gas flow.

[0012] Accordingly, a sealing element in accordance with the invention for a valve for interrupting a gas flow in a gas meter consists of two sheath elements shaped like a spherical segment, and lateral bearing elements for amounting the sealing element within the valve. A sheath element shaped like a spherical segment in the context of the invention is essentially identical in shape except for any possible recesses. This also means that the thickness of the body is less than the lateral expansion.

[0013] Preferably, the two sheath elements shaped like a spherical segment are connected to each other in at least one location, where the first sheath element has at least one recess in accordance with the invention. The sealing element in accordance with the invention is pivoted such that in two end positions only the first sheath element is located in the flow path, so that it is possible to flow through the recess contained within, or that the second sheath element with a closed surface is positioned in the flow path so that the flow through the valve is interrupted. A characteristic of the present invention is that the sheath surface of the second sheath element has a shape at least in one part that balances out the sheath surface of the first sheath element in the area round the recess.

[0014] Preferably, if a second sheath element has a shape in at least one part that balances out the sheath surface of the first sheath element in the area around the recess, the result is that the size and curvature of the second sheath element corresponding to the area around the recess in the first sheath element is similar to the size and curvature of the first sheath element such that placing both sheath elements together and the same frame or sealing ring, such as a circular one, is possible.

[0015] Preferably, in accordance with the invention, such mounting of the sealing element within the valve is understood as the end positions where the gas flow is either interrupted or released. In a preferred version, either the first sheath element with the recess, also known as a throughflow outlet, or the second sheath element with a closed outlet is in contact with the seal.

[0016] Preferably, the flow path in the context of the invention is the area through which the gas or liquid flows if it is not stopped or if the gas flow is interrupted, but that the gas can flow through the valve.

[0017] Preferably, by rotating the sealing element, resulting in the throughflow outlet swinging in or out of the first sheath element into or out of the flow channel or into or out of the gas flow, it is possible to open or close the gas flow in a targeted manner.

[0018] Preferably, a preferred variant has the two spherical sheath elements in the sealing element arranged offset by 90°, meaning that both sheath elements are arranged such that both orthogonal structures to the sheath surface are in the centre of a circular area around the first sheath element, or are orthogonal to each other at a corresponding point on the second sheath element. The outer surfaces of the sealing element that are found on the sheath elements are known as sheath surfaces.

[0019] Preferably, in a preferred variant, the sealing element is designed such that the two lateral bearing elements arranged on both sheath elements are fitted with means for securing the sealing element within the valve.

[0020] Preferably, bearing pins with a circular cross-section are preferably used for the rotating mounting of the sealing element within the valve.

[0021] Accordingly, in an advantageous version of the sealing element, the curvature of the sheath surface on the first sheath element in the area around the recess is identical to the curvature of the sheath surface on the second sheath element in the corresponding area, or is identical to the curvature of the sheath surface around the area in the second sheath element that corresponds to the recess in the first sheath element. The area of the outer sheath surface of the second sheath element which corresponds to the recess in the first sheath element is that area of the sheath surface on the second sheath element that would have been arranged around the recess if the second sheath element also featured a recess. A recess in the first sheath element on the sealing element is ideally round, which means the boundary of the recess is in the form of a circle.

[0022] Preferably, in a preferred variant, the thickness of single elements comprising the sealing element remains equal in all cases. The thickness of individual elements is thin in this case relative to their lateral expansion, resulting in less material being required. As a result, the injection process is simplified, leading to improved quality of the sealing element.

[0023] Preferably, in an alternative arrangement, additional ridges are arranged within the sealing element. Adding ridges to the sealing element can lead to increased strength. Such a design for ridges, specially adjusted for an injection-moulding process, is particularly suitable.

[0024] Accordingly, in accordance with the concept, the sealing ring for a valve closing unit in accordance with the invention is suitable for use in valves to interrupt the gas flow in gas meters. A volume flow is either modulated or switched off via such a valve. In this case, the sealing element rotates within the valve, which only contains one seal. In this case, the sealing element design is preferably with equal wall thickness. The sealing element function surfaces consist of two identical sheath surfaces of a spherical segment, offset at an angle of 90°. The seal sits flush regardless of whether the valve position is open or closed. The necessary function surfaces are, in this case, the throughflow outlet, the closed outlet, and the areas on which the bearing points such as the bearing pins or slots are located. The sealing element is neither designed as a closed sphere, nor as a closed cylinder, but is merely restricted to the elements that comprise the necessary function surfaces. The necessary function surfaces are, in this case, the throughflow outlet, closed outlet, and the bearing points, which may be designed as a pin or a slot. In order to ensure the full run of the seal in both closed and open valve positions, two equally-sized sheath surfaces of a spherical segment are ideally arranged offset to each other at an angle of 90°. Connection of the valve closing unit bearing pins is done via two lateral areas which are arranged at right angles to the axis of rotation. As the previously-mentioned sheath surfaces overlap, there is an overhand on the side that interrupts the volume flow. This is confined to a small area in order to keep the wall thickness low over the remaining area. The external surface of a spherical segment is meant as the sheath surface.

[0025] Accordingly, an additional aspect of the invention relates to a valve for interrupting a gas flow in gas meters, consisting of a sealing element in accordance with the invention, a seal, and a drive unit for controlling the valve position. In this case, the valve contains only one seal directly on the sealing element, which sufficiently seals the valve both in case of allowing a volume flow to pass through and in case of interrupting the volume flow. This seal sits flush on the function surfaces regardless of whether the valve position is open or closed.

[0026] Preferably, the seal is preferably designed as a lip seal. Depending on the valve position, this ideally circular lip seal lies flush on the first sleeve element around the recess, or on the second sleeve element.

[0027] One advantageous design variant has the valve being modularly connected to a drive unit. In a preferable variant, this drive unit comprises an electric motor.

[0028] The advantages include that the weight of the component can be reduced due to less material being used. Furthermore, the cycle time during injection moulding is reduced. The variant with equal thickness of the sealing element, where the wall thickness does not vary, features a cooling process in the injection moulding process which remains the same, leading to improved surface quality. This means that the sealing function is ensured even without the use of grease.

[0029] A further benefit is that due to the identical spherical shape of both sleeve elements or the sleeve surfaces, the seal lies flush on the valve closing unit regardless of whether the valve is open or closed. This ensures a specified volume flow in the application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0030] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to figures of the accompanying drawings. In the figures, identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with a same reference numeral in all the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. The figures are listed below.

[0031] Fig. la shows a sealing element in a perspective illustration in a first view, [0032] Fig. lb shows the sealing element in a perspective illustration in a second view, [0033] Fig. 2a - d show the sealing element, considered from various directions, [0034] Fig. 3 a and b show a valve with the sealing element, [0035] Fig. 4 shows a sealing element with additional ridges, [0036] Fig. 5 shows a sealing element with bearing elements, seen from the side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0037] In Fig. la and Fig. lb perspective illustrations of a sealing element 1 can be seen for a valve 8, which is not illustrated. Fig. la and Fig. lb are shown from two different angles. In this case it can be seen in Fig. la that the sealing element 1 consists of various elements shaped like spherical segments 2.1, 2.2. In this case, the sealing element 1 consists of two equally-sized sheath elements shaped like spherical segments 2.1, 2.2 offset by 90° with sheath surfaces 2.1a, 2.2a facing outwards. The different shadings designate both sheath elements 2.1, 2.2 so that the edge of both different shadings are also the edges of first and second sheath elements 2.1 and 2.2. The first sheath element 2.1 contains a throughflow outlet 3 and the second sheath element 2.2 contains a closed outlet 4. The second sheath element 2.2, with the closed outlet 4, has a closed form shaped like a spherical segment. In contrast, the first sheath element 2.1 with the throughflow outlet 3 has a form shaped like a spherical segment with a circular recess 3 in the centre through which gas can flow. The first sheath surface 2.1a defines a circular area 2.1b around the recess 3. The second sheath surface 2.2a defines a circular area 2.2b corresponding to the circular area 2. lb. The circular area 2.1b around the recess 3 on the first sheath element 2.1 is identical to the circular area 2.2b corresponding to the area around the recess 3 on the second sheath element 2.2. Both circular areas 2.1b, 2.2b have the same curvature. Due to the corresponding shape of the sheath surfaces 2.1a, 2.2a it should very much be possible that the sheath surfaces 2.1a and 2.2a lie flush to the seal 11 (not illustrated here) of valve 8 in both valve positions.

[0038] Two bearing pins 5 can also be found on sealing element 1, which are also described as stub shafts 5, from which one of each of the two lateral bearing elements 6 is attached. The two lateral bearing elements 6 adjoin the sheath elements 2.1, 2.2. Two grooves 7 are also found on both of the lateral bearing elements 6. The sealing element 1 is held in the valve 8 (not illustrated here) via two bearing pins 5. If the sealing element 1 is in a position where the closed outlet 4 interrupts the flow channel 10 (not illustrated here) then valve 8 is closed. If the sealing element 1 is rotated 90° such that the throughflow outlet 3 is located in flow channel 10, then the gas can flow through the throughflow outlet 3. The valve 8 is opened in this position.

[0039] Fig. lb contains another perspective illustration of the sealing element 1. Compared to Fig. la, the sealing element 1 is shown rotated by 90°. The closed outlet 4 is a blocked plate. In this perspective, the locking plate 4 is located at the back and cannot therefore be seen. The first sheath element 2.1 with the throughflow outlet 3 is arranged above here as in Fig. la, meaning that the first sheath surface 2.1a of this first sheath element 2.1 is facing upwards. Both lateral bearing elements 6, containing the bearing pins 5 and grooves 7, are arranged on both sheath elements 2.1 and 2.2 with throughflow outlet 3 and with closed outlet 4. The two lateral bearing elements 6 are arranged opposite to each other on two opposite sides of the sealing element 1 so that both bearing pins 5 are facing outward, away from the interior of the sealing element 1.

[0040] In Figures 2a - d sealing element 1 is illustrated as shown from various perspectives. In this case the illustration is restricted just to the two sheath elements 2.1, 2.2. No illustration is made of the lateral bearing elements 6. Fig. 2a shows a sealing element 1 where the second sheath element 2.2 along with the closed outlet 4 are shown in plan view, with the first sheath element 2.1 with throughflow outlet 3 showing to the left. In Fig. 2b the sealing element 1 is shown rotated by 90°. In this case the first sheath element 2.1 is shown in plan view with the throughflow outlet 3. The second sheath element 2.2 with closed outlet 4 is showing to the right. Fig. 2c shows a perspective illustration of the two sheath elements 2.1, 2.2 of the sealing element I. The closed outlet 4 is, in this case, on the upper side, whilst the throughflow outlet 3 is on the front on the left-hand side. Fig. 2d shows a side view of the sealing element 1 where the second sheath element 2.2 with closed outlet 4 is at the bottom and the first sheath element 2.1 with throughflow outlet 3 is shown on the right. In Figures 2a - d, the circular area 2.1b around the recess 3 on the first sheath element 2.1 is shown as well as the corresponding area 2.2b around the recess 3 on the second sheath element 2.2. The circular areas 2.1b, 2.2b are the same size so that both sheath elements

2.1, 2.2 can lie flush with the same seal 11 (not illustrated here) with a suitable position for both sheath elements 2.1, 2.2. The sealing element is designed such that both circular areas 2.1b, 2.2b overlap in parts.

[0041] Figures 3 a and b show the valve 8, where the opened valve 8 is shown in Fig. 3a and the closed valve 8 is shown in Fig. 3b. The valve 8 includes a drive unit 13 for controlling positions of the valve 8. The drive unit 13 includes a motor. The gas flows from above into the valve 8. Depending on the position of the valve closing unit 9, the gas can flow in, as shown in Fig. 3a, or the gas flow is interrupted, as shown in Fig. 3b. If the valve closing unit 9 is positioned parallel to the flow channel 10, then valve 8 is opened. If the sealing element 1 with valve closing unit 9 is rotated 90° such that the valve closing unit 9 is orthogonal to flow channel 10 or that flow channel 10 is blocked, then valve 8 is closed. Due to the fact that the surfaces that lie flush to seal 11 are designed to be identical, sealing valve 8 is not a problem in either valve position.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows a sealing element 1 with a first sheath element 2.1 arranged facing upwards and a second sheath element 2.2 arranged to the rear. The sealing element 1 illustrated here features ridges. In this case ridges 12 are arranged for reinforcing or increasing strength of individual elements 2.1, 2.2, 6 of sealing element 1 on sheath elements 2.1, 2.2 as well as on the lateral bearing elements 6 with bearing pins 5. The design of sealing element 1 is adjusted for an injection-moulding process.

[0043] In Fig. 5 a lateral view of sealing element 1 is illustrated, where the first sheath element 2.1 is positioned with throughflow outlet 3 and the circular area around the recess of first sheath element 2.1 at the top and the second sheath element 2.2 as well as closed outlet 4 and the circular area around the area corresponding to the recess on the second sheath element 2.2b is positioned to the right. In addition, a lateral bearing element 6 can be seen in the plan view of this illustration, on which the bearing pin 5 is arranged. The lateral bearing element 6 is connected with both the first sheath element 2.1 and the second sheath element 2.2.

[0044] In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs “comprise”, “include”, “contain” and “have”, and variations thereof, are used in an inclusive sense, to specify the presence of the stated item or feature but do not preclude the presence of additional items or features.

[0045] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0046] The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A sealing element for a valve for interrupting a gas flow in a gas meter comprising a first sheath element, a second sheath element, and two bearing elements for bearing the sealing element within the valve, characterized in that:

the first sheath element and the second sheath element are spherical shaped, and connected to each other in at least one location, the first sheath element has a first sheath surface defining at least one recess thereon, the second sheath element has a second sheath surface, the first sheath surface defines a circular area around the recess, the second sheath surface defines a circular area having a same shape with the circular area of the first sheath surface, the sealing element is rotatable via the two bearing elements to locate the first sheath element in a flow path to allow the flow of gas through the recess, or to locate the second sheath element in the flow path to interrupt the flow of the gas by the second sheath surface.

2. A sealing element in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the first sheath element and the second sheath element are set at angle of 90° to each other.

3. A sealing element in accordance with one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the two bearing elements are arranged on the first sheath element and the second sheath element, and secured the sealing element within the valve.

4. A sealing element in accordance with one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each bearing element comprises a bearing pin with a circular cross-section, the bearing pins are used for rotatably bearing the sealing element within the valve.

5. A sealing element in accordance with one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a curvature of the circular area of the first sheath surface is the same as the curv ature of the circular area of the second sheath surface.

6. A sealing element in accordance with one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the recess in the first sheath element is round.

7. A sealing element in accordance with one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sealing element comprises additional ridges therein.

8. A valve for interrupting a gas flow in gas meters comprising a sealing element as claimed in one of previous claims 1 to 7, a seal, and a drive unit for controlling positions of the valve.

9. A valve in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that the seal is a lip seal, and selectively to contact with a circular area of the first sheath surface and the circular area of the second sheath surface based on the positions of the valve.

10

10. A valve in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the drive unit comprises an electric motor.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1718416.9

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